Naruto Fan Fiction / Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction / Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Fan Fiction ❯ The False Apocalypse ❯ Code 43: Battle on With All Your Love Hate and Sarrow ( Chapter 29 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Betrayal has its costs for both sides and Konoha as really stepped in it this time. What is this code 43? Will the Zate actually go that far? What can be done to prevent this most hated of their laws?

Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction / Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction / Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Martial Arts / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 11.20.2009 | Pages: 10 | Words: 17.0K | Visits: 197 | Status: Completed

The False Apocalypse

Chapter 29

Code - 43: Battle On With All Your Love Hate and Sorrow

Disclaimer: see chapter 1

“Master Yoda?” Mace Windu opened his eyes from a deep slumber as the green master knocked upon his door. Windu could sense who it was and it was most troubling. His dream was starting to take a turn for the worse. As far as he could sense the two events were tightly related. After dawning the brown Jedi robe he still wore in warmer climates he made his way to the door, revealing his senses to be correct as the somber green man walked in without a word.

“You seem troubled Master Yoda.” Of all the Zate Yoda was especially sensitive to the Force. His facial expressions always seemed to give way to his true feelings when among friends. This morning was no different. His face wore a sad and contemplative tone. He clearly hadn't slept. Something was defiantly troubling him.

“Mmm, of grave importance I fear. A great pain I felt in Rei as she left the hospital this morning. In her future, a dark and terrible pain I sense.” The old master had felt this dark future ever since the meeting. It had grown stronger after it had ended and continued to a point that frightened him.

“You believe harm is to come to Nazomishi while he rests?” This was most troubling; in Windu's unfinished dream he had seen Rei going berserk in the square in front of the Hokage tower. Flames and chakra leaked forth in a horrific display of tortured feelings.

“No…” Yoda shook his head sadly and raised a finger, pointing to a dark cloud out the window. “Death I sense for him and young Naruto.” It was still dark and the time was approaching five in the morning but they could still see the dark outline of a low hanging cloud. Something awful was to happen this day. Nature could feel it. The Force could feel it.

“This is impossible; those two are as strong as you, and I don't sense those creatures returning any time soon.” It was plain, they could both feel it, and those creatures were in no way coming any time soon. That is what troubled Yoda.

“Strong, yes, but arrogant, weakened by the influence of his Other, Nazomishi is. Young and lacking in subtlety Naruto is. Still unconscious they are, and in the care of Konoha. In our hands their fate is not. Come, if correct my assumptions are then need your assistance I will.” Yoda unlatched the window with a tap of the Force, permitting it to fly free of its latched state. He agilely leaped down to the dark road, soon followed by Windu.

Running quickly so as not to fall behind Windu soon caught up to the miraculously agile creature who had lived for so long. “Surely you don't mean Root? We destroyed them along with Danzo.”

“Not Danzo, Konoha. A deep fear they have. A deep hatred for the Kyuubi; blinded by their hate they are. Stop at nothing to end what is associated with suffering, they will.”

“And they see Nazomishi as the one who gave Naruto such power.” It clicked. This is what the start of his dream meant. Yoda was correct, and now it was all too clear now. They had to get to the hospital and fast. “What have we done?” Windu silently stated in regret of having not pursued his senses further.

“Done nothing we have. Unforeseen these events are, but saved many we have. Our path, correct it has been.”

“Then what will we do? Surely we can't leave with so many in such a state. Even Hiko is still recovering.”

“Watch matters we will. If becomes reality this disturbance does. Then with Konoha, wash our hands we must. For now protect our own we must.” By now they were half way to the hospital and picking up their pace. They couldn't be too late.

“Code forty three…I never thought we'd resort to that.” Code forty-three, this was what Yoda meant by washing his hands of Konoha. Windu didn't like it. He had been against that code since the construction of their laws. Even Yoda was initially against it, but in the end they themselves had signed off on it. It was sad but this was the very reason for its creation. Of all the laws of the Zate this was the one Windu hate the most. It was the one most of the Zate dreaded above all others.

“Prevent maters going that far, we must. If move the village does then talk with them I will. If continue they do…”

“Then we must take our allies and flee before the code takes effect.”

“Either way, great suffering I sense. Only hope the Force is with us I can.”

“I hope so as well.”

Kenshin gasped for air as he awakened in a frighteningly cold sweat. He sat up in bed. Reaching up to his face he wiped it off his face, blindly looking at the neglect able reflection in the drops from the moon as it became covered over by a dark cloud.

“Nazo…” Kenshin's eyes were livid having witnessed a horrific nightmare involving death, destruction, and fire. Kenshin shook Kaoru awake with the image of fire fresh in his eyes. The horrific red fire stretched high into the sky and beyond the clouds. A fire of pain and all consuming rage was burst forth from the Hokage tower. All these horrible images were brought on by the most horrific image of the dream. The sight of his old friend and ally being stabbed in every vital spot with long swords brought tears to his eyes.

“Kaoru.” Kenshin shook her by the shoulders and left her side immediately to get dressed.

“uhh…Shinta?...What is it, what time is it?” She opened her eyes to see her husband franticly getting dressed.

“There's no time. Contact the Zate and tell them we have a level six emergency. I hope I'm not too late.” Those were the last words Kenshin got out as he ran through the door, letting it swing freely as he blazed out of the room at full speed, sword in tow.

Of all the feelings she could sense in Kenshin's mind one thought dwelled in his mind behind a wave of fear. The fact that the code could be on his mind was frightening. If something was bad enough to call for that then it defiantly was an emergency.

