Naruto: Kōkai

by Ken Miyamoto

After the failure of the Sasuke Retrieval Mission the Council of the Hidden Leaf decides to punish Naruto with banishment out of the village per decision of the council and forced hand of Tsunade. Now alone and no longer a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Naruto decides to take his new life into his own hands. Follow Naruto Uzumaki as he tries to find his own place in the ninja world.

24. Chapter 24

Yo, It's Ken.

As a little gift from myself to you, I give you the next chapter of Naruto Kokai and my thanks. I know I thank you all a lot because I am super grateful for every single one of the readers of this story, but I really want to say thank you all. I won't go too far into depth with my thank you (yet) but you've more than earned it for being fantastic all the way through up to here as finally we begin to end.

Let's get to reviews! We have a bunch!

Hnbutt: Last chapter was a bit of a trip wasn't it? That had to be the first time I wrote an 'Epic' speech from a general, so I got to try something new. Honestly, I'm glad I did it but I still wish to improve because I enjoyed the writing process so I'm glad you enjoyed that part. Naruto and Marika? That piece of the section was kind tough for me to write, unfortunately the girl has grown on me since her introduction so while seeing her happy make me happy this isn't that kind of story (Kinda). Lastly Kuro, she's alive and that's awesome but you bring up a good point. How will she face her grandfather? What will she tell him? How will they move forward? Plenty of great questions that will be answered very soon you'll have to read to find out. Thank you again for reading and I hope to see you in the next one! Happy Holidays!

Dragonkeeper10: Cheers to you good sir, another badass review. I felt a grin grow on my face when I read it, the way you put the words together really makes your reviews super fun. The Jinchuriki and the Revolutionary gah I almost want to steal that haha, I need to see art with this title it sounds awesome. Anyway, the final battle is here as the blades of the scorned and the survived meet with heated steel carrying with them their own resolves and beliefs. Kurotsuchi going in on Arashi's confidence was my favorite part of this chapter honestly haha and you know Mifune and his boys had to go in and show themselves off I had no choice but to haha. Thank you again for reading and I hope to see you in the next one! Happy Holidays!

Jagsboy: Jags! I'm right there with you in terms of Naruto's growth it's awesome to see him mature since the beginning of the arc, out of all the arcs so far the Land of Iron Arc has put our boy through a lot and taught him so much not just about swordsmanship but about combat overall he's going to need it on the road incoming but I'm glad I was able to display his growth. Also, you bring up a good point and to that I have to say strength wise Naruto is currently at Shippuden level of strength if I had to put him somewhere but he definitely stronger than 'Homecoming' Naruto. The time that has passed since Naruto was banished from the Hidden Leaf is currently 10 months and 1 week. The Land of Iron Arc has been amazing to write but even I too am excited to write open a new arc and more importantly wrap this one up, there's a lot of feeling I put into this arc and the ending will reflect such as Naruto continues to move forward. Lastly, the third party member you say? That is an interesting poing you bring there my friend I'll get into that very soon but for now I want you to ponder on it. All I will say in the moment is that the next person Naruto is bound to cross paths with him is waiting underneath the shade little hint. Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you in the next one! Happy Holidays!

Alexander4443: Alex! Cheers to you bro! Thank you so much for following the story so closely man and for enjoying reading it. It warms my heart to know that it's some of the best stuff you read in a while I'm honored and will continue to write for the sake of writing hopefully making some more good stuff along the way. Happy Holidays my friend! Thank you again for reading and I'll see you in the next one!

Krieger Techpriest: Krieger! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to spook you it was all in good fun haha. Second, Mifune's speech was fun to write, and I had an epic soundtrack blasting while I wrote it it took me several attempts to really get it down and I read it outloud in his voice trying to act how he felt in the moment to really drive in how it would sound I did a good job, but I can and will do better haha. Third, I loved this part. Kurotsuchi from the start was always going to be a fun character to write not just for her complexity but for her actions and words as well, this girl has spirit and I love writing it so I'm glad you enjoyed. Fourth, I'm never one to say never for anything Krieger you may learn that soon so I'll leave that in the air also Chojuro? That low key sounds kinda awesome... time to do some research, I guess. Fifth, you know I had to set this final battle up properly epicness is indeed the goal. Sixth, Arashi has no idea what's about to happen to him like none. Seventh, I get that reference! I think lol. Eighth, Talk no Jutsu just doesn't feel like Naruto without a splash of it every now and then. Ninth, Lol. Thank you so much for reading my friend and I hope to see you in the next one! Happy Holidays!

cjgrinder82: Thank you! The fights are ones that have a lot of research put into them that help to enhance the experience, but they are also written with a lot of love, and I hope it shows I'm glad it gets your brain going being able to visualize it. Kurotsuchi's last line was awesome, I was a big fan of it when I first wrote it because it has multiple different meanings but yes, it is her embracing Naruto's lineage in an awesome way. Also, If you have thoughts, you can leave reviews and I'll read and react to them but it's up to you nothing required I'm just glad you enjoyed reading it. Thank you again for reading and I hope to see you in the next one. Happy Holidays!

Ashmole: I don't think your disappointment is odd at all honesty it's warranted because her death scene felt like it made sense and wrapped up her character while reading it. However, while it does display her character growth Kurotsuchi still has one more moment that will close out her character arc I couldn't kill her off before then. Also, the Land of Iron is in bad shape and rebuilding will take time but for now the process first must begin with an ending and you are right on the money after this current chapter there will be two chapters left in the Land of Iron Arc. Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you in the next one! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Poizonn98: The pressure is on for me, Naruto vs Arashi does carry a lot of expectations with it that i'm hoping to meet but I'm going to put my all into writing this fight and hope it's heart shows. Thank you again for reading and I hope to see you in the next one. Happy Holidays!

Spellbat: Spellbat! Back at it again and honestly, it's impressive seeing that you put a lot of thought into writing your reviews. My only say to you is that when you write them, write them with your heart I'm sure I'll enjoy them because I already do but do what you need to improve, and I'll be eager as always. Arashi and the large-scale attack, after the whole Kurotsuchi rampage he wasn't left with much choice as the whole thing made him more desperate. Marika giving Naruto the armor was another scene I enjoyed writing it was nice and sweet and also solidified the stance of Naruto and brings his small arc with her to completion with the sword presentation. Yeah, you're right it would be a shame to see it happen. Marika kinda grew on me a little I won't lie but you'll have to see and technically it wouldn't ruin the story if it did happen. And yes, Kuro is still alive she's still here to kick a little more ass. Thank you again for reading my friend and I hope to see you in the next one! Happy Holidays!

Zipzapdoowoop: Man, your reviews never cease to be super awesome when it comes to their depth, I'm glad you are reading into this story so deeply. Also, I'll respect how you feel but if you did write a reading story I'd be more than down to read it and you've got my thumbs up for it here! Regarding the thematic element of the story Naruto himself slowly learns that there is more to these battles then just a heads and tails perspective with different situations creating different people within each of these generals is a monster to defeat and a human being to understand all while they help him grow as well. Arashi is kind of a different case while he does still fall within this category of character there's something more to him you'll learn within this chapter. Man, the Spider-man 3 comparison is awesome since I've always kind liked that movie, while it wasn't my intention to line up with that scene it was one I enjoyed maybe it rubbed off on me unconsciously haha. Well in a normal scenario for the characters it would make sense to follow through and do it however there's a method to the madness when it comes to facing the true nature of each other before the big realization moment. These two characters have an interesting relationship, so you'll have to read to find out more about it. I appreciate your show of faith and will continue to be an outside of the box guy. This fight was genuinely one I was looking forward to writing and I hope you can enjoy it. Thank you so much for reading and I hope to see you in the next one! Happy Holidays!

Phew went through a lot there, but I love it and I love reading all of them so as always if you have thought, questions or criticisms please feel free to leave a review and I will get to it and respond accordingly.

That said I'll keep this brief, as we reach the end of the Land of Iron Arc I look back and realize how much I loved writing this section and also realize that it is coming to an end, and I want to do it justice. Naruto vs Arashi is finally here, and it will be a battle. This chapter was one I've been waiting to write for a long time, and it goes into depth for a lot of things regarding the theme of this arc. I also quickly wanted to mention the title typo in the last one while the chapter title was 'Will' in the last note it was to kind of avoid spoilers for the real title so if you notice a difference that's why.

The Land of Iron Arc only has two chapters left after this one and man has it been a ride. I want to wish each and every single one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays while I will be spending time with my family for the holiday the grind still doesn't stop for me as we wrap up this arc before the New Year where we'll jump into the next arc fresh in January 2024. I will be dropping the next Arc title soon so be on the lookout for that.

Enjoy your holidays and I can't see you guys for the next one.

Thank you all again for reading and I hope you enjoy.

-Ken

Next Time! Chapter 25: Rest In Peace (12/27/2023)

{...}

Chapter 24: Wind

The furious red that glowed in the eye of the blonde ninja slowly faded into his original blue color while he turned his gaze to Kurotsuchi.

"Naruto… I."

The girl trailed off as she felt herself getting set down onto the ground, her pink eyes looking at Naruto who gently and silently took the headband he was wearing off of his head. His hands brushed and pushed into her hair as she felt him tie the headband on her.

"Y'know for the longest time I was always a fan of longer hair on girls… it made them seem cuter."

Naruto spoke while Kurotsuchi looked at the blonde silently as he made sure her Land of Stone headband was tied on tightly before standing to his feet.

"But looking at you now… I can firmly say that I'm a pretty big fan of short hair now too. You're even more pretty than before, Kurotsuchi."

The blonde spoke with a big smile on his face while the girl slowly felt her expression morphing from the confident smile to a teary one, she was bandaged and scarred and yet Naruto was looking nowhere else but at her even in this moment.

"Idiot."

The only word the girl could muster came from her mouth while Naruto's warm ocean blue eyes looked into her own with a big smile on his face. "Brat… You've hit the limit of drawing on my chakra, all you have now is yours… You're on your own."Naruto heard the Nine Tailed fox speak while the blonde's warm ocean blue eyes froze over into ice blue as he turned his gaze to Arashi.

"I know."

The blonde responded while the general in front of him glared toward the blonde, "Shinobi… You have grown far more than I previously expected." Arashi spoke while the teen placed his hand on the hilt of his sword ready to draw.

"Arashi, this ends with you and I. This war and all of this death. I'm stopping it now."

Naruto spoke while Arashi looked down at the floor beneath them before he took a deep breath through his nose, "War and Death. Absolutes of this world we all live in. They are as inevitable as our meeting here for our final showdown. The duel that decides it all." the general spoke while he took his hand off of his sword.

Naruto looked toward the general whose glare calmed down into a more even expression while Arashi's eye caught a quick glance at the chaos outside, the war that waged between their two sides fighting for each of their ideals.

"You've come all this way… you faced my generals, buried my old friends, you faced the sword, and you faced yourself. All of that to bring you to me… how?"

Arashi spoke while Naruto narrowed his eyes at him, Kurotsuchi made it to her feet before she spotted her sword. The girl made a move toward it while Arashi looked at the armored blonde standing across from him with strength in his stance.

"How is it possible that your world could give birth to a kind man?"

Arashi asked genuinely while Naruto looked to the floor as well, "I don't know if I would call myself kind… What I do know is I'm strong enough to not sit by and allow you to sweep over that same world with war." the blonde spoke while the general looked toward Naruto.

"What do you believe peace means to you? What would you do for it? What you call war… I see as the only way. This world is ruled by hatred. How can people know peace if they refuse to see that it exists? To see it and trample on it because they think it is weak."

Arashi spoke aggressively while Naruto looked toward the general, "Can't you see that this war you want to bring is hatred? That this isn't the solution?!" the blonde yelled while the general pointed toward the blond teen.

"There is no solution! There never was! The pain we've felt, the people we've lost. They died pointless deaths, so I stepped up and gave those deaths a meaning! My master… my… and my friends… They all had things that they believed in, and I am the one who must bring those things meaning. If there is no peace in this world then I will just have to make it!"

Arashi yelled back while Naruto gritted his teeth, "This is what you have to become to do that? A monster that brings war to everything that it hates in order to make peace?" the blonde asked while the general growled.

"The thing that everyone forgets about monsters is that they are made! Humans deep down are already beasts far more terrifying than anything our imaginations could conjure. Humans are monsters and the worst of them are the monsters made men. I slay those beasts and become them to create a world without them."

The general spoke while Naruto shook his head, "Then what? You become the monster that rules over those people that are left? That makes you just? Taking away their freedom to maintain some false order?" the blonde spoke while Arashi's eyes darkened.

"Freedom is a curse, Shinobi… Freedom allows for the world to exist without order in chaos. It allows humans to grow greedy, to slay and take because they are free to do so. Freedom gives humans the ability to make death worthless. I wage this war to take away that freedom… to destroy it and replace it with a proper standard built on honor and strength. To the meaningless meaning. To end the curse the curse called freedom and allow the world to prosper without greed induced death."

Arashi spoke while Naruto gave the man a look of disbelief, "That's…" the blonde trailed off while the general gave him a look before he spotted Kurotsuchi making it back to his side.

"I was going to kill that girl so I could see it… Your monstrosity and fight true self underneath your mask you hide your face with. I have failed… so instead Shinobi with my blade I shall shatter you into dust. I'll claim victory and show you that this is the only way. This is how we'll make peace."

The general spoke while Naruto looked at him silently before he placed his hand on the hilt of his sheathed blade.

