Chapter 25: Akatsuki vs ROOT
Author's Note: Happy New Years everyone! Hope you all are excited for 2016 just like me. Anyway, in this chapter, we get to see the Uzumaki Clan on a mission as a whole (except baby Hikaru/Yahiko since he's a year old). Then, we'll get to see Nagato lead the Akatsuki against Danzo, the Elder Council, and ROOT. This is a battle that has long been anticipated. Who will survive and who will die?
Hikaru's POV
Karin, Dad, Mom, and I are currently at the outskirts of the Hidden Leaf Village. We are heading to a temple that belongs to the Uzumaki Clan. Dad believed that it is best to take out whatever that is left inside the temple and bring it to the compound in the Hidden Rain Village. That way, no one else will have access them. That is the first part of the mission Dad has in stored.
"How long is it till we get there?" I asked.
"It's shouldn't be that far long. In fact, we're getting close to it," Father answered. He was dressed in Obito's Fourth War costume, except Dad made major changes to it. The once purple mantle is now black, decorated with the Akatsuki's red clouds. The Uchiha crest has been replaced with the Uzumaki crest. The white mask is now purple with black rings and tomoes, making it resemble the Rinne-Sharingan. The obi and belt is now colored red. He actually looks pretty cool dressed in that, something an actual leader of the Akatsuki would wear.
"I sense no other shinobi nearby," Karin told us.
"That's pretty surprising considering we're close to the Hidden Leaf Village," Mom stated.
"Either most of their shinobi are out on far away missions or their security sucks," Father replied with a chuckle. He was carrying Madara's gunbai in his right hand. Since he's currently the head of the Uzumaki Clan, the weapon belongs to him.
"I wonder how the rest of the Akatsuki are doing," I muttered.
"Well, they should be hiding outside the gates of Konoha, waiting for us," Mother replied.
"At least I don't have go through the torture that Sasori-sensei calls training," Karin muttered.
"Sasori-sensei?" I asked in response.
"Hey, I'm not going to call him Master Sasori. I had enough "Masters" in my lifetime. Besides, some other female is already calling Master, or Danna, actually," my cousin told me.
"If the female you're referring has blonde hair tied in a ponytail and has mouths on her palms, then you're sadly mistaken since she's actually a male," Mom corrected her.
"Seriously? That Akatsuki member, the one with mouths on her hands, is a guy?!" Karin shouted in disbelief.
"Haven't you heard the phrases "don't judge a book by its cover" and "looks can be deceptive"?" Dad asked her.
"I heard those phrases! It's just that their looks are very convincing," Karin replied, referring to both Sasori and Deidara.
"Don't feel bad. A lot of people were mistaken because of their appearances, mostly Deidara's," I assured her.
"Well, at least I'm not the only one," she said. Suddenly, everyone stopped, and Father pointed the gunbai at the direction in front of us. Up ahead was a building in shambles. It looked as if it is on the verge of collapsing. A replica of our clan's symbol is at the entrance of the building.
"There is our destination, the Uzumaki Clan's Mask Storage Temple," Father said to us. "It's a shame that the Hidden Leaf didn't take care of this temple since they were allies with the previous Uzumaki Clan. Either that or they simply have forgotten about this place."
"It truly is such a shame," Mom replied, gazing at the old temple in sadness. "Anyway, let's complete the mission. We walked towards the temple and entered it. In the center is a podium decorated with three connected Uzumaki symbols and black flames. Several oni-masks are hanging onto the podium, each looking creepy as hell.
"So wait, we're taking those things?" Karin asked nervously. Dad nodded to confirm her question.
"Each of these masks has an unknown power. However, the most powerful mask is this one," he said, picking up a mask. The mask is white with brown colored hair. It has an evil looking smile and has long horns pointing upwards. "This is the mask of the Shinigami. Whoever wears gets to summon and control the Shinigami by allow it to posses them. Doing so would allow them to perform the Shiki Fujin: Kai (Dead Demon Consuming Seal: Release), releasing the souls trapped within the Shinigami."
"There are many souls trapped within the Shinigami, souls that belongs to powerful shinobi," Mom replied.
"Like the previous Hokage," I muttered.
"The previous Hokage?" Karin asked.
"In the different timeline, Orochimaru used the mask for that technique to release the souls of the previous Hokage from the Shinigami, along with using Kuchiyose: Edo Tensei (Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation)," I explained to her.
"Orochimaru hasn't come back to life, and the Fourth War will not happen. It's still precaution to take these back to the Hidden Rain Village. Besides, there is someone else who will be able to use the Reanimation Jutsu," Mom stated.
"Kabuto…" Karin replied.
"Yes. Kabuto Yakushi may have not help started the war, but he did participate by allying with Obito and creating an army of undead shinobi," Dad explained. "Right now, he is wanted by the Akatsuki and will be hunted down."
