The 6th Great Ninja War
Chapter 39- Regem Esse II (To Be King II)
Chapter 39- Regem Esse II (To Be King II)
The 6th Great Ninja War draws to a Gripping Conclusion in the Penultimate Chapter.
This one has certainly been quite a journey. More than 40 total chapters already (from 0-39 and the Omake). This is the first chapter of the Three-Part Finale (I suppose I will be posting the other two next week without delay this time, as I'm ready to move on to the next project and they're pretty short :I ). As this is the final chapter before the conclusion, it will be a super-chapter, so be warned that it is very long but should be well worth it. As always, dear friends, enjoy and thanks for sticking around this long.
FOR REFERENCE, here are the two previous chapters.
FOR REFERENCE, here are the two previous chapters.
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Kirabi looked on in sheer amazement. He was dumbfounded, and he felt his power quickly go from its zenith to a nadir.
Kirabi: You bastard…you fool.
Roku: That staff won’t work for you any longer. It’s over.
Kirabi: Don’t underestimate me, fool, ya fool!
The room suddenly shook, throwing everyone slightly off balance. Roku looked in another direction, as though he sensed something.
Roku: Bisha fight is getting intense. That chakra…it’s definitely as I suspected earlier.
Ragnaroc: Roku! It looks like we’ll be winning battles on all fronts this time.
Outside, it was clear that the armies of the Sages were nearing victory, and on the waterfront, Emperor and Hellsbadass had secured the sea division and forced several hundred Kumogakure soldiers to surrender.
Roku: Without that staff, Kirabi, you are no more a threat to us than rat. You’re a blight on this land and its people. You are no Raikage…your tenure was a far cry to Mizutoki’s leadership. Let me show you…the power of a Sage.
Kirabi: I don’t need the staff. Don’t make me laugh!
Kirabi raised his free arm and clenched his fist before charging at Roku with blinding speed.
Kirabi: Lariat!!!!!
Kirabi’s attack connected, or so he thought. As his attack finished, Roku was nowhere in his sight. From behind, Roku held a long white katana out to his side, and he flicked the sword once to get the blood that was drawn off of the blade.
Roku: You’re slow.
Pain jolted in Kirabi's left shoulder and he noticed blood spilling from a cut on it. Roku twirled his katana and formed a handseal, making the katana disappear in a puff of smoke. Kirabi immediately retaliated, rushing Roku and delivering a deadly punch toward Roku’s face, but Roku abruptly caught the punch with his bare hand and gripped Kirabi’s fist.
Roku: You won’t bring me down with this level of Taijutsu.
Roku let go of Kirabi’s fist and elbowed him in the gut, knocking him to the ground. Roku stepped back, allowing Kirabi to stand before preparing his stance.
Roku: Come on, now. Show me what you’ve got before you die.
Kirabi twirled the Staff of Ancients with increasing velocity, and he sprinted into Roku’s range and delivered a series of incredibly fast jabs with the pointed end of the staff. Roku, however, managed to dodge each strike with relative ease by simply shifting his body and tilting his head.
Roku: Not good enough!
Roku’s eyes widened in surprise as Kirabi, with his next stab, was suddenly engulfed by a bubbling red-orange cloak of chakra, startling Roku and allowing Kirabi to find an opening in Roku’s defense. Kirabi thrust the staff sharply, and Roku failed to dodge the attack completely, having the top of his shoulder grazed painfully. As Roku winced back, however, he turned his body and, in backlash, flung his hand up at Kirabi immediately, sending out a massive column of pure white and gold Energy that ripped through the ground of the palace room and continued to grow as it gained speed and distance, eventually towering over the capital and going on to collide with a large mountain in the distance before cleaving it cleanly through the entire formation and ravaging much of the surface of the island it rested upon.
The right side of Kirabi’s torso, from his waist to his right shoulder, had a large gash in it, and blood abruptly spewed out. His face was tainted by a thin line of blood running from his forehead to his jaw and chin. Kirabi grunted and screamed briefly. Roku touched his shoulder and looked at the blood on his palm. He sighed and then covered his shoulder with the same hand.
Roku: I let my guard down. And it seems that with that hit, you absorbed some of my chakra. That was foolish of me…………even still…that cloak…
Kirabi: What about it?
Roku: That chakra was…the Hachibi. So it’s true that even the Eight Tails survived with you in that Hall.
Kirabi: And what if it is? I don’t have time for chit-chat, fool! You fool!
Kirabi held his arm out, along with the staff, and built up his chakra rapidly. Roku was intrigued, and the staff regained some of its glow, responding to Kirabi’s chakra to some extent.
Kirabi: If I pour every ounce of my chakra into this staff, ya’ know, then I should be able to make it work a little!
Roku: (smirks) So you finally showed up…
Kirabi looked confused, and then he suddenly felt a weight on his arm, as if something was resting upon the staff, which was held to his right parallel to the surface. He glanced to his right, and to his surprise, he saw a familiar figure resting upon the staff very casually.
Roku: Goro…
Goro looked at Roku, smirking in a lively manner as he did.
Goro: Sorry I’m late. There was a lot of traffic on the way here.
Roku: What…don’t tell me you got lost in the palace…
Goro: Oh no! Don’t talk as if I’m Caliburn or something.
Caliburn: Who says I’m bad with directions ~_~
Goro: There was quite the holdup. These two asswipes were blocking the direct route, but I took care of them.
Roku: Those two, huh? Did you kill them?
Goro: Let’s just say we won’t be hearing from them for a long time…
Kirabi: Wait a minute…you…you killed Tenzo an-
Goro abruptly kicked Kirabi in the face as he leaped off the staff onto the ground. Blood spilled from Kirabi’s mouth as he crashed to the ground and tried to get up.
Goro: Who told you to talk? Can’t you see we’re having a conversation here?
Roku: You’re awfully calm, aren’t you? Aren’t you scared of Kirabi?
Goro: I was when I saw that little light show earlier, but it seems you took care of the threat…still…
Kirabi started to stand, recovering from Goro’s kick with little more than frustration.
Goro: Can I fight him?
Roku: ………………hmm………go for it.
Goro: Yosh!!
Goro rushed forward. Ragnaroc stepped up from behind Roku and glared at him.
Ragnaroc: Stop wasting time. Finish him off now.
Roku: *sigh* You should’ve told me that before I gave him to Goro. It’s out of my hands now. Although…he’s up against Goro now. He’s as good as dead.
Ragnaroc: That’s not good enough. In a taijutsu fight, he runs the risk of having too much of his chakra absorbed.
