(1 Year Later)
Kurenai was Ten when she was thrown to war...
Her team with Ebisu and Asuma was broken and torn and shattered beyond repair.
In a rush decision made by the council, she and many others are promoted by the sole merit of being alive for longer than expected.
She is a Chuunin, Just like most of them.
But she does not want this responsibility.
"Have you heard, Hatake Kakashi is already recommended for the Jonin Position, at the age of 8 No less", Ebisu said
"..."
"Looks like you're already forgotten Kurenai-chan, for a traitor's son no less"
"He won't be selected this time, He is too young", Asuma replied
"Yes, But what's important is he is recommen--
"Will you stop it", Kurenai said
"Kurenai", Asuma said
"Didn't you hear what happened to Hatake Yasaki? He dropped out of the Genin roster because he has to take care of his tou-san all of the time. He can't be a Genin again. And he was the most talented Kenjutsu user I ever saw. Kakashi is the same, Even though he didn't drop out, it does not mean he is not having tough. Why do you guys keep forgetting that he is only 8 this year? I heard Citizens even burned Hatake Mansion and tried to assassinate White Fang"
"..."
"They are having tougher times than all of us, So, please, Let's just stop talking", She sighed
Yasaki who was in transformation, buying some Vegetables, heard it. As he stared at Kurenai for a couple of seconds.
"They're thinking of sending us on the front lines", Asuma said changing the topic. His voice hysterical
"We're going to die"
...
Yasaki followed Kurenai to Graveyard as he watched her putting food on the grave.
Kurenai goes to pray at her parent's grave because it's her first birthday after her parent's death.
She brings red poppies and quotes a passage from her happy life.
We are the Dead. Short days ago.
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Love and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields
She hopes her parents heard it.
When she raised and turned back, he was standing there.
He offered a sad smile, "Hello Kurenai, Long time no see"
"What do you want", She asked without even showing any emotion
"I thought, you should know that Tou san didn't cau--
"I don't care"
"..."
"But What I do care is, It's because of him, That I am an orphan"
"..."
She bowed a little, "Goodbye", She left
"Don't you think it's unfair for him, What Did he do wrong? Coming home with some Ungrateful Bastard? Someone who is now living happily with his daughter and wife, I heard that his wife is expecting a second"
"..."
"Not only he and his wife didn't say thank you, They even slander us. WHY?"
"..."
"Weather It was Tou san or anyone else Leading that mission. Whether they completed or failed the mission. The third War would inevitably be started. He Came Back With Alive Comrades Who Would Have Died There Without Him, Yet, The War Would Have Still Started, SO WHAT DID HE DO SO WRONG. WHY DO YOU ALL HAVE TO ABHOR US FOR THAT", He yelled turning back and staring at her
"..."
"I don't care"
He chuckled, "Of course you don't. What was I thinking coming here"
She looks back at him with no emotion whatsoever, "If that's all, I will be taking my leave"
"..."
She Left, He chuckled even more as he made his way to her parent's grave and picks the Red Poppies from her parent's grave to destroy it. If she doesn't care, Then he shouldn't as well right?
"..."
"..."
He put it back down as he bowed to their grave, "I hope that you rest in peace"
Kurenai watched all of this from behind the tree.
XXXXXXX
"You asked Otou San?", Yasaki came to Sakumo's Study room
"Hmmm...", Sakumo put down the book in his hand as he looked at Yasaki with seriously
Sakumo stands and walks toward where the map is.
"Here, In the west is the Land of Earth, where Iwagakure Lies, and on the east is Land of Lightning Kumogakure. We are unfortunately in the middle of every Village. For more than 50 years, all five Hidden Villages are fighting for useless supremacy"
"..."
"Do you know, how the first war came to an end", Sakumo asked
"A peace treaty was signed between Villages, and Second Hokage was killed through a trick in one of the treaty signing, by Kumogakure, With Second Hokage's death, First War Ended, and the era ended"
"Right, The previous monarchs tried to end this severe war by setting up marriage treaties between the royal families, that's what became the base of the first Treaty between Villagers"
"But soon after, Third Kazekage disappeared, and Suna's Lady Chiyo used tricks and misunderstanding to create a Second war all by herself. She was super scary"
"..."
