Chapter 40: Fire Under the Ice

32 years ago 12 Miles North of Rain…

Onkei Sato, or Grace Village as it was known, existed on the border of Kusa and Ame. Grace was a peaceful village by many standards. The citizens of Grace were simple farmers and trade merchants. Hiyayaka Muzan, was a simple farmer in his mid-thirties married to Hiyayaka Ashitaba, who ran a local shop and had three lovely kids. A six year-old boy Aisu, five year-old girl Samui, and another boy named Rekei, who was three years-old.

The family house was relatively small. The children shared a room while the parents had their own room. Grace was not an economically prosperous village by an stretch of the imagination. Most of the citizens belonged to villages in Rain and Grass that were destroyed by the Shinobi War. It was a town full of refugees with the hopes of living peacefully; well as peaceful as they could in a time of war.

It was a nice day outside and Muzan had just finished planting some seeds. Heading toward his house he saw Aisu, Samui, and Rekei playing in a field. He smiled at seeing his kids play. Aisu ran toward his father with his siblings trailing.

"Father, Father!" Aisu yelled out.

"Yes Aisu?"

"Father you said you was going to take us in to town to get some sweets. Can you please take us?" Muzan looked as all three who gave him the puppy dog eyes.

"I would but your mother probably would…"

"Would say that's a great idea. In fact, let go out to eat as a family." Ashitaba suggested.

Aisu pumped and the other kids pumped their fist in success. The happy family headed into town to get something to eat.

While in town at a local restaurant the family was enjoying their meal. "You know Aisu school will be starting soon. You and Samui will be taking classes."

"Mom why do have to go to school? School is boring." Aisu complained.

"Aisu-niisan is right. School is boring. I want to travel the world. Ka-san, have you Tousan traveled the world?" Samui asked.

A sad look appeared in Muzan's eyes, "Samui-chan, this world is a dangerous place. The times we are in aren't safe to travel. I hope by the time you become of age you can see the world without having to worry about seeing the ugly things that your mother and I had to see."

"Like what Tousan?" Aisu asked.

"Death, famine , disease is widespread because of this Shinobi War. People live in fear. They fear leaving their homes and their families because they are afraid it will be the last time they see their loved ones. Why do these ninja even fight? What is the point?" Muzan questioned.

"I don't know honey, but everyone has their reasons for doing what they do. I'm just glad that we are here together." Ashitaba's smile faded when she saw a group of Rain shinobi entered the establishment.

Rain shinobi were known to be ruthless and had a reputation for causing trouble. Both her and her husband nodded in agreement that it was time to leave. "Come kids, lets get home so you guys can get ready for tomorrow."

Aisu and his siblings got up and Muzan escorted them out. Ashitaba was on her way out but one of the Rain Shinobi grabbed her arm, "Hey there pretty lady, want to have a good time?"

"I'm married." She said gently pulling her arm away from the shinobi.

He forcefully grabbed her, "Bitch, don't you turn away from me!"

"Please stop… my children." She pleaded with the man.

Muzan's attention was on the kids so he didn't see what was going on. Aisu however did see what was going. Running back in to the restaurant he yelled, "Leave my mother alone!"

One of the Rain shinobi tripped the boy, "Shut up punk. We do we want you bastard. Ain't that right, Hanzou-sama?"

Aisu looked up too se a man with a snorkel on his face. The man had a menacing look. Muzan entered with his other kids behind him, "Leave them alone."

Hanzou's eyes move from the boy to Muzan. He looked at the shinobi under his command who had Ashitaba pinned down, "Release her. Sit down and act civilized and just eat a nice meal. You're scaring everyone."

The shinobi apologize quickly, "Sorry Hanzou-sama."

"Apologize to the lady and her family" Hanzou said.

"Sorry for the trouble I've caused you." The guy said to Ashitaba who immediately ran over to Aisu.

Hanzou looked at Muzan who rushed to his family, "You should get your family out of here." Muzan nodded quickly rushed them out of there.

It took them only minutes to get home. Muzan was furious, "Why are they here? Shinobi are a plague on this world. They bring nothing but death and destruction wherever they go. They all think they rule the world."

"Not all shinobi are bad Muzan and you know that. If it wasn't for that blond female medic from Konoha, I forget her name Tsuane, Tsukiwade, man I feel bad for not remembering. I would have lost you to that poison you contracted 5 years ago." Ashitaba stated.

"She's the exception, " Muzan had nothing else to say, which is why he walked away.

Ashitaba went to follow him but stopped when Aisu tugged her pant leg, "Kaa-san, father almost died?" Aisu asked.

"Yes. You were a year old and we were living in a village few miles from here. Grass shinobi invaded the village. Everyone was slaughtered except us. Your father, in his attempt to protect me and you was injured with senbon laced with poison. We were all going to die but that female shinobi from Konoha showed up with a white haired man and guy who had pale-skin and eyes like a snake. They saved us, but she is the one who saved your father. If all shinobi were bad we would be dead, but that girl and her team showed me that not all shinobi are bad."

Aisu understood. He didn't hate shinobi, he really didn't hate anyone. For him it was something he really had no clue about. Aisu's mother touched his shoulder and smiled, "Some shinobi fight for a better world. Some fight for peace Aisu. Someday this war will end and we will have the peace that we seek. Whatever you do in life Aisu, and this goes for you too Samui and Reikei, make sure you do something that helps others. "

"Okay, time to go to bed kids." Ashitaba gathered all of the kids and led them to their rooms.

Tucking the kids into their beds, the Blue eyed brunette sat next to Aisu. "You know that was brave of you today Aisu-chan but don't ever do something like that again. Those guys could have killed you."

"Kaasan, I just wanted to protect you that's all. I don't want anyone to hurt you. Samui, even though I don't like her very much, and Reikei."

She laughed, "That's just your sibling rivalry. But I'm glad you want to protect us but it's my job to protect you." Kissing him on the forehead, "goodnight Aisu-chan."

"Goodnight Kaasan" Aisu said as he turned around to go to sleep. Little did he know he wouldn't be getting much sleep that night.

2 hours later…

Muzan burst into his kid's room causing them to jump up. "Father what's going on?" Aisu asked a little groggy.

"Those damn shinobi are burning the village to the ground! Let's go we are leaving now! Hurry and get dressed!"

The kids hurried to get their clothes on. Rushing out of the house as soon as everyone was ready, Aisu watched as flames were all over the village.

"Come, we have to hurry…" Aisu watched as two kunai pierced his father's heart. Ashitaba screamed when Muzan fell dead.

One of the Rain shinobi who was standing on top of the house looked down at Ashitaba with a wicked smile, "Now that we took care of him…" He shunshin'd behind the woman and wrapped her arms around her.

Licking her neck, "Taste good lady."

