Naruto Fan Fiction / Crossover With Non-anime Series Fan Fiction / Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Fan Fiction ❯ The False Apocalypse ❯ Progress ( Chapter 34 )

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

Logan is frustrated as he is briefed on a soon to unfold mission. Naruto and the group find themselves in a port village trying to find their true weapons as rain starts to set in. Later that evening the Zate prepare for the funeral of their fallen comrades.

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: 02.27.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 9.6K | Visits: 164 | Status: Completed

The False Apocalypse

Shinobi Saga

Chapter 34

Progress

Disclaimer: See chapter 1

“Alright Windu, what's with calling me to this hospital all of a sudden? I was about to get some lunch when that blasted scouter started ringing off the hook.” Logan was annoyed; he had just ordered a nice cold beer along with some steak tips which smelled amazing. He knew they would be good the moment the meat touched the grill and it had him satisfied. Then that blasted scouter had to start blasting his ear off with some message about meeting Windu in the hospital. The damn thing just had to say it was urgent.

“Sorry Logan, but we have a mission for you.” After hearing the word mission Logan took a closer look at the room he was in. Kimimaro was conscious and laying on a gurney though he looked weak and in need of rest. Master Windu stood at the foot of the bed, near the entrance to the room and Master Hiko sat peacefully in a chair on the other side of Kimimaro.

“It won't take long but Anakin is nearly finished with the Bacta Tank and Kaoru says they she should have enough Synthetic Bacta for Kimimaro within the hour. We felt it was important for you to meet him since he and Master Hiko are the closest to the target.” Master Windu continued.

“Alright fine, what is it?” Logan replied, a little less perturbed since it `wouldn't take very long.'

“Juugo… His name is Juugo.” Kimimaro struggled to get out. It wasn't that he was in pain but that he was exhausted. The procedures he had undergone over the past few days had taken a great deal out of him. In all seriousness he should be sleeping, everyone was surprised his body didn't force him to do so.

“Rest Kimimaro, conserve your strength. Juugo is a friend from one of Orochimaru's hideouts, a peace lover with a violent disorder. Orochimaru had promised to keep him under control, but that has amounted to little more than keeping him in a cell.” Hiko added, having met the man once before. It was somewhat strange how well the three of them got along. There weren't many that Hiko had opened up to as much as he had with Kimimaro, Kenshin being the exception. Despite the little time they had to get acquainted he felt that Juugo, like Kimimaro could appreciate the ideals of the Zate; even if it were as a passive supporter. Juugo was a man who didn't deserve the fate he was dealt. If anyone could free him of his accursed bloodline they would be in the Zate. Even if there was no cure then they could at least find a way to keep his urges under control. At least there would be people who care enough for him and his existence to let him live as he wishes. To let him live without attempting to use him as a weapon because of his apparent `skills.'

“Alright so what is this, a rescue mission or something?” Logan replied trying to get a decent answer as soon as possible.

“We don't believe there will be much resistance, Orochimaru is in hiding and Juugo is too unstable for him to control.”

“Control? What is this guy, some sort of guinea pig?” Logan growled, aggravated by the thought. The memory of how got his `gift' still brought a savage growl to his lips at the very thought of human experimentation.

“That's actually why we felt you would be good for this mission. In some ways, you have been through what he is going through. He's being manipulated and tested by a man who sees him as nothing more than another animal with an interesting ability. He doesn't need more people sent after him who don't understand. I guess you could say he is like Master McCoy when he couldn't keep his mutation under control.”

“Yea, yea I get ya, I'll do it.” Logan understood the situation completely if it was similar to Hank's issues before he learned to control the beast within. As coarse as his personality came across, he had a bit of a soft spot for people in that situation. He had known far too many like that who never had a chance…

“There's more, we're sending Master Hiko with you and Master Sanosuke as well. We also want you to free his more docile experiments. Master Yoda has been in contact with the rulers of the surrounding areas and they have agreed to supply a small occupation force under the united command of the Elemental Nations.” Windu clarified on the mission parameters.

“Once Juugo is free we will locate and explore Orochimaru's hideouts. We need to free his more stable experiments and plant a beckon for the forces to fallow.” Master Hiko added.

