About 2 years had passed since the Retrieval Mission and Naruto's departure to train with Jiraiya, and everyone had been training fiercely, especially Tatsu, Sasuke and Lee in preparation for the battles with the Akatsuki that had yet to come.

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Tatsu's Shadow Clones dispersed, leaving him panting heavily with sweat dripping down his face to no end 'Dammit, I'm not getting anywhere on this!'

"Easy." Sasuke knelt down beside him "It's been a full day since we started trying to add your wind change in nature to your Rasengan, and you're using about 200 Shadow Clones now. You've just achieved what the average ninja would take 80 full days to do, but I guess that's just not enough for you."

"It'll be enough when I can beat the Akatsuki. This training is impossible, I can't wrap my head around this and it feels like 200 Shadow Clones are my limit. It's taking all my concentration to form the basic Rasengan with one hand, but trying to use another hand is just way too much for me right now."

"You're unusually negative, that's not like you. You don't sound like the Tatsu Kamikaze that I know."

"That's because you're not the one who has to look to the left and the right at the same time. Look Sasuke, unless you've got some ancient wisdom the Fourth Hokage wouldn't be able to come up with I don't wanna hear it."

"Actually, I've been brainstorming and I think I have an idea. But before I get to that, let's deal with this little left and right example you mentioned." his Sanda Sharingan formed in his eyes and he formed a single Thunder Clone "See? With a clone I can look to the left and the right at the same time, this is what you meant right?"

Tatsu blinked, before realization dawned on his face "Now I get it!"

'What does he get? That look on his face never ends well.'

"Maybe if I-" Tatsu was cut off when the ground started shaking violently "What the-?"

"An earthquake?"

The shaking stopped after a moment, and Tatsu was still concerned "You noticed it right Sasuke?"

"Yeah, the way that shaking stopped seemed unnatural."

"We'd better head back." then he felt another one "That one was closer by the first."

"I think it was by Shirato Street."

"Let's move!" and they took off.

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Tatsu looked around at the destruction throughout Shirato Street "Who would do something like this?"

"We don't know what we're up against, don't lose your head." Sasuke warned.

"I'm the one who should be telling you that. We'd better go see Lady Tsunade, she might have some info on what's going on." Tatsu advanced forward, with Sasuke following, and found several odd creatures in front of him "The hell are these things?"

"My best guess is that they're the ones who did this." he saw a girl hiding amongst the debris holding something wrapped in a cloth "Sasuke."

"Yeah, you wanna take them and save her?"

"Why not? I need to vent a little frustration." he leapt down in front of the creatures and formed several hand seals "Fire Style: Crimson Dragon!" he fired a red fire dragon, quickly incinerating the creatures, then went over to the girl "Are you alright?"

The girl nodded shakily "Y-Yes, thank you."

"Sure."

Then Sasuke came over "Looks like you're done."

"They were clearly the fodder soldiers." then he turned to the girl "You don't have to be afraid. I'm Tatsu Kamikaze, this is Sasuke Uchiha. You don't look like you're from this village, we'll escort you somewhere safe."

"No!" the girl quickly cut him off "I need to speak to the Hokage right away."

"Right, we'll take you to see her once things settle down."

"No, there's something I must tell her immediately! Please, please take me to the Hokage."

"Well we are on our way to see her anyway, I don't see the harm. Still though we should hurry, get on." he took the girl onto his back and ran ahead, with Sasuke following, only to find more creatures in front of him "Son of a bitch, there's more of them?"

"Let me get this one." Sasuke drew his Raijin katana and quickly cut the creatures down, causing them to disappear, only for more to appear in their place "Dammit, they're everywhere. We'd better conserve our chakra."

"Right."

"Leaf Hurricane!" in a green blur, Lee appeared and defeated several enemies "Are you guys alright?"

"We're fine, we just have to get past them."

"Alright. Neji, more over here!"

Then Neji showed up "So they appeared here as well."

"Are you saying they're in other areas?" asked Tatsu.

"Yes, it would seem quite a number of them have entered the village."

"But it doesn't seem right, even if there were so many of them I doubt they'd be able to cause something like this."

"When I used my Byakugan a moment ago, I saw something different. It was gigantic."

"How big was it? And is it related to those huge dust clouds? We'd probably be able to learn something from Lady Tsunade, but first we've gotta do something about these guys right here."

"Don't worry, we can handle this." Lee told him "Neji, let's do it."

"Thanks Lee. Sasuke, let's go!" and he took off, with Sasuke following, leaving Lee and Neji to deal with the creatures.

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"Lady Tsunade!" Tatsu and Sasuke rushed onto the roof of the Hokage building "What's going on?"

Tsunade shook her head "I'm not sure, we're gathering information as we speak. There's the occasional dust cloud and mysterious enemies, that's all we know for now."

"We already encountered these mysterious enemies." Sasuke told her "We fought with them too, they didn't really feel alive to be honest."

"I see, is there anything else you can tell me?"

"There is." Tatsu let the girl off his back "This girl here wanted to see you-" he was cut off by another earthquake.

The girl seemed anxious "The Earth Genryu, it's nearby."

"The Earth What now?"

"That was the most violent quake yet." that was when Kakashi showed up.

