No, this fic isn't dead. I have all the chapters on hand. Do you see the other stories I'm writing? What tasks lay before me? If you did, then you'd see why this fic is number three on my priority list.

As always: This Fanfic is an original creation of Dragon6, so check him out. Naruto is an original creation of Masashi Kishimoto, please support the official release. I only have the rights to this fanfic not Naruto.

War & Peace: Chapter 11

Jugo growled and met Ibuki's charge. The two met in a violent clash. The two threw furious blows toward each other. Shin had his eyes closed and began to channel his chakra. He had a golden glow surrounding him. The wind around him began to kick up the loose stone and dirt. It whipped wildly around the surrounding area, smashing nearby windows and causing cracks in the walls. He had to keep his focus on the technique. He could hear the sounds of battle but he needed to concentrate. He had to trust Ibuki despite his worry.

'Just four more minutes, hang on for four more minutes.' Shin thought. Meanwhile, Ibuki was going at Jugo like she was possessed by a demon. Herufaia and Saihyousen were blurs in her hands. She forced Jugo on the defensive and pushed him back. She saw him wince as her blades were cutting through his skin.

Ibuki finally broke through his defensive and crushed his jaw with a vicious kick. Jugo crashed into the wall hard. Ibuki posed her blades for a stab. The six tubes that were on Jugo's back suddenly appeared on his chest. Ibuki was consumed by the blast of chakra. It blew a hole through the building. Jugo smirked at his victory but Ibuki reappeared to his left.

"Nadegiri!" Ibuki shouted. The walls blew out in a blast of lames. Jugo staggered out of the flames, a large wound across his chest. Ibuki used the Shunshin and appeared on Jugo's back. She drove Saihyousen into his shoulder. Jugo roared in pain and tried to throw her off.

"Hyouten!" Ibuki shouted out. Jugo was beginning to go numb on his left side. He watched as the arm began to turn blue. He roared and slammed Ibuki into a wall. Ibuki lost her grip on Saihyousen and fell to the ground. Jugo removed Saihyousen and threw it away. He looked to see Ibuki struggling to stand. He glared at her. He stood over her and raised his stump of an arm. Ibuki watched as it changed into a pike. He grinned and prepared to finish her off.

Suddenly, Jugo is restrained by several chains of chakra. Jugo turned to see Shin in a ready stance, the Kubikiri Hōchō ready to strike. Jugo felt himself being pulled toward Shin and he reared his sword back. Jugo was pulled toward Shin at great speed. Shin's eyes flashed dangerous and swung his blade.

"Shuuban Saku!" Shin roared. Jugo attempted to shield himself but the Kubikiri Hōchō lived up to its name. Jugo was cut in half, both pieces flying down the hall. Shin didn't stop there and did some hand seals. "Katon: Karyū Endan!" The fire consumed the hallway, destroying everything in its path. When it was over, Jugo was nothing but ashes. Ibuki looked on in surprise. Who knew that Shin was so strong?

Shin sighed and leaned on his blade. That move took a lot out of him. Adding the Karyū Endan, shot his chakra down to almost nil. He turned toward Ibuki was still sitting. He saw that she was still holding her side and that blood was still seeping out of the wound. He sighed and made his way to her. He suddenly lifted her off the ground and held her. She was surprised but she quickly glared at him.

"What the hell are you doing? I can walk fine on my own!" Ibuki exclaimed.

"You need to calm down. If you keep fussing around like that, you'll bleed out and die." Shin said.

"That's not true damn it! Shin, you put me down now!" Ibuki whined. Shin ignored her and held her closer to him. Ibuki was a little flush as she felt Shin's chest. Shaking her head of such thoughts, she was prepared to deck him when he said something.

"You know, I had a dream like this once." He said.

"W-What?" Ibuki asked in surprise.

"I carried you like this. We weren't in battle and you weren't bleeding. You were dressed a little more girly." Shin said evenly.

"Y-You're talking nonsense. Just shut up and put me down." Ibuki exclaimed nervously.

"I guess the reason I always tried to save you was because I was interested in you." Shin admitted softly. Ibuki's cheeks were burning and hid the blush with her hands.

"W-Why are you these things to me?" Ibuki asked softly.

"Well, I needed to keep you awake and calm. I don't need you to bleed out until I get you to the medics." Shin said with mirth. Ibuki was still red in the face but it was now out of anger. She punched him in chest and started to rant. Shin just smiled and carried her out of the base.