"Kuro…"

"I'll support them on the outside, I'll keep as many of them away from your fight as possible… Naruto. You have to end this."

"...Right."

Naruto spoke while Kurotsuchi gave Arashi one last glare before she dashed toward the open hole in the wall jumping out of it with her sword unsheathed.

"It looks like there's no reasoning here."

"I wished there was some other way shinobi but when all options have been taken away then all that is left is no choice."

Arashi spoke while they both drew their swords, "There could have been, a choice something that could be made. Something that could have been spoken about." the blonde spoke while the general shook his head at the blonde.

"There is no reasoning between beasts Shinobi, in your world there are only those who live and those that have died. To believe they could be spoken to or reasoned with is a testament to your naivety."

The general spoke while Naruto couldn't push down the feeling Arashi carried with him something that he couldn't understand as of yet. "How can you know something if you haven't tried? Just as you have friends that you lost. I have friends that I've gained. Good people, not everyone that lives in that world is just a monster." the blonde spoke while Arashi huffed.

"Shinobi… The duty of a shinobi is honor and justice. However, to do what I must and to fulfill my purpose and those that were left with me, I must abandon those duties and embrace that beast. For the sake of my master's last wishes and my beliefs I shall cut you down and do what I must…"

Arashi moved into Lighting Stance while Naruto entered into Roaring Moon Stance, blue eyes looking into dark ones while the light shined off of their blades.

"No matter where it takes my blade."

A stomp and a lightning-fast thrust launched toward Naruto who spun avoiding the thrust before stomping on the top of Arashi's sword, the blonde winded his wrist back to strike with his own thrust but the general tugged at his blade wrenching it from Naruto's stomp.

Arashi spun with his sword while Naruto deflected the blow, the general continued to apply pressure to Naruto's blade while continuing his stream of lightning-fast attacks, the blonde continued to deflect the attacks before he guided one of Arashi's strikes to glide across his sword bringing them close.

Naruto then kneed the general in his armor before kicking him with a back spin kick, Arashi staggered backward while the teen went on the offensive striking aggressively at the black-haired man. The general deflected multiple strikes before he stomped his pivoting off of his heel past another one of Naruto's strikes.

Arashi threw his elbow backward slamming it against the back of Naruto's head before grabbing the back of the blonde's collar lifting him upward before slamming him into the floor, the teen coughed from the sheer amount of strength that went into the slam before rolling out of the way of a downward stab.

Arashi's blade stabbed into the floor while Naruto flipped back to his feet, he launched shuriken at the general while he deflected them the bladed weapons spun before they transformed into two Naruto clones, "Roaring Moon Stance: New Moon!" one of the clones yelled while swiping his blade into the air launching a air blast that pinned Arashi to the ground before the other clone descended on him with his sword.

Arashi gritted his teeth as he forced himself to his feet deflecting a slash from the clone, the general then began to engage the two clones at the same time with his sword. Naruto meanwhile backflipped summoning more shuriken.

"Shuriken Clone Jutsu!"

The blonde yelled as he launched the multiplying shuriken at Arashi who was still defending against the two clones attacking him, the general deflected several more strikes before he faced the shower of shuriken. "Lightning Stance: Charging Fury!" Arashi yelled while rapidly deflecting the shuriken his strikes were fast enough that he was fending off the other two clones at the same time.

Naruto narrowed his eyes as he increased the output of shuriken while Arashi continued to move rapidly before he stomped his foot swinging his sword around, he cut through both clones before cutting through the shuriken stream launching the blonde into the wall.

The wall shook while Arashi dashed slamming Naruto into the wall further cracking the wood behind his back, the general stabbed at the pinned Naruto who avoided the close-range attacks before he slammed his fist against Arashi's face.

Arashi staggered from the blow while Naruto spun launching two lines of shuriken string at the floor, the blonde then tugged at the lines slamming the general into the floor cracking it. Naruto's blade pressed down on Arashi's while the man pushed back on his.

Arashi roared, pushing Naruto upward while the teen tugged on the shuriken string slamming his fist into Arashi's face destroying the floor underneath them as they landed on the floor beneath them. Metal clashed as Naruto flew backward.

"Shinobi!"

Arashi yelled while he began slamming attacks against the blade of the teen, the swordsmen danced around each other in a fury of strikes while sparks flew between the two of them. Naruto lifted his blade causing Arashi to slide backward.

"Dancing Moon Stance: Crescent Moon!"

Naruto yelled while he began to move his blade rhythmically clashing against Arashi's blade aggressively while the general struggled against the blonde's faster strikes in this form, the general felt himself getting pushed back while carefully observing the blonde's movements.

Metal sang as another clash sent sparks flying between the pair, Naruto felt a fist punch his solar plexus while an elbow smashed against his face. The teen staggered backward while trying to readopt his Dancing Moon Stance, Arashi began to weave past his rhythmic movements beginning to see their pattern.

Their blades clashed again while Arashi felt a swing cut past his guard slicing into the metal of his chest plate, the general took this opportunity to slash at Naruto cutting into the boy's armor as well taking off the shoulder guard on the left side.

The floor crunched and cracked beneath their next clash while they glared into each other's eyes, Arashi reacted quickly smacking Naruto in the face with his hilt before kicking the boy into the floor, the black-haired man's sword crackled to life with lightning as he roared swinging his sword downward.

Naruto turned just barely defending against the attack as the floor exploded around them, wood splinters and chunks fell with them as they landed on their feet. They both stared each other down while they both sheathed their swords.

"Iaido Moon Stance."

"Lightning Stance."

Both of them spoke while the splinters of the wood from the previous floor rained around them, lightning crackled around Arashi while Naruto glared toward the man before in an instant both swordsmen unleashed their blades from their sheaths.

"Moonslice!"

"Raijin's Sword!"

They both now stood on opposite sides of the floor with their swords free, Naruto felt his armor get cut into with a wince while Arashi saw a large slash had formed on his chestplate. "Your blade strikes well, Shinobi but it does not yet strike true." the general spoke while Naruto turned immediately dashing toward the man.

Arashi met the blonde halfway while they clashed aggressively in the middle of the new room they had fallen into; the general began striking faster and harder while Naruto took a step back shifting into Brave Moon Stance slowing down his movements evenly countering against the faster slashes.

The general yelled while pushing against Naruto who continued to deflect and block against Arashi's strikes, Arashi struck down hard only to be countered, Naruto slashed quickly cutting into Arashi's armor. The general continued to strike aggressively while Naruto continued to counter, cutting into Arashi's armor even further.

The general spun kicking Naruto backward while he switched his own stance to Water Stance, he struck against Naruto's blade with more fluid movements while the blonde staggered against the attacks from the general. That Brave Moon Stance feels like it's almost a direct counter against Lightning Stance defensively.

However, because of the slowness of the stance that opens him up to be more vulnerable against slower attacks himself as he has to actively adjust quicker to slower attacks.

"Water Stance: Scalding Strikes!"

Arashi yelled while extremely hot water covered his blade while Naruto continued to defend against the Water Stance technique, the general growled while he pushed Naruto back before he spun in the air launching the water slashes at the blonde.

The blonde spun avoiding the slashes before his foot touched the ground gently, Arashi felt a large gust of wind while the blonde immediately cut through the distance between them in Dancing Moon Stance, "Dancing Moon Stance: Dancing Crescent!" the blonde yelled while his first slash cut into Arashi's armor.

The other two slashes cut into the general's armor aggressively exposing the core of his chakra armor, Arashi's eyes widened as he noticed the core being exposed. He kicked Naruto backward while he changed back to Lightning Stance.

'This was his goal the entire time, he's trying to destroy the armor to further utilize his jutsu!'

Arashi thought to himself while Naruto weaved his famous hand sign, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" The blonde yelled while three clones appeared they all dashed at the general while Arashi quickly attacked the clones slashing at them aggressively with Lightning Stance.

Arashi roared while he spun his blade cutting through the clones turning them all into smoke while Naruto dashed toward the general slamming his palm toward the core of the chakra armor.

"Rasengan!"

Naruto yelled while the jutsu erupted to life in his palm aggressively slamming into the core that was blocking the jutsu from reaching him, "Fool! This armor was made for your tricks!" the general yelled while the blonde pushed harder.

"That's too bad Arashi. I forgot to tell you…"

Naruto pushed even harder while Arashifelt the floor around them cracking and shaking the sound of cracking caused the general's eyes to widen, he slowly looked down at the core beginning to break under the jutsu slamming into his chest.

"This ain't my first rodeo!"

Naruto yelled while the chakra armor core cracked deeply while Arashi quickly lifted his sword, "Lightning Stance: Raijin's Sword!" the man yelled while he slashed his blade causing the floor underneath them as well as multiple floors down even further below their current one was also blown apart.

Naruto landed on one of the large falling platforms of wood while Arashi landed on it as well, already slashing toward the blonde who began deflecting and striking back against the generals strikes, their bodies rotated on the falling piece of floor while they fought.

The blonde spun hitting Arashi with a heavy kick launching him downward to another falling platform where he landed heavily, he stood back up on his feet starting toward Naruto who had sheathed his sword again in a crouch.

"Shinobi."

Arashi said as he sheathed his own blade glaring toward Naruto as lightning began to crackle around him burning falling pieces of wood around him while he saw the blonde teen's figure beginning to vibrate slightly while he glared back.

"Lightning Stance"

"Roaring Moon Stance"

They both spoke while the floor seemed to be getting closer to them both slowly as they were only focused on where their eyes landed on each other. Lightning crackled wildly while Naruto's blade began to move out of his sheath along with Arashi's.

"Surging Slash!"

"Roaring Moon Splitter!"

Their blades clashed with such force the castle shook violently while Arashi's back crashed into the floor, the general coughed while the chakra core in his chest plate shattered completely. Naruto landed a little further away on his feet while he looked toward the downed man.

Arashi gave Naruto a shocked expression while the blonde walked toward him, the general got to his feet while his hand touched his sword. "Shinobi!" the general yelled while a punch crunched against his face. The general staggered while Naruto began to attack aggressively.

"Lightning Stance: Raijin's Sword!"

The general yelled while Naruto shifted into Brave Moon stance to counter and deflect the blows before he flipped, "Wind Style: Vacuum Kick!" Naruto launched two kicks of air that blasted against the general knocking him backward before Naruto slammed the hilt of his sword into the man's face.

"Roaring Moon Stance: New Moon!"

The blonde yelled while launching multiple slashes of air slicing and spitting into the man's armor as he was being pummeled by the wind, Arashi roared before punching Naruto backward he dashed to follow up with his attacks slashing at the blonde before he kicked him to the floor.

"Lightning Stance!"

The general nearly screamed while Naruto got back to his feet right as Arashi swung his sword that had been completely covered in electricity, the teen leaned backward barely avoiding the massive arch of lightning that slashed into the castle splitting off a massive piece of it.

"HOWL!"

Arashi roared as the lighting slash exploded violently showering down sparks of electricity while Naruto summoned two clones. The original brought the general down to a knee with a kick before he used his body as a footstool to jump behind him.

The two clones began smashing their fists into the man from both sides heavily while the general tried to defend against the simultaneous attacks.

"U!"

"Zu!"

"Ma!"

"Ki!"

The clones yelled as they exchanged between each other for each hit before kicking Arashi backward into the wall of the room they were in, both of the clones somersaulted gathering wind chakra while Naruto backflipped onto their kicking feet.

Arashi felt the sudden change in air pressure before he saw the sound barrier break into a sonic boom right in front of him before he felt the impact of Naruto's punch hitting against his barely armored chest. Wind funneled behind the blonde in a vortex while he pushed his fist in harder.

"Uzumaki Railgun!"

Naruto yelled while Arashi roared out in pain before the room was filled with an explosion of wind blowing apart the entire section of the building the pair had been fighting in.

Mifune took down another samurai while he spun to take out another only for Kurotsuchi to cut the man down before he could reach the man, "Kurotsuchi…" the older samurai spoke while the bandaged girl huffed in response.

"You always this slow, old man?"

The girl teased while Mifune chuckled, "What you did was reckless and foolish. Highly irresponsible and nearly got you killed. The older man lectured the girl while she looked away a little bit before he sighed.

"I've never been prouder."

Mifune finished while another explosion went off, Kurotsuchi gave the man a touched look before he looked around. "It looks like Naruto made it to Arashi then." the older man asked while Kurotsuchi nodded her head in response.

"Yeah, they're fighting right now."

Kurotsuchi spoke before a massive explosion came from the castle, both the older man and Kurotsuchi both looked at the castle as two figures flew out of the smoke toward a large snow field.

"Naruto!"

The girl yelled before she began to dash toward where they had landed along with Mifune who began to run along with her, "Lord Nobuzagi!" the samurai yelled as they too began to rush toward the landing area of their lord.

In the snowfield now with the green grass exposed underneath it, Naruto stood over a downed Arashi while he panted slightly.

"I'm just one man… one ninja. Out there in the world you want to wage war in, there are many like me. Even stronger than me. It doesn't have to be this way, there's still a chance for something different!"

Naruto yelled while Arashi continued laying in the grass looking toward the sky as he breathed in and out slowly on the ground.

"Naruto!"

Kurotsuchi yelled while herself and the two opposing forces made it to the snowfield, Mifune drew his blade while they both were immediately surrounded by multiple samurai. "Squadron 5! We'll take care of the rest! Attack the shinobi and save Lord Nobuzagi!" one of the samurai yelled while a large group of samurai broke away rushing toward the blonde.

