Chapter 15 – Dark Clouds (3)
The situation of the war was quickly shifting in our favor just as predicted.
The elimination of the Gold and Silver Brothers took multiple high-ranking ninjas from Kumo out of the window and the fact we took the tools formerly owned by the Sage of the Six Paths further added a humiliation for Kumo itself to handle with its citizens. It might be just an assumption from my part, but I could remember the First Raikage was a lot chiller than the Fourth, and I knew the Second was going to be the chillest of them all when it was his time to hold the office.
But right now this last bit didn't matter much about our current situation, even though it offered me a glimpse of hope if the First Raikage perished in a fight during the war. His successor was meant to be the lead figure in the pacifist faction within the Village, so the hope of that happening was pretty high and driven by my quiet prayers for a full collapse of the home front back in Kumo.
No, right now the focus of the week that ensued after the demise of both Ginkaku and Kinkaku was the newest member of my team. Kosuke Maruboshi was, by all definitions, an average kid with average skills. There wasn't anything particularly impressive about him at the current time… except his sheer determination to learn, improve, and exploit his knowledge against his enemies.
If before the boy had been restrained in giving out his opinions and offer plans when his former team was still alive, now that he had a good enough reason and cause to act viciously against Kumo his creativity was exposed for me to enjoy as he would take all chances to add some curious quips during each briefing. He was fairly brilliant, which made me realize how much it was from him that prevented him from leaving the rank of Genin. The rest of the group took him in with a smile and clear amusement. He was a little weaker than them, but they still valued his opinion and considered part of the family. The women were especially adoring of him, and I spotted him being teased by them whenever possible.
Now, if this was because I told them he had potential or because I had been adamant in picking him up to join the squad was up to debate. The only thing that really mattered is that none of these interactions sounded forced. At this point even the oldest member of the team had to concede that kids in the frontlines weren't worthless. At least a good part of them and those in our team in particular.
Training the boy was a priority, and I helped him develop the basics as quickly as humanly doable between missions. He was determined, and he seemed to overcome a couple of issues with standard abilities like the clone jutsu and a few basic genjutsu techniques. Medical arts were also dabbled forth and he seemed to build up an understanding with Hirotada regarding the usage of medical skills in combat. I was perplexed by the vicious tones of some of their thoughts, but I allowed them to have their little friendly space if it meant keeping those thoughts bottled for some homicidal tendencies later in their existence.
I wasn't exactly sure where they took that malicious streak, but then again I was the one that had elaborated plans to set up fire-releasing seal-based traps to cover some of our flanks during scouting missions. It would seem that, regardless of the fact that I was a kid and that there were other children in my team, Kumo had developed a hate-boner in my general direction for what I did to them. I blamed myself for being this 'loving' at times when it came to screwing their plans of attack up, but I refused to apologize for being the enemy soldier that made the other sob die for their own country.
Was this going to impact any good-willed effort to restore relationships? I was going to be labeled a war criminal the moment the pricks got the chance to be out of the war and be protected by peace-driven neutrality. I didn't mind, but I guess exploring some of the crazy places here in Kumo was going to be tougher on me rather than… pretty much anyone else in this world.
Tobirama was still satisfied if not confused by how I had struck that gold mine, but he didn't inquire too much about it. Not when I had managed to get a fair reputation of life-saver for the second time during the war. People just liked when a guy, a brat even, was responsible for taking years out of a war and shortening a conflict in their general favor.
But that positive rep didn't spare me from gaining a couple of frowns from some people I didn't expect to be upset by my actions. Kiri Ninjas were pissed at the way I was 'allowed to waste time around and doing things without alerting the superiors, thus endangering my teammates and the other bits of the armies'. While that would have been justified if I had officially ran toward trouble, the thing is… it wasn't the case. Did I run against danger? Yep. But did I do it by mentioning this to the high command or making comments about it while faking it as merely taking a rather unfortunate/fortunate mission? No.
And that's where the accusations of reckless leadership fell on deaf ears, actually warranting some irritation from Tobirama himself due to the poor handling of the war from our allies. Kiri had some Water-type specialists, but their deployment was made too slow and wrongly placed. They weren't prepared for a land-based war, and that warranted plenty of annoyances from Konoha nins in return. It didn't take a genius to see that they were just trying to find scapegoats to shift their own blame. I didn't respond to those comments myself, knowing that it would just enable them to seek more confirmation out of anyone in the Combined Ninja Corps.