“Master Rei is delivering scrolls with instructions on how to perform the seal we placed on Nazomishi. It was a success on both Kimimaro and Anko. Sasuke is scheduled to be sealed later today. It should be most useful in sealing anyone else cursed with Orochimaru's seal.”

“Alright, I get it, is that all?”

“There is one last matter you will attend to. It is secondary until the basses have been captured but you are the best tracker within the Zate. We need you to locate and assassinate Orochimaru. It is the only way to completely eliminate the influence of his cursed seal. Master Hiko will retrieve you once preparations are complete. If all goes well Kimimaro will join you later.”

“This will be after the funeral right?” Logan asked in a concerned tone after realizing they hadn't mentioned when he would be leaving. He had paid specific attention to the construction going on, specifically oriented towards the funeral. Master Yoda had announced earlier in the morning that it would be held the coming night.

“Yes, Master Yoda announced it would be held tonight. You will leave in the morning. Master Sano is a central figure of the preparations; you cannot leave until it is complete.” Logan nodded with satisfaction and left the room hoping the restaurant hadn't become overrun with a lunchtime crowd.

---Osaka Port at the Eastern Edge of Valley Country---

`Tobi' and `Kari' strolled side by side through the towering gates of Osaka port. After searching for three hours they had finally found an inn what would accommodate them. A storm was coming and the inns had filled quickly. They didn't quite get why but `Shin' had decided to stay outside of the city in the forest for a few hours. When asked what he was going to do, his reply was simply `There are a few things I need to take care of first. Why don't you two go find an inn, I can feel a storm coming and we don't want to get caught without a room.'

It took hours but those were hours Naruto and Hinata were happy to spend together. As much as it pained them having to use their code names they did feel it was good practice for such things. They just wished they didn't have to be so secretive. The two had even found time for lunch though Naruto couldn't find a ramen shop for the life of him. Hinata could only giggle as he grunted in frustration. Time wore on and they finally made their way back to the outskirts of the port where they began to search for `Shin.'

It took some time but with Kari's tracking experience they found Shin in a rather secluded portion of the forest surrounding the port. He had a small knife, newly purchased by the looks of it and was carving away at a rather thick limb. Strewn along the ground were a number of weapons. Strangely though, every weapon there was made of wood. He had done a LOT of carving. There were Kama, Sai, Katana, Nodachi, Bo staffs, Zanbatous, Nunchaku, Tonfa and at least fifteen other, less recognized weapons. One Tobi defiantly found interesting was the large Scythe that made him wonder if it would be of any use. Seriously, all these wooden weapons looked cool but what use were they if they were wood? Hell they would break in training.

“Welcome back, I heard the rain shouldn't start till midnight so we have the rest of the day for training.” Shin stood after making one final slice into a second staff that he used to pull himself off the ground.

“What is all this stuff?” Kari asked having never, or even heard of some of these weapons. She recognized a few having seen them in the academy books but a good number of them seemed rather odd. One looked more like a hook about two feet long another seemed to be a really thin one-handed sword. Strange…

“Like I told you earlier you're hitting puberty and nothing you have will work much longer. You're clothes will be too small in a few months and that goes for the weapons you will use in the future. More importantly we cannot use our familiar fighting styles outside of secluded training without risking our identities. I need to see what your true weapon is and these will help me.” Nazomishi replied. True weapon was the key word. Everyone, including himself had one true weapon and only one true weapon. That weapon was the one that fit their body more than any others and because of that came more easily than any other.

“…True….what?” Naruto let out simply confused by the whole matter.

“Let me put it this way, given your size you trained in the art of the Katana and essentially used a short Nodachi. All in all that doesn't work as well as it should. You can't wield a sword like a kunai, nor can you properly use any weapon with the style of another, not without adaptations.

Your skills as a swordsman are high chuunin level as is your speed. That wasn't how you broke Zabuza's blade. You shocked him with your raw strength and caught him and his blade off guard with the overpowering nature of your wind manipulation. He underestimated you, were you to fight again he would likely win if you didn't have access to your Youkai. Your skills as a raw swordsman still remain below the Jounin level. In our current situation this is unacceptable. Kari doesn't even have a weapon skill aside from the use of Kunai.