Things were starting to look bad for Mifune's forces, the clones while they helped push back a large chunk of the opposing forces, they were also temporary as all of them had long been destroyed. Arahsi's forces, while smaller, still outnumbered them.

"You bastards!"

Kurotsuchi yelled while she readied her blade to clash with the samurai while the large group rushed after the blonde. Naruto turned, spotting the group rushing toward him as he lifted his sword ready to clash against them, but he stopped when he felt a heat.

"Lord Nobuzagi!"

One of the samurai yelled as he got the closest to Naruto while swinging his blade, the blonde teen felt a hand move him backward before he spotted Arashi's back in front of him. The samurai's eyes widened while a fist smashed into his mask shattering it into pieces and launched him backward slamming him into the rest of the large group.

The samurai and Mifune's forces both looked toward Arashi with shock as the man defended Naruto, the black-haired man's fist trembled while he glared toward the rest of the people in the snowfield.

"I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!"

Arashi roared while Naruto almost thought he could feel the ground shaking underneath them while he looked toward the samurai general in shock.

"All of you! Don't you dare move a muscle until my duel with Naruto is finished! If any of you try to approach, be it ally or enemy… I'LL KILL YOU WHERE YOU STAND!"

Arashi roared, causing the crowd to freeze at his yell while Naruto could feel the heat rolling off of Arashi's body intensifying, the blonde slowly watched the man while his furious dark eyes burned their glare into his blue ones.

"Shinobi… you are strong. However, to mock a man's pride by deciding a duel while his body still draws strength is grave sin. To mock my beliefs while I still breathe…"

Arashi spoke while Naruto jumped backward. The snow around his feet began to melt even at that distance from the general.

"Is a death sentence."

The man spoke while Naruto readied his sword, Arashi then tore off the rest of his tattered chestplate revealing his bare scarred chest to the elements. He slowly unsheathed a second smaller blade from his hip before gripping its hilt.

"The things that I have seen… the things that I have done… have all been for the sake of creating peace in a peaceless world. I have slain many monsters made men and will continue to do so as long as I draw breath… to think you can try to shift that after everything…"

Arashi spoke while his chakra ran through the smaller blade igniting it with bright orange and red flames while his longer sword in his other hand ignited with those flames as well. The sheer amount of heat vaporized the snow around them exposing only the flickering grass.

The general slowly moved his body into Fire Stance while Naruto felt the heat waving off of the man slamming into his form while Arashi glared toward the teen.

"I'VE LOST TOO MUCH!"

{...}

"Arashi… for your dishonor and your actions against the village where General Sasaki fell. You are hereby banished from the Land of Iron, to never return again."

The words slammed into a younger Arashi's heart while he kept his head down in shame in front of the Shogun of Iron, a younger Mifune stood next to a dark bearded Koga while they looked toward the young man standing in front of them.

"You will relinquish your armor, your only belonging shall be your sword as it has been disgraced with you. You shall wander this land until your death."

The shogun spoke while Arashi bowed before he began to strip away his armor, while a part of him knew that his actions would have dire consequences it still stung Arashi to know he allowed his own need to avenge his late master's death overtook his honor as a samurai.

This is what he deserved.

It wasn't long after his banishment that Arashi found himself looking toward the younger girl who he brought back from her ruined village, "Lord Arashi… where are you going?" Amanai asked while the young man looked at her speechlessly before he sighed.

"Listen to me Amanai… you must not not forget no matter what that your strength is a part of you. It will keep you alive as long as you keep it alive. Stay strong, ok?"

The young man spoke to the girl while she began to tear up looking toward him, it would be sad not being able to see Amanai grow up, but she was strong, so she'll make it. He knew she would. Arashi looked toward Koga who stared down toward him coldly.

"It's a shame, you could have been so much more had you thrown away your personal desire. It has brought you your downfall."

Koga spoke coldly while Arashi looked at the man in his red eyes, catching a rare glimpse of something he had never seen from the man before. Behind his reputation and his cold words, the young man could sense that he may have been a little sad.

Arashi pushed that thought away as it couldn't have been true of a warrior like General Koga, "Goodbye, Lord Koga." Arashi spoke simply while he bowed toward the man who looked into the air before he turned with Amanai in hand.

The girl looked at him sadly before reaching a hand out toward him with that spark of life in her red eyes, when the young man looked away, he could have sworn he saw it fade away from them.

A horse approached Arashi while Mifune looked down at him before extending a hand, the young man took it as they both rode on the horse down toward the gates. The young man looked away from Mifune while the man looked ahead.

"You know, if it had been me who trained you instead of Lord Sasaki. You would have had the discipline and the thought not to go through with it."

Mifune spoke while Arashi gave the man a glare, "Lord Sasaki was an amazing man! I was the one who failed him." the young man spoke while Mifune chuckled.

"So passionate over a joke. I see that the scar hasn't changed you too much… Lord Sasaki was a good master to me once before you, but he was an even better friend. I shall miss him as well."

Mifune spoke while Arashi sighed, "I was wrong, I disgraced my blade. I killed those people. Why? Why are you still so kind to me despite that?" Arashi asked while Mifune looked back toward him.

"You're a human being Arashi… we all make mistakes. As perfect as you believe Lord Sasaki was, even he too made mistakes."

Mifune spoke while Arashi growled, "Mistakes? Those people's blood is on my hands. Mistakes don't get people killed." the young man growled out while Mifune looked back toward him.

"But they do Arashi. They get more people killed than you'll ever know. Even still to error is human, the important part is to learn from your mistakes."

Mifune spoke while Arashi went silent in response as they had reached the gates where Mifune was supposed to drop off the young man, the young man got off of the horse with his bag and his sword as his only belongings while Arashi stepped outside the gate.

"Arashi… I wish I could see what kind of man you grew up to be. I have the feeling that you would be a really good one."

Mifune spoke almost somberly while Arashi looked toward the older man, "How do I live with them… the mistakes?" The young man asked while flashes of the blood that covered his sword while he panted heavily ran through his head.

"You have to accept them, and Arashi…"

Mifune spoke while Arashi looked at the tender dark eyes of the samurai general while the gates began to close between them.

"Live."

Mifune spoke while the gates closed in front of him, the single word lingered on Arashi's mind as he stared at the closed gate. From now on he could never return to this place, his home. The place where he once belonged and the only person, he could blame was himself.

It was his fault.

"Master…"

Arashi spoke while he turned, beginning to walk on the road, the road that only he could tread. No path and no purpose.

Alone.

…

Arashi long stopped counting how many months it had been since he had begun wandering in the world, 3 months, 8 months, 12 months? Despite the time that had passed Arashi still found himself allowing his thoughts to trace back to the Land of Iron.

Arashi now had scratchy facial hair as he walked through the active streets of a village, he kept to himself mostly interacting with other people brought back bad memories for him.

He barely lived and didn't eat or take anything more than he had to. Sometimes he wouldn't eat at all telling himself that the pain should serve as a reminder to him but for some reason he just couldn't die.

The young man's life had no purpose, he was dead the minute he was banished. He just should have died but he didn't he could, but he wouldn't. What the hell was even driving him? He has no passions or responsibilities. A dead man walking.

'Live.'

The word echoed through his head while he punched a wall, a long time ago Lord Mifune was someone that he considered a friend that showed him kindness all throughout his life even after he was first banished. But that damn word.

It was his curse.

"Live."

Arashi spoke out hollowly while the door to the house opened, "The hell are you doing you bum!" the owner of the house growled before the young man felt a punch slug him across his face before he hit the ground hard. The blacked haired man looked back toward the villager that punched him.

He then saw into their house; he had a wife and a child the woman looked concerned while the child had a mixture of curiosity and slight fear. Their visage changed to a blood covered cabin in the snow while Arashi's eyes widened before he picked up his sword and ran away from the house.

"Stay away!"

The husband yelled while Arashi didn't even hear the words of the man still trying to get the images of what he did then out of his vision.

Eventually he was panting while resting on a tree in the forest, he caught his breath while the images finally subsided. He couldn't allow himself into another village, it was still too painful. He still couldn't live with what he did.

Arashi's eyes then slowly widened before he looked toward the rest of the woods, he then began to walk again slowly with a dark look in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, Mifune… but I can't."

The young man thought to himself while he began to walk deeper into the forest, he had decided if these images wouldn't stop and if in his heart, he couldn't deal with them. Then he would end them.

He had to die.

That was the justice his master and those people deserved while he was no longer a samurai who would at least still hold those ideals.

His death was the answer.

It was the only way.

Arashi continued to wander while he pondered different ways to finally end it, a little while back he had met with a few ronin. Surprisingly there were a lot of banished samurai that had become ronin for hire from the Land of Iron especially in the Land of Waves.

Perhaps he could meet his end in battle, after all it was his sword that killed those people. It should be by the sword that he died right? The images of the people he killed said otherwise though, the sword he carried with him.

Would never know the taste of death ever again.

Then what?

What would he do?

Arashi continued to wander morning and night until he found himself a place to rest, the man just collapsed onto the ground and slept. Morning had come again while Arashi's eyes opened to the horizon just ahead of him.

The young man walked toward it before he noticed it, this was a cliff he was standing on. He looked down at the drop before he looked back up toward the rising sun, it was beautiful.

It was perfect.

Arashi took his sword and rested it against the tree before he walked back to the edge of the cliff, all he had to do was close his eyes and fall.

Simple.

Arashi closed his eyes while his master dying in his arms looked at him in his memory of the man, "Forgive me… for what I've done. Master." the young man spoke while he felt something soft brushing against his leg. His dark eyes flickered open as he spotted a small animal rubbing against his ankle.

It was a piglet.

All the way out here, perhaps it was a wild forest pig lost and far away from home just like he was. He stared at the animal while it circled around his feet, he would let it have its fun and then when it left, he would finish the rest.

The piglet ran circles around him while Arashi's eye twitched, busy little thing, wasn't it? It wouldn't leave no matter what. Was this some kind of sign?

He would ignore it.

Arashi's eyes went to the piglet one more time while the small creature stood in front of him, the man almost felt a smile appear on his face looking at it.

'Live.'

Arashi heard Mifune's voice in his head again while he heard a crack, his eyes shot open while the section of earth they were standing on began to break. The young man wasted no time grabbing the piglet with one of his hands before the section they were on broke.

The piglet squealed while Arashi kept a firm grip around the piglet while his other hand grabbed onto the unbroken section to the cliff keeping them both from falling. The man took in several deep breaths while he looked toward the panicking animal.

"Taro!"

Arashi heard the sound of a voice yelling while he tried to peek his head over, no matter what he did. He wasn't going to let this small creature die.

It still deserved a chance.

"Here!"

Arashi yelled while he lifted the hand with the piglet in it upward toward the sound while he heard the sound of rushing footsteps growing closer, he lifted the creature as high as he could before he heard a body hit the ground. A pair of hands grabbed onto the piglet while it looked toward the young man.

"Live."

The young man said to it while the hands pulled away the piglet to safety, Arashi felt a small smile grow on his face before he closed his teary eyes. His last action in the world was saving something and for some reason he could take a lot of pride in that despite the fact it was just a pig.

Arashi allowed his grip to slip before the pair of hands grabbed his wrist, his eyes widened in shock while the hands tugged at his wrist.

"Come on damn you!"

The voice yelled while they pulled at him with all of their might, "Let me fall." he spoke while the hands pulled on him harder.

"Shut up! I ain't hearin' it! Come on damn it!"

The voice insisted while Arashi looked toward the hands before he gritted his teeth, he used his other hand to grab onto the section of earth they were on to help them out pulling himself up from the cliff side.

How cruel.

Arashi was pulled up to a safer section of the cliff while the piglet ran sniffing at his face while the young man panted the other person panted before she began to chuckle then her chuckling became loud laughter while Arashi looked toward her.

"Ha! Screw you fate! Not today!"

The girl yelled manically in the air while Arashi gave her a confused look before she sat up, she had long wild dirty blonde hair and forest green eyes while she continued to laugh.

"Hey guy, turns out I'm stronger than I look huh?"

The wild girl said with a laugh while he released a harsh chuckle, he would actively avoid mentioning to her that he had to help her for the sake of her pride. She stopped laughing before she slapped him across the face with her hand.

Arashi then looked at her with surprise before she huffed and slapped him again and again. "That was dangerous! Is your head filled with rocks or somthin'?!" The girl attacked him while he couldn't make any sense of her actions.

Eventually she had her fill before she stood up with the piglet in her arms, "You got a name, stranger?" She asked while Arashi blinked at her.

"Arashi…"

The young man said while the young woman made a face, "Sounds fancy, you from the hidden village or somethin'?" the young woman asked while Arashi shook his head.

"I'm from nowhere."

He spoke to her while she tilted her head, "Well Arashi from Nohwhere. I'm Yuri and this is my piglet Taro. You saved his life and now I owe you. So on your feet." Yuri said roughly while Arashi stood to his feet brushing himself off.

"You don't owe me anything, Lady Yuri. I only did what I should have. No thanks required."

The young man said while Yuri huffed, "What's with the Lady stuff? I'm just Yuri and that ain't sliding with me, come on. I don't live too far. We'll get you some dinner… and a bath." the young woman spoke while making a face at him.

"I don't think you understand. I don't deserve your thanks. I did what I should have."

"Says who?"

"Says what I did… My land."

"Nohwhere?"

"The Land of Iron."

"Ohh… Sounds cold."

"...It was sometimes."