“Nazo!..uh…” Kenshin burst into Nazomishi's room only to be overwhelmed by a deep feeling of sadness. Two figures hung their heads in anger with themselves as they looked upon Nazomishi's empty bed. Kenshin started to move towards Naruto's room in hope that at least the young blond were there but the two figures verbally crushed that idea.

“Don't bother, we already checked.” Windu tuned to face Kenshin “We were too late, they have him.”

“Who, who took them!” Kenshin could feel his rage building and tried to hold it back. All three of them felt it. Konoha had taken not only a leader, but a dear friend. On top of that their first candidate for fourth division captain. This action was tantamount to war.

“Konoha, we don't know why but we have an idea. The leaders are afraid of the Kyuubi. Without a new Kage the Council is in full control of the village. Naruto's kindness has helped when it comes to the people but that can only go so far. He is too young to be the next Hokage but at this point he's becoming a threat to their rule. Too many people like him and his views are too conflicting with theirs. We should have seen this earlier.”

“Forget not Master Windu, clouded our senses Zansatsu has. Only recently regained full awareness have we.”

“They should be having a meeting soon. I propose we give them something to think about, that I do.” Kenshin was drawing dangerously close to entering his battle persona as he attempted to rationalize all this. Regardless of what they intended to do, they had no choice but to prevent this event from progressing any further. The fact that they had been taken was proof that their leaders were safe, at least for the moment.

“Master Kenshin, contacted the Zate have you?”

“I asked Kaoru to, they should know soon that they should.”

“Then I will set up the meeting and make sure were all on the same page. You're the captains; it is up to you to confront the council.” Windu commented, knowing the leaders would hold the most political power against the council.

“And do that we will. May the Force be with you.”

“And also with you.” Windu left clearly agitated by the entire matter. Over time the former Jedi had come to accept such emotions as a fundamental part of their being. Still they didn't like such negative feelings. They were too violent, unpredictable, too consuming. Had they not focused so much on controlling such feelings, even the most caring and reserved of the Zate would have lost themselves to it at some point.

“Does Rei know?” Kenshin asked in concern, his dream startled him and he knew it was all too possible with the way things were going.

“Sense she ran into Master Windu on his way out I do. Restrain her, handle something here I must.” Kenshin gave Yoda a questioning look but decided to go on. `Poor Rei, we must free them that we must.'

Kenshin left to assist in calming Rei down. If this was anything like the last time she got upset, they were in for quite a ride. Unfortunately in her current state, they held no use for her with the current situation. She was too volatile, not a good state for diplomatic processes. Were something further to happen, things could go very much like his dream.

“Master Yoda.” A calm voice stated as it immerged from the shadows soon after Kenshin left the floor.

“Heard did you?” Yoda asked the robed Zate. The man that had immerged from the shadows wore the robes of a Zate but one sleve was in tatters and covered in blood as if it had been ripped off or destroyed by some strange technique. The man's left arm was missing at the shoulder.

“Yes, it would seem his assumptions were correct. Do youstill doubt their intentions?” The Zate moved further out of the shadows into the remainder of the moonlight in the room.

“No, correct he was. Still, dislike this move I do.” That code… of all the actions he hated taking, that one was by far the one he hated the most. Even if that's what they were trying to avoid this move was just as bad.

“You foresaw the Other's backup plan yourself. Even I can see that if this is not done they will crush the Zate. This is our only option if we are to avoid using the code and maintain the balance of power in this region. The Others are far too powerful for us to handle at this moment. With the council acting on top of that, there's not much else we can do.”

“Though it must be done, such suffering it pains me to create. All outcomes, such suffering, all because of those Others, all because of that council. Go now.” Yoda and the robed Zate had walked into the hallway and into the room where Naruto had only hours earlier laid. The robed Zate stood a few steps behind Yoda as the green master entered the room. With calm eyes he pointed towards the motionless figure who laid, still sleeping on the bed where Naruto was taken. “With you Hinata take. Handle the execution her heart cannot.”

“Of course master. She will be trained to the best of my abilities.” The robed Zate member moved over to the girl's body, picking her up with one arm as they melded into the shadows to complete his predetermined task, a task which only Yoda himself knew.

---Later that morning: 6:30 AM---

Sasuke was fallowing Kakashi who had just woken him abnormally early for their team. Apparently the silver haired Jounin had received some troubling news and they were heading to some meeting but needed to pick up Sakura first.

“I see, do you have any idea where she might be?” They arrived at Sakura's house only minutes after wakening Sasuke.

“I'm sorry Kakashi San but my daughter never came in last night. I figured she had slept over at Ino's again, but come to think of it that area was destroyed in the attack. If she is with Ino I'm afraid I wouldn't know where to begin. I know she's not injured, she dropped by before delivering her report to the council.” This was troubling. If she wasent at her home then where was she? They didn't have much time to wonder around the city looking for her. And the way things were going they weren't likely to find her either.

“Thank you anyway.” Sasuke added.

“Come on Sasuke, Let's try the Hyuuga compound.”

“She wouldn't be there it was destroyed as well. The Hyuuga are living in mine till theirs can be rebuilt. What's so urgent that we need her anyway? It's not like you to be up this early.” Sasuke commented knowing something had to be up.

“We don't have time. The Zate are meeting in thirty minutes and if things go badly, I don't want to think of the consequences.”

