A Rude Awakening
Despite Konoha's attempts to clamp down on the battles from occurring throughout the village, and trying by all means to minimize property damage, the invading snake summons unleashed a slippery attack that saw an opened pathway created for the invaders to spread through the village. The battles spread through the village. Clearly, obvious as the day light, it was a fact that Konoha was stilling holding on. Home advantage was the main factor in the case. The fact that Konoha's shinobi had more quality wasn't going to be the deciding factor for this invasion.
The snakes hadn't created much damage before giant Toads and a Slug appeared forth to wrestle them away from the village lines.
It all opened a door for more chaos. It wasn't the sort of destruction that Naruto would revel in. Parts of him enjoyed seeing chaos and destruction. He'd created large scale Ninjutsu because of this. The chaos here wasn't anything to smile about. He doubted even Madara would grin at this. The man would probably frown and sit back. Bring back Hashirama and he would gladly join the battle.
Naruto shook his head. Comparing himself to Madara, was he? That was something that he never thought he would do, but if similarities were there, there was no use in denying them.
As explosions tore through the Hidden Leaf, battles cries being released, Naruto strolled through the streets, not minding anything that happened. He was looking for something else. Some people to be precise.
Naruto looked to the top of Konoha's hospital: it was being highly protected by Anbu and a number of Jonins. The Anbu repelling the enemy from harming the Hospital hadn't be the thing that caught his attention. Something had been thrown at him. It was Kunai and Naruto merely stopped walking to avoid the projectile from hitting him.
Upon piercing through the ground after it missed Naruto, the kunai imbedded with an explosive tag when into flames, causing Naruto to jump away from the explosion, hands shielding his face from the heat.
''Namikaze bastard!'' Naruto heard as a group of shinobi surrounded him. ''How nice of you to casually walk around here with everything happening around the village.''
''Is there a reason I shouldn't be casual about my ways? This is in fact not my war, I'm merely a spectator who's blood has become too excited and now I wish to join in,'' Naruto responded in a casual manner, eyes looking above the sky.
There were around 10 shinobi around him. He didn't need to guess that they were Iwagakure shinobi and that Orochimaru had opened his bloody mouth about his parentage. This was really going to be some trouble. Having to deal with a few petty shinobi with hatred problems was really bothersome. He hadn't even done anything to Iwa.
Ah, sins of the father, was it?
Despite being in his situation, Naruto smiled.
''You're just as Orochimaru said: unlike your father, but a genius like him,'' one of the shinobi said.
''No, no,'' Naruto said shaking his head slightly. ''You offer me too much praises,'' the Iwa shinobi sneered at the response, but Naruto didn't mind it, he just continued on smiling. ''I'm not a genius. I just think a lot and my eyes see far ahead than most people.''
''Let us just get him; we still have battles to fight!''
''Yes, that is the best option. I am rather surprised that Iwa shinobi would come straight at me. I expected you to be smarter than this?''
Nobody answered him, they all lunged at him. How to deal with this... Naruto wondered mildly for a second. He held out his right hand, and a kunai appeared in a puff of smoke. The enemies were upon him in a second and Naruto dropped the kunai down the ground and tried jumping up.
He wasn't able to because one of the shinobi grabbed him by his foot, pulling him down the ground. That wasn't supposed to happen. But Naruto was quick to shrug it off and abandon the plan of setting off the explosive kunai.
Chakra chains burst through from his body, piercing through his enemies. Naruto frowned, ''how weak,'' he muttered before moving ahead, ignoring the blood splattered around the bodies.
On the academy grounds, hundreds of shinobi were fighting against Konoha's forces and amongst them, was Hyuuga Neji. One of the people he wanted to see. Naruto quickly rushed to the side of the Hyuuga.
''I was wondering when you'd make an appearance,'' Neji said, ducking under a punch from one of the opponents. Naruto flashed above him, slamming his right foot on the opponent of Neji.
Landing down the ground, Naruto responded quietly. ''I got held up watching the show,'' Naruto said.
Another shinobi charge at the two with two more behind him. As he reached them, Neji crouched down the ground and attempted a leg sweep. The opponent was smart enough to jump to avoid the move.
Naruto was in the air. Suna shinobi he realized. He caught the man by his face and punched him in the gut before sending him straight into the two attacking behind. They collided, halting the attack.
Neji shook his head, and watched Naruto. The blond went ahead to face the opponents: Sound and Sunagakure shinobi combined. With great interest, Neji's Byakugan stared on.
The first of his foes were Suna shinobi and Naruto didn't kill those, he just knocked them out. Every shinobi from Sound wasn't killed by Naruto. Neji wasn't naive to think that Naruto had a problem with killing. It wasn't like that. The blond could kill without batting an eye. He was mostly indifferent to the lives he took.
What confirmed his belief was when Naruto killed Sound shinobi. He brutally murdered them, cutting them with a normal blade. Neji smiled and took out two explosives tags. He threw them straight into enemy territory, and Naruto flashed away.
Boom!
The tags exploded into a fiery of flames, Neji and Naruto went away to a safe distance, away from the fighting, atop of one of the buildings.
''So, you're not really joining the battle to help Konoha. You're just helping yourself.'' Neji said in a casual tone.
''Sunagakure has its uses. I worked hard to groom Gaara and I'm not about to hand him a weakened village. I chose to join the battle because I wish to save a few Sunagakure shinobi,'' Naruto said.
''And I was thinking that perhaps you'd turned on a new leaf and was fighting for Konoha,'' the very statement amused Neji.
''Wouldn't you be shocked if that actually happened?''
''Shocked? Yes, very much. I would suspect brain washing though,'' Neji said, looking at Naruto with one eye while the other focused on the situation around the village.
''Like there is something powerful enough to brainwash me.''
''Shisui's eyes,'' Neji merely said. ''Not even you can be immune to that power. A normal mind trick can't work, but that one can. I have no doubt it can make you Konoha's shadow protector.''
''I simply have to avoid eye contact with it and bang,'' Naruto said nonchalantly. ''I have learned many techniques to avoid the powers of those cursed eyes – as Kurama calls them.''
''Then, why?''
''The Kazekage has been killed by Orochimaru. Suna was basically tricked into coming here. I have sent someone to recover the corpse as Orochimaru was ignorant enough to leave it lying around.''
''You're going to show it to someone in charge of Suna's forces and get them to leave?''
Naruto nodded.
''I guess I will focus on Sound and Iwa then,'' Neji said.
"Anything I should know?"
Naruto appeared to think for a brief moment, "Nothing you can change," He said. "But do tell Anko that I have a present for her. After the Kyuubi makes an appearance, take Kurenai and hide."
"Are you planning something big?"
"Not me," Naruto said.
''We will talk afterwards,'' that said, took a step forward before abruptly stopping. ''This wasn't your first option was it?''
Naruto shook his head, ''I was going to fight. But I don't feel like it anymore and I have to watch over some people. It would sadden me if something happens to them.''
Neji stared for a moment before shaking his head. He flashed away to re-join the battle once again.