"The Second treaty was proposed using the same method, But, It ended with the life of 'Z' a Noble from Kumogakure, during his wedding night"
"It was tried again for a second time, But the Second agreement was also no good as the Uzumaki princess went missing. and was found dead 5 days later, The next one aggravated the feud more"
"It was clear that the Method wouldn't work anymore"
"Why are you telling me this?
Sakumo took a deep breath, "Kirigakure has proposed the Treaty with Konoha. Hokage sama agreed, and asked me to have you marry"
"..."
"What are your thoughts on this?"
"Konoha has almost won the war against Kirigakure. It's only a matter of time before it's over. But He wants Hatake's back. Especially now that we are beginning to show our True Potential. He knows that he can't have me until unless he has you. So, When Kiri proposed the Alliance as the last straw, He pulled the strings, and Have Hatake heir to marry Kirigakure Princess despite the protest. Killing two birds with one stone"
Sakumo smiled Proudly
"He pulled a lot of strings to have you gain Political Powers. He did you a Huge favor today, You are indebted to him, So, when he asked for a favor tomorrow, You won't be able to refuse. Even if the Princess of Kirigakure kills me in the future, Hatake's will lose its heir, and the Clan power will be reduced to only 2. Once we agree, It will be a full proof plan. Either Follow Konoha willingly or die"
Sakumo smiled, "What do you think I should do"
Yasaki shrugged, "I am sure You already have made the decision"
Sakumo Smile even more proudly, "I have decided that you will marry the princess of Kirigakure, Mei Terumi is her name, I believe, She is 12. And The Member of Kirigakure's Royal family"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"I agree", Yasaki said without any emotion
Sakumo smiled, "You're not gonna even ask me why?"
"No, I trust you more than anything or anyone else in this world. Besides, My marriage will clear the way for Kakashi in the future. Gaining political Powers will help him grow as well"
Sakumo gently smiled and knelt in front of Yasaki, caressing his cheeks, "You are a son I am most proud of, I am sorry that I am not a good father"
"You are an Excellent Father, and Besides, Even if you didn't make this decision, I would have done something to ease Kakashi's journey"
Sakumo chuckled, "Don't just think for your Father and Little Brother all the time, Think about yourself for a change"
Yasaki nodded
"You didn't listen, Did you?"
"No", Yasaki said with full seriousness
Sakumo chuckled
Sakumo stood up, "You will be married to each other in a month"
Yasaki nodded, "Will she live here?"
"No, You two will not be living together, Till both of you are 18 or older"
"Then why marry us now? It's better to find someone older"
Sakumo chuckled, "It's not like that, Her family has political powers Hokage sama needs, and you are his bridge to Hatake Clan. It's absolutely necessary to have you two marry now. Don't forget it's not marriage but a Political war"
Yasaki nodded
XXXXXXX
In the Temple, Yasaki stood at the Alter, Bearing no expression whatsoever.
This marriage is a huge risk, It might be a good thing for his family or It might end his life right there and then. Even though he didn't show it, He was nervous.
The Only People Present there were Kushina, Entire Team 7. Sakumo and Hokage with Council Members.
'No one from Kiri came. Not even her parents'
Yasaki thought
The door creaks open and the people look back to see this Kirigakure princess. A woman wearing a white dress walks toward Yasaki, bringing a bouquet of flowers with servants helping her with her long dress, with Rin as the Maid of Honor.
Yasaki frowned, This is pure Insult to her and to him
She reached Yasaki and stood beside him.
She was standing tall for a young slender woman with fair skin. She has green eyes and auburn hair.