Roku: ……fine…I’ll—
Roku’s eyes widened suddenly, to Ragnaroc’s confusion. He looked to be awestruck by something, but Ragnaroc could not make out what. He gave Roku a shove and questioned him just as Kirabi went crashed by the two and into the nearby wall. Goro brushed off his hands and excused himself before pursuing Kirabi again. He pressed his foot into Kirabi’s chest and gripped his neck, taunting him.
Goro: You know, I expected you’d be better than this.
Ragnaroc: What the hell is wrong with you?
Caliburn: Master! Is that…
Roku: ……impossible.
Roku began to tremble, struggling to maintain his composure.
Ragnaroc: What? Tell me!
Roku: Bisha is…dead.
As Roku spoke those words, a ubiquitous sense of disbelief resonated across the throne room. Everyone dropped what they were doing and, to their surprise, the earth began to shake violently. The walls of the room slowly came apart and Kirabi’s throne collapsed. After several minutes, the tremors stopped, leaving only the silence of battle.
Ragnaroc: Wha…
Caliburn: Goro-san…
Goro looked at Roku with disbelief. His eyes spelled shock, his mouth unable to form words to question Roku’s declaration. He then turned to Kirabi, now with his eyes burning with rage and, worst of all, vengeance.
Hiruzen: Goro, don’t!
Goro’s skin immediately turned a red color, as though blood was flowing rapidly through his skin. His hair began to stand and his eyes diluted before the pupils disappeared, leaving only white in his eyes. A purple aura formed around Goro and his chakra surged violently as his temper rose. Kirabi smirked and gripped his staff, channeling as much chakra as he could into it.
Kirabi: Hmph. So Nexus managed to kill him after all. Good. The old fool never had a—
Kirabi immediately coughed up a huge amount of blood as he was struck fiercely in the gut. Goro grabbed Kirabi by the shoulders and tossed him into the air. As Kirabi floated, Goro leaped toward him with blinding speed, taking off with so much force that a crater formed underneath his feet and debris went flying.
Kirabi: Nothing held back, huh? *cough* Fine then!
As Goro grabbed Kirabi’s face with his palm, Kirabi locked his arm around Goro’s neck and began to absorb his energy through the staff.
Kirabi: Your chakra is definitely special. Even if it’s bit by bit, I’ll have it all!
Roku: He’s absorbing Goro’s chakra.
Ragnaroc: Dammit. He’s coming into direct contact with him.
Roku: GORO! Focus!
Goro, still blinded by rage, launched Kirabi into the ground with his next kick, scattering debris and sending a violent shockwave that slightly damaged his comrades. Hiruzen was frozen with sorrow as he watched Goro relentlessly beat Kirabi with his fists, and he wished that he too could do the same. Kirabi continued absorbing Goro’s chakra in spite of his being thrashed by Goro. He continued to laugh as blood ran down his nose and his lip. Finally, as Goro prepared to launch one final punch which was charged with an eerie green fire, Kirabi launched him away with a powerful invisible energy. Goro recovered in the air, slightly damaged by the attack, and he landed before grunting. Kirabi took several moments to stand up, but once he did, he stretched his arms and beckoned for Goro.
Kirabi: Alright! Come at me once more!
Ragnaroc: Stop it, Goro!!
Goro again charged Kirabi and thrust his fist into Kirabi’s torso, creating another small crater. As Kirabi lay underneath Goro, frozen, Goro relented momentarily. However, Kirabi just as quickly inched his hand to Goro’s arm and gave him a menacing grin.
Kirabi: Don’t stop now. Keep it coming.
???: Well, now! I see there’s no shortage of entertainment here.
Everyone turned at the sound of the voice and glared with either shock or suspicion. It was Nexus, slowly pacing his way into the room without the slightest bit of apprehension. He spoke sarcastically.
Nexus: Lord Kirabi…you’re a mess. Did you spill ketchup all over yourself?
Kirabi: You fool. That mouth of yours will get you into trouble one day. Hurry up and assist me.
Nexus: …As you wish.
Nexus raised his hand at Goro and sent him flying with an invisible force. Goro crashed into a wall and fell face-first into the ground. As soon as Hiruzen saw Nexus, he became enflamed with fury, but before he could rush blindly into battle, Akira stopped him. Hiruzen noticed Akira’s damaged condition and did not wish to argue.
Akira: Don’t be reckless. Sit back and wait.
Madara attempted a charged sneak attack from behind Nexus as Ragnaroc stirred up a plume of dust to create a diversion. Nexus, unimpressed and somewhat annoyed, immediately wiped away the smokescreen and kicked Madara into the ground after sidestepping his attack. As Madara tried to rebound, Nexus waved his hand and released, again, a powerful blast of invisible force that pushed Madara into the ground and severely wounded his already injured body. Nexus appeared in front of Goro with his palms put together. He parted them, revealing a transparent three-dimensional geometric shape with a glowing white orb at its center. Kirabi sighed and looked away.
Kirabi: So brutal. What’s wrong, Nexus. Trying to put an end to the fun so soon?
Nexus: In case you can’t tell, I’m not in a very good mood. Jinton…
Roku and Ragnaroc desperately leaped to defend Goro. Ragnaroc launched a wind sphere at Nexus while Roku spewed sun fire from his mouth. As their attacks were about to connect, however, Nexus aimed his attack at Ragnaroc, who looked in shock as he realized that he could not avoid Nexus’ attack in time. Roku, who was about to hit Nexus, was suddenly knocked to the side by Kirabi’s lariat technique, which was powered by the Eight Tails’ chakra, which now fully covered his skin with a mix of blood and an ox skeleton. Kirabi’s shroud faded shortly after the attack and Roku lay on the floor, bloodied slightly but not in fatal condition, having been hit only narrowly. Nexus launched his attack and watched as Ragnaroc was caught in the blast, and he smirked as he watched Ragnaroc disintegrated atom by atom by his technique. To Nexus’ dismay, though, Ragnaroc landed, still fully intact, but heavily damaged. Ragnaroc’s entire body was bloodied and bruised, and he lay on the floor unconscious. Roku struggled to move his body as he felt Kirabi approaching him.
Nexus: A replacement jutsu? How basic. Still, I’ve got to hand it to you. You pulled it off faster than I’ve ever seen someone do it.
Nexus felt his leg being gripped, and once he looked down, surely enough he saw Goro’s hand grabbing above his ankle. Goro’s speech was slurred, but he mustered enough strength to raise his head.
Goro: D-don’t count me out yet, bastard.