Weapons are much like elements in that only one fits you perfectly. A water user could train at fire just all day long and never master it while someone with an affinity for it could learn so quickly it could make your head spin. So here we are with all these weapons to figure out what weapon truly fits your body type. I already know Tobi will become large and powerful so I can assume he will use something large, probably a Nodachi or a Zanbatou. However, it is impossible to tell what weapon will fit someone perfectly until you see how they handle something of a similar weight and shape.”

“I thought I recognized that wood, it's from the Eiei Tree.” Hinata replied remembering the important lessons on it back in the academy. Yes, that tree was very important, especially to training.

“Very good Kari, Valley country actually exports quite a few of these though most of them actually come from Kumo.”

“What are you guys talking about? Its just wood.” Tobi added bringing a chuckle and a grin to Shin's face.

“They're very valuable Na… Tobi.” `Kari' caught herself about to call him by his real name. They had all been struggling with that ever since it was discussed. As matters stood they were trying to think of each other with their code names to minimize similar errors. So far they were doing rather well, considering how absolute this name change seemed to be. They longed for the day they could speak their real names once again.

“She's right you know, this land is very rich in minerals and the trees absorb more of them than you know. The Eiei tree weighs almost as much as steel so it is very useful. The older trees have even been known to absorb raw iron from the soil. I'm sure the old Monkey had you train with some Eiei Boken at some point.”

“…He did…” The mentioning of the old man, even in code, brought back memories of Naruto's time training under the third. That was such a happy part of his life. Oh how he wished things could go back to the way they were. He looked to the ground sadly as he remembered how `Shin' had told him about Sarutobi's death. As much as he didn't want to admit it, it was simply Sarutobi's time. He was too old to be fighting at that level. The stress was simply too much for his heart. It made him wonder how the Zate did it being far older that Sarutobi ever had a chance to be.

Hinata looked at him with understanding. She had watched him train many times and knew how close he was to the third. She wanted to cheer him up but all she could manage was probably the most supportive thing that could be done at that moment. She placed her hand on his shoulder to console him.

“…That's just another reason we have to train.” Tobi muttered as he tightened his fist. “Let's do this, what's first!”

“First of all we should start you out with something you're familiar with.” Nazomishi picked up a standard sized Boken and tossed it Naruto's way. “Come…” Nazo stood with the Bo staff he had just completed in his only hand. It confused Naruto as to how the Zate would use the traditionally two handed weapon with only one hand. Curiosity soon gave way to determination as he prepared the Boken for his first strike.

As Naruto came charging Nazomishi ducked low using his movement to propel his staff into motion. He went for a leg sweep but Naruto jumped into a summersault, slashing at Nazo's head. Nazomishi shifted to the side, avoiding the quick slash before quickly grounding his feet and thrusting his staff towards Naruto's gut. Each wooden blade clashed with a thwack and backed away with their respective wielders. Before Naruto could land Nazomishi used the recoil of his staff to propel himself into a spin and another strike with the other end of his staff. Naruto noticed this and moved to counter but it was too late, the staff struck him in his side, throwing him harshly into a nearby tree. Only moments later he fell to the ground clutching his side. How the hell had Nazo done some of those things with only one hand? It was like fighting one of those…damn it… Nazo was using his own strikes against him. He was fighting like one of those fighting dummies which used every strike to create a strike of their own. All he was doing was performing basic movements while letting Naruto attack create his own counterattack. He wished he had noticed it earlier.

“Impressive, I didn't expect you to move that quickly with an unfamiliar blade.” Nazomishi commented while taking notice that the sword fit him rather well. Something larger would be a must, especially as he grows older but it didn't really seem like the perfect fit for him either.

“Yea, but you still got me…” Tobi replied as he stood, still clutching his side in pain.

“Don't tell me that little tap was enough to put you out?” Nazomishi replied as if it meant nothing.

“Of course not!” Naruto screamed in protest.

“Good, you're turn Kari. Tobi, take a rest and think about what limitations your blade put on your ability to block my attacks.” Naruto had already figured out how Nazomishi was fighting. That was one of the many things he had learned under Hayate and improved under Nazomishi. Now the question was how he would figure out a way to counter it. It was interesting though. Nazomishi hadn't asked him how to counter it but what was wrong with the blade? Was he handleing it wrong? Was there something deeper than simply not being used to fighting a Bo?

“Ano…what should I use? I'm not familiar with any of these.” Shin closed his eyes for a moment in contemplation and when he reopened them he moved towards a set of peculiar items.