"Even though I always dream about my marriage, I never wanted to marry a Scum of Konoha's, Tree Hugger. Oh, wait, you are not even of Konoha's anymore", She whispered
"Despite that, Your Parents and Village gave you away. You are a sheep in a wolf's den right now… Aren't you?", Yasaki whispered back
She glared at him, He chuckled
Together, they stand before the gods. He was chuckling and His bride glaring at him, showing her unwavering will and frustration.
The priest grabs the holy oil and then turns to Yasaki first. "Hatake Yasaki, will you take this girl Terumi Mei as your lawfully wedded wife?"
"..."
The priest stares at Yasaki awkwardly and asks the question again.
"I will"
The priest sighs in relief.
"Terumi Mei, will you take Hatake Yasaki as your lawfully wedded husband?"
"..."
The bride remains silent. He asks it again and again, and yet she doesn't say a word. The priest bites his lips and asks one final time, but still no answer.
"Answer the bloody question already!"
Her eye twitches. She turns around and looks at the man to annoy him with a smirk.
"A vow of undying love? We all know that all words spoken at this wedding are like thin air. The vows promised will soon be broken, once my head will be in a spike. Did you really think that I would believe a single word that all of you will say? I will marry this man, but I will never promise to the gods my love for him"
The tension grows as everyone keeps silent. They glare at her angrily, showing her that she has no power here.
Sakumo on the other hand chuckled, "She has all the qualities of a good wife"
"..."
"..."
"..."
Everyone including Yasaki and Mei Looked at Sakumo like he had grown two heads.
'Seriously, I am surrounded by a bunch of weirdos'
...
The two exchange rings and held hold hands, waiting for the priest's words.
"By this ring, I thee wed thy couple, and bind thee by the holiness of our gods. They shall be bound by thy ring, worn for thy finger." The priest state. "You may now kiss your bride"
Yasaki leans down and kisses her lips. He feels her body stiffen. This was both of their first kisses in their life.
XXXXXXX
(6 Months Later)
Team 7 or more commonly known as Team Minato, was traveling for 3 Months Straight because this mission was very important for them
The boat trip was boring but they all tensed up slightly, knowing they were no longer on home grounds, entering the Land of Waves, and keeping alert for anything matching what Minato said earlier about someone else being behind this.
Obito and Kakashi were walking up ahead, getting in front of each other each time.
"Stop," Minato called as he looked around and Kakashi became on edge as well as a mist covered the area and Rin took a deep breath to calm herself since she could feel herself getting edgy.
"In the formation, now," Minato said calmly as they surrounded their client, ready with kunai in their hands as they looked and listened.
Rin and Obito gulp
"So Konoha has already started moving out this way?" A voice called as they all looked up at a tree and saw a Kirigakure ANBU sitting up there with blonde shaggy hair and a green triangle on his mask. He was wearing a black outfit with bandages around his neck and carried two long swords.
"Hand over the man and I'll consider letting you go."
"Kuriarare Kushimaru, I never expected for Kirigakure to already be this far out but sorry to disappoint you, we can't hand him over. Protecting him is our mission." Minato said up to him and he clicked his tongue.
"I would advise against it", said the Kirigakure Shinobi
"Kiri and Konoha have reached the peace agreement already", Minato said
"That agreement means nothing to me", Kirigakure Shinobi said as he jumped straight at Minato as they began to fight.
Minato using his Hiraishin to escape out of the webs of ninja wire Kushimaru was using with his long swords as they clashed with force enough to make anyone want to run away in the situation.
Obito watched with awe as the jonin and ANBU clashed and Rin watched as well with furrowed eyebrows, worried about their sensei while Kakashi and Rin watched and sensed intently, always checking around when they had the time in the battle to do it, both of them through experience.
Minato was tiring Kushimaru down who was getting frustrated at the Yellow Flash who was easily avoiding his throwing long swords… So he changed his target and threw his sword for their protective group as everyone watched with wide eyes as it headed straight for them.
Kakashi knocked it off coarse with his kunai as it aimed upwards as Rin remembered the wire attached and jumped up, kicking the sword away from their group when Minato took control again.
