Chapter 88: The Astarte Encounter

A young Anbu wearing the mask of a monkey was currently quite anxious. The sixteen year old boy who also happened to be the last heir of his clan was dreading the upcoming battle. Standing atop one of the faraway cliffs, his only sense of comfort was the tall figure of his supreme commander. The sheer presence of Shino Aburame was enough to calm down Konohamaru's nerves.

"They finally moved..." said Shino suddenly, snapping Konohamaru out of his trance.

The rookie Sarutobi who had just finished his Anbu training quickly moved forward and observed the enemy movement with the help of his binoculars. To his utter surprise, the enemy forces were moving in the same manner as Shino had predicted.

"Commander, this is..." replied Konohamaru

"Don't lose it, Monkey. No matter the advantage you have in battle, never underestimate the enemy's desire to win..." warned Shino, making his apprentice look down sheepishly.

"Sorry..."

"We will go forward with the established plan. 1st group, Charge!" commanded Shino, his voice broadcasting over the communication devices of his forces fighting near the fortress.

The Magician narrowed his eyes, when his previously in-fighting forces merged together as one and started charging towards the enemy's main force. The one which would probably be commandeered by Gaara.

"So it begins..."

Gaara had a neutral expression on his face, his demeanor never changed even when the enemy forces stopped fighting amongst each other and were now heading towards him. Leading the group were none other than his own siblings, Temari and Kankuro.

"Gaara-sama..." warned Amon, his battle forces second in command.

"Yeah, their trap was too obvious from the start. If they want to die, then we shall grant their wish. Allow battle formations, the 1st and 2nd battalions are ordered to stay clear from the path and keep on advancing towards the front." ordered Gaara,

"You mean evading the enemy?" asked Amon in surprise,

"Yes"

"But what if they are engaged by the enemy?"

"Then we'll take countermeasures. For now execute the orders given to you, Captain Amon..." said Gaara strictly, receiving a crisp salute in return.

"We'll do as you say, Commander..."

Contrary to popular expectations, Gaara had taken cautious steps. Instead of standing at the front, he had assumed position in the rear of his group. From the elevated platform on which he was currently standing, he could easily observe the battlefield and command his troops accordingly.

"Gaara, one of the first lessons of warfare is that the commander must not fall. That would destroy the chain of command, and be an easy victory for the enemy. A sound commander must maintain control over his forces, purge the chaos and panic from destroying the soldiers. That is your duty, and not some heroic actions which are portrayed in movies..."

He could still remember Naruto's words in his heart. The Kaiser had given him this advice when he had first given him command of an army, now a war veteran Gaara could see how valuable that advice was. No matter how bleak the Reich's current situation was, once the Kaiser woke up he would turn the tide of the war. Gaara firmly believed that there was hardly anyone who could match Naruto's prowess on the battlefield, neither in tactics or fights.

The 1st and 2nd battalions each compromising of 3,000 forces, quickly established distance from the two forces that were about to enter into battle. Both battalions followed their orders without hesitation and stealthily started moving to surround the enemy from behind.

Looking into the blind ambition which was in Temari and Kankuro's eyes made him extremely sad. To think, she had no qualms in needlessly sacrificing her soldiers for the sake of her own glory. Gaara stared at the 4,000 battle ready soldiers under his command, they had entrusted their lives to him. He would never betray the invaluable trust which these men and the Kaiser had placed in him.

"Commander, enemy forces have entered into the red zone. Contact in 40 seconds!" reported Captain Amon, getting a nod from his superior.

Spotting his elder sister and brother entering into the red zone, Gaara stood straighter than before. Extending his right hand forward, he concentrated his power as wild winds started circling around the battlefield.

"Sunnarashi (Sandstorm)"

The dirt and dust on the battlefield were quickly lifted up by the strong winds. The Reich soldiers were quite stunned when the enemy forces numbering 4,000 troops found themselves surrounded in raging tornadoes.

"AHHH!"

Screams of the resistance soldiers echoed across the battlefield, as the sharp winds sliced many of them apart. Several were injured, the sudden attack had completed shattered the entire frontline. Since Temari just couldn't order her entire army to march over the injured bodies of her soldiers, their charge came to a complete stop.

Her eyes connected with the merciless orbs of Gaara, who again raised his hand. Fearing another attack from her youngest brother, she prepared herself but he surprised her again.

"FIRE!"

The baffled resistance forces started falling down like flies as a rain of explosive laced arrows rained down from the rows after rows of Reich archers stationed on the walls of the Sarutobi Fortress.

