The next chapter of Vessel of The Demon King. After the events that have happened, more forces make their move.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
Chapter 7: Kappa Attack
Iruka Umino stood in the small room, his arms held out to his side as he was at The Konoha Prison.
The Chunin said nothing as he was shown being looked over and examined by a group of guards. He was at the Prison today as he had come to see someone.
Iruka had been checked, for any weapons or items on his person. A precaution done by them just in case he had anything that could be used. He went through the procedure, not minding it as this was not the first time he had underwent it.
After being cleared and approved to enter the visiting room, Iruka entered it and took a seat at a table. Across from it was another chair as the door in the back of the room slowly opened.
In stepped a figure with white hair. He wore a prison uniform and had his wrists and ankles shackled to hinder his movement as he was escorted by a pair of guards. When he saw Iruka a smug look appeared on his face as he looked on at him with contempt as he was made to sit down at the table
"Mizuki..." Iruka said as he looked on at the man who at one time was his fellow teacher in The Academy, and his best friend.
"So, have you come to mock me before tomorrow? Try to appeal to the goodness of my heart?" Mizuki said with a sneer.
Mizuki's execution was to be tomorrow. For his crimes of treason, starting a riot and attempting to murder a fellow Ninja that he had attempted three years ago he was sentenced to death. He had been told a year ago that if he showed regret for his actions, he would be given a life in jail imprisonment for his sentence instead of being executed, but instead had laughed it off. Mocking them for thinking he showed any remorse for his actions.
Iruka was seeing him one final time before it. Anko had told him the other day that he didn't need to do this, that he was under no obligation to do so, but Iruka had opted to do so to see if there was an ounce of goodness left of the man he grew up with.
"Tell me Mizuki." Iruka started. "You had a good life, you were respected by others and yet you threw it all away for a man who never gave a damn about you." He said to him referring to how he attempted to steal the Scroll of Seals and give it to Orochimaru.
Mizuki sneered. "The only thing I was in Konoha was a cog, I had the opportunity to become something far greater and powerful when it was presented to me and I'd do it again if I had the chance. Unlike you, who's content to always be obedient, always doing whatever he's told. Why should I serve someone when instead they could have served me?" He said to Iruka.
Iruka frowned at him as he sat there. "You really think that? You have forgotten everything we have ever been taught when we were children. We did not become Ninja for the sake of Glory, we did it so to protect people and our homes."
"And where has that gotten you?" Mizuki responded. "Stuck in a dead end, watching those other foolish sheep who have the same mindset as you who will never achieve anything."
"I always hated you Iruka." Mizuki told him with disdain. "You were so damn naive about that Will of Fire garbage that they spewed out. Always encouraging those stupid brats who'd never shut up, convincing them that they'd ever become more than kunai fodder, when at best they'd be killed off in their first mission. Especially that stupid demon brat Naruto." He said with a spat.
"Don't you dare speak his name!" Iruka said one of the few times he let his anger get the best of him but he wasn't going to let Mizuki insult Naruto's memory
"You want to know something? The happiest moment of my entire life was when I heard that that wretched boy had been killed." Mizuki told him with a sick grin
Iruka glared at Mizuki but kept himself seated. He knew that Mizuki was trying to get him to attack, knowing that in doing so Mizuki could get a reprieve of his execution, but he did not take the bait.
"Goodbye, Mizuki." Iruka told him as he looked at him for the last time ever as he stood up. "Enjoy Hell." He said in contempt as he turned and walked away.
Iruka paid him no more attention as he walked out of the room and exited the prison as he headed home.
The Land of Demons
A Mountain was shown, stretching upward as it towered over everything in the surrounding area.
A figure was seen at the bottom of it, looking on it.
Naruto was shown in his armor, the Vessel of Byako looking on as he stared at the sight before him. He looked on as this was the place he had come to, as he was searching for something.
Bringing his hands up, he began to make symbols with them.
Naruto began to speak in a different language, speaking and uttering as he did Hand Symbols.
"Come forth my steed, Come forth Matsukaze!" He shouted in Byako's voice.
A cracking sound was heard as part of the Mountain was split open, having been split open revealing a path, and from it a sound could be heard coming from it.
A large being emerged from the Mountain, running across the ground as the sound of it's hooves echoed as it dashed across.
The being had the appearance of a Horse. A large massive horse that reared upward, raising it's powerful legs and hooves that was capable of smashing through stone. The beast let out a cry as it stomped on the ground. It had a coat that was as dark as coal and a fiery red mane and matching tail. On it's body and chest it wore silver armor that did little to hinder it's speed and movement as it ran swiftly. On it's back it wore a saddle and stirrups
Naruto looked on at the Horse, which was actually a Demon. His mount that he had rode into battle ages ago. A Mount fit for a King as the beast would only let the strongest and most worthy ride him as he had tamed him long ago proving his worth. Any other foolish to ride him would be tossed off and crushed underneath it's hooves. The swiftest Horse to ever live, as it could run miles in minutes.
