Chapter 45: Rising From the Ashes

A swift and firm knock was heard on the door bringing Nono out of her thoughts. Her eyes shifted to the wall on the clock which marked 3 am...her hands silently picked up the kunai hidden in her dress.

Despite living a retired life she was once a Root Anbu Blackops, and was now the only other survivor besides Naruto. She knew no ninja would ever attack before alerting their enemy but it was good to be careful.

Her eyes shifted towards the sleeping form of Haku and Riya on the far side of the room, both of the girls had a busy day and were currently resting.

Haku was a really nice girl and had been a great help ever since she joined the orphanage, and honestly Nono needed someone like her. Taking care of so many children on her own was a really tiring task...but now she could rest a little, and it was all thanks to Naruto.

She slowly edged towards the door and her sharp eyes noticed a dark shadow behind the door, and judging from the shape of his hair she recognized who it was.

"I'm glad you're finally here..." thought Nono happily, and hurriedly went towards the door.

Instantly her hands twisted the knob of the door revealing the person she was expecting standing right in front of her. Her eyes went towards his face but something happened.

THUD!

The veteran medic's eyes widened in shock when Naruto collapsed on her shoulders and now she could clearly see what condition he was in.

Blood was leaking like a river from his mouth and had stained his entire cloak and he had bruises on his body indicating signs of a fierce fight. Her motherly instincts kicked in as her heartbeat increased tremendously on seeing him in this condition.

She quickly grabbed him in a fierce hug and the next instant her loud voice echoed across the entire house.

"HAKU PREPARE FOR OPERATION NOW!"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

A man's terrifying scream echoed across the dark corridors of the base as his lifeless body fell flat on the ground and started forming a pool of blood beneath him.

A young teenage boy with light grey hair sighed tiredly as another one of the messengers was killed by his master. He gently adjusted his glasses as a few of the slaves dragged the body out and cleaned the messed up floor quickly.

"You know, it's really hard getting talented messengers these days...and you just kill them for fun," said Kabuto in an annoyed tone,

The person sitting in front of him was none other than the famous 'Snake Sannin'. Orochimaru was a tall man with extremely pale skin and waist-length black hair. He had a long face with pronounced cheekbones,golden eyes with slits in his pupils and purple markings around his eyes — a reference to his snake-like nature.

"That foolish midget Gato...I told him to keep his greed in check, and now everything is messed up because of him," cursed Orochimaru furiously, as his monstrous chakra flared in the entire room.

Any common man would have dropped dead by now, but fortunately Kabuto had been with this man for years and had grown accustomed to this behavior. And Orochimaru had a reason to be pissed.

Gato was the primary sponsor in their invasion, despite being a greedy bastard that midget had a lot of resources- and when the time came Orochimaru had planned to use Wave's army in the invasion too.

"What were you able to salvage from his mansion? Did Konoha get their hands on something important?" asked Orochimaru seriously, however he was relived when his assistant shook his head in negative.

"No, Konoha just captured Gato and his associates...since we didn't keep any documents in Wave, no harm was done. Gato's army are in chaos and the Damiyo's private army would soon take over Wave...it's a lost cause, Orochimaru-sama," explained Kabuto briefly,

Kabuto frowned a little when he saw a maniacal smile spreading across Orochimaru's face...and it really creeped him out.

"Kukuku...it seems Sarutobi-sensei has finally grown a pair of balls and is trying to deal with threats to Konoha. Gato was taken out as he had came out in public and it landed him right in front of the Damiyo's eyes...even the Hokage has to obey a direct order issued by Damiyo," said Orochimaru manically, however Kabuto gave him a firm gaze.

"Orochimaru-sama...they have captured Gato. We know his associates don't know anything about our plans but Gato has some information that can damage the invasion!" advised Kabuto tactfully, however the 'Snake Sannin' just gave him a predatory smile.

"You don't need to worry about Gato...that fool won't be able to reveal anything. It's already been taken care of" said Orochimaru flatly, and a confused expression came on Kabuto's face.

