Chapter 33: The Blood Vow
"Those candle flames were like the lives of men. So fragile. So deadly. Left alone, they lit and warmed. Let run rampant, they would destroy the very things they were meant to illuminate."
-Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
Shikamaru & Naruto-Uzumaki Apartment
He stubs out his cigarette with the heel of his shoe, rolls his neck.
'Alright, let's get this over with.' Shikamaru sighs.
He's thankful it isn't raining to add to the chill of the day, blue going on for miles as a light breeze ruffles up his hair. Perfect spring-like weather the opposite of his mood.
Lady Tsunade ordered him to do a check in on Naruto after his visit to the Hokage's office the other day, nobody's seen him much over the last 3 days outside of Hinata who said he's managing as best as he can.
"He's planning revenge now and I don't plan to stop him."
But the village is still reeling from the continued aftereffects of his wrath at Jiraiya's death, spilling out across the region like his shadows. Trees are uprooted and tossed about at the training grounds like mere twigs to shattered glass and flooded storefronts at any places that are less than sympathetic at the Toad Sannin's passing.
Wherever Naruto's footsteps have gone, the ground has been upended.
"Please, just try. He's refused all visitors including Sakura before she left for her next assignment and even Kakashi." Tsunade's request repeats in his mind.
'Isn't this supposed to be Hinata's job? To keep him calm?' He absently wonders.
He supposes if she weren't here they're be far more destruction about the village.
The steps are uneven and warped as he makes his way up to Naruto's apartment, pauses outside his door seeing one of his neighbors attempting to slink by. The man shakes his head, points to the wet patches along the pavement, the eerie screech of wind rattling the metal and shingles above.
"I wouldn't bother the jinchuriki or err Naruto right now. I'm afraid this whole place will come crashing down soon. I'm staying at my daughter's house until his anger fully calms." He states, clutches his suitcase closer before heading downstairs quickly.
Shikamaru blows out a breath, knocks on his door anyways.
The wind quiets, door clicking open a hair.
Naruto studies him akin to a mosquito or fly, scowls.
"...Are you the latest person Granny sent out to check on me?"
Shikamaru nods. "Trust me, I wish I was back at home right now too."
To his mild surprise, Naruto opens the door further. There's nothing that immediately sticks out to him or appears to be amiss. No dark bags under his eyes to signal fatigue or hair in complete disarray.
Naruto sniffs the air as he allows him in, wrinkles his nose.
"Since when do you smoke?"
Shikamaru peers over his shoulder at him, he's been asked that so many times since the funeral.
"...Since Asuma-sensei died."
Naruto says nothing to that, but Shikamaru notes the way his shoulders drop, scratching at his neck.
He laughs dryly, waves away his awkwardness.
"It's fine, everyone's been asking me that so it's become my go to answer to shut people up from prying."
Even the apartment is relatively clean save for a few empty ramen cups littered about Naruto picks up and trashes. Hinata must be with Team 8 or Kurenai-sensei maybe with her presence having changed the apartment since he last came by. He notes vases filled with wildflowers to her futon neatly tucked away in the living room's corner.
When he looks at Naruto again however, his eyes are a sharp vermilion, observing him. He draws in a breath and rehearses again everything he needs to discuss.
He walks over to the kitchen and Shikamaru gives follow, notes the photos set about along the table of what must be every path of Pain, the scribble of notes beside each one of them.
Naruto resumes his seat, considers Shikamaru as he takes the chair opposite him before remembering some modicum of politeness.
"Ah, do you wanna a snack or drink?"
Shikamaru shakes his head, straight to the point. "I'm not here to talk you out of your revenge."
Naruto snickers harshly. "What made you think you'd be able to?"
Shikamaru thinly smiles, nods to the photos scattered amongst them. "Trust me, I'd be a hypocrite to say not to do this when I'm plotting my own for Choji and now...Asuma-sensei too."
Naruto runs a hand through his hair, azure pooling back into his eyes. "Yeah, I'm sorry for your loss too. Asuma-sensei encouraged me once over different wind techniques I could use in battle."
Shikamaru waves up a hand. "Don't worry about me. I came here to ask you something outside of what Lady Tsunade fully requested me to do. She did want me to check on you yes, however, I have a proposition for you."
