Chakra Wizard
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Alright, lots of big developments last time! Time to see how the rest of the world responds to it all (viewers of the movie may recognize some new faces). lol As always, enjoy
Here’s my previous chapters, for those who missed any:
Chapter 089: Another Dose of Reality
After two days of travel, the Kage and their bodyguards finally returned to their respective villages, many of their most elite ninja waiting impatiently at the main gates for word of the results of the summit.
Suzaku, Shinki, Ittan, Mei, and C: What happened?
With expressions matching their own respective feelings on the events of the meeting, the village leaders answered their subordinates with a single collective word.
Konohamaru, Gaara, Ryoku, Unagi, and Otori: War.
With twelve days until Otori’s declaration of war commenced, answering the numerous questions sprouted in their subordinates’ minds became a top priority for the Kage, leading to immediate council meetings between their respective elders and most elite jōnin. For the Sand, this small group was overseen by Baki and contained Kankurō and his son Shinki – newly elected council member and Jōnin Commander, respectively.
????: What the hell happened out there?
????: Did you not go there to seek help in dealing with the assassin that’s still on the loose?
Gaara: (These not being the first of similar remarks to emerge since the meeting commenced, he rubbed his eyes in frustration.) The Raikage is a very tactical debater. He just managed to move the discussion in the direction he wanted it to.
Kankurō: (He lifted his head in surprise.) Wait, so he WANTED it to reach the point where he had a reason to declare war on the Leaf?
Gaara: I didn’t say that, Kankurō. He could’ve very well just wanted us to agree on recapturing the Tailed Beasts.
????: Then why didn’t you!? Better to go after them than waste the lives of our shinobi trying to save them-
Baki: Kazoku, that’s enough. The Kage share a pact with the Tailed Beasts that’s remained strong for the past four decades. The opinion of one new Kage isn’t about to nullify it now.
Gaara: (He nodded in confirmation.) And besides, even with Gyūki and Kurama on our side, the other seven now migrate and live together as a unit. Squads of shinobi have captured them alone in the past, but who knows how many we might lose if we attacked them as they are.
Shinki: So his plan was illogical from the beginning?
Gaara: (He hesitated to nod as he recalled Otori’s words during the summit.) Perhaps…but his manner of speaking about the subject, one almost couldn’t help but believe in what he said. …And then there was that technique his subordinate used.
Baki: (He gazed over at him in curiosity.) Was it powerful?
Gaara: (He nodded as images of the “white lightning” flashed in his mind.) …We may need to look into our new enemies over the next two weeks. The Hokage will need this information if they intend on answering the call to war.
Kazoku: Wait, Lord Kazekage, you’re not seriously thinking of participating in the war, are you?
Shinki: Uncle, most of our shinobi have never seen a real wartime situation. We’re not ready for this.
Gaara: (He leaned back in his seat.) None of the villages are, Shinki. Two whole generations have gone by without a single conflict between them, so rest assured, even the Cloud Village who made the declaration is unprepared for this.
Kazoku: You don’t know that for certain.
Baki opened his mouth in protest from the opposite end of the table, but before any words came out, he was stopped by Gaara’s outstretched hand. There was a look of genuine anger in his dark-ringed eyes as he stared at the center of the table, a sight that brought a sense of nostalgia and fear to both his former sensei and his brother sitting beside him, as it reminded them so immensely of his days as a mindless killer. A moment longer, though, and they began to notice the sadness lingering beneath this façade, no doubt harkening back to his wife’s death less than a week ago, as the anger subsided and was replaced by uncertainty and hints of determination that grew more distinct as he spoke.
Gaara: You’re right. Maybe the Cloud knew all along that war was on the horizon, and maybe they’ve been training their ninja in preparation for some time now. …But what I do know is that their ambitions are entirely selfish in nature. I know that the Hokage was right in refusing to allow the Tailed Beasts to be subjugated once again, and I know that we’re right in supporting their cause in any way we can, be it with supplies or additional forces…if the council gives its consent to the latter.
With this last subtle request, Gaara gave his first genuine smile since Shijima’s death, scanning the room so all those present could see. His speaking skills were just one of many improvements in his character since his inauguration forty-five years prior, often being more than enough to lift the spirits of those around him, but upon seeing the sincerity in that smile, all traces of uncertainty vanished from even the skeptical Kazoku’s mind, who nodded to Baki before he turned to the Kazekage with an answer to his plea.
Baki: You have it…all the way.
A beloved Kage for over four decades, Gaara would later find the same glowing support from the rest of the village population, all of them – from his own peers to the youngest members of the newer generations – confident that their leader would lead them through yet another war. His young neighbor to the north, however, found little support in his own minor experience, particularly from Ittan, current head of the village council.
Ittan: Why did you do it?
He stared disappointedly at the Tsuchikage, who acknowledged the inquiry by merely lifting his gaze up from his large hands, which were splayed out over the long table in front of him as he recalled the events of the summit.
Ittan: Why’d you support the Raikage and not the Hokage? Don’t you know what the Shinobi Union is supposed to be about? It’s there so the hidden villages can look out for each other, support each other when we need it. Hunting down Tailed Beasts again is not and will not help us in the long run.
Asuka: (He noted the building anger in his voice and scowled in his direction.) You’d best lower your tone, old man. Don’t think just cause you’re on the council you can-
A gruff voice to his side prompted Asuka to become silent once again, as Ryoku looked over his shoulder at his other chief subordinate.
Ryoku: Where is Akatsuchi, Shinteki?
Shinteki: (He gazed down upon hearing his voice before looking off towards the corner of the room.) Still in his quarters, sir, moping over your predecessor.
Ryoku: (He looked off to the side for a moment before gazing back down at his hands.) I suppose he can’t blamed. Being as close to her as he was. …Bring him here. He should participate in this discussion, as well.
The giant nodded and walked out of the room, arching his back to squeeze through the doorway, at which point Ryoku stood up and walked around the table with his Kage cap in hand, briefly locking eyes with Ittan.
Ryoku: The Raikage was right in everything he said during the summit and he did everything in his power to persuade us to assist him in subduing them. It’s the Hokage who was unwilling to cast aside traditional methods for a more effective approach to the growing economic problem.
Ittan: WAR is never an effective approach to resolving an economic problem.
Ryoku: (He stopped at the far end of the table, any semblance of politeness vanishing from his face.) Perhaps I’m too young to bring up such subject matter, but you’re a far older man than I, Ittan. Think back over the history of this village and the shinobi world as a whole and tell me again that that’s not true.
Ittan: (He stared up at him for a moment in disbelief, looking away briefly as images of the last war flooded his mind.) …You’re right. You are too young to bring up something like that. In my day, the hidden villages were either constant enemies or were at least constantly wary of one another’s movements. We’re working together now, Ryoku. ANY solution that doesn’t involve bloodshed is better than one that does!
Ryoku: …Asuka, don’t even attempt to do that.
The young jōnin acknowledged his leader’s order with a frown in his direction, moments afterwhich his eyes reverted to their normal state, rather than the bright blue glow that symbolized Ittan’s brief spell under his infamous illusion. Upon being released, the elder threw his head back a ways and gasped a breath of relief, scowling over at his would-be assailant momentarily before delivering a nod of gratitude in Ryoku’s direction. No more than a minute after this episode ended, Shinteki reappeared in the doorway, the right hand of the previous Tsuchikage following slowly behind him. His weight had naturally decreased since his zenithal years, though the slight showing of cheekbone made it out to have come in uneven durations – his unshaven face suggested one such dip to be currently in progress. The faint bags beneath his eyes showed lack of sleep over the past several nights which, coupled with several other slight nuances, only hinted at the depth of his depression in the wake of Kurotsuchi’s demise. His typical jolliness was completely absent in his mostly blank expression, his eyes staring lifelessly at Ryoku from across the room, a distance which faintly hid the bizarre fact that both he and Shinteki had him marginally outsized.