Nexus: How unsightly.
Hiruzen: Akira-san, I must go!
Akira: You’ll just get yourself and Goro killed.
Hiruzen clenched his fists until they began to bleed. He was infuriated as he was powerless to help. He looked to Caliburn who was patiently waiting for an opening but was surprisingly calm.
Roku: …G—Goro…don’t die on me…yet
Nexus: Later…
Nexus’s eyes widened as he prepared to finish off Goro. He looked down, but to his surprise he found Kirabi’s arm lodged through his gut. Nexus turned around, repulsed by the betrayal he saw before him.
Nexus: …you coy little octopus bastard.
Kirabi: Sorry Nexus. All’s fair in hatred and war.
Nexus: I’m pretty sure that isn’t how the saying goes.
Kirabi: Hmph…oh well.
Nexus gasped and his body started to turn to dust, and that dust flowed into Kirabi’s orifices, from his mouth to his nose to the very pores of his skin. He was literally absorbing Nexus, bit by bit. Caliburn and Hiruzen watched in horror at this atrocity. In lieu of this phenomenon, Caliburn rushed at the opportunity to get Goro to safety and he returned him to Akira and Hiruzen while Nexus was busy absorbing Nexus, who did not seem to resist. As the last bits of Nexus’ body turned to dust, Kirabi inhaled and exhaled with his eyes closed in ecstasy. He calmly opened his eyes, only to reveal that his pupils had now been turned pitch black with thing rings of red around them. Kirabi tightened his grip around the staff and its bulb began to glow an eerie red color. He grinned deviously, showing his teeth and his now-pronounced fangs. Roku managed to barely stand to his feet as he watched Kirabi undergo a subtle transformation. Kirabi gained a peculiar, dark appearance and emitted a powerful but vile aura.
Kirabi: Hmm…this power…is much more to my liking.
Akira: You…you sick bastard. You killed your own comrade.
Kirabi: Absorbed, actually. And he served his purpose well enough. Still, with his essence flowing through my veins I can’t help but feel remorse for my actions.
Caliburn: Is that supposed to absolve you of responsibility for your heinous treachery?
Kirabi: Hmm…I couldn’t care less about what you think, really.
Caliburn: You’re a depraved man—void of honor.
Kirabi: Honor? I kept you alive as a sign of honor. And as fair payment, I will use you all as my practice dummies.
Roku: (Thinks: What a guy. He’s even subconsciously channeling Nexus’ personality. If that’s the case, then…)
Roku reached for his shuriken holster but was immediately sent crashing into a pile of rocks by the same invisible force that Nexus utilized but with much more power. Akira began to string together handseals for a Dark Release technique, but before he could put together than final seal, he was struck in the chest by a brilliant bolt of red and white lightning that carved a circular hole nearly 5cm in diameter. Kirabi smirked but, as quickly as he did, he turned to look behind him only to see Caliburn rushing from behind with his hand on the hilt of his katana.
Kirabi: Predictable as always.
Caliburn: (Itto-Ryu Iai: Shishi Sonson) - One Sword Style Draw and Resheath Technique: Lion's Song!
Caliburn suddenly appeared in front of Kirabi before the latter could turn, and he sheathed the bloodied blade of his katana. Kirabi seemed to stumble and Caliburn smirked as he looked upon the gash he had made across Kirabi’s waist. Kirabi stood in a slouched position for several moments, as though he were severely injured; however, he immediately stood tall again without any hindrance to his movement. He patted his wound and watched as it rapidly closed shut and healed completely.
Kirabi: Is that it? If such a shallow cut is all you can manage after I give you a free shot, you’re hardly worth my time at all.
Kirabi spun the staff of the ancients and slammed it down on Caliburn from above; Caliburn managed to block the strike with both hands on his sword, one on the hilt and the other on the blade. However, he was brought down on his knee, overwhelmed as Kirabi toyed with him with his immense physical power. Kirabi groaned with disappointment and lifted his free hand, charging it with red and white sparks of electricity. In an instant, a vast amount of electrical discharge surrounded Caliburn, prompting Akira and Hiruzen to wince reluctantly. The brilliant white light obscured the details of the attack, but upon sensing Caliburn in danger, Roku crawled out of the heap of large rocks he had been previously thrown into.
Roku: C-Caliburn!!!
Caliburn was shielding himself with his eyes closed, but when he noticed that he had not been erased from battlefield, he opened to eyes to find himself wrapped in a sphere of rubber. He then felt himself being launched away with great velocity until he landed safely, with the rubber sphere unraveling around him—the sphere turning out to be Ace. Ace lay on the ground, exhausted, his body steaming. He struggled to move, but he smiled nonetheless.
Caliburn: Ace…you saved me.
Ace: We’re comrades. Besides, my rubber negated his lightning. *pant*
Caliburn: But you’re injured!
Ace: *pant* Don’t worry about me…Caliburn-san.
Kirabi shook his head and put his hands together.
Kirabi: I’ve grown tired of you whelps. *sigh* I had hoped to keep this island intact, but I figure with the state the village is in already, I might as well get the demolition out of the way.
Kirabi parted his hands and a Dust Release figure, this time in the shape of a sphere, formed. Before Kirabi could bid the group farewell, however, a white cloth wrapped around his left arm and pulled it aside, disrupting his technique. He looked at Hiruzen, relatively unamused and quickly tore off the cloth with ease.
Kirabi: Did you think you could stop my attacks by restricting one hand? How naïve.
Kirabi lifted his right hand and opened it, revealing a smaller but equally powerful dust sphere, much to everyone’s shock.
Akira: No way!
Roku: With one hand?!
Hiruzen laid out a scroll in front of him and bit both of his thumbs at the same time. As Kirabi bid him farewell, his technique suddenly shattered and he stumbled again as he felt a gripping pain in his leg. He looked down to find a large chunk of solid chakra lodged through his leg, and as he looked in confusion, several tendrils of chakra surrounded him as they had before, protruding from the exact same spot as was the seal that had been placed on his leg prior. Hiruzen wiped his blood on the scrolls and formed a tiger seal.
Hiruzen: Twin Dragon Seal!
Two dragon-shaped entities of white smoke burst out of the scroll as Kirabi was pulled violently by white and black tendrils of chakra. One dragon rushed into his chest, seeming to pass into his body, while the other entered his body through his mouth, causing him to spew a constant plume of smoke as his movement became restricted. Kirabi was now suspended in midair by the large tendrils and several smoke formations that seemed to form somewhat of a cage around him. In a desperate attempt, Kirabi chained together several hand seals, but just as he was about to finish his string with a “bird” hand seal, Hiruzen inserted his own two hands, in the form of the “tiger” seal, in between Kirabi’s hands, holding them in place. Kirabi suddenly froze, unable to move his body save for his head, and then only slightly.
