The 6th Great Ninja War
Chapter XXXI: Preparations
Chapter XXXI: Preparations
Almost a day had passed since Hiruzen and Caliburn made their journey to the Valley of Graves. At the Kiyoshi settlement, it was blue hour before dawn. The area was still heavily misted, greatly obscuring visibility up to ten meters, but the lights lined along the streets and bridges in the settlement gave off a beautiful and peaceful aura, each light producing a halo due to the refraction of the light through the mist. Combined with the natural light of blue hour, the atmosphere felt very homey and nostalgic. A few of the people in the settlement were at the market, trading and restocking, giving the settlement even more of an ancient, traditional Japanese sense. Roku was within his settlement house having tea with someone.
Roku: I can appreciate that, Liliana. It’s not often such a battle happens.
Liliana: You have my thanks, Roku. Admiral Izuna would be happy to know that you’ve taken up his cause to rebel.
Roku: Well, Izuna was devious. I’d be surprised if he didn’t have Kirabi fooled by his faked loyalty.
Liliana: We still have a loose end, however.
Roku: Yes, you’re right. Nexus was supposedly in cahoots with Izuna, but his motives escape me. Nexus is definitely more dangerous than Izuna, and that’s no simple issue considering that Izuna the strongest ninja to come out of Kirigakure, surpassing even my brother. Did you notice anything about Nexus when you encountered him?
Liliana: All I remember was how terrifying he was. I felt helpless against him *looks down*
Roku: This will be a bit of an issue, but we can work something out……let’s take a walk outside.
Roku and Liliana stood up and walked outside for several minutes, discussing the details of the war. Unable to see very far ahead, they noticed the silhouette of someone walking along the path to the settlement’s west gate. Roku ran up to the person and stopped them, recognizing who it was by their Energy.
Roku: Kento!
Kento turned around when Roku stopped him and looked surprised.
Kento: Yeah…what’s up?
Roku: Where are you headed?
Kento: Oh. I decided I might as well help with the war effort by joining up with Bishamon Sarutobi in the West. It’s the least I can do to help you out, Roku-san.
Roku smiled.
Roku: That’s very noble of you, Kento. Liliana here is heading East.
Kento: Really? Maybe when this is all over, we can have a rematch.
Liliana: Fine with me. Just don’t count on winning.
Suddenly, Goro appeared in puff of smoke. He was carrying his equipment, as if he was about to embark on a journey.
Roku: Goro? What brings you here?
Goro: Yoshino-san wanted me to give this to you before I left. It’s a map of the palace district of Kumogakure.
Roku took the map and observed the layout of the area.
Roku: The geography of Kumogakure sure has changed in the last few decades. I wonder what made them take a liking to more ground-based buildings……wait a minute! Where are you going?
Goro: Sorry. I forgot to tell you. I’m going to meet up with Bsama’s group. We’ll be taking Kumogakure from the west.
Roku: So, we’re no longer sticking together as a team, I see.
Goro: It’s only temporary. Once we invade the palace, we’ll all meet up in the inner chamber of Kirabi’s main building. There, we’ll take him down together.
Roku: Fair enough *chuckles*
Goro: And, could you tell Hiruzen to hurry my way. We have only a couple of days.
Roku: I’ll deliver the message as soon as he returns.
Goro: Thanks, Roku-san ^_^
IN THE EAST
Two days had passed. Somewhere Far East, in the highlands of the obscured lands far east of Kirigakure, a large number of people clothed in white and slate grey robes were lined up in a 9 by 8 formation. They were standing in front of a huge building with large, white stairs leading up to the entrance. Around them were numerous clouds, revealing that they were in fact in the sky. Several mountains rose out of the clouds, forming a basis on which several buildings and temples were built. Several flying creatures graced the area with their presence. Many of the creatures had mythical implications due to their looks, and some that were presence were rarely found outside of stories. Ragnaroc walked out of the large, main building and approached the group of people clothed in white robes. Ragnaroc was wearing his gray and white Sage robe and carrying a white flag with a single kanji reading “風” for “wind” on it. He gave the people orders and turned around, facing the sea of clouds before him. It was late at night, but there was a natural light that allowed for clarity in the high area. Ragnaroc lifted the flag, causing his army to cheer triumphantly. Then, he casually leaped off the edge of the mountain he was on and fell through the clouds, and when he did this, the entire army copied his action. Everyone fell through the clouds graciously and in perfect synchronization, like peregrine falcons diving through the air.