Ryoku: It’s good to see you up and about, Akatsuchi.
Akatsuchi: (His brow sank lower in response to seeing Ryoku’s pitiful attempt at a cheerful smile.) I heard about what happened at the summit. …How dare you take Kurotsuchi’s role and use it to support a war that could’ve easily been stopped.
Ryoku: I did not start this war-
Akatsuchi: And you didn’t do anything to stop it either!!
All those besides Ryoku and Akatsuchi arched back in surprise at the latter’s outburst, even the typically fearless Asuka and the significantly larger Shinteki. The Tsuchikage simply stood there stony-faced, seemingly ready for any further reprimand to come his way.
Akatsuchi: Didn’t the Hokage say he was willing to share the wealth with the other villages!? Why would you turn down an offer like that when you don’t even know if making more jinchūriki will give us better ninja!?
Ryoku: (Having heard this point from the summit brought up one too many times before, he slammed his large hand against the table.) It’s a shot I’m willing to take, Akatsuchi! I love this village and its people too much to let us be crippled by relying on the funds of someone else!
The councilmen sitting around the table immediately stood up and backed away as it collapsed under the force of Ryoku’s hand, the excessiveness surprising even Shinteki, his closest subordinate. This was clearly unintentional on the Tsuchikage’s part, however, as evidenced by the long stare he gave the hand that destroyed it, which curled into a fist as he regained his composure and turned back to the council leader.
Ryoku: Ittan, you’re either for this war or you’re not, but in two weeks, the Leaf and the Cloud will be moving out…and I wholeheartedly intend on supporting the latter.
Every head that belonged to a council member immediately turned towards Ittan, awaiting his answer to the call. Each was a fellow veteran of the previous war, and like Ittan, they watched from afar as the Shinobi Union grew from a far-off concept into a massive alliance where every participant, regardless of strength or population, had an equal opportunity to amass wealth and prosperity that would’ve been impossible working solely on their own terms. They were all equally invested in its longevity, and equally displeased with their Kage’s support of another who sought to dissolve it, feelings which accumulated into a simultaneous nod of assurance to their leader before he turned to give Ryoku their answer.
Ittan: We don’t.
Ryoku: (He nodded hesitantly in understanding before turning around.) …Then get out.
Multiple glances were exchanged as the councilmen filed out of the room, each one more worried about the future of their village than the last. Ittan was the last to leave with Akatsuchi following close behind, stopping to let the latter pass by as he looked over at Ryoku one last time, finding him gazing out the window with what appeared to be complete serenity. Little did he know as he finally walked out about the terror resting beneath the Tsuchikage’s huge ivory eyes.
On the opposite end of the continent, the Mizukage received similar complaints from his sole living predecessor and a handful of his most seasoned shinobi, among them the leader of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and Chōjūrō’s former assistant Misuno. His heart being smaller and blacker than Ryoku’s, he took most of it in stride.
Mei: And what side do you intend on taking when their armies move out?
Unagi: (He threw his head back in annoyance before resting his feet on top of his desk.) The right one, of course. And in this case, it’s old man Otori for trying to do something about the Leaf’s advantage over us all prosperity-wise.
Mei: (She rubbed her wrinkled eyes in frustration.) (Damn it…why didn’t I reassume my title?) So keeping the argument going after the Hokage offered to distribute the wealth was right in your book?
Unagi: (He shrugged his shoulders after thinking back to that particular point in the summit.) You have to admit, he made a damn good point with the whole “teaching men to fish” thing. And besides, after seeing what his right-hand man can do, I have a pretty good idea of who’s winning the war. And I’m not about to choose the losing side.
Misuno: What happened to choosing the right side and not the winning side?
Suigetsu: He didn’t hear a goddamn word of the argument probably! He just heard the word “war” crop up and stiffened up down there!
????: YOU can shut your damn mouth, old man!
Suigetsu: (He walked up to his red-haired fellow clan member and stood mere inches from his face.) How about you make me, Daragetsu?
Daragetsu: Pssh, you say that as if I can’t!
Unagi: Everyone, SHUT…the hell…up.
His head was arched over the back of his chair as he gave the loud demand, as though he were trying to move further away from the commotion. Everyone in the room immediately fell silent, as per his orders, at which point he stood up from his desk and proceeded to lean against the glass window displayed behind it.
Unagi: Like it or not, Fifth, the Union’s broken. Two of the other villages are about to go to war and now that we’re all chummy thanks to your generation, I’ve gotta pick a side. I told you why I picked the Cloud and NO, I wasn’t all spaced out until I heard him talking about war.
Mei: (She bit her lip as she struggled to find a response.) …This village is not ready for war, Unagi. No village is now, don’t you understand? It’s going to boil down to the village with the strongest shinobi and the Leaf Village has living legends on their side.
Unagi: (He shrugged and shook his head.) Please, living legends these days are just shinobi who managed to outlive their peers. It’s time for other legends, stronger ones, to start leaving their marks on history.
Mei: (She exchanged looks with Suigetsu and Misuno, as if she were requesting help in her argument.) From what the Chūnin Exams from four years ago showed us, they’re winning there, too.
Unagi: …Then all the more reason for us to try to even the playing field.
Misuno: (She stared at him in disbelief.) Even the…Seventh, we’re ALLIES with them! We have been since way before you were born! Are you even trying to protect the Union or are you just concerned about this village?
Unagi: In times of distress, you need to put your own needs before the whole…you do remember those times, right?
The question wasn’t directed towards any particular person, as evidenced by him scanning the room for the first one to come up with an answer. All he found was looks of incredulity – or disgust, in Suigetsu’s case.
Suigetsu: I can’t freakin’ do this anymore. This guy’s a damn nutcase.
Unagi: (His eyes slanted.) Then don’t make a whole scene out of it. …Just get the hell out of my office…all of you.
They complied without hesitation, appearing almost relieved to finally be dismissed from the room. Noticing this as they walked out, Unagi felt to see how his tall, blue hair was standing up before turning to the only two shinobi left in the room.
Unagi: Deba, you’re the better stealth ninja. Go keep an eye on all three of them for the time being.
Deba: Got it.
The red-clad shinobi vanished through the air vent directly above him, making no sounds as he did save for the jimmying of the bolts holding its cover in place. When he was out of sight, Unagi motioned over to Daragetsu before returning to his chair, leaving him to walk across the ceiling to put the vent back in place.
Daragetsu: You think they’ll break away before things start getting hectic?
Unagi: (He brushed his sharpened teeth with his tongue before nodding.) I know they will. Bunch of old allies meeting up on different sides of the battlefield, how could they not?
Daragetsu: (He glanced down at him from the ceiling.) …You think Masurao will make an appearance when the war breaks out?
Unagi was tapping the desk with his fingers in rapid succession until this point, immediately stopping upon hearing Masurao’s name. It was five years ago when the infamous swordsman defected from their village, slaughtering nearly every shinobi before he left that possessed exceptional kenjutsu. And it was five years ago when he nearly joined those numbers after trailing him all the way to the country’s borders. The scar that ran from his shoulder blade to his lower back was the only injury he’d ever received during his stint as a hunter-nin, and he reached back to rub his fingers over it as he answered Daragetsu’s question.
Unagi: I know he will. Every swordsman worth his salt showing up to fight for their village…how could he not?
