Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Twilight ❯ Moving in the Next Day... ( Chapter 13 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Haru Mclean Namikaze 
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.19.2009 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 220 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.19.2009 | Pages: 4 | Words: 5.1K | Visits: 220 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 7 Moving In The Next DayÉ
ÒOHAYO, EVERYONE!Ó hollered Naruto obnoxiously, scampering into the kitchen and sitting up in his seat eagerly like a little child about to be given chocolate. ÒBREAKFAST!Ó
ÒWhat are you so happy about, Naruto?Ó asked Shika, slightly annoyed. ÒYakkai naÉÓ - How troublesomeÉ -
ÒNOTHING!Ó Naruto shouted again, shaking the whole vicinity wide awake. ÒTHEREÕS NOTHING BAD ABOUT BEING HAPPY!Ó
ÒWhatÑeverÉÓ muttered Ino, rolling her eyes as she helped Sakura prepare the table for breakfast.
ÒCan everybody please pipe down?Ó sighed Fukai, entering the kitchen and glaring at Naruto, still a bit sleepy. Neji followed in after her.
ÒYa know what, IÕve noticed something about you two,Ó smirked Naruto, referring to Fukai and Neji. ÒYouÕre getting a bit close, arenÕt ya?Ó
Fukai and Neji looked away from each other, not being able to speak up. A barely noticeable pink tinted FukaiÕs cheeks. The other girls giggled. Sasuke smirked. Lee quirked his bushy eyebrows suggestively and Chouji and Shika snorted simultaneously, Chouji sounding exactly like a full and contented warthog.
ÒThatÕs not nice, Naruto,Ó smirked Sasuke. ÒDonÕt get the new couple embarrassed.Ó
ÒYeah, sor-ryÉÓ Naruto said gaily, idiotically grinning like there was no tomorrow. He dove into his bowl of ramen right after Hinata set it before him. The others started to eat in silence as well.
After several minutes of comfortable silence disturbed only by NarutoÕs noisy slurps and ChoujiÕs snorts in his food, Fukai spoke up.
ÒActually, guys, I have something to tell you,Ó she started, immediately getting everybodyÕs attention.
ÒOh? ShootÉÓ said Sasuke, reaching for another sushi.
ÒWellÉÓ Fukai said tentatively. ÒRemember Sakura-sanÕs clairvoyance that we discovered yesterday?Ó
ÒYeahÉ what about it?Ó asked Hinata.
ÒWellÉ I sortaÉ uhmÉÓ Fukai said, twiddling her thumbs, trying to look innocent. ÒÉuhÉ I think I have the same ability tooÉ but its somehow differentÉÓ
ÒYou do?Ó Naruto said, apparently surprised. Everybody else looked up from their bowls of rice.
ÒYesÉ well, right before Neji found me in the forest floor that afternoonÉ thatÕs when it happened. It was weirdÉ at first I was just exhausted from training, so I settled down to lie on the ground. But as my palms touched the ground and my eyes closed, visions started flowing before my mindÕs eyeÉ I saw dark at first, but then it all became clear, one by one. I saw from my own perspectiveÉ I felt the pain while Neji was carrying me through the tunnels, to bring me to the clinic, and I heard your voices while you were talking in the roomÉ I saw the ceilingÉ I saw everything that happened to me flash right in front of my eyes!Ó she finished.
ÒOooÉÓ Ino said, interested.
ÒWell, it is quite different from Sakura-chanÕsÉ Fukai sees it through her own eyes, while Sakura sees it in a different perspective,Ó Lee concluded.
ÒYeah, and from what I noticed, SakuraÕs clairvoyance can be controlled, while FukaiÕs cant be. Sakura can use her ability and predict the future anytime, anywhere, while FukaiÕs premonitions appear when she touches something. And hers show only those important events that are about to happen, while Sakura can predict even the minimal details in the future,Ó Shika said smartly.
ÒWhy do you always have to be the smartass?Ó Ino grumbled.
ÒBecause I am,Ó Shika said, annoying Ino more and more.
ÒSo when you touch something, you see whatÕs going to happen, though you only see it unintentionally,Ó said Sasuke, raising a delicate eyebrow.
ÒYes,Ó Fukai sighed. It was really hard to explain. She already explained to Neji the previous night, and he understood, but still, it was hard to explain in front of many people.
ÒHey Neji? You still awake there?Ó muttered Fukai silently, turning in the bed to face her closest friend. She considered him a real close friend even though the boy behaved like a hermit. Besides, they did have the same personality, though Fukai was a bit softer. Just a tad bit.
ÒHmÉ what?Ó asked Neji, unmoving from his place, back still facing Fukai.
ÒHow do you explain something really complicated in front of many people?Ó
ÒComplicated? Many people? Why, you got some problem?Ó
ÒI justÉ its justÉÓ
ÒJust what? Come onÉ it cant be that badÉ besides, IÕm not many people, so you shouldnÕt have difficulty telling me,Ó said Neji, turning around to face her. She was ethereal, bathed in silvery moonlight. Her eyes sparkled brightly in the darkness of the night, expressing her troubled feelings. Neji willed himself not to hug her.
ÒWellÉ I donÕt know how to explain to the others about my ability to foresee near future like SakuraÉ because its not like hers! It works differentlyÉ I meanÉ I donÕt even know anything about itÉ I only discovered it that afternoon when you found meÉÓ said Fukai.
ÒOh. DonÕt worry about it. Just explain it in one blow. Then period. Say what you have to say,Ó Neji said, shrugging. Fukai sighed and hit him on the shoulder.
ÒIÕm asking help from you and you donÕt even give me a good answer,Ó Fukai said, frowning mockingly. Neji chuckled. Even he surprised himself when he was with this girlÉ she broke his resolve completely. She made him talk and she made him laughÉ and smileÉ
ÒYou should be thankful that I even bothered to give you an answer, girl,Ó snickered Neji, ruffling her ebony hair and turning around again. ÒGo back to rest, youÕll need it tomorrow. Go on, sleep.Ó
Fukai just sighed. She smiled serenely as she stared at NejiÕs bare muscular back. She felt that he was strangely attached to herÉ and she had a feeling that it was mutual. She was attached to him too. Maybe because of Norou no Tomo or maybe it was just pure infatuation with her new friend. - Curse of Friendship. - Whatever it was, though, she didnÕt care. All she knew was that she felt safe around him and she felt cared for every time he was there with her.