Matsukaze continued to run across the area before turning towards him and coming to a stop as it pawed the ground as it stood in front of him. Despite his now human appearance, he recognized his Master.
Naruto reached up and stroked it's chest, as The Horse Demon bristled and raised it's head up. "Yes, it has been a long time hasn't it?" He said with a smile as he in a gentle manner stroked it's strong chest. "I rode you into many battles long ago and I shall do so again." He told it and stepped over to it's side. Grasping it, he then climbed up onto the beast and mounted it positioning himself. With a cry he gave it the command to run which it did.
Matsukaze ran, swift as the wind it did, carrying Byako as it moved at a great pace, dashing across the field with ease their hooves trampling the grass. Naruto held onto the reigns as he rode Matsukaze feeling the Demon's power. He continued to ride upon it as soon they would ride into battle and victory once more.
Soon they had come to The Castle, where he dismounted from its back.
He walked forward, past the Guards as he entered the Castle. The Soldiers giving him a respectful berth as he entered.
The Terracota were perfect soldiers; they required no food to eat nor water to drink and were formidable. Made out of stone, they could withstand attacks as only destroying their heads would defeat them.
It had been three days since the events in The Land of Grass. Since he had battled Orochimaru and encountered that wretched girl. He would not let such a thing happen again, the boy would not intervene and stop him again!
He made his way through the castle until coming to a set of doors. Placing his palms upon them he pushed the large doors open and strode in.
Inside the throne room were several other Demons, including The Venom Five having returned from their attack on Konoha. Many in the room bowed and knelled before him as he walked past him. Having been ordered to appear as he had summoned them. Even the volatile Ushi-Oni bowed his head as Gashadokuro was shown groveling with his skull head on the floor covering up his head. Naruto continued to walk past as he approached the steps to his throne and walking up it turned and sat down.
"Tell me," He began "Any news on the whereabouts of Akatsuki?" He demanded to know. "I want their hidden Headquarters found, so that they can be eradicated." He said as he wanted them wiped out so he'd one less enemy to deal with.
"We have looked Sire, but it appears that they have gone underground." Jishin said as he and his Son were shown. "It seems after you killed the first one, they have gotten wary of being found." He said as the two had scouted.
"The cowards are afraid to face us." Taifu, the younger Tengu proclaimed. "But we have found news of interest King Byako. We have discovered that Kumogakure has two of what is called Jinchuurki, in due time Akatsuki will likely attack." The Tengu said and Naruto nodded his head as this was acceptable.
Naruto looked on and noted an absence there. "Where is Choso? He should have been here."
"Brother," Gebu said bowing his head. "I'm afraid that Choso has gone to The Land of Sea, he refused to heed your summons and has gone there with the others of his kind. To reclaim his domain, shall we have him brought back and punished for the disrespect he has showed you?"
"No." Naruto said waving it away. "Let him entertain himself for now, but only for as long as he is of usage to me. There are other more important matters we shall attend to at first, Seiyu." He called out.
The Dragon Demon and his sibling approached him but did not kneel. "What is it?" He demanded.
"Since you have shown impatience in my plans, I am giving you the chance to let loose with your power as you have been wanting to do." Naruto told him. "Go to The Land of Frost, take your Raiju with you and shatter it to pieces. Destroy every town and settlement and drive the humans out. Kill any who try to stop you. Once we have it, we shall be able to have a foothold in the main land. That, along with The Land of Noodles shall be where our armies will gather. From Frost, we shall then attack Yugakure and fully cut off The Land of Lightning and Kumogakure from the rest of the Nations in accordance to Gebu's plan."
Seiyu let out a low noise in his throat but nodded his head. "Very well, any human that stands against me shall fall to my axe." He declared and turned and left.
Gebu stood beside Naruto as they watched him leave. "Brother, is this wise? Do you trust him?" He asked
"Of course I don't trust him," Naruto answered immediately. "I know he has long sought my throne, I am placating him for now, let him think my guard is down. If he makes a move against me, then I will kill him even if he is my Brother." Naruto stated as he was no fool. The two had fought hundreds of years ago over who should be The Ruler of their kind with Byako emerging victorious. Whilst Seiyu had accepted it, he had never called him King.
"As for other matters, it is also time we deal with The Hidden Leaf Village." He announced to those there. "The Leaf have proven to be a constant annoyances to my plans." Naruto said with a growl. "It seems that everywhere I go, one of them is there to be a thorn in my side. It's time to deal with them." He proclaimed
"Excellent," Suza said with a dark smile. "Leaves after all are so fun to watch as they burn to a crisp." The Female Demon said flames emitting from her fingertips. "Let us assemble our Army and destroy them Brother." The Phoenix said eagerly
"No." Naruto said suddenly to her confusion. "If we go and attack, we expose ourselves to one of the other Five Villages to be caught in between. Instead, I have thought of a different plan. So that we may wipe them out at our leisure."