The effects of Otori’s declaration were being felt all throughout the continent, but perhaps nowhere more so than in the village it was directed to. Those who weren’t speaking up about it in the streets were whispering to one another behind closed doors, some questioning the relations between the villages in the Union while others cast doubt on the Hokage himself for his failure to resolve the conflict. These were merely the civilians, though. The shinobi were more preoccupied preparing for the war or fretting over the idea of not returning home when it ended. In the restaurant where they met with them only a week before, Airon and Manako gathered their peers to explain the events of the summits, as well as the new Raikage who started the widespread grief.
Hitomi: I’m assuming you have your own thoughts on his actions?
Shikaru: Namely that it’s a front, right?
Airon and Manako briefly looked at each other in surprise before the former turned back to Shikaru with a sarcastic smirk.
Airon: Well shit, why don’t you explain it to them then, if you’re so smart?
Shikaru: (He rested his head against his hand in annoyance.) (Damn it.) Well, all those reasons you said he listed for why he made the declaration of war, it just doesn’t seem right. He’s fixated on getting the Tailed Beasts, he refuses to see any other alternatives, and he thinks that the only way to resolve a disagreement like that is with a war. …The way I see it, this has to be more than some cry for economic stability to risk all those lives over.
Manako: (He nodded to confirm his assumption.) Right…except for the fact that we’re not really sure a war is actually gonna happen.
Minto: What do you mean?
Airon: Well, think about it. His stated motives are clearly bogus, and this whole conflict could essentially be avoided by them going after the Tailed Beasts in secret. Plus, he states the entire Cloud Village is convinced what he says is the truth and will go along with it? …Pssh, my ass.
Irezumi: What are his reasons, then? He obviously wants us armed and ready for that possibility, since he was willing to put that thought into our minds.
Airon: (He set his folded arms on the table.) …No clue. Sadly, I know nothing about the old man or his bodyguards. This has to be something personal for him, so he’s probably got some sort of vendetta somewhere down the line, but I couldn’t begin to consider what it is or who it’s against.
Raiden: (He thought over it for a moment with his hands clasped in front of him.) …Huhhh, well, we have another twelve days before the call needs to be answered, whether it’s real or not, so something’s sure to pop up.
Kemono: (He looked beside him as he spoke, nodding in agreement before looking back over at Airon with a smirk.) Yeah…and speaking of bodyguards, Airon, tell us about that little battle you had. That’s the second time this month you’ve had your ass-
Airon: Kids.
Kemono’s eyes grew wide with shock as he whipped around, finding his canine partner once again sprawled out on the floor a few feet away, four or five children either rubbing against his fur or playing on top of him as he laid there, clearly enjoying himself.
Kemono: Damn it, quit encouraging them, you freakin’ fuzzball!
He avoided the gazes of the parents sitting nearby as the children all ran back to their tables, not noticing from the other end of their own that Airon was winking over at the last one to get up and leave, indicating clever use of clairvoyance on his part moments earlier. His smile vanished once again as Kemono turned back around, no doubt intent on revisiting his prior allegation.
Airon: No, I did not have my ass handed to me, nor did I when I fought Masurao, alright? With Masurao, he left before we could finish. This time, the Raikage pulled him back and the old man got all paranoid on me. Trust me, the next time I see either of those two in a one-on-one, it’s gonna be no-holds-barred, you got me?
Nakama: (Recognizing this attitude from a week ago, she exchanged worried expressions with Manako.) …That aside, you could at least tell us about this strange jutsu you said he used.
Taigen: Yeah.
The fight brought him too much frustration to actually want to remember it. The same could be said for the bizarre technique at its center, though it wasn’t so much annoyance that caused him to resent it, but fear. Fear that the bandages still wrapped around his palms could become something more permanent that next time he faced off against it.
Airon: I honestly don’t know. It wasn’t like any Lightning Release I’d ever seen or heard of. Its power was unbelievable. My hands are still healing from whatever it did to them…and that pure white coloring…
Kei: (His eyes slanted as he caught wind of the latter remark.) White Lightning? What’s up with that?
Kūrogane: (She gripped her chin in thought.) Is it related to Black Lightning, perhaps? One of the Fifth Raikage’s famous techniques?
Airon: I wouldn’t know enough about it to make the connection. It required so many hand seals, though. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many used to perform just one jutsu.
Irezumi: It must be a highly complex technique. Or perhaps he wasn’t skilled enough with it himself to perform it with a smaller number of seals.
Airon: (He nodded, still contemplating the notion in his head.) Good point…but I don’t know…
Akame: (She rested her elbows on the table and heaved a sigh.) I’ll be honest, Airon, you’re not giving us much of anything to go off here.
Manako: (He glared over at her for a moment before looking away.) We never intended for you to try and decipher the jutsu, Akame. We’re just telling you everything we know.
Minto: Either way…it’s pretty obvious we have some powerful enemies to face in the near future.
Chan: You are not kidding, Minto. We all must train long and hard in the next two weeks to prepare for the war.
The entire table fell silent as the prospect of participating in the fighting reared its head – for the first time for most of them. The thought of others of their forces going off to risk their lives in combat was tragic at best, but thinking of being among them made several around the table choke, even the strongest of them slowly beginning to question their abilities if they were to receive the call. Having graduated at four, long before most of the others had even entered the Academy, it was Manako had the longest run as a shinobi and the most experience in taking on hazardous missions. But even he had done nothing until now to legitimately prepare him for a situation like war, nor was he in a ready state of mind to even think of fighting – or potentially killing – shinobi far older, or worse, younger than himself. These thoughts plagued their minds for the longest time until someone finally broke the silence – his identity being no surprise to most.
Kei: What happened?
Kūrogane: Hm?
Kei: Just a couple weeks ago, it was regular boring days filled with regular boring missions…goddamn it, how’d shit get so OUT OF HAND LIKE THIS!!?
He ran his fingers through his hair as he leaned over the table and continued to languish in his own misery, prompting Kūrogane to hesitantly run her hand across his back in consolation as everyone else adjusted to the additional discomfort brought on by watching him. A minute passed before Airon finally stood up and walked out, though not before being stopped yet again by his rival.
Manako: And where are you going? (Airon, don’t you dare pull this stunt again.)
Airon: (He responded with a glare, not even bothering to turn completely around to face him.) Chan’s right, Manako. We’ve got only two weeks to train, so we can’t waste any time. (And now that I have TWO opponents I need to crush next time I see them, every minute is just that much more time wasted.)
Their eyes remained locked, though only a select few could determine the meaning behind this silent argument. Among them was the ever so saddened Nakama, once again forced to watch two of the most cheerful people she knew and cared for pour out their inner hatred of one another. To her relief and dismay, their dispute cut itself short far sooner than during their last meeting, as Manako blinked once and looked away in anger.
Manako: Then just get your ass out of here. Who the hell needs you?
Katsuto: (He appeared disturbed by his harshness.) Well, shit, Manako-
Katsuto’s crude interjection was quickly cut off by a soft punch to his shoulder, courtesy of his older sister. She made no attempt to look his direction as she did so, much too preoccupied joining the others in watching Airon and Manako’s staring contest continue a few seconds longer before the former shrugged it off and walked out of the restaurant. Manako made no attempt to follow him this time, heaving a sigh and rubbing his eyes after catching a glimpse of Nakama’s worried gaze.
Kei: Jeez, kinda harsh for just wanting to leave and go train, ain’t it?
Kūrogane: (She shook her head and sighed before standing up.) I’ll be outside. …I need a smoke.
Kei stood up to follow her out, but a quick and dismissive glance convinced him that she was better left to her own devices, and he sat back down beside Inase as his eyes followed her out of the restaurant.
