“Is this all there is now?
Is it over, have we done?
Is this the famous feeling
When the bloody war is won?”
-unknown source
She was running across a meadow, the wind blowing through her hair. She couldn’t have been any older than nine. She knew she was dreaming, but it was a peaceful dream. There were no ninja in this world.
She was wearing a light blue dress and she was laughing while chasing after a boy roughly her age.
He cast glances over his shoulder at her, laughing as well when she caught up with him.
He took a step forward and placed a flower in her hair. Somehow it reminded her of Konan’s flowers.
She stared into Itachi’s eyes as she felt the wind pick up. Faintly she could hear whispers in the wind, like someone was demanding her attention.
It annoyed her.
They would make the flower fall.
She frowned when she heard the voice again. “Taryn…”
She pushed it away and followed after Itachi when he started running again.
She lost sight of him, but she knew where he was and pushed her way through the long grass until she reached a clearing.
He was already waiting for her, but he was older now. When she looked, she noticed she had aged as well.
Itachi looked at her with a serious expression. “You need to wake up Taryn.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to.”
“But you have to.”
“I like it here,” she protested, but he shook his head.
“You can’t stay.”
The wind was picking up again and the flower in her hair was softly fluttering.
Itachi’s hand caressed her cheek. “You need to wake up.”
Taryn’s eyes watered. “And when I do, you won’t be there.”
“I will always be there. I promise.”
Her vision faded slowly and she became aware of other sounds around her.
Her eyes closed and fluttered open again. Someone was stroking her hair.
No. They’d make the flower fall….
Her eyes fluttered again.
Temari was sitting at her bedside, fingers coming through Taryn’s hair. When she noticed her sister was awake, she gave a watery smile. ‘Hey,” she said, “how are you feeling?”
Taryn blinked against the light. There were beeping sounds around her, but she couldn’t locate the source. Her eyes moved to the side.
“You’re in the infirmary,” Temari told her, “you’ve been out for a week.”
“H-how?” Taryn asked, surprised at how raw her voice sounded. She swallowed and licked her lips. Her throat was burning.
“Bee brought you here,” Temari explained, “Naruto went after Sasuke. They returned a few hours ago. Sasuke was taken into custody.”
Taryn’s hand moved to her stomach and she was surprised when she saw the needle of an IV stuck in her skin.
“The baby is fine,” Temari told her, “but you need to rest.” She placed a hand on Taryn’s head.
“Is Taryn-sensei awake?” came a soft voice.
Taryn turned her head to the right. ‘Daro?’
“Yeah. She’s fine,” Temari said over her shoulder, “go back to sleep.”
“Why is Daro here?” Taryn asked worriedly, “is he hurt?”
Temari bit her lip. “He’s fine,” she said hesitantly.
Taryn could tell she was hiding something and she glared at her sister. “It’s Hiro,” Temari said softly.
Taryn gasped and struggled to get in a sitting position.
Temari grabbed her shoulders and pushed her back into the pillow. “Calm down. He’s fine. He’s not in danger anymore, but he has a few broken bones.”
Taryn struggled against her sister in an attempt to get up.
“Stay down,” Temari said while pushing her back. “I’ll tell you everything, okay?” She sighed. “Sasuke’s been taken into custody. He’s being severely guarded and kept out of sight with chakra draining chains around him. The Kages will discuss how to proceed, but no decision has been made yet. They have to wait for everyone to return. It may take some time. They’re still fighting Madara.” She paused a moment so Taryn could take everything in.
“Kankuro is fine,” Temari continued, “he sat with you while you were out. I took over from him just a few minutes ago. Gaara is okay too. He’s with the council.”
Taryn bit her lip and stared at her hands. “Was he very angry?”
Temari sighed. “You know Gaara.”
“That’s not comforting,” Taryn told her.
“He’ll calm down. Kakashi is with him.”
“Kakashi?” Taryn croaked, “he’s okay?”
