1,899Author Note
Hello everyone and welcome to another chapter of Cursed Eyes.
Not many comments from the last chapter, so let's get a move on, shall we. Lots of ground to cover from here on.
Now, please enjoy the chapter.
Cursed Eyes
Chapter 42 – War
Beta: Scheffinator
No sooner had everyone felt the incredible spike in chakra, did Jiraiya and the Elder Toad look up in awe and slight fear as the almighty Kyuubi no Kitsune resurfaced once more, even if different from the image that Jiraiya remembered. It wasn't the red fur and crazy maniac eyed Kyuubi no Kitsune when Madara released it seventeen years ago in Konoha, but rather the same outside energy that Naruto exuded, but in the shape of the nine-tailed demon. Jiraiya could even see the lines of Naruto's outfit spread throughout the fox's spectral body.
"I must admit I am feeling a bit uneasy at this point…"
The Sannin wasn't present at the time when the fox first attacked Konoha, so it was the first time he had felt the humongous chakra that now appeared before him.
He could only tremble at the thought of having to face such a monster back then, not to mention deal with the amount of bloodlust and killing intent that the fox exuded.
"True…but surprisingly so, the feeling of malice does not exist, Jiraiya-boy. Indeed, Minato-boy's work proved wonders in purifying the Kyuubi's chakra."
Jiraiya nodded, all truly proud of his first student's achievements.
"Indeed…" Jiraiya then turned to the little elder toad. "It seems his training is reaching the point where he can join the war. Now, I must go to Tsunade and report. They will need to incorporate Naruto into their war strategy. I trust that you can take Naruto back towards the war…once he's ready." The toad acknowledged, before seeing Jiraiya vanish under reverse summoning towards the war council. The elder toad, then, looked upward to see Naruto looking at his own hands and arms in pure contemplation as well as in a deep conversation with his so-called partner in crime.
"…okay, let me get this straight here, Kurama…you mean to say that I now have access to this much chakra at my disposal to use it at will?"
His Sharingan was supplying him with information that it was still baffling to comprehend.
"Of course, you're my Jinchuuriki after all. Access to infinite capacity of chakra, not to mention the possibility of advanced healing of even major injuries…other Bijuu could provide its host with different types of abilities. My overall skill, aside from providing my host with all my precious knowledge, is an unending supply of chakra and fast healing. As a part of the Uzumaki clan, you already have those, but not as much as I can provide. Aside from that, your own Mangekyou Sharingan techniques can be used in conjunction with my chakra". Naruto nowadays rarely considered using a particular word to describe one particular situation, but right now, only one word came to mind.
"…Amazing…and no setbacks, whatsoever?" To this, Naruto found it surprising that the fox let out a small hmmm while pondering.
"Normally, it would be required a bit more experience in using my chakra…your body and chakra coils are not yet used to such an incredible and potent amount of chakra…we will need to use this form wisely, as right now, you have only five minutes, without your coils suffering from overuse." Naruto understood that and couldn't be disappointed. The theory was like the Mangekyou Sharingan's overuse and the damage it could do to his optic nerves and his brain.
"…Understood. It's not like I plan to use it for long, unless we must face against all the other Bijuu at the same time. And even so, this is still the last stage, we could stay as we were before."
"Naturally…I would expect nothing less about my Jinchuuriki…wasting chakra needlessly just wouldn't sit right with me." Naruto had to snort at the feeling he was receiving from their conversation.
"Hmm, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you are quite enthused about our soon to be encounters, Kurama." The fox snorted.
"Considering your previous encounters, and if you don't embarrass me…of course. As the mightiest of Bijuu, I won't expect less than you absolutely towering over the enemy, my jailor. Not even against my fellow Bijuu, I will expect nothing less from you." Naruto smiled, albeit nervously. He was also feeling the excitement of the fights, but this was also war time, and he couldn't predict that he would have favorable outcomes. The sudden thought bombarded his brain, before he could stop it, and the fox was privy to it all. "Hmmm, the longer you take in here…it will only increase the possibility of one of those scenarios actually occurring, so I would suggest you get a move on and learn to adapt to my chakra."
