Chapter Twenty-Two: At War

"In the battlefield, no man stands for himself."

-MistyAnnE_04

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"Sir, the Queen is secured inside her room. Is there anything more you need me with?"

I shook my head to an ANBU named Chouji and continued looking out my office's window. Tonight is the night of the full moon.

"Meow.."

Averting me gaze down, I saw Yumi purring at my legs. Her snow white skin still remained silky over the years. I pick her up and smiled. Remembering the day I gave her to Sakura.

"Meow.."

"You've grown really fat, Yumi."

I don't know if it was just my imagination, but Yumi actually frowned at what I said. And that made me laugh a bit. She then began wiggling out of my hold, so I put her down.

"Go look after the queen.. I know you missed her."

"Meeeeeeooooww.."

And off she went. I took in a deep breathe and sat on a chair. The stress is finally taking it's toll on me.

"King Sasuke! King Sasuke!"

Boredly, I spoke, "What is it now, Miko?"

The garden gnome frantically jumped up and down. He ran around in circles after doing so and Kami, it was making me dizzy!

"Mr. Pein and his men are all prepared!! They're ready for the war! War! War! Bang!"

I raised an eyebrow at his antics and picked him up by the sleeve of his tiny shirt. "Good. Now you go tell Naruto and Shikamaru to ready the weapons. I've heard rumors that the Akatsuki rogues are going to attack anytime soon."

After putting them down, he saluted like a little soldier and marched right out of my office.

My mind was left deep in thought---picturing the scenarios that will happen later. It was a good thing Karin and Suigetsu made the villagers evacuate to a safer ground. And then, there's another problem at hand.

Balling my hands into fists, I felt the anger arise. They better not harm my daughter... they better fucking not.

Knock!Knock!

A knock on the door pulled me out of my reverie. Who could be knocking at this hour? Glancing at the clock, I found that it was only 6am. Maybe one of the maids brought me coffee.

"Come in,"

The door creaked open, revealing a blonde haired boy around the same age of Daisy. And by the signature whisker-like markings on his face and the familiar pair of deep blue eyes, I knew who this kid is. I ushered him to come in. He did as told and sat infront of me with a cup of black coffee. After placing it on my table, I decided to break the ice..

"You're Naruto Uzumaki's son.. Ryoku.. am I right?"

"Daisy-chan.. is she okay?"

How rude. But instead of being offended with this kid's attitude, what he said actually made me amuse. I crossed my arms over my chest and smirked.

"Do you know who you're talking to, kiddo?"

He frowned and nodded slowly. "You're the King. Of course I know you. But does your position really matter at a situation like this?"

I examined him. Nothing very special. Just that undeniable air of stubborness I bet he got from his father.

"You're like Naruto."

"He's my dad. Who would you expect me to be like? Now, I'm here to ask you a favor sir.."

"What is it?"

I waited a few more moments before the child finally found the right words. "Let me battle alongside you and the other adults! I'm strong enough to fight those knights, believe it!"

My eyes partially widened at his sudden request. I eyed him from head to foot. After processing facts and figures, I replied, "Don't you think you're too short?"

And with that, he bursted. "ARGH! Just let me help save Daisy-chan!!"

His deep blue eyes bore ito mine. And by that moment, I can feel the determination howling inside of him. He may be short, he may be a kid.. but somehow, I know he's worthy.

Daisy..

I shook my head in amusement.

"Fine. You're in. But don't go crying to your mommy when you get bruised, 'kay?"

He grinned, showing off his full set of white teeth. "Of course! Thanks, old man!"

=_____=" just like his father. Tsk.

"Now, get out of my office." After I said that, Ryoku immediately stood up and ran towards the door. But before he could fully exit the room, I added, "And don't think that I've approved of you having a crush on my daughter."

He stiffened and laughed nervously before heading out.

-*-

Third Person's POV

A few hours passed by after Ryoku Uzumaki talked to the King. The blonde boy ran at full speed, towards the village gates after eating a bowl of ramen. Dad would be so proud when I tell him about this! He thought with boyish pride.

Some ANBU officers noticed him and attempted to stop the ten-year-old Genin. But as hardheaded as he is, Ryo only shrugged them off with a playful retort,

"Too slow, suckers!" And ran passed them while sticking his tongue out at them.

After a few more meters, he easily recognized his surroundings. Konoha's old cemetary. Ryo thought and slowly made his way. It was quiet.

Too quiet for his liking.

Then, before him, a kunai appeared on the ground. He narrowed his ocean blue eyes and cautiously reached for it. And then, in a split second, the kunai suddenly moved and aimed at him!

Ryoku closed his eyes and used his arms as a shield for the incoming attack.

But nothing came.

SLING!

The little Uzumaki opened his eyes and saw the King.. Sasuke Uchiha.. standing before him. The atmosphere suddenly became heavier. And when decided to take a look at what the commotion was all about, Sasuke spoke,

"Hn. Trying to catch us off guard.. sneaky bastards."

The red headed man smirked and raised his left hand, making the chakra strings he used more visible now. Ryoku studdied those blue strings and realized it was attached to the kunai he was about to pick up a few seconds ago.

"You talk too much, King Uchiha."

Ryoku watched as the village leader pulled his old katana from its sheath and slashed it in the air in front of them. The noon sun's ray making it glimmer a dangerous glow.

"Ryoku.. ran back to the ANBU headquarters. Inform them about the arrival of our unexpected guests..now!"

"B-But----" he's tried of running away. Ryoku remembered when Daisy was kidnapped. He wasn't able to do anything. He felt useless..

But the warning glare Sasuke Uchiha gave the boy made him obey. He knows too well not to mess with an Uchiha's temper. And so, he ran back to where the main headquarter of the ANBUs are located.

But as he passed by the abandoned market place, he knew it was too late.

The enemies already invaded Konoha... but how? He eagerly scanned the surroundings.. and there, he spotted the shadow of a familiar man vanish in an alley. If not for the white cloth covering half of his face, he would've recognize the man.

And then, it hit him.

Ryoku Uzumaki balled his fists.

"There's a traitor."

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