"I never really liked that bastard. He's just like Orochimaru," my cousin responded.
"Language Karin," Mom reminded her. She then took out a storage scroll. "The masks are going be stored in this scroll, and you Karin, are going to take them back to the compound."
"What about you three?" Karin asked.
"We're going to partake in the second part of the mission, which is assigned to the Akatsuki as a whole," Dad said.
"Oh right, I'm still not part of the Akatsuki," my cousin muttered sadly.
"Don't worry. Once you have obtained the skills of an S-rank shinobi, then you'll be guaranteed membership within the Akatsuki," I assured her.
"I can summon giant gold chains!" Karin shouted in response.
"But despite your massive chakra reserves, that ability uses most of it and tires you out," Mom countered. "You just need a lot more to learn, Karin."
"I guess so. Alright, I'll take the masks back to the compound," my cousin said, taking the storage scroll that contained the masks. She then ran back towards the village, while my parents and I headed to join the rest of the Akatsuki.
Naruto's POV
"What do you mean Ero-Sannin is missing!" I exclaimed. I came to Granny Tsunade's office with my team just as she told me to, and she suddenly tells me that the pervert has gone missing.
"I'm going to tell you the truth Naruto," Granny told me. "When you were pursuing Itachi to find Sasuke, Jiraiya went to confront the Akatsuki's leader in the Hidden Rain Village. However, he hasn't been heard from since."
"Is he dead?" I asked nervously. I don't want him to die already. I only got to know him for only three years. He's my godfather.
"I'm not sure and hopefully he isn't. However, there's only one way to find out," Tsunade said.
"And how do you suppose we do that?" Kakashi-sensei asked.
"Just like every summoning contract, Naruto's summoning contract with the toads has a list of summoners who are currently alive. All we need to do is summon the toads' contract and check for Jiraiya's name," Granny Tsunade explained.
"Alright! Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Jutsu)!" I shouted as I placed my bloodied hand on the ground. Smoke erupted and a large orange toad with purple markings in a blue jacket appeared. "Hey Gamakichi!"
"Hey Naruto, it's been a while," he replied. "Need help with something?"
"Yeah. I need to take a look at the summoning contract," I told him. He nodded.
"Sure thing pal, I'll bring it here in no time," the toad said. He then disappeared in a cloud of smoke.
"So while we're waiting for the summoning contract, is there anything else you want to talk about Lady Tsunade?" Sakura asked.
"Yes, it's about Sasuke as well as Sai," Granny Tsunade answered. Sasuke just got out of the hospital, but he's with his friends. Sai is either training with Captain Yamato or drawing.
"You're wondering about their placements on Team 7," Kakashi-sensei deduced.
"Yes. Sai was meant to be a replacement for Sasuke since he went rogue, but the Uchiha is back now. However, Sasuke doesn't want to become a part of your team again and prefers to stay with the team he's in," Granny Tsunade explained.
"But they aren't even Leaf shinobi!" I argued.
"I know, and they don't seem to be interested becoming shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. I can't make them missing ninja because they weren't affiliated with a legitimate Hidden Village and are escape experiments of Orochimaru," the Hokage countered.
"I just don't see why he wants to be with them instead of us," Sakura said.
"He probably made some sort of connection with them during their brief time together," Kakashi-sensei suggested. "After all, they were all with Orochimaru for three years straight." We all shuddered at the thought.
"Anyway, that brat is making things difficult by threatening to leave the village again if things don't go his way," Granny Tsunade sighed.
"What?! I just got him back here! He can't just leave again!" I shouted.
"If he leaves again, so be it," the Hokage replied.
"Lady Tsunade!" Sakura scolded her teacher.
"What? Trust me, that Uchiha is nothing but trouble. I mean, look at the pain and grief he caused you all, and he doesn't care one bit," Tsunade stated.
"Look, I know Sasuke can be an asshole, but he's still my friend!" I declared, surprising her. "No matter how many times he's going to act like a jerk, that's not going to change the bond that the two of us have. Whatever problems he may have, I will help him whether he likes it or not."
"Well, the only problem he seems to have is that one of his teammates left just a few days ago," Kakashi-sensei said.
"You mean the girl with the red hair," Granny Tsunade replied. "At first I wasn't sure, but I'm beginning to suspect something about her."
"Is it the fact that she's an Uzumaki?" asked a new voice. I turned around to see Sasuke and his two friends, which I am guilty of not knowing their names. What surprised me was that he had a teammate who was an Uzumaki.
"Explain Uchiha," Granny Tsunade ordered. Sasuke narrowed his eyes at her.
