The Legendary Sage of Konoha - Series Finale Part 2

[Michael92]

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The 2nd part begins, only four more to go after this!!

Spoiler

The Legendary Sage of Konoha Series
July 2010 - July 2014 ​

Series Finale, Part 2;

The Legendary Sage of Konoha & The 6th Great Shinobi War
Dawn of the Hero:​

"You do understand Ikari that there will come a time for everyone, where an important choice has to be made... Depending on whether or not you're ready to make that choice, will decide how well you will be able to cope with it. Sooner or later I believe that time will come for you as well, and when it does, the future might depend on your will to make sacrifices for the sake of everyone else. Just remember that Ikari, and you will do fine... You will do fine... This will be my final lesson, as I'm afraid that my time in this world has come to an end... Always believe in yourself and those around you Ikari, I expect much greatness from you to come. And who knows, you might even one day fulfill your dream of becoming-...Ho-...Kage..."

Ikari: ...

Having trained for the whole day, Ikari was found seated on a tree-branch just outside a pond, meddling in his own thoughts as he watched the sun set beyond the horizon. Caught in the past, the only thing he could think of was the last wise words spoken by his late great great grandfather, Uzumaki Naruto the 2nd, as he passed away to the afterlife. Images of his friends and his girlfriend Ibuki also passed by, as he had been training for three whole years on Mt. Myobokuzan now. Having come a far way, he didn't need Naruto to supervise his training anymore, training by himself day in and out, even going as far as sparing with Naruto himself every now-and-then. Reminiscing the days where he took Ibuki out to a quiet place, where just the two of them were, a smile formed on Ikari's face as he remembered her warm feel, her comforting tone, and of course, her fine looks. After all, he hadn't been home for three years, not even as much as a quick visit, and he was starting to feel homesick, slowly but steadily. The events leading to the two of them hooking up also flashed by in his head, where Ibuki almost had to plea her father to allow their relationship. It wasn't that he was a too cautious man, but being that she came from a family way above Ikari's class, he wouldn't give up his daughter to just anyone. Standing up to his feet again, jumping down on the ground, he then went to see Naruto in person at the Great Temple. Reaching there after a few minutes, Ikari found Naruto sitting in his chair as usual, being accompanied by Fukasaku.

Fukasaku: Ahh Ikari, been training all day I suppose??

Ikari: Yes... But that's not important right now...

Fukasaku: Oh, something troubling you kid? If you need my guidance for something, don't be afraid to ask-...

Ikari: No, that's not it... I've been having this bad feeling lately that I can't seem to get rid off, and I've been thinking...

Fukasaku: Bad feeling?

Naruto: ...

Ikari: I haven't been back in Konoha for three years now... My friends there... I know I have no reason to worry, but I would like to check anyways... Besides, I've already mastered everything you've put out for me, and-... Well, with everything that happened right before I left three years ago, and the fact that I haven't heard anything from the outside world since then-...

Naruto: Hmm...

Ikari: ...

Naruto: You've also sensed it, haven't you?

Ikari: Sensed it?? Sensed what??

Naruto: There's no reason to go back to Konoha right now...

Ikari: No reason, what do you mean?? I've already-...

Naruto: It's not that I don't believe you are ready, but there isn't anyone in Konoha right now... At least not your friends...

Fukasaku: Naruto, are you...

Ikari: What?! What do you mean by that??!

Naruto: There's something I haven't told you...

Ikari: ??

Naruto: There's been a war going... For the past three years, ever since you came here...

Ikari: What the fu*k did you say?!?!

Fukasaku: Ikari calm down, that's no way to talk to-...

Naruto: It's fine, let him speak.

Ikari: A war?! How is that even possible, we made sure that there was no reason to think that the battle back then was anything more than a simple skirmish, you assured me that I could come here to train without having to worry about it... The alliance, we won, we-...

Naruto: They were wrong... That battle was only a taste of what came afterwards... Ikari, I'm afraid I haven't been totally honest with you, and for that, I'm sorry... However, it was for your own good, for the sake of the future, the future of the Shinobi World-...

Ikari: So this is why you haven't allowed me to visit Konoha when I've requested to do so lately, you've been holding me back, long after my training was done!! That's why you haven't even bother to teach me anything new for the past six months?!?

Naruto: ...

Ikari: Isn't it?!?!

Naruto: Yes, I suppose...

Ikari: You suppose?! How could you hold something like that away from me?! Haven't I always listened to your teachings, followed your will, your prophecy?! If a war is going on, I need to help out!!! I knew I shouldn't have left three years ago! I-... I knew it was too oblivious of me to simply believe that the forces invading Kumo's Northern boarder wasn't out for more than a simple skirmish! But what did I do?? I trusted you! You told me that-... That I had nothing to worry about, that you had seen the future, and that-... and that-...

Going all the way up to Naruto's face, Ikari had to resist the urge to grab a hold onto him as Fukasaku looked astonished, not knowing what to say or do.

Naruto: ...

Ikari: God damn it!

Stepping away from Naruto, an intense ball of chakra formed into his hand as he smashed it into a nearby pillar, causing it to crumble beside him.

Ikari: *Pant, pant*

Fukasaku: Your anger Ikari, don't let it consume you! Naruto had his reasons, we had our reasons...

Naruto: You still need to learn how to control your anger... Hatred will only lead to more-...

Ikari: I know... I know, *Pant*

Naruto: You weren't ready, that's why I've kept you here... You were ready for battle, but it was not the right timing mentally...

Ikari: What do you mean??

Seemingly having calmed down a bit, his pulse was sinking as he turned his head to the side and looked over at Naruto again.

Naruto: If you had gone too early, at the wrong time, you would not have been able to fulfill your destiny, you would have fallen too early, making the ultimate sacrifice over someone you think of otherwise now than you will in the future... But now... Now's time...

Ikari: ...

Naruto: If you feel the time is right, you may go... But I warn you, much will be changed from what you remember... Always remember what I taught you spiritually, not just the techniques and the power I've bestowed upon you... Do this and the final pieces might eventually be able to fall in the right places...

Ikari: I'm ready.

Naruto: Well then, no reason to delay any longer...

Standing up from his chair, Naruto then walked over to him as he put his hand on his head.

Naruto: With this, I transfer the location of Mt. Myobokuzan to your memory, that way you may actually use your technique to get here yourself without my assistance... You can call it the key to unlocking the next stage of the technique... Perhaps you'll even find something else transferred as well once the timing is right...

Ikari: What do you me-...

As he said, Ikari was gone as he touched ground in a whole different place.

Ikari: ...-an??...

A familiar feeling struck through him as he suddenly found himself just outside one of Konoha's gates.

Ikari: Ibuki!!

Hurrying inside, anxious to see old friends and faces, Ikari ran by several of his favorite places, only to find them all empty. Puzzled by this, Ikari finally managed to gather enough courage to go over to Ibuki's place as he knocked on the door gently.

Ikari: Huff...

Taking a deep breath, he waited, but no one answered...

Ikari: No one's home??

Walking to the side of the house, Ikari saw no lights in Ibuki's room as he scratched his head, wondering just where everyone could be.

Ikari: He wasn't joking when he said Konoha was empty, was he?...

Turning around, Ikari looked right and left, but could not see a single person around.

Ikari: I know, someone's got to be at the Hokage-mansion!

Hurrying over there across the roof-tops, Ikari ran through the door of the office, shouting out as he did.

Ikari: I'm hoooome!!!... ??

But once again, no one was there to reply back to him.

Ikari: This place is a ghost town... Did something go wrong during Naruto's teleportation technique?? Just where is everyone?!

Getting a bit stressed, Ikari ran outside again when he finally saw an old man crossing the street, leading a horse by its reins behind him.

Ikari: Aha!!

Running over to the man, Ikari drew his breath once more as the man looked at him with curious eyes.

Ikari: Old man!! Where is everyone?!

Old Man: Ohhh?? Young one, why are you here when everyone else is out battling?

Ikari: Out battling??

Puzzled at this, Ikari pressed for more information.

Old Man: Yes... Only the old and weak are left in Konoha now... It really is an empty place without the children playing in the streets, the local restaurants being filled up, and the Hokage-mansion beaming in all its grace...

Ikari: But... Who is in charge, who is protecting this place?!

Old Man: I suppose... No one.

Ikari: No one? Are you saying there is no one here to protect Konoha?!

Old Man: Young man, there is nothing to protect Konoha from, it is perfectly safe... The war is taking place far away from here, and Konoha is not in danger or a crucial point for the enemy to take... It's not even in the line of fire...

Ikari: So there is a war after all??

Old Man: Yes... Have you been sleeping for the past three years or something??

Ikari: I guess you could say that yeah, ehehehe...

Old Man: The 6th Great Shinobi War has claimed its sacrifices already, and it's nowhere near its end, even after all this time...

Ikari: What do you mean?

Old Man: Three years ago, a few months after the battle in Kumo took place, a much larger force invaded our world, much bigger in size and much stronger too... Taking advantage of the turmoil that had taken place between the Kages...

Ikari: ...

Old Man: Later that year, the previous Raikage fell on the battlefield, and not long after, the Kazekage fell as well...

Ikari: ?!

Old Man: It didn't stop there... The successor of the 9th Kazekage, the 10th Kazekage, also fell afterwards...

Ikari: What?!

Old Man: Since then, the fighting has gone back and forth, but a lot of shinobi has died already... As you can probably guess, they need all the help they can get, taking even the youngest of shinobi that can fight... Only the weak and the old remains behind...

Ikari: Then I need to help out immediately!! Oi old man, where would I go to find the Alliance's headquarter??

Old Man: Oh, you're going to help?? Hmm... Let me see...

Thinking twice about it, the old man finally remembered as he gave Ikari the coordinates. Just as Ikari was about to take off, the old man shouted out to him.

Old Man: Wait young one... It's too long to travel on foot there... Here, take my horse and you'll be able to get there faster.

Ikari: Are you sure?

Halting as he turned around, Ikari approached the old man once again.

Old Man: Yes... He will find his way home once you've reached your destination...

Ikari: Well if you insist, thanks.

Getting onto the horse, the old man let go off the reins as Ikari seemed to struggle a bit to control the horse at first.

Old Man: Tell me young man... Do you know how to ride a horse??

Ikari: I'll figure it out, can't be that hard...

Old Man: Well take good care of this horse, it's a good ride... So young man, what is you name??

Ikari: Uzumaki Ikari... Thanks for the information old man.

Taking off, Ikari rode out the nearby gate as he was beyond the old man's reach. Waving him off, the old man had a smile on his face.

Ikari: Just hang on Ibuki, I'll find you, and I'll keep my promise...

Riding off, Ikari seemed to have done nothing else than to ride horses his whole life as the horse followed his every move. After moving through the night, and after a short break in the morning, Ikari let go off the horse as he told it to find its way home. Galloping away, the horse crossed the river that they had just come across as Ikari fixed his attention on his path towards the allied camp. After walking over some high hills, Ikari came across a strange man standing by a road sign, minding his own business.

Ikari: *Pant, Pant*

Stopping by the strange man, Ikari drew his breath as he spoke out.

Ikari: This is a strange place to rest...

?: It is a strange world to live in...

Ikari: True that, true that... So who are you and why are you here??

?: I'm investigating...

Ikari: Investigating what?

?: Why do you ask?

Ikari: There's a war going on, and for all I know, you could be the enemy...

?: ...

Staring at him, Ikari had a serious look on his face as the man looked back at him, seeming way too relaxed for being just a random stranger. After all, the land was warn-torn, as marks from a great battle taking place nearby could be seen all around them. The man wasn't much older than Ikari himself, probably about the same age, and he had black spiky hair, dark eyes and a handsome smile. He was cool, way too cool in Ikari's eyes. Something was definitely up...

?: Would it matter??

Ikari: Huh?

Stumbling over his carefree attitude, Ikari didn't know whether to take his answer serious or not.

?: Even if I was, would you strike me down? Would you strike me down right here, even if I was just standing here minding my own business, not being out for a battle or a fight?

Ikari: ...

?: Whether or not I'm the enemy depends on your perspective... In my eyes, you could be the enemy...

Ikari: Just who are you, and why are you here??

?: So again, does it matter??

Ikari: Ehm, yes?

?: Heh, I suppose I would have attacked you already if we were enemies, but then again, there's no way for me to tell whether you are my enemy or not is there... Except for this.

Reaching for his pocket, the man held forth a headband with Kumo's mark on it as Ikari immediately recognized it.

Ikari: So you are a shinobi from Kumo then...

?: And you??

Ikari: Konoha...

Pointing at his headband which he had wrapped around his left arm, a smile formed on Ikari's face as the two of them began to laugh.

Ikari: You must be crazy attempting fate like that... How did you know I wouldn't attack first and ask later??

?: I didn't...

Ikari: ...

?: But I suppose that was a risk worth taking.

Ikari: Why is that so??

?: If I had attacked first, you would have been dead by now...

Ceasing to smile, his tone suddenly changed to dead serious as he spoke... Realizing that this was no ordinary man, but a powerful shinobi indeed, Ikari proceeded to break the tone.

Ikari: So what is your name?

?: It's Raikiru... Raigobashi Raikiru... And yours?

Ikari: Uzumaki Ikari...

Raikiru: An Uzumaki huh... You must be strong then...

Ikari: How do you know??

Raikiru: I fought one once...

Ikari: Oh really?!... I didn't know there was any other Uzumaki around anymore beside myself-...

Raikiru: I didn't finish him off though...

Ikari: ...

Raikiru: Relax, it was during the Chunin exam a couple of years ago...

Ikari: So you've taken the Chunin exam as well??

Raikiru: Not only did I partake in it... I won it as well. No lives claimed, although I did injure the Uzumaki guy badly... My opponent in the Semi-Final was left pretty demolished after our fight, though I suppose he would be doing alright nowadays...

Ikari: ...So you're a Chunin then??

Raikiru: No... I was too focused on winning, so they didn't promote me, but they did promote my opponent in the final instead, heh...

Ikari: How long was this ago?

Raikiru: Honestly??

Ikari: ...

Raikiru: I can't remember...

Ikari: You can't remember? Who was your opponent in the final then?

There was something strange about this guy... Not only was he extremely laid back and calm, but he seemed to have a high swing in emotions... In one moment he was joking around, in the other he was dead serious.

Raikiru: I think it was a Senju, but I'm not sure... He might have been the son of the Hokage at that time...

Ikari: Senju??

Raikiru: But... But like I just said, the details are a bit... Sketchy...

For the first time during their conversation, this Raikiru guy's calmness broke. He had to think through what he was about to say, and it was then that Ikari started to get his suspicion confirmed... He'd had this feeling ever since he met him, and it was as if this guy was just taking a lucky guess with his statement. The only Senju around their age taking part in a Chunin exam, which he happened to lose once he came to the final, and not to forget- whom also was the son of the Hokage, was his team-mate Bruce, and he was in fact promoted... If this was the case, the only Uzumaki, also being in the exam, was Ikari himself, and he did in fact lose to a shinobi from Kumo whom went through to the final and won the whole thing after beating Bruce as well, but that guy, that guy looked nothing like the man standing before him. He remembered the fight very well, it was the hardest battle he had ever fought, and although he didn't like to admit it, Ikari was indeed beaten good as the battle came to an end. Ikari knew something was wrong, it couldn't all be a coincident, there was no other Senju or Uzumaki kids around. It was as if he had a feeling that this guy was claiming to be someone else. Could he be an enemy after all? To avoid giving himself away, and to avoid revealing that he was on to him however, Ikari continued to ask innocent questions.

