A/N Didn't believe I'd come back to this due to the negativity but here I am mainly because I know where this story is going and is vastly unique to me, Naruto will arrive after the conclusion of this war. Enjoy
Chapter 21
Invasion of Kirigakure
A year had passed since Minato, Tsunade, Aki, Kushina, and the rest of team 7 had went to Uzushiogakure. A lot can happen in a year. Kakashi had been training relentlessly with his new sharingan, alongside his former teammates Obito Uchiha and Rin Nohara. His recovery went well and his skills dramatically improved having received the eye. Obito was no longer blind though he only had one eye and had taken to wearing an orange mask with a spiral pattern he found in Uzushio. He did this in order to hide his one eye, although Rioshi found it attractive, information that he gathered from the trio's conversations, Obito still struggled with confidence when it came to girls. Hiding his face is proof that those scars run deep and neither Rin nor Rioshi have solved that. He also used it as a reminder to him of Uzushio and his friend Kakashi who helped save his life twelve months prior, and Rin Nohara had been what she always was to the two the glue that kept them together and kept them from likely hating each other's guts. The three had visibly become inseparable with a bond that was unmatched by any genin team of their generation. Which has proven to equate to individual success.
Minato sent his former students to the Jonin Exams was a given, having recognized their skills. Minato had allowed the group 6 months, after their return to get prepared although he had little worry that they'd get promoted he still understood they had been through a lot emotionally up to that point. He wasn't surprised by their results either. All three had successfully become chunin while Obito was blind and Kakashi was sharinganless and although team 7 was no more they still managed to get together between mission at least once every other week. Even now he used his powers to grant them special benefits. Like the escort mission they were currently on.
Minato, Kushina, and Tsunade had explained to Fugaku Uchiha why Kakashi had been given a sharingan. He took it better than any had expected in the meeting. He put on the concerned Uchiha clan head act and basically swept it away like it was nothing. Minato wasn't fooled though he could sense that something was off about the Uchiha but was unable to bring his suspicions to light. After his team had successfully become Jonin 6 months ago. Minato had been officially appointed as the 4th hokage of the village hidden in the leaves. Fugaku was surprisingly receptive of his newfound role which surprised Minato. The man had also been steering clear of Kushina, and if she noticed which he is sure she has because he can feel her anxiety at the mere mention of the Uchiha, she hasn't spoke of it or tried to speak to him since she broke her promise last. She spends a good amount of time with Mikoto. The Uchiha clan has been thriving on missions of late so financially they have reached a boom. Even if Minato despises Fugaku as a person. He had to admit that he was a great leader, now that he is Hokage he realizes just how much power the Uchiha clan possesses within Konoha, some of his most stellar shinobi are from that clan. Their mission success rate is the highest amongst the clans. Even his own student who is a Jonin currently at 15 years old is probably the best shinobi of his generation. He'd never tell the Uchiha in fears it activate a pride within him and throw a wrench in the already unorthodox relationship between him and Kakashi who is undeniable the second best shinobi of their generation if not number 1. The Uchiha are vital to the security and economy of his village.
At least I have blackmail on Fugaku for what he did to Kushina, hopefully it won't come to that.
Sighing Minato sat at his assigned seat waiting for the arrival of the other kage, for this kage summit. He already knew why he was here. He imagined that the reason why they had called here by the Uzukage would be a shock to some of the other kage. War was a brutal thing.
Minato watched as the different kage of the major villages arrived one by one, the first to show outside of him was the Raikage a man Minato was very aware of as he was of Minato. They had had their share of run-ins a few border skirmishes between the two and their respective groups. They had crossed blades before in battle now luckily, they were not here to fight. Next to show was the Kazekage he unlike Ai, was around the same age appearance wise as Minato. Although he had been Kazekage of the village hidden in the sand for 3 years now already. Minato had never met the man before strangely enough nothing stood out about the Kazekage to him other than his red hair. If Minato didn't already read the profile Konoha had of the man, he might have sworn he was related to his wife's family.
Arriving mere moments after the kazekage was the Tsuchikage, he was the eldest of the kages present, an old man who used a cane to walk. His hair was receding and giving way to a bald head. Although he was the eldest leader amongst the leaders present. Minato knew he was probably the most dangerous. His experience in and out of battle made Minato feel as though he was a genin. Sighing he wondered if Hiruzen felt like this often when meeting with the most powerful shinobi a village had to offer. Each one of them had the ability to destroy nations under the right circumstance.
Last to enter was the man who called the meeting a man Minato was also very familiar with having fought him for his daughters' hand in marriage and having spent months with the man at his home. The Uzukage moved to his seat. The 6 great ninja villages minus the Mizukage who busy fighting two wars was now seated around a circular table eyeing one another cautiously. The tension in the room was palpable. Breaking the eerie silence, the Uzukage spoke.
"Thank you to you all for showing up under such short notice. I will not waste your guy's time any more than I need to, so I'll make this quick. As of four days ago, Uzushiogakure has declared war on Kirigakure."
As the Uzukage said this he slides a packet of files towards each respective kage. "Within these packets you will find numerous evidence me and my village have gathered against Kirigakure, both against my village and its citizens as well as violations on the humanitarian laws set up by our predecessors these are me and my villages' reasons for this war. As we speak, we have troops on the ground in Kirigakure waging war for these crimes."
Minato looked around he barely needed to look at the documents to know what they contained his wife was the ambassador for her village and his. He was well aware of the reason for the war. He was more interested in how his fellow kage would react seeing as this was the true reason for them being here. Although it is officially the correct way of doing things each kage in the room knows this is purely for public image, if they wanted to start a war, they all had the power to do so meetings not required. He watched as they all maintained a professional bearing none even given a slight hint at what they were thinking. They each opened the packet and began reading through the paperwork intensely as they read the Uzukage continued
"As you can see by the evidence provided, we are well within our rights for taken such hostile response to the actions that were taken against us and the suffering to those who dwell in the land hidden in the mist."