Naruto settled down, feet hanging loose at the edge of the building, eyes closed. Where is that damned Baki? There were so many battles occurring that made it difficult to concentrate. Chakra was being burnt all over, Naruto's senses found some difficulty in navigating through.
''Naruto,'' Haku said, holding the Kazekage's corpse around his left shoulder. ''I got him,'' he added.
Naruto nodded, and jumped down the ground. Haku followed him and watched as Naruto kneeled down. The blonde placed his right hand on the ground. ''Gate,'' he said standing up.
''What about them?'' Haku asked of the shinobi who'd appeared upon noting the red clouds within the village.
''Ignore them,'' Naruto said, ''We have far more pressing issues,'' the blond took the body from Haku. ''Go check on the Sandaime.''
''Hai,'' Haku said before disappearing in a flash. Naruto flashed away as well.
Konoha Gates
Boom!
That was the welcome Naruto received upon arriving at the gate. It was Tsunade's punch crushing the ground, having missed its target. So the main battle was happening here, Naruto thought, smiling. No wonder things were a little messy with the senses. Powerful chakra of all kinds flooded this area.
Those damned punches of that woman. Naruto surely didn't wish to end up being hit by one of them. If it landed on his chest, it would certainly crush his ribcage. That was a damage that Naruto didn't want to receive. He wasn't Madara who would only laugh at the pain.
Naruto turned around, ignoring everyone else. He saw his target.
''Hmm?'' Naruto snapped back to the location of Tsunade. The woman was rushing over to him, right hand glowing with chakra.
Tsunade drove her monstrous punch at Naruto, who avoided it by sidestepping it. The punch crashed into the ground, raising large chunks of debris. Naruto raised a curious eye brow, still just inches away from Tsunade.
''If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to hit me while I was looking away,'' Naruto said to the slug princess, his blank smile in place.
''Good thing you know better,'' Tsunade responded with mild sarcasm as she straightened herself. ''I thought I'd just knock you out to avoid any complications once the old man has finished battling Orochimaru.''
''I understand,'' Naruto said with a nod. Once again, he gave Tsunade his back. ''I'm going to do something good. You can try to fight me when I'm done. So, please, don't try to hit me when I'm not looking.''
Naruto walked away, with Tsunade glaring at the body he was carrying. ''Who is it?''
Naruto didn't respond, he created more distance, walking over to Baki. ''Yoh, Baki!''
Baki twisted around to look at the source of the voice calling upon his name. With so many shinobi around him, it was difficult for him to locate the person with just one glance.
Who would call him in the middle of a battle anyway? None of Sunagakure shinobi would go that far. It wasn't a good time with the likes of Tsunade just a distance away. Any lapse in concentration in the battlefield and the punch of that woman would knock the lights of him and that would be it for him and possibly for Suna's chances at victory.
Baki was forced to make a distance away from the fighting, when his momentarily loss of concentration opened a door for a Fireball to be launched towards him. The Sand Jonin dodged the jutsu carefully and looked back.
Someone was calling him. He needed to see who it was as it really sound familiar – the voice. The familiarity of the voice made it important for him to find out who was really calling him.
Baki jumped away, again to a safe distance, away from the fighting – he needed a good distance to view everything. Before he could even think of trying to look elsewhere, Naruto appeared in front of him.
Baki narrowed his eyes dangerously, ''You...'' he growled in recognition of the sly blond before him.
''Oh you remember me,'' Naruto responded smiling at the wind user.
''Of course I remember you. You left quite the impression. You not the kind of person one can easily forget.'' Baki all but snarled. ''What do you want?'' He clenched his fits, ready to fight if there need be.
''You want to fight me?'' Naruto asked. Baki didn't respond to the question, he merely glared, waiting patiently for Naruto to answer his question. ''What an inflexible man...'' Naruto said to himself before throwing the Kazekage's corpse straight at Baki.
Baki hesitantly caught it, and when he saw the face, his eyes widened in shock. Rasa, he thought grimly. He had known the Kazekage had been, of late, acting weird and he knew the man had decided against conspiring with Orochimaru in his vendetta against Konoha. Baki had been left surprised when the next morning the Yondaime Kazekage decided he would go ahead with the plan.
It had not been his place to question. He was a shinobi of Sunagakure and he had to follow the Kazekage's orders. And so he had. He swallowed bitterly now that he realized that the decision had been the wrong one, he shouldn't have listened. He should have tried to speak his thoughts.
If he'd done his job properly, Rasa would still be alive and they wouldn't be in this mess. It was a mess alright. With Rasa gone, everything changes.
Baki looked at where Naruto had been standing, but the blonde was no longer there. The Suna Jonin twisted around: Naruto was standing still, back turned against him. Baki looked to where the blond was staring at: Tsunade. The woman was busy creating craters all over the ground.
A frightening woman, Baki had to say.
''Don't feign surprise now that you that Rasa is dead,'' Naruto suddenly said. ''You knew Rasa was acting weird and you had to question why he no longer was anywhere in the village while you fought. You suspected something was wrong, but chose not to do anything against it.''
''There wasn't much to do anyway,'' Baki said, still holding Rasa's corpse. ''We're already engaged in war with Konoha. If we suddenly say we want to pull out, they won't listen to us even if we tell them we were tricked. We won't be allowed to leave peacefully.''
''Do you really believe that, Baki?''
''What is that supposed to mean?'' Baki demanded through gritted teeth.
''You studied Konoha thoroughly before this little invasion. You must know how the Sandaime works. If you are surrendering, the Sandaime will listen to you and allow you to return to your village. But of course you'll have to pay after everything has settled down.''
The Sandaime Hokage was like that. If it had been Danzo, it would be a different matter all together. The dead man would've still ordered for their deaths and invade Suna himself with the intensions of making it Konoha's territory.
Good thing he was dead.
Baki frowned. Why had he been hesitant? Was it because he had no proof? Baki told himself that it was because of that. How could he act when he couldn't prove anything. A wrong move on his part would've ended in insubordination on his part. That was a record he didn't wish to have.
Naruto was certainly right though. Konoha had to accept Suna's withdrawal. No matter how much they may feel betrayed and angered by their actions, they had to accept their 'white flag.' There more the battles drags on, the more Konoha is destroyed and it is even losing its shinobi.
That was the bitter thing about war: even if you were winning, you end up losing something. Death occurs in both sides. Everybody was a loser in a war. Allowing Suna to retreat minimized the damage and causalities and it would make it easier to them to handle the remaining forces.
A complete withdrawal of Suna's forces was the best option now. He was now aware that it hadn't been Rasa's orders that they fight. It had been that damned Orochimaru.
''Take your men and leave the village. I will try to create a safe passage for you,'' Naruto said... Well more like ordered. ''Gaara must have thought of something as well.''
''Gaara?''
''Why do you think he hasn't released Shikaku?'' Naruto asked. ''Get to that while I keep Tsunade busy,'' that started walking away.
"Why are you doing this? I once heard Orochimaru tell Rasa that you might responsible for Gaara's change," Baki question cautiously. "And those clouds…" He said pointing at the Akatsuki cloak Naruto wore.