Naruto was being treated for the wound on his back. He noticed the glares he received from the villagers. He didn't mind them. He had just killed their leader. Madoka's body was covered but they knew who it was. Anko and Ren had brought Makoto before Naruto. Naruto waved off the medic and stood to face him. The two stared at each other for a while but it seemed like an eternity.

"Release him." Naruto ordered, breaking the silence. Anko and Ren hesitated before doing what was ordered. Makoto rubbed his wrist to loosen them. He turned his attention to the cover body of his father before looking at Naruto again. "You have my condolences."

"My father was a warrior and died as one. You have nothing to be sorry about." Makoto said stiffly. Naruto noticed the tone but didn't comment on it.

"What will it take for Kusa to rebuild its relationship with Konoha?" Naruto asked.

"Don't you mean with the alliance?" Makoto asked.

"If you wish to see it that way, then yes."

"Am I to believe that there will be no price to pay?"

"You've all ready paid a price. I'm offering an act of peace so no more blood will be shed." Naruto said calmly.

"Or what, oh great warrior Kage? Will you do to us what you did to Amegakure? Perhaps you are going to kill us all?" Makoto spat.

"I would never do that! I want to work with you, not against you! Do not insult me by placing me in Sano's and Shion's playing field! You think I want this war? You think I'm some cold, heartless monster? Do you even believe that I wanted to kill Madoka-dono? I've been trying to find to bring a peaceful end to this war! What have you done?" Naruto spoke in anger. Makoto flinched at the anger in Naruto's eyes. Makoto also saw that Naruto was very compassionate with what he said. Makoto cursed himself for acting like this. He loved his father and be face to face with his killer pissed him off. Still, he knew better than to let his emotions to get the best of him.

Makoto calmed himself and faced Naruto. "I apologize, Mizukage-sama. I was out of line."

"It's no problem; I tend to allow my emotions to get the best of me as well." Naruto apologized.

"No, you did what you had to do. My father never enjoyed this alliance and I had my reservation about it as well. What are you proposing?" Makoto asked.

"I can't speak for my comrades but I can get them to come here to work out a deal. However, I will have to place the village on lockdown. Is that acceptable?" Naruto asked.

"It is a work in progress. I only ask that your ninja act under the laws of an invading party. I would also like freely speak to my ninja and let them know the situation." Makoto said.

"Acceptable." He looked toward Sentaro and Kagura. "Get a message out to Gaara, Tsunade and Azumi. Also, I want everyone on their best behavior. Inform all the captains that we are to treat everyone here with respect. Anyone who disobeys will be dealt with harshly." Naruto said.

"Understood Mizukage-dono." They said and left to relay the orders. Naruto turns his attention back to Makoto.

"Now Makoto-dono, I understand that there is a certain snake you're keeping. I was wondering, is it important to you?" Naruto asked.

"The truth is he has become a hassle. I don't think that we can continue to keep him. You are welcomed to him if you like." Makoto answered smugly. Naruto just smiled.

Orochimaru and his whole staff at the base in Kusagakure were now setting up their new base of operations. The news of the attack on Kusagakure reached him in the dead of night. He had Kabuto gather everything and they were gone before the sun rise. They moved throughout the day and arrived at their new location. If that wasn't bad enough, he had learned that his base in the mountains was taken by Kiri and Jugo was dead.

He was starting to get really annoyed with running. That damn Naruto was creating problems. With the fall of Kusagakure, it made Iwa the only opposition. He had no illusions that Madoka or his son would join them. Naruto proved that he was the heart of this alliance. He needed to be dealt with and quickly. Now he was tasked with telling Shion of Kusagakure's fall. There was a knock on his door which greatly annoyed him.

"Enter!" Orochimaru ordered irritably. A ninja entered the chamber and kneeled in front of him.

"Orochimaru-dono, we have received word from one of our spies from Konoha. He informed. He held a scroll out. Orochimaru snatched the scroll and broke the seal. He opened it and began to read. Whatever he read, it made him snarl. It seemed that Naruto wasn't the only problem. He threw the scroll back at his ninja. "Reseal it and send it to Shion. Let her deal with that problem."

"Yes sir." He said and left. As he was leaving, Sasuke entered the chambers. Orochimaru faced him with a serious expression.

"Are you ready?" Orochimaru asked. Sasuke nodded and Orochimaru charged at him.