Minato decided to open up his packet he knew what the contents was, but decided to keep up appearances so that the other kage wouldn't get to suspicious about ow much Konoha was involved. Minato knew that the three other kage present could not condemn the Uzukage for his actions. That wasn't what they were here for, this meeting was really about two things in Minato's eyes, one was figuring out which nation if any were going to help Kirigakure in argument for the sake of 'world balance', and secondly probably most importantly to some of the kage present if Uzushiogakure were to win the war and annex Kirigakure as the documents said they would upon victory. They'd would have two tailed beasts, the power dynamic amongst the villages although Konoha and Uzushiogakure were the heavy hitters and arguably the two strongest villages. If Uzushiogakure were to win this war they'd have access to three tailed beast and the current power balance would be tipped heavily in their favor.
Minato thought that maybe if he wasn't so close with Uzushiogakure he'd also be concerned. He understood Hiruzen's stance when he was Hokage. He also respected his predecessor's judgement and wisdom. But Konoha was turning a new leaf, he was the hokage now. If an ally was getting stronger than that benefits Konoha. Hiruzen was worried Uzushiogakure will outpace Konoha. Minato was going to ensure that Konoha's fire spread. Regardless of where Uzushio's water touched.
Minato skimmed through the packet finding what he was looking for the page about him and his team and their run in with the Kirigakure ANBU in Konoha. He watched as each kage upon reaching that specific page would glance up at him. Most of their expression was unreadable the only one who showed any recognizable emotion was the other young kage the Kazekage looked at Minato with surprise. It was to be expected the document basically said that Minato along with his team of fresh genin who much to Minato's distaste were named, had defeated a team of experienced ANBU. That was a tall task for any genin no matter the situation. The Kazekage face showed one of worry and impress. Minato wasn't exactly sure what the young kage was worried about but being impressed by what his now Jonin students had accomplished as genin brought a sense of pride to the hokage.
The Uzukage waited for everyone to finish reading the documents before them, unsurprisingly to Minato knowing the man's character the Raikage spoke first.
"So, I assuming base off these documents you called us here to figure out if our villages have and will support Kirigakure."
The Uzukage nod his head.
"Well, these documents as you said are appalling to read, border skirmishes are one thing but attacking civilian transports, kidnapping, slavery, genocide of noncombatants. Kumogakure has never been a fan of ganging up. We have had no involvement in Kirigakure, and do not plan to do so." Minato expected this, he noticed the jab at both him and the Uzukage the alliance between the two most powerful villages was well known, but Konoha was not at least directly assisting in this invasion publicly. Having spent hours talking and debating with the Third Hokage about this Minato had decided to uphold his predecessor's stance and not directly send troops to aid in the invasion, at least not publicly. But Minato had shinobi working at the ports in Konoha and ships were coming in and out daily full of supplies, and the occasional hand selected troops from Konoha to the war in Kirigakure. The only reason he could restrain one certain Uchiha away from the war was because it hadn't been made public yet, now after today he would be sending Obito per his request to the war. No doubt that would drag Kakashi and Rin into it as well. That's why he brought the three of them here as his guards.
The Kazekage took his time to respond "Sunagakure has not and will not assist Kirigakure, although this war will greatly affect or economy most of our resources come from trade and Kirigakure was our number one supplier. We cannot afford to let them fall but we also cannot afford to assist them." The Kazekage stance was expected Sunagakure was the least blessed village when it came to natural resources so a war between any village would impact their economy, that being said the village still hadn't fully recovered from the 2nd shinobi war so they wouldn't be keen on joining a third shinobi war.
Lastly was the biggest variable in the room the Tsuchikage since his involvement with the Kirigakure ANBU was mentioned in the files, it also mentions the letter that was being sent to Iwagakure and the request for aid the Mizukage had sent. This being mentioned was an indirect confrontation between the Uzukage and the Tsuchikage "Firstly, I'd like to say that my village has not been involved with Kirigakure and I was not made aware of their circumstances. Secondly, I and Iwagakure finds this evidence condemning for Kirigakure and as such will not impede Uzushiogakure invasion but let me be the first to state. I will not hinder this invasion, but I do not support the upset in balance Uzushiogakure is causing if they win this war. Especially the idea of Uzushiogakure increasing its borders by nearly triple. Along with gaining two more tailed beast is alarming. Iwa stands against the nature of this imbalance."
Uzukage nodded his head in understanding "I understand your concerns, but we did not start this war, but we will finish it and if we happen to gain the benefits deserving of a victor so be it, our mission isn't to get stronger and upset the balance but bring peace to a land riddled with war and hope that we can return peace to this world."
"Sure, but your nation if you all win, will have three tailed beasts. What is stopping you from using that power and the momentum of winning a war from targeting the rest of our villages next?" The Tsuchikage said, Minato noticed that when the man said 'rest of our villages' he only gestured to the Kazekage, Raikage and himself.
It was obvious that the three men considered Konoha and Uzushiogakure one in the same. Two different wolves but in the same pack. He couldn't blame them, Konoha had their hands all in this, first his team was the one to provide the Uzukage with some evidence he needed to publicly declare this war. Secondary Konoha had ports that were built specifically to aid Uzushiogakure in their war. Even though publicly Konoha was not at war the air even in his village was one of war, plenty of his shinobi not only wanted to help Uzushiogakure but felt it was their duty as a public ally he himself agreed with their sentiment, but after the wisdom of Hiruzen hit him, he realized that publicly backing the War would lead to forcing the other villages to choose a side. This at least allowed them to take a neutral stance and didn't make necessary an all-out war between all major villages.
In essence Hiruzen foresaw that if he publicly declared war alongside Uzushio, it would put pressure on the other villages to choose one of three options, join the two major powers and submit to them allowing Konoha and Uzushio to have their way with the world, fight alongside Kirigakure against the two, which would lead to an all-out war, or wait until after Konoha and Uzushiogakure defeats Kirigakure and hope that they don't use the same recipe against their village which was extremely unlikely for any village to accept. Minato agreed with that ideology and saw the wisdom in it, so he decided that during his regime they'd assist via proxy.