In the main office of the newly restored Academy building, a small group of the village’s most elite shinobi gathered to discuss the impending conflict all their own – namely the two living Hokage, Sasuke, Sakura, and their respective children. At least, this was their initial intention, as no one spoke a word for several minutes. Itachi leaned against the wall housing Konohamaru’s bookcase, arms crossed with his parents doing the same on either side of him, while his older sister stood in the center of the room as Boruto paced back and forth in front of her with his hands stuffed in his pockets. Suzaku leaned against his father’s desk with his arms also crossed, while the Seventh sat silently behind it, hands draped loosely over the arms of his chair as he stared aimlessly at the small drawer beneath the desk, not even bothering to remove his cap to enhance his vision. The others were clad in their combat attire of choice, some appearing more casual than others, all visibly prepared for the worst, but none emotionally ready to accept it.
Konohamaru: Were we doomed to reach this point?
Naruto: (He stared out the window at the village all the while, turning his head briefly upon hearing him before shaking it in disagreement.) Of course not. That old bastard’s got some kind of agenda of his own.
Sasuke: He must. Why else would he start a war after such a long period of uninterrupted peace?
Boruto: (He stopped pacing and looked up from the floor.) Well, he gave his reasons. You have to admit, they had some merit.
Sarada: (She adjusted her glasses.) Maybe on the surface, but it’s his refusal to accept financial support that’s really disturbing.
Suzaku: Why refuse funds from a longtime ally, especially after such a long time when the chances of underhandedness are almost too low to imagine? …He must have a really deep-rooted distrust of the Leaf Village not to accept that offer.
Sakura: (She nodded in agreement.) He’s clearly old enough to remember the days where the villages were constantly wary of each other. He probably lived through the Third or maybe even the Second Shinobi War. After forty years, though, you would think he would’ve disposed of such old-fashioned thinking.
Itachi: (He looked up at her.) And on that note…does anyone else find it suspicious that a man of his age and with such a low profile was able to garner the Raikage title?
Boruto: Tell me about it…what do you think, though?
Itachi: (He looked back down at the floor and heaved a sigh after some thought.) …I don’t know. Maybe we really don’t know our allies as well as we thought we did.
The room fell back into silent remorse as the reality of this statement hit everyone present. This conflict was supposed to be between longtime allies, even close friends in certain cases, but the realization of just how little they knew of their foreign colleagues outside of the older generations only confirmed the obligations made during the summit. The declining spirit in their faces eventually forced Konohamaru from his seat, refusing to allow hindsight to negatively affect their future endeavors.
Konohamaru: How Otori became Raikage is neither here nor there, Itachi. The coming war is the true matter at hand…and we only have twelve days to prepare for it before we depart for the Land of Iron to group up with whoever has chosen to join us.
Naruto: (He smiled momentarily before turning around, pleased with his successor’s determination.) With Gaara, the Sand is a shoo-in, and I’m pretty confident that Rounin and the samurai will support us, too. …What about the smaller villages? Have the Grass or the Rain called out to us yet?
Konohamaru: (He glanced down at the phone on his desk.) I spoke with Susuki earlier this morning. I plan to say the same thing that I told him to Hisame later today.
Boruto: Namely?
Konohamaru: (He looked back up with resolve in his eyes.) …The Cloud directly challenged US. They have no need to put their forces at risk when we’re the only ones required to participate in the fighting.
Sarada: (She exchanged surprised looks with Naruto.) But, Sensei, that’s ridiculous. They’re as much a part of the Shinobi Union as the five Great Villages are.
Naruto: It’d be an insult to accept Gaara and Rounin’s help and tell them to stay away.
Konohamaru: (He shook his head sternly.) The more numbers that we add to the opposing armies, the more potential casualties we’ll be risking when the fighting starts. Believe me, I’d be protesting the Sand and the Land of Iron’s involvement, too, if I wasn’t so sure that Ryoku and Unagi would be siding with Otori.
Both of them were primed to object to whatever reasoning he constructed until they actually heard it, at which point their gaping mouths closed up once again. When the topic of war arose, death and high casualties were naturally among the first things to run through their minds, but the thought of devising ways to avoid them at all costs was sadly absent until now. It was true that the Shinobi Union was created to offer equal opportunities for talented ninja from any village to display themselves, and it was true that refusing their help in a situation where numbers were vital could be taken as an insult. However, it was also true that any opportunity to conserve life was one worth taking, something Naruto and Sarada acknowledged with a nod as the latter’s father took his foot off the wall and stepped forward.
Sasuke: Very well then. …If we want any chance of ending this war quickly, then we can’t continue wasting time. We need to gather our forces and begin training them immediately.
Naruto: (He nodded with a smile, taking his hands out of his pockets as he walked towards the door.) Good point. …Well, might as well start with my own students.
Boruto: Not happening.
Naruto’s bandaged hand was inches from the doorknob when his son mumbled this from the center of the room, prompting him and everyone else to turn and look his way, finding him standing there with his hands in his pockets and a stern look on his face.
Sarada: Boruto?
Boruto: Dad, if you think I’m letting my kids fight in a war, you’re out of your goddamn mind. …Do you have any idea how mad Inoue would be if I allowed that?
Sasuke: (Seeing Naruto’s bewildered expression, he stepped forward to speak first.) Boruto, you know you’re facing the same risk by participating in the war yourself. In fact, you’re probably at a greater risk, considering how much they’ve improved in the past four years.
Boruto: (He spun his head around and met his gaze head-on.) If I die in this war, that’s on me. Children should be the ones to bury their parents, anyway.
Sarada: Boruto, that’s no way to think of this-
Boruto: Shut up! It’s the truth and you know it! We have all the manpower we need standing in this room alone! My kids have no reason to join us on the battlefield!
Itachi: Bolt, none of us have a reason to go on the battlefield. We don’t know how many shinobi we NEED to defeat the Cloud. But, I do know that the more manpower we have, the sooner this ends and all of us get to return to our families.
Boruto: Pssh, yeah. In bags.
Suzaku: Bolt, seriously-
Boruto: Nobody asked you, either! …I’m guessing you’re gonna let Manako fight, Itachi?
Itachi: (The shock of his face slowly vanished and was replaced by earnestness.) …Yes, cause I know how much his power will help us.
Boruto: (He stared him down a moment longer before looking away in disgust.) …Then you’re a terrible father.
Naruto: Bolt, that’s enough!
Boruto: Oh, and like YOU have room to talk!! Your grandkids going off to war and you don’t even bat an eye at the idea!
Naruto: I’m their sensei, Bolt!! I know more about what they’re capable of than you ever could!
Boruto: Yeah!? And what about our enemy, huh!? Do you know what THEY’RE capable!? One of them threw Airon across the room back at the summit, did you already forget about that!?
Naruto: I didn’t!! But I know that if anybody can find a way to overcome a dire situation, it’s Airon!! You know that, too, and yet you still wanna keep him out of the war! Bolt, he should be the one you’re LEAST concerned about!!
Its meaning on the surface Boruto might’ve allowed to slide, given the truth it held. But, there was a deeper implication hidden in his voice, one Boruto knew all too well. All rage vanished from his face as it sank in, replaced by only firm realization.
Boruto: He’s my son, Dad, just like Kei is and just like Inase’s my daughter…and I’m not letting any of them put their lives at risk for this or for any other village. …I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let someone like you convince me otherwise.
All others stood silently and awaited Naruto’s response. When it didn’t come, Boruto scoffed and walked out of the room, not even looking up into his father’s melancholic face as he passed him.
Naruto: You don’t think I feel the same way about you…son?
The brief hesitation in Boruto’s movements was something only the quickest eyes would have noticed at close view, but whatever level of doubt his words planted in his resolve was unclear to Naruto then, and he could only hope that it was enough for Airon to convince his father where he could not.