Ikari: So what are you doing here? What are you investigating?

Raikiru: You tell me...

Ikari: Huh, what do you mean? Are you lost?

Raikiru: No...

Ikari: Geez... Well unless you want to stay here all day, if you are done "investigating," you might as well follow me...

Raikiru: Why??

Ikari: To get to the Allied camp of course...

The last thing Ikari wanted was to take an enemy shinobi to the allied camp, but on the other hand, the only way to prove his suspicion was to get it all confirmed by any Kumo shinobi there, if not even the Raikage himself if he had to. If Raikiru refused to follow, he knew he had no reason not to take him down before a potential enemy could get the jump on him and strike him first.

Raikiru: I see...

Not lingering about any longer, the two of them proceeded to continue on their path as they came into an open field. What was supposed to be a green field full of animal life and a peaceful existence however, had been turned into a burnt-out battlefield where many lives had been claimed. Crossing through a deep mountain-ravine, the two of them came into what seemed to be just a long downhill climb with a great riverbed at the end of it, but to their surprise, a battle was taking place just down below them.

Ikari: !!

Raikiru: ...

Ikari: That must be our allies, we need to help them!

Raikiru: You are right...

Hanging himself onto Ikari's tail, the two of them rushed down the mountainside, only to find the Mizukage locked in battle, heavily outnumbered by the enemy forces. As they reached the bottom of the hill, Ikari noticed that Raikiru suddenly took off in a different direction, much to Ikari's surprise.

Ikari: Where are you going, the enemy is this way?! Damn, was he an enemy after all??

Not having time to turn back to get him, Ikari continued in his track. Due to him screaming out, the Mizukage noticed him closing in on him as he turned his attention towards him.

Utakata: Is that the enemy too?? No... That's an ally!

Kiri Shinobi: One ally as reinforcement?! That's hardly enough!!

Utakata: Well one more is better than none! Keep pressing the attack!

Kiri Shinobi: Just where did he come from-... Mizukage-Sama, watch out!!

Utakata: ?!

Letting down his guard for just a second, Utakata failed to notice a large fire dragon coming his way as he had no time to prepare a defense. Trying to jump away, he was just about to take a direct hit when a shadow appeared behind him, transporting him out of the danger zone.

Utakata: !!

Landing safely on the ground a few meters away, Utakata didn't fully realize what just happened as Ikari stood by his side.

Utakata: *Pant, Pant, Pant* What did you just do??

Ikari: No time to explain... Seems like you are in a lot of trouble.

Seeing a large force of enemy shinobi coming their way, the Mizukage was struggling to stand on his feet as he fell to his knees, having to catch the ground with his arms to avoid falling over.

Ikari: Hey, are you alright?!

Utakata: *Hark* Ugh, it's nothing...

Ikari: You're injured!!

Realizing that the Mizukage had a deep wound in his left side, Ikari had no time to analyze the situation properly as over 20 shinobi came their way. Seeing it right to step in the Mizukage's place, Ikari felt that it was his duty to protect those in need, even if it was the Mizukage himself. Clapping his hands together, Ikari then created several clones as they appeared beside him, all preparing an attack of their own, much to the Mizukage's surprise.

Utakata: Shadow Clones?!... I haven't seen that technique befo-...

Struggling to keep himself awake, Utakata passed out due to blood-loss and exhaustion as Ikari prepared to defend him with his life. Seeing this, the remaining allied shinobi came running over to check on him, including a medical shinobi.

Ikari: Do whatever you can to heal him, I'll hold these guys off meanwhile!!

Getting a nod of acceptance back, Ikari then turned his attention back towards the incoming shinobi as the battle that was taking place slowly began to approach its end with Ikari's arrival. Being outnumbered 50 to ten, Ikari's support was much needed for the injured Mizukage's squad.

Ikari: Rasengan!!

Creating enough clones to match the opposition's number, Ikari leaped off at great speed, connecting his Rasengans with the enemies before they managed to react. Only five minutes later, Ikari had managed to deal with over 40 enemy shinobi as the remaining ten fled in fear. If this wasn't surprisingly enough for the ten remaining allied shinobi that had gathered around the passed out Mizukage, the fact that Ikari had rescued them from certain death, displaying might well above Genin level, pleased one of the shinobi to such a degree that he spoke out.

Zise: I don't know where you came from, but without your backup, we would have been done for, *Pant...* Thank you.

Ikari: *Pant, Pant* Well, it wasn't like I had to try too hard, the enemy were already exhausted...

As the two of them spoke, a female shinobi healing Utakata then spoke out as well.

Rei: The Mizukage's condition is stabilized, we should be ready to move him back to camp.

Zise: Fantastic news, good job Rei... If you don't mind kid, could I ask for your further assistance??

Ikari: Of course, that's why I've come...

Zise: Great... My name is Zise, this is Rei, and we are the Mizukage's two advisers... Luckily, Rei is a medical shinobi, or else Utakata's life would have hung in the balance... Your deeds here will be remembered, ehm...

Obviously fishing for a name, Ikari gave him what he asked as Zise seemed to recognized him from some place he couldn't remember.

Zise: Uzumaki Ikari?? Hmm... Have we met before??

Ikari: We might have, I was present at the Kage-meeting three years ago...

Rei: !! Didn't you arrive with that old dude claiming to be the 6th Hokage??

Zise: !!

Ikari: That would be me, yeah...

Zise: If that is true... I suppose we are in good hands, ugh...

Apparently having taken a heavy toll himself, Zise had to cover his side with his hand as he started to cough heavily.

Rei: Are you alright brother?!

Zise: I'm fine, don't worry sis... Let's just get out of here already before anyone else gets the jump on us...

Ikari: Sounds like a plan.

Not long after, they finally arrived at the camp entrance of the Shinobi World Alliance. Amazed by its great size, Ikari had already forgotten all about that man he encountered earlier as he suddenly remembered, turning around to look behind towards the way they came from. Puzzling a bit over where Raikiru went, his attention was drawn back towards the entrance as Rei called him over.

Rei: Are you coming or not??

Ikari: Yeah, I'm right behind you.

Not thinking more about it, Ikari finally let that thought go as he went up to her and entered the camp with the ten exhausted shinobi carrying the Mizukage on a stretch-board that they had scrapped together with some logs they found on the way. Halting inside the camp, several medical shinobi came over to them as they took care of him. They also took everyone else in for a check as Ikari was lead to a nearby tent. Sitting down on a bench, one medical shinobi began to examine him while another started asking some questions.

Interrogator: So... First of all, how do you feel?

Ikari: I feel fine... But I don't have time for this, I need to find some-...

Interrogator: How old are you?

Ikari: I don't see why that is important??

Interrogator: Just answer the questions please.

Ikari: Fine... Nineteen...

Interrogator: Good, nineteen... Were you part of the Mizukage's squadron or did you arrive as backup? Looking at your condition, you do not seem as exhausted as the rest.

Ikari: As backup... Ouch, careful...

Getting a needle stuck in his arm, Ikari's attention was drawn away as the interrogator continued.

Interrogator: Ninja pills in liquid format... Will help you recover.

Ikari: ...

Interrogator: So, as reinforcement... From which squadron??

Ikari: I-...

Interrogator: The only squadron out there beside the Mizukage's, was the Hokage's, but he's already back... Did you get lost from them or?

Ikari: No, I just arrived-...

Interrogator: Just arrived??

Ikari: Well it's a long story... What matters is that I'm a Konoha Shinobi, and that I'm here to help.

Interrogator: I see...

Ikari: As you can see, I'm totally fine, so can I go now?

Getting more and more stressed, Ikari only wanted to get out of there to start looking for Ibuki as fast as he could.

Interrogator: Hmm... Well that will be all then, you may carry on.

Ikari: Thank you.

Getting up to his feet, Ikari left the tent as a familiar face met him right outside.

Raikiru: So there you are...

Ikari: ?! You!! Where have you been, why did you run away during the battle?!?!

Almost ready to go out at him, Ikari was all the way up into his face, apparently mad for his behavior mid-battle, believing it to be a proof of him being an enemy rather than an ally as he had suspected.

Raikiru: I didn't run away, I saw someone else needing my help, so I went to help... I figured you were strong enough to take care of those people in need by yourself, and indeed you were, *Smirk.*

Ikari: So you helped someone else huh...

Raikiru: How else do you think I ended up here in the same camp as you??

He had a good point... He could have followed after them inside, but Ikari made sure there was no one else with them when they arrived. Perhaps, perhaps he just told the story of a friend rather than what he himself had experienced. After all, anyone could pretend to be someone else to boost their confidence. In the end though, it was still a bit strange, so Ikari decided not to let his guard down, for now.

Ikari: Heh, I suppose you are right...

However, right now there was only one thing on Ikari's mind, and that was finding Ibuki. So whatever the case might have been, and whatever reason he had to tell a lie, Ikari decided to give this Raikiru guy the benefit of the doubt. After all, he did have a Kumo headband, and he had also ended up inside the same camp as him. If he had simply stolen the headband from the corpse of a dead shinobi, how would he be able to know about the whole tale of the Chunin exam Ikari, Bruce and Ibuki participated in, yet along about the guy whom beat Ikari and Bruce and won the whole thing? It was odd indeed, but Ibuki... He had to find her, that was why he came all the way over here to begin with, and that was the only thing that mattered now.

Ikari: Anyways, there is someone I need to find, so maybe I'll be seeing you around.

Raikiru: Sure. I need to speak to the Raikage anyways... I need to tell him how my mission went...

Ikari: Your mission? Was that why-...

Raikiru: Of course, I wasn't lingering about for any reasons...

Ikari: Since when did Genin get solo-missions??

Raikiru: Since the war began obviously?? Besides, it was only a scouting task, it didn't require much effort... Where have you been for the past three years if I may ask?

Ikari: A long story... I'll tell you some other time.

Taking his leave, Ikari proceeded to walk further into the camp, picking up his pace as he walked closer and closer to its heart. The camp was quite big, and he had no idea where to start looking. He felt stressed, he was finally at his destination, yet he had no idea which tent or which section to begin looking at. He looked around as he spotted a flag which said "Kirigakure" on it. Had he walked right into Kiri's section of the Shinobi World Alliance's camp?

Ikari: Kiri?! Now where on earth is Konoha's section of the camp?! Damn, I need to find Ibuki, I'm so close to finding her damn it!

As he pondered on this for a few seconds, wondering where to go next, a shinobi suddenly came over to him, telling him that the Mizukage was awake and that he wanted to speak with him.

Shinobi: Ah, there you are, you're not lost are you?

Ikari: No, I...

Shinobi: The Mizukage is looking for you young man, so if you could please come with me, I'll show you the way to his tent.

Ikari: But I need to, I need to-... Fine.

He had come this far, and he was so close to finally seeing her again, when his presence was once again called elsewhere. He had waited for three years, so he could perhaps just wait a little longer. After all, if the Mizukage himself wanted to see him, it just had to be important. Having been told that Ikari single-handily took care of the remaining enemies, the Mizukage was both quite impressed and thankful for his efforts. Entering his tent, the shinobi showing him the way took his leave as the two of them were only accompanied by Utakata's two advisers, Rei and Zise.

Utakata: Ah, there you are... The rescue-man.

Seemingly feeling a lot better, the Mizukage sat up in his bed as Zise helped him get comfortable.

Ikari: The rescue-man huh... Don't know about that...

Utakata: And he's modest too! I like this kid, hahaha! So, your name was Uzumaki Ikari, right?? My advisers did a background check on you...

Ikari: ...

Utakata: It says you've been away training for the past three years, is that right??

Ikari: Yeah...

Utakata: Well you've come a long way young man. From what I've heard, you're not only skilled, but also kind-hearted as well...

Praising Ikari for his support, the Mizukage seemed to have changed a lot over the past three years since Ikari last saw him. Having found his older-self, Utakata had regained most of his lost respect and trust from those around him, having stood his ground for many past battles. Beside Hanzo and Jin, he was the only Kage of the big-five still alive after the Kage-meeting three years ago, as both Kaito and Reiji had fallen on one of the many battlefields they had come across over the three years of war.

Utakata: I'm sure you'll be a Jonin in no time! I'm kind of surprised you aren't one already.

Ikari: Actually, I'm still only a Genin...

Utakata: Oh... Well then, I'll make sure to let the Hokage know of your efforts, maybe even convince him to promote you to Chunin. That's the least I can do!

Ikari: Ehm, promote me Mizukage-Sama? Is that even possible without a Chunin exam?...

Utakata: Hahaha, of course it is! Have you never heard of Battle-Promotions before kid??

Ikari: Well, I don't know if I'm worthy of such honor as I've been away for the past three years and I haven't had the chance to help out sooner, to show my skills and-...

Zise: What you displayed out there... You are already a Jonin in my eyes...

Rei: In my eyes too.

Utakata: Hehe, in the meantime, take a look around the camp... Maybe you'll see some old friends...

Ikari: About that, there is someone I need to find...

Rei: Well figured, you probably haven't seen any of your friends in a while...

Zise: Tread carefully though, much might have changed during the three years of war you were away, and not everyone you know and care for will still be the same or even alive... War... It changes people...

Ikari: I know...

Utakata: So who's this person you are looking for?

Ikari: Her name is Ibuki, and she's a Konoha Shinobi...

Rei: Oh, is she your girlfriend? You're sure nothing has happened to her-...

Ikari: I'm certain... I just need to find her...

Zise: Well if she is a Konoha Shinobi, you might want to check out Konoha's section of the camp, should be to the West from here.

Ikari: Thanks, I'll be on my way then.

Utakata: No, thank you young man... I'll be keeping a close eye on your development, that is for sure.

Ikari: Ehehehe, don't expect too much though...

Bowing respectfully, Ikari took his leave as he continued his search for the only thing that mattered to him right now... Finding Ibuki. Having asked around camp about her as soon as he could, Ikari had got confirmation that both her and Bruce were still alive, including their old Sensei Akuma and many of their classmates from the academy times too. Hurrying through the camp, Ikari looked high and low, until finally he saw someone he knew he could depend upon to find what he sought.

Akuma: ...Right, you'll do that and report back to me back as soon as you can.

Konoha Shinobi: No problem!

Standing by a table, Akuma was going through some papers as he sent a shinobi to deliver some notes to the Kazekage. Being too caught up to notice Ikari approaching, Akuma didn't realize that he was closing in on him before he was just a couple of meters away. Sensing his presence, Akuma turned around as his face lit up in joy.

Akuma: Ikari?!?!

Reacting on pure instincts, Ikari ran over to him and jumped into his arms as he gave him a firm and long hug before their conversation could continue.

Akuma: I can't believe it's you! How long has it been, three years?? And look how tall you've become!!

Ikari: Gehehehe, I knew you would still be standing Sensei, you wouldn't be the first one to fall on the battlefield, that is for sure!