"Don't falter, charge and crush them!" screamed a resistance squad leader,

Temari quickly took out her fan and channeled massive chakra through her weapon. She was a Kazekage, and there was no way she could lose to anyone. Especially her own younger brother.

Around her entire lines of resistance fighters were getting slaughtered due to the arrows raining down on them, the main Reich force commandeered by Gaara had not even made a move and were silently watching the entire slaughter.

"Kamitachi No Jutsu (Sick Weasel Technique)"

Using the winds generated by Gaara, she created a raging tornado of lethal winds and sent it straight towards the wide eyed front-line troops of the Reich.

She grit her teeth in frustration when her attack was quickly blocked by a wall of thick sand protecting the Reich soldiers from being teared to shreds. Before she could think of another move, she heard a scream that made her blood run cold.

Turning towards her right, she was horrified to see Kankuro completely enveloped in sand. She knew exactly what her brother was caught in...

Quickly looking towards Gaara, she pleaded him not to do it. But her youngest brother had ran out of mercy to spare...

"Sabaku Kyu (Sand Burial)"

"NO!"

She stared in horror as showers of blood rained down on her body, everywhere her soldiers were dying one after another. Entire battle lines had collapsed due to the precise attacks. The enemy archers had been quite cunning as they first targeted the officers and ring leaders of the resistance army. With the collapse of the chain of command, chaos spread through her entire force.

More than that...

"What...about...the...reinforcements? Kankuro, I..." thought Temari in shock,

"Kazekage-dono, we can't take much more of this. We have to fall back now!" warned Baki, her personal bodyguard and mentor. If not for him shielding her, many arrows would have already taken her out.

Temari shivered on seeing so much destruction around her, their allies had deserted them, her army on the verge of complete collapse. And then there was Gaara...

"RETREAT!'' yelled the female Kazekage urgently,

Gaara simply closed his eyes concealing the sadness that coursed through his heart for ending Kankuro's life. If only they had not been so foolish, and now watching Temari and her now remaining half forces flee made him even more sad. Within minutes more than 2,000 resistance soldiers were dead. Even for Temari, such a brute, tactless attack was unforgivable.

Did she even consider just how many fathers, brothers, sons she killed for her own ambition of power?

"It's time to pay, Temari..." thought Gaara seriously,

"Amon, are the 1st and 2nd battalions in position?" questioned the calm Reich commander,

"Hai, they are awaiting orders. The retreating enemy forces will make contact with them soon..." answered Captain Amon, a dark skinned 40 year old officer.

"Very well. Start the pincer attack, CHARGE!' yelled Gaara,

As soon as those words escaped from the Reich Commander's lips, the fate of the battle was sealed. The outnumbered resistance force which had a strength of less than 2,000 fighters was attacked from the front and the back, displaying the skills taught to him by the Kaiser; Sabuka No Gaara completely surrounded the enemy forces by cutting off any route of escape.

And then the order of complete annihilation was given!

Konohamaru watched in horror as the tide of the battle violently turned, in front of his eyes thousands of resistance fighters were meeting their end. He could only bitterly watch as the Reich commander formed perfect formations, gave precise orders resulting into deaths of so many of resistance fighters.

Looking towards Shino he was even more shocked to see the same calm, expression in the commander's eyes. It was as if...

"As expected. You truly are a talented warrior, Gaara..." complimented Shino honestly,

"Commander, what are you-"

Shino simply raised his hand silencing any protest his subordinate wanted to make. Yes, Konohamaru was a skilled fighter. But he had a short temper, Shino could still remember the sacrifice Hiruzen Sarutobi had made all those years ago. In order to honor his former leader, he had taken the old Kage's grandson under his wing. At least, this way he could prevent Konohamaru from going to an early death.

So many had already died. There was no need for young people like him to die in this futile war, people like him were the future and this battle was for that future.

"As it stands, the Suna resistance forces will be wiped out if we don't intervene. We simply can't let our comrades die like that..." deduced Shino cunningly, and sighed when Konohamaru got a bright smile on his face.

For once, the Aburame was glad that Konohamaru was his subordinate. The boy was so naive and this was exactly what the Kages would have used for their own benefit. Hundreds of resistance ninjas had been sacrificed in this war for the sake of false patriotism, the civilians faced so many adversities. All of this could have been avoided, but the need for few to remain in power had led to this madness.

Unforgivable.

"Order the Kiri forces to split into two groups each of 3,000 fighters. Attack the enemy's 1st and 2nd battalions from behind!'' commanded Shino, much to his subordinate's surprise.

"But, sir. The original plan was to have the Black Lancers attack from the right flank thereby engaging the 2nd battalion. The Kiri forces have a total 6,000 fighters, almost the same as Black Lancers. By dividing them and ordering to attack the enemy, won't their firepower be reduced?" questioned Konohamaru, showing his brains for the first time.