IN THE WEST
Bishamon and his army of sage apprentices and warriors, all clothed in brown and tan robes, walked through a rocky landscape. Bishamon was, of course, wearing his brown Sage robe and carrying a brown flag that read “土” for “earth”. Hiruzen and Goro walked on his left and right sides respectively. Everyone noticed that the sky above had been continuously preserved in blue hour before twilight for several hours that day. There seemed to be no sign of change in the day. The sun was not in the sky, but the natural light from the earth itself made everything as clear as day, yet distant lights from candles gave the setting a very peaceful and ominous look at the same time. The earth which they were walking on was entirely rocky and a very distinct perfect brown color. Bishamon and his group truly felt at their most in touch with the earth.
JUST EAST OF KIRIGAKURE
Among the waters east of Kirigakure, hidden in a thick and heavy mist only distinguishable by the candle lights positioned around the area, were several traditional-style buildings and temples residing on small islands in close proximity to one another. Hellsbadass smirked and his group of sage apprentices descended into the water quietly with him, leaving their peaceful, calm institution empty but still very much alive. As Hellsbadass swam through the deep waters, Emperor appeared next to him.
Hellsbadass: What do you want?
Emperor: I decided to follow you ^_^ I love sneaky ambushes. This ambush from the shore is much more my style than what the other sages have in mind.
Hellsbadass: Eh…why not
IN THE FAR NORTHEAST LAND OF LIGHTNING
Madara was dressed in his yellow and white Sage robe and led the sage apprentices to the edge of his peaceful island. As he gazed beyond the brink of the island, the ground was noticeably many meters below. The island was floating in the air nearly a hundred feet above the ground. Madara raised his yellow flag with the kanji “雷” for “lightning”, causing his army to cheer like the thunder. Madara smirked and leapt off the floating island, landing thunderously on the ground.
Madara: Let’s arrive at Kumogakure’s northeastern gate with a storm!
The army cheered and together, they all rushed towards Kumogakure with their feet creating a loud, stampede.
SOUTH OF THE LAND OF FIRE
Near a rather active volcano with temples and buildings built around it, the fire sage apprentices embarked on their journey towards Kumogakure. One of the fire sage apprentices led the group and held the red flag in the place of Elias, who had fallen. The group paid respect to their dead master before moving on, prepared for the battle ahead.
SOMEWHERE IN THE LAND OF FIRE
Kiwii was walking through a dense, marshy forest alone. He looked tired and battle-worn. As he slowly walked through the marshy forest, Kiwii noticed a change in the atmosphere. He leapt to the treetops above to get a glimpse of the land around him. He noticed the dreary blue sky and natural lighting immersing the world and the expansive forest he was in. Kiwii sighed and a solemn look was on his face. He returned to the ground level of the forest and continued walking towards his unknown destination. When he came across a rather wide pool of water and grasses, he attempted to jump across, only to be intercepted when he landed on the other side. A black bear knocked Kiwii down and roared before him. Kiwii was stricken with fear, for the bear was quite large. The bear attempted to swipe Kiwii with its front paw, but Kiwii kicked it away and ran. The bear chased after him quickly and surprisingly caught up to the young shinobi. Kiwii immediately turned to his right to throw off the bear, but the bear quickly followed. Kiwii, lost in thought, could think of only using ninjutsu. He formed a handseal and jumped forward, turning in midair to face the bear by the time he came to a complete stop. As the bear approached, Kiwii thrust both forward, unleashing a violent blast of wind characterized by a very dark misty color, sending the bear crashing into a tree behind it. Nevertheless, the bear resiliently stood from the attack and charged after Kiwii with fury. Kiwii, shocked that the bear withstood the damage of one of his more powerful techniques, prepared to charge another attack. He shot forth another blast of black mist and wind at the bear, but the force and velocity of the wind had diminished to the point that it had no effect on the bear whatsoever. Kiwii looked at his hands in disbelief.
Kiwii: I’m losing my power?!