Will Boruto prevent Airon, Kei, and Inase from fighting in the war!!?
The End
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Chapter 089: Another Dose of Reality
After two days of travel, the Kage and their bodyguards finally returned to their respective villages, many of their most elite ninja waiting impatiently at the main gates for word of the results of the summit.
Suzaku, Shinki, Ittan, Mei, and C: What happened?
With expressions matching their own respective feelings on the events of the meeting, the village leaders answered their subordinates with a single collective word.
Konohamaru, Gaara, Ryoku, Unagi, and Otori: War.
With twelve days until Otori’s declaration of war commenced, answering the numerous questions sprouted in their subordinates’ minds became a top priority for the Kage, leading to immediate council meetings between their respective elders and most elite jōnin. For the Sand, this small group was overseen by Baki and contained Kankurō and his son Shinki – newly elected council member and Jōnin Commander, respectively.
????: What the hell happened out there?
????: Did you not go there to seek help in dealing with the assassin that’s still on the loose?
Gaara: (These not being the first of similar remarks to emerge since the meeting commenced, he rubbed his eyes in frustration.) The Raikage is a very tactical debater. He just managed to move the discussion in the direction he wanted it to.
Kankurō: (He lifted his head in surprise.) Wait, so he WANTED it to reach the point where he had a reason to declare war on the Leaf?
Gaara: I didn’t say that, Kankurō. He could’ve very well just wanted us to agree on recapturing the Tailed Beasts.
????: Then why didn’t you!? Better to go after them than waste the lives of our shinobi trying to save them-
Baki: Kazoku, that’s enough. The Kage share a pact with the Tailed Beasts that’s remained strong for the past four decades. The opinion of one new Kage isn’t about to nullify it now.
Gaara: (He nodded in confirmation.) And besides, even with Gyūki and Kurama on our side, the other seven now migrate and live together as a unit. Squads of shinobi have captured them alone in the past, but who knows how many we might lose if we attacked them as they are.
Shinki: So his plan was illogical from the beginning?
Gaara: (He hesitated to nod as he recalled Otori’s words during the summit.) Perhaps…but his manner of speaking about the subject, one almost couldn’t help but believe in what he said. …And then there was that technique his subordinate used.
Baki: (He gazed over at him in curiosity.) Was it powerful?
Gaara: (He nodded as images of the “white lightning” flashed in his mind.) …We may need to look into our new enemies over the next two weeks. The Hokage will need this information if they intend on answering the call to war.
Kazoku: Wait, Lord Kazekage, you’re not seriously thinking of participating in the war, are you?
Shinki: Uncle, most of our shinobi have never seen a real wartime situation. We’re not ready for this.
Gaara: (He leaned back in his seat.) None of the villages are, Shinki. Two whole generations have gone by without a single conflict between them, so rest assured, even the Cloud Village who made the declaration is unprepared for this.
Kazoku: You don’t know that for certain.
Baki opened his mouth in protest from the opposite end of the table, but before any words came out, he was stopped by Gaara’s outstretched hand. There was a look of genuine anger in his dark-ringed eyes as he stared at the center of the table, a sight that brought a sense of nostalgia and fear to both his former sensei and his brother sitting beside him, as it reminded them so immensely of his days as a mindless killer. A moment longer, though, and they began to notice the sadness lingering beneath this façade, no doubt harkening back to his wife’s death less than a week ago, as the anger subsided and was replaced by uncertainty and hints of determination that grew more distinct as he spoke.
Gaara: You’re right. Maybe the Cloud knew all along that war was on the horizon, and maybe they’ve been training their ninja in preparation for some time now. …But what I do know is that their ambitions are entirely selfish in nature. I know that the Hokage was right in refusing to allow the Tailed Beasts to be subjugated once again, and I know that we’re right in supporting their cause in any way we can, be it with supplies or additional forces…if the council gives its consent to the latter.
With this last subtle request, Gaara gave his first genuine smile since Shijima’s death, scanning the room so all those present could see. His speaking skills were just one of many improvements in his character since his inauguration forty-five years prior, often being more than enough to lift the spirits of those around him, but upon seeing the sincerity in that smile, all traces of uncertainty vanished from even the skeptical Kazoku’s mind, who nodded to Baki before he turned to the Kazekage with an answer to his plea.
Baki: You have it…all the way.
A beloved Kage for over four decades, Gaara would later find the same glowing support from the rest of the village population, all of them – from his own peers to the youngest members of the newer generations – confident that their leader would lead them through yet another war. His young neighbor to the north, however, found little support in his own minor experience, particularly from Ittan, current head of the village council.
Ittan: Why did you do it?
He stared disappointedly at the Tsuchikage, who acknowledged the inquiry by merely lifting his gaze up from his large hands, which were splayed out over the long table in front of him as he recalled the events of the summit.
Ittan: Why’d you support the Raikage and not the Hokage? Don’t you know what the Shinobi Union is supposed to be about? It’s there so the hidden villages can look out for each other, support each other when we need it. Hunting down Tailed Beasts again is not and will not help us in the long run.
Asuka: (He noted the building anger in his voice and scowled in his direction.) You’d best lower your tone, old man. Don’t think just cause you’re on the council you can-
A gruff voice to his side prompted Asuka to become silent once again, as Ryoku looked over his shoulder at his other chief subordinate.
Ryoku: Where is Akatsuchi, Shinteki?
Shinteki: (He gazed down upon hearing his voice before looking off towards the corner of the room.) Still in his quarters, sir, moping over your predecessor.
Ryoku: (He looked off to the side for a moment before gazing back down at his hands.) I suppose he can’t blamed. Being as close to her as he was. …Bring him here. He should participate in this discussion, as well.
The giant nodded and walked out of the room, arching his back to squeeze through the doorway, at which point Ryoku stood up and walked around the table with his Kage cap in hand, briefly locking eyes with Ittan.
Ryoku: The Raikage was right in everything he said during the summit and he did everything in his power to persuade us to assist him in subduing them. It’s the Hokage who was unwilling to cast aside traditional methods for a more effective approach to the growing economic problem.
Ittan: WAR is never an effective approach to resolving an economic problem.
Ryoku: (He stopped at the far end of the table, any semblance of politeness vanishing from his face.) Perhaps I’m too young to bring up such subject matter, but you’re a far older man than I, Ittan. Think back over the history of this village and the shinobi world as a whole and tell me again that that’s not true.
Ittan: (He stared up at him for a moment in disbelief, looking away briefly as images of the last war flooded his mind.) …You’re right. You are too young to bring up something like that. In my day, the hidden villages were either constant enemies or were at least constantly wary of one another’s movements. We’re working together now, Ryoku. ANY solution that doesn’t involve bloodshed is better than one that does!
Ryoku: …Asuka, don’t even attempt to do that.
The young jōnin acknowledged his leader’s order with a frown in his direction, moments afterwhich his eyes reverted to their normal state, rather than the bright blue glow that symbolized Ittan’s brief spell under his infamous illusion. Upon being released, the elder threw his head back a ways and gasped a breath of relief, scowling over at his would-be assailant momentarily before delivering a nod of gratitude in Ryoku’s direction. No more than a minute after this episode ended, Shinteki reappeared in the doorway, the right hand of the previous Tsuchikage following slowly behind him. His weight had naturally decreased since his zenithal years, though the slight showing of cheekbone made it out to have come in uneven durations – his unshaven face suggested one such dip to be currently in progress. The faint bags beneath his eyes showed lack of sleep over the past several nights which, coupled with several other slight nuances, only hinted at the depth of his depression in the wake of Kurotsuchi’s demise. His typical jolliness was completely absent in his mostly blank expression, his eyes staring lifelessly at Ryoku from across the room, a distance which faintly hid the bizarre fact that both he and Shinteki had him marginally outsized.