She shifted slightly, moving forward and pressing her chest on his back. She wrapped an arm around his waist in a loose hug, the other hand playing with his dark hair.
ÒYou have nice hair, you know?Ó she smiled, pressing her cheek against his back.
ÒI knowÉÓ he whispered, grasping her hand that was around his waist. - whoaÉ relationships spark and develop far too quickly here, huh? -
ÒFukaiÉ heyÉ Fukai!Ó snapped Neji, waving his hand in front of her face.
ÒHuh? Oh, sorryÉ I spaced outÉÓ grinned Fukai, rubbing her head.
ÒNo premonitions?Ó asked Naruto, cocking his head to the side.
ÒNah, I just remembered something fromÉ never mind, its not really significant,Ó smiled Fukai.
ÒWell, alright, Fukai,Ó Sasuke said. ÒAbout your ability, well, whenever you get another premonition, tell me immediately. It might prove vital to our operations. After all, we need all the help we can getÉÓ
ÒAlrightÉÓ smiled Fukai, continuing to eat her breakfast.
2 weeks laterÉ- ya know, there are no more significant events during the trainingÉ only ordinary training going onÉ well, ordinary for them anyways, so, no sue! -
Time passed quickly during their training in the mountains. Before they even noticed it, 2 weeks had passed ever since they arrived in the area and started the training program. Everybody adapted quickly to the hectic schedule, since there was no space for delay and failure wasnÕt an option. There was absolutely no room for mistakes.
The training went smoothly, and every single department rapidly brought up new innovations and techniques and other commodities for the war.
The Medic Dept. made quick progress with the antidotes and potions for sickness, severe wounds and poison. They mass-produced about 10 kinds of antidotes and 5 types of potions for different kinds of poisons and stored them for future use. They are now also well trained in handling patients and curing wounds only with chakra.
The Chemist Dept. meanwhile produced the said poison that can kill in a minute, or the so-called Osoroshii Konoha. - Lethal Leaf. - Working side by side with the Medic team, they also developed the antidote to the poison just in case it was accidentally used against their own nins. The poison was intended to be daubed in the weapons the nins will use so even though the weapon didnÕt hit in a vital part, it can kill in just a minute. WhatÕs more, they developed another substance that, when mixed with the poison or antidote. will erase any remaining amount of it in the body, so that there will be no trace of the poison for the enemy to analyze.
The Traps, Larceny and Deception Dept. worked wonders with new booby traps set around the base as well as new deceptive techniques. Also, they were sent out to the enemyÕs camp 4 days after they came to the base, under the orders of the four leaders. They stole the enemyÕs new technologies, antidotes, poisons and potions, as well as several plan maps, disguised as janitors and lower nins. They came back along with the said things, but they barely escaped, since one of the real nins discovered their antics.
The Weaponry Dept. meanwhile, developed advanced tools and far more precise and sharp weapons to replace their ninsÕs old ones. They made special assassination weapons for the SSA squad, like the rod that can be retracted, formed into a sword or a kunai, or even a spear, and it can carry antidotes, medicine and poison. They also made weapons daubed with the killer poison the Chemists made, like acupuncture needles disguised as harmless hairpins, sharper than sharp kunai and shuriken and glimmering titanium katanas.
The OFB and JM worked side by side to improve their attacking and defense strength against the massive armies of the enemy. They trained and trained tirelessly out in the fields and they trained in different conditions and weather, different terrain and different environment. Along with the tacticians, they worked out many strategies that can be useful in different kinds of scenario and they even worked out a secret language for them to communicate with even in the presence of the enemies.
The SSA, however, are the ones who made the biggest progress, as well as the ones who experienced more than the maximum. They were trained mercilessly against the blizzards of the top of the mountains, in the sweltering, hot and humid of the forest floor, in the suffocating nocturnal caves way under the mountain and deep down in the depths of the massive lake nearby. They were pushed to the extremities and their skills were homed perfectly with the help of the four leaders and the nature. Fukai also merged into the group, working side by side with Neji to train the kids.
Right now, the four leaders called another one of the weekly meetings to report progress in each department.
ÒSoÉ howÕs everybody doing?Ó asked Sakura, smiling as a murmur ran around, the nins saying ÔokayÕ, ÔfineÕ, ÔperfectÕ, and ÔawesomeÕ, along with other comments. ÒIÕm glad to find that youÕre all doing great in your fieldsÉ and nowÉ is there anyone who wants to make a suggestion or comment or anything?Ó
The only girl from the SSA raised her hand. ÒHarder training.Ó
ÒHarder training you want, harder training you getÉÓ muttered Neji. He was real impressed with these kids. TheyÕre toughÉ after all theyÕve been through, they still crave for moreÉ I think I did my job wellÉ
ÒGosh, you SSA guys are really tough, arenÕt ya?Ó Mina Taira from the Medics said.
ÒYeah, I mean, all of you have gone through major injuries and still you want more!Ó said Yohiko Juno, another kid from the Medics.
ÒYour trainingÕs already far from the norm, ya know,Ó said Kagami Miho. ÒJust be careful, because you might sever yourself in your antics.Ó
ÒDonÕt worry about us, we can handle it,Ó said Akashi Kai.
Another one raised his hand, this one from the Weaponry Dept.
ÒWe just want to ask permission to watch the JM, OFB and SSA train, because we want to assess several facts about their fighting style,Ó started Nomura Junichi. ÒWe thought that we would make a special weapon for each of them, matching their personality, specialty and techniques.Ó
Lee, Shuta and Kogure agreed readily, but Neji thought it over for several seconds. ÒWell, we can let you watch the spars but you can only watch for about an hour since we must concentrate and we are not ready to reveal the techniques just yet.Ó
ÒThanks, an hour is more than enough,Ó grinned Junichi. Another kid was just raising his hand when an alarm in Kiba and ChoujiÕs room.
