Yo..

Welcome to the sequel of Namikaze Legend. For those of you who are reading this story for the first time, I strongly recommend you reading its first part (Namikaze legend), otherwise you won't be able to understand the gigantic AU universe which I have created.

This will be a completely different type of story in comparison to its prequel.

They very first thing that is new is the genre of this story. In contrast to Namikaze Legend which was Drama/Hurt/Comfort, this sequel will have a "Adventure/Romance" genre. There are other significant changes, but you'll have to read the story to find them.

I did leave a ton of mysteries in the prequel, including several promises I made to my loyal readers. This will be the final installment of this series and will fulfill all the promises made in the summary.

As for why I ended the prequel at that point, I hope this chapter will give you an insight behind my decision.

If not, then as we progress through this story you will understand the reasons behind my decision.

So, let's begin!

Chapter 1

Lazarus Rising

(4 Years Later)

"His Majesty will now enter!"

The strong, loud voice of a royal guard boomed in the large halls of the Imperial Palace. The hundreds of people standing in the giant hall were patiently waiting for their "leader" to arrive. There was one thing which each and every person had in common...

All of them were nervous and had their eyes bowed in submission, none of them dared to look that man in the eye.

As a Testament to the power wielded by this man, the 5 previous Damiyo's of the once powerful Five nations (Fire, Water, Wind, Lightning and Earth) were currently bound in chains and were kneeling on the ground.

Behind these vanquished leaders, stood a firing squad of 5 commandos. Dressed in white colored metallic armor and light white colored pants, each of these soldiers had swords strapped on their backs, while their faces were covered by white T-shaped visor masks.

The Arc Trooper Corps.

A single cohesive military army of 30,000 disciplined, strong soldiers. These troopers were the main force of the Imperial Empire, and were the ones who had played a fundamental role in the complete destruction of the ninja world.

If the people in the room were scared of these soldiers, then the sound of footsteps made them freeze immediately.

A tall man slowly entered the room, he was light skinned and had waist length spiky black colored hair. He was wearing a elegant blue colored shirt and dark black pants, a bright shinning red armor could be seen on his chest while a pitch black flamboyant coat was resting on his shoulders.

There were cracks on the face of his skin and even on his body, but the most terrifying thing about this man were his dark red murderous eyes.

"The Immortal Emperor"

Yes, this was the name given to him by the people of the world. A name befitting him indeed, after all he was immortal...

He gracefully came forward and elegantly sat on his magnificent throne, his cold eyes looking at the weak people before him with little interest. Until his eyes shifted his attention towards the defeated Damiyo's and the cameras that were broadcasting this ceremony over the entire world.

"I am the 1st Emperor, Madara Uchiha"

Every person in the room dutifully bowed on hearing those words, only the Arc Troopers stood in attention keeping an eye on the defeated Damiyo's who had almost shit their pants in fear. But the soldiers did give a short bow in respect to their glorious leader.

A swift gust of wind blew across the vast room, as 8 warriors appeared beside Madara. Dressed in their dark cloaks with red clouds, the former members of the Akatsuki stood proudly before their new leader.

Pein appeared to be stoic as usual, and the same could be said for Konan.

Deidara had a small grin on his face, as he was getting a chance to display his art to the whole world. While Sasori did appreciate the opportunity, but chose to remain silent and settled for observing the people in front of them.

Contrary to the others, Orochimaru had his eyes settled on Madara. To think all of his dreams for knowledge were finally being fulfilled due to this man. Kukuku...

Kakuzu was keenly observing the kneeling Damiyo's, his greedy eyes fixed on the gold ornaments that were still on those wretched human's bodies.

Hidan was the only one who seemed a little anxious, his hands were tightly gripping the giant scythe in his hand as he glared at the Arc Troopers that were stealing his glory. Damn it, 5 Damiyo's would make a wonderful sacrifice for Jashin-sama, and he was being robbed of such pleasure.

However he and the other members of the former Akatsuki refrained from saying another word, daring not to interrupt their leader's speech.

"Allow me to introduce my holy knights. The leaders of the glorious Imperial Army..." said Madara proudly,

Several flashes happened as the photographers clicked the images of the strongest warriors of their planet. The people who had single handedly destroyed the entire ninja world, and it was indeed a rare moment for all of them to be seen together.

