Note: Let mequote what I said in the previous chapter's author's note just so we can all get a good laugh: ''Hopefully, I won't be as slow for the next update.'' What a good joke. Also, this hasn't been proof-read. Bare with me.
Hope you'll still enjoy!
Silver Lining
Creeping Death
(Part I)
- - - Land of Waves: Twenty four hours before Uzushio's doom - - -
''Are all the troops ready?'' Rasa inquired after his General, who had been doing a recap of their plan with each troop captain. With almost all of his active jounins and chunins plus Iwa's lent forces to handle, structure and organization was the key to success. Mistakes could not be allowed, especially with such an enormous gamble.
He had left his village practically empty and defenceless. He had signed a temporary treaty with Iwa so that the Tsuchikage would send another fraction of his own forces to protect his borders. Both the Kazekage and Tsuchikage had a good history of collaboration and alliances. He hoped the man would fill his end of the bargain, though you could never be too sure in the world of shinobi.
But, seeing the state his village was in anyways, it's not like he had anything to lose, nor did the Tsuchikage have anything to gain. They were as good as bankrupt, their land did not provide sufficient crops and the cost of living was rising more and more every semester… This was Rasa's only chance of making a change for the better. He was ready to put everything at risk.
''They are sir,'' his General informed with a respectful, yet somewhat nervous salute. ''We only need your word and we are ready to depart.'' The tension among his ninjas was obvious. His decision to go at war with Uzushio was not applauded by everyone in his village, especially not the plans and methods employed, but they were all as equally desperate as he was to gain back their place and power in the shinobi nations.
Rasa nodded curtly and the General rolled up the detailed Uzushio map which had been drawn by Nagato himself to the best of his memory. It probably wasn't up to date, but it was definitely the most detailed and informative map that could be found about the mysterious village and contained secrets that perhaps even young inhabitants of Uzushio themselves were unaware of.
The Kazekage then moved towards the Akatsuki's tent. Only half of the members were here though; the other half was near Hidden Hot Water village along with Orochimaru's Sound shinobis. Rasa's companies would attack from the South while Orochimaru's would attack from the North. Every gathered ninja, except the Akatsuki, had discarted their native village's clothes and went for the simplest black suit and all wore the same bandana. The plate at the front had the word ''Death'' carved on it. It had been Orochimaru's idea. The Kazekage found it obnoxious, but he could care less about their getup. They could all wear a fucking clown nose, if they wanted to.
Once Rasa reached the tent, he was blocked by the strange masked shinobi he had seen in their last meeting. He did not particularly like the man as he did not seem reliable, but he supposed the man must be strong for him to be kept in the elite group.
''Sorry, Kazekage-san,'' he told the kage nonchalantly. ''no one gets in.''
''What is your leader doing?'' Rasa, trying to keep his unease in check, but the other saw right through him.
''No need to act so suspicious, Kazekage-san; we are rogue nins. You can trust us,'' Tobi added with a mocking laughter. Rasa clenched his fists tightly, gritting his teeth together. He did not like being ridiculed so shamelessly, but he had given up his pride the moment he had decided to associate with them. As long as he got his end of the bargain, they could say all they wanted.
''I just want to make sure your leader will be finished before we leave for Uzushio... if his jutsu isn't ready, this entire operation will be useless.''
''Chill out. Everything will be fine,'' Tobi sighed dramatically, stretching out his numbing limbs. Guarding the entrance was a long a boring task. Why was he always stuck with those?
''Very well, then. Tell him we will wait for his approval, then we will send the bird to Orochimaru's regiment.''
''Roger!'' Tobi straightened up and saluted the Kazekage. The auburn haired man knew better than to treat it as a sign of respect.
As long as I get my end of the bargain... he repeated to himself, going back to his own people.
OoOoO
''Prepare some more ink,'' Nagato told his comrad. ''It should be the last batch I need.'' Konan nodded and wordlessly grinded the ink stone.
The fabric of the tent was very thick, not letting any daylight in. The only source of light was the several candles scattered in an intricate pattern around the Akatsuki leader, who was sitting at the centre of a sort of pantagram. There was also a bit of incense burning. One could only be awed the mood.
Konan had never seen Nagato use fuinjutsu before. At first, she feared that the man's skills would have become rusty as it had been over a decade since he had been declared Missing In Action by his native village. However, Nagato had assured her that one simply could not forget such teachings.
She put the little pot of ink in front of Nagato before returning to her seat quietly some feet away. She watched emotionlessly as the redhead continued with the slow, repetitive strokes, intrigued by the constant flow of chakra the sickly man was pouring into the ink.
She wasn't sure how long it had all taken, but at length Nagato rolled back the enormous scroll. It was the fourth and last one.
''It is done.''
OoOoO
- - - Meanwhile, in Uzushiogakure - - -
''Alright, that's it for today, kids. You did well.'' Today had been another day filled with D-ranks for Karin's genin team, who had graduated from the academy now almost two years ago. Perhaps tomorrow they'd get a C-rank, since they hadn't done any in a while.
''See you tomorrow, Otori-sensei!'' Karin waved her sensei goodbye as she left with her two teammates towards their home. It was still fairly early; perhaps they could all spar together before getting some dangos. She promptly suggested it to her friends.
''That's a great idea!'' Daiyu said, then turned to their male teammate. ''You in, Kira-kun?'' The quiet brown haired boy blushed slightly then nodded. ''Classes are almost over at the academy. You think your cousin would like to join us? That way it'd make two pairs.''
''We can always ask,'' Karin smiled.
''Sorry kids, it'll have to be another time.'' All three fourteen-year-olds turned to the familiar voice of Uzumaki Nanami, Karin's mother. ''I need Karin to help me run some errands.'' Karin groaned and walked heavy-footed to her mother. She waved back slowly to her friends, making sure her sulking face was very obvious. Nanami rolled her eyes at her daughters' antics and dragged her by the collar to the market place.
On their way there, they stumbled upon a very pregnant Risa who seemed to be coming back from a day's work at the academy. Nanami greeted her politely then proceeded to scold her about working herself too hard so late into her pregnancy.
''Calm down, Nanami-chan,'' Risa chuckled. ''I'm only due in seven weeks. Beside, it's not like my work's that demanding... especially since I started showing. My students have never been so well-behaved. I think the belly intimidates them.'' Nanami couldn't help but laugh out loud. Their conversation kept on lightly like this, until they started talking about the birth and the absent father.
''Does he even know?'' The older Uzumaki asked. Risa shook her head.
''He doesn't and it's better this way.'' Nanami sighed deeply.
''He deserves to know, Risa... I know you guys broke up a while ago, but I know for a fact that you still love each other.''