Ryoku: It’s good to see you up and about, Akatsuchi.
Akatsuchi: (His brow sank lower in response to seeing Ryoku’s pitiful attempt at a cheerful smile.) I heard about what happened at the summit. …How dare you take Kurotsuchi’s role and use it to support a war that could’ve easily been stopped.
Ryoku: I did not start this war-
Akatsuchi: And you didn’t do anything to stop it either!!
All those besides Ryoku and Akatsuchi arched back in surprise at the latter’s outburst, even the typically fearless Asuka and the significantly larger Shinteki. The Tsuchikage simply stood there stony-faced, seemingly ready for any further reprimand to come his way.
Akatsuchi: Didn’t the Hokage say he was willing to share the wealth with the other villages!? Why would you turn down an offer like that when you don’t even know if making more jinchūriki will give us better ninja!?
Ryoku: (Having heard this point from the summit brought up one too many times before, he slammed his large hand against the table.) It’s a shot I’m willing to take, Akatsuchi! I love this village and its people too much to let us be crippled by relying on the funds of someone else!
The councilmen sitting around the table immediately stood up and backed away as it collapsed under the force of Ryoku’s hand, the excessiveness surprising even Shinteki, his closest subordinate. This was clearly unintentional on the Tsuchikage’s part, however, as evidenced by the long stare he gave the hand that destroyed it, which curled into a fist as he regained his composure and turned back to the council leader.
Ryoku: Ittan, you’re either for this war or you’re not, but in two weeks, the Leaf and the Cloud will be moving out…and I wholeheartedly intend on supporting the latter.
Every head that belonged to a council member immediately turned towards Ittan, awaiting his answer to the call. Each was a fellow veteran of the previous war, and like Ittan, they watched from afar as the Shinobi Union grew from a far-off concept into a massive alliance where every participant, regardless of strength or population, had an equal opportunity to amass wealth and prosperity that would’ve been impossible working solely on their own terms. They were all equally invested in its longevity, and equally displeased with their Kage’s support of another who sought to dissolve it, feelings which accumulated into a simultaneous nod of assurance to their leader before he turned to give Ryoku their answer.
Ittan: We don’t.
Ryoku: (He nodded hesitantly in understanding before turning around.) …Then get out.
Multiple glances were exchanged as the councilmen filed out of the room, each one more worried about the future of their village than the last. Ittan was the last to leave with Akatsuchi following close behind, stopping to let the latter pass by as he looked over at Ryoku one last time, finding him gazing out the window with what appeared to be complete serenity. Little did he know as he finally walked out about the terror resting beneath the Tsuchikage’s huge ivory eyes.
On the opposite end of the continent, the Mizukage received similar complaints from his sole living predecessor and a handful of his most seasoned shinobi, among them the leader of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist and Chōjūrō’s former assistant Misuno. His heart being smaller and blacker than Ryoku’s, he took most of it in stride.
Mei: And what side do you intend on taking when their armies move out?
Unagi: (He threw his head back in annoyance before resting his feet on top of his desk.) The right one, of course. And in this case, it’s old man Otori for trying to do something about the Leaf’s advantage over us all prosperity-wise.
Mei: (She rubbed her wrinkled eyes in frustration.) (Damn it…why didn’t I reassume my title?) So keeping the argument going after the Hokage offered to distribute the wealth was right in your book?
Unagi: (He shrugged his shoulders after thinking back to that particular point in the summit.) You have to admit, he made a damn good point with the whole “teaching men to fish” thing. And besides, after seeing what his right-hand man can do, I have a pretty good idea of who’s winning the war. And I’m not about to choose the losing side.
Misuno: What happened to choosing the right side and not the winning side?
Suigetsu: He didn’t hear a goddamn word of the argument probably! He just heard the word “war” crop up and stiffened up down there!
????: YOU can shut your damn mouth, old man!
Suigetsu: (He walked up to his red-haired fellow clan member and stood mere inches from his face.) How about you make me, Daragetsu?
Daragetsu: Pssh, you say that as if I can’t!
Unagi: Everyone, SHUT…the hell…up.
His head was arched over the back of his chair as he gave the loud demand, as though he were trying to move further away from the commotion. Everyone in the room immediately fell silent, as per his orders, at which point he stood up from his desk and proceeded to lean against the glass window displayed behind it.
Unagi: Like it or not, Fifth, the Union’s broken. Two of the other villages are about to go to war and now that we’re all chummy thanks to your generation, I’ve gotta pick a side. I told you why I picked the Cloud and NO, I wasn’t all spaced out until I heard him talking about war.
Mei: (She bit her lip as she struggled to find a response.) …This village is not ready for war, Unagi. No village is now, don’t you understand? It’s going to boil down to the village with the strongest shinobi and the Leaf Village has living legends on their side.
Unagi: (He shrugged and shook his head.) Please, living legends these days are just shinobi who managed to outlive their peers. It’s time for other legends, stronger ones, to start leaving their marks on history.
Mei: (She exchanged looks with Suigetsu and Misuno, as if she were requesting help in her argument.) From what the Chūnin Exams from four years ago showed us, they’re winning there, too.
Unagi: …Then all the more reason for us to try to even the playing field.
Misuno: (She stared at him in disbelief.) Even the…Seventh, we’re ALLIES with them! We have been since way before you were born! Are you even trying to protect the Union or are you just concerned about this village?
Unagi: In times of distress, you need to put your own needs before the whole…you do remember those times, right?
The question wasn’t directed towards any particular person, as evidenced by him scanning the room for the first one to come up with an answer. All he found was looks of incredulity – or disgust, in Suigetsu’s case.
Suigetsu: I can’t freakin’ do this anymore. This guy’s a damn nutcase.
Unagi: (His eyes slanted.) Then don’t make a whole scene out of it. …Just get the hell out of my office…all of you.
They complied without hesitation, appearing almost relieved to finally be dismissed from the room. Noticing this as they walked out, Unagi felt to see how his tall, blue hair was standing up before turning to the only two shinobi left in the room.
Unagi: Deba, you’re the better stealth ninja. Go keep an eye on all three of them for the time being.
Deba: Got it.
The red-clad shinobi vanished through the air vent directly above him, making no sounds as he did save for the jimmying of the bolts holding its cover in place. When he was out of sight, Unagi motioned over to Daragetsu before returning to his chair, leaving him to walk across the ceiling to put the vent back in place.
Daragetsu: You think they’ll break away before things start getting hectic?
Unagi: (He brushed his sharpened teeth with his tongue before nodding.) I know they will. Bunch of old allies meeting up on different sides of the battlefield, how could they not?
Daragetsu: (He glanced down at him from the ceiling.) …You think Masurao will make an appearance when the war breaks out?
Unagi was tapping the desk with his fingers in rapid succession until this point, immediately stopping upon hearing Masurao’s name. It was five years ago when the infamous swordsman defected from their village, slaughtering nearly every shinobi before he left that possessed exceptional kenjutsu. And it was five years ago when he nearly joined those numbers after trailing him all the way to the country’s borders. The scar that ran from his shoulder blade to his lower back was the only injury he’d ever received during his stint as a hunter-nin, and he reached back to rub his fingers over it as he answered Daragetsu’s question.
Unagi: I know he will. Every swordsman worth his salt showing up to fight for their village…how could he not?
