Shikamaru, Chouji and Kiba briskly made their way down the hallway, past the frenzy of secretaries and ninja personnel that crisscrossed the length of the place in a craze. "What the hell is going on?" Chouji questioned his two male friends as he narrowly avoided a chuunin that rushed by with a stack of papers.
"How should we know." Shikamaru responded taking another long drag of his cigaret as he too did his best to avoid bodily collision with others.
"Must be something big." Chouji said again looking around.
"What gave you that idea, all the rushing people, frenzied expressions, flying papers or are you just a fuckin' psychic." Kiba responded angrily as he was nearly run over by a cart full of books some other administrative chuunin had just rushed past them.
Chouji ignored the remark however, instead choosing to continue with his previous train of thought. " I haven't seen this much commotion since the fall of Sakai." He paused, a wary expression gathering over his features. "You don't think-"
"No." Shikamaru was quick to assure him. "Zhuge Liang leads Kumo, a brilliant strategist, smarter than me probably. Kumo wouldn't fall without a major fight. It must be something else." He deduced as the three continued to make their way to the conference room.
"Like what?" Kiba decided to put in. "Marching to attack us?"
"Probably...maybe. I wouldn't bet on it though, this seems different. You don't see the fear on the civilians faces like you did at Sakai. Somethings up no doubt about it but its not an attack on us." Shikamaru said shaking his head with a rough sigh. "Troublesome."
"Lets just get to the conference room then, its our quickest way to get answers." Chouji suggested, receiving nods from the other two.
The three jounin quickly closed the distance between themselves and their destination, finding the open area beyond the doorway to be packed to the brim with hundreds of fellow Jounin and Anbu.
"Jeeze its a convention here." Chouji stated more to himself than the other two.
Before any more could be said a familiar, loud, female voice called out to the three. "Shika, Chouji Kiba over here!"
The three Shinobi turned their eyes onto the sound of the voice, trying to stare over the crowd to find its source. They soon got lucky as Ino's continuous bouncing up and down gave away her position rather easily considering her pale blond hair.
"What the hell is she a blood hound? How does she find us the moment we walk into the room." Kiba questioned as they began to push through the crowd, making their way over.
When they finally made it through, Ino, Sakura immediately greeted the three with familiar hugs and kisses to the cheek. "There you guys are, its been what almost a week since we've seen you." Ino said in a somewhat scolding tone.
"Things have been busy, those skirmishes along the border are becoming brutal." Shikamaru answered before looking over Ino's shoulder to the other blond girl, absently listening to Chouji's supporting of his statement. "Aint that the truth."
Sakura noticed his gaze and cleared her throat. "Shikamaru, Chouji, Kiba, we'd like you guys to meet a friend of ours." She said gesturing to the white clad blond slightly behind her. "This is Akina. Akina, this is Shika, Chouji and Kiba."
Akina smiled extending her hand to Shikamaru. "Nice to meet you. You guys been working along the border guard duties too?"
Shikamaru nodded. "Judging by the fact that you met Ino, Hana and Sakura while we were gone it must mean we work different shifts."
"I guess." Akina nodded. "I suppose that's why we've never seen each-other before."
"Oh we've seen you." Shikamaru stated as he pulled out a cigarette sticking it between his lips before lighting it. "No one on the border lines that's not blind, deaf and dumb hasn't seen you."
Chouji spoke up next, shaking her hand as he did, a smile pulling on the corner of his lips. "The angel of Suna. Never thought I'd be talking to you like this." He finished scratching his head somewhat nervously.
Akina smiled kindly though her shoulders seemed to slump just a little bit. Shikamaru noticed the girls discomfort, deciding to take pitty on her he placed a hand on Chouji's shoulder bringing the towering Akimichi's eyes to him. "Ey big guy, she probably has enough slobbering green rooks praising her till their blue in the face. Lets not be troublesome and add to it."
Chouji shrugged, missing Akina's grateful look to Shikamaru.
The shadow user understood.
To have the eyes of so many already on you, one did not need a reminder every few seconds. Especially if they were gonna be friends, which, judging by Ino, Hana and Sakura they were.
Akina turned to face the last of the males, Kiba, extending her hand, Kiba shook it, the small robe that covered his injury, fluttered, allowing her a glimpse just enough to see that he was missing his left arm.
Her eyes widened for a brief instant, wondering how someone can continue their ninja career once they could no longer do hand seals, to say the least. But then caught the guarded look on his face, realizing that it was similar to her own. He'd probably been questioned and doubted before her, and would probably continue to be doubted long before her. And like Chouji to her, he did not need another adding to his burden.
Not commenting on it Akina smiled at the Inuzuka. "And you are?"
"Kiba." He answered simply before looking around. "Any idea whats going on around here yet."
Hana answered, shrugging her shoulders. "Your guess is as good as ours but we've been waiting here for about an hour. So I don't think its anything overly urgent."
"Akina." There was a sudden bark to their right bringing all their respective attention spans to the tanned Anbu commander currently making his way through the crowd towards them.
"Daisuke-taicho?" The blond questioned.
Daisuke paused when he got to the group, bowing his head once hastily. "Excuse me." He said before pushing through and grabbing Akina by her wrist. "Come with me, there are urgent matters we need to discuss."