Aisu immediately went after the guy, "Leave my mom alone!"

The young boy was cut off by Hanzou, "You have heart kid but you're in the way."

With a swift punch to the face, Aisu was sent flying. Samui who was crying along with Reikei ran toward Aisu. "Aisu-niisan!"

"I have to protect kaasan, Samui and Rekei from the bad men." Aisu would never get the chance.

A shinobi in his mid teens appeared behind the kids. With a swift slash of his sword they were sliced in half. Aisu eyes widen as tears slowly ran down his cheek. Turning to him, the shinobi gave a sadistic smile. Aisu couldn't move his body. He realized that he was more injured than he thought. He could do nothing as the shinobi forced his mother back into the house. "kaa…san" was his last thought before his head went limp.

9 hours later…

A nightmare… nothing more than a nightmare is what the boy thought. Feeling water droplets on his face and a slight tap from a hand, he heard the man say, "He's alive."

"Man, this kid survived an attack by Salamandar Hanzou, he truly is lucky." He heard another voice say.

"True, but his family wasn't. Did you see the mutilated corpse of the women in the house?" Those words caused Aisu eyes to come to life. Jumping up and ignoring the pain that he was in, He ran to the house, shooting pass the four Cloud shinobi to see his mother. When he arrived he saw her naked mutilated body on the floor. "Kaasan…"

Closing his eyes and balling his fist, tears were streaming down the young boys face. "It hurts doesn't it kid?"

"I'm going to make them all pay for this." Aisu said.

"How do you plan to do that?" The female of the squad asked.

"I don't know, but they will all pay." Aisu said to the red haired Cloud nin.

"Hmm, you seem determined to reach that goal. Do you want to train to become a shinobi kid?" The Cloud shinobi asked.

"A shinobi?" Aisu thought about it for a second.

"Yes a shinobi. Without training you will never be able to stand against the man responsible for this. Kid you can stay here and die or come with us and become a shinobi of Cloud, what do you say?"

"Can you help me bury my family first?" The shinobi from Cloud nodded.

"Sure kid, what's you name?"

"Hiyayaka Aisu, and you are?" Aisu asked the man.

"Sucho Tosku. Please to meet you Aisu. Now let's give your family a proper burial." Tosku motioned for his teammates to pick up Ashitaba's body to give her, along with the others, a proper burial.

1 hour later…

Aisu was standing on the graves of his parents and siblings. "I failed you all. I couldn't save you guys. I promise I won't fail again. Father you hate shinobi, but I will become one that will change the world. Kaasan, I will bring forth that peace you seek. Samui and Reikei, I miss you two so much. I was a bad big brother but I will not fail. On your graves I will end war and I will kill Salamander Hanzou!"

Turning to Tosku, "I'm ready to go sir."

"Follow me child. I will turn you into a great shinobi. Come, we're off." Aisu followed as the Cloud group walked off.

Five Years Later…

Walking down a street in Cloud, and 13-year Aisu was proud of his accomplishment. He was now a Chunin. Training under the legendary 'Red Lightning' he was looked at as the second coming. Graduating at the top of his class four years prior, the preteen couldn't have been more proud. He was pared with up with his best friend Yuujin and a girl named Aoki, whom he also saw as best friend, more like siblings. Heading towards his teams location, he wasn't meeting up with his team.

Arriving at the location, He saw Yuujin, Aoki, and their Jounin sensei, Tosku waiting for him.

"So what's our mission today Sensei?" Aisu asked.

"Today we will be venturing off into Rain Country." Tosku stated.

Aisu look became grim, "Sensei, do you mind if I…"

"Depends on how much time we have after the mission. We will invade one of the shinobi hide outs in Rain and eliminate all enemy nins. Our team has become effective with this type of missions, which is why the Raikage has selected us." The red haired shinobi stated.

Aisu, who was in the standard Cloud Chuunin/Jounin uniform, put his head down. He was feeling a mixed number of emotions. Aisu hated the Rain shinobi with a passion. Well not all Rain shinobi, just Hanzou. He was getting closer to his goal and new that one day he was going to be the one to end that man's life. He was a Cloud shinobi and he couldn't let this bother him. He had a mission that he needed to complete.

Looking up at his squad, "Let's go, we have job to do."

Tosku smiled, " Squad Red move out!" The group disappeared in a blur.

2 days later…

Aisu and his group entered Rain Country. The Rain that seems to be ever-present was exactly why it was name Rain. Getting to the base would be easy enough. Squad Red was known for their efficiency when it came to missions. The group was slowly approaching the base in Rain. The blue eyed chuunin, slowly pulled out his kunai as he and his team stood in front of the entrance. With Aisu on the right and and Yuujin on the left, the squad was in formation. The two needed confirmation from their sensei and Aoki who was in the back of the compound. "I'm in position."

"I'm in position as well." Aisu replied.

"I'm in position as well, how about you sensei?" The lack of a response in Yuujin's communicator confirmed that their sensei was in position.

Aisu, rolled a ball inside of the compound. Upon exploding a causing a cloud of smoke, he kicked the door open and was the first to enter the compound followed by Yuujin.

"What the hell is going, uggh" was the last sound that escaped the shinobi's mouth as Aisu slit his throat with the kunai in his hand. Yuujin slay two Rain nins with the senbon he threw into their neck. The two shinobi were operating on sound alone and were eliminating their targets with the greatest of ease.

Both were now back to back. Aisu spoke into his communication device, "Front secure."

"Rear secure." Aoki said in Aisu's air.

"I have the package, let's move out." Hearing their sensei, the group was gone from their locations in an instant. Eleven shinobi laid dead in the one story base.

With their assignment complete, the group was heading back to Cloud. Aisu however wanted to take a detour. "I will meet you guys back in Cloud, I have some business that I need to take care of."

"Wait Aisu, I will go with you." Yuujin said.

"No, this is something that he must do by himself." Tosku informed the boy.

"Aisu you have a week. You know Cloud has strict policies about leaving the Country while not conducting a mission."

"Don't worry sensei, I will be back before then. Later guys." Aisu separated himself from the group and headed toward Grace Village, he headed towards home.

2 ½ hours later…

Aisu was walking in the burned down village of Grace. The desolated area reminded him of that day his family was ripped from him. A gust wind blew causing his cheek length hair to cover his eyes. "I'm home."

His feet started to move. Walking through Grace, which was now a Ghost town, helped him reinforce his goal of ending War and stopping Hanzou and shinobi like him. It didn't take him long to reach his house, which was fallen apart due to being abandoned for years.