"How'd it go?" asked Tsunade "Did you find anything?"

"I'm afraid not. The entire village is in chaos, I only got bizarre witness accounts."

"Bizarre?"

"Just what I said, stuff about monsters and a gigantic turtle."

"We probably ran into those monsters you were talking about." Tatsu told him "Still though, I doubt they could've caused this much damage to the village."

"If it's a natural disaster then I wonder if it's related to the phenomenon at Mount Koryu."

"Mount Koryu… I remember my brother telling me legends about that sacred mountain…"

"It does exist, but it's quite a distance from the Land of Fire." Tsunade pointed out "So then how could it be related to what's happening here?"

"If I may…" the girl spoke up "I-" she was cut off by another earthquake.

"What the- LOOK OUT!" Tatsu quickly grabbed the girl and got her away from what appeared to be a massive rock dragon.

The dragon then brought down one of its claws.

"Tatsu!" Tsunade stopped the claw with her brute strength.

Tatsu then leapt back, again taking the girl with him, and formed several hand seals "Lady Tsunade, fall back! Fire Style: Crimson Dragon!" once Tsunade leapt back, he breathed out a large red fire dragon.

The dragon was unfazed and brought down its claw again.

"Tatsu, get back!" Sasuke quickly activated his Sanda Sharingan and drew his Raijin kanata, then formed a hand seal "Lightning Blade: Twin Lightning Shiver!" he struck the dragon's base with a Chidori, then blitzed left and right as he ascended, ending with one final lightning strike downwards, causing the beast to howl in pain "Looks like the strengths and weakness of the five changes in chakra nature still work, so then if we-"

"It's no use!" the girl revealed a small dagger with a hole in the handle "Against Genryu, only this Dragon Blade can defeat them, but only someone with the Dragonseed in their hearts may unlock its true power."

"How can you tell if someone has the Dragonseed?"

"Grip the handle, and if you are the one then the blade's true power will be unleashed."

'Sounds a lot like with the Raijin Blade. Tatsu, grip the handle ."

"Gripping the handle." Tatsu gripped the handle, and the sword was engulfed in a white light, and when it dissipated the sword had evolved from a standard-looking dagger into a silver katana with a black handle, a dragon mark on either side of the blade, and a ring on the handle around the size of Tatsu's palm "Is that good?"

"Very." the girl smiled "It means that you are the blade's true master, Tatsu Kamikaze."

"So I go fight it?"

"Please do so."

"Well alright then. Sasuke, I'll give you the signal to back me up." and he charged in, beginning the real battle.

The Genryu swept its claw, unleashing a barrage of small boulders that grew larger the further they progressed.

Tatsu was able to block, but was sent back by the force, and only just barely managed to dodge the boulders coming up from the ground, then managed to cut the Genryu across the face 'This Dragon Blade does seem to be working against it, and the power I feel from it is almost overwhelming. Sasuke, now!"

"Right! Raijin Chidori!" using a Raijin-powered Chidori, Sasuke blitzed across the rooftop, hitting the Genryu with a blast of lightning, causing it to collapse.

Then the Genryu got up and let out an angry roar, but with a scale on the tip of its nose glowing.

"Please aim for the shining scale!" the girl called.

"Shining Scale… I see it!" taking the opportunity while the Genryu was overcome with pain from Sasuke's blast, Tatsu struck the shining scale on the Genryu's nose, causing a strange orb to emerge and fall to the ground. He then landed on the ground and picked up the orb "What the hell is this thing?"

"Tatsu, look out!" Kakashi barked.

"Wha-" it was too late and Tatsu was knocked unconscious by the Genryu's claw falling on him, as well as several boulders.

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Tatsu later came to in the hospital "Damn, I feel like I got run over by an angry Choji…"

"Looks like you're awake."

Tatsu looked to see Tsunade on one side of his bed and Kakashi on the other "Why the hell am I in the hospital?"

"You don't remember? You fought that gigantic rock dragon." Kakashi told him.

"Oh yeah, did I kill it?"

"Well no, you actually just knocked it out but it's not a threat now." Tsunade told him.

"I see. Still though, it felt like that Dragon Blade I was using really helped me take that thing down. What about that girl by the way?"

"Her name is Akari Tatsushiro."

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Sasuke was discussing with Akari and Kin on the roof "So Akari, that giant Earth Genryu was after the Dragon Blade you were carrying."

Akari nodded "Yes, all of this happened because of it."

"Even those mud doll-like creatures that appeared in the village?" asked Kin.

"Mugonhei, soulless soldiers created to protect the Genryu."

"Who created those things?"

"They were made in the days of old, but the Tatsushiro clan sealed them long ago. My brother Kuroma, he revived them to gather the power of the Genryu."

"Power of the Genryu, huh…" Sasuke muttered "Since that was the Earth Genryu, I'm guessing there are others like Fire and Water?"

"Yes. Fire, wind, lightning, earth, water. Those are the 5 Genryu."

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"Combining the powers of the 5 dragons will grant unimaginable power." Kakashi explained.

Tatsu's eyes shot wide "Beyond even the Kyuubi? That's what Akari's brother is trying to do?"

"According to our understanding, yeah."

"But why?"

"Well from what she said, it's so he can destroy the world."

