AN: Happy New Year's Eve and the best of luck to all of you in the upcoming New Year.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

ITALICS – thinking

BOLD – demon talk/jutsu

Chapter 21: Danzo's Move

Naruto awoke to the smell of antiseptic, the sound of a heart monitor, and a heavy weight on his chest. Opening his eyes and looking down, he saw Tenten resting her head on his chest listening the rise and fall of every breath. At the foot of his bed sat Kurama who sensed Naruto was up; he stood and stretched while Naruto stroked Tenten's hair which made her stir. Naruto smiled at this and decided to let her know he was all right.

"C'mon hime, time to get up, we need to see how the others are doing."

Tenten groaned and picked her head up then hugged Naruto for all his worth.

"Naruto! Tsunade said you possibly wouldn't make it; she said that you would never walk again and…and…" At this point, Tenten started to cry.

Naruto silenced her by sitting up and putting a finger over her lips "Hush now, it will take a lot more to put me down."

Their moment is interrupted by the sound of the door opening in which Tsuande and the Fire Daimyo came through. Tsuande grabbed the chart at the end of Naruto's bed and checked it over with a hum then ran a diagnostic jutsu and gasped.

"Something wrong Tsuande-dono?" the Daimyo asked.

Tsunade shook her head "No, which makes no sense." She turns to Naruto "Do you know how long it's been since the invasion and how badly you were injured Naruto?"

Naruto shakes his head "No, not in the slightest; I didn't even feel injured when fighting Madara. Speaking of which, I think the bastard got away but not without injury."

The Daimyo's eyes widen "H-how…he should be dead!"

Kurama speaks up "That is for another time Daimyo-dono, I hope you understand."

A nod is given then a motion for Tsunade to continue.

"Naruto, it has been two weeks since the invasion, as for injuries, well we have an almost severed spinal cord due to blunt force trauma, ruptured spleen, liver, tears in the stomach lining, severe concussion, multiple broken bones, and the list goes on. In all rights, you should have died unleashing your anger in sage mode."

Naruto and Kurama blink in slight shock then Naruto scratches his head in thought.

"I know this might sound strange but can you hand me a kunai please; I just want to test something."

Tsunade, though reluctant, tells a hidden ANBU to do so; after receiving it, Naruto makes his sliver mana cover his right arm.

"If my hunch is correct, my sage mana constantly heals me in battle."

With this said Naruto slices his wrist open which heals instantaneously; deciding to test further he stabs clean through his hand earning a gasp from everyone watching. As Naruto pulls out the kunai, it takes roughly two minutes for the wound to heal with no scar present.

Kurama nods "Hmm, it seems your regeneration is quickened in sage mode, how interesting but I think the Daimyo has a reason for being here."

Said person nods as Naruto powers down and motions for him to speak.

"Namikaze-sama, first I will let you know Hinata and Gaara as well as everyone in Konoha recovered fully and there were minimal casualties as well as damage to Konoha. Second, is that A and Onoki will be testifying at a meeting here in two days' time about reparations. Lastly, is that Sandaime-dono, though young again, has decided to step down and appointed a new Hokage."

Naruto smiles and nods "Good, I was hoping for that outcome; two questions though. Who is the new Hokage and where are Ares and Athena?"

The Daimyo smiles "Ah yes, the God and Goddess of War; they wanted me to inform you that they had to return to their plane due to something about the darkness growing stronger. As for the Godaime, you will see at the meeting."

Naruto's eyes widen as he remembers when he asked Kurama about how to obtain true peace during the last week of the month long break.

Flashback – 3 weeks ago

Naruto was meditating to try and align his sage mana correctly for prolonged use; so far he was up to two hours in sage mode then having to release it. Deciding to take a break, Naruto decides to ask the question ever since he met his parents and Mito before defeating his dark half.

"Kurama?" Naruto turns to look at his partner who is lying beside him.

Kurama looks up "Yes Naruto?"