Temari smiled at her. “He’s fine. He woke up a few days ago. He’ll be sore for a while, but he won’t hold permanent damage. He’s really concerned about you. He comes to check on you every few minutes.”
A faint smile crossed Taryn’s face and she turned to Temari again. “What about my cousins?”
Temari shook her head. “They’re not back yet, but they’re not on the list of casualties. Hiashi Hyuuga is dead though. We just received the news.”
”Kuro?” Taryn asked, panic sounding in her voice, “where’s Kuro?”
“He’s fine,” Daro answered in Temari’s stead. His voice sounded sleepy, “he went with his sister to get something to eat. He’ll be back later.”
“Anyone else you want to know about?” Temari asked softly.
Taryn thought for a moment, but shook her head. She still felt tired.
A new figure silently entered the tent. He looked surprised to see her awake. “Taryn-sama,” Sai said and he moved to her bedside. “It seems you’re a hard one to kill. It’s a good thing you were never on my hit list.”
Taryn cracked a faint smile. Then her eyes turned serious. “Kabuto,” she said and she narrowed her eyes, “is he dead?”
Sai nodded and eyed her silently. “Do you want a report?”
Taryn thought for a moment, but then shook her head. “No. Just tell me he suffered.”
“His death was very painful.”
“Good,” Taryn said through her teeth.
Temari turned to Sai. “Did you need something, Sai?”
“I was looking for Sakura,” Sai answered.
“She went to get some supplies,” Temari told him.
Sai nodded and left the tent.
Temari turned back to her sister. “I’ll tell the others you’re awake, alright? Do you want Kakashi here?”
Taryn gave a tired nod. Her eyes were already closing. She barely noticed Temari leaving the tent. It didn’t take her long to fall asleep.
***
Naruto paced back and forth in front of the council’s tent. He wanted to see Sasuke, but he wasn’t allowed. They had told him he had to wait for the Kages to return.
His eyes were filled with concern. He needed to talk to Sasuke.
Naruto’s eyes flickered with hurt when Sasuke lifted his katana. Deep down he knew there was still good in Sasuke. He wanted to believe that Sasuke would give in, but it seemed that his old friend really did want to kill him.
Still, he had meant what he’d said. He was done with fighting. ‘Let it end here.’
“Stop it,” he heard Sasuke growl and he looked up confused, but Sasuke didn’t seem to be talking to him.
The sword trembled for a moment and then it came swinging down. Naruto closed his eyes, but the hit didn’t come.
He opened his eyes again to come face to face with a glaring Sasuke. He was on his knees in front of Naruto. His hands were still in the hilt of the sword that was now sticking in the ground.
‘What inner demons are you fighting, Sasuke? You didn’t kill me, but you still resent me. Why?’
He sighed. ‘I won. I brought him back. I kept my promise. So why does it feel like I’ve lost?’
***
The Raikage slammed his fist into Madara’s arm. Hiashi Hyuuga had sacrificed his life when he hit Madara head on with the Gentle Fist Technique. It had cut off the chakra stream in Madara’s left arm, which he was now unable to use.
Jay had taken over the sword from his brother Zee again. So far they had drawn out the chakra of two of the tailed beasts, but everyone was exhausted and the sword was taking its toll on the twins as well. Every time they used the sword, they lost more of their chakra and every time it took them longer to recuperate.
Madara chuckled. A fifth tail appeared on him and he waved some signs. “Water Prison!” A wave of water floated towards Jay, who was holding the sealing sword. His eyes went large. He knew he couldn’t let go of the sword or all of it would have been for nothing. But if the jutsu would reach him, the connection would be broken too.
“Jay!” Zee shouted and he jumped towards his brother.
“No!” the Raikage shouted. Tsunade pushed Zee aside and was hit full force with Madara’s jutsu, trapping her in a huge sphere of water.
“Tsunade!”
Tsunade coughed. She knew the air in the bubble would only last a certain time. “Keep going!” she shouted at the others. They couldn’t afford to lose more shinobi.
