Haven't done one of these in a while, sorry to make you fan wait. Also this chapter has not been looked at by either of my betas. Enjoy and as usual read and review.

Deal with the Hyuuga Clan: Assault

"How could you not tell me?!" Hinata screamed.

"You had just stopped crying, I didn't want to make it worse," Naruto replied. Hinata had come home and dragged Naruto into his private study, and immediately tore into him for not telling her about Kato's situation.

"I'm his mother, I deserved to know," Hinata shot back.

Naruto sighed and replied, "You're right. I…I just didn't want you to push me away again." Naruto hung his head, it seemed that all he could was the hurt the people cared about.

Hinata felt the anger slowly drain out of her, as she realized what this was all about. No matter how strong Naruto's heart was, it was still the easiest part of him to hurt. She strode over to Naruto and gently placed her hands on his cheeks, "Naruto," she lifted his head to meet her gaze, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."

Naruto tightly wrapped his arms around Hinata, grateful once more to have married the kindest soul in the world. The two just stayed there, in one another's arms, basking in the comfort they found in each other. Then, slowly, both of them began to laugh as their embrace ended. The stress seemed to have just dissolved for the both of them, and now both could seem to do nothing but laugh with one another.

Naruto sighed and kissed Hinata's forehead, "We'll get through this, together."

"Together," Hinata replied, kissing him.

"I wish I could stay with you a bit longer, but I've got to help with the plans for the attack," Naruto said, "Get something to eat, and maybe a shower."

Hinata would have been insulted, if she couldn't literally feel the dirt on her skin, "I will."

"Good."

xxxXxxx

"I can't believe this," Naruto muttered to Shikamaru. They were in the commander's tent waiting for the scouting teams report.

"Stop complaining," Shikamaru said. If anyone should be complaining it should be him. A week, that's how long it took to wait for the runners to return. Then he had to oversee the gathering of supplies, make sure Lee calmed down enough to debrief the forces on the combat ability of the enemy, and help Naruto prepare a report for the other Kage. He really needed to find a replacement soon. Now he and Shikamaru were waiting on the northernmost island of Kiri's territory, while Kakashi had taken the other half of his forces straight to Kirigakure.

Once Kakashi made sure everything was safe and secure there he'd ask Mei for reinforcements that knew this island the best.

"I should be out there with the scouting party," Naruto grumbled.

"If I was an idiot you would be," Shikamaru said, "Just because you know where a landmine is doesn't mean it can't hurt you."

"What does that even mean?" Naruto asked.

Shikamaru sighed, "We know they set a trap, but they've got nothing to force it into us. I bet they heard your reputation and realized that if they pushed the right buttons you'd charge in like a rookie without a plan. Good thing your wife can keep you on a leash, or you'd of fallen for this hook, line, and sinker."

"You're never going to let me forget that one are you?"

Shikamaru grinned and said, "Not a chance."

"You can't imagine how many nights I'm going to be spending on the couch for pulling rank and forcing him Hinata and Hanabi to stay to home," Naruto said. "Speaking of leashes, what's the word from Temari and Suna?" Naruto asked.

"Good," Shikamaru replied, "they faced the same hit-and-run attacks that everyone else did, but there's a reason Suna and Wind Country haven't been conquered, despite their size. Surprisingly, they'll be the ones sparing the most reinforcements."

"Great," Naruto said, "Hopefully, you were wrong about Kiri's situation."

"Fingers crossed," Shikamaru replied.

"Hokage-sama," Naruto and Shikamaru looked up as the scout team leader let himself in.

"Wolf, was your team's mission a success?" Shikamaru asked.

"Yes, sir," Wolf replied, "they didn't even know we were watching."

"Then report," Naruto ordered.

"There base is right where the intel said it would be," Wolf began as he unfurled a detail map of the fort on the desk, "It's a fortress on the northwestern cliffs of the island. They've got two-hundred foot cliff drops on all sides except in front of their only entrance which faces southeast, and they've cut down the trees a hundred and fifty feet in that direction. They've got archers, ballista, and kunai launchers all over that wall."

"Kunai launchers, are you sure?"

"We counted fifteen, sir, probably bought off the black market in Snow Country. We thought the cliff sides could be another means of approach but we spotted large cauldrons on those walls. They also have cannons pointing out to sea."

