Alright, 2nd part and last of the Nadeshiko Arc, and next chapter will refocus on the present.

I've made a decision to reverse one thing in this chapter, by having one character not having a death too soon.

1516

Land of Water

Nadeshiko Forest

After a few days had passed, things were changing in these forests.

It being night, the movement was spotted, with hundreds of armed bandits seen walking alongside the road, they all had been marching towards the main path that led them straight to Nadeshiko. Tired as they were now doing this for hours at a time without taking a break, showing they were not prepared for the long run. In fact, most of these bandits were armed with swords, pitchforks, and the usual weaponry that they used to loot and burn anything in their paths, with only a few of them having managed to get their hands on some firearms. Some of these bandits were so unprepared that they were even walking barefoot or with sandals, while others were barely even carrying any real protective gear or were just dressed for the weather.

But that did not deter them from going on their usual path of criminality, as it was proven with the burned-down settlement that they passed by. With smoldering smoke hanging in the air with all the buildings set on fire.

"Found something!" One bandit was seen running out of an abandoned building, holding onto a trench coat. "I can use this for when it's a rainy day…"

*BOOM!* *BOOM!* *BOOM!*

The sound of booming caused the bandits in the front to stop, confused by the sound of a loud explosion coming from afar.

"What was that?"

"Shh…Let me hear." One bandit said as he tried to listen in carefully. "That sounds like…"

The sound of those echoing booms turned silent as at first it looked like it was over, until then the sound of something falling.

*Whistling!*

"...OFF THE ROAD!" The bandit shouted. "TAKE COVER!"

*BOOM!*

One large explosion erupted into the road, erupting the dirt road upwards with anything nearby sent flying off from the impact.

"Get down!" Get down!"

"What's going on-"

*BOOM!*

This time a whole group of bandits got caught in the second explosion, with no survivors seen in sight, with the exception of several bodies seen flown to the side of the road and even into the bushes.

As they came closer, multiple explosions erupted across the road, with bandits seen hitting the ground for cover or seen scattering around, only expanding their chances of getting hit.

*BOOM!*

Screams of men being slung away as those hit by whatever was exploding, it caused some of them to be shredded to pieces with some losing their limbs before they even hit the ground. With the earth underneath these hordes of criminals continuing to erupt in chaos for them, the decision was already made.

"Leave the village! Get out!"

"It's a trap!"

"Run!"

In a matter of moments, dozens were running away, either retreating or to whatever direction they thought was safe, with those left behind being the dead and dying as they were soon met with more explosions that shortened their chances of survival.

Like rats, they all went out for themselves. Not knowing what just happened.

…

A few miles off, just a good distance away. The effects of the artillery bombardment were being witnessed by a forward unit of the Damned Raiders, an observer unit that had coordinated the strikes on the abandoned village. The leader is seen holding his binoculars over his eyes and watching the results at first hand.

"And sarge?" Huxley asked, holding onto his machine gun rifle in his cover. "Is it a hit?"

"Not just a hit, Huxley, it made them run," McCullin said before he turned to his radioman and ordered him. "Guzzo, call it in. Tell them those bandits are running."

Nodding, Guzzo grabbed a hold of the horn of his radio and began to call it in with Dixon providing his cover.

"Recon 1 to Command, Nadeshiko to Command, over."

Nadeshiko Village

While chaos was erupting in one village, in here it was the calm that was present here with the new batch of arrivals seen coming towards the main entrance.

The new arrivals were the displaced citizens of the local settlements that they had to abandon, with many of these hundreds of folks seeking to find refuge in the Shinobi village they were neighbors with.

*BOOM!*

Some shrieking and ducking were visible for the sudden hard sounds, with them turning to the source of it, seeing where it came from.

The 155 mm GPF artillery cannons were seen firing their last shells for now, as they'd been firing the past ten minutes without a pause.

"Cease fire, cease fire." The commanding officer shouted to the artillery guys. "That's enough for now."

"Send a runner to the Captain."

…

Infirmary

*Beep…beep…beep.*

The sound was coming from the heart monitor with the patient whose vitals were being followed, the patient was the recon marine who was in pretty bad shape and was just finished going through surgery with it ended in a narrow success. After hours, this marine was going to make a good recovery after nearly a full day of surgery.

"He's going to make it for now." One of the field doctors said to his colleagues. "Escort the marine to the cellar."

"Yes sir."

