talking: Ya' know

thinking: Ya' know

jutsu: Flying Raijin Jutsu

Tailed Beast talking: Damn you 4th Hokage

Tailed Beast thinking: Damn you 4th Hokage

I don't own Naruto or any other manga/anime in any way shape or form.

story has some slight x-overs.

Chapter 10: Leaf, Sand, Whirlpool and Akatsuki

It was an ordinary and sunny day within the Hidden Whirlpool Village. Shinobi on high alert, despite that if was unlikely that anyone would be able to infiltrate the village. Children were playing in the streets and in the parks, as if there wasn't a war going on.

At the front gates, the Hidden Whirlpool's leader's guests were there to visit. "What do you mean, 'We can't enter yet!?'" Tsunade yelled, impatiently. She was accompanied by Kakashi, Sakura and Sasuke. With her, was Gaara and his older siblings. And they were being held at the gate, for reasons that they weren't being told.

"Listen lady, we can't take things at face value. If we did, we'd be putting our villagers in danger." Said a young man. lean-built young man of average height, straight white hair with a light-blue tint to it, almond shaped purple eyes, and he also has pointed teeth — one of which sticks out even when his mouth is closed. He wears a purple, sleeveless shirt with blue pants, sandals and a belt around his waist with water bottles attached to it. He also wears another belt strapped to his chest which he uses to carry the Executioner's Blade, with caused Tsunade's escorts to narrow their eyes.

"But we were invited here, by your village's leader!" Said Tsunade, becoming more impatient.

*Sigh* "Look, I understand that. But we're still at war, unlike the Leaf and Sand Villages. We have to be careful. For all we know, you're Hidden Stone shinobi using a 'Transformation Jutsu'." The young man replied.

"Why you..."

"Suigetsu!" Karin called, coming out the gate. "Didn't Naruto tell you that the Leaf's Hokage was short tempered and impatient!" She said, with a serious tone.

"Yea, yea. I get it Karin. But It's my job to make sure no one tries to get in without permission. And that's where you come in. You make sure people are who they say they are." Suigetsu replied.

"Why don't you just learn how to tell that by yourself!?"

"Because I'm not a sensor. That's why."

"Tsk! Whatever! Anyway, I'm sorry for Suigetsu's lack of any ability, including manners." Said Karin, causing Suigetsu to complain.

Ignoring Suigetsu, Tsunade replied. "That's alright. As long as we get into the village, and meet with Lord Uzumaki."

"That's fine. Now, just state your names." Karin said.

"What?" Tsunade asked, curiously.

"I'm a sensory type. I can tell when someone's lying. Which is why I need you to state your names. To confirm if you are who you say you are." Karin answered.

"Fair enough. But why so cautious?" Kakashi asked.

"Our village leader is the Nine-tails' Jinchuuriki! With the Akatsuki roaming about, we can't afford to be careless!" Karin responded, impatiently.

"Oh! Right. Sorry about that." Kakashi replied, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.

"Whatever! Now, state your names." She repeated.

*Sigh* "Tsunade Senju. Fifth Hokage."

"Kakashi Hatake."

"Sakura Haruno."

"Sasuke Uchiha."

"Gaara. Fifth Kazekage."

"Temari."

"Kankuro."

Once they were all finished, Karin resumed. "Alright." She said, taking out some visitor tags. "Here, take these and place them on your shirts." As she handed them out, they did as they were told. Once they were finished, she led them inside the village. She gave them a brief tour of the village, as she led them to Whirlpool Tower. She then brought them strait to Naruto's office. Instead of knocking, Karin went straight in. And they saw Naruto and Tayuya, just sitting there and having sandwiches.

Looking up at those who just entered his office, Naruto greeted them. "Hey! Grandma Tsunade, Kakashi, Sakura, Sasuke, Gaara, Temari and Kankuro! How ya' guys doing?"

"Good. And why aren't you doing paperwork?" Tsunade asked.

"I hardly have any. With the war going on, people tend to work out their own problems. And if that doesn't work, they come to me and the Council. But that usually happens when things start to either turn violent, or they just can't come to terms." Naruto explained.

"I see. The war must be tough at times." Said Kakashi.

The look in Naruto's eyes changed from happy to sad and regret, and then quickly changed back. This wasn't missed by any of them, and Naruto wasn't going to play it off when he replied. "We...We've lost, not just good shinobi, but good people as well. They fought for us, for their home. And it's real tough for me, because I'm the one that sent them out there."

"Oh, quit being such a pussy!" Tayuya yelled, shocking their guests. Naruto was used to it.

"Please, don't mind Tayuya's mouth. She can be pretty blunt, to say the least." Naruto excused.