***
“We need to send more shinobi,” Shikaku Nara said, “and a medical team as well. We can’t afford any more losses now.”
“You’re right,” the Mizukage nodded, “are there any shinobi still able to fight?”
“Rally up a squad of five. And two medics,” Gaara decided, “send someone with them that can communicate with Head Quarters and keep a second squad at stand by.”
“Yes, Gaara-sama,” one of the Jounin said and he disappeared.
Gaara sighed and ran a hand across his face.
“Are you alright?” Kakashi, who was standing next to him, softly asked.
Gaara sighed again. “No, I’m not alright. I’m sick of this war. And I have a stupid, reckless sister that refuses to listen to me and keeps risking her life and that of her child for that bastard that’s the cause of this all, because she made some ridiculous promise to that bastard’s brother who’s just as much a criminal. And now that same sister is in the infirmary and might die. So no, I’m not alright.”
Kakashi sighed and closed his eyes. “Yeah… about that…”
Gaara’s head slowly turned in his direction and his eyes narrowed. “You know something.”
Kakashi glanced at the others before turning back to Gaara.
“You can’t tell anyone… ever… promise me.”
‘She’s gonna kill me.’ He sighed. “Not here.”
***
Sasuke gritted his teeth and glared at nothing in particular. He still wasn’t sure what had happened. He had been so sure, but he wasn’t able to follow through in the end. At the very last second he had averted his sword and had struck the ground instead. He wasn’t sure why. He wasn’t even sure how he felt about it. He only felt hollow.
Soon after the fight, other shinobi had arrived and they had brought him here, chained with chakra draining cuffs and guards outside his tent. He didn’t care. He had failed. He just wished they would get on with it.
He chuckled to himself. ‘Foolish Naruto. There was never a way back. Your promise was wasted. I was dead from the start.’
***
Madara grunted when a lighting attack from the Raikage hit him in the gut. He had not seen it coming. Those twins with their extracting jutsu were a hindrance. If it wasn’t for them he’d have no trouble getting rid of the alliance, but their weapon was pulling on the tailed beasts’ chakra and it constantly demanded his attention to keep it all in check.
It was supposed to be the perfect plan. Create Akatsuki and have them gather all the Bijuu for him to use and cast a genjutsu over the world. He hadn’t accounted for so many obstacles. He growled. Itachi and his interference. And after him Taryn. Even Sasuke hadn’t been as pliable as he had expected.
He had to come up with a new plan. He had to wear those twins out. He had noticed that with every switch they made it became harder for them to maintain the jutsu. As soon as he had gotten rid of them, all would be well.
Tsunade struggled in the water prison. She hated not being able to do anything, but the sphere could only be broken from the outside and for the moment no one could get close enough.
She had seen Jay and Zee struggle. They needed assistance. They looked like they could collapse any moment. ‘Gaara was right when he spoke about the risks of this technique. Perhaps if it had only been one tailed beast… but it’s six now.’
A kunai suddenly pieced through the water prison and Tsunade gasped when she fell to the ground. She crawled to her knees and spit out a mouthful of water. ‘What…?’
“Are you alright, Tsunade-sama?” Yamato appeared at her side and helped her up. Several more shinobi now landed near her as well.
“What is this? Where did you come from?”
“We are the back up team,” Kazuma told her while focusing on Madara, “the council sent us to assist you. Sai’s squad managed to eliminate Kabuto Yakushi and broke the Edo Tensei. And Sasuke has been taken into custody.”
Tsunade stared at him and turned to Yamato. “Is this true?”
Yamato nodded. “Yes Tsunade-sama, it is. The council has sent us to assist you in taking Madara down. They sent two medical ninja with us to tend to your wounded. They are not far behind us. And another five man squad should follow soon.”
Tsunade smirked content. “We can win this war.”
She shook her shoulder and took a firm step towards Madara. With a loud growl she jumped at him to punch him.
