Chapter 55: Yugito the Free Slave

Days after reaching First Rise, the Fire army had been standing still without much to do beyond further fortifying their position with the construction of trenches, palisades and watchtowers that stretched far from the walls of the city and helped to make for a more fitting area of control that could deny surprise attacks or saboteurs.

Still the situation was difficult for the army was growing restless due to the lack of progress on the campaign and the lack of a foe to contend with. Particularly in a land with such a bleak history for the Land of Fire.

The fact that their rations now needed to be shared with the freed slaves also put a drag on the whole army's morale who wasn't exactly getting over the fact that these were still natives to the Land of Lightning.

Scouting parties had been sent to start mapping out the nearby regions and settlements with the hopes of finding a good target to move on to and hopefully capture resources to help ease the situation on the supply department.

Envoys had been sent back to Frost and Hot Springs to ask for resources for the campaign but any reply, good or not, would take several days to come and a steady supply line even longer to stablish.

On the meantime, smaller detachments of the Fire army numbering a few thousands were sent out to the nearest areas Samui had pointed could be pockets of significant response to the incursion.

Sasuke being in command of the army's cavalry was the one who took upon himself to lead these forces and had enjoyed some marginal success in routing some local militias away though no fighting had actually taken place and fearing ambushes he held back from persecuting them further inland.

A suggestion was made to march towards the coast to try to link up with some Water vessels to have them relay messages back to Fire to try and get an ocean going supply line from the Uzumaki lands or from Water itself.

But Samui advised not to do such a thing for the Coast boasted a craggy line that made only the settlements further in the north suitable for such a task. Not to mention that coastal settlements were the ones boasting the largest number of slaves and though she wanted them free, she acknowledged the hardship they would mean for the army.

"Is A the kind of man to let an enemy roam his lands and not do a thing?!" groaned Kiba flexing his hands as his fingers caressed the metal claws on his legs' sides.

"He knows himself inferior in fighting troops so he is waiting for the most advantageous moment to strike at us…then again, attrition and tiredness might force us out in time if we fail to establish a sufficient enough supply line and actually start to achieve something here" added Shikamaru.

"You think he will present battle?" asked Temari as she helped ink a map with all the findings of the scouts.

"He has to, I think, even him has a reputation to uphold with his people and letting a foreign army freeing slaves and roaming unchecked must put a question on his leadership" said Ino thinking about the political pressures of such campaigns.

"Then he wants to lure us where he can hurts the most…but that in turn makes both forces weary of facing each other, but at the same time puts a strain on troops who wants to be let go at something…the first to blink lose then" concluded Neji making the rest of the commanders feel uneasy.

"Any word yet from Frost and Hot Springs?" asked Naruto from a chair where he observed the map with a thinking pose that featured a focused sight under a slight frown.

"None…I wouldn't put much stock on them beyond simply letting our supply train come unhindered and that may hinge on how we progress on the campaign…" replied Sasuke giving voice to a shared concern.

As they continued to deliberate on how to pursue the campaign and contemplate to move further inland, the peal of alarm bells drew their attention and rushing to the balcony that gave a clear view of the valley beyond the city, they saw the cause for their tolling.

A small force of riders no bigger than three thousand was making way towards the city from afar with cobalt blue banners which sported a set of twin silver curved sabers. Next to it a banner of silver with a yellow lightning bolt sewn on it and finally a white flag riding in front of them.

"Enemy envoy?" suggested Sakura seeing that the army bellow was at least quickly rousing to the alarm and getting ready for combat.

"No my Lady; that would be Lady Yugito Nii's banner and her elite horsemen unit…" corrected Samui with a visible face of relief upon seeing the banner of her liege.

"About just three thousand it seems. Certainly her force is small" commented Sasuke crossing his arms in obvious displeasure.

"Her aid comes in the form of the knowledge that will allow this campaign to resume…my Lord" replied Samui making some of the commanders stiffen a chuckle.