Kiwii turned and ran from the bear frantically. He thought to himself, if only he could find another pool of water, but had no luck. Just as the bear was about to catch Kiwii, a large, feline covered in leather armor with bone and feather ornaments on it landed on the bear, crushing the it. The leopard held a huge katana made of bone in its mouth and it decapitated the beat with it before looking at Kiwii curiously. The leopard looked at the bear and began to eat part of it, much to Kiwii’s disgust. Strangely enough, however, the leopard did not attack Kiwii. Kiwii inched away from the feline slowly, but the leopard quickly turned back to Kiwii and slammed its paw beside the young shinobi. Kiwii closed his eyes in fear, but the leopard simply approached him with interest. Kiwii opened one eye, still afraid of the creature. When he opened both eyes, to his surprise, the leopard had positioned its face directly in front of Kiwii’s and seemed to be smiling. Kiwii carefully moved his hand from the ground, prompting a subtle response from the beast. He stopped for a moment and then slowly moved his hand to the nose of the large leopard. The leopard did not move, nor did Kiwii. They stared into each others’ eyes for what seemed like hours but was merely a few moments. Kiwii blinked and the leopard mirrored him. Kiwii sat back and the leopard did as well. He then reached out his hand, as if wanting to touch the palm of the beast. They both reached out for each other’s arms slowly, and when their palms touched, they both smiled. Kiwii blinked rapidly, tears flowing out of his eyes for reasons which he did not yet understand. However, for the first time in his life, Kiwii believed he understood what it meant to have a “friend”. Kiwii laid back and looked up solemnly. The leopard repeated his actions.
Kiwii: *sigh* I’ll call you Biku. Are you okay with that name?
The leopard simply grunted. Kiwii smiled and stood again. Biku got up and started walking down the same path that Kiwii was walking. The two, together, headed for Kiwii’s destination.
IN KUMOGAKURE
Kirabi entered Nexus’ room, which was a dull, grey chamber made entirely of metal with black and purple occult symbols engraved into the wall with blood. Kirabi shrugged comically when he entered the chamber.
Nexus: You need something, sir?
Kirabi: By now, I’m sure you’ve figured out that I’ve become aware of your plan to overthrow me.
Nexus: (sarcastically) Me? Overthrow you? No. Never!
Kirabi: You were probably the one who convinced Izuna to help you as well, am I correct?
Nexus: No. It was all Izuna’s idea. He’s not as submissive as you think. He was definitely more intelligent than you.
Kirabi: Don’t test my patience, Nexus…I’m keeping you alive because I can still use your abilities.
Nexus: Sure. As long as I get the privilege of seeing suffering and agony on the battlefield…nothing is more pleasing to my eyes and ears ^_^
Kirabi: There’s a rather troublesome man I want you to deal with. Think you can handle it?
Nexus: Heh…why not? Is that all?
Kirabi: Yes, it is. And, one more thing. Mobilize the 100 Stone Army and the battalions from Kirigakure. We should have visitors soon. Today, my power will be awakened.
Nexus: Of course, sir. Don’t be a stranger, now. Do come visit me again, or I’ll decorate my room with your servants’ innards. *laughs cheerfully*
BACK AT THE KIYOSHI SETTLEMENT
Roku stood with his white haori, which extended past his knees and had golden orange lotus patterns on it and the kanji for “music” and “sun” lined up vertically on the back, on top of a short-sleeved ninja shirt and white ninja pants. He was carrying a large white flag with the kanji “和”for “peace” on it. He looked on quietly past the gate before him, at the large mountains which lined the countryside. Caliburn stood to his right, carrying another, smaller white flag with the same kanji on it and dressed in his own unique haori atop his basic clothing. Another Kiyoshi named Mugen stood to his left carrying the same flag. Akira and Ace stood to the right and left of Caliburn and Mugen respectively. Behind them was a large group of Kiyoshi warriors all dressed in white kamishimos and kinagashis. Each general held up the same white flag for their group. Roku turned to address his subordinates briefly.
Roku: Fellow disciples of chakra philosophy, understand that this is a war to bring peace—to fulfill our cause and all that we stand for. And remember, the flow of Energy exists in all corners of the world, no matter how dark and foul, how lonesome or cruel. And if all else fails, look within yourselves. May the peace of Truth be with you all.
The Kiyoshi warriors gave a triumphant shout.
Roku: Let’s roll.
END OF CHAPTER