"What are you suggesting?" Gebu asked him.
"Humans have been known to keep animals behind cages to to cut them off, restrict their movement so that they cannot go anywhere." Naruto explained to them. "We shall do the same." He announced as he stood up.
"And there is one Demon among us who has the power to do so."
Konoha Hospital
"Tell me everything that had happened." The mask wearing Ninja said to the female Chunin.
Kakashi was shown standing as he was no longer in the bed as his strength had returned. He looked on at his remaining student who had returned from the mission.
Sakura, Shikamaru and them had returned and were alarmed when they had heard of what had happened. Of beings having inflitrated The Village and attacked Ino and the rest, as well as having killed Izumo and Kotetsu. Shikamaru had immediately rushed to see Choji and Ino. Luckily, Tsunade and them were able to neutralize the poison they and the others had been infected with, saving their lives. They should make a full recovery, they just needed to stay at the hospital for now until then to rest and get the poison they had been infected with out of their systems.
"Go on Sakura, tell us what happened." Tsunade said as she encouraged her.
Sakura took a deep breath and went into detail. About the mission and what had happened, how they had encountered Orochimaru and Sasuke, and how she had did battle with The Uchiha, of how they almost had him before Orochimaru intervened.
"After Orochimaru got involved, you were forced to withdraw?" Kakashi asked her.
"No." Sakura said shaking her head. "That's not what happened."
"What do you mean?" Tsunade questioned.
Sakura then explained of how a being had shown up and did battle with Orochimaru. Having appeared unexpectedly as he attacked him. When she said the name of him, Kakashi's eye widened.
"Byako!" He said cutting her off. "He's attacked again. That's the man who killed Deidara." He said recalling him. "He's attacking anyone it seems that maybe a threat to him." Kakashi said and Tsunade had a look of alarm as well.
"He's powerful enough to battle Orochimaru, and it sounds like he has an army of his own as well." Tsunade said concern in her voice. "The ones who attacked Neji and the others, they work for him." She said recalling what she was told when she had healed the group. "They snuck in and attacked us so openly, we let down our guards and paid the price!" She said bitterly.
Kiba's mother Tsume was on the warpath upon finding out what had happened to her Son and Tsunade had just barely placated her lest she go off on her own in an attempt to hunt those who had nearly killed him, which she would have done no doubt, luckily she was able to calm down and tend to her son but the parents and families of the others were angry as well, even the stoic Shibi Aburame.
"And from what Neji told me when he recovered, they were the ones who had taken Sasuke three years ago.
"He defeated Orochimaru as well." Sakura told them. "He had Orochimaru beat and was going to kill him when Kabuto interfered. Then Sasuke attacked as well but he nearly died as well." She said and told them of how Sasuke was critically wounded in the battle and how they were going to take him now when Orochimaru recovered and fled with him.
"Him killing The Akatsuki member wasn't a fluke then. He's as dangerous as I feared." Kakashi said worry in his voice
"I take the blame for the mission's failure." Sakura said bowing her head. "I am prepared for whatever punishment you are going to give me."
"It's not your fault Sakura." Tsunade said shaking her head not letting her beat herself up over it. "None of us could have foreseen what was going to happen. To your credit, you did manage to hold your own against Sasuke and had him beat. In any other scenario, you would have returned with Sasuke captured.
"Sakura, you are most fortunate." Kakashi told her. "It is a miracle you didn't die." He said and Tsunade nodded her head
"I know." Sakura said in response.
"Byako, I met him in The Land of Rivers," Kakashi said crossing his arms. "I'm afraid he's a foe beyond your strength. If you should ever encounter him again, you are to run and not engage, is that clear?" He said to her.
"Yes...Sensei." Sakura reluctantly replied
"I knew that that bastard Danzo was up to something." Tsunade grumbled in irritation as she recalled what Sakura had said that Sai had done. "The fact that he so openly went behind my back, and endangered the mission and your lives with his actions. If I could, I'd have his head for this." She said clenching a hand into a fist.
Sakura looked on at her as she had talked to Sai after the mission and heading back home. He had told her everything, about his training with Root. How he was to remove himself from his emotions so that they wouldn't hinder him or cloud his judgment, so that he could perform the mission no matter the task. Having been instructed by Danzo to feign allegiance to Orochimaru, so that he could kill Sasuke.
But meeting Sakura had stirred something up within him, the compassion she had showed towards Naruto and wanting to get justice for him. Bringing up emotions within Sai that he had tried to forget.
She had also learned that to fully be made a member of the organization, he was put against on a mission what he thought was an enemy ninja, but in truth was his best friend and didn't know until after he was dead.
Sakura had been disgusted by what she heard, having not imagined someone would force another to do such a cruel thing.
"Danzo's too well connected," Kakashi said. "Even if we proved it, he'll find a way to wriggle out of it."