The Jinchuuriki took a long breath at that, focusing on his expectations.
He was obviously eager to go and be by Itsuko's side as well as his other teammates, but he just couldn't go unprepared.
"Right…let's get to it, then…" The elder toad observed as Naruto, still full in the fox's energy, took a seat and closed his eyes in deep meditation. The toad looked on in slight amusement as the fox energy also took a seat. Being a practitioner of natural energy, the elder toad could feel huge amounts being gathered by the boy clad in the fox's unimpeded energy, even if unconsciously of that fact. The elder toad's eyes were focused on the Jinchuuriki in full attention. Despite appearing to be calm and collected, he could see the occasional twitch, showing obvious suffering in anticipation.
He expected the boy to be eager, but at least he understood the consequences of going ill-prepared.
After all, the alliance didn't have anything or anyone else to fall back on if something were to happen to Naruto.
===Throughout the War===
While the alliance's ultimate asset was busy understanding his newfound powers, the war was in full gear.
Pretty much all of the divisions were engaged against the major onslaught of Zetsus coming from all possible directions, not only crossing throughout the Land of Frost but also using the water. The Alliance's overall strategy relied on Nara Shikaku, who would rely on his orders throughout the link provided by Yamanaka Inoichi. Both were located at the Alliance Headquarters next to the other Kage, aside from the Raikage and the Mizukage, who were at the field. Inoichi's mind technique was hooked up to a machine, allowing him to communicate with pretty much everyone in the war.
One specific member of the Yamanaka Clan was present together with the Raikage to better direct the orders from Headquarters to the General of the Alliance.
The Headquarters also had a pool of sensitive shinobi who were responsible for mapping out the enemy's strength and general location, led by the Mizukage's second in command, Ao. The war was already highly difficult with the number of the Zetsu army that trumped the General Alliance by more than 20,000.
It has only gotten worse when mixed with the Zetsu, plenty of deceased shinobi from all five hidden villages appeared to engage against the Alliance. The news was met like a bomb to the Alliance as Tsunade cursed Orochimaru's existence with all her strength. Jiraiya did say that he would make a move at one point and knowing the snake bastard, she shouldn't be surprised. This was the perfect scenario for him. Just like he did at the Chuunin Exams in Konoha, taking advantage of their lack of focus.
Still, it wouldn't do for them to do nothing but complain, so the information was quickly passed through all of the shinobi in the area.
The problem with the Edo Tensei technique was that the enemy just couldn't be killed. They would have to be sealed, and Suna's cloth technique users were perfect for the assignment. Of course, this was Orochimaru they were talking about. Sealing the Edo Tensei would be next to impossible without at least defeating the revived shinobi or kunoichi. As such, before any of the revived shinobi could be properly sealed, at least three to four shinobi on the alliance side were killed or taken out of commission.
As such, Shizune and Sakura's medical ward were receiving the injured by the minute.
The Zetsu army was being dealt with, but they were endless cannon fodder…needless to say that the situation was not ideal for the alliance.
===With Jiraiya===
The Perverted Sannin soon found himself looking upward as he arrived at this destination.
This area so far has not been tarnished by the war going on, but he could feel it at the base of his neck. The tingling sensation of war as it is happening. He could practically feel the number of casualties piling up from the Alliance's side. However, right now, he just couldn't choose a location on a whim. As a part of the Alliance, he needed to present himself towards the Alliance Headquarters and defer to the leaders. Only then, can he know where he would be best suited for.
A good part of him wished to march straight to where Orochimaru is and give the snake bastard a piece of his mind.
Quickly jumping towards the headquarters located near Kumo, Jiraiya soon saw some of the shinobi and kunoichi running around carrying up orders, while cataloging what was going on with the war.
He could see the giant bubble in the middle of the room where the sensor shinobi were busy pinpointing the opposition. To the right, he could see Inoichi and plenty of other shinobi linked up to machines, serving as communication.