"Ok..." She said somewhat confusedly as she was pulled/dragged away from the group.
Shikamaru glanced around for a moment before looking in the groups general direction. "Is it just me or are we all getting the feeling that whatever's gonna happen is gonna happen without her having any clue about it?"
Hana shook her head. "Its not just you."
"Hmm...thats what I was afraid of." Shikamaru said before shrugging.
Akina allowed herself to be dragged through one of the side rooms, by Daisuke following silently until they entered one of the larger hallways where Akina saw two more Anbu captains, and none other than Gaara standing nearby speaking to one of the commanders.
"Got her sir." Daisuke said.
Gaara nodded. "Good tell her what she has to do we go out in two minutes."
Akina blinked "Go out? Go out where?"
"To the platform." Daisuke answered quickly before rounding on her. "Now listen before you-"
"What? To the platform? But why? I'm not even an Anbu I-"
"Because." He interrupted. "You are important. People know your face, they know you, and they need you."
Akina's mouth opened and closed for several moments, eyes searching for something to say before she sighed in resignation, rubbing a hand over her forehead. "What do I have to do?"
Daisuke allowed her a brief look of pity before he gave off his own sigh. "When the doors open-"
Outside the mass of people turned their eyes onto the platform as the large double doors were pushed open a few minutes later, revealing none other than the Kazekage as he made his way to the podium. At his side were several Anbu, including a familiar blond haired girl who looked much more nervous than what she was a few minutes ago while standing amongst the crowd.
There were excited murmurs in the group before finally the familiar hush fell over the crowd as Gaara, blood red hair almost coppery brown in the mid day sun that entered the windows stood tall before a Genjutsu displayed itself behind him, showing a map of the five shinobi continents. the ninja at his side pausing a few feet behind him, directly under the Genjutsu. "I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here. Time is short, so I'm afraid that this discussion will have to be as well." He nodded to someone off to the side and the map displayed slightly above and behind him shifted, displaying new images that were their troop positions. "Our spies, have reported back to us and the news...is incredible but accurate. Uzumaki Naruto is gathering a massive Naval force, in wave country and some of the small islands of Kiri."
Murmurs swept over the crowd, a few of the seasoned ninja in the back muttering too low for him to hear but the others in the front were not so difficult, disbelief was present, as was a feeling of mild confidence that the Demon king had made a foolish move. But others, ones like Shikamaru, who Gaara could see in the crowd, they were thinking and cataloging the advantages and disadvantages of this move the Kage of Konoha had made.
The Kazekage continued, his voice easily carrying over the soft murmur of the crowds. "His plan appears to be to blockade Kumo's ports, cutting off their supplies. In response Kumo has ammassed its own navy and though reports are sketchy all agree that their fleet is significantly smaller than Konoha's."
"Where did Konoha get so many ninja to put in their fleet?" One chuunin questioned. "I mean they allways did have superior numbers but I never immagined-"
"Our spies report that even though he holds an unknown number of core elite ninja in his force, the bulk of his forces consist of non ninja. Pirates, mercenaries, anyone willing to put their life on the line for money. In contrast, Kumo's navy appears to consist solely of ninja personnel.
Again more murmurs passed the crowd. Some were beginning to undertsnd the gravity of the situation, others did not, as expected. Gaara raised his hand, demanding silence and receiving it accordingly. "Nearly three months ago, Kumo sent us eight ships, these have been docking in the port of Tsugi city south of us. They have been transporting and supplying small strike teams that have been harassing garrisons and bases in tea country. So far Konoha believes it is merely a guerrilla rebel force that has been opposing them, we hope to keep it that way for as long as possible. Regardless, We can take five of these ships immediately and with a force of roughly 100 ninja link up with Kumo's fleet." Another pause as Gaara's eyes scanned over the crowd. "These are our allies...we cannot, nor will we allow them to face this opponent on their own. I myself, and Rozetsu Akina-" He said gesturing to the girl two steps behind and to his right. "-will lead teams for this mission."
Another pause in which somehow the gathered ninja seemed to be able to speak while keeping absolutely silent.
"I will now ask for volunteers. Captains, Lieutenants. Step up if you are certain that you, and more importantly your team, will be willing to take this mission."
Another heavy silence descended amongst the crowd. This normally was not done, the ninja were assigned their missions, no and's ifs or buts about it. But Gaara wanted men and women willing to put their lives on the line for this mission. He wanted no cowards, and he wanted to show Konoha that Suna would not be underestimated in this conflict.
Finally, one man stepped forward, followed by another, and another, and so on and so fourth. Many were jounin team commanders, but most were chuunin commanders. Young ones at that. And each one that stepped up, he noticed that they were looking solely at the girl behind him.
"You know you're not keeping me outa this!" A boisterous voice called out to him making him fight back a smirk for a moment as he shifted his turquoise green eyes to lay them onto Ino. Sakura and Hana smirked as they too stepped forward. Shikamaru rolled his eyes with another mutter of troublesome passing over his lips before Chouji pushed him, and Kiba forward, taking a step himself a moment later.
Gaara gave a minute shake of his head. He should have known. "Very well. Inform your teams, gather your equipment and get ready, we leave in five hours. South gate."