''You know as well as I do that our love was never the issue,'' Risa looked down at her stomach with a pained expression. ''Our future together would just never have worked, especially with a baby in the equation.'' Karin blinked curiously, unaware of all that was going on in her old academy teacher's life.
''His clan would never allow him to move to another village. Those damn Hyuugas are so protective of their precious little Byakugan. And how would I be treated over there? He's only a branch member. Our daughter would be doomed to wear the Caged Bird seal, and that's out of the question. Even if I can destroy it, for all I know, the Hyuugas could accuse me of treason and where would that lead us? If Tokuma finds out about my pregnancy, so will the main family, one way or another, and they'll hunt me down until I submit to their will.'' Nanami snorted mockingly at that.
''Like we would let them,'' she said through her teeth.
''Exactly,'' Risa replied. ''Clan tensions, conflicts, and who knows...'' She shivered just thinking about it. ''No, things are better off this way.''
Nanami sighed sadly and put a comforting hand on her distant cousin's shoulder. It pained her to see Risa so sad. She and Tokuma had been a perfect match. They completed each other and shared a chemistry she had rarely seen in others. To think Risa had to give it up, and to think the little girl would be deprived of her father's love. It was truly tragic.
''I understand and respect your decision, Risa,'' Nanami said solemnly. ''But I know you... I know you will regret it for the rest of your life if you do not tell him. The guilt of not having tried anything... it will eat you away.''
Risa looked down, gritting her teeth together, trying not to let her tears gather up in her eyes. Damn those hormones were making her so much more sensitive.
''I know... but what can I do?''
''Talk to Hiroto-sama. I am sure he and the Hokage would be able to negotiate some kind of arrangement. There has to be away...''
Risa stayed quiet. She had thought about it, of course, but Risa had been with a Hyuuga for some years and had gotten well-acquainted with the clan's mentality. She doubted any arrangement could be done that wouldn't be detrimental to her daughter. Still, Risa had to admit Nanami was right. The guilt would eat her away...
''I'll think about it.''
OoOoO
Naruto furrowed his eyebrows closely together as tied up the woollen string for the finishing touch. He had never been very talented with things like gift-wrapping, but this was an occasion that called for care and attention to details. He looked at the small package all over and, giving it an approving nod, took it in his hands and got up from the floor. Just as he did, his mom called out to him.
''Naruto! Come down, dinner's ready!''
''Coming!'' Naruto grinned at the gift one more time and rushed downstairs to the dinning room.
Before entering it, the small blond hid the present behind his back. He couldn't help the praise that came out at the sight of the meal. The table was filled with delectable-looking home-made sushi, all disposed elegantly on plates assorted with all sorts of edible decorations.
''Wow, what a feast!'' Naruto exclaimed, mouth already watering. Then, playing the innocent, he threw a clueless look at his parents. ''Are we celebrating something?''
Kushina, who had just finished washing her hands, sat down at her usual spot at the table and snorted at her only son. She looked pointedly where she could see the corner of a package with a flower-printed wrapping paper. Minato, who was sitting at his wife's right at the corner of the table, followed her gaze. He smiled at his son.
''Looks like we are,'' the older blond said. Naruto blinked and looked down behind him. He laughed a little and scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.
''Might as well give it to you now!'' He quickly sat beside his mother and handed them the package with a huge smile. ''Happy anniversary!''
''Thanks honey,'' Kushina replied as she took the present. She waited for Minato's approving nod and unwrapped the present.
A soft smiled melted on her features and her heart fluttered pleasantly.
''Oh Naruto...'' She turned the present around so her husband could have a better look. ''Look at this!''
It was a frame with a montage of three different pictures of them; one of their wedding, one with the two of them when Kushina was pregnant and a more recent picture during their little camping trip in the mountains. All around the pictures in the white spaces were little messages handwritten by different members of their close family. At the top was Naruto's own; a simple ''Best parents ever!'' that was both so Naruto and so heart-warming for the couple.
Kushina and Minato engulfed their son in a bone crushing hug.
''Fifteen years already,'' Minato mused, gently taking his wife's hand into his.
''And many more to come,'' Kushina replied tenderly, closing the gap between them.
Naruto allowed them to kiss without complaint, though only because it was their special day.
''Alright, let's dig in, now!'' The redhead cheered, taking her chopsticks into her hands.
''Yeah!''
OoOoO
- - - The next day, mid-afternoon, outside of Uzushio - - -
Several kilometres away from the village were gathered the enemy forces, separated at the southern and northern extremities. The troops were geared and ready to attack at their superior's order.
Nagato was standing at the forefront with the other major figures of the attack along with half of his Paths. The other half was with the rest of the attacking army along with a few other members of the Akatsuki. He and three other Paths were each holding one of the gigantic scrolls he had prepared carefully. It was time for a last briefing on how things would work out.
''This sealing technique -or rather, anti-sealing technique- is extremely complex and demanding. It requires perfect timing and flawless mastery of fuinjutsu and chakra control. I'll need all of my Paths just to activate and maintain it while you begin the invasion,'' he said solemnly, his face nearly entirely hidden by the signature Akatsuki sugegasa hat. ''It will not only keep Uzushio from activating their massive barrier, it will unable all fuinjutsu masters from using their sealing techniques. It will not, however, deactivate seals that were already in function before I perform it. You must keep that in mind; it's imperative.''
The Kazekage and all commanding officers nodded once, the weight of what was to come becoming heavier by the minute. Rasa found it more than impressive that such a powerful technique existed, but from the little he knew of the fearsome Akatsuki leader, he had not trouble believing it.
''I'll have myself and three paths activate the jutsu. The other three will protect the ones performing it while Connan stays with me. When keeping the technique active, we will literally be unable to do anything. Our concentration must be absolute. A slipt second misguided and the technique is over. That is why you must be the quickest when entering the village. If Uzushio activates its barrier, no one else will come in.''
There was a heavy silence. The Kazekage realized that the success of this invasion rested entirely on Pain's shoulders.
''The technique is extremely draining, so once I can no longer hold it, I'll have to dissipate at least three of my Paths to keep going. I'll need more chakra to handle the Kyuubi later, so don't count of me too much for the war efforts. The others are there for that.''
Nagato turned to the Kazekage.
''Have you placed the seals I gave you on each of your soldiers?''
''I have. Orochimaru told me through one of his summons he did the same.'' Once again, Rasa was faced with the immensity of fuinjutsu's power and versatility. The seal Pain just mentioned would activate upon the soldier's death automatically, destroying the body instantly without leaving a trace of its existence. There would be no need to 'clean up' and to further hide the instigators of the attack.
Pain gave a quick nod to his Paths and Conan. ''It is time for us to go. You can wait exactly half an hour starting now. Then... you charge as fast as you can.''