Arashi trailed off while the young woman gave him a look, "Here's how I see it. If that land is a 'was' then that means that it isn't your land anymore, right?" Yuri asked while Arashi narrowed his eyes at her.

"What are you getting at?"

Arashi spoke with the irritation in his voice showing, "If that place isn't your land anymore then why are you listening to what they're sayin'? Ain't you free?" Yuri asked while Arashi paused while looking toward her before he looked toward the ground.

"Free?"

Arashi asked out loud while Yuri tilted her head at him, "Yeah that means you can do whatever you want, you dumb or somethin'?" The girl said with a laugh while the black-haired young man looked toward her.

"This isn't freedom, it's a punishment. I'm bound to these lands, never to return, nowhere to go. Nothing free about that."

Arashi spoke while Taro the piglet was lifted in front of his face, "You saved him. You telling me that was a punishment? " Yuri spoke while Arashi gave her a look.

"Of course not, I couldn't just let him fall."

Arashi said while Yuri gave him a grin, "Yeah, you decided that. Crazy how it works right?" the girl spoke while the black-haired young man took a step backward away from her.

"That's not… I didn't…"

Arashi couldn't make any sense of the notion, it was out of a sense of duty that he had to. That wasn't freedom but she's saying that it was, when did he decide, he was going to save that piglet?

Oh right… the minute that he saw how scared it looked.

That didn't make any sense, that was a small basic action, something that tiny didn't count as freedom it couldn't have.

"I…"

Arashi trailed off while Yuri extended her hand out to him. He stared at her hand before he looked into her green eyes, he slowly lifted his hand to take hers while she smiled.

"See you did it again, you just took my hand."

"That's manipulative, you held it outward for me to take it."

"I never said take my hand, guy."

"Thats…"

Arashi trailed off while the girl held his hand tighter, "Now that you have my hand Arashi. What do you want to do next?" Yuri asked while the black-haired boy looked at the hand he was holding.

What did he want to do?

It was such an unfair question; he could do anything according to her. If he could do anything, what does he want out of anything?

"It's such a simple but scary thing, right? To be able to do whatever you want but not know what you want to do. That's why I always pick with my heart instead of my brain."

Yuri spoke simply about such a complex thing for the young man, she was around his age from her looks, and she had a way better concept around this stuff than he ever did. He admired that about her.

Her heart allowed her to pick what she wanted, but his heart. It was filled with misery and death. The painful memories he carried with him. That he would always have to carry with him. What if even for just a single moment.

He picked something with his heart.

"I want you to teach me…"

Arashi spoke while Yuri's eyebrows raised at the young man who was fighting everything else in him that made him think otherwise just to face her.

"How to live."

Arashi spoke, allowing the words to exit from the depths of his heart almost making him feel lighter while Yuri slowly smiled at him before she let go of his hand, she then grabbed his sword placing it in his other hand before taking his free one again.

"That's a pretty darn good want… So, I will. I want to teach you too."

Yuri spoke while Arashi looked toward her and then toward the piglet that squealed, the young woman then began to tug them both along into the forest.

"You're lucky you got a teacher like me, Arashi. Not only am I smart but I also have infinite patience too so you can take your time learnin' all you need. It'll be rough though."

Yuri announced with a smile while Arashi looked toward the girl with a small smile of his own while for someone with infinite patience she was rushing them through the woods.

Yuri was a hypocrite, rough, tomboyish, young lady but the way she smiled…

'Live.'

He wanted to learn to smile like that too.

…

Arashi had stopped counting how many years it had been since he left the Land of Iron.

3 years, 5 years, 7 years.

At this point it was something he thought about occasionally but never anything he had stressed about too much; he was a much busier man than he used to be back then after all.

He had found a place where he called home, he had become a farmer that worked in a small village that had accepted him, he had gotten married to one of the most unorthodox women he's ever met in his entire life, but he loved her more than anything.

That word that had become a curse to him, had finally shown to him its true meaning.

It was hope.

However, no matter how time had passed, there were just some things that just didn't go away that easily.

Arashi's eyes widened in horror while he looked at a dead pig in the pen while the other pigs gathered around it, he heard a commotion and came to investigate it only to find the animals had been attacked. He managed to scare off the attacker, but it still got one of their pigs.

The images of dead people formed in his vision while a clean shaven Arashi fell backward into the mud while he began to breathe faster. The blood, the sight, it was bringing it all back to him. Everything that he had almost forgotten came back just like that.

What he did.

It still haunted him.

"Arashi?"

The voice of an older man spoke while the black-haired man turned around spotting an old man with wild gray hair.

"Arashi… are you alright?"

The older man known to him as Daisuke, Yuri's father asked while Arashi closed his eyes before taking a deep breath.

"I'm fine, Father. It's just…"

Arashi looked back toward the dead pig while Daisuke's expression sobered looking toward the animal. "I'm sorry… I know these little guys mean the world to you both. It must be painful… death." Daisuke spoke while Arashi looked toward the dead animal before he looked back toward the older man.

"Like you wouldn't believe…"

Arashi spoke while the older man took a few steps toward the dead animal before crouching to lift it off the ground.

"Daisuke."

Arashi reached his hand out toward the older straining man, "Arashi, help me… we need to give 'im a proper burial. No need to leave him as potential feed for the rest." Daisuke spoke while the black-haired man gave him a look before helping him.

Soon the two men stood over a grave they made for the buried pig, they put their hands together before giving a quick bow.

"Arashi… I hardly noticed it, but it looks like you've grown. No longer the lost boy who Yuri dragged into this village all those years ago."

Daisuke spoke while Arashi looked toward the old man, "...Perhaps. It doesn't feel like I've grown… not even a little bit." Arashi spoke while the older man looked toward the grave.

"Do you hate it?"

Daisuke asked suddenly while Arashi looked toward him, "Hate what?" The man asked while the older man continued to look toward the grave.

"The creature that killed your pig… do you hate it?"

Daisuke asked while Arashi looked toward the grave, he had taken careful care of raising these pigs since they were piglets. He watched them grow and live right before his eyes, he had grown to care about them and yet this thing took them away.

Like the shinobi did to his master back then.

Did he hate them?

Time had passed, years had gone by since it happened. He shouldn't hate them anymore, but…

"I do… I hate them."

Arashi spoke while Daisuke looked toward him, "A creature like that must have killed because it was hungry, poor fella." The older man spoke while the black-haired man clenched his fist.

"The reason for it doesn't justify the fact that it took a life. It killed. It deserves death in response to that."

Arashi spoke while Daisuke huffed, "Justify? There's no justification in my words… I haven't forgiven the animal either but that doesn't mean I can't try to understand it." The older man spoke before a small smile appeared on his face.

"Arashi, it's ok to hate something… you hate it because you loved something else first that it took. The thing about hatred is that while it is fine to feel it you must not let it fill you."

Daisuke spoke while Arashi looked at the older man as he gripped a small amount of dirt in his hand moving it in his palm.

"Arashi, will you kill that animal because you hate it or because you must?"

The older man asked while Arashi's eyes widened slightly, "It's because… I." The black-haired man trailed off while the older man gave him a pat on the back.

"Before you do, ask yourself that question. Not all who live seek to end life, nothing is perfect though death should never be the first option."

Daisuke spoke while he rubbed Arashi's back, "It should be the last option that you plan to learn from." The older man spoke while he turned around.

Arashi looked at the older man before he looked at the grave again, the snow-covered ground with a dead shinobi on it covered it before it went away.

"Yuri should be returning soon, you should meet her there to greet her. It seems like you both have had long days."

Daisuke spoke with a grin on his face while Arashi turned away from the grave completely before catching up to the older man giving him a pat on the back.

Arashi returned back to his home, the sound of oinking greeted him at the door while he stepped inside. Taro, now a fully grown pig charged at the door nuzzling around Arashi's legs while the man chuckled.

"Easy, Taro."

Arashi spoke while the pig continued to brush against his legs while he made it inside, he took off his workbooks before walking toward the living area of his home.

It was a medium sized house, the backyard had all sorts of flower and vegetable types growing in it, the interior had multiple potted plants and picture frames. Arashi took one of the picture frames from the table it rested on, himself and Yuri were covered in mud while Taro was having the time of his life splashing in it.

Precious memories.

Taro had grown up to be quite the spoiled home pig, but Arashi gave him a pass considering they nearly fell off a cliff together. Taro sat beside Arashi's feet while the man's eyes looked toward another area of the house, while he had made many great memories.

He too had painful ones.

Arashi looked toward his sword hanging on the wall, it hadn't been touched in years. He still hadn't unsheathed it since then. Despite all this time and the memories, he made in his new home. He still hadn't told a soul about what he did. This sword was a constant reminder that he was living a lie, he had slain people, and he allowed this village to accept him without saying a word about that fact.

It made him dishonest.

Arashi slowly took down the sword from where it was hanging on the wall, he inspected the sheath allowing his memories to flow through his mind. General Sasaki had presented this sword to him as a gift a day earlier than his official training completion.

It was their secret.

In this blade everything that he knew was in it and every moment Sasaki taught him lived within it, every innocent life that was taken still stained the steel lived in it as well.

To live among these people who accepted him without telling them about his past… didn't that make him a monster? They deserved to know, and he couldn't speak a word. Did he really deserve all of this? His life? This family?

Perhaps. If he was never going to divulge his past, then he shouldn't indulge in his present.

Arashi looked toward the sword for even longer before he felt a nudge at his leg, he looked down to spot Taro rubbing on it. For a moment Arashi looked between the sword and Taro split between them before the pig unleashed his secret weapon.

He sat and looked Arashi directly in the eyes with as close to puppy dog eyes as a pig could get, the black-haired man while strong in stature was weak in heart. Arashi hung up his sword before he grinned slightly, picking up the pig into his arms, hugging him tightly.

"I'm such a weak man, Taro."

Arashi spoke while Taro oinked before laying into the man, they sat there silently in their embrace before a sigh was heard.

"Now you know that pig is too big to be picked up like that. We've already spoiled him rotten."

A voice spoke while Arashi couldn't help the smile that came to his face, he looked toward the woman standing at the door closing it behind her. His wife, Yuri, had made it back home. She still kept her wild hair from years back but now she had most of it pulled into a messy ponytail.

Their story was a simple one, she was pushy and forward and he was more reserved but eager. He couldn't remember when exactly he fell for her.

He certainly couldn't say at first sight, the woman would never let him live it down.

A cheeky grin came to her face while she gently pulled the pig out of Arashi's arms before setting Taro on the ground. "Get, go on." Yuri spoke while Taro walked away from the couple before Arashi felt her arms wrap around his waist.

"Mine."

The woman said while Arashi hugged her back, "Did you have to send him away like that? You could have just asked?" The black-haired man spoke while Yuri sighed.

"Jealous of a pig… oh how the mighty fall."

Yuri said dramatically before her green eyes looked into his black ones, she leaned forward to kiss him, but Arashi flinched.

"How was work?"

Arashi asked while Yuri gave him a look, "Business as usual, sweatin' my ass off and gathering the crops. There was some funny business around noon, I can't believe they're still fighting. I thought that whole war was over." Yuri spoke while Arashi looked toward his wife.

There was some kind of conflict that was happening in the world; however, they never saw any of it. They mostly heard the conflicts in the distance. It almost reminded him of the warring period back at the Land of Iron, only exception was he was no longer the warrior.

"I see, well I'm glad you were careful. You never know what happenings cou-"

"Cut the shit, Arashi."

Yuri interrupted while Arashi paused, his gruff tomboyish wife was having none of it and he could see it in her eyes alone.

"Pops told me about the incident with pigs, he said you were acting a little off. You still are… you look like you've seen a ghost."

Yuri spoke while she pressed a hand to Arashi's cheek while the man looked away, "Talk to me." She said while Arashi couldn't meet her eyes.

He turned away before he sighed.

"That's because I did… ghosts."

Arashi said while Yuri gave him a concerned look, the man felt a burning sensation in his gut while he looked into the eyes of the woman he loved. He had to tell her, she deserved to know.

He didn't want to avoid it anymore.

"I… I haven't told you why I was banished. I'm so sorry, I should have a long time ago... "

Arashi spoke while Yuri continued to look toward him while he took a deep breath, "I was once a samurai. A warrior that was supposed to fight for Honor and Justice. To protect with the blade my master gave me." Arashi explained while Yuri listened to him.

"My master he… he fell in battle. I held him in my arms as he faded. He told me about a peaceful world that he wanted to make… a true peace. He entrusted me with that dream, that will."

Arashi spoke while Yuri took a step closer to him before the black-haired man took another deep breath.

"I wanted justice… against the people that took my mentor, and I held my blade for the sake of that justice… that was what I called it."

Arashi's voice cracked while Yuri slowly took another step closer to the man.

"Those men… that killed him. Hid in a village, I pursued them through the snow. When I arrived I… I was met by a young woman. She asked me to stop… those murderers, those men. They had families, people that they loved. They protected them from me…"

Arashi trailed off while he felt his eyes beginning to water as he looked toward his hanging sword on the wall.

"She begged me, they begged me. And I allowed my justice… my hatred to carry my sword. I killed them… every single one of them that stood in my way."

Arashi sobbed before his hand hit the wall, he shut his eyes tight while the tears fell from them quickly.

"Man… woman… child… I ripped and I tore driven by myself. Those lives I took them all. I killed them all… I didn't deserve to live. Yet I lived… and allowed them to haunt my dreams."

