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 Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 11:00 am
 Cast your eyes to the ocean,
Cast your eyes to the sea.
When the dark nights seems endless
Please remember me... This is going to take place directly after chapter 516 of the manga and will center around the Danshoku nin joining the Shinobi Army and fighting alongside them. Enjoy! This is a work of fun for me! Table of Contents: Chapter OneChapter TwoChapter Three I would choose Beloved's life and happiness over mine.
Without regret, without hesitation...
Because that is what Love is.
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Posted: Thu Nov 11, 2010 11:03 am
Chapter One
The shinobi army set up camp for the night, getting ready to march in the morning, Gaara sighed as he returned to the tent set up by the command post for his personal use.
“That was a pretty moving speech,” a soft voice said, and he looked up to see the fiery haired woman leaning against the post marking the joint armies mess area.
“You came,” he whispered.
“Most of the minor villages did,” she smiled, “We volunteered as soon as we heard,” she turned to the fires of the army, “They’re still calling your name.”
“Mama!” a small fiery haired girl called from inside the kitchen area, “I got the potatoes peeled!”
“Just put them in the pot Kari, then you can go on to bed,” she looked back at Gaara, “I…”
“It’s dangerous here, for both of you,” he said, “Mira…”
“It’s more dangerous not to come, waiting for news,” she chewed her lip, “This thing is bigger than either of us… and Danshoku is empty right now anyways, we all came.”
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Yuko looked around the empty beds in the hospital area, a small part of her hoping that they would stay empty. Shaking her head, she returned to disinfecting the medical supplies, preparing for the battle tomorrow.
“It’s good to have your assistance,” Tsunade said quietly from where she was doing the same thing, “With Shizune leading the field medics, it’s good to have some trusted help at the headquarters…” she glanced over at Yuko, “And your information on Akatsuki has been rather helpful.”
“I left them before I could get anything concrete, and by the time that I was able to report, the information I had was already common knowledge.”
“I’m talking more on the information on Uchiha Itachi. The incident of the massacre has already been reopened and with your testimony and with that of ex-Root members, we might be able to posthumously pardon him after this is all over.”
Yuko stared at the Hokage for a long moment, a hand straying to her swollen abdomen, as Tsunade smiled, resting her head on her hand, “So? Thought of any good names yet?”
“I still haven’t even spoken with Mei yet,” she shrugged, tossing her red hair before going back to her work, “Would you believe that I have no idea what I’m going to be doing after this war is over.”
“Peace is going to be a new concept for all of us,” the blonde agreed, “But I think it’s going to be worth it all in the end,” she looked up at the clock, “Hey, that’s enough for tonight. Think the mess hall has any leftovers from dinner?”
“Come on,” Yuko said smiling, “I can get one of the cooks to make us something real special.”
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Haru sat staring at the fires as the other members of the Special Ops talked with each other, glancing over each shinobi as he thought back to the speech given by the Kazekage, a small smile gracing his lips.
“So you’re here too,” a voice said, and he looked up to see the dark haired boy with what appeared to be a chain wrapped around his waist, something that Haru knew from experience to be an extension of his spinal cord.
“Chain,” Haru’s smile turned to a grin, “Long time no see. So they put you in special ops to?”
“I was going to be in the close-mid range division, but it seemed that someone knows about the Mekagami demon,” the raven haired man smirked, “So it seems that you and I are going to be partners again.”
“Demon?” an interested voice asked, and both looked to see Kiba standing there with his hands behind his head, “Seems like everyone here has an interesting scent.”
“Stop sniffing people’s asses!” Hana snapped as she walked up to her brother, then blinked, at the confused stares everyone was giving her, “Uh… you didn’t did you?”
“He’s been house-trained since that incident,” Shino said from where he sat in the shadows near a fire, nest to him Ino gave the beetle user a strange look, then back at Kiba.
“So does that mean you two…” she started, her hands flying to her face.
“Nah, I like dark guys, but not pack brothers,” Kiba grinned, “I was wondering, Akamaru smelled something good and wandered off… anyone want to join me in going to the mess hall?”
“I was going to head there myself anyways,” Haru said, “I know one of the cooks and she was making some extra rations for us.”
“Hey, a connection we can sink our teeth into!” the Inuzuka started to walk off, “Come on!”
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“It’s an honor to be on the same squad as you!” Umbra was saying happily as she talked animatedly with Lee, who was still fretting over the passed out Gai, “I’ve heard so much about you during some of my missions.”