"I understand your fear, Tsuchikage-sama but I can guarantee you that once this war is finished Uzushiogakure will not continue a campaign against the world as you suggest."
The Tsuchikage huffed "okay but that still doesn't negate the fact that we will be at an extreme disadvantage when it comes to strength."
"And what do you suppose we do about that?" The Uzukage asked.
"Give the three tails or six tails away to another village preferably not Konoha seeing as they will probably already benefit upon your villages success, since their names are all over these documents." The underline message was clear. Give up some power being the tailed beast you will acquire for the sake of appeasing our concerns and proving your ideology of a peaceful world after this war. For the first time since the meeting started Minato had noticed the Tsuchikage glance at him.
"No" the Uzukage said simply this got a rise out of the elder man. Who visibly raised his white eyebrows.
"Iwagakure will fight if required to protect our homes. And the stability of this world's power structure, we do not accept a regime that cooperates with other nations to take down another strictly for their benefits." The message was clear to everyone the Kage had made his stance clear from the start, if Uzushiogakure wins and does not relinquish some of the power they gain from the war, they'd make an enemy out of Iwagakure.
Keeping his calm demeanor, the Uzukage spoke "I understand your emotion, each of us have that same feeling for our villages, right now as we speak my shinobi and samurai are fighting not only to protect their village that was threatened but to bring peace to a land that hasn't seen it in generations. We have all blindly allowed atrocities to happen under our vary noises, but my people have spoken, and we have said, enough. Their sacrifice should be and will be rewarded upon victory, we will take control of everything within Kirigakure, and bring stability back to its shores. If that stability is… daunting to Iwagakure we will defend it against you as well, but not from a place of ambition but in hopes of peace. Hopefully we can cease the days that nations fight due to fear, and transition to a place where we fight only in self-defense and to preserve peace, freedom, and happiness for all."
Minato sighed as he leaned back, tension would be an understatement, Minato thought that the Tsuchikage might take back his earlier words and declare war on Uzushiogakure right here and now. Instead, the man turned to the other kage again not involving Minato in the conversation.
"Will you all just sit aside and watch these two villages get even further ahead? I have said what I needed and heard all I wanted. Thank you for your company." The Tsuchikage said standing and bowing to all present before leaving. The Raikage was next to follow giving a similar farewell, but not expressing himself any further than that.
The Kazekage was the last to leave but he and the Uzukage negotiated a trade deal that offered Sunagakure twice as many supplies upon the ending of the war win or lose to Sunagakure as long as the maintained a neutral stance. The kazekage accepted the trade agreement, and upon seeing that Sunagakure publicly declared that they will remain out of the war.
Minato Spoke "Kazekage-sama if you wouldn't mind staying for a second. I'd like you to bear witness to something."
The Kazekage turned his head curiously to him "As long as it is no intrusion, I do not mind."
Minato smiled before turning to his father-in-law "With two villages kage here I'd like to state that Konoha is providing… services to any nation with just cause and intention. We will be creating a mercenary band of shinobi specifically designed to operate as a detachment to any village. The organization services can be purchased, and all proceeds will be sent to Konoha. They will be called the Akatsuki."
The Kazekage face betrayed him for a moment. Surprise, Minato knew that by that look the Kage understood what he just said. For the first time in any villages history a hidden village was publicly offering its shinobi to do missions in the name of another village although indirectly. The timing was not missed by the Kazekage or the Uzukage. In unspoken words the hokage said that if you want Konoha's help you can buy it.
"I would like to talk to you more Hokage-sama about this group of yours the Akatsuki, they may help my war effort."
Minato smiled "Of course."
The Kazekage looked between the two. Konoha had just entered into the war. With that knowledge the Kazekage dismissed himself he would have to get more information on these Akatsuki members.
Once the other kage left the Uzukage dropped his guard. Sighing he leaned back in his chair and turned to Minato with a smile.
"That went quite well." The man chuckled.
Minato on the other hand didn't see it that way Iwagakure all but declared war, Kumogakure didn't say anything but if he had to guess by Ai personality that Kumogakure leader probably felt the same as Iwagakure. The only country they managed to get to say they'd remain neutral was Sunagakure. 1/3 isn't what he would call good. But it is better than all of them being pissed.
"1/3 of them promised to remain neutral. Iwagakure threat should be taken seriously they may not attack now or aid Kirigakure, but they could wait till the war is over and Uzushiogakure is weak to attack if they decide that." Minato said to the older man and his father-in-law worriedly.
"Well, if they do, I can count on my ally to assist in our time of need, no?"
Minato just ran a stressed hand through his hair before nodding "Of course, my wife would castrate me otherwise, but unneeded and unnecessary I too think we should be more publicly involved, but dealing with the paperwork and the council is annoying that's why I created the Akatsuki."
"Tell me more about this Akatsuki plan Minato-san" The Uzukage said
Minato sighed getting up and exiting the room with his father-in-law. He could feel it. It may not be this year or next year or even a few years from now. But as long as Iwagakure and Kumogakure were opposing the rise in strength of Uzushiogakure war was inevitable all it takes was the wrong spark. That's why he wanted Konoha to be involved with this invasion, it was sending a clear message that the Hokage would act with Uzushiogakure officially if need be. Him making the Akatsuki and letting the Kazekage see that is proof. Konoha will be a part of anything that goes on in the world.