Arashi spoked before huffing out his next breath, "When I met you, I was tired. I had enough. You and Taro saved the life of an unworthy man that day. You turned my curse into a blessing and gave me so much." Arashi continued while he slowly took his hand off of the wall before clenching a fist to his chest tightly.

"I took advantage of that, of you. The kindness of your father, of this village. I kept it from you because it was painful… because I'm a weak man. Your father made me realize something though…"

Arashi spoke while the footsteps of the woman touched the floor behind him lightly before he sobbed again.

"That… I love you enough for you to hate me."

Arashi spoke before arms wrapped around his waist from behind as he felt Yuri hug him tightly in her arms.

"Hate me."

"Never."

Yuri spoke while Arashi's eyes widened before he turned to look at her face, he had rarely seen such a sad expression on his normally energetic wife's face.

"You know what I've done now, I killed those people. I did it because I hated those men, not because I had to. I don't deserve your mercy."

Arashi spoke while Yuri sniffled, "Shut up. Arashi, you've been holding onto so much. All on your own. Don't say that." Yuri spoke while the man shook his head.

"Yuri, I'm just a murderer. A beast. I lied to you. Right when we go to be after I see your face... when I sleep, I see their faces. Tell me why not say it?'

Arashi asked while Yuri narrowed her eyes at him, "Because it's not true, you've been living with this alone for far too long." The woman spoke while the black-haired man closed his eyes.

"Living with it? You call this living with it? It's been killing me. How? How am I supposed to live with this?"

Arashi asked with a strained voice while Yuri's hand landed on his face, "With me… like you've been doing for years now." Yuri spoke with a strain in her voice while Arashi's eyes opened.

"Arashi, I forgive you. Everything you did I forgive you. You have to forgive yourself too."

Yuri spoke while Arashi gritted his teeth, "How could you forgive something like that? The same innocent people I swore to protect. I killed them for my own gain…. That doesn't deserve love." Arashi spoke while Yuri huffed.

"Arashi, you're still as big of a fool as you've always been. I love you. That means everything. I even love the things about you that aren't happy and aren't perfect. You were a kid!"

Yuri raised her voice while Arashi shook his head, "I was a samurai, I was supposed to be disciplined. That's not an excuse." The man spoke while the blonde woman sighed.

"You're a good man, Arashi. You've spent years proving that to both me and the rest of this village. You asked me to teach you how to live and this is it. The good. The bad. The painful. More years have passed with the good man I call my husband who always did his best for his home then the hurt boy who wanted to avenge his master."

Yuri spoke while Arashi looked at her silently, "That peaceful world your master told you about, it's here. You helped make it. Whatever atonement you need, you've already earned it." Yuri spoke while the black-haired man looked at her in disbelief.

His memories that he made in the village, he didn't even really notice it. He was too busy thinking about his past. Arashi looked his wife in the eyes as she looked back into his eyes, there was no hatred in those beautiful green eyes.

Only love.

Arashi weakly looked at his wife while she pulled him into her embrace even closer than she had him before.

"I'm sorry."

"I know… I still don't hate you. I never will."

Yuri responded while the man melted in her embrace hugging her back.

"Yuri… I swear. I will never draw my sword to kill ever again. It's the only way I can start to forgive myself… I want to live… I want to live with you."

Arashi spoke into Yuri's shoulder while she smiled against his cheek, "I know I'm a woman with infinite patience… but you really kept me waitin' dummy." The woman spoke while Arashi held her tighter.

The pair embraced each other in silence before Arashi looked at his wife's face, "I'm done with the crying stuff, I wanna talk about something else." Yuri spoke while Arashi almost found himself chuckling at her sudden childishness.

"I saw you holding that big old pig in your arms, and it made me think of something."

Yuri spoke while Arashi gave her a look, "He's getting old? His time is coming?" The man spoke while Yuri slapped her hand on his chest.

"Is all you can think of depressing shit?"

Yuri asked with laughter while Arashi chuckled in response to his laughing wife.

"I think I want kids now. You made me wait for that too."

Yuri spoke while Arashi's eyes widened at her words while she gave him a small smile, he hadn't even thought of that.

Children.

They barely came to mind for him considering his past and staying busy with the farm work also Taro.

Would he make a good father?

A beast like him?

Slowly Arashi looked around the room again before he spotted the home they built together, Taro the pig who looked at them from the ground, and Yuri.

The woman who taught him how to live. Now his curse must become his blessing completely. He had lay the beast down to rest along with the young who allowed his justice to be laced with revenge.

No longer a beast.

Only a man.

"Boy or girl?"

Arashi asked while Yuri smiled brightly at him before hugging him again, "Both." The woman spoke into his chest while the man smiled.

"Arashi, don't you ever forget for even a moment. You're still here. Still alive."

Yuri spoke while Arashi held her close before he looked at his sword on the wall before he turned his gaze away from it.

"I won't."

…

He had sworn.

He made a promise to never take another life again to protect his peace here and his family here in the village.

He never should have touched that sword.

Flames danced in Arashi's eyes while he looked into the village, his arms were filled with pieces of lumber he had chopped. Arashi only took the sword that hung off of his back to practice, to remember the feel of it. To accept the self that he once was, to finish healing from his past.

The blade now felt cursed.

"YURI!"

Arashi roared while he dropped the wood he was carrying in his hands while he sprinted into the burning village. His eyes scanned across the village while chaos ensued around him, these houses some of them he helped to build.

They were burning, the bodies of his neighbors were on the ground bloodied and killed. The man tore the bodies from his vision while he sprinted further.

"Father!"

Arashi said while running toward the burning house, he broke down the door entering the burning home before looking around.

"Father! Daisuke!"

Arashi called while no one answered his call, he rushed through the burning building before making his way to the backyard. The black-haired man coughed while he looked around, spotting the fence where the pigs were being kept.

"Father! Yuri, where's Yuri! We have to find her! Is she-"

Arashi's words died in his throat as he moved through the smoke spotting the ruined fence, the pigs in the fence had been slaughtered and covered in burns.

While Daisuke was impaled into the fence cold and unresponsive.

He was far too late.

"No… no… Daisuke please!"

Arashi looked at the body of the older man pulling him free of the fence before he held the man in his arms. He knew it the minute he laid eyes on him, Yuri's father Daisuke was gone along with the pigs.

A sob escaped from Arashi's throat while he held the bloodied man tightly in his arms, he heard shouting while his head lifted.

"YURI!"

Arashi yelled while he gently set Daisuke to the ground before he sprinted again, the screams, the cries, he had to reach her.

He had to!

A house fell apart into itself while he could hear the sound of men's voices yelling along with the screams of the villagers.

His house.

The shouting was coming from his house, "Yuri!" Arashi roared while he ran through the smoke.

His eyes spotted Yuri on the ground holding onto a blood covered Taro with tears in her eyes while a man holding a blade approached her. Arashi saw nothing but red as he ran forward, Yuri held onto Taro while her attacker struck at her.

Her attacker was tackled to the ground by Arashi who charged into him, "Arashi!" Yuri yelled while the black-haired man rolled along with her attacker.

They stopped rolling as Arashi swung his fists, punching the man across the face repeatedly before he was kicked in his gut. The black-haired man rolled back while the attacker drew their large kunai charging toward him.

Arashi deflected the attacks while his attacker swung more aggressively, a slash swiped across the former samurai's clothes cutting into them before he smashed the attacker across the face with his fist. His attacker bounced, dropping the kunai before they recovered, Arashi quickly picked up the kunai dashing toward the man.

Who started forming hand signs.

"Wind Style: Ga-"

The attacker was interrupted by a roar from Arashi before cut several of the attacker's fingers off. The attacker screamed before Arashi grabbed onto his clothes growling before he shoved the kunai into his attacker's neck.

Arashi's eyes widened as he spotted it, on the man's forehead was a shinobi headband. The black-haired man dropped the dead attacker to the ground while he spotted more silhouettes ahead.

"The village has been destroyed, fall back!"

A voice yelled before Arashi watched the men dash away, he growled ready to pursue the men but was stopped by the sound of whimpering. Arashi turned around spotting Yuri cradling Taro, his bloodied body was stabbed into by multiple ninja tools.

Yuri sobbed while Arashi fought back his tears with a small sob before he walked toward his wife picking her up off of the ground.

"We can't stay here."

"No… stop it."

"Yuri, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"No…"

"I'm sorry."

"NO!"

Yuri screamed while Arashi scooped her off the ground and began to run toward the woods, "TARO!" The woman screamed from his arms while Arashi gently used his free hand to tuck her vision into his chest.

"Don't look back, Yuri… don't look back."

Arashi spoke while he ran as far as he could with his crying wife in his arms, the man just kept running and running. He didn't stop until they both could no longer see the flames, only the rising smoke from the fires. Yuri pushed out of Arashi's arms falling to the ground while the tired man looked toward the woman.

"Yuri…"

Arashi spoke while the woman sobbed loudly before she started to cry even louder, the man dropped to the ground beside her pulling her into an embrace while she bawled. Arashi held his crying wife in his arms as they watched their home burn in the distance.

Several more hours had passed, the pair walked together while Arashi looked toward his wife walking beside him.

She looked utterly defeated.

Arashi has always known the woman to be wild, optimistic, and boisterous. He's seen her cry but this expression…

It just killed him on the inside.

It was all gone though; he had stepped away with his sword and took his eyes off of the village and it was gone just like that. But they had to live. They had to live for them.

"Yuri."

Arashi spoke while the woman didn't respond, his eyes had spotted a rundown cabin before he looked toward her.

"It's getting dark, let's take shelter, ok?"

Arashi spoke while the woman barely gave him an answer before they both made their way to the cabin. Soon when it was dark Arashi had taken a damp towel and began cleaning his wife from the soot and dust. Yuri was fine, she hadn't suffered anything more than a few cuts and bruises. Taro must have protected her.

Taro…

The look on the pig's face entered his vision before he shook his head and kept wiping down Yuri who still had that defeated look on her face.

"Hey, let's get some rest and in the morning we'll… figure things out."

Arashi spoke trying to take a page out of her book while the woman remained silent, he didn't blame her.

They lost everything and it was his fault.

When Arashi finished cleaning her off they had both laid on the floor to rest, Yuri looked toward Arashi who looked back at her gently touching her face.

"I wonder if they'll have your eyes."

Arashi spoke while Yuri's eyes slightly widened, "That beautiful green, so full of life. I think they would look good on both a boy and a girl." Arashi spoke while the woman slowly moved closer, putting her face into his chest while he moved his hand to her hair, stroking it.

"I hope our daughter is like you… as much as I would love for that to happen, she could end up bland and boring like me, but you were always more fun."

Arashi spoke while Yuri lightly sobbed into his clothes, "Yuri, I'm sorry… I have no idea how we're supposed to live through this one… usually you're the one with the ideas so I had to make something. So, I'm talking about our kids we'll have." Arashi spoke while Yuri continued to stay close.

"I know it's hard. It's the worst actually. It hurts so much but we have to keep going. For them, build a home, build our family. Remember them."

Arashi spoke while Yuri looked into the black-haired man's eyes, "Arashi…" the woman trailed off, speaking her first words in hours.

"I don't blame you; this wasn't your fault..."

Yuri spoke while Arashi gave her a look, "Yuri, I should have been there. I shouldn't have left." Arashi spoke while the woman shook her head at him.

"Stop that. We can't fix the past…. We can only live in our presents after the fact."

Yuri spoke while Arashi looked away from her toward the roof that had moonlight peeking in at them from the cracks.

"Yuri I-"

"You have to kill them."

Yuri's voice spoke, interrupting Arashi who looked toward her in shock while she looked back toward him with a twisted expression. "Your sword. You have it right? Those men, you can kill them, right? You did it before…" Yuri spoke while Arashi looked at his wife in shock, "Yuri…" the man spoke while the woman gritted her teeth.

"Break your promise, I need you to break your promise. You have to kill them. You have to kill them all."

Yuri spoke with a growl in her voice while Arashi's look slowly shifted into horror, "Yuri… I know we're grieving but you wouldn't want that." Arashi spoke while her eyes narrowed.

"MY FATHER, MY HOME, MY TARO. THEY JUST CAME AND TOOK IT ALL AWAY! FOR NO REASON!"

Yuri screamed while Arashi stared at her while she began to sob through her growls of rage, she took a deep breath while her fingers clutched into Arashi's clothes.

"I HATE THEM. I HATE THEM SO DAMN MUCH!"

Arashi listened to his wife scream while she sobbed again, Yuri had shattered to pieces right in front of him.

He couldn't do anything.

"Please… I need you to say it. That you'll do it. You'll kill them. You rip and you'll slay until they are all gone. Say it."

Yuri spoke while Arashi closed his eyes, "Yuri!" The black-haired man raised his voice while the woman sobbed again.

"I can't live as long as they do for what they did… say it… Arashi. SAY IT."

Yuri spoke while Arashi held her even closer while he sobbed, "I love you. I love you so much… I'll do it. I'll kill them all." The man spoke while the woman sobbed.

"...Thank you. Thank you Arashi. Thank you."

Yuri spoke while Arashi held her close, Daisuke had told him it was ok to hate but to not allow that hatred to consume you. Yuri, his sweet, wild, and optimistic gem. His love was consumed by a hatred deeper than even he could try to reason with.

He couldn't find a single reason as to not go through with killing them, once again they took everything.

Not his Yuri.

For her, he would slay as many of them as possible.

"I love you, Arashi. Don't you ever forget that."