His eyes were wide as he pointed to himself, and she nodded, “It’s been a dream of mine… do you think you could teach me?”
“I would be honored too!” he said happily.
“Watch out, she’s a clutz,” Shane said as he leaned back looking up at the skies, “Seems like most of the village got this battalion.”
“It had nothing to do with me stalking Kakashi-senpai!” Ko explained, “Nothing at all!”
Sakura looked over at her, “You know him?”
“From a while back,” Ko explained, “Us two are old Leaf nin…” she glanced around, “Hey, I haven’t seen that loud blond kid that was running around Mira’s Uncle’s place when we left, he still around?” she stood, “Actually, know what, let’s go get some grub, I bet if we go ask, Mira will give us a midnight snack. Not like she sleeps anyways.”
“Uh…” Sakura started, staring at the white haired woman as the blond man stood up.
“Sounds good,” he looked back at the purple haired girl, “Umbra, you coming?”
“A late night meal sounds fantastic!” Lee said excitedly, “And then we can do some training until the sun rises and we are deployed!”
“But…” Sakura started again, “We’re supposed to…”
“Do you not want to ask about Naruto?” Lee grinned, “The mess area is close to the command area, not only that, but we can congratulate Gaara on his heart-felt speech earlier!” he completely missed Umbra’s glare directed at the pink haired girl as he corralled her towards the kitchen area, the others following behind.
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“Almost like the bar at home,” Mira grinned as she started cooking as that group came in, then glared at Shane, “And no. You can’t have sex in here.”
“But it won’t be home then!” he exclaimed, “Just one time…”
“You’re going to be kept busy as it is,” she promised, as she placed another pot of ramen on the stove, “Anyone for seconds?”
“So this is where you’ve all been,” Kakashi said as he entered the tent, “I thought I heard voices.”
“I know it’s the middle of the night, but when people ask for food, I make it,” the fiery haired woman smiled, “Sit down, I’ll fix you something up right away,” she looked up again as the special ops started to come in, “Oh hey Haru, see you’re getting along with your division…” looking at Kiba, “And this must be your partner that’s sitting under my counter and eating some pork ribs.”
“Kiba! You should…” Hana started but Mira shook her head.
“No! It’s no problem at all!” she promised, “I have plenty.”
“Mirrles is the master of making the food budget stretch,” Haru grinned, then waved as Yuko and Tsunade came into the mess hall, “Hey, seems like everyone’s here!”
“So Mira, now that we have you cornered, you going to tell us why you started wearing that lone earring?” Umbra teased.
“Nope,” she smiled, “But I will say that it has to do with my late good mood, now eat up, you guys have a big day tomorrow.”
“Bigger than you know,” Kakashi said, “After we get our last member of our division, we’re moving out.”
“Last member?” Sakura raised an eyebrow, “Who?”
“Is it not obvious?” Lee grinned, “There is only one person that has not appeared yet.”
Kakashi nodded, “That’s right, Naruto.” he glanced over at Ko and Shane, “And I’m going to be relying on you two to help me keep an eye on him.”
“So he’s the jinchuuriki then,” Shane played with his noodles, “Sure, no problem… would help if he was cute.”
“You really don’t remember anything from our days in Konoha do you?” Ko teased, a knowing smile on her face as she finished her soup, “Thanks for the grub Mira, we’re going to go get some rest for tomorrow.”
She waved, “You guys be careful out there. I’m going to send some rations with Kakashi, so make sure you eat right in the field.”
“With you looking after the food, that’s not a problem,” Umbra grinned and held up her bowl, “Seconds!”
Mira smiled again, going to fill up the bowl, trying not to think about the war that had already started, that this was only a brief respite.
Unseen from inside his tent, Gaara peered out at the mess hall, his fingers playing with a small silver hoop that matched the one in Mira’s ear, a very faint smile on his lips as he watched the fiery haired woman and the group of shinobi that she was serving.
Slowly, they got up finished with their meals and returned to their divisions, thanking Mira for the meal and she started to clean up.
Haru was the last to get up and leave, “Have you talked to him yet?” he said as he motioned for Chain to wait on him.
“I have,” she picked up the last of the plates, “And the answer’s no to your next question.”
“We’ve been emissaries to Suna for a good few months now, it’s not like it’s completely out of the question…” he started then shrugged at her look, “All I’m saying is that maybe you should say something before all of his new fan girls start in.”
“He’s a big boy,” Mira promised, “Now you go on, you’ve got a big day tomorrow too right?”
She watched him leave with the dark haired boy and continued work on the dishes, finally finishing and then sitting down, taking a deep breath as she looked up at the stars.