ÒWhatÕs that?Ó Sasuke said, suddenly alerted. ÒChouji, Kiba?Ó
ÒOH NO! Dammit, noÉÓ Kiba said, running up to his room and touched the stone, which was emitting the alarm. The chakra screen in front of the bed went alive.
ÒDamn, is this what I think it is?Ó Shika said, worry lines appearing in his normally relaxed forehead.
The screen displayed several nins walking in through the forest, and the other half of the screen displayed the armies of Sound and Shadow nins waiting outside of the forest.
ÒTheyÕre moving in,Ó Sasuke muttered. ÒTheyÕre moving in! Everybody move, move, move!Ó
The leaders rushed out the room and went back out to the common room to report what happened.
ÒSilence!Ó Sasuke called over the group. Everybody immediately shut up. ÒWe have just been informed that the Sound and Shadow armies are moving in.Ó
This statement aroused shocked statements and intrigued murmurs around the group, their faces erupting into mixed emotions of excitement, terror, nervousness and unsettledness.
ÒThey are currently stationed outside the vicinity of the forests and they have sent a few to scourge in the outsides of the forest, but IÕm sure the traps there will be able to fend them off for a while. Now I want everyone to get ready to move out. Get all your things packed and ready. SSA, OFB and JM, get yourselves ready for battle. You know what to do. Medic Team, get the room ready to take in patients, take out the medicines and leave 2 personnel here to take care of the wounded, while the others go along with the ones who will go to battle. Bring along your things. Chemists team, distribute poisons and potions to the nins, and leave 2 persons here to develop more, while the others will go as well. Tacticians, leave your two best personnel here with Shikamaru, and then go with the OFB and JM. The SSA has a mind of their own. Weaponry, distribute the special weapons and deploy all the weapons daubed in poison, as well as the other gadgets for battle. Leave 2 of you here to make more and increase the stocks of the weapons. TLD, distribute the gadgets you made for communication and other purposes. 2 of you will be left as well, and the others will be going undercover and merge inside the enemyÕs army to find out what they are going to do. These are direct orders, no one dare disobey. After you prepare, get yourselves here immediately! Now move! Quick! Time is running!Ó
The nins scampered to get prepared, each one doing their part dutifully.
Sasuke turned to the leaders. ÒNow you guys go and dress up, and I will give the orders after you get prepared. Shikamaru, be quick, and after you prepare, get two of your best tacticians. We need to talk.Ó
Shikamaru nodded and walked off briskly, followed by the others. They had to admit, this was a bit of a shock for them, but they had to get ready.
They were in for the battle of their lives.
ÒKabuto, halt the armies in front of the forest,Ó said Orochimaru. ÒWe need to be secretive, we must maintain our presence a secret here. We will make our base here, itÕs a couple of miles away from the mountain so the enemy wont know. Prepare a base.Ó
ÒRight awayÉÓ Kabuto said, urging his horse to go faster and get in front of the armies to the commander to relay the order. Orochimaru visibly tensed as they reached the front of the forest.
ÒKisume,Ó called Itachi. Kisume responded immediately, coming to his masterÕs side.
ÒYes, sire?Ó
ÒSend 3 teams into the forest to inspect. Tell them not to go far,Ó Itachi ordered briskly.
ÒConsider it done, sir.Ó
The armies halted in front of the forest and the nins started to hurry to prepare a tent for their masters and set up the rest of the base. The 3 teams meanwhile, entered the forest silently and stealthily, inspecting every single thing with sharp, trained eyes, though they did not feel the diminishing chakra in the forest that set off the alarm system back in the enemyÕs base.
ÒNothing out of the ordinary here,Ó said one of them.
ÒIts just an ordinary forest, just a little bit denser than usualÉÓ another one commented.
ÒMaybe we should head back now, thereÕs no use in foraging when we cant go farÉÓ
When they arrived back in the base, the camp has been set and some fires had been lit for warmth and for food. They reported immediately to Kisume.
ÒWell?Ó said Itachi.
ÒNothing out of the ordinary, sire.Ó
ÒAre you sure?Ó
Ò100 percent,sire.Ó
ÒÉ HmmmÉ I still have a bad feeling about this forestÉ strangeÉ what do you think, Orochimaru?Ó
ÒYes, there is something strange in the forestÉ yet I cant put what it isÉÓ
ÒDo you think the Hokage is in the mountains, sir?Ó asked Kabuto.
ÒNo, I donÕt think soÉ but we shouldnÕt take chances. Tomorrow, send several nins to go deep into the forest and attack whoever they see,Ó said Orochimaru.
ÒWe need to inspect the terrain. Its only proper that we study the place because we will be left out. The enemy knows the place all too wellÉÓ said Itachi in agreement.
ÒYes, sir,Ó said both Kabuto and Kisume, who both went out of the tent to give out orders.
ÒSomething smells really fishyÉÓ said Itachi.
Everybody was gathered in the common room to talk about their plans on how to attack the enemy. They had the upper hand since the enemy didnÕt seem to know that they knew of their presence in the forest.
ÒWell thenÉÓ Sasuke started. ÒShikamaru and I talked already and we have decided the steps in the operation. It is better if we donÕt reveal the steps to you, so that no information will surely get spilled, no offense there. We just cant take chances.Ó
The other nins fluttered at this statement apparently stating that they wont tell another soul about it, but they accepted SasukeÕs decision.
ÒI want the TLD nins to infiltrate the hive of the enemy. You decide what disguise you will use. You may now go and prepare, and then leave immediately as soon as you get finished, but before you leave, you must inform us of your disguise so we wont attack you in mistake.Ó
The TLD nins nodded obediently and went off to their HQ, followed shortly by Kiba and Chouji, who nodded briefly at Sasuke and the others.
ÒNowÉ I want the OFB and the JM to divide into teams of threeÉ and then scout the forest round the clock. You can switch duties, but be ready to be called in immediate battle, even during your sleep. Be quick on your feet. Got it?Ó
They nodded.