Hiruzen: Gotcha, you bastard.
Kirabi: *grunts* How? I…I destroyed your seal earlier.
Hiruzen: You should’ve taken a closer look at your leg. That paper seal also left a mark of the same shape on your leg. It’s called cache sealing, though I wouldn’t expect an oaf like you to know much about the advanced sealing arts.
Roku: Way to go, Hiruzen!
Hiruzen: It took me a while to store up enough chakra to utilize this technique.
Kirabi: You think that just because you’ve gathered some chakra since the start of this battle that you will be able to hold me?
Hiruzen: No. I’ve been storing up chakra for this particular technique since I lost my Light of Hiroshi Senju. The wise shinobi never comes to battle unprepared. He is ready to meet all unexpected turns, both the positive and negative. The paper seal was only the exposition. This is the finale.
Kirabi: Hmph! Are you sure this seal will hold me?!
Hiruzen: All I know is that as long as I hold this stance, your chakra will drop to zero, and the pressure from the smoke dragon inside of you will eventually cause all of your internal organs to rupture…Nothing would make me happier than to see the bastard who killed my sensei die right in front of me.
Caliburn: …Hiruzen-san.
Goro sat up and watched Hiruzen, careful not to disrupt his focus, as he seemed extremely tense in his struggle to keep Kirabi bound.
Kirabi: This seal shouldn’t be able to hold me. Not with my power!
Hiruzen: You’d be right, of course, if the effect of this seal were based on how much chakra you had. As long as I know that Nexus is in there, my concentration is at a level beyond your control.
Hiruzen focused solely on maintaining his stance, and while he focused, Kirabi seemed to be scheming.
Kirabi: So…you were Bishamon Sarutobi’s student, then?
Hiruzen did not respond, for he knew Kirabi was trying to divert his attention.
Kirabi: You know, I’ve seen his death through Nexus’ eyes. By absorbing him, we share a conscience to an extent. He can speak through me…if I will it.
Hiruzen: I know what you’re trying to do. It won’t work on me.
Kirabi: But are you sure you can keep your emotions in check at all times? Come now, Hiruzen-boy, shinobi are human as well, no matter how much we don’t like to admit it.
Hiruzen: …
Kirabi: Bishamon was a worthy opponent, yes. He was very strong, much stronger than you. I can’t express the bittersweet joy I felt when I finally stared into his cold, lifeless body.
Hiruzen’s tension began to rise, but he calmed himself down quickly.
Hiruzen: Be quiet, will you. This will be over soon enough.
Kirabi: I remember his last words, too. He mentioned his two most precious students: Hiruzen and Goro. It was clear that you two were very dear to him. It’s a shame…he looked so sad. So sad die…knowing that you…had been a disappointment to him.
Hiruzen: Shut up.
Kirabi: Can you really maintain your composure? Your master just died. Your own teacher, the man who raised you, is dead. He bit the dust, and I trampled over his lifeless corpse. You should be swelling with anger, you know. Your own sensei thought you were…a disgrace.
Hiruzen: ……
Kirabi: Yes, I see it now. Little Hiruzen. You’re nothing more than a little boy who has always strived to surpass his limitations…yet you always fall behind your best friend. Poor Hiruzen. Always one step behind. No wonder Bishamon pitied you. A fellow Sarutobi like you, to him, was supposed to be the perfect heir, and you couldn’t even live up to his expectations. Oh the dishonor. You were nothing more than an embarrassment to him.
Hiruzen: SHUT UP!!!
Kirabi: Oh…are you frustrated, Hiruzen? Are you going to shed tears? The same tears that your sensei shed before I split his chest open?!
Hiruzen let out a brash shout and disrupted his handseal to raise his fist to Kirabi, ready to punch him. However, before he could jab Kirabi’s mug, Kirabi grabbed his face with blinding speed. He clutched his jaw and moved his face about by pivoting his hand. Hiruzen stretched toward Kirabi, trying to get his hand off his face, but to no avail. With one wide grin, Kirabi tensed his arm and a loud, gunshot-like noise sounded, and with it, blood spewed out of Hiruzen’s face and his head rolled back. Ace was paralyzed with shock. Roku and Goro looked on in horror as Kirabi threw Hiruzen away from him as though he was trash. Hiruzen’s body drifted through the air until Roku intercepted and caught him several meters away, sliding back due to Hiruzen’s momentum. As Kirabi struggled out of the entanglement of Hiruzen’s seal, Roku rested Hiruzen’s body near Goro, and Goro, in spite of his injury, stood to meet him. Goro tried his best to restrain his sorrow—tried so greatly to subjugate his emotions. But he failed. Hiruzen could only wheeze, each attempt for him to speak only ending in him covering his face in even more blood. Grief overcame Goro; it paralyzed him. He could see only the gruesome detail of Hiruzen’s body as he lay dying.
Hiruzen: G—Goro.
Goro: Don’t speak!
Hiruzen: …I’m sorry
Hiruzen tightened his face and shed a tear. With the last of his strength, he grabbed the arm of his dear friend and shut his eyes.
Roku: …Hiruzen…please…
Roku approached Goro and put his hand on his shoulder to console him. He reached down to Hiruzen and put his hand over his heart. He waited with anticipation. He waited and waited. He waited for the heartbeat that would never come. Roku shut his eyes and was still. His breath was heavy, and his heart broke as he listened closely to Goro weep before him. As Roku, too, felt a deep sorrow stir within him, he made his best effort to contain his sadness. He realized that, no matter how much he wanted to shed tears, he could not. This was battle, and in battle, there was no room for weakness. Roku reached for Goro and wiped the tears from his eyes. He raised his chin and looked at him with resolve.
Roku: Show no fear.
Goro: *sob*
Roku: Do you remember Shinobi Rule #25, Goro?
Several teardrops splat against the ground beneath Goro. He spoke with reservation.
Goro: No, Roku-san…not today.
Roku looked down soberly. Goro, about to turn away from him, shifted his eyes above Roku and saw Kirabi, who cast a dark shadow over Roku as he stood behind him.
Goro: Roku-san!!!
Roku: Huh?
Kirabi: Enough!