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"That honestly doesn't sound very believable." Kin commented.

"To erase the natural energy of this world and create one where people can't live, those were his words." Akari told them.

"Reports from the group sent to Mount Koryu say that the land is deteriorating." Sasuke pointed out "Looks like the area of destruction is expanding."

"This Kuroma person, does this mean he plans to use this power to eliminate people who stand against him?" asked Kin.

"Probably. It looks like Mount Koryu is a key to this as well."

Akari nodded "That's correct, Mount Koryu is a unique land to begin with."

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"What do you mean unique?" asked Tatsu.

"According to reports, entering Mount Koryu disrupts one's inner chakra." explained Tsunade.

"Huh?"

"That means using ninjutsu becomes more difficult, making it harder to fight."

"And where do you keep getting these reports?"

"We needed to confirm Akari's story while you were unconscious, I put together a small team and sent them to Mount Koryu. We have confirmed the effect of the Genryu revival, as well as countless Mugonhei."

"So what she said was…"

"It's rather credible."

"On top of that, there's some information we received a little while ago." Kakashi cut in "The legends of the Genryu date back to ancient times, if they truly do exist then it's only natural that they couldn't ignore them."

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"The Akatsuki could be involved in this as well." Kin noted, having been informed about the Akatsuki by Tatsu and Sasuke a few months before.

"Kakashi got some info that a number of Akatsuki are already heading to Mount Koryu as we speak." Sasuke pointed out "They might seek them for the same purpose as the Tailed Beasts, whatever that may be."

"So Dosu, Neji and Lee are…"

"Right, once Tatsu wakes up the Hokage wants us and a few others to go rescue them."

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"So Lee's team is still at Mount Koryu?" Tatsu repeated.

"Yes, and we've lost contact with those three." Tsunade told him.

"Well I guess I shouldn't be too worried, Lee can hold his own for a good long while even if he can't use chakra. Dosu and Neji however…"

"Have some faith, even if you were to go there right now then you'd be in for a very rude awakening. We've prepared some special equipment, even if it was a rush job. It will allow you to control your chakra in special places like Mount Koryu."

"Special equipment?"

"Think of it as a special costume to wear while inside Mount Koryu." Kakashi told him "Also, since I can't come with you I'll be sending along in my place."

"Who would that be?"

"That would be me."

Tatsu looked to see a figure in an ANBU mask appear "Oh hey, Tenzo right?"

"Yamato for this mission, I look forward to working under you."

"Hold on, what?"

"You heard him, you're the leader for this mission." Tsunade told him.

"...What?"

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After about an hour, Tsunade stood before Tatsu, Sasuke, Kin, Akari and Yamato, all of them being clad in the same new equipment for the mission "I will now explain the details of this mission. Your squad will head to Mount Koryu. You have two objectives: The first is to rescue and join Dosu, Lee and Neji. The other is to prevent Kuroma from continuing his destructive actions. According to the information we've gathered, Kuroma has amassed extraordinary power. I give you leave to take whatever steps you feel are necessary to deal with him. The second objective is also a request from Akari Tatsushiro."

"There's something I don't understand." Tatsu cut in "Why is Akari's brother trying to do this in the first place?"

"My brother said it was for revenge." Akari told him.

"Revenge for what?"

"Revenge against the world, my brother blames the world for what happened to him."

"Blaming the whole world sounds a little over the top. Still, that giant Earth Genryu and all those Mugonhei. If what appeared here in the village was just the tip of the iceberg then his claim of wanting revenge against the world might not be an exaggeration. Still though, to go to such extreme lengths for revenge, what did people do to your brother?"

"That's…"

"It might be related to this mission, could you please tell us about it?"

"Well by the time we were old enough to understand, we were already drifting. We are the last descendants of a clan that was nearly wiped out and exiled. Because of our disfigurements, we were loathed no matter where we went. Some hated us because we were exiled." she removed the cloth from her head, revealing two small horns "At first my brother and I hated the lives we had to lead, he later directed his anger at the great nations that destroyed our clan."

"Great nations?"

"She means the Land of Fire and the other neighboring countries." Kakashi clarified "This was probably before the Great Ninja Wars, before the current nations were formed."

"You mean like sins of the father shall fall upon the son?"

"Something like that."

"Makes sense."

"My brother Kuroma sees us as innocents." Akari continued "The ones at fault are those who created a world where only they can survive."

"And that's why he wants revenge?"

"Yes. Of course he understood that doing such a thing isn't possible, but he discovered the Dragon Blade and learned the dragons really existed. Once he learned that, he changed."

"Revenge and power can change people." Sasuke noted 'If it weren't for Tatsu, Kin and the rest then I probably would've turned out just like him.'

"Kuroma plans to use the Genryus' power to become a Light Dragon."

"Taking the powers of a Genryu?" Tatsu muttered slowly "But that's like a jinchuriki. I wonder how Naruto's doing right now.'

"Please stop my brother, even if you must…"

"It may be necessary to sacrifice your brother." Tsunade pointed out "Are you prepared for that?"

"He doesn't listen to reason anymore. I understand that I'm being selfish, I can't give you much in the way of payment either. But there's no other choice, someone must stop my brother."