The harbors of wave were filled to bursting. Hundreds of ships, clogged the entrance to the ports as thousands of men, ranging from ninja, to mercenaries, to cut throat pirates made their way through the town, drinking in the local bars, sleeping in the brothels. Naruto ignored the racket that reached his ears as he, and the generals that had already arrived sat in one of the rooms of Waves city hall.
To his right was Jiraiya, the toad sannin sat, one leg under the other with his cane resting on his shoulder. Next to him was Ginchiko, sitting in the lotus position, though she was not clad in her familiar purple blue armor she still had her sword at her side. It was an unusual sight, seeing her without the armor, rough brown hair tied to a bun behind her head. It was...feminine...and that was not something Naruto would normally relate to someone like Ginchiko.
To his left was Toushiro, whom he had called away from the northern defense force, leaving it to Kimimaro and Kurenai in order to have him lead part of the armada with Ginchiko. Next to him was Hinata, and next to her was Temari.
And it was because of this Suna Kunoichi that there was currently a dead silence in this room at the moment. Ginchiko openly glared at her while Toushiro glanced at her from the corner of his eye rather nervously, since his last run in with Naruto, and damn near execution he was not risking saying anything further to upset him. Jiraiya for his part, could really care less what she was doing here. What he cared about was that because of her they were not talking about what they should be talking about, battle plans. Still he kept his cool and his silence, knowing that this would get underway eventually. And Hinata for her part was just glad for the fact that she did not have to deal with Temari alone for once.
Finally Ginchiko turned her eyes to Naruto. "Naruto-sama. Why is this Suna Kunoichi here."
Temari grit her teeth, biting down the retort that threatened to rise in her throat as Naruto spoke. "Zhuge Liangs assassins may be hiding among the crowd of men we've recently hired. Hinata should not miss this explanation on our battle plans since she may have to take to the field. Sabaku's presence here matters little. She will not escape." He stated eyes shifting to Temari, the warning clear in his gaze. "And if she does, she will never make it in time to inform the enemy of our plans, get on with it."
"But the teams and commanders from Iwa haven't arrived yet." Ginchiko said, blinking.
Naruto visibly fought down a growl before he spoke. "Then you'll just have to repeat it to them when they arrive. I meanwhile would like to know what you've come up with."
Jiraiya blinked, turning his gaze to stare at Naruto. He'd never seemed so impatient before with his subordinates. It took him only a moment to realize why. Naruto always came up with the strategies in every battle he walked into. For him to be subject to someone else's strategy must have left him feeling vulnerable. Or so Jiraiya could guess. And that was probably an emotion that was just killing him. The toad sannin smiled to himself. It was good to see even Naruto unseated from his comfort zone every now and then.
Ginchiko sighed before pulling her sheathed blade and placing it to point along the map "Firstly, on our way there, Mika's fleet in Kiri, will link up with us mid transit. The plan is simple. We keep our distance. Kumo's entire armada consists nearly entirely of ninja personnel, meaning that their strength would lie in their ability to board our ships and kill our men. If we keep them out of range, fire at them with the mounted balista, catapults and other ranged weapons that can sink, or burn their ships. As you said, all we need to do is sink it.
Naruto nodded, listening to the woman as she spoke.
Ginchiko placed her blade down behind the first row of ships. "We'll attack in three waves." She pushed the first row forward into the opposing fleet. "The first wave will be to test them, see how good they are at naval combat. Cannon fodder, it will also tie them up. Once we are certain the first wave is down, and the ships are locked with one another the second wave will move in, firing on the ships as they come along."
"You mean on our own ships? They'll be firing on us as we're engaging them." Jiraiya stated, skepticism in his voice.
"Yes. They're pirates and mercenaries. I doubt they have many high moral standards." She said, uncaring to how callous she sounded.
"Just like the rest of this village apparently." Temari muttered to herself, just low enough so that no one but Hinata, who was sitting next to her, and Naruto with his advanced hearing could hear. Neither made any reaction to it however, instead choosing to simply continue listening to Ginchiko.
"Then finally, the third wave will move in, to finish off the stragglers."
"And where will the main Shinobi force be when all of this goes down?" Toushiro questioned.
"In the second wave." She answered.
"So the first wave is basically cannon fodder." Jiraiya stated with a shake of his head. "Not exactly a nice thing to do."
"I don't care about nice. I care about winning." Ginchiko stated.
"Then I pray I never have you to watch my back." Jiraiya stated calmly again making Ginchiko turn her angry eyes onto him.
"I don't plan on watching your back. Kumo will burn with this navy." She stated fiercely.
"Because it serves for the greater good or because it serves your desire to avenge Guan's death."
Ginchiko stood up in an instant, hands on the hilt of her sword. Before she unsheathed it however a pulse of killing intent caused everyone in the room to pause.
"Enough." Naruto stated. "Jiraiya. Stay your words. This is a sound strategy for the moment. Good work Ginchiko."
The female swordsman sheathed her blade, breaths coming harshly as she glared at Jiraiya before turning back to Naruto. "Thank you...Naruto-sama." She said, bowing once.
Suddenly the door parted, revealing one of the attendants as he hastily bowed to the gathered ninja. "Hokage-sama, ninja have arrived, stating they are your generals from Iwa."
Naruto nodded. "Allow them in."