"I know, but doesn't mean I like it." Tsunade grumbled. "Alright, Sakura, I want you to take the next couple days off. You've been through a lot kid." She said and left the room.
Kakashi bid goodbye as well to her and started to leave.
"Sensei, Kakashi." Sakura said to him before he left causing him to turn around.
"What is it?" Kakashi asked her looking on at the Pinkette.
"I have a favor to ask of you. Something that I want to ask you." She told him.
"Anything." Kakashi responded. Sakura looked up at him determination in her eyes, drive and focus in them.
"Can you teach me The Rasengan?"
The scenery changed to that of The Land of Sea.
The Land of Sea was comprised of many Islands, and relied mainly on fishing and ships for it's economy. They had no Ninja army as they were a simple folk, unconcerned with the rest of the World.
They did have a guardian who protected them though, Isaribi, an orphan girl who had been experimented on by Orochimaru and Amachi to transform into a Mermaid form that enhanced her strength and enabled her to breathe and fight underwater without air. After being rescued by Naruto Uzumaki and freed, she had become the Land of Seas protector to make amends for her actions she had been forced to make. Protecting them from Pirates and Missing Nin who would encroach on the Ships.
A boat was shown one of several and on it many workers were shown. Throwing their large nets into the water to catch fish, shrimp and other sea creatures, hoping for a good haul today. The sun was shown beating down on them as they worked.
"C'mon, put your backs into it!" The Captain of the vessel ordered them. "You want to come home today with the smallest haul?" He ordered the sea dogs.
As they worked, they were unaware that there was more than just fish down there.
One of them was catching his breath when he looked over the side of the vessel, wiping his sweaty brow he looked when his eyes caught something below in the water.
"What was that?" The Sailor said.
"What was what?" Another asked stopping by.
"I thought I saw something just now, in the water." He said peering over looking into it.
"I don't see anything." The second Sailor said.
"There!" He shouted pointing as he spotted movement just now in the water. "Something's down there."
"You've been out in the Sun too long." An older man said shaking his head. "Go below deck and get some fresh water on your head."
Suddenly the boat lurched and shook causing a few of them to stumble.
"What's that?"
"Did we hit a reef?"
"Nonsense, there's nothing out here."
The Sailors looked on in confusion wondering what had just happened. Suddenly the vessel began to rock back and forth causing them to lose their footing as they couldn't understand what was happening just now.
"What the devil's going on?!"
"Something's underneath us!"
"We're being turned over!"
The ship was shown being pushed over, pushed onto it's side as the ship was being over turned and flipped. The Sailors screamed in desperate terror as they tried to cling onto something as the boat was tipped fully over sending them falling into the sea as the ship was turned upside down.
The Sailors' in the other nearby ships could only look on in stunned shock at what they had just saw happened.
Before they could react or try to rescue them, several dozen beings were shown in the water and dashed through the water swimming at a fast pace towards them.
Reaching them, they then leapt up out of the water onto the deck of the ships as multiple aquatic monsters were shown shocking the Humans. They had webbed hands and long legs and wore carapace like shells on their body. Some of them had clothing or jewelry on, and many wielded weapons.
Without mercy or warning, they then attacked the Humans on board, striking them down and killing them
A figure burst through the hull of the largest ship, smashing through the wood with ease as he emerged on deck having broken it in half. Shooting himself upward into the air, he then destroyed the mast with a single punch knocking it over.
He landed on what was left of the ship, he had muscular pale purple skin and long grey hair. He wore a sleeveless tunic and long pants. He wielded in his right arm a Trident that was as long as he was.
He looked on with amusement as he saw a sailor desperately clinging onto the ship, hanging onto it with all he had. Lifting up his Trident with an evil grin on his face he then threw it and impaled the poor sailor through the back killing him and sending him falling into the water. Diving back into the water he retrieved his weapon and surfaced. He smiled revealing his sharp teeth as he saw the dead bodies floating in the water, of those who he and his kind had just killed.
"Let's go get some lunch!" He called out to the others and they cheered and they dove into the water joining him.
They swim at a fast pace heading towards the main island of the Land of Sea.
A Dining Hall was shown as many people were inside the restaurant, not having known of what had just happened.
Seated at one of The Tables, was The Daimyo and Ruler of the country. She sat and dined with her guests as they talked and laughed. Unaware of what had just happened or going on.
Suddenly, the doors to the Restaurant opened, having been smashed to pieces. Many cried out in shock at what just happened.
In the doorway of it, were several creatures with different colored skin.
The leader of them looked on surveying the scene with a grin as he could smell the fear and shock from the humans here. Outside screams could be heard as others of his race attacked and were seen destroying buildings.
Entering the place, the only sound was his stomping footsteps.
The Daimyo of The Land of Sea looked on before she regained her composure and stood up.