In response, Shino merely got a small hidden smirk on his lips. The boy was definitely his student.

"Who's in charge here, Monkey?" chided Shino, making the young Sarutobi blush.

"You are..."

"Then follow my orders. Is that clear?"

"HAI!"

With a crisp salute Konohamaru sprinted away in order to fulfill the orders assigned to him. As soon as the young boy was out of sight, Neji emerged from the shadows and arrived beside the Anbu commander.

Both fighters didn't say a word and were instead staring upon the surrounded Temari forces and how they were systematically getting wiped out. At the same time, there were barely any casualties on the Reich side. It went to show how effective the Reich commander was.

"Do you think they'll surrender to the enemy?" asked Neji seriously,

"The forces commanded by Temari and Mei are the most stubborn fighters in the entire resistance, people who are blindly loyal to their Kages and their mad dreams. They won't surrender, instead of such a disgraceful act their Kages would prefer to die in battle" explained Shino distastefully,

"You're really going forward with it, aren't you?" asked Neji with a tired sigh.

Shino didn't answer but instead his eyes keenly observed Mei's 6,000 strong force splitting into two groups. Within moments Gaara's force that had surrounded Temari from behind was attacked. The minutes that followed after showed that the Reich soldiers were not prepared for such a move and their lines started collapsing.

In front of them a small table was placed on which several chess pieces were standing. Currently one resistance piece was surrounded from both sides by the enemy, but Shino added two more pieces of resistance behind the enemy's 1st and 2nd battalion.

"Shino, but that will..." warned Neji,

"Yes, if Gaara's as capable as I think. Then the 1st and 2nd battalions would make a mad dash to join their leader thereby completely obliterating Temari's force. They will try to form a single line defense in order to meet our reinforcements together..." explained Shino, making Neji stare at him.

"You really want Temari and her men to die? Even if they are our comrades?" asked Neji in shock,

"History always demands for unlimited amounts of blood. If we are to capture this fortress, then there will be casualties. You have seen just now how capable a commander that man is. I'll take full responsibility for this operation..." said Shino confidently,

As predicted, Neji's worst fears and Shino's estimated projection actually became a reality in a matter of a few minutes.

"Commander, Suna forces on the verge of extermination. The Kazekage is lost..." shouted a nearby Anbu,

Shino simply lifted the surrounded resistance piece and tossed it away, clearly showing loss of all hands. He then joined all of the Reich's forces into one line and the newly arrived Mei Temari's forces into one line on the opposite side.

"How much damage did the enemy suffer?" asked Shino quickly,

"Nearly 40% of the enemy's 1st and 2nd battalions was eliminated. Mei also lost 10% of her forces in the battle, but the Kazekage..." said Neji sadly,

"It's unavoidable. As it stands Gaara now has nearly 6,500 soldiers left. While Mei has nearly 5,400 fighters left. Order all her forces to charge and engage the enemy now..." ordered Shino,

"Shino, the Mizukage is asking about the whereabouts of the Black Lancers. She says they can't move without support..." informed Neji,

"Tell her reinforcements are on the way. But if she maintains distance and Gaara takes the charge, then it will be another massacre. The only we to prevent Gaara from using his entire power would be to fill the battlefield full of soldiers from both sides. He won't be able to unleash his true strength if his own men will get caught in those attacks..." explained Shino quickly,

Neji was quite impressed with his commander's strategy, regardless of the small gap of fighters on both sides. The main factor here was Gaara, if the resistance could contain him then their victory was imminent.

"What's the status of Valkyrie squadrons?" demanded Shino,

"Yes, they are in position. Awaiting your orders, commander..."

"Mei's forces have started their full frontal attack. They are more cautious and the archer force in the fortress is currently being re-supplied. If they start to fire again, the result would be the same as before. If we are to make a move, then now is the time..." advised Neji,

Shino tapped his chin, currently both Gaara and Mei's forces were in a messy battle. The Reich commander had the size advantage, but Mei was relentless. The fortress soldiers would be around 2,000 and were currently preparing for support assistance to their leader on the battlefield. Despite the enormous casualties suffered by the resistance and the loss of the Kazekage, things had went exactly as Shino had planned.

Grabbing his sword and battle gear, he turned and looked towards Neji.

"Exactly after 7 minutes, order the Valkyrie bombers to launch an all out attack..." stated Shino,

"Our own men are on the battlefield. Mei is there..." argued Neji, and flinched when Shino glared at him.