Orochimaru noticed the look on Kabuto's face and an annoyed snort escaped from his mouth...it seemed his student still had a long way to go.

"You do remember that I was once a Root Anbu Blackop right?" asked Orochimaru suggestively, and he saw realization dawning on Kabuto's face.

"I see...you really think ahead of your enemies," congratulated Kabuto slyly, as his master gave him a firm nod.

The young boy started walking out of the room when his master's voice stopped him.

"Kabuto, try to find replacements for Gato quickly...we will need powerful allies for destroying Konoha," said Orochimaru seriously,

He was no fool, despite his strength and the army he had...he knew Konoha had Hiruzen, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Kakashi...the entire Anbu Blackops and the newly formed "Strike Team" that had single handedly stormed into Wave and had emerged victorious in capturing Gato.

"What about the Kyubi Jinchuriki? Rumor is he is quite strong and deeply despises Konoha...our spies in the village have confirmed the fact that he is a traitor and has really decimated Anbu Blackops. Plus he has the "Forbidden Scroll" which can be really helpful for your cause..." suggested Kabuto smartly,

"We shall see..."

He slowly opened his eyes and found himself staring at the white ceiling on top of the room...and he didn't need any further hint to figure out where he was.

"Balls" cursed Naruto loudly,

He didn't want to show weakness in front of Nono as it would just increase her tension but once again Kami had landed him another mess. His life really was one complicated mess.

However he had traveled quite a distance on foot and his condition had worsened along the way...it was really a wonder he had been able to reach Nono's house and had then collapsed.

Or maybe he did have a strong will. He had a long way to go and things were going to get more difficult from now onwards.

Naruto slowly tried to get up but was a little surprised when he felt his hand was being buried under something soft, and his eyes widened a little when he saw Haku sleeping peacefully on his arm. Her silky hair were currently falling on her face and the young Anbu captain got a light blush on his face as he just stared at the beautiful girl.

"Is he falling for her? I've seen crazy shit in my life time...but this boy is a real mess!" thought Kurama jokingly, he was ultimately a part of Naruto and as such he could clearly feel how aroused and excited Naruto was.

And the Biju didn't know why but it brought a smile on its face. Maybe he was just having a hormonal change, after all he was just 14-15 years old and getting attracted to beautiful females was only natural.

Plus, there was the fact that his relationship with Kurenai was practically in shambles, and maybe spending some time with this girl would raise his spirits.

Kurama watched curiously as Naruto carefully pushed away a strand of her hair that were falling on her face behind her ears. He didn't do anything perverted but just settled for looking at her sleeping peacefully.

"(cough)...(cough)..."

Kurama watched painfully as Naruto started coughing again, no blood came out of his mouth however the pain in his chest was still there.

The sudden voice quickly broke Haku's sleep as she quickly jolted up in surprise as a light blush came on her face as she realized where she had slept.

She quickly regained her composer and hurriedly offered him a glass of water which he quickly gulped down his throat. A relieved look came on his face as he offered her a grateful smile.

"Thanks..." said Naruto gratefully as he returned the glass of water back to the girl.

"How are you feeling? Do you still feel any pain in your chest?" asked Haku worriedly, and this seemed to intrigue Naruto a little.

"Um...not to sound rude, but I'm perfectly fine," said Naruto cheerfully, however she just rolled her eyes on hearing his statement.

"Stop trying to act like a superhero...think carefully about your medical condition. No matter how powerful a person maybe, he still has to look after his health. Something which you clearly don't understand," said Haku frustratingly, just how could he be so careless about his own health?

However Naruto just gave her a disarming smile and it irritated her more, he was still acting like a little kid. But before she could beat some sense into him...he said two words that shocked her to the core.

"Thank you"

Naruto could clearly see shock evident on her face and decided to explain his reasons for saying those words.

"Thank you for bringing Riya here and helping Nono...and for not killing me while I was knocked out," said Naruto honestly and this time Haku couldn't hide her shock as no words came out of her mouth.

A light blush came on her face as he slowly got out of the bed revealing his well toned chest. Nono had healed all of his injuries and had stabilized him, she still couldn't understand how that woman could cure such grave injuries.

