Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto (either manga or anime!); the wonderful Masashi Kishimoto-sensei owns all rights. However, the plot and Namiko Uzumaki are mine!

Chapter 60: The Start of War

Sasuke and Namiko's relaxation was short-lived as Teams 7 and 8, minus Kurenai of course, were called into Tsunade's office the following week.

"I'm going to cut to the chase. Madara is beginning to make his move toward Kumo and officially starting this war. There have been a small number of clones of the Akatsuki member Zetsu that Kumo has had to fight off and there are only more to come. These clones are strong and real flesh and blood, not shadow clones or clones made with ninjutsu. What's worse is that it appears that Madara is also testing using the Reanimation Jutsu to bring back some very powerful people, including some Akatsuki members." Tsunade folded her arms across her chest.

Sasuke visibly stiffened, dreading the idea of anyone bringing Itachi back. "Who?"

Tsunade immediately understood his concern. "As of right now, we have confirmation of Deidara only, which is understandable considering Deidara was Madara's partner in the Akatsuki."

"Not many people know how to use the Reanimation Jutsu," mused Kakashi. "Orochimaru is dead, so who else would know it?"

"Kabuto…" Sasuke ground out, clenching his jaw. "I knew I should've killed him when I had the chance."

Namiko laid a hand on his arm to calm him. "We don't know it's him for sure…and he did save my life."

"Regardless of who is using the jutsu, it's obvious that Madara is making this move to find Killer Bee to get the hachibi," explained Yamato.

"And then they'll try to come after me and Namiko…" Naruto shook his head, hitting one fist on the opposite palm "But there's no way that's happening! Okay, baa-chan, what's the plan?"

Tsunade stood at her desk. "I'm mobilizing most of Konoha's forces to help Kumo, including everyone in this room."

Namiko looked around the room: Kakashi, Yamato, Sai, Naruto, Hinata, Sakura, Kiba, Sasuke, and…her. "Everyone?" she asked hesitantly.

Tsunade nodded stiffly. "Everyone." She held up a hand to stop any protest. "I'm aware you can't fight, and that's exactly why you're coming too, Namiko. It'll be easier to protect you on the field where there are thousands of shinobi to protect you instead of leaving you here or in another location with a skeleton crew. We don't want another situation like what happened with your mother."

"Why not put her back on Genbu Island?" suggested Sasuke, his tension practically radiating off him.

"Because if its location is discovered, Madara would have access to the hachibi and the kyuubi in one go," Tsunade snapped at him before composing herself. "The safest thing for her to be where we can protect her along with care for her medically since Sakura, Shizune, and I will all be heading to Kumo."

Tsunade looked at Namiko, her expression softening. "Obviously, I want you nowhere near the fighting, so you'll be staying in the medical tent helping organize things and treating smaller injuries, much like you did after Pain's attack, and we'll keep your and Sasuke's tent where security is tightest. Kumo and the other nations are just as motivated as we are to keep you and Naruto safe, otherwise we risk the safety of the world."

'No pressure…' Namiko took a slow, steadying breath. She could feel Sasuke's frustration simmering just beneath the surface, but he was no longer clenching his fist. She squeezed his arm again, silently asking him to trust her—and Tsunade's judgment.

"I understand, ba-chan," Namiko said, her voice calm despite the turmoil in her chest. She didn't want to put the twins in danger but she also didn't want to leave Sasuke's side and was thankful he'd be close. "I'll do my best to stay out of the way and support where I can."

Naruto frowned, crossing his arms. "This whole thing feels off. I mean, Madara doesn't do anything without a plan. Are we sure Kumo's not a distraction? What if he's trying to pull everyone's attention there while he does something worse?"

"That's exactly what we'll have to be prepared for," Kakashi said, his tone grave. "We're walking into this knowing that Madara is calculating, but we can't ignore Kumo. If he succeeds there, it could tip the entire war in his favor."

"And we'll make sure that doesn't happen," Tsunade added, nodding firmly. "Our primary mission right now is to assist Kumo in repelling Madara's forces and keeping Killer Bee secure. Konoha and Kiri will be the first to arrive to help Kumo since we're the closest. If it's possible to gather intel on whoever is using the Reanimation Jutsu in the process, even better."

"And if it is Kabuto," Sasuke cut in, his voice low and sharp, "I'll deal with him myself."

"Sasuke," Namiko said softly, her voice tinged with concern. He glanced at her but said nothing, his dark eyes filled with resolve.