Taking a moment, Tsunade decided to ignore Tayuya's mouth. "I can understand that it's not easy to do that Naruto. Sarutobi-sensei has done it, your father's done it, and many other Kage have done it. It's not easy, but it has to be done. Understand?"

"That's what Tayuya said just now. In her own way." Said Karin. Karin then took Tayuya by the hand, and dragged her out of the office with Tayuya complaining the whole time.

Once they could no longer hear Tayuya, Naruto spoke. "Anyway, sit down. I'm sure you have some questions. And I'm willing to answer. But, none of the information leaves this office. Understood?" Naruto asked, taking his seat behind his desk. The others soon took their seats, with Gaara and Tsunade in the center in front of his desk.

"First off. How did you manage to do all this? You rebuilt a village back up from a pile of ruins." Tsunade asked.

Naruto saw this question coming, and already knew the answer. "It started out with just me and Haku. We started clearing things out, looking for information that might still be around. Eventually, we found the old archives library. It had a list of clans and other notable shinobi from back in the day. I eventually asked, Pervy-sage to see if he could go track them down. Let them know that the Hidden Whirlpool Village was being rebuilt. Soon afterward, more and more of the old clans came back. They've been training for years to increase their strength, so that if by some chance that the Uzumaki Clan comes back and decides to rebuild. That they can better protect their home."

"They were honestly happy, when each of them came here. And even when Danzo's ROOT attacked, they stopped it. When the Hidden Stone attacked, they fought and drove them off. With minor injuries." Naruto explained.

"And you let them in? Just like that?" Gaara asked.

"Members of one of the clans came. They came from a clan that was the only one to join another village. By the time they got here, Karin and Tayuya had already joined us. Karin quickly found out that they were trying to spy on us. Turns out, the Hidden Whirlpool fell because their clan betrayed the village. After that, Karin went around and questioned the others. Covertly trying to find out their true intensions. Everyone of them was honest. And everyone else who came here afterward, were questioned by Karin. Only the ones who were sincere and honest stayed. I guess I don't have to say what happened to those who weren't, or?" Naruto answered, having everyone shake their head.

"What kind of defenses do you have around your village?" Kakashi asked. "I mean, obviously you can't use the same one's as your predecessors used."

"You're right. The whirlpool's you passed are natural, instead of chakra created ones. Also, we have a 'Space-Time Barrier Jutsu!' around the entire village. It's always active, and it keeps anyone from getting in without permission." The answer shocked them. Since they didn't expect such an answer.

"Is that why we couldn't get in?" Sasuke asked.

"Exactly. Heh. You were always one of the smart ones on our old squad Sasuke." Naruto said, after answering his question.

"Wow! That's incredible, Naruto!" Said Sakura.

"Thank you, Sakura. But, I had to learn the jutsu first. I had a hard time learning it, but I eventually did. I cast the jutsu, and certain others work to keep it going. It's a bit complicated, so I can't and won't, go into details." Naruto replied.

Everyone nodded in understanding. Knowing that such details could lead to others finding out their weaknesses. But Kakashi decided to ask something. "You have a point there, Naruto. But why tell us that there's a 'Space-Time Barrier Jutsu' around your village?"

"For one, I trust you guys." Naruto replied.

"Fair enough." The all thought.

"Second, I doubt it will be much of a secret anyway. I'm sure the Hidden Stone has more or less figured it out by now. But they're keeping that information to themselves. I think that's why their attacks has slowed to almost zero now." Naruto explained.

This, once again, surprised everyone of his guests. "The Hidden Stone is halting their attack?" A shocked Tsunade asked.

"For the most part, yea." Naruto replied.

They continued talking for about another hour, talking about what ever came to mind. Suddenly Karin burst through the door. "We have a problem! Suigetsu and Juugo are running amuck out side the barrier! However, Suigetsu is under the influence of a Genjutsu! And I have know idea who cast it!" She yelled.

"Right! I'm on it!" Naruto said, flashing to the gate of his village.

Having stood up when Karin barged in, Tsunade spoke as soon as Naruto had left. Not having a chance to do so before he just left. "Is there anyway we can help?" Tsunade asked.

"I'm sure we'll have it under control very shortly, but do as you wish." She said, before disappearing in a *poof* of smoke.

"Shadow-Clone." Said Kakashi.

"Let's go. I don't like the fact that someone put a Genjutsu on the guard, while remaining undetected." Tsunade ordered. Her guides followed her out of the office, followed by the Kazikage and his siblings.