But then again, the execution of 5 previous Damiyo's was a huge event...

The prisoners flinched when Madara got up from his seat and confidently looked at the entire world, that was watching the last remnants of the ninja world about to be extinguished.

"Please, spare us. Madara-sama..." begged the Wind Damiyo, his terrified face covered in sweat as he fearfully looked at Madara.

"We surrender, there is no need to kill us..." pleaded the Fire Damiyo, with fake tears dropping from his eyes.

"It was those damned ninja, they forced us to fight against you!" explained the Water Damiyo quickly, hoping to save himself from this man's wrath.

"We will do anything you want, your highness!" pledged the Lightning Damiyo, trying his best to show his faith in the Uchiha who just stared at him with disdain evident in his eyes.

"We want to serve the Great Imperial Empire, please give us a chance!" requested the Earth Damiyo,

Madara simply made a small disappointed "Hn", before raising a single finger of his right hand.

The next second the heads of the 5 Damiyo's rolled on the floor as they arc troopers beheaded them with their sharp swords. There was a series of resounding thuds as the dismembered bodies fell down on the floor and blood started staining the already bright red colored carpet on the floor.

"This world is full of lies!" roared Madara, his strong-powerful voice sending shivers down everyone's hearts.

"I don't want to die, I will not lie, all these are mere lies which the weak have used for millennium to protect themselves"

Absolute silence reigned in the vast hall, with each and every person intently listening to Madara's each and every word. Not to mention, the millions who had currently watched the event through their TV sets.

It was an end of the old world.

"There is only one truth- Survival of the fittest. That's why one must devour all these lies, along with those who chose to adhere by these false beliefs" declared Madara in a staunch, strict voice. The command befitting for the leader of their world.

"The Imperial Empire has destroyed the world of lies which was known as the "Ninja World". From today, we mark the beginning of a new era. The Imperial Empire will create a new world free of lies, deception and deceit that the corrupt ninja world had carelessly spawned on this world. A world of victors, a world of love, a world of peace...

...a world where people can truly show their guts to each other and not hide behind lies. We will create such a world"

Black Zetsu had a feral grin on his face as he watched a significant victory unfold before his eyes. Even White Zetsu had a smile on his weird face, after all they had almost destroyed the old world.

And the Akatsuki had achieved its dream.

"World Domination!"

"It seemed you were more useful than I thought, Obito" thought Black Zetsu bemusedly, as he remembered the ''fallen'' previous leader of the Akatsuki.

It was still hard to believe, that 4 long years had passed since that night. And a lot of things had changed...

"To all those fools who stand in the way of peace, the Imperial Empire will bring peace to this world. And I Uchiha Madara, will destroy anyone who stands in our way...be it a man, woman, child." commanded Madara, and activated his Mangekyo while giving a murderous glare to the cameras.

The power of his eyes combined with the execution of the Damiyo's had sent an extremely strong message to the Resistance Members.

Soon, Victory will be his...

"All hail, Madara!"

"All hail, Madara!"

"All hail, Madara!"

The entire room erupted into loud chants of his name, as a small smirk came on the warrior's face.

(1 Hour Later)

Madara hastily threw away that annoying cloak on his back as he entered his personal living room, turning back he settled to give a threatening glare at Black Zetsu who just had an amused grin on his face.

"Zetsu, how long are we supposed to play this game?" asked Madara tiredly, frustration clearly evident on the man's face.

"I understand it's been 4 years since we started this campaign, and despite how annoying it was- we did manage to wipe out the troublesome 5 great ninja villages, along with their nations. Now, we can move towards the completion of our plan without any kind of solid resistance. It would have been stupid if the entire world would have united against us" explained White Zetsu in a neutral voice, as a mischievous smirk came on Madara's lips.

"Well, that would have been a good fight. Kids, these days don't know a goddamn battle dance..." complained Madara,

"You did seem to enjoy your battle with Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Yagura..." suggested White Zetsu rhetorically,

"Yeah, right before he chopped the old man's (Hiruzen) neck and sealed the Jinhcuuriki's (Yagura) Biju inside the Gedo Mazou, killing the former Mizukage" taunted Black Zetsu, as a small "Hn" was heard from Madara.