Danzo stood before all of the spies of Orochimaru. He had his 'Ne' sniff them all out after he raided the base. Tsunade had allowed it before she left to Kusagakure. His forces reported to him that Orochimaru had been long gone. Danzo had to admit that Orochimaru was slippery. Still, it was getting annoying. He was not going to miss him again. He was standing next to one of his best agents. He looked at all of them.

"I have grown tired of these games." Danzo nodded toward his agent. With amazing speed, the man touched every spy in the arm. They all started to scream in pain as their skin began to turn black. "The first one who tells me Orochimaru's location will live." Danzo spoke. Everyone started to scream and started to talk. There weren't saying anything that he didn't know. He was starting to lose his patience until he caught something from one of the screaming captors.

"Torune cut her down and remove the poison." Danzo ordered. Torune obeyed and did just that. The woman skin began to change back to its original color and she was instantly better. She sat up and faced Danzo who looked at her. "You said something about a base."

"Orochimaru has only a few bases left. There is one on the outskirts of Na no Kuni. If the base near Kusagakure was to fall, that is where he would go next." She said.

"Thank you." Danzo said before making a gesture. She had no time to scream or cry when Torune slit her throat. Danzo turned to Torune. "Gather three teams, I will lead them to this new base. It is time we deal with Orochimaru.

Another glass beaker crashed against the wall. More beakers were pushed off the large table. The woman shouted curses and kept on destroying things. This woman was Shion and her anger would not subside any time soon. Her hair was a mess and there was fresh blood on her robes. The dead Oto ninja laid in the corner with several stab wounds.

The reason for her anger was Orochimaru's scroll. That bitch had done it to her again. She was mad that she managed to slow the poison's effects but now she had found a cure to it. How the hell did she do it? She made sure that this particular poison would have no cure. There shouldn't be a cure. No amount of anti-bodies would have stopped the disease. Not even poison would have defeated her creation. So how the hell did she do it?

Every damn time, she would best her. Since she met that woman, it brought her nothing but stress and failure. Each and every poison that she created was defeated with her medical skills. Why was she so good? Why couldn't she defeat her? Shion snarled and stormed out of her lab.

"Chie, Koharu!" Shion called out. The two appeared before her. "I want the council assembled now. While I'm with them, I want you two to be ready within the hour. We have a personal matter to take care of." They nodded and were gone. A while later, the war council was gathered. They noticed that Shion was not happy.

"I'll be quick. Kusagakure has been taken and is now under the control of our enemies. As of right now, we are on high alert. I want Iwa's defenses increased greatly. Also, I will be dealing with a personal matter that has been put off long enough. I expect you to run the village well in my absence. Am I clear?" Shion asked. They council nodded and Shion took her leave. She walked out of the tower and toward a large mansion. This mansion was where she lived with her late father and mother. However, she wasn't going there to remember. She wanted to get something.

She entered the mansion and made a bee line for the armory. She entered and looked around carefully. She saw what she wanted and moved over to the glass case it was in. The weapon was an elegant looking stinger with a gold chain and everything. However, it was a deadly weapon that was worn by a deadly kunoichi. With a single scratch, it assured absolute death.

Shion took out a kunai. Using the handle end, she smashed the case and took the stinger. She tried it on and found it to be a perfect fit. Of course it would be a perfect fit. She is the daughter of the Eisei Hari no Iwa. She needed to add her mother's poison to the stinger. Luckily she didn't have to go far. Shion made her way to her mother's lab. Oh yes, Haruno Sakura would die. It was a promise.

Sasuke sat up from his bed. His body and chakra had returned to normal levels. Orochimaru was brutal in today's training session. Sasuke knew that the snake was pissed about Naruto's attack of Kusagakure. He knew of the snake's woes but he truly didn't care. It was stupid of him to anger the dobe. Oh well, let him deal with him. He had other things on his mind.

He got out of his bed and moved to the window. The cool air didn't affect him considering his lack of clothes. He looked at the moon. Looking at it, he couldn't help but look back to that day. The moon was out too on that day. He clenched his fist and banished the memory. Itachi was going to die sooner rather than later. He knew that the deal was six months but he felt that he had learned everything from the man. Why should he wait?

Sasuke's opinion of the Hebi Sannin was low. He may have been a genius before but he was a former shell of himself. He was weak and feeble. His fear of dying made him pathetic. He was nothing but a parasite that leeched off bodies. It was just so below his level. He honestly felt much stronger than him. He had no doubt that he could kill him at this very moment.