"Great, it's either oil, that'll cause our forces slip off the wall and fall into the water, or boiling oil, that'll turn our troops into fried chicken," Shikamaru said. "Then there are those cannons. If they could afford those kunai launchers, then I'm betting those guns are ship sinkers."

"Anything else?" Naruto asked, "Were you able to get inside?"

"The hundred-fifty foot clearing made that a bit tricky, but two of my team, Jiro of Konoha and Tee of Kumo, knew the Camouflage Justu. Unfortunately, they enemy seems to have a barrier expert with them; it's a good the thing we had Tee with us. Her expertise in seals prevented them from tripping the alarm."

"So, a no go on the infiltration?" Shikamaru asked.

"Didn't say that, sir, just thought it was a noteworthy moment given how hard Hokage-sama has been working to keep the Big Five united," Wolf replied. "One of the other scouts, Shirotsuchi of Iwa, managed to use the Earth River Swim to sneak in."

"Interesting," Shikamaru said, "Go on."

"Well, Shirotsuchi, has a kekkei genkai that gives him control over magnetism, when he came back he reported that he sensed mines in the ground; both on the surface and underground at various distances. Without his kekkei genkei he might have hit one."

"Their leader really did his homework," Shikamaru said.

"Despite the traps, Shirotsuchi, did manage to give us a look inside," Wolf said and pointed to the northeastern side of the fort, "The barracks are located here and behind them are the prison cells; right next to them on the northern corner is the armory. Next to those is a nice and large important looking building."

"The leader's home?" Shikamaru asked.

"I'd bet a month's wages on it, sir," Wolf replied. "Shirotsuchi couldn't find a store house, so we assume the food is in that same main building. Also, he noted that there was some sort of pentagram in the main courtyard."

"Troublesome," Shikamaru muttered, things were starting to come together.

"I know that troublesome," Naruto replied, "what have you got?"

"Just a hunch," Shikamaru replied, before sighing and saying, "I knew they'd really dig in, but this guy really covered his bases. Not to mention that most of our enemies are probably tortured and brainwashed civilians. We can lose a lot of people on this operation."

"Are you getting cold feet, Shikamaru?" Naruto asked.

"I didn't say that," Shikamaru replied, "We're shinobi, getting into where we're not wanted is our job."

Naruto smirked and leaned on the table, "So what's the plan?"

"First, we have to wait for Kakashi and Kiri."

xxxXxxx

"Looks like we're late to the party," Kakashi said to Sakura. Their forces had just arrived on Kiri's doorstep and it looked like Kiri had just finished cleaning up. Bodies had been lined up outside and there were broken siege weapons outside the walls.

"Identify yourselves!" Kakashi and Sakura looked up to see the Mizukage, Mei Terumi, standing on top of the wall, "Or we will open fire!"

"Mizukage-sama, I'm Jonin Commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces, Hatake Kakashi, we've come to provide help," Kakashi shouted.

Mei leapt off the wall and approached Kakashi and his army, "A bit late, don't you think?"

"We apologize for our timing, Mizukage-sama," Kakashi replied, but flashed her his trademark eye smile and added, "but I think we can make it up. Sakura-chan."

"Hai," Sakura said, "Medic Core, Supply Troops, you're up!" In a flash fifty men and women in medical uniforms lined up behind Sakura. Behind them came twenty carts loaded with medical supplies and food. "Where do you need us, Mizukage-sama?"

Mei blinked owlishly and replied, "It was only a three week siege."

"Sorry, Mizukage-sama," Kakashi said, "Our Hokage doesn't know the meaning of overboard."

"Well, it's best not to look a gift horse in the mouth," Mei replied and turned to Sakura, "Sakura, was it?"

"Yes, ma'am," as soon as those word left her mouth the temperature around them skyrocketed.

"Ma'am?" Mei asked as her twitched violently.

"Oh, boy," Kakashi slapped his forehead.

"I-I didn't, I mean uhh…what I meant to say was…" Sakura sputtered for a response.

It was painful watching his former student try to dig herself out of this hole. "Forgive my friend, Mizukage-sama, she hit her pretty hard on the way over here. We're sure she has a concussion."