Kirabi grabbed Roku by the collar and threw him several meters away. Roku managed to roll to a halt, but as soon as he could stop himself, Kirabi appeared in front of him and thrust his palm into Roku’s face, forcing him into the ground. Kirabi choked Roku with his bare hand and continuously slammed him neck-first into the ground. Goro shifted, wanting to assist Roku, but with a slight gesture, Roku signaled that he did not wish for Goro to get involved. Goro rescinded reluctantly. Kirabi finally forced Roku into the ground one more time, breaking the ground even more and knocking Roku out of consciousness completely. He lifted Roku by the neck and brought him close to him. Roku did not seem to be moving, and his eyes were shut.
Kirabi: Can you hear me, Roku Kiyoshi?! I will send you to the afterlife!
Kirabi released his grip on Roku and reached for his staff, which he had set down. He twirled it until the pointed end was aimed directly at Roku’s jugular vein. Kirabi raised his staff and Goro shouted as the staff was about to sink into Roku’s skin. Roku thought to himself for a moment as he gained a semblance of consciousness.
Roku: I have failed…
Roku opened his eyes, but he did not see Kirabi, as he expected. In fact, he found himself in a dark space with which he was completely unfamiliar. He looked around him and felt himself for injuries, but to his surprise, he had no wounds. He scrambled about, looking for his friends, but he could not find them. Nearby was what appeared to be a campfire, and Roku rushed to it. There were several seats open but no people to sit upon them. Roku heard the flow of a river very close by, and upon turning to his right, he found a clear stream of water flowing west. The stars overhead were particularly bright, and the sky had a dark purple hue to it that emphasized the rolling green hills in the distance. The world around Roku was coming to life, slowly but surely, and it was one of great beauty. He was still confused by what was happening, however. Most puzzling of all, Roku found to be, were the three moons looming overhead, each of different size, shape, and color. Of the visible stars in the sky, Roku noticed one in particular disappear, and this disappearance was followed by two others. A sound, and then a strange warmness emanated from the fire. Roku looked to the campfire and, to his surprise, several entities faded into being around him. Each was sitting upon the seats around the fire, and as they became more and more tangible, their faces became recognizable as well. The first to manifest was Elias, who greeted Roku harshly but endearingly.
Elias: Hey, kiddo. Kicked the bucket so soon?
Roku: ……teacher. What’re you—?
Elias: It seems we have company.
The remaining two figures manifested, and Roku’s gaped in awe as he realized who they were. One was Bishamon, and the other, by whom Roku was particularly astonished, was Tobirama Senju, the 2nd Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village.
Roku: B-Bisha. Second Hokage…
Elias: Bisha?! What’re you—
Tobirama: Roku Kiyoshi…
Elias: …
Bishamon: Elias…Roku. It’s good to see you two again. I should say the same about you also, Tobirama, my old friend.
Roku: Whoa…what’s going on? Where…where are we?
Elias: No clue, to be honest.
Tobirama: The corridor of the dusk, proper. In the seventh house, where destiny is made.
Roku: Destiny? I can’t seem to remember exactly what I was doing before this, all of a sudden. But…you’re all dead…am I dead?
Bishamon: I’m not sure. I know we were all brought here for a reason, otherwise you would not have arrived here and drawn the rest of us to you. So…
Elias: I only died several days ago, but just this day, I’ve seen numerous spirits entering this realm. What’s going on?
Bishamon: We’re at war. And I have fallen in combat.
Elias: B-sama? Dead? That isn’t possible.
Roku: I'm afraid it’s true. The man who defeated Bisha…his name is Nexus. You remember him, don’t you?
Elias: Hmm……I think so. We crossed paths briefly at Yasuragi. But to be able to beat Bisha...what kind of monster is he?
Bishamon: I may have failed, but it is not too late for you to compensate for my shortcomings, Roku.
Roku: How? Even if I’m not dead, I don’t even know what’s going on……I remember…Nexus came and almost downed everyone. Everyone…Rag…Madara…
Bishamon: Nexus is still alive?
Roku: What do you mean “still alive?”
Bishamon: Never mind…how’re Hiruzen and Goro.
Roku’s bearing became gloomy and he shook his head. Bishamon looked shocked for a moment but rapidly regained composure, managing a reluctant smile.
Bishamon: I see…
Roku: I failed you, Bisha. I’m sorry.
Elias: Hmm…
Bishamon: No, I’m afraid I’m to blame, Roku. It was my job as their master to protect them.
Tobirama: Allow me to absolve you both of your guilt.
Roku: What do you mean?
Tobirama: The reason you were called here. It is my doing. Bishamon Sarutobi and Elias Shumoto, as well, appear to have been drawn here by their bonds with you.
Elias: Bonds?
Tobirama: Yes. This place, the seventh house, is the birthplace of bonds of all kinds. Through our bonds with others, destinies are made. You see, the afterlife is a very complex place—much too complex to understand after a mere few days of being here. Isn’t that right, Elias?
Elias: Hmph.
Tobirama: Several days ago, I encountered a particularly knowledgeable man who had just arrived. He noted that he had a strong admiration for my talents and told me that he followed my path. In life, he said he was an Admiral.
Roku: That sounds like Izuna!! Is he here?
Tobirama: He was an Uchiha. Needless to say, I found it rather odd that Uchiha would strive to be like a Senju. But it was also for the same reason that I could not tell him what I am about to tell you.
Roku: What’re you talking about? Why not?
Tobirama: He told me all about Kirabi and the Staff of the Ancients. He also told me that he had planned to overthrow Kirabi and take the staff for himself and the Nexus that you mentioned earlier. It’s regretful that I must say this, but I am to blame for everything that has happened.
Bishamon: Hold on. What do you mean you are to blame?
Tobirama sighed and stood from his seat. He looked to the stream that was flowing nearby and waved his hand, causing the water to ripple. Then, an apparition formed from the mist above the stream and the group peered into the mist with intrigue. They saw before them a scene playing out. The setting was familiar; several individuals sat at a round table clothed in robes similar to that of the sages. Then, Bishamon recognized the setting—Yasuragi Stronghold. This was a Sage Meeting of the past. He noticed at the round table a younger Bishamon with a young Elias standing behind him.
Elias: Eh… That takes me back.
At the table, also, was the wind sage, and behind him was a young Ragnaroc. At the head of the round table, sitting upon the largest chair, was Hashirama Senju, Grandmaster Sage. To his right was the Water Sage, Tobirama, giving the Fire Sage, Madara Uchiha, a distrustful look. Behind Tobirama was a young Hellsbadass, who looked rather nervous. The Lightning Sage, also known as the grandfather of the First Raikage, sat with a serious expression on his face, and a young lad who the current Sages knew as Madara stood behind him. He looked bored, and it was clear that among the apprentices present, he was the oldest and most seasoned. The room was filled with tension and shifting eyes. Bishamon now recalled the scene clearly.