"Well get a move on it."

The assisting medics began to prepare and move the stabilized patient out of the infirmary medical tent. Passing by the other marine who was being treated by a secondary doctor.

"Ensign Eliza. You're on the better hand." The military doctor said to the woman lying on the stretcher putting an IV infusion into her. "No vitals hit but I'm not taking any risks. You'll be going down to the cellar."

"My colleague… Edward."

"You'll be accompanying him soon, ma'am," Bishop said. "The information you provided is enough for you to take a break."

"I-uh!" Eliza grunted at her words, unable to verbalize. "I need to debrief…agh…"

"Ma'am. I beg you not to protest." Naruto said talking to the female marine, trying to convince her. "We'll handle it from here. You just rest."

It was then the short-haired Eliza accidentally looked into the eyes of the blond and stared without intention to do so, finding herself calm.

"... Alright then."

Naruto smiled at her before turning to the doctor. "You can move her, doc."

Not wasting any more time, the doctor and the medics moved up the stretcher and began moving the female Intelligence Marine out of the infirmary towards the cellar. With her and the other marine alive now.

"What is it with you and women, kid?" Bishop asked with a grin. "For some reason, you got the charms with them."

"Not this again," Naruto said, being irritated at this. "I'm just being nice, that's all."

"Yes, to every woman who has even the slightest hint of being dangerous," Bishop replied to the Lieutenant. "The moment you found out she took out a few bandits with a pistol, you were already interested."

"And I'm out."

…

Seen walking out of the tent, Naruto and Bishop were met with the sight of the recent arrivals of refugees. Mainly those from the leftover settlements that now have poured into the fortified village.

The ones he spotted were children, with some even being led by other children who were in their pre-teens. A saddening sight to witness.

"Recent arrivals," Bishop explained as he shook at the poor sight. "Mostly just normal folks trying to live their lives. Heard among them were orphans."

This deep down infuriated Naruto. Only able to watch now as he watched the civilians being led by the Nadeshiko villagers and Kunoichi toward the shelters in the underground. Relying on the generosity of the same people he now personally had a problem with.

"Sir."

Naruto turned right around together with Bishop to see how they were getting approached by Foster, saluting them before debriefing them with a note he gave them.

"A report from McCullin, sir. They spotted hostile movement in the village just eight miles." There Foster debriefed. "Artillery stalled the advancement of the bandits who were entering the village."

"Results?"

"Multiple fatalities from what's been said. They're on the retreat, but only for now." Foster stated further. "McCullin's men are leaving the area now."

"That settlement is less than ten miles away from here, so I suggest keeping the enemy's tracks for now." Bishop turned to Foster. "Go and radio back the observer team."

Foster saluted before he back to his post, just then when he ran past the approaching Nadeshiko pair of Lady Towika and Shizuka.

"Captain Bishop, Lieutenant Uzumaki." Lady Tokiwa addressed them. "It's time."

"Time for what?"

"Our fight," Shizuka stated, seen holding her hand over her blade. "I will wait no more, it is time to see if you're worthy."

….

"You really don't quit, do you?" Naruto said, sighing. "Fine, you'll get your fight."

Seeing that this was finally happening, Shizuka nodded. "We'll be waiting for you inside."

And like that, both ladies walked back towards the main entrance, leaving me quite confused by this decision.

"Naruto, what are you planning to do?"

"Finishing this nonsense once and for all, that's what I am planning," Naruto said as he turned to his captain. "I've figured it out."

Bishop gave him a look before nodding. "Alright."

Outskirts of Nadeshiko

The first line of defense was the 9th Damned Raiders. The system was interconnected with trenches stretching beyond the horizon. With MG positions seen covering the whole flat area with enough firepower.

Within the back was Vic, seen managing the 50. Cal on the M3 truck. With sandbags having now covered the front of the half-track, the vehicle was seen covering the trenches that were occupied by the men trying to buy off their time doing anything from playing poker to watching the line.

One of them playing was Gin, seen also having a cigarette in his mouth that he had yet to light up. They were playing over a few packs of smokes, a few candy bars, and also some cash. Playing in the front MG nest that overlooks the whole forest.

But from afar - deep in the bushes, they didn't know they were being observed themselves by a sizeable group of bandits who were already in position.

Not knowing what was to come.

Nadeshiko Arena

Inside the arena, it was a big enough room for multiple sparring matches to happen. With enough ground for nearly a dozen Kunoichi to train in and continue to train in the arts of their village's secrets.