Looking to his right, he saw the graves he created for his family. Slowly approaching the graves, he stopped in front of them. Examining each grave, he closed his eyes. "It's been a longtime. I'm sorry that I couldn't visit you guys sooner but my shinobi training has caused me to be neglectful. I've come a long way and I'm no longer a helpless child. I only wish I had the skills I have now back then, I could have saved you all. Father, I know you don't like shinobi but the Cloud village is a good village. I fight to ensure that peace is kept throughout the region. I'm only a mid level shinobi but I will be promoted to Jounin in no time. I have friends now, Yuujin and Aoki, whom I consider my brothers and sister."

Smiling, he turned to his mother's headstone, "Tsoku is like a father to me and his wife Misha, is like a mother. I guess you can say I have found my second family. Rest assured that they have not and will never replace you guys. I will never forget any of you. To honor your legacy I will be sure to exact justice on your killers. Niyuubai Dobu, Yokoburi Housui, Sennou Reiu, Rakusa Mizuni, and Salamander Hanzo. I will kill them all with my own hands. Till we meet again, goodbye everyone."

Turning away, the young chuunin walked away from his family and never looked back. He would head to back to Cloud, or at least that's what he had intended to do until he saw his sensei's messenger bird. "What's going on now?"

Taking the message from the bird, the boy read the note, "So we have been assigned a mission to Fire Country this quick? Most be something important." Exiting the village, the Cloud nin head toward Fire Country to meet up with his squad.

One day later…

Aisu finally caught up with his squad at the rendezvous point. "Hey guys, can someone brief me?"

"On our way back to Cloud, we ran into Squadron Alpha who needed our aid in Fire Country. A few Mist shinobi in this region have captured some of our comrades and we wish to retrieve them before they wind up in Water Country. Squad Red Strike, we will lend our support. Aisu, you will be going with Misora, Hana, and Sodai. Gizou, you will be accompany me, Yuujin and Aoki. Let's head out. When we have information on the location, let regroup and plan our counter strike. Move out!" Everyone nodded.

Aisu moved out with the squad he was assigned to. He was glad to be in Hana's squad. The female with long flowing silky black hair and grey eyes captivated the young chuunin. The crush was a mutual feeling as the girl cheeks turned red when he glanced at her. "Let's do our best Hana-chan"

"Sure Aisu-kun."

Sodai narrowed his eyes at Aisu. He didn't like him at all. One, he received so much praise from all of the older shinobi and two, Hana liked him. This guy was stealing his thunder. He wouldn't worry about that now, they had a mission that they needed to complete and that came first. He would take up issues with the 'Golden Boy' another day.

After an hour or so Misora motioned for the group to stop. "It seems we have appeared. Our goal here is to subdue the enemy. We will need to extract information out of them and save our comrades at the same time."

Aisu spoke, "Misora-sensei, I recommend that we stay here and send a messenger hawk to the others. This way we will not lose the enemy if they decide to move."

"That's stupid Aisu. The enemy will see the Hawk and know it's from us. There is no way it will work?"

"Sure it will. But it really doesn't need to be a hawk. Sensei, could you use one of your summons and have them locate Tosku and the others?" Misora smiled at the boy.

"Sure." Summoning a squirrel, he looked at the squirrel. "Find Tsoku and inform him of our location. If we move follow the trail."

The squirrel was off. Misora turned to Aisu, "Good move Aisu, I see why Tosku praises you highly."

Sodai just frowned at his sensei's acknowledgement of Aisu. Hana looked at Aisu, "That was very smart of you Aisu-kun."

"Thanks Hana-chan, but we still have to save our comrades."

It took only about five minutes before Tosku and the others landed next to Aisu. "So, you guys found them. What's our next move?"

Aisu spoke, "There are six shinobi patrolling the grounds. It's hard to deduce how many are in the hut, but I would say since three of our comrades are captured, I would say there are four in the tent with them."

"So what course of action should we take?" Tsoku asked the boy.

"Well if it was just us, I would recommend that Yuujin and you get close to the compound while me and Aoki provide support from a distance." Aisu stated.

"How would that work. You guys would be slaughtered?" Sodai couldn't believe that everyone hailed this kid as the next coming of 'Red Lightning'. He was an idiot and he was going to prove that to everyone, especially Hana.

"Simple. Yuujin is a master at silent killing. With him entering through the back and taking down the shinobi before they know what hit them, would have given us the tactical advantage. Sensei would have provided support to Yuujin in case the enemies were more skilled. If that fell apart and they were discovered, the shinobi wouldn't see them as much of a threat since it was only two. That's were Aoki and I come in. Staying back and striking at the right time, we would have eliminated the threat in the most effective and efficient manner. That would have worked if it was just 10-13 shinobi down there however…"

Aisu closed his eyes and smiled.

"However what?"

"However… there are more shinobi and we are completely surrounded." Sodai didn't believe Aisu until the entire enemy shinobi squad surrounded them completely.

"Look like a bunch of Cloud shinobi trying to save their friends. What a pity. Let's kill them."

One of the Mist shinobi nodded. Preparing to shield themselves for the attack, they were ready to defend their lives. However, the 12 shinobi that surrounded the group found that they couldn't move. Looking at their feet they noticed that wire was holding them in place.

Aisu turned in mud causing everyone to be surprised. Senbon needles where implanted into the neck of each shinobi, causing them to fall to the ground.

Misora smiled, "Good job Aisu. Your bunshin worked and you had time to warn the others to stay back. Excellent deduction."

"You mean that I was talking to a clone?" Sodai said in anger.

"Sorry Sodai-san" the real Aisu and the rest of team 'Red Strike' appeared. "But I noticed that we were surrounded the moment we landed. I made a clone during the summon. The smoke allowed me the window I needed to warn the others. Surprise is a key element in a shinobi's arsenal. But even more, we now have the advantage over the enemy. They gave it to us the moment they played this hand."

"What advantage do you mean Aisu-kun' Hana asked.

"We can transform ourselves in these shinobi and infiltrate the base. This will allow us to get close to our comrades without doing battle unnecessarily. Come lets go everyone." The group selected a shinobi to transform into from the defeated Rain shinobi.

The transformed group entered the base and greeted their fake comrades. Aisu motioned for Sodai and Hana to head to the tent with him. Approaching the tent, Aisu spoke, "we've come to relieve you guys of your duty."

"You guys are early. But I will not stop you if you want to take over early."

"Don't mention it. Their preparing some food out there you guys should go and get some." The shinobi rushed outside only to be welcome to a haze of smoke that caused them to fall to the ground. Aisu transformed back into himself. "check for any major injuries. If we don't find any grab someone and move out."

Following Aisu the group did as they were told. Finding no injuries of significance, Aisu and the other moved out. The others caught up immediately. "Alright everyone lets head back home." Tsoku stated as he had an enemy nin draped over his shoulder.

The group came to a stop when Aisu stopped. Looking around he frowned, "We're surround again."