However something was different about him...he seemed more relaxed and the sea of sadness in his eyes was not visible now. It was as if he had overcame his past and was finally moving on.

"You seem different than the last time I saw you..." said Haku curiously, as he just gave her a understanding look.

"I think now...I didn't fight the enemy, I fought with myself and the real enemy was in me. My journey's still not over...and there are still many challenges ahead of me, as I'm sure the dark side of my soul would still be there...fighting against my light side for what a friend called "Possession" of my soul," explained Naruto calmly

Haku intently listened to each and every word that came out of his mouth and somehow she could clearly relate herself to his pain. Both of them were so similar to each other. They were used by the shinobi world and had fought on the dark as well as the light side.

She was quite surprised when he gently grasped her hand and looked her straight in the eye.

"But we made it this far...and we have an obligation to fulfill. We have to teach others what we learned and try to find a meaning to this life...and I'm really happy that you are helping these kids," said Naruto gratefully, and gave her a small smile.

Silence followed between them as both of them looked at each other in the eye...for Naruto, she was someone who he could completely relate too. They had been enemies once but as time passed he realized she was just like him and it ultimately warmed his heart.

For Haku, he was an enigma. He had killed Zabuza who was very dear to her but at the same time he had given her a new chance at life, he had given her an opportunity to redeem herself...even if he kept on saying it was to fulfill his promise to Zabuza, she knew somewhere deep down in his heart he cared about her- even if it was just a little.

"Back then I really wanted to kill you...even now it hurts, Zabuza-sama meant the world to me and you killed him. I didn't even want to live..." said Haku honestly, and she saw the distressed look on his face.

"Haku..."

"But that is not how I feel now...today I really feel at peace with these kids. Thank you for everything," said Haku honestly as a small tear slipped from her eyes.

"What are friends for idiot!" said Naruto cheerfully as he just gave her an innocent smile, which clearly shocked the girl.

"Friends?" asked Haku shakily, never in her life had she met a person who wanted to be her friend. Back in Kiri, everyone hated her for belonging to the Yuki clan and after she joined Zabuza she constantly kept on running from one place to another to escape from the hunter squads of Kiri.

And those few people that tried to get close to her were quickly scared away by Zabuza and Raiga.

Before she could think further there was a Naruto offered his hand to her and the next thing she felt was her hand entwined with his as a small smile came on her face.

"Friends...it is then," said Haku gently with a small smile on her face,

"It's good to see both of like this...you look cute together," said Nono teasingly, and she chuckled heartily when Naruto and Haku's cheeks got red in embarrassment.

However Naruto was quite surprised when Nono came forward and gave him a harsh bop on the head.

"That was for showing up on my door...HALF DEAD!" said Nono sternly, and said the "last two" words extra loudly in his hears.

Naruto gave her an apologetic look but also signaled her that there was another person in the room. One who was not entitled to hear any information about his disease.

Even if Haku was a friend now...there were certain things that she didn't need to know.

The young girl quickly realized the awkward gaze the duo was giving her and got the hint. She gave both of them a small smile before quickly exiting from the room.

Nono escorted her out and wished her a "good night" followed by a slight wave of Naruto's hands. However things got serious when the Ex-Root kunoichi closed the door and activated the silencing seals in the room.

The very next second he found himself staring into a pair of murderous eyes as Nono roughly grabbed him by the shoulder.

"Do you have any FUCKING idea what damage have you done?" asked Nono furiously, and Naruto wanted to just vanish from this place.

"Ehm...I can explain..." said Naruto nervously, but was a little intrigued when Nono let go of him and quickly picked up a bingo book.

"Leader of Wave Militia? Just what the hell are you up to? You came to the orphanage almost half dead...and coincidentally this happened right after a small Konoha team wreaked havoc in Wave. Naruto, I may not be in the Blackops anymore...but I have a very good idea as to what this all about," said Nono sharply, and this time she saw the young boy sighing again.