"Yes, I have a concussion," Sakura agreed quickly.

The temperature came down, and Mei looked sympathetically at Sakura, "Oh, you poor dear."

Kakashi sighed and ordered Sakura to oversee the medical teams and to stay as far away from Mei as possible. Then he turned to Mei, "Who would you like to put in charge of food distribution?"

"I have the perfect man in mind," Mei replied. "One of my scouts reported seeing a large force amassing on the northern island. What's that about?"

"We found the terrorist headquarters and the allied forces are preparing for the assault. Our mission here was twofold; provide reinforcements and supplies, and ask if you could spare any ships and men. Kiri's knowledge and naval might would be a great asset," Kakashi explained.

"You can count on it," Mei replied, "No one attacks Kiri, and walks away with their life. You'll get you men and fifteen of my best ships."

"Thank you, Mizukage-sama."

xxxXxxx

By the next morning all the preparations for the assault were ready. Shikamaru had split the army in two; one half was waiting in the woods, the other was waiting on the cliff side, and both would make their move once the signal was given. The ships were waiting to move into firing range to keep everyone in the fortress subdued. All that remained was to brief the team that would carry out the most crucial role in Shikamaru's plan.

"Shirotsuchi, Kazu, and Ro of Iwa you're the lynchpin of plan, so listen up," Shikamaru said, "You two possess the same kekkei genkei as Shirotsuchi, so all three of you can sneak into the fortress undetected. Once you're inside your priority is on those weapons guarding the entrance, and the cauldrons."

"What kind of security can we expect?"

"Heavy and you'll only use lethal force if necessary," Naruto said.

"Why?" Jo asked.

"From our intel we learned that a majority of enemies are kidnapped civilians that have been brainwashed into servitude. We don't was this operation to turn into a political mess that turns us into murderers," Shikamaru explained. "Once you're done, you'll shoot off a flare to signal the attack, understood?"

"Understood," all three answered.

"Then move out," Naruto said and all three did just that.

"Come on," Shikamaru said, "let's go join the force in the woods."

xxxXxxx

It had been had forty-five minutes since the Iwa trio had been sent off, forty-five minutes of silence, and then the bright red flare burned through the sky.

"That's the signal," Shikamaru said, "Earth Jutsu Team, give us some cover." A large group flew out of the tree line their hands flying through seals.

In great roar they all called out, "Doton: Earth Wall Justu!" Giant walls of rock erupted from the ground creating a barrier that nearly stretched to the walls of the fortress.

"Charge!" Naruto's cry carried out across the field and soon the army came out of the tree's like any angry swarm. The alarms inside the fort were howling like made and arrows flew from the wall, while everyone else on the wall was trying to get the heavy weapons to fire.

The troops on the cliff were running up the walls like rats after a meal. The men and women the wall, hearing the cry of the alarm, immediately took notice of the shinobi on their walls and desperately tried to tip over the cauldron of oil. Fortunately, the infiltration team had managed to jam the cauldrons in place, and with no trap in their way the ninja climbed right over the wall and began subduing everyone.

Kiba put a microphone to his lips and said, "Everyone down on the ground with your hands on your head, and you won't be harmed. If you resist, you will be taken down by force. Do not attempt to escape, we have ships and men at all exits."

It was obvious to everyone that the shinobi army was quickly pushing back the attack, and gaining control over the fort. Kiba sighed as it looked like everything was going smoothly, then a scream went out over the crowd. He looked into the court yard to see two men dispatching his men with ease.

One was giant man in plate armor, swinging a heavy mace in one hand and a giant axe in the other. He was breaking and cleaving men and women with ease. On the other side of the courtyard was a smaller man in green, who laughed as he beheaded a man.

"Shit," Kiba muttered and used his mike, "All units back off the giant and the man in green, we'll need a plan to take them down."

"You ninja shall die by hand!" Jaku roared as he buried his mace in the ground with such force that he caused it to rumble.

"Is this the best you can do? Pathetic," Ishida said as he kicked away a Kumo kunoichi. Readying for another attack he realized that everyone had back off.

"Projectile justu only," Kiba said, "It'll be an easy kill." Before Kiba could give the order to fire, two blurs crashed into both men and threw them into the center of the courtyard.