Having been promoted to the Shinobi World Alliance's Jonin Commander, much responsibility now laid on Akuma's shoulders, almost as much as the Kages themselves. Updating Ikari on the events of the past three years, confirming some of the information Ikari was told by the old man back in the village, Ikari grew more and more mad for not having been able to help out sooner. Not much intel had been gathered on why there was a need for the war, or why the unknown shinobi forces had crossed the Great Sea to rage war in their land three years ago. But one thing was certain... They were strong, they were wide in size, and they were determined to fight to the death to achieve their goals, whatever they may be.

Akuma: So as you can figure, this war has made its impact and we've lost many dear and close ones. However, now that you are here, I'm sure we will be able to turn things around!!

Ikari: Ahahahaha, like I'm going to do much difference... You always had a great sense of humor Sensei.

Talking for a bit, catching up with the lost years, Ikari started to grow impatient without him even noticing it himself. Seeing this, Akuma asked him why he seemed so stressed as Ikari realized he had to find Ibuki. Hearing this, Akuma seemed to have a worried look on his face, but he did not give reason to his weary eyes as he simply gave Ikari the direction for him to find out himself. Not realizing something was off, Ikari thanked him as he left to find her. Some minutes later, he was finally there. Standing outside her tent, Ikari knew he was closer than ever before reuniting with her. His heartbeat started to raise, it felt like his blood began to boil. This was the moment he had been waiting for, for the last three years. He was ready to see her again.

Ikari: Ibuki...

Venturing up to the tent, Ikari dragged the curtain aside. There he saw her, as beautiful as ever, with her dark long hair dancing in the light breeze blowing through the tent as he entered. She was grooming it, looking at herself in a mirror. Her pretty eyes were reflected in her image and her presence made Ikari's heart go haywire, pumping blood like never before. He just stood there, not knowing what to say. It was as if he had lost his tongue. Continuing to brush her hair, she finally noticed someone standing behind her as she slowly turned around.

Ibuki: Oh you startled me, I didn't realize someone was-... Ika-... Ikari??... Is that... Really you?...

Dropping her groom to the ground, Ibuki stood up, speechless of Ikari suddenly standing there, standing in her tent after three years of being left in the dark, not even hearing a single word of his whereabouts and well-being. Running up to her, Ikari hugged her as hard as he could, refusing to let her go. Time stopped still, the moment he had been waiting for, the moment he had dreamt about for the past three years, the moment he had been training hard to see approach faster, had finally arrived. There was no need to exchange words... They could feel each others' hearts. Everything was as he had expected, never had he been so glad to see her, to see her well and still alive. Still hugging her tightly, Ikari started to gently brush his hand through her dark long hair, struggling to hold back his tears of joy.

Ikari: Ibuki, it's been so long, I-...

Ibuki: Ikari...

Ikari: ??

It was then that he noticed... Letting go of her, it was as if he was feeling rejection. He looked her deep into her eyes... There was happiness to spot in her beautiful green gaze, but at the same time, a faint sense of sadness was also present. It was as if she was relieved to see him alive, but at the same time sad for him, sad because there was something she knew that would give him great grief, and now that he was here, she had to tell him, she could not keep it secret any longer. She'd had the chance to avoid confronting him about it for the past three years, but now that Ikari had returned, it was time for her to face him up straight, to tell him what had happened while he was gone. Realizing that something was up, Ikari grabbed a hold onto her shoulders.

Ikari: Ibuki... What's wrong?

Ibuki: Ikari, I-... I'm glad to see you alive and all, of course I am, but much has changed in the past three years... While you were gone, and while the war has been raging, I-...

Ikari: What do you mean Ibuki??

Getting a bit stressed, all types of feelings and emotions went through him as she couldn't look him in the eyes anymore. She looked away, and it was then that he began to understand something was way off. Had she moved on or found someone else?? No, it couldn't be that...

Ibuki: Ikari, I-...

Ikari: !!

Bruce: What's going on here, I heard some noise and I-... Ikari?!! You're back?!?!

Also entering the tent came Bruce, and he was even more shocked than Ibuki to see Ikari there. Walking over to him, Bruce gave him a firm hug before he started laughing.

Bruce: Gwuhahahaha, I knew you would arrive eventually, how are you old pal?

What should have been a happy reunion between the three, the reunion of Team 7, did not have the effect any of them would have ever hoped for. Realizing that Ikari was on to something, Bruce let go off him.

Ikari: Bruce huh...

His blood started boiling even further, but this time not out of happiness, but out of anger. If there was one thing Ikari struggled to learn how to control over the years, it was his anger. He got upset easily, something in which both Fukasaku and Naruto himself had tried to teach him how to control, warned him not to give in to. It was easy to blame it on his troubled past, and his tough childhood, but nevertheless, as long as he'd had Ibuki at his side, Ikari always had someone to think about, something good to remind him that whatever the reason for his anger was, he always had Ibuki to seek comfort in, to rely on. She made him calm, made his happiness greater than any pain or anger he might have felt towards anyone. So this time around though it was a whole new deal. This time, it was different...

Ibuki: Ikari, it's not what you think, I-...

Ikari: I see now...

Bruce: What's wrong?? Ibuki, did you tell him already?

Ibuki: No I-...

Ikari: ...

A great pain started to grow in his heart... It was as if someone had stabbed a kunai straight through it. It did not take long before Ikari realized that Ibuki had in fact moved on during those three years, and that she of all things, had ended up with Bruce. A man, no, a friend Ikari trusted more than most people, someone he had trusted to look out for Ibuki while he was gone. Ikari felt dizzy, he felt noxious. At first he felt like kicking Bruce's ass, but then he just felt that he had to get out of there, to get fresh air, open space, room to think. Pushing Bruce gently aside from his path, Ikari made his way for the exit without as much as a word left behind. Everything he had ever cared for, the only thing that had been on his mind, the only reason for his return, lost, to his closest friend. Had all his training been for none, had he made the wrong choice, letting go of Ibuki in the process? She was all that really mattered to him, the closest thing he ever had to a family, and now... Now she was... It was as if his whole life lost purpose right there and then, crumbling before his very eyes.

Ibuki: Ikari!!

Trying to catch up with him, she too went out through the exit, but Ikari was already gone from view.

Ibuki: He's gone?! How could he be this fast...

Bruce: I... I had no idea he was back...

Catching up to her, Bruce was as stunned as her, not knowing what to make out of all this.

Bruce: Why did you tell him right off the bat?! Couldn't we at least have waited a day or two??

Ibuki: I didn't, okay! I was going to, but then you came and he-... He just knew it somehow, I wasn't-...

Bruce: Damn... What do we do now?

Reappearing by another tent, Ikari was struggling to control his emotions, to regain his breath. He had to reach out for a nearby pole to keep himself from falling, as the pain in his chest got heavier and heavier. He felt like smashing something, but then again, that would only neglect everything he had learned during the past three years. He had to work hard to restrain himself as tears began to stream from his chins. It felt as if his heart was about to stop. He had to do something, but he had no idea what. As he was trying to figure out just what to do now, to regain his posture and find a new meaning to look forward to, Inba, one of the Hokage's advisers, walked by, spotting him just standing there as he hurried up to him.

Inba: Ikari-Kun!! So the rumors were true! You really are back Ikari, how nice!

Noticing Inba approaching, Ikari quickly wiped his tears as he stood up straight again, turning around to face him.

Inba: The Mizukage told us of your efforts and Jin is very pleased. Come, we got much to discuss.

Ikari: I...

Inba: Well are you coming or not?

Lost completely in his own thoughts, it was as if his feet moved before his mind. Without realizing where he was going, he was suddenly standing in the Hokage's tent, right in front of Jin. His other adviser Yoshi was also present.

Jin: Ikari, you're back and what an entrance!! You've changed a lot, I can easily tell! I suppose you're not the same kid you were before you left huh... All I can say is that I'm impressed and I suppose I should never have doubted your Will of Fire to begin with. That mistake is unfortunately on my cape. However, the training you must have had with Naruto the Great on Mt. Myobokuzan, it must have been extraordinary, beyond any training anyone has ever been taught for the past generations of shinobi, beyond anything anyone could ever imagine. What the Mizukage, what Utakata told me, the way you handled yourself, the way you saved everyone else... I suppose even my own son Bruce will have to watch his back now, or else he won't become Hokage as easily one day as he likes to believe, haha! I will be expecting much great from you from this day forward kid!

Yoshi: Your arrival is most eminent, we could not have asked for a better moral booster! I know I've been neglecting you in the past, not trusting your endeavor or believing in your promise of a great shinobi, and for that, I deeply apologize!

Bowing his head down in respect, it was as if Yoshi had changed his view on Ikari completely. The change was so drastic, it was easily to believe that Yoshi was a man who demolished the weak and cherished the strong. Inba on the other hand was a more strong-willed man, and when he saw something promising, he always tried to be supportive, telling Yoshi that he couldn't always root for the geniuses, but, that he also had to look out for the hard-workers. After all, Konoha was made up of all its citizens, not just the most powerful and wealthy ones.

Inba: Personally, I never shared the same view as Yoshi did, I always believed in the next generation of Konoha. Being all skeptical only leads to paranoia, hahaha!

Yoshi: Tch, I suppose you were right this time around huh...

Jin: Anyways, now that you are back, Team 7 of Konoha is finally reunited, and with the three of you together again, I'm sure the battle will slowly shift in our favour, hahaha! So, have you talked to them yet?

Ikari: ...

Yoshi: Ehm, something wrong kid, you look a bit... Pale.

Ikari: I'm-... I'm fine. And yeah, I have, but only briefly so far I suppose...

Jin: So how has everything been? Your arrival couldn't have been more perfect. I suppose it's already getting late and that you are tired, so I'm going to be brief.

Ikari: I've been... Okay I suppose, I-... Yeah...

Jin: From today on, Ikari, you are a Chunin! And I do hope you will continue to impress... It seems there are some good genes burning strong in you after all!

Yoshi: Again, I've highly underestimated you kid, please forgive my misjudging of your character.

Ikari: I...

Inba: Well aren't you happy? Reunited with old friends, promoted to Chunin, and rescued the Mizukage in one day. You should celebrate!

Ikari: I-... I'm just a bit tired that's all... Much gratitude for the promotion, I will-... I will not fail your expectations, on the contrary, I will continue to work hard to bring forth the best in Konoha's next generation, to stand as a good example for the rest...

Jin: Excellent...

Ikari: Now, if you don't mind, I would like to get some air.

Jin: Ehm, well yeah, I suppose that should be okay...

Ikari: Thanks...

Taking his leave, Ikari didn't seem to pay much attention to even giving his respects, much to Yoshi's surprise.

Yoshi: What, he's gotten arrogant now??

Jin: It's alright, I'm sure it has been a long journey over here.

Inba: Well it's been a long day for all of us.

Having walked a couple of meters away from the tent, Ikari suddenly stopped. It was as if his trance ended and he snapped back to reality. The past fifteen minutes finally kicked in as he realized that he had been promoted. Not even a single sign of happiness was shown on his face as all he could think about was Ibuki and what had happened while he was away. He was so mad that he didn't know what to do, and all he wanted was to return here to his friends, to Ibuki and Bruce, but now, now he just felt like going away, disappearing for good. Could he be strong enough to just cut off his own emotions? Would he be able to swallow this "defeat" and still act normal around the two of them? Things wouldn't be the same, and he knew it. His life was ruined, and it felt like nothing mattered anymore now. If he was to approach the two of them, he would probably snap, that was for sure. He barely managed to hold it together earlier...

Ikari: ... What am I suppose to do now... I-... This was not suppose to happen, how could I...

Sitting down on his knees, Ikari started drawing some circles on the ground with his hand. Was he going to teleport away from there? Was he really thinking of just taking his leave like that? No, he couldn't, or could he??

Ikari: Damn, I can't sit around here any longer, thinking about it is only going to ruin me.. I will, I will just have to...

Standing up to his feet, Ikari just gazed at the sky above him.

Ikari: ...

Trying to gather his own thoughts for a bit, he suddenly heard an alarm go off as Jin, Inba and Yoshi rushed out of the tent behind him, heading off further into the camp. Quickly picking up his pace, Ikari followed only to find the whole camp having gathered at its core by Kiri's section. On top of a podium stood the Tsuchikage, and he had something important to share.

Hanzo: I know it's late and that you've all have fought bravely today, but we bring great concern...

Walking closer to the crowd, Ikari made his way through as he stopped as close as he could get. Also coming up to the podium Hanzo was standing on was the new Raikage, together with the new Kazekage, being Reiji's successor and Kaito's 2nd successor respectively.

Raikage: Okay... Fresh reports indicated that the enemy is on the move and that they've set up a large camp not too far away from here... What we need is a small group of volunteers that can infiltrate the camp and put a stop to their plans.

Kazekage: To add to what Maki is saying, the chances of returning from this mission alive are dim, but I assure you, it is of utmost importance to stop the enemy from getting too close to this camp...

Hanzo: That's right Haku, and the reason to why this mission has a high risk is that once you enter the valley, the only way out of there is either through the enemy ranks, or back the way we came from, and that path is narrow and treacherous. It goes through enemy territory, and once we are spotted, the path will surely be cut off... Great honor will be bestowed upon those who comes with me, and I'll be leading the group personally to battle. I know many of you are tired, but this is too important to simply ignore.

Looking over the gathered crowd, the Tsuchikage seemed to have a worried, yet confident look on his face as the Kages were joined by Jin and Utakata whom also stepped onto the podium.

Maki: So, are there any volunteers??

Haku: Are there anyone out there thirsting for glory and fame?!

Hanzo: ...

Jin: Anyone?

Utakata: If I could, I would gladly go with you Hanzo, but due to the last battle, my condition isn't-... *Cough* Cough*

Jin: Are you alright Utakata?? Maybe you shouldn't push yourself...

Utakata: I'm fine, I'm fine... Not everyone will come back alive, but for those who do...

Jin: A great glory and famed position is waiting.

Hanzo: So who's with me?!

Knowing that it would be hard to get anyone to volunteer, the Tsuchikage, as well as the rest standing on the podium, was very surprised to see a hand raise itself into the air the very moment he asked.

Hanzo: Oh that was faster than I had thought... Very well, please step forward young man!

Utakata: Isn't that...

Jin: !!

As the crowd began to make more and more noise over the first man to volunteer, there were two shinobi standing a little further away from them, watching as it all took place before their very eyes.

Bruce: Oh look, someone already volunteered?? Fast indeed! Seems like we missed all the fun being this late to the party huh...

Ibuki: ...

Bruce: Maybe I should do the same Ibuki, hahaha...

Ibuki: Are you serious?

Bruce: My dad would not allow me I suppose, hehehe...

Ibuki: ...

Bruce: Still thinking about Ikari?

Ibuki: Yeah, he must be heartbroken, I-... If the timing could only have been better... I wonder where he went-... I need to talk to him...

Bruce: I'm sure he's fine, it's Ikari we're talking about! He'll recover, trust me.

Having also been warned by the alarm, Bruce and Ibuki had finally made their way to the podium as well as Ibuki had a worried look on her face. It was then when the crowd around the man whom had volunteered began to scatter to make room for him that she realized what she had feared.

Ibuki: Ikari?!

Bruce: What? Where-... What is he doing?!?!

Running over to him, Ibuki grabbed a hold onto his arm, trying to get contact with him as Ikari halted his process to turn around and confront her.

Ibuki: Ikari, what are you doing, have you seriously lost it?!