"Before she left, Jugo and Suigetsu found a note she left behind. Karin wrote about finding out she has a family and she's part of a clan in the Hidden Rain Village. Realizing she has red hair just like Hikaru Uzumaki, only a shade lighter, I realized that she's an Uzumaki as well," Sasuke explained. There was something more that Sasuke was hiding, but I wasn't going to ask.
"What can you tell us more about Karin?" Tsunade asked.
"I'm sorry, but everything else about her is strictly Team Taka's business," said the big and tall member of Sasuke's team. I believe Jugo is his name.
"Team Taka? Who came up with that name?" Sakura snorted.
"I did," Sasuke deadpanned. Yikes. Sudddenly, smoke erupted and Gamakichi appeared.
"I'm back guys!" the toad announced as he held the large scroll in front of us.
"Alright! Let's open it up!" I shouted. Gamakichi opened up the scroll and I saw Ero-Sannin's name next to mine, written in blood. "Yes, he's alive!"
"Then it only means Jiraiya has been captured," Kakashi-sensei stated.
"Your teacher is captured?" Sasuke asked me.
"Yes. He went on a mission to confront the leader of the Akatsuki in the Hidden Rain Village. Apparently, it didn't well and now he's captured," I told him.
"Figures, it was stupid of him to go against Hikaru's father," the Uchiha replied.
"What is that suppose to mean?" I asked him angrily.
"I met the man when I fought Hikaru. I sensed his chakra and power, and it is higher than Itachi's," he answered.
"I don't care. I'm going to rescue Ero-Sannin," I declared.
"No, Naruto! You'll be walking into a deathtrap. You aren't prepared yet. Not only will you end up killed, you'll be starting a war!" Granny Tsunade yelled at me.
"You know, there is someone who can help you obtain a new set of skills," Gamakichi said to me. Before I could ask, the ground began to shake. Was that an earthquake?
Aito's POV; Meanwhile
Rei, Hikaru, and I were to take two members of the Konoha Council, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. Those two, along with Danzo, ordered Itachi to kill his clan and branded him as a traitor. It was only fitting that the Akatsuki passes judgement on them for that crime.
After this, we are to join with the rest of the Akatsuki at the ROOT foundation. Seeing that our targets were students of the Second Hokage, they weren't going to be easy opponents. Rei had her sword, Kubikiribocho, resting on her shoulder.
"How hard is it to find two geezers?" she asked.
"There are a lot of geezers in this village. Be patient," I told her.
"We can't be too patient though. The Akatsuki are going to be facing Danzo and ROOT in only a matter of time, and we need to be there," Hikaru pointed out.
"Let's check the park. Old people love walking in parks," Rei suggested.
"I don't think we should rely on stereotypes on this mission," I told her.
"The Konoha Council exists to govern the village alongside the Hokage. Danzo is still trying to be some sort of military tyrant even in his age, but these two we know very little about. I say we go to the park to check," Hikaru replied. Well, he is the leader of our team. We headed toward Konoha's park as fast as we could and to my surprise, our targets were there.
"Well fuck, they are here," I muttered.
"Told ya," Rei said. "Shit, there are also civilians nearby."
"Well, we can't wait for them leave," Hikaru replied. "We attack our targets, and the civilians will flee out of fear. We better hurry before shinobi arrive." I nodded and took out a kunai. I threw the projectile at Koharu Utatane, who managed to catch the weapon at the last moment and looked at our direction. We jumped out of our hiding spot to face our opponents. People began screaming and running as we threw more kunais at the two elders.
"So, we finally get to see Akatsuki firsthand and the first members we meet are the three Ame brats," Homura Mitokado stated.
"Well, it's no fun having to kill a couple of geezers," Rei countered.
"Learn to respect your elders, brat!" Koharu scolded. Hikaru took a step forward.
"Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, the Akatsuki has passed judgment upon you two. For your involvement in ordering the Uchiha Clan Massacre, you will be sentenced to death!" the Rinnegan user stated as he activated his dojutsu.
"So you're the young Uzumaki with the Rinnegan. What a waste of talent," Homura replied.
"It doesn't matter right now. What does matter is that you two, as well as Danzo, are going to pay for your crimes against Itachi!" Hikaru declared.
"What Itachi has done is something you three would never understand. Itachi's actions were necessary for the Hidden Leaf Village," Koharu replied.
"Even if it means spilling the blood of every last man, woman, and child of the entire Uchiha Clan?" Rei questioned them.
"Not every Uchiha agreed with the coup! There were some innocent people whose lives weren't meant to be taken!" I added.
"Who told you three of this? No one else was supposed to know the truth about the massacre," Homura told us.
"Itachi told us and he allowed to seal your fate," Hikaru answered.
"Enough of this foolishness. Obviously you three don't know how the world works," Koharu stated.
"Throughout our lives, we understood how the world worked. Attack them!" the Rinnegan user declared.