ÒYou decide your shifts and your places, and inform me. You can now go.Ó
They went off, along with Lee, Shuta and Kogure, already chatting about the shifts and the plans they will make for the scouts.
Ò2 of the Medic nins get left behind in the labsÉ the restÉ go with the scoutsÉÓ
They nodded and went off after deciding who gets left in the labs.
ÒSame goes for the Weaponry and Chemists, as well as the Tacticians, though 3 of the Tacticians needs to be left behindÉÓ
They nodded and went off to their duties obediently, not even asking a single question and placing complete trust on the leaders.
ÒNowÉ SSAÉ and three TacticiansÉÓ said Sasuke. ÒShikamaru, take over.Ó
Shikamaru walked over up front. ÒOkayÉ nowÉ we need to wait for a report from the TLD Dept. since they are the ones who are infiltrating the hiveÉ nowÉ 3 of my subordinates are left, namely Shiro Yuki, Taira Shinju and Asano ReiÉ the bestÉ ohÉ kayÉ Yuki, go and ask Kiba for a blueprint of the base of the enemy ASAP, and study the blueprint for future attacks. Make plans A, B and C, alright?Ó
ÒComing right upÉÓ said Yuki, grinning as he went over to KibaÕs HQ.
ÒOkay, Shinju, assess the abilities of the SSA and divide them into three teams. You are the one who will relay the orders and information to them, as to whom they will assassinate and whom they will spy on. Do it now, now, now!Ó Shikamaru snapped.
ÒRight away!Ó said Shinju, taking out paper and pen and starting to list down facts about the SSA nins, occasionally asking them for info.
ÒReiÉ study our enemy. How many their armies are, who are their leaders, what are their specialties and abilitiesÉ and such stuffÉ do some research, use the books there and the TLDÕs information,Ó said Shikamaru.
Rei nodded obediently and silently and went to open the hatch that revealed the books around the walls of the common room. He immediately began to search for a book, and when he found it, he started devouring every single word it has to say, occasionally taking notes on a paper.
ÒNow, the SSA,Ó started Shikamaru. ÒFor now, you will wait for orders. We need to wait for the TLD to report. Train up in the top of the mountains with Neji, and please be more subtle with the proceedings, since we donÕt need to attract the attention of the enemyÉÓ
ÒAlrightÉÓ Neji said. ÒUp! You heard him, training!Ó
The SSA squad walked off with Neji and Shinju lagging behind.
After they went off, Sasuke sighed.
ÒSo tiringÉÓ Sasuke said, collapsing in a squishy sofa. Sakura sat down beside him, taking his head and laying it on her chest and starting to massage it, forcing away the pain.
ÒNe, Hina-chan, can I get a massage too?Ó Naruto said expectantly and innocently. Hinata smiled. Naruto is still Naruto, no matter what happened.
There was a loud impact heard from the top of the mountain. The Sound and Shadow nins were startled and all woke up from their slumber.
ÒWhat was that?Ó asked Kabuto, squinting his eyes to see if there was someone around.
ÒIt came from the mountain, sire,Ó said one nin.
ÒI knowÉ they must be trainingÉÓ Kabuto said.
ÒIn the middle of the night?Ó Kisume said unbelievingly.
ÒThey are weird onesÉÓ Kabuto said.
ÒWell, yeah, but stillÉ something really sounds fissssshhhyyÉÓ Kisume said.
ÒYeah, yeahÉ I think Orochimaru wants us inside the tentÉ theyÕd want to know about the noiseÉÓ
ÒThat is, if they still donÕt know what it isÉ they have their waysÉÓ
ÒYeah, come onÉÓ said Kabuto, walking briskly to their bossÕs tent. As they entered, Itachi immediately questioned them.
ÒWhat was that about?Ó asked Itachi.
ÒWe donÕt know, sire,Ó Kisume said. ÒKabuto said they might be training.Ó
ÒYes, yes, but stillÉ they arenÕt that good to train in the middle of the night atop a mountain, and produce an impact that loudÉ are they?Ó said Orochimaru.
ÒWe donÕt knowÉÓ said Kabuto.
ÒWell then find out!Ó Orochimaru said. ÒAre you losing your touch, Kabuto?Ó
ÒNot quite, Orochimaru, I was just answering your question. You asked, I answer,Ó Kabuto answered smartly.
Orochimaru smirked as he disappeared with a poof and some smoke.
The leaders along with Neji, Shikamaru and Fukai watched the teams depart into the night to do their duties of patrol, scouting and infiltration. The nins had chosen to disguise as Sound Medic nins to enter, killing several Medic nins and taking their places, their bodies already disintegrated by fire.
Fukai clutched NejiÕs arm as she watched the nins disappear and merge into the dark night of the forest.
ÒThe warÕs really starting?Ó she said, her voice slightly faltering. Over the weeks, she has opened up completely to Neji, and by now there was a mutual understanding between the two.
ÒYeahÉÓ Neji said, squeezing her hand in a comforting act.
ÒReally, IÕm worriedÉ They donÕt know the forestÕs secrets and dangers that wellÉÓ said Fukai.
ÒDonÕt be,Ó said Neji, who slung an arm around her shoulders. ÒTheyÕll be alright.Ó
ÒLetÕs just hope and pray they donÕt get hurt too muchÉ everyone is vital to the planÉÓ said Fukai, sighing.
ÒYeah,Ó said Neji. - does he even know any other word than ÔyeahÕ? -
ÒWell, Sakura, can you make a prediction about the TLD?Ó asked Shikamaru. ÒWill they be safe enough?Ó
Sakura focused her chakra into her subconscious and tried to clear her mind for the images to become more clear.
ÒYesÉ theyÕll have a little difficulty in entering since they will almost wake the guards up but they will be fineÉÓ said Sakura, sighing.
ÒWe made the first move in a game of touch-move chess,Ó said Rei, muttering as he tried to process all the info from the book into her head.
ÒRei, donÕt torture yourself too much back there,Ó Shikamaru said. ÒRest a little bit, wont you?Ó
ÒI can handle itÉÓ said Rei.