Bishamon: This meeting is where we opted to seal off the Hall of the Ancients.
Tobirama: Indeed. Before the formation of the Five Villages, we were making clear preparations to shape the ninja world into something new.
Roku: Wow. This is a legendary moment in history—one so few people know about and even fewer remember.
Bishamon: Still, what’s the point of showing us this? I was there. You hardly spoke at all, Tobirama-san.
Tobirama: It is what happened afterward that is important.
The scene progressed, and soon, as the reel of history played out, the meeting ended, but only Bishamon, the Lightning Sage, and the Wind Sage and their respective apprentices left. Tobirama also prompted Hellsbadass to leave the room, leaving only him, Hashirama, and Madara in the room.
Hashirama: Now, then, there is one last issue to discuss. With the Rikudo Sennin’s Treasured Tools scattered, there remains only one artifact to deal with.
Madara: The Staff of the Ancients.
Hashirama: Yes. I was going to make this decision on my own, but Madara, I want your counsel.
Madara: Then why is Tobirama here?
Tobirama: I will contribute to the discussion to make sure you don’t try anything.
Madara: So distrustful of me, Tobirama. You never change. I’m sure you cannot wait to leave Yasuragi so that you can go and kill some more of my brethren.
Tobirama: Why wait? If you would prefer to be killed here and now, I would be happy to oblige.
Hashirama: Enough, brother!
Madara: Let him speak his mind, Hashirama. This is the only place where we are allowed to engage in civil disputes. The Order of the Sages is not bound by rivalries or treaties. We are an independent, peaceful order, at least within these walls. If Tobirama wishes to raise his blade to me, let him. I insist. Let him be the first to plunge our order into darkness.
Tobirama: *glares*
Hashirama: On the issue of the staff, now! Madara…please, give your input.
Madara: The Staff of the Ancients? Isn’t it obvious? Destroy it.
Tobirama slammed his hand upon the table.
Tobirama: Absurd! Do you take me for a fool?
Hashirama glanced at Tobirama, exerting his pressure, and managed to calm Tobirama back into his seat.
Hashirama: To be honest, I was thinking the same thing. The Staff is a dangerous relic, and its existence would only encourage discord if it was ever discovered by the masses.
Madara: Exactly.
Tobirama: Nevertheless, it is the only tool the Sages have as leverage against would-be dissenters.
Madara: Do you propose we act against our original purpose? The Order of the Sages is not a militant group.
Tobirama: Yet we assemble the most powerful shinobi on the face of the planet, and you expect me to believe we are not militant. The damage is already done. What we can do is to ensure the protection of people—
Madara: With our own power. Nothing more. Are you afraid because you are weak, Tobirama?
Tobirama: You say that only because the staff poses a danger to your clan, and all other clans that dissent, for that matter.
Madara: Spare me. The Uchiha are strong enough to stand against any force, regardless of their weaponry.
Tobirama: Then you will not mind if the Staff is kept intact to ensure the preservation of this world and the old world.
Madara: You only wish to elevate the Senju’s hold over the other clans. You’re no different from your father, Tobirama.
Hashirama: Enough!! Tobirama, Madara is right. We cannot keep something as leverage against the ninja of the nations. It is wrong and goes against everything the order stands for.
Tobirama: ……then allow me to seal it within the Hall of the Ancients. Nobody will ever be able to reach it there. The relic and its history must be preserved safely.
Madara: Oh, come on. Hashirama, you cannot be so dense as to believe his intentions to be true. Just look at him. He’s just as insidious as the dissenters he speaks against.
Tobirama: I hold no ill-will toward the Uchiha, Madara. Make no mistake. It is you I do not trust.
Madara: Well that certainly makes me feel a whole lot better.
Hashirama: Tobirama is right, Madara. Part of the reason for our existence is to preserve our history and the old traditions.
Madara looked at Hashirama with disbelief.
Madara: You can’t be serious! You would allow him to put the Uchiha to the gallows, for what? He—
Hashirama: My mind is made up. You have my word. The staff will never be used against the Uchiha or any clan for that matter. We preserve it only to respect the Sage of Six Paths’ decision. That is it. And Tobirama…you will seal it away yourself, and I will see that you do.
Madara stood and walked away from the table, infuriated.
Hashirama: Wait, Madara!
Madara: I will not forget this, Tobirama. When we next meet…pray that we are within these hallowed walls.
Tobirama: …
The mist began to fade and Bishamon turned to Tobirama, distraught.
Bishamon: You had the Staff of the Ancients in your possession way back then? And you didn’t opt to destroy it?!
Tobirama: At the time it seemed the logical choice. I knew, ultimately, the biggest threat to the Shinobi world was Madara Uchiha, and more importantly, I knew that—
Roku: You knew that an Uchiha could never wield the staff because of the corrupted nature of their chakra.
Tobirama: Exactly.
Bishamon: So it was never really about preserving history.
Tobirama: I did what I had to for the greater good.
Roku: ……and now where is that greater good? Countless lives lost because of one simple mistake. Your heart was misplaced.
Elias: The Order of the Sages is indeed not a militant group, but I can see where Tobirama-san was coming from. Madara Uchiha was a danger to not just the Senju but every clan in the world. Perhaps at the time it seemed perfectly reasonable. From what I knew of him, I wouldn’t have trusted Madara either.
Roku suddenly had an image of his younger self flash through his mind. The vision was unclear, but he vaguely remembered the scene. And in the image he saw himself coldly staring down at a man whose arm was dripping with blood, and his hand had been removed somehow. Roku then returned to the reality before him with a shocked look on his face. He looked at Tobirama regretfully.
Roku: Perhaps…had I known that when I was younger, I too would have felt the same way.
Tobirama: I’m glad you can empathize with me to see that—
Elias: Your decision was still the wrong choice. That much is true.
Tobirama: It is regrettable. Well over one hundred years have passed since the 4th Great Ninja War, and the sins of old still taint the ninja world. But it is not too late to mend my mistake, Roku Kiyoshi. I’m not asking you to forgive me. I’m not asking you to like me. Just protect what’s left of the world I once fought to defend with my life.
Tobirama’s spirit suddenly faded and, when Roku looked up, he saw one star return to the night sky.
Bishamon: You have to go back. Your journey doesn’t end here, Roku.