Yuri spoke while Arashi rubbed her back before he looked at his sword resting in a corner before he looked toward her crying face.

"I never will, I love you. Yuri."

Arashi spoke while he closed his eyes, holding onto his wife, Yuri took a look at Arashi's sword as well before she looked at him one more time.

"Avenge us."

The woman spoke in the last whisper Arashi heard before the night took them both.

In the morning he would end those men, for her. For all of them.

However,

Arashi looked toward the floor with an unreadable expression, the sunlight had peeked into the holes of the roof of the cabin illuminating brilliant red. Arashi fell to his knees as he looked at Yuri's small hands wrapped around the hilt of his blade, while its iron rested in her chest.

There was a single piece of paper on the ground with a single word written into it as the blood dyed the edge of the page red.

'Live.'

The word read while Arashi silently looked at Yuri's body, he slowly removed the blade from her chest before he lifted her into his arms. Soon he found himself standing in front of a grave he had freshly made.

Arashi too had shattered.

The man fell to his knees before he gripped the ground his wife was buried underneath, the roar that left his mouth shook the sky like thunder.

…

"Keep it moving! The sooner we finish the better!"

A ninja yelled while several other ninja moved large containers around the small walled compound, they were stationed in. The compound bustled with activity while multiple ninja tools were carted around near barracks where shinobi were training and preparing for combat.

"Sir! We've got contact."

A shinobi yelled toward the light brown haired Jonin who was the one in command of their compound.

"A threat?"

"No sir, looks like some tattered villager. You think he's from the last mission?"

The ninja asked while the Jonin shrugged his shoulders, "What's he doing here?" The Jonin asked while the ninja gave him a look.

"He said he wanted to talk, the guy is in bad shape."

The ninja spoke while the Jonin gave him a look, "Open up, I wanna see what he says." The brown-haired man said while the ninja nodded.

"Open the gate!"

The ninja yelled while the gate slowly opened revealing wild black hair and patchy facial hair on a tattered Arashi.

Slowly the tattered man approached the Jonin who gave him a once over, "Long way from home. You got a purpose for being here?" The ninja asked while Arashi looked at him before his eyes scanned across the compound.

It was full of ninja and ninja tools; almost everyone there had been looking toward him while Arashi slowly reached into his sleeve. He threw out a headband causing the Jonin to look down at it before glaring toward Arashi.

"5 days ago, your men ransacked a village and burned it to the ground… Many people died and my home was destroyed… I lost my farm, I lost my friends, and I lost… my wife."

Arashi spoke while the Jonin glared at him while the black-haired man fell to his knees.

"Why? Why did you do it?"

Arashi spoke while the Jonin gave the weak man on the ground a look before lifting his hand to make the other shinobi stand down.

"Listen… I'm sorry you survived. Since you did and you came all the way here. I'll tell you because I admire your dedication for some villager."

The Jonin spoke while Arashi looked toward the man, Daisuke had told him that he should at least try to understand people before he judged them.

There could have been some ultimate reason, for the greater good or they had no choice. Something to give him some kind of closure before he did what he came there to do.

Just one human reason.

"The Third Great Ninja War was just announced to be finished, apparently our comrades the Stone submitted. We however are not cowards; this war isn't finished until we all die. For the sake of our land, we refuse to hand it over to anyone else."

The ninja spoke while Arashi looked toward him as his expression changed slowly, "Your village… We determined that it was a great vantage point for the enemy. It was close to us and seemed neutral so as to not give them that vantage point we destroyed it."

The Jonin finished while Arashi gave him a look of shock, "We never spoke to your enemy or any ninja. We left you be, not involved in that war." The black-haired man spoke while the Jonin sighed.

"That's true, but if you aren't on our side then you're on their side. That's just how it is. For the sake of not losing this war for our land…"

The Jonin trailed off while he drew his blade pointing it at Arashi who looked up at him from the ground.

"We do what we must."

The Jonin spoke while Arashi looked at him with shock in his expression, "Don't worry. I'll end your suffering for you. A worthy sacrifice just like your village." The man spoke while Arashi looked toward the ground.

War.

Everyone he lost.

Everything he loved.

War.

They fought for a war that was already over, his family died for a war that they had lost, the home that he built burned for a petty endeavor.

Arashi understood them perfectly now.

His master flashed in his vision giving him a look with his dying eyes, he saw Taro's face looking at him from the floor, and he saw his wife's beaming smile before they all faded away.

These shinobi…

As long as they live.

There was never such a thing as peace.

The Jonin stabbed toward Arashi's chest only for his hand to stop partway from reaching the black-haired man. Slowly the Jonin took a step back before blood flowed out of a cut in his forehead after his split headband fell off.

Arashi was already on his feet with his blade that was still stained with his wife's blood at his side while he exhaled, his hand on the blade was still as quick as it had always been.

Despite not truly practicing with the blade in years, it still felt as if he had used it only yesterday.

"Shinobi… you're right. You are so right. This world that we live in, it is a war. A war that never ended, so of course you would not know peace. My master… you asked me to make a world that truly knows peace… so I will."

Arashi spoke while the rest of the ninja looked at the tattered man who stood tall with a dark glare on his face.

"A peace this world deserves… for the sake of that peace. For my master. For her. Then I too will do what I must…"

Arashi spoke with a look of death in his eyes while the Jonin began to weave hand signs only his head to split, sending the top part of it flying into the air while his body fell.

"No matter where it takes my blade."

Arashi spoke while the compound roared before the ninja showered toward him, the black-haired man grabbed his blade. Water and Lightning flowed and crackled to life on his sword while Arashi roared into the air at his opponents.

Soon the lone warrior standing was Arashi.

The black-haired man walked away from the burning compound as the flames engulfed the entire base from behind him. He would assist in the end of this dying rage filled world, Arashi knew there and then that as long as the shinobi lived.

The rest of the world would suffer.

All they did was kill and destroy, once upon a time he would have considered this as more hate than justice. However, just as he learned that man and monster are the same. Then so was his hatred and his justice as they would both create a more peaceful world.

Even if it ended up hating him.

"Yuri…"

Years passed after that point while Arashi continued roaming around the ninja world gathering knowledge and fighting against more ninja. Arashi continued his journey on the road with a growing beard, he found himself observing a fight between shinobi.

"Take lady Hinata back to the village! I'll hold them!"

One of the shinobi with strange white eyes yelled while the two ninja behind him holding a small girl in their arms dashed off.

To think that these shinobi would try to steal children from each other.

Arashi's brow furrowed in anger before he watched the ninja crouch with his hands extended outward.

"Eight Trigrams: 32 Palms!"

The ninja called out while he began jabbing the Cloud ninja that had tried to kidnap the child, Arashi watched the man's movements while the two stone ninja hit the ground.

"Damn it fall back!"

One of the Cloud ninja spoke before the white eyed shinobi quickly approached them, "I struck your chakra points, you won't get far. I won't allow you to for what you did." The shinobi spoke before Arashi watched the white eyed ninja kill both men quickly.

"Now then."

The shinobi spoke before he was about to dash away as well, the ninja was stopped when a blade stabbed into his back.

The ninja coughed up blood before he turned around spotting Arashi, "Eight Trigrams-" the shinobi was interrupted by his own scream while Arashi cut his fingers off on one of his hands before the man hit the ground.

Arashi then pinned the man against a tree narrowing his black eyes into the shinobi's strange white ones.

"Shinobi, that technique you used… it blocked their chakra, didn't it? Tell me… what was it?"

Arashi growled at the man he had pinned against the tree as he spotted the Hyuga curse mark on his forehead.

More years had passed before an older Arashi found himself on the ground beaten and bloodied while a finger pointed toward his figure on the ground.

"Get a load of this guy."

A gray-haired man in a large black cloak holding a three-pronged scythe pointed toward a bloodied Arashi who's beard had grown out. "Face me, Shinobi!" Arashi roared while the whitish haired man chuckled before another shinobi in the same Akasuki cloak stood at his side before, he opened a book.

"Hidan… this fool has no bounty."

"Huh, that's what you're worried about? This idiot has been trying to kill us. I'm gonna slaughter him real quick for Jashin so just shut up about your money."

"Money makes the world go round, Hidan. Leave him to die, he literally has no worth to us."

"Ha? But he cut me a little so I should get my lick back."

"You've cut him a lot, stop being a child you imbecile."

"Screw you Kakazu."

Hidan said while Arashi could barely stand on his feet looking at the pair of Akasuki members bickering. "You… you monsters. To kill so many all for money? Just for the sake of it?!" Arashi roared while Hidan blinked at him before shrugging nonchalantly.

"Yeah. Pretty much. The money thing is this asshole's thing though."

"Hidan, the more time you waste the further our target gets away."

Kakazu spoke while Arashi took another step forward, "Don't you bastards walk away!" The former samurai roared while Hidan sighed.

"Hey dumbass, do me a favor and live alright? You seem fun, I'll do that 'let you get stronger' thing and then kill you. Might as well make it fun right? See ya."

Hidan said while he reluctantly followed Kakazu who both walked away from Arashi who took another step before hitting the ground.

"Damn it!"

Arashi roared while the two Akasuki members walked away from him on the ground while the man growled. "I'll kill you. You monsters! I'll kill you all!" Arashi yelled after the two men that disappeared from sight, the black-haired man then allowed himself to pass out.

That word again.

It truly came back to haunt him once more.

Arashi over the span of more years had visited more places and fought more battles slowly making his way back to the Land of Iron. The place he once called home. A snowstorm blew in while Arashi rode a horse through the snow toward a large capital building in the Land of Iron.

It would start from here.

The way that the world would find peace.

Arashi rode his horse into the capital where he was escorted to a room filled with multiple officials and the Shogun himself.

"Nobuzagi… so you returned. Why have you broken your exile?"

The now older Shogun spoke while Arashi kneeled before the man, he looked up spotting Koga at the table before he looked toward the Shogun again.

"My lord… What do you believe true peace is?"

Arashi spoke while the older Shogun gave the black-haired man a look, meanwhile in the hallway Mifune made his way to the Shogun's room. He was away but he heard as soon as he returned that someone, he hadn't seen in many years had returned.

"Arashi."

Mifune almost sounded happy as he made his way toward the room to see the young man who was now certainly older and more experienced. He couldn't wait to ask him how he was doing.

Mifune would never get the chance to.

The older samurai opened the door while a smile was on his face.

"Arashi-"

Mifune was interrupted by the sound of Arashi's blade taking the old Shogun's head off of his shoulders. Mifune paused looking toward Arashi's cold black eyes while he sheathed his blade, slowly Arashi looked toward the older samurai.

"Ah. Mifune."

Arashi spoke while Mifune's eyes widened in horror, "Arashi! What have you done?!" Mifune yelled while the rest of the room looked toward the former samurai and kneeled.

"For the sake of peace, Old friend… I do what I must. I'm sorry."

Arashi spoke while Mifune glared toward him, for a moment he saw the young man he had sent away with his last tidbit of advice. That image was quickly burned away into the current older Arashi who looked toward him almost sadly.

"I… I can't allow you to do this."

Mifune spoke while Arashi looked toward the table, "I know." The man spoke while several samurai in the room drew their swords looking toward Mifune.

"Mifune…"

Arashi trailed off while he looked toward the older man whom he still respected to that day as the word that rolled off of his tongue came from the bottom of his gut.

"Live."

Arashi said while the samurai began to pursue Mifune who dashed while being chased down by the men. Arashi looked toward the Shogun's seat standing in front of it before he looked toward the rest of the room.

"Arashi… what shall we do now?"

Koga spoke, hiding his look of disgust from Arashi's sight while the black-haired man looked out of the window.

"We prepare for war, for the sake of peace."

Arashi spoke firmly while Koga looked toward him while the black-haired man looked seriously out of the window. For a moment he could see Yuri and Taro playing in the snow before he closed his eyes, making them disappear.

"This world deserves that."

...

"I couldn't expect you to understand for one moment, Shinobi. I've seen this world and the horrors it brings. That the ninja bring."

Arashi spoke while the heat rolled off of him was hot enough that Naruto felt it pushing on him like it was a wall.

"For their sake. For the sake of the world. I cannot fall! Not to the likes of you! I'll use every bit of strength in my body to kill you! I'll end this war and all unnecessary death! A true peace!"

Arashi spoke while he crouched with both of his blades, his Fire Stance was unlike Amanai's while hers was a graceful strength.

Arashi's was a burning fury.

Naruto barely had time to react before he was slammed against with a burning explosion, the blonde flew backward before he recovered in midair.

"Roaring-"

Naruto was cut off before he could even finish his stance by Arashi suddenly appearing in front of him slamming his blade blonde blocked it before he was slammed against another heated explosion, Naruto rolled while Arashi stomped toward him.

Snow vaporized and the grass underneath burnt with every step that he took forward to Naruto, Arashi lifted one of his blades, slashing toward the ninja from a distance. Naruto leaned barely doing the heat of the slash before it exploded behind him in a fireball, the blonde quickly shifted into Brave Moon Stance while Arashi crashed into him.

The general stomped his foot to the ground before he swung heavily and quickly against Naruto's guard while the blonde blocked with all of his strength. Naruto coughed as a foot kicked into his gut, Arashi brought his sword downward while his dark eyes glared toward the blonde.

"Fire Stance: Incineration."

The man spoke while the fire around his blade burned hotter as it slammed against Naruto's position sending a massive plume of fire into the air.