"Neko Transformation," I muttered, transforming into my base form. I ran after the old man, who picked up one of the kunai that we threw. He swung it at me, but I blocked the blade with my claws. I smirked and grabbed the man's kunai arm with my other hand. I sneered as I tightened my grip on his wrist. He yelped in pain as I crushed the bones. I then threw and slammed him onto the ground.
I turned to see Rei attacking Koharu my swinging her sword at her multiple times. The elderly woman was blocking most of the strikes, but the ice user was getting too quick for her. The councilwoman was beginning to become overwhelmed. Rei finally landed a mark when she slashed the woman's chest, causing the elder to let out a cry of pain.
"Aito, how about we finish this?" Hikaru asked. I nodded with response.
"Demonic Neko," I muttered. My body began to change as I entered my second transformation stage. Purple markings began to appear on my arms and legs.
"Bansho Ten'in (Universal Pull)!" my Uzuzmaki teammate shouted. Using his Rinnegan abilities, he began pulling Homura towards us. I smirked as I ran towards the old councilman. I pulled my arm back and threw a punch hard enough to literally knock his head off. If Hidan saw what I did, he would've been proud.
"Homura!" Koharu called out as she saw the demise of her teammate, whose head was sent a couple of feet away.
"Don't take your eyes off of me!" Rei yelled at her opponent. Just as the councilwoman was about to turn, the ice user shot a blast of ice that struck the old hag's torso frozen solid. The Koharu was knocked down, but that didn't stop Rei from continuing to attack. Our teammate jumped and landed with her sword going through the ice and the female elder's body, killing her.
"Good job. Our mission is now complete," Hikaru said.
"You weren't any help at this!" Rei told him.
"Actually, I helped kill the old man," the Uzumaki replied. "Besides, we need to get going before the ANBU arrives. We don't need any interference before we get to the rest of the Akatsuki."
"I'm pretty sure some of the civilians who were here have already alerted some shinobi and the Hokage," I stated.
"All the more reasons to leave now," Hikaru responded. The three of us left the scene, leaving behind the dead bodies.
Nagato's POV
The Akatsuki, minus Team Hikaru, were at the entrance that led to the foundation of ROOT underground. We already killed two members who were guarding and are interrogating a third one. Kakuzu has the ROOT Anbu tied up with his threads. Sasori used a truth serum on him, but he ended up paralyzed and unable to speak.
However, Konan investigated the corpse and found something interesting. Each ROOT member has a cursed seal on their tongue that prevents them from releasing information in case of interrogation. Using this knowledge, I undid the seal that restricted our prisoner. After some torture from Hidan, the ROOT member gave us the information that we needed before we executed him.
"How long is it until they arrive?" Sasori asked. "They know I hate to be kept waiting."
"Don't worry. Besides, their tardiness is excusable. They are facing former students of the second Hokage," I told the puppeteer.
"That's what I'm worried about. Who knows how skilled they are," Konan said. "Kakuzu, how powerful was the second Hokage?"
"While I had fought the first Hokage, I got a glimpse of his brother's power. He had the most refine mastery over water than any other shinobi alive," the miser explained.
"The second Hokage may have been powerful, his students weren't," said a voice. We turned to see that Team Hikaru has just arrived. I'm glad my son is safe, but Konan is already smothering him.
"Mom, you're embarrassing me," Hikaru muttered. I could see the other Akatsuki members snickering at the display.
"Sorry, but now that you're here, we can finish this mission," his mother replied.
"Alright everyone. We're going to be in the fight of our lives. We'll be entering the hornet's nest and will be outnumbered. However, the Akatsuki went through worse. We're doing this to avenge Itachi as Danzo was the man who caused his suffering. In fact, Danzo has caused a lot of suffering and his ROOT organization is a prime example of it," I told them. My speech seems to get them hyped up. "We are going to kill Danzo and destroy ROOT. It's because of people like him that makes us who we are. We're going to show what it means to be the Akatsuki."
"Hell yeah, let's kill these motherfuckers!" Hidan shouted, only to get punched by Konan for yelling profanities.
"You're allowed to kill in any way you like. You will not be limited," I added. I know how they fight, how they kill. If they fight restricted, they won't survive. It's better for them to fight the way they are.
We went through the entrance to the organization's hideout. No doubt there ROOT members in our way. They attacked us, but Kisame was able to knock them back with a water jutsu. He finished them off with Samehada. Once we arrived at the central area of the foundation, I knew this is where the main fight would start. ROOT Anbu began appearing, surrounding us.
Our main target, Danzo, suddenly appeared, looking seemingly fragile with his cane and bandages. However, I knew what was underneath them. Behind my mask, I narrowed my eyes at the old man. His partnership with Hanzo is what led to Yahiko's death, and he's going to pay for that.