Naruto arches a brow as Shikamaru's gaze drops to the photo of Pain in the center who must be the de facto leader, taps on it. "Tell me what you've gathered on all of these Paths."
"...Why?"
Shikamaru blows out an impatient breath. "So I can help you with your revenge."
Naruto scrutinizes him even more closely then, leans forward. "It isn't just Nagato/Pain I must kill; Konan has to die too."
"I'm aware."
Naruto clicks his tongue. "What's the catch?"
Shikamaru shrugs, rolls off his suspicion. "There's no catch. I'll help you with this and then you can help me with my own Akatsuki members I need to take down. Hidan is an idiot and all I need to do is lead him into a trap to permanently disable him forever. He and Kakuzu are Kage-level opponents and I feel helping you with this will give me the experience and possible intel I need to find them before they capture another jinchuriki or kill anymore allies."
Naruto crosses his arms. "...And Granny doesn't know about this?"
Shikamaru nods, goes ahead and starts reviewing the notes Jiraiya left behind when Naruto can no longer think of any more questions for him.
'Each Path of Pain holds a different ability, some more offensive while others operate defensively. From Hinata's original assignment, she gathered enough evidence for Jiraiya to fully conclude that each one is a corpse being operated via the black receiver rods in them.' He reads.
"Northeast. That's the direction Fukasaku said Pervy-Sage pointed in before he was surrounded." Naruto mutters.
He sits back again, rubs his chin thoughtfully. "I'll train with the toads some at Mount Myoboku to perfect Sage mode along with a few more wind, genjutsu, and water techniques while you get in some practice here. Then, we can head out together to Amegakure if you're truly serious about this. We'll need to go to them before they come here to Konoha hopefully and without drawing too much attention."
Shikamaru clicks his lighter on and off thinking, digs something out from his pocket. "Nightfall will be best via the pretense of taking a small visit to a neighboring town within the Land of Fire. I'll create a diversion for the guards if it comes down to it. And I am serious Naruto. And to prove it, I got Sakura to make me this."
He tosses out 3 cloudy vials Naruto catches, holds each one up to the sunlight.
"Those are often used in autopsies; she said it's similar to embalming fluid. Though in this case, Sakura changed the chemical composition to speed up the decomposition process instead. If one of the Paths were to be injected with that, the body would start to decay in a matter of minutes rendering it unusable."
Cerulean gleams at that. "How much did she make of this?"
Shikamaru shakes his head, points to the ones in his hands. "She couldn't make too many without rousing Lady Tsunade or Shizune's suspicions at how expensive formaldehyde and the other components are to get in the labs. We can make do with those though, right? She said only a few milliliters should be needed."
Naruto nods, puts them aside for now. His eyes sharpen to crimson again, studies Shikamaru's demeanor.
"This will get very bloody, messy, y'know. I don't intend to make either of them have a quick death."
Shikamaru grins, nicks his thumb until a bubble of blood erupts, presses it against a clear notebook page beside him.
"Consider that my blood promise."
Naruto studies the imprint for a long moment, grabs a knife and cuts a slit in his own thumb before pressing it down beside his with a nod.
"Now I'm holding you to it." He warns.
Shikamaru nods, knows he's dealing more with the beast at his tone.
"Good. Was that an acceptable offering or do I need to draw out more of my blood until I get dizzy?" He dryly mentions, flicks with his switchblade.
A promise to a bijuu directly means you alone accept the consequences of failing to keep up your end of a deal...
It's why giving annual sacrifices are easier for most villages, nobody wants to gamble outright on their own life if unnecessary.
No matter the promises of wealth or power they could gain in return.
'Strange how similar we've both become as of late.' Shikamaru absently muses.
He isn't sure Asuma-sensei, Master Jiraiya, or Choji would like this growing darkness he sees in them both.
But they'll need to be monsters to kill monsters.
Naruto chuckles.
"Save your blood; this is fine by me."
Hinata-Hyūga Manor
Whispers gather at her approach to the gates, Hinata striding forward with ease.
She picked late morning to come by when surely they'd be done with breakfast and the early spar sessions, though she isn't surprised to hear the footsteps of commotion not too far away.
Hiroko and Haruto study her with equal confusion, naginata blades crossing preventing her entrance.
Hinata smiles, butterflies flittering about her.