Elias: He’s right. Whatever happens, from now on, without Bisha and me in the world, you’ve gotta carry on our wills.
Roku: …what do you mean?
Bishamon: The world is filled with darkness and light. We try to fight in the light, but so often we lose sight of what we’re actually fighting for. When I fought Nexus, he taught me something—something I never expected to accept, especially from someone like him. The “Good” and “Evil” sides of any war…they aren’t so different.
Roku: By that, you mean?
Bishamon: Paradoxical as it may seem, there is enlightenment even in the darkness. It’s up to you to make sense of that. The world is transitioning, but I won’t be a part of that transition any longer. It’s up to you to help usher in a new spirit for the people of this new world. Whether the new world will be pure or depraved, no one knows. You can only hope that you play your part in making it the former. That is the truth.
Roku shouted out for Bishamon and Elias to return as their spirits faded into mist and they bid Roku farewell. Roku stared blankly off into the distance, unsure of what to make of what he was told. With a deep breath, he strengthened his resolve and remembered all of his friends and all of the sacrifices that had been made. And he remembered Izuna and his last words.
Roku: Truth…I understand.
The environment began to lose its color and the flame of the campfire grew dimmer and dimmer until Roku was engulfed in complete darkness. Then, in a brilliant awakening, Roku opened his eyes widely to see Kirabi thrusting his staff into Roku’s neck. In one swift movement, Roku grabbed the staff and managed to shift its trajectory so as to lodge the staff into his left shoulder, and with one fell motion, Roku thrust his palm into Kirabi’s face, activating the Corruption of the Mind and Soul technique again. Kirabi stumbled back and pulled the staff out of Roku’s skin, spilling blood upon the ground. Roku rolled to the side and stood to his feet with a limp while gripping his shoulder where the staff had been pulled out. He panted heavily and watched Kirabi stumble.
Kirabi: You fool. Whatever you’re trying to do, it won’t work.
Roku: Damn…
Goro: Roku-san!
Caliburn: Master…
Kirabi: Kindly die. Your body will lay the foundation of the new world when I rebuild it in my image.
Roku: New world?
Kirabi: Yes, a new world which, sadly, you won’t be a part of.
Roku: Humor me.
Kirabi: It’s simple. I will end all suffering in my land. I will create order out of the chaos of this world. The people will bow to me, and they will see that without order, there cannot be peace. Men are not perfect; you understand that. So you will also understand that the only way to bring about order from rebellious schemers like you is to subjugate them. And for that reason, you and your fellow Sages must all die. Your deaths will bring order to this depraved world.
Kirabi suddenly began to choke. He strained himself and started groaning painfully. His body shook and blood rushed to his head. He reached to grab his neck and turned his head down. Through this display, Roku could hear him mumbling to himself.
Kirabi: Arggh!! Damn you. Why?!
???: You should have chosen your words more carefully.
Roku had a puzzled look on his face, but he was quickly astonished to see a hand protruding from Kirabi’s mouth as the latter began to gag. The hand reached further and further out until a whole arm was out, and next came the head with a familiar face—Nexus’. Nexus pulled himself grotesquely out of Kirabi’s mouth, stretching it open so gruesomely that Roku had to look away with disgust. As Nexus finally pulled his feet out of Kirabi’s mouth, Kirabi fell over, unable to do anything but shiver due to the immense pain he had just experienced. His body slowly regenerated, and Nexus wiped the slime off of his body with disgust and looked at Kirabi with little remorse.
Roku: N-Nexus.
Nexus: In the flesh. *looks at himself* Sorry about this. I’ll need to clean up the mess later.
Roku: You…so you forced yourself out with an Oral Rebirth technique on Kirabi?
Nexus: Yeah. Pretty cool, huh.
Kirabi: You bastard! You ungrateful BASTARD! What the hell do you think you’re doing?!
Nexus: You know, when you betrayed me, I figured it was just karma catching up with me. I could live that. However, you went on talking about perfect order and peace and all of that crap. Order? Ha! What kind of world is that? No, that is unacceptable. I thought you and I saw eye to eye on some things, but it turns out I was wrong. The only good world is a world built on deception! A perfect ninja world with nothing but chaos as the defining agent. That is my dream, and I would rather die than allow you to remake the world in your image. Got it, fool, ya fool?
Kirabi: You son of a—
Nexus: *****? I know. Mother was a real *****. Must be hereditary.
Kirabi: ARGHH!!!!
Nexus raised his hand at Kirabi, preparing to finish him off, when his hand suddenly began to rapidly disintegrate, to his utter shock. Bewildered, he rose his other hand and it, too, disintegrated. Roku looked closely at Nexus’ chest and noticed rather intricate white seal form.
Nexus: What the—
Roku: B-sama’s Tota Seal…so that’s what he meant.
Nexus: Back then, huh? Damn.
Roku: So, Bisha came through after all. Thank goodness. Nexus!!
Nexus: Huh?
Roku: Thank you. You really saved us.
Nexus looked infuriated for a moment, but then he realized something and calmed down. He even went so far as to smile at Roku. He shut his eyes momentarily and his life flashed before him. He saw his mother and father and himself as a boy, the son of a farmer. He saw his life play before him. He saw his father’s death. He saw himself murder his mother with a kunai. He saw himself at a very young age picking up an Iwagakure headband at a time that seemed so long ago—perhaps even a century ago. He opened his eyes and sighed.
Nexus: Aww, hell. What a terrible way to go out. Can’t say I’m happy, but in the end, I just can’t stay mad. Too much of a hassle.
Nexus looked over at Kirabi as a hole formed in his chest and slowly expanded, killing him by the moment. Kirabi was astonished to see the Tota seal’s effect on Nexus and perhaps by the fact that Nexus was now dying.
Nexus: Hey, Kirabi-san…
Kirabi: *gawking*
Nexus: See you in hell.
Nexus’ body fell to the ground, mutilated, and marred by a giant hole in Nexus’ chest. The rest of his body then scattered in the wind, and he returned to dust.
Now there was silence, an awkward, eerie silence, but a silence that Roku was glad to have now. Caliburn and Goro looked at one another and nodded. They mustered their strength and stood to their feet, ready to fight. Roku smiled at his two comrades and looked back at Kirabi.
Roku: Time to play your last hand, Kirabi.
Kirabi shouted ferociously. He began to throw a fit, absolutely enraged by his loss of power. His appearance looked sloppy now, and he looked nothing more than a mess of a lunatic. Roku put a great deal of distance between the two and readied his stance. Caliburn drew his two remaining weapons, and Goro cracked his knuckles and took several deep breaths.