"Exactly the reason they are to launch. If we are to capture this fortress and achieve peace with the Reich, the stubborn Kages must be out of the picture. As far as killing our own soldiers, the attack would also deal substantial damage to Gaara's forces. In order to avoid complete massacres on both sides, this is necessary. Follow the order, Neji" explained Shino sternly,

The Hyuga was silent for a few moments. He could see the logic in Shino's explanation but still the people being killed were also their own soldiers. For once he was thankful that he was not the commander. Neji was one of the few who wanted peace with the Reich, there were others too but all of them were being overwhelmed by their stubborn Kages.

If this one sacrifice could save the lives of thousands of soldiers and millions of civilians, then...

"I understand. We'll follow your orders, Commander..." replied Neji honestly,

Shino gave a nod and walked away. Neji could only stare at his commander's retreating form, he wondered how history would remember the actions of Shino Aburame. Each of his victory had neither been without sacrifice, but then again their opponent was the Reich. In order to end the futile war, Shino had always taken steps that were harsh.

But today, he would make his name immortal in the pages of history.

For, he was about to unleash a new kind of warfare which was never before seen in the history of mankind.

Gaara could only grit his teeth in frustration and anger as Mei again shattered another one of his lines, her men were barbarians who were out for blood. Extending his arms forward he concentrated a enormous amount of chakra.

"Suna Shuriken (Sand Shuriken)"

Hundreds of sharp sand bullets rose from the ground and instantly fled straight towards the entire front line forces of the resistances.

"Suiton Suikodan no Jutsu(Water Release:Water Bullet Technique)"

Mei quickly countered the Reich commander's attack, thereby saving a lot of her soldiers from quick deaths. She was surprised when there was movement in front of her and two identical Gaara's rose from the ground.

"Sand Clones..." thought Mei,

"So, the commander thinks his clones are enough to defeat the Mizukage. How naive the young are..." joked Mei,

"Goes to show how overconfident old relics are..." answered Gaara, and smirked when Mei's eyebrows twitched.

"Old?"

"Old?

"OLD!"

Fighters on both sides took a few steps back as the Mizukage exploded with pure rage. Her entire body got covered in chakra, and she glared menacingly at the Gaara clones. In a flash, she appeared beside them and beheaded the clones brutally.

Even the real Gaara was surprised with the sudden burst of energy in Mei, but before any of them could make a move there was a rumbling in the sky.

The previously furious Mizukage looked up and what she saw made her heart stop. Her rage turned into pure fear as she spotted the Valkyrie Bombers right on top of them, and they had already fired an entire barrage of the resistance's latest weapon.

"TAKE COVER!"

Just as the words escaped from the desperate Mizukage's mouth, Gaara saw a hail of shells falling down on the battlefield. He quickly clasped his hands together and gathered every ounce of chakra inside his body.

"Sabukuha (Sand Wall)"

BOOM!

Matsuri collapsed in her chair, her eyes could only stare in horror as a rain of hellfire came from the sky. The attack hit the entire battlefield enveloping both Reich and Resistance fighters in one full sweep. Waves of fire engulfed hundreds of men ending their lives in a flash of light.

The attack was so bright that for a moment she felt a Bijudama going off. Her lips trembled as the earth shook violently, along with the cries of all those soldiers who got directly hit. Even the strong fortress shook violently.

"We've got incoming enemies..."

She couldn't move or even get her mind to believe the words her subordinate was saying. But his words were indeed proven true, when she looked up in the sky to see hundreds of canopies. Looking closer her eyes widened to see there were soldiers in it.

And leading the charge was none other than Shino Aburame.

"Archers, fire!" ordered Matsuri, desperation and fear evident in her eyes.

The enemy had not only obliterated their main force along with their commander, but now they were falling from the sky. An airborne assault? Nothing in her entire training could prepare her or the other Reich soldiers for this.

The fact that the ninjas infiltrating the fortress were Anbu's was in fact the death knell for them.

"Contact Gaara-sama, all fighters to arms!" yelled Matsuri,

"Negative, sir. We can't get into touch with Gaara-sama, the first enemy wave has landed right inside the fortress!"

Shino could see the approaching fortress beneath him, the new invention which was named ''Parachutes" had worked magnificently. Watching his forces land right inside the invincible fortress was a sight for sore eyes. Behind him the battlefield was still burning with the "HellFire", and soldiers were still screaming.

He closed his eyes, knowing full well that he had just caused the deaths of thousands of his own men.

But the trick had worked, the enemy main forces commandeered by Gaara seemed to be wrapped in some kind of giant sand shell. The Reich commander was definitely alive, Shino could feel it but he doubted Gaara had any energy left to fight after creating a mile wide defensive measure.