"I trust Hiashi received my messenger butterfly from yesterday?"
Haruto blinks in surprise at her lack of proper title for her Father, peers to Haruto for an explanation.
He shakes his head, just as uncertain.
"I have business with him; I know he got it because he sent a confirmation back it was received." Hinata continues.
Hiroko grits teeth, pearl eyes darkening.
"You were sacrificed. It's considered trespassing and bad luck to have you here. You need to leave or I'll-"
"You'll what? Your position and form have always been on the weaker side Hiroko." Hinata interrupts gently, steps forward as his blade briefly falters at her comment. Her gaze sharpens looking him up and down, Hiroko stumbling back in alarm.
"When...When did you become so mean?" He hisses in shock.
Hiashi clears his throat behind them before she can answer.
"Hinata speaks the truth, let her in." He commands.
The pair stay frozen for a moment before doing as he says, hurriedly stepping aside.
Hinata gives follow, draws out a slow sigh feeling both men's stares burn on her back. A mix of attendants and aides' peek to watch them from the shadows as she walks by, avoid her gaze when she glances in their direction. Neji is away on assignment with Team Gai, but even she doubts he would be able to stop these weighted glares of both her former Main and Branch clan members.
"Big Sister?!"
Hanabi escapes Lady Natsu's hold to her right, squeezes into her side gleefully.
"What are you doing here?!" She breathes out excitedly.
Hinata hugs her back in return, picks up on the familiar scents of lily and vanilla on her. It's been weeks since she's caught more than just a glimpse of Hanabi at the markets or at the training grounds with Father or one of the guards.
Her fingers coil tighter around her only for a hand to roughly pull her back, Hinata looking up to see one of the Elders.
Hikari glowers back at her, nails digging into Hanabi's shoulder. Her wrist is laden with jade to amethyst bracelets, charms pressing against Hanabi's cheeks as she attempts to move her out of view, out of her sight as if she's a plague.
"Lady Hanabi, it's unbecoming as the future heiress to be so noisy and speak to the sacrifice! I don't know what reason Master Hiashi has to bring her back to the compound in the first place, but you are not to touch her or speak to her!"
Hinata steps forward as Hanabi's face falters between a mask of calm to upset, smiles thinly as she grasps at her hand before she can move out of reach.
She leans forward in Hikari's ear even as she squirms, hold steady.
"Let her go. Take pleasure Lady Hikari that the little trinkets that line your arms are only because I was sacrificed by Hiashi. You'll be pleased to know my presence here is as his guest and as a warning to you all on what is to come to Konoha soon."
A gasp escapes her in a sharp puff of gray air, startles back as soon as Hinata lets her go.
Hinata turns on her heel, follows Hiashi into the main meditation/meeting hall.
This where she first learned of her fate to be sacrificed, where she warned Hiashi that the Hyūga's old policies will end.
He stares down at her, grinds his teeth together before he can find himself asking when he became 'Hiashi' instead of 'Father'.
'When you sacrificed her, when you told her she's no longer a Hyūga.'
The reminder settles sourly on his tongue, burying the ache again until it's only a slight twinge.
She slides down into the arranged spot for her across from the rest of the Elders and her Grandfather.
"I've only come today as a courtesy to warn you to make defensive measures to the compound for Pain's arrival. In a matter of weeks, he and the rest of his Paths will most likely descend upon Konoha to take Naruto." Hinata begins.
Hizuki frowns, taps impatiently against his tatami mat. "And what makes you so sure of this? Yes, other villages have lost their Tailed Beasts, but that was only because they didn't adequately provide proper gifts to their jinchuriki to not ensue bad luck or devastation."
Hinata bites her lip before she can openly sigh, so many of the Elders still believe in those old traditions and tales when they mean little now.
"Pain or Nagato hails from Amegakure. He easily overpowered and killed Hanzo of the Salamander." She continues.
And at this, a flurry of whispers floods the room, nervous glances to each other until Haruka raises her hand.
"What does any of that have to do with us?"
Hinata straightens. "He didn't just stop with Hanzo. He murdered anyone that was associated with him from colleagues to former comrades. Of course family members weren't spared no matter how distant of a relative. Even civilians were murdered that were sympathetic to him. He will do the same thing to me knowing my connection to Naruto and formerly to the Hyūga. Meaning, all of you will perish too."