-Ten Minutes Earlier-

Suigetsu was minding the gate, as usually does when Karin assigns him his duties. Naruto had left the responsibility of the Hidden Whirlpool's security to Karin, thanks to her sensing capabilities. Now, while Suigetsu would prefer to go out on missions and help with the war, he has a tendency to get on Karin's bad side. This would often result in him having a week of Gate Duty.

So, here he is standing next to the gate. Looking bored.

"Gate Duty again, eh Suigetsu?" Asked a rather tall young man, with orange hair. This young man was know as Juugo.

"Yea. I don't know why, but Karin always assigns me this boring job when there's a war to fight." Suigetsu replied.

"Have you ever thought about, not getting her angry? Because you keep angering her, and that's when she assigns you to keep watch over the gate." Said Juugo, before he suddenly had to dodge a swing of Suigetsu's 'Executioner's Blade'. "Whoa! Suigetsu! What're you doing!?" Juugo asked, dodging another swing from the massive blade. Juugo didn't want to fight his friend, but he was starting to lose control of his 'Killer Side'. But he was using all his will power not to let it loose.

After a couple minutes, Karin appeared in a hurry. "What's going on here!? I just felt you guy's chakra rise!" Karin yelled, coming to a stop just outside the gate.

"I...I dunno. He just... he just started attacking me!" Juugo replied, struggling to keep himself in check.

"Ok! Just a second, I'll check it out!" She said, closing her eyes to concentrate.

"Just make it quick! I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out!" Juugo thought, as he kept dodging Suigetsu's attacks.

Taking a moment to scope out Suigetsu's chakra, and noticed that he was under a Genjutsu. He could use Genjutsu removal techniques, but this Genjutsu was beyond Suigetsu's ability to break it. "It must be Itachi Uchiha. But, I'm not going to make that assumption just yet." Concentrating some more, she focused to find the source of the one who cast the Genjutsu. It barely took a moment before she found it. And he had a considerable amount of chakra, but not nearly as much as the man next to him. "His chakra is near Tailed-beast levels! This is insane! I have to let Naruto know the basics of the situation!" She thought, as she created a Shadow-Clone. Her clone then ran off into the village.

Once the Shadow-Clone had left, Karin ran in toward Suigetsu. Careful to avoid his giant sword, Karin channeled her chakra into Suigetsu. Blinking, Suigetsu was looking around. "Huh? What happened?" Suigetsu asked.

"SUIGETSU, YOU IDIOT! YOU GOT CAUGHT IN A GENJUTSU, WHILE ON GATE DUTY NO LESS!" Karin yelled, causing Suigetsu to cover his ears.

"Ow! I would've tried breaking it, if I knew I was even in one. But it all just seems like a blank to me." Suigetsu replied.

"Oh! Just shut up!" She yelled again.

"G...Guys!" Said Juugo, grabbing their attention.

Looking over toward him, they sweat-dropped since they just now noticed that he was about to lose control. "Shit!" They thought. Thinking quickly, Karin figured out a solution. "Juugo! Turn to your left! There's someone you can let loose on!" Karin yelled, in a panic.

Quickly turning into the direction he was ordered to, Juugo charged toward the tree line. As soon as he saw the two figures walk out from behind the tree line. He then immediately stopped fighting himself, and let his killing intent loose. Quickly transforming his right arm into a grotesque armored one, with a jet-like propulsion coming from his elbow. As he got close to the shorter of the two, he threw a punch. Jet-propelling it at the last second, striking Itachi right through the chest. The Itachi Juugo struck, then dispersed into a flock of crows.

Itachi then reappeared about five meters behind him. "That was a bit surprising. But... I don't let my guard down against anyone. Not even mindless brutes, like you." Said Itachi, placing Juugo into a Genjutsu as he turned around. Itachi then threw a kunai at Juugo's head, which was deflected by another kunai that came from over by the village gate. Looking over, he saw the red-haired kunoichi's hand out stretched.

"I might not like Juugo very much, but he's a very loyal Whirlpool shinobi. And I'm not about to let some piece of trash shinobi, like you, kill him." Said Karin, as she started weaving hand-signs. "Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bombs Jutsu!" A giant dragon's head then appeared out of the ground, and started firing rocks at Itachi and Kisame. Careful not to aim at Juugo.

Itachi Jumped out of the way, while Kisame just batted them away with Sharkskin. Kisame then had to avoid a large over head swing from the Executioner's Blade. "Well, well. It's been a while since I've seen that sword. And even longer since I've seen you, Suigetsu." Said Kisame, as he greeted the young white-haired teen.

"Heh. I could say the same. Now, It's time I took Sharkskin from you." Suigetsu replied, leaping back before charging back in toward Kisame.