“What about Naruto. Does he know yet?” Kakashi paused for a moment as they leaped onto another building. They stopped for a moment going no further as Kakashi turned to Sasuke and spoke in a serious tone.

“It's about Naruto” Kakashi stated with a hint of sadness having heard just enough of what happened to know Naruto was in real danger.

---Civilian & Clan Council meeting - 8:10 AM---

“Surprising, I never thought the Uchiha would offer his home to the Hyuuga.” One of the civilian council members commented upon hearing the Hyuuga's temporary arrangement.

“Yes, Sarutobi did instill a level of manners in him his family neglected having.” Hiashi added on the clan side of the large council table. In the seats near him were the clan heads for the various represented clans and families. Inoichi represented his family though it was a small clan it was recognized as a powerful asset due to their abilities with the mind. To Inoichi's left was Shukaku, representing the Nara and sitting between is friend Inoichi and the highly intellectual Aburame clan head. Shino's father, a very intelligent man who like the rest of the Aburame clan relied mostly on rational decisions was always a powerful figure within the clan council for this reason. As far as combat strategy went the Nara and Aburame clan held the most power though the Hyuuga held the most political clout of any one seat. Choza for the Akimichi clan was not present for a currently unknown reason. They made up the larger clans within Konoha while eight minor clan heads filled the rest of the Clan council spots.

“Speaking of the Uchiha, I hear Itachi has returned as an ally.” An older member of the civilian stated from the other side of the room. Though the Clan council held a great deal of power, the civilian council had passed a great deal of laws hidden among other pieces of legislation over the years, granting it many powers the Hokage once had. As a result the civilian council now held the most power in Konoha, without the Hokage to back up the Clan half. Though the clan council didn't like it there was little they could do. They were in a rather frustrating predicament.

“pthh, as one of those Zate. I…” Another civilian scoffed at the Zate. He like many others on the council saw them as a threat, especially after hearing about what happened to Danzo. Thoes monsters assasinated him! It was cold blood, plain and simple. Or, at least that's how he saw it.

“Jiro, I never thought you would act so hostilely towards a group who acted to save us.” Hiashi commented, attempting to keep this meeting peaceful. The last thing he needed was an angry civilian council to override the Clan council on everything till they got a new Hokage.

“They are taking our power, that's what they are doing. Look at them, monsters the lot of them. In a month they've gained as much support from our shinobi as the Hokage ever had.” Another Civilian councilor stated in anger.

“What did you expect; they pulled together our allies and former enemies to destroy a force that would have crushed us.” Shukaku countered, gaining a nodd from the Aburame.

“This is exactly what I mean. As long as they exist, our balance of power is corrupted. We could have stopped those forces well enough without their help.”

“Your statement is illogical. Against two countries we would have never stood a chance. Without them it would have been four. If the Zate wished to take over Konoha we would be dead and they would be the ones having this meeting.” Several Civilian Councilors scowled at the statement by the Aburame head. He was right, the Zate currently held a vast amount of power. If controlling this village was even a small part of their plans they could easily assassinate the council and establish their own law. The only Shinobi strong enough to fight back had already joined them or died in the battle. They literally held all the cards.

“Moving on.” Koharu took command of the conversation, displeased with where it was going. “We are here to decide on a new Hokage, there is no point in continuing this conversation. Do we have any nominations?”

“I propose Jiraiya, he is our most powerful shinobi at this moment. Granted there are a few problems with him but he was trained by the third before training the fourth. He is clearly our most powerful Shinobi.” A younger woman spoke up. She had been recently elected to the position by the people of Konoha after the death of another civilian council member. This was in actuality her first official meeting on the council.

“Preposterous, do you intend to hand Konoha to the Zate? He's one of them, Tsunade as well. I will never agree to either of them!” Koharu scolded the newer council member who in her mind had forgotten her sanity.

“Unfortunately in this matter I must agree with Koharu. As much as I respect both the Sannin and the Zate, a member of their organization as a leader of our village simply wouldn't work. Besides, their laws forbid any of them from taking such an office, at least permanently. They don't leave room for many exceptions.”

“How do you know this Hiashi?” A council member to Koharu's left inquired. It seemed strange to a number of council members. None of them really knew a great deal about the Zate but Hiashi here seemed to talk as if he knew them well.

“Many clan heads went to their debriefing meeting yesterday. The Hyuuga and several other clans have set up a form of alliance where our interests intersect.”

“This is preposterous. Why we were not informed of this! This is treason.” Koharu stood immediately knocking over her chair. This was certainly not her day for receiving good news. This meeting would have been so much easier were Homura or Danzo still alive. Homura was crushed under some falling rubble during the battle.

“I assure you it is not; they are a uniting force within the elemental countries and as such intend to prevent another great war from breaking out. If that is not in the best interest of Konoha then there is no such thing.” Virtually every member of the clan council nodded in approval of his statement. Like many meetings witch such hotly debated topics Hiashi stood strong as a powerful figure for the clan council. The way he held himself, made him, in many ways the unofficial head of the clan council, a place one held by Sasuke's father.

“You fail to remember it was the clans who rallied together to create this village. Without them and their own treaties this village would not exist.” The Aburame head stated in another show of point breaking logic.

“Let's get back on topic…” One angered council member said, not likening the way this was going. It always seemed to be their way of handling matters when things weren't going their way.

“Oh yes.” Hiashi grabbed a scroll he had placed on the desk when he had arrived. “The Zate also gave me this.”