ÒMake sure you can, we cant have one of our men collapsing nowÉÓ
ÒYes, sirÉÓ
ÒOHAYO, EVERYONE!Ó hollered Naruto obnoxiously, scampering into the kitchen and sitting up in his seat eagerly like a little child about to be given chocolate. ÒBREAKFAST!Ó
ÒWhat are you so happy about, Naruto?Ó asked Shika, slightly annoyed. ÒYakkai naÉÓ - How troublesomeÉ -
ÒNOTHING!Ó Naruto shouted again, shaking the whole vicinity wide awake. ÒTHEREÕS NOTHING BAD ABOUT BEING HAPPY!Ó
ÒWhatÑeverÉÓ muttered Ino, rolling her eyes as she helped Sakura prepare the table for breakfast.
ÒCan everybody please pipe down?Ó sighed Fukai, entering the kitchen and glaring at Naruto, still a bit sleepy. Neji followed in after her.
ÒYa know what, IÕve noticed something about you two,Ó smirked Naruto, referring to Fukai and Neji. ÒYouÕre getting a bit close, arenÕt ya?Ó
Fukai and Neji looked away from each other, not being able to speak up. A barely noticeable pink tinted FukaiÕs cheeks. The other girls giggled. Sasuke smirked. Lee quirked his bushy eyebrows suggestively and Chouji and Shika snorted simultaneously, Chouji sounding exactly like a full and contented warthog.
ÒThatÕs not nice, Naruto,Ó smirked Sasuke. ÒDonÕt get the new couple embarrassed.Ó
ÒYeah, sor-ryÉÓ Naruto said gaily, idiotically grinning like there was no tomorrow. He dove into his bowl of ramen right after Hinata set it before him. The others started to eat in silence as well.
After several minutes of comfortable silence disturbed only by NarutoÕs noisy slurps and ChoujiÕs snorts in his food, Fukai spoke up.
ÒActually, guys, I have something to tell you,Ó she started, immediately getting everybodyÕs attention.
ÒOh? ShootÉÓ said Sasuke, reaching for another sushi.
ÒWellÉÓ Fukai said tentatively. ÒRemember Sakura-sanÕs clairvoyance that we discovered yesterday?Ó
ÒYeahÉ what about it?Ó asked Hinata.
ÒWellÉ I sortaÉ uhmÉÓ Fukai said, twiddling her thumbs, trying to look innocent. ÒÉuhÉ I think I have the same ability tooÉ but its somehow differentÉÓ
ÒYou do?Ó Naruto said, apparently surprised. Everybody else looked up from their bowls of rice.
ÒYesÉ well, right before Neji found me in the forest floor that afternoonÉ thatÕs when it happened. It was weirdÉ at first I was just exhausted from training, so I settled down to lie on the ground. But as my palms touched the ground and my eyes closed, visions started flowing before my mindÕs eyeÉ I saw dark at first, but then it all became clear, one by one. I saw from my own perspectiveÉ I felt the pain while Neji was carrying me through the tunnels, to bring me to the clinic, and I heard your voices while you were talking in the roomÉ I saw the ceilingÉ I saw everything that happened to me flash right in front of my eyes!Ó she finished.
ÒOooÉÓ Ino said, interested.
ÒWell, it is quite different from Sakura-chanÕsÉ Fukai sees it through her own eyes, while Sakura sees it in a different perspective,Ó Lee concluded.
ÒYeah, and from what I noticed, SakuraÕs clairvoyance can be controlled, while FukaiÕs cant be. Sakura can use her ability and predict the future anytime, anywhere, while FukaiÕs premonitions appear when she touches something. And hers show only those important events that are about to happen, while Sakura can predict even the minimal details in the future,Ó Shika said smartly.
ÒWhy do you always have to be the smartass?Ó Ino grumbled.
ÒBecause I am,Ó Shika said, annoying Ino more and more.
ÒSo when you touch something, you see whatÕs going to happen, though you only see it unintentionally,Ó said Sasuke, raising a delicate eyebrow.
ÒYes,Ó Fukai sighed. It was really hard to explain. She already explained to Neji the previous night, and he understood, but still, it was hard to explain in front of many people.
ÒHey Neji? You still awake there?Ó muttered Fukai silently, turning in the bed to face her closest friend. She considered him a real close friend even though the boy behaved like a hermit. Besides, they did have the same personality, though Fukai was a bit softer. Just a tad bit.
ÒHmÉ what?Ó asked Neji, unmoving from his place, back still facing Fukai.
ÒHow do you explain something really complicated in front of many people?Ó
ÒComplicated? Many people? Why, you got some problem?Ó
ÒI justÉ its justÉÓ
ÒJust what? Come onÉ it cant be that badÉ besides, IÕm not many people, so you shouldnÕt have difficulty telling me,Ó said Neji, turning around to face her. She was ethereal, bathed in silvery moonlight. Her eyes sparkled brightly in the darkness of the night, expressing her troubled feelings. Neji willed himself not to hug her.
ÒWellÉ I donÕt know how to explain to the others about my ability to foresee near future like SakuraÉ because its not like hers! It works differentlyÉ I meanÉ I donÕt even know anything about itÉ I only discovered it that afternoon when you found meÉÓ said Fukai.
ÒOh. DonÕt worry about it. Just explain it in one blow. Then period. Say what you have to say,Ó Neji said, shrugging. Fukai sighed and hit him on the shoulder.
ÒIÕm asking help from you and you donÕt even give me a good answer,Ó Fukai said, frowning mockingly. Neji chuckled. Even he surprised himself when he was with this girlÉ she broke his resolve completely. She made him talk and she made him laughÉ and smileÉ
ÒYou should be thankful that I even bothered to give you an answer, girl,Ó snickered Neji, ruffling her ebony hair and turning around again. ÒGo back to rest, youÕll need it tomorrow. Go on, sleep.Ó
Fukai just sighed. She smiled serenely as she stared at NejiÕs bare muscular back. She felt that he was strangely attached to herÉ and she had a feeling that it was mutual. She was attached to him too. Maybe because of Norou no Tomo or maybe it was just pure infatuation with her new friend. - Curse of Friendship. - Whatever it was, though, she didnÕt care. All she knew was that she felt safe around him and she felt cared for every time he was there with her.