"I have my reasons and this isn't the time to discuss them. Even if this was the time, I wouldn't discuss them with you," Naruto looked up for a second before continuing. "As it stands, you're a minor character but with a big future. So until then…"
"Are you insulting me?"
Naruto shrugged nonchalantly, "Maybe. Maybe not," He said and walked away from the man.
Baki glared for a moment and decided on what to do.
Baki had no choice. He had to do this. With Rasa gone, and knowing exactly who killed him, there was no reason for them to fight Konoha. They'd betrayed the Hidden Leaf, and they themselves in turn were betrayed by Orochimaru.
Baki couldn't help but release a bitter chuckle at the situation. He guessed this was how the Shinobi world operated. You couldn't stab someone in the back and not expect to be stabbed as well.
For Suna, this was an embarrassment and a great loss. They no longer had a Kage and had turned on their greatest ally. The Hidden Leaf had always been its main ticket to survival. If things escalate to a bloody war between the two villages, Sunagakure would fall – there was no question about that.
Baki had to remain strong.. For Sunagakure. They still had Gaara as well. All was not lost. Yes, there was still hope.
Earlier
''Kukukukukukukuku,'' Orochimaru laughed gleefully, staring down at his former sensei. ''I didn't think you'd put a better fight than this, sensei,'' the snake said. "Then again, it won't be any fun if you don't put up a fight."
''You underestimated me thinking I wouldn't hold on because of my old age,'' the Third said.
Despite putting on a good fight so far, his movements had been sluggish. Honestly, the Hiruzen was disappointed with himself. In this state, he was no longer worthy of being called God of shinobi. He could still retain his tittle as the Professor, but kami? No, he had weakened pathetically. Even though he was of advanced age, and this should be expected, Hiruzen was still disappointed with himself.
He had become a mere shadow of his former self. In the way he was fighting, he wasn't worthy to even sit under that shadow.
At least the village was still holding on with the fighting. Tsunade and Jiraiya were present and fighting. They wouldn't allow anything to happen to this beloved village of his. The two gave him the assurance that things would be alright and he could put his focus on this little fight with his foolish student.
''I guess I did,'' Orochimaru said, licking his lips, hands folded across his chest.
''I taught you better than this,'' the Sandaime said. ''It seems that you have abandoned all my teachings though. Did you come here just to kill me, Orochimaru?''
Orochimaru shrugged, and turned his eyes away from the Sandaime for a moment. The barrier was still holding on, so no one could interfere with the battle. He could take his sweet time with his former sensei.
He knew Naruto was in the village. Of course, he knew the blonde had his reasons and Orochimaru knew certainly what it was.
If he finished things here quickly, and if Naruto tried to disturb his time with the Sandaime, he would screw with the blonde's plan in a very satisfying manner.
The Snake Sannin turned to his former sensei again, ''speaking of being here, why do you think Naruto is here, anyway?''
''Who knows? I'm sure he has his reasons. I do think he plans to kill you though. You're nuisance,'' the Sandaime said.
Orochimaru chuckled at being called a nuisance, ''he is certainly something, isn't he? To regard me as nothing more than a nuisance...'' The Otogakure leader shook his head. ''I have no doubt that Naruto plans to kill me, but he can't. But he will probably achieve his other goals.''
''What goals?''
''Naruto knew this was going to happen and did nothing to stop it. In fact, he encouraged me to do it as well. I did meet him a couple of days ago after Danzo was killed,'' Orochimaru said.
The Sandaime frowned. Naruto did that? He knew the blond held no love for Konoha, but why allow Orochimaru to come here. It clicked on the Sandaime that something was up. He managed to smile. Naruto was truly a manipulative and shrewd person. How he wished that the blond could use his abilities for the greater good.
Seeing the Sandaime smile, Orochimaru frowned. He was expecting his former sensei to be struggling to deal with the fact that his beloved Naruto had actually condoned for the invasion to occur and actually had the power to stop it, but chose not to.
''Does it bother you?'' Hiruzen asked, still smiling slightly.
''A little,'' Orochimaru admitted.
''I was wondering, why would Naruto wait for you to come here just to kill you? If he wanted to annihilate you and your forces, he could have done without this. Then why?'' The Sandaime paused for a moment before responding to his question. ''Naruto likes interesting things. No doubt he let this happen because he wanted to see who will come out to play on this stage. He probably wanted you out of the Sound to take it for himself. I'm guessing other members of the Akatsuki are destroying your hideouts and while we kill your shinobi for him. And he gets to watch the show. Of course he will intervene every now and then.''
That was very probable. But Orochimaru didn't have to worry about Sound. He had other hideouts elsewhere. He could go to any place he wishes. That wasn't a problem for him. ''Is that all?''
The Sandaime Hokage shook his head, ''is Naruto connected to Sunagakure somehow?''
Orochimaru felt like he was back in class with the Sandaime once again. Nevertheless, he did respond to the old man's question. ''Yes. The Akatsuki did a few jobs for Rasa, and I believe Naruto-kun also trained Gaara.''
The Sandaime lost his smile and shook his head. ''It is clear now,'' he said quietly. ''I heard that he was seen at Kirigakure. There were also rumours that the Akatsuki was involved in Kiri's civil war,'' Orochimaru's look revealed something, '' and judging by your expression, the rumours were true,'' the Hokage took a stance, ''Let us this over with my foolish student. I wish to inform Jiraiya Naruto's goal.''
''Fine,'' Orochimaru said, returning his grin to full force. ''I want to show you something,'' that said, he did hand seals. ''Kuchiyose no jutsu: Impure world reincarnation!''
The Sandaime Hokage widened his eyes as the coffins sprouted from the ground. 1st and 2nd they said. He glared back at Orochimaru who could do something so immoral and just wrong.
''You would step so low, Orochimaru,'' the Sandaime growled.
''Yes. The look on your face was worth it,'' the Snake Sannin said with a large grin on his face.
''I wanted to get the Yondaime Hokage as well, but his soul is within the Shinigami's belly. But they are enough. Even if Suna betrays me, I won't care. The Shodai and the Nidaime will destroy you and then I will have them destroy Konoha.''
What followed then was a full blown laughter as Orochimaru fantasized the founder of Konoha going on a rampage within the village he created. It would serve only to satisfy him and his thirst.
''Brother,'' the Nidaime Hokage looked on. ''It seems we have been brought back to this world through the Impure World Reincarnation. The very forbidden jutsu I created. I never thought it would be used against me.''
''I thought you destroyed the notes,'' the Shodai said, looking around. ''Sarutobi,'' he smiled.
''Shodai-sama,'' Hiruzen said respectfully.
''You look old,'' Hashirama commented dryly. ''How long has it been?''
Tobirama ignored his brother and turned to face Orochimaru, ''are you the one who cast this jutsu?''
Orochimaru nodded, ''I have improved on your work. How do you like this one?''
Tobirama narrowed his eyes. He certainly felt strong, but nowhere near the strength he once held. Still this was a massive improvement. He almost felt real. ''Do you have any idea what you're doing?''
''There is no use talking to him, Tobirama-sensei,'' Hiruzen said.
''Who is he?''
