Fire Rages in Konoha

10 advanced chapters on my Patreon: Fiction Haven

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[Yūhi Kurenai's POV]

All Jōnin of Konoha seemed to think about the same thing: something was brewing. Ever since Akatsuki made its presence known, Konoha had been facing a lot of predicaments. The recent one would be the war in Kusa against Iwa. Our mobilization to Suna might have something to do with Iwa, given its involvement in our matters… or the opposite.

However, for some reason, it didn't feel like it. Even as I patrolled the border between Iwa and Suna, I detected no movement whatsoever that indicated Iwa was going to make a move. Of course, I remembered Shikaku-san's words. It would be a proxy war, so Iwa might not make a move at all. But it was still weird that Iwa didn't show any physical involvement.

"In the very first place, why would they mobilize all Jōnin? Wouldn't it be a great loss if Konoha loses any of us here?" a Jōnin grumbled and I couldn't help but agree.

In addition to that, there was also a security concern. Although we had the Sandaime and the Godaime in Konoha, they still needed a hand.

Swish!

An Anbu agent wearing a fox mask appeared in front of us. Everyone instinctively fell silent. Other villages might need some time to figure out his identity, but the Konoha populace knew who he was. Only one person in Konoha had that shade of hair and such a domineering presence. The prodigy who was believed to surpass the Shodaime.

"It seems Iwa is using the help of the Prajñā Group. They are hiding in the dunes five kilometers ahead. I suggest none of you go there. Wait till they reveal themselves, but remain vigilant nonetheless. They might have infiltrated our ranks."

The seed of doubt was planted and everyone looked at each other warily. The Prajñā Group was a highly skilled group of Anbu. If we let our guard down, that would be the end of us. They were extremely good at taking out people when you least expected it.

Swish! Swish!

Two Anbu agents appeared beside Kitsune.

"The parameter is clear," one of them reported.

"That means they are planning to attack from here," Kitsune concluded. "Let's retreat. They have already bypassed the front line. This is a decoy. They are indeed already in our ranks."

"Why is that the case?" Asuma asked with a frown.

"This is our second strongest line of defense. Those Ninja are prepared to die. Their motive is to derail us from the main battle."

It was quite unbelievable that he managed to analyze it deeply within such a short time frame. You would think he had gone through a lot of war. But I guess, his time in Kusa had taught him a thing or two. Given his intellectual prowess, it should be easy for him to debunk the enemy's strategy.

Following Kitsune's suggestion, we retreated. A few kilometers from Suna, a fight was ongoing. Much to our horror, one of the most feared Nukenin was leading the fight. At our arrival, he turned around and grinned at Kitsune.

"Ah, so you have decided to wear a tangible mask now, Naruto-kun?"

"…. What are you doing here, Orochimaru?"

"Someone is stirring the pot, forcing Otogakure to make a move."

"I see…"

Crackle!

Lightning surrounded Kitsune's body as soon as he unsealed Kiba from his storage seal. Faster than one's eyes could blink they clashed in the air. The impact sent sand flying everywhere. Orochimaru's subordinates took that as their cue to make a move. Cursed Seals decorated their bodies and we quickly found ourselves overwhelmed.

Crack!

The lightning from Kitsune's swords roared every time it hit the sand, turning it into glass due to its sheer heat. It made the battlefield three times more chilling. My Genjutsu barely worked against the crazed Oto Shinobi. I could take down some of them but not kill them. They didn't give me a chance.

"Kurenai!" I heard Asuma shout.

I knew my moment had come. I couldn't dodge the attack. As I accepted my fate, I felt the space shift briefly. By the time I knew it, I was already in Kitsune's arms, a few meters away from my initial position. The Shinobi who almost got me already lost his head. Kitsune was holding in it his hand.

"Be careful, Nai-chan. This world can't afford to lose another beauty."

"N- Nai-chan…"

Despite the situation, I found myself abashed. Kitsune dropped me and resumed his fight with Orochimaru. I quickly regained my bearing and resumed fighting. It took roughly half an hour for Orochimaru to retreat with his goons.

"Unbelievable… they are dancing in your palm, Naruto-kun. Ku-Ku-Ku."