The attendant bowed before rushing out of the room a few moments later, Tenten and Lee entered the room bowing once at the same time. "Naruto-sama. Shino sent us."
Naruto nodded but soon thudding footsteps caught his attention, bringing it back to the door as two more individuals entered the room,.
Shimazu Yoshihiro and Shimazu Toyohisa.
The slimmer, younger man, stood with his armor, a likeness to his uncle as he bowed his head once after a brief moment of tense silence, that seal had not been forgotten yet.
However, in contrast to his nephew, who kept his distance and bowed in respect and greeting, Yoshihiro did neither. Large armored feet swallowing up the distance between himself and Naruto.
Hinata, Toushiro, Ginchiko, Lee and Tenten each tensed as he passed them by, hands on their weapons incase he tried anything.
Naruto remained in his sitting position, head slightly bowed, not looking up to meet the towering man's gaze.
"You called?" The former Iwa Kage stated with a quirk of his eyebrow.
Naruto did not answer for a moment. An oppressive silence bearing down on the room, riddled with tension before he finally decided to break it. "You are senile old man...Have you forgotten what I did to you when last we met?"
Yoshihiro snorted, a smirk adorning his face. "You think I'm scared of death? Of you? At my age? Heh. You must be stupid."
Naruto growled, low, deep in the back of his throat before he slowly rose himself to his feet, finally raising his eyes to meet that of the taller Shimazu.
"People have died for less Shimazu." He stated. "Your bravery stems from the knowledge and security in the fact that you are necessary to keep a hold on Iwa. But do not let that fool you into believing I will not kill you if you insult me again."
Yoshihiro smiled at Naruto. The pearly white teeth each taunting the blond with their presentation. "Whatever helps you sleep at night boy. Fact of the matter is...not everyone is afraid of you." He finished before stepping back and taking a seat next to Ginchiko, across from Temari, finally catching sight of her he hid his surprise.
Naruto watched as Yoshihiro sat down, another tense, awkward silence filling the room for a moment. But this one was broken by a highly unexpected sound.
Laughter.
Naruto's eyes sought out the source of said laughter and his eyes came across none other than Sabaku no Temari.
"Ahahahahahaha." The Suna Kunoichi released, tears leaking along the corner of her eyes as she gripped one of her sides. "You should have seen the look on your face. He sure told you off! Hahahahaha!"
Naruto rubbed his forehead coming to a quick and decisive conclusion as his subordinates stared at what, to them was an unbelievable sight of someone laughing at their Kage.
Useful people were good. Necessary people were more trouble than they were worth.
With a single glare and another controlled pulse of killing intent Naruto easily brought Temari's laughter under control before looking to Toushiro and Ginchiko. "How long till the fleet is ready to move?"
"Uhh." Toushiro fumbled for a moment. "Three days, four at the most."
Naruto nodded. "Get it done." He then looked to Ginchiko. "Explain the plan again, assign them ships, organize our ninja. Spread us among the fleet but not too thin. Toushiro says it will take three days to fully prepare the fleet, you have two." He stated bringing a nod from the woman before he made his way out the room.
Zhuge Liang's Raven black hair whipped wildly in the high wind of the sea, feathered fan fluttering lightly as he held it loftly in his grip.
"It looks like you were right." Yue Ying said walking up behind him. "He will attack by sea after all."
Liang nodded responding with a simple "Yes." To her statement.
Ying sighed, before turning to look at the wooden structure mounted onto the deck of four of their ships, a massive tower, nearly sixty feet high, The four ships it was using as foundations to its legs were chained together, and even now several of their seal masters were at the top of this tower, marking the designs to the exact specifications indicated to them. "I hope this plan of yours works Zhuge."
"If it doesn't my dear...then I don't think you'll have much to worry about." He stated turning fully to face her.
"Why's that?" She questioned.
"Because then we'll both be dead." He answered simply evoking a silence between them before he spoke again. "And Tsunade, has she taken up the left wing of the fleet?"
Ying nodded. "She has, her slug summons hold a disadvantage here, but her strength will allow her to sink enemy vessels quickly."
"And Yugito?" He questioned.
"Right here." The two turned, their gazes landing on the Neko Jinchuriki, she stood, arms crossed eyes staring blankly at the two, since Akina's death she had been distancing herself more and more from Liang and Ying, suspicion of their involvement gnawing along the back of her mind. Barely speaking to them when it did not involve a mission. Liang worried for her stability, but with this war he could not risk completely alianating his last remaining asset.
The sleeping dragon nodded. "Good. I will need you to-"
"SIR!" Came the call from the crows nest bringing his attention upwards to the man placed there.
"What is it?" He questioned.
"Five ships approaching!" The man answered, Zhuge Liang heard and saw all the men, be they ninja or sailor rush forward on the deck, hoping to catch a glimpse of the approaching vessels.
"Enemies?" Liang questioned again, yelling to the man on the crows nest.
"Doesn't look like it sir!"
"Suna?" Liang questioned, meeting Yugito and Ying's dubious gazes. "We're gonna go meet them then. Be ready for anything." He said after a brief moment.
"They can't hope to attack us with five ships." Yugito stated.
"You never know." Liang shot back as he continued walking.