She shifted slightly, moving forward and pressing her chest on his back. She wrapped an arm around his waist in a loose hug, the other hand playing with his dark hair.
ÒYou have nice hair, you know?Ó she smiled, pressing her cheek against his back.
ÒI knowÉÓ he whispered, grasping her hand that was around his waist. - whoaÉ relationships spark and develop far too quickly here, huh? -
ÒFukaiÉ heyÉ Fukai!Ó snapped Neji, waving his hand in front of her face.
ÒHuh? Oh, sorryÉ I spaced outÉÓ grinned Fukai, rubbing her head.
ÒNo premonitions?Ó asked Naruto, cocking his head to the side.
ÒNah, I just remembered something fromÉ never mind, its not really significant,Ó smiled Fukai.
ÒWell, alright, Fukai,Ó Sasuke said. ÒAbout your ability, well, whenever you get another premonition, tell me immediately. It might prove vital to our operations. After all, we need all the help we can getÉÓ
ÒAlrightÉÓ smiled Fukai, continuing to eat her breakfast.
2 weeks laterÉ- ya know, there are no more significant events during the trainingÉ only ordinary training going onÉ well, ordinary for them anyways, so, no sue! -
Time passed quickly during their training in the mountains. Before they even noticed it, 2 weeks had passed ever since they arrived in the area and started the training program. Everybody adapted quickly to the hectic schedule, since there was no space for delay and failure wasnÕt an option. There was absolutely no room for mistakes.
The training went smoothly, and every single department rapidly brought up new innovations and techniques and other commodities for the war.
The Medic Dept. made quick progress with the antidotes and potions for sickness, severe wounds and poison. They mass-produced about 10 kinds of antidotes and 5 types of potions for different kinds of poisons and stored them for future use. They are now also well trained in handling patients and curing wounds only with chakra.
The Chemist Dept. meanwhile produced the said poison that can kill in a minute, or the so-called Osoroshii Konoha. - Lethal Leaf. - Working side by side with the Medic team, they also developed the antidote to the poison just in case it was accidentally used against their own nins. The poison was intended to be daubed in the weapons the nins will use so even though the weapon didnÕt hit in a vital part, it can kill in just a minute. WhatÕs more, they developed another substance that, when mixed with the poison or antidote. will erase any remaining amount of it in the body, so that there will be no trace of the poison for the enemy to analyze.
The Traps, Larceny and Deception Dept. worked wonders with new booby traps set around the base as well as new deceptive techniques. Also, they were sent out to the enemyÕs camp 4 days after they came to the base, under the orders of the four leaders. They stole the enemyÕs new technologies, antidotes, poisons and potions, as well as several plan maps, disguised as janitors and lower nins. They came back along with the said things, but they barely escaped, since one of the real nins discovered their antics.
The Weaponry Dept. meanwhile, developed advanced tools and far more precise and sharp weapons to replace their ninsÕs old ones. They made special assassination weapons for the SSA squad, like the rod that can be retracted, formed into a sword or a kunai, or even a spear, and it can carry antidotes, medicine and poison. They also made weapons daubed with the killer poison the Chemists made, like acupuncture needles disguised as harmless hairpins, sharper than sharp kunai and shuriken and glimmering titanium katanas.
The OFB and JM worked side by side to improve their attacking and defense strength against the massive armies of the enemy. They trained and trained tirelessly out in the fields and they trained in different conditions and weather, different terrain and different environment. Along with the tacticians, they worked out many strategies that can be useful in different kinds of scenario and they even worked out a secret language for them to communicate with even in the presence of the enemies.
The SSA, however, are the ones who made the biggest progress, as well as the ones who experienced more than the maximum. They were trained mercilessly against the blizzards of the top of the mountains, in the sweltering, hot and humid of the forest floor, in the suffocating nocturnal caves way under the mountain and deep down in the depths of the massive lake nearby. They were pushed to the extremities and their skills were homed perfectly with the help of the four leaders and the nature. Fukai also merged into the group, working side by side with Neji to train the kids.
Right now, the four leaders called another one of the weekly meetings to report progress in each department.
ÒSoÉ howÕs everybody doing?Ó asked Sakura, smiling as a murmur ran around, the nins saying ÔokayÕ, ÔfineÕ, ÔperfectÕ, and ÔawesomeÕ, along with other comments. ÒIÕm glad to find that youÕre all doing great in your fieldsÉ and nowÉ is there anyone who wants to make a suggestion or comment or anything?Ó
The only girl from the SSA raised her hand. ÒHarder training.Ó
ÒHarder training you want, harder training you getÉÓ muttered Neji. He was real impressed with these kids. TheyÕre toughÉ after all theyÕve been through, they still crave for moreÉ I think I did my job wellÉ
ÒGosh, you SSA guys are really tough, arenÕt ya?Ó Mina Taira from the Medics said.
ÒYeah, I mean, all of you have gone through major injuries and still you want more!Ó said Yohiko Juno, another kid from the Medics.
ÒYour trainingÕs already far from the norm, ya know,Ó said Kagami Miho. ÒJust be careful, because you might sever yourself in your antics.Ó
ÒDonÕt worry about us, we can handle it,Ó said Akashi Kai.
Another one raised his hand, this one from the Weaponry Dept.
ÒWe just want to ask permission to watch the JM, OFB and SSA train, because we want to assess several facts about their fighting style,Ó started Nomura Junichi. ÒWe thought that we would make a special weapon for each of them, matching their personality, specialty and techniques.Ó
Lee, Shuta and Kogure agreed readily, but Neji thought it over for several seconds. ÒWell, we can let you watch the spars but you can only watch for about an hour since we must concentrate and we are not ready to reveal the techniques just yet.Ó
ÒThanks, an hour is more than enough,Ó grinned Junichi. Another kid was just raising his hand when an alarm in Kiba and ChoujiÕs room.