"Good work." Kakashi nodded at her as she nodded back and they got back into formation when the mist became denser and they stood rigidly. At Rin's intake of breath, they turned to realize Kushimaru was in the center of their group, ready to stitch through them.
Minato was there in a flash, pushing his team away but not without getting caught on his side himself as he was yanked up against a tree and the wire wrapped around him as he gritted his teeth against the pain in his side and struggled.
"Why isn't sensei using his Body Flicker?" Obito asked out in panic, getting up from the floor as they regrouped around Their Client but Kushimaru was missing.
"There are seals on those wires," Kakashi stated, squinting through the mist as Rin did the same and saw them as well.
"Sensei!" Rin muttered in panic. The circle around the client got closer this time. Rin's eyes went wide as the long sword was flying through the air towards them again and she deflected it with her kunai when at the last second she saw the kunai that was in the shadow of the sword but another kunai deflected it and she nodded her thanks at Kakashi.
"I think I'll take out these brats and the client before I deal with you Yellow Flash… You'll become a nuisance in the future of the war." Kushimaru's voice floated around with a sick laugh.
"No…" Minato whispered out in frantic panic for his students. "Go, get out of here!" He said to his team who looked at him stunned. "He can't go anywhere as long as one of his swords is trapping me and feeding his chakra, remember the mission, protect our Client and destroy the bridge,"
Minato said with command and Kakashi moved to get the team moving before Obito caught his arm.
"That was no longer an option as soon as he trapped sensei," Obito explained.
"What do you mean?" Rin asked in confused panic as she looked around with fear in her eyes as well.
"He'll kill Minato-sensei as soon as we leave and with a civilian, he'll catch up quickly and kill all of us, including our client. We don't stand a chance without sensei so we only have one option here." Obito explained as all of their faces become fearful, and looked up at the client.
"Fight as much as you want if it'll increase the chance of this mission succeeding… I am the one who got us here in the first place." The client said with a shrug and Obito smirked.
"What are you doing? We have our orders" Kakashi growled
"You all ran out of your Luck when you met me, No need to fight each other on how you will escape", Kushimaru said
"I wouldn't be so sure", came an Unknown voice out of nowhere
!!!!
Shocking everyone
Chi Chi Chi
The Lightning veiled sword came flying in fast speed at him out of nowhere.
Kushimaru had no choice but to block the attack, It was not possible to dodge it now.
He grits his teeth as he was flown back by a lot. Before a Huge explosion took place
Booooommmmm
The Thrown weapon was like a thunderbolt thrown by Zeus, Powerful, Destructive, and incredibly fast.
Lightning break, as Yasaki appeared out of nowhere, and was standing in front of the black sword that he threw earlier.
"Nii san"
"Yasaki, what are you doing here?", Minato asked pleasantly surprised
Yasaki pulled out the sword from the ground, as he looked back, "I am searching for Tou san. He has been missing for almost 2 months now"
!!!
"what?"
XXXXXXX
(2 Months Ago)
"Finally, found you", says Sakumo hiding in the trees.
As Ryu Uchiha was leaving to meet up with the Masked Man, he heard a voice.
"Damn... already?" Ryu jump down to the ground. "Reveal yourself!"
Sakumo revealed himself, "So, You found me following you. I guess I am getting worse with age"
"YOU TOTALLY SPOKE"
!!!!
"Really, It's so embarrassing then", Sakumo covered his face
Ryu Uchiha mouth twitched, "Are you messing with me"
"..."
"..."
"Yes", Sakumo said
"..."
"..."
Ryu grit his teeth, "Get out of my way.... Or I'll make you" Ryu opened his eyes revealing his Sharingan.
"Sure, Whatever, Before that though, Where is that Orange masked man", said Yasaki
"Behind you", came the voice behind him
!!!!!
Sakumo got shocked as his body shook by the killing intent and Pure Raw pressure and he jumped back to gain some distance between them.
'What tremendous Power', Sakumo thought
"Who are you", asked Sakumo
"Dead people don't need to know my name", said the masked man Madara Uchiha