Bruce: Keep your tone down Ibuki, people are watching-...

Also running up to them was Bruce, and he had a concerned look on his face.

Ikari: Let go of me Ibuki...

Not even as much as giving enough care to look at her, Ikari had an emotionless expression on his face, yet, he was perhaps more determined than he had been in a while.

Bruce: She is right, this is madness Ikari...

Ikari: I'm not-... I'm not interested in talking to you two right now...

It was as if his voice was just about to crack, but he managed to keep his posture, for now at least...

Ibuki: What!? You can't let the rage cloud your judgement!

Ikari: I said... Let go off me, Ibuki!!

Breaking free from her grasp, Ikari continued firmly to walk towards the podium as the two of them hurried after him. Stepping in front of him, Bruce blocked his way as he finally got his attention. It all got silent for a bit as the gathered crowd around them paid close attention. A tense feeling filled the air, and it was as if Ikari was already beyond his breaking-point, ready to fly straight at him. He had so much anger he needed to get out, but he only just barely managed to keep it in check because he remembered how close friends they used to be. He was mad not only at Bruce for taking Ibuki away from him, but also on Ibuki for not letting him keep his promise to her.

Bruce: If you want to take it out on someone, take it out one me, Ikari, don't give us that face saying that you don't care at all!

Ikari: Get out of my way Bruce!

Trying to push him away, Bruce held his ground as Ikari backed away a few meters, just staring at him as he did.

Ikari: Bruce, just don't, I don't have time for this, I don't want to do this now...

Bruce: So, what's it going to be Ika-...

It was then as everyone expected Ikari and Bruce to clash, that Ikari did the unexpected.

Ikari: Besides, someone has to volunteer, might as well be me...

Bruce: !!

Walking up to him again, Ikari decided to just walk past him this time around, as he continued up towards the podium. Turning his head to the side as he looked at them, Ikari knew he had to do something, and this was it.

Ikari: ...

Turning his head back towards the five Kages, Ikari then made up his mind.

Ibuki: You are not thinking clearly! An hour ago, you would not have... I-...

Ikari: I volunteer!!

Shouting out again, Ikari eventually made his way over to the podium. Realizing who it was, both Utakata and Jin were shocked to see Ikari of all people volunteering for such a mission right off the bat, shortly after he'd arrived to the camp.

Jin: Ikari?? Are you sure this is what you want, I mean, you just arrived-...

Ikari: I'm sure...

Utakata: Well with what you displayed earlier, you might be an excellent choice!

Hanzo: Uzumaki Ikari huh... Anyone else?? Come on we need some hands, we still need 1000 volunteers more!

Bruce: Ikari... He really is doing it, isn't he? Damn it, I can't let him go alone, it's our fault he would do something like this to begin with! I have to-...

Ibuki: Bruce, don't do anything reckless just yet, just-...

?: I'm in!!

Jin: ?!!

Bruce: !!

From the crowd, a girl with long blond hair suddenly made her way forward as she stepped out of the crowd, appearing beside them.

Jin: Rin, what are you doing?!

Seemingly quiet upset with the person whom had volunteered, Jin raised his voice in concern.

Rin: I'm volunteering of course...

Jin: I won't allow my very own daughter to go on such a mission, you are far from ready-...

Rin: I'm a Chunin dad, I can take care of myself... After all, someone has to go, like Ikari said.

Jin: ...

Rin: And seeing Ikari go, I can't be any worse than him! So yeah, I'm going...

Hanzo: Well??

Jin: Fine, if that's what you want, I won't refuse.

Bruce: Nooo dad!! Are you seriously letting her do this?!!

Making his way to the podium, the whole crowd turned their attention towards Bruce as he seemed furious walking straight up to where they were standing.

Bruce: You can't let Rin go! I won't allow my sister to be used as a pawn like that!

Jin: Bruce...

Rin: It's my choice, don't interfere Bruce...

Bruce: Dad??

Jin: She has made her choice... She's a grown woman.

Hanzo: Senju Rin... Anyone else?

Bruce: I can't believe this...

Storming off, Bruce disappeared amongst the crowd towards Ibuki as Rin went up to Ikari and stopped by his side.

Ikari: Are you sure you want to do this Rin??

Rin: Positive... You?

Ikari: Yeah... Long time no see by the way, you've changed...

Rin: What do you mean??

Ikari: Don't worry about it, it's a good change. All I can say is, you seem more confident than before, hehe.

Thinking back on the past, several memories from Ikari's younger days triggered in his mind.

*Flashback begins*

'Sitting on a bench by himself, Ikari was lost in his own thoughts. He had no friends to play with, he was all alone. His only family member, Naruto the 2nd, was way too old to go anywhere. Ikari was six years old, and all he had was himself. For some reason, no one wanted to play with him, no matter what he tried, and it made him upset... Sad... Furious. Having been told a great story by Naruto the 2nd the other day, probably the last story he would ever tell about himself and his siblings taking part in the Chunin exam many, many years ago, Ikari knew very well that his great great grandfather's time was approaching fast. After all, he was already over 100 years old. What would he do once his final family member was gone? As he was thinking about the great battle between his great great grandfather, and the 9th Hokage of Konoha, Tadakatsu Senju, during that said Chunin exam, Ikari picked up a rock and was just about to throw it in front of himself when he saw a family walking by. It wasn't any family though, it was the family of the Hokage.

Bruce: Why do I have to do this now father, I'm too old for such simple-minded training!

Jin: Calm down Bruce, I'm sure it will be much fun. If not for yourself, then for your sister.

Rin: Yeah cheer up Bruce, there's no need for you to be this little motivated for some good training! Throwing kunai is much fun!

Bruce: Geez, you just don't get it, do you sis? Wait two years until you are my age and you will... Hopefully.

Rin: Humph!

Jin: Easy now, just be glad you are getting this type of training Bruce, especially by me and not any bodyguards. Besides, I think I've found the right Sensei for you now, someone that will be able to-...

Bruce: It's not that Kazuya guy, is it??

Jin: I-...

Bruce: Blah, not interested!

Jin: Sigh, what am I to do with you son... Sooner or later, you will have to find someone that will be your Sensei for longer than just a few months, and also, you can't be the only one to receive training from your Sensei, it doesn't work like that...

Bruce: Well I don't need any team-mates to become a better shinobi! I'm good enough as it is...

Rin: If you were as good as you claim, you would already be a Chunin by now, wouldn't you?

Bruce: Heh, I will, sooner than you think sis, sooner than you think... After all, I'm going to become Hokage one day!

Jin: Less talk you two, let's get to our destination, shall we?

As Ikari looked at them walking by, he couldn't help feeling that even though it was the Hokage's family, his son was a strange individual indeed.

Man: So there you are Ikari, come quickly, your great great grandfather has requested to see you, it is important.

Ikari: Is it... Has the time arrived?

Man: I'm afraid so.

Ikari: I see...

As the years passed by and Ikari learned to fend for himself, he quickly adapted to those around him and gained many close friends. At the age of 12, the day where he entered the academy finally arrived, and not long after, he became friends with Bruce and met Ibuki for the first time. Later that year after the Chunin exam ended, Ikari laid in the hospital as he heard whispers in the hall of Bruce being promoted to Chunin, even though he lost in the final to the guy who beat Ikari in the Semi-Final. Hearing this, Ikari could not help feeling jealous and annoyed, and as he was struggling to get up from the bed, a woman came through the door.

Rin: !! You're awake...

Ikari: Oh, hey there... Ehm, you're Bruce's sister, aren't you?

Rin: I-... Yes I am... But I believe we've met before, right?

Ikari: Yes, but we've never... You know, talked properly...

Rin: Hehe, I suppose not... So how are you feeling? That opponent, he did you in quite well, didn't he?

Ikari: Humph, not really, I was just careless...

Rin: Hahaha, well you're in the hospital, aren't you?

Ikari: Heh, I suppose...

Rin: If it makes you feel any better, Bruce lost with good margins to that guy as well...

Ikari: But he was still promoted huh...

Rin: Yeah...

Ikari: So why are you here?

Rin: I-... Well I thought I would check on you...

Ikari: Check on me?? Only Ibuki has bothered to check on me so far really...

Rin: I'm sure Bruce will as well when he gets time...

Ikari: When he gets time huh... Hah, we'll see about that I guess...

Rin: So are you two...

Ikari: What, if Bruce and I are on a cold front? No, not really, he's just like that-...

Rin: No, I meant... Ibuki and yourself, are you two... You know, officially together now?

Ikari: Hehehe, well yeah, I suppose you could say that... Why do you ask?

Rin: Oh, it was nothing really, just making... Ehm, conversation. Anyways, I should be going, you take care now.

Ikari: Okay then, good talking to you.

Leaving with a smile, Rin slowly closed the door behind her. As she was walking down the corridor, a half red-half yellow flower could be seen behind her back. Ikari on the other hand couldn't stop thinking how different she was from Bruce. So calm, gentle, kind and not to forget, shy in a way. Laying back into the bed, Ikari's attention was once again turned towards the door as both Bruce and Ibuki entered only a couple of minutes after Rin left.'

*Flashback Ends*

Rin: If you say so.

Leaving a smile on her face, Rin seemed to be confident about her choice. There was no turning back now, and as time went by, more and more people volunteered as well. As the crowd scattered, the thousand shinobi picked for the mission got debriefed as they ventured into the black night. Standing by the exit, Ibuki and Bruce were about to watch Ikari and Rin take off towards what could be their last mission, but not without leaving some words behind first.

Ibuki: Ikari...

Ikari: What...

Not really feeling like saying anything, Ikari's face was little respondent to her call.

Ibuki: Would you please just listen for a second... I-... It's not exactly been easy for me while you were gone! After you left, I-... I didn't know what to do... I didn't hear from you in over a year as the war raged on... Much happened during that time and Bruce and I... Well, we got closer. I know it must be hard hearing this, but that's just how it is... I still care a lot for you, and you will always be in my heart, but right now, Bruce-...

Ikari: Ibuki, it's fine, it really is... You don't have to explain...

Ibuki: Are you sure??

Ikari: Positive.

Ibuki: If you say so...

Seeing that the two of them were done talking, Bruce took the word.

Bruce: Before you two go, I would like to say that I hope this won't change anything between us... I feel like I'm in no position to ask this, but I'll ask anyways...

Ikari: ...

Bruce: Could you please look out for my little sister... She's the only-...

Rin: Bruce! I'm old enough to look out for myself! It's not like I'm any younger than Ikari and Ibuki, we're the same age after-...

Bruce: I wasn't done talking Rin!! Could you do me this favor Ikari? That's all I ask...

Ikari: Fine... I'll keep an eye on her... Rin, we should get going to not fall behind the rest.

Rin: Right.

Going up to her brother, Rin gave him a hug as she gave Ibuki a hug as well after that. Ikari on the other hand had already turned around walking as Ibuki noticed, only to try and say something. However, knowing that it would only make things worse, Bruce grabbed a hold on to her hand, giving her a nod. Realizing what he met, she stopped her hand from lingering in the air any longer as the two of them watched as Rin took off to catch up with Ikari and the rest.

Bruce: And don't you forget, come back alive!!

Disappearing from view, the blazing sun was just about to rise at the horizon.

Rin: You didn't say properly goodbye Ikari... Are you sure you are alri-...

Ikari: Just leave it be please, I don't want to talk about it.

Having gone with a white lie, Ikari was burning up inside. He could only do so much to control his rage and everything that he could think of was them. He wanted to let loose on someone with all his might, to get all that frustration out. Normally, something like the fact that Ibuki had been promoted to Jonin while he was gone would have trigger him a bit, but that wasn't even on his mind right now... He was walking so fast that the two of them started to get some distance from the rest, something in which Hanzo noticed, as he was about to shout out to them to make them stay in line. Realizing this, Rin gave him a nod as she reached out to Ikari to slow him down a bit.

Rin: Ikari... Ikari! Just stop for a second, are you really so stressed that you have to be the first one to go into battle? Have you lost all will to take anything serious, and just want to fight to the death or something? We have to stay with the rest, you can't simply run off like this, you can't be that naive! Let's slow down a bit, let the rest catch up to us at least.

Ikari: Fine.

Slowing his march down for a second, Ikari then allowed the rest to catch up to them as Rin continued.

Rin: I know what happened, what Ibuki meant to you, what my brother did, how they hooked up-... Just look at you, I can clearly see that you are not taking it well, that it was all just an act to avoid making a scene back there-...

Ikari: Why do you care so much Rin?! I don't even understand why you are here! Why did you volunteer in the first place?

Rin: I...

Ikari: Look, I already told you to leave it be... Heh, and he asked me to look after you... Hah! That guy is clearly something else, isn't he? How dare he ask me that, after he did the complete opposite when I asked him to look out for Ibuki... If it wasn't for him being your brother, him being an old friend of mine and if we hadn't shared as much history as we have, I don't know what I would have done... But nevertheless, I will be the better one of us, I will not only keep my promise, I will-...

Rin: Ikari, you-...

Ikari: Rin...

Coming to a complete stop, Ikari finally spoke out while letting the rest get some distance from them for a change.

Rin: Ikari, why are you stopping, the rest are-...

Ikari: Before I left Konoha, I remember that you were a nice and cute girl... Kind, helpful, perhaps even a bit shy, but most importantly, you were the opposite of your brother, you were not as energetic and wild as him... I remember that day when I was in the hospital, when I spoke to you properly for the first time... Rin, please don't let my anger change the opinion I have on you... I promised Bruce that I will protect you with all my power, and I'm going to do just that, but please, just please don't try to dig into my mind, I...

Rin: Fine...

Taking a deep breath, Ikari was about to lose it when Hanzo came back for them, almost having to tell them to pick up the pace this time around rather to tell them to slow down.

Hanzo: Not getting second thoughts are we?? The two of you have been going back and forth through our line too many times already... Keeping it at this pace will only tire you out.

Ikari: I know... And no of course not... In fact, if you don't mind, I would like to fight alongside you Tsuchikage-Sama.

Rin: ...

Hanzo: Good! Make sure not to fall behind then!

As soon as the sun had set on the sky, the force being led by the Tsuchikage had traveled a good distance. Reaching the narrow path as predicted, there were no enemy to be seen nearby. Giving the signal to move on, the 1000 shinobi navigated through the ravine as they came out onto a hill-top with an open field in view before them. Below, the enemy camp laid, and they had the momentum. Being about to signal the squadron to attack, Hanzo suddenly heard screams as the path they had crossed through spat out countless of enemies from behind. Seeing this, Hanzo made preparations for counter-attack, but as he did, two forces coming in from both right and left totally took them by surprise. To make things even worse, the camp ahead of them had been alerted as even more enemies could be seen approaching them. In the chaos that followed, Hanzo's squadron were slaughtered. There was no mercy to be shown, and what was suppose to be a surprise attack, ended in the opposite. Being jumped from all sides, Hanzo had no chance maneuvering his shinobi as one by one they fell.

Ikari: *Pant, Pant* There's no end to them!!

Rin: I can't believe we fell for such a trap, Ikari we need to-...?!

Ikari: !!