"You said that I would know when the time came to achieve true peace, yet my father told me that you would know what actually needs accomplished to do so."

Kurama sighs "Should I tell him so he could tell the others? I best get it over with."

"Naruto, you and the other eight guardians along with their bijuu must become one with Nature."

Naruto squints his eyes in concentration "One with Nature…what do you mean becoming one with nature…unless."

Naruto's eyes widen and tears threaten to come out making Kurama shake his head in sadness.

"Yes Naruto, when I said that everyone would know how true peace was obtained I was not joking. The Guardians will know the place to do the ritual to achieve true peace and once it is completed all of you as well as us bijuu will become indestructible statues. As for how the place will be changed during the ritual that is unknown."

Naruto drops his head and let tears hit the dirt ground "My family, I will have to abandon Tenten and our child once she and I go the next step. Why does peace always have to end in some sort of sacrifice?"

"It is the cycle of life and death as well as nature; do not fret though, you will not die as you think…simply, you will become something more."

Naruto looks at Kurama in confusion "Not dead…something more? Dammit Kurama! I really hate your wordplay!

Kurama snickers "I cannot divulge anything more as Nature does not deem you ready to know that information."

Naruto sighs and goes back to meditating to try and digest what information he got; it would be a day later when he sent word to the others. All were quite devastated but knew; deep down, that their sacrifice will not be in vain.

Flashback End

Tenten sees Naruto's distraught state and comforts him "Is something wrong Naruto? Please, you can tell us if you so desire."

Naruto looks at Kurama for confirmation who gives a nod back; sighing, Naruto begins.

"I'm sorry I never told you this Tenten, but I found out what the Guardians and I must do to obtain true peace. Before I tell you what that is, promise me that you will love me no matter what happens and that when we have a child, he is raised with love and the strength to carry on my legacy."

Tenten kisses Naruto deeply which he returns, they soon break then blush at seeing the Daimyo and Tsuande smile.

"Ah, young love; what I would give to be a teenager again." Both think.

Naruto clears his throat and explains to them what Kurama told him; saying Tenten, Tsuande, and the Daimyo were shocked was an understatement. Tenten started to cry making Naruto comfort her.

"When…when will this happen?" Tenten asks with a sob.

Naruto closes his eyes and sighs "Not for a while but when the time is near, I will tell you alright."

A kiss on the cheek makes Tenten feel slightly better and the more important matters get put back on topic again.

"Namikaze-sama, you, Gaara, and Hinata are required to be at this meeting to give input if you so desire. I know I failed to get my troops here to help in the invasion but I promise you they will be available in the liberation of Suna which is soon to come. I would like you and your group to come up with an attack plan once A and Onoki are dealt with."

Naruto nods "Hai, but I cannot and will not move the other Guardians from Taki as the Akatsuki and Madara will surely use their movement as an opportune moment to strike. May I communicate plans with them via my spy network Daimyo-dono?"

The man nods "Wise and logical decision young Sage, I give you my word that you can do so; I and Tsunade will leave as it seems you love birds need to get rid of some…tension if you will."

Tsunade stifles back laughter while Naruto and Tenten look at each other with a tomato red blush as they got the meaning. Kurama however, was currently rolling on the bed in laughter at the sexual innuendo.

Mountain Graveyard

Madara wakes up with a gasp and grunts in pain while holding his stomach; the dream he had was not a pleasant one; it showed the many ways he could die once he commences his final plan. The dreams pissed Madara off but knew that the Gods above likely had a hand in this. Finally looking around, he notices he is in a makeshift hospital in the cavern and thanks his relatively quick healing as well as Zetsu for fixing him up. Speaking of the plant man, he rose from the stone floor and smiled seeing Leader-sama awake and alright.

"Glad to see you're awake Madara-sama." White Zetsu states earning a nod from said person.

"Yes, I sense it has been about two weeks since the battle…I must consult my master on what he wants to do though I have a good idea of what."

Zetsu watches as Madara bursts into blue flames then goes to inform everyone that Leader-sama was awake and was doing well.