Hiashi raises his hand for calm at the frenzied cries of confusion.
"-That isn't fair! We honored our sacrificial rules perfectly!" Haruka shrieks.
"-S-She must be lying! How could anyone take on the legendary Hanzo of the Salamander alone?! Especially with all the poisons he uses?" Hizama scoffs.
Hikari's stare on her turns piercing.
"Kick her out if here already Hiashi! A sacrifice has no business in their former home, her duty is to the jinchuriki alone, no matter if it means death! It seems to me she's only come to stir up trouble and elicit fear in us all-"
Hiashi gets to a standing position, raises up his hand in warning.
"Enough. All of you."
The room falls to a hush, the quiet before another cacophony of noise erupts.
"I along with every other clan head have read the personal documents of Master Jiraiya along with the witness statements from the toads he summoned to Ame. What Hinata says is true. Pain will not just come for Naruto when he heads for Konoha, he will destroy everything in sight to ensure the least amount of pushback. There's no more time for arguments, we need to start preparing."
He looks over to Hinata to see she's moved to stand as well, doesn't spare anyone except Hanabi a second glance.
"I suggest you all work as one. Pain or Nagato will not discriminate on if you're a Branch member or not. I...I will check in afterwards." Hinata mentions.
For once, Main and Branch don't split off in separate directions, blend into groups to discuss her update.
Suspicion lingers about like a fog and most Branch members hesitate to join circles of mostly Main clan members until they pat open spots beside them.
'It's a start.' Hinata breathes out, carefully avoids her Father's gaze since she stopped using the familal title to the Elders stares digging into her at everyone following her suggestion of all people.
Hoheto and Iroha step forward to stop her as she turns to go, flames igniting the tips of her fingers keeping both men at bay.
"...You've grown much stronger." Hoheto notes with admiration .
Hinata ignores the compliment, looks right past him to take in the rest of her former clansmen.
This will be the first test in a long while to see if both sides of the Hyūga can even cooperate.
She maneuvers herself out of his reach and the other guards. "Please don't touch me. My kindness coming here was only for Hanabi. Otherwise, I know my business here is done."
Still Hiashi catches up to her on the way out.
"...Thank you. I know you could've kept such intel to yourself."
Hinata turns to look at him and he realizes he can no longer read her features, opalescent murky.
"I guess that's just another way I'm different from you Hiashi."
Sakura-Eastern Hideout
'Shit, I'm too late.'
Of course she's too late, it shouldn't surprise her that Sasuke would beat her coming here.
The air is damp with seawater and blood, molding herself against a wall to try and hear as much as possible of the conversation down below.
"Huh? Why should I join you again?" Suigetsu questions sharply.
He's completely liquefied his body, looks ready to drown or cut Sasuke apart.
"You want to collect the Seven Swords from the Hidden Mist, don't you? Master them the same way your brother did?" Sasuke inquires.
Suigetsu's grin widens.
"Maybe I do, maybe I don't. As of late, all I like doing is tearing people to pieces! Especially people like you who get into my personal affairs."
Sasuke's features don't change, lightning crackling into his hands, snakes sliding from his sleeves when Suigetsu moves to strike.
"Water Release: Striking Waves!"
"Lightning Release: Chidori Current!"
Sakura crouches low, explosion of haze coating the area.
Her legs feel heavy, stomach tensing at the new change in the air
'I can't stay here; I'm going to have to scrap this assignment.'
Suigetsu drops to the ground a moment later coughing up spots of blood, shifts backward from Sasuke as his eyes spiral red.
"Now that you understand what I can do, be of help to me and I'll be of help to you in collecting those swords." Sasuke voices.
Suigetsu scratches at his neck, snorts.
"Fine, whatever. Whatcha need me to do first?"
Her heartbeat slams in her ears as scarlet gazes in her direction.
'How long has he known I was here?'
Has he been toying with her? Warning her she'll never win against him, especially not with Suigetsu now joining him?
A new set of footsteps approaches from the hideout's entrance, Sakura only allowing herself a brief glance to see its the masked man.
'Why is he here?' Sakura scowls.
She can think on it later as she digs a nail into her thumb until a goblet of blood arises, pulls out her scroll.
It's time.