''My former student. I raised him.''
''You raised such a child, Sarutobi...'' Hashirama said looking at Orochimaru. ''He is very impressive if he is able to control me even at this level.''
''Enough of the chit chat. Attack him already,'' Orochimaru said. He certainly didn't want the Akatsuki to get here before he could make his sensei suffer.
''I'm sorry, Saru, but we have no control...''
Hiruzen nodded, "I understand, but you must forgive me as well for what I will do to your souls."
With Naruto
Naruto casually strolled towards the battlefield at the gates. As he looked around, there were about 100 enemy shinobi fighting against Konoha. Most of them had already been smacked to a pulp by Tsunade. So it was no doubt the little invasion would end soon. The woman was a walking earth destruction machine. One punch and a path was created through hundreds of shinobi.
What had Orochimaru been thinking when he brought this invasion? He couldn't have possibly hoped to win with this little. The Snake himself hadn't even taken to the fighting as he was busy with his petty fight against the Sandaime Hokage. This wasn't much to win a war against the likes of Konoha, but just enough to do some damage.
Orochimaru's objective couldn't have been to destroy the Leaf. The snake had to have known Gaara wouldn't transform into Shukaku for the destruction of the Leaf... And yet the snake still made it here anyway.
It was also possible that he didn't know or thought little of it. Arrogance has proved to be Orochimaru's undoing in many situations.
Could it be that he planned on using that? It was very possible. No, at this stage it had to be the only choice left for the Sannin because those could surely do the damage he sought and he would have the time and take joy in watching it as well. Well, he just had to get them under control to be able to do get them to go on a rampage in Konoha.
Naruto frowned when something clicked in his head. He shook his head in denial of the thought. 'It is impossible,' he thought. There was no way Orochimaru had foreseen that he would use the Kyuubi today and planned on brining Hashirama into the fray to stop him.
It wouldn't be for the sake of Konoha, but just to screw with him. His recent actions regarding the Sannin hadn't been pleasant to him, so anything that would derail him was welcomed.
Naruto's thoughts were brought to a halt when Jiraiya suddenly crashed into the ground just behind Naruto. ''What is going on?'' The Sannin demanded from Naruto.
''Hmm?'' Naruto paused, ''Be more specific Jiraiya,'' the blond said, looking at the Toad Sage through the corner of his eyes. He also noted that Tsunade was moving towards him as well.
''Sunagakure forces are retreating,'' Tsunade said. ''It can't be that they saw that they were losing and decided to give up. From what I see, something did happen and it is forcing them to retreat.''
Jiraiya nodded, ''From where I was fighting alongside Kakashi, Baki suddenly arrived and told Kabuto he was leaving. I didn't make out what they said further, but something happened and they have decided to remove themselves from the invasion.''
Kabuto didn't look incensed nor bothered by the fact that Baki was leaving with his forces. In fact, he'd merely smiled and disappeared from the battlefield himself. The four eyed shinobi had been fighting Kakashi and left before a winner could be made.
''And you're asking me because you think I have something to do with it?''
''I know you have something to do with it,'' Tsunade said firmly. ''I saw you go away with Baki carrying a corpse and when you returned, you no longer had it. Who was it?''
''Was it the Kazekage?'' Jiraiya asked with narrowed eyes.
''Yes,'' Naruto said nodding his head. ''Orochimaru killed him a little while ago after he refused to take part in the invasion. Your former teammate murdered him and then went on to impersonate him for a little while to get Suna's forces to leave their village.''
''That would explain why Sunagakure betrayed us,'' Jiraiya said. ''But this is something you expect from Orochimaru. Rasa and him had to have had some form of relationship if they were able to get that far...''
''Who knows?'' Naruto responded calmly. ''I informed Baki of this and he decided to remove Suna's forces from the village because they no longer had any reason to fight. They'd only come here thinking that they were following orders of their Kage, but that has turned out to be false, and so they are retreating.''
''We're allowing them to leave but the fact that they had been tricked doesn't make up for what they did,'' Jiraiya said strongly.
''Are you talking to me or her, because I don't see how that affects me in any way,'' Naruto said to the Toad Sage.
Jiraiya clenched his fists in mild anger, but he restrained himself from exploding. ''The remaining forces should escape as well. I believe only those from Iwagakure will leave. Seeing that Suna is leaving, they won't stay behind knowing that they are only going to be killed. Sound shinobi won't leave because they know Orochimaru will kill them himself if they abandon the mission.''
''Since we haven't been able to tell apart which are from Sound and which are from Iwagakure, we should be able to tell from, the directions they will take when heading to their villages. We can launch an attack...'' Tsunade said, not about to let them get away.
''I'm already on it. I have dispatched Gai and a number of shinobi to go on the attack. I will also have some Anbu usher the Sand. We don't want them changing their mind,'' Jiraiya said. ''For now, we have him to deal with. My summons have already dealt with Orochimaru's snakes, and with bulk of the invaders retreating, our forces can handle the remaining enemies."
Both Jiraiya and Tsunade seemed ready for a fight with him. Naruto smiled, ''was this the plan? Allow me to 'help' out and then surround me to keep me from doing anything further?'' Naruto put on a look. ''I feel used.''
''Get used to it,'' Tsunade said with a shrug. ''Jiraiya, sweep out the remaining forces. I will deal with him.''
''Are you sure?''
''Yes. I want to have a go at him,'' Tsunade said strongly before smiling at the Sannin, ''If something happens, you can always interfere.''
''If you say so,'' Jiraiya said with a nod. Having said that, he appeared to blur out of existence.
''Rasengan!'' Jiraiya suddenly appeared in front of Naruto, above the ground, right hand jerked forward with the Rasengan on the palm. Naruto jumped back at this to avoid the jutsu. As Jiraiya went straight to the ground having missed him and while Naruto was still in the air, Tsunade blurred into existence above the Sannin. She thrust forward her right fist straight at Naruto's face.
Naruto quickly raised both his hands and formed them in a crossed position with a bit of wind coating them for extra defence. Tsunade's chakra enhanced punch slammed into his defence. While it didn't penetrate through it, it still sent the blond rocketing towards the large walls that surrounded the village.
Naruto winced as his body slammed into to the wall. Her power is truly legendary, he thought as he landed down the ground. The gates were on his left side, and hundreds of shinobi were exiting through. Naruto looked at them for a moment as masked man, Anbu, followed behind.
Looking back at Tsunade and Jiraiya, Naruto spoke, ''that was exactly what I expect from Sannins. A perfectly executed move,'' he said in a congratulatory tone. ''You knew the most guarded side of me is my back. If you'd attacked from behind, I would've turned around to face you. This would've given Tsunade my back. Since it is the most guarded side, I would have blocked her if she'd attacked. But coming in front, only seconds apart makes things a little difficult.''
When Jiraiya went away without so much as a response to Naruto, Tsunade merely smiled, ''Your reflexes are good. Was it wind that I hit?''
She didn't wait for Naruto's response because just then, she slammed her punch into the ground, before peeling out a giant boulder. Tsunade wasted no time at all because just then, she picked it up and threw it straight at Naruto in tremendous speed.