Tsunade happened to be sitting together with the Tsuchikage, the Kazekage and Nara Shikaku as well. A lecherous smirk soon appeared as the pervert laid eyes on the Raikage's assistant, Mabui.
Of course, each village had their treasures for research in Jiraiya's book.
"Even at war times, you damn pervert!" Jiraiya's danger sense tingled as he saw the vein popping on Tsunade's closed fist.
"You know me too well, hime. I bring good news about Naruto." The Gama Sennin approached the meeting table to report what happened. "Naruto has successfully formed a partnership with the Kyuubi and reached full Jinchuuriki status. At this moment, he is finishing his tutoring to get ready and join the war." Tsunade nodded with a smile as she looked at Shikaku, the Alliance strategist. His mind began to work a hundred miles a minute, incorporating perhaps the most versatile Shinobi in existence into his overall strategy.
"I'd say that's good news, though at the moment, the enemy is still due to show the big guns."
Jiraiya turned to see the Tsuchikage in deep ponder, before looking at the giant water bubble behind him.
"Whose are those dots?" Tsunade was the one to explain, knowing how his teammate would react.
"Edo Tensei…" The Gama Sennin's eyes widened as he eyed the Hokage in surprise.
The Snake Sannin had been absent for a good while before this war. He was probably busy grave robbing as a profession.
"Orochimaru…do we know where he is? I will go right now and deal with the bastard." The Tsuchikage tsked.
"We had received intel about the enemy's first base, but we can't know if they remain at the same location. Right now, our focus should be on dealing with the Zetsu and the Edo Tensei. Knowing that snake, I won't be surprised if a couple of the former Kage in history shows up on the battlefield." Nara Shikaku ascertained the notion. When Orochimaru invaded Konoha, he summoned the first and second Hokage. He would have summoned the Yondaime, if the Sandaime hadn't stopped him.
"…Jiraiya-sama…" The Sannin in question turned to see Shikaku address him. "Based on what you said, it won't be long for Naruto to show himself and join the war. I would trust the enemy to be on the lookout for him as well, considering that the Kyuubi is the last piece missing for Madara's plan. I am going to prepare a four man team to assist him with the duties of this war as well as dealing with the Edo Tensei, but I must know beforehand. Based on what you saw of his training, how do you fair his chances against the other Bijuu?" Jiraiya crossed his arms in pondering as the others were focused on what he had to say. This war is one of attrition.
The enemies have a full Zetsu army and never-ending Edo Tensei to spare…those may be difficult odds, but not impossible.
As far as Bijuu are concerned, however, it is a whole other story altogether.
"Even without the Kyuubi inside of him, Shikaku, Naruto's Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan is powerful enough to work against the Bijuu's control. Now, in terms of battle, it will fall down to his experience as well as the fox's. Madara may very well use all of them at the same time for all I know. However, I have faith that the kid will pull through whatever it is that the enemy throws at him." The more rational part of everyone wasn't receiving the information with the same smile as the perverted Sannin, but at the same time…
"Well, it's not like we can hope to measure the Bijuu's power against the Kyuubi…everything about this is truly unprecedented."
===With Kakashi===
Kakashi's Unit was busy dealing with Zetsu left and right.
Izumo and Kasumi were close by, together with Lee, Gai, Neji and Hinata, dealing with their fair share as well.
Kakashi had just now received intel that Edo Tensei were mixed in with the army of Zetsu, but so far, they had not encountered any of the Edo Tensei. The experienced leader understood, however, that it wouldn't take long for them to meet and considering that Orochimaru is behind all this, the odds are that the Snake Sannin will focus on major threats, A-ranked at the very least. Just the memory of the Snake Sannin made Kakashi's blood boil…ever since the first time he stood face to face with the Sannin and froze.
"Kakashi…" The scarecrow Jonin turned to see Kasumi's Byakugan active. "I spotted a different batch of enemies up ahead, a few of them, quite familiar…Hizashi-sama!" Kakashi's eyes widened at the mention.