ÒWhatÕs that?Ó Sasuke said, suddenly alerted. ÒChouji, Kiba?Ó
ÒOH NO! Dammit, noÉÓ Kiba said, running up to his room and touched the stone, which was emitting the alarm. The chakra screen in front of the bed went alive.
ÒDamn, is this what I think it is?Ó Shika said, worry lines appearing in his normally relaxed forehead.
The screen displayed several nins walking in through the forest, and the other half of the screen displayed the armies of Sound and Shadow nins waiting outside of the forest.
ÒTheyÕre moving in,Ó Sasuke muttered. ÒTheyÕre moving in! Everybody move, move, move!Ó
The leaders rushed out the room and went back out to the common room to report what happened.
ÒSilence!Ó Sasuke called over the group. Everybody immediately shut up. ÒWe have just been informed that the Sound and Shadow armies are moving in.Ó
This statement aroused shocked statements and intrigued murmurs around the group, their faces erupting into mixed emotions of excitement, terror, nervousness and unsettledness.
ÒThey are currently stationed outside the vicinity of the forests and they have sent a few to scourge in the outsides of the forest, but IÕm sure the traps there will be able to fend them off for a while. Now I want everyone to get ready to move out. Get all your things packed and ready. SSA, OFB and JM, get yourselves ready for battle. You know what to do. Medic Team, get the room ready to take in patients, take out the medicines and leave 2 personnel here to take care of the wounded, while the others go along with the ones who will go to battle. Bring along your things. Chemists team, distribute poisons and potions to the nins, and leave 2 persons here to develop more, while the others will go as well. Tacticians, leave your two best personnel here with Shikamaru, and then go with the OFB and JM. The SSA has a mind of their own. Weaponry, distribute the special weapons and deploy all the weapons daubed in poison, as well as the other gadgets for battle. Leave 2 of you here to make more and increase the stocks of the weapons. TLD, distribute the gadgets you made for communication and other purposes. 2 of you will be left as well, and the others will be going undercover and merge inside the enemyÕs army to find out what they are going to do. These are direct orders, no one dare disobey. After you prepare, get yourselves here immediately! Now move! Quick! Time is running!Ó
The nins scampered to get prepared, each one doing their part dutifully.
Sasuke turned to the leaders. ÒNow you guys go and dress up, and I will give the orders after you get prepared. Shikamaru, be quick, and after you prepare, get two of your best tacticians. We need to talk.Ó
Shikamaru nodded and walked off briskly, followed by the others. They had to admit, this was a bit of a shock for them, but they had to get ready.
They were in for the battle of their lives.
ÒKabuto, halt the armies in front of the forest,Ó said Orochimaru. ÒWe need to be secretive, we must maintain our presence a secret here. We will make our base here, itÕs a couple of miles away from the mountain so the enemy wont know. Prepare a base.Ó
ÒRight awayÉÓ Kabuto said, urging his horse to go faster and get in front of the armies to the commander to relay the order. Orochimaru visibly tensed as they reached the front of the forest.
ÒKisume,Ó called Itachi. Kisume responded immediately, coming to his masterÕs side.
ÒYes, sire?Ó
ÒSend 3 teams into the forest to inspect. Tell them not to go far,Ó Itachi ordered briskly.
ÒConsider it done, sir.Ó
The armies halted in front of the forest and the nins started to hurry to prepare a tent for their masters and set up the rest of the base. The 3 teams meanwhile, entered the forest silently and stealthily, inspecting every single thing with sharp, trained eyes, though they did not feel the diminishing chakra in the forest that set off the alarm system back in the enemyÕs base.
ÒNothing out of the ordinary here,Ó said one of them.
ÒIts just an ordinary forest, just a little bit denser than usualÉÓ another one commented.
ÒMaybe we should head back now, thereÕs no use in foraging when we cant go farÉÓ
When they arrived back in the base, the camp has been set and some fires had been lit for warmth and for food. They reported immediately to Kisume.
ÒWell?Ó said Itachi.
ÒNothing out of the ordinary, sire.Ó
ÒAre you sure?Ó
Ò100 percent,sire.Ó
ÒÉ HmmmÉ I still have a bad feeling about this forestÉ strangeÉ what do you think, Orochimaru?Ó
ÒYes, there is something strange in the forestÉ yet I cant put what it isÉÓ
ÒDo you think the Hokage is in the mountains, sir?Ó asked Kabuto.
ÒNo, I donÕt think soÉ but we shouldnÕt take chances. Tomorrow, send several nins to go deep into the forest and attack whoever they see,Ó said Orochimaru.
ÒWe need to inspect the terrain. Its only proper that we study the place because we will be left out. The enemy knows the place all too wellÉÓ said Itachi in agreement.
ÒYes, sir,Ó said both Kabuto and Kisume, who both went out of the tent to give out orders.
ÒSomething smells really fishyÉÓ said Itachi.
Everybody was gathered in the common room to talk about their plans on how to attack the enemy. They had the upper hand since the enemy didnÕt seem to know that they knew of their presence in the forest.
ÒWell thenÉÓ Sasuke started. ÒShikamaru and I talked already and we have decided the steps in the operation. It is better if we donÕt reveal the steps to you, so that no information will surely get spilled, no offense there. We just cant take chances.Ó
The other nins fluttered at this statement apparently stating that they wont tell another soul about it, but they accepted SasukeÕs decision.
ÒI want the TLD nins to infiltrate the hive of the enemy. You decide what disguise you will use. You may now go and prepare, and then leave immediately as soon as you get finished, but before you leave, you must inform us of your disguise so we wont attack you in mistake.Ó
The TLD nins nodded obediently and went off to their HQ, followed shortly by Kiba and Chouji, who nodded briefly at Sasuke and the others.
ÒNowÉ I want the OFB and the JM to divide into teams of threeÉ and then scout the forest round the clock. You can switch duties, but be ready to be called in immediate battle, even during your sleep. Be quick on your feet. Got it?Ó
They nodded.
ÒYou decide your shifts and your places, and inform me. You can now go.Ó
They went off, along with Lee, Shuta and Kogure, already chatting about the shifts and the plans they will make for the scouts.