Naruto flew backward from the explosion most of his armor had been destroyed leaving his cut up blue undershirt exposed while his damaged armor top clung to his left side. The sheer amount of power behind his stance was far beyond that of Judon's Earth Stance, the heat pounded at Naruto from a distance while Arashi continued to approach.

"What's wrong Shinobi? You're cowering. What happened to your resolve?"

Arashi spoke while the sound barrier broke in front of him while he blocked Naruto's fast strike with his sword. Naruto pushed as hard as he could, sending Arashi backward slightly before he landed on his foot, spinning off of his heel.

"Dancing Moon Stance: Crescent Moon!"

The blonde yelled while he began his assault against Arashi who's eyes scanned the boy who began his more fluid attacks. Slowly Arashi began to deflect and dodge the blonde's attacks while walking forward pushing the ninja backward as he continued to attack.

Arashi stabbed his longer blade toward Naruto who quickly stopped his movements shifting into Brave Moon Stance to counter the stab before he switched to Roaring Moon Stance to attack again, sending Arashi flying backward.

"You're beginning to improve during the fight, Shinobi. Impressive, but it's not enough."

Arashi spoke while Naruto blocked another attack again that exploded on contact while the general continued to slam his attacks aggressively against the blonde.

Naruto struggled to keep up with Arashi as the man struck at him furiously, the rage in his blows enhanced them. The blonde began to feel himself slip, while the general pushed against him firmly before he swung hard enough for his slash to cut into Naruto.

The blonde coughed before he flipped recovering in midair, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Naruto yelled, summoning multiple clones. The clones landed while Naruto landed on his feet, Arashi glared toward the blonde and his clones while they began to dash toward him.

"Water Stance!"

"Fire Stance!"

Two clones yelled out while they blasted toward Arashi their blades ignited with fire and water while the general took another step closer to them, the two other clones dashed along the two rushing before they jumped to both of Arashi's blindspots surrounding the man.

"Roaring Moon Stance: Moonslice!"

"Dancing Moon Stance: Crescent Moon!"

The clones yelled while all four of them attacked at Arashi all at once the general moved quickly, swiping his burning blades at the Water Stance clone, evaporating the water on its blade into steam before slashing through it before the one with Fire Stance spun kicking at the black-haired man.

Arashi grabbed the clone quickly, swinging it into the clone that collided with it while it was in the middle of Roaring Moon Stance, the general then swung his blade cutting through both of them while the following explosion sent the Dancing Moon Stance staggering backward.

The clone regained its footing before its fluid attacks cut through the air swinging toward Arashi who dodged through the stream of flowing attacks with ease before he stabbed one of his blades into the clone engulfing it in fire before it exploded into smoke.

Arashi turned his head toward the ground as it broke open revealing Naruto coming out of it with a swing directly in front of the general while the man glared toward the blonde, the teen's attack never reached the man as he felt superhot air slam into him.

The blonde hit the ground while Arashi's glare pushed the superhot air into him pushing him into the ground with just a look, the dirt broke apart around Naruto before he puffed into smoke. The general turned again while the real Naruto held a Rasengan in his hand.

"Rasengan!"

Naruto yelled while he slammed the chakra sphere into Arashi, the chakra from the jutsu swirled violently while the general stared the blonde down. Naruto pushed his Rasengan but it still didn't reach Arashi merely pushing against the super-hot air around the man.

The ninja's feet slid backward while Arashi took a step toward him glaring at the blonde, Naruto gritted his teeth while he continued to push the Rasengan. The teen's eyes widened when he saw the heat ignite the chakra of his Rasengan making it glow red with the flames before it blew apart.

Arashi slammed a fist against Naruto's face causing another explosion while Mifune and the rest of the two armies looked toward the raging fight in shock. The sheer amount of power Arashi was demonstrating was beyond what any of them could have imagined, it was pure rage and unadulterated fury.

"Shinobi, what does true peace mean to you?"

Arashi spoke while Naruto growled trying to strike at the general against who deflected his blows before elbowing the blonde in the face. Arashi then slashed at the air causing another explosion that sent Naruto crashing into the ground.

Naruto rolled while Arashi glared toward the boy who formed hand signs, "Wind Style: Great Gale Redirection!" the blonde yelled before he aimed at Arashi blasting the man with a powerful blast of wind from his palms.

"What would somebody like you even know about peace? You, a shinobi raised in a world of death? To kill for peace, to maim for peace. To desire for peace no matter the cost!"

Arashi yelled while his hair whipped in the wind before he stomped forward forcing his way through the wind blast before Naruto released the jutsu right when the general was right in front of him causing him to stagger. Naruto took advantage of the opening and swung again before the general blocked it, spinning with his blades cutting into Naruto again.

"I have seen the ugliness of this world and what you ninja would do to control it! What would you know about loss?! What did you lose that caused you to swing your sword?!"

Arashi yelled while the blonde was slammed against by another explosion, Naruto flew backward before his back slammed into the ground. "Wind Style: Gale Palm!" the blonde yelled while he quickly stood back up smacking the man's chest with palm sending a direct wind blast against his form.

Arashi gritted his teeth as he took the attack while two kunai flew past his face, they both glowed brightly before they exploded. Naruto dashed into the explosion jumping into the air in Dancing Moon Stance before slashing into the smoke.

"To kill and die for no reason other than it is what you must do! For your greed! The lives that you've taken, all for nothing!"

Arashi yelled again while Naruto was blasted out of the smoke hitting the ground, he quickly stood up before he entered Roaring Moon Stance, attacking the general again while they clashed violently. Naruto could feel it, Arashi was completely overpowering him while he couldn't feel himself even budging the man.

Arashi's fury grew, his strength along with it as Naruto was beginning to lose against the wrathful man. "Come on Naruto…" Kurotsuchi spoke from the sideline while the samurai from both forces watched the fierce battle of flames roar into the sky.

Naruto tried shifting into Water Stance, but it was shattered immediately before he was slashed into again. He continued to shift between his stances facing off against Arashi, but the blonde was no longer able to reach the man.

Another explosion sent Naruto flying backward while the general shoulder checked the boy slashing into him again.

"My honor! My home! My family! My friends! The cost of it all! For this peace! Nothing that you could ever understand! That's why you'll die here, shinobi!"

Arashi roared before Naruto barely blocked another strike before the man slammed both his blades into the ninja's sword.

Flames exploded while Naruto could barely stand, "Stand with pride, Shinobi. While my heart is filled with rage, it is also filled with respect. You have fought well." Arashi spoke while the orange and red flames around his blade became completely red while Naruto felt the heat intensify.

"Roaring Moon Stance: New Moon!"

Naruto yelled while launching the air blast at Arashi who took with little effect other than the flames roaring and growing around him. Arashi moved quickly leaving a trail of flames in his wake as he shoulder bashed the blonde, Naruto staggered while the blades swung at him quickly.

"I will never forget you. I hope your kind eyes become more common with the peace your death will bring to this world…"

Arashi spoke while his swing made contact with the blonde, a light began to glow from the white-hot strike while the general spoke.

"Fire Stance: Wrath."

Arashi said while the light engulfed both swordsmen in a blinding light before a massive explosion of flames shook the ground.

"Naruto!"

Kurotsuchi yelled while the massive gust of hot air knocked her and the other bystanders over while almost all the snow in the snowfield vaporized around them.

A slash filled with fury burned through all it had met.

{...}

Arashi stood looking toward where his slash had landed while the sound of feet stomping against grass approached.

"YOU BASTARD!"

Kurotsuchi roared while her Fire Stance roared to life while she flew toward him, the general looked toward the girl before he deflected her strike. Kurotsuchi landed while she went to attack again but the heat from Arashi's blade was already near her neck.

"Lightning Stance: Thunderstrike!"

Mifune yelled as the lighting quick movement just barely saved the girl from being beheaded by his sword.

"Kurotsuchi… Mifune… I understand how you must feel. I too had to face the cost of peace for this world. He was a brilliant fighter, worthy of being called a warrior."

Arashi spoke while Kurotsuchi growled, "I'll kill you! I swear I'll kill you!" The girl yelled while Mifune stood between her and Arashi.

"Arashi, I failed you. That day, I left you with a cruel word as you went out into a cruel world. I never stopped to understand you. I'm sorry."

Mifune spoke while Kurotsuchi looked toward the older man while Arashi pointed his sword toward the samurai.

"Then allow me to bring you the peace you sought in life with your death."

Arashi spoke while Mifune held his blade out toward the man, "I'm killing him, Mifune! Move!" The girl yelled while the older man gave her a look.

"Forgive me Kurotsuchi, I cannot. This shame and his fury belong to me as well. They too are my responsibility."

Mifune spoke while Arashi sighed before his samurai began to rush toward them, Mifune's forces were ready to defend them while the general looked toward the pair.

"I'll remember you… both of you. Your sorrow and hatred I'll carry it with me. The peace that will come with your deaths shall make it all worth it. Everything."

Arashi spoke while the roar of both the samurai and Arashi's forces filled the air before they all stopped. Kurotsuchi's eyes widened along with Mifune's as they both looked past Arashi, the general gave them a look of confusion before he turned his head.

Arashi's eyes widened while he looked toward the same direction they did, standing in a crater of his own was the shinobi.

Naruto.

The blonde stood while panting as the armor on his body had nearly completely fallen apart while he was bloodied and tattered. Arashi looked toward the blonde in shock while Naruto took a pain-filled step forward while he lifted a finger to point at him.

"The person who made this armor… she wants revenge on you. The person who taught me how to use this sword… he wants the war to end. The person that I cherish… She just wants to go home. These people, they… they just want to be free."

Naruto spoke while Arashi turned toward him fully while the blonde clenched his fist.

"If you think I'm going to die before doing any of those things… you got another thing coming. I decided that."

Naruto spoke while Arashi growled, "Just fall, Shinobi! I'll end the rest! The war can end!" The general roared while the blonde shook his head before getting into his Roaring Moon Stance.

"Nah… I don't think I will."

Naruto spoke while Arashi shook in anger before the heat exploded off of him again knocking everyone around him over. "Naruto…" Kurotsuchi trailed off while the blonde looked toward the general who dashed toward him leaving flames in his wake.

"Brave Dancing Moon: Night."

Arashi clashed with Naruto whose first strike was a study counter before a quick powerful slash came from his blade instantly after it. The general felt Naruto's blade clash against his, extinguishing the heat that came off of his body while a cut suddenly appeared on his chest.

Arashi staggered backward while Naruto dashed toward him, "Fire Stance: Incineration!" The general ignited with the intense flames while he struck at Naruto.

"Brave Roaring Moon: Daybreak."

The blonde said while his blade caught the blow before he pushed against it launching Arashi into the air while extinguishing the heat again.

"What?!"

Arashi yelled while Naruto blasted into the air directly in front of him, the blonde spun before swinging his blade.

"Dancing Roar: Moonlight."

Naruto spoke before he slashed his blade against Arashi's sending him crashing back down into the ground, the general tried to stand up but another second impact crushed him into the ground further. Naruto landed while Arashi stood up adopting his Fire Stance again before he blasted toward the blonde who clashed against his blade.

Arashi's heat was being extinguished with each clash against Naruto's sword they exchanged between them.

Arashi was launched backward while Naruto glared toward him. During the fight immense amounts of pressure were constantly on the blonde who did his best to adapt as quickly as possible.

However, his limits had been reached once Arashi applied pressure that Naruto couldn't push back against.

This caused whatever limit that the blonde currently had on him to tremble.

Until they cracked.

'Combined Moon Stances? That's not possible.'

Arashi thought to himself as he clashed against Naruto again who shifted into his Brave Roaring Moon Stance countering with tremendous power before slashing another attack into him. Arashi felt Naruto beginning to catch up and overtake him as they continued to clash violently with their swords. Naruto deflected a slash from Arashi before sliding past the man with his blade causing several slashes to open up on the general.

His Fire Stance no longer stood a chance.

"Shinobi! You still persist! Even after all of this?! Do you truly believe that peace is possible in your world?! With your people?!"

Arashi yelled while Naruto looked back toward him without a single word while the general growled. "Naruto!" Arashi roared while his blades crackled with lighting and water aggressively before they fused on his blade.

"Storm Stance: Thunder's Wake!"

Arashi flashed toward Naruto who managed to counter the strike, the pair of swordsmen then began to clash again in the middle of the field as their strikes shook the grass violently.

"Naruto! Your world is flawed and marked by death and hatred! Your countrymen fight for only the gain of their lands with no other purpose!"

Arashi yelled while he kicked the wordless Naruto backward, "Storm Stance: Typhoon Splitter!" The general roared while the blonde blocked the heavy strike with Brave Dance before slashing back toward the man.

"It's filled with nothing but pain! Pointless deaths! The world that I want to make is better than that! More generous than that!"

Arashi roared while the blonde continued to clash against the man without saying a word to him, still focusing on the fight.

"What I do, I do for the world! I lost my honor for it! The life that I made! I take on this burden because I understand their pain! Their losses! Their fury! They deserve peace!"

Arashi yelled while Naruto was beginning to slip against the general who struck faster and harder, beginning to close the gap between himself and Naruto aggressively.

"It appears that even now you still cannot understand! You are a shinobi! You will still lose, Naruto!"

Arashi roared while he twisted his blade slamming it against Naruto's guard heavily causing the blonde to slide backward.

"You still lack Discipline!"

Arashi yelled while he jabbed his sword forward, clashing against Naruto's sword, making him slip further.

"You still lack Strength!"