"I will not have you go off half-cocked, Uchiha, or I'll force you to stay here in Konoha. And you," snapped Tsunade as she stepped around her desk, turning her focus to Naruto. "You will stay out of sight just like your sister. My personal goal is to keep Madara from getting his hands on either of you by any means necessary, and that requires you to stay hidden unless I say so." Naruto nodded in understanding, slightly scared of Tsunade.

She continued, turning to address the room. "Listen carefully, this is war. This is only the beginning. Madara has unknown resources, and his goal is to capture the kyuubi and hachibi at any cost. Namiko and Naruto's safety is paramount, but don't forget that every one of you is a target." Her gaze swept the group. "Stick to the assignments in the scrolls Shizune is passing to you. Trust your allies no matter what nation they come from. And do not—under any circumstances—underestimate your enemies."

The room fell silent, the weight of Tsunade's words sinking in.

"So, what's the plan, then?" Kiba finally asked, breaking the tension. "Are we heading out today?"

Tsunade leaned against the edge of her desk. "You leave at dusk. Team 7 and Team 8 will travel together under the cover of darkness to keep Naruto and Namiko out of sight. Once you're at the main headquarters near Kumo, you'll split up into your assigned divisions. Get some rest and prepare for a long campaign."

As everyone began to file out of the office, Namiko pulled Sasuke to the side outside Tsunade's door, her hand still on his arm. He hadn't said a word since Tsunade's firm rebuttal, but she could feel the storm of emotions swirling within him. "Are you okay?" she asked quietly once the others were out of earshot.

Sasuke exhaled, his jaw still tight. "I don't like this. Bringing you to the battlefield feels reckless."

"I'm not going to be anywhere near the fighting, so it's not reckless," she replied, her tone calm and collected. "It's practical. If we're all together, we can protect each other better."

"I'm not worried about everyone else." Sasuke's voice dropped, his eyes looking away from her. "You're carrying our children, Namiko. I—I can't lose you—or them."

Her heart clenched at his words, but she placed a hand on his cheek, forcing him to meet her gaze. "You won't lose us," she said firmly. "We've made it this far together, haven't we?"

Sasuke didn't reply, but the tension in his shoulders eased ever so slightly. Namiko smiled softly and added, "Besides, I don't plan on taking any risks. I'll stay out of sight in our tent or the medical tent, helping however I can. I'll be careful."

"Make sure you are," he muttered, his hand coming to rest over hers. "I'll be watching."

She glanced at Sasuke again, trying to ease his mind with a teasing grin. "Good thing we finished putting the nursery together last night. Otherwise, we may not have gotten a chance to finish it before the twins arrive."

He looked at her with disapproval. "Namiko, this is serious. What if this war goes on for months? You only have fourteen weeks left in your pregnancy, and Tsunade already said she doesn't expect you to make it past thirty-six weeks, which means it's really only ten weeks. You could easily go into labor before this war is over! What then?"

"Then I'll pack some baby supplies in a scroll just in case." She reassured him, trying to keep a level head. "Is this an ideal situation? Far from it, but as ba-chan said, it's the best way to keep me and the twins safe. There will be thousands of shinobi there, do you really think anyone could get even remotely close to me?"

He sighed in defeat. "You're probably right, but I still don't have to like it."

"Fair enough, just like I don't want you to be anywhere near the actual action, but I know you will help any way you can to end this war no matter what I say." She shook her head amusedly, a light chuckle slipping out. "We really are the two most stubborn people ever, aren't we?"

"You definitely are," he teased and she shot back a mock irritated look.

May 1st

Four days later they arrived at the Allied Shinobi Headquarters using Sai's ink birds and Sasuke's summon Garuda. They arrived after most of the other shinobi due to traveling only at night, but it was necessary to keep a low profile.

As they approached from the air, Namiko couldn't help but be amazed at the scene below them. Tens of thousands of campfires and lanterns shone below them like an orange-tinted reflection of the stars in the sky above them. 'This is…oddly beautiful…'

But as they landed, reality quickly came crashing down. Shinobi everywhere were still rushing around, even though it was well after midnight. People carrying boxes, setting up tents, sharpening weapons, and finalizing battle strategies—there was an almost palpable urgency in the air. The hum of voices and the clang of metal filled the camp, and Namiko felt its weight settle in her chest. This was war. The sight of so many people preparing to fight—and possibly die—was overwhelming.

Naruto hopped off the ink bird first, landing with a soft thud. "Man, this place is huge!" he exclaimed, looking around with wide eyes. "I've never seen so many shinobi in one place before."

Hinata landed gracefully next to him, her pale eyes scanning the camp with a mixture of awe and worry. "So many clans and villages working together… it's incredible, but also…" She hesitated, fidgeting with her fingers. "…a reminder of how serious this is."