Sodai pulled out a kunai, "Looks like were fighting our way out of this."

Slipped into a fighting stance. Aoki did the same as well. Yuujin had a handful of senbon needles in his hand ready for attack.

The group however was surprised, to see a number of Cloud shinobi emerge from the trees.

"What's going on?" The young Aisu asked.

"The Jounin qualification exams and Aisu, you've passed with flying colors." Aisu turned to his sensei.

"You mean, this nothing more than a test for us?" Aisu asked.

Misora, "Yes. I must say you did excellent kid. You are Jounin material without question. The rest of you did well but unfortunately I didn't see anything that scream Jounin. Don't get down, you all will be tested when you least expect it. Come on lets head home."

A number of shinobi from Cloud walked up and congratulated Aisu on his accomplishment.

"What's the big deal, we helped as well." Sodai said with resentment.

"Yea but the majority of it was Aisu's plan. That's my best friend for you, always knows what to do in a pinch." Grabbing Sodai in friendly manner, "Let's head back."

Everyone took off back home to Cloud.

Four Years Passed…

Seventeen years of age and Aisu was more than an accomplished shinobi of Cloud. He had everything anyone could want. He had respect, friends, and everything shinobi in his position could want. Yuujin, Aoki, Sodai, Gizou, and Hana were all Jounins now. It was a sunny day and Aisu was sitting on top of a building in Cloud. His sensei and Misora were now the parents of a beautiful girl named Kumoko. A lot has happened in the past four years. He became a jounin, the Cloud sealing the Five-Tail within Nenshou Kouen, the Child of the Sandaime Raikage, Nenshou Kasei. It was actually Nenshou who sealed the demon within his son after the demon attacked Cloud. Kouen wondered what would cause the attack but really didn't have time to worry about it. The boy was hated by most of the villagers but Aisu didn't hate the child. How could he hate someone who had no control over his fate. He did however feel sorry for the boy.

"His own parents treats him with hate and discontent. But his power will protect our village seeing that Mist sealed the Hachi no Orochi inside a girl one year ago. All of this preparation and building ultimate weapons… I really have to do something that will stop this. These wars seem to have no end in sight and I'm not strong enough to do anything that will end it myself. But I will be soon enough." Aisu was broking from his thoughts when soft arms wrapped around him.

He smiled knowing it was his beautiful Hana, "Hana-chan, how are you?"

"Good, I hear you have a solo mission near Grass Country. Are you going to visit your family while there?" She asked.

"I can't stand before them until I achieve my goals Hana-chan. I still need to get stronger. You know I've been reading and I stumble upon the four swords of legend. These swords have been believed to be used to usher in an era of peace in the world. One of the Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru, wields Kusanagi. Heaven's Blade is wielded by members of the Minashu clan and its current wielder is a guy named Minashu Ryuho. He is considered to be the strongest warrior in the world. Which begs the question why doesn't he help end the war? In any event, the two other swords 'Dragon's Fang' and 'Phoenix Claw' are swords part of the mythical contracts. My mission is one that I requested Hana-chan. For the last year or so I've been studying about these contracts trying to find the location. I still don't know the location either, but I do have leads on the Dragon's Lair. I promise I will find it and come back stronger." Aisu said with confidence.

"You better comeback to me. Aisu-chan, I love the fact that you want to bring peace in the world. This world needs more people like you. I'm sure parents are proud. You should get going Aisu-chan. Come back ten times stronger okay?" Hana kissed him on the cheek "I love you" and then left him to himself.

"I love you too Hana. I promise I will come back stronger." Said as she walked away.

Aisu looked up in the sky, "I will find the Dragon's Lair."

3 days later…

Aisu, who was dressed in the typical Jounin outfit, minus the vest, was lost. He knew that he was in enemy territory but it didn't matter, he was an accomplished shinobi who could defend himself. "This seems hopeless. According to my research, it said that the lair was Near Takuchi. But if that's true than…" Suddenly Aisu realized something. Pulling out the map he looked at it again, "That's right! Takuchi advanced their civilization and spreaded into…" he now realized where he was at, "In Fire Country. I'm in Fire Country. I have to be careful, Konoha shinobi are strong. I can't think about that, I have to find that lair." Aisu continued on his trek to find the lair.

5 days later…

Aisu, who was still searching for the lair was getting low on supplies. "Fuck this, its nothing more than a myth! No, it has to be true. I didn't waste all of this time combing this mount range for nothing." Kicking a rock, Aisu fell at least six stories into the mountain. Hitting the ground with a loud thud, the young jounin was even more pissed.

The anger soon faded when he looked around to see lamps decorate the hallway that had dragon carvings. A noise caught his attention. When he looked up, he saw the hole that he fell from close. Standing up he finally realized were he was at. "I made it." It didn't take him long to figure out what direction he needed to go. Walking towards the two big golden doors with the dueling dragons, Aisu took a deep breath before pushing the door open.

Upon entering the room, the doors closed behind him immediately. He also notice the hundreds of human bones that decorated the floor. Looking straight ahead he saw large lake of black fire. He didn't have time to be amazed, fire shot from the lake and multiple dragons emerged. Flying all over the large room and circling him, the dragon's started to talk, "Looks like we have another victim."

"So it would seem another weakling."

"Shall we kill him and get it over with now"

"He might be the one"

"Sorros will decide that."

Aisu was slightly scared. But he remembered his resolve and all of his fear instantly dissolved. "Please, I need to know how I can obtain the contract of the dragons. Whatever test I have to endure I will."

"Why? Want power to kill? Want power to rule? Our power is only for the strong not the weak."

"We should tear you apart right now."

"Let's do it."

"Kill him.!"

The dragons surround Aisu. Opening their mouths he could see a glow coming from the insides. He didn't know what to expect but he knew it wouldn't be good.

However, he heard a commanding voice, "You will do such thing, not until I say so."

Aisu turned to where heard the sound only to see an enormous black dragon with glowing crimson eyes. "You've come here for my contract did you not? Well child, if you want it you must do one thing"

"And that one thing is?"

"You must stay alive." Aisu didn't know what to expect until one of the dragon's went through his body. The room filled with dragon's ripping through his body. He didn't know how long he could hold out but he would have to if he wanted to become the next wielder.

2 days later…

Aisu was on his knees breathing hard. Sorros knew the boy couldn't take no more but he did admire his courage. "Why child, why do you wish to wield my power so much?"

Using what energy he had to look up, "I want to change the world. I promised my parents that I would end war."

"Wars happen, as long as men have disputes there will be war child. You're one man, what do you hope to accomplish?" Sorros asked.

"I hope… no I will bring an end to all of the suffering. I don't want to see anyone lose their love ones like I have. I will…I will…" Aisu collapsed.