The effects of Otori’s declaration were being felt all throughout the continent, but perhaps nowhere more so than in the village it was directed to. Those who weren’t speaking up about it in the streets were whispering to one another behind closed doors, some questioning the relations between the villages in the Union while others cast doubt on the Hokage himself for his failure to resolve the conflict. These were merely the civilians, though. The shinobi were more preoccupied preparing for the war or fretting over the idea of not returning home when it ended. In the restaurant where they met with them only a week before, Airon and Manako gathered their peers to explain the events of the summits, as well as the new Raikage who started the widespread grief.
Hitomi: I’m assuming you have your own thoughts on his actions?
Shikaru: Namely that it’s a front, right?
Airon and Manako briefly looked at each other in surprise before the former turned back to Shikaru with a sarcastic smirk.
Airon: Well shit, why don’t you explain it to them then, if you’re so smart?
Shikaru: (He rested his head against his hand in annoyance.) (Damn it.) Well, all those reasons you said he listed for why he made the declaration of war, it just doesn’t seem right. He’s fixated on getting the Tailed Beasts, he refuses to see any other alternatives, and he thinks that the only way to resolve a disagreement like that is with a war. …The way I see it, this has to be more than some cry for economic stability to risk all those lives over.
Manako: (He nodded to confirm his assumption.) Right…except for the fact that we’re not really sure a war is actually gonna happen.
Minto: What do you mean?
Airon: Well, think about it. His stated motives are clearly bogus, and this whole conflict could essentially be avoided by them going after the Tailed Beasts in secret. Plus, he states the entire Cloud Village is convinced what he says is the truth and will go along with it? …Pssh, my ass.
Irezumi: What are his reasons, then? He obviously wants us armed and ready for that possibility, since he was willing to put that thought into our minds.
Airon: (He set his folded arms on the table.) …No clue. Sadly, I know nothing about the old man or his bodyguards. This has to be something personal for him, so he’s probably got some sort of vendetta somewhere down the line, but I couldn’t begin to consider what it is or who it’s against.
Raiden: (He thought over it for a moment with his hands clasped in front of him.) …Huhhh, well, we have another twelve days before the call needs to be answered, whether it’s real or not, so something’s sure to pop up.
Kemono: (He looked beside him as he spoke, nodding in agreement before looking back over at Airon with a smirk.) Yeah…and speaking of bodyguards, Airon, tell us about that little battle you had. That’s the second time this month you’ve had your ass-
Airon: Kids.
Kemono’s eyes grew wide with shock as he whipped around, finding his canine partner once again sprawled out on the floor a few feet away, four or five children either rubbing against his fur or playing on top of him as he laid there, clearly enjoying himself.
Kemono: Damn it, quit encouraging them, you freakin’ fuzzball!
He avoided the gazes of the parents sitting nearby as the children all ran back to their tables, not noticing from the other end of their own that Airon was winking over at the last one to get up and leave, indicating clever use of clairvoyance on his part moments earlier. His smile vanished once again as Kemono turned back around, no doubt intent on revisiting his prior allegation.
Airon: No, I did not have my ass handed to me, nor did I when I fought Masurao, alright? With Masurao, he left before we could finish. This time, the Raikage pulled him back and the old man got all paranoid on me. Trust me, the next time I see either of those two in a one-on-one, it’s gonna be no-holds-barred, you got me?
Nakama: (Recognizing this attitude from a week ago, she exchanged worried expressions with Manako.) …That aside, you could at least tell us about this strange jutsu you said he used.
Taigen: Yeah.
The fight brought him too much frustration to actually want to remember it. The same could be said for the bizarre technique at its center, though it wasn’t so much annoyance that caused him to resent it, but fear. Fear that the bandages still wrapped around his palms could become something more permanent that next time he faced off against it.
Airon: I honestly don’t know. It wasn’t like any Lightning Release I’d ever seen or heard of. Its power was unbelievable. My hands are still healing from whatever it did to them…and that pure white coloring…
Kei: (His eyes slanted as he caught wind of the latter remark.) White Lightning? What’s up with that?
Kūrogane: (She gripped her chin in thought.) Is it related to Black Lightning, perhaps? One of the Fifth Raikage’s famous techniques?
Airon: I wouldn’t know enough about it to make the connection. It required so many hand seals, though. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many used to perform just one jutsu.
Irezumi: It must be a highly complex technique. Or perhaps he wasn’t skilled enough with it himself to perform it with a smaller number of seals.
Airon: (He nodded, still contemplating the notion in his head.) Good point…but I don’t know…
Akame: (She rested her elbows on the table and heaved a sigh.) I’ll be honest, Airon, you’re not giving us much of anything to go off here.
Manako: (He glared over at her for a moment before looking away.) We never intended for you to try and decipher the jutsu, Akame. We’re just telling you everything we know.
Minto: Either way…it’s pretty obvious we have some powerful enemies to face in the near future.
Chan: You are not kidding, Minto. We all must train long and hard in the next two weeks to prepare for the war.
The entire table fell silent as the prospect of participating in the fighting reared its head – for the first time for most of them. The thought of others of their forces going off to risk their lives in combat was tragic at best, but thinking of being among them made several around the table choke, even the strongest of them slowly beginning to question their abilities if they were to receive the call. Having graduated at four, long before most of the others had even entered the Academy, it was Manako had the longest run as a shinobi and the most experience in taking on hazardous missions. But even he had done nothing until now to legitimately prepare him for a situation like war, nor was he in a ready state of mind to even think of fighting – or potentially killing – shinobi far older, or worse, younger than himself. These thoughts plagued their minds for the longest time until someone finally broke the silence – his identity being no surprise to most.
Kei: What happened?
Kūrogane: Hm?
Kei: Just a couple weeks ago, it was regular boring days filled with regular boring missions…goddamn it, how’d shit get so OUT OF HAND LIKE THIS!!?
He ran his fingers through his hair as he leaned over the table and continued to languish in his own misery, prompting Kūrogane to hesitantly run her hand across his back in consolation as everyone else adjusted to the additional discomfort brought on by watching him. A minute passed before Airon finally stood up and walked out, though not before being stopped yet again by his rival.
Manako: And where are you going? (Airon, don’t you dare pull this stunt again.)
Airon: (He responded with a glare, not even bothering to turn completely around to face him.) Chan’s right, Manako. We’ve got only two weeks to train, so we can’t waste any time. (And now that I have TWO opponents I need to crush next time I see them, every minute is just that much more time wasted.)
Their eyes remained locked, though only a select few could determine the meaning behind this silent argument. Among them was the ever so saddened Nakama, once again forced to watch two of the most cheerful people she knew and cared for pour out their inner hatred of one another. To her relief and dismay, their dispute cut itself short far sooner than during their last meeting, as Manako blinked once and looked away in anger.
Manako: Then just get your ass out of here. Who the hell needs you?
Katsuto: (He appeared disturbed by his harshness.) Well, shit, Manako-
Katsuto’s crude interjection was quickly cut off by a soft punch to his shoulder, courtesy of his older sister. She made no attempt to look his direction as she did so, much too preoccupied joining the others in watching Airon and Manako’s staring contest continue a few seconds longer before the former shrugged it off and walked out of the restaurant. Manako made no attempt to follow him this time, heaving a sigh and rubbing his eyes after catching a glimpse of Nakama’s worried gaze.
Kei: Jeez, kinda harsh for just wanting to leave and go train, ain’t it?
Kūrogane: (She shook her head and sighed before standing up.) I’ll be outside. …I need a smoke.
Kei stood up to follow her out, but a quick and dismissive glance convinced him that she was better left to her own devices, and he sat back down beside Inase as his eyes followed her out of the restaurant.