"In truth I just formed it, seeing the Tsuchikage strong stance of Uzushio gaining another tailed beast, they are likely to start trying to move against both of us. The Raikage response didn't bring me comfort neither. Konoha still doesn't have enough reason to join the war officially that much is clear. I'd like to avoid a world war, if at all possible, but we need to send a message right back to the Tsuchikage's statement. What better way then unity between Konoha and Uzushio although we will technically only be joining through a proxy shinobi mercenary business. We are still in essence saying that if you fight one of us, you're fighting both. With Sunagakure having signed a neutrality trade agreement it's safe to say they won't be teaming up with Iwagakure for at least 10 years. That leaves Kumogakure as the only option for the Tsuchikage if war breaks, and he will need them because of the Akatsuki which is Konoha. My plan for the Akatsuki is simple, they will perform duties that otherwise would be frowned upon by the other villages, they will be my hit squad, my personal group of hand selected killers taking on counter terrorism, espionage, kidnapping, assassinations, missions that cannot be linked to another village and cannot fail. "
The Uzukage nodded his head. He understood that much, Konoha not joining the war was a choice made by the third hokage. As a new kage comes to office changes are normal but not one of such importance as a war, Minato cleverly got around not only his council back in Konoha, but also loophole his way into the conflict on an international scale, him stating in front of the Kazekage was him telling the world of Konoha's involvement without declaring war officially like he had done. It showed both unity between allies and allowed him his own personal army that will have no official allegiance to any village so their actions cannot be put on the shoulders of Konoha directly.
"I understand, so how big is this Akatsuki organization if they are going to join the war, I assume they are at least 12 squads' worth."
Minato chuckled as he embarrassedly scratched his head "Well you see we are actually going to try and recruit our first three members right now."
The Uzukage Lou Uzumaki looked at his son in law and sighed "By just created you literally meant that 'just' part."
Minato laughed and nodded his head. They had to walk a little distance before reaching his assigned room.
"Wait here just amount Lou-san and I'll go talk to them I'll call you in shortly."
Lou nodded and waited outside the Hokage room.
Walking into the room Minato say Rin sharping her kunai, Kakashi was lazily laying down on the couch reading an erotica book. Obito was busy doing pushups with Rin sitting on his back sharping her gear. Once he entered, he saw that all three looked at him but continued to do what they were doing.
"Some guards you are, a whole 5 minutes away from the meeting room, a lot can happen in that time." He said sitting at an open seat facing his three former students. Just one year ago they were chunin Obito was blind, but now they were Jonin and very capable because they had always had that potential.
"It's not like we didn't know exactly where you were sensei." Obito argued.
"Plus, if you needed us any shift in your chakra id notice." Rin stated.
"5-minute walk is a 15 second run, if someone could kill you that fast I think that Konoha has a bigger problem than us being a few hallways away." Kakashi threw at him.
"Sheesh you're making your hokage feel so loved right now." Minato said sarcastically.
"We do love you sensei that's why we know you and we know it take a lot more to defeat you then 3 other kage plus the Uzukage-sama was there and his ANBU were way more alert we trusted your safety." Obito stated with a smile.
Minato just rolled his eyes, they simply didn't want to stand around and guard the room, like the other guards for the hokage.
"Well remind me never to bring you guys as protection details again, if you're not kidnaping someone your outright ignoring your duties, I don't even know if I should recommend you for this assignment."
This got his three students ears perked up. They recognized the barb at them technically sneaking Rioshi a samurai academy student out of her school back in Uzushio just to go on a date with Obito. They couldn't argue against that because that was definitely wrong and if they didn't have the connections they did, an action like that could be seen extremely bad by Uzushio. They were more interested in what assignment Minato was talking about.
"What assignment sensei?" Obito asked excitedly.
"Obito, do you still want to go to war?" Obito froze mid push up, the question catching him off guard, he crashed to the ground after pausing his exhaustion getting to him, Rin swiftly stood up off the boys back allowing him to sit up and catch his breath. Sitting crisscross in front of Minato he had a serious look in his eye that was very unusual for the Uchiha. Minato didn't even need to see Obito's full face to read his eye and body language.
"Yes sensei, I do not agree with the passive stance we have taken with our allies, I owe Uzushio quite a bit and would like the opportunity to repay it."
"Well give me your forehead protector then."
Minato said holding out his hand.
Obito froze, Kakashi and Rin were both looking at him concerned it was obvious they don't understand why he was asking that of Obito.
Obito was staring directly at his sensei, since becoming hokage he had allowed the three to treat him the same. But at times he didn't know if his sensei was speaking as a sensei or Hokage.
"Yes Hokage-sama." Obito said he looked at the headband that had been wrapped around his arm, taking it off he placed it in his sensei hands.
Minato took the headband pulling out a scroll he unsealed a cloak that was black and red handing it to Obito he said.
"As of today Obito Uchiha, you are no longer an official shinobi of the village hidden in the leaves, you are now the Vice commander of the mercenary shinobi organization known as the Akatsuki you report to no one but me and will be paid three times the salary of an ANBU captain, along with your mission salary and incentives. Congratulations" Minato said with a smile.
Rin and Kakashi were looking even more confused Rin stood up and walked over to Obito grabbing the cloak from his hands, she looked at her sensei questioningly.
"What is this sensei?"
"Obito got a promotion you should all congratulate him."
"But why is he no longer a Konoha shinobi."
"Oh, he is, he is getting paid by Konoha, he can live and continue using all the benefits he once had, he just won't need a headband anymore."
"But that is what makes him an official shinobi of Konoha, how can he take on missions on Konoha's behalf if he isn't a registered shinobi." Kakashi said sitting up his book was now away completely tuned in to the conversation.
"He technically isn't acting on behalf of Konoha, he will be working for whoever pays him and whatever missions I approve of."
"If you wanted him for your own personal use, just make him ANBU" Rin negotiated
"But then he'd still be acting on Konoha's behalf officially and that is not what I want. His missions and that of the Akatsuki are more... delicate so they can never officially be tied to Konoha or any village for that matter, that does mean that failure is not an option if he fails then no one is going to come for him he will be regarded as a fallen mercenary and nothing more."
Rin and Kakashi were both angry, but they held their tongue looking at Obito he hadn't said a word since turning in his headband.
"Am I being punished for something sensei? I know you said this is a promotion and I get that it pays well but this doesn't feel like a promotion."