Sorros smiled at the boy. "Very well child. I will see how far this crusade of yours goes and where it will end up. I will lend you my power and all of my abilities. It's been a while since some worth came along to wield the contract. Seems like it's a new era. Xenos has informed me that he has taking on a 12 year old boy. The younger generation seems to be smarter than its predecessor. Aisu, you will be known as the wielder of the Dragons." A black flame engulfed the young shinobi. When the flame died down, there was a tribal dragon tattoo on his left arm. It was now official, Aisu was the wielder of the Dragons.

Two Years later…

A proud shinobi of the Cloud Aisu was. Now of 19 years of age, he was stronger, better than what he was once before. He had a zero percent failure rate as far as missions went. The young jounin led a number of successful campaigns in Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Walking down the street, he could hear one of the younger shinobi whisper, "That's Aisu-sama. Papa told me he is one of the strongest in the village."

Aisu didn't really care about being the strongest in Cloud, he wanted to be the strongest in the world. But he would have to contend with a number of people for that title. Konoha's Yellow Flash, Hanzou, the Sannin, and his own sensei, not to mention the Kage's of each village. He wasn't arrogant and he knew what he could and could not do.

"Aisu, what's going on bro?" Yuujin greeted his friend.

"Nothing much Yuujin, are you ready? By the way where are Aoki, and Sodai?"

Shrugging, "Who knows, but they better hurry. I want to get this mission over with since it's our last mission for a while. This is going to be great when we get back you know some and r&r with the girls. Hana should be back from her mission today right?"

"Yeah, she should be back today. In any event, lets move out, Aoki and Sodai are waiting." Both shinobi, who were walking to the villages exit, saw the two leaning against the wall. "Ready, Aisu?" Sodai asked.

"Yes, lets go!" The group headed out.

Grass Country 4 Days Later…

The objective of the mission was simple, well at least Aisu thought so. Gather intelligence on the Rain and Rock forces in this region and report to the Raikage on their findings. Aisu suspected that it would be used for future attacks, that much he was certain of. What he didn't expect while heading home was witnessing another village getting burned to the ground before him.

Looking from the mountain range from which he and the others stood, "Rain shinobi no doubt. Not again… I will not let it happen again!"

A trigger in Aisu snapped when he saw the village being burned to the ground which caused him to take off toward the village.

"What the hell is his problem? Villages get burned to the ground all of the time it's not our problem."

Aoki shook her head, "You know nothing of Aisu do you?" She took off after her friend.

Yuujin placed his hand on Sodai's shoulder, "Aisu witnessed both his family and his village be burned to the ground by Rain shinobi. Understand that he is doing this so know one will know the pain he carries inside of him everyday. It may be a detour but I won't leave a comrade behind so I guess I'm going to help him avert this crisis as soon as possible." Yuujin took off toward the village.

Sodai really didn't like Aisu at all. "A shinobi shouldn't have any feelings. He isn't worthy of being a Cloud shinobi." Even though he didn't like the group, He took off after them.

A few minutes later…

Inside the village, Aisu's goal was to help the survivors. He was saving people that were trapped in buildings and other establishments that were on fire. Sodai, Aoki, and Yuujin were all by his side. Stumbling out of from an alleyway, Aisu saw a man with a kunai in his chest fall to the ground. Visage brought back memories of his father and the man that killed him.

"He's here. " Aisu said to himself. He assumed correctly. Appearing on a roof above Aisu and his group were eleven Rain nins. Aisu immediately recognized the one in the middle, the man who was apparently the lead of the group. It was the same man that killed his father.

"What do we have here, a bunch of Cloud nins. You are a ways away from home you know. Were going to kill you all, I hope you know that."

"Sennou Reiu…tonight is the night you atone for what you did thirteen years ago. I will not show you, Niyuubai Dobu, Yokoburi Housui, Rakusa Mizuni, or Salamander Hanzo any mercy. I will kill you all." Aisu informed the man while glaring at him.

One of the rain nins tapped the shoulder length, silver-haired, blue eyed jounin "Who the hell is this kid and why does he want you dead along with those he mentioned?"

"Who knows? Maybe its vengeance but for a brat to think he can win against the likes of me is absurd. Kill everyone except for him, he's mine." Motioning for his soldiers to attack, they took off after Sodai, Aoki, and Yuujin.

Aisu didn't hesitate with attacking Reiu. Both engaged in a kunai duel. Aisu's speed, agility, and cunning were too much for Reiu and after five minutes of dueling, he delivered a crucial attack with a deep cut to the stomach.

Landing on a burning roof top, Aisu walked toward Reiu slowly, "People like you make me sick. The day you and your band of hooligans took my family away I made a vow that I would kill you. Know this Reiu, you are going to die, that much is inevitable."

Reiu started laughing, "Sure you can kill me but what about you friends? That girl is going to be killed and so are those two boys. You can make a choice… me or them?"

Aisu's fist clenched as he watched his friends getting overwhelmed. "This isn't over between us Reiu. Your fate has been decided. Pray we don't meet again."

Aisu took off to aid his friends. The Rain shinobi jumped out of the way and as Aisu was standing in a defensive position. "Now that we've regrouped, want to try attacking us again?"

Reiu smiled as he stood, "And the child is more foolish than he looks. You should have killed me kid, at least you friends would still be alive."

"What the hell are you talking about…"

When Reiu threw a kunai at the ground a few yards away from Aisu, it cause a number of ball to fly into the air. Aisu and the others didn't know what to expect, but when the bags exploded, numerous kunai and shuriken erupted from them. "Oh no."

No one in the village had time to counter, it was already done. The women, children, and men could not avoid being victims. Pierced in the back, neck, eyes, stomach were just some of the body parts that was hit, causing many to fall to their death.

Aisu's speed and agility allowed him to avoid the weapons, but not injury. As good as he was, even he obtained injuries. Nothing deadly but significant nonetheless. "Bastard. Hey guys, are you all right…"

Aisu eyes expanded when he saw Yuujin and Aoki riddled with kunai, senbon, and shuriken. Sodai, was hit as well. Ignoring his pain, he rushed to the two people he considered brother and sister. "Aoki! Yuujin! Sodai!"

Aoki looked up and smiled, "Sorry Aisu-chan…but I don't think I'm going to make it."

"I don't think I will either. Aisu, I'm sorry we couldn't be any help to you." Yuujin said.

"Come on guys you're going to make it, you can't die on me. I never wanted this to happen. Please guys don't leave me. You two are my family." Aisu stated as tear were beginning to fill his eyes.

"Sorry…bro. I just can't hold on. Just make sure you kick his ass for me bro. One time for…" Yuujin eyes rolled in the back his head. He was dead.

"Yuujin you can't die on me you bastard. Wake up, wake up…" tears ran down Aisu cheek.