Arashi yelled before slamming his blade heavily against Naruto's before the general twisted his blade in his hands.

"Storm Stance: Susanoo's Spear!"

The sky cracked like thunder while storm clouds formed at the heavy swing Arashi slammed against Naruto's blade, breaking his guard completely. Arashi spun, stabbing his blade directly in the middle of the blonde's chest, running his blade through the blonde until the hilt touched his chest.

"NARUTO!"

Kurotsuchi screamed from far behind both swordsmen while Arashi looked into the blonde boy's blue eyes.

"You still lack Conviction."

Arashi spoke while Naruto coughed up blood before he leaned forward a little still on Arashi's blade impaled into him.

"Between us the one with the stronger will was you… carry this strength with you as you move forward shinobi."

"One day your strength will be what changes this world.."

"You were all… my dream come true…."

"However, it is impossible for man to ever become as free as the wind…"

A hand gripped onto Arashi's wrist whose hand was still on his hilt while his eyes widened slowly Naruto's feet planted back on the ground as he pushed himself against the general's blade slowly pulling the blade out of himself.

Arashi tried to push against Naruto's hand, but he wasn't able to budge the blonde as he continued pulling out the sword. Naruto was standing on his feet now while Arashi from the sheer amount of strength that the blonde was pulling the blade out with brought him to his knees.

Arashi looked toward the blonde in shock while Naruto was now standing above him pulling the rest of the general's sword out of him.

"Brat… the limit of my chakra you could draw ran out… yet."

The Nine Tailed Fox huffed while he looked up toward a cracking Iron Seal. "You just had to go and make me look like a liar." The fox spoke with a grin on his face while Naruto kicked Arashi backward while the wound on his chest healed.

The blonde narrowed his blue eyes at Arashi who stood back to his feet, his eyes landed on the mark on the blonde's chest that now had cracks in it.

"That's not…"

Arashi spoke while Naruto lifted his sword, narrowing his eyes toward the shocked general. Those cracks that had formed on those limits that Arashi's attack put on the ninja could only hold for so long now…

Naruto had shattered them.

"It makes sense."

Naruto spoke while Arashi lifted his second blade to slash toward the blonde who swiped his sword in the air. The wind that made contact with his blade shattered it while Arashi watched the fragments of it fly past him.

Roaring Moon, Dancing Moon, Brave Moon. They were never supposed to be different stances at all, all of this time Naruto had been using them the wrong way.

Calling them the wrong name.

"Shinobi!"

Arashi yelled while he dashed toward Naruto with his Iron Treasure cloaking in lightning and water while the blonde lifted his blade.

"Wind Stance: Formless Gale."

Naruto blasted from his spot violently clashing against Arashi completely shattering the man's poise. The general tried to defend against his strikes, but Naruto's movements had become even more fluid than before almost perfectly cutting through the air with little to no resistance and even stronger.

Each of his movements flowed into each other perfectly without pause while Arashi had to constantly defend against the boy who swung with wind blowing around him."Lightning Stance: Susanoo's Spear!" The sky filled with thunder clouds while Arashi swung his blade toward Naruto who swung his own blade.

"Wind Stance: Song of the Breeze!"

Naruto yelled while he deflected the lightning and water filled slash Arashi then felt a blast of wind slam against him before the blonde dashed, slashing at him. Multiple slashes of wind cut into the general who screamed before he hit the ground, while Naruto looked toward him.

"Arashi. I didn't have words I wanted to say to you because you were right… for a moment I couldn't understand you…"

Naruto spoke while the bloodied general stood up, "Storm Stance: Typhoon Splitter!" The man roared while he unleashed the powerful attack while the blonde ran toward it flowing through the attack while the wind followed him.

"But I do now, you see… you and I we're both losers. We've lost things on that road, things that we lost and had to deal with losing by ourselves."

Naruto spoke while he slashed Arashi again who hit the ground before getting up with a furious expression in his eyes. "SHINOBI!" Arashi roared while Naruto clashed swords with the hell-bent man again while the blonde continued to push him back.

They clashed again creating a massive explosion that shook the field they were standing in before they both launched toward the sky, Arashi's roars sounded like thunder while his and Naruto's blade clashing in the air sent flashes of lightning everywhere and cracked the sky with thunderous booms. Arashi fought against Naruto as hard as possible before the boy deflected a slash launching the general toward the ground.

Arashi landed while Naruto landed calmly in front of him walking toward the growling general who started slashing his blade in the air launching storm chakra slashes at the blonde who evenly cut through them all with his wind covered ones.

"It must have been so lonely… Arashi, your rage, your burden, your pain. I'll take it all on me and bear it for you. All of it because I get it... I understand your pain."

Naruto kicked the man backward while the general growled, lightning crackled from the sky before slamming on his sword as he rushed the blonde in blind fury yelling as he approached. Slowly Naruto's sword became a brush while the surroundings became an empty page of white paper.

"Pretend the sword is a brush."

Naruto slashed his sword in a stroke of the ink brush cutting in the same direction of the stroke before another stroke was made. The calligraphy Naruto was practicing visualized itself in his movements with the sword while Arashi struggled against the blonde. The general slid backward before igniting his blade with Fire Stance, "Fire Stance: Wrath!" the man yelled as he launched the white-hot slash at Naruto before he quickly shifted back into Storm Stance

"Storm Stance: Typhoon Splitter!"

Arashi launched another storm chakra covered slash at the white-hot flame one while Naruto watched the attacks combine and explode toward him, the blonde cut several strokes into the air with his blade before he made contact with the two slashes. "Wind Stance: Rumbling Gust." the blonde spoke while he caught the attacks on his wind covered blade.

The blonde rotated while guiding the attacks on his blade cutting more calligraphy stroke into the air before Arashi slowly watched the attacks create a massive tornado of fire, water, lightning, and wind roar to life around the teen. Naruto did a somersaulted inside the tornado before he launched it back at Arashi who got into Storm Stance.

The general barely caught the entire storm slamming against him with his crackling blade before he roared launching it back toward Naruto, the blonde dashed toward the storm with the wind chasing him before he spun in the air catching the storm on his blade before launching it back toward Arashi. The general's blade made contact with the storm while Naruto landed in front of him.

The swordsmen's blades collided while the swirling vortex of explosive chakra circled around them, with each blow they redirected it to one another keeping the storm moving in it's circle before Arashi deflected a slash from Naruto swinging toward the blonde with his fist. The teen caught his punch with his forearm before grabbing onto the man's wrist tugging at him before kneeing his side.

Arashi staggered from the blow while the blonde jumped in the kicking against the man's body with three circular wind covered kicks, the general fell backward while lifted his arm. A small gust of wind pushed the man toward the blonde who placed two fingers on his chest before slamming his fist into it, Arashi coughed before he was launched out of the swirling vortex.

Arashi gritted his teeth while he looked down at the circular storm, "SHINOBI!" The man roared before he entered his Fire Stance engulfing his body with ferocious heat, "Fire Stance: Incinerate!" the man yelled as he launched the flame toward the spiraling storm. The fire made contact with the vortex causing a massive explosion.

The general looked down at the large plume of smoke before his eyes widened, Naruto cut through the smoke slamming his fist into the bottom of his jaw in an upper cut from the ground while his clothes were still smoking the rest of his chest plate had been torn away.

"Thank you Arashi… you've given me a new dream. Despite everything you've done, I couldn't do it without you."

Naruto spoke while the large crowd looked toward the general and Naruto in the air, Arashi roared weaving his sword into the air with aggressive movements while the water and Lightning on his blade intensified, he slammed the attack against Naruto's blade sending them both to the ground in a massive crash.

Arashi looked toward the bloodied teen who was still holding his sword defiantly, "I'LL KILLL YOU, FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE. SHINOBI! JUST FALL!" the general roared while he and Naruto clashed blades again with wind and storm swirling violently around each other.

The general felt himself tiring, his limits he had hit them a long time ago, but he couldn't stop fighting. Naruto met him with just as much force not backing down at all the Arashi felt himself continuing to slip. He was losing steam and running out of Chakra while he could tell Naruto was too. He could see it was taking the blonde everything he had to face him.

Why?

After everything Arashi had lost, that the ninja took from him. That gave him his strength, his fury and their vengeance. That should have made him stronger than any of them, he had to be.

Or else they could never rest in peace.

Yet, Naruto had adopted the freedom of the wind itself to continue to face him. Naruto wasn't backing down at all, the boy was burning through himself, and he still faced him. There wasn't even a hint of anger on the teen's face just those kind eyes even now trying to reach him.

He was a ninja.

A monster made man.

Why was he trying so hard just to reach him?

"When the time comes, you will have to face yourself… once you do. Then you will truly understand exactly why our wills are carried by a man considered our enemy."

Arashi heard Koga's words echo through his head while he watched Naruto continuing to clash against his blade, in those blue eyes he could see it, that gleam of life of a man pushing and fighting for what he believed in.

His eyes looked like a brighter version of his own.

Arashi felt his blade get deflected while Naruto's eyes looked into his own, the general's eyes watered with tears while he looked into the eyes of the blonde who still had nothing but kindness in them.

"I HATE THEM. I HATE THEM SO DAMN MUCH!!"

The tears in Arashi's eyes evaporated into steam while he glared toward Naruto, the vision of his wife's hate filled face filling his vision while he deflected a strike from Naruto. "I have too! I have to kill you all! I PROMISED!" Arashi roared before the lightning, water and fire intensified on his blade before his movements with his sword shifted into a different stance.

"Formless Stance: Yuri's Sorrow!"

Arashi yelled with a desperate look in his eyes while his stance carried in it nothing but fury and hatred as he clashed against Naruto with his blade, "Everything! I'll end you using MY EVERYTHING!" The general yelled while the blonde pushed against the strike.

"There you go... give it all to me. I'm strong enough to take it now. For me and for you."

Naruto spoke before Arashi was blasted backward while Naruto slashed his blade into the air forming the character '和' in the air before the air slashes slammed in the general. Naruto swung his blade clashing against the general breaking Arashi's guard while the blonde held out one of his palms away the hilt of his sword.

Slowly yellow streaks began to fly around Naruto in the wind before he dashed toward Arashi, red streaks soon joined the yellow streaks swirling around him while slowly a Rasengan formed in Naruto's open palm. The chakra swirled peacefully and violently in the sphere in his palm the teen then placed his Rasengan against the hilt of his sword causing the chakra to run through it. The warmth of the chakra went through the blade while the yellow and red streaks began to combine into an orange color spiral around the teen and his sword Kaze no Yakusoku slowly building in strength.

The winds forming a spiral around his blade stuck closer to it, the wind began to cut into Naruto's own blade engraving multiple wind shapes and finally a spiral into the metal.

"There's no way…"

Arashi spoke while the blonde attacked, the spiraling winds completely covered his blade as he swung it hard against Arashi's, the general could fell the full brunt of the warmth and ferocity of the winds coming off of Naruto's slash, "I can't... I CAN'T LOSE!" the general yelled while he pushed against Naruto's blade with even more force while darker and heavier thunder clouds in the sky formed launching navy-blue colored lightning that struck against his blade cloaking it in the dark colored chakra.

"Formless Stance: ARASHI NO KANASHIMI!"

Arashi pushed send lightning strikes all over the battlefield crushing and cracking the ground around them while he roared pushing against Naruto's sword. Naruto planted his foot pushing his sword upward splitting the lightning on Arashi's blade disarming him, the general watched his sword fly backward stabbing into the ground before he looked toward Naruto with a somber expression.

Arashi saw Sasaki giving him an unreadable look while the general thought back to the things that he had done. The village he cut through to get to the ninja, slaughtering the ninja that took his home, attacking his own countrymen and harming them for the sake of his beliefs. His discipline, his strength, and his will. The places where they carried his blade...

'They were never what you were truly asking of me that day with your peace... were they?'

Arashi thought to himself while he looked toward the kind look still in Naruto's eyes while the blonde jumped in the air right in front of him spinning with that orange wind swirling around him gracefully. The general huffed before he closed his eyes with a content look on his face while Naruto swung his blade downward as the winds spiraled powerfully around his sword.

"Formless Stance: Brave Dance of the Roaring Tempest!"

Naruto roared while he brought down his sword the ground exploded from the impact while the winds knocked everyone over. The storm clouds that had formed in the sky had been split by the slash completely cutting them open and allowing the clear blue sky under them to be revealed. Along with the bright sunlight.

Slowly Arashi opened his eyes, standing in front of him was an exhausted and bloodied Naruto while he looked at the teen in surprise. The general looked at the massive split in the ground beside him before he looked toward Naruto again with a confused look.

"Why?"

Arashi asked while Naruto looked at his sword before he looked back into the general's eyes with his warm ocean blue ones. "My dream…" Naruto spoke while the general looked at the exhausted blonde while he weakly looked in Arashi's eyes.

"I want to create a world… where someone can die not surrounded by the people that they hate..."

Naruto spoke while Arashi's eyes widened at the boy while he saw, Amanai, Judon, Koga, and even his master Sasaki standing behind the boy now bathed in golden sunlight.

"But surrounded by the people that they love…"

Naruto finished while Arashi began to tear up while the blonde closed his eyes before falling to the ground beside Arashi who looked at the teen in shock. Arashi slowly looked toward Kurotsuchi who had started running toward them both while Mifune's forces and his army of samurai also approached them.

"This war is over, Naruto…"

Arashi spoke while he stared toward the unconscious blonde that took slow breaths while the general gave him a nod.

"I've lost completely."