Kirabi: I will destroy you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kirabi’s muscles became tense. His brow lowered and his chakra became visible. He was undergoing a significant change—one Roku and Goro were quite familiar with. His body parts began to morph into those of an octopus and he grew a pair of curved horns. He grew in size rapidly and eventually was no longer human; now, Kirabi had taken the form of a very familiar creature with eight large tentacles protruding behind him. He let out a roar that shook the palace.
Caliburn: Here he comes…
Goro: You ready?
Roku: Let’s finish this!
Roku thrust his fists forward in a punching motion, releasing two large streams of dark fire and sun fire toward Kirabi.
Roku: This is for Elias!
The streams began to converge on Kirabi, scorching his underside. Kirabi let out a ferocious roar, releasing so much air pressure that Roku was knocked back and the streams of fire ceased. Following up from his roar, Kirabi spun rapidly, using his tails to lash away the fires. While the fires still burned, they were out of his vicinity and only managed to remain in small patches. Roku looked surprised, but he immediately went on guard when Kirabi, in his tailed beast form, took a familiar stance. He opened his mouth wide and orbs of black and white chakra converged unto a single point until they formed a dark sphere of condensed chakra. Roku stretched his arms out, prompting Goro and Caliburn to get behind him. Once they were behind him, Roku formed the ram hand seal, activating a technique. Kirabi then fired his tailed beast bomb, unleashing a devastating amount of energy. Just as the energy reached the trio, it was stopped by a large rectangular wall of absolute darkness which seemed to draw all of the energy from the blast into an endless void. The energy passed into the wall without any incident, and Kirabi gave a puzzled look.
Roku: Dark Release: Darkness Drain
Kirabi: Lucky!
Roku: Goro! Help me out.
Goro leaped in front of Roku and slammed his palms into the ground.
Goro: Sawarabi no Mai (Dance of the Seedling Fern)!
Several large bone spikes ripped out of the ground and tore into Kirabi’s body, staggering him.
Goro: That was for B-sama!
Roku rushed toward Kirabi with great speed, stretching his right arm out so as to form a sword made of water out of it. Kirabi shouted and went on to attempt to crush Roku with a punch, but as his fist approached, it was suddenly pushed violently into the ground by a transparent wave of pure Energy. As Kirabi’s fist crashed into the ground, forming a crater, Caliburn leaped valiantly over Kirabi’s arm and onto the fist. As Kirabi prepared to raise his fist, Goro landed on the back of his fist and pressed his hand against it, preventing Kirabi from being able to move it, much to his chagrin.
Goro: Doton: Kajugan no Jutsu (Earth Style: Weighted Boulder Technique)!
Kirabi raised his other fist in retaliation, but his punch was blocked by Caliburn’s sword and Goro’s arm. Roku leaped into the air and landed on Kirabi’s arm, using it as a platform. Once he had run far enough up Kirabi’s arm, Roku sliced the entire arm off with his water sword and leaped high into the air.
Roku: That was for Izuna! And this…
Roku’s water sword evaporated and his fist became surrounded by Sun Fire as he activated his Hand of the Sun God technique. Kirabi, roaring in pain, deactivated his transformation and returned to his normal self, now in midair. He was approaching Roku as quickly as Roku was approaching him, and as the two were suspended in the air, Goro and Caliburn looked on at the surreal scene. Kirabi arced his remaining arm, gripping the staff tightly and positioning it so as to deliver a dangerous hit to Roku once he was close enough. Roku pulled his fist back, preparing to strike. At least, the two collided, and as their blows were about to be exchanged, Roku’s fist struck first, brutally smashing Kirabi in the face and knocking out several teeth in the process. Roku shouted as his attack connected.
Roku: This is for Hiruzen!
Roku pushed his fist forward with one last battle cry to reinvigorate himself, and Kirabi flew into the ground below. As he fell, thrust by Roku’s punch, he could not help but feel time slow around him as his world as he knew it crumbled before him. With his last breath, he spoke to himself.
Kirabi: Why…I was to rule…
And a CRASH, followed by the kicking up of debris and flames.
Roku landed on the ground clumsily and almost immediately fell on his back, panting heavily. As his breathing stabilized, his panting turned into laughter. Goro and Caliburn came up to him to make sure he was alright and they smiled.
Roku: …did we get him?
Caliburn walked over to Kirabi’s body and checked his pulse. He looked at Kirabi and noticed his face had a look of loneliness. Caliburn recognized this same look, and he could not help but pity Kirabi as he walked away.
Caliburn: *nods at Goro* Yeah…we did.
Goro: Damn good punch, Roku-san…Damn good. For Hiruzen…*sighs*
There was a moment of silence at the mention of Hiruzen’s name, but the silence was soon broken by a ray of light shining down on the trio as the clouds above began to part.
Roku: …I’m glad.
Roku sighed heavily once more and tried to stand but hurt himself comically. Outside of the palace, the forces of the sages had just finalized their victory and the remaining Kumogakure shinobi had surrendered. All across the island, shinobi dropped their arms and fell to their knees in defeat. Oddly, almost simultaneously, every person looked to the sky to see the clouds finally parting and allowing the sun to shine on the island. Zanji looked to the sky with admiration. He was battle-weary, but he could stand.
Zanji: Well would you look at that…
On the eastern front, Liliana knocked one Kumogakure shinobi over the head and declared her victory proudly over her his body.
Liliana: Well, that’s the last of the Barrier team. Men, you’ve done well today.
On the waterfront, Hellsbadass secured command over the sea and watched Emperor file the surrendered Kumogakure shinobi and Kirigakure shinobi in lines. In his midst were several hundred dead bodies of fallen Kirigakure, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure shinobi as well as the bodies of fallen Water sage apprentices.
Emperor: That’s the last of ‘em.
Hellsbadass: Hell yeah.
At the palace, several minutes later, reinforcements arrived late. They took note of everyone in the area and began to tend to their wounds immediately. Caliburn struggled with one of the medics, insisting that he was fine. Goro ensured that Hiruzen’s body was taken care of, and for the duration of the period, he sat by his friend. Roku looked up at the sky, soaking in the ray of light. He looked briefly to his friends, his teammates, and smiled. He felt a peace—a relief—that he had not felt since the start of his—their—journey. He then shut his eyes to rest at last.
The brilliant ray of light seemed to confirm more than victory; it told of peace, at least in that moment, however fleeting the peace would be. The army of the sages had triumphed, and they knew that the peace they felt in that moment was real.
END OF CHAPTER