"Who do you think you are?" The Woman said. "I am The Daimyo of this Country and I will not abide such attitude." She demanded as her guards stood beside her with their weapons to protect her
"Daimyo...?" The leader of The group said as he strode forward a mocking smile on his face. "So you're the head honcho here." He said to her.
"Yes, and I will not tolerate ruffians such as yourself. Begone from here!" She ordered him.
The Demon looked on at her a bit amused before he suddenly grabbed her by the throat.
"You should know when to shut up when before your superiors Human." He said with a spat. "I am Choso, Lord of The Kappa!" He informed her. Her guards tried to aid her but his men stood in front of her blocking them. "And I will not be talked down to by some Human!" He said as he glared at her.
"You know that over half this World is comprised of water?" He said to her. "We Kappa, who are the greatest of Demons lived in it. Especially here as this was our turf, until you humans came along and started polluting it with your boats and filth. The way I see it, it's you who is intruding." He said and his visage turned into a snarl. "And you know what we do to squatters?" He asked before dropping her
The Daimyo regaining her composure looked on him with disgust on her face. "Vile monster, kill him!" She ordered one of her guards
The Guard thrust with his spear, aiming to impale him in the chest. Choso easily sidestepped it and then bit down on the metal headpiece and then tore it right off, effortlessly shattering the steel with ease as he chewed it up and spat them out. He then thrust his trident, the prongs piercing him through the throat as many cried out in terror at what just happened as he ripped it out. One of the other Kappas attacked as well, cutting down the other guard.
"Demon Style!" He shouted holding out his palm and a swirl of water appeared in it. "Water Pistol!" Choso shouted and fired it at the Daimyo.
The bullet like projectile hit her in the chest and she was knocked off her feet and hit the ground, killed instantly.
Screams filled the area at what had just happened as The Daimyo had been killed. Looking on Choso grinned taking delight in the terror being spread.
"By the way, here's your Little Mermaid!" He shouted and snapped his fingers. Two Kappa were shown entering carrying an object. They tossed it onto the floor and it was revealed to be Isaribi. The girl's body was shown to be beaten and bruised as she was unconscious as she laid there, her Mermaid form reverting back to normal. She had tried to fight them but had been overwhelmed and beaten unconscious. "Just in case you had any hope left." Choso said with a laugh. "Now then, let's eat!" He said with a smile as he walked forward
"Seems crowded Boss'." One said to him looking on at the terrified patrons.
"Nah," Choso said as he stomped towards a table. "These fine folks right here were just leaving." He said and Choso grabbed them by the shoulders and flung them from the table causing the patrons of the place to scream as they crashed against the wall. He looked over and saw a little boy fearfully burying his head into his Mother's chest.
"Shut yer trap!" He ordered them loudly. "I'm not gonna eat you! No Kappa would ever be caught eating one of you putrid humans!" He said with a snarl as he took a seat. "You Humans are hereby my Servants, as the only place fitting for one of your kind is beneath my heel." He said and grabbing a steak from a plate with his hands messily bit into it tearing it apart spraying juice all over.
The other islands of The Land of Sea were shown being ransacked with ships being destroyed as The Kappa took over. Destroying the boats so none could try to escape and killing any human who tried to fight back, taking over the country as they did.
Shortly on, Choso was shown laughing as he looked on at the scene. Taking delight in the wreckage of the ships before him.
Two days later...Konoha
Kakashi was seen as he made his way through the village.
He walked through the streets his hands in the pockets of his vest as he went on. Paying no attention to what everyone else was doing as it was in the afternoon.
As he walked, a familiar smell entered his nose. He recognized that he was at Ichiraku's, the Ramen Shack. Looking on he saw Teuchi and Ayame making the food and serving it to customers.
Deciding that this was as good as a place as any to have Supper, he decided to go inside.
Just as Kakashi was about to enter it, he suddenly stopped, as he detected something just now.
"This presence..." He said in a low tone as his eye narrowed. He detected a presence a distance away. It was a familiar chakra signal, one that he remembered from weeks earlier. Back during the mission to save Gaara.
"He's here!" He exclaimed his eye widening and he quickly turned around and dashed off. He made his way through the streets surprising many of the people walking who were confused by what he was doing as he paid them no mind and leapt up onto the roof of a building.
He began heading south, towards the entrance gate of Konoha. That was where the presence was coming from. He moved at a fast pace not stopping or slowing down.
Kakashi heard the sound of a foot landing on a tile beside him but didn't turn his head as he knew who it was.
"Kakashi, you sensed it as well?" Asuma Sarutobi asked as he ran beside him. With them on their left was Might Gai and Kurenai Yuuhi.
The Jonin nodded his head. "This is the Chakra signature I had detected back in The Land of Rivers when I chased after The Akatsuki Member." He informed the others as they leapt across as they spotted Yugao. "Inform Lady Tsunade at once! The Entire Village maybe in grave danger!" He shouted to her and she nodded and flickered away.