OoOoO
- - - In Uzushio's ninja academy - - -
Risa walked slowly along the pairs of sparring students, smiling approvingly at their performance. It was a full-on taijutsu spar with blunt weapons allowed. She was particularly proud of this cohort. She walked until she reached Naruto. She would never admit it aloud as it was unprofessional, but the little blond was her favourite student. The kindest child she had seen in all her career and a true heir to the Uzumaki-style fuinjutsu. Though, as she watched him fight with a fellow classmate, it was clear that the blond was influenced by his father's Konoha fighting-style. A great hybrid, she had to admit.
Naruto won the spar, and the two boys called for a break. When he noticed his sensei's presence, he sprinted towards her and smiled that wide goofy smile of his.
''How was that, Risa-sensei?''
''Not bad,'' she replied with smirk. Naruto, now long used to his teacher's teasing, stuck out his tongue playfully. She ruffled his hair then called out to the rest of the group to form new teams. She decided to spice the exercise up a bit and put two against one. The students whined loudly, causing a vein to pop angrily on her forehead.
''Missions won't be as easy as academy exercises, and those weapons certainly won't be blunt! Alright, here's how we're going to do it: Mika, you'll be up against Hideo and Akemi. Daiki, you'll fight against Akane and Haru. Naruto, you'll-''
Loud, resounding Taiko drums thundered through the air in a simple but powerful rythm that made Risa's heart stop, leap, then beat rapidly all in a split second. It was a war anthem that had not been heard since Uzushio's last infamous siege.
The students' confused and terrified eyes found their teacher's own sharp ones. Risa willed herself to stay focused despite her own surprise and confusion and lost not time in getting her group into formation that had been dutifully rehearsed every year.
''This is not a drill,'' she said gravely. ''Stay calm and follow me.'' The children were indeed calm, though Risa suspected it was rather because they were petrified into silence.
The group rushed into the school and they made their way towards the great hall where all the other groups would meet. However, as they walked along the hallways, Risa began to sweat nervously when she saw that no barrier had been pulled up around the building yet. Normally, it would have been activated by the school principal as soon as the drums had rolled. There was no way the experienced ninja would have forgotten under the pressure of the event. She threw a quick look to a window on her right and could not stop the loud gasp that escaped her trembling lips.
Naurto's wide eyes, along with the rest of the children's, followed the redhead's gaze. The blond's stomach twisted grimly. He had never seen Uzushio's famous barrier, but he had studied it well enough to know it wasn't supposed to have this onimous red hue to it.
The almighty Barrier had somehow been altered by the unknown enemy.
Distant battle sounds and explosions could be heard, and that was Risa's wake up call. If the school's own protection had been neglected, she'd simply have to take care of it herself.
She began an incredibly fast and complex combination of hand signs then slapped her palms to the ground.
Nothing happened.
The chakra-ink she had built up simply wouldn't come out. She started again, cursing furiously though her teeth.
Still nothing.
Her heartbeat went off the roof and the adrenaline-fuelled composure she had built slowly began to leave her.
She was pregnant, had twenty five students under her care and mysteriously could not use fuinjutsu.
''Let's hurry,'' she turned towards her students and rushed them through the corridors of the academy. They had been the only group training outside. She cursed her ill timing. All the other groups were probably already in the great hall, which made her own class more vulnerable to potential attacks.
And indeed, they had barely reached the end of the hallway they were in before three large silhouettes crashed through the window and landed only a few feet in front of the pregnant sensei.
Naruto would never forget that particular moment when his fear first materialized in front of him. The three enemy shinobis in front of him were tall, muscular and wore all black. All he could see of their face were their cruel, thin eyes. Their weapons were dripping in blood and their ragged breathing let them know they were hungry for more kills. On their forehead protector, rather than a village affiliation, was the kanji for ''Death''.
Risa had a choice to make and she made it quick. She took out the blunt weapons she had in hand and charged the enemies at blinding speed. Naruto, the most reckless and courageous of her group, soon woke out of his stupor and rushed behind his teacher.
''Stay back, Naruto!'' Risa barked as she blocked a deadly blade then kicked another enemy into the nearest room, sending him flying until he hit the wall with a loud crash. ''Bring the group to the Hall and listen to the teachers there!''
''But-'' Naruto weakly protested. Some of the students in the group began to run towards the hall, not bothering to wait for the rest, while the others stayed petrified in place.
''Now!'' Risa screamed, then groaned in pain when one of the three enemies managed to plant a kunai deep into her arm. She did not let the pain slow her down, though, and quickly delivered another powerful kick.
Naruto's eyes filled with tears, but he did as he was told. He urged the terrified students to follow him. He started running towards the room, but one of the invading enemies rushed after them.
Naruto quickly made his way to the front of the group and pulled out his own blunt kunais. Some of his classmates who had finally shaken themselves out of their frozen state followed his lead and threw their weapons at the dark figure. The stranger used a simple kawarimi to dismiss the attack and was about to charge again when another blunt kunai -this time thrown by Risa- pierced through his ankle, making him fall face-first to the wooden floor.
The children did not waste a second and continued their race.
The fallen figure got up with a angry growl and was meant to run after the group, but was interrupted by the leader of his squad.
''Let the kids go. They'll be easy enough to kill after. Let's take care of their little sensei first,'' the tallest of the three said with a low chuckle, dark eyes locked on the redhead's own furious ones.
Risa clenched her weapons tightly, and calculated her next moves. Beating those three assholes up would have been easy with her fuinjutsu... however, she could not let her heavy handicap get in her way. She had the lives of precious children to protect, including that of the unborn child inside of her.
''Burn in hell.'' She charged.
OoOoO
Minato's anxiety was rising with each passing second. He knocked out every enemy on his way towards the academy, but it seemed every time he made a step forward, he had to take three back when other invaders came his way. He punched, kicked, threw shurikens, used his rasengan, and made every single one he met eat dust. Still, he could not use his Hirashin -or any other Fuin technique- which meant he couldn't teleport to his son. He looked distantly towards the academy as he kept his firm, deadly grip on an enemy's neck. He was still near his home, which was in the Northest part of the island, while the academy was at the south extremity of it. He couldn't possibly be further from his son. His wife, from what he could guess, was probably somewhere around the mission office where he knew she had a meeting. He hoped his wife could get to their son faster, but with the overwhelming number of enemies coming in -and it only kept increasing- he doubt she was making any more progress than he was.
He felt bones crush under his fingers, then let the limp figure fall with a loud thud on the ground. He felt yet another shinobi charging at him from the back. He turned swiftly around, dodging the earth jutsu with practiced ease, then charged forward to plant one of his special kunai right into the man's eye, slicing through his skull.
He might not be able to use his infamous Flying Thunder God technique, but that didn't make him any less the deadly ninja he was.
