Never Let Go [Hiatus]

Part II, Chapter 10- A Lost War

Half a year later...

'FALL BACK FALL BACK FALL BACK! RETREAT!' the horn for retreat sounded. Abandoning combat, the soldiers hastily fled back to base, their armors stained with blood and dirt. The medics went into a frenzy as they rushed to receive the wounded, maintaining their composure and keeping their faces calm as they suppressed their horror. The injuries that their brave soldiers had sustained were far from those that they saw in their regular hospitals. The men came in at fast rates, either groaning in pain or dying as they leaned heavily on the shoulders of their comrades. This was different. This was on an entirely new level. This was war.

The general surveyed the situation and gritted his teeth. The casualties were too much, much more than he could afford. But what disheartened him most was the loss and despair that he saw in his soldiers' eyes, not a tinge of resolve or fighting spirit left in their souls. He understood how they felt, for he had felt it himself. It was unnerving and frightening to be fighting a losing battle, what more when you see your brothers-in-arms perish like the wind. He closed his eyes, taking the moment to block out the pain and suffering that he was forced to witness. This cannot go on. The Kingdom of Ash was way too strong. With their tremendous military might and advanced weapons, they were easily outnumbered and overpowered. The mobility of their enemy troops also made it difficult for location and ambush, so launching a surprise attack was out of the question.

The general sighed. He couldn't believe that the Kingdom of Ash could stand against the Allied Force. It was one against eight, yet they had proven the impossible. He opened his eyes to see a soldier clutching a torn photograph of his family to his chest, tears streaming down his face as he cried 'Gomenasai gomenasai' over and over again. He saw youths too young to die, their hopes and dreams crashing upon them. He saw soldiers praying to God, holding onto their talismans as if it was the only thing they had left. He saw men crouching at the bodies of their comrades, their faces weary and emotionless from the sadness.
Enough was enough. He wasn't willing to sacrifice any more of his men to this futile struggle. He turned and walked into his tent. It was time he speak to his king.

Author's Note

The political part is finally starting! XD

First off, I wanna thank all the readers who have stayed with me thus far! It has been so tough keeping my readers (Just look at the number of views in chapter 1 relative to the previous one!) and so you guys don't know how much your unwavering support means to me! But i just want the few of you to know that no matter what, your presence had kept me going, and even though i don't know who you are, you guys will always hold a special place in my heart. Even as I complete my story (which is not that soon, trust me) and move on to the next one, I will always remember you, the people who had spurred me on silently and unconditionally. Nevertheless, I will still continue to write, to prove my worth and show everyone what the true Naruto Spirit is! Yeah!

And secondly, I apologize for the exceptionally short chapter! School is starting tomorrow (!) As such, I may not be updating my chapters as regularly. I will try to update once a week as usual, but do not be disappointed if i only managed one in two weeks okay? My school term spans three months. But i promise, I promise that I will make up double, no triple, for my lack once the term is over, dattebayo~

And pssst.. i have a surprise coming really soon! I don't know if it is that much of a surprise, but yep it's something to look forward to if you like Mada-sama ( which i presume you do XD). I'm working hard on it and hopefully, I can present it to you guys by the coming month! XDXDXD  Hint: It's not fanart- I don't want to destroy my bae's face.

Love Always, Sphinx