"This is bad news. Is he alone?" Kasumi was still in shock at seeing the Branch Family's leader with her Byakugan.
"He is not alone...from what I can see…it looks like…Momochi Zabuza, next to someone else I don't recognize." Kakashi's eyes widened at the name.
"Zabuza!" Kakashi then turned to the unit behind them and shouted. "Everyone form defensive maneuvers…manji formation of three each…each facing a single direction. Zabuza is known for his silent killing technique." As per the orders, everyone did as such, while Zabuza emerged with his hand lifted, while showing a hidden grin. Haku appeared next to him as they eyed the opposition. Neither Zabuza nor Haku could spot a familiar face in this crowd, but Zabuza knew Hatake Kakashi immediately.
"Oh…I was half expecting to face Sarutobi Asuma…he owes me a rematch so to speak…guess I can make do with you instead, Hatake Kakashi."
Kakashi wondered if Asuma had ever told him about facing Zabuza in the past.
Kakashi has shown his Sharingan just as Zabuza had initiated his technique.
Ninpo: Kirigakure no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Hidden Mist Technique)
"Kasumi, can you deal with Hizashi…Neji and Hinata are here as well. Help them." Kasumi looked at her boyfriend in surprise, before focusing on her clan's youngsters, who were busy fending off Zetsus.
"Understood. Just be careful." Kakashi nodded as Kasumi left in a shunshin to face Hizashi.
"Itsuko…take care of the one next to Zabuza." The former ANBU appeared next to the Unit leader and nodded as she held her sword tighter.
===With Itsuko and Haku===
While Kakashi was busy fending off against Zabuza, Itsuko's sword clashed against Haku's different kunai. The two then began a series of dances of sparks while basked by the mist created by Zabuza. The former ANBU then took some distance, while never taking her eyes away from the enemy. Her sense of danger went into high gear as soon as she felt an immediate cold on her back. As soon as she turned to see what it was, Itsuko was surprised to see a mirror forming, before the enemy appeared within the mirror holding three senbon in each hand.
Itsuko's quick reflexes allowed her to dodge the most dangerous ones, while her sword took care of the rest.
"You have a Kekkei Genkai?" Haku didn't bother with a response as he morphed back inside the mirror and now instead of one appearing in Itsuko's blind spot, Haku had summoned numerous mirrors.
"What…" Itsuko didn't even have time to curse as the onslaught of senbon came crashing down upon her.
Itsuko was by no means a sensor kunoichi, but she could feel the mixture between water and wind chakra.
Using a mix of her arm guard and her sword, together with her agility, Itsuko managed to evade all the projectiles.
"You happen to be the second one to evade my technique…" Itsuko stood on guard as Haku observed his opponent in pure contemplation. "I don't know how long it has been since Naruto and I had battled…"
"What did you just say!?" Itsuko asked in surprise as Haku opened a smile at the past.
The former ANBU was surprised that Naruto had engaged against this foe in the past.
Talk about coincidences.
"Indeed, he must be even stronger now…back then, he was but a Genin, but he was able to defeat me quite easily." The former ANBU kept a close record of Naruto's missions since she always kept tabs with his missions. She then remembered what his first B-ranked assignment together with his genin team under Sarutobi Asuma was. Haku, though, was busy remembering the match-up. "I remember his eyes quite clearly as they resembled mine…I saw a lot of myself in him, you know." Itsuko kept herself guarded…Edo Tensei shinobi they may be, but for sure someone's listening to their conversation right now. Haku could see, however, that this woman knew about him. He could feel it. "…Zabuza-sama is still facing Hatake Kakashi it seems…so I am sorry, but I must cut this fight short."
Itsuko smirked and got into battle position, while holding her sword.
"My thoughts, exactly…prepare yourself." Haku's eyes widened as Itsuko vanished and appeared once more, before slowly tucking her sword inside its scabbard.