Being in the middle of battle, the two of them were standing back to back as all variations of techniques were flying everywhere. Looking up after having dealt with an enemy, Ikari noticed that something very bad happened as he looked over to the direction Rin was covering, only to see Hanzo falling to his knees. The Tsuchikage had fallen, too many swords to count had been pierced through his body. What was suppose to be a glorious day for the Shinobi World Alliance led to the 4th Kage being killed in three years. Blood spat everywhere, Hanzo did not stand a chance. Shocked witnessing this, Ikari completely froze. Seeing their leader fall, the rest of the shinobi fell into complete and utter chaos. Some tried to flee, others committed suicide. Some even surrendered on the spot, only to be beheaded were they stood. Ikari lost control, one by one they fell. 1000... 500... 300... 100... 50... The enemy counted over 10 000 shinobi. He knew he had to get out of there, it was the only way of survival. He had no time to lose, he had to escape now. Hurrying over to Rin, Ikari barely managed to fend off a dozen shinobi, using his Shadow Clones as distractions. Reaching up to her, Ikari grabbed a hold onto her arm and dragged her close to him, so close their faces almost bumped into each other. Looking him straight into his eyes, Rin saw enemies coming in from all sides. Was this going to be the end? Closing her eyes, Rin expected the finishing blow, but to her surprise, no blow was dealt. Opening her eyes again, she was standing in a different place. She let go of Ikari's grasp as she looked around. No enemies to be seen. What on earth happened?

Ikari: Ugh...

Rin: !!

Turning back towards Ikari, Rin noticed that he fell to his knees in exhaustion.

Rin: Ikari!

Ikari: I'll manage, *Pant*

Rin: What did you do?! Where are we?? Are we... Dead??

Ikari: Not really...

Forcing himself up, Ikari continued.

Ikari: Where we are however, that I don't know...

Rin: What do you mean?

Ikari: My technique... It was the Flying Thunder God...

Rin: The Flying Thunder God??

Ikari: Yes... It's a teleportation technique relying on either seals or seeing where you are going, to work. This time however, I don't think I used neither method... Was this what Naruto meant... Did I manage to...

Rin: Wait just a second, I didn't even know there was a-...

Ikari: Well now you know... I can only use it about five or six times a day... And this was my 4th time...

Having also already used Flying Thunder God twice while rescuing Utakata the Mizukage, and once to get away from Ibuki's reach while still in camp, Ikari was closing in at his limit. Looking back at his training, Ikari could only be grateful that he possessed such a technique to begin with, because without it, the two of them would have surely been dead.

*Flashback Begins*

'Naruto: Ahh, there you are...

Ikari: So what's up?? It's not like you to call me in when I'm in the middle of my Sennin training.

Naruto: That training can wait... For now, I want to show you something new.

Ikari: Something new?? But I still need to master Sennin Mode, and I've barely begun to grasp the Rasengan! Not to forget that it took me awhile to properly preform the Summoning Technique and to make Shadow Clones... Teaching me something new now will only take my focus away with too many techniques at once... I don't know if I'll be able to do it all at once... I'm not you Naruto, and I suppose, no matter how hard I train, I never will be anywhere near your level either-...

Naruto: Well you have a point... But this technique is different. And something tells me it fits you perfectly.

Ikari: Different how?

Naruto: It's both attacking and defensive...

Ikari: Oh yeah?...

Naruto: Yes... It is called the Flying Thunder God... And only four people in history knew how to use this technique without the help of others.

Ikari: Flying Thunder-...

Naruto: The 2nd Hokage, the 4th Hokage, myself the 6th, and my son, the 7th Hokage... There has also been some occasions where two or more people have been required to use this technique due to them not being able to grasp it properly on their own, two of them which were my grandson, the 8th Hokage, and his wife. They needed each other to pull it off and they were only able to do it late in their lifetime after countless years training to master it.

Ikari: Hmm...

Naruto: However, through history there has been several stages discovered, and only two people were able to unlock stage 2.

Ikari: Stage 2??

Naruto: Initially, the technique relied on seals to be used.

Ikari: Seals huh...

Naruto: Yes... With seals, the user could teleport between them, making it a great offensive attack. Either by sticking seals to kunai or by planting them in different locations.

Ikari: Yeah, yeah, simple basics.

Naruto: In my time, I managed to discover a new stage though. With that stage, I was able to teleport without the use of seals, as long as I could see where I was going. This took a much heavier toll than using seals however, and I didn't depend on it much. The way it worked was that if I was standing in front of a wall blocking my access to a room, I could not teleport through it because I didn't know, I didn't see what was on the other side... Basically I could get stuck halfway through the wall... If I removed the wall however, I could teleport into the room, into what I could see...

Ikari: ...

Continuing his lecture, Naruto's explaining slowly began to tire Ikari out, and realizing this, Naruto picked his pace up.

Naruto: Well, only myself and my son managed to unlock this stage...

Ikari: Mhm...

Naruto: Then...

Ikari: Finally...

Naruto: Then, after training for many years, I managed to unlock the final stage of the Flying Thunder God, making it the most complex, fast and efficient teleportating technique in the world.

Ikari: Okay...

Naruto: I was able to teleport anywhere I wanted... To places I knew, heck, even to places I didn't knew... At first it was very inaccurate, teleporting me places I had no intention to go, I ended up places where the only thing I could do was to scratch my head. This stage however, took a ton of chakra though, and my limit for using the Flying Thunder God back then was eight times a day.'

*Flashback Ends*

Rin: Hmmm... Can you use this technique to get us back to camp then??

Ikari: Normally yes, but I didn't plan on returning so I left no seals behind there...

Rin: But you didn't have any seals here either, did you?

Ikari: No, but like I said, this method is different, and I haven't learned how to use the 3rd stage properly yet...

Rin: I see...

Ikari: Damn it, what do we do now? I don't even know where we are... Hanzo and the rest... They were all slaughtered and I couldn't do a thing!!

Slamming his fists into the ground, Ikari could not avoid blaming himself as Rin tried to comfort him.

Rin: Hey Ikari... Hey I'm talking to you, stop it!!

Grabbing a hold onto his arm, Rin tried to stop him from punishing himself as Ikari continued to punch the ground, going as far as bruising his fists.

Rin: Will you stop!!

Slapping him across the face, Ikari snapped out of it as he fell flat on his back.

Rin: You saved me, okay!! You saved my life, you protected me... There was only so much you could have done, we were... There was nothing else you could have done... Look, I get it, you are mad, you blame yourself for losing Ibuki to my brother, and now, you are blaming-...

Ikari: Rin... Step out of the way...

Rin: What??

Ikari: STEP OUT OF THE WAY!!

Rin: ?!

Seeing a gigantic fireball made from six shinobi's Katon (Fire Style) flying their way at rapid speed, Ikari quickly got up to his feet as he pushed Rin out of the way. Throwing a kunai with a seal-tag attached to it, to the ground a few meters to the side, Ikari was just about to use his next to last Flying Thunder God, but to his surprise, Rin fired up a technique of her own before he could teleport, rendering the need for him to use it unnecessary.

Rin: Water Style: Water Barrier!

Spitting out a large wave of water, forming itself into a defensive wall in front of Ikari, Rin bought him enough time to get out of the way as he jumped out of harm's reach just as her defense broke down. Landing on his stomach, Ikari quickly got up to his feet again as he looked at the 1000 or so shinobi coming in at them.

Rin: Ikari, what are you doing, there is no way you can hold your ground!! We need to retreat, now!

Ikari: Damn they found us... Guess we didn't teleport too far away.

Rin: Ikari, now!!

Ikari: Run...

Rin: What?!

Ikari: I said run!! I'll buy you some time...

Rin: What, are you crazy?!

Ikari: Run now!!!

Rin: No...

Ikari: What do you mean no?!

Rin: I won't run away from you... Not after what we've been through. Either we both stand and fall together, or we both go.

Ikari: No, what I'm going to do... I need you to stand back...

Rin: No-...

Ikari: Fine, but do not get in the line of fire!!

Shouting out, an intense energy began to glow around him before it rapidly retracted into his body.

Ikari: Sennin Mode!!

Having summoned enough natural energy to go into Sage Mode, Ikari prepared himself for what seemed to be an impossible battle to win.

Rin: You really think you have a chance, don't you??!

Ikari: I've been trained by the best shinobi to ever live for the past three years... It would be weird if I didn't have a trick or two up my sleeves... Just watch me Rin! Summoning Technique!!

Slamming his hand into the ground, a large toad appeared beneath them, sending them both high up in the air.

Ikari: Toad Boss, I need you help!

Rin: Whoa, you know how to summon such a big toad??

Ikari: Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!!

Creating several copies of both himself and the summoned toad, Ikari was flexing his whole arsenal. Reaching out for two swords which he had holstered on his back, Ikari and all his clones pointed them straight out in the air as a strong current of chakra began to flow through them, before eight balls of Rasengan appeared floating around each sword. To add to it further, an intense sound could be heard as each of the Rasengans got razor-sharp, having added Futon (Wind Style) to all of them.

Ikari: My Sennin Mode only lasts for an hour, so we have to be fast Toad Boss!!

Leaping off at great speed, Ikari and all his clones rammed into the enemies in front of them. Having to hold on tight, Rin could only watch as Ikari used all his might, sending people flying left and right.

Rin: Are you seriously going to try and take them all out?!?! It's 1000 to 1!!!

Ikari: I was never any good dealing with odds... Besides, odds were always meant to be broken...

[...]

Jin: What?!

Shinobi: They were all-... Slaughtered, every-one... Th-e... Tsuchikage fell, we were totally... Run down *Cough*... I-... I only made it back here alive so I could report this... *Pant* I think... No, I believe I was the only survivor... I'm so sorry, that is all I can say...

Jin: That... Will be all then...

Bruce: No... No it can't be...

Ibuki: ...

Back at the camp, a single survivor from the squadron of 1000 had made it back alive. Having been badly wounded, the shinobi only managed to be brief as he was too injured to stay focused. Signaling Jin that it was time to give the shinobi some rest, the medical shinobi supervising the meeting proceeded to check on him. Having heard what was needed, Jin left the medical tent as Bruce and Ibuki quickly followed.

Bruce: Dad... Dad stop!!

Having to physically stop Jin from moving, Bruce finally gained his father's attention, realizing what it all could potentially mean.

Bruce: Dad... Do you...

Jin: ...

Bruce: Answer me, do you think she fell?!

Jin: Bruce I... She made her choice, after all, it was a suicide mission.

Bruce: How can you be so cold-hearted, you lost a daughter!! And I lost a sister... She can't be, she must still be alive... Damn it, I trusted Ikari protecting her, I-...

Jin: Can't you see?! Stop talking Bruce, I can't take-... I can't...

No longer being able to hold back, tears began to stream down his chin. Pulling Bruce close to him, the two of them were devastated. Ibuki on the other hand had gone into complete shock. Having not said a thing yet, she suddenly fell over, landing on the ground.

Jin: ?!

Bruce: Oi Ibuki?! Ibuki, can you hear me?? Ibuki!!

Having passed out on the ground, Bruce hurried to her side as he lifted her up and carried her over to the closest medical tent he could find. Grabbing a hold onto a Medical Shinobi, Bruce watched anxiously as he examined her. After a few hours, she finally woke up again, much to Bruce's relief.

Ibuki: What happened... Bruce??

Bruce: Ibuki, damn you scared the living life out of me. For a moment there, I thought I lost you as well...

Ibuki: I'm-... I passed out, didn't I? I...

Bruce: It's okay, you don't need to explain. What matters now is that you are awake... It's all that matters...

[...]

Ikari: *Pant, Pant... Huff, Huff... Cough, Cough!... Ac-k!... Ugh... Gwuak!...*

Rin: Ikari?!

Ikari: I'll manage...

Rin: I... How did you... Just...

Ikari: *Pant* It's... All over.

Having gone all out, single-handily taking care of over a 1000 shinobi! Ikari fell over, not being able to stand any longer. As his last remaining clones and toads disappeared, his Sage Mode ran out as well. Laying on the ground with a lifeless stare, Rin had to lift him up close to her as she wrapped her arms around him.

Rin: Hold on, just hold on, I won't let you die... Now it's my turn to protect you, my turn to give something in return...

Ikari: Rin... What.. Are... You...

Rin: Just don't fight it...

Ikari: !!

Grasping him tightly, a light yellow colored chakra beamed out of her, and before he knew it, Ikari felt recovered. It was as if his chakra was restored and his wounds healed.

Rin: *Pant Pant*

Having to let go of him due to exhausting herself, Rin was breathing heavily as Ikari looked at her astonished.

Rin: Don't look at me like that, compared to what you did, I didn't do a thing.

Ikari: That technique... Medical technique?? No... Something else...

Rin: Have you forgot... I'm a Senju after all...

Ikari: I-...

Forcing himself up, Ikari reached his hand out as she grabbed a hold onto it, helping her up on her feet again. Just as they were about to figure out what to do, Ikari stared across the massacre he had created as a river of blood floated down the hill in front of them, and at the end of it, even more enemies approached.

Rin: Ikari, Ikari!

Ikari: Yeah I know...

Rin: God damn it, not this time, there is no way you can...

Ikari: I have to try...

Rin: No, this time... This time we run. You hear me?!

Ikari: Damn it Rin, there will never be an end to them, running away won't do a thing. I will buy you as much time as I can, but you have to go now... There is no way I can defend you and attack the enemy at the same time like I did before again, not in this state... I will use my remaining strength to go out with a bang...

Rin: Ikari just listen, just listen to me okay... Why are you willing to throw your life away so easily?! Why do you want to die... Surely it can't be just because you promised my brother to protect me! This is not your destiny, this is not why you went away to train for three years, just so you can throw it all a way!

Ikari: Please Rin, I'm begging you, just go, before I change my mind.

Rin: Then change your mind, come with me...

Letting go of herself, tears began to stream down her chin. She was crying, desperate to talk sense into him. Seeing her content, Ikari could not hold back any longer either as he too began to cry.

Rin: I can't... I can't go on without you, there is no way I could-... I won't leave your side. Either we both make it, or we'll die together, you hear me!

Putting her soft hands on his face, Rin turned his head towards her own as she looked him straight into his eyes.

Rin: Look at me, hear my voice... Just please give me a reason to why we can't run... Why do you insist on fighting, what is it that is on your mind?! Don't throw it all away, you got so much else to-...

Ikari: I've lost everything, okay!! My family, I never knew anyone except my great great grandpa, and with him gone, I only had Ibuki left... She was my light, my reason to go on, my friend, my present, my future!... And now I've lost her too, betrayed by my friend, your brother, betrayed by her... And what for?! Her reason... Why didn't she say something?! I would have stayed in Konoha if I knew that she wasn't able to wait... And Bruce of all people?! I asked him to look out for her, not to steal her away from me!! I trusted him, I-... I'm all alone, I have no one to... I've lost my way, my meaning of existence! I got nothing more to live for, that's why I volunteered in the first place! It's all over, it's just-... I'm done, finished, I-...

Not managing to keep his mask any longer, Ikari let it all out in front of her. He completely broke down, making her realize that it was much worse than she or anyone could have expected.

Rin: You are wrong Ikari...

Ikari: !!

Rin: You got me... Right here and now, and that is the only thing that is real, the only thing that matters right now, you hear me!

Reaching out to him even further, Rin suddenly went to kiss him. It was brief and surprising, but at the same time...

Ikari: Rin, you...

Rin: Now come on, please come with me, I can't do this without you!

Ikari: I...