Minato managed to run a few dozen metres, jumping from one roof top to the other, but was stopped yet again by another assault. A fellow Uzushio-nin joined him, making it easier for Minato to analyze his surrounding.
That's when he noticed four massive columns of red light on all cardinal extremities of the island. He narrowed his eyes calculatingly. The ominous chakra flow that escaped from them was the same that was tainting Uzushio's barrier. It was very likely that this unknown jutsu was what was turning Uzushio's protective barrier into an anti-fuinjutsu zone.
Uzushio without it's fuinjutsu was bound to fall. If he could take down that jutsu, his village would not only have a better chance of surviving this, but he would be able to find his son and wife instantly. It was a gamble, but at the rate things were going, he'd never make it to the academy in time. One of the massive columns was very close by, so it was worth a shot.
He helped his comrade defeat the two invading shinobi facing them, then raced as fast as he could towards the strange jutsu, disposing of the opposing forces crossing his path as swiftly as he could.
He managed to make it to the outside forest rather rapidly and there the enemies were scarce. He ran towards the flow of chakra. He was able to make out two dark figures from the distance; one sitting in front of a giant scroll from which the red light came from, and another standing near protectively.
The Akatsuki! He recognized the cloaks instantly, but could unfortunately not identify them because of the kasa hat with the paper strips they were wearing. This sudden attack on his village was becoming even more perilous. If they managed to get a hold on the Kyuubi, they were done for. Still there was hope. He could see that this seemingly formidable anti-fuin jutsu had one major weakness: it had to be performed within the barrier, rather than out, which meant he could indeed deactivate it.
He summoned his Rasengan, hoping to surprise the two members of the Akatsuki and get the upper hand. However, the guard had apparently noticed him as a counter attack was launched before his rasengan could reach his target. A large paper wall had risen, engulfing the rasengan and neutralizing its power.
Minato landed on his feet, kunai in hand, several feet away. He stared calculatingly at his opponent. At least, he now knew who he was facing. There was only one member of the Akatsuki who could manipulate paper in such a way, and that was one of Ame's missing nin, Konan. His cold blue eyes then fell on the immobile figure sitting by the scroll. The man had not moved even an inch and stayed completely focused on his jutsu – fuinjutsu, of course, Minato thought. He now also knew that the second member would not join in the fight; doing so would probably deactivate the jutsu. That makes things easier for me; I don't plan on staying here too long.
Konan used her high origami again and launched several paper shuriken at him. Minato deflected them all and jumped high over the branches to land in front of her. He meant to engage her in taijutsu -he knew it to be one of her weaknesses from Jiraiya-sensei's files- but Konan hurried out of his reach before he could land a hit. The woman was probably aware she could not match him in close-range combat and was avoiding it at all cost. Minato bit his cheek in annoyance. If only he had his Fuin's speed.
Konan threw a Tsunami of razor-sharp paper weapons at him and Minato flung in the air away from the deadly wave. He ended up hiding in the surrounding trees behind one of the large trunks. He summoned a shadow clone, both of them holding a rasengan in their hand. His clone nodded in understanding and stealthily jumped from branch to branch until he suddenly charged at the blue-haired nin. The later managed to block the attack once again, but realized only too late that it was only a diversion. She turned around, barely succeeding in avoiding the deadly rasengan. Although it had not touched her, it had been close enough for the residual chakra to leave a nasty bruise and even rip some fabric and skin off on her right ribs. Konan swallowed in a pained moan, not wanting to alarm Nagato, but the redhead could see everything, despite being focused on his technique.
Minato did not fail to see the other akatsuki member's shoulder tense. He narrowed his eyes at that. Obviously, that other member cared about Konan. If he could keep up with this fight a little longer, he might be able to make the other lose his focus. He wouldn't have to use up all of his chakra and stamina on this fight; he needed to save those as much as he could to protect his family.
Konan panted and felt cold sweat trail down her forehead as she braced herself for what was to come. She knew enough about that infamous Yellow Flash to understand that this wasn't going to be easy. However, with that strange new gleam burning in his sharp blue eyes, she feared the man had not even showed her half of what he was capable of doing.
The fight kept on like this for what seemed like an eternity. Konan was using up much more Chakra than she intended to block and avoid the blond's attacks and yet, it still looked like the Uzu nin was holding back. She could feel herself decreasing in speed, and her light wound was turning into a bigger hindrance with each passing second, as it was getting worse with all the straining and brusque movements. It was only a question of time before Minato go the upper hand. Glancing quickly towards her teammate, she could tell Nagato was trying vary hard to stay concentrated on his duty. She could not allow herself to be a burden and have Nagato stop his technique for her sake. This had to-
''This has to stop,'' Minato said solemnly, looking sharply at her. ''I don't care if it costs my own life. I won't let you destroy this village.'' His voice caused shivers down her whole spine. The Uzu nin began a series of complex hand signs, and Konan knew he would not be holding back anymore.
Nagato's eyes widened when he recognized the signs and dread what was coming. Konan would never-!
And that's all it took.
Minato hadn't even finished the first half of signs when Nagato broke his technique, probably meaning to interfere with his fight. He felt a warm sense of relief, knowing this sensation meant he could finally use fuin again.
Nagato had not even lifted up a finger and Minato was gone in a yellow flash.
Both Akatsuki members were left slightly dumbfounded, not quite certain of what had just happened. Then, after a short moment, Nagato sighed and rose to join his injured friend.
''That man is dangerous.'' Nagato had fallen right into the blond man's trap. From the barely visible body language Nagato had shown, Minato had understood that he would not have let Konan die; he had understood that she was his weakness and that it would cloud his judgment. The blond man had then stretched the battle to so the rising tension would blur Nagato's judgement. And so, when Uzu-nin had begun that deadly technique –a technique that would have taken down both him and Konan- Nagato had let his instincts get the better of him and he broke the technique to jump in.
But Minato had never intended to use it.
He should have known. He should read through the facade, but he hadn't. It was obvious now that Minato's reputation hadn't been earned solely because of his powerful jutsus.
Konan, who had also by now understood Minato's true intentions, sighed deeply in shame.
''We hadn't planned for the barrier to fall so early...'' Nagato put a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder.
''It's fine. All our forces have probably entered by now. Breaking the barrier earlier also means I have much more chakra left to deal with the Kyuubi, which was our primary purpose here.''
OoOoO
Naruto fixed the great hall's main door, anxiously waiting for his sensei to some in. The students and teachers in the room were all silent, with the children gathered in the middle and the teachers surrounding them, all ready to fight if enemies decided to show up. Naruto continued to stare at the door.
''D-do you think she's alright?'' Akane's voice was shaky and so soft that Naruto barely heard her. Naruto clenched his fists tightly, taking a deep calming breath.