"Well, well, well, it seems the Akatsuki has finally arrived. I am a bit confused though. Konoha's jinchuriki isn't a member of my organization," Danzo said.
"Our target isn't the Nine Tails jinchuriki. Our target is you," I told him.
"Is that so? Please tell me, why are the Akatsuki interested in me?" the old man asked.
"You've done many terrible things in the past, but your worse ones are the Uchiha Massacre and your association with Hanzo," I answered.
"Hmph. I was aware of the Akatsuki's existence during the Third Shinobi World War. I knew of your Rinnegan's existence back then, and I knew I had to get it. I had to trick Hanzo by presenting corpse of his clan. I would help him deal with the Akatsuki while he helps me become Hokage," the elder explained. I shook with anger. However, Konan was even angrier.
"So, it was your fault that Hanzo was the reason he became who he was," she muttered. "You truly are a despicable man." Danzo frowned.
"Everything I have ever done was for the sake of the Hidden Leaf Village. I'm fully aware of the fact that your organization rules the Hidden Rain Village. Once I have my ROOT Anbu kill you all, I will take both pairs of Rinnegan eyes," he stated. You've done it Danzo. You just unleashed the wrath of a mother, and I'm going to make sure you suffer that wrath.
"You're going to have to try Danzo because the Akatsuki are a force to be reckoned with. We will be your demise and your organization will fall," I declared. I raised my gunbai, yes my gunbai, at him. "And I'm going to make sure that happens."
"It's interesting that you possess Madara's gunbai. If you believe that can beat me, then so be it. It's been a while since I have a battle. Defeating the Akatsuki will definitely ensure me the Hokage's seat and will erase the threat that you pose," Danzo replied.
"Attack!" the two of us shouted. The battle started.
Konan's POV
If people were threatening my life, I would be mad. If people were threatening my village, I would be angry. If people were threatening my family, I would be enraged. Right now, I'm enraged. The man who had manipulated Hanzo, had Yahiko killed, and branded Itachi a traitor had threatened my husband and son, and I'm not going to stand and allow it.
Nagato and I came after Danzo while the rest of the Akatsuki fought his ROOT forces. Nagato swung his gunbai at him, forcing the old man to block with his cane. However, the cane snapped and broke upon impact. This gave me a chance as I landed a kick that sent the old man back. Danzo removed his cloak, revealing three golden arm braces on his right arm.
"Nagato, what can you tell me about those braces?" I asked my husband. He narrowed his eyes at the tools, probably using his Rinnegan to figure it out.
"They're some kind of sealing tools," he answered. His eyes widened. "They're sealing his arm. If he unlocks them, his full power will be unleashed!"
"We can't let that happen!" I replied. Danzo growled.
"Torune, Fu, distract them!" the old man ordered. Two of his shinobi appeared. One is a male with black hair, a mask, and is wearing a black outfit with a red sash. The other is a male with auburn hair and amber colored eyes. He's wearing a red short kimono with a black sash, black gloves, dark colored pants, and regular shinobi sandals. Both took out a tanto came after us.
"Careful Konan, the one in black has some kind of bugs on him," Nagato warned me. I nodded and watched as the one in black came after me. Forming my paper wings, I flew into the air. However, the ROOT members in black sent a swarm of bugs after me. Creating a paper clone, I sent it towards the swarm. The clone exploded, destroying the bugs.
Meanwhile, Nagato was fighting the auburn haired shinobi. Actually, I could see the annoyed look on my husband's face as he was easily dodging the shinobi's sword attacks. Taking out a chakra receiver, Nagato stabbed the ROOT member in the stomach before sending him away with his Deva Path abilities.
"Fu!" the one in black called out to his comrade. This one must be Torune. Forming the paper chakram, I sent the paper projectile at the unsuspecting ROOT member. I watched as his head was cut off as he realized his mistake at the last second. Before I went to help Nagato deal with Danzo, I checked how the rest of the Akatsuki are doing.
Hidan was hacking and slashing ROOT shinobi left and right, despite having tantos sticking out of his body. Kakuzu is having his heart monsters kill other ROOT shinobi while killing some himself with his threads. Kisame was shredding ROOT members apart with Samehada. Sasori was killing ROOT members with the Third Kazekage puppet. Deidara was throwing powerful bombs, causing the foundation to shake. Hopefully the hideout doesn't collapse. Team Hikaru were doing their fair of the fighting as well. Rei was dismembering ROOT shinobi. Aito was in his second transformation stage, ripping out the throats of ROOT shinobi. Hikaru was combining his Rinnegan and paper abilities to kill multiple shinobi. He's truly becoming a powerful shinobi. Now it's time for me to help Nagato deal with Danzo.
Once Nagato and I approached Danzo, we found him smirking at us. The three golden braces that were on his right arm were now on the ground.