"And that's why you came to us in the Leaf Village."

"Even if we do defeat him, it won't change anything." Tatsu told her gently "Akari, are you truly fine with losing your brother?"

"But he has to be stopped from destroying the world, there's no other way."

"That's not true, I'm sure that your brother is alone and just lonely too. I was alone at one point too. It really hurt for a really long time…"

"The pain of being alone…"

"But I found people that understood my pain, people who would stand by me through anything and everything."

"Tatsu…"

"I don't know if I can explain it very well, but I think your brother is just like how a friend of mine used to be. He's angry at everyone else right now, so I'm sure he'll eventually come to understand too."

"But will my brother even listen though?"

"Your brother is important to you right?"

"He's all I have, he's precious to me."

"Then we've gotta save him, no question about it." he turned to Tsunade "We need to know more about the mission before we do this."

"Akari will be accompanying you as your guide, she requested this herself. I'll also give you versions of the special equipment for those you'll be meeting."

"Even Lee?"

"Even Lee."

"Good, because there's something I wanna try. If all goes well, I'll explain it when we get back. If my theory is correct, I can use the purifying chakra of my Tenseigan and the same purifying chakra within the Dragon Blade, maybe it'll work…'

"Tatsu, there is one more thing." Akari snapped him out of his thoughts.

"What is it?"

"Hold out the Dragon Blade for a moment."

Tatsu drew the Dragon Blade and held it up "Okay, what now?"

Akari held out a glowing orange orb "This Earth Dragon Orb was created from the Earth Genryu's shining scale, please try inserting this in the Dragon Blade."

"Alright." Tatsu placed the orb in the hole in the ring on the handle, causing the dragon marks on each side of the blade to glow and turn orange "What the hell?"

"This will allow the Dragon Blade to have an earth element, and since you have unleashed the true power of the Dragon Blade you can now use Earth-style jutsu as well. I don't know how effective it will be, but it should be useful."

"Thanks."

"Tatsu, here." Kakashi handed him something "This is a map of Mount Koryu, it's old but it should give you a basic grasp of where things are located."

"Thanks."

"I'd like you to get going, and above all be careful." Tsunade warned.

"You got it."

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A member of the Akatsuki, a man named Deidara, and his partner Tobi stood outside the entrance to the Earth Region of Mount Koryu "Don't get all nervous."

Tobi was exactly that, nervous "You say that Deidara, but isn't there a big scary monster in there?"

"How should I know? Whatever we face, my art explosions will kill it."

"But I mean, you know how monsters are with their super stretchy-arms and how they can live with their heads cut off! That's just way too scary!"

"...Tobi, are you talking about Kakuzu and Hidan?"

"Am I? Now that you mention it, I think I am. Wow, if I think about it like that then the Akatsuki's like a group of monsters."

Deidara stared blankly at him, which meant Tobi would get exploded later.

"Anyway, two questions. First, why am I with you instead of Sasori?"

"He refused to come, something about being with me more than I have to not being artistic enough for him."

"Uh-huh. Also, weren't Itachi and Kisame in charge of capturing the Genryu?"

"Yeah that's right, but even so I don't like letting them have all the fun."

"We shouldn't be sticking our heads into other people's business though, isn't it just that you're bored and-"

"Stop blabbering and hurry up, get going!"

"O-Okay!... Wait, you're not coming Deidara?"

"I'll look for a different entrance, there has to be someplace more artistic."

"Aw come on, you keep talking but I bet you're just as scared as me."

"...Guess what Tobi, I just decided what I'll be exploding first."

"Already? But there's nothing in particular over there."

"I'm talking about you you dumb bastard!" he formed a giant clay bird and took into the air, then dropped a mini-C3.

"Ooh, these little C3 are cute. Wait, what's with these?!"

Deidara then detonated the C3, exploding Tobi "You can take that place!" and he took off, leaving Tobi alone.

"Deidaraaa!"

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Kisame felt the tremors "Those tremors felt like an explosion, it seems Deidara and Tobi have followed us." he got no response from Itachi "Couldn't you have turned down this job?"

"It's too much for Deidara to handle alone." Itachi stated bluntly.

"You don't think Tobi will help at all? Harsh."

'You have no idea.'

"Something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing." Itachi stared at the mountain that was the Lightning Region "Let's go, before we capture them we need to confirm the Genryus' locations."

"You're rather cautious. Understood."

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Dragon received a messenger bird from a certain person 'Thank you my friend. Izumi, he says the Akatsuki are heading to Mount Koryu in search of the Genryu."

"I'm coming with you." Izumi said firmly.

"You know you can't, don't forget that that certain man cannot find out that you're alive under any circumstances or who knows what he'll do to the Hidden Leaf. I'm going to Mount Koryu alone to find that certain person. Hopefully Orochimaru won't end up taking that hint as well or else the plan might be jeopardized.' and he disappeared in a green flash.

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The Hidden Leaf group entered Mount Koryu through the Water Region.

"This isn't what I expected to see." Yamato commented.

"They said the world's energy was being drained, I thought it'd look a lot worse like some sort of barren wasteland." Kin admitted.

"The Genryu were originally beings who fertilized the land of the Tatsushiro clan." Akari told them "This place could be the last remnant of that land.