''There's only one way to find out.''
The small Uzumaki girl blinked in confusion. She was about to ask what her cousin meant, but Naruto spared her the trouble. Instead, he acted, like he always did. He walked slowly towards the teacher who was the closest to the door, while discretely reaching for his back pouch.
''Sensei…''
''Stay back, Naruto-kun,'' the Uzu-nin said calmly, ''Keep your position in case-''
The man could not finish his sentence; Naruto had reached out for a small gas bomb and had used it to cover his escape. The few people around coughed heavily, eyes stinging from the gas. Naruto's guilt for inflicting this to his comrades at a time like this was overruled by his concern for his sensei. He knew the guarding senseis would never had let him get out of the room, and no sensei would have left the room either, since the children's safety was their priority. He understood all this, but Naruto was nothing if not a stubborn child. He had made sure the gas would dissipate quickly and would therefore not endanger the people affected by it. He just hoped no guarding sensei would come after him.
To avoid any pursuit, Naruto sped carelessly through the halls. It was luck, perhaps, that kept him from any encounter with the enemy. Once he was certain he was far enough, Naruto finally slowed down and started paying more attention to his surroundings. As he got closer to where they had left their sensei, he heard the faint sounds of metal clashing together. This gave him hope and he sped again to come to his sensei's aid. There, he hid behind an open classroom door in which the fighting was taking place. Through the tiny crack of the near the hinges, he indeed saw Risa sill holding up –though barely so- against the three enemies. One of them seemed badly injured, but was still very much a hindrance.
Naruto decided to go for that one, seeing as he had much better chances of making a real difference there. He also apparently had excellent timing, as said injured shinobi was now trying to attack Risa from behind while the two others distracted her. As tired as she seemed, Naruto doubted she had sensed him. He took out bolas from his pouch and threw them right around the nin's calves, making him fall to the ground. He then jumped right into the room and knock out the injured enemy for good with a good –and satisfying- kick to the head.
Risa had miraculously managed to keep her focus on the two others she was fighting. Then, both parties stepped back, taking in the new turn of events and recalculating their strategies.
''God damn it, Naruto!'' Risa chocked out, feeling all sorts of emotions rise up to her eyes and threatening to fall into tears. She was moved by Naruto's foolishly loyal and righteous nature and so unsurprised to see him come back for her… but she was no less angry and desperate. She would not let herself die without making sure the boy was back to safety. If only she was not pregnant…
''Now it's two against two, you cowards!''
The enemy ninjas were shocked to see such a small boy have such nerves and foolish enough to think he could help the pregnant uzu-nin. They both snorted, easily dismissing the ridiculous situation. They could not be beaten by a stupid child and a pregnant woman. They braced themselves and prepared to charge.
Risa narrowed her eyes. She could tell the opposing enemies were underestimating her and her pupil, despite the fact that their teammate had been taken down. That was the mistake she was hoping they would make.
''Naruto, don't let yourself be a target.''
He understood what she meant instantly. Bringing his fingers into a familiar cross sign, Naruto summoned five shadow clones. As Risa expected, the two enemies split and one of them went directly for Naruto. The invading nin was shocked to see that even a child as young as Naruto could perform such a high-level jutsu. Risa herself had used it many times earlier –much less surprising for a jounin of her calibre- but it was clear that the opposing forces had not been briefed in details on what Uzushio nins –or more specifically, the children- could do. Risa decided not to use it anymore though. Her pregnancy –especially at this late stage- was using up a lot of chakra and she dearly wanted to save what she had left for that jutsu. She would not let herself spend this precious reserve of chakra unless it was to save Naruto's or her unborn child's life.
While Naruto effectively made his opponent run around like a headless chicken, Risa engaged the other in taijutsu again. As she expected, Naruto sent two more clones out to help her. Still, as talented as Naruto was and as experienced as she was, a child and pregnant sensei could not hope to defeat the enemies so easily, especially without fuinjutsu.
At length, Risa was able to lend a fatal blow to the enemy's stomach with her kunai, but her own exhaustion also got the better of her and her opponent retaliated with his dying breath. A sharp blade sliced deeply into her leg, blood spilling profusely. She fell to the ground, pressing her hands down hard against the wound.
''Risa-Sensei!''
Naruto panicked and let himself be distracted. He was grateful that one of his clones was in the way of his opponent's attack, because otherwise his him and his sensei would have been down.
''Damn it!'' The enemy cursed loudly at the sight of his dead teammate. He couldn't believe his two partners had been taken down by the ridiculous duo in front of him. He now understood much better the purpose of this mission. ''You monsters…''
The enemy growled deeply, eyes burning with rage. He'd finish the fucking runt off, then he'd-
He froze when he saw the little boy's expression. He pursed his lips together tightly. Rather than being scared or devastated, the kid only seemed more determined to defeat him. He had never seen such a young child with a will so strong.
''You're gonna pay,'' Naruto seethed through his teeth. He brought his fingers into a cross and summoned a whole twenty clones more. Cold sweat dripped along the enemy's temple. Just how much chakra did those freaks have? With a slightly trembling hand, the invading nin grabbed a bunch of shuriken from his pouch and braced himself for the kid's next move.
Naruto felt transported. It was like the gravity of the situation was finally sinking in. His village was being invaded. His sensei was perhaps mortally injured. He had no news of his family… He could not afford to waste more time with the filthy human being in front of him. Whatever was holding him back before completely vanished. This was war; he had to fight with the intent to kill.
Kill or be killed.
All clones charged at once, some operating as decoys and others sacrifices to misdirect or absorb the enemy's shurikens. One of the clones managed to get a hold of the black ninja's legs and made him fall flat to the ground. The remaining clones wasted no time and seized his arms. Six of them were now keeping the vile man down, completely powerless and immobile.
''L-Let go of me, you piece of shit! I'm gonna fucking-'' Naruto punched him square in the jaw. He had hit so hard, the cracking sound left no doubt that he had broken bones; perhaps even some of his own joints. With his left hand, Naruto held the man's face down while the right one reached for a kunai.
His felt his composure leave him for a bit; hesitation perceptible in the slightly trembling of his hands. He threw a slight glance at his sensei; she was frighteningly pale and the pool of blood was slowly growing around her. He looked back down at the invader's eyes. They were full of hate and cruelty.
Naruto tightened his grip on his weapon and slit right across the man's neck.
He jumped back instantly, as if touching something burning hot, and dispelled his clones. He was shaking all over. He refused to let himself look at the body. He had not just done that. He had not just killed a man.
He rushed towards his sensei, knelt beside her and silently helped her tend her wounds.
Risa watched the suddenly meek boy, grieved.
''W-what should I do? How do I help?'' The blond's voice was heartbreaking. She could feel herself slowly drift away towards unconsciousness. Her will was too strong to let herself be taken though; with Naruto's help, she could still save her child.