Sighing Naruto said "Have the gates open all the way to the Citadel, I shall receive her at the courtyard…I hope we can get things moving soon then"

Minutes Later

Leaving behind the elite horsemen behind, the commander of the freedom fighters made her way to the Citadel of First Rise just accompanied by her banner bearers and a set of two bodyguards. One a blonde handsome man of dark eyes and the other also a blonde with a long bowl cut a somewhat mischievous expression and clear blue eyes.

Both men were armed in dark grey and white light armor and were armed with simple blades strapped to their backs. Though of notice was the large assortment of throwing weapons attached to their armor and saddle.

Ahead of them on a white mare rode a shorter figure clad in a long cobalt blue cape that included a hood covering her head and most of her face.

As the small detachment rode through the cleared city, they elicited a cheer from the freed slaves that quickly gathered at the sides to see the fabled woman that has been fighting for their freedom for years now. Fire soldiers strained to keep them off the main road towards the Citadel as many wanted to see her or even touch her and know she was real.

The woman though didn't slow down a bit but at least raised a hand to salute those she fought for.

Before long she made it to the courtyard where a quick honor guard had been assembled with the colors of Fire and its present Clans were displayed.

Given the promptitude of her arrival, Naruto failed to don his armor but came robed in a crimson cape, fine clothes and bearing his Spear on one hand.

The riders quickly closed the distance and jumping out of their saddles walked behind the robed woman who walked briskly yet womanly on her high heeled riding boots with her cape billowing around giving glimpses of the person beneath and a set of twin silver flashes that caught Naruto's attention more than that of the others beside him.

The banner bearers planted the woman's banners in front of those of Fire while the woman and her bodyguards did the same in front of Naruto giving a short quick bow.

The woman lifted her hands to her head and pulling back the hood revealed a woman in her late 20's.

The woman sported light blonde hair combed simply with a style that covered parts of her forehead while the rest was tied in a long braid. Her eyes were dark as well and her lips painted in red.

Removing her cape and handing it over to one of her bodyguards, she revealed a slim but finely sculpted woman with curves on the right places under a purple and white set of light armor and about as tall as Sakura.

Walking straight to Naruto with a stern face she bowed once again and looking straight into his eyes the woman seemed surprised as if recognizing a face she haven't seen in a while.

She blinked and regaining her composure said "Greetings Lord Naruto, we meet at long last"

Following that she added "Before we begin, allow me to thank you personally and on my people's name for your presence here. You are a sorely needed ray of hope in bleak times"

Naruto looked sideways to his cadre who were focused on the woman in front of him and turning he said "It is a privilege to meet such a honorable warrior who fights for freedom…Nevertheless, I must remind you that we aren't here to change the government of this Land but to punish Lord A on his attempt to kidnap my children"

Yugito closed her eyes and nodding replied "Indeed my Lord, I never intended otherwise. Nevertheless, your actions are aligned with our goals and as such by helping you exact just punishment on A, we will advance our fight against him significantly"

Not liking the woman's response that much Naruto made way for Yugito to enter the Citadel while saying "Then let us not delay much longer for there is a great amount of work cut out for us"

"Indeed" replied Yugito giving a quick nod at Yugito who was visibly happy at her arrival which banished when the blue eyed bodyguard waved at her excitedly once the nobles turned around.

At the Citadel

Once at the table with the maps strewn around, Yugito looked at them with no visible emotion and once every commander of Fire was seated or already waiting her words, she began.

"My Lords and Ladies of the Land of Fire, in the name of the free people of Lightning, I bid you welcome and convey our gratitude independently of what your reasons to be here may be. Your act of justice is one of many that monster of a man named A, deserve" said Yugito in clear and stern tone.

"As our goals converge, I shall lend my help to you and in the process we will be able to strike a tall price to A's enslaving ways!" she continued rising her voice a little.