"Does that mean it's as terrible as we imagined in other places?"

"As far as I know…"

"Hold it." Tatsu stopped the group when he saw some Mugonhei "Here they come, big ones too, way bigger than the ones that were sent to the village. Not that it's a problem though, the Dragon Blade was able to defeat something way bigger than these things."

"They're probably on patrol." Yamato guessed.

"Probably. Kin, take Akari and get some distance from here. Sasuke, guard the perimeter around them."

"Right." Kin led Akari further ahead, while Sasuke activated his Sanda Sharingan and created a ring made of pure lightning before going after the others.

"Yamato, bind them."

"Right." Yamato was quick to bind them with a wood-style jutsu.

'Wood style, a secret Kekkei Genkai known only to Hashirama Senju the First Hokage himself, though Orochimaru was experimenting with the First's DNA. Maybe this guy was one of the test subjects. No wonder Kakashi wanted him on the team.' he then drew the Dragon Blade and cut down the Mugonhei, only for several more to appear.

"We managed to defeat them."

"I didn't think not using my chakra like normal would be this bad."

"Just one of Mount Koryu's special attractions, I doubted it until we got here but I'm glad we have this special equipment."

"Yeah."

"Guys!" Kin yelled on the comlink.

"What's wrong Kin?"

"Mugonhei are here too, Sasuke's handling them but I think you should hurry up and join us before they outnumber him.'

"Alright, we're on our way."

"We're just ahead of you guys, by the waterfall."

"Keep cool, I see it from here. Yamato, let's move!" he rushed forward, only to see several more giant Mugonhei "Oh come on!"

Then Yamato made a decision "Tatsu, go help Sasuke and the others. I'll hold them off here."

"Alright Yamato, I'll leave it to you. Just catch up when you're done." and he raced off.

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Sasuke cut down the last of the Mugonhei with ease, then went over to Kin and Akari "You two alright?"

Kin pecked him on the cheek "That answer your question?"

"No, but this does." he dipped her for a makeout session that made Akari blush.

"Yo Thunderclap Loverboy!" Tatsu showed up, using the new nickname he'd come up with "In case you've forgotten, we're on a mission to stop a psychotic maniac from destroying the world here!"

Sasuke broke off the kiss after about 5 minutes "Sorry, but when you've got a girlfriend you tend to wanna get as close to some action as you can."

"...Nevermind that right now. There's too many enemies, we're gonna have to conserve our chakra and use it wisely or we're gonna be in big trouble."

"Wait." Sasuke looked up and saw a giant eagle flying above them "Wait, I think I see Orochimaru and Kabuto on there."

"So they're here too, they're not our objective but we can't ignore them."

"Agreed. Summoning Jutsu!" he summoned a gigantic hawk "Listen up Garada, I'm gonna need you to hang back for awhile and pursue them."

"You want me to tail them?"

"Just find out where they're going." he quickly formed a Thunder Clone "This clone of me will take a headset to stay in contact. Like I told Garada, just find out their objective and avoid a confrontation."

"Got it." then the clone hopped on Garada and took off.

Then Tatsu got their attention "We need to keep moving, our top priority is to find our comrades in the mountain."

"Looks like there's an entrance to a cave at the top of the waterfall." Kin noted.

"I say we climb." so Tatsu led the group up the waterfall and into the cave, where he quickly cut down some Mugonhei with the Dragon Blade as he made his way across the river and into another area, only to find himself ambushed, both entrances sealed off "Dammit, I'm locked in. I'd better take care of these Mugonhei first. Oh well, better not waste time.' he then proceeded to cut down about 20 Mugonhei in about 5 minutes, causing the seals on the entrances to disappear almost instantly "Alright, that's done."

Then Sasuke finally caught up with him, Kin and Akari right behind him "Dammit man, would it kill you to wait for us?"

"Sorry."

Then Yamato contacted them "This is Yamato, I've defeated the enemies from earlier. I'll catch up soon."

"Got it, we've entered the mountain from a place just ahead of where you are." Tatsu led the group ahead, only to find himself outside the caves 'You know, if this was one of those old stories from when I was a kid then there'd probably be a hidden passage behind that waterfall.' he then paused and tried to check it out, then checked higher up 'There's definitely a passageway behind there but I can sense some kind of strange chakra coming from the waterfall, I can't push through it.' he made his way through another entrance into the caves, only to find another ambush, which he dealt with quickly "This is getting annoying."

Then Sasuke's Thunder Clone contacted them "You guys read me? Orochimaru and Kabuto ditched the giant snake and they're riding around on what I think is some giant eagle summon. It looks to me like they're scouting."

"So we don't know why they're here or what they're after. Keep following them but don't reveal yourself under any circumstances."

"Got it." then the comlink shut off.

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Tatsu led the group onward and saw a device in front of a large door "The hell is that?"

"That is a device for opening the door." Akari told him "Please be careful, the Mugonhei protecting the devices are stronger."

Tatsu was quick to cut several of them down "Yeah you're right, instead of one slash they took two slashes each. So much stronger." then he stepped on the device, causing all of the remaining Mugonhei to stop moving, only for them to resume when the door opened completely "So that's it." he was quick to cut them down, then entered the room "Come on guys, let's-" he stopped when he saw that they were outside and he was alone "Son of a-" then he looked and saw Dosu lying on the ground "Dosu!"