As soon as the sword clicked, Haku's mirrors shattered into millions of pieces. Itsuko smirked at the surprise in her opponent's eyes and moved towards delivering the killing attack. The former ANBU was surprised, however, when Haku once more vanished within a mirror, but didn't appear behind her. Looking around, Itsuko narrowed her eyes as she saw a mirror forming behind Kakashi, while he was facing Zabuza. Itsuko didn't even waste her time thinking and used a shunshin to appear at Kakashi's back…
===With Kakashi===
It happened almost at the same time.
Kakashi's Raikiri piercing Zabuza's chest at the same time as Itsuko's sword carved a huge slash on Haku's torso…the face of the hunter-nin was in one deep surprise, just like Kakashi who turned to see the sudden shift in the air.
"I appreciate the assistance, Itsuko…Nonota…your turn." A Jonin Shinobi from Suna appeared holding a long roll of cloth, quickly sealing Haku. He was about to seal Zabuza, when the Swordsman slashed through the cloth with his sword. His chest was still open by Zabuza's attack but it closed in less than a second. Kakashi, Itsuko and Nonota stood watching as the owner of Kubikiribocho placed his sword on his back and went through hand seals, before slamming his hands on the ground.
As soon as he did so, six coffins emerged from behind Zabuza.
Kakashi and Itsuko looked on in bated surprise, both of them familiar with the newcomers, even before a regular Chuunin from Kirigakure commented.
"That's…the past members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist! Don't tell me…that they had chosen this select batch of the swordsmen, the strongest ever in Kiri history!" Kakashi lowered his headband to save some chakra by covering his Sharingan. Still, right now, he would need more big guns aside from Itsuko to battle them. Even more so, when the revived Hozuki Mangetsu happened to supply the lot with the swords of legend, quadrupling their lethal strength.
"Gai, Lee…step forward…" Sensei and student marched forward affirmatively, lining up next to Itsuko and Kakashi. Gai looked on attentively at the enemy.
"Kakashi…what's the plan here?" The scarecrow Jonin thought long and hard, before looking at his fellow brother in arms.
"There are seven of them and four of us to secure a higher level of fight. Nonota must stand at the ready for when each of us defeat our opponent. The others shall attack at the same time."
Gai looked sideways, before looking at the others.
"This is the Seven Swordsmen we are talking about…the elite kill squad of Kirigakure. Most of them won't stand a chance!" Kakashi knew that to be the truth as he eyed Itsuko and Lee, who were paying rapid attention.
"That's why we must make sure to stop them, Gai….hmmm" Kakashi stopped talking as they saw the mist getting even thicker now, no doubt courtesy of Zabuza.
"We must deal with him first, Kakashi. Or else, they will kill everyone here."
Kakashi nodded as he looked back specifically at one member of the Nara Clan and one member of the Yamanaka Clan.
"Leave Zabuza to me. You three work fast in dealing with the others as best as you can, while I finish with Zabuza. Itsuko, I trust you have some expertise in wind techniques." The former ANBU nodded.
"It's not something I use that often, but yes."
"I will try to seal Zabuza as fast as possible, but you shall have to dissipate the mist, in order to save as many as possible." Itsuko released a sigh in dismay at the notion as her eyes were firm on facing Ameyuri Ringo.
"Understood, taichou." With that, Kakashi gave the orders just as Itsuko, Lee and Gai vanished.
"Everyone, attack the enemies at the same time!" The unit let out a yell, before jumping up high in the air to attack the Seven Swordsmen. "Nara Ensui…Yamanaka Santa…with me!" Kakashi then showed his Sharingan once more and activated his Raikiri. "You two know what to do as we had done many times in the past." Nara Ensui had the same hair style as most of the Nara clan members and a small looking beard on his chin. He was already focused on the Shadow Possession Technique. Yamanaka Santa has long red hair tied up like a ponytail, and readied his Mind Transfer technique. The last member of Kakashi's strategy was none other than Nonota himself. "Nonota, be ready to seal Zabuza when I give the signal."