Underworld

Madara arrives and looks around his second home; it is a place filled with grey smoke and the smell of ash thanks to the various volcanoes which dot the landscape. The screams of the damned echo through the rocky corridors of the palace which Hades resides; the palace was carved by those souls and out of the sharp volcanic rock. Madara smiles as he traverses the torch lit corridors and after a few twists and turns he arrives at his master's chamber which was filled with various paintings, tapestries, a few servants to do as told, and a red carpet leading up to the throne which Hades sat upon. The throne was carved out of the volcanic rock but polished smooth; the design of flames and skulls were engraved into it.

Hades, who stood six foot four, was wearing the same armor that Madara had but Greek Style and all black as well as sandals. His black fingernails were more like talons, his skin a pale gray, his eyes were evil looking as they were sulfur colored mixed with red specs and a black pupil. Hades also had grey hair with black streaks which hung down to his lower back. Beside his throne, to his left, was a rack of weapons which ranged from a halberd to a great sword; to his right was a prison of sorts made out of wrought iron and engraved with strange runes. The prison was empty but Madara knew what it soon would hold.

Madara kneels before Hades and bows low "My Master, it seems that the Sage and his followers will prove to be a challenge; I myself nearly died by his hands."

Hades speaks with a booming voice demanding respect "I do not take failure lightly my subordinate, be thankful I still need you in the mortal plane."

"Forgive me my liege, it won't happen again."

Hades smirks showing his fang like teeth "Rise Madara, my soon to become heir. Fear not for the Sage and his band of followers as the opportune moment to strike again and claim our prize will be soon at hand."

"I can assure that Suna falls master if that is what you so desire. I can capture your prize there!" Madara exclaims but Hade's was not pleased.

"You think rashly my child, it makes me wonder if I should end your pitiful existence and do things myself!"

Madara growls "YOU NEED ME HADES, YOU KNOW HOW POWERFUL I'VE BECOME! I have killed one god already…I CAN DO THE SAME TO YOU!"

Hades' eyes glow ominously and a burst of hellfire engulfs Madara making him scream in agony; inside the flames, the hands of the damned attempt to drag the Uchiha to his demise. After a minute, the flames disappeared showing a smoking but alive Madara.

"This is a taste of what you will be able to do if you obey me and claim my prize, now silence as I tell you, pathetic mortal, what to do!"

Madara pants and holds his heart in agony, the same place where Hashirama struck the killing blow many years ago. He looks up at his master and listens intently.

Kiri – Kage Tower

Yagura groans and grasps his head in pain "Where am I, why can't I remember anything?"

"Yagura! Thank Kami your genjutsu lapsed…now we can speak on matters."

"Isobu, what happened, the last thing I remember is yellow and red eyes then nothing else."

"That man that put you in a genjutsu was Madara Uchiha and our fellow Guardian in the Land of Fire, who is now the Second Sage of Six Paths, will be the one to bring us together so we can end Madara for good."

Yagura cheers "Awesome! If I can get even with that Uchiha prick that would be amazing." His mood saddens "What did I do while under the genjutsu?"

"Instead of explaining, here is what I saw from your eyes."

Isobu plays memories of how Yagura ordered the slaughter of many with bloodlines as well as those against his rule which included the Daimyo. With each passing memory, Yagura was heartbroken and wanted to kill himself but knew that was not what the one to save the world wanted.

"I…I did all this; how can I continue to live anymore?"

Before Isobu could talk, a blue flame erupts in the office which clears to show Madara in all his glory; the man smirks then moves at a fast pace, slamming Yagura against the back wall with his hand clutched around the jinchuriki's neck.

"It seems my genjutsu is wearing off, no matter. When I am done with you, all that will be left is a brain dead husk of what you used to be!" Madara chuckles evilly at the end.

Yagura, in a choking manner, sputters out "When the one who will bring peace to this world frees me…YOU. WILL. SUFFER. FOR YOUR SINS!"

