Two Weeks Later (Hokage's Office)
"Are you sure about this?" Tsunade asked.
"Yes. The remnants of the Akatsuki are mobilizing and there numbers are growing exponentially." A random ninja reported.
Tsunade rubbed her temples and asked, "How can this be?"
"It seems as though the one they call Zetsu is able to create white copies of himself. Those copies retain the ability to multiply as well." The ninja replied.
"Their skills?" Tsunade asked.
"Unknown." He answered.
"Location?" Tsunade pressed.
"The Mountain Graveyard north of the Sound Village." He said.
"I see." Tsunade said. "Do we know when they are going to strike?"
"Not for a while. They seem to be building up their forces." He replied.
"No doubt to try to take us all out at once." Tsunade reasoned. "Is that all?"
He nodded and said, "Yes."
"You may leave." Tsunade said. When he left she said out loud, "I could really use some sake right now."
"Trouble?" Someone asked.
"Yeah." Tsunade answered absently.
She sat there for a few seconds before she realized that she wasn't alone. She bolted upright and looked around.
"Show yourself." She demanded.
"You just have to ask nicely." The voice taunted.
"Will you please show yourself?" Tsunade asked reluctantly.
"See, was that too hard?" It asked before the air shimmered to reveal Shadow in his human form.
"Shadow? Are you here to report on Naruto and Hinata's Training?" Tsunade asked.
"Yes. Also to pick up some ramen for Naruto." Shadow answered.
"You don't have ramen where you're from?" Tsunade asked.
"Only vegetable and Naruto can only stand so much of it." Shadow replied while chuckling.
"The brat never did like vegetables. Serves him right for calling me Grandma all the time." Tsunade said while finally sitting down. "How is their training coming along?"
"Naruto hates Weasel now. He says that Weasel's methods are to inhumane. Anyway, his chakra control has increased dramatically. His chakra reserves and reflexes have gotten better. However, his progress with the hiraishin and Kurama's training leaves much to be desired. Which reminds me," Shadow pulled a three-pronged kunai out of his cloak and handed it to her, "He told me to give that to you just in case." Shadow informed her.
"I thought he couldn't use it yet?" Tsunade asked.
"He can't, but he can tell if has been activated. Just add chakra and throw it." Shadow explained.
"I see, thank you." Tsunade said.
"You're welcome." Shadow replied.
"How many tails can he control now?" Tsunade asked.
"All nine, but using any amount above four causes him pain." He answered.
Tsunade thought for a moment before saying, "He doesn't lose control because they are on good terms now, right?" When Shadow nodded she asked, "What about Hinata?"
"Hinata is working on increasing her control and reserves since she is not allowed to learn anything but Hyuga techniques or things approved by her father."
"I can request scrolls on the Hyuga techniques from Hiashi, but I can't guarantee anything." Tsunade informed him. "Anything else?"
"Actually, I was wanting to know if I could train Hinata to use a sword." Shadow requested.
"Anbu." Tsunade called out. When one appeared, she said, "Tell Hiashi that he is needed in my office."
The Anbu member nodded and vanished in a swirl of leaves.
"Well, I'll go pick up Naruto's ramen while we're waiting." Shadow informed her.
"Can you pick me up a bottle sake while you're out?" Tsunade asked hopefully.
"You shouldn't drink on the job." Shadow scolded.
"I don't care. I was just informed that our enemies are preparing for an all-out war." Tsunade countered.
Shadow eyes narrowed at that piece of information.
"War?" He asked, just to be sure.
Tsunade nodded and said, "They are after Naruto or rather, what's in Naruto."
"I see." Shadow replied, "Should I let him know when I return?"
"He already knows about the ones after him. I would rather have neither of them know, but they both deserve to know. Whatever happens, don't bring Naruto back unless he senses this kunai." Tsunade informed while pointing to the tri-pronged kunai. "Tell Naruto and Hinata that they are to continue their training until then."
"I will." Shadow said.
He was about to say more, but there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Tsunade called out.
The door opened and Hiashi stepped inside.
"You wanted to see me?" Hiashi asked.
