Naruto: The Outcast

Chapter Nineteen

The War

Saki's POV

              I stood on the frontlines of the war beside Gaara in the dessert as the war began. I noticed that Zetsu had quickly began to appear in our area as well as former shinobi that had passed. Gaara led the formation as we began to fight against the former shinobi and kunoichi. Most of the fights taking place were simple hand to hand battles since they only held about 10% of their chakra. I began by taking down as many shinobi as I could without using an excess amount of chakra. In the midst of fighting I noticed Gaara began to approach a shinobi with red hair who I recognized as the 4th Kazekage. I quickly sealed any left over shinobi and made my way to Gaara's side as he seemed to be talking. He looked at me as I appeared by his side. "How are the others?" "We didn't suffer many casualties maybe around 20." He nodded and the former Kazekage looked at me. "Who are you?" "This is the woman I was talking about, my fiancé Saki Haruno." The man's eyes seemed to widen but I remained emotionless. "I would say it's nice to meet you 4th Kazekage but I'd be lying. You caused a lot of emotional pain for Gaara. Your past with your own children makes me really hate you and if Gaara ever decided to forgive you, I won't." He nodded and Gaara then charged at him. "Saki, my father is known for his 'gold dust.' Which is noticeably quicker then the sand that I have. Take advantage of any openings you may see but don't underestimate him." I nodded following his lead. I ran at the Kazekage as he focused his powerful attacks on Gaara. I saw an opening in his side and quickly charged fire into my fist aiming the punch directly into his side sending him flying. I ran at him again this time making hand signs for the jutsu I had created during my training. "Fire Style: Path of Destruction" I watched as the mark I had placed on his body slowly began to spread. I looked at Gaara. "We can't attempt to seal him yet. It's not that easy." he nodded and took his opportunity to begin launching attacks at the former Kazekage. I began to look for other moments of opportunity noticed his guard was up higher meaning I would have to work harder. Eventually I saw another opportunity and began to make hand signs as we fought. "Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet" I continued to make hand signs realizing that after that attack his guard would be worse. "Fire Release: Great Dragon Fang Explosion." I jumped back as the fire exploded on contact and made another set of hand signs "Earth Style: Great Earth Prison."

~Timeskip~

                We had defeated the kazekage with the help of Onoki but now there were 2 other kage present, the  2nd Mizukage, and the 3rd Raikage. As I prepared to fight them Gaara called out to me. "I'm sorry Saki, but I need you to go help Kakashi and his team seal some of the other Shinobi that they are struggling to deal with." "I can't do that." He came over to my side. "I need you to trust me. Trust that we can handle this without you for a moment. There's more than just my life at stake here." I sighed and nodded. "I trust you." I then ran off in the direction of Kakashi's team. When I arrived I noticed Kakashi and his shinobi team fighting against the 7 swordsman. I pulled out my twin blades charging into the fight as Kakashi seemed to be struggling. "Sorry to pull you out of your fight to protect Gaara, Saki." I nodded "This war isn't just about him so of course I'm here for support." 

          I had just finished sealing one of the bodies of the 7 swordsman when I suddenly felt this immense pain throughout my body as if someone had just set me on fire. 

Kakashi's POV

            We had just finished our intense fight with the 7 swordsman thanks to Saki's help and she was now helping to seal the bodies with the other ninja. I watched as she suddenly seemed to stumble forward and she let out an ear piercing scream. I ran to her side as she seemed to grab her sides in pain and fell to her knees from it. "What's wrong Saki?" she looked at me her eyes flashing from golden to their usual dark green color.  She then mumbled out the something I couldn't hear the first time. "What did you say?" he eyes began to tear up. "Gaara, he's dead." I looked at her shocked as she seemed to suddenly pass out from the pain. I looked at the Shinobi surrounding me. "We need to check on the Kazekage and Hokage. Try sending a message to Naruto or Bee." 

Saki's POV

              I felt pain coursing through my body and it seemed like I was floating. When I opened my eyes I appeared to be in the clearing with Rie and 2 other people were with her.  I forced myself to stand up. "What's happeing Rie and who are these people?" She gave me a sad smile. "We're in your mindscape for the last time Saki." I held my head down. "I failed didn't I?" She put her hand on my shoulder "Yes, but we're willing to give you another chance, a final chance to complete your duty but it comes with a payment." She then took a seat on the ground and the 2 others as well. "Before we get into that let me introduce you to the 2 protectors who came before you. The silver haired one is Shiori Urahara and the brown haired woman is Kyoko Mazuko. Shiori was the protector of the 3 tails, Isobu. Kyoko was the protector of the 8 tails, Gyuki." I nodded. 

                   I nodded after Rie introduced each of them. "They are here to help you decide carefully on the choice that you will be given. At this moment they are acting as your guides." I nodded once again and Kyoko began the discussion. "After the death of Rie, protectors were 'gifted the ability to enact an moment of heroism. For me it was allow Gyuki and his host to die and never be able to reincarnate or to bring him back and I take his place. For Shiori it was allow her Isobu to die and reincarnate or become the Isobu Jinchuuriki. For you Saki, it's either lose all your powers, meaning your multiple chakra releases are gone and a bunch of your extra abilities are lost as well. Or you can choose to allow for Gaara to die and keep your powers and be forced to protect either Naruto or Gaara until they die." I looked at her shocked and Shiori took over. "You don't have to save him if you don't want to. For me, being a protector was the one thing I hated. I always felt alone and I felt forced with the responsibility of being a body guard. When I was given the decision to either become his jinchuuriki which I already understood was dangerous I chose not to. Not because I didn't care but because I was scared. I didn't want the responsibility any more. If you choose to save him you'll probably be forced to learn everything over again. Everything you worked for, just to protect those you love will inevitably be lost." 

               I couldn't help but think about all the work I've went through to get as far as I've gotten to protect Gaara. I looked at Kyoko. "All I've ever wanted to to is make sure I'm able to protect the ones that I love but I've failed twice now to protect Gaara and I hate myself for it but I can't imagine living without him. He doesn't deserve to die and I don't want to live without him. I would die for Gaara if it meant he'd live so I'd be more than willing to sacrifice my powers for him." Rie stood up. "I'm happy you made a decision that makes you happy. Unfortunately this means this is my last time seeing you hopefully for a very long time." She pulled me into a hug. "I'm so proud to see your growth as a woman. You've come so far from the lonely and sad Saki I knew those few years ago. I hope you continue to be happy even if it means living without your powers." I nodded. "Thank you for being here for me Rie. I appreciate you and everything you've helped me through." She gave me another sad smile. "When you return you will be transported to the field where Naruto and Sasuke are currently facing Madara. You will have enough strength to help sway the fight but once all your powers are used up Gaara will awaken." I nodded and felt the pain in my body start to fade. "Goodbye, Saki." I gave her a small smile. "Goodbye Rie."