Madara fakes being hurt and gasps "Oh you wound me, now…look into my eyes."

The EMS appears and starts to rotate which Yagura attempts to fight with the help of Isobu.

"Fight it, Yagura…have my power and fight!"

A green glow appears around Yagura making Madara smile and laugh.

"So, you have some fight in you…I like that."

Madara increases the spinning and force used; although Isobu pushes more and more of his power into Yagura it soon becomes clear that it was a battle that would not be worth winning. Isobu does the one thing that would save Yagura's sanity. Madara sees his genjutsu work and drops the jinchuriki to the ground where he passes out; before leaving Madara adds one last thing.

"My master warned in three years that Naruto and his followers would arrive, be a dear and hurry my job up; I want all these heathens and the rebellion squashed before they arrive."

Yagura's Mindscape

The same time Yagura feels the genjutsu coming on stronger, he finds himself in the mindscape looking at Isobu.

"Isobu, what did you do?"

Panting, the bijuu explains "In order to save what sanity you have left, I pulled you here so you and I can wait for the Sage to come and rescue us."

"But, who is in control of my body!"

"Madara, who is also your dark half, is the one controlling you as of now. Do not fear though, both of us can fight the darkness from within."

Yagura smirks knowing what to do as he heard Madara's final words "Three years huh…well then, I think it's about time I gave my other half the case of schizophrenia in order to help Naruto and the others reach us in time."

Isobu laughs which shakes the mindscape "Oh, you are too good Yagura; it will be fun to watch your darkness turn insane after years of hearing voices in his head."

Yagura laughs with his bijuu and starts wandering around looking for the door to start the plan in motion; it would be a long three years but it will be worth every bit.

Two Days Later – Konoha Council Chambers

The days leading up to this meeting, Naruto used his network to keep tabs on the other Guardian's training as well as plans regarding the Suna liberation and what would happen after. Naruto was glad that there were a couple guardians, Han and Roshi, which had the same gem he has on his necklace; it would make it easier to get to them incase Madara and the Akatsuki decide to strike. Each of the Guardians progressed rapidly in their training to the point where they were about S rank ninja, the fact they beat Hidan and Kakuzu was luck and Madara's interference. Now, here we are in the present in the council chambers with the Daimyo, Hiruzen, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Naruto, Gaara, and Hinata; in chakra cuffs and various seals as well as guarded by ANBU were A and Onoki.

"We will commence this meeting to determine the war reparations that Iwa and Kumo should make for invading the Land of Fire and breaking multiple treaties with Konoha; how do you two plead?"

"We were being manipulated!" A screams out while Onoki does the same.

"Yes, we were manipulated by Danzo he was the one who talked to us!"

The Daimyo turns to Naruto "Is this true young Sage, is this what your spy network and your fellow guardians saw?"

Naruto shakes his head "No Daimyo-dono, Kabuto was the one who talked to them with Danzo's approval; do not worry though, Oto and Kabuto are long gone thanks to Maurelle and the fairies."

The two kage cringe internally and try and wiggle their way out of paying anything; Naruto and Gaara sense their emotions though and would use this to their advantage.

Tsunade speaks up "Although the damage to Konoha was minimal, you still broke the treaty the Sandaime set up many years ago A. As to you Onoki, you hated Konoha with a passion thanks to Minato and with Naruto defending this place…well I think everyone knows where that leads."

"AND I WOULD KILL MINATO'S GAKI IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE!"

Naruto glares at Onoki "That was in the past and I fight for the sole purpose of bringing peace to this Nation; do not make me have to end your existence. Both of you, A and Onoki, are at crossroads today; whatever happens here will decide the fate of you and your village."

"YOU DARE THREATEN US!" A and Onoki blurt out but Gaara continues.

"No, not threaten as Nature and the cycle of life and death tell us what will happen; either you agree with our reparations and bring peace to your villages or deny them and your village's fate rests in your hands."