Orochimaru was riddled with injuries by the end of the fight. Still, it didn't erase his condescending smirk. On the other hand, Kitsune was relatively unharmed. His uniform was nicked here and there, but he only had a few scratches. What a terrifying prowess. It was unbelievable that he was only half my age.

"Let's go back to the village."

"Victory!"

While everyone was excitedly celebrating their survival against the Snake Sannin and his subordinates, Kitsune told everyone to retreat. He didn't care about his achievement of singlehandedly pushing Orochimaru back. I believe everyone wondered with me what kind of action he would deem achievement.

…

Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye. We hadn't encountered any big fights yet. Most of them consisted of the skirmishes with the Prajñā Group which was not quite a problem given the help of Suna Shinobi. Our hardest skirmishes were obviously the ones we had against Orochimaru and his subordinates. We lost more of our men than we did against the Prajñā Group.

Our total loss was less than thirteen, but it was depressing regardless. We were not in a proper war but lost Jōnin as quickly as we would in a proper war. As such, during the night of another small victory, we drank with our fellow Jōnin who might or might not survive the next battle. Admittedly, it was not a healthy way to cope with our anxiousness.

The hustle-bustle quieted down, prompting me to look around. A handsome blond young man entered with a tomboyish but beautiful young woman. Everyone recognized the two: the Suna's Hero and the Desert Princess. It was not a secret that Temari-san was infatuated with Naruto-kun. She always flanked his side whenever he was alone.

"Well, hello, Nai-chan."

"Hello, Naruto-kun. Having a drink for the first time?"

"This will be my second time of drinking in Suna but hundredth time of drinking. You can't stay away from alcohol if you live with Tsunade."

I thought he was averse to drinking, but he wasn't. A quick conversation about that topic revealed that he didn't have time to enjoy himself. It must have been stressful. Sometimes, I hated the way we treated capable Shinobi regardless of their age. History has taught us nothing good would come out of pushing young people to such a degree.

Kakashi became an emotionally stunted adult. Itachi became a… well, it was a dark record in the entirety of Konoha history.

"When are you going home, Naruto?" Temari-san asked.

"When this circus is over," Naruto-kun answered calmly.

"I know that, but when will it be?" Temari-san prodded.

Naruto-kun smiled wryly and turned to me.

"Why don't you bother Nai-chan about it?"

How dense. I pitied the girl for putting a feeling on him. I didn't know what was going on in his mind, but I was sure romance was the last of his concerns. Temari-san pouted and asked me instead. I chuckled slightly and told her it shouldn't be long. The other side had suffered quite a substantial loss. They should retreat soon.

Hours passed and the alcohol began to cloud my mind. I expelled some of it to regain clarity and found Temari-san passed out in Naruto-kun's embrace. For some reason, I wanted to be her. Shaking the thought off, I stood up. I was about to excuse myself when I wobbled.

"Easy there, Nai-chan. You didn't expel it enough," Naruto-kun chuckled as he caught me. Frowning, I looked at his stool and found him gone along with Temari-san. "My clone is carrying her home," he explained. "I will take you home too."

I was about to refuse but changed my mind at the last second. I felt Asuma's gaze on me as I went out with Naruto-kun but ignored it. On our way, I subconsciously tangled my arm around his and leaned my head on his shoulder. My head was heavy, so I couldn't help it.

"Have a good sleep, Nai-chan."

Too short. I wanted to feel his warmth longer. I decided to invite him inside my room. He agreed with a shrug. One thing led to another and we found ourselves in the bed. My garments had come undone, scattered on the floor thanks to his expert hands. His touch made my entire body tingle. His technique made me scream.

It was a blur for me, but his shape would forever remain unforgotten. His touch would forever remain. His scent would forever be on me. His voice would forever echo in my head.

I felt refreshed as I woke up in the morning. The previous night's event made my cheeks redden and I was excited to start the day. However, I couldn't find Naruto-kun anywhere. Some Shinobi said he had returned to Konoha and some said he was infiltrating the enemy's line. Three days passed and we were called to return.

What awaited me in Konoha would be something I would never forget.

Namikaze Naruto

Threat Rank: SS (Flee on Sight)

A master at Fūinjutsu, Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and the lost art of Hiraishin.

Bounty: 115,000,000 Ryo

Commissioned by Konoha

My entire world crumbled.