"No Obito you are not being punished, you are helping me, this is a political play, in the kage meeting the Uzukage announced officially their war with Kirigakure. In order for Konoha to support them I created this organization. Now you will work alongside Uzushio and be a part of the war like you wished, but after the war you may work alongside other villages. Your missions will be beyond S rank, all of it will be secretive and important for the national security of Konoha. I created this organization and will allow you to lead it one day, because I see that much potential in you."
Kakashi and Rin faces were a mixture of awe and fear, they were no longer angry but now just concerned for their friend.
"Weren't there more qualified people to head this though? No offense to Obito-kun but we all just made Jonin a few months ago, this Akatsuki is like you say taking on missions and doing things that even the ANBU shouldn't take part in all alone it's too much for him" Rin was completely against this what was their sensei thinking.
"Well, that's true Obito this is really a temporary position you could lose your status as the Vice commander if things don't go well in Kirigakure or worse die, but I have faith in you that you'll be fine." Minato said giving his student a motivational smile.
Obito thought for a moment before a look of determination came into his eyes.
"Does this mean I can never become an official shinobi again?"
"Of course, you can, this is just an assignment change, if you don't want to do this at any point you can return to active duty."
"Then I accept."
"What no wait Obito-kun think about it!" Rin said.
"I have I want to help Uzushio and if this is what I must do then I will."
Rin just looked worriedly from Obito to Minato. Minato knew any second now she would speak again, when it came to Obito she was super protective.
"I demand to join too sensei!" Rin said her resolve was clear in her eyes.
Minato had no doubt she'd do this, and he believed her, but he'd test her just like he tested Obito just then.
"I will not allow it I plan to use you elsewhere."
"I'll quit!' Rin stated quickly in response "I'll quit being a shinobi then Obito-kun can just hire me! Sense he is the vice commander of this mercenary group you're creating he can take me with him to Kirigakure!"
"You think I'd allow that knowing your intention I'll just order him not to." Minato argued.
Rin face grew red with frustration as she struggled to maintain her outburst.
"I will quit anyways and still go to Kirigakure!" she said taking off her headband and tossing it to his feet.
Minato looked down at the headband and picked it up a small smile on his lips. His students immediately recognized that smile. It was all a test.
"Fine, I accept your resignation." Pulling out a scroll he sealed her headband away a pulled out a cloak that matched Obito.
"Rin Nohara you are now the 1st captain of the Akatsuki. Your pay will be twice that of an ANBU captain, along with your mission salary and incentives."
Rin shook her head a small smile on her face as she grabbed the cloak "We aren't Genin anymore sensei you shouldn't play games and test us like this anymore."
"Well, I needed to see your guys resolve these aren't escort missions, or simply capturing a lost cat. These missions will be extremely challenging and require zero room for error, you two will be on your own from here on out publicly I needed to know that you have the resolve to face it."
Nodding the two put on the cloaks. Kakashi stood up walking over with his headband in hand expecting this Minato had already pulled out the third cloak.
"Kakashi Hatake you are the 2nd captain of the Akatsuki organization. Your pay will be the same as Rin."
Kakashi took his cloak putting it on suddenly he realized something kind of important. Sighing he wondered if Obito realized it.
Reading his mind Obito turned although you couldn't see his smile it was evident in his voice.
"That means I'm your guy's boss!" Obito said Rin rolled her eyes and Kakashi just smirked under his mask.
Minato smiled at the trio before fixing them with a hard stern look.
"You're correct Obito you are their superior but that also means if they die their deaths are on your hands. Now I'm going to inform you three how I want the Akatsuki to be ran, when we get back, I will have each of you study under a different team within the ANBU for 3 months, then you will go and meet up with Jiriaiya-sensei for another 3 month training. Only after will you be allowed to go to Kirigakure assuming that the ANBU captain assigned to train you three approves. In Kirigakure you three will gain valuable firsthand combat experience in a war environment. The Akatsuki main objective is to support Konoha schemes from the shadows of the shadows. Therefore, as I previously stated any direct support will not come from Konoha and should not be expected from customers of the Akatsuki. You are my own personal ANBU with no real mission parameters and, without the restriction that comes with being attached to a hidden village. Do not commit horrendous war crimes or criminal acts, because that will look poorly upon the organization and then me. If I catch wind of it, it will be investigated and if found true the criminal and any conspirers will be punished. The team organization will be heavily influenced by Konoha ANBU so take that into consideration as you build the Akatsuki lastly, no member can join the Akatsuki without my approval and ranks and designation will be left to the vice commander but, I advise that you all take seriously your studies of the ANBU because they will be the closets shinobi equivalent to the Akatsuki and what I assign you to do. I advise you pay special attention to the ANBU selection process when finding members but what makes you more unique and dangerous is you're not limited to shinobi of Konoha."
Obito was thinking this over, but this was immediately digested by Rin and Kakashi
"So, you're saying we can add members from other shinobi villages, but they could be spies and double agents."
"Exactly, that is why I will help you in selection and I advised you seriously consider using the ANBU's selection process and methods because it is great at weaving out unwanted seeds. Your missions like I said previously will have you possible working alongside other nations in the future maybe you encounter shinobi worth recruiting maybe not but the option is there. The three of you are now the Akatsuki organization, and the organization that I have created to be the supreme fighting force of Konoha one day, the best of the best, my personal blacklist operation unit completing mission to dangerous and to critical for even ANBU. Right now, the Akatsuki will focus on assisting the war effort in Kumogakure this will provide invaluable experience for the future, but one day I could ask you to kill a kage, or some other high level mission that comes with heavy backlash with failure even for ANBU, I am giving you three lots of freedom here and that is your greatest strength but will be your greatest weakness. Also prior to your arrival to the war front I will have you train under Jiraiya-sensei as he is currently doing what I expect you three and the Akatsuki to primarily be doing after the war which is information and intel gathering. When you study under my sensei make sure you learn as much as you can about how he runs his spy network, information will be valuable to you three, and any information you gather I expect to be passed to Obito then to me, now I will give you your code names. Obito Uchiha your Akatsuki code name will be Tobi, Rin Nohara your Akatsuki code name will be Minaj, Kakashi Hatake your code name will be Wolf. You are to refer to yourselves and each other by this unless in garrison in Konoha. I will have the Akatsuki Garrison built similarly to the ANBU. But your garrison will be outside the village."
