Chapter 36: Escape Konoha

Thank you to my Beta Reader, argentorum for editing this chapter! Thank you for your patience and I hope you'll all be pleased with this chapter!

* Konoha Cemetery *

Naruto looked at Hinata, his blue eye and his byakugan seeing the shocked expression on her face. Naruto leaned forward and their faces were mere inches apart and asked, "What do you think Hinata-chan?"

"N-N-Naruto-kun… I don't… I mean…"

He knew that she would be rendered speechless after seeing his new eye, especially the one that made her clan famous. He stepped away from her. Looking at Gamakichi, he said, "Go back. I'll summon you later to talk more about what I plan on doing."

"Alright, you don't have to tell me just summon me. Here you'll need this." Gamakichi opened his mouth and spat out something wrapped in a cloth and then disappeared. Naruto looked at Hinata again, asking her, "My parent's took you in? That's what you said right?"

Hinata nodded and Naruto walked up to her, making her tense up a bit. Her reaction didn't go unnoticed by him, but he ignored it. He slowly walked around her, taking her in from head to toe. "Was that my father's idea?" Hinata nodded again as she felt him gently grab some of her hair. Naruto ran his fingers through her hair, feeling the silkiness of it. On top of whatever training his parents gave her she still remained stunningly beautiful in his eyes. He let her hair fall and he walked in front of her again, looking down at her. "You've obviously came here to tell me something since you haven't tried to attack me."

He could see that she was really trying to say something. It seemed like she was having a mental war with herself on whether she should ask or not. Naruto stepped away again saying, "You want to ask me to stay, but you know I won't say yes." this caught her by surprise, "Along with everyone else you want me to just give myself up and come back to Konoha. So you can lock me away possibly even execute me."

"No! it's not like that!" Hinata said, taking a step forward. Naruto remained calm and continued, "If I go back… I will be killed. You and Haru want me to come back to my death. Everything I've done up to this point will have been a waste of time." He looked away from her showing his back to her. "Hinata-chan" He said slowly, measuring out every word, "… I will never return to Konoha."

Hinata was close to tears. "Naruto-kun…" She began quietly, "You know that I would never want anything like that to happen to you… I just want you to come home to be with… To stay with…" She couldn't finish what she really wanted to say.

He glanced over to her, "Then… come with me Hinata-chan."

Her eyes widened, not expecting this kind of request from him. Naruto still only looked at her with his regular eye, "You don't really want me to come back to Konoha… You just want me to come back to you." facing her yet again he held his left hand out and said, "We can be together again Hinata-chan. And not Haru, my mother, Arashi or even my father will be able to come between us." There was a brief pause as he seen her look at his hand then back to his eyes, "Just take my hand Hinata-chan, that's all you'll have to do."

The conflict grew within her that he could see. Hinata opened her mouth to speak getting out, "N-Naruto-kun… I will-"

"Gatsūga!"

Naruto jumped out of the way and a spinning vortex shot passed him. Another sound caught his attention and he saw another one coming his way. Before it could hit him the Bannai jumped in the way and grabbed hold of it. Sparks flew through the air before the Bannai tossed it down to the ground and both it and Naruto landed on the ground safely. Hinata was still standing in her spot and saw Kiba holding onto one of the trees snarling at Naruto and a very large Akamaru in the crater that was created when he was tossed into the ground. Both had their attention on Naruto.

Kiba jumped down to the ground and looked at Hinata, "Hey Hinata! You okay!"

"H-Hai." She replied weakly not really sure how to explain the situation. Kiba looked at Naruto shouting at him, "Oi teme I heard about the damage you did in the village! I'm taking you in!"

Naruto had his byakugan eye closed so that Kiba wouldn't know about his 'ace', "That's just like you Kiba all bark and no bite. Pun intended." he said smartly. Kiba narrowed his eyes at Naruto and shouted, "You're done for! Let's go Akamaru!"

Akamaru shook the dirt off his fur and let out a loud bark and started running toward the Bannai while Kiba charged Naruto. Kiba thought to himself, 'I should have an advantage he only has one arm that should make things easier for me.'

When he got close he swung his sharpened nails, trying to gash Naruto who bent his body out of the way with little effort, avoiding the attacks. Akamaru jumped and bit down on the Bannai's arm, but even its steeled threading didn't shatter the dog's sharpened fangs. Hinata just watched from the sideline as they fought. When Kiba made a wide swing Naruto stepped back and cocked his left arm, punching Kiba right in the jaw, taking advantage of his miss.

Kiba rubbed his jaw and spit out a small amount of blood and grinned, "Lucky punch, I'm not done just-" Naruto disappeared for an instant and reappeared behind a shocked Kiba, whispering, "You're too slow." He backhanded Kiba in his head making him skid across the ground. Kiba barely recovered and looked up seeing Naruto standing there not even looking his way. A cry caught his attention and he saw Akamaru getting knocked into a tree. The Bannai had punched Akamaru in his, side sending the large dog flying into the tree, cracking it.

Naruto said, "The gloves are off, I don't have to hold back anymore."

"Good." Everyone looked at the entrance to the graveyard seeing Shino standing there with his hands in his pockets his focus on Naruto, "I'd rather fight you when you're not holding back."

The Bannai ran up to Naruto and they saw it turn from black gray color to all black. It fell to the ground and little by little it went up Naruto's pant leg leaving the mask behind on the ground. He picked up the mask and put it on his sash, "Shino, you're nowhere near skilled enough to fight me hand to hand. Maybe if you and Kiba were one then it'd work. But individually; Kiba cannot string together attacks and relies too much on his wild style to land a hit. And you, on the other hand, rely too heavily on your insects to strike when your opponent least expects it." He paused for a second, contemplating, "I take back what I said earlier, even if you two were one you still wouldn't win."