Before A and Onoki could erupt again, the Daimyo turns to the Godaime Hokage "Jiraiya-dono, what do you have to say about all this, what are your terms?"

Naruto gapes seeing his godfather and self-proclaimed pervert taking up the mantle; Hinata senses great leadership and potential in the Toad Sage and smiles knowing that things would come out alright.

"Thank you Daimyo-dono. Now, taking into account that Konoha was minimally damaged and that we had no casualties the reparations will not be steep though the breaking of our treaty, A, will make yours harsher I'm afraid."

"BUT WE HAD NO CHOICE!" Onoki screams out but the Sandaime slams his hands on the table.

"No choice?! BULLSHIT! You had a choice but your own greed and views got in the way; you even tried to sell of your jinchuriki, the Guardians of the Elemental Nations." He snarls.

"Jinchuriki are nothing but weapons that need controlled and used, abused, and cast aside when their usefulness is fulfilled!" Onoki spits but that was the worst thing to say at this point.

Gaara and Naruto slam the area with an intense KI which even brought the Sandaime to his knees. Hinata was fairing fine and decided to sit and watch the show.

"Do you wish to see why we Guardians are not to be trifled with Onoki?! Do you wish to see me decimate your pathetic village and everyone in it, all those men, women, and children? I am the next Sage of Six Paths for a reason…do not test my patience!" Naruto roars in anger, his silver mana bursting from his body as does a brown aura from Gaara.

"ENOUGH!" the Daimyo screams calming things for a moment "We are getting nowhere with this senseless bickering; Jirayia, state your terms!"

Jirayia nods "Yes Daimyo-dono. A, you will pay three quarters of whatever is in your treasury and we will set up the terms of the treaty again but with many stipulations which include that a respected Konoha nin be present at each and every decision you make."

Jirayia turns to Onoki "You will pay half of what is in your treasury as well as giving details on your military power as well as any missions and movement you do outside village walls. We will only set up a treaty unless we deem fit."

A hangs his head in shame, the blast of power from Naruto made him see the error of his ways. He decides to voice his stipulation.

"Forgive my imprudence earlier Namikaze-sama, if it makes our relation with Konoha and the Guardians better in the long run I can offer assistance in the upcoming Suna liberation; I also agree to the terms Godaime-dono set up."

Naruto smiles "It seems my power display has shown you the right path; I accept your apology but it will take a while before I forget what you have done. May Nature guide you to a fruitful new beginning."

A smiles and nods while Onoki voices his concern "This will make it impossible to run our village, and knowing everything about my military will make it easy for you to retaliate against us! I refuse these terms and hope to see the end of this pathetic Nation."

Before any banter could continue, a messenger bursts through the door panting and eyes wide from what information he just received.

"Forgive my interruption Daimyo-dono but Danzo, the Kazekage sends word that if he does not receive his troops back, he will activate the kill switch."

The Daimyo sighs and pinches his nose in slight anger "Guardians, what shall we do about this situation as you know it best."

Hinata speaks up for the first time "It would be wise that we give back Danzo's troops but in doing so I can use an advanced henge to infiltrate Suna so that once all the Guardians arrive, the liberation can commence."

"And the details of the attack?" the Daimyo asks but then realizes A and Onoki are still in the room "Please escort A and Onoki out of the chamber and have them sent back to their respective villages."

The ANBU nod and do as told then Gaara continues.

"Us Guardians will attack first and focus on Danzo then Konoha and Kumo will come in a short time later but under no circumstances are you to kill, injure yes as I have a feeling the seals will disappear once Danzo is dealt with."

Before anyone could respond, Naruto and Gaara hold their heads in pain then stand up; the cold demeanor was present on both. Naruto looks and nods to Gaara who grasps his brother's shoulder and they disappear in a flash of green.

Hinata smiles sadly "Someone has attacked the Guardians in Taki and I sense that the village will become no more by the end of today…we must hasten our plans, the negotiations end now Daiymo-dono, the darkness will soon come and may Elune help us when it does."