He felt a hand lightly wrap around his wrist, "Don't worry about us Aisu-kun. I will take care of him, just make sure you fulfill your dream and end war. You have always been the stronger of us and I have no doubt that you will succeed in your quest. You can do… you can… you ca…" Aoki's wrist went limp as it hit the ground. Aisu lost it and let out a loud scream. Turning to see if Sodai was alive, he tapped him, "Sodai are you okay?"

"Yea, some how I'm okay Aisu. We have to take their bodies back or burn it. Seeing as how injured we are, I suggest that we…"

"We're taking them back!" Aisu anger was evident in his tone.

"Aisu those shinobi might come back and if they do we won't survive. They will be able to retrieve our bodies and analyze them giving them the advantage over our village. We can't allow…" Aisu cut him off again.

"What part did you not understand that we are taking them back? I will carry them both if I have to but they are going home." Aisu bent down to pick up his two friends. He looked up at Sodai when he saw him reach for Yuujin, "I will carry him, lets go." The two surviving shinobi headed home with their deceased comrades.

Cloud Village A month later…

Aisu was still grieving over the lost of his family. His two best friends were dead. When he and Sodai returned to the village they were taken to the hospital immediately. In between the month and his mourning, Sodai presented the report of the mission a few days after they came back; his actions brought him before the Raikage and the council. The meeting was short and to the point. Aisu was placed on probation for his actions. Even though they got the information they required, contact with the enemy just made the mission pointless. The enemy would now have time to prepare for whatever came their way. He was blamed for the continuation of the war.

Walking down the street with the meeting playing in his head, he was kicking himself for his actions. Because of his actions, his friends were dead and he was the reason why the war was going on still. At least that's what the Raikage made it seem like. He could feel the cold stares from his colleges and the village populace. Everyone wanted this war to end and the Raikage made it seem like it was all his fault. The only person who didn't think so was Hana. Aisu looked up when Sodai landed in front of him "Aisu, The Raikage would like you to take on a mission in Rice Country. Looking for a way to redeem yourself, here is your chance."

Aisu grabbed the envelope that was giving to him and opened it to read the contents, "I can earn my honor back and help end this war. Thanks Sodai, you're a good friend."

"Of course I am, now get going. I will tell Hana that you were called away." Aisu ran off to meet up with the group he was to head out with.

End of Flashback…

"Redemption…looking in your eyes tells me you know what that's like Naruto." Aisu said with a smile.

"Yeah…but it doesn't matter. In any event, what happened? You went from a peace seeking guy to a war hawk, what got you to this point?"

Flashback…

Four years later…

Four years had passed since Aisu left for that mission, which would keep him away from the village. During those four years, Aisu met and trained with Kagai Dansei. Aisu could feel that this man had evil intentions but he did agree with him on certain aspects of life, however, he knew that he would one day have to stop this man. Learning formidable sword styles allowed him to train with the Dragon's Fang for a year in this time frame. He figured get the training and move on, which he did. After his training he went after all the people on his list, the ones who murdered his family. Slowly by slowly, famous Rain shinobi were turning up dead.

His goal would slowly bring him to the one shinobi that he hated above all: Salamander Hanzou. The battle was intense but Aisu eventually showed who was the more skilled shinobi of the two when he claimed Hanzou's head.

It has been a long time since he was home and knew that probably a lot has changed since he was gone. It didn't matter; he would finally get a chance to work towards his other goal, since he had avenged his family. Walking to the gates with Hanzou's head in his hand, the guards stopped him at the village entrance. They however let him pass when they saw the headband.

Aisu, who was in a black hooded cloak headed toward the Raikage tower. He requested an audience with the village leader, which was granted seeing as he did have Hanzou's head in his hand. Upon entering the office he was shock to see Sodai sitting in the seat, "So you're the Raikage now, what happened to Sandaime?"

Sodai recognize the voice, "Is that you Aisu?"

Aisu removed the hood then dropped Hanzou's head on the desk. "I'm sorry that it took me so long to return but it did take me a while to heal. When I did I decided that in order to redeem myself I had to bring the head of Salamandar Hanzou to the village, showing my loyalty, love for the village, and dedication to bring an end to war. I hope this will help."

"This does help greatly Aisu. Its been a long time friend, Welcome back." Sodai stood up and embraced his friend in a huge. "Now, let's bring you before the council and have you reinstated."

2 days later…

Aisu, was walking down the street when he noticed someone he hadn't seen in a while. " Misora-neechan, longtime no see?"

"Aisu, is that really you? Wow look at you! I thought you were deceased. It s really good to see you"

"It's good to see you too, do you happen to know where Tosku-sensei is? I haven't seen him yet and well I was kind of looking for him."

Misora, who was standing next to a little Kumoko cast her gaze downward, Kumoko "Kumoko-chan, I want you to go ahead and meet me at the store, I will catch up." The little girl nodded then ran off. She turned her gaze back to Aisu, "He left us to pursue a dream. He said that it would benefit us all in the end but I don't know what he meant. He was talking crazy the night he left, something about the 'Dawn' was coming and it would shed light on this dark world. You didn't hear this from me but… source indicated that he is now a member of a group of rogue shinobi by the name of Akatsuki. I can't believe he left us. Well let me not talk your ear off, I have to go. Take care of yourself Aisu."

As Misora walked off, Aisu couldn't believe what he was hearing. Tosku left Cloud, something didn't add up. He would worry about that later, he needed to see Hana. It didn't take him long to find her with a few people, whom he recognized as shinobi but he decided not to say anything.

One of the male shinobi turned around a pointed at Aisu, "Hey, why the hell is that loser looking at us?"

Hana turned to see who her friend was referring to. She immediately dropped the drink that was in her hand when her eyes landed on Aisu. The two stared at one another without saying anything for minutes.

Hour later…

Sitting on the roof of his apartment building, Aisu explained to Hana all that happened, "So that's what I've been doing for that pass four years."

"You've finally fulfilled the promise you made to your family after all. So what happens now?" she asked.

"I don't know. The world is still not free from war, so that will continue to be one of my goals. The other is to make up the time that we were separated. Before you say anything just know I don't expect to pick up where we left off, that would be crazy. I want to take it slow and let it build so in time we can have what we had."

Hana stood up and walk to the edge of the roof, "What makes you think that I wouldn't want to pick up where we left off? I told you once that I loved you Aisu and that didn't change in four years. I will admit that these four years have been the hardest four years of my life but in know way I would want to keep you out of my life any longer than is necessary. You do have a lot of making up to do Aisu and you can start by requesting a few months off from active duty."