''Remember that healing jutsu I showed last week?'' Naruto nodded weakly but admitted he did not remember the hand signs. So, with her guidance, Naruto performed the jutsu. She could finally let go of the wound.
With shaky, blood-dripping hands, Risa untied her forehead protector and gave it to Naruto.
''B-but Sensei-'' Naruto could not continue; tears were falling freely down his cheeks and if he tried to utter another word, he would only end up bursting into heavy sobs. His sensei motioned him to come closer and she put her hands on each sides of his head. She leaned in until their foreheads were touching. Naruto felt soothing warmth invade him. His throat was so tight from trying not to break down.
Suddenly, a strange sensation, like an unexpected gust of wind, came to them. They knew, just then, that fuinjustu had been restored at long last.
And in the exact same instant, Minato appeared.
''Naruto!'' The tall blond engulfed his child tightly into his arms, beyond relieved that his only son was safe and sound.
''Dad!'' Naruto cried, clutching his arms tightly around his father.
Risa felt the weight on her shoulders leave her completely. Nauto was safe now, and with fuinjutsu restored, she could perform her jutsu without fear or guilt.
''W-we have to help sensei, dad!'' Naruto said frantically through his tears. ''She's gonna-''
Minato looked at Risa, taking in the state she was in. A grim expression settled on his features. Both jounins only needed a look to know how this would end. Both nodded; a silent agreement and a silent farewell.
''Risa-san is strong, she will be safe here until I can get a medic to come look at her. But for now, I need to bring you somewhere out of danger.''
''But-''
''Don't worry, Naruto,'' Risa whispered weakly, ''You closed my wound, so I'll be fine.''
Deep inside, Naruto knew it was a lie; he had always been able to tell when people were lying… but right now, it seemed there were a lot of things he simply refused to acknowledge.
''I'm proud of you, Naruto,'' these were Risa's parting words. Minato rose to his feet, Naruto still in his protective arms. The two jounins exchanged a last look, before the blond left the room.
Risa took a deep breath, did a complex series of hand signs, then softly touched her round stomach.
OoOoO
''Go kill some other Uzushio nins,'' Rasa ordered his men. ''Leave this one to me.''
His men nodded and left the room.
His squad had entered Uzushio's war headquarters. Most of his men were fighting off the few subordinates who were not out to battle, while he stood in front of the man he had wanted to kill for a long time now.
Uzumaki Hiroto.
The village's very own leader. A man over twice his age of awe-striking wisdom and with a long history of exploits in the ninja arts.
With this fight, he would destroy Uzushio's very pride and strength.
Gold dust menacingly gathered around him. Hiroto's eyes sharpened in recognition, but he seemed otherwise unfazed. This only angered the kazekage further.
''No matter how much you fight,'' Hiroto said calmly, taking his own defensive posture, ''my clan will never fade away. We are too strong; and you know it. That is why you're here, desperately trying to destroy it.''
''You are delusional,'' Rasa said harshly through his teeth.
''And so are you, if you actually believe you are strong enough to defeat me.''
Rasa gritted his teeth, irritation taking the better of him much quicker than usual. The last several months –years- of preparation for this moment had been hard on him. And now, his fateful moment had come.
There was no use in hiding his face any longer, so the kazekage took off his mask. The gold dust got more agitated and the dark lines around Rasa's eyes got bolder. His eyes sharpened when his saw Hiroto taking off his gloves and tossing them to the side. He had to avoid contact with the Uzumaki's skin at all cost, or else his chakra would get sucked in. With his dust and fuinjutsu being blocked though, he had no doubt about his victory.
Hiroto was the first to attack with a sudden water jutsu aiming straight at the Kazekage. The latter smirked and let a wall of gold dust form in front of him, easily cancelling the offensive justu. When the wall cleared, however, Hiroto had was nowhere in sight.
Rasa turned around quickly, bracing himself for a surprise attack from behind, but none came. His eyes widened in panic. Had the jutsu not been a diversion?
''Damn!'' Rasa cursed when he felt Hiroto's palm grazing the back of his neck. Fortunately, his dust –which responded with the speed of his mind- was quick enough to react and grab the old man's right hand in a deadly grip. He had been to concerned with avoiding skin contact though, and did not see the Uzushio leader holding a long kunai in his left hand, which drew deep into the side of his torso.
Rasa growled lowly, angry and in pain. The gold dust wrapped itself completely around the old man and squeezed- squeezed-
But nothing. No blood, no bones.
Rasa stared as the sand cleared. Hiroto was standing in front of him, in the exact same spot before the start of his fight. His arms were neatly hidden in his large black sleeve. The man had not moved since the water jutsu.
''A mind in a state such as yours is easily fooled,'' Hiroto said simply.
Genjutsu?! Rasa thought, information flowing a thousand miles an hour. No, a gentsuju wouldn't injure me like this. It had been both a genjutsu and a shadow clone thrown into the mix, most likely. Hiroto's plans had always more than one layer. Rasa would have to adjust to this sort of tactic quickly.
Rasa's anger burned fiercely. He summoned two sand clones and charged right at his opponent; he'd tire the old man out and keep him from forming his plans. No matter how resourceful he was, Hiroto was still an old man after all.
Hiroto entered into the Kazekage's game and made the fighting last as long as possible. Hiroto saw plainly that Rasa wanted to exhaust him, but Hiroto was also counting on the fact that fuinjutsu might be restored before it happened.
Now it was only a matter of who would last longer; who would win this fight against time.
With all the damages caused by their offensive jutsus, the two moved through one of the blown up wall and continued their fight outside.
Both were starting to pant and their speed was not quite at their peak, but after a while, Hiroto started to notice that the Kazekage's jutsu were getting slightly less powerful. Hiroto felt he had been given new air to breathe. Rasa was obviously started to diminish his amount to chakra put into the attacks. Hiroto was a blessed Uzumaki and therefore didn't need to worry about that for another long while.
But in the end, Rasa's quick reflexes and young age caught up to Hiroto's powerful attacks. After successfully avoiding another water jutsu, Rasa was able to charge towards the Uzumaki with just enough speed to plant his deep into the man's side.
Hiroto let out a pained groan and flew back from his opponent. That's when he noticed some of the Kazekage's gold dust had managed to trap his left hand almost all the way up to the elbow.
Rasa smirk through his heavy breaths and clenched his fist tightly to deliver the bow. Hiroto screamed out in pain as his bones and muscles were crushed under the gold sand until the member had been utterly disintegrated. He fell to the ground in immeasurable pain and pressed down onto the opening, trying desperately to stop the river of blood from escaping.