Before any noble could speak Yugito pointed to the map and declared "From what I can gather, you are at a standstill regarding how to better prosecute the war and enact just punishment on A"

Yugito noticed how that made several of the gathering look upset and so was quick to add "But you being cautious has been a sensitive strategy nonetheless for though A is a monster, he is a superlative commander and one I have learned to never underestimate the hard way"

Nodding Sasuke asked "Fine, so what are we up against then? His forces, fortifications, any strategic point we should focus on?"

Yugito looked at the lack haired man and turning to Naruto she said "I would say that the maximum number of soldiers A could gather at once for a long conflict would be at around thirty thousand strong; that with skirmishers, infantry, archers and cavalry in all"

At that the commanders seemed to relax though none voiced it making Yugito frown deeply and immediately say "Still, it would be folly to trust numbers alone"

"You army is a mighty sight and I gather it is also experienced in war and likely well led. But A is not only a great warrior but a great strategist and he has in tow very skilled commanders as well. Not to mention that this is their homeland and as such they have a great advantage in knowledge" warned Yugito managing to sober up the minds around her.

"We have faced our fair deal of talented enemies before Lady Yugito, no need to warn us on how to prosecute wars" said Naruto to admonish Yugito a bit who seemed undeterred though.

Yugito nodded and replied "I have heard of your exploits in Wind and Water my Lord, and that of your commanders. But I assure you that you haven't faced what awaits in this Land"

"Why you say that?" asked Naruto with his eyes drawn once more to the set of twin blades by Yugito's waist.

Noticing where Naruto was looking at she said "These commanders are not only great leaders on the battlefield but also gifted warriors with great skill. I have no doubt you have faced great challenges before, but these men are on another league and terrifyingly armed as well"

Naruto took hold of his Spear and said "You mean something along this league?"

Yugito nodded and replied "Yes, they are in possession of one of the Legendary Weapons. The Hachibi No Kyogyu to be accurate and supposedly the second strongest of all the Legendary Weapons after the one you hold Fire Lord"

That managed to send ripples of concern throughout the commanding cadre for the frequency with which such weapons were appearing and clashing with others was alarmingly high.

"Lord A commands such a weapon?" asked Sasuke suddenly excited over the prospect of measuring himself to such a foe once more after his foiled victory over Gaara years ago.

Yugito shook her head and replied "No, his younger brother does though. He is a man known Bee, but many have given him the moniker Killer Bee. As you know, these weapons carry curses and have an overall adverse effect on the user's soul so A avoided trying his hand on the weapon and thus placed the burden on his brother"

"Is he unstable?..." asked Naruto under his breath remembering his clashes with Gaara and Yagura and how badly the weapons afflicted them.

Yugito seemed to consider his question and replied "I wouldn't consider the man insane as much as I would label him odd…But if you what you wonder how much in control of his weapon he is then I can say that his control is absolute"

This didn't seem to convey much significance with the rest of the gathering but Naruto's grip on his chair's arm became tight and he couldn't help but feel somewhat cornered for though he had managed to control his weapon, he couldn't dare to say he was in absolute control of it's power.

"What of A himself then? Something worth knowing of the man?" asked Neji driving the conversation back to enemy.

Yugito nodded and said "A is a great warrior, don't ever let his brutish appearance and immense bulk fool you. He is the master of the Thunder Beast's Gauntlets and those do not only let him shred any opposition but have also gifted him with a speed no man of his size should possess. Even I have a tough going against him"

"Nevertheless, when A and his brother fight together, they become virtually invincible…Every time this happens, I have lost good warriors. I no longer pursue battle when those two come together and keeping them split is a tall order as well" said Yugito visibly upset over her helplessness.

The commanders didn't seem that concerned to Yugito but she guessed that once they were witness to their prowess they will take her warning to heart.

"One last person of interest would be Darui, he commands A's cavalry and he was bestowed with a terrifying weapon as well, the Black Bolt Blade. A heirloom of this Land and a weapon that commands black Lightning from a blade to strike at multiple opponents at the same time. My forces have suffered much under this weapon as well" explained Yugito while the handsome one of her bodyguards seemed to have a personal issue with the weapon.