After a few moments, Liang's boarding vessel approached what appeared to be the leading flagship out of these five vessels. As they came closer, he caught sight of stark red hair, which was attached to a body standing on the deck. Squinting for a moment he called out somewhat apprehensive. "Kazekage-dono?"
Gaara, from his place on the deck smirked, the slight upturn of his lips visible even from the distance they still held from one another. "Raikage-dono. We've come to aid you. You'll have to forgive us for not calling earlier." He joked.
Zhuge Liang let a quick laugh escape his lips, the first he'd had in months. The force wasn't large. But any help at this point was welcome. "Kazekage-dono. You are more than forgiven."
As the two ships came closer, grappling hooks were thrown from both ships, pulling them together allowing the occupants of the Kumo ship to board Suna's vessel.
Liang bowed to Gaara when he finally stood before the younger Kage, with Gaara doing the same. Yue Ying and Yugito stood behind him, keeping their silence.
"Kazekage-dono. Thank you for your assistance." Liang said as he stood to his full height.
Gaara allowed a small smile to form over his lips. "Please it is alright. We are allies after all Raikage-dono." Liang nodded closing his eyes and bowing once more in respect.
"I have been unable to get messages across and I imagine it is the same for you. Is Kankuro alright?" Gaara questioned.
Zhuge Liang nodded. "Yes, very well, actually, he is leading one of our ships today."
At that Gaara's eyes widened considerably. "He is? But I thought he would be paralyzed."
"He volunteered." Liang explained. "And though he was paralyzed Kazekage dono, your brother's specialty has proven...something of an insurance policy against physical disabilities."
Gaara rolled his eyes taking in a breath. "Kankuro." He sighed, hoping his brother had not become as drastic as the legendary Sasori of the red sands. "I would like to see him." He said after a moment.
"Yes of course." Liang nodded. "Reports are sketchy but we don't think the enemy will arrive for quite some time. You have a few hours to find and speak with him." Liang used this moment to scan over some of the other occupants of the ships near theirs. "I see you've brought Konoha's former Ino Shika Chou Trio."
Gaara nodded. "They are Suna ninja now Raikage dono, please refer to them as such."
"Of course. Forgive me. I meant no offense." Liang clarified before looking around some more. "I wonder though, that girl who we have been hearing about. The angel of Suna."
"Hmm?"
"Is she here as well?" Liang questioned.
Gaara looked around "Yes actually. I believe she went below deck. Daisuke." He barked catching the Anbu commanders attention. "Could you bring Akina above deck please."
At that name the three Kumo ninja visibly tensed, their eyes widening, and even, in Liang's case, the grip on his fan faltering for a brief moment before he caught himself.
The Kazekage expected this, he knew she was from Kumo originally so he made no comment on their reaction, instead choosing to calmly and patiently wait as Daisuke vanished below deck.
A few moments later footsteps could be heard against the hard wood of stair cases. They continued for a few seconds which felt like an eternity to the three Kumo ninja, and for a brief moment they felt as if the staircase would never end, until finally a head of pale blond hair emerged from beneath the deck, dressed in white, a metal three piece staff strapped to her back a pale blue scarf wrapped around her neck and shoulders.
Yugito's breath hitched as Liang and Yue Ying both took in a sharp breath.
There she stood, not a pale ghost but flesh and blood, sky blue eyes glaring at the man that she once called sensei. Daisuke stepped out right behind her, somehow knowing that this was one confrontation that she may need help with.
"A-akina." Yugito questioned stepping forward.
The Kyuubi Jinchuriki's eyes were brought to that of her sister figure, softening for a moment as she nodded. "Yes, Yugito...its me."
Yugito looked like she was about to step forward when a strong hand on her shoulder stopped, her, following the arm to its owner she found Liang's obsidian gaze boring straight through her.
"There will be time for reunions later." He stated, the biting edge to his voice as sharp as a blade as his eyes gazed into the distance. "Now...it seems we have a battle to fight."
"What?" Yugito questioned before everyone's attention was brought to the stern of the ship as one man cried out "It's the enemy. They're here!"
What they're eyes met brought fear to their hearts. The entire horizon seemed to be blanketed with approaching ships, even from this distance it was easy to see, that they were heavily outnumbered.
Gaara growled before he turned to his four Anbu. "Take defensive positions, form up with the fleet. I want us ready to fight before they're even 300 feet away from us.
"Yes sir." The Anbu chorused before vanishing in clouds of smoke.
Liang tore his eyes away from the spectacle to bring them onto Akina. She was alive...she was alive and that changed everything. His plans were still intact, they still held a chance for victory.
Now...if only he could get her to fight for him again.
Naruto's eyes scanned over the armada waiting for him. "Hmm...Zhuge Liang is cunning indeed to have predicted my strategy." He stated more to himself than the others. He stood at the bow of the ship, behind him were Ginchiko, Temari, Hinata and Mika, whom he had ordered to board his flagship once her fleet linked up with his.
His reason for it being the simple fact that with her aggressiveness and blood-lust leaving her in command of a force and hoping she didn't do something drastic, was like leaving a canary with no wings in a small cage with a cat and hope the cat doesn't eat it. Instead he gave command of that portion of the fleet to Jiraiya.
