The Lotus and The Deer (Shikamaru x OC)

Chapter 37 - Battle Ahead

Hasu POV

Naru-chan's and Oto-san's charka are now allowed to work harmoniously. Oto-Sans chakra can be safely distributed to Naruto safely with no issue. And as they practice, showing off their teamwork the blond senses another chakra in the room. Seeing it's coming from Killer B's blade, it's clear that he sensed the intruders' hate and other emotions.

Making this apparent, he merges from the sword, further smirking at us. A member of the Akatsuki. Opening the door, he slithers away, but Naru-chan quickly teleports to him. Escaping Killer B and I go after the spy; running after him we make our way through the waterfall and into the forest.

Seeing the commotion outside, the fish man is stops against mountain wall, I tilt my head. Killer B catching the others up while his former sword allies with Killer B. Trying to escape, I frown, "B' get off the water!"

Jumping up, "Lightning Style: Lighting Needles!"

Standing on the small island, I watch as the electricity shoots through the water. The member shoots up, but he already took too much chakra. Jumping, he flies away; Guy quickly deals with the situation. Following him, I see both are in the ocean, feeling the energy coming from Guy's attacks I cover my face. Looking down to see Guy on top of the shark man it's too late, the intel has been leaked despite our efforts.

Hearing Naru-chan's new mission, the lie is clear as day. The real question is, should I tell him or keep it on the down-low for now. He seems to believe it so I'll let it go for now. Following Naru-chan as he tames the animals. I glare at the others, allowing them to understand I know of their lies and they should tread lightly before I expose them.

I know this is to benefit Naru-chan and the world at large, but I believe that he's strong enough to where he can fight against Madera. Naru-chan begins to grow suspicious, growing nervous, and anxious about the whole situation, about the island flipping back and forth.

To take his mind off of things, he begins to train; deciding to help, I cloak myself in a red chakra with a purple hue. Extending the Chakra into 3 tails, I smile at Naru-chan, "You must treat it as an extension of your body. When you pick up a glass, you don't squeeze it until it breaks; you just pick it up."

Moving some blocks around, I let my chakra fade away and be nods with determination. Frowning a bit, I can't help but feel war growing closer to my doorstep. With the help of Oji-san, Killer B, and me, he continues to train growing one more step closer to taming Oto-san's chakra.

Wanting to go for a walk while Naru-chan practices, I feel a chill go down my spine. I turn around to see two people, a woman with tan skin, long red hair with curly tips, and bright purple eyes. And a man with dark skin, curry black hair and dark red eyes. I get out a Kunai, ready to attack; but the woman's eyes widen as a single tear falls, "Hasu, we found you."

I yell out, "Who are you!"

The man begins to cry as well, "Our daughter."

Before I can do anything, both spirits wrap their arms around me. The man speaks, "We were looking for you on the battlefield, we felt you, and we came here." They pull apart; looking at their features up close, I see the similarities. "We tried to protect you; we hid you away from the ninja so they wouldn't kill you. I'm so glad you're safe; look at you all grown up and into a fine woman."

I feel my eyes begin to water a bit, "Who took you in? How did you survive?!"

My mom said in worry, "The 9-tailed fox took me in and brought me someplace safe. He found me, protected me."

They smile; Dad places a kiss on my forehead, "I'm so glad you're well."

They start to glow and fade away; I reach out for them, but they smile at me one last time, "We love you, Hasu."

"We'll always be with you."

With that, they're gone, falling to my knees; I cry. Even though I've never met them, seen them, and barely heard about them, I know that they loved me dearly, and they protected me to the end of their lives. The love they gave me even after death is the cause of these tears, a love that could have been but was substituted by something greater.

Staying there for a while, I wipe my tears, standing to return to the boys. After a series of events, we escape the island together to aid our friends in the war.

Seeing Naru-chan's explains his confusion and doubt between the allies. We're stopped by Tsunade and the Raikage. After a bit of back and forth, Naru-chan faces the Raikage. Before the Raikage could attack Naru-chan, Killer B, and I stand in front of him.

The Raikage begins to describe the jinchuriki as weapons a tool, I grow enraged. Feeling the chakra surging through my eyes, I punch the Raikage in the face making him fall to the ground. "Don't you ever think about killing Naru-chan, Killer B, or any other jinchuriki! Do you understand me! I will not allow it! I will not allow you or anyone else to see any jinchuriki or tailed beast as a tool for war, power, or leverage against any village, foe, or person. Whether my lineage is from the Hidden Cloud Village or not, I will not let you stand in their way. I will face you myself even if it means I put my life and future on the line! So I'm going to say this once, let them pass!"

The Raikage looks up at me, shocked by my sudden actions; he mumbles softly, "Kenzou?"

Killer B steps forward, further proving his point, convincing his Kage, mentor, and brother to let them pass. Explaining the situation to the stubborn Raikage and how Naru-chan's father entrusting everything to him. Testing Naru-chan, he stands, but through his own determination and strength, he flashes away from his fist, dodging his attack.

"Like you said, Raikage, if I fail, then I'm not a savior! I can not fail now! I'm my father's son! He taught me how to be the savior, so that's what I'll be."

Finally agrees, Naru-chan and I runoff, heading straight for the battle ahead.