"I am ready!" Kakashi nodded and began his plan as soon as Ensui's Shadow Possession technique connected on Kakashi's shadow.
Kakashi ignored the mayhem around him – mainly the sick noises of metal cutting flesh and the screams of agony that followed - as he right now had his entire focus on the mist perpetrator.
===With Naruto===
Somewhere else deep in a deserted region in Lightning Country, a puff of smoke erupted suddenly, before Naruto appeared with Fukasaku's assistance.
Where they stood, it didn't appear that the war had reached their position, so Naruto was calmly looking around, wondering why the head of the toads brought him here instead.
"Fukasaku-sama, where are we, exactly? There does not appear to be any action going on." The small toad turned to Naruto while standing on his toad vehicle.
"Placing you right in the middle of the war would be counter-productive right now, Naruto-boy. I trust that you can get yourself there in no time. I shall bid you good luck for now." Naruto nodded, while still contemplative about what to do right now. One man alone wouldn't be able to turn the tides of a war by himself. Half his mind was focused on searching for Itsuko and making sure she is alright. However, in doing so, others would perish before he could do anything about it. People in Konoha already resent him for this entire war…and any second he wastes, the faster the body count increases. Thinking about it, Ino, Choji, Kakashi, Kasumi, Asuma…are they alright?
"Naruto-boy..."
The Sharingan user turned to see the toad looking at him with a smile.
"I can see that you're taking this matter seriously, as you should…but please do not feel like you are holding the world on your shoulders."
Naruto released a sigh at that.
"Is it that obvious?" Lord Fukasaku hummed.
"This war may link you directly as the enemy is after the Kyuubi to complete his plan. However, everyone right now is facing this war just like you are." The toad was surprised to see a snort in derision.
"Lots of them are indeed, while others would rather I would just surrender and be done with it."
The head of the Toads was aware that Naruto's fame in Konoha wasn't that high up. For sure, he would never rise to the fame and popularity that his father had as the Yondaime Hokage.
"You have in your hand the means to turn the shifts in this war and deal with the enemy. I should leave you to it, then." The toad smiled as Naruto bowed towards him in appreciation. "Oh and please don't forget about us…you may favor the Tiger Clan as they are your summons, but the toads are as well and shall eagerly wait for your calling, once the war escalates." Naruto nodded once more in appreciation, before seeing the toad vanished once more in a puff of smoke.
As soon as Naruto took a step forward, he was assaulted with the feeling of being watched somehow, though he couldn't feel anyone nearby.
One of the Zetsu was hiding behind some of the mountain rocks, before sending a message that the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki had finally arrived to be dealt with.
Now completely alone and for the meantime clueless about what he should be doing right now, Naruto at least jumped into the highest rock nearby, before closing his eyes and attempting to take a feel for someone fighting nearby. At least, if he could find someone, then this person could get him in touch with the higher-ups for further instructions. Closing his eyes, it didn't take long for him to feel a familiar presence and it looked like she was approaching his position quite fast.
Opening his eyes, Naruto opened up a relieved smile when he saw Ino approaching together with Choji and two other kunoichi it seems, one from Suna and one from Iwa, considering their outfits.
"Ino…Choji…I am glad you're okay." He went down to meet his fellow teammates, before looking at the other two. "I am sorry, but I don't know who you two are." The first one with the Suna outfit had gray eyes and shoulder length dark hair. Naruto could see the purple markings on her face as well, as he eyed the roll of cloth she was holding. The one with the Iwa outfit had even shorter dark hair with dark pink eyes. Naruto was surprised to feel her chakra was similar in nature with his own, using Lava-Release techniques.
Kurotsuchi, for her turn, was eyeing him with a high level of scrutiny, with this being the first time she had met with the one this war is protecting.
Kurotsuchi was also very keen on studying his face, remembering seeing a similar one from the books of history.
"My name is Maki from Suna and this is..."