A small trail of sand brushed past her fingers, and she glanced over at where Gaara was standing, “I understand that you don’t really close the kitchen.”
She smiled, “You could have came out when everyone else was here,” she said as she got up to make him something.
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Posted: Fri Nov 26, 2010 9:29 am
Chapter Two
The Morning Of the Ambush Squads Clash
“Um,” a soft voice said as Temari stepped out into the camp grounds where the long range division were cleaning up, “I was told to report here.”
She turned to see the small teenage girl with autumn gold hair pulled back in a ponytail and bright sapphire eyes holding a bow that seemed far too heavy for her to use, “Shikamaru’s around somewhere, but I can get you settled if you want, who told you to come here.”
“Lord Kazekage did,” the girl chewed her lip and handed over her papers, “Sorry I’m late, I had to come a very long way.”
“Tsubasagakure… I don’t think I’ve even heard of it,” Temari whistled as she looked over her papers, “There’s not a lot here, when did you talk to Gaara?”
“Last night, at the mess hall…” she blushed, “I had gone there first because I wasn’t sure…”
“Welp… Tsukino Kotori is it? We could use all the help we can get. I’m Temari,” she held out her hand, “Gaara’s big sister believe it or not…”
At that the sapphire eyes widened, “Then you’re the one I was supposed to deliver this too,” Kotori reached into her bag, and pulled out a small scroll, “It’s from Mira.”
“Eh?” the blonde opened it up, quickly reading the message and then her eyes widened as she looked back up at the other girl, “Then you’re…”
“Troublesome,” a voice said and Temari hastily rolled the scroll up and placed it away, as Shikamaru and Chouji came into view, “Orders just came in, we’re moving…” he looked up at Kotori, “Another girl… troublesome.”
“Forgive me if I’m wrong, but didn’t I save your a** a couple of times?” Temari teased as she placed her hands on her hips, then turned serious, “How soon?”
“The second we get everything packed up,” he sighed, “Which was supposed to be five minutes ago.”
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“The ambush squad should be encountering the armies soon,” Kabuto said to Madara as they walked along, “But my intel has informed me of some new additions to their forces, ones that made me prepare these last coffins.”
“And why didn’t you send them in before?”
“Because neither one can be trusted, even with my jutsu. Both were doing research into something that even the sage refused to use.”
“Those legends of gods and demons? The ones that were supposed to grant absolute power over life and death?” beneath the mask Madara raised an eyebrow, “Would be interesting if those tales were true.”
Kabuto only smirked as the coffins opened, “Of course, the trick is finding them. They’re not as obvious as the bijuu,” the blond and the auburn haired man both walked out.
“So the little witch burned her way out of my control,” the latter said, the former only staring forward, “I’ll have to repay her for that.”
“You can do that and more,” Kabuto said, “Just tell me where to find the Eidolons when you’ve gotten your revenge.”
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The armies started moving out, silently surging towards the enemy. The long range and special ops forces were in the back, kept there so that the more interesting of the special forces could be kept secret longer and so that the long range could set up as soon as they came to a resting point.
At the time that the ambush squads met, the armies paused at a clearing.
“Whether by land or by sea, they’ll end up here either way,” Mifune said quietly, “Do we have the information from the ambush team yet?”
“Set up the long range on that hill there,” Gaara answered, “Make sure that they have a shot of both ways, I’m going to assume that the Akatsuki are going to assault on both fronts. Send the special forces to set up the traps. Close and Mid-range Units, spread to the forests.”
Nodding, the commanders left to carry out their orders.
“Do you think it was wise to leave one of our units back at our base?” Mifune asked, “We may need the full…”
“Guarding the jinchuuriki takes higher priority,” Gaara said before sweeping away, “Kakashi’s unit is more than capable of doing that. Any enemy that breaks through this line will have a hard time then dealing with a fresh battalion.”
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Kakashi looked around at the people in the unit he was with, “It’s been a long time,” Sakura yawned, “How much more time are we going to be waiting?”
“He’s making up for all the times that I was late,” the silver haired jonin said as he leafed through his book, “Ko, you’ve got full permission to use the pack, I’m going to be saving my energy for other things.”
“Not fair,” the silver haired woman said, “Now you give me permission? After the months and years of careful…”
“You stalked him,” Shane pointed out, “So what’s this Naruto guy like anyways? I don’t remember him for some reason.”
“It’s been five years since we were in Konoha,” Ko agreed, “All I remember is a loud kid who liked to repaint the Hokage monument.”