Standing up, "Meet me back here at 8. I will go talk to Sodai"

Aisu disappeared in black flames leaving behind an smiling Hana "Welcome home Aisu"

5 years passed…

The years really flew by. In the between the five years that had passed, Aisu and Hana were now parents to a beautiful two year-old they named Reido, he was the leader of a genin squad, which consisted of Kouen, Kumoko, and Cadaan, he was gaining respect slowly. Aisu was happy with his life. The five years wasn't without its woes. He did run into Akatsuki, Uchiha Itachi and Hogakishi Kisame, and did battle with the feared Uchiha. The group was after Kouen but the battle between Aisu and Itachi never really did have a victor, as both fled. He would later find out that it was his sensei, who was the leader of the organization that had ordered them to back down. The jounin leader was asked by his formed jounin sensei to join the organization but Kouen turned down the request. He wondered why Kumoko's father didn't attack him then, maybe it was because he was protecting his daughter or he still saw him as a son, but he knew that the time would come when he would have to face his sensei and the strong shinobi's of that organization.

Knowing that he would have to do battle with the Akatsuki in the future, he knew that he had to get stronger. Also in those five years, he was starting to look at Sodai in a different light. Two years ago he was sent on mission to kill a rogue samurai whom Sodai had informed him was planning a war. It wasn't until just recently he came from a mission to retrieve a missing nin, that he encountered the wielder of the Phoenix contract, the same guy who almost killed him nine years prior. He wondered why he came at him with such contempt than Senzairu revealed to him that he was responsible for the death of his master.

Aisu often wondered when he killed Senzairu's sensei if it was the right thing to do. He finally realized that it was a mistake and Sodai was to blame. His trust and faith in Sodai was lacking. Not only in Sodai was he losing faith, but the rest of the village council as well. After his encounter with Senzairu he studied up on the many of the legendary sword styles. Heavenly Sword was among the best, which he already knew. Wicked Wind, which he knew was derived from Heavenly Sword, was also something he knew. What he didn't know was the Divine Wrath, was another style derived from the Heavenly Sword. What was also shocking that the man he killed was in fact the only person in the world who was believed to know it. "Why would you have me kill someone that studied and mastered a sword style that promotes peace… Sodai you bastard."

A year would pass as Aisu started piecing more things together that added up over the years. Something was amiss and he would find out why. Also, he was wondering why people was fearing him instead of respecting him. Many of the villagers and the shinobi populace feared him for reasons he couldn't understand, that is until he heard a little girl whisper to her friend, "Papa said that he is a danger to the village. He is the man that controls Dragon's, something no human has ever done. That's why he is the only one who can tame the demon Kouen."

Aisu shook his head, "I am more feared than a Jinchuuriki, how is that possible? My whole goal was to protect everyone and make life better. Trying to turn everyone against me I see, so it has come to this."

Upon entering the Raikage tower, he was informed that the Raikage was in a meeting with the council. Walking towards the meeting hall, Aisu was confronted by two shinobi guards, who stood in his way. He asked them to move nicely but they didn't comply with his request. In doing so they were knocked unconscious without effort.

Opening the doors to the council hall he stepped in glaring at Sodai, "You… how could you?"

"How could I what?" Sodai said calmly.

"I thought we were friends but this whole time you have been trying to make me look like a bad guy. You purposely had me kill Taizen Gogoyu and for what reason?"

"To protect the village, is that not what you want?" Sodai countered.

"Protect the village? You did it knowing that he trained the wielder of the Phoenix contract. If I had to guest, you were hoping that we killed one another. It's not only that, why would you assign me to a team with Kouen on it?"

"You're a strong shinobi and I thought under you tutelage that…"

"Cut the shit Sodai, you did it cause you knew of Akatsuki. You knew they would target the boy and in doing so would take me out of the picture. None of you here particularly care for the boy so him dying is no issue to you. Hell my death isn't either. I'm starting to see things for what they really are. This village thrives on war. For someone like me, I am a threat because I want to end it. You talk about ending war and looking for a better way, but all of you sit here thinking of ways to constantly get the upper hand over other nations. If what happened 5 years ago with the Hyuuga confirms it."

A council women spoke, "Aisu, you are out of line. Kouen and you are both valuable to the village. What is with this act of lunacy? Sodai did say you were exhibiting strange behavior lately."

Aisu cut his eyes at Sodai, "Of course he would say that, he really wants me dead. Now that I think about it, he has always wanted me dead."

"Aisu I would leave now if I were you. Everything that was discussed here about you today is being confirmed by your actions?" a member of the council stated.

"You, were talking about me? Why am I the topic of conversation? Shouldn't we be concerned with keeping the peace with other villages?"

"For someone who brought us the head of Salamandar Hanzou and his bandits to say that is hypocritical. Not only did you antics made Rain an enemy, but we also have issues with the Leaf as well." An old male council member stated.

"Whose fault is that? You tried to kidnap the daughter of the Hyuuga clans leader. Did you not think the Leaf would trust the Cloud after being stabbed in the back when the treaty was signed? What happened to the Hidden Cloud? Sodai, I lost all faith in you."

Aisu turned to walk out of the office, but was stopped when Sodai's voice rang throughout the room, "Aisu! You're either with this village or you are against it. It would be unwise to go against Cloud Aisu, don't do anything that you will regret later."

Aisu turned his head slightly, "It's too late for that." Walking away from Sodai Aisu knew that he would have to deal with him soon. His goal now was to take his family and flee, to where he didn't know. He just knew that as long as Sodai was leading Cloud, the village would be the bullet for wars. "I will not be apart of this? I will take my family and flee. There are plenty shinobi who share my dream, I will seek them out. We will shape the world into a better place. I must get to Hana and Reido first."

Aisu arrived at his home. When he stepped in the house he was greeted by his wife and his three year old son. Kouen, who was staying with them, had Reido on his neck. Aisu looked at Kouen, "Good, everyone's here. Hana, we're leaving this village tonight. Kouen you're more than welcome to join me and my family but if not I understand. If you do stay apologize to Kumoko and Cadaan, I'm sorry for going back on my promise of making sure they become Chuunin."

"Sensei what's going on?" Kouen asked.

"Yes, Honey why are we leaving our home?"

"This village and its leader are not trying to prevent war, they're promoting it so to speak. From the day I became a shinobi my goal was to fulfill the promise that I made on parents grave to stop wars, but without fail I have been responsible for them as well."

"Aisu you haven't done anything…"

"Hana please, I know what I have done. But it will be different. It will be like we talked only difference I will be able to seek out people who share my views. The dream will be the same just somewhere else."

"Are you sure this is what you want to do Aisu? You know I will be by your side."

"I'm sure, let's pack our things and get out of here." Aisu kissed his wife but both slowly pulled apart when the lights in their house went out. Aisu turned to Kouen, "Both you and Reido find safety."

"What's going on?" Hana asked

"They see me as threat so they've come to kill me. So, it's come to this Sodai!"