"Start by killing the rat that's been listening in on us." Sasuke orders.
Suigetsu's body melts, rushes up for her as she activates the scroll.
All he should see of her is a flash of white, blade slicing only at the tips of her hair. Sasuke approaches up behind him, notes the remnants of the seal, the faint outlines of a body against the wall and ground.
"Girlie moved fast. Any idea who that was?" Suigetsu questions, runs his fingers through thin strands of pink hair.
"...No." Sasuke answers flatly.
Suigetsu's brows furrow.
"Okay...you suck at lying, but that's fine! Just say you want to be the one to kill her. I'll have fun with any other targets on your list."
Sasuke doesn't answer, attention back towards below, Masked man holding up an envelope.
It seems Itachi left him a letter.
Sakura travels through the night, only stops when she sees the recognizable mountain ranges and cracks in the trees that border the Land of Fire.
Nobody is following her, sips from her canteen gathering her thoughts.
'I need to keep going.' But her eyes and legs feel as heavy as stones as soon as she leads against the closest tree trunk.
When she wakes again, the midday sun is burning on her cheek.
"Ugh, damn it. Overslept." Sakura curses herself. Everything about this assignment has gone wrong. She couldn't even make contact with Suigetsu and it's likely he's fully onboard now to be Sasuke's teammate.
She stretches out the ache in her legs, covers her tracks and walks on.
The first person she needs to find is Kakashi-sensei, ignores formalities finding him at the tea shop. If she didn't know him better, she'd think he was perfectly relaxing lounging back enjoying whatever series he's currently on of Make Out Paradise.
"I saw him again." Sakura states by way of greeting as she plops into the opposite chair.
Kakashi doesn't look towards her, studies his cup of matcha already knowing who she means.
She moves his teacup out of reach forcing his attention.
Dark eyes peer up into green, sighs.
Sakura clenches her teeth. "Have you looked into it more Sensei? He really might be your fallen comrade Obito."
Naruto-Mount Myoboku
"I told you time and time again since you came here boyo that senjutsu training shouldn't be done on an empty stomach." Fukasaku reiterates.
While he's gotten down the water and oil related jutsu they taught him from his first training trip here, Sage training is a whole different field.
But he's still speeds through it faster than even Jiraiya, focused once again only on training when not sleeping or eating.
Naruto just stares at his bowl of grasshopper and fly soup ignoring him, glances around taking in the surrounding flora. It was raining upon their arrival weeks ago, but now the clouds have parted enough to expose patches of blue.
Maybe he should create another rainstorm to distract them while he discreetly finds where Hinata packed his instant ramen...
He could maybe tolerate this if Hinata was here as well to add or sneak them something, but on his own he'd rather survive off of tea leaves and air.
"...You guys know I'm not a toad, right? Stop trying to feed me insects; it's gross."
Shima smacks his hand with one of her spoons, pays no mind to the glare Naruto sends her in return at his scathing comments. It doesn't matter if he's Minato's son and Little Jiraiya's final student now, he's going to respect how long she spent cooking in this kitchen!
"Eat! We can't have you passing out on us." She orders.
Naruto groans under his breath, with great reluctance picks up his bowl and downs the soup in one go.
He chugs down two water bottles afterwards, Fukasaku chuckling.
"When your stomach has calmed enough, meet me back outside by the waterfalls."
Naruto nods slowly, swishes water through his mouth until the taste of bug no longer sits on his tongue. Fukasaku is already resting near the stone pillars as he approaches, pats the open spot beside him.
"You've done well in not taking in nature energy too fast. It helps that you can create so many clones." He relates.
Naruto nods, settles into his usual position.
Fukasaku clears his throat. "Tell me what's on your mind and what plans you've formed boyo. You've been out here every day from before breakfast to when Shima calls for dinner up to something. I know it was a whirlwind of information to learn not only of Little Jiraiya's death, but the people behind it too. You and Hinata barely had any time to mourn him, despite how much his personality could annoy you two." Fukasaku begins.
Naruto rubs at his chin, knots coiling at his chest picturing what Fukasaku must've seen. He's the last one who saw Pervy-Sage alive, can give him the clearest details of what he and Shikamaru are potentially walking into.
"Well for starters, I'm not going into Amegakure alone. Shikamaru Nara will be coming along with me." He begins.