“I think you’ll like how he turned out,” Kakashi promised as he turned another page in his book.
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Yuko looked with wide eyes at the results, “Mira… how?”
“I guess a little bee stung me,” the fiery haired woman laughed, “I was wondering why I felt so nauseous.”
“But… you haven’t even been…” the medic looked back at the papers, “You’re three months along, who the hell have you been sleeping with?”
“Not our business,” Tsunade said from across the room, “If the mother doesn’t want to disclose the information, then we can’t force it out of her,” she crossed her arms, “Though I’m curious myself.”
“I’ll tell you both later,” Mira promised, “But if I say anything about who it is now, it’ll ruin him. Let’s make it through this war first.”
“Sleeping with the Daimyo?” the older blonde teased, “Or some rich merchant?”
“Not saying,” the cook raised her hands, “Alright, if I’m good, then I need to go help Uncle prep some more rations to send to the front lines.”
“You’re good,” Yuko said looking at her papers, “Just be care… oh come on Mira, you knew who the father of mine was…”
“Still not saying,” she smiled, “It’ll be obvious soon enough anyways.”
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“Well, hey Tema,” Haru said as he and Chain came up to where she and a few other members of the long range unit were setting up, “Long time no see.”
“You and Mira need to visit Suna more,” Temari grinned, “It’s been what, three months since you guys last came for that diplomatic mission?” she nodded at Shikamaru, “That’s the guy I was telling you about… Hey Shika! This is Haru!”
“Hn,” the burnet waved half-heartedly, “Come on, the sooner we can finish setting up here, the sooner I can go look at the clouds.”
The blue haired nin gave a look to the blonde who shrugged smiling, “Eh, he’s more fun than he let’s on.” she said, “Come on, I’ll introduce you to some of the others,” she glanced back at Chain, “And who’s this?”
Haru blushed slightly, rubbing the back of his head, “Actually, he’s the guy I was telling you about, Temari, Chain, Chain, Temari.”
She grinned, “Nice to meet you!”
“Exactly what did you say about me?” Chain asked as he glanced over at Haru.
Before he could answer, Temari had grabbed both, “Before we meet anyone else, you’re seeing her. I need help covering,” she led them to the autumn golden haired girl, “Hey Sunshine, look who’s here.”
Haru and Chain blinked as they stared at Kotori, “Mira released you from the ruby?”
“She wanted to help fight, and she can’t right now,” the girl said, then blushed, “For reasons that I can’t tell at this time. So she and I made one final deal.”
“The story is that she’s from Tsubasagakure,” Temari whispered, “But if anyone investigates…”
“Actually it’ll hold,” Haru said quietly, listening to the words that Sin was telling him, “That was a temple village near Taki, it was so small that it only ever produced a handful of ninja, even in the centuries that it’s been there.”
“Except,” Chain pointed out, “It was destroyed fifty years ago… why did you choose that place?”
Kotori blinked, “That’s where Mira found the ruby, so technically, it’s true.”
Haru covered his face with his palm, “Please, for the love of all that is holy, tell me that it wasn’t the Mekagami clan that decimated Tsubasa.”
“It was my clan actually,” Chain said quietly, “But it was because the Head of the Mekagami clan at the time was looking for something there.”
“You know… if he actually said why he was looking for it…” the blue haired nin shook his head, “Not important now…”
Temari was staring across the battlefield, “That’s a hawk from Kankuro’s team,” she whispered as she saw the raptor fly towards the command tent.
“So the first real battle of this war was already fought,” Haru said as he followed it with his eyes.
“There’s too much death here,” Kotori suddenly said, “The souls of those he’s using, they’re crying out in pain.”
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Posted: Sat Dec 18, 2010 7:07 am
Chapter Three
"Really wish these guys would make up their mind,” Shane snorted, and ahead of him Kakashi pressed his hands in apology.
“Seems that what happened with the ambush squads were more than what the others could handle, so we’re being moved to the front lines,” the masked nin said before turning forward, “Everyone! We need to move faster!”
What followed next was almost a blur as they moved through the trees, only stopping when Kakashi jumped in front of Zabuza to save Sai.
Shane stepped back, not caring about the sentimental conversation going on just then, it didn’t deal with him anyways, instead peering through the woods.
“Sense something?” Ko whispered.
“He should, he was the best our clan had to offer,” a voice behind the two whispered as Shane felt a kunai press into his throat, “How long has it been?”