“And what exactly does that have to do with picking a new Hokage?”

“This is a list of shinobi who have or are considering the possibility of joining the Zate.” A few council members narrowed their eyes while a few others looked at the scroll curiously. This could cause or prevent a great many problems for them. Hiashi slid the scroll across the desk over to the council elders.

“Having glanced over it myself I can tell you our choices are few and shrinking. Several of our best Jounin have joined them and more are confronting them with questions about their organizations as we speak. According to this list, no less than thirty five of our shinobi have already either joined their ranks are close enough to it that I would rule them out. A great number from my clan have shown an interest in it. From around the shinobi nations they have gained nearly eighty well trained Ninja. By my best estimates that number will grow well beyond a hundred very soon.” Hiashi spoke as the elders opened and skimmed over the names on the list. Among the most notable were Kakashi Hatake, Zabuza Momochi, Gai Maito, Hayate Gekko, and at least five other highly classed Jounin. As they already knew Tsunade and Jiraiya were on the list but what they didn't know about were the five Jinchuuriki that had joined or that Itachi and Kisame had betrayed Akatsuki in joining them. They simply didn't know the names of the Jinchuuriki and the former nukenin's names were withheld from the list until Itachi was well enough to defend himself.

“This is impossible, how can one group attract so many powerful figures. They can't take our Jinchuuriki. He is property of Konohagakure! The fire lord would never permit it.”

“The boy is not a weapon. Besides, with the way the village has treated the boy I see no reason why he would want to stay.” One council member commented as another sitting near a window began chuckling from his seat.

“What's so funny Umiro?” One of the lesser clan council members asked in irritation at the outburst.

“Oh nothing, simply that the boy will be executed for treason by noon anyway.”

“He WHAT!” The majority of the member on the council wore smirks as Hiashi screamed in anger. It was blatantly obvious what was going on, at least to the Nara and Aburame. The civilian half of the council had overridden the clan portion without ever bringing it to the clan's attention.

“What is the meaning of this, how dare you sentence one of our shinobi to execution without consulting us. THIS is treason. The civilian council has no jurisdiction over shinobi without the approval of the clan half or the Hokage.”

“Always so naïve Hiashi, you forget that we are without a Hokage at the moment and until we do the Hokage's advisors hold that power. Koharu?”

“I authorized this after the battle had subsided. Since Naruto is no longer a Jinchuuriki he is a danger to us all. Hanyou cannot be trusted, especially after having fused with a beast such as the Kyuubi. He and that man who did this to him will be publicly executed today at noon.”

“You can't do this! My daughter loves him. If you go through with this the Hyuuga clan will leave Konoha for good. The boy is the son of the Yondaime! I swear if you do not reverse this ruling then…”

“You will what? You are bound by treaty and as such your council must approve such drastic action. You can do nothing.” Hiashi scowled at this as several other clan heads recoiled back in their seats. Regardless of reasons none of their councils would approve of any action so bold as leaving Konoha. Hiashi had to be alone in this matter as much as they felt similarly. Koharu had finally found the traditionally calm Hyuuga's button and pushed it hard with this move. Hiashi's reaction was dramatically out of character.

“I suggest you find her a new suitor Hiashi, this matter is over.” Koharu finished seriously.

“Over is it?” A short green man in black hooded robes stated as he walked into the council chambers and jumped onto one of the two empty seats in the room, the seat that once belonged to Danzo.

“What is the meaning of this? This is a closed meeting; you're not permitted in here.” `A Zate, what the hell are they doing here? What did he hear?'

“My presence ignore. With me speak when done you are.” Yoda waved off the council's demands and positioned himself to sit quietly.

“Speak about what? You do not belong here monster.” A council member stated with malace before several others had the chance.

“Monster you say? Not human perhaps but a monster I am not.” Yoda asked with mild amusement.

“Koharu, show him some respect he is a captain of the Zate. Even if you dislike them, you cannot refer to him so crudely. He is far more powerful than you could ever know.” Inoichi stated having been a representative at the Zate's debriefing the other day on top of hearing his daughter's rants about the powerful green man in the preliminaries.

“You see! It said it itself! It's not human!”

“Humanoid the proper term would be if know you must.”

“Master Yoda, they have Naruto. They took as Nazomishi well!” Hiashi practically screamed attempting to warn the green master. Yoda averted his eyes from the uncharacteristically frantic Hyuuga.

“It matters not Lord Hiashi. Know this already we do.” Yoda said with a solemn tone to his voice.

“Already, how could you know so quickly?” Koharu question, stopping short of a demanding tone. Even she had heard of what this one had done in the preliminaries. She was somewhat hesatant about screeming at it.

“Guided by the Force we were. Last night, discovered your treachery we did.” Master Yoda glared at the council showing just enough of his sharp teath to friten several of thoes glared at.

“Anbu! Anbu arrest this monster!” Koharu screamed to the guards outside the room in a feeble attempt to take control of the situation. She couldn't have such a large organization know about this before the execution. Such knowledge would ruin everything. They may actually be able to mount a rescue operation! Yoda merely snickered at her antics.

“Be coming your guards will not. Persuaded them to take a short break I have.” Yoda said with a grin. Despite their training so many shinobi in this world were far too weak minded to stand a match for this Master's `suggestions.' No force was necessary aside from `The Force' and the suggestion to take a coffee break was kindly received. Weakmindedness came easily when you were taught to obey every command given by your supperiors. Freedom of thought is what builds strong minds.