Still, Orochimaru wasn't a fool. He wouldn't let the Sharingan go, especially if he knew about the upgrade. He had managed to keep that a secret. If Orochimaru wasn't enough, Kabuto would not be an easy victory because of that skill of his.

"Sasuke-kun," A female moaned. Sasuke looked back to the bed to see Karin stirring. The girl was annoying as hell but she had her uses. Not only could she detect chakra but her chakra could also heal wounds. The wounds Orochimaru gave him couldn't be healed by just biting her. It wasn't hard to bed her or charm her. He would need her when he planned his escape. He scoffed and returned to bed.

The twelve masks stood around the table as U finished her report. Tatsu was smirking behind his mask as she finished.

"So Chiyu Burossamu no Konoha had defeated her yet again. She is truly skilled to have found a cure for that poison." Tatsu said.

"So Shion will be out of Iwa? This could work in our favor." Tora said.

"We are forgetting about Sano. We have kept track of the movements of his men." Hitsuji countered.

"What about them?" asked Uma.

"They are plotting on breaking him out. From what we have observed, they'll break him out tomorrow night." Hitsuji informed.

"That can be a problem." muttered Tori.

"Maybe not, who is leading his men right now?" Tatsu asked.

"Hattori Saito," answered Ushi.

"Then we have a plan. Saito will definitely tell Sano everything. Sano is impulsive and with act without thinking. Keep your eye on him and Sano. Also, inform Iwao that he should take a vacation along with his family."

"Hai!" they all said. Everyone disappeared into the shadow except Tatsu and U. They stared at each other for a while before rushing each other. Both tear each other's mask off and engaged in a passionate kiss. It was a longing and needy kiss that did not end for a while. They broke for air and looked at each other lovingly. They attempted to gain their breath as they look at one another.

"I miss you so much." he said.

"As do I beloved, my body misses your touch." she said.

"Are you sure about this?" he asked.

"If I don't go, Shion will get angry and suspicious." She answered.

"I don't want you to be hurt."

"I will be careful and I will return to you my love. Trust me, there is no other way." The man looked dejected but he knew that she was right. He reached back down and picked up his dragon mask. She did the same but she did not put it back on. She handed him the mask. He looked at her in confusion. "After today, I will no longer have to hide, none of us will."

"I will await your return." Tatsu said. She nodded and she disappeared into the shadows.

Shion stood at Iwa's gates with her pack. Koharu and Chie were there as well doing final checks on their equipment. Shion turned to face her two guards.

"We'll be moving throughout the night and into the afternoon. When we reach the port, we'll book passage to Ta no Kuni." Shion explained.

"Is that wise mistress? Kirigakure has control of the land." Chie spoke.

"Do not worry about them. I will explain more when we are on the ship." Shion said. They nodded and took off. Unknown to them, they were being watched by someone. Whoever it was, they made their way to an abandoned building. Inside the building were several ninja, about hundred strong, sharpening their weapons and buying their time. The man ran up to a ninja that was sitting in the middle of the group.

"Saito-dono, Shion has left the village with her personal guards." The man said.

"Is that so? That's very unlike her; especially with Kusagakure now back on Konoha's side." Saito muttered. He turned and pointed to two ninja. "I want you to search her lab and I want you to follow her."

"Hai!" they said and were gone in a flash.

"The rest of you, prepare yourself. We'll break out our true Kage as the sun falls tomorrow!"Saito shouted. The ninja roared in approval

The next night, alarms rang throughout the village. The villagers hid in their homes as fighting broke out in the village. An explosion rocked the ANBU prison. From the rubble, Sano and Saito stepped out. He held his great axe and faced three ANBU that was charging at him. Sano grinned and stomped his foot on the ground. A wave of mud caught them. Sano charged at them quickly. With one swing, he cut them in two. Sano didn't even watch them they dropped to the ground. He was smiling at the carnage that his men were causing.

"Saito," Sano called out. Saito appeared next to him. "Where are they?"

"They should be here any moment." Saito said. That's when they saw the war council being dragged. 'Speak of the devil," Sano smiled as the council was thrown to his feet.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't my captors." Sano said with mirth.

"What is the meaning of this Sano? How dare you do this us, to Iwa?" shouted a council member.

"The Iwa you speak of has become weak. It is time for me to bring Iwa into a new era. I will create my own Iwa and we will be the rulers of the world." Sano said.

"You're mad! You are too ambitious! Do you realize what you are saying? You think that you can rule the world?" shouted another council member.