"That was...satisfying"

White Zetsu could only sigh on his master's behavior. If there was one thing, that annoyed him was Madara's addiction for good fights. He wondered just how was the man able to survive for so many years during the Clan Wars Era...

But then again, this was the real Madara Uchiha.

And unlike his former leader, this man was the real deal. He actually shivered a little as he remembered, the gigantic meteors that Madara had dropped on Iwa destroying the village completely.

Even the fool Ohnoki had tried hard to save his village, but was severely wounded. And if not for his granddaughter hauling the man away, he would have been buried in the crater which was known as "Iwa" a few years back. Although, he doubted Ohnoki would have survived the life threatening wounds which Madara gave him.

They had not received any information about the former Kage since past 2 years, and considering his age it was fair to assume that he was probably dead.

"Is there nobody strong enough to give a challenge? You shouldn't have revived me so early..." scolded Madara, as another person stepped inside the room.

A frown came on Madara's face as he saw the snake Sannin giving him a small nod, he didn't trust this man one bit. But Orochimaru was the one who found his remains (How he did still remains a mystery? What the hell was Obito doing?) and revived him as an Edo Tensei.

Dismissing those thoughts, he tried to focus his attention on the former Konoha ninja. He was sure, the snake was waiting for the right moment to strike...but that man had no idea about the power of Uchiha Madara. The day he tries to betray him, would be his last.

Till then, he needed the man for locating the Uzumaki temple and undo that seal.

"I have obtained some leads about the whereabouts of those masks..." said Orochimaru tersely, it was fair to say that he and Madara didn't like each other.

For him the man was nothing more than a "Over Strong Brute", while his counterpart thought he was a "Creepy, pedophile scientist"

"Talk"

"My intel suggests the Shinigami masks are being kept hidden by the resistance members of Konoha. A weapon that powerful would surely be under the supervision of Blacklight..." said Orochimaru confidently, as Madara sighed tiredly.

Blacklight- that organization had caused nothing but trouble for him. Those little miscreants had started a guerrilla war with his empire, and were the strongest opposition that was standing against the might of the Imperial Empire.

Though short in numbers, he had seen videos of their battles with the Arc Troopers of the Empire. To say those young ninja were talented would be an understatement, especially "Rangiku- The Flash" and "Mikasa- The Ice Queen".

Both of these kunoichi were important members of the "Allied Forces Resistance" that was opposing the empire. The resistance was compromised of those ninja who had survived the holocaust which the Akatsuki had launched on the ninja world.

They were being led by Kakashi Hatake, a important shinobi of the now destroyed Konoha village.

It was funny that despite losing their villages, the ninjas continued to stick to their system of Kages and ranks. Although it only strengthened Madara's resolve to wipe them out, it was time to start a new world and those who were against him had to die.

And it was only a few more weeks before the resistance would fall, they just didn't have the numbers to go up against the Imperial Empire.

Not to mention they lacked resources, money, manpower and so much more.

Madara had made sure to create so much destruction that it created an intense fear in the hearts of the people. At first, the people of the world had openly opposed him but since they lost their Kages and were attacked by the Akatsuki at once, they suffered tremendous losses.

"Obito, you may have been an emotional idiot. But your plan was flawless, this way there is at least slim to no resistance against the fulfillment of our plan. At least, you were useful in this way...if only you had not taken the Kyuubi down in your invasion of Konoha" thought Madara bitterly,

When he had learned that half of the Kyuubi had been sealed in the Shinigami's belly, Madara went mad with rage. He destroyed the entire Sand Village, before he could calm his nerves.

He needed every Biju to fulfill his plan with full efficiency. So, far the Akatsuki had been able to capture the Nibi (Two), Sanbi (Three), and Rokubi (Six) tails.

The rest of the Biju's jinchuuriki had gone into hiding, except for Yonbi (Four) and Gobi (Five) tails which had been destroyed in the previous war when their containers were killed in a mission.

But thankfully, after these years those beasts were being born again and he would capture them leading to fulfillment of his plan.

"Does anyone else knows about the power that mask possesses?" questioned White Zetsu curiously, halting Madara's train of thoughts as he refocused his attention on Orochimaru, who apparently got a small frown on his face.