“What did you do to them?” Another council member shouted. This one was at the brink of standing to throw her chair at the creature.

“A powerful ally the Force is. To take a coffee break I suggested and happy to oblige they were.” Lord Hiashi couldn't help but chuckle at the old master's antics. Somehow despite all these troubling matters he still found a way to have a little fun. It gave Hiashi some hope that Naruto was alright. He had to be for Yoda to be this calm.

“It is safe to believe what he says Koharu. Master Yoda is not one to shed meaningless blood.” The old woman scowled, looking to the green creature once more.

“Then what do you want? They will be executed at noon and we will not be persuaded to do otherwise.”

“A warning for you I have Koharu.” The advisor narrowed her eyes in anger at the audacity that the creature could presume to threaten this council.

“Don't presume to threaten us. You hold no power here.”

“That's where you're wrong Koharu. They hold all the power here. The Zate are not of this world and could care less about the fate of a single village. They are used to dealing with maters on a galactic level. To them the events and life of a single village means less than you could ever think possible.”

“Wrong you are Hiashi, care greatly we do. However when compared to the matters we deal with, the power struggles of this village, pales in comparison it does. In balance the fate of this world is and the highest concentration of power on this continent lies.”

“You're not making any sense; this is about your Mitsukoi is it not?” It was confusing wasn't `it' trying to threaten them with what would happen if they did not release him? What are these matters that make trivial the running of the greatest shinobi village in the world?

“Think not that Nazomishi maters not. Care deeply for him and his fate I do as well as the fate of the young Naruto. However, wildly a greater wind blows. Eclipses our desire to save our allies it does.”

“What are you talking about?” This really had Hiashi stumped, he had thought Yoda was here to deliver an ultimatum, threaten the worst, but here he was saying it didn't matter. None of it made any sense. “You do want them freed? Don't you?” A lump was growing in Hiashi's throat. If Master Yoda was not to save them then who could.

“Though hate to admit it I do. No.”

“So you recognize fighting us is futile.” Koharu commented with a smirk.

“Thank Nazomishi and his connection with the Force you should. Telepathically contacted a Zate near his place of captivity he did. Before this contact, prepared to utilize code forty-three we were.” Numerous clan heads widened their eyes in shock having read through the Zate's laws and remembering this one quite thoroughly. They truly meant business if they were prepared to use that.

“You can't mean that seriously. You would never utilize that, would you? I thought you hated that code.” Hiashi asked getting somewhat perturbed himself. Nothing was making sense and his potential son-in-law to be was being tossed aside like a used rag. The Namikaze didn't deserve this.

“Fully prepared we all were, Lord Hiashi.” The clan heads averted their eyes as a civilian council member asked another question.

“You seem to know what it's talking about. What is it talking about Hiashi. What is this code?”

“Oh I know the code he refers to, and you should be afraid if they are willing to go that far. Now I see why they have such a law. Of course they would have predicted running into fools like you.” This was certainly unlike the Hyuuga head, he certainly had his pride but he never spoke out like this. He was a skilled politician and rarely did he ever address the council in such a disrespectful manner.

“Enough Hiashi, what is this code!”Hiashi glared hard at the angry old woman with contempt.

“Code forty-three states if we do not release their leaders in twenty-four hours time they will level this city along with anyone who stands in their way of attaining their leaders.” Hiashi stated bluntly. A single bead of sweat ran down his forehead. That single statement sent a chill of panic into the souls of the council members. From head to toe the fear gripped them immediately. They may not have seen how the damage was caysed by the Zate but they had seen the damage to the city. With all the summons they heard were summoned it was a definite that they could do it, especially with the Sannin on their side. Then there was Hiashi reacting with more emotion than any of them had seen in years combined. It was a most frightening situation.

“You wouldn't dare.” Koharu turned her head to the little green man and stated dangerously.

“If contacted we were not, leveled the city we would have.” Yoda stated in an uncharacteristically cold voice.

“And what is it exactly that changed your mind. It's not like beings with such intentions change their minds without a greater purpose.” It was true. Such changes were not simply done on a whim. In her mind one of two things had to have happened. Either the Zate had discovered some event that would require Konoha's survival to go their way or the Zate had found a far worse punishment than simply destroying the city. After having seeing Hiashi's emotional state towards the group she began to fear what sort of horrors awaited them should the second come true.

“Like Naruto a great evil inside, Nazomishi is harbored. Call it an Other we do.” Yoda turned to Hiashi. The Hyuuga immediately answered the unasked question.

“I had intended on informing the council of them later in this meeting but we haven't really had the time yet. I am sorry Master Yoda.” Inoichi added receiving a cold glare from various council members. Yoda gave him an affirming nod as if to keep going while the the glares seemed to command for him to continue. “Much of the city's collateral damage, including the destruction of the Hyuuga compound came from a single one of these Others. There are apparently several and as far as we can figure out they are after their leader. All that damage was caused in their search for him.” Inoichi finished for Yoda.

“And where exactly is this leader?”Koharu asked, somewhat confused by this turn of events.