"Kakashi." Kurenai said speaking up. "Just how powerful is this foe?"
"I don't know, but he's easily S Class. He killed The Akatsuki member that had kidnapped Gaara and he has battled and had bested Orochimaru, Sakura informed me." He said causing the others to look at him in alarm.
"Orochimaru? You mean he's equal in power to one of The Sannin?" Asuma said his worries growing at what they were up against and Kakashi grimly nodded. "If he's as powerful as you say, then it'll take all of us I'm afraid."
The Shinobi of The Hidden Leaf continued on, they were joined by others as well, having detected it.
"This foe is brazen, to boldly make himself known!" Might Gai said as they neared the entrance as whomever it was was making no attempt to hide himself. As though openly daring them to come to him.
They came to the gates where several Ninja and Anbu were shown having taken up defensive positions, all the civilians were being escorted away and told not to be near for their own safety. Kakashi looked on out the gate as he stared ahead.
"It's him." He said to himself looking on as he recognized who it was.
A large horse was seen pawing the ground outside of the village, it's black coat covering it's frame and muscles. The beast was seen mounted with a saddle and stirrups. The Great Horse reared it's head back and let out a cry as it's red mane flowed in the wind.
Seated on the saddle of it, was it's Master.
Byako sat on Matsukaze, holding the reigns of his mount, He sat there and looked on ahead his helmet covered face staring at The Leaf Village. Behind him was a group of Terracotta Warriors, armed with axes and polearms.
He sat there on the saddle looking on at Konoha. Letting his chakra and power flow openly so that all of The Leaf knew he was here.
Byako looked on at them, his face obscured by his helmet so they could not see his visage. Boldly before them he was, opening daring them it seemed like.
"Hmm! I think it's time we show this visitor that The Leaf do not like uninvited guests and will not be intimidated!" Might Gai said and started to step forward but was held back.
"No one make any sudden moves." Kakashi ordered them. "Not until Lady Tsunade has arrived." He said to them all as he looked on at the sight.
He hoped Tsunade would arrive her soon.
Because he felt that it would take everything Konoha had if he attacked.
Half an hour earlier
Sakura's green eyes opened and she raised her head up from her pillow. Drowsily, she looked at her alarm clock and saw the time.
"Shot!" She grumbled in annoyance. She hadn't meant to oversleep. She had been studying medical books and had opted to take a quick nap before she went to the training fields but had stayed asleep longer than she intended.
Slipping her sandals on and fixing her hair, she made her way down the stairs.
She passed by the kitchen where her Mother was shown just finishing making food whilst her Father was seen reading a newspaper. She walked by them without saying a word as she headed to the door.
"Sakura!" Her Mother's voice called out to her.
"What?" She asked a bit irritated as she turned around.
"Where are you going?" Kizashi asked putting the newspaper away.
"I'm going out to train, I'll be back sometime tonight." Sakura said.
"Sakura, I just finished Dinner." Mebuki told her. "Sit and eat with us."
"I'm not hungry Mom." Sakura protested causing the older woman to frown.
"Sakura," Mebuki told her. "You've been on multiple missions in the past couple weeks, as well as constantly training all day long. You need to take time off and rest for a change." She said to her. "It's not good to run yourself ragged."
"Mom, I'm fine." Sakura told her feeling annoyed that she was being lectured like she was still seven. "I've got a lot to do. I can eat later." She said and Mebuki shook her head.
"Sakura, look at you. You've got rings around your eyes and your shoulders are hunched over from how hard you've been working. Plus, going on these S Class missions one after another? It's a miracle my or your Father's hair hasn't gone grey from worrying about you." Mebuki said shaking her head. "You need to rest."
"Your Mother's right Sakura." Kizashi said. "C'mon, she's put a lot of work into Supper tonight."
"Sakura, you may now be a Ninja and Apprentice to The Godaime, but so long as you live in our house, I have the final say, even above The Hokage." Mebuki informed her. "You are going to stay here and rest today. Now eat up." She said and she wasn't going to argue with her about it.
"Ok..." Sakura said and reluctantly sat down at the table.
"Good! It's been a while since we had a meal together as a family." Kizashi said with a wide smile as the three began to ate.
Sakura ate the food presented before her. A meal of udon with eggs and fried fish and a salad. It was good and it had been a while since she had a full meal, but her head was full of different thoughts right now as she didn't engage in much conversation with her parents who chatted. Only uttering a token word now and then as she calmly ate.
Just as she was about to finish eating and go back to her room, she then felt a curious presence.
(Huh?)
She sat upright as she felt a chakra presence just now.
Sakura took a deep breath inhaling sharply as her pupils shrunk as she lost grip of her utensils as they fell to the floor.
"Sakura?" Kizashi said to her in confusion.
The Kunoichi swallowed deeply as she felt her heart leaping into her throat.