Rin: Come on, there's no time to lose!!

Grabbing a hold onto his arm, Rin forced him to follow as the two of them ran with the enemy shinobi closing in. This time around it wasn't just a platoon, but the whole damn army chasing them. If they stood their ground now, they would definitely die. As they were running for their lives, Ikari started believing again, believing in life. He started to see options, a purpose, and as his new thoughts started to run through his head, Ikari spotted a cliff-side in a huge mountain several miles ahead. Realizing that it could be the break they needed, Ikari halted as he dragged Rin close to himself again. And like history had seen many times before them, they were gone in the blink of an eye.

[...]

Shinobi: Mizukage-Sama!!

Utakata: ??

Standing in a meeting with the Raikage and the Kazekage, discussing what do to now that they had lost Hanzo, their attention were quickly drawn towards an incoming shinobi bearing good news.

Shinobi: The scouts we sent out a few hours ago, they've managed to capture one of the enemy shinobi! He's being interrogated as we speak!

Utakata: Say what?

Maki: Well that's great news!

Haku: Finally a reason to cheer! Having lost Hanzo and countless others, I could not have taken any more bad news for a day... Let's find out what he knows at once!

Maki: I agree with the Kazekage, this is an opportunity we can't let slip!

Hurrying over to the scene where the interrogation took place, they quickly learned that there was hope after all. Being told that there was a mighty warrior holding his ground against 1000 shinobi while defending a woman and still triumphing, made the Kages drop their jaws in awe.

Maki: That is impossible!?

Haku: Just who could it be?? I thought no one survived that battle...

Bruce: It has to be him...

Also having arrived to the scene, Bruce was quick to make assumption on whom the two of them could be.

Utakata: What??

Bruce: It has to be Ikari and my sister... It just has to be...

Utakata: What makes you so sure?

Bruce: Can you think of anyone else??

Utakata: ...

Bruce: If they are still alive, they need our help. If I could borrow some troops, I'll go looking for them personally from where this man says the aftermath took place.

Looking over at the prisoner, a new hope bloomed inside Bruce.

Utakata: Granted.

Haku: And I'll go with you, just to be sure.

Readying some 100 troops and horses, the two of them set out to look for what Bruce believed to be his good friend and his sister.

Jin: So he did now... Well good thing that Haku is with him...

Finding out about this an hour or so later, Jin was not too happy with Bruce going out. However, understanding that the risk could be worth taking, he didn't care much more for it. Ibuki on the other hand, whom had overheard the conversation, obviously began to worry, much to Yoshi's annoyance.

Yoshi: Ibuki, could you please stop walking back and forth, it's making me stressed...

Inba: Please have understanding Yoshi-San, the fact that Ikari might still be alive and that Bruce is out looking for him and his sister must surely make her anxious.

Yoshi: Yeah I suppose you are right, I suppose you are, again...

[...]

Ikari: *Pant, Pant*

Rin: *Huff, huff*

Finding themselves standing on the cliff in the mountain-side who Ikari spotted from great distance, the two of them had finally been able to get rid of their tail. Day had become night and the two of them were exhausted.

Ikari: No one should be able to reach us here, unless they can climb this far up... Looks to be a cave behind here, if we lit a fire, we can keep warm for the night.

Rin: Good idea.

Walking over there and making the preparations, Ikari sat down as he lit a small fire with his Fire Style technique, an element which he also possessed beside his Wind Style techniques. Getting close to him, Rin then sought comfort as the two of them were leaning up against the wall with the fire burning bright before them. Pulling out a small blanket from her ninja bag, Rin gently wrapped it around them the best she could.

Rin: Is this okay, I hope you don't mind... I mean, you probably-...

Ikari: Why would I mind? It's cold enough as it is I suppose...

Rin: ...

Ikari: ...

Rin: Ikari...

Ikari: Hm?

Rin: Are you mad at me?

Ikari: Mad at you? No, why would I be-...

Rin: I've been nothing else than a burden for you all day, and you've risked everything to protect me... I just don't get it, why would you go through all this for me, for my brother, when all you can think of is Ibuki and him hooking up... How he betrayed you, how she betrayed you... I... Why do you care, when you so easily could not... You could have let your rage for my brother out on me, but you haven't, and I-...

Ikari: Heh, Rin I... You know, there's two kinds of people in this war... The ones who do harm for fun, and the ones who tries to stop it all... I don't view you as the former, so I have no reason to let my anger out on you... That would not be fair at all, that's not the person I am... You are too sweet, too kind, too...

Rin: ...Yeah?

Ikari: I-...

Rin: You don't have to say it.

Ikari: ...

Rin: Heh, by the way, I know you are a bit upset and all, but, ehm... Do you want to hear something? Something to get you on better thoughts??

Ikari: What??

Rin: I suppose thinking twice about it, it won't really get you on better thoughts, but-...

Ikari: What, spit it out already!

As the two of them were looking into the great fire in front of them, complete darkness slowly fell over the land. It was a starry night, and a distant owl could be heard from far away. Having something on her mind to break the seriousness which consumed them, Rin started laughing thinking about it as Ikari pressed on to find out what it was. She couldn't help herself so Ikari almost had to push her over to make her snap out of it.

Rin: Okay, okay, relax! Hahaha...

Ikari: Don't just laugh about something without telling me Rin, just-... Geez... Just tell me...

Rin: Hahahaha, well I'm not sure if I should tell you, although I suppose you can't get more upset than what you are now really...

Ikari: ...

Rin: Though it's a bit embarrassing...

Ikari: Sigh... Okay?

Rin: Well, I know you like to blame Ibuki for moving on, but, personally I can't really blame her, I mean...

Ikari: ...

Rin: Not because of what I think about it, but because of the role I kind of had in it, I-...

Ikari: Role you had in it??

Rin: I might have been the one to help Ibuki get on better thoughts to begin with, and from there on, she might have... Well, found it easier to move on...

Ikari: What the heck do you mean by that?!

Rin: Calm down, nothing like that, just let me finish...

Starting to think that Rin did something to aide Bruce hooking up with Ibuki, Ikari felt like Rin had to choose what to say next carefully.

Rin: A few months after you left, Ibuki started to get more and more stressed... She didn't know how to control herself, how to cope with you being away... Having heard no words from you, she was getting more and more emotional attached to everyone around her, including me, and the war didn't really help either, I mean, all the deaths and...

Ikari: ...

Rin: Well one day after we returned from a battle, Ibuki lost her father-...

Ikari: She... Her father is??...

Rin: Yes... She fell in an emotional rage, and she had no one to seek comfort in, and then there was Bruce...

Ikari: I wasn't around to comfort her huh...

Rin: It was never their intent, but it still happened. But before the two of them hooked up, before her father fell in battle, she...

Ikari: Yeah??

Rin: She kind of hooked up with me first...

Ikari: WHAT?!! She-... You two-... Did what?!

Completely shocked hearing this, that Ibuki and Rin had hooked up at one point, that his girlfriend had been... Together with another girl while he was away, that the two of them also were secretly attracted to other females, just the thought of it all made Ikari...

Rin: It was a brief experience though, and it happened so fast... It was just a short flick I assure you, but I can't deny it... It was...

Ikari: *Gulp*

Rin: A good experi-...

Ikari: Okay let me just stop you there...

Rin: What??

Ikari: Ibuki and you...

Rin: Mhm.

Ikari: Had ***??

Rin: Ehm... Yeah...

Ikari: I can't even begin to... When did this happen, how did it-...

Rin: We were both lonely, and, well... She couldn't cheat on you with a guy and...

Ikari: What?!! You do realize how crazy, how-...

Rin: How what?

Ikari: I just can't imagine.

Rin: I rather not have you try to do so really...

Ikari: I'm not going to sleep tonight, but at least I'm on better thoughts now, haha.

Rin: Silly you, I told you it was embarrassing... So you're not mad at me, at her because of it?

Ikari: If you think that had something to do with her opening herself up to other people beside me, I suppose that could be one of the reasons, but at the same time, the way you explained her father dying and Bruce, your brother, being there for her, well, I can't really say I don't get it, but... No, I don't blame you... It's... What's done is done I suppose.

Rin: Phew, well glad that it didn't upset you more than you were then...

Ikari: Heh, well, still disturbing though.

Rin: Ehehehe...

Ikari: ...

Rin: ...

Ikari: Ehm, Rin, may I ask you something?

Rin: Yeah, sure?

Ikari: What you said earlier, what you did, were you...

Rin: Earlier... You mean...

Ikari: Were you caught up in the moment, or did you mean what you said when you said that I still had-... You... When you... Kissed me earlier?

As Ikari looked at Rin, he felt a ton of feelings running through his body as she stared back at him. What happened to the tomboy she used to be all those years ago? Being Bruce's sister, she had actually become quite a woman during the years...

Rin: I... No, well, yeah, but...

Not really knowing what to say, Rin got caught in his gaze...

"What is he... Why is he looking at me like that? Is he thinking... Does he want to..."

Knowing that something was up, that it was more than just an awkward moment, Rin felt that something was about to happen as she had his warm arm wrapped around her.

Ikari: Rin...

Rin: ...

Ikari: May I-...

Rin: I... Ehm, what are you...

Ikari: May I kiss you-...

Rin: ...Y-es...

Getting closer and closer to her, Ikari suddenly felt the urge to kiss her. It was then that something unexpected happened. For some reason, Ikari had this strange feeling he could not explain. Was it the urge for revenge on Bruce, him being so depressed and tired, happy being alive, or maybe it was just something else? Did that kiss earlier give him a taste for more? Did her strong character, her actually caring for what happened to him, did that make him feel needed, feel important? Nevertheless, his instincts took over and before he knew it, his lips met with hers. He had no idea what he was doing. It felt so wrong, but still so right. He had her close to him, feeling her body temperature rising. His body acted on its own. Was this really what he wanted? Of course... She was hot as hell, and he wanted her here, he wanted her now, but could he do it?

Rin: Ikari, hang on a minute, I don't know if we should... You are still vulnerable, it wouldn't be right of me to-... For us to do it now, I...

Ikari: I don't care Rin... Ibuki she... She left me... All I want now, after what we went through, after what you said, is you, I-... I want you so badly I can't resist... You're so beautiful Rin, I would defend you with my life, no matter the stake, I-... I don't know who I am anymore, I feel so lost... You are all I got now, I can't help it, I-...

Reaching up to her once more, their lips continued to meet as she too got more and more exited.

Rin: Ahh-h, damn Ikari... I... Fu*k it all... *Gasp* I wa-nt-... You too...

Starting to kiss her even more passionately, the two of them then began taking each others' clothes off, as Ikari seemed to have forgotten about Ibuki all together. Like Rin was the opposite of Bruce, she was also the opposite of Ibuki in a way. They were both kind and caring, and they both didn't care much for their family being highly ranked among the society, but that was probably as far as their likeness went. Ibuki was dark-haired, Rin was blond, Ibuki had green eyes, Rin had blue. While Ibuki had bloomed a long time ago, Rin had just recently become a woman most men craved for, and while she didn't care as much as Ibuki on her looks, Rin still looked beautiful, even to such a degree that Bruce felt obligated to chase boys away from her. After having *** for about fifteen or so minutes, the two of them were dead tired, falling asleep as soon as they closed their eyes. Waking up early the next day, Rin refused to let go of his comforting grasp as she looked up at him.

Ikari: So you are awake huh...

Rin: Yes... I can't believe everything we went through yesterday... If it hadn't been for your bravery, your will to protect me, even though my brother betrayed your trust, you still-...

Ikari: Actually... The only reason I volunteered was so that I could die, fighting for the honor of the Shinobi World Alliance... If anything, you saved me, Rin.

Rin: Ikari...

Ikari: We should get going, the rest must be worried enough as it is.

As the hours went passed, the two of them were then seen walking down a road, trying to find their way back to camp. No enemy was in sight, but that didn't mean they could relax. Not really knowing what to make out of everything that had went down, Rin finally spoke out.

Rin: Ikari... Perhaps we should talk about what happened.

Ikari: What is there to talk about?...

Rin: I mean... I'm not usually like that, and knowing you still must be heart-broken over Ibuki, it might have been wrong of me... I hope you really don't think I took advantage of you??

Ikari: Not at all... Actually I'm glad.

Rin: Glad?? Why??

Ikari: Yesterday I was about to throw my life away, but you gave me a new meaning.

Forming a smile on his face, Ikari seemed to have regained his purpose as Rin could only smile back. Was she attracted to his bravery, or had it something to do with him being her older brother's best friend? Nah, it couldn't be that transparent, or could it? Noticing that Rin started to get tired, Ikari decided to pick her up on his back as he began to carry her for the rest of the way. Hopefully, it would not take long before they came across something that would tell them if they were on the right track or not.

[...]

Haku: Look, up ahead!

Bruce: Could that be?!

Having traveled for a good while, Haku and Bruce suddenly spotted someone closing in on them on the horizon, as they leaped off towards them at rapid speed.

Rin: Is that...

Ikari: It's-... Bruce?! Thank the heavens!!

As Bruce and Haku got closer and closer, Bruce's expectation turned into confirmation as he saw Ikari carrying Rin on his back just a few meters ahead of them. Finally reaching up to them, Bruce dismounted as he hugged them both tightly, helping Rin down from Ikari's back. He was exhausted, and Bruce immediately realized that as he helped him up to his feet again.

Rin: Brother, it really is you...

Bruce: I knew it! I knew you two were still alive!

Ikari: Heh, well, I couldn't break my promise to you, could I...

Bruce: Hahaha, and that's the only reason you two are alive??

Rin: Not far from it, no...

Haku: How you two managed to survive is beyond me... Anyways, we should head back to camp before we lose light as it will probably be getting dark soon. I'm sure there are some people back there who will be thrilled to hear about you two returning!

Giving them two horses to ride on, they all eventually arrived at the allied camp as nightfall fell over the sky. Reuniting Rin with her father and Ibuki with Bruce, Ikari could do nothing else than to smile as he saw them hugging each other. What he did not expect though was what Ibuki did next, as she came over to him and hugged him as hard as she could as well.

Ikari: !!

Ibuki: Next time Ikari, don't do something stupid like volunteering for a suicide mission, okay??

Ikari: ...

Jin: That goes for you too Rin...

Rin: Y-es, father...

Having been reunited with their friends, family and allies, Ikari and Rin had survived the ultimate battle against all odds, however, this was only the beginning of the long and harsh war as Ikari was slowly approaching the path whom Naruto had predicted him to walk. Would peace eventually arrive or was this world doomed by a curse of never-ending hatred and war that would continue to rip the earth apart until nothing else beside death was left?

Bruce: Now that you are back, Team 7 can finally be a full team again! And together, we will see this war to a proper end! Isn't that right?!

Ikari: Haha, we'll keep that in mind then, don't you worry. From this day forward, no enemy forces shall be able to stand against our might!

And with that, the moral of the Shinobi World Alliance slowly began to return as several battles followed in the next coming months. Fighting side by side with Bruce, Ibuki, Rin, his new friend Raikiru and many others, Ikari experience many victories and only some minor defeats, and as they kept on winning, so did they get closer to the end of the war... Not only that, but Ikari was eventually promoted to Jonin as well, and the final battle was slowly approaching in the not too distant future...

Bruce: Keep going, we must hold back until we can regain our momentum!