“Zansatsu, it is Nazomishi's Other. They are beings created by innocent minds thrust into the conflict of war or other mentally traumatic events. Even Sakura Haruno has a less violent Other. It is effectively an advanced form of trauma-induced schizophrenia. It is so severe that the personality creates its own soul and grows stronger with every traumatic event their holder encounters. More violent events generally yields a more violent personality for it. Social anxieties tend to produce a personality designed to counter the emotional distress. Eventually they become strong enough to take over the host body like the one that attacked the city. The Zate have used their powers to suppress this particular Other for a great length of time. It has become strong, from what I could tell from searching Nazomishi's mind the creature could easily rival a weaker bijuu in strength if it were to escape. The cursed seal made things worse. All in all the one that attacked the city was weaker than the one who stopped him and before they left but it was still more than capable of standing on par with a five tailed Naruto. I dread to think how powerful Zansatsu could be should he escape. Best case he is twice as strong as Nazomishi. Worst case he is the most powerful anything since the Kyuubi.” Inoichi Yamanaka commented in an attempt to clarify the dangers of these others.

“You mean to tell me that horrible killing intent we felt from the city bunker was one of these Others?”

“Impossible, it had to be the Hanyou. Nothing short of the Kyuubi itself has ever produced enough chakra to pierce the walls of our bunker!” Yet another civilian council member exclaimed.

“As lord Yamanaka stated earlier the one known as Torment crushed one of the more powerful Zate and barely suffered a scratch from Naruto with full control over five tails of the Kyuubi's energy plus his own. It is by sheer luck alone that Naruto was able to hold it back long enough for their window of opportunity to pass. His superior was obviously more powerful. Any one of us could feel that.

“Return for some time the Others will not. However, when return they do powerless to stop them we will be. Bide our time we must.”

“Wait, how did you stop them before? What was this `window of opportunity.'?” A curious council member asked.

“An escape attempt Zansatsu made. Their window of opportunity it was.”

“The Zate had sealed Zansatsu away with mental barriers a long time ago. Apparently it wasn't strong enough and he maintained enough strength to forge what we can only assume was a mental link with the rest of the Others. Sakura Haruno actually contacted me wondering if there was something wrong with her when she heard the Others talking during the battle. Using this link they must have collaborated a way to find Nazomishi and free Zansatsu from his body. From what we were able to put together Zansatsu had spent the last few months clouding the senses of the Zate. His control reached a peak during Nazomishi's battle with Kakuzu, Zansatsu used his influence to make Nazomishi sloppy so he would draw on more energy than he needed to defeat the Akatsuki. Zansatsu used that energy to solidify his control over Nazomishi and managed to take control using Orochimaru's cursed seal. Luckily several of the higher ranked Zate with some chakra to spare were close enough to attempt a sealing procedure before Zansatsu took full control. They gathered together and used advanced sealing methods to seal it deep within Nazomishi and cut off his influence from within his body. The moment they sealed Zansatsu with a stronger seal the Other's plan was useless and they had no choice but to retreat and start planning again.” Inoishi explained to the council having been privy to a great deal of information thanks to his own skill with minds and mental sealing.

“Yes, and realize now we do that clouding our senses Zansatsu was. Far more aware of events now we are.”

“So your letting us execute him because it will also kill this Zansatsu.” Koharu knew it. The Zate had found a purpose for Konoha. This would throw the Others off, a cold but logical decision. But what of the Hanyou? Why were they leaving him to die? They obviously held some level of concern for the creature. Why were they going to ignore him?

“heartbreaking but true it is. If remain alive Nazomishi does then into hiding he will be forced. As will we all. A threat to us all he will be. Seek us out they will with finding him their goal. With Zansatsu dead no reason to attack us will there be.”

“But surely they will find a new leader. If they learn of his death. Then what?” One of the more talkative council members asked.

“Too stubborn they are I sense. To locate his soul their goal will be. Perhaps search out Orochimaru for his resurrection Jutsu they will. More complicated will it be if burn his body we do.”

“You're more pathetic than I thought. If you wanted your leader dead you should have done the dirty work yourself. You're cowards. Tell me though why haven't you tried to free the Hanyou?”

“Misunderstand me not, Koharu. The Zate's decision to kill Nazomishi it was not. Nazomishi's decision and his alone it was. Love Nazomishi deeply the Zate do. A deep pit of pain we all feel with this decision but trust in him and his wisdom we do. Shocked us all it did when contacted us he did.”

`…They don't want him dead?...the fools.' “But what of the Hanyou.”

“Stop his execution we cannot if expect our plan to succeed we do. If free him we do then doubt Nazomishi's death the Others will. The gravest decision the Zate has ever made this is but understands this Naruto does. While imprisoned, established a mental link with Naruto, Nazomishi did. Understand and accept this fate they do.”

“You can't be serious!” Hiashi screamed in shock. This was impossible. After all these years Hiashi finaly had a reason to be truly happy and it was ripped from his grasp within a day!

“Enough Hiashi! Hate this we do but accept it we must. Their decision this is and honor it we must. In vain their sacrifice must not be.”

“Then it is settled these two will die at noon. Everything will be organized and ready in a few hours. Now I have one last thing I…”

“Yes, leave the Zate will after it is done, But one last warning we have Koharu.” Koharu frowned at the last statement. Yoda reached into his coat and pulled out a small disk like device and placed it on the council desk for all to see. The little green creature pushed a small button on the side as light burst into the form of a robed Zate member. His hood rested on his shoulders with his long hair draped over and down his back. The most defining aspect of the image was the cross shaped scar on his left cheek. That was…until an intense killing intent flooded the room.

“ Master Kenshin, your warning if you will.”Kenshin looked around the room taking note of all those present. As a second, more powerful intent flooded the room with more force than many of them had felt in years if ever. All of the civilians found it quite difficult to breath under the intensity of the intent. For several, their lives seemed to flash before their eyes right down to what seemed to be their death.