"Tatsu…" Dosu rasped out "Sorry… I underestimated them… these things… they seem to be draining my chakra…"

'I'd better hurry, Dosu looks like he's lost a lot of strength already.' Tatsu quickly cut down several Mugonhei, but was forced to use a small Rasengan to take out the giant one that appeared in the last leg of the ambush. Then he turned his attention to Dosu "Hang in there big guy, I'll get you back to Kin and Sasuke and then she can treat your wounds." he held out the special equipment from Tsunade "Take this too, it should work even if you put it on over your regular clothes."

"What is it?"

"Special equipment that'll let you control your chakra in this environment."

"That'll help." Dosu slowly put on the equipment, wincing from his wounds as he did "I see, my chakra feels different but I think I'll be able to help out a little."

"You're injured keep in mind, don't strain yourself until we can get Kin to treat you."

"I know, but I've still got enough strength." Dosu stood, but quickly stumbled.

"I've got you." Tatsu quickly caught him and carried him out of that room, only to find a large stone wall "I can sense Sasuke and Kin on the other side of this wall, the only problem is that my chakra control isn't at its best so I can't run up it and carry you too."

"I think I can help with that." Dosu pulled out a scroll with a dragon mark on the front "I found this in that other room not long before you arrived."

"What is it?"

"Based on the pattern and color scheme I assume it's an earth-style scroll, but for some reason I can't open it."

"Let me try something." Tatsu took the scroll and placed it on the dragon markings on the Dragon Blade, causing it to disappear and the blade of the sword to turn brown 'Weird, I feel something. Dosu stay back, I'm gonna try something." he sheathed the Dragon Blade and formed several hand seals "Earth Style: Mud Wall!" he then formed a large wall made of mud, rock and Dragon Blade chakra "Alright Dosu, let's move." he slung Dosu over his shoulder and leapt onto the mud wall and over it.

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Having ushered Kin and Akari back, Sasuke had drawn his Raijin katana and cut down the attacking Mugonhei with ease "Pointless fodder, that's all these things are."

"Guys!"

Kin and the rest looked back to see Tatsu show up through another entrance, carrying Dosu slung over his shoulder "Tatsu! Dosu?"

Tatsu set Dosu down by a wall "He's hurt pretty bad, but he's been powering through."

"I've got him." Kin knelt down beside Dosu, green energy emerging from her palms "Stay still and try not to talk."

"When did you learn medical ninjutsu?" asked Sasuke.

"I've been secretly training under Lady Tsunade the past few months, after Tatsu recommended me. I was gonna surprise you with it after I finished learning her medical ninjutsu, but I guess the secret's out."

"...That's hot."

"Moving on!" Tatsu stressed "Dosu, Lady Tsunade said that Lee and Neji are supposed to be with you. Where they are?"

Dosu let out a groan "Lee and Neji… last time I saw those two was in front of that building near the center of the mountain."

"A building near the center… were there dragon statues lined up at a large door?" asked Akari.

"Yes, why? Do you know what that is?"

"It's most likely the Ritual Hall, my brother Kuroma should be there as well."

"I see."

"Dosu, did Lee and Neji go in there?" asked Tatsu.

"When I was there, they said there was a barrier keeping them from going any further, so nobody went inside. We each split up to try and cover different Regions of Mount Koryu. I came here to the Water Region, Neji went over to the Wind Region, and Lee went over to the Lightning Region."

"One must have all five of the Dragon Orbs in order to reach the Ritual Hall." Akari explained to them "No one but my brother should be able to enter."

"Well I've got one of the Dragon Orbs, the one I got from the Earth Genryu, so nobody at all should be able to get in." Tatsu pointed out "In any case, we'd better get closer to this Ritual Hall and look for clues."

"In order to reach the central shrine housing the Ritual Hall, we need to proceed through a cave hidden behind the waterfall."

"Right." then he contacted Yamato on his headset "Yamato, you heard her. We're heading to the central shrine, I want you to meet us there and we'll discuss our next move.

"Roger." then the connection severed.

"Alright guys, here's the issue. There's a cave hidden behind the waterfall further down, but the waterfall is being enhanced by some strange chakra so I can't push through it."

"Maybe you can use the Mud Wall jutsu to stop the flow of water." Dosu suggested "After all, a scroll from inside Mount Koryu might work inside it as well."

"Alright. Sasuke, Kin, Akari, you guys stay back a little ways so we're spread out and not all bunched up. Dosu, you'll be my backup for now."

"Right."

"Akari, any advice for fighting the Water Genryu? I'm pretty sure we won't be able to just waltz past it."

"There will be a large door leading to the Genryu Hall, we must go through it if we're to get to the central shrine. By the door will be a device leading to the Genryu hall, you must activate it in order to open the door."

"Good to know, now any advice for fighting the Genryu itself?"

"Using the Dragon Blade on the Water Genryu's shining scale should calm it down, and while the Genryu are all powerful their attack patterns are very predictable, except for the Wind and Lightning Genryu's, so just analyze and counter their attack patterns and you will be fine."