Sasuke dismounted Garuda before lifting Namiko from the back of the large bird and setting her gently on the ground. "You okay?"

She sighed, tossing him a smile as she stroked the large hawk's feathers. "For the hundredth time, Sasuke, I'm fine. My back is a little sore from sitting for so long, but that's it."

They were quickly approached by Nara Shikaku, the head strategist of the Allied Shinobi Forces. "The Sensory Division warned us you were incoming. We've already assigned everyone to their divisions. Follow me, and I'll get you situated."

Shikaku explained the layout and chain of command as they walked through the camp. Namiko listened carefully, noting the locations of the medical tents and the command center. Sasuke stayed silent, his eyes darting around, assessing potential threats and escape routes.

Finally, they reached a walled-off area with a large tent in the center and several smaller tents along the edges. "This is the main Medical Division base. You three," Shikaku said, addressing Naruto, Namiko, and Sasuke, "will be staying here to avoid detection and other…" He glanced at Namiko's stomach. "…reasons. It's the most secure area we have and far enough from the battlefield to minimize risk. Shizune should be in the large tent and can give you more details."

"Thank you." Namiko scanned her surroundings. The Medical Division base not only had high walls but was surrounded by a U-shaped cliffside with a river running through the back with shinobi on guard around the entire base.

Shikaku turned to the rest of the group. "The rest of you, report to your division leaders listed in your scrolls to get your assignments. Kakashi and Yamato, you're with me in the command center."

As the others dispersed, Naruto, Namiko, and Sasuke headed to the main medical tent where Shizune greeted them with a bright smile. "Glad to see you made it safely!" Her eyes flickered over Namiko, her smile softening. "How are you feeling? Any problems on the way here?"

Namiko shook her head, her hands resting on her belly. "Other than the two of them kicking more and me having to use the bathroom constantly, I'm okay," she answered with a laugh.

Naruto piped up in mock irritation, "Yeah, we probably would've been here sooner if you hadn't made us stop at least every hour to pee."

"Well, it sounds like it's a good thing we put your tent closest to the bathrooms then." Shizune laughed as well, setting down her clipboard and motioning back to the door. "Come on, I'll show you where you're staying."

"Me too?" asked Naruto.

"You too." Shizune led them out of the main tent to the end of a row of tents, right next to the river that ran behind the Medical Division. "The large tent over there is a bathroom area with working showers and baths, courtesy of Kumo. And all of the tents in this row belong to medical professionals. Namiko, Sasuke, yours is the one on the very end, and Naruto, you're next to them."

"Awesome! It's like we get to be roommates again!" said Naruto with a grin.

"How about no?" said Sasuke flatly.

Namiko sighed, a tired smile on her face. "Shizune, do you have any earplugs?"

Shizune chuckled. "I know it's not ideal, but it's what was easiest and safest. It keeps the two of you under high security. The tents on the other side of the base are all patient rooms. Overall, this is probably the quietest place to be during this whole war."

"Are all patients brought here?" asked Namiko.

Shizune shook her head. "No, once the first battles start, each division will have a tent near the action, but this base will never change. This will mostly be more complicated cases and ones that need longer care for whatever reason. You all should get your rest for tonight, I'll explain more to you in the morning…is seven o'clock okay?" At Namiko's nod, Shizune began walking back to the main tent. "See you then. Goodnight!"

Naruto stretched his arms over his head with a loud groan. "Well, I'm ready to crash! 'Night you two!"
He darted into his tent next to theirs and Sasuke turned to Namiko. "I know you're tired too."

"I think you meant to say, 'When are you not tired'?" she sighed, glancing down at her stomach. "These two have been taking it out of me lately."

"Let's get you settled then," he said, placing his hand on her back and ushering her toward their tent.

"First, I need to pee…" Namiko flushed in embarrassment, praying he didn't notice in the darkness.

She walked to the nearby bathroom, the waddle in her normally graceful step made him hide a smirk when she walked back. She glared at him. "Shut up…"

He held up his hands in defense. "I said nothing."

"Your face said it for you."

"Okay, I'm sorry, you're just cute and I couldn't help it." He kissed her forehead apologetically. "You ready?"

She nodded, stepping into the tent first with Sasuke right behind her. It was tall enough to stand in without crouching and sparse but functional—two futons on the ground with blankets, a small table, and a couple of crates for storage.

"At least it's functional," Sasuke replied curtly, still scanning the tent as though looking for traps.

She breathed out a laugh, her hand instinctively resting on her belly. "It's not so bad, it's…cozy." As she watched him scan their surroundings, she reached out and grabbed his arm, grounding him. "Sasuke, relax. We're safe here."