"Not me." Tsunade replied, "Shadow did."
Hiashi looked over to Shadow and asked, "What did you want?"
"I wish to teach Hinata to use a sword, but I need your permission to do so." Shadow said. "Also, any scrolls on Hyuuga techniques so she can learn them."
"I won't give you the scrolls, but you can teach her swordsmanship." Hiashi stated.
"Don't want the secret of your techniques in others hands?" Shadow asked.
Hiashi nodded and asked, "Is that all?"
"Yes." Shadow replied.
Hiashi started to leave, but stopped in the doorway and said without looking back, "Don't let any harm befall my daughter or you will regret it. With that, he left.
"I know he seemed a little cold there, but…." Tsunade started.
"Don't worry about it. I know exactly how it feels to leave your daughter's wellbeing in the hands of others." Shadow interrupted. "Well, I need to get going, see you later."
"Wait…" But it was too late, he had already vanished. "You didn't get me my sake." Tsunade grumbled.
Equestria (Five minutes later)
Shadow reappeared next to Itachi in the training grounds that was farthest from Canterlot Castle. Itachi just glanced to the side before calling out, "Food's here."
Both Naruto and Hinata stopped what they were doing and walked over, or in Naruto's case, bolted over.
Naruto grabbed the ramen and said, "Thanks," before he started downing it.
Hinata shook her head before reached for some ramen herself.
"T-thank you Sh-Shadow." She said politely.
"You're welcome." Shadow replied before taking a salad for himself.
After they were all done eating, Shadow said, "I have some good and some bad news."
"What's the good news?" Naruto asked.
"Hinata's father is allowing her to learn swordsmanship." Shadow replied.
Naruto smiled brightly and hugged her, "That's awesome Hinata. I'm so happy for you."
Hinata didn't hear a thing. Instead, she was trying not to lose consciousness.
"Naruto, settle down." Itachi ordered. "Shadow, what's the bad news."
"War." Shadow said grimly.
That one word made them all freeze.
"W-with who?" Naruto stuttered out.
"The last of the Akatsuki." Shadow informed him.
"But they're all dead." Naruto said.
"No, there are two left. Zetsu and the newest recruit, Tobi." Itachi countered.
"I need to go back. Now." Naruto growled out as he stood up.
"No, Tsunade has ordered you both to stay here and train. She will use that kunai when it's time for you to go back. Until then, get stronger so you can be of use." Shadow stated.
Naruto crossed his arms and pouted.
"Fine." Naruto relented.
"I-Itachi-sensei, w-what do y-you know ab-bout those t-two?" Hinata asked.
"Zetsu is a spymaster and has a split personality. He has never participated in battle so I have no idea what his abilities are. Tobi is a clumsy fool with the attitude of a preschooler. He is able to become intangible and usually carriers around an obscene amount of bombs. He can also move underground." Itachi informed them.
"Doesn't seem too hard." Naruto commented sarcastically.
"Shadow, when we get called into battle, will you help us?" Itachi asked.
"As if you could stop me from helping. You are my friends and I won't let you do this by yourselves." Shadow answered before smiling, "Besides, I can't let one of you two die before you get married."
Hinata tried, she honestly did, but that comment was too much and she fainted. Shadow laughed at this, and then laughed even harder when Naruto fainted right next to her.
"At least we know they like each other." Itachi commented.
"That's a plus." Shadow replied.
"How long before the others know about the war?" Itachi asked.
"Faster than Pinkie can set up an engagement party for these two." Shadow replied.
"Already told Twilight everything?" Itachi asked.
Shadow nodded and said, "Yeah, Twilight has already started to gather everypony that will help in the upcoming battle."
"Are either of the princesses going to help out?" Itachi asked.
"Luna will. Celestia has to stay here and take care of the kingdom." Shadow informed him.
"That's understandable." Itachi replied.
"You going to up their training?" Shadow asked.
"Yes, although now that Naruto has a goal, we can only hope that Kurama can keep up with Naruto's training." Itachi answered with a small smile.
Shadow chuckled and said, "We can only hope." Shadow tilted his head and called out, "Hello everypony."