"Thanks. Alright Dosu, let's move."

"Right." and Dosu took off after him.

Sasuke held out an arm to stop Kin and Akari from following "We'll give it about 10 minutes, then we'll follow in case they need backup.

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After activating the device and opening the massive door leading, Tatsu led Dosu through the door and confronted the massive Water Genryu 'The Water Genryu, the dragon residing over the power of water. I was right, we couldn't have just waltzed past it."

"Remember what the girl said, using that sword on the shining scale should calm the thing down." Dosu reminded him "Also, what's a shining scale?"

"You damage the thing enough and this one scale on his nose begins glowing like a star." then he turned serious "It's coming, stay behind me. I can't use the Mud Wall jutsu too much or I'll just be wasting my chakra, so I'd better focus on dodging and having Dosu binding it using Earth-style jutsu so I can attack it as much as possible. Dosu, come on!" and he charged forward, with Dosu right behind him.

The Water Genryu launched a wave attack, getting smaller the farther to the right it went.

Tatsu blitzed toward the right and leapt over one of the smaller hurdles.

The Genryu followed with the same attack.

Tatus leapt over it again 'Looks like there's an opening after it attacks with a wave, if that's the case then maybe I can find a way to work around that. But the only Earth-style I know is the Mud Wall jutsu, and I can't use Purple Thunder recklessly. I'll have to figure out a strategy and make it up as I go.' he finally got to the end.

The Genryu hissed at him and leapt back into the water, then rose up and fired a gigantic ball of water at him.

'Stay calm, concentrate, focus only on your blade and the ball.' Tatsu slowly rose the Dragon Blade, and with one mighty slash, cut the water ball in half.

Then the Water Genryu moved closer to the land, both fins on the ground.

"Dosu, now!"

"Right! Earth Style: Mud Pull Bind!" Dosu slammed both hands into the ground, and large clumps of mud rose from the ground and attached themselves to the fins of the Water Genryu, preventing it from retreating back into the water "Go!"

"Right!" Tatsu formed several hand seals and placed both hands on the Genryu "Lightning Style: Purple Thunder!" purple lightning was generated from his hands and sent throughout the Genryu's body.

The Genryu howled in pain, and the shining scale appeared.

"There!" seeing the scale and the chance to cut it, Tatsu readied the Dragon Blade, charged up and cut the shining scale, causing the Water Orb to come flying out from the scale.

The Genryu collapsed, unconscious.

Tatsu quickly caught the Orb before it fell into the water "This must be the Water Orb."

"Excellent." then Akari showed up with Kin and Sasuke "Now we can pass through two of the five elemental barriers."

"Elemental barriers, so that's how we get to the Ritual Hall?"

"That's correct, I believe they are used elsewhere as well."

"So we need to get the remaining three Dragon Orbs as we track down Lee and Neji, and maybe fight off the Akatsuki and Orochimaru in the process."

"Looks like… you catch on… pretty quick…" then Dosu hunched over and coughed up blood.

"Dosu!" Kin caught him and gently lowered him to the ground "Are you alright?"

"Sorry… looks like… using too much chakra… opened up… my wounds again… during… that battle… and you took the time… to heal them too…"

"Hold on, I'll treat them right now."

"No, don't waste your time on me. I'll stay here and regain my strength, just leave some of your medical tools. I'll probably just get in the way if I come along."

"The Genryu will awaken again if too much time passes." Akari warned "Let's move to a safer area."

"Good idea."

Tatsu held out a comlink "Dosu, stay alert and standby somewhere without any enemies, if you run into any trouble then just contact us with this. In the meantime, I'll leave a Shadow Clone behind to meet up with Yamato." he formed a clone "Alright guys, let's move."

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Things were getting serious in other areas too.

Dragon stood outside the entrance to the Earth Region of Mount Koryu 'Just like the intel says, I can't control my chakra as well as usual. Even with this special armor, I'm only at about 70%. Then again, it was either that or use those pills to give me more chakra control, but they were made by Orochimaru.' then he paused 'I can feel one chakra signature deep inside this cave, and another one closing in on it though it's pretty far away too. I sense the Hidden Leaf group in the Water Region and making their way towards the center of Mount Koryu, and Orochimaru is heading towards the Lightning Region, so these must be members of the Akatsuki. I'd better hurry.'

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Tatsu stared at the Ritual Hall in front of him "This is it."

"Are Neji and Lee inside?" asked Sasuke.

"Hold on…" Tatsu paused for a moment, then shook his head "I can't sense either of them inside, but we'd better check and take a look around the elemental barrier just in case the environment on Mount Koryu is screwing with my sensory abilities. Come on, let's go." and he led the group into the Ritual Hall.

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Dragon activated the device to open the door to the Earth Region, only to feel an earthquake coming from the other side 'That quake was pretty strong.' then he paused 'Looks like the first and second have joined up, this might be more difficult than I thought.'

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After fighting through several Mugonhei that got bigger and stronger as time passed, the group found a figure at the end of the hall.

Akari was quick to recognize him as Kuroma "Brother!"

"You've returned Akari. Who are they?" Kuroma studied the Leaf group intently "They appear to be shinobi, and one of them wields the Dragon Blade. I see, clearly he possesses the Dragonseed."