The three looked at each other the nodded to their sensei.
"Okay good now let's meet our first and only client."
Walking to the door Minato opened it allowing the Uzukage to step inside, upon entering he immediately recognized the three shinobi in the room as Minato students. Sitting down in an available chair the kage asked the Hokage
"I understand that your students are gifted and recognize them, but I can't help but wonder if they will be okay, mere teenagers and green Jonin don't have business in the brutalities of war."
Minato knew that this was coming and expected it "I assure you Lou-san that my students are more than capable of helping you with your cause, they maybe young but there assignment to the Akatsuki was not thought about haphazardly they will excel of this I'm sure."
"Okay if you wish let us discuss the mission that I'd like to task to the Akatsuki."
Speaking up Obito took the lead "I am Tobi the vice commander of the Akatsuki I'd like to know more about the mission you wish for the Akatsuki to participate in."
"The mission is quite simple in terms. I want the Akatsuki to assist my son and his team, and help Uzushiogakure win this war, my son Kon Uzumaki has been assigned to find capture or kill the Mizukage. This will in turn win us the war." Taking out a map that had marking all over it the Uzukage laid it on the table.
"As of today, Kon and his team are leading the beach assaults here in the North, West and East sides of the island invasion are being led by Konan, Yahiko and Mei, and Zabuza respectfully. Our intel says that the south side seas are too unpredictable so a beach assault would not be possible" The Uzukage said pointing at a locations on the map "Once they have successfully captured the beach, they will continue to push forward towards the Pearl City, Kirigakure capital and the location of the village hidden in the mist. Kon unit has been in country for years now and is assigned with being the tip of the spear so to speak, they will see the most fighting and the most action of all other units in country. He has been there before the war started so he is very familiar with the land and its rebel forces led by Mei Terumi, these combined forces of the rebels, samurai and shinobi units will attack their designated targets capturing and holding land as we push deeper and deeper into Kirigakure."
Rin spoke up "I am Minaj 1st captain of the Akatsuki, so basically you want us to attach ourselves to Kon team and focus on hunting down the Mizukage."
"Yes, essentially, I am hiring the Akatsuki organization to help track down, and capture or kill the Mizukage, he is not only a kage of the village hidden in the mist but also the jinchuriki of the three tailed beast. Based off the information we have now he is also under the watchful eye of a man named Utakata we do not know his surname, Utakata from the Intel we gathered is in the possession of the six tails."
Kakashi Rin and Obito were looking at each other with a look of both fear and excitement. "So essentially Kon has been tasked with not only paving the way to the Pearl City but also taking down two of the most powerful shinobi Kirigakure have to offer?" Kakashi summarized out loud.
"Yes, the success and failure of this invasion rest completely on the shoulders of Kon and if we can defeat these two men. Are you willing to accept this?"
Kakashi Rin and Obito stared at each other. Obito wanted to join the war to help but was he really strong enough to face off against Jinchuriki?
One day earlier before the Hokage summit meeting.
Kon was standing on his landing craft boat as they raced towards the beaches of Kirigakure, three days prior they started their nonstop bombing of the main island. Specifically targeting the landing areas and known enemy locations, now was the first day of the invasion. 100 landing craftships packed with 1000 men were racing to the beach front. Each ship had the same layout and same load, 1000 men and women, 300 of which were shinobi broken down into teams of four shinobi with their task, ranging from recon, to support, medical, assault, and defense. The rest of the 700 men were samurai and their mission and squad set up was all the same.
Kon thought as he watched the waves hit the beach landing craft and felt the violent shaking of the medium sized boat racing towards the shore. Samurai are great at two things in war. They had one primary function in the days to come. To capture land and hold it against the enemy. Since samurai never retreat unless for some type of strategy the land that they cover they will defend to the death. So, once they step foot in Kirigakure every step forward is land now held by Uzushio samurai till their dying breath. Which is very useful for Kon. Unlike shinobi who excel in subvert action, and in previous wars the war line boarders varied daily because of the common hit and run tactics of shinobi. It's hard to gauge how the war is going and stalemates happen way too often for the war to progress rapidly. Samurai on the other hand were a conventional war fighting group. They captured and more importantly held that captured land till their dying breath. Samurai are also very strong especially when faced with one-on-one combat, but their strengths were their greatest weakness. Teamwork although taught trained and important for samurai wasn't as important as individual skill and strength. They focused on one-on-one fighting, which is great when fighting an army who meets you out in the open field. But if Kirigakure were smart they'd avoid such direct confrontation as should any shinobi village.
Samurai while excellent in individual prowess, this didn't compare to a group of highly skilled and trained shinobi fighting together and with guerrilla tactics. Eventually they'd wear down the samurai halting any advance and slowly try to pick them off one by one. That's where the shinobi of Uzushiogakure came into play, they'd be able to assist their samurai allies in this area. Covering their weak spot allowing the samurai to focus on their strength and capture as much Kirigakure territory as they can.
The Samurai and Shinobi will be fighting together and with them fighting together once they hit the beaches and secured the landing zones for the rest of the army this war would essentially be a downhill battle.
As they approached the beach Kon turned to the soldiers within his landing craft many will die either today or one of these days of the war campaign but as the leader of the northern beach invasion front he will stand with them until the end. "Today will go down in the books of history, today marks the end of a regime against cruelties, genocides and injustice. Today for the first time in history both Samurai and Shinobi will fight an offensive war. TODAY! WE WILL SHOW KIRIGAURE WHO TRULY RULES THE SEAS! WE WILL HUNT THEM ALL ONE BY ONE. UNIT BY UNIT. UNTIL ONLY WE REMAIN! FOR USHIOGAKURE! FOR THE UZUKAGE! FOR PEACE AND JUTISTCE!"