"It's too late now Akatsuki. It's time for me to show you my true power!" he shouted at us. He bit his left thumb and made a set of hand signs before slamming his left palm onto the ground. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" A large cloud of smoke appeared, revealing a gigantic, elephantine chimera with tiger-like limbs and red fur. Danzo's summon is the Baku, said in legend to devour dreams and nightmares.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" Nagato shouted, slamming both palms onto the ground. Smoke erupted, revealing the Cerberus and the Rhino.
"Hikaru, we need more summons!" I called out to my son. Hikaru nodded and performed a set of hand signs before slamming both hands onto the ground.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" my son shouted, summoning the crustacean and three centipedes. All six summoning animals attacked the Baku, overwhelming it. Danzo was a bit surprised, as if he was expecting to use the summoned for this fight. I smirked while the elder growled.
"Fine, it's time that I used this," the old man said. He took of the bandages, revealing the ten Sharingan eyes that are implanted on his right arm. He took off more, revealing another Sharingan where his right eye should be.
"Careful, don't look into the eyes," Nagato warned me.
"I could say the same with you," I replied. He gave me a smirk.
"I don't have to look at him directly," my husband told me. He performed another set of hand signs. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" Instead of summoning animals, he summoned his Six Paths of Pain. Due to his Rinnegan abilities, he can see through the eyes of these paths.
"It seems there's more that the Rinnegan can do. You defiled these corpses so you can use them as your personal tools. How is that any different than what I have done?" Danzo asked
"Unlike you, I have these paths to help the world, to bring peace. You have those Sharingans just for power," Nagato answered. "I'm going to make sure that arm is destroyed."
"Then try," the elder responded. Nagato sent the six paths at the elder, who moved back to get away.
"Futon: Shinkugyoku (Wind Release: Vacuum Sphere)!" Danzo shouted, exhaling several blasts of wind chakra. The Preta Path stepped in front of the other paths and absorbed the blasts. This surprised Danzo, allowing the Ashura Path to shoot a barrage of missiles at him. The elder scrambled to dodge the missiles. I smirked.
"Kami Shuriken (Paper Shuriken)!" I shouted, shooting paper shurikens at the elder. He took out a kunai and blocked the shurikens. However, both the Human Path and Naraka Path stabbed him with chakra receivers and caused him to cough blood. The elder collapsed as he began to bleed. He should be dead now. Suddenly, his body began to fade. What?!
"Nagato he's gone!" I called out to my husband.
"I know. There he is!" he shouted, pointing at Danzo who appeared to be healthy. Bring his kunai close to his mouth, the made another hand sign.
"Futon: Shinkujin (Wind Release: Vacuum Blade)!" the elder yelled, using wind chakra with the kunai to make a makeshift scimitar. Using his weapon, he managed to cut down the Human Path but the Naraka Path managed to get away.
"Shikigami no Mai (Dance of the Shikigami)!" I shouted as turned my body and clothing in multiple sheets of paper. I sent a wave of paper at the elder, who used his weapon the cut through them. However, I send another wave which began to surround him. I distracted him with the first wave to attack him with the second, which I filled with explosive tags. I activated the explosives, which set off.
This time he should be dead. Using the left over paper, I reformed my body. When the smoke cleared however, Danzo was not at that spot anymore. My eyes widened in shock. Where is he? His corpse should be lying there.
"Konan, watch out!" Nagato called out. Before I could react, I felt a kick on my back that sent me crashing into the ground. I looked up to see Danzo standing before me, looking unharmed as if he wasn't affected by my attack.
"Your paper ninjutsu is unique, I have to say that. It's a shame that I wasn't able to use it in my forces," the elder said to me. He raised his arm to kill me with his scimitar, but it got wrapped by a chain with a kama at the end of it. The chain was connected to the gunbai that Nagato is holding. The Deva Path and the Ashura Path were standing next to him. Despite wearing his mask, I could tell the anger on Nagato's face at the fact that Danzo tried to kill me.
The Deva Path took of the Ashura Path's cloak, revealing the path's robotic body and the weapons that were connected to him. The most notable feature of the Ashura Path was his folded, serrated blade-like sash.
"Bansho Ten'in," the Deva Path said as he began to pull Danzo towards the blade. The elder threw his weapon at the Deva Path, but the Ashura Path managed to catch it with one of his multiple arms. I watched as the blade impaled the old man, but I knew something was off. I looked carefully as one of the Sharingan eyes on his arm began to close and his body began to fade away.
"Nagato, do you think he's using that technique?" I asked my husband.