It was clear that this alliance wasn't meant to last beyond this very conflict, and I was surprised they were meant to be retained as friends beyond this first war. Nonetheless, it was manpower that was being used and it still stretched Kumo's lines just enough to allow some serious hits to be delivered to them. Starting with the continuous harassment of their chain of logistics as numerous Shinobis and Kunoichis from our side found it easier to reach behind the enemy lines due to how vast the front was and how stretched the enemy forces were, and eventually resulting in Kumo's own mistakes in the field. Desperation was a compelling factor that drove many of their commanders to disappointing moves that ended up bits of their armies crumbling under the pressure exerted by our advance.
The need for more manpower was definitely going to see civilians conscripted for active duty and the chances of Kumo actually becoming more 'radical' when it comes to handing out rights to the civilians. Maybe even worse than the half-attempt from Tobirama to try and create a council housed by representatives of the clans and those of the various civilian sections. Sure, the idea was sound if there were enough rules to prevent a takeover from either of the two sides of the village. The Hokage was a dictator, but not one chosen out of mere strength alone. It had to be someone qualified to be a model to follow, the best voice Konoha could offer to their friends and against their enemies.
Which is why I was going to be smart and avoid that fucking hat as if it was cursed- actually, scratch that. I could see myself sounding like Tsunade over the entire arc that resulted in her becoming the Fifth Hokage. I didn't mind the risks of the job, but I preferred to perish a prolonged death rather than being subjected to the sheer paperwork being dropped at the table every few hours. I just couldn't understand why the original Danzou could have ever wanted that insane post. Sure, he was old, crippled, and going through pure madness because of intense PTSD and Survivor's Guilt combined… but this seemed to really have a masochistic tendency to get that hat for himself.
Didn't he have enough with the documents coming in and out of his mini-projects?!
And as I shifted away from the nightmarish prospect that was that line of work, I turned to something that was currently becoming a problem for me to handle. At least, not without begging to bash my skill on something sturdy, unforgiving and fairly cold.
Madara didn't catch on the joking manner which I had used to address him as 'dad'. In fact, he seemed to have claimed that it was now official that now I saw him as my surrogate father, or something like that. To be fair, I should have looked at the matter just enough to see how this could have easily backfired on me. That was on me, no doubts about it, but I was more busy trying to handle the damage-control effort behind this kind of circumstance.
Being addressed in a mix of son, or Danzou-kun- it just didn't feel that fine to me. Not when it means that the moment we were out of war I would have to deal with a resurgence of interest from the guy towards my mother. And I wasn't going to allow him to get her as easily as he hoped for it to be. Nope, it was going to be another conflict if he planned to take on that arduous and unforgiving route with me.
So each mail coming from it, letters detailing the situation against Iwa and how the Tsuchikage had already begun asking for negotiations and getting a good peace treaty out of this, I would be driven to serious migraines while handling these very circumstances. I really had to lie down, contemplate about life and blame myself for putting this much trouble upon myself.
I need to stop hoping for all things to go my way.
Especially when people were now expecting me to succeed all the time… and my enemies were plotting to exploit this very bit to their advantage. I didn't know how much I was going to have trouble, but I would soon learn to think and remember pieces of obscure lore from the series the next time I was assigned to scout a nearby old temple. I really didn't make much out of this beyond the possibility of the entire place being a building either occupied by an entire army of enemies waiting for us to come and say hi, or it was stuffed with enough explosive to turn the temple itself in a rocket to the moon.
Which is why I took the safest approach when we arrived at the place we were supposed to check and possibly clear out if the need came up. The entrance of the massive building wasn't guarded which was a sign that something was off since Kumo Nin were spotted within the area. I split the team in two as we checked around for any trap that might have been set on the building itself, finding nothing of the sort after twenty minutes of thoroughly checking the area.
No seals, no explosive tags, no super-ninjas hiding in the shadows all around- the entire place was devoid of life from an external look. Which meant we were meant to find some resistance that might have holed up inside the temple.
"Tessai, remember to-"
"Back away if things are too spicy. I got it, chief," The blue-haired shinobi interrupted with a certain smile. He was supposed to peek inside and check for any surprises by the entrance. We were standing nearby, giving him the chance of having some cover if things were indeed too spicy for a single shinobi. He peeked, he moved inside and… nodded.
"All clear."
We slowly stepped into the main entrance room, with both Wakiko and Kagami keeping watch for any surprises from behind. Nothing happened as we all started to check the first room, prompting us to approach the hall that led deeper into the temple and… give the chance for the real trap to be enabled.