“Tsunade!” the Raikage shouted, “watch out!
“Tsunade turned her head and gasped when a huge tail swung in her direction, loaded with fire based chakra.
***
The next time her eyes fluttered open, someone else sat at her side. Last time she had seen him their positions had been reversed, where she had sat at his bedside. She smiled.
He didn’t seem to think it was amusing. He shook his head at her. “You really overdid it this time.”
Taryn sighed. “I know.”
“You almost died, Taryn. You don’t know how many times they almost lost you. Not to mention that child of yours. What were you thinking?”
”I’m sorry,” Taryn whispered and she tried to sit up.
Kakashi sighed when he saw her struggle and helped her to get in a more comfortable position. “There,” he said, “better now?”
Taryn nodded. “Thanks.”
Kakashi sat back down and took her hand in his. “Don’t ever do that to me again.”
A faint smile crossed her face. “No guarantees about that.”
“I mean it, Taryn.”
“Don’t … worry… sensei. I’ll keep an eye on her.”
“Hiro!” Taryn gasped.
“Hey,” Hiro croaked from the bed next to hers. A bandage was wrapped around his forehead and the one arm she could see was in a cast.
“Stay down, Taryn,” Kakashi said, “Hiro will be fine.”
“I still don’t know what happened,” she said.
“He saved his teammate,” Kakashi told her, “they were fighting on the field. Hiro pushed Kuro aside and took the hit himself.”
“He… what….”
“I’m fine sensei,” Hiro said. He forced out a smile. “I just won’t be training for a while.” He paused. “Then again… neither will you.”
“Brat,” Taryn muttered, but her eyes were smiling.
“See?” Kakashi said, “nothing to worry about.” He stared at her face for a moment and leaned closer.
Taryn winced.”Ow.”
“What?” Kakashi asked startled, “did I hurt you?”
Taryn smirked. “No, I just wanted to see the look on your face.”
Kakashi narrowed his eyes at her. “That’s not funny.”
“You should be glad, Kakashi,” Kankuro said while entering the tent, “if she’s cracking jokes already she’ll be fine.” He winked at her. “Hey sis.”
“Hey,” Taryn said softly and she allowed him to pull her into a hug.
“Why do you always have to be so reckless, Taryn? You could have just taken a team with you.”
“There was no time.”
“Right.”
“You’re not angry?”
Kankuro smirked. “Oh, I’m angry alright. That’s why I’m gonna let Gaara do all the shouting.”
Taryn groaned.
“Serves you right,” Kankuro said, “and trust me, he’s not amused. You’re gonna wish I had shouted at you.”
***
“So your sensei is gonna be alright?” Tai asked..
Daro nodded.”Yeah. She needs to take rest and she can’t fight for a while, but she’ll be fine.”
“And your teammate too, right?” Kei chimed in, “good.”
The three of them were seated in the kitchen tent, working their way through a plate of food.
“Man,” Tai grinned, “I still can’t believe the three of you are only Genin. You sure had me fooled.”
“You were ‘only a Genin’ just a year ago,” Kei teased.
“Meh,” Tai waved, “minor detail. Besides, I never said it was a bad thing. I haven’t seen his teammates fight, but Daro sure knows how to handle things.”
Daro grinned sheepishly. He wasn’t used to being praised like that by strangers. He looked up when he saw Kuro enter the tent and waved at his friend.
Kuro waved back and walked over to them.
“Did you go see sensei?” Daro asked as soon as Kuro had sat down.
Kuro shook his head. “Kakashi was with her. And Kankuro-sama. I’ll go over later when things have calmed down.”
Daro nodded in understanding. “Where’s your sister?” he asked suddenly.
“She went to visit a friend in the infirmary,” Kuro told him, “did you hear anything from home? What about our parents?”
Daro shook his head. “Not yet. The council is still making a list of all casualties., though I heard Konoha was hit the hardest. It was already attacked before the war.”