“I don't recommend using these especially with our current situation; however it will give me an idea of where you stand. Place these spikes over your hands with your index and middle fingers entering the spike itself, then wrap the leather straps around your palm so it doesn't fall off. You should be able to use these like you would your Juuken. Granted the results will be a bit bloodier should you actually strike me.” Shin demonstrated how the weapons were put on. Both spikes extended about three inches beyond the tips of the fingers and covered everything down to the palm of the hand. The solid structure meant there was little chance to break your fingers with stronger strikes. However, it was an up close and personal weapon, far more so than even Kunai.

“Come…” Shin commanded as soon as the spikes were equipped. And with that Kari charged in, contemplating how she would get around the superior reach of the staff. At first she charged and retreated, moving around to the sides. After having to avoid several potentially painful blows she realized that Shin was using the staff to protect every side of his body at once. No matter where she went he could protect two sides of his body at once. He only needed to move half the distance to protect his back and he didn't need to turn completely or at all. Getting close would be tough with such a small weapon. It made her wonder how he was doing this with only one arm. Wasn't the Bo staff normally a two handed weapon? He must have had a tight grip on it.

Again she charged aiming her spikes at his staff as he attempted a leg sweep. She plunged her spike into the ground, stopping the blade in its tracks as she propelled her body higher and into a kick. This did not go unnoticed as Shin made use of the minor recoil of his blade to spin yet again, using the back side of his staff to attack Kari's torso. She widened her eyes in shock knowing she didn't have the speed to avoid the blow. But the blow never came.

“I'm sorry to say this Kari but you are not entirely cut out to use Juuken in its pure form, at least not against other weapon users. You simply don't have the reach your family is known for.” She looked downward, disappointed in herself. She knew there was something wrong. He was probably right, that was probably the reason she had so much trouble trying to keep up with the rest of her class… that was…

“Don't get me wrong Hin…Kari… this is nobody's fault, especially not yours. Listen well, there are solutions. You may never be a master of the pure Juuken form however; you can adapt it to your body, you can even adapt it to weapons. You can take forms that fit you and apply the Juuken to it. It is simply a matter of genetics. Every brother, sister, and cousin have different skills and abilities. The Juuken is what is flawed for trying to fit every member to a style instead of a style to each member. Think about this and use what you discover to form solutions to those problems. Though it is a dominant trait, not every member of a clan that uses fire will end up with an affinity for fire. It's not their fault, merely chance.

Now, Tobi, you're up again pick a weapon and come at me.” Naruto Nodded and picked up a weapon he had been eyeing for a while. Nazomishi eyed the boy as he picked up one of the more exotic weapons in the group. Trying out several positions to try and balance himself the former blond ended up in a backhanded position with the blade of a scythe behind him and the butt of the staff facing Nazo. A momentary twitch invaded Nazomishi's left eye as he watched the horrible stance take form.

“Put that down!” He screamed. That weapon was not for Naruto. In all reality the way he stood was an insult to it.

“But it's cool! Come on let me fight with it.” The reaction only got a roll of the eyes.

“Tell me, does that stance feel even remotely natural?” The weapon master replied as more of a statement than a question.

“Uh…” Naruto looked to the weapon and moved his arms a bit. Come to think of it, this stance did seem really awkward. “Not really…”

“Like I said, put it down. How are you going to use a weapon if you're most comfortable position still feels wrong? How are you going to fight when your only blade is behind your back?”

“Okay…” Naruto sighed realizing the logic was right.

“Catch…” With a short swing of his Bo Nazomishi struck a second Bo on the ground, sending it flying towards Naruto. The Hanyou smoothly grabbed it out of the air somewhat surprised by how heavy it was. Tossing it into the air a few times he got a feel for it and spread his feet. Despite the similar pole to the scythe it was more balanced and felt great deal more natural.

“Interesting…” Nazomishi brought his fingers to his chin as his staff stayed strait up in the air where he left it.

“What?” Naruto wondered as Nazomishi pointed at his arms.

“Arms closer together, and bend your knees more.” The boy did as instructed and was surprised by how natural it actually felt. “Damn it…” Nazomishi muttered while shaking his head.

“Come on, what is it already?” Naruto grew restless.

“That stance feels perfect doesn't it?” `CURSES!'

“Uh, well it does make me feel relaxed.”