Ibuki: We can't retreat now, if we can only push a bit further ahead, we might get closer to ending the chaos than we have ever been since it all began!

Akuma: Bruce, Ibuki, defensive formation up front, I'll keep them busy long enough for you to get in position!

Bruce: Right Sensei!

Akuma: Lightning Style: Storm Dragon!

Being locked in what could potentially be the ice-breaker for the war, the Shinobi World Alliance was being led by Akuma and Bruce in one of their latest offensives. Having been able to reclaim much of the lost land, the enemy seemed to finally back down a bit, and as they were leading the attack, it almost seemed like they were winning too easily.

Bruce: Water Style: Whirlpool Hurricane!

Ibuki: Fire Style: Raging Dragon Bullet!

Firing their attacks, the three of them pushed the enemy so far back that some of them began to retreat. However, sensing that something was up, Akuma held the forces back from pursuing as Bruce started to question his command.

Bruce: Akuma-Sensei, what are you doing, we should attack them now and end it once and for all!

Akuma: Wait, something is up... If we pursuit them now, we will surely fall into a trap...

Ibuki: How can you be so sure??

Akuma: There!

Watching closely, the three of them saw as the enemy suddenly halted, realizing that they were not being followed. And as Akuma had predicted, a swarm of enemies emerged from the hills behind them.

Bruce: !!

Ibuki: They had this many shinobi hidden?!

Akuma: Stand your ground! If we lose here, we will be back to square one!

Rin: Where the hell are Ikari and Raikiru anyways?!

Running up to them, Rin brought no good news as Ikari and Raikiru had yet to arrive to the battlefield. Having fought some place else, the word of their victory quickly reached their ears as the request for back-up was met shortly thereafter. Not thinking that it could all be a diversion from the enemy to draw them in, the allied forces willingly took the bait. But would that be enough to stop their will to reclaim the land?

Akuma: All we can do now is wait... We must hold this ground, no matter the cost!

Setting up a defensive line, the allied forces braced themselves for impact as the enemy crashed into their lines.

Bruce: If Ikari isn't here, then I'll have to do something about it!

Akuma: Don't break the line Bruce, we must stand together!!

Charging ahead, Bruce went face to face with the enemy ranks as he infused his longsword with cutting-edge water currents.

Bruce: I won't let you scum keep killing our people! I will send you straight back to where you came from... Begone vermins!

Swinging his sword, Bruce sent enemies flying left and right as they just kept coming. Not long after, a fierce, piercing sound could be heard as several large shuriken infused with wind chakra came flying towards the enemies, bombarding them from the skies.

Bruce: !!

Ibuki: Look, over there!

Rin: Ikari!!

Akuma: *Smirk*

Arriving to the battlefield, riding on top of a toad, Ikari had his Sennin Mode activated as Raikiru and his remaining forces quickly followed behind them. Seeing an opportunity to counter, the allied forces broke out from their defensive lines as the battle raged on. Just as it seemed like they were pushing the enemies back however, an unnerving report came in.

Akuma: What?!

Ibuki: Impossible, that can't be!

Bruce: Say what?!

Rin: So the attack on Kiri was just a diversion to make us split our forces?!

Raikiru: Well if this is true...

Ikari: How can they have had this amount of forces hid away from us?? And they are coming this way you said?!

Having been told that the enemy was expecting massive reinforcement, the moral of the allied forces began to drop as they knew that there was no way they could hold their ground with only a small portion of the army. Seeing no other choice than to retreat, Akuma signaled his forces to withdraw just as the enemy reinforcement could be seen swarming the hill-side in front of them. Retreating several li to the south, the allied forces were back to starting position. Having fought all day, they were all exhausted as Ikari sat down and served himself a drink. It had been like this for the past months, ever since Ikari returned. At first, the allied forces' strength in numbers made them appear stronger, but just as they started to seize momentum, the enemy struck back fiercely, killing both the 9th Kazekage and the 10th Raikage within the first year.

A year after, the allied forces were struggling like never before, and not only had they been pushed back so far, losing both Kumo and Kiri on the map, but they also lost the 10th Kazekage in one of the many battles that followed. After Ikari returned in the third year of war however, the allied forces slowly began to claim back lost land, Kiri and part of Kumo amongst them, and when it seemed like victory was assured, the enemy struck back once more, injuring Utakata and killing Hanzo within the same day. Since that day, the allied forces had won battle after battle, and this time they had come further north in what they called the Northern Campaign than they ever had since the start of the war, but, like many times before, the momentum was quickly proven wrong. Having realized that they needed a change of plan, the leaders of the alliance had sat down to discuss the outcome of the war. As the months flew by and the war still raged on, it seemed like nothing else than bad news and painful experiences followed. There really seemed like there was no way to end the war, however, amongst all the chaos, a bright light finally beamed through the darkness. A light that certainly would shake Ikari and Bruce up more than a few others.

Ikari: Yes, come in...

Sitting in his tent, Ikari was looking over some reports with Raikiru as someone asked permission to enter. Not realizing who it was right away, Ikari answered like he always did, turning around to face the person.

Ikari: Rin?? I didn't recognize your voice...

Rin: That's fine... Ikari, could we talk??

Ikari: Talk? Yeah sure, what do you want to talk about??

Rin: In private please...

Ikari: Oh...

Raikiru: Looks like someone is in trouble, haha... I'll take my leave.

Getting up from his chair, Raikiru left the tent in a hurry. Going over to him, Rin seated herself in the same chair Raikiru sat just moments before her.

Rin: Ikari...

Ikari: What, what's up Rin?? You look kind of sad-....

Looking down into the ground, it almost seemed like Rin had something with great importance on her mind.

Ikari: I hope I haven't done anything to upset you, I mean, I know we've been kind of on and off for the past months since that day... But I assure you, I have always been dedicated towa-...

Rin: Ikari... I'm pregnant...

Ikari: !!

And there it was, all over again. His heart-beat started to play faster, his rhythm getting uncontrollable, the stomach pain. Just like before, it was as everything froze before him. Time stopped still... His feelings went haywire, but was it definitely a bad thing?

Ikari: I... Are you certain?

Rin: Yes... Which means... It's yours...

Ikari: ...

Rin: I didn't know whether to tell you or not... We haven't really been, you know, together, and with all the battling, I didn't want to trouble your mind further...

Ikari: I wouldn't-... I, ehm, well I suppose that's good news?

Rin: Good news huh...

Ikari: It's probably not the first thing I would have expected, but I'm glad...

Rin: You're glad?? Are you sure about that...

Ikari: Yes of course! Why wouldn't I?? Aren't you?

Rin: Ikari I... Ever since we went to that mission together... Ever since you found out about Ibuki... We never were officially together, and... My father, and my brother... When they find out...

Ikari: So you want to make it official then?

Rin: I, what??

Reaching his hand out to her face, Ikari looked at her with a smile on his face.

Ikari: I'm serious... Perhaps I haven't been quite honest with you about my feelings, perhaps I've been waiting for the right moment... Perhaps this is it.

Rin: ...

Ikari: I love you Rin, I really do, and-...

Not letting him finish his sentence, Rin reached up to him and kissed him with her heart's content. The thing about their relationship was that it hadn't really been too serious, but more about the... Instincts of nature. Having managed to let go of Ibuki, Ikari had become more and more interested in Rin, but due to the nature of their relationship, the two of them had kept it private. Kept it private from Rin's father, kept it private from Bruce... Even Ibuki had no clue, and neither did the rest.

Rin: I'm glad too then.

Ikari: Hehe, I can't believe we're going to be parents...

Forming yet another smile on his face, Ikari's mood went up, realizing something good had come from all the pain and suffering.

Rin: So should we tell the rest then?

Ikari: Yeah I suppose, sooner or later, they will find out...

Rin: Hmm... Indeed, I suppose that's inevitable huh...

Taking her leave, Rin went to tell her brother as she entered his tent where also Ibuki sat. Interrupting them in a... Well, bad moment to say it like that, Bruce finally turned his attention towards Rin.

Bruce: What do you want little sis?

Ibuki: ...

Rin: I got to tell you something...

Bruce: Tell me what? What can be so important that you had to come this late-...

Rin: I'm pregnant brother...

Ibuki: !!

Bruce: You're what now?!

Standing up to his feet, Bruce seemed infuriated rather than happy as he went over to her face.

Bruce: Who dares impregnate my little sis?! I had no clue you were even seeing any-...

Rin: I knew I shouldn't have told you about it, and here I thought I could tell you before I told our father! Guess I was wrong...

Turning around just about to leave, Rin was halfway out the door when Bruce grabbed a hold onto her arm.

Bruce: Wait, just wait a moment. Who's the... Who's the father Rin??

Having a concerned look on his face, Bruce pressed on for information.

Rin: Ikari... Ikari is the father.

Bruce: !!

Ibuki: Ikari, Ikari is?!

Also coming over to them, Ibuki was just as shocked as Bruce finding out as she did not know what to make out of it.

Bruce: Ikari huh...

Not knowing whether to rage or to be happy, Bruce held quiet for a moment before speaking out again.

Bruce: I suppose... That's good news then.

Ibuki: ...

Rin: Wait what, you're not mad?

Bruce: How can I? It's Ikari... I'm glad.

Ibuki: I'm glad too, congratulation Rin.

Bruce: We should tell dad...

Rin: Yes, let's do.

Ibuki: And Ikari??

Rin: He already knows, I told him before coming to you.

Having told her brother, and her father shortly thereafter, Rin could look upon the future with a little brighter mind than before. Still though with this in mind, she got even more and more concerned every time Ikari and her brother went into battle. As the war went into its fifth consecutive year of fighting, nothing seemed to have changed for the allied forces. Not only had Ikari been fighting for almost two years as well now since he returned, but now with a one year old child to worry about, he had everything to lose. Having reclaimed Kumo and most of the lost lands to the North, the only thing that laid between the allied forces and the Great Sea to the North, was the Molten Lava-Land of the Great Fiery Mountains. Preparing for battle, Ikari was suddenly called to Myobokuzan, something in which he hadn't been in quite some time. Hurrying over there, Ikari entered the temple where Naruto sat as usual, thinking that something was bound to happen soon.

Naruto: You came...

Ikari: Why wouldn't I Master? It's been awhile, two years in fact... Where have you been?

Naruto: ... If you wanted to see me, you could always have come here, I don't exactly... Move around anymore...

Ikari: Right...

Naruto: So you're 21 now aren't you?

Ikari: Mhm...

Naruto: And you have a one year old son...

Ikari: Indeed... You still seem to grasp the outside-world despite not placing foot there in ages I see.

Naruto: ...

Ikari: So why did you call me now anyways? I'm sure it most be important?

Naruto: I have something to tell you obviously...

Ikari: Well okay, I'm all ears.

Naruto: Good... Then I hope you are ready to hear what I have to say...

Ikari: ...

Naruto: Your counterpart has been revealed.

Ikari: So the war must be coming to an end soon then?

Naruto: Yes...

Ikari: And who is he?

Naruto: Someone you know...

Ikari: !!

Hearing Naruto speak so calmly about something that shocking, Ikari just looked at him with great concern.

Ikari: Someone I know?? Who-...

Naruto: I can't tell you that... Only when the time is right will he reveal himself to you, until then all you can do is wait...

Ikari: What do you mean by that?! If it's someone I know, I must know! I must find out who it is so we can end this war!

Walking even closer to Naruto, Ikari seemed anxious to find out, knowing well that if there was someone he trusted, not being whom he said he was and living around him, around his one year old son and Rin, he could only think the worse.

Naruto: Like I said, time is what is needed. If I tell you, you will act hasty, and the outcome I've predicted will not become the future.

Ikari: To he*k with your predictions! If you not telling me means that my friends, my child, Rin, and everyone else is in danger, I need to-...

Standing up from his seat, Naruto walked over to Ikari as he laid his right index finger over his mouth.

Naruto: Still not able to keep calm, are we? You have to be patient Ikari... Like you were during the three years you trained here. Remember my teachings, your training, and you will be fine... Death is part of life, and people around you... People close to you, will eventually die.

Ikari: What do you mean by that?!

Naruto: People will die Ikari, that's the cruel act of war... It's what you make out of it that counts, and for now, you can only be patient. I'm sure you've experienced that yourself during the two past years...

Ikari: Sigh... If you say so... But if something was to happen to Bruce, Ibuki, Rin, my son, Raikiru, Akuma-Sensei or anyone else for that matter, I will not easily forgive you.

Naruto: If that is what must be done, then I understand... Well, that will be all for now then.

Ikari: Huh?? You called me all the way just to tell me my counterpart has come to view, but in the end, you still won't tell me who? Then why did I come here in the first place, what was so important?

Puzzled over Naruto's few words, Ikari didn't know exactly what to make of it all.

Naruto: Take it as a reminder... Besides, I wanted to check on you, to see if you were still walking the path as I've predicted...

Laying his hand on Ikari's head, Naruto then teleported him back to the allied camp as he found himself in his own tent where his son slept in the arms of Rin, as the day had already come to an end. Knowing that he could rest assured for at least another night, Ikari went to bed as he fell asleep shortly thereafter. In the coming months that followed as they ventured into the sixth consecutive year of war, the allied forces had finally been able to push the enemy further back than they ever had before as Ikari, Ibuki, Rin and Bruce were all in the midst of what could potentially be the final battle. Raikiru, together with Akuma, Utakata and Jin on the other hand, had been given some troops to go around to the East, hoping to take the enemy by surprise from there, while back at the camp, Haku and Maki, together with the new Tsuchikage, were organizing the attack. Leading the main attack however, both Ikari and Bruce got reckless, leaving their rear wide open. Being taken by surprise by incoming enemy reinforcement, they both turned their forces around, but quickly discovered that they were too late. Seeing no other option than to break their way through, the two of them managed to make it back to the rest of their forces without much loses, however, in the chaos that followed, both Ibuki and Rin had lost their path, being pushed further up the mountain by the enemy. Realizing this, Ikari grabbed a hold onto Bruce as he used his Flying Thunder God to get up there, but as soon as they did, something they only could imagine in their wildest dreams were about to meet them.

Bruce: !!

Ikari: Over there!

Spotting several enemy shinobi chasing a group of their own further up ahead, Ikari used his speed combined with the Flying Thunder God to help them out. Getting control over the situation, Ikari found out that Ibuki and Rin had been drawn further up into the mountain, together with only a few shinobi as protection.

Ikari: Damn it...

Bruce: What's wrong Ikari, can't you use Ibuki and Rin's seals to teleport us to them?!

Ikari: I'm trying, but none of their seal-tags seems to be working. I just don't know why they're not working!!

Fearing the worst, Ikari didn't even bother to pick Bruce up again as he was gone in a flash. Reappearing further up in the mountain-side, it was then that he saw what he could not ever have foreseen as he got more and more anxious.

Ikari: !!

Further up ahead laid tons of dead bodies, both allies and enemies as Ikari had a pale look on his face. Walking across the corpses looking for them, Ikari suddenly heard some faint cries as he hurried over to the sound, getting closer and closer by the minute as he followed a trail of blood on the ground in front of himself. Just as he turned around a corner, he finally spotted them.

Ikari: Ibuki! Thank God you're alive, are you okay?! Where's Rin-...

