A Brother's Return

Ch.13

Speaking: normal

Thoughts, flashbacks, com-link, and notes: italicized

Jutsus, summons, witch language, demons, etc…: bold

Summons's and demon's thoughts: bold italicized

Disclaimer: I do not Naruto. If I did, Itachi would be constantly seen with a box of pocky.

Orochimaru smirked at the sight before him, but lost that smile when Cairo vanished into thin air. The Yamikage let out a chuckle from the snake Sannin's side and said, "Did you really believe that an attack that slow would kill me? I moved out of the way the very moment I deflected the Second's attack. You should know better than to underestimate someone like me."

Orochimaru sneered and said, "Don't think I haven't realized what you're doing, boy. You're trying to buy yourself enough time for the moon to rise. It's such a shame that won't live long enough to see your little counter strike fall through the cracks."

He then turned to the revived Kages and said, "We've wasted enough time with this child. Kill him so that we may continue the invasion."

Having no other choice but to obey, the former Kages of the Leaf Village rushed forward to do their master's bidding. Cairo glared at the former Sannin and said, "You've just made a grievous mistake. I hope you're ready to pay the price."

Cereza…

As Bayonetta and Jeanne worked with Sarutobi and Kushina to push back the stronger of the invaders, Cereza's com-link activated. Cairo's voice quickly chimed, "Cereza, I need you to jumpstart Phase 2."

The witch shot down three Oto shinobi and replied, "I'm on it. Jeanne's found the device and is waiting for your signal."

Cairo let out a growling sound and said, "Tell Shiroso that as of this moment, the Blacklight ninjutsu protocol has been activated."

Cereza switched frequencies and quickly contacted Shiroso. After relaying her message to him, she turned to Jeanne to give the signal to begin Phase 2.

Shiroso…

After receiving Bayonetta's call, he jumped onto a building and looked to the sky. Almost a moment later, everyone fighting watched as the sky changed from day to night. As the sky went dark, they all saw the moon come out from behind the clouds.

The strange thing about the moment, however, was that the moon was bigger than it had ever been. Shiroso quickly changed his com-link to a public setting and shouted, "Attention all shinobi of Kage. The Yamikage has officially authorized the Blacklight protocol. I repeat the Blacklight protocol has been authorized."

Suddenly every shinobi from Kage started a series of complex handsigns. They then all stopped on the same seal and said in a unified voice, "Kagegakure hijutsu: Kuro Hikari no jutsu!"

At that moment, every Kage shinobi seemed to glow with a purple aura as their chakra levels skyrocketed.

Naruto…

The moment Naruto caught up with Sasuke, he saw said emo get knocked into a tree. Sakura, being the cannon fodder she is, whipped out a kunai and tried to attack Gaara. The redhead didn't even bat an eyelash as he backhanded Sakura into a tree.

He then slammed his sand claw into her and broke it off, leaving her trapped to the tree. Sasuke struggled to get to his feet but only managed to prop himself up on one leg. Gaara then looked at him and said, "You're nowhere near as powerful as the Uzumaki. Compared to him, you are but a lowly flea. Mother wants the blood of the Uzumaki, and I'll use you to draw him out."

Sasuke finally stood up and said, "How dare you compare me to that street urchin. I'm an Elite Uchiha, the greatest of shinobi. That dobe can't compare to me."

A voice quickly called out from every angle, "You're right about one thing, teme. I'm nothing like you."

Both Gaara and the emo turned to see Naruto standing near Temari. He then used his gravity control to slowly walk towards them in mid-air while saying, "Unlike you, I have actual friends who actually care about me, my clan wasn't a group of thieves, my father wasn't an asshole, and it just so happens that I have a girlfriend who isn't a useless fan girl."

During the awkward silence you could almost hear someone shouting, "Burn!"

Sasuke tried to make a comment but Naruto quickly knocked him on his stomach. He then pulled Sasuke up by his hair and said, "Be thankful that I was sent here to save your sorry ass. As far as I'm concerned, you are nothing to me. You will never be my superior, my master, my better, or even my equal. And to think, if you weren't such a jackass, I would've invited you to train with me. You had the chance to achieve power like mine when I extended my hand in friendship, but it's too late for that."

Naruto then dropped the emo and turned to Gaara. He looked the redhead over before saying, "I want you to summon your demon. I refuse to fight you at anything less than your full strength."