Now however it was the battleground to be set for two people: As on one side stood the Village Leader's daughter Shizuka, whilst on the other side was her opponent Naruto Uzumaki, seen removing a few things from him.

*Click!*

Removing from his uniform, Naruto's gun belt with his additional weaponry, grenades, combat knife, and others, he was preparing himself.

"Here, take this," Naruto said giving the gun belt to his captain. "There's no need for me to use this in a fight."

"Alright." Bishop accepted it. "You going for hand-to-hand combat?"

"Yes, I am. It's only fair." Naruto responded as he was now taking off his jacket by first unbuttoning it. "Besides, I would be getting into trouble if I used a gun."

"Why? Because it's unfair?"

"No…because Queen Otohime would kill me if she found out I shot at a woman," Naruto said removing his jacket, thinking about that alone made him shiver. 'That woman is scary."

Once he removed his jacket, the well-muscled upper body of Naruto was visible even with the shirt with the Y-straps, that are hugging his body tightly, with some noticeable comments from the Nadeshiko Kunoichi.

"My oh my…"

"He looks good…"

"Not bad for a donor…"

The comments from the Nadeshiko women on the sides made the blond a bit irritated.

'If the genders were reversed, I bet they'd be wiser with their words.'

'Ignorance is a universal trait.'

'Agreed.'

"Lieutenant Uzumaki."

Turning around, Naruto saw his opponent was already at the other end of the field, with her in the usual clothing she was still wearing. However, she looked like she was about to say something.

"Are you really going to fight in those clothes?" Shizuka asked, looking not even bothered as she held her gloved hand. "Because I will not go easy because you wear your fancy uniform"

Pulling back the sleeves of his shirt, Naruto showed some of his tattoos, not too quick but still harsh to respond.

"I've taken out more people in this uniform than you can imagine, princess. I'll try not to spill your blood on it."

"Stand ready…."

And there the two stood there, one seen very prepared for close combat, while the other looked like he was going to put in the smallest amount of effort to even bring out a blade.

…

"START!"

*FWOOSH!*

Like the fast wind, Shizuka ran at fast speed towards Naruto's position, going on the offensive.

"Nadeshiko Style: Roaring Gale Chop!" Shizuka yelled with her right hand covered with chakra, she was going straight for the chest of her unmoving opponent-

*GRIP!*

Like nothing, her attacking arm got grabbed before it could even touch the chest, grabbed by Naruto's arm that just held her pulse, causing Shizuka to surprise herself with a gasp escaping her mouth.

"W-What?"

Naruto didn't look impressed at all as he just had stopped her attack like it was nothing, but he did however make one remark.

"Well look at this, we got something in common at all."

Shizuka frowned while struggling. "And that is?"

"Simple, we're both Wind users."

Forcing the hand down to the floor, Naruto redirected the chakra-covered attack of Shizuka to crack the ground beneath them.

*CRACK!*

The crack turned into an explosion that turned the ground underneath them into a small crater that forced the two fighters to jump away from one another, with enough room for each of them to plan their next attack.

'Wind Affinity user, of course. She's got the same element as you.'

'I'll know what I am going to do.'

"I'm not done yet!" Shizuka spoke, seen summoning kunais in both her hands. "This is not over."

"Was it even beginning?"

"Nadeshiko Style: Deep Crimson Dance!" Shizuka yelled out her next attack, by throwing a barrage of kunai knives towards Naruto's position.

And in response Naruto just dodged them, just stepping aside, bit by bit, with minimal effort to be shown until-

*CLINK!*

One Kunai basically was slapped away by Naruto's bare hand, causing even more confusion among the watching Kunoichi.

"Did he just-HOW?" One spoke out in disbelief. "Those Kunai are Nadeshiko hand-made, even the slightest cut can be fatal!"

Seeing this happen, Shizuka was slowly running out of options as she saw that not even a scratch was dealt to her opponent. Nor was he seen frightened, or even impressed. Meaning that he was on a whole different level than she first anticipated.

Naruto, however, just then dusted off the dirt off his shirt, the ultimate sign of no concern of what he had just gone through.

'You're not even going to scale up your Haki, aren't you? Pfft, talk about playing.'

'I am not wasting my energy on this, this will be over soon.'

It was then that Shizuka upscaled her efforts, and moved up to go for yet another attack with her Gale Chop attack.