"It seems so," he responded. Danzo then appeared a few feet in front of us. I noticed that out of the ten Sharingan eyes on his arm, only seven of them remained opened. "It's no doubt. He's using Izanagi." Itachi told us the different abilities that the Sharingan can possess. One of the being the Izanagi, a genjutsu used on the user that allows them to control their state of existence. Danzo is using this technique to escape death. Judging by the evidence of his arm, he can use that technique for limited time.
"We need to keep on killing him until he runs out of eyes," I told Nagato. My husband nodded and glared at Danzo.
"How many Uchihas did you have killed to obtain those eyes?" he asked the elder.
"You know nothing of what I've done to keep my village safe. To think Itachi told you the secret he was entrusted with, a secret belonged to the Hidden Leaf only. I am Konoha's savoir!" Danzo shouted.
"More like a sorry excuse for a shinobi!" I shouted back. I smirked to see our summons have already defeated the Baku, except the Cerberus has already split into multiple separate bodies and is left with the rhino and a centipede. Nagato commanded them to attack the elder.
"Futon: Shinku Renpa (Wind Release: Vacuum Serial Waves)!" Danzo yelled out. He exhaled several blades of wind at different angles, managing to kill the centipede. However, the attack didn't work on the dogs as they split into more bodies. The elder was forced to use taijutsu to keep them at bay but that gave an opening for Nagato's paths. The Human Path, revived by the Naraka Path, impaled the old man with a chakra receiver, causing him to cough up blood. However, I knew in a moment Izanagi would be used.
Danzo appeared next to the Human Path and kicked the reanimated corpse away. He came at us. He only has six eyes left to use, but this is getting frustrating. The Animal Path attacked him this time, only to be repelled by the elder's taijutsu.
"Paper Chakram!" I shouted, creating a razor sharp disk made out of paper. I threw the disk at him with quick speed. He jumped of over the projectile, but I manipulated the disk to come back to him. Danzo waved his hand and created a large blade of air to counter my attack.
"Shura no Ko (Ashura Attack)!" Nagato yelled. The Ashura's head split open to reveal a cannon while Nagato formed a cannon on his soldier. Both of them shot a blast of pure chakra at Danzo, forcing the elder to shield himself. The impact of both blasts caused the whole foundation to shake. Hopefully, this place doesn't collapse on us. No longer surprising us, Danzo appeared unharmed. Only five more Sharingan eyes left working on that disgusting arm of his.
"You are indeed powerful Akatsuki, forcing me to use already half of the Sharingan eyes on my arm," the elder stated.
"I already told you that the Akatsuki are a shinobi force not to be messed with," Nagato replied.
"You have, but I'll make sure that ROOT and I will destroy your accursed organization once and for all," Danzo said. Suddenly, the rest of the Akatsuki appeared on our side, covered in blood.
"Tell me, how exactly will ROOT going to destroy us, seeing there is no one else alive in your organization," Hikaru told the old man with a smirk. The elder had a surprised look on his face after hearing his whole shinobi forced has been decimated.
"Impossible!" Danzo spat with anger.
"What's impossible is the fact that you still believe you can defeat the Akatsuki," Nagato stated. "This is where it ends Danzo."
"I will continue fighting until every single last one of you is dead, even if it means my life," the elder responded.
"So be it. Akatsuki attack!" my husband ordered. Deidara went first by throwing some of his bombs at the elder. The old man used a wind style attack that sliced them apart, but the Akatsuki's explosive expert still found them usable and set them off. The explosion forced the elder away, only for him to be attacked by Sasori's puppets. Danzo managed to create another makeshift scimitar to fight them off. However, Sasori used the Third Kazekage puppet to impale the elder with an iron sand spear. Once again, Danzo used Izanagi to escape death but four more of his eyes are left usable.
Kakuzu sent his heart monsters at the elder. Due to his experience, he was a formidable opponent to Danzo. The fire and wind monster created a large flamethrower, but the elder created a tree from his arm to shield himself from the attack. It seems he's adept to Wood Style as well. That didn't stop Kakuzu due to his experience with the First Hokage.
The Water monster blasts a wave of water at the ground where Danzo is. Once the elder's feet were connected to the water, the lightning monster sent a bolt of electricity to the water. The combination attack electrocuting him, but didn't kill him. However, it did give Hidan a chance to attack.
The immortal sliced at the Dazno, but the elder managed to recover and move away. Hidan, despite having more swords sticking out of him than last time, was able to keep up with the old man. Danzo continued to dodge the Jashinist's attacks, but Aito, still in his second transformation stage, slashed the elder's back, drawing blood. Hidan smirked as his scythe caught some of it, allowing him to perform his ritual. Aito continued to pummel the elder, too quick for him. I suddenly saw Danzo's right Sharingan eye flash, and Aito suddenly stopped attacking. He's being manipulated!
"Hidan, hurry up with the ritual!" I shouted at the immortal. The rest of the Akatsuki and I watched as Aito was being forced into his third transformation stage.