Rasa walked towards the old man and gathered more gold dust, ready to finish off the clan leader. The latter continued to writhe in pain, seemingly unaware of the enemy approaching him. Once he stood a few feet away, Rasa extended his arm to trap the man entirely into a gold sarcophagus. The Uzumalo disappeared completely under the dust. Rasa clenched his fist tightly again.
Nothing happen.
He clenched harder until his fingernails drew blood, but the dust wouldn't budge, wouldn't compress. Rasa gritted his teeth together, rage slowly starting to blind him. After another unsuccessful attempt, Rasa drew his sand away and saw Hiroto still there…
''What?!'' Rasa stepped back when he noticed the protective blue light around the old man. The latter got up, and Rasa saw that a sort of luminous bandage was stopping the blood from his arm.
Hiroto was panting heavily and in great pain, but he was still alive and fuinjutsu had finally been restored. He could definitely win.
He brought his remaining hand up in a single sign and was about to execute a fatal fuinjutsu-
''Arrrggh!'' A large sword pierced right through Hiroto's heart and the leader fell lifeless to the ground.
Rasa looked at the scene with complete disbelief. He took his eyes of the dead leader and saw the shinobi who had managed to escape both his and the Uzumaki's notice.
''No thanks?'' Rasa would recognise the voice anywhere. The intruder took of his mask and revealed, just as Rasa suspected, none other than Orochimaru.
''It was my fight!'' Orochimaru chuckled at the childish reaction.
''Now that fuinjutsu has been restored, you stood absolutely no chance of winning this fight. But don't worry, I will let you get all the credits for it. After all, you tired him out for me and you served as perfect distraction for my little surprise attack.''
''A fucking coward is what you are,'' Rasa said in between heavy breaths. Orochimaru raised an unimpressed brow at the comment.
''If I'm a coward, what does that make you?'' He snickered at the other man's lack of answer. He walked closer to the injured man, a wide smile across his features.
''What do you want!'' Rasa stepped back until he hit the wall of another nearby building, heart speeding up in fear.
''I know just the thing you could give me as thanks.''
''Get away from me!'' Rasa screamed, extending his hands to summon more gold dust, but found he could not move them. Large snakes had crept from the ground and seized every part of his body. He looked back up towards Orochimaru, who had his disgusting tongue out.
Rasa didn't even have time to beg or scream. He was dead before a single sound had been uttered.
OoOoO
Minato had run towards the great hall, where he knew the children of the academy were gathered in case of emergencies. However, when he saw the blood slowly streaming down the floor from the crack of the massive closed door, he knew that no one on the other side had been left alive. A heavy sickness seized him as he thought of the poor children. Minato had endured many battles and had seen war before, but nothing close to this butchery.
He turned around and left the school before Naruto could see and realize this; Naruto was too drained and unfocused to even register what was going on. Minato was grateful for that.
He was also infinitely grateful for his Naruto's impulsiveness. Staying with Risa –no doubt doing so against orders– had saved his son's life.
Once outside, Minato was relieved to see that the area was relatively empty of enemies; the few that were close by were busy fighting with his comrades. Still, it was distressing to see all around that each Uzu-nin was facing at least three invaders. Naruto seemed a little more composed now, so he let him stand on his feet; though kept a tight grip on his son's hand.
''Are we going to find mom?'' Naruto asked, voice meek and heavy with concern. Minato's heart broke to hear such a sound coming from the little blond.
''I'll find her, I promise,'' the jounin assured, ''but I need to bring you somewhere safe first.'' Minato knew exactly what his son was about to say.
''I'll come with you! I can fight!'' If anything, Minato was glad that his son was gaining back some of his usual spirits, but bringing him along was out of the question.
''You have an important mission of your own, Naruto. Now let's go before we're found by the enemy.'' He did not let Naruto have time to protest. He teleported them both instantly to the only place where he knew Naruto would be safe.
''Isn't that…?'' Naruto trailed off, recognizing the area from his academy classes.
''Yes, it's the entrance for the secret tunnel. We made everyone believe it had been destroyed, but we kept it hidden with a powerful genjutsu all this time.'' The village wanted to keep it well-guarded secret, most of the residents of the village had stayed unaware of its existence. The higher ups who knew about it had hoped to never use it again, but this called for extreme measures.
Father and son entered the tunnel and a few steps into it, they recognized many familiar faces.
''Karin-chan!'' Naruto dashed towards his cousin, who trapped him in a bone-crushing hug.
''Thank god,'' was all Karin could say, her throat tight with all sorts of emotions.
All genin squads had been affected to the tunnel with all the civilians who were able to get help and instructions from the fighting uzu-nin. Now, they were all gathered for an emergency escape.
''What's the situation?'' Minato asked, after embracing his niece warmly.
''A team of chunins are in and making sure the passage is safe. One of them will come back to get us while the rest guard the exit just in case.''
Minato nodded in approval. The inspection was a formality more than anything else, as this particular part of the village has never been on record, but it was always better to be safe than sorry.
He knelt in front of his son, placing a comforting hand on each of the small shoulders. Naruto felt tears gather up in his eyes once more, but managed to hold them in. He knew what his father was about to say and understood that he needed to leave. He needed to stay strong not only for his father's sake, but also for Karin's and all the other children who were here with him, separated from their family.
''I have to go look for your mom. You stay here and listen to Karin, okay?'' Naruto nodded, not trusting his voice. They hugged tightly again, pouring in all the words and emotions they wanted to share in the single embrace.
OoOoO
''Nanami, Nanami!'' Kushina shook her sister's limp body, desperately trying to wake her up. ''No… please…'' Tears streamed freely down Kushina's cheeks. She had just lost her mother, and now her sister as well. The three of them had been fighting off members of the Akatsuki. They had taken down some of them; Hidan, Kakuzu and Deidara were dead, but the price to pay had been heavy.
Kushina didn't have much strength left in her. With her mother and sister gone and without news of her husband and child, it was hard to gather anymore will to fight. She could not let herself be killed though; not as long as there was a shimmer of hope that Naruto was alive. She would not let herself fall before she had seen her boy at least one last time.
She summoned more of the Kyuubi's chakra (she had never used so much of it before today it was getting extremely taxing both physically and mentally), effectively healing some of her wounds and gaining some energy from it. However, she felt the beast's hatred and evil slowly creep in and cloud her judgement. Her control on the beast's influence was getting weaker.
''You fucking monsters!'' Her voice was altered and sounded more like a growl. A malicious red chakra surrounding her got thicker and a sixth tail of chakra grew at her back. Her teeth and nails were sharp like blades and her intent to kill was suffocating for anyone around.
''Shit,'' Sasori cursed loudly. His fake right arm had been completely ripped off. Where the fuck is Tobi?