Naruto this time also went on the offensive, as of this time he was seen reaching for something for himself-

*POOF!*

Summoning out from the back of a small scroll, the small blade Tantō he carried with him, ready for the final blow-

*CLASH!*

Both the kunai and the Tantō touched, with Shizuka now seen forced to be on the defensive. As she did not expect, but reacted accordingly to the change of combat.

Even then, in this small stalemate, they were having, the emerald-eyed young Kunoichi noticed something on her opponent's blade, something written.

"Brave the Seas?"

"It's a reminder of what my home is, my real home," Naruto said, still holding the upper hand over the kunoichi to whom he lectured. "This blade is made by those whom I owe my life to. For what they've given me that I always cherish: My freedom."

"But I thought your home was the Hidden Leaf Village." Shizuka was confused and tried to keep her hold on him. "Where your duties reside, your responsibilities, your destiny and-"

"That it is not!"

*CLANK!*

The last comments proved to be fatal as this was enough to make Shizuka lose the grip of her kunai, sending it off into the air as she fell down flat behind on her back, only to then feel the ending tip of the Tantō pointed against her chin.

Widening her eyes, she saw a clearly angered Naruto, who did not hold back on his words to the kunoichi as he continued.

"My home is the seas, where I am free to make my own choices. Where I am not restrained by old traditions and old loyalties. Where I can make my own decisions. Something you should be able to do: to choose who you love."

Hearing the sincerity in his voice, Shizuka was honestly stunned.

"The duel is decided." Lady Tokiwa announced. "Winner is Naruto Uzumaki of the Alabasta Foreign Legion!"

Meanwhile

*Tchk!* *Tchk!* *Tchk!*

Gin wasn't having any luck as his last matches were not working, and he was trying to light up his cigarette, much to the dismay of his poker buddies.

"Come on, Gin, play." Lozano pressed on, holding his own deck of cards. "We're waiting for you."

"Let's just start the game." Another Raider Ryan had already lit up his own and offered a lighter. "Here, let me let me."

"Fine then." Gin raised his own cigarette up close to the lighter. "Here."

"Alright-"

*BANG!*

A loud shot was heard and then the whole line turned into pandemonium.

"ATTACK!"

The command was soon responded to by the sound of hundreds of men who were suddenly heard as hordes of men were seen coming out of the forest over the large empty plains towards the defensive lines. With swords, sticks, and a few rifles, the hundreds of men were charging towards them.

One of the NCO's was heard yelling. "Take your positions!"

In a matter of moments rifles were being grabbed, trenches were being filled with running men and orders were being given. With the Damned Raiders getting into their dugouts and soon firing at the incoming hordes of enemies.

And they were about to reach the first dugout upfront-

*CHI-CHA!*

"Fire!"

*PA!-PA!-PA!-PA!*

Gunfire erupted as the first wave of bandits were seen dropping to the ground with bullets shredding through them, mowed down with those behind them forced to take cover.

The one firing the Vickers Machine Gun from the dugout was Gin, seen firing at the engaging bandits from close range while his ammo holder Lozano was seen tending the bleeding Ryan on the floor who was bleeding from his neck.

"Medic!" Lozano shouted for help. "I need a medic!"

Blood was leaking out of Ryan as he was trembling in fear as he was getting bandages around his neck.

Continuing to fire, another few bandits who were naively brave enough to run into the line of fire soon found themselves filled with holes when they got themselves in the sights of Gin's MG, who did not hesitate to quickly put them down with deadly precision.

Seeing the ammo belt nearly reaching its end

*POP!*

Up in the air a flare was shot, a red one that lightened up the sky bright enough that it could warn the entire area.

Including Nadeshiko Village.

Nadeshiko Village

Now that the duel was over, the arena was slowly emptying itself from the small crowd, with only a handful of people left inside the arena room.

"Here you go, kid."

Naruto was given his gun belt by Bishop, alongside his jacket that he first put on, with him then buckling up the belt around his waist.

"That was a short fight if I may state," Bishop said, pressing on. "But I don't think I need to remind you of what you've gotten yourself into."

"Like what?"

"The fact you're now engaged," Bishop stated the obvious to his second-in-command. "I cannot have one of my best men hitched down here, not in the middle of a war especially."

"Neither do I."