Stepping out of the shadows, the Raikage held an evil grin, "So it would seem. You have no idea how happy I am. The council agrees with me that you are a threat to the village. Old friend I gave you the option to either be with us or against us, your blatant disrespect at the council room illustrated that you were not with us."

"Sodai-kun, what are you doing? We're all friends here are we not?" Hana asked shocked by what was going on.

When shinobi from the elite BOLT surrounded them, she had her answer, "Hana do you know how much I wanted you? You're too good for him and have always been. I don't know what you see in this guy and his delusional goal for peace on Earth. We are shinobi, as long as we exist there will always be wars. Don't you get that Aisu. To be honest, I never liked you Aisu. I hated you from day one. You were Mr Perfect. The shinobi that everyone wanted to be like and the one everyone adored. I remember a Jounin saying once that you would help this village prosper because of your talents. Always in your shadow always about you - You have no idea how happy I was when your two idiot teammates died. It gave me what I needed to turn the village against you. The four year absence was more than enough to take over the village. Sandaime wanted to hand over the reigns to Tosku but Tosku wanted you to be the Raikage. You were absent and they saw no one fit to lead but you, a man who was dead to all. When Tosku left the village I seized my chance and killed the old man, thus becoming Yondaime Raikage. Puppets, the village became puppets."

"Sodai, we're like family we…"

"Wake up Hana! He doesn't care for anyone but himself. He wants us dead."

"That's not true Aisu. The fact of the matter is that I want you dead. I would never harm Hana, but you and that kid of yours will be wiped from existence so we can start a family together Hana and I."

"Sodai, you're mad. I'm sorry Sodai but I will not let you kill my son or the man I love. I will never love you." Hana said as she slipped into a fighting stance.

Sodai closed his eyes, "So be it. I really do love you Hana but if I can't have you no one will. As for you Aisu, you will die here."

Sodai appeared in front of Aisu forcing back into a wall. Seeing a shinobi place a sword within inches of Hana's neck caused him to move at a speed that he had never moved at. The Bolt member was dead before he hit the ground. Aisu dodged a few more attacks that caused him to move from Hana's side.

Hana was defending herself pretty well against the BOLT members, she wasn't one of the best in Cloud for nothing. Doing back flips, Hana pushed off of her hands and landed on one knee after she took a shinobi down. She turned to Aisu as he took down a BOLT member and smiled.

Returning the smile, Aisu smile slowly turned into a look of sudden shock as a sword was placed through her back. Sodai, ripped the sword from Hana, "I'm sorry Hana-chan but I gave you a chance to walk away from this with your life."

Aisu was at a lost for words. All he saw was Hana fall over on her face with her arm sprawled out. Three member of BOLT called themselves attacking but black flames erupted around him and burned them to a crisp. Moving at speeds that surpassed his own, Sodai eyes widened when he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen. Looking down, he saw Aisu looking behind him with a blank expression, the only words that escaped Aisu mouth was, "Die, you bastard!" in an upward motion, Dragon's fang, which was poking through Sodai's back, ripped him half. Aisu turned to the look at the remaining shinobi, all of their bodies dropped as slashes appeared all over their body. Looking down, he saw blood spilling from Hana's body.

Kneeling down next to her body, her turned her over to see that she was still alive. "Hana-chan hang on I can get some help."

"I…I….I'm not going to make it Aisu."

"Don't say that. You are strong, I know this because its one of the reasons I fell in love with you. I… " tears were falling down his eyes, "I can't do this without you Hana."

"Aisu…. You will do fine. Just make sure that ….make sure that Reido grows up to be the ….to be ….to be… like you and he will be fine. Aisu I know your dream will come true…I will….I will be watching to make sure."

"Hana, please… I can get someone here." Aisu yelled at the top of his lungs "SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME!"

Hana touched his cheek, "I never seen you scared ever, why now?"

"Hana…just hang on okay, Just hang on, for me."

"Don't be scared Aisu, everything will be okay. Even if I'm not here I will always be with you. Your parents dream…Your dream… my dream… our dream…make it a reality. Don't give….don't give…gi…u..u..u…."

Hana went limp in his arms. Aisu only cried once in his life. When his family was killed. He was now crying for the second time in his life and what over his wife's death. Looking straight ahead while holding Hana's limp form, tears were streaming down his cheeks. Everyone he had ever cared about was dead.

Aisu closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes they were colder and much darker. The light that was in them were now gone.

"I will achieve my dream Hana. I will not try to be peaceful in my approach; no I will do it by force. From this day forth, I will crush anyone who stands in my path. War… so be it. I will start a war that will make everyone fear another war. Today is a new day, no one will deter me from my goal, no one."

The blue in his eyes morphed into a crimson red. The Aisu that everyone knew was dead, the new Aisu, the colder Aisu, was now born.

End of Flashback…

Naruto calmly asked, "Where did it all go wrong for you Aisu? From what you're telling me, you're goal was very noble. The way you are pursuing it now just isn't noble. What about the kids that lost family because of your actions? What about the misery you have caused because of your so call crusade? Tell me Aisu, what where you thinking when you decided that people could no longer think for themselves?"

"Uzumaki Naruto, you have to understand that I've seen what war can do and what it has done. My whole life has practically been living in someone's war. I will not live in anyone's war, I will only live in mines, since I know I can end it anytime I feel like it. I fight to end it all, no more war no more Pain. As shinobi we are taught to have no emotion, we are trained to be killers. Well, as shinobi we also help people but it seems that many have lost sight of what a shinobi is. Standing as the ruling power I will redefine what a shinobi is. The new generation will not look to war as answer; they will look for an alternative solution. You understand that war isn't an answer but yet you stand before me instead of beside me even after all I've told you. So be it." Jumping back about thirty yards, Aisu gripped his sword while black chakra began to dance around his body. Slipping into a stance with his sword slightly above his brows, Aisu was preparing for his final move. He was preparing to use the Wicked Wind's 'Hell's Fury'

The Golden aura that encapsulated Naruto intensified. "Aisu you have your goals and I have mine. I will not hold back."

"Your only chance is Heaven's Dance Uzumaki Naruto" Aisu said as he continue to power up.

"To use Heaven's dance would be to hold back. No, I will not use Heaven's Dance… I will finish this the way it should be finished. I will end it with 'God's Hand' The ultimate and final technique of Heaven's Blade. Like I said Aisu, it ends here for you."

"We will see Uzumaki Naruto, we will see."

The two warriors stood yards away from another. One surrounded by darkness while the other surrounded by light. Preparing for their final attacks, each had one thing in mind: that one thing was to win at all cost.

To be concluded…

A\N

God's Hand? What is this jutsu that Naruto speak of and what is it capable of? Will Aisu be able to win with Hell's Fury?