Sasuke though was visibly intrigued given his own weapon based on the power of lightning and which he hasn't measured against a foe yet.

Shaking his head, Shikamaru talked "A war is won on the strategic balance…so we can avoid battle and hurt our enemies if we know where best to strike. Lady Yugito, do you have targets for our forces?"

Shikamaru's words indeed broke the spell and Yugito nodded "Indeed and several that may prove to be grievous wounds to A. The man may have readied himself but there are things he can't allow to be taken or destroyed"

With that Yugito got down to share his intelligence and even several maps of her own to help guide the efforts of the army.

She offered to take the slaves freed from A as the army advanced to make them not an issue for the Fire Army since they would bolster her ranks and morale of her current warriors as well. Nevertheless she said that she wouldn't be able to commit many troops to the battle nor any resources for the army.

After a long session of strategizing, the commanders left feeling more confident as they now had a plan to prosecute in the campaign though the idea of facing several sieges and guerilla tactics wasn't so heartening.

Still as the chamber vacated Yugito stayed behind having requested a more private audience with Naruto…

"My Lord, you saw my blades, yet you said nothing…" commented Yugito unsheathing her exquisite curved blades. Which sported a fine curve with gold handles and a blue sapphire at the pommel.

"That's one of the Legendary Weapons right?" asked Naruto.

"The Nibi no Bakeneko blades, yes" replied Yugito as she eyed the Kyuubi no Kitsune.

"That's what's keeping you on the fight against those guys right?" asked Naruto with him eyeing his own weapon in turn.

"Yes my Lord, still my weapon is not among the strongest ones in the set. I have been nearly killed on several occasions myself and not even facing Killer Bee but his brother. Keeping my forces still fighting has been nothing short of a miracle and one I don't expect to hold for much longer if things don't change soon" commented Yugito sheathing the blades.

"Have you mastered them?" asked Naruto making Yugito nod.

Naruto sighed and said "I can't presume to have mastered this…the spirit within has accepted me to wield it but I can't say I have absolute dominion on the weapon itself and its…terrifying powers. The curse is still there I know it for I have felt it creep around my heart during the worst battles with an infectious black rage"

Yugito understood his plight somewhat though if the man truly wielded the most powerful of the set, then his burden must be the biggest of them all as well.

"I would like you to tell me if I have what it takes to match up against these foes" finally requested Naruto making Yugito nod her understanding and so both proceeded to the Citadel's training yards…

An Hour Later

Yugito sighed closing her eyes as she sheath her blades and said "My Lord, you stand head and shoulder over any common warrior out there already and you have displayed some control over your weapon's powers…"

Yugito opened her eyes to see a panting, drenched in sweat Naruto barely able to keep himself on a knee while holding on to his Spear and sporting several light cuts and bruises.

"But you don't stand a chance against me and that means you don't stand a chance against Killer Bee or his brother. Even Darui would be a challenge for you my Lord" said Yugito in a stern mentor like tone.

Naruto chuckled and getting himself to his feet said "Imagined as much when you started fighting seriously…How did you do it?"

Yugito walked towards him saying "By now you must know that the weapons are all cursed for they aren't meant to be wielded by mortal flawed hands. They try their very best to bring ruin upon those who dare to wield them in one way or another"

Helping Naruto walk to a bench and using a wet cloth to wipe his face, Yugito continued "I am led to understand that each weapon has a different kind of curse that threatens to devour the wielder's soul and to overcome it is the challenge"

"But I…I already overcame my Spear's curse…I think…then why when I try to use the Spear's powers do I feel like I am losing myself to it?" asked Naruto remembering the dreadful nightmare the Spear showed him when it tried to kill him, when it took over when he fought Gaara and the rage he felt when fighting Yagura.