Gaara gave his menacing smile and asked, "What makes you think you can handle the power of Shukaku? Skepticism aside, if you wish to die then so be it. Mother will reward me greatly for feeding her your blood."

As Gaara began to transform, Naruto flew up into the air until he was face to face with the giant Shukaku. He then said, "That's it, Gaara. I want you to unleash the totality of your fury. I intend to break it down until I free your soul from this sea of anger and loneliness."

He then watched as Gaara partially raised himself out of the beasts head. With just a single hand sign, the redhead whispered, "Tanuki Neri no jutsu."

Suddenly, the demon's pale yellow eyes started to spin as they became dark gold. In a different voice, the Shukaku yelled, "I'm finally free! It's time to get back to killing things!"

Naruto quickly shouted, "You won't be killing anything today Shukaku. Ninpō: Kuchiyōse no jutsu!"

As Naruto slammed his hands together, the Ichibi could only scream in terror at what appeared in the smoke.

Cairo…

Cairo quickly sped past the former Kages and delivered an upward kick to Orochimaru's jaw. He then jumped up to grab the Sannin by his throat and said, "I really hope this hurts, you teme."

He then kicked the traitor higher into the air before flashing in front of him. Orochimaru couldn't move as Cairo locked his arms around him and began to spin. As they fell back to the ground, Cairo used his chakra to increase the speed of the rotation.

Right before they touched down, Cairo slammed the man's head into the roof while shouting, "Izuna drop!"

He knew good and well that he destroyed Orochimaru's neck with that last attack, but was surprised when he saw the man crawl out of his own mouth.

Cairo grimaced and said, "That's just plain freakish. I can't believe you just did that."

The sannin chuckled and said, "Come now. You didn't really believe that would kill me, did you? However, I am surprised that you forced me to shed a skin."

The Yamikage laughed and said, "Not really, you sick freak. I'm just glad that I was able to do some damage. That attack would've normally destroyed your skull."

He then took off his cloak and said, "All jokes aside, Orochimaru, it's time to get serious. Katon: Hijin no Ryuza!"

Cairo quickly summoned a giant dragon made of black flames to incinerate the Kages while the former Sannin jumped out of the way. He then said, "How do you like the Blacklight technique? It magnifies the power of any and all jutsu cast by the user. The only side effect is that most jutsu appear to be black in color."

As he watched the Kages regenerate, he frowned and said, "You had the nerve to summon my family from the grave to do your bidding. I'm about to show you the true nature of the Uzumaki Clan. You didn't think you were the only one who could use that jutsu did you?"

Orochimaru sneered and said, "You're not telling me that you intend to use the Edo Tensei are you?"

Cairo made a handsign and said, "That's exactly what I'm saying, Orochimaru. Kuchiyose: Edo tensei!"

The Hebi Sannin ordered the Kages to stop the coffin from rising but Cairo made a kage bunshin to hold them off. As the lid to the coffin started to open, Cairo activated his Rinnegan and said, "If there's one thing I know about Hashi-sama and Tobi-sama, it's that there's one person who can put them in their place. Let me introduce you to a woman who represents the true power of the Uzumaki."

Naruto…

Shukaku tried to back away from the fight when the smoke cleared. A deep voice then said, "What's the matter, Shukaku-teme? Have you finally remembered your place at the bottom of the food chain?"

The Ichibi growled and said, "That's it! I'm going to tear you to shreds you jackass."

He then watched as the Kyūbi no Kitsune stepped forward and said, "Is that so? Last time we fought, I kicked your sandy ass all across Kaze no Kuni."

Naruto looked down and said, "Remember, we need to keep him away from the village."

Kyūbi nodded and said, "I'm gonna enjoy knocking you back down a few pegs Shukaku."

The Ichibi quickly inhaled and shouted, "Fūton: Renkudan!"

He then slammed his fist into his stomach, launching three large spheres of compressed air at Naruto and Kyūbi. The fox jumped over Shukaku's attack and shot a stream of fire at him.

Shukaku blocked the flames with his arm and watched as it turned to glass. He then broke it off and generated himself a new one. Kyūbi then jumped back and said, "Kit, you need to wake up the host to force Shukaku back into the seal. After that, you need to do something to finish this."

Naruto nodded and asked, "Do you think you can hold him down long enough for me to get to Gaara?"

Kyūbi growled and said, "I can hold him but I don't know for how long. You'll have to work fast."

Naruto cracked his knuckles and said, "Before we do this, there's something I have to ask you."