The vessel he was standing on was relatively simple in its design two Balistae were mounted on the Port and Starboard sides, and behind the helm on the aft of the ship was an extension that had been added recently to hold a small cattapult. Many of the pirates were currently lining up bottles of alcohol and oil that they would soon be using to bombard the opposing fleet with fire.
Of the four women behind him Ginchiko spoke first. "He may have predicted you, but even so he barely has enough ships to count for half of our fleet. And his tactics count for nothing here."
"You're right." Naruto admitted, red robe whipping in the salt laced breeze. "Still...what is that?" He paused mid sentence squinting a bit.
Ginchiko pulled out a scope, following his gaze as best she could. "Its...a banner from Suna?"
"Suna?" Naruto questioned. "I was not aware that they had a navy."
"They don't." She answered. "Only Kiri and Kumo have one."
"Hn...odd then that they would be here." He stated before turning to face Temari over his shoulder "Unless its another of Liangs plans to draw you out."
Temari shrugged. "It may be."
"And if it isn't?" Naruto questioned eyes narrowing behind the shadow of his hood. "Will you keep up your end of our deal Sabaku?"
Temari's fist clenched in a white knuckled grip before she slowly released it. "Yea...I will." She said through gritted teeth before turning to meet his gaze. "You may be able to take the world by force today...but there will still be rebellion."
Naruto brought his eyes away from her back to the front of the ship. "An unsure hand guarantees rebelion."
"What will you do with Kumo?" She questioned.
"Its leaders shall be killed, as for the village itself. It depends on them." He answered.
Temari tore her gaze away. "You ever hear of winning gracefully?"
"Before all traces of the old world vanish a new world cannot be built." He explained.
She released a very unladylike snort. "You really are a heartless monster aren't you."
Naruto ignored her statement as the vessel continued its path, the fleet at its back. If this truly was Suna then he could end the war in just these next few seconds. He would have to at least investigate.
"What's that." Mika questioned, red eyes scanning the opposing fleet. "Off in the distance, at the very back of the fleet." She pointed.
Naruto and the others turned their eyes, piercing the mist and fog as they finally came in a bit closer. "A tower?" Ginchiko questioned.
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Zhuge Liang. This is no doubt his doing."
"What do you think he's planning?" Ginchiko questioned.
"I am uncertain, but, that tower must be destroyed quickly once the fighting starts." He paused. "Wait...cancel that order."
"Why?" The swordswoman questioned.
"He may just do it to distract us. Put our focus on that ship while he maneuvers others to outflank us."
"You really think so? He's taking up four ships to base that on it seems."
Naruto was silent for a moment before he responded. "No...but with Zhuge Liang...one can only hope they guess his moves correctly at times.
Ginchiko nodded.
Gaara stood on the deck of the ship, watching the opposing enemy fleet as they came steadily closer and closer. He was brought away from the act however as a loud, familiar voice called out to him.
"Hey Gaara!"
The Kazekage spun around on his heel, gaze seeking out the source of the voice when they finally found him.
Kankuro. He stood on a row boat, with two men rowing.
Though Gaara had been warned of what Kankuro had done, he still could not stop the shock from registering over his face.
The only human part visible was the pupeteer's upper torso, arms and legs hidden beneath layers of wood and metal. He was clad in a humanoid suit the back of which was hunched, most likely where he kept most of the mechanisms of the suit. He looked more like a giant golem of wood rather than a man.
The hydraulics on the legs alone were nearly the length of Gaara's arm the length and width of the foot probably half as big as Gaara himself. The hand of the suit alone, which Kankuro was waving in greeting could probably have gripped around him easily.
"Kankuro." Gaara stated, sand gathering beneath his feet which he then used to lift himself and hover above the water, approaching his, now much much larger brother. "They told me but I never expected...god Kankuro what did you do to yourself.
Kankuro waved him off. "Relax." He said before opening a small compartment in the suits arm, revealing his real arm to be inside the suit. "I didn't cut myself and replace my limbs with this. Just think of this like some really heavy clothing. Unlike Sasori I actually do like to feel my own hands every now and then.
Gaara breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. You had me worried for a moment." Hovering around Kankuro he examined the suit with a critical eye. "Well...you certainly put alot of mass on it. Wont it be...a little slow. Your upper body and Vital organs are badly exposed."
Kankuro smirked. "Please." Before small pannels opened up in the parts of the suit that framed his body, and thick wooden sheets emerged in layers, converging around one another until only his face was exposed, only for that too to be shielded a moment later, leaving only a T shaped visor to allow the pupeteer to see. "I'm not that much of an amateur. The suit may be slow but a few of the medics at the hospital helped me with some seal designs for the wood. Fire resistance, Chakra absorbtion. The round design of the suit will help absorb heavy impacts. This thing may not be as good as Sasori and his legendary work, but it will definitely hold up against anything I find on the battlefield.
Gaara sighed. "I'd rather you not fight at all." He floated forward, placing a hand on Kankuro's shoulder. "I'm just glad you're alright. I had to leave before the operation was even underway."
"Don't worry about me." Kankuro said placing the suits massive hand as gently as he could to ruffle Gaara's hair. "Look, I gotta head back, I just came when I heard Suna had shown up. I wont be able to save your ass today probably so you take care of yourself out there today alright brother."