Yugito shook her head and replied "The curse is never truly lifted, just temporarily vanquished and it doesn't mean you have mastered the weapon. Power like this can be overwhelming and one can easily lose himself in it…and you have barely grazed the surface of your weapon's power if Killer Bee is any measure to go by"

"Then how do I do it?" asked Naruto as seriously as he could.

Yugito stood up and making to leave said "The how you already know, the problem I think is that you don't want to. And achieving power takes wanting it in the first place"

Reaching a door Yugito turned and said "Overcome your fear and that power shall be yours…"

With that Yugito left Naruto in the training yard with his thoughts as his breathing settled and closing his eyes remembered a recurrent dream of his from the last few days since he arrived at Lightning…

A dream of great dark where he walked without aim and where no matter how much he called for others they wouldn't show. A dream where only another single individual existed clad in black and gray armor with a dull blue cape hanging from his shoulders.

This character was an older version of himself with his golden mane gone the color of dry straw, creases marking his face in a rictus where no smile had been drawn in a long time and dull blue eyes that no longer held a sparkle of life or joy in them.

He would grip the Kyuubi no Kitsune tightly and his only words for his younger self were "Here is where it begins…"

Yugito's Quarters

"Geez sis, one might think you should feel happy of seeing your little brother after so long!" complained the blue eyed Atsui to his sister who was glowering at her with a cold expression.

"C told me how reckless you have been since I left, throwing yourself at the enemy like that is foolish and certainly not what a cool headed warrior should do" continued Samui with a mixture of contempt and worry on her face.

Atsui actually felt bad about that and pouting replied "It's not like we have an option, we are losing more people than we gain and going all out has worked well before…Plus, you know me, the blood boils when I enter the fray!"

Samui bonked him on the head as Yugito made her entrance to the quarters prompting the gathering to stand up and bow courtly.

Lifting a hand Yugito had them retake their seats and sighing said "Well, from what I gather the Fire Army will do fine for our goals. Nevertheless we will have to make certain that neither Lord Naruto or his commanders face A, Killer Bee or Darui on their own; they aren't ready for that kind of challenge I fear"

"And we are?" replied C crossing his arms.

Yugito looked at him and said "Better than they are at least. They have talent and could surprise us but best err on the side of caution. Plus, we know what to expect and how best to respond"

C seemed satisfied by the answer and with that Yugito turned to Samui with a gentle smile on her face and said "I am very glad your mission was successful. It was a huge gamble but the gods are with us as you return with a great army no less. Me and the free people of Lightning are in your debt"

Samui blushed, making his brother want to laugh, and replied "I-It is no issue my Lady, I only performed my duty as told to the best of my ability"

"Hey sis, the guy hangs around with a bunch of hotties. He didn't try a move on you did he?!" suddenly asked Atsui remembering how Samui was meant to meet with Naruto.

Samui looked at him with some disgust and replied "No he didn't, he may have seen me as men usually do. But he has proven to be quite a gentleman"

Yugito giggled a bit at that and breathing long leaned on the chair and said "Say…you mentioned on your message that there was something you wanted to report regarding this army correct?"

Samui got serious once again and replied "Indeed my Lady, I fear that Lord Naruto or those close to him are in danger from within…"

"Tell me more…" said Yugito in a whisper.

AN: Done!

That was fast wasn't it? Hope you liked this quick installment and be certain more is to come.

From the coming characters, Killer Bee will be the hardest given his rap based speech so any advice on how to tackle him will be welcomed since rhyming in English is challenging for someone which English isn't his native language. Otherwise expect disappointing lame rhymes from me!

Anyway, the story moves along and this campaign is sure to be a hard one! And don't miss the subtle mention at another much awaited character of this story.

Also, for those who may wonder where was Yugito and Naruto's training battle, I decided to best leave it as an aftermath to let you see their abilities in combat later on. Also, was feeling a bit uninspired.

Read, Enjoy and Review!