Meanwhile Itachi had charged toward Karin, figuring she could have a way inside the village. But before he got too close, he saw an orange flash, shortly followed by a foot being planted into his chest. Itachi quickly recovered, seeing His and Kisame's target standing between him and Karin. "It's been a while, Naruto."

"Yea, it has. Last time, you got a 'Rasengan' in the gut." Naruto replied.

"That's true. I hadn't expected you to use any of the 4th's Jutsu. Or even the 'Hidden Mist Jutsu'. However, you won't surprise me with those jutsu again." Said Itachi, as he closed his eyes. Opening them again, it showed that his eyes had changed. "Tsukoyomi!"

Before Naruto could react, he was caught inside a Genjutsu. About a second later, Naruto was released from Itachi's powerful Genjutsu. *Gasp* "What the heck was that about!?" Naruto asked, upon being released.

"Naruto! Are you ok!?" Karin asked, concerned.

"Ugh. Yea, I'm fine. I tried breaking the Genjutsu, but he just let me go. But I don't know why." Naruto replied, in a whisper. His response surprising Karin. Naruto then charged in toward Itachi, engaging him in Taijutsu. Itachi however, knew that Naruto was just trying to get in close to place that seal on him. In order to avoid this from happening, Itachi kept his distance. He even sent a few Fire Style jutsu toward Naruto, just to keep him at a distance.

After a few minutes of playing 'cat and mouse', Itachi and Naruto were interrupted by the large fireball that struck the ground between them. Looking in the direction it came from, Itachi was surprised to see the 5th Hokage Tsunade along with Kakashi's team. Which, of course, included his younger brother, Sasuke. And just behind them, was the 5th Kazekage, Gaara and his siblings.

Outnumbered and likely outmatched, Itachi believed it best to retreat. Itachi tried to warn Kisame of this. "Kisame! We need to leave, now!"

Itachi and Kisame then proceeded to back off from their respective fights, in order to escape. However, as they now stood side by side, Karin started weaving another set of hand-signs. "Space-Time Barrier Jutsu!" She yelled.

Itachi, with his Sharingan, saw a barrier being erected around everyone in the area. Including the two Kage and their companions. "Not good." He said, getting Kisame's attention.

"Hm? What is it?" Kisame asked.

"We're trapped inside a barrier. If we try to leave, we'll only be led back inside. We'll have to fight our way out." Itachi explained.

"That's right! Like rats in a trap." Said Naruto.

"Hmpf! Good job, loser. Now, mind if I take Itachi? I've been waiting years for this moment, and I don't want anyone getting in my way." Said Sasuke, as he stepped forward.

Naruto ignored the 'loser' comment, and hesitantly let him proceed. "S..sure. Go ahead. Suigetsu and I will deal with his partner. Karin, erect a separation between the two battles please." Naruto ordered.

"Right!" Karin replied. Everyone else, please exit the barrier with me. I'll let you in if help is necessary, but until then please stay back." Karin requested.

Gaara and his siblings proceeded outside the barrier, without trouble. Tsunade and the rest of Team Kakashi, were a bit more hesitant however. Looking over toward Sasuke, Kakashi spoke. "Sasuke, I know you want to do this on your own. But we will be here to help you if you need it."

"I'll be fine Kakashi." Sasuke replied. Kakashi nodded, and left the barrier with Tsunade.

"Be careful, Sasuke!" Said Sakura, before following Kakashi and her master.

Sasuke merely nodded in response. Now, he stood before Itachi. Ready for the fight of his life. And hopefully, Itachi's last.

"You would've been better off with their help, Sasuke. You can't beat me the way you are now. You still haven't acquired the Mangekyou Sharingan." Said Itachi, as he just stood their waiting for Sasuke to attack.

"I don't need the Mangekyou Sharingan to fight you. I'm stronger than you think, so you shouldn't underestimate me. Itachi!" Sasuke yelled, as he charged in.

That's chapter 10. Sorry it took so long, I just wasn't too sure on how to get this chapter going. Itachi used Tsukoyomi, because he's aware of the Kudo Clan's Genjutsu capabilities. And he didn't want to risk Naruto breaking his Genjutsu before hearing his message. Needless to say, Itachi's Tsukoyomi is capable of doing more than just torturing people in a compressed amount of time, like he did with Kakashi and Sasuke in the beginning. If you've read the manga, or seen the subbed/dubbed anime, then you know what I'm talking. Itachi's Tsukoyomi simply allows him to compress time. So he can get his message across to anyone, if he so chooses.

Anyway, that's all for now. Thank you for reading, and please review.

P.s. This will be the last chapter until late April to mid May. Sorry for the inconvenience. But it's unavoidable on my part.