"I brought them with me, so I can stop you."

"Stop me? You still believe that? It doesn't matter, give back the Dragon Blade that one carries."

"Hold on a minute." Tatsu cut in "Why are you doing this? Why do you have to destroy the world?"

"So Akari told you… Destroying the world? No, I'm getting my revenge."

"What's the difference?"

"What humiliations would a clan ruined by the nations of the world have to endure? Have you ever considered it? Of course not, you never think of anyone but yourselves. Our clan lived in peace, and you despised us because we were different."

"That's why you're out for revenge?" asked Sasuke.

"Yes, vengeance will be mine. Because of these horns I was made a freak, a pariah. Not once was I treated like a normal human being."

"But even then, we endured the pain together." Akari protested "So why now, why so sudden?"

"Endured it? Why did we have to endure that treatment? Why must I, a descendent of the Tatsushiro clan, endure such debasement?"

"You don't have to suffer." Tatsu cut in, taking Kuroma by surprise "No matter who or what you or Akari are, there's no reason why people can't live together in peace."

"You talk like you know everything, but there's nothing that can be done by a single person. Those who pretend to have sympathy for us always betray us in the end. How many times have I been deceived by believing in false hopes of other people?"

"Brother…" Akari murmured.

"Enough, all this talk is useless now. Akari, take the Dragon Blade and come back to me. Once I become the Light Dragon, it won't take me long to destroy the world."

"You can't do that." Tatsu protested.

"More from you?"

"Becoming a jinchuuriki hurts not just yourself but the others around you, don't tell me you can't see that. I can't let you do that."

"The others around me? Have you not heard a word I was saying? I've always been alone, the suffering of others means nothing to me."

"Why don't you get it?"

"Now Akari, come with me."

"Please brother, please listen to what Tatsu is trying to say." Akari pleaded.

"That impudent fool? Please." he launched a fireball.

Tatsu leapt back and dodged it "Wait!"

Kuroma stared for a moment, then walked through the barrier.

"Dammit, looks like we can't follow him. Come on guys, let's get out of here for now."

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Tobi stared at the destruction caused by Deidara's explosions "Nice Deidara, going with the "blow up the ceiling if the door won't open" trick!"

"Well I suppose that's one name for it." Deidara commented dryly.

"You should've just done that to begin with."

Deidara just glared at him.

"What? I'm just saying. Anyway, isn't there supposed to be a Genryu here?"

"Looks like the one that was here was sent to the Hidden Leaf."

"That means we've come up empty-handed."

"That's okay, I've confirmed other places we might be able to find them."

"Oh so you weren't just flying around for fun?" then Tobi noticed the door open, revealing Dragon on the other side "Deidara, someone's here."

Dragon slowly walked forward "Judging by those robes, you must be members of the Akatsuki."

Deidara let out a sneer "What of it?"

"You wouldn't happen to know where Itachi is would you?"

"Maybe, what's it to you?"

Dragon suddenly appeared behind him, katana at Deidara's throat.

'He's so fast, I couldn't even follow his movements!'

"Let me tell you how this is gonna work, you can either tell me where Itachi is, or I can just kill you and get the information from your partner."

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Tatsu led the group out of the Ritual Hall "Kuroma went beyond the other barrier, we'd have to bring it down to reach him but we can't do that without the remaining three Dragon Orbs."

Kin put a comforting hand on Akari's shoulder "I'm sorry Akari."

"For now we should focus on our other objective and search for Lee and Neji."

"Tatsu, are you there?"

Tatsu checked his radio "Dragon, is that you?"

"Yes, I'm in Mount Koryu battling two members of the Akatsuki in the Earth Region of Mount Koryu."

"Is it Itachi and Kisame?"

"No, some blond guy who fires clay bombs and an idiot with a mask. Oh, and now the blond guy claims he's going to switch to C3, so I should probably go."

"Alright, thanks for the heads up." then he paused.

"Something wrong?" asked Sasuke.

"The Shadow Clone I left behind in the Water Region met up with Yamato."

"So he's alright."

"Yeah, and he found the Akatsuki on the way here. He's in pursuit and they're heading towards the Fire Region."

"You mean the volcano?"

"Yeah, now let's go rendezvous with Yamato."

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Dragon had figured out the trick to Deidara's attacks using several Shadow Clones, and in the end he didn't have a scratch "So then, had enough?"

Deidara spat out some blood "Dammit, you're better than I thought. Tobi we're wasting our time here, let's go."

"Run away!" Tobi cried.

"Shut up, just follow me!"

"Deidara wait, I can't fly!" then there was a white light and an explosion.

Dragon sensed that they were retreating "Oh no, they got away. Well I could always go after them, but they're not really my objective right now. If I'm gonna deal with the Akatsuki myself, it has to be after that certain man makes his move, and even before then I've got that crippled old bastard to deal with. I've gotta bide my time until them, but Orochimaru will have to come first.'

A/N:

I don't know why people hate this game, I thought it was really good.

Yes, Tatsu will keep this power so this is canon to the fic.

I know the Wind Region came after the Ritual Hall, but I thought it only made sense to go to the Fire Region next since they already have the Water Orb, then have the Wind Region come next since they'll have the Fire Orb.