Naruto flashed to his right hand, away from the gates and avoided the boulder. The chunk of earth turned into debris as it collided with the hard wall of the village. As soon as Naruto touched down the ground, Tsunade appeared in front of him, slightly above ground and her left punch swinging towards the side of his face.
Naruto reacted quickly by crouching down the ground, and tried to slam his right foot into Tsunade's gut as she was just above him. But the experienced Slug princess positioned her right knee carefully and blocked his kick. While still in that position, Tsunade's eyes snapped at him and she brought down her right fist in an attempt to punch him straight on his forehead.
Naruto quickly made the distance and Tsunade's punch slammed into the ground in a resounding boom that lifted up chunks of debris.
The blond took the opportunity to attack the Slug Princess while she was still down on the ground. He cut the distance between them and his left foot crashed down the ground, close to Tsunade as his right was swung towards Tsunade's head. The kick was wind infused.
Tsunade caught it with a chakra coated left hand and the ground beneath them shattered under the shock of the blow. Before Naruto could even raise an eyebrow, Tsunade strengthened her grip on Naruto's foot before dragging him. Tsunade spun around, swinging Naruto around to pick up some momentum before she threw him towards the wall.
Naruto was quick to recover as he flipped once and touched down the ground. He slid backwards a couple of feat under the momentum of the throw. The moment he stopped, Haku flashed to his right side.
''We have a problem,'' Haku whispered.
''What?''
''The Sandaime used that seal... The Shiki Fuin.''
''So Orochimaru used the impure world reincarnation,'' Naruto said getting down on one knee. He placed his hand on the ground for a moment, before standing up. ''I have to cut our time short, Tsunade. But you have earned my respect,'' the blond Jinchuriki said, bowing a little. He then disappeared in a swirling darkness.
"Tch" Tsunade was left to growl as the blond once again left before they could finish up their business.
"Tsunade-sama," Shizune called, rushing over to the blonde. "I had to wait until he was gone," she said of Naruto. "I need your help with the wounded."
Jiraiya was probably handling the remaining forces and with the retreat of Sand, this invasion was over. Naruto was the problem.
"Get Sakura and Katsuyu will help as well," Tsunade said. "I'm worried about the Sandaime. Naruto left here in a hurry and my guess is he went over where the old man is fighting."
Stadium
A spiralling blackness appeared within the centre of the stadium, and a second later, Naruto appeared. The jutsu was truly amazing in this kind of usage. It didn't have the limits of the Flying Thunder God. Between the two, Kamui was better. It was a pity Naruto was no Uchiha and he didn't have both eyes of Obito. If he really had both, he would've chosen to use Kamui instead of the space/time Ninjutsu created by the Nidaime Hokage.
Most of the ground had trees: Naruto figured it was Hashirama's Mokuton. It was a pity that he didn't get to watch the man that was once hailed as the God of shinobi. It couldn't be helped, Naruto told himself.
As soon as he turned towards Orochimaru, who looked beyond infuriated and in much pain. ''You don't look too good, Orochimaru,'' Naruto commented walking over to the snake, who was standing just in front of the downed Sandaime Hokage.
''Naruto-kun...'' Orochimaru growled.
Damn you Hiruzen, the snake cursed. His damn hands had been sealed away. He couldn't perform Ninjutsu because of it. He hated his sensei more than ever and what infuriated him was that he wasn't going to be the one to kill him. Using the Shiki Fuin meant that the Shinigami would eventually take his soul. He was just barely holding on to life even now.
Orochimaru wanted nothing but to tear the old man apart. If looks could murder, then the Sandaime would have turned to ash when Orochimaru glared at him so hatefully, that even when he was dying, the Sandaime had to flinch involuntarily. There was so much hatred and anger in those eyes sickened the Sandaime Hokage.
Despite the situation, the Sandaime smiled weakly, ''M-my foolishh s-studdent, you're f-full of arrogance. I-it was y-your undoing today. If you c-can get o-out of h-here, live with the shame.''
''Curse you sensei!'' Orochimaru snarled before twisting around to face Naruto. ''Are you here to finish me off?''
Naruto shook his head. ''I came here for the Sandaime,'' Naruto said and suddenly appeared behind the Sandaime Hokage. He settled down, feet spread through the ground and then he rested the Sandaime on his chest.
The dark barrier that had been made by the Sound Four quickly dispersed and they appeared beside their master. Haku flashed into existence as well. But before anything could be done, Orochimaru disappeared with his subordinates.
''Should I follow them?'' Haku asked, standing on Naruto's right side.
''Yes,'' Naruto said. ''Kill the Sound Four and keep Orochimaru alive. I will punish him later.''
''Hai,'' Haku said before disappearing, leaving a cold wind behind him.
''It must have been like this with my father as well,'' Naruto said to the Sandaime. ''I didn't actually think that you'd go this far. But this should be expected. You die a hero, having lived your life as the Professor.''
''I-is t-that what y-you really wish to talk a-about with a d-dying oldman?''
Naruto smiled sadly. A real sad smile. ''No. I guess this is when we pour out our hearts to each time. A moment of truth if you like. Honestly, you were the one person or the first person who actually cared and loved me genuinely. You had hidden agendas, but your love for me was real. I will always be thankful and I will always respect your memory.''
''I-i d-don't have m-much time l-left, can you listen to this dying man's last wish?. N-naruto, I-i sstill wish for y-your happiness, and I hope you will f-find it in y-your h-heart to do what is r-right and… please don't...'' the last words didn't come out.
The Sandaime Hokage died.
Naruto remained still, expression purely blank strange emotions running rampant within, ''and I wanted to tell you my parents' words to you. If you can still hear me, they said thank you for trying the best you could...''
Was this how you felt like when someone you cared for died in your hands? It was truly a strange feeling. Naruto thought he had experienced everything that needed to be experienced. But this was truly a unique feeling. There was a sense of loss within, like something he once valued had been ripped away from his heart.
He did care, the Sandaime Hokage had been the first person he ever cared for, and the old man had been the first person to love him. Naruto hadn't forgotten that. The old man had tried. Family, huh? Yes, they had been family.
Naruto looked up, the sad smile returned in full force as he stared into the sky. Either he didn't mind or didn't notice the shinobi all over the stadium watching him, because he just stared unmoving. For a full minute, no thought went through his mind. It was just blank and his eyes didn't betray that emptiness.
Whatever it was, Naruto felt sad.
''Naruto,'' a very familiar voice called him. Naruto didn't move. ''Naruto,'' he was called once again.
A few seconds passed and he turned to face the person: Aika.
''I knew this would happen,'' she said softly. ''This place isn't exactly welcoming to you. We have to move.''
Naruto looked around. The whole stadium was surrounded by hundreds of shinobi and Anbu. He assumed they hadn't attacked in respect of the Sandaime Hokage. His relationship with the old man hadn't been a secret to anyone.
The blond shook his head and gently placed the Sandaime's corpse down the ground before standing up. ''I'm a bit sad,'' Naruto said. ''What should we do, Aika?''
''Move ahead. You knew this would happen. Delaying things won't do us any good. We must move on,'' Aika said strongly.