Both officers turned around to see the three Nadeshiko Kunoichi approach them, with Lady Tsuyoi, Lady Tokiwa, and Shizuka, who was seen mentally preparing herself.

"With these results, it's official now. With the student of Jiraiya of the Sannin coming out victorious. The traditions are to be set forward now with Shizuka to be betrothed to Lieutenant Naruto Uzumaki." Lady Tsuyoi stated.

With that, Shizuka was about to say something, so was Naruto to protest this-

"But due to the current situation, the marriage and its consummation is set on hold." The village leader however continued. As Tsuyoi stated. "So that's why, I will ask for permission for Shizuka to join you along the Foreign Legion."

…

"W-" Shizuka looked at her and gasped. "W-What?"

"Excuse me?" Naruto asked, himself confused. "I beg your pardon but what is this?"

"It's decided that even with this engagement being made, it would only be an obstacle to the fact you are playing an essential part in serving in the Expeditionary Force, making it hard to settle in and fulfill your needs." Lady Tsuyoi explained to them in full detail. "That is why instead of having you here in the village, it is for the best that Shizuka will accompany you and the Foreign Legion in your military campaign."

The sudden revelation of plans got both the young Naruto and Shizuka to look at one another.

"Sorry, but I do not agree to this-"

"But I did, and for good reasons," Bishop said intervening before any of the two could really voice their opinion. "For the main reason being we'll be needing the likes of her being amongst our ranks, so to familiarize with the local population."

Naruto asked. "And who came up with that idea?"

"Major Whitehall and High Command itself - I've just received the news from them a few hours ago," Bishop told him to stand foot in front of Naruto. "If you have a problem with it, you can always submit a complaint to them."

…

*BOOM!*

The ceiling chandeliers were shaken up a bit, causing the people inside to be alarmed. Then the door smashed open and it was Foster who entered.

"It's an attack!" The kid shouted. "Bandits are attacking from all sides!"

*Click!*

That was Naruto readying his revolver as he wasted no time. "They're doing it a bit late, don't they?"

"They do, but what the heck." Bishop turned to the radio operator. "Send out a distress signal. And order the artillery for flare shots!"

"On it sir!"

"Let's get a move on!"

The three men were seen leaving in a hurry, much to the astonishment of the Nadeshiko women who only were talking to them just mere moments ago.

"Let's go, ladies," Tsuyoi said unsheathing her own blade. "We must defend the village."

"Yes ma'am."

…

Running through the hallway, Bishop, Naruto, and the radio operator Foster were quickly trying to reach the main entrance to the building, with the walls seen trembling time to time, meaning this was the real deal.

"Status report, kid."

"First line of defense is reporting the first contact with the enemy. They halted the bandits but are afraid they're going to be overrun." Foster briefed them while holding his rifle. "They called in for artillery support, but there's a problem-"

*CRACK!*

Just then when they arrived at the front door, the body of a man was seen flung through it and planting against the wall before falling down to the floor. The man however was wearing a uniform with a balaclava mask covering his face, with one thing he wore on his forehead:

It was a Shinobi Headband - with the symbol of the Sky Shinobi on it.

"Ugh…" The Sky Nin was regaining his consciousness as he got up slowly. "Damn women…"

*Click!*

The masked man's eyes widened up hearing that noise and found himself staring at a barrel.

"What the fuc-"

*BANG!*

The man's head received a bullet through the skull before he could finish the sentence, landing back on the ground with a hole between his eyes, freshly shot by Naruto.

"Fucking Sky Nin." Naruto said as he turned towards the broken entrance door and saw what was happening outside.

*CLINK!*

*CLANK!*

The sight of Nadeshiko village being assaulted now was with that of several buildings on fire by the surprise attack of the Sky Nin, with them having been met with strong resistance of the Nadeshiko warriors who were showing their ruthlessness that their village was respected.

"FIRE AT WILL!"

*TA!-TA!-TA!-TA!*

Gunfire joined into the chaos as the MG nests were seen firing upwards into the air, trying to shoot down the Sky shinobi who were trying to land. Hitting a few of them and watching them go down in flames.

"Christ, the Sky Shinobi are here?" Foster spotted them. "What now?"

"What we're supposed to do, boy? Fight!" Bishop said loading his rifle. "Come with me, we'll need to cover the artillery boys if we want to help the boys up front. Move!"

"I'll go to the front," Naruto said as he sprinted forward. "Keep in touch!"