Just as we were walking into the tunnel that led to the next room, the entire building started to crumble as numerous rocks began to fall and obstruct the passage of the main doors. We turned around and Seitaro tried to use a Wind Jutsu to push some of the boulders away but… it didn't work. The attack slammed on the central spot of the obstruction, but failing to do much except lightly dent at the stone.
"Why would they do something this stupid?" Reira inquired quietly, confused by the fact that, as we went to check for the traps, we noticed that the temple had a tower that reached from its main prayer area and led outdoors. I could only hum in annoyance as I thought about it.
"They want us to wander towards the other exit," I suggested with an annoyed tone. It was clear they had something planned on the other side, and I wasn't going to like it. Not at all.
"So, either they have a battalion ready to give us some trouble-" Kosuke began offering with a serious tone.
"Or we might have something more troublesome waiting at the core of this temple," I interrupted calmly, feeling like I was missing something important about this place.
We were far from the Falls of Truth, and I could tell that something within this place felt awfully familiar. I just couldn't think of what might cause this bizarre emotion. I still ordered the team to take a cautious stance as we advanced towards the other possible exit. This sensation, I just couldn't shake it off. It had my mind in hostage as I tried my best to solve why it felt so important for me to know where I felt this before.
The truth came when we finally arrived at the large prayer section of the temple. Most of the area was in ruins after years of not being used correctly as a single entity remained in there. And a mere glance at the glowing eyes from the other side of the room, a golden one and a sapphire one, shed the light over the mystery that came with this situation.
I quickly ordered for the entire squad to pause, but I could tell the chilling discovery was enough to bring them all to stop and watch in pure dread at the creature currently watching us. Boredom, curiosity and a hint of fascination. The feline frame that was coated in azure flames slowly advanced towards us, its pace slow, almost mocking in the sense only a cat could come up with when it came to strutting towards a prey.
"Greetings, humans. I suppose you are the cause behind the damage that seems to have been inflicted to this temple."
I gulped nervously, the overgrown kitty spoke with just a hint of annoyance that really seemed worse due to the feminine trait she got in her tone. Maybe it was a coincidence that it matched so well with other behaviors I had the chance of personally experiencing in this world and through the series itself but...
Seriously, what is it with women and being this vicious without hesitation to others in this crazy world?
Yet, I was more surprised how the Nibi knew about what had just happened in the entrance. And it took me just a moment to realize that she wasn't referring to that- no, she was talking about the now obstructed tower above us.
"It's incorrect… Nibi-sama."
"Oh? Then it was some of your companions?" She suggested, keeping pressuring us with her unforgiving glance. "Perhaps trying to turn this temple into a base against your enemies? Is this your goal, humans?"
"No."
I mean, the place was big enough to house a formidable forward HQ and it would have been turned into one if it had been empty but… yeah, I'm glad that didn't happen. Or we would have ended up facing a Bijuu without a seal master in our ranks.
The massive feline sighed at my response. "Then please, spare me the words that should explain this situation."
I nodded, trying to give off the most grateful expression I could muster in that very moment. I knew this was an opportunity we couldn't waste, and I was glad the rest of the team was keen to offer some support about it.
"N-Nibi-sama," Hiroko said, calling forth all the courage she could get out of this unpleasant situation. "We were told that our foes were fortifying this building and tasked to verify if this was the case. When we walked inside to confirm the lack of foes, we were blocked from leaving this place."
A hum came from the beast as she seemed to ponder over this explanation. "So you're saying that your enemies wanted to block you here with me… and expect me to kill you all?"
"That is the case, Nibi-sama," I replied with a low bow. "I understand if this sound reaching, but it is indeed the truth."
"It's the only logical possibility that could explain why you would dare yourself to reach me. If not, then I would think you all have suicidal tendencies."
I wanted to mention how a couple of individuals would probably agree to the second option, but I decided to not lose myself into some bantering with a Bijuu I had yet to befriend. Some things could be said to friends, others just alienated people from becoming your friends.
"Interesting, really. Maybe I should kill you all and then handle those that thought of disturbing my slumber in such an uncouth manner."
"Or… maybe you could spare us, Matatabi-sama," I remarked quietly.
"That would require quite the toll to pay and… what did you call me, child?"
I saw the tailed beast pause in her approach, leaning down to stare at me properly. It was kind of upsetting, but I knew I couldn't exactly shoo her away without getting mauled, stomped or even blasted with pure flames.
"I know your name. Just like I know those of your other siblings, Matatabi-sama," I replied with a serious tone. "I know of your purpose too, of the fact that you were shunned by humans that didn't know better and tried to turn you in a weapon against others. Also… I'm friends with Kurama."