Naruto nodded, ''I guess you're right,'' he said. ''Did you secure them?" Aika nodded. "Go home. Nagato and I will handle things from here.''
''Are you going to be okay?''
Naruto nodded.
Aika disappeared in a flash.
And suddenly, Naruto became fully aware that he was surrounded. ''I guess you missed something in your observations around the village, huh? This was your first experience of a different kind of pain...''
Naruto looked at the Toad Sage who'd spoken, ''Yes, it was a new experience. I guess there is still so much for me to learn in this world,'' he said.
''Your new experiences will be in a cold cell beneath the Anbu HQ,'' Jiraiya said. ''You're still an S-rank wanted criminal and a member of the Akatsuki. We can't let you go.''
''I would've been disappointed if things went otherwise,'' Naruto said calmly. ''So, who is coming first?''
''You don't actually think you can take all of us, do you?'' one of the Anbus asked, a bit insulted by the blond's question.
''Numbers are just numbers to him. If you think you can defeat him with just numbers, you have it wrong,'' Neji said. While others took a stance, Neji didn't. He remained still. He was certain Naruto wasn't going to fight anyone in this stadium.
''How do you know? You working with him, Hyuuga?''
''I heard he trained you. Turned traitor have you?''
While the eyes turned on Neji, the Hyuuga looked up at the roof of the stadium: a certain Uchiha was standing there, hands folded across his chest, and he had wide grin. ''How petty of you Sasuke,'' Neji said mildly.
''I guess I will move on,'' Naruto said and disappeared from the stadium.
He appeared on top of his former cave. 'You ready, Kurama?'
'I am, are you really sure about this?'
'I am. It is poetic justice. They spent so many years fearing that I was the Kyuubi and calling me names. Don't you think its fair we show them the real Nine-tailed Demon?'
Kurama shook his head. 'I'm not against it. In fact I'm excited about it. But I do wonder if you're really Kushina's child. But then again, you're really the type of a person who is truly worthy of containing me,' the Bijuu said proudly.
'Excellent,' Naruto said. He held out a single hand seal. 'Now to get the villagers out of their shelters.'
'Oh, you're going to do this in front of everyone?'
'Yes, it is only right that way,' Naruto said to the Bijuu as loud explosions rocked through the Hokage monument. This was designed to get the people to leave the evacuation shelters and return to the ground to view everything.
''I found him!'' Someone yelled.
Within seconds, Naruto was once again surrounded by hundreds of shinobi. ''What have you done, Naruto?'' Tsunade demanded angrily. ''Hurting civilians? That is a low even for you!''
''Hurting civilians? No, no. You have it all wrong. I haven't harmed them. I just got them to return here to witness the next play,'' Naruto said. ''You say this is a new low? These civilians tormented me my whole life. I won't kill them. I'm just going to have them relive their worst nightmare.''
He was still safe from the Sandaime's last request of him. He hadn't planned on butchering the insects however. He just wanted them to know what fear truly was.
Eyes widened at Naruto's words. ''You don't mean..?''
''Stop him before he release the Kyuubi!'' Tsunade shouted pointing at Naruto.
Unthinkable. She never thought a day would come when she would see the Kyuubi once again. Already some shinobi were trembling at her words. The thought of the Kyuubi being released in the village was truly frightening. It just brought dread to the hearts of many.
Cursed bastard. He was going to have the villagers witness it as well. That is why the explosion... He wanted them out of the evacuation shelters!
A moment of an eerie silence passed through the village as everyone waited for what was about to happen. Naruto had jumped into the sky hands clasped together with an expressionless mask covering his face.
Something was going to happen and it wasn't going to be good. Such a dreadful anticipation claimed a hold over the villagers and everyone fearing the inevitable.
It happened instantly: the nine tails started to sprout out behind Naruto, there was none of the malicious chakra that had greeted the village years ago during the Kyuubi's rampage. There was nothing of that sort, but the tails continued to sprout out as Naruto's form disappeared.
It was happening. Naruto was releasing the Kyuubi. The freaking Nine-tailed demon. Was this the punishment they deserved for everything they'd done?
Who was going to save them this time? Their beloved, Yondaime was not here. He'd died saving them for this beast years ago; the Sandaime Hokage was no where to be Seen. Who was going to save this village from destruction this time?
If anyone had held an actual belief that Naruto had been the Kyuubi, they were now forced to rethink. This was the Kyuubi. Naruto had been its container.
While others dropped their weapons, those who lost their loved during the first appearance, raged within. The sight of the forming Bijuu was fearsome, but the whispers of revenge were getting louder by the second.
''Do not waver!'' Jiraiya shouted, jumping into a building. The toad sage jumped higher than Naruto and did hand seals. ''Kuchiyose no Jutsu!'' He summoned Gamabunta.
The Toad chief was supposed to suppress the Kyuubi before it hit the ground as it had done years before. Minato had done it once. It had to work once again. And if he slammed the Toad into Naruto at this stage before the Bijuu was fully released, it could put an end to the transformation and avoid Konoha's destruction.
Either way, Gamabunta would give him enough time to figure out a seal that could work on the Bijuu. Ninjutsu was out of the question when they were facing a mountain tall beast of destruction.
''Jiraiya!'' Gamabunta shouted. ''Not this again. Do you want me to get killed?!'' Bunta questioned, staring down at the partially transformed Kyuubi.
''Just hold on it for a moment!'' Jiraiya urged firmly.
As relief washed over some shinobi and the civilians – thinking someone was going to save them. Their Sannin. Jiraiya-sama – the relief was shattered within seconds.
''Shinra Tensei!'' Nagato suddenly appeared beside the airborne Sannin and his summon. He sent forth a focused Shinra Tensei that hit the Toad with so much force that it was sent flying away from Naruto. Nagato remained up in the air, waiting for Naruto to finish up his business. He went further up, to create a good distance.
It was good that their attention was focused on the transforming Naruto. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been free in the space he occupied.
Just then, a large puff of smoke followed with the sound of destruction. The menacing feeling once more again aroused within the village. Everyone waited in dread as the large cloud refused to go away. The villagers who'd been forced out their evacuation chambers shook in fear.
The elder generation could still remember well what happened then.
We are going to die, was the thought that dominated.
A menacing laughter roared through the cloud. It sent the village into madness. Kurama swept away the cloud of smoke with his tails and released his chakra all over.
''Finally, I can see the light,'' Kurama said loudly for everyone to hear. ''Ah, it smells good.''
If there was any doubt. There was none now. The mountain tall Bijuu stood tall, tails swinging menacingly, and a huge grin that only spoke of hatred. It was a sight to dread and behold.
''Kyuubi!''
If there was anyone left in the village who hadn't seen it or thought it was just a cruel nightmare, none had any doubt now: this was clear reality. The feared reality.
"I thought Minato had sealed half of the Kyuubi inside him!" Tsunade questioned, her body language speaking only of tension.
"That is what we told as well," an Anbu responded.
"Then why does it look like nothing has happened to it? It looks whole!"