"I can speak for myself, thank you very much…" Maki looked at Kurotsuchi's face, before snorting, much to Ino and Choji's sighs. Both would rather be with Naruto by themselves, but Shikamaru relayed the orders for these two to accompany them to find Naruto, weirdly enough. Ino at least understood that Maki being here was to seal the Edo Tensei, but Kurotsuchi was getting on her nerves the entire time. The words 'condescending' and 'bitch' were itching on her mind for quite some time now.
"Kamizuru Kurotsuchi is the name…so you're the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki this entire war is for, huh." Ino's vein popped at the mention in less than a second. Naruto of course appeared to ignore the comment, much to her distress.
"Yes, well, sorry if this is so much of a bother to you. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Kurotsuchi, Maki. My name is Uzumaki Naruto." Kurotsuchi snorted and Maki bowed in respect.
"Naruto, tou-san and Shikaku-sama wish to speak with you, right away."
Naruto turned to Ino and nodded. Naruto closed his eyes together with Ino as she established the link.
'Inoichi-sama, Shikaku-sama, I am here to be of assistance.'
'Naruto-kun, how glad am I to hear those words. We are going to need your help. Shikaku, he is all yours.' The lead strategist hummed and greeted the Jinchuuriki.
'Naruto-kun, this is quite a drag, so I won't waste much of your time…the war is divided into seven fronts. Five battle stations, the medic ward and the place where the Daimyo are hiding. The enemy are composed of Zetsu, a plant-like based entity that so far does nothing aside from adding numbers and attacking head on. We are still clueless about their overall skill, but they outnumber us by a long margin. The enemies are also using Edo Tensei shinobi, courtesy of Orochimaru's assistance. Maki can aid you in sealing those you encounter, since killing them is impossible.'
'Understood. But what am I to do right now, sir…where should we all head to?' Shikaku hummed.
'Right now, you are the leader of this surprise squad we had assembled Naruto…you after all have the skill to be in multiple places at once, so I won't bother giving you directions.'
Both senior Jonin could hear his sigh in contemplation.
'I am sorry about dragging this up to everyone…Shikaku-sama, Inoichi-sama…I don't know how many had already died at this war, all for the purpose of getting to me in the end.'
'Naruto-kun…' Inoichi was keeping it quiet letting Shikaku speak, but right now, this wasn't anything to do with the war itself, but to calm this young man he came to know ever since he and Ino became teammates. 'Ever since you became Ino's teammate, I have followed up on your growth, son. You became a special part of Ino's life and Choji's and even Shikamaru's later on. As such, the Ino-Shika-Cho clans are together with you and always will be. Others for sure cherish your wellbeing. I realize that many Konoha-nins still hold a grudge on what happened because of the fox that is inside of you. Right now, this war is not only yours, but everyone elses. Madara may target you specifically, but his plan involves the shinobi world as a whole.'
'Huh, couldn't say it better myself…Naruto, you have the strength and power to shift the tides of this war…you participated in rescue missions for quite a while now, all of them successful…you were the one who defeated Pain and saved the village. You saved Jiraiya-sama from being killed by Pain in Ame. It won't be long before everyone learns to respect and appreciate the sacrifice you are giving for the village.' Naruto could not allow himself to ignore their words…Ino's father had indeed treated him nicely since the beginning and Shikamaru's father did as well.
'Thank you, the both of you…I shall do my best from here on out. With Ino next to me, please do not hesitate in calling us up in case of a specific need.' Shikaku and Inoichi both nodded. It was the intent, after all.
When Naruto and Ino next opened their eyes, both teammates smiled at one another with Ino hearing it all, of course.
"There is no time to be like that, Naruto…let's go." The Sharingan user nodded in appreciation and Ino smiled coyly at him. "Oh and I know you're worried, but your girlfriend is alright as well."
Choji looked at Ino accusingly, while Naruto smiled.
"I knew you'd figure it out eventually, Ino. You always do and thank you." Ino crossed her arms and closed her eyes with a smile, showing an air of superiority.