Taki – Before Naruto and Gaara arrive

Killer-B, Yugito, Han, Roshi, Fu, and Utakata were taking a break from training and listening to the various animals used for Naruto's spy network. They recently got word that the time to act and travel would happen soon, the fact that Madara was growing stronger and had possible relations to the God of the Underworld were unsettling to say the least. Yes, each grew stronger but the only one to come close to killing Madara would be Naruto himself or if all the Guardians banded together. An explosion where Shibuki's office is breaks them from their thoughts.

"SHIBUKI-SAMA!" Fu cries out and rushes to the burning rubble of his office while the others follow.

Once she gets there, Fu begins to shift through the rubble muttering 'no' several times over her breath hoping for the signs of a living Shibuki. Three minutes in and everyone hears a groan where the desk was; Killer-B rushes in and lifts off the large piece of wood to find the bloody, broken, and almost lifeless body of Shibuki.

"Fu, Guardians, *cough*, listen to my final moments." Shibuki coughs up blood and continues "Take the hero water in the tree…use it to kill the one who calls himself Hades."

Fu cries out and holds Shibuki's cooling body as he coughs out more blood and his breath weakens; the other guardians bow their head in condolences for the one who gave them a place of refuge and to train. The leader of Taki takes his final breath and says his final words.

"I'm proud…of all of you, go, show this world peace; I…have…faith…in you."

With that declaration, Shibuki passed from this world; Fu picked up the body and all went to the tree to gather the hero water. Once at the tree, Han created a grave for the leader of Taki and put him in; everyone said a quick prayer and they all headed inside to gather the water. Once there, they were not expecting a visitor.

"Hello Guardians, is this…what you are looking for?" Madara waves the bottle of hero water in his hands then smashes it on the ground "Oops, did I do that? Madara darkly laughs "WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW!"

Before the Guardians could react, Madara slams his staff on the ground making black flame erupt upwards and outward which completely incinerated the Great Tree; luckily for the Guardians, Killer B turned everyone intangible so they could escape unharmed.

A short distance from the burning tree, Yugito speaks up "We need to summon Naruto-sama, we have no chance against him!"

"Indeed…but what makes you think I will let you do that?" Madara speaks from behind them making the Guardians turn and get blown back by a massive gale of wind.

Han, while flying through the air, makes his gem glow which signals for help. Madara advances on the Guardians with an evil smile on his face; he was not going to kill them per Hades' instructions, just show them how weak they truly are. A tap on his shoulder plate and a familiar voice makes him turn.

"Excuse me."

Naruto states and sends an earth mana enhanced punch to Madara's face which breaks his nose and shatters his face as well as sending him into the burning remains of the Great Tree.

"Nice shot Naruto!" Gaara exclaims with a smile on his face.

Naruto nods "Gather the others; I have a feeling this place will not last much longer."

Madara yells and a blast of black mana destroys part of the village "SAGE! YOU ARE BECOMING QUITE THE INSECT!"

Naruto scream back "LOVE YOU TOO!"

This of course makes the Guardians chuckle but Madara's mana grows in intensity making Killer-B do his rap.

"Time to go, Madara is pissed thanks to Naruto's dis!"

"HA! That was gold." Yugito laughs as do the others but they stop when Madara yells his attack and the ground underneath the village starts to glow.

"Flames of the Almighty Deity!"

Naruto curses knowing he cannot teleport that far, he wasn't sure if he would be able to make it out of range; Gaara puts a hand on his shoulder and squeezes, both nod then tell others to hold on tight.

"Hold on everyone, this is going to get bumpy!" Naruto and Gaara exclaim simultaneously while the other Guardians hold onto both and they flicker and disappear into thin air.

Somewhere outside of Taki

The Guardians appear 10 feet off the ground and scream as they plummet to the ground below, luckily there were no trees to break any bones. They feel a rumbling and look towards Taki to see the Earth start to bulge then explode in a flurry of black flames and lava; a plume of ash which shoots high into the air and starts to travel around the planet. Fu bows her head in sadness seeing her village gone but then her eyes widen as do everyone else as the rising Earth heads their way.