"So, I take it one of you is the big boss around here?" both men looked up to see Naruto standing there with his arms crossed, "I'd really like to have a word with you." As Naruto looked around he felt that the assault seemed to only last minutes. Most of the civilians had been subdued easily thanks to Lee's information, and the prisoners were being freed. All that was left was to take care of these two.

"I'm sorry, Hokage-sama, but those men aren't in charge here," Naruto stared at the men who had just walked out of the main building, "I am. You may call me, Sanzo."

"Well, then I guess you're the guy that I'm going to plant headfirst into the ground," Naruto replied.

"I don't think so," Sanzo replied and snapped his fingers. The pentagram Naruto was standing in lit up like a star. Ropes of light wrapped themselves around Naruto and pulled him down to the ground, "I knew someone like you would run right in here, looking for justice."

"What is this?" Naruto growled as he pushed against the light.

"I suppose you should know," Sanzo said he walked into the pentagram himself. The ropes of light wrapped themselves around him pushing him into the air above Naruto, "Since I was a boy I had the power to manipulate the people around me. At first it was only through suggestion, but as I grew I learned to twist people's minds to will. However, I have my limits, but with the Kyuubi inside you I could expand my influence across the Elemental Nations."

"You wouldn't be able to control its chakra," Naruto spat.

"Of course not, that's why I have this," Sanzo replied and pulled out a diamond, "Your first Hokage wasn't the only one who created jewels that gave him influence over the Bijuu. This diamond will be the leash I wrap around that demon's neck."

"You're not going to get away this," Naruto said as he put everything he had into breaking his bonds.

"I already have. Now, I will be taking the Kyuubi," Sanzo said. The pentagram grew brighter and exploded with amazing force, tossing Sanzo's henchmen out of it. "Finally, the power is mine."

Naruto's chakra was ripped out of his body, all of it being dragged into Sanzo's diamond. The mad man laughed as he felt the power filling his gem, everything he had been planning and working for was finally going to bear fruit.

"I will be a god amongst men!"

Everyone looked on in shock, panic welling up inside of them.

Until one voice said, "I wouldn't count on that." All eyes turned to the man who spoke as he stepped forward and lit a cigarette.

"Who are you, plebian?"

"Shikamaru Nara, and I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine," Shikamaru replied and stepped aside to reveal surprising sight, "His name is Naruto Uzumaki, I think you've met."

"What?" Sanzo looked down at the Naruto he had trapped, "He can't be a clone. This amount of chakra is enormous!"

"Well, you're right about the chakra," Shikamaru replied, then he paused to blow out a cloud of smoke, "It was a decent plan, after all on any day of the week you can usually count on Naruto to use his heart before his head. Your plan would've worked too, if it hadn't been for one woman."

Sanzo was beginning to feel funny, looking down he saw his feet begin to change shape, "What's happening?"

"Like I said, you're right about the chakra," Shikamaru said. "When I found out your little seal, I began to realize what you might be planning. With that in mind I told our fearless leader here to make a clone and fill it with Nature Chakra."

"Nature Chakra?" Sanzo asked as his skin began to turn red.

"Yeah, it's a powerful type of chakra that takes special training to use," Shikamaru explained, and then he took another drag from his cigarette. He just stared as Sanzo shrunk more and more, wart popping out here and there on his body. Letting the smoke in his chest out he continued, "Now, if you don't have this special training, something interesting happens."

Sanzo began to scream but all that came out was, "RIBBIT."

"You turn into a toad," Shikamaru said and before him was a human sized toad, "and then…"

Toad Sanzo tried to hop away, but before he could get two feet he dropped to ground. Looking at his body, he croaked madly as he saw stone beginning to cover his body.

"You turn to stone." Everyone watched as the stone slowly covered Sanzo's body, until all that remained was a stone statue of a toad.

"To bad for you," Shikamaru said as he dropped his cigarette and ground it out. Then he turned to Naruto and said, "Now do you understand why it's good to have a plan?"

"Yes," Naruto said and gulped as he stared at the stature. Watching Shikamaru gather all the commanders, Naruto muttered, "Really happy I hired him."

xxxXxxx

The end is near folks.

Also, always bet on Nara.