As he spoke the Samurai stomped their feet in unison their war cries could be heard from the sea, instilling a sense of fear into their enemies. Suddenly Kon felt the sudden stop of the boat as it hit the sands of Kirigakure Northern beach. The front of the ship dropped down with a thud creating a ramp from the ships deck to the beach floor. The battle has begun immediately ships were being attacked with long distance jutsu from the forest line, Kon watched as his boats passengers raced off the ship scattering into formations as their squad leaders tried to organize themselves amongst the chaos of the battlefield. Explosions from blown up landing ships and cries of pain could be heard.
Kon raced off the landing craft with his ANBU team right behind him, they reached a samurai squad who had set up defensive positions. 200 meters from the shoreline.
"Status report!" Kon shouted to the man over the explosions and the cries for help that surrounded them.
The Samurai squad leader a samurai sergeant spoke to him the calmness of his voice spoke volumes to his training surrounded by the chaotic environment. Long distance Jutsu could be seen flying over top of them as they spoke.
"My squad as well as every other squad in Company foxtrot has off boarded and are preparing for a frontal assault into the enemy, they have been firing 100-150 long range jutsu every 30 seconds so we estimate the enemy forces numbers to be anywhere from three to five thousand strong."
"Okay we will start our push when company echo is up and ready to move the rest will have to catch up. Otherwise, we won't last much longer" He finished as another explosion could be heard, he turned to see that a ship had been hit with a long range jutsu, the ships passengers could be seen desperately trying to swim to the shore amongst their dead and injured comrades.
Kon watched as shinobi and samurai scuttered across the sandy beach, some were organizing themselves finding their squads and their company amongst the fog of war. Others were running and rescuing the wounded. Kon watched a young Uzushio shinobi in his early teens running about stopping at a body belonging to a samurai that washed onto the shores. He watched as the young shinobi checked his pulse. He could see the sadness radiating off the young boy as he shook his head. Before closing the eyes of the deceased samurai, the boy ran off repeating the process until he finally found what he was looking for a wounded samurai who the boy immediately started to heal and apply combat medical aid to.
Kon got word from the same squad captain of Foxtrot Company that Echo Company had lost 20 men but were ready for the initial push against the enemy.
"Okay good, remember the plan we are fighting till we reach 50 miles inland then will set up the war perimeter and hold the line till we receive supply and reinforcement. Our focus will be finding and eliminating the shinobis casting the long range jutsu. WITH ME!" Kon said before leading his squad and the squad of samurai into the heart of the enemy.
They raced to the forest line in front of them Kirigakure environment was vastly different then Konoha, but not to dissimilar to Uzushio, the country was an island like Uzushio unlike Uzushio, they had more of a jungle type woodland the more inland you went. Upon reaching the woodland Kon slowed his combined squad they took defensive positions as he kneeled there listening and waiting, he was trying to get a sense of his position within the thick jungle and get a read on where the enemy was.
"I sense a group of 6-16 combatants to southwest headed south about 1 mile away and running fast."
One of his original team members an ANBU code name Nemo said.
"Roger lets head that way they are probably the unit of long-distance casters that we are looking for, Shinobi on me, samurai stay 100 meters back in case we get ambushed, but keep up!" He said before leading his team of 3 ANBU towards the enemy.
They caught up with their enemy within minutes, Kon had sent two of his guys ahead to stop their enemies retreat as he a Nemo took up the rear to pinch the group. Taking to the trees Kon and Nemo tried to hide their presence as best they could as they got into position for their ambush.
The 16 Kirigakure shinobi were oblivious to the enemy in their front and rear as they ran south.
"We have to hurry to the Mizukage and report the landing on the North beach!" One of the shinobi said.
"I just wish we could've stayed longer I could have casted at least two more long range jutsu and kill more of them damn colonizers!"
A few of them chuckled at this "We will get our chance to kill more of those bastards after we report to the Mizukage."
As they were about to jump from one branch to another a Kirigakure shinobi was hit with a Kunai right out of the air mid jump. His comrades watched him fall to the hard jungle floor beneath them.
"AMBUSH!" they shouted. Before they dispersed Kon and Nemo immediately started engaging the shinobi from the rear with high level mid- range jutsu. He sent blast of pressurized water jutsu towards his enemies as they scattered hitting one upon impact with his jutsu the man's arm was sent flying off. Kon watched the man's body fall to the hard ground, with a splat, blood coughing out his mouth with the hard impact of the earth. The shinobi tried to catch his breath between his agonizing grunts of pain. He reached his good arm out and began to crawl away from the battle. He dragged himself by one hand until his hand hit something hard that felt like a boot.
Looking up fear filled his eyes at the emotionless pits staring back at him, before him stood a samurai his sword out glinting as it caught the sun light peeking through the canopy. In one smooth and quick thrust down the samurai pierced the back of the man's head, blade ripping its way through the skull and out the mouth of the enemy. The Kirigakure shinobi were quickly surrounded and taking care of leaving only one samurai foot soldier critically wounded.
The two squads set a perimeter as they tended to the wounded Samurai and collected Intel from their corpses. A few minutes later a samurai came running towards them from a distance and was immediately challenged by the Samurai Squad leader.
"Halt soldier, state the code!"
"Huh?" The samurai asked pausing his movements at the hostility being sent his way by the Uzushiogakure soldiers.
"The pass code state it!" The sergeant screamed at the Samurai who approached them hand on the hilt of his sword.
"Please help me my team was ambushed 2 miles east of here we need help quickly!"
Kon noticed the other samurai merely foot soldiers were looking at their counterpart questionably, these foot soldiers were young men probably barely out of the Samurai academy and tossed into a war for all intensive purposes they were as green as genin although more trained and disciplined. Kon saw through this attempt at disguise but waited to see the young squad leader's reaction. He and his ANBU squad were experienced shinobi they had moved in position to assist the young squad leader if he needed it.