"Sensei, I know I screwed up and believe me, I am doing my best to make up for it. As for my medical condition...I know you can figure something out, I have also requested further assistance for you regarding my cure. I believe the person would show up in a week," explained Naruto briefly, as Nono's piercing gaze softened a little.

"Naruto, you are playing a very dangerous game. Even if I care about you, I don't want anything to happen to my kids because of your Blackops mission...those kinds of things never end up as planned," advised Nono strictly, and Naruto gave her a quick nod.

Even he wouldn't dare risk the lives of innocent orphan kids for his mission. That was also one of the reasons he had asked Itachi to stay away from the orphanage and contact him with the Crows.

So far he knew Itachi had been busy investigating about Sky ninja, they sure were a hard bunch to find.

"I won't let my mission put any of you in danger...don't worry you won't have to bear me for long," said Naruto encouragingly, however Nono shook her head in negative.

"You can stay here as long as you want...you are family and I don't abandon my family. Just be careful from now on..." said Nono tiredly as Naruto came forward and enveloped her in a warm hug.

"It's good to be back."

As both of them comforted each other, Nono realized something. He was not depressed or sad, still some regret could be seen in his eyes...but he was moving on, and for her it was a great relief.

"You are finally picking up the scattered parts of your life...and trying to make a new start. You have changed," thought Nono happily,

In a small cemetery in Konoha several people stood in black robes, grief and sorrow were clearly evident on their faces as they saw 25 coffins being buried in the ground. 25 souls laid to rest.

In the center of the crowd stood one Hiruzen Sarutobi, he was fully dressed in his Hokage robes and had paid his respect to his deceased soldiers. It was times like these that he wished to not have become a Hokage.

But life was not fair to anyone and the 25 shinobi who were being laid to rest were the prime example of this fact. Things never went as planned and the number of casualties Konoha suffered were a lot more.

However the mission had been a success and Gato had been sent for interrogation, however they won't begin until tomorrow as currently Inoichi Yamanaka, the chief interrogator of Konoha could be seen standing in the crowd trying to console a grieving Ino Yamanaka.

Beside the father-daughter duo stood Shikamaru Nara, his eyes were cold and had no emotion in them as he watched Chouji's coffin being buried. His father was a few feet away from him, trying to comfort a crying Choza and his wife who had just lost their son.

Kurenai and Anko stood on the right side and were trying to console a sobbing Sakura.

Hana was busy taking care of Kiba who was at the hospital, he was out of danger and would be able to get back on his feet all due to Tsunade.

The said woman currently stood in a distant corner of the cemetery far away from the others and was supporting a heavily injured Shino Aburame. The boy had multiple fractures and burns all over his body.

Kakashi had found him half dead in the streets of Wave and if not for his bugs providing him chakra he would have been dead.

Despite being so heavily injured Shino had insisted to be here...and for the first time in his life, Hiruzen could see an Aburame displaying so much emotion openly.

Everyone who had participated in the invasion were here, except for those who were injured. Kakashi, Sasuke and Jiraiya were also absent.

Kakashi had a habit of not attending funerals as it made him remember the death of his father and his teammates.

Sasuke was a mystery...and had started showing signs of changing.

Jiraiya as usual had some business to do...he was not a person who attended funerals too. While Shizune was busy at the hospital.

"We have gathered here to remember and honor all those brave souls who fought for their village...and made the ultimate sacrifice to protect Konoha. Each and every one of them is a hero. This is a tough time for everyone...however instead of mourning their deaths, I wish we cherish that such good people lived amongst us and gave a meaning to our lives," said Hiruzen sadly, and looked at each and every person in the eye.

Hiruzen was a little surprised when Choza came forward and stood in front of Shikamaru, as the broken boy just looked at him blankly.

"Did my son-" asked Choza but was cut off, when Shikamaru answered his question.

"It was quick and painless...he died doing his duty," said Shikamaru stoically, and beside him Ino was shocked to hear this until she noticed how tightly he had clenched his fists.

Shikamaru Nara was a blunt person and would say what he truly felt, however today he was trying really hard to lie to himself and the others.