"Yes, Jiraiya and Tsunade knew about it, and so did Kushina Uzumaki..."

"The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki, who has the remaining half of that beast within her?" asked Madara seriously, and gained an affirmative nod from his subordinate.

"Yes, it seems they are trying their best to prevent us from unsealing the Kyuubi. And for once I agree with them, the Kyuubi was sealed within Naruto...if you bring the Biju back, then you would also bring the boy back. And that would be quite troublesome..." advised Orochimaru seriously, and Madara was intrigued on seeing the trouble on both Orochimaru and Zetsu's faces.

"It seems, all of you are traumatized by Naruto. What did he do to warrant this much fear?" questioned Madara curiously, it had always intrigued him that almost every member of the Akatsuki was extremely wary of Naruto.

He had seen the blood clones that were made from the boy, and they were quite powerful. But that was certainly not enough to warrant this much concern...

"Well let's see, Naruto made Konoha win an impossible war against 3 great ninja villages, successfully infiltrated the Akatsuki and fooled all of us including your protege Obito, stopped a civil war in the leaf, sealed your younger brother Izuna, defeated and killed Obito while ultimately sealing the Kyuubi in hell. That boy single handedly fucked up every single one of your plans and those of the Akatsuki...if that is not enough information to be wary of him, then I don't know what is" explained Orochimaru irritatedly, and he didn't flinch when Madara glared at him for mentioning "Izuna's" name.

Apparently, the man was still sore over that incident.

Sometimes, he just wanted to strangle this geezer Uchiha. Granted Madara was a god during battles, but the success they had achieved so far was only due to Obito's plan. It was Obito's strategies that played a fundamental role in establishing the Imperial Empire and allowing the Akatsuki to emerge from the shadows and take control over the world.

Even in death, Obito forced Naruto to die with him effectively taking out the only hope of the ninja world.

Orochimaru didn't admire the man, but he could respect the tactical knowledge and skill displayed by the previous Akatsuki leader. However the same feeling did not arose in his mind, when he looked at the ''real'' Madara.

The man considered everyone inferior to him, and only believed that Hashirama Senju was his equal. Sometimes, Orochimaru wished that Naruto was alive just to show this arrogant bastard a thing or two.

"He's right, Naruto was a powerful Kage level ninja, but most of all he was a master tactician and one of the greatest military commanders of Konoha. The name Namikaze was enough to lift the morale of the ninja of Konoha during the 4th great ninja war. Even now, the resistance is fighting because they believe in Naruto's younger brother, Itachi Namikaze" explained Black Zetsu, and Madara didn't miss the gleam in Orochimaru's eyes.

So, the man still wanted to capture the Namikaze in order to take over his body. Guess, he was never going to change...

"Itachi's a fighter, not a military commander like his brother. Granted he can cause great havoc on the enemy forces, and has become stronger in the past 4 years. But it still does not change the fact, that the resistance is on the verge of defeat. In peace time, Itachi would have been a great leader but this is war and everyone knows the boy can't defeat our Empire on his own." reassured Black Zetsu confidently, easing the tension among his comrades.

Everyone became silent for a few minutes, trying to understand the situation they were in until Madara casted his gaze towards Orochimaru.

"If Naruto was this much powerful, and if the Resistance has those Shinigami masks...then why didn't they revive him?" asked Madara sharply, gaining a smile a creepy smile from Orochimaru.

"Strategic Sacrifice"

"Meaning?"

"If they revive him, they also bring the sealed Kyuubi back in this world. Kushina was a former member of the Akatsuki, she knows we need every Biju at their full power to accomplish our plan. As such, they will not bring him back...or they don't know how to bring him back, it is either of these situations" explained Orochimaru in detail,

A tired sigh escaped from Madara's lips as he started walking away from the group, but stopped at the door of the room and glared at Orochimaru.

"You have 4 months to find those masks and bring me the sealed Kyuubi. The other members of the Akatsuki will continue to search for the remaining Jinchuuriki that are hiding. Get it done, or I will start the moon eye plan regardless and you won't be alive to see it..."

(Unknown Location)

In a dark cave, several people could be seen taking refuge. A few men could be seen guarding the entrance, their vigilant Byakugan observing each and every corner of their perimeter.