"Like I care about what you think. This world will belong to me. The daimyos, the Kages, the people, they will all bow to me. I grow tired of you fossils. Execute them!" Sano said coldly. Sano walked away as the screams of the council was heard.

Later in the night, the takeover was complete. Those who did not follow the new order were killed or imprisoned. Everything when through Sano and he enjoyed every minute of it. He sat on a throne that was made for him. His gathered forces were all kneeling before him. To his left was Saito and to his right was another warrior, Kenta. Both of them were Sano trusted men.

"Report." Sano ordered. Three ninja stood and stepped forward. They were back on their knees in front of him.

"Tsuchikage-dono, we are unable to find Iwao or his family. Also, it seems that several clan heads and members are also missing." One of them reported.

"No excuses, find them all and end them! What about Shion, where is she going?" Sano asked.

"I will answer that my lord." Saito said and pulled out a scroll. He handed it to Sano who opened it and began to read. He laughed loudly as he read the scroll.

"So my sister has been beaten again. I can only guess how angry she is. I think I will meet this Sakura personally. She has given me a chance to kill two birds with one stone." Sano said with humor. He stood and faced his men. "The time for defense has come to an end. It is time for us to go on the offensive. Saito shall be leading us against our enemy. We shall crush our foes with one furious strike!" Sano boasted. The ninja of Sano roared in applause and left to get ready. Sano walked toward his chambers with Saito and Kenta slightly behind him.

"Saito, take half of the men and make your way to where the cursed army is stationed. If his men do not comply with your orders them kill them. Take that army and attack Kusagakure. Don't take it back, just burn it to the ground. By then, I will have rejoined you and we will begin our conquest." Sano said.

"I understand." Saito said.

"Kenta, I leave you in charge of Iwa. Find all the traitors and kill them. Your word is law." Sano dictated.

"I understand." Kenta said.

"Good, I will be getting prepared to leave in the morning. I will be dealing with Shion and Sakura personally." Sano said.

"Hai Tsuchikage-dono!" they both said. They left Sano to rest. As he entered his room, Sano couldn't help but be happy about what he would do to his enemies. Within the month, Sano will deal with all his enemies. He would not be stopped. He will become ruler of the world.

Techniques

Katon: Karyū Endan – Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Missile - First the user inhales air and then exhales a long stream of incredibly hot fire from the user's mouth like that of a flamethrower. The Third Hokage is able to use this technique with such intensity that the flames become white.

Shuuban Saku – Endgame Cleave – Focusing his chakra to its highest point, Shin's chakra with grab and ensnare his opponent. His opponent will be pulled toward him while he focuses his chakra in the Kubikiri Hocho. He can cut anything or anyone in two. This move takes a lot of chakra to perform.

Hyouten – Freezing Point – Using Saihyousen, Ibuki will stab her opponent and freeze their insides. The attack will numb the opponent before completely freezing the enemy.

Character Corner

Shin Momochi

Age: 32

Village: Kirigakure no Sato

Rank: Higher Jonin

Technique: Sairento Kiringu, Katon: Karyū Endan, Mizu Bunshin, Katon: Dai Endan, Suiton: Suikoudan, Shuuban Saku, Suiton: Hahonryū,

Story: Shin is the younger of Zabuza Momochi. In the beginning, he was a bounty hunter. This was just a cover so he could talk to his brother. He learned that his brother was killed and learned that one of his killers was in Kiri. He and Naruto fought where he lost and became Naruto's bodyguard. Later one, he met Ibuki Ajibana. They seem to have developed a friendship before she tried to kill Kazahana Koyuki. After that, he continued to be Naruto's bodyguard. He was with Naruto when they saved Konoha then faded into the back for a while.

Later he was reunited with Ibuki when she came for the Sanbi. The two fought but Shin was not giving his all because of his quest to help Ibuki. He got over it however and defeated Ibuki, seemingly finishing her off. In reality, he knocked her out and had her placed in Kiri's prison. Three years later, he is mostly by Ibuki's side but this only to ensure her loyalty. Should she escape and Shin helps, they will both die. Later, he and Ibuki take out the research facility of the cursed army. He joined her in fighting Jugo, finishing him off with his most dangerous move.

Shin is an all around fighter. His style mirrors Zabuza's when it comes to swordplay. He knows some jutsus, mostly, Katon and Suiton. He has respect for Naruto but sometimes is at odds with him. Still, it doesn't affect him when it comes to his protection. He treats his fellow swordsmen and swordswomen with respect. It is implied that he and Ibuki do like each other but it hasn't been confirmed.