(This feeling...) She thought to herself as she recognized it. It was the same power and feeling from before, in The Land of Grass. The same one she had felt when she had encountered...
(He's here!)
She quickly shoved the chair backwards and stood up, startling her parents. Before they could ask her what was wrong she hastily turned around and dashed towards the door
"Sakura? Come back!" Mebuki shouted but Sakura was already gone.
She was out on the streets and leapt up, leaping to the rooftops. Getting a summon scroll, she summoned her sabres and strapped them to her side. She could see several other Ninja as well, each heading in the same direction.
"Sakura!" Shikamaru's voice called out and she saw him. With him was Lee, Ino and the others.
"Do you feel that?" She shouted out to him and he grimly nodded his head.
"It's the same as we felt back in Kusagakure." He informed her. "Byako, he's here." He told her.
Sakura's expression turned stoic as she made her way. She was hoping for the best, and also wondering if she could get some answers as well. "Are you guys sure you are up to this? You guys just got out of the hospital yesterday." She said to the others.
"Ha! It'll take more than that to stop me!" Rock Lee proclaimed. "They could tie me down and I'd still make it here!"
"Our duty when we became Ninja is to protect The Leaf from foes." Neji said to her. "It would go against everything we learned if we did not." He said as Team 8 were shown joining up with them.
At the entrance to Konoha, many Leaf Ninja were shown, having gathered there.
Jonin and Chunin were shown setting up a perimeter while Genin and Rookie ninja were seen escorting citizens and the young and elderly away.
Kakashi looked on at the sight before him, it had been ten minutes since he had arrived and those ten minutes had felt like an hour.
"He's just seated there, as though daring us to attack." Asuma Sarutobi said as he clenched and unclenched his hands. He wanted to get a cigarette to cool his nerves but restrained himself from doing though. "He showed up right on our doorstep and is basically taunting us."
Byako had done nothing the whole time, he had made no move or had spoke to them. He sat there upon The Demon Horse his eyes on them behind his helmet.
"Hmm! If it's a fight that our unwanted guest has come for than he shall learn the hard way that The Youthful Spirit of Konoha will not be intimidated so easily!" Might Gai declared rising a fist.
"No one is to do anything." A voice spoke up and the gathered ninjas broke apart as The Godaime had arrived. "Do not provoke him under any circumstances." Tsunade said as she made her way to the front. "Is that him Kakashi? Are you certain" She asked as she looked out at the trespasser.
"Yes, he's the one I met before." Kakashi confirmed to her.
"Lady Hokage, all citizens and the young and elderly have been escorted away and been blocked off from this area. The Genin Squads are ready to escort them to The Monument on your order. We have set up our defenses and have sealing and barrier teams ready." Yugao informed her and Tsunade nodded her head pleased with casualties being limited in case the worst thing happened.
She looked on at him and saw Byako dismount from his steed. "It appears he has not come to attack, but to talk." She said as he made no motion or sign that he was going to attack. But knew it could very well change in an instant.
"He's the one who had those attack my son?" Tsume Inuzuka said baring her fang like teeth. "Let me see how smug he is when I rip his face off!" She declared but Tsunade held out a hand stopping her.
"Kakashi, Asuma, with me." She said ordering them to follow her and The Two Jonin nodded their heads.
They began to walk, heading outside the village of Konoha, outside it's safety as they approached him. On the gate walls were Anbu armed and ready to leap into action.
Sakura and the others had arrived and saw them. Her eyes also widened when she saw Byako. "Lady Tsunade! Sensei!" She shouted trying to push her way through but the large crowd of Shinobi prevented her.
Tsunade and them carefully approached Byako. They made no sign of threat or that they meaned to attack. His mount bristled and pawed the ground with a hoof impatiently but Byako made no move.
She stopped at last twenty feet away from him. Neither side said anything as they were at a standoff right now.
A long silence filled the air, unnerving the inhabitants of Konoha at what was going on.
"You are Byako, are you not?" Tsunade said speaking up finally.
"King Byako." He responded, correcting her. Tsunade frowned at him as she looked at him. Trying to decipher any potential weaknesses that he had.
"I am Tsunade, The Fifth Hokage, The Godaime and it's protector." She said to him. "Why are you here? What are your intentions?" Tsunade said as she showed that she wasn't going to be intimidated.
"My intentions, you surely know by now." Byako told her. "As for why am I here, I am here to witness your surrender personally."
"Never!" Tsunade responded at once narrowing her eyes. "You have assaulted us without any reason or being provoked and have killed my men. You are not the first to try to conquer The Leaf, and like all the others you will fail." She told him, she had her arms down to her side but every muscle in her body was ready. "You are warned, leave now or face your destruction." She said to him as this was the only chance she would give him to leave.
"Over Three Hundred years ago, before Konoha or any of your Villages even existed, I and my siblings' ruled all of this entire land." Byako informed her. "I crushed you humans and brought you under my heel, no matter how many armies you threw at me and claimed they would take my life, they were defeated. I have returned at last and will rule once more. I have killed the fool of Akatsuki and bested the one that you call Orochimaru, and I will take your life as well if you dare to oppose me."
