Let It Burn: Death [Sasuke Uchiha]

Chapter 1

Mai had never seen such a gathering in her life. The Kage Army was massive, consisting of ninjas from the Rock, Wind, Water, Cloud, and Fire countries. It almost appeared as if the destination for their meeting point wasn't big enough to hold everyone. Though once making camp, the teen came to realize the only way they were managing it was for their forces to bunk in groups throughout the tents.

"I figured you'd want to share," Belva said. The woman stepped up with a rolled-up kit in hand. "It seems your other friends have already separated."

Not that the Be Fong wished to room with them, and she doubted they wanted to be anywhere near her after the word of warning days ago. The Leaf was one of the first to arrive, quickly followed by Suna. Mai was surprised when the Land of Iron appeared in their camp that evening. The samurai marched in formation behind their leader, Mifune. It was quite a sight to see and drew a lot of attention. The present Kages shook hands with the man in greeting before they retreated to discuss battle plans in the main tent.

It had been nearly a week before assignments to various squads were handed out, along with extra weapons that would be useful against the enemy. To the teen it was clear to see how the others were being divided up amongst the various divisions. Yet there were still some who had yet to be named to group. Mai was one of them.

"This seat taken?"

Head picking up, the Be Fong noticed Kakashi with a bowl in hand, who nodded towards the empty patch of ground.

"Be my guest," she said. Drinking the liquid from the broth in her own, her eyes scanned the ninjas lounging about the campsite. "Do you know when we are moving out?"

The Be Fong knew of the Jounin's appointment to General of the Third Division. The close/mid-range fighters would be one of the first to engage the enemy as they came through the countries separating them – the lands of the Hidden Mist and Hot Spring Villages. A team of ninja were already being led by the Mizukage to ensure the safety of those who could not. The evacuation of the lords and ladies, along with civilians, was already in progress. It was also safe to assume Akatsuki would travel by water too. Which is where Division One would be stationed along the beaches so the Kage Army wouldn't get caught off guard from behind.

"Soon," Kakashi said. "The way things are going we'll be sent out tomorrow morning."

"Guess I should try and get a good night's sleep then, huh?"

He chuckled in agreement. The young man could tell there was something else on her mind. "You're deep in thought."

"Just making sure I'm ready. There's no telling what we could face. We've nearly wiped out Akatsuki... So then why is Madara insistent on attacking us without the obvious numbers? That means he has a few tricks up his sleeve and we'll be in for a fight."

"How right you are. But I know that's not the only thing worrying you."

The Be Fong sighed. "You're almost getting as good as Naruto." The comment caused him to grin under the mask. "Is Naruto going to be okay?" Mai questioned.

He should have known. "Yamato reported there were no disturbances on their trek to the boat," Kakashi stated. "We can only hope that nothing will happen on the island."

The two shared a comfortable silence between each other, staring out over the vast landscape as ninjas moved about preparing for battle. Some greeted acquaintances like old friends, grinning at the sight. A shame to be meeting once again on such an occasion.

"Despite your efforts to remove him from the battlefield... you know he will come, right?"

"Hmm?" the Jounin mused, cocking a brow.

"Naruto. He'll eventually show up. That idiot always seems to find out no matter how much we try to distance himself from the danger."

He chuckled. "I know... But I can only hope he doesn't find out sooner than we think."

Reaching into his Jounin vest, the ninja pulled something free and handed it over to Mai. It was one of the new headbands that had been fashioned for everyone within the army to show their alliance. There was no Stone, or Wind, or Iron, or Lightning, or Water, or Fire Country anymore. They fought for a similar cause against the same enemy. It only made sense to wear the headband boring the title, 'Shinobi'.

"It's your assignment," Kakashi stated, as she took the item. "The Kages finally agreed on where to place you amongst the divisions where you would be the most effective."

Pulling the slip of paper from the gap between the metal and cloth her eyes skimmed over the contents that read, Third Division.

"Welcome to the team. Sakura will be with us in charge of medical operations, while Belva and yourself are to be my Lieutenants should something happen."

Gai would've been his third, but with the man escorting Naruto to the island, there was no telling if he'd arrive to this location before the start of the battle.

"Lieutenant? Wouldn't you want someone with more experience in that position alongside Belva."

"No, I wouldn't want anyone else to stand by my side."

She nodded in understanding and gratitude in the faith he had in her abilities. "Nothing will happen." The Be Fong tugged the headband into place and pocketed the one from the Leaf. She'd stash it in her bag upon returning to the tent.

"Not with you watching my back."

A smirk twitched at the corner of her lips. "Damn straight."