Shadow and Itachi turned around to see who all would be willing to help. Itachi was impressed with the group of fifteen standing before him. Standing there was the holders of the Elements of Harmony, Princess Luna, Mint Breeze, Rose Blood, Angel Lily, Ice Blitz, Ice Breath, Seeker, Yuri Firestorm, and Nurse Redheart.
"Fifteen ponies." Itachi stated.
"Sixteen." Twilight corrected. "Cammo is here too."
At the sound of his name, Cammo faded into view.
"Seventeen ponies, including you ,Shadow, that will help us fight." Itachi said.
"Actually, only twelve of us will fight." Rose countered, "Angel, Mint, Icy, Redheart, and myself won't fight. We will be taking care of the injured."
"Still, the help is appreciated." Itachi said.
By this time, Naruto and Hinata finally stirred from their love induced coma. Hinata recovered first and saw all the ponies surrounding them. Hinata quickly hid inside her coat.
Naruto asked, "Who are all of you?"
After introductions were made and everypony was up to speed on the war, and what war was. Twilight thought it best to move their training to Ponyville, or more specifically, Twilight and Shadow's training grounds so that fewer ponies would have to go out of their way to reach it. Luna would teleport the others there when they had time to train. Everypony grouped up so that the more experienced could help the others. The medical group, led by Nurse Redheart, went to the hospital to hone their skills while still working. Twilight taught the other magic users, Applejack handled strength training, Itachi had stealth, and Shadow taught swordsmanship. Finally, Pinkie Pie handled both endurance and evasion training. Never had anypony or person been more afraid of Pinkie and her motivational party cannon. Everypony trained like this when they had time to do the training.
Two and a Half Months Later
"You sure about this?" The first female voice said.
"Yes we are. When our plan comes into play, they won't know what hit them." A second female voice replied.
"When we get the signal, move to your assigned positions as fast as possible without being seen." A male voice continued. "If this works out like it's supposed to, we will walk away from this without a single casualty."
"You do know what they say about the best laid plans right?" A second male voice asked.
"Yes," replied the first female voice. "They never survive contact with the enemy. Let's just hope that ours holds long enough to make a dent."
"It will. It has to." Said a third female voice.
"There's the signal, let's go." Said a third male voice.
An instant later and the group was gone without a trace.
Battlezone
Tsunade was tired. She had been on the front lines fighting since the start of the battle and she knew that she couldn't last much longer. She gave one more earth-shattering punch to the ground before retreating back to the command tent.
"How are we doing?" She asked as she entered.
"Not very well." A redhead answered her in monotone.
"That's an understatement." Snorted a taller blond.
"How bad is it Lord Raikage?" She asked wearily.
"While we take out ten of then for every one of us that falls, they already outnumber us a hundred to one. It doesn't look good." The blond replied.
"I'm going back out." The redhead stated before leaving.
"Watch yourself out there Gaara." Tsunade called before he went too far.
If he heard her, he didn't show it.
"You have any bright ideas?" The Raikage asked.
"There's only one thing I can think of." Tsunade answered before pulling out an oddly shaped kunai. "I'm calling for backup."
She threw the kunai down and they were greeted by a flash of orange light.
"Hey Granny, It's been a while." Naruto greeted her.
Author's Notes
Hey everbody, I'm back. I know some of you are probably a little annoyed for my impromptu vacation from writhing, but what's done is done. Now, I should have the next chapter out sometime this week. As for this story, there are just a few chapters left before I am done with it. Afterwords I will start working on my next story, however it will be a strictly Naruto story since I have trouble getting crossovers to mesh well. I salute all of you who write entertaining crossovers. May you keep up your great work.
Angel Lily belongs to Rainbow Lily.
Cammo belongs to ponylover8.
Ice Blitzbelongs to doorpony94.
Ice Breath belongs to minimario25.
Seeker belongs to Seeker Pony engineer.
Yuri Firestorm Belongs to American-agent12.
By the way American-agent12, I probably won't be bringing Verine back into the story since i doubt Yuri would let her fight in a war.
Until next time.