“Like I said, damn it… That Tobi, is the basic stance of the Kazegumo (Wind and Clouds) style, a Bo staff form that originated in wind country. Not a very common style and the last master in Suna died over a decade ago. It does make sense considering your affinities. Unfortunately our current situation make's it nearly impossible to teach.”

“More of that damn `they'll recognize it' stuff, when you are going to say something that doesn't stop us from training.” By now Naruto was beyond frustrated. Was there anything they could do aside from sit in a hole and rot away?

“It's not that you couldn't use the form, it's that I am missing my left arm. In case you hadn't noticed there aren't many Bo staff styles that only need one. I can't properly show you any of the stances, so unless we can find a scroll somewhere were stuck on the bare basics. We can do it, it's just going to take forever.”

“This life just gets better and better.” Naruto scoffed.

“It's not like we have much choice. Besides, once I do get my arm back this will be a powerful style indeed. I'm no master of it but I have learned the basics and I know that much of it is copied into the Zate's techniques Holocron; which by the way I copied and brought with us. This just means you're going to have to work extra hard to get this right.”

“So that's it…just…”

“Rest Tobi, it's been a long week. We'll see what we can do about it tomarow. Kari, grab another weapon.” Nazomishi motioned towards the pile of weapons as he had done a few times before. This time she picked out what seemed to be a set of altered Sai. Instead of three sharp prongs they only had one blade over a foot long with two rounded off hand guards.

“Went strait to the throwing daggers did we? Don't worry about those, I'll be teaching you both how to use them in place of Kunai. They're more commonly used far west of the Elemental Nations but I have heard of a few in the east. We want as little to connect us to these lands as possible.” Hinata nodded and put the set back instead reaching for a set of Kodachi next to them. After picking them up she squinted awkwardly at the strange feeling of the weapons and put them down for the next weapon over. Their reach was better than she was used to but at the same time that proved to make them feel uncomfortable. “What are these?” She asked curiously having noticed them back in the academy but never seen them in action.

“Those Kari, are Tonfa, here…” Nazomishi left his staff standing vertical in the ground as he walked over motioning for her to hand him one. Takeing it in his one hand with the long shaft pointing towards his elbow he griped it firmly and began part of a short Kata. “They can be quite complicated but have exceptional offensive and defensive capabilities. You can use them to enhance your strikes and extend them in an instant. They can be most confusing to fight especially if they are bladed.” As Nazomishi showed Hinata a few of the most basic movements she tried it out herself. It was actually surprising how comfortable they felt now that she was holding them properly. With a few flicks of the wrist both Naruto and Nazomishi were grinning.

“I think we've found your …new …wea…pon.” Nazomishi commented before trailing off slowly as a raindrop hit his face. More and more rain began pouring down and the three decided to call it quits for the day.

---Bevelle Later That Day---

The day had been long and arduous for the Zate. They had made a great deal of progress on the foundation of Bevelle. The more than five earth users had gained a level of adequacy with the Shadow Clone technique and got their first productive day digging out the area where it's central temple would soon begin it's ascension to the skies. Looking across the plateau it could be seen that a massive hole was beginning to take shape. Massive wasn't the word. In only two days they had created a hundred foot deep chasm nearly a five hundred feet wide. By its completion the main foundation would be over a fifty stories under the ground and the structure as a whole would be more than a third of a mile wide and just as deep. The overall height would tower over the mountain's highest peak by hundreds of feet. All of this started half way up a four thousand foot tall mountain. The plans for the temple clearly showed how monumental it would be. It would effectively replace its closest peak as the tallest landmark, dominating the skies for miles. It would easily make for the tallest and most massive structure on the planet by several fold. It was truly built to rival the Jedi Temple on Croissant. There was a reason they chose to build it in the most mountainous region of Rice country (Soon former Oto.) The combination of nature and super-modern ingenuity was to be a symbol of peace and a symbol of the power the Zate held. It would show the world how even the most advanced of technological wonders could live symbiotically with the world around it.