The three split up in different routes with then the Nadeshiko women seeing what the situation was.

"The village…"

"No time to stop, we need to defend it." Lady Tsuyoi said grabbing her blade. "Tokiwa, with me. Shizuka. Follow Uzumaki."

"But-"

"That's an order!" Tsiyoi said as she turned to her friend. "Tokiwa, let's go."

"Right." Tokiwa said grabbing for her own blade. Both women joined the middle of the fight, ready to cut their enemies in half if required.

As for Shizuka, she was going for the direction she saw the blond go, towards the bridge.

He was going to the frontline, and she was right behind him.

Outskirts

Meanwhile, the first lines of defense were receiving the full force of the bandit attacks, with gunfire up to a deafening degree as explosions were occurring left and right.

The men in their dugouts and trenches were holding their defenses as much as they could against the attacking bandits, who were slowly gaining ground but at a cost that they were unable to realize now with the ferocity of fighting taking place.

Especially from the ongoing machine gun fire, with the only dugout in the first line not being abandoned to a safer place, being that of Private Gin and Private Lozano, both seen by their own while operating the Vickers MG that was being the main obstacle for the bandits.

*TA!-TA!-TA!-TA!-TA-TA!-TA!-TA!-TA!*

The range of damage the Vicker's MG was that of literally that the first wave of bandits were nearly decimated with hundreds of bodies laying across the field, with those who were lucky enough not to be hit, having either laid down to the ground for cover or had retreated back to the forest.

But one bandit however was seen crawling towards the dugout, with only in his hand a sword and enough rage on wanting to slay both men inside of it to pieces.

Waiting for the machine gun to stop firing, he'd then take his chance….

*CLICK!*

"Now I got you!" The bandit yelled as he stood up and charged with his katana blade over his head.

"DIE-"

Popping his head out of the dugout, Lozano pointed his Col.45 at the bandit.

*POP!*

The bandit felt the first hit as he tried to still attack-

*POP!* *POP!* *POP!*

At this point, Lozano was just emptying his mag into the charging bandit until he dropped to the ground, which he did right in front of him as he could not believe what the bastard tried to do.

"These people are insane," Lozano said loading a mag into his Colt. "Who brings a sword to a gunfight?"

*CHA-CHING!*

"Not like we got the time to ask questions." Finished putting a new belt of ammo, Gin ignored the question. "Last ammo belt. Prepare our weapons."

*TA!-TA!-TA!-TA!*

With Gin continuing to mount the MG, Lozano ducked back down and grabbed for his own Machine gun, putting in a new magazine while Gin's shotgun was already set up and ready.

All the while Ryan's body was left on the ground, with a medic seen tending to his wounds, he was lucky no vital artery was hit.

…

Up to the backup trenches where most of the Raiders now were in. They were firing with everything they had against the bandits who were mostly now stuck in the forest line.

*POW!-POW!-POW!-POW!-POW!-POW!*

Heavier gunfire was coming from the M3 Half-Track, where Vic was firing the 50. Cal was at the forest line, seeing that he managed to cover most of the men to retreat to the back line, except for Gin's dugout which was the only one still stuck out there.

"Sarge, we got to do something!" Vic called it in. "Gin and Lozano-"

"I know that Vic. but there's nothing we can do now," Hawk responded, firing another burst of his Thompson while from his cover. "Too much pressure, we've got to wait for artillery to smash those bastards out."

The continuing fighting didn't help that even the bandits had some firearms.

*SWOOP!*

"Ugh!" A Raider got hit by a bullet, causing Kelly and Bloomfield to turn around and help the guy out

"Medic!"

…

Back in the dugout, things weren't getting any better when the cursed sound came.

*CHINK!-CHINK!*

"Damn it." Gin mouthed. "It's jammed!"

That was enough for some reason, the second wave of bandits could be heard roaring as hundreds more of them were seen coming out in droves, charging with rifles and swords for the forward dugouts.

"Shit!" Lozano turned to his comrade. "What now?"

Pulled out, a box of grenades was seen at Gin's side, pulling out his own Colt. 45 as his suggestion was clear.

"Spinning-Waltz!"

And by that sound, hundreds of kunai knives suddenly were flying over Gin's head as they were going directly toward the approaching bandits.

"Look out!-"

The knives landed or struck through the many bandits, killing many on the spot if not mortally wounding them, as then they were even more unlucky when-

*KICK!*

Naruto arrived and smashed his fist up one of them, uppercutting them before he pulled out his Tantō blade and started cutting his way through the bastards.