Grabbing several explosive notes he threw them straight towards the chaotic fortress, the blasts rocked it creating further panic among the disheveled Reich forces. Even if they had regained their self confidence, the outcome of this fight was already clear.

"Now!Charge in!'' commanded Shino,

Soon the Black Lancers who had a battle strength of 7,000 troops started landing deep inside the fortress. With their commander out of action, and facing an overwhelmingly strong enemy the Reich fighters inside the fortress fell quickly. Many tried to put up a valiant defense, and achieved martyrdom for their nation.

Beside him Shino could see the disgust in Konohamaru's eyes, the young boy was clearly resenting him for the way he had achieved victory.

"The Mizukage..." said Konohamaru bitterly,

"Is dead. And so are her men, but the fortress is ours. Link up with the others and mop up the remaining fighters. Don't harm the ones who wish to surrender, even though I doubt they'll lay down arms at this point..." said Shino tiredly,

He was not even surprised when Konohamaru grabbed his collar, the other Anbu's moved to intercept but the calm Aburame shook his head. For there were tears falling from the young boy's eyes...

"You killed our men. How could you, Commander?" asked Konohamaru devastatedly,

"Hate me all you want. You don't realize how important this victory was for our people. This is war, Konohamaru. And sometimes there is no choice..." said Shino silently,

Even in the midst of the battle, Konohamaru's hands trembled as he looked at his commander who had betrayed them. Shino had deliberately killed two Kages, and thousands of their resistance fighters. The Black Lancers who were only loyal to the Aburame had barely suffered any casualty, and in a matter of a few minutes the fortress would be theirs.

The tactician in him could only marvel at the crude strategy used by the commander. But the soldier in him...

"The world doesn't revolve around ideals alone. You either be the one who has the balls to bring change, or follow the one who has the balls to do it. Which of these two are you, Konohamaru?" asked Shino flatly,

His question took the boy by surprise and the young Sarutobi took a few steps back. Looking into Shino's ice cold gaze made him realize which of those two the Aburame was, but what about him? What was he?

Nearby, Neji sighed when Konohamaru quickly ran away to mop up the remaining Reich fighters.

"Report" said Shino

"The Fortress Commander, a girl named "Matsuri" has ordered her remaining forces to lay down arms. There are still some who refuse to surrender, but we will eliminate them soon enough. But still..." said Neji hesitantly

"You didn't imagine the Reich soldiers ever surrendering, didn't you?" asked Shino knowingly,

"Hai"

"If you live, you can fight another day. Dying a pointless death is a waste of life, and Matsuri knows this. A trait of a good commander is their ability to understand that human life is precious. It should not be wasted for the sake of fake glory or personal ambition..." answered Shino, making Neji glare.

"That does not sound good when you're the one saying it. After all, you..."

"I know what I am, and what I did. Maybe those words which I said may sound hypocritical, but the context still stands. What about the enemy on the battlefield?" asked Shino calmly,

"Mei and her forces were completely wiped out. But it seems Gaara was able to save a vast majority of his soldiers..." informed Neji, quite impressed with the Reich commander's feat.

"What is Gaara doing now?"

"They are not attacking, our forces have already surrounded them. If they make a move, we will eliminate them. Victory is ours..." said Neji seriously,

"I don't think he will move, he is a sound commander who knows when to fight and when not to. Offer him the chance to surrender, we will treat all prisoners leniently. If he does surrender, bring Gaara straight to me. But restrain him first..." ordered Shino

"Very well. Should we inform headquarters?" asked Neji hesitantly,

"No, let them be in the dark for a while. Fortify our positions across the fortress, put the prisoners in isolated chambers. The wounded no matter the side they belong to must be treated, pack the bodies of our men into body bags and prepare to send them home. The Reich dead should receive the same treatment, but don't send their bodies back home before taking my permission..."

Neji could only stare in awe as "The Magician" issued orders one after another. Never once did he see the commander ever losing his composure, and it was a rare trait which he had only seen in a few generals.

"What do you plan to do now?" asked Neji curiously,

"I've already prepared a delegation of civilians and soldiers from the resistance. Together we shall offer the chance to start negotiations with the Reich..." answered Shino.

"And Gaara along with the captured Reich soldiers will be your bargaining chip. Along with this fortress..." deduced Neji, earning a nod from the Aburame.

"It won't be long before the headquarters starts pestering us for updates about our progress. I want to finish these negotiations before the resistance commands finds out what we are upto..." said Shino seriously,

"Very well..."

And so on, August 15, Imperial Year 3.

The Sarutobi Fortress had fallen.