Gaara smirked as he let out a single laugh. "Sure. Whatever you say."
Kankuro seemed to nod beneath the T shaped visor before turning back to the men rowing. "Alright, lets head back boys."
"Akina."
The young blond woman paused in her work for a moment before she finished tying off the anchor to the ship. Taking a deep breath and gathering herself before she called the will power to turn and face the person that called out to her.
As expected, her eyes met Yugito's, the Nekomata's eyes were full of questions, each flashing by too quickly to be grasped and passed through her vocal cords. Finally she asked the only question she could.
"What happened to you?"
Akina opened her mouth to answer but then, paused before sighing. Shaking her head she looked to Yugito and gave her only one warning. "Yugito...don't trust, Zhuge Liang."
Yugito moved to speak again when Akina interrupted her, her voice as serious as the Jinchuriki had ever heard her. "Get away from him. Get away and stay away." She said before she gathered her equipment and brushed passed her fellow blond.
The Neko Jinchuriki watched Akina's retreating back before her gaze slowly moved upwards, towards the tower that loomed over them.
Meanwhile Zhuge Liang approached the seal experts at the top of the structure, gaze serious as he watched them work. "Is it ready?"
One of the men turned to face him and nodded. "Yes, we need only put on the finishing touches another three minutes at most."
"You have two." The Kage replied watching as the enemy fleet took up position a few hundred yards off. Then one ship began approaching, waving a white flag. "A negotiation?" Liang questioned more to himself than anyone else, eyes trailing downwards to the Kazekage after a brief moment.
'Naruto would not call a negotiation lightly. He has nothing to say to me...so that only leaves...Gaara. And if he wants to speak to Gaara then that means.' Liang's eyes widened as genuine panic entered his gaze. 'Temari. But how could he know Gaara would be here?'
After a moment the sleeping dragon shook his head. 'It doesn't matter. I must find a way to stop this.' But his mind came up with a blank, all of his strategies, schemes that passed through his mind would all arouse too much suspicion and those that didn't Naruto was sure to counter. He would not fall for the same tactic twice, and though Liang was a superb illusion master even he could not be sure if he could ever pull one over Naruto while he was actively searching for such.
Gritting his teeth he made a quick shunshin, vanishing, and reappearing a moment later on the deck of the ship.
Gaara approached him the younger males strides quickly making the distance between them dissapear as he spoke. "You've seen it too. They call for a negotiation."
"More like a surrender." Liang stated. "Kazekage-dono allow me to go. I have dealt with Naruto before."
Gaara nodded. "So have I Raikage-dono. I do not think it wise though for only one of us to face him. If he see's both of us here he may reconsider engaging us directly."
Liang fought the grimace, Gaara made a decent point and he could not argue too vehemently against Gaara going otherwise it would be far too suspicious of him, especially if Gaara caught word that his sister was on the opposing ship.
"If you wish. Still I think it'd be best to keep your involvement as a surprise." He ventured hoping Gaara would go for it.
He did not. "A good plan. But no. I believe it would be best if we face him together."
Liang nodded, though the action was forced. "As you wish...Kazekage dono."
The crashing of waves against the hull of the ships was the only sound that could be heard as the two vessels approached one another. Naruto still stood along the deck of his ship, Hinata, Temari, Ginchiko and Mika flanking him. Across from him, standing on the other ship Naruto could see several familiar faces. One he recognized instantly.
Akina.
That fool was becoming more of a nuisance every day but she was irrelevant at the moment. She flew under Suna's banner, and had to follow their orders. Once he secured Suna's surrender she could do nothing more against him. Even so, he would execute her once he had the chance. But that was a thought for later.
He allowed his eyes to continue to scan over the assembled ninja. One he didn't recognize, another female, blond, younger than Liang. Perhaps the Nekomata Jinchuriki judging from the reports. The next was Zhuge Liang, white robes, raven black hair distinguishing him among the others on the ship.
And finally, Sabaku no Gaara. The weak imbecile whom he would now manipulate to secure his victory in this war.
Looking at the four women over his shoulder he spoke, the command firm in its delivery and tone. "Secure her make sure Liang doesn't attempt anything."
Mika and Hinata moved as one, walking up to flank Temari. The Suna kunoichi growled, glaring at the back of Naruto's head. "Just let me go over there. I doubt he'll do anything right infront of Gaara."
"Perhaps." Naruto consented. "Then again perhaps not."
"Look. I already agreed I'd tell my brother. Why are you so intent on keeping me here?" She hissed yanking her arm free of Hinata's grip.
"Your agreement is merely a coffin nail to more firmly secure Suna's surrender. Your life however will deliver that surrender to me." He explained.
On the other side, Gaara watched as his sister struggled with her captors, his blood boiling at the sight. Though he did not expect her to be here he had quickly gotten over his shock. He now knew what Naruto was planning to do, why he'd called this negotiation. Turning his head to look at Liang he gestured for the Raikage to come closer. "What do you think the odds are for one of your men to safely secure Temari?"
Zhuge Liang looked at the Sabaku, which, either way, wether Naruto negotiated or if she was rescued would still bring about their defeat in this war. There was no chance for any ninja to carry out a successful rescue considering just how close those two Konoha kunoichi were standing. And more importantly who was standing next to them.