Kon trusted the samurai, they were loyal, smart and strong warriors. They trained all their lives for this moment, and he was sure that the entirety of the Uzushio Samurai Forces would be better after the conflict of this war. But war was war they could never let their guards down. Most Squad leaders were sergeant rank, while there were squad leaders that were captains, Captains, and Generals were usually company and battalion commanders they weren't necessarily field leaders like sergeant who were out in the dirt with the foot soldiers. Captains and General Samurai were too busy with planning and logistics their simple were enough of them to lead a squad. So that was left to the lower rank Sergeant each squad leader was responsible for his own squad within their company, the squad consists of 5-6 samurai. 8-12 squads made up a company. This was probably this squad leader's first real-life encounter with shinobi tactics.
Kon watched as the Samurai Sergeant appeared to drop his guard removing his hand from the hilt of his blade, approaching the other Samurai slowly with his hands at his side. "Okay tell me more about this ambush."
The newcomer released the tension in his shoulders and began to describe the ambush to the sergeant. Once the sergeant was close enough Kon watched in one swift motion he unsheathed his sword and beheaded the imposter. As the Kirigakure shinobi's head rolled onto the floor the hinge was broken reveling he in fact was an enemy. All but one of the samurai had recognized the deceit and were unsurprised. Returning to their task before the interruption. Kon saw that one of the foot soldiers still wore a surprised expression as he looked from the dead Kirigakure shinobi to his squad leader and back.
Kon approached the young man squatting down next to him breaking his thought process, immediately upon seeing a commanding officer he fixed his surprised expression and put on a more callous one.
"It is okay, we shinobi are nothing like you samurai, I want you to remember this moment for the duration of the war. Shinobi do not fight with the same honor you do nor do we care to. We use whatever means it takes to complete our objective, tricks, traps, ambushes we use them all. Remember this day and make sure to thank your squad leader when you can for saving your life."
The young samurai nodded before continuing his work in collecting Intel from the dead corpses.
Thirty minutes later, after the group recovered and gathered all the intel they could, they were about to keep pressing inland when a group of four samurai running full speed approached.
Just like last time one of the Samurai spoke up to challenge the group.
"Halt! State the pass code"
"Immediately all four stop and shouted in unison."
"The Samurai Creed, this is my weapon. There are many like it, but this one is mine. My weapon is my best friend. It is my life. I must master it as I must master my life. My weapon, without me, is useless. Without my weapon, I am useless. I must strike my weapon true. I must aim straighter than my enemy who is trying to kill me. I must strike him before he strikes me. I will strike him… My weapon and I know that what counts in this war is not the blood we shed, the noise of our shouts, nor the smoke from our fires. We know that it is the enemy's blood that count. We will strike them we will slay them…. My weapon is human, even as I, because it is my life. Thus, I will learn it as a brother or sister. I will learn its weaknesses, its strength, its parts, its accessories. I will ever guard it against the ravages of weather and damage as I will ever guard my legs, my arms, my eyes and my heart against damage. I will keep my weapon clean and ready. We will become part of each other. We will …. Before God, I swear this creed. My weapon and I are the defenders of my country. We are the masters of our enemy. We are the saviors of my life. So be it, until victory is Uzushiogakure and there is no enemy, but peace!"
"Proceed" The samurai said allowing the group within their defensive perimeters. The Squad leader approached the leader of the new group. Kon watched as they greeted each other before a seriousness took the air around them, the foxtrot squad leader then turned and pointed at Kon, who watched the other leader nod then start heading towards him.
"I have a report on the status of the war so far!" The samurai said kneeling to his superior. One of his ANBU team members quickly shot over and grabbed the man by the arm yanking the surprised Samurai to his feet.
"Are you trying to get the Uzushiogakure War Commander and Chief killed! No saluting or bowing in a combat zone you just put targets on their backs!" He spat venomously at the poor samurai
"I apologize." He said instinctively going for a bow but was caught by Kon mid attempt. The ANBU just snorted in disgust walking away.
"It is okay, tell me your message."
"Companies Alpha- Foxtrot have landed at the northern shore and are pushing their way towards the objective, so far the northern landing invasion has suffered 500 confirmed KIA, and 1200 wounded, we lost 3 landing craft ships and another was critically damaged and deemed operational. Despite that all companies have reached the first objective and are now pushing to today's final objective. News from the east and west landings. The west front lead by Yahiko has suffered heavy casualties and are fighting furiously on the beaches they have yet to drive the enemy into the forest. 3 ships have been redirected west to support the invasion via bombardment and will also send in 20 more landing crews." Kon nodded his understanding.
Yahiko and Konan, were called from the Embassy to help with the invasion, majority of the forces invading Kirigakure from the West were troops stationed at the embassy or at least had been deployed to the battle field from the ports on Konoha.
"Also the East invasion led by Mei, and Zabuza have advanced flawlessly, they have not suffered any causalities and only a handful of critical wounded. They met little resistance and have already reached the 50 miles inland mark and are awaiting further orders. Mei has sent SSF battalion 56 along with shinobi into the jungles of the eastern front to scout and gain recon, still have yet to report back to her. This is all the information gathered."
"Roger thanks for that head back to your company and report back shout anything change."
The samurai nodded and almost bowed but looked at the ANBU glaring at him and changed his mind, the group of four samurai took off running back to their company's position.
"Alright team seems as though our comrades to the west already completed todays objective, to the east there is still heavy fighting, we will continue our march south so we too can complete our daily objective and then bunker down for the night. Remember we are in enemy territory, fighting shinobi. Do not expect much rest tonight. For darkness is their friend not ours. Let's move out!."
A/N and that's it kind of want to see how you all will react to this, I seen the comments and understand this has been a long set up to the world I'm introducing but hopefully it has been entertaining enough, my goal is to wrap this arc up in two more chapters and introduce Naruto to the story. Then obviously the focus will shift to him, if enough people are excited by that I will make it happen within this week.