As the fox looked up, Naruto asked, "I know that when kaa-chan was fused with you, she was the dominant personality. But now that she's back in her own body, are you actually a guy or a chick?"

Shukaku let out an anime sweat drop while Kyūbi had the nerve to fall over. The large fox then shouted, "This isn't the time for stupid questions, you moron! Try asking me that again when your village isn't in grave danger!"

Kyūbi then charged at Shukaku and bit down on his shoulder. It then wrapped its tails around the sand beast and screamed, "Naruto, do it now while I have him!"

Naruto quickly ran across the fox's head and launched himself at Gaara. As he got in close, he reared his fist back and shouted, "Wake the hell up, you dumbass!"

He then slammed his fist into the redhead's cheek, causing Shukaku to scream, "This isn't fair! I just got out!"

As the demon's influence started to recede, Naruto made a few hand seals and said, "Gogyō fūin!"

He then slammed his hand into Gaara's chest and blocked of the Ichibi's influence. As the sand started to fade away, Kyuubi vanished in a puff of smoke. Naruto then flew down to the ground where Gaara was trying to back away from him.

The redhead looked at him and said, "Get away from me. I won't allow you extinguish my existence."

Naruto shook his head and said, "It can be so painful to live life as a jinchuuriki. Every day you wake up, you feel so alone."

Gaara looked at him and asked, "H-how are you so powerful, Uzumaki? Where does your strength come from?"

The blond crouched down to him and said, "I've found people who care for me and I will do everything in my power to protect them. That is where my strength comes from."

Gaara looked on in wonder and asked, "Would it be possible for someone like me to find people who care about me?"

Naruto just shook his head and said, "You already have people who care for you, Gaara. Though they are afraid of you, both Temari and Kankuro still love you."

As Gaara's siblings jumped down to their brother's side, Gaara looked at them and said, "It's all over. I'm done fighting."

Naruto extended his hand and said, "You don't have to be alone anymore. I'd like to be your friend if you'd let me."

The redhead looked on in hesitation before accepting Naruto's hand. He then said, "I would like that…Naruto."

As Naruto helped Gaara to his feet, the redhead turned to his siblings and said, "I'm sorry for everything. Let's get out of here."

The moment the three Suna shinobi left, Naruto quickly flew back to the village.

Cairo…

The moment the lid fell from the coffin, Orochimaru jumped back in surprise. The woman inside wore a white kimono and had fiery red hair tied back in two buns. She also appeared to have a purple diamond mark on her forehead.

As the woman stepped forward, her face alone was enough to weaken the Hebi Sannin's control over the first two Hokages. Hashirama stepped forward and asked, "How can you be alive? I know I died before you, but seeing you now is such a surprise."

The Nidaime nodded and said, "Nee-sama, you look as young as I remember you. This must be the work of my jutsu."

The woman looked at Cairo and said, "Judging by my position, it must've been you who summoned me. I may not hold the fox anymore but my empathic abilities are still strong."

Cairo nodded and said, "It's true. I need your help in freeing our family free from that man."

The woman let out a gasp and asked, "Did you just say our family? How is it we are related, dear child?"

The young Kage turned around and said, "I am an Uzumaki. We are of the same blood."

The woman looked down at him and replied, "There is no mistaking it. You were born of Kushina-chan, weren't you? I can see the similarities in your facial features."

Cairo nodded and said, "She is indeed my kaa-chan, Mito-sama. However, this isn't the time for a family reunion. I need your assistance in defeating this traitor."

Orochimaru sneered and said, "You speak of me being a traitor, but what are you? How can you paint me so black when you abandoned this village as well?"

The Yamikage quickly said, "Don't you dare compare us, Orochimaru. I was exiled from Konoha as a child. This village betrayed me and my family."

Mito placed a hand on Cairo's shoulder and said, "I can feel the pain within you, dear child. My powers show me that you are speaking truthfully. Can you tell me what happened?"

Orochimaru called back the revived Kages and said, "I must admit myself to be interested in this tale as well. What could prompt a village like Konoha to cast away such a powerful child?"

Cairo then spent the next few moments reliving the tale of his exile. When he finished, Orochimaru gave him a sympathetic look and said, "That is truly a disturbing tale. I may have done some sick experiments in my time, but even I find that to be abominable. If the situation were any different, I'd offer you sanctuary in Oto. At least you can consider the destruction of this village a final mercy."