A great deal of thought had been put into the Temple of Bevelle. To the Zate it wasn't as far overkill as it seemed at first glance. Sure much of the structure wouldn't be utilized for years, perhaps decades. However, this was to be their first true base of operations. With research ongoing into creating a gateway between worlds they would need potential to grow. They needed a place to hold diplomatic meetings. They needed a place to train and meditate, a place separated from the rest of the world, connected to nature while at the same time being close enough to the world so as to not seem like some distant overlords with the goal of ruling everything from a safe distance. They needed the land to represent peace, and for that they intended on having an intricate and awe inspiring structure. They would need hangers and above all room to train new initiates as well as the local populace. If all went as planned they would have the lower levels as an academy, the envy of this world and the next. Intellectuals, medics, and warriors alike would venture from the far sides of the world if only to spend a few hours in the library. Others would even move to Bevelle to study there. Once enough teachers were trained they would have the greatest school on the planet and potentially… this Galaxy.

With holocron technology it would be easy to chronicle everything from cook books, to history, to techniques from around the world. Years of spying on the Shinobi Nations and their techniques would be added to more than a hundred-thousand years of technological advancement. Granted the knowledge would be heavily monitored and slowly leaked to the public to avoid what would likely be a chaotic and harmful thrust into an entirely different world of technology. Techniques would be classified in varying degrees of sensitivity. Medical techniques would for the most part be free to the public as would books on common martial arts and fighting styles. Techniques specifically taken from villages would be classified for Zate use and few would even know they were in there. As the danger of the techniques grew, some of it would be limited, even within the Zate. Some techniques were simply best left forgotten but chronicled away in the event that it may one day need to be countered. Specifically, forbidden techniques and any information acquired from Orochimaru's labs.

Its library aside, the Temple of Bevelle was to stand, towering above, while intermingling with nature. Massive outdoor platforms would jet out from baffling towers all in a modernistic evolution of a gothic theme. Surrounded and intermingled with trees and greenery the Zate wanted the platforms to vaguely resemble the circular landscape of the rice farms that made this country unique. Every inch of it would be made of some combination of polished stone and durasteel. Majestic and glorious this temple monument was to be in inspiration.

It was going to be beautiful. Within this most mountainous region of Rice Country the mountains were nearly as vast and magnificent as those in mountain country. To both ends of these mountains were limitless valleys. To the east, just over the mountain range was the lusciously beautiful Valley country, made known for its wide assortment of flowers that grew within its hill like terrain. To the west was the rest of Rice country and its simi-mountainous region. Looking across the vast landscape the Force users could truly feel at peace. It felt like seeing the Room of a Thousand Fountains once again.

The day wrapped up with dozens upon dozens of people traveling in groups showing up at the edge of their walls. Near eight the numbers had swelled into the hundreds. People who had pledged support to the Zate and their ideals over the past weeks were finally arriving. Among them Hiashi Hyuuga arrived with a good portion of the Hyuuga clan. A number of random shinobi and the occasional citizen fallowed their group closely. Among them Teuchi and his daughter Ayame of Ichiraku Ramen showed up with astonished looks on their faces. Kurenai walked side by side with Asuma Sarutobi with their teams fallowing close behind. At least a hundred Konoha Shinobi outside the Hyuuga clan came in the same group. The execution had sickened them to no end. Every one of the genin present at the execution nearly had mental breakdowns and ended up crying more than they had thought possible.

As troublesome as it was to leave even Shikamaru found himself agreeing with his parents wholeheartedly about leaving the village. The council's backstabbing stunt had turned a good number of clans against them including several of the most powerful. The execution of a fellow shinobi and hero was simply too gruesome and uncalled for to go without repercussion. Granted was an especially difficult decision to make for the Nara considering their ties with the forests and its deer. As Shikaku put it “Konoha has been good to us for more than a century but before the village we wondered the forests. It might be a pain but every creature knows when its home will no longer support its existence.” Shikamaru only nodded and scoffed in understanding. His father was right; when a forest burned the deer had to know when to move on. Now was simply their time.

A great many clans of Konoha were broken and divided over the issue. Many wanted to stay and change Konoha, others felt it was impossible. The clan half of the council was broken and without a Kage it wasn't likely to be reestablished any time soon. Those who wanted to stay had no idea what they were getting themselves into. However, the clan heads did. Them and their families seemed to make up the most dedicated group to leaving Konoha. Several of them, especially the Inuzuka felt deeply betrayed. Loyalty was especially important to the family of canine users. In the end their loyalty was to the will of fire and what it stood for. From what they had seen, the goals of the Zate far more closely resembled the first Hokage's dream than what was left in the ruins of Konoha. In the end most who left Konoha felt the same. The time of clans and villages was fading. It was time to bring a new order to the world, an order that could strive for a global peace similar, perhaps better than, what the villages had offered in the time of the first Kage.