In the main office of the newly restored Academy building, a small group of the village’s most elite shinobi gathered to discuss the impending conflict all their own – namely the two living Hokage, Sasuke, Sakura, and their respective children. At least, this was their initial intention, as no one spoke a word for several minutes. Itachi leaned against the wall housing Konohamaru’s bookcase, arms crossed with his parents doing the same on either side of him, while his older sister stood in the center of the room as Boruto paced back and forth in front of her with his hands stuffed in his pockets. Suzaku leaned against his father’s desk with his arms also crossed, while the Seventh sat silently behind it, hands draped loosely over the arms of his chair as he stared aimlessly at the small drawer beneath the desk, not even bothering to remove his cap to enhance his vision. The others were clad in their combat attire of choice, some appearing more casual than others, all visibly prepared for the worst, but none emotionally ready to accept it.
Konohamaru: Were we doomed to reach this point?
Naruto: (He stared out the window at the village all the while, turning his head briefly upon hearing him before shaking it in disagreement.) Of course not. That old bastard’s got some kind of agenda of his own.
Sasuke: He must. Why else would he start a war after such a long period of uninterrupted peace?
Boruto: (He stopped pacing and looked up from the floor.) Well, he gave his reasons. You have to admit, they had some merit.
Sarada: (She adjusted her glasses.) Maybe on the surface, but it’s his refusal to accept financial support that’s really disturbing.
Suzaku: Why refuse funds from a longtime ally, especially after such a long time when the chances of underhandedness are almost too low to imagine? …He must have a really deep-rooted distrust of the Leaf Village not to accept that offer.
Sakura: (She nodded in agreement.) He’s clearly old enough to remember the days where the villages were constantly wary of each other. He probably lived through the Third or maybe even the Second Shinobi War. After forty years, though, you would think he would’ve disposed of such old-fashioned thinking.
Itachi: (He looked up at her.) And on that note…does anyone else find it suspicious that a man of his age and with such a low profile was able to garner the Raikage title?
Boruto: Tell me about it…what do you think, though?
Itachi: (He looked back down at the floor and heaved a sigh after some thought.) …I don’t know. Maybe we really don’t know our allies as well as we thought we did.
The room fell back into silent remorse as the reality of this statement hit everyone present. This conflict was supposed to be between longtime allies, even close friends in certain cases, but the realization of just how little they knew of their foreign colleagues outside of the older generations only confirmed the obligations made during the summit. The declining spirit in their faces eventually forced Konohamaru from his seat, refusing to allow hindsight to negatively affect their future endeavors.
Konohamaru: How Otori became Raikage is neither here nor there, Itachi. The coming war is the true matter at hand…and we only have twelve days to prepare for it before we depart for the Land of Iron to group up with whoever has chosen to join us.
Naruto: (He smiled momentarily before turning around, pleased with his successor’s determination.) With Gaara, the Sand is a shoo-in, and I’m pretty confident that Rounin and the samurai will support us, too. …What about the smaller villages? Have the Grass or the Rain called out to us yet?
Konohamaru: (He glanced down at the phone on his desk.) I spoke with Susuki earlier this morning. I plan to say the same thing that I told him to Hisame later today.
Boruto: Namely?
Konohamaru: (He looked back up with resolve in his eyes.) …The Cloud directly challenged US. They have no need to put their forces at risk when we’re the only ones required to participate in the fighting.
Sarada: (She exchanged surprised looks with Naruto.) But, Sensei, that’s ridiculous. They’re as much a part of the Shinobi Union as the five Great Villages are.
Naruto: It’d be an insult to accept Gaara and Rounin’s help and tell them to stay away.
Konohamaru: (He shook his head sternly.) The more numbers that we add to the opposing armies, the more potential casualties we’ll be risking when the fighting starts. Believe me, I’d be protesting the Sand and the Land of Iron’s involvement, too, if I wasn’t so sure that Ryoku and Unagi would be siding with Otori.
Both of them were primed to object to whatever reasoning he constructed until they actually heard it, at which point their gaping mouths closed up once again. When the topic of war arose, death and high casualties were naturally among the first things to run through their minds, but the thought of devising ways to avoid them at all costs was sadly absent until now. It was true that the Shinobi Union was created to offer equal opportunities for talented ninja from any village to display themselves, and it was true that refusing their help in a situation where numbers were vital could be taken as an insult. However, it was also true that any opportunity to conserve life was one worth taking, something Naruto and Sarada acknowledged with a nod as the latter’s father took his foot off the wall and stepped forward.
Sasuke: Very well then. …If we want any chance of ending this war quickly, then we can’t continue wasting time. We need to gather our forces and begin training them immediately.
Naruto: (He nodded with a smile, taking his hands out of his pockets as he walked towards the door.) Good point. …Well, might as well start with my own students.
Boruto: Not happening.
Naruto’s bandaged hand was inches from the doorknob when his son mumbled this from the center of the room, prompting him and everyone else to turn and look his way, finding him standing there with his hands in his pockets and a stern look on his face.
Sarada: Boruto?
Boruto: Dad, if you think I’m letting my kids fight in a war, you’re out of your goddamn mind. …Do you have any idea how mad Inoue would be if I allowed that?
Sasuke: (Seeing Naruto’s bewildered expression, he stepped forward to speak first.) Boruto, you know you’re facing the same risk by participating in the war yourself. In fact, you’re probably at a greater risk, considering how much they’ve improved in the past four years.
Boruto: (He spun his head around and met his gaze head-on.) If I die in this war, that’s on me. Children should be the ones to bury their parents, anyway.
Sarada: Boruto, that’s no way to think of this-
Boruto: Shut up! It’s the truth and you know it! We have all the manpower we need standing in this room alone! My kids have no reason to join us on the battlefield!
Itachi: Bolt, none of us have a reason to go on the battlefield. We don’t know how many shinobi we NEED to defeat the Cloud. But, I do know that the more manpower we have, the sooner this ends and all of us get to return to our families.
Boruto: Pssh, yeah. In bags.
Suzaku: Bolt, seriously-
Boruto: Nobody asked you, either! …I’m guessing you’re gonna let Manako fight, Itachi?
Itachi: (The shock of his face slowly vanished and was replaced by earnestness.) …Yes, cause I know how much his power will help us.
Boruto: (He stared him down a moment longer before looking away in disgust.) …Then you’re a terrible father.
Naruto: Bolt, that’s enough!
Boruto: Oh, and like YOU have room to talk!! Your grandkids going off to war and you don’t even bat an eye at the idea!
Naruto: I’m their sensei, Bolt!! I know more about what they’re capable of than you ever could!
Boruto: Yeah!? And what about our enemy, huh!? Do you know what THEY’RE capable!? One of them threw Airon across the room back at the summit, did you already forget about that!?
Naruto: I didn’t!! But I know that if anybody can find a way to overcome a dire situation, it’s Airon!! You know that, too, and yet you still wanna keep him out of the war! Bolt, he should be the one you’re LEAST concerned about!!
Its meaning on the surface Boruto might’ve allowed to slide, given the truth it held. But, there was a deeper implication hidden in his voice, one Boruto knew all too well. All rage vanished from his face as it sank in, replaced by only firm realization.
Boruto: He’s my son, Dad, just like Kei is and just like Inase’s my daughter…and I’m not letting any of them put their lives at risk for this or for any other village. …I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let someone like you convince me otherwise.
All others stood silently and awaited Naruto’s response. When it didn’t come, Boruto scoffed and walked out of the room, not even looking up into his father’s melancholic face as he passed him.
Naruto: You don’t think I feel the same way about you…son?
The brief hesitation in Boruto’s movements was something only the quickest eyes would have noticed at close view, but whatever level of doubt his words planted in his resolve was unclear to Naruto then, and he could only hope that it was enough for Airon to convince his father where he could not.
Will Boruto prevent Airon, Kei, and Inase from fighting in the war!!?
The End