He nodded. "Yes. I believe I have one man that can do it."
"They'll slit her throat if he fails... are you sure?" Gaara questioned again.
Liang nodded, feeling Akina's eyes at his back, glaring at him.
He ignored it. "Yes. I am."
Gaara nodded. "Alright. Try it. But only when I give the signal. I will say "You have lost." That will be your agents command word to move in.
Liang's lips pursed. "Very well."
"Stay here please." Gaara continued. "With Temari here...I don't want him getting nervous with two Kage's on a thin plank of wood.
Zhuge Liang in-perceptively grit his teeth before slowly nodded. The closer he was, the easier he could manipulate the direction of the conversation.
The two ships pulled up next to each other, with both ships lowering anchor. A single plank was pulled up between the two ships, hook ends on the underside latching onto both ships railings. Providing extra security to hold them in place.
The plank was wide enough for two or three people to cross it at any one time. But Naruto marched onto the structure alone, Gaara following his example after a moment. Zhuge Liang, Akina and Yugito remained on the ship, same as Hinata, Ginchiko, Temari and Mika did on the other.
The two leaders stopped a mere two feet from eachother.
Meanwhile on Kumo's ship, a heated conversation was taking place between two of the ninja.
"You had better be very careful what you do here Zhuge Liang." Akina hissed under her breath towards the man that stood next to her.
"I do not know what you mean Akina." The man whispered back.
"The hell you don't. I know you're manipulating Gaara, or you're going to try to."
"I am not manipulating anyone Akina."
Akina was about to say more when Yugito spoke, hissing through her teeth.
"Shut up...both of you. Now I don't know what the hell is going on or what the beef is between you two. But whatever it is you better grill it up and eat it. We have a battle to fight here."
"Kazekage."
The title was given flatly, almost mockingly as Gaara stared up into the black void that was the man's face beneath the hood. Slowly he nodded back in greeting, a gesture of respect both knew was false. "Hokage-dono."
Naruto glanced towards the fleet of Kumo and Suna ships. "Your presence here is surprising. But I suppose it shouldn't be. One as..." He paused as if searching for the right word. "noble as you would seek to help his allies. You have certainly managed to turn the tides of this war, proving yourself to be more than just a slight annoyance. But now it is time for this little game of yours to end."
"War is no game. And if you think you can intimidate me into a surrender you are as arrogant as you are foolish. My village has stood-"
"Your village-" Naruto interrupted harshly, voice lowering an octave as his eyes flashed for a brief moment. "Has stood this long only because I have allowed it. And it will fall...because I demand it."
Gaara snorted. "As I expected. Ever the butcher...I will gladly die for the sake of my village, a village you are probably willing to burn just as easily and as carelessly as any before it."
"You may be willing to die." Naruto consented. "But-" He continued after a moment. "Are you willing to allow others to die for your mistakes."
As he spoke his head turned slightly, gesturing to Temari who stood behind him. Gaara visibly tensed, gritting his teeth as his fists clenched. There was a pause for a moment before he spoke again. "You kill her and know that Suna will fight you till the very last.
"You foolish Kazekage, apparently need to be made aware of the consequences to your actions." The Kyuubi Jinchuriki stated before the sound of metal piercing flesh reached his ears.
Time seemed to slow down, he watched the expression on Gaara's face as it slowly morphed from controlled anger to shock andthen to a slow horror. His eyes shifted to the three behind him, finding their expressions, even the ever apathetic Zhuge Liang to be twisted with disbelief.
Each of their gazes was focused behind him, and slowly a feeling of dread settled in the pit of his stomach. It was a cold feeling, chilling him to the marrow, spreading outward from his gut. He turned slowly, robe and hood fluttering in the sea breeze as he did. His eyes passing over Ginchiko and Hinata, both of their expressions mimicking that of the people opposite them.
Finally, they settled on the target of everyone's focus.
Temari.
He saw her eyes, wide, shocked, filled with fear as her hands slowly rose up, up to her neck, the left side, where a kunai was roughly yanked out, blood spurting from the injury as Naruto peeled his gaze away to follow the kunai to its owner.
Mika.
Her eyes, those familiar red eyes, normally filled with bloodlust and madness were now filled only with...satisfaction. It was a strange type, something one only saw on the face of those who knew they had achieved a victory.
The Kiri kunoichi allowed a smirk, slow and taunting to crawl up her face, spreading as she bowed her head once. Before she pushed Temari overboard.
Naruto's eyes, dazedly followed the Suna Kunoichi's limp body as it descended, twisting in mid air, her silver gray eyes once filled with fire and defiance were now, unseeing, glazed over. Yet somehow she met his gaze with her own, only for a brief moment before the greenish blue ocean swallowed her, her blood staining the surface red.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, hidden away he did feel shock, but it was only...in a sense of disbelief, almost an out of body experience. A good one, for he could keep his composure, his mind focused and remaining strangely numb to this recent event.
Naruto only vaguely registered Hinata's scream as he slowly turned around, coming face to face with Gaara. His face twisted with hate and rage as yellow chakra bubbled up from within his being, coalescing around him.
His gaze held anger, it held hate, and something else. Something that Naruto knew would make the Kazekage stronger than ever before.
Something... that he, would now need to destroy in him.