Kurama watched with amusement as even shinobi ran away from him, fleeing like the flies they were. He was greatly amused even more when some remained behind, presumably, ready to fight him. The villagers who'd tormented his host were now trying to leave the village. But they wouldn't. The village was locked down. They'd just run around until they pass out in fear.
''Now, what to do?'' Kurama wondered loudly, mocking the insects bellow him.
''I can't believe Naruto gave in to this!'' Jiraiya shouted in frustrations. How could he? Minato had sacrificed himself just so the Bijuu couldn't destroy the village and now the very person he'd sealed the Bijuu into had released it.
''So, he is no longer, in control, huh?'' Tsunade asked, already standing atop of Gamabunta's shoulders. ''What do we do, Jiraiya?''
Before those two could do anything, Kurama raised his paws and started the destruction. A little property destruction wouldn't hurt. He was just destroying stuff. There was no harm in that.
Gamabunta charged at the Bijuu, but tall ice mirrors burst forth from the ground, putting the Toad in a prison of ice, Halting its movements.
''I could have ripped that Toad apart,'' Kurama growled. It would've been pay back for last time. The damn Toad was part of the reason he'd been sealed in the first place.
''There isn't much time left,'' Haku shouted, standing ontop of the Bijuu. ''I will hold off anyone attempting to block the Jutsu. You go ahead.''
Kurama didn't respond. He didn't like being told what to do. But he went on ahead to create a BijuuMuda as Haku used ice mirrors to shield the Bijuu from being disturbed. Once the bon was created, Kurama sent it straight towards the Hokage monument.
Boom!
A resounding explosion rocked through the village, destroying the monument.
The Kyuubi suddenly disappeared along with Haku and only Naruto landed down the ground, looking a bit tired. ''I'm never doing that again unless its a life and death situation. My body hurts. Your chakra is really something else,'' it had burned his body.
''Hmm?''
Sasuke suddenly flashed behind Naruto, sword in hand and sparkling with lighting. ''I thought it was total destruction. You just wanted to bring some fear...'' The Uchiha said. ''But you look worse for wear. I doubt you can take the entire village by yourself.''
Before Naruto could respond, a murder of crows flocked into the area, just in front of him. The older Uchiha appeared in his Akatsuki cloak, left eye closed. It made Naruto curious as the Uchiha only had his right working. At least that was what he could sense. But knowing Itachi, it could be a trick.
''Itachi,'' Sasuke stared at his brother. By then, shinobi had surrounded the area once again. ''What are you doing here?'' it was dangerous for him to be here. He could end up being killed.
''What is going on here?'' Jiraiya questioned, looking at the scene. He ordered the Anbu to be on standby. He had a distinctive feeling that Itachi wasn't here for Akatsuki business. With the way he was looking at Naruto, it was obvious.
''Are you sure?'' Tsunade asked. Jiraiya nodded in response.
Back with Naruto
''Itachi,'' Naruto started. ''Have you completed your mission?''
''I have. I did it quickly and hurried back here.''
''I didn't call you here. You have matters of your own. Might I enquire what it is?''
''To stop you of course. I can't let you destroy Konoha,'' Itachi said to the blond, and surprisingly many who listened. ''What is Nagato trying to do?''
''Who knows?'' Naruto said with a shrug. ''If you want to stop him use your Perfect Susano'o.''
''That won't be necessary,'' Itachi said neutrally. ''I just have to neutralize you and the rest can be handled,'' the Uchiha added.
Itachi took out his sword and charged straight at Naruto. Sasuke did the same behind him.
'Genjutsu?' Naruto thought before releasing it. When reality came into view, the crow wielding Shisui's eye was staring into his eyes. Naruto was puzzled. Hell, his eyes widened slightly before he looked the other side when he couldn't see Itachi in front of him.
Naruto heard the sound of lightning crackling. His senses alerted him of danger. Both Uchihas were behind him. Naruto only had the time to move to the side to avoid Sasuke's blade from piercing him through his heart, But had gone through Itachi first.
''Nii-san!'' Sasuke shouted with wide eyes. He hadn't seen that coming. He let go of his sword and dropped into the ground. He had killed his beloved brother!
''I-im sorry, S-sasuke...''
Naruto pulled himself away from the sword, frowning. His narrowed gaze turned towards Itachi, not minding the blood flowing out of his chest. ''Itachi, you surprised me. The eye was a nice touch. It really did shock me. But to think that you'd die to give your brother more power,'' Naruto sounded disappointed. ''This changes th...'' Naruto trailed, falling onto his knees as he coughed up blood.
Jiraiya stepped forward with Tsunade. "You can bleed like everyone else," the Sannin said a bit smugly. "My bet is that the Kyuubi's chakra does a lot of damage to your body and that wound you just received. It just pierced through your chest. It has to be fatal."
Naruto cursed Itachi. "If I had connections in hell, I would make sure that you suffered," Naruto said before looking at Jiraiya. "This is what it means to be mortal. Truly pathetic. One strike and this happens," He said placing open palm on his wound.
Shisui's eyes was already gone. He hadn't seen that and that only made him frown deeply. Had it been an illusion?
''I can't stay here for too long, lest I face an embarrassment,'' he disappearing in a swirling Vortex.
''Konoha!'' Nagato shouted from above the village. ''You have experienced dread, and anger, now its is time you know Pein, you experience it. Then you will understand what we have been feeling because of you!'' That said, Nagato released the dreaded jutsu.
''Shinra Tensei!''
Moments Later
It wasn't satisfaction that Naruto felt when he was staring down the large crater that once rounded up hundreds of buildings; it was a strange feeling that made him neither happy nor sad. He was in between. Just mild. This was no longer the Hidden Leaf, this was the face of destruction proudly brought by the hands of none other than the God of Amegakure, Nagato.
The once Great Village had been turned into nothing. Who would believe that this was once the strongest village in the Elemental Nations. It was. Until moments ago. Before the slap of a god punished Konoha for its sins. Now it was just ruins and Naruto felt no sympathy, he felt this was what Konoha deserved for its past actions.
At least the Sandaime hadn't been alive to witness. Surely, if he had been still alive, this destruction would have been postponed to another date. This was not something Naruto wished for the old man to see. He was glad he didn't see this. It had not been Naruto's hand that saw the Hidden Leaf destroyed. It had been Nagato's who had his own reasons, that benefited the Akatsuki.
Naruto closed his eyes: he was standing on top of the large wall that surrounded the crater that was once Konoha. Nagato landed beside him.
''How many do you think are alive?''
''Enough,'' Naruto said with indifference. ''Tsunade saved many and you held back from causing total destruction. I can still sense so many alive. Some barely holding on. But we have killed many.''
Nagato nodded, ''The objective wasn't to reduce Konoha's population by this much. We were focused on this result, but I guess I we can revive a few that died. Let us say around 50% of those I killed.''
''This means that those who will live will live the pain of losses,'' Naruto said. ''I like it. Death doesn't just do it. They can't learn or experience what we wish for them to experience while they are dead.''