Earlier that day Tenzo had created a vast amount of wooden scaffolding for others to work on, suspending them over the ever growing chasm. Now he could be seen putting the final details on the `Pyre of Passing,' as it was called. Multiple stone slabs sat side by side, all were plain but carved to more effectively serve their purpose. Around the stones Tenzo had constructed a great number of stairs encircling the slabs. There were enough to hold more than six hundred people. This was the Pire of Passing, where the bodies of their fallen comrades would finally be laid to rest. He and ten others were putting the final touches on the area in preparation for the ceremony.

“Nearly complete is it?” Yoda asked from just outside the area's seating. He already knew the answer of course; it was painfully obvious that the ceremony would be held tonight.

“Yes, I just need to prepare wood for the fire.” Tenzo replied with exhaustion in his voice. Never in his life had he been pushed this far with his bloodline. With him being the only wood user left he was simply too valuable an asset for these things. The first could have done this with few problems, but he couldn't keep this up. He felt relief when he heard of the hover platforms Anakin had clones working on. Once an adequate number of those were complete scaffolding would not be needed in such a high quantity. Unfortunately that relief was at least a month away.

“Deserve this they do. For all their lives they lived to protect others. Remember them with Sh'kal, honor them with it we must.” Tenzo nodded, understanding that this extra bit of work for the day was important. Today they would bury their dead from the war. Though important, Naruto and Nazomishi were only two of the warriors that would be laid to rest.

Two more hours passed and the bodies went through their final preparations for the ceremony. A great abundance of flowers and ornamental gifts to the dead were placed around the Pire. Inoichi Yamanaka's family donated a number of flowers for the event as they did for the Sandaime's funeral. They were glad they arrived when they did. Missing this event would have been dishonorable as they saw it.

As night drew close and the sun sat behind the far off hills, thousands of torches lit the temporary wooden city. From the nearest four towns the lights from the sheer number of flaming torches could be seen giving a faint glow to the mountainside, just over the walls that hid the buildings from view. Friends and allies of the Zate had made significant sacrifices to be there and they all lined the streets in black ceremonial clothing, provided by the Zate. Six Zate carried the first body on a wooden stretcher surrounded by flowers. Leading the six was a seventh man processing out of the building where the bodies had been preserved for days. Another group with identical numbers fallowed close behind and they were followed by another. In total, five groups of seven carried their fallen warriors as they all began to chant as the first mourners caught their first glimpse of the dead.

Author's notes: Since it is not mentioned where Valley country is I am considering it to be the country that borders Konoha and Oto. If you don't know where that is Google “Naruto world map.” The area I am talking about is due east of Konoha. I will consider the country to the north of valley country and south of Kumo to be Mountain country should I ever use it.

As far as the temple its overall dimensions are… over 1/3 mile wide by over 1/3 mile deep. That is its secondary base. There is a first raise somewhat wider, though I don't consider it part of the main structure. The height to the primary roof is 2500 feet tall (probably taller), there is another two hundred foot tall spire housing a meditating center with a full view of the area. Excluding the underground portion and it its base is sitting about 2000 feet above sea level (at the base). All this is nestled onto a plateau between two mountain peaks. This is in eastern Rice country (Oto) Near Valley country. (Tot height, with mountains and spire….4700 feet above sea level.)

By comparison the Jedi temple is about the same width and depth and 3280 feet (1 kilometer)

Important note about the temple… I am currently taking a class on how to use Maya and I have spent some decent time making a model of the temple as I envision it. I will include a to scale place holder (just a large rectangle) of the empire state building, the Burj Dubai, and one of the original twin towers. I might add a great pyramid if I feel like it. I did find a Millennium Falcon and a Yoda model I put in it to scale. Expect some links to show up in my profile in a few weeks.

I'm not particularly happy with this chapter...Actually, I haven't been very happy with the last few chapters, most of it has been me trying to set up events that should happen in the next few chapters but it just seems like it's dragging on forever for some reason. Meh whatever, expect some action in the next chapter and something interesting with Rin (the one Kenshin spared)