THE WILL OF FIRE
"Prologue - The Yellow Flash."
The moon rose over a quiet forest. In the distance, faint clangs of war called out to the shinobi of the Hidden Cloud. They sang to them to find them. They begged them to find their source. They called out to Ei and his men. They demanded their attendance.
But Ei forced himself to wait. They were not alone. The enemy was near. Ei steeled his men for against the impending attack. They was ready to strike. All they needed was a target.
Which was finally appeared. A group of Leaf Shinobi had broken off from the main force. They were spreading out, looking for targets. They hadn't noticed Ei or his men. However, it was only a matter of time before they did.
Their leader was unmistakable. The Yellow Hair, the striking blue eyes, the brashness, all pointed to one man - The Yellow Flash. He was dangerous. He could kill them all by himself if he wanted. This fact both terrified and excited him. If he could do the impossible and kill "The Yellow Flash," then he would earn the respect he so earned for. Not that this would be an easy task. Few things in life worth having were. But if could just find a way to do the impossible . . .
For one tense moment no one moved. The enemy had finally noticed them. Both sides were wary. Ei had to attack now or lose his advantage. So, he attacked. However, Namikaze was far too fast. He threw his trademarked kunai then easily dodged his fastest punch. He made Ei look like a fool. That angered him. How could this skwanny little man out perform him? He looked as if you could break him in two!
Even worse than that he had to be saved by Bee. He was disgraced in front of his men. His glory had turned to shame. He insulted him further by casually turning his back to him and starting to walk away. It didn't matter that he was "retreating," it was an insult! Ei couldn't stand it. He wanted revenge! No one would disrespect him and get away with it.
But that was when the man said something puzzling. He complimented them. He went so far as to honor Bee for valor. This was not an action that Ei expected. It was also something he didn't understand. The enemy was the enemy, you do not honor them. What kind of man was this? What kind of fool was this Flash?
If it had stopped there, Ei would have been able to pass off his words as that of a strange enemy. But he didn't. He went on about Bee possessing something powerful. But not as a Jinchuriki but or a shinobi but as a man. Ei didn't understand what this man was going on about.
Sure, he knew that Bee was strong. It was a source of great pride for Ei. His power and talent was amazing. He was a powerful shinobi and an even better Jinchuriki. No one had ever controlled the eight tails the way Bee could! He was something to behold.
But that was not what Namikaze meant. Ei knew that. He was going about something stupid, something pointless. Bee had something more important? What in the hell was that? What was more important than being the strength of village? Ei didn't understand that man and he liked him even less. He wanted to kill him even more now. But how, could he do that?
Namikaze didn't seem interested in killing him though. He was too busy lecturing him on something stupid. Almost as if Ei was his student. This man was truly ridiculous. He was Leaf, an enemy. How dare he lecture him! He had no right.
"If you don't realize soon what's important to your brother, you'll lose him both as a Jinchuriki and as a person."
His words were pointless. They were enemies, they were not the same by any right. They were definitely not equals. How could lecture him as if he was a friend? How could such as man possibly become hokage?
Ei didn't trust the man. He knew of his true intentions. He would attack again. Ei just had to beat him to the punch. So, he powered up his lightening then rushed at him.
As expected, Namikaze dodged his attack. But where he appeared next was shocking! He appeared right behind Bee. But there were no kunai there. He must have marked Bee earlier! Now, the two were in a dead lock. Namikaze's kunai pointed downwards towards Bee's head while Bee's sword pointed towards his gut. If either moved, they would both be dead.
Namikaze was truly amazing. He was a great Shinobi - even if he was crazy. Ei had to give him that - even if he hated him so. To do otherwise would dishonor their way of life. He couldn't beat the man and that stung.
If that was the end of it, then Ei would be fine with that. But no, he had to keep talking.
"You're my enemy, but I do like you. You truly move like a shinobi killer."
Ei didn't understand that man. He doubted that he ever would. But he would never forget his battle with the future Hokage. Nor would he ever like him. He was far too arrogant for his taste. But as the years went on, perhaps he could find a way to work with him. He spared his brother's life so he owed him that much . . .