"Thank you..." said Choza defeatedly, and then without a word joined his wife who was still hysterical after watching her son being laid to rest.

For once even Hiruzen could feel a lump in his throat on seeing so many of his people being so devastated. And he cursed himself again for not killing Orochimaru that night.

Only if he had killed him, then this tragedy would probably not have happened.

"Remember them for what they stood for...and what they believed in, and protect that thing for which they gave their lives," said Kurenai loudly, and everyone looked at her slowly.

"But Captain Kurenai they are dead..." said Hinata sadly, however Kurenai gave the girl a firm gaze.

"They are dead the day you forget about them, they are dead the day we fail to protect this village...they are dead the day you don't have a place for them in their hearts. I led this mission being fully aware of the danger we were going in, and yet all of you stood beside me. All of you overcame your fears and fought with everything you had...I didn't know each of them personally, but their names will forever be engraved in my heart. Chouji, Tokuma, Shinji, Taijin, Zanku, all of them...they will forever be in our hearts and no one can take their memories away from us" explained Kurenai courageously, and Hiruzen was astonished to see some of the people gave her understanding nods.

While the rest didn't say anything...but the look in their eyes showed they completely understood her message.

"We won't remember this day as the day we lost our shinobi...rather we will remember this day when 25 brave warriors gave everything they had for the freedom of those they loved and held dear to their hearts. For Heroes!" said Kurenai loudly,

"FOR HEROES!"

Hiruzen watched proudly as the young woman motivated her people, she gave them the strength to bear this burden and strengthened their will to fight for the village.

In a way Naruto and Kurenai were so different and yet they were so similar to each other. One of them fought in the shadows and accepted disgrace to protect Konoha, while the other fought in the light and accepted pain.

They were like Yin and Yang of chakra, shouldering every burden on themselves and trying to lead the people around them to a prosperous future.

And for this he was grateful to Kami, there were still shinobi in Konoha who would ensure its existence even after he passes away from this world.

Hiruzen sympathetically greeted each of his soldiers as one by one they slowly started leaving as the ceremony was over. Everyone had to strengthen their resolves and pick up the scattered pieces of their life.

He watched calmly as Tsunade sent the injured Aburame to the hospital with his father Shibi, and slowly approached him.

"She did a good job in cheering them up, however small it may look it definitely had an impact on everyone present here," said Tsunade calmly, as her hazel eyes silently observed the raven haired beauty who was comforting Ino.

It was still hard for her to believe that Naruto was in a relationship with her until he defected. When she first came to know about this, she wanted to rip Kurenai's head off for corrupting Naruto.

However now she really thought that maybe Naruto had not made a bad choice. Kurenai was a strong woman and the Will of Fire burned brightly in her.

She was quite surprised when Hiruzen grasped her hand and gently shook them.

"This time will pass...and I hope you don't hate Konoha now," said Hiruzen comfortingly, Tsunade was just about to retort when she felt something in her hand.

She narrowly saw a piece of paper and her eyes widened for a second, when she realized just what Hiruzen had given her.

"Your punishment is over and you are free to go." said Hiruzen tactfully, and gave his student a suggestive gaze and Tsunade immediately understood his message and gave him a small smile.

"Thank you" said Tsunade gratefully, finally she would be able to meet her long lost nephew.

Hiruzen watched contently as Tsunade went out of the cemetery, he had recently received a message from Naruto explaining his medical condition. And to say the Third Hokage was worried would be an understatement.

Naruto was literally dying and he didn't even know about it, the situation demanded him to provide assistance and he would make sure Konoha's finest soldiers received the deserved medical treatment.

This was the least he could do for the young boy who sacrificed so much for Konoha...

"I'm sure Tsunade will get you back to full strength. It will be a really interesting reunion..."

In a dark room of Konoha a lone Uchiha sat in front of a small tablet. A lone fire burned beside the tablet that showed his face.

Sasuke Uchiha looked at the small scroll in his hand and a victorious look appeared in his eyes.

"These will really help me in creating a new world free from suffering, Going to Wave was really helpful." thought Sasuke darkly,

His quest had just began...