The newest member of the Akatsuki had been assigned to the Jinchuuriki, but had not been seen since the initial attack on the village. Pain and Konan would join him once the leader could no longer hold the anti-fuin barrier, which meant he had to hang on still. Kisame and Itachi, for their part, had been assigned to another operation within the village. Sasori had honestly not expected his comrades to be defeated, at least, not so early in the attack. Facing the Jinchuuriki alone, especially this late in the transformation stages, would be like suicide. All he could hope to accomplish was to avoid the possessed woman's deadly attacks until Pain and Konan came.
The Uzu-nin charged at him with blinding speed; she was now even faster than before with the newly added power of the Kyuubi. She was also much more reckless and less precise with her movements, making it possible for Sasori to avoid direct hits thanks to his puppets taking most of the damage and his engineered blades coming out of his puppet-body. As long as his core remained untouched, he could still make it.
For a while, avoiding the Kyuubi container's attacks was all he could do. He was too damaged to perform any more demanding tasks than controlling the few puppets he had left; and even that was becoming too much. Retreat seemed like the most logical thing to do, but that would be going directly against his orders. He had to stay and keep the Jinchuuriki busy –and tire her out as much as possible- until Nagato joined him. If he left, he knew the Akatsuki would chase him down to kill him… so really, it just looked like he would die one way or another. Things could hardly get any worse.
But they did.
Nagato's anti-fuin barrier was dispelled and stilled the two opponents for a few seconds. Sasori wanted to take this as good news; Nagato would be coming soon, but would he be fast enough? After all, active fuinjutsu could only mean one thing…
''Sealing Art,'' Kushina muttered darkly, recovered from the initial shock. At last Fuin was restored and she could finally end this confrontation. ''Chakra Chains.''
Chains flew at blinding speed towards Sasori and this time, there was nothing he could do. The puppets that had moved in front of him as shield were pierced right through and the chains continued their course, completely unaffected, until they wrapped themselves everywhere around him. The chains tightened, easily cracking the hard wooden surface of his chest and limbs. Sasori closed his eyes, waiting for his inevitable death.
Suddenly, nine large black wooden poles fell from the sky, surrounding Kushina threateningly. Gloomy red-transparent arms emerged from the cursed pole towards her. With no other options left, Kushina was forced to retract her chains so she could get out of the dangerous zone. Sasori's broken body fell to the ground with a loud crash, but the remains of his protective shell was enough to keep any off any major damage to his core. He lifted his eyes tiredly towards the sky and saw indeed that Nagato had arrived. Konan also appeared beside him.
''Where is Tobi?'' She asked, obviously unconcerned about Sasori's state or the other member's corpses lying around. Sasori shook his head slightly, indicating that he didn't know. Konan cursed under her breath. They needed Tobi's Sharingan if they hoped to capture the Kyuubi. Konan sped up to the branch Nagato was perched on and informed him.
As she did so, Kushina ran towards one of the large spaces in between the poles, but was unsurprised to see that she could not leave due to another sort of barrier. She clenched her fists, gritting her teeth lividly. Just as she was finally about to get out of here and look for her family… she cursed loudly again and began a quick series of hand signs and she managed to destroy the seal with one of her own anti-barrier seals.
''We will still extract the Kyuubi.'' Nagato told Konan, who did not look pleased with the announcement. He easily read her thoughts and explained. ''We cannot wait any longer. The more she summons and controls the Kyuubi's chakra, the harder it will be to extract. This is no ordinary Jinchuuriki.'' Konan understood that and did not protest, but she hardly saw how it would be helpful to have the Kyuubi itself freed and out of control on their hands.
Konan gasped and jumped away from the branch when she saw the Jinchuuriki charging towards them.
''Look out!'' She cried out when she saw that her leader had seemingly no intention of avoiding the possessed shinobi's attack.
But her fears revealed themselves to be unfounded, as Nagato as used this as an opportunity to slap another paper seal on to the redhead's forehead. A seal he had previously worked on before the invasion. The Uzumaki's evil red aura slowly faded away as she stayed frozen into place. Kushina could not move; all she could do was stare at the hidden face of his enemy, watching as the breeze brushed the paper strips of his hat only ever so slightly, revealing the piercing gaze of a Rinnegan eye.
OoOoO
A loud, monstrous, piercing growl stunned father and son out of their parting embrace. The two stared at each other wide-eyed for a brief second before they dashed out of the tunnel. Karin, who also had her suspicion, followed soon after them.
Once out of the cave, their fears confirmed themselves. In the distance, far into the eastern extremity of the island, stood fierce and terrible, the Kyuubi no Yoko.
''Mom!'' Naruto cried out, panicked and scared all at once. Minato was just as shocked, but recovered quickly, his desire to find his wife burning stronger than ever. He kneeled in front of his trembling son. Tears were falling down the boy's cheek uncontrollably as thousands of scenarios, each one more horrible than the last, ran through his head. He met His father's own determined eyes. He wanted to come with his father, but he knew he would never let him.
''Stay strong Naruto,'' Minato told his son firmly, squeezing his arms, hoping to bring him out of his stupor. Naruto swallowed thickly and nodded.
Minato cupped his son's cheek, heart aching for his son and wife. It killed him to leave his son's side, but it had to be done. He threw Karin a look and motioned her to take care of Naruto. Karin silently nodded as well.
Minato let go of his son and, as Karin approached Naruto to take his trembling hands, used his Hirashin to teleport himself away.
Naruto sobbed quietly, looking into the distance where he could see the might Kyuuby growling and swirling his tails menacingly. He did his best to stay strong in front of his cousin, but it was harder said than done.
Then, a mysterious masked figure jumped in front of them.
The two children gasped, heart stopping at the sight of the unknown enemy. No one, no one should have been able to follow their trace all the way here. Until the invasion began, not even Karin and Naruto themselves even knew this area existed. Every possible precaution had been taken… so how?
The enemy wore the Akatsuki's unmistakable outfit and wore a strange, orange mask that only let one blood-red eye visible. The tall man took a single, slow step forward.
Karin rushed protectively in front of her cousin and took out a kunai. The man chuckled at the sight.
Before Karin even registered the sound of the man's ominous chuckle, she had been propelled violently against a nearby tree, the pain blurring her vision. She fell to the ground, unable to breath. The last thing she saw before she slipped out of consciousness was the enemy's vile grasp on her younger cousin.
''Karin! Ka-Mmph!'' The man clasped his large hand over Naruto's mouth, smothering any sound trying to come out. Tears streamed down Naruto's cheeks and damped the man's gloved hands. He was desperate for this hell to just end.
''Let's go pay your parents a visit, shall we?'' The enemy's words sent shivers down Naruto's spin. He was too confused and overwhelmed to ponder on what exactly the man meant.
They disappeared as if sucked into a vortex.