“Yes… be satisfied with your work council because we will not permit another such atrocity to occur again. If any of you ever move against us I will personally ensure that the heavens weep with your blood and the springs of Konoha turn red from the rain.” At this point even the clan heads in the room were having trouble breathing under the intense intent they felt. It was more than enough to make their blood run cold. It took a few moments after the intent receded for them to regain their composure, though when they did Koharu was the first to speak as the image faded from existence.

“You seem to know them best Hiashi. What did he mean?” Hiashi glared hard at the old woman with contempt and disgust.

“You have no comprehension of their power. Regardless of their current forgiveness YOU have angered a man with all the skill necessary to make the sky literally rain blood as his blade takes down his enemies.” The Hyuuga stood in disgust and left his seat. “I wash my hands of this council. When they leave and I am going with them regardless of what my council says. My family will no longer be bound to a place that treats it's heroes and saviors this way. No family should be bound to such a corrupt government.”

“You can't do that!”

“I can and I will. Anyone who attempts to dissuade me will see the Hyuuga are well protected by the Zate. If the council tries to stop us they will face an army of Kage level warriors and an infuriated clan head. Only fools would attempt such an action. At this point I would suggest you not anger them nor any of us any further.” With those final words Hiashi left the council meeting and several other clan heads fallowed suit. The way these matters were progressing, anyone associating themselves with the council would likely be dead come morning if they were to pull anything further. Master Yoda held out his hand and retrieved the small holoprojector with the Force as he left along with the clan council.

“What is this?” A civilian member shouted as he watched the clan council leave. “This is unprecedented!” He leaped from his seat trying to grab the wrist of one of the leaving councilors. His attempt was immediately quelled as the minor clan head turned and grabbed him by the neck, lifting him into the air.

“As far as I'm concerned Konoha is dead if it continues down this path. Unless you rethink this I too wash my hands of this place.” The Shinobi easily tossed the councilmember aside as he turned to make his final exit from the sickening room. The clan heads had no idea what they were doing or why but Yoda knew. It was the natural charisma coupled with the Force exuded by many of the Zate. It made people want to fallow their path. It influenced the behavior of likeminded sentients, sometimes against their better judgment. It was one of the many effects of the Force that Yoda often questioned and tried to avoid using. Still every little action holds influence through the Force and it was one of the many ways the Zate came to draw people to their aid, whether they truly joined them or not.

“Let them go Muroku, they have given up their power here and now nothing is preventing our power from being absolute. We still hold a great many shinobi and are now in charge of the Anbu. Danzo and Homura may be gone but our goals remain unchanged.” A few councilors nodded when another spoke up.

“But what of the Fire Lord, he won't stand for this. The balance of power is absolute in this system. What of the other villages? Without the clans…”

“I know the Fire Lord quite well and believe me when I say. I have him in the palm of my hand. Besides I have his councilors in my pocket so even if he objects he will be lead to our way of thinking. Let them do as they please. With these Others instilling fear into the Zate we have nothing to worry about till after the execution. Even if they were to attack us for whatever reason we should be more than enough to stop them.”

“Did you even feel that killing intent? It came though a transmitter and it was still strong enough to make me choke. We would be fools to move against them. Just look at their technology, that image is decades, no centuries ahead of us. Then what of those Others they mentioned. If they were to attack we would be defenseless.”

“Who cares, they are human, and so long as they are they are mortal they are no more a threat than any other man. Their only demon is in our possession. Trust me we hold all the cards. We have done nothing to provoke these Others and even in executing Nazomishi we can claim ignorance.”

“Still we must prepare. Their alliances with the other elemental countries could prove troubling. They wouldn't dare attack after that last battle. Still I motion to move our security level to emergency level after the Kyuubi's execution.”

“This is still bad, what if Hiashi meant what he said about the Battousai. We could be in for a lot of trouble. If his skills are half what he showed with that intent then their power could be disturbingly abnormal. With the allies they've been gathering we could be positioning ourselves for failure.”

“Please, you couldn't possibly believe that boy is capable of anything remotely like that. They are children. Strong for their age yes, but the only ones we need to worry about are the Sannin and their leaders. I have already sent word to the Fire Lord. He should be sending his armies to bolster our defense soon enough. No matter how skilled they may be no one can stand up to a thousand highly trained troops and the twelve guardians.”

---Earlier that morning - Zate meeting - unknown complex - 7:15AM---

Every Zate in the city had been gathered to the underground complex where Naruto had trained with Nazomishi and Jiraiya. Sakura had finally been found and had just entered with Sasuke and Kakashi. Most of those present were clueless as to the events that had transpired during the previous night and it was troubling them how worried their superiors were. Yoda had yet to show up and the meeting was supposed to have started fifteen minutes ago. Something was up, they could all feel it.There was a great sigh of relief when Master Yoda finally entered the room and took center stage.Master Windu fallowed close behindwith the rest of the captains and vice captains..A former Jedi left the crowed concerned for the green master and approached the two.

“Master Yoda, it's not like you to be so late.”

“Forgive me, contacted I was. A new development there is. Please, sit and announce the situation I will.” The Zatenodded and returned to his place at within the crowedas Yoda tapped his cane on the ground much like banging a gavel. The sound echoed through the chamber as if commanding the restless crowed to quiet down.