''This is why some must remain dead and some must be alive to suffer as we have suffered and if they can learn, they will change and admit their faults,'' Nagato paused for a moment before adding. ''They cry now. But years back they laughed and rejoiced when we were suffering because of them. Pitiful. Their souls were soothed by the peace they created in the expense of others, and we have awakened them to reality.''
''They will continue to hate us from now. The cycle of hatred continues. But this is truly a good start. We want to see if the cycle of hatred can truly be broken through understanding...''
''They will hate us and this hatred will eventually breed war - a war we will control and use to bring the Elemental Nations to peace. They will surrender to peace. Everything works out in the end,'' Nagato responded calmly.
''Yes,'' Naruto said with a nod. He placed his right hand on Nagato's shoulder and transferred some of Kurama's chakra. ''Do this so that we can go. We have crippled Konoha but we must not be crippled as well,'' he added, explaining the reason for giving Nagato chakra.
Nagato did what was required. ''Gedo Rinne Tensei no Jutsu,'' the king of hell appeared at the centre of the large and started to shoot out green beams, reviving some of the people Nagato had killed. Precisely some of those Nagato had killed.
''That should be enough. We still wish for Konoha to live on,'' Nagato said, stopping his jutsu. ''Let us go before they notice us.''
Naruto nodded, and created a clone that disappeared. Seeing Nagato's questioning look, Naruto explained. ''It has gone to free some people I'd kept safe from your jutsu,'' he said.
Nagato said nothing to that. ''In a few weeks, Iwagakure will probably make a move on Konoha. This is a good chance for anyone to attack Konoha and get away with it.''
The two flashed away from the walls of the village and appeared in the forest. They settled on walking down the ground, taking the direction of Amegakure.
''But we won't let anyone do that. We did this for our benefit and will not allow anyone to take advantage of what we have done. Onoki will have to keep grounded. We will put him down if it becomes a need to do so.''
''We should make the first move before he does. The waiting game won't allow us to dictate some things,'' Nagato said.
Naruto appeared to think for a moment before he responded. ''That may be the best option. Either way, we will take action against Onoki for his latest actions,'' the blond said firmly. ''I have to say: I'm a bit disappointed that Itachi chose to go down that way. No, I'm rather disappointed at my own failure to prevent it.''
''You can't always have everything figured out. But you handled it well. Having seen what transpired, I'd thought you would have shown a bit more of your shock,'' Nagato said.
''I didn't think he'd use that eye on me. It isn't something you can defend against. I'd planned on taking it from Itachi and use it on him to do what the Akatsuki desires. In the end, he chose to end it by his hand. Given Sasuke's shock, it is safe to assume that Sasuke will earn the Mangekyo Sharingan... Eventually the Eternal...''
''He is a bit uncontrollable. We should remove him now before he becomes a problem,'' Nagato said. Hell, he was more than willing to go back to Konoha and kill the Uchiha right now. It came quickly like that with him. He wasn't going to take any chances with his goals.
''I will handle the Uchiha mess. Sasuke still has a role. I do think I will kill him soon though. He is starting to annoy me with his actions and Itachi's punchline rubbed me off in the wrong way.''
''Are you that put off that Itachi caught you by surprise and out-thought you?''
''Yes,'' Naruto didn't deny it. ''In any case, we have to start building the Empire's palace in either the Sound or Fang. The Akatsuki will be based there while we run our village's separately. With the railways already completed, we have to move up to other nations and create a web that connects each nation.''
''Wind, Earth, and Lightning Daimyo's have been rather difficult to negotiate with.''
''I will have Aika handle them,'' Naruto said. ''Orochimaru is alive and waiting for us with Haku just ahead.''
''What do you wish to do with him?''
''Use him as bait to lure out Kabuto. I'm afraid that spawn is too dangerous to be left alone in this world. He may cause problems,'' Naruto shook his head. ''He will cause problems.''
''We can't have that. Any threat to peace has to be removed. It doesn't matter what or who it is...''
With Jiraiya
The Toad Sage fell on his knees, overlooking the destruction that had been brought onto his beloved home. There was nothing that had remained standing when that blast went off, and he'd been excited that they'd wounded Naruto and could apprehend him. The blond had disappeared and what had followed then resulted in what his wide eyes were staring at.
How could Naruto have done this to Konoha? The Leaf had been basically wiped out of the map. The only thing that remained was the wall Hashirama built. Jiraiya shook his head. No, the Leaf wasn't the buildings. It was the people that made Konohagakure no Sato. As long as there were people, then the village could be rebuilt once more again. Yes, they could and would rebuild.
Still, this was the greatest destruction the Leaf had ever seen. Jiraiya hoped there was nothing like this that would happen again. He prayed that the village never see something like this again.
His mind failed to comprehend just how one man, his former student even, could cause this much destruction and still walk away with his life intact. This was not the work of a normal shinobi, this was the work of a God and Jiraiya knew why; the Rinnegan. It had to be the advantage above all things.
''If you keep your mouth open like that, flies will find a new home,'' Sasuke said to the Sannin, as he appeared beside him: they were atop of the debris that was once was the buildings of Konoha.
Jiraiya looked at the Uchiha, he looked fine, new eyes scanning over the village, and his older brother's corpse place on his right shoulder. Jiraiya narrowed his eyes, but said nothing about it.
''I never thought I would see this much destruction in my life,'' the Sannin said bitterly. ''I'm glad the old man didn't see this.''
''This is a good chance to rebuild on new and strong foundations. The past doesn't do us good, but we can now rebuild afresh,'' Sasuke said, ''The village needs a leader as well. We can't just sit around here and nurse our wounds. Rebuilding must start now.''
Jiraiya wanted to lash out at the Uchiha, but stopped when he realized that Sasuke was right. There was so much destruction that they couldn't afford to stand still and bitterly marvel at the destruction. They had to start moving forward now with their pain.
''We have to gather everyone first,'' Jiraiya said standing up. ''Once we have done that, we can send messages to our allies and request for their help. We will mourn the dead as we rebuild."
Neji suddenly blurred into existence in front of the two, carrying the Sandaime's corpse.
''Where did you get it?'' Jiraiya asked.
''Naruto's clone handed it to me. Said to give the old man a good send off and he would attend,'' Neji said handing the body to the Toad Sage. That done, he turned away to leave.
''Where are you going? Following Naruto?'' Sasuke question suspiciously.
''Naruto said about 70% of Konoha's population remains. I am going to search for survivors and get others to join me in search for anything that might still be usable amongst the debris,'' Neji said calmly. ''You must have noticed that some who were dead were brought back to life. Not all though.''
Jiraiya nodded, ''the work of Nagato,'' he said. ''The Rinnegan is a lot more powerful than I first thought. We have to move fast to remove Nagato before he causes more destruction. Once we remove the Rinnegan, we can take out Naruto.''
Sasuke nodded, ''I'm going to give my traitorous brother a burial,'' he said and looked at Neji with a glare. ''When I return, you will share whatever you can about the Rinnegan and Naruto.''
''I will save you the effort,'' Neji said. ''I don't know anything about the Rinnegan. What I know is the Sharingan, inside and out. And as for Naruto, there isn't much to tell. Now if you will excuse me...''
Chapter end