Tsunade glanced over at Kakashi and Asuma who were quiet, taking in what he said. "Are you truly as you have claimed to be, a Demon? An actual Demon?" She asked.
"Yes. Your comrade there knows that I am, as he faced off with one of my Warriors." He said motioning to Kakashi. "And he is longing to take your head in exchange for what you did to his arm." He said to him and Kakashi glared at him recalling his battle with Ushi-Oni. "We are greater than the ones you call Bijuu."
"Why are you doing this?" Asuma said speaking up. "Why are you seeking conquest? For what reason do you have to attack us?" He demanded.
"Does fire need a reason to burn?" Byako asked rhetorically. "The land is in front of me, therefore I am within my right to take and conquer it as I once did."
Asuma looked on at him disgust in his eyes. "Monster, you would kill thousands of innocent people unprovoked?"
Byako let out a laugh. "Tell me, how was it Konoha or any other of The Villages was formed and created? How did it came to be?" He said mocking them. "It did not just sprout up, there was others here before you that were driven out and killed so you could build your homes. How many bones are buried underneath the ground of those you and your ancestors have slain? You Humans preach morality, but are capable of great cruelty and barbarism."
Back in the village, Sakura had managed to make her way so that she could get a clear view of what was happening. She watched on as Tsunade and them engaged in conversation with the helmeted being. She saw him as again Sakura remembered what he had called her.
Sakura-chan
"I've got to get out there." She said as she couldn't just stand here and watch. She needed to be out there.
"Sakura, don't be stupid!" Ino told her. "You can't go out there! Let Lady Tsunade and them handle it." She said holding her back.
Sakura ignored her. She had to get close to them, she had to talk to Byako, so she could figure out what had happened back there in Grass and why he had spoken to her and called her that by which Naruto had.
Byako shifted his head slightly as he felt the girls' presence, she was there in the village and watching on no doubt. A low growl escaped his throat as he felt the Boys' spirit and he for a brief second clutched at his chest, that which Kakashi noticed.
"If you believe that Konoha will bow to your whim, then like many others you will fail." Tsunade told him. "Every ninja here is willing to lay down their life for The Will of Fire. We don't yield to tyrants." She said to Byako.
"...So be it." Byako said to her. "You will live to regret your words Godaime." He said as Kakashi and Asuma got in front of her as Asuma got out his trench knives whilst Kakashi reached up to expose his Sharingan eye. "You shall be the first to bare witness as I walk in the light of Sun, and you, the entire human race and the whole world be covered in the darkness of my Shadow."
"Nurikabe!" He then shouted.
The ground suddenly began to shake and tremble as alarm appeared on Tsunade's face at what was happening just now. The ground rumbled as it felt like the whole land was shaking, she kept herself upright as Kakashi and Asuma balanced themselves as well.
"What's happening?" Sakura said at what was going on as she struggled to stay on her feet just now. Some of the Leaf lost their balance and tried to hold onto something to keep themselves upright.
"Earthquake!" One shouted thinking that was what was happening just now.
"Watch our for debris!"
Many of the villagers were starting to panic at what was happening, thinking that an Earthquake was happening.
Tsunade looked on as the ground continued to shake and rumble at Byako as she saw him standing there, not fazed by what was happening just now. "This is no Earthquake." She realized. "What are you doing?!" She shouted but he said nothing in response.
To their shock, a giant wall began to emerge from the ground in front of him. A massive stone wall began to rise up from the earth itself. Many of the inhabitants of Konoha screamed in terror at what was going on as they saw the wall rose up. The wall rose up and up, going higher and higher with each second.
Sakura, Shikamaru, Neji and the others could only watch on as they had never seen anything like this before. Even the Veterans of The Shinobi Wars had never witnessed anything like this in their lifetime.
The Wall went up, until it went up past the gates of Konoha. But it wasn't stopping there, Kakashi and them realized.
It continued to go up, going higher and higher, hundreds of feet it went up covering The Village in it's shadow as all the inhabitants, from Ninja to Citizen could only look on in horror and shock at what was happening as it began to blot out the sun as even The Monument of The Hokages was seen covered up in it's shadow.
The Wall finally stopped and the Leaf could only look on as they could just barely see the top of it as they were covered in darkness from it. The Wall stretched on the ground for miles, the entire length of Konoha, cutting off any exit that it had.
Tsunade gathered her bearings as she swatted away dust in front of her as she looked on at the sight. She could hear the screams and panicking shouts behind her, of the confused and scared people at what had just happened.
"Kakashi." She said to him and he looked on at her as grim realization was on his face.
"We're trapped." She told him as all of Konoha was now trapped, with nowhere to go.
A/N: That's it for this chapter. Review please