“That voice…” the blond man whispered, “It couldn’t be…”
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Mira hummed as she placed the vegetables into the pot for the next day’s meal, waving at Teuchi and Ayame as they left the mess hall.
“Mama I’m tired,” Karin whined from where she was sitting below the counter.
“We’re almost done,” the fiery woman promised, “Just a bit…” her voice trailed off as she whirled around, “Hide,” she whispered.
“Mama?”
“Hide. Don’t come out no matter what, not even if I call you.” Mira grabbed the butcher knife, “And don’t make a sound. When I tell you, make a fire.”
Karin stared at her mother with wide green eyes and then nodded, sprinting for one of the empty cabinets, pulling the door nearly closed behind her as she peered through the crack.
Mira looked around the kitchen, “Where is he going to attack from?” she muttered, then narrowed her eyes and stabbed the knife forward, through the tent.
“I never could get past you,” the dark hair man said as he lifted the side, “How long has it been since you killed me little fire wench?”
“Not long enough,” Mira growled, flipping the knife, “So the rumors of the undead army are true.”
“Seems like you got a personality complex since we parted ways,” his hand wrapped around her neck, “Where is it?”
“It doesn’t belong to you!” she snapped, “And you’re too late, I already freed the Eidolon within it.”
“Really? Didn’t I say that I would implode your heart if you did that?” he placed his palm on her heart, “That seal’s been long removed… I’ll have to think of another way to make you tell me.”
“Like I would,” Mira spat at him, stabbing the knife forward again.
He grabbed her wrist and she screamed as she felt the binding seals envelope her, “Little wench, don’t you remember what I’m capable of?” he threw her over her shoulder, “Now make me a nice fire for them to remember you by.”
She narrowed her eyes as the blue flames enveloped her and Kei, “Burn…” she whispered, looking at the cabinet where Karin was hiding.
The small girl nodded, her hand in her mouth, and closed her eyes, the same blue flames covering her that covered Mira.
And then orange and red flames exploded outward from the cabinet as Kei smirked and walked away, “That’s your prettiest one yet,” he said before both disappeared.
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Kotori screamed as she her hands went to her chest and she kneeled down, “Get her quiet,” hissed Shikamaru to Temari.
“Shut it you,” she whispered back, then knelt by the autumn haired girl, “What’s…”
“Mira,” the sapphire eyes were wide, “She’s been…” her mouth opened to scream again and Temari bent down, covering it with her own, then looked up to see Haru kneeling down.
“Tema, cut your hand,” he said as he took Kotori’s hand, “We’ve got to sever the bind before they capture her too,” he slashed at the palm with a kunai, as the blonde sand nin did the same, and then pressed the two palms together.
Temari helped Kotori sit up, “That’s not permanent,” the girl panted, “But it’ll do for now.”
“What happened?” Haru and Temari asked her, then looked up as they saw the smoke from the base camp rise above the treelines.
“Mira didn’t make that,” Kotori said quickly, “If she did, it would have swallowed Karin up.”
“So Karin’s the one who…” Haru’s eyes widened, “That’s big enough to destroy the entire camp!”
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Chakra wires went through the camp, searching for the source of the heat, then attaching themselves to the girl that was crying all by herself in the inferno.
“Got her,” Kankuro muttered as he started to fish the chakra away, “How’d a little girl get so much…”
“Mira was the same way,” Teuchi sniffed as he sat with the other survivors as they put the fires out, “When she disappeared…” he held his head, “How could I have so foolish! We should have sent searches for her, welcomed her back…”
“She turned out fine,” Yuko crossed her arms, then went to examine Karin as the small girl came walking out of the flames, “Her skin’s cool,” she said in wonder, “So you did take after your mother.”
“The boogey man came and got her,” the girl sniffed, “He’s just like I imagined,” she knelt as more tears poured from her eyes, “Mama said to hide and then burn…” she sobbed, “I’m a monster!”
“Hey, no you’re not,” Kankuro said, “Your mother told you that for a reason, we found out about her getting kidnapped a lot sooner, and now we can rescue…”
“NO!” Karin sobbed, “The boogey man is my father!”
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Kei stepped forward, “I seem to remember you being afraid of just one thing,” he smirked as he opened up a door in the stone floor of the area he was in, “If they don’t eat you, then you’ll be willing to tell me everything I want to know in just a few days… and if not, by then I’ll have the crown rebuilt.”
He tossed Mira down into the darkness, and she felt the bindings loosen just as she noticed that below her…
The floor was moving.
Or rather… what was covering the floor was moving.
“No…” she whispered as she saw what was causing it.
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