"Finished!" Hidan shouted back. Taking out a metal stake, the immortal quickly stabbed himself in the heart. Danzo coughed up blood, while Aito shook his head while reverting back to his second stage. Danzo must have lost control. However, the elder fade as he already used Izanagi. He only has three Sharingan eyes left.
He appeared right in front of Hidan and landed a kick that sent him out of his symbol. He won't be able to continue performing the ritual unless he gets back. Rei and Kisame then attacked Danzo with their swords. The elder picked up a tanto from a dead ROOT member and fought back. Rei quickly created a wall of mirrors around them and hopped into one. Kisame continued to fight Danzo, who proved to be a good swordsman. Kisame smirked and ducked. After doing so, beams of ice came from the mirrors and struck Danzo from all around. The elder was now encased in a block of ice. Rei came out from a mirror and together, she and Kisame sliced through the ice with their swords. However, no traces of Danzo were among the rubble of ice. He used Izanagi again, leaving him with two usable Sharingan eyes left.
Danzo appeared outside the mirrors and came after us. Hikaru intercepted him, with beings with him. At first, I thought they were Nagato's paths but their hair was red instead of orange. These are Hikaru's Six Paths of Pain. The paths each had a chakra receiver and engaged Danzo in a sword fight. Overpowered, the elder decided to use a wind base jutsu. However, both Hikaru and the Preta Path absorbed it. The other paths attacked Danzo from all sides with their chakra receivers. The elder was able to block four of them, but one pierced his left arm. One of the paths, his Animal Path, released some kind of powder from her mouth.
"I suggest that everyone close their eyes," Hikaru called out. We took the advice and closed our eyes. All I heard was a scream from Danzo. After a few more minutes, we heard a loud thud. "You can open them now." I opened my eyes to see Danzo in a crater with chakra receivers sticking out from him. However, the elder's body began to fade. Izanagi again, but he has one more Sharingan left.
Danzo appeared behind Hikaru and attacked him with a tanto, but my son was able dodge by looking through the eyes of the paths. Nagato's six paths and I came after Danzo. He saw us coming and came towards us. The elder exhaled a blast of wind chakra attacks, but Nagato's Preta Path absorbed them. The Ashura Path launched a barrage of missiles, but Danzo managed to evade them. Creating another Paper Chakram, I launched the disk at him. The old man deflected it with his tanto, but I manipulated it to attack him again. With Danzo distracted by my attack, the other paths attacked the elder. He moved away, but the Deva Path pulled him back. My paper chakram sliced off his grotesque arm. The Deva Path then impaled Danzo's chest with a chakra receiver, causing the old man to collapse to the ground. The Danzo and his arm then faded away. That's all ten Sharingan. He has no more left to use. Danzo suddenly appeared in front of me and slashed his tanto at me.
"Shinra Tensei (Almighty Push)!" Nagato called out, sending the elder back before his weapon could touch me. Danzo growled, but a tree suddenly grew from his arm. In pain, he separated his arm from his body. He's powerless now. "It's over Danzo. You lose." Nagato walked over to the elder and took out a chakra receiver. "This is for the Hidden Rain Village." My husband stabbed the elder's chest before taking out another receiver. "This is for Yahiko." Another stab, then another receiver. "And this is for Itachi." Nagato stabbed Danzo for the final time. "Death will overcome you. Any last regrets?"
"Everything I have done was for the sake of the Hidden Leaf Village. If I have to sacrifice my life, so be it. Just know that I'm going to take you all with me," Danzo stated as he coughed large amounts of blood. He removed his clothing to reveal markings on his torso. My eyes widened and so did Nagato's.
"Reverse Four Symbols Sealing! Everyone, get out of the hideout now!" my husband ordered. Both Hikaru's and Nagato's paths disperse as well as the summons. "Shinra Tensei!" Danzo's body was sent crashing into a wall as his seal has begun. The foundation started shaking and will collapse thanks to the elder's seal. Every single member of the Akatsuki, including me, exited through the entrance as the ROOT headquarters began collapsing. Once we made it outside, the entrance collapsed.
"Mission accomplished, good work everyone," Nagato told us. I smiled. Danzo's dead and his ROOT organization no longer exist. Itachi's and Yahiko's souls can finally rest in peace.
"We should get going before any of the Leaf's shinobi arrives to investigate," I told my husband. He nodded.
"Let's get back to the Hidden Rain Village," Nagato ordered. Obeying, we headed straight back home.
Author's Note: That's for this chapter. I hoped that you all enjoyed the battle between Nagato and Akatsuki against Danzo and ROOT. It was such a long chapter for me to write. The next chapter will deal with the aftermath of the fight. Anyway, I will now work on Akatsuki Watches Death Battle. So until the next update on Rewinding History, Read and Review.