"Die!" One bandit tried to lay a hit but missed. "You bastar-"

*BANG!*

The only thing he received was a bullet right through the temple as Naruto fired his revolver at him before he continued to fight his way through the group, slashing, dodging, scaring or even slicing off many of them who dared go near him.

One however managed to get behind him and tried-

*SLASH!*

"Ah!"

The bandit felt a cut through his back, with Shizuka being the one to have done it. With Naruto having noticed it.

"Appreciate that."

Shizuka did not respond as she continued to eliminate anyone in her own path, being as ruthless as her masters against these people who dared to even think of attacking her home.

*!*

Naruto and Shizuka both looked toward one another and quickly retreated, making the bandits wonder what was happening before-

*WHISTLE!*

*BOOM!* *BOOM!* *BOOM!*

Coming in were the explosions, erupting among the attacking bandits who had earlier on experienced the very same thing in that abandoned settlement.

*BLAST!*

But this time they were continuing on, with no ending, one of the wagons carrying ammunition in the forest got hit by a shell, causing a large fiery explosion that shot up high in the sky.

"RUN!"

And that broke the bandit attack before it even made any significant gain, with the bandits turning tail and running back into the woods with them still being shelled and under fire.

"They're running!" Hawks yelled. "Start the trucks, after them!"

With the engines starting, the few M3 half-tracks began to move and started chasing after the retreating bandits, the artillery fire scaling back after only mere minutes, as the trucks hunted them down.

"CHARGE!"

The counterattack proceeded with men coming out of the trenches, proceeding to join the trucks in the fight, leaving Naruto and Shizuka to watch the Damned Raiders proceed to harass the enemy.

The sounds of gunfire and screaming inside the forest were loud and clear through the air.

Next morning

Nadeshiko

The night was short but also brutal, as the attempted bandit attack had turned into a bloodbath, on the side of the bandits. An estimated 3,000 bandits had come and tried to take Nadeshiko Village with the unexpected help of a squadron of Sky Nin. They had written their death sentence.

"Get up, all of you!"

Now the only remaining bandits alive in the area were those in the square, prisoners. Nearly two hundred of them had been given the luck of being spared as they now were being marched through the front gate by a unit of Damned Raiders who were escorting them out of the village.

All while in the background, the Foreign Legion was seen packing it up into their trucks, with the Damned Raiders having now been given new orders.

"Casualties?" Bishop asked while he was speaking to Naruto.

"We're lucky this time, Around twenty men wounded. With Ryan being the most severe case, he'll be escorted back with the others."

"And how many did those bandits lose?"

"... To be honest, I can only say perhaps nearly over a thousand confirmed deaths," Naruto admitted. "We might as well look over 1,500 bodies in that forest alone. Whoever didn't manage to escape got killed by Hawk and McCullin's boys."

Bishop brought up. "Heard Private Gin nearly took out 100 men himself with the machine gun nest."

"Yeah, he's quite pissed. He and Ryan got along." Naruto said as he then asked. "Any word about why the Sky Nin were even here?"

"They got into a skirmish with the Marines and the 15th Division up north from us - Smoker was the one giving them a pounding," Bishop informed him then. "We're ordered to merge with them, many of them were apparently trying to regroup and we're tasked to hunt them down."

"Alright then, let's get a move on it then."

"Lieutenant Uzumaki."

Then the two men turned around to see the new addition, Shizuka, holding the bag she prepared alongside her.

"I'm ready." She said, less Stoic than she was. "Waiting for your orders."

Seeing she was indeed ready, Naruto told her. "Wait on the jeep, you'll be driving with me and Captain Bishop."

She nodded and turned around to leave for the jeep where Foster was in.

Naruto then turned to Bishop and asked. "I hope this will work."

"Well, she's your fiancé, not mine." Bishop worded before he said. "Let's go."

…

Slowly the convoy was seen leaving Nadeshiko, with the last of the truck being the one where a few men were seen going through the stuff they claimed from the dead bandits.

"Look at this, a trench coat." One of the men said holding onto his prize. "I'm going to keep this, for a rainy day."

And with that truck going through the main entrance, the Damned Raiders left Nadeshiko Village, going further down the Land of Water.

I hope you all like it, and leave a review down below.

Have a nice day.

Peace!