Shikamaru Nara had seen many things in his life, from witnessing the Kyuubi attack to the destruction of his village. Even then, he was confident that one day they would be successful in turning the tide against the Akatsuki, only to be proven wrong when the Imperial Empire rose.

The terror Madara unleashed by destroying 5 great ninja villages, forced the remaining population of the world to surrender.

Also, the fact that a severe winter had plagued their world since past 4 years, also played an important role in the destruction of the ninja world. More than 80% of the world was covered in snow, resources were becoming scarce.

Soon, people started losing the will to fight and survival took priority against oppression and freedom.

And if the execution of the Damiyo's was indeed true, then the resistance lost the last monetary and resource support being provided to them. With the force of the Imperial Empire hunting them, and the severe winter plaguing the ninja world...

Their days were numbered...

His eyes shifted towards a tall blonde boy who had become the last hope for their people. Things had changed a lot for Itachi Namikaze...

Gone was the young 13 year old boy who deeply loved his elder brother and aspired to become just like him. In the past, Itachi was quite selfish and only cared about his family...

But looking at him now brought a smile on the Nara's lips. Watching him help a young injured boy, while reassuring the boy's mother made Shikamaru gain some of his lost confidence.

"Hinata, status report"

Itachi's voice was stoic and calm, devoid of the aggressiveness that he possessed in the past. He patiently looked at his teammate, years had been kind on Hinata Hyuga.

She had transformed into a beautiful 17 year old girl, and had become stronger. Her midnight blue hair now reached up to her waist, and her soft and gentle face had become even more elegant. She was currently wearing an old chunin vest, that was barely able to hide the girl's large breasts.

Shikamaru could only sigh when Itachi just looked at her without any kind of emotion on his face. Everyone in their resistance cell knew the girl loved him.

Either Itachi was oblivious to this fact, or just didn't care about her feelings no matter how hard she tried to support him and be his pillar.

Ever since, the death of his elder brother Itachi changed. Shikamaru could still remember the day when they found Naruto's corpse on the field outside Konoha, the fake Madara now identified as "Obito" was also lying dead beside him and the Kyuubi was gone.

That night Itachi lost everything, and with what happened with Minato was the final nail that destroyed the boy as his entire family fell apart.

He became cold, distant from others. He still cared about his people, but in a way he became like an exact replica of Tobirama Senju.

"The perimeter is clear, Itachi-kun. You don't have to worry..." reassured Hinata politely, but her smile faltered when he just nodded and shifted his attention towards the map that was lying on the table.

"You're dismissed, Hinata"

"Itachi, I-"

"We have work to do, Hinata. And I'm busy, if I need anything I will let you know" replied Itachi flatly, and stared at her uncaringly.

Hinata suppressed the lump in her throat, and gave him a half hearted smile before returning to her station.

Shikamaru walked towards his friend, and was surprised when Sakura and Ino arrived beside their leader.

"I have healed the injured, it will take them a few days...but they will be fit to fight" said Sakura confidently,

"Good work"

The former member of Team 7 frowned on his short reply. Over these years, a lot of things had changed.

Sakura had transformed from a simple girl from a kunoichi family, into the Divisional Chief Medic of the resistance. She was now almost as tall at Itachi, her silky pink hair had been cut short and now reached up to her neck, with two bangs falling across her face. She was wearing a Jounin uniform, that was doing an excellent job of concealing her D-cup breasts.

Beside her Ino too looked at Itachi with concern evident in her eyes. She was a Lieutenant in the Communication Corps, and was also as tall as Sakura (5ft 9 inches). Her face had lost all baby fit (not that she possessed much), and her beautiful blonde hair now reached up her waist and were tied in a pony tail.

Itachi sensed Sakura's gaze on him, and gave looked at her again.

"What?"

That's it!

Ino smacked her forehead when Sakura lost her cool, and grabbed the boy's hand roughly before dragging him to a secluded corner of the cave.

"Troublesome..." said Shikamaru tiredly, why the hell was he caught in this love triangle?

He took out a small cigarette from his pocket, and was just about to light it when Ino smacked it away.

In that moment, Shikamaru cursed the gods who made women into such troublesome creatures.

Itachi roughly freed his hand from Sakura's grip as she finished dragging him inside his personal corner of the cave. It was times like these that reminded him that she had quite the physical strength.