Tai’s eyes narrowed. “I hope this will be over soon. I heard they captured Uchiha.”
Kei nodded. “Yeah. They’re waiting for the entire council before they decide his fate.”
“Heh,” Tai said, “everyone already knows what that fate is though… Execution.”
***
“Just leave it,” Tsunade told the medic that was tending to her.
“But Tsunade-sama… your wounds…”
“Save your chakra for the others. Jay and Zee are most important. Madara must be defeated at all costs.”
“But if we don’t treat this now, you might…”
“I am a medic myself,” Tsunade cut the ninja off, “now do as I say. That’s an order.”
“Zee!” Jay suddenly shouted.
Both medic and Tsunade turned to the twins.
Zee, who had been holding the sword, had collapsed. Jay had quickly grabbed the sword, but the worry about his brother had caused a flare in his chakra.
“Quickly,” Tsunade said.
The medic nodded and hurried towards Zee to examine him. The boy was completely drained of chakra. He needed to be away from here and the weapon he’d been using, but they couldn’t transport him now.
“Is he alright?” Jay asked through his teeth. He had a hard time focusing in his task, even with other shinobi helping with the attack on Madara.
The medic looked at him hesitantly. “He needs to be in the infirmary. There’s not much I can do here. He’s depleted of chakra.”
“Take him,” Jay growled.
“I can’t. And you can’t handle that weapon on your own. I can see that you’re struggling.”
“He won’t be alone,” Yamato stepped in, “we will all stand by him. I suppose we won’t need the sword much longer. Just until this tailed beast is taken. It has significantly weakened Madara, but the jutsu can’t be broken until we have the Four Tails.” He looked at Jay. “She’s right though. Be careful or you’ll end up like your brother.”
Jay gritted his teeth and nodded. ‘Just a while longer.’ He gasped and dropped to one knee.
“Hold on,” Yamato said. He weaved a few signs and a wooden barrier trapped Madara in place.
“Raikage-sama!” Yamato shouted, “Kazuma!”
Madara smirked and formed some signs. “Wheel of Fire.” Flames started to lick at the wooden cage.
“On it!” Kazuma called, “Water Style: Tidal Wave!” A large gulf of water washed over Madara and diminished the flames.
A lightning bolt crawled towards Madara, but the shinobi formed a new sign to create an earth style jutsu, so he could escape through the ground.
“No you don’t,” one of the other shinobi growled and he directed his chakra at the ground to make it solid again.
Madara glared, but used a wind jutsu instead to block the lightning.
Jay let out a pained yelp and the other shinobi turned to him. The sword he was holding was pulsating vividly.
Yamato gasped. “Break the jutsu now!”
”We can’t,” Tsunade breathed while struggling to her feet, “the jutsu can’t be broken. It’s dangerous.”
“That sword is not made to hold four tailed beasts,” Yamato warned, “it was meant for one. If you don’t break the jutsu it will be even more dangerous. If that sword breaks and its power is unleashed….” He watched as Jay’s body started to shake. The boy screamed in pain.
“He can’t hold it!” the Raikage said.
Madara’s eyes flashed evilly and he chuckled.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him and stumbled over to where Jay was struggling.
Jay’s eyes went wide when she reached out for the sword. “Tsu…nade..sama…”
“Tsunade no!” he Raikage shouted.
Tsunade’s hand locked around the sword. Immediately she could feel the pull on her chakra, but she ignored it for now. This fight had to end. Yamato was right. The sword wasn’t made to contain more than one tailed beast. There was only one way to end this fight. They didn’t need to withdraw the Bijuu.
She took the sword from Jay and pointed it at Madara.
The weapon pulsed with energy, feeling the chakra of the Bijuu near.
“Tsunade-sama,” the young medic from before warned, “please don’t. In your current condition…”
“It will end here,” Tsunade cut the medic off.
With a loud scream she jumped at Madara, aiming for his heart.