Running over to her, Ikari quickly noticed that Ibuki was doing her best to heal someone with her medical technique. Turning around her to see who it was, Ikari fell to his knees in devastation at the realization of the person laying before him. Before him laid Rin, barely alive as blood gushed out of her mouth. A large wound was visible in her chest as he bent down to her, trying to get her attention. Finally catching up to them as well was Bruce as he too fell in shock shortly thereafter. The war had been turned completely on its head!

Ibuki: Guys, I-...

Ikari: Rin?!

Bruce: Sister?!!

Sitting there not knowing what to say or what to do, the thought finally hit the two of them... "Would Rin actually die, or would Ibuki be able to save her??"

~ End of Part 2​

Complete despair!! How would this sudden dramatic event turn out, and what outcome would this battle have on the war? Find out in Part 3 as this Series Finale reaches its mid-way point!!

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[Michael92]

K?.

If you don't have anything to say, then simply don't. It really is that easy -_-

 

[danivass]

Oh god, the drama! It's probably too much for me, I like it when things are simple (well, not to say I don't appreciate your use of it ). Crap I'm already forgetting what I wanted to comment on, your chapters are so big!
I totally have to call you out on splitting up Ikari and Ibuki, I just had a hunch you'd do it! XD I was wondering how Ikari would react, I was expecting one thing from him being an apprentice to Naruto and another from his 'anger issues' as commented on by Naruto, it ended up being kind of in the middle, in a self-destructive way. Luckily Rin came in to save him. And that flashback to her visiting him in the hospital felt like a foreshadowing of them getting together. But then she drops the bomb on him and tells him she and Ibuki had their bit of fun :O And then I felt like he went all "B*tch I can't care enough, I wanted to get killed earlier today, but I can just get back at Bruce by having some fun with you". Really. XD It felt insanely like a "you stole my girlfriend so I slept with your sister" thing. They'd been on and off later but got together for good when Rin found out she was pregnant, all in all this whole ordeal seems to explore the raging maelstrom of emotions the war flung them into.

Onward to battle-related things: I wanted to see what Ikari could do before his training with Naruto but I guess I'll have no basis for comparison now =D Your fighting scenes here feel vaguer than usual, maybe it's just me, anyway, I don't think there's that much need for detail right now so I don't mind it

I wonder if Raikiru or maybe Bruce is the counterpart to Ikari, I somehow feel like Raikiru is a better candidate, however if Rin dies here and Bruce snaps, maybe it'd be him. If you did all that narration back when Raikiru was introduced just to throw us off I'll be ripping my hair out lol XD Well, 5am reviews don't seem like my forte, I best wrap this up before I mess it up too much =D

 

[Michael92]

Oh god, the drama! It's probably too much for me, I like it when things are simple (well, not to say I don't appreciate your use of it ). Crap I'm already forgetting what I wanted to comment on, your chapters are so big!
I totally have to call you out on splitting up Ikari and Ibuki, I just had a hunch you'd do it! XD I was wondering how Ikari would react, I was expecting one thing from him being an apprentice to Naruto and another from his 'anger issues' as commented on by Naruto, it ended up being kind of in the middle, in a self-destructive way. Luckily Rin came in to save him. And that flashback to her visiting him in the hospital felt like a foreshadowing of them getting together. But then she drops the bomb on him and tells him she and Ibuki had their bit of fun :O And then I felt like he went all "B*tch I can't care enough, I wanted to get killed earlier today, but I can just get back at Bruce by having some fun with you". Really. XD It felt insanely like a "you stole my girlfriend so I slept with your sister" thing. They'd been on and off later but got together for good when Rin found out she was pregnant, all in all this whole ordeal seems to explore the raging maelstrom of emotions the war flung them into.

Onward to battle-related things: I wanted to see what Ikari could do before his training with Naruto but I guess I'll have no basis for comparison now =D Your fighting scenes here feel vaguer than usual, maybe it's just me, anyway, I don't think there's that much need for detail right now so I don't mind it

I wonder if Raikiru or maybe Bruce is the counterpart to Ikari, I somehow feel like Raikiru is a better candidate, however if Rin dies here and Bruce snaps, maybe it'd be him. If you did all that narration back when Raikiru was introduced just to throw us off I'll be ripping my hair out lol XD Well, 5am reviews don't seem like my forte, I best wrap this up before I mess it up too much =D

I know, right! This chapter was, and perhaps still is the biggest challenge I've had when it has come to my writing. Not because of the actual details themselves, but the fact that I had to play around a lot with these kids emotions, at the same time as keeping it realistic and, well, true to the story. The war has indeed made its impact, and I felt like I managed to tell the "story" that has happened in the three years Ikari was away, instead of just stating that the war had been raging and that was it. I don't think I've ever managed to build so much on my own characters like I did in this chapter/part, and it really helped set the tone for what comes next.

It's not just you! Actually, I kind of commented on this in some way when I answered Trea's post on the previous chapter when I said the Series Finale felt like the "least Naruto-like" story I've written so far (except for my One-Shot that is). The matter of facts is that I simply had little to no room to display heavy battling in the beginning parts of this Finale, mainly due to all the story that I had to get out here. Don't worry though, the actual battling itself starts next chapter, and I'm sure you will be in for several surprises

Yeah, who knows, right? The way it all end, is basically my own version of Naruto and Sasuke from the manga. Will they fight each other? Will they cooperate to fight someone else? Will one of them die? Etc. This subject is really left unrevealed until part 4 of this Finale, so just keep those ideas of yours in mind until then.

Haha, that's okay. I do hope you wrote it this way because you wanted to, not because I asked you to, lmao xD

Oh, and the chapter was originally suppose to end when Ikari and Rin were reunited with Ibuki, Bruce and Jin, but, due to the fact that part 3 of this Series Finale got too big to fit into a thread, I had to copy and paste some parts back and forth until I finally could envision one new ending (part 2), and one new beginning (part 3), without altering the story too much. Part 3 actually started with Bruce, Ibuki, Rin and Akuma fighting before Ikari and Raikiru arrived as backup...

So what do you think will happen next?? Did you like Part 1 or 2 the most? Personally, I think Part 2 is better due to the story progression, but part 1 was indeed quite important to kick this story off as well...

 

[Trea]

Thanks, Great job. It really did get pretty dark. I would say Raikiru is his counterpart but then again my guesses have been pretty far off the mark so far. It's good that the story is unpredictable that's what makes it worth reading.

I did think that Bruce and Ibuki would get together (usually what happens when one person is asked to look out for another) but I didn't see the Ibuki and Rin thing coming. It was good that she could bring him back from the edge though. I guess it will get darker still. Looking forward to part three. Good job with the relationships it was believable.

 

[Michael92]

Thanks, Great job. It really did get pretty dark. I would say Raikiru is his counterpart but then again my guesses have been pretty far off the mark so far. It's good that the story is unpredictable that's what makes it worth reading.

I did think that Bruce and Ibuki would get together (usually what happens when one person is asked to look out for another) but I didn't see the Ibuki and Rin thing coming. It was good that she could bring him back from the edge though. I guess it will get darker still. Looking forward to part three. Good job with the relationships it was believable.

I must agree with you I guess, mostly due to the fact that so many different things plays part in this story, and so many different elements had to be squeezed in somehow, making this story not only much deeper, but also rather unexpected to say the least. Next chapter will probably the most crucial one so far when it comes to dramatic turns, but then again, Part 5 and 6 are really in a league of their own, haha.

Thanks, I always try my best ^_^ Still though, even if this Series Finale is the biggest and probably the best project I've done so far, it's also the one with the lowest response >_> Hopefully that will change in the coming month... Thanks for reading, appreciate it =)

 

[FaHaD 5212]

I wonder how Ikari is gonna forgive Naruto (Rin isn't really dead is she?)

Great chapter by the way.

 

[Michael92]

I wonder how Ikari is gonna forgive Naruto (Rin isn't really dead is she?)

Great chapter by the way.

You have to read on to find out Won't be no fun if I spoil what's going to happen, especially considering that the next parts are already out

Thanks ^__^

 

[Kuroi Honoo]

Wow, so a lot has happened in three years and what Naruto stated about “you would have fallen too early, making the ultimate sacrifice over someone you think of otherwise now than you will in the future” was very intriguing! =D It’s also interesting to note that now it appears as though Ikari is able to transport himself to Myobokuzan via his jutsu rather than having to continuing relying on either a frog or Naruto I’m shocked! Not too long after Ikari took off a massive and deadly war consumed the ninja world! I’m glad the Mizukage changed for the better and that you decided not to kill his character off ^^ I actually thought perhaps you might’ve killed off Ibuki for dramatic and growth exposure to Ikari’s character but I was mistaken lol So this may perhaps even be worse she’s alive and well but in Bruce’s arms instead! O.O I wonder what will happen to his psyche! Well, surprisingly Ikari is able to deal with this unimaginable news. So Bruce has a sister and I can actually see her and Ikari going somewhere >.> Wow, this situation quickly escalated-I can’t believe that the Tsuchikage and his army were ambushed and out numbered! The Tsuchikage dead and the many slaughtered shinobi! I was surprised when Ikari used the Thunder God Technique and teleported himself and Rin to safety. I thought that when that massive army caught up with them, that they would retreat but shockingly they instead decided to stay and fight! O.O I didn’t expect Ibuki to pass out lol Wow, Ikari was able to defeat them all ^^ I like that Rin is a Senju and her healing capabilities are awesome! =D So Rin and Ibuki-I’M SHOCKED!!! I never would've thought you had it in you to incorporate homosexuality XD Well, I did think these two might eventually hook up and I was correct lol A thought just popped in my head-so they’re keeping it all in the family XD And so the bombshells continue to drop-now Rin is pregnant!!! Wow, Ibuki and Bruce took the news pretty well to my surprise. I must also mention that I really liked the character development over Rin’s character That was a deep cliffhanger indeed. A great yet tragic chapter!

 

[Michael92]

Wow, so a lot has happened in three years and what Naruto stated about “you would have fallen too early, making the ultimate sacrifice over someone you think of otherwise now than you will in the future” was very intriguing! =D It’s also interesting to note that now it appears as though Ikari is able to transport himself to Myobokuzan via his jutsu rather than having to continuing relying on either a frog or Naruto I’m shocked! Not too long after Ikari took off a massive and deadly war consumed the ninja world! I’m glad the Mizukage changed for the better and that you decided not to kill his character off ^^ I actually thought perhaps you might’ve killed off Ibuki for dramatic and growth exposure to Ikari’s character but I was mistaken lol So this may perhaps even be worse she’s alive and well but in Bruce’s arms instead! O.O I wonder what will happen to his psyche! Well, surprisingly Ikari is able to deal with this unimaginable news. So Bruce has a sister and I can actually see her and Ikari going somewhere >.> Wow, this situation quickly escalated-I can’t believe that the Tsuchikage and his army were ambushed and out numbered! The Tsuchikage dead and the many slaughtered shinobi! I was surprised when Ikari used the Thunder God Technique and teleported himself and Rin to safety. I thought that when that massive army caught up with them, that they would retreat but shockingly they instead decided to stay and fight! O.O I didn’t expect Ibuki to pass out lol Wow, Ikari was able to defeat them all ^^ I like that Rin is a Senju and her healing capabilities are awesome! =D So Rin and Ibuki-I’M SHOCKED!!! I never would've thought you had it in you to incorporate homosexuality XD Well, I did think these two might eventually hook up and I was correct lol A thought just popped in my head-so they’re keeping it all in the family XD And so the bombshells continue to drop-now Rin is pregnant!!! Wow, Ibuki and Bruce took the news pretty well to my surprise. I must also mention that I really liked the character development over Rin’s character That was a deep cliffhanger indeed. A great yet tragic chapter!

Ahhhhhh!!! I finally remember how the good old days and your reviews used to be! This intrigues me, a lot! Okay, let's see...
Like I mentioned in my earlier reply on part 1, it's kind of hard to remember my thought-process while writing this work, but I'll try to answer to the best of my ability, haha

Good shit! Yeah, I dunno why I decided on incorporating that. Just the thought of... Well basically, I'm not sure what I was thinking when I wrote that Ibuki and Rin had a thing going. Might have been that I wanted to spice things up somehow with some sort of unimaginable twist. Glad you found that part interesting 8)

I love how your reviews seem so short when reading them, but the amount is actually quite lengthy. Seeing as you like this Series Finale so far, I'm kind of curious to find out what you'll eventually have to say about the "change" I've been through when it comes to style with my two next projects. Now like I mentioned, there's no pressure to read on after this, but seeing as you also read The Legend of Link, you might actually be interested in The Forgotten Tale, and, The Legendary Sage of Six Paths too when the time comes. It's not rush though as long as it don't take several months for you to decide xP the future is after all, quite uncertain. I'll head on to part 3 to see your review there. Do as you like when it comes to replying to this post. Just reading it works for me

 

[Kuroi Honoo]

Ahhhhhh!!! I finally remember how the good old days and your reviews used to be! This intrigues me, a lot! Okay, let's see...
Like I mentioned in my earlier reply on part 1, it's kind of hard to remember my thought-process while writing this work, but I'll try to answer to the best of my ability, haha

Good shit! Yeah, I dunno why I decided on incorporating that. Just the thought of... Well basically, I'm not sure what I was thinking when I wrote that Ibuki and Rin had a thing going. Might have been that I wanted to spice things up somehow with some sort of unimaginable twist. Glad you found that part interesting 8)

I love how your reviews seem so short when reading them, but the amount is actually quite lengthy. Seeing as you like this Series Finale so far, I'm kind of curious to find out what you'll eventually have to say about the "change" I've been through when it comes to style with my two next projects. Now like I mentioned, there's no pressure to read on after this, but seeing as you also read The Legend of Link, you might actually be interested in The Forgotten Tale, and, The Legendary Sage of Six Paths too when the time comes. It's not rush though as long as it don't take several months for you to decide xP the future is after all, quite uncertain. I'll head on to part 3 to see your review there. Do as you like when it comes to replying to this post. Just reading it works for me

Glad to see that my posts brings back memories XD

Well, nevertheless the Rin/Ibuki coupling was interesting, daring and very different and I liked that addition! So well done!

I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying my reviews! ^^ And there will be more where that came from

Yes, I cannot wait to see how you’ve begun to evolve with your writing in the nest series ^^ So has this “The Forgotten Tale” of yours come out yet? If so, it’s another to add to my list lol

 

[Michael92]

Glad to see that my posts brings back memories XD

Well, nevertheless the Rin/Ibuki coupling was interesting, daring and very different and I liked that addition! So well done!

I’m happy to hear that you’re enjoying my reviews! ^^ And there will be more where that came from

Yes, I cannot wait to see how you’ve begun to evolve with your writing in the nest series ^^ So has this “The Forgotten Tale” of yours come out yet? If so, it’s another to add to my list lol

Well since you ask (even though I already mentioned it vaguely a couple of times, it's hard to grasp everything I'm sure, haha ), After I finished TLSoK, I started out on my 3rd work here on the Base (the One-Shot that you read, The Legend of Link, being the 2nd), which is The Forgotten Tale. It's kind of hard to talk about it without spoiling anything, so it would be better if you just read what's posted after the credit on Part 6 of this Series Finale I'm sure ;D Right now however, I'm working on my 4th project, The Legendary Sage of Six Paths, which I've released two chapters of so far. That's about it really.