Cairo then snickered and said, "I never said that I hated Konoha. Sure, I have a great dislike of most of the people here, but there are still people here that I care about. As long as they live, I will fight to my dying breath to protect them. That is my nindo, my ninja way!"

The former sannin sneered and replied, "If you wish to fall with this village, so be it! Kill him!"

Only a moment later, Orochimaru was faced with a horrifying fact. None of the Kages were advancing. When he turned around, he saw that the First and Second Hokages were starting to dissolve.

Tobirama quickly said, "I'm sorry for all of this, child. I can't believe that you still have the will to protect this horrible village after what you went through."

Hashirama nodded and said, "You are truly an amazing young man. Give that old monkey our final regards for us."

With those final words, the two Senju brothers turned to dust. Orochimaru turned to Minato and said, "Why are you just standing there? I command you to kill that child!"

Minato gave the former sannin a cold glare and said, "I don't take orders from you anymore, you lowlife."

He then summoned a rasengan and slammed it into Orochimaru's chest. As the sannin flew backwards, Minato pulled out one of his infamous tri-pronged kunai.

He quickly threw it at the traitorous snake before vanishing in a yellow flash. Not even a second later, the Yondaime reappeared and slammed another rasengan into Orochimaru's face. The sannin screamed as he was drilled into the ground by the force of the attack.

As he tried to get back to his feet, a multitude of blue chains wrapped around him and forced him back down. He could only look on in horror as Mito forced the chains to constrict him even harder while forcing him to his feet. She then got in the man's face and said, "Now you will feel the wrath of my family. He is yours to finish young man."

Cairo nodded as he began channeling demonic chakra through his hands. He then plunged his newly formed claws into Orochimaru's shoulders and dragged them down his arms. The traitor screamed in pain and said, "What did you do to me?"

Cairo smirked and said, "My otouto sure can inspire some creative techniques. I used a concentrated dose of yokai and destroyed your arms. It's simply a more destructive version of when he ripped out that arm of yours. You'll never perform a jutsu again."

Orochimaru could only watch in pain as his arms turned a dark grey color. He then ordered his guards to retreat. After watching the sannin escape, he turned to Mito and said, "It's time for us to part ways. I'm sorry that I was forced to disturb your slumber for such a foolish reason. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

Mito waved him off and said, "There is nothing to forgive. You did what was needed to defend everyone from that man's attack. It only saddens me that the village my husband worked so hard to create would fall so low. Dear child, tell Kushina that I am naming her as the head of the Uzumaki Clan. Promise me that you will ask her to use that influence to restrict our clan symbol to be used only by those that stood loyal to us."

Cairo nodded and said, "I give you my word, Mito-sama. May you rest in peace."

As she faded away, Mito said, "Give your mother and Tsunade-chan my final words."

Cairo then turned to Minato and said, "It's over for now, but he'll be back someday."

The Yondaime nodded and said, "We'll be ready for him when he returns."

Cairo just chuckled and said, "I just hope you're ready to see okaa-san again. She's gonna lose it."

As the two prepared to leave from the rooftop, Cairo heard a weak moan. He turned around and saw the female Oto gennin resting on a pile of dust, signifying her use in the Edo Tensei.

Cairo quickly snapped his fingers and summoned Kabuto, who was still in his Anbu disguise. He then said, "Kabuto, I need you to take the girl to Raven. Tell her to get this girl to our hospital and that she is to be treated immediately. After that, I want you to resume active duty with Orochimaru. Your village needs your skills now more than ever."

Kabuto simply nodded as he and Kin vanished. Minato turned to his son and said, "I've been meaning to ask you a really important question."

Cairo perked up an eyebrow as his father asked, "How exactly did you use the Edo Tensei without the sacrifices?"

Cairo glanced over his shoulder before saying, "The Rinnegan places me outside the realm of life and death. Therefore, I can bypass the sacrificial part of the jutsu and directly guide the soul to the realm of the living."

Minato nodded and said, "You've actually found a way to make a dark jutsu almost decent. You're just full of surprises."

A voice then called out, "He's not the only one with surprises."

The Yondaime turned around just in time to be tackled by a pair of red and yellow blurs. Cairo let out a happy sigh as he pulled his mother and brother off of the downed Hokage.

After a heartfelt moment (that this author doesn't feel like writing), Naruto quickly said, "I just realized something really bad." Everyone perked their ears up as he said, "We're gonna catch hell from the council."

The entire group just sighed at the truth in Naruto's words. They all then left the area to prepare themselves for the next day.