"RUN!" Roshi exclaims and everyone does as told while using wind mana to bolster their speed.

They ran for five minutes straight then halted to see that the land mass that was Taki had sunk into the sea; the Guardians pant and sigh in sadness while Naruto decides to pay respects.

"So the God of Darkness rise,

War is soon to follow; mankind's demise,

The God of Darkness slays without remorse,

We are Guardians, to help stray the course.

The God of Darkness will fight without end,

The Guardians will show no mercy, peace will be had."

All the Guardians chorus "Let Nature be our guide, we are forever strong, we are forever banded together, we will face the darkness head-on."

Suna – Kage Tower

A knock is heard on the door and Danzo lets the person enter; he was not pleased with how everything went. Orochimaru, Kabuto, both dead, and now A and Onoki were punished and out of his reach. Danzo had one last option, so he would use it.

"Danzo-sama, our troops are headed back from Konoha, they are uninjured and ready to do your bidding."

A loud explosion and the sight of a large plume of flame and ash near Taki interrupt them for a moment; Danzo' unbandage eye widened in shock.

"Who is this…dark presence; is this Madara's power?"

"Sir, your orders?"

Danzo clears his throat and slams his cane on the wooden floor "Let our troops in, give them a place to lounge and allow them to wander freely; we will allow a period of rest before moving onto the final plan."

The man in the office bows "At once, I look forward to engaging Konoha and will die with honor."

Suna Gates

Hinata, in a henge of a Suna civilian with the correct seals, was heading inside with Kurama tucked in a pouch on her left side. She was here to do recon and sabotage key areas to get Danzo's attention then summon the Guardians with her gem so that the liberation could commence; her first stop was the ANBU HQ. As the captives were lead to their barracks, Hinata made her way out of the group silently and with elven like grace to get to her destination. It took ten minutes of sneaking about but she finally found it and henged into Danzo so that she could evacuate the place before blowing it sky high.

ANBU HQ – Suna

The Guards see Danzo approach and bow "Hello Danzo-sama, I was not expecting you today."

"Just let me in, there is a change of plans." Hinata growls out in Danzo's voice.

"At once sir."

The door is opened and Hinata heads inside; she goes about a possible route Danzo would take. Checking the men and woman, the training grounds, how the barracks were, and lastly was the armory where she would plant explosive tags to munitions. The problem was that Hinata did not know where the ANBU armory was so she gets the attention of one of the ANBU walking by.

"Lead me to the armory at once, I must ensure that we have enough supplies for our plan to commence."

The ANBU bows "At once Danzo-sama."

Hinata is led down a corridor then down a flight of stairs to a massive corridor filled with explosive tags, swords, kunai, senbon, and various other items.

"Is it to your liking sir?"

Hinata nods "Yes, good job but tell me; didn't I order you to put most of these in the armory away from here?"

The ANBU shakes his head "No sir, Suna does not have an armory so this is it; you seem off Danzo-sama, are you feeling alright?"

Hinata plays her part perfectly and scowls "Do not question me subordinate! Leave me to inspect these armaments alone!"

The ANBU hurriedly leaves while Hinata goes to work planting a couple explosive tags to the four boxes filled with more explosive tags; when it went off it would be sure to get Danzo's attention.

"Say Kurama, how about we have a little fun by messing with these people's mind."

Kurama, who was in the pouch, laughs "Henge into an injured Danzo then run through the place…that'll get them out!"

Hinata smiles and does as told then limps up the stairs; it only took her 10 minutes to do her part. Once up the stairs, multiple ANBU rush over to help.

"Are you alright Danzo-sama?"

"DO I LOOK ALRIGHT?! Evacuate the area, an intruder planted a bomb inside and I need all the manpower I can get!"