Not to mention, the kind heart and understanding nature which she used again and again to break through the barriers he had formed to protect himself.

To not feel that pain again...

He saw her moving towards a tanto lying in the corner making him sigh tiredly...

"Sakura...''

But she had made up her mind, and didn't back down as she picked up the weapon and presented it to him.

"You miss your brother..." said Sakura sympathetically, and didn't flinch when he glared at her.

"He's been gone for 4 years now. It's done..." replied Itachi in a cold voice, and started walking away but she again grabbed his hand.

He looked at her angrily, but before he could react or send her away- she enwrapped him in a tight hug. At first, he wanted to get away but somehow he couldn't...

"You're not only my leader but my best friend, and you can't shut me out. I'm not going to stop..." said Sakura with determination,

"I don't want to talk about it. Please, Sakura..." requested Itachi, trying his hardest not to become too attached and evade this feeling in his heart.

"But I do, and I might say the wrong thing. Even then, I will see to it that you don't shut yourself away from your friends..." explained Sakura seriously,

"What's your point?" asked Itachi tiredly, and broke the hug a little to look her in the eye.

"I know you are in pain, after what happened. But we're there for you, all of us. It's not right that you isolate yourself from us..." suggested Sakura, and he averted his eyes in shame as everything she said was indeed true.

His cheek went bright red when she left a soft, tender kiss on his forehead. And for once, he was thankful to his brother's face mask for hiding the blush on his cheeks.

"We're losing, Sakura. No matter what I do, I can't save this world from Madara..." said Itachi sadly, but she just smiled.

"You're doing the best you can in the current situation. It may seem hopeless, but I truly believe that we can get past this one day...that one day we will have a future free from Akatsuki. We will get there eventually, you have to believe in it because the people believe in you..." explained Sakura patiently,

She waited for him, just like she had been waiting since the past 4 years. To everyone else, Itachi seemed like a cold, uncaring person...

But she knew what he truly was. He was just a 17 year old boy who had lost his family and was burdened with the future of the entire world.

"I miss him..."

She smiled on hearing those honest words, and pressed the tanto close to his heart as he tearfully looked at the weapon that his brother had gifted to him.

"He would be proud of you..." reassured Sakura, as a tiny sad smile came on his face.

"But I still need him..." said Itachi sadly, as she gently caressed his cheek with her soft hands.

"We all do..."

(Konoha Cemetery)

Wild gusts of wind blew across the graveyard of the destroyed Konoha village. The only thing that reminded the world that the village existed once, was this cemetery as well as crumbling Hokage faces.

The village was nothing but a ghost town, with its inhabitants abandoning their home 4 years ago.

The place was covered in snow everywhere, hiding any trace of the village that once existed.

The only place that had remained intact was the Blacklight cemetery, it was being protected by a secret fuinjutsu that prevented anyone (besides Blacklight) from getting inside. Even after the fall of Konoha 4 years ago, the Imperial Forces had been unable to infiltrate the place much to the dismay of Orochimaru.

And the reason behind it was quite simple...

The reason for the Snake Sannin's worries was a grave.

However there was a difference between this grave and the several others beside him.

Naruto Namikaze

The name that had terrified Akatsuki to this day was etched on this piece of stone. It was the only grave in the cemetery that still had fresh flowers placed on it, indicating someone regularly visited the fallen shinobi.

For the people who had known the boy, they would say he would be at peace since he was lying beside his teacher "Commander Fox" and his best friends "Armin Arlert" and "Kotetsu Hagane".

The belief would have been true, except the boy was not with his best friends and was instead rotting in hell with his teacher since the past 4 years.

Suddenly the wind stopped flowing, and so did the snow falling from the sky. The dark clouds that had concealed the moon behind them disappeared as a bright red colored moon was visible in the sky.

Strange seals started to glow on 2 graves, as the moonlight fell on them.

An ear piercing sound rang across the entire cemetery. The force of this unknown power broke several grave stones before a giant explosion occurred in the area.

"Ah"

Author's Notes: End of chapter.

Hope you guys liked it. All of the mysteries will be answered with each chapter...be patient.

PLEASE LEAVE LOTS OF REVIEWS XD!