…
"You are the child that created this 'trend' of humans asking for alliances with us, aren't you?" She inquired, now more fascinated on this matter than endeared by the need of murdering us.
"Yes."
Fuck, that isn't a good tone. Did I piss her off by doing that? Did I screw my team over by trying this approach?
"That's quite the interesting circumstance. I hope you understand that because of you, many disturbed my peace all to gain a physical protection out of me. The foolish morons thought that I was going to just accept it because this is my land. The nerve..." She mused dryly before glancing at me again. "Nonetheless, I still find your presence here fairly intriguing. Let me ask you a question and I shall concede you a reward."
I frowned. "Is the reward a quick death?"
"No."
Thank Kami-chama.
"If you know of my purpose, then it should be easy for you to tell me the name of the Sage's greatest mistake and regret. The one that caused him sorrow and despair like never before. Tell me the name, and I pledge my allegiance to you."
…
"W-Why? Why me?"
"Why shouldn't I ponder about joining someone that has taken steps to respect the will of the Sage after so long?"
I was… confused, perplexed even. Her words caught me off-guard due to how easily she wanted to give this much trust to… me. Out of just knowledge. Sure, Kurama agreed to listen to my word and give faith to what I was saying in exchange of a better home where to stay and live… but what did Matatabi, someone that was more logical and cynical, crave out of this deal?
Beyond that confusing line of thoughts, I knew I still had to answer and... I couldn't help but feel that it was too easy. Maybe I was looking too much into it, but why was she pressing for this topic in particular. Feeling particularly certain about the answer, I moved in to answer.
"Indra."
…
Oh Kami-chama, did I fuck up?
"Your name. Can you please tell me your name?" The feline asked, her voice lacking any telling tone of what she was thinking. Still, I felt lucky, and answered her.
"Shimura Danzou."
…
"Then I suppose I shall be in your care… Shimura Danzou-san," The tailed beast replied before turning her face upward and… unleashing a concentrated beam of fire onto the obstructed tower. The construction was easily shredded by the intense flames and a good part of the ceiling was destroyed by the attack.
The powerful technique was enough to send most of the Kumo Nin in the area in a panicked retreat away from the monster that had been unleashed. I was shocked by this development, but I felt even more shocked when I saw Matatabi quickly disappear in a flash of blue and, in its stead, a small flame of blue soared forward and zeroed the distance between her previous position and my current one.
I caught the fireball with my hands, feeling like there was something familiar with the sight and knowing that it wasn't anything dangerous for my body. My hands grasped at the 'soft' flames without feeling any painful sensation coming out of the fire and… I was greeted with a pair of familiar eyes and a familiar face. Chibi Matatabi greeted me with a nod as I pulled the kitten closer to me.
"Surprised, Danzou-san?"
"Just by the way you approached me," I admitted with a tiny sigh. "I already handled Chibi Kurama before now."
The cat tilted her head to the side before accepting being put on my right shoulder. The small tailed beast wasn't that heavy, and I knew that I had to put her in a place where I could still fight while having her sticking by me.
I glanced at my team, most of them giving me a surprised look while Kagami and Hirotada seemed to be the least surprised by this very circumstance. Despite the absurd circumstance, they seemed to sober up quickly enough so we could engage what was left of the Kumo force in the area. We jumped out of the shredded ceiling and out of the temple, instantly starting the fight against the enemies around.
Their numbers were surprisingly higher than expected, but they were low quality when it came to handle the rest of my team. It also helped that Matatabi offered some support by either unleashing some flames through her mouth or increasing the size of some of her pawns just for a few moments to get a hit on the closest moron around.
We cleared out the entire perimeter of the temple in little time, but we still had to clean up the way back to the camp. Because, while some of the ninjas had run away, a couple of them had just gone to call upon reinforcements. At first it was to handle the breakout of the tailed beast, but then it slowly became a rushed effort to try and stop us from retreating with the Bijuu. Nothing seemed to work as the squad was too cohesive and we were going fast enough to dodge most of the foes coming our way.
A thrilling stroll in the forest, that sadly ended with several dozens of deaths for Kumo as the response to our counterattack proved to be too weak and too late than needed. It was an impressive victory for us all to accept, but I think the worst bit came when I had to explain to Tobirama that Matatabi was friendly and not trying to backstab us. The kitten was more than happy to lay out an example of trust by merely allowing me to rub her belly. Just like a cat, she purred happily as she enjoyed the careful touching.
Now, how am I supposed to tell Kurama that I might have grown more amused to have one of his 'youngest' siblings than him?