The ANBU nearby sound the alarm to evacuate and five minutes later, everyone was out; Hinata, seeing an alley nearby, pushes a Suna ANBU into it and knocks him out then hides the body away from the blast site. She henges into the ANBU and keeps up an emotionless mask then rushes out of the alley.

"I got word from Danzo-sama that we are to report to the Kage Tower at once."

The massive group complies and they take the five minute walk there, as they were walking up the stairs Hinata activated the tags sending a fireball high into the sky. Danzo saw this from his office and immediately rushed out to see all the ANBU at his door.

"What is the meaning of this?!"

Hinata, still henged, steps up "Danzo-sama, there was an intruder whom I saw, may I speak to you in private?"

Danzo reluctantly nods and motions for Hinata to step inside where he adds silencing seals then sits at his desk.

"Now, can you tell me what this intruder looked like?"

Hinata nods "I can do one better." She takes off her henge "The intruder is right here."

Danzo growls and was about to lunge forward when Hinata held out the green crystal which made the war hawk salivate.

"GIVE ME THE CRYSTAL!"

Hinata shakes her pointer finger "Ah, ah, dear Danzo; to get this comes with a price. The price is to surrender yourself to Konoha and allow all that you enslaved to go free."

Danzo becomes enraged "How do you know that information, and I will never surrender to scum like you!"

"Tis a shame, may Elune have mercy on your pour soul."

Hinata adds mana to the crystal which glows green then a bright flash of white engulfs the area which clears to show eight of the nine guardians inside the office with Hinata; all stare down Danzo who sweats a little then gasps as he sees each of the respective bijuu on the Guardian's shoulders.

"Hello Danzo, you escaped my grasp last time, but I will not let that happen again." Naruto exclaims, each having a cold demeanor on their faces.

"You have no hope of winning." Danzo calmly states and runs through hand signs. "Summoning Technique: Baku!"

A puff of smoke appears then clears to show a gigantic elephantine chimera. Baku has tiger-like limbs, armor on the base of the trunk and between the eyes, and bandages wrapped all around its head similar to Danzo. The chimera is dark orange with the exception of its trunk, legs and the markings around its eyes. Its feet are also striped; reminiscent of those of a tiger and it also has huge tusks and what looks like a beard, as well as long, sharp claws.

Baku takes a deep breath creating a suction pulling everything in around it but before it could finish, Baku holds it in then exhales a large gust of wind which blows out the back wall but leaving Hinata and the Guardians where they stood before.

"What a nice breeze." Utakata stated making everyone chuckle minus Danzo.

Danzo scowls and rips off his head bandage showing Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan then rips off the arm bandage and bracers to show nine more Sharingan with three tomes; one was closed due to escaping Pein's wrath. The Guardians narrow their eyes seeing the abomination in front of them while the bijuu growl seeing the accursed eyes.

Yugito groans "Great, he has a case of pink eye."

"ENOUGH! I will show you the fruits of my experimentation! Wood Release: Great Forest Technique!"

The Sharingan covered hand turns into wood and attempts to capture the guardians and their bijuu; knowing they needed more space to fight, all of them jump from the Kage tower with Danzo giving chase, his arm back to normal. While running away, Roshi sends a massive fireball in the darkening sky thanks to Madara's volcanic eruption which catches the attention of Konoha and Kumo's Shinobi.

Mile outside Suna

Jiraiya and A see the massive fireball which was small compared to the eruption they witnessed earlier; everyone knew Taki was lost forever. Both the Kage nod to each other and inform their troops which totaled over 60,000 strong with most being Konoha Shinobi.

"The signal has been given, it is time to move in; remember no killing but injuring is fine. FOR OUR ALLIES, FOR SUNA!" Jiraiya yells to the troops with A doing the same.

"FOR SUNA!" Everyone chants and rush toward the village.

The liberation of Suna was about to begin and with it, the final step for Madara to take his spot as enemy number one in the Elemental Nations. War was coming, a dark day would soon take place but with the Guardians helping there was a glimmer of hope, a hope for peace in this turbulent nation.