He explains Sakura's vials, how she created enough to at least deal with 3 of the Pain's bodies, possibly more depending on how things go.
Fukasaku grins in delight. "This is wonderful news! Why, if you use those vials properly, you may not even to draw out a full fight with the Deva Path."
Naruto nods along, but Fukasaku can see his eyes clouding, nails scratching at the rocks. "I plan to use some to torture Nagato for information before I kill him."
"You'll need to take into consideration Konan as well. You're letting revenge cloud your thoughts again." Fukasaku adds, not skipping a beat.
Naruto shuts his eyes and whatever red was in them fades. "I know. I know. Captain Yamato taught me a bit about breaking genjutsu and creating them. I know you along with Shima used that sound based genjutsu, but that takes too long to set up and puts you both at risk. I've been studying and thinking of different ways to create a quieter sound, use certain smells that can still be picked up by them both to temporarily incapacitate them before they even realize it." Naruto explains.
Fukasaku crosses his arms curiously. "Well boyo, let's see it!"
Naruto gets to a standing position to demonstrate, lightly taps his hands together.
Fukasaku observes carefully, then picks up on the lightest whiff of damp earth.
What follows is the faintest splash akin to raindrops on water, a bullfrog's croak.
And then the world around them shifts to black, humid mist rolling over them. Fukasaku draws in another breath looking down, stone pillars replaced with swaying mud and grass, trees and river surrounding them simmering in mixes of greens to yellows. Cicadas and crickets join the symphony as his body seems to sink downward into ribbons of sludge. An oriental owl hoots from a tree to his left, gold eyes watching.
Naruto's voice floats in from somewhere his right. "This is the Swamp Symphony; I will use it on Konan first, only it won't just be an illusion."
He claps his hands together again and the night woods fade, back on top the pillars.
Fukasaku follows his gaze to his adamantine chains bound around the stone tower across him. Naruto clenches his teeth, pulls until the stone starts to crack from the pressure.
'Impressive. And here Shima thought he didn't pick up anything from Little Jiraiya's tutelage. He's been watching his techniques from the beginning thinking of ways to spin them into something of his own.'
"You'll need to be quick about it is my only worry along with Konan potentially breaking out of the illusion quickly. However, from what you've told me and shown me so far, I think you and this Nara boy have a chance. However, don't make the same mistakes or take the same risks Little Jiraiya did. If you feel like you're in a bind, there's no shame in fleeing."
Naruto rolls his eyes. "And where do you propose I should run to hide? As long as jinchuriki are hunted now for whatever reason, there's nowhere safe in the world I can stay, not even here among the Toads. No, the only way to end this is by killing him or at least breaking him to the point he's no longer a threat."
Fukasaku sighs, pats at his hand hearing the edge of nervousness to it.
"...I don't understand why they're taking the bijuus from their lands either, especially with how previous skirmishes went. Even the Great Toad Sage hasn't given a clear answer on if previous sacrificial gifts amid the nations haven't sufficed and this is a punishment. Or if this Akatsuki group feels they can better bring about peace through destruction, that no village should have a bijuu when too many offerings haven't served to stop this cycle of war and death."
Naruto blows out a breath, lays back his head.
"Perhaps he has some good points, but my death won't stop war. Harbingers of pain and sorrow will eventually lead to uprisings and chaos. He's not just threatening my life, he'll go after Hinata, the Hyūga, everyone in the village, and then spread out to the rest of the Great Nations."
"Little Jiraiya would ask you to look for the peaceful option boyo. There's still a possibility it's there, you and Nagato aren't so different after all." Fukasaku murmurs, pulls out his Tale of Utterly Gutsy Shinobi from his bag he's seen Naruto reading every afternoon.
Naruto smiles nostalgically at Jiraiya's photo on the back page before it fades, vermilion shining anew in his eyes.
"Pervy-Sage is dead Toad Gramps." He states with a finality, growl creeping into his voice.
"Besides, some things just can't be forgiven."
Fukasaku abruptly jumps up onto his lap.
"Even if it means another war?! Think this through properly Naruto. I want your thoughts to be clear so that you don't kill innocent civilians in the process." He snaps.
"He's not the only one who wants to kill me; we both know this. I'll get rid of any opponents that try to stop me from completing my goal, one by one if necessary."