Ò2 of the Medic nins get left behind in the labsÉ the restÉ go with the scoutsÉÓ
They nodded and went off after deciding who gets left in the labs.
ÒSame goes for the Weaponry and Chemists, as well as the Tacticians, though 3 of the Tacticians needs to be left behindÉÓ
They nodded and went off to their duties obediently, not even asking a single question and placing complete trust on the leaders.
ÒNowÉ SSAÉ and three TacticiansÉÓ said Sasuke. ÒShikamaru, take over.Ó
Shikamaru walked over up front. ÒOkayÉ nowÉ we need to wait for a report from the TLD Dept. since they are the ones who are infiltrating the hiveÉ nowÉ 3 of my subordinates are left, namely Shiro Yuki, Taira Shinju and Asano ReiÉ the bestÉ ohÉ kayÉ Yuki, go and ask Kiba for a blueprint of the base of the enemy ASAP, and study the blueprint for future attacks. Make plans A, B and C, alright?Ó
ÒComing right upÉÓ said Yuki, grinning as he went over to KibaÕs HQ.
ÒOkay, Shinju, assess the abilities of the SSA and divide them into three teams. You are the one who will relay the orders and information to them, as to whom they will assassinate and whom they will spy on. Do it now, now, now!Ó Shikamaru snapped.
ÒRight away!Ó said Shinju, taking out paper and pen and starting to list down facts about the SSA nins, occasionally asking them for info.
ÒReiÉ study our enemy. How many their armies are, who are their leaders, what are their specialties and abilitiesÉ and such stuffÉ do some research, use the books there and the TLDÕs information,Ó said Shikamaru.
Rei nodded obediently and silently and went to open the hatch that revealed the books around the walls of the common room. He immediately began to search for a book, and when he found it, he started devouring every single word it has to say, occasionally taking notes on a paper.
ÒNow, the SSA,Ó started Shikamaru. ÒFor now, you will wait for orders. We need to wait for the TLD to report. Train up in the top of the mountains with Neji, and please be more subtle with the proceedings, since we donÕt need to attract the attention of the enemyÉÓ
ÒAlrightÉÓ Neji said. ÒUp! You heard him, training!Ó
The SSA squad walked off with Neji and Shinju lagging behind.
After they went off, Sasuke sighed.
ÒSo tiringÉÓ Sasuke said, collapsing in a squishy sofa. Sakura sat down beside him, taking his head and laying it on her chest and starting to massage it, forcing away the pain.
ÒNe, Hina-chan, can I get a massage too?Ó Naruto said expectantly and innocently. Hinata smiled. Naruto is still Naruto, no matter what happened.
There was a loud impact heard from the top of the mountain. The Sound and Shadow nins were startled and all woke up from their slumber.
ÒWhat was that?Ó asked Kabuto, squinting his eyes to see if there was someone around.
ÒIt came from the mountain, sire,Ó said one nin.
ÒI knowÉ they must be trainingÉÓ Kabuto said.
ÒIn the middle of the night?Ó Kisume said unbelievingly.
ÒThey are weird onesÉÓ Kabuto said.
ÒWell, yeah, but stillÉ something really sounds fissssshhhyyÉÓ Kisume said.
ÒYeah, yeahÉ I think Orochimaru wants us inside the tentÉ theyÕd want to know about the noiseÉÓ
ÒThat is, if they still donÕt know what it isÉ they have their waysÉÓ
ÒYeah, come onÉÓ said Kabuto, walking briskly to their bossÕs tent. As they entered, Itachi immediately questioned them.
ÒWhat was that about?Ó asked Itachi.
ÒWe donÕt know, sire,Ó Kisume said. ÒKabuto said they might be training.Ó
ÒYes, yes, but stillÉ they arenÕt that good to train in the middle of the night atop a mountain, and produce an impact that loudÉ are they?Ó said Orochimaru.
ÒWe donÕt knowÉÓ said Kabuto.
ÒWell then find out!Ó Orochimaru said. ÒAre you losing your touch, Kabuto?Ó
ÒNot quite, Orochimaru, I was just answering your question. You asked, I answer,Ó Kabuto answered smartly.
Orochimaru smirked as he disappeared with a poof and some smoke.
The leaders along with Neji, Shikamaru and Fukai watched the teams depart into the night to do their duties of patrol, scouting and infiltration. The nins had chosen to disguise as Sound Medic nins to enter, killing several Medic nins and taking their places, their bodies already disintegrated by fire.
Fukai clutched NejiÕs arm as she watched the nins disappear and merge into the dark night of the forest.
ÒThe warÕs really starting?Ó she said, her voice slightly faltering. Over the weeks, she has opened up completely to Neji, and by now there was a mutual understanding between the two.
ÒYeahÉÓ Neji said, squeezing her hand in a comforting act.
ÒReally, IÕm worriedÉ They donÕt know the forestÕs secrets and dangers that wellÉÓ said Fukai.
ÒDonÕt be,Ó said Neji, who slung an arm around her shoulders. ÒTheyÕll be alright.Ó
ÒLetÕs just hope and pray they donÕt get hurt too muchÉ everyone is vital to the planÉÓ said Fukai, sighing.
ÒYeah,Ó said Neji. - does he even know any other word than ÔyeahÕ? -
ÒWell, Sakura, can you make a prediction about the TLD?Ó asked Shikamaru. ÒWill they be safe enough?Ó
Sakura focused her chakra into her subconscious and tried to clear her mind for the images to become more clear.
ÒYesÉ theyÕll have a little difficulty in entering since they will almost wake the guards up but they will be fineÉÓ said Sakura, sighing.
ÒWe made the first move in a game of touch-move chess,Ó said Rei, muttering as he tried to process all the info from the book into her head.
ÒRei, donÕt torture yourself too much back there,Ó Shikamaru said. ÒRest a little bit, wont you?Ó
ÒI can handle itÉÓ said Rei.
ÒMake sure you can, we cant have one of our men collapsing nowÉÓ
ÒYes, sirÉÓ