"For now," he muttered, but he allowed himself to sit on the futon closest to the entrance, his posture still tense.

Namiko sat beside him, placing her hand on his knee. "Hey," she said softly, drawing his gaze to hers. "We'll get through this. All of us. You, me, Naruto, everyone. Trust me."

His dark eyes softened, and he exhaled slowly. "I do trust you…but I also know I can't be here to protect you the whole time and I don't like that."

Before she could respond, a familiar voice called from outside the tent. "Namiko, Sasuke? Can I come in?"

"Of course," Namiko answered, turning to face the entrance.

Shizune stepped inside, carrying a small bundle of supplies. "I forgot to give these to you earlier. Extra blankets and an extra lantern just in case."

"Thank you, Shizune," Namiko said, accepting the bundle. "This is really helpful."

"In case you need anything else, Sakura and I are sharing a tent; it's the one closest to the main medical tent and has our names on the side. Either of us will be in one of those places unless we're called to the field." Shizune glanced at Namiko's stomach and smiled. "And don't hesitate to ask for us or another medic if anything happens with you or the babies; everyone is already briefed on your case."

"I really appreciate that, thank you." After she left, Namiko placed the bundle in one of the crates next to them and turned back to Sasuke. "See? I'll be fine! I'm surrounded by medics and guards twenty-four-seven."

Sasuke gave a reluctant nod, his hand resting on hers. "Just promise me one thing…"

"Anything."

"If things go south…if it becomes too dangerous…you'll let me get you and the babies out of here. No arguments."

She hesitated but eventually nodded. "I promise. But only if you promise me you won't do anything reckless out there. I can't lose you…" She bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes. "…that nightmare was too real…"

"Namiko…" He gently cupped her jaw, wiping her tears away with his thumb. "I'm not going to die and neither is Naruto. We're both far too determined for that and you know it."

A choked laugh bubbled up. "I think you meant bullheaded."

He shook his head with a scoff, moving to pull back the blankets. "Come on, you need sleep."

"I will, but first…" She struggled slightly to stand from the futon. "I need to pee…"

Only a few short hours later, dawn had arrived and Namiko was awake and helping Shizune in one of the smaller medical tents while Sasuke decided to train with Naruto nearby.

"This is the main recipe for Soldier Pills." Shizune unrolled a scroll in front of her on a table covered in bottles and baskets of ingredients. "Sakura told me you've seen her make them before. It's fairly easy to do, just monotonous. Since you can't heal others outside of small injuries, especially while pregnant, this would be the biggest way for you to help so another medic doesn't have to."

Namiko looked over the ingredients. "I don't mind monotonous. I'm happy to help in any way I can."

"Good. Just don't push yourself. Stop when you need to because despite what you may think, you're at high risk for preterm labor."

The color drained from Namiko's face and she swallowed nervously. "If—if that happens and I go into labor here—while the war is still going on—what happens? Ba-chan didn't really have time to cover that the last time we talked."

"If we can delay it, we will, but it's still possible that we won't be able to stop it and you'd deliver here." She laid a gentle hand on Namiko's shoulder. "But don't stress about it. Godaime and I have talked to Kumo, and they have the necessary neonatal equipment if we need it. You're in good hands no matter what. I promise." Shizune tucked her clipboard under her arm. "Now, I have to speak to the medics, so I'll leave you to this—"

Suddenly, there was a loud commotion outside before a medic burst into the tent. "Shizune-sama! We need you! Some of Suna's forces were attacked on the way in and we have a lot of severe injuries coming in!"

Shizune hastily followed the medic without another word leaving Namiko staring at the entrance. She slowly walked over and peered out and was met with chaos. Injured shinobi were everywhere.

Bloodied from cuts and stab wounds. Broken bones. Burns. Limbs turned at odd angles. Some even missing limbs or other body parts.

Reality hit Namiko full force and she swallowed the bile that rose in her throat as her hands wrapped protectively around her stomach.

'So this is war…'

A/N: I'm back! I apologize that this is so short but it's been a crazy couple of weeks with the weather, leaving me little time to write because my kids are home from school. I hope to get the next chapter out next Saturday, but we'll have to see what happens.

Namiko and crew are about to get a full taste of what war is like and the aftermath of it as well. I plan on showing more of the interactions between everyone in the downtime, though there will still be plenty of fighting as well.

As I've said before, this war won't be identical at all to canon, and battles are spaced out, but that doesn't mean that tension won't be high.

See you all soon!

Love, Eriisu

PS: Comments are my tip jar!