Fukasaku squirms impatiently at his decision. "You and I both know it doesn't have to be done that way Naruto. All I ask is that you consider other options once you go to Ame, another way to prevent further bloodshed. If Pain/Nagato must die, then so be it. But don't forget the people of Ame revere him and Konan as a God and Angel respectively."
"Good. They can watch them die and realize they're only human." Naruto sneers.
Fukasaku quiets, runs through his mind any other advice he can give him.
Naruto studies him flatly and he stops himself, knows there's nothing else he can tell him or say to him as he sets him back down.
"...I wish you all the best." Fukasaku mutters as Naruto heads back down.
They have 1 week left to train, one week to perfect all of these techniques.
Shikamaru & Naruto-Konoha Main Gates
A few days need to pass before the New Moon comes, leaving at the darkest time of the night.
"Don't worry, I bribed Izumo and Kotetsu with this premium sake I got from my Old Man's cabinet. They just think we're going to the Land of Rice Paddies to warn of Pain coming." Shikamaru mentions.
Naruto chuckles. "Don't you mean stole? Well, that's better than my idea of just knocking them out and leaving their bodies there."
The only people aware of their plans are Team 10, Team 7, and Hinata. Kakashi didn't fight Naruto on leaving, gave him much of the same advice Fukasaku told him already on be prepared and staying calm.
Shikamaru pulls out his map as they pick up the pace. "It's going to take at least 2-3 days to get there and we're going need to use a transformation jutsu by the time we reach the outskirts, mask our scents and anything that ties us back to our true identities. I know it's bad to stereotype, but Ame ninja and those associated with them are known for being short-tempered and the type to attack first, ask questions later."
Naruto nods. "That all sounds right to me. The Akatsuki started in Ame in the first place and their shinobi are known for doing assassination-based missions. As for our disguises and cover stories, we're black-market dealers seeking to sell intel we collected on Konoha and Suna shinobi."
He follows as Shikamaru points with his finger to Amegakure's location. "I can see why they took on an isolationist policy after the last Shinobi World War. Even those stories alone may not be enough with how many security checks will be in place knowing the damage Master Jiraiya did. Everyone, even regular civilians will be on high alert for anything out of place."
Naruto shrugs. "If Pain or Konan want to waltz up to us, then we'll go with your secondary plan y'know. We've divided up the syringes evenly between us."
Shikamaru rubs at his head, he's created at least 10 different plans for this and that still feels like far too little.
'My goal is as back up, to use my shadows to stop any interferences and get rid of the Animal and Asura Paths as soon as possible.'
Naruto pats at his shoulder, voice tinged with a viciousness of what's to come.
"Don't tell me you're getting cold feet?"
Shikamaru brushes off his hand, scoffs. "No, don't be dumb at this late hour. I'm just thinking of how to get rid of the the Paths that operate offensively first. It all begins once we're in their territory, so don't do anything troublesome to deviate from the plan."
Naruto grins, cracks his knuckles as they head deeper into the forest.
"Don't worry, I'm good with your plan Shikamaru! Just don't forget, we're not coming back to the village until they're both dead. I'll do it with my own hands, so you don't add to your kill count."
Shikamaru clicks his tongue like that's what he was worried about, focuses back on ensuring they're moving in the right direction over the chill of goosebumps lining his arms.
'Naruto says that as if it's already a fact.'
-x-
You might be thinking to yourself, how can Shikamaru and Naruto take on Konan and 6 Paths of Pain/Nagato alone?! Well, I was thinking about that too reader! Lol, this chapter gives a taste of the things in their arsenal to take them on and gain the advantage that I really enjoyed writing. I don't think it's too unrealistic considering Shikamaru did kill Hidan on his own in canon. As for Kakuzu...good thing Kakashi was there for Choji and Ino to not join Asuma in dying!
Ame kind of just goes to shit and is forgotten after Konan and Nagato die, even in Boruto's time period things suck for them! Naruto in this will bring that up, after he does his revenge! Murder isn't off the table, never was for him. However, I want this Naruto to use his goals of being an ambassador to bring about change in a different way for the Summit and War arcs down the line.
As always, pa-tre-ons get early access to chapters and bonus content, I go by TheLovelyMidnightWriter there!
Appreciate any thoughts!
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