“Fellow Zate, this morning a great tragedy on us has befallen.” Most if not all of those present looked around wondering what the green master was talking about. Of course the seated members knew. It was bad…very bad.

“Though removed from his position temporarily, our leader Nazomishi Mitsukoi, captured has been.” The room immediatelybroke out into great commotion. The deadly roar held a great sense of anger that their leader had been captured. There was immediate talk of a rescue mission. Thoughts of code 43 entered the minds of many if only momentarily. Though he had been temporarily removed from his position they all held him in high regard for what he had done for them generally and personally.He was after all their founder and true leader.Few thought this was possible but all knew he was still out from the exhaustion of the sealing procedures. Yoda's cane soon rattled the ground again bringing the roar to a deafened silence. Master Windu spoke up continuing.

“To make matters worse our first choice for future fourth division captain,Namikaze Naruto, was captured along with him.As much as we hate it the seated members of the Zate have unanimously consented to the use of code-43 upon his captors.” There was dead silence in the room. Despite the number of people screaming for such actions only moments ago, there was shock.

“Who did this!” One woman screamed from the back of the large room.Her anger was apparent as was it for many of those present.

“The council of Konoha has ordered their execution by noon today.” Master Windu added in a solemn tone. Gasps were audible all over the room as numerous people covered their mouths in shock.

“A far greater threat there is I fear.” Yoda stated once again drawing the attention of the crowed. “Before this meeting, contacted through the Force we were. Awoken within his cell Nazomishi has and foreseen a terrible fate should Zansatsu escape.”

“He contacted one of our members earlier this morning. It was by will of the Force that the man resided close enough to the prison for Nazomishi to contact him in his current state. The fate Nazomishi saw foretold two possibilities. In one we enacted code-43 and they were saved. Within a month the Others attacked us, striking us down. Their power was far too great. He confirmed our worst fears that there are many more Others and the ones that attacked Konoha were among their weakest. In his vision he too died with the release of Zansatsu as that monster began a terrible conquest continuing our journey with his own purpose of conquest.

It pains us to say this but he has requested we fallow the second fate he foresaw. It is still riddled with pain and suffering but does not end with our ensured destruction. In the other fate he foresaw his execution. He did not give us the details of the vision but one thing is clear. We stand at a crossroads. If we save our leaderor seek retribution,our fate is sealed in death and all hope is lost. If we choose to let them die…We may just have enough time to train for the coming battle against them... A few minutes ago Master Yoda entered into a Force conversation with Nazomishi and Naruto. They both request that wefight on.Nazomishi… He requested Yoda record a message for you.” Master Yoda pulled a piece of paper out from his robe and handed it to Windu. The taller Master stiffened the paper and began reading it aloud as the entire room listened intently on his words.

“He says we should `Battle on withall our love hate and sorrow. Our destiny as Zate is one riddled with manycasualties.We cannot bow to evil nor can we save everybody. We are not Gods.We are but mortal men, bound in an eternal struggle against those who would oppress the masses. We have all suffered at some level and it is that suffering which drives us to better the world of those we save.I beg you don't usecode-43. If you do everything we have worked for is lost. Train hard and defeatthese Others before they can take hold as a greater evil than the Sith ever were. You may lose me but they will lose their leader as well.We are many and they are but a few. Yourloss of me is nothing compared to their loss of Zansatsu.

There is great suffering in this world and we cannotpermit ourselves tobe the cause of it, not if we truly stand for the path we fight.The path we walk is a fine line. Too far in one direction and we lack resolve. Too far the other way and we become the very thing we hate the most. Don't morn me for long. So long as my dream lives on then I am not truly dead, merely another of the honored heroes of the past. I accept this fate and beg you to do what is right for all sentient beings in this universe and the next.

Sorry if the next part is a little awkward Master Windu, I know Yoda will have you read this.” The crowd grinned having a small idea of what Windu was about to read.

“Trust me it's harder than he knows.” Windu commented earning a small chuckle from the crowed before continuing with Nazomishi's words.

“Rei, I may not be permitted to give any final words at my execution so I will say them now…I love you. For a great many years I have loved youas I know you love me.As a Ki'Nalian you have your customs and mannerisms. Having learned so many of these I respected them as best I could. As suchIdid not pursueas deep a relationship with you as I had wishedduring our time together.Until now I did not worry about it because I knew the extensive life of your people and the eternal life this quest grantsus all. I did not wish to pressure you against the customs of your people. Now there is a part of me that wishes I had. I hope you can forgive me for my decision. Knowing your mind as I do, I know you will never forget me. Knowing this I can offer you but one piece of knowledge as comfort. There is a world you may see one day. In that world is a means to revive me. With me having died in this dimension there is a possibility it may not work. Still the details are written in that place. You know where. I knew I would die one day. I just wish it hadn't been so soon. Within is everything the Zate needs to continue on without me. I just hope it's enough. Forgive me my love but I'm afraid this may truly be the end and I cannot become one with the Force. If I did then so would he. We are bound in a cursed fate and I am afraid this is the only solution given the circumstances.

Everyone… Live on…Fulfill my dream…Know forgiveness, it is the only thing that separates us from those we hate… as for the Others… Give them hell…

Author notes: This is it the rewrite is finaly over and I am ready to present a bonus, the first true chapter in a great many months. A sad chapter is to come but it's content will drive the story into and through the next saga which I expect to start in the next 3-4 chapters. Just remember. Nothing is as it seems.