"Of course, I do, silly. I always do, in the end. She is a badass kunoichi, chopping heads off, left and right. I wouldn't settle for just anyone for one of my best friends." Naruto could already picture Itsuko with her sword, causing havoc and it tranquilized his beating heart to know that. Maki and Kurotsuchi were calmly waiting by the sidelines, since neither quite understood what the hell was going on with these three. Of course, Maki's patience won Kurotsuchi's in the end.
"Oi blondie, since you are appointed the leader of this, how about we get going, already. My pals are dying as we speak, you know." Naruto turned from Choji to the other two and nodded.
"Right, we shall get a move on. Just give me two minutes and I am all set." The four assembled shinobi and kunoichi stood quietly, watching their leader close his eyes, before joining hands together and transforming.
Everyone's eyes widened upon seeing Naruto's new transformation. The amount of power oozing from his chakra coils were off the charts. Ino being the sensor of the unit, was feeling his immense energy.
Tajuu Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Multi Shadow Clone Technique)
From the golden energy that surrounded him, two golden beams circulated above his head, forming the increased bunshins, seven in total. They all formed around the original.
"You seven shall go to each of the battlegrounds currently in motion. You have the strength and chakra necessary to summon even more bunshins, should the need arise. Go at once!"
The bunshin nodded and spread in different directions, while the squad saw the original go back to his original form.
"And what are we going to do, Naruto?" The Sharingan user turned to Choji as he looked towards the others.
"We are going to be attacked any time now." Everyone went on edge as soon as he said that. "The enemy must already be aware that I had appeared and began his assault. Let's get going. If I am right, then they won't take long to appear." Ino and Choji appeared nervous of course, as they should be, before Naruto started conjuring strategies in a quick meeting. "Kurotsuchi, from what I can feel of your chakra, you use Lava Release, don't you?" The Iwa-nin looked startled, since they had just met…how could he…she then smiled deviously at her new leader.
"Ah, so you do too, huh…interesting." Naruto nodded, before turning to Maki.
"Maki, from what I understand, your skills lie more in support and sealing, correct?" The Jonin from Suna stood at attention.
"Yes, taichou."
"Okay, once the battle starts, we are going to receive heavy fire, while at the same time sealing as many Edo Tensei that appear. Everyone in this team is important…Choji, you shall be with me and Kurotsuchi in the front lines. Kurotsuchi can look out for Ino and Maki, while Choji protects Kurotuschi's back. Lava Release and Earth techniques work better at close to mid-range, so everyone stays close to each other..." Kurotsuchi looked at their leader with her arms crossed.
"It seems only adept that we understand your abilities as well, doesn't it?" Naruto nodded, before showing his Mangekyou Sharingan for the woman to take a step back.
"Certainly. Aside from the Sharingan, I can also use Fire, Earth and Lava Release techniques. Kenjutsu and Genjutsu as well. Do not worry Kurotsuchi, between the six of us, I'd say we are quite the unit."
The others looked at each other and then around, before Choji approached their leader.
"Ah Naruto, who is the sixth member of our unit?" The Sharingan user turned to his teammate and spoke.
"Kurama no Kitsune at your disposal, chubby gaki." Choji was so surprised at the different voice that came from his friend, just like the rest of them were.
"Ah…Naruto, what's going on!?"
"Yes, Kurama is the Kyuubi's real name. While training, we formed a partnership specifically to defeat the likes of Uchiha Madara. Now, let's proceed." The Iwa-nin could only smirk deviously right now.
"You know, I had my doubts at first, but right now, I am completely pumped and eager for some Zetsu blood. After you, oh fearless leader!"
With that, Naruto's team advanced towards the next set of battles.
Author Note
Ok, that's it for now.
The war is in its first steps with plenty of fights going on at the same time.
Next chapter, I shall focus on the other fronts, as well as more S-ranked battles.
Lastly, I have recently created a P-atreon account for those who wish to follow my stories more personally, sending suggestions.
Also for those who wish to make a pledge there, it will be highly appreciated.
P-atreon: Anime-Enthusiast
Next update: Nidaime no Sairin