Kiba shouted, "You just think your tough shit don't you! We'll win! Hinata go get reinforcements we'll take care of Naruto." he stood up and flexed his claws. Hinata was still motionless not sure what to really do, but Shino touched her shoulder telling her, "Go on. The more of us there are the easier it'll be to capture him."

Hinata looked at Naruto seeing that he was staring at her. But that he did, unnoticed by her teammates, caught her attention and reluctantly she left to go get reinforcements. Shino watched her leave. Even though they said that they could fight Naruto, neither him nor Kiba ever hit Naruto in all of their practices. "Your eyes should never leave your opponent." Shino froze and slowly looked to his right seeing Naruto standing shoulder to shoulder with him.

'When did he move? I didn't even pick up on him.' Shino glanced Kiba's way seeing a perplexed look on his face as well, 'Kiba didn't see it as well.' Shino's sight went back onto Naruto, "You've gotten faster."

Naruto said, "That's not even a fraction of what I am capable of." Shino adjusted his glasses asking Naruto, "So then what will happen next?"

Hinata left the cemetery and had her byakugan activated looking for some help all the while trying to figure out what was going through Naruto's mind.

"Hinata!"

She looked up and saw Haru, Sasuke, Sakura, and Gaara approaching her. She stopped and they stood in front of her and Haru asked, "You know where Naruto is don't you?" Hinata nodded.

"This could be our chance to capture him." Sakura said excitedly.

Sasuke asked Hinata, "Sakura sensed that Kiba, Shino and Akamaru were with you? Where are they?"

When Hinata didn't answer Gaara said, "Most likely they are fighting Naruto and Hinata was asked to get reinforcements."

Haru saw the saddened look in Hinata's eyes, wanting to ask what was wrong but the thought of Naruto being so close she ignored it and shouted, "Let's hurry then! All of us! Hana should be here soon with my father and the others. Since she's an Inuzuka she can trail Hinata's scent out!" Without another word they turned around and started running back to the cemetery. Haru led the front with Sasuke right behind her his sharingan activated. Sakura and Hinata were behind him and Gaara brought up the rear.

Sakura shouted, "I can sense them up ahead!" They ran passed the active traps and came to where Naruto and the rest of Team 8 were fighting at. When they came into the clearing they saw Naruto standing on top of an unconscious Kiba. Shino was leaning up against the tree unconsious as well and Akamaru was down with a tree collapsed on top of him. Naruto looked back. He now had his eyepatch back on and his right arm was returned.

Hinata looked over to the wrapped up object, seeing wrappings scattered everywhere. No doubt that was Naruto's new arm. Naruto's eye was locked on Haru who was gritting her teeth and glaring at him. "It's been a long time, sis."

Haru said in a deep tone, "Get. Off. Of. Kiba." Naruto took his foot off of the Inuzuka and faced them, examining each one of them seeing how they changed. He next looked at Gaara saying, "Another jinchuriki is here? Even with my skill I wouldn't be able to capture you two without trouble. I wonder where Kisame scrambled off to?" When no one spoke Naruto just said, "You all are making this reunion very awkward. Are we going to fight or are you just stalling until tou-san arrives? Are you really so afraid of fighting me that you know you can't win without more help?"

Haru was about to move, but Gaara grabbed her shoulder, "No don't. He's just baiting you. Don't let him get the satisfaction of getting you upset. I'll fight him." Haru looked at him like he was crazy. Sasuke interrupted telling Gaara, "No I'll do it. I'll be able to predict his movements. If I catch him in a genjutsu then we can seal him, Sakura knows some good sealing jutsu that will restrain him."

Sakura touched both Haru and Hinata's shoulders telling the two, "Stand down, we'll take it from here."

"No, Sakura, I have to fight him!" Haru shouted at her.

"With that angry tone of yours. There isn't a doubt in my mind that you've gotten stronger, but this is Naruto we're talking about. Fighting him without thinking clearly would turn out very badly and Hinata is no different. She can't fight him while fighting herself as well." Sakura said sternly to Haru, "Let us fight him first. Please." Haru gritted her teeth and looked over at Hinata who was just staring at her brother. Haru looked back at Sakura saw the determination and the seriousness in her eyes.

Sasuke moved forward with Gaara standing right next to him, "Your sand is fast right? Just cover me."

Gaara replied back, "It's gold sand and you don't order me around. Just do whatever you do and I'll do what I do best."

"Which is?" Sasuke asked with his eyes still fixated on Naruto. Gaara replied, "Win." Gold sand shot out of Gaara's gourd as he began making the hand motions for it and Sasuke pulled out some shuriken and tossed them at Naruto.

Naruto didn't move until the shuriken got close and then suddenly they shot right into the air, away from him. Sasuke saw the wind surround him with his sharingan. 'He's using his wind jutsu to protect himself from projectiles. I have to get Kiba away from him first.'

Gaara made his sand move around Sasuke and it grouped into a single point and Gaara said, "Golden Sand Blaster!" The gold sand shot out at high speeds at Naruto. Instantly Naruto disappeared and both Sasuke and Hinata lost sight of his chakra . Sasuke regained himself and ran for Kiba. Naruto reappeared above Sasuke and Kiba, shouting, "Wind Style: Raging Winds!" He shot down at them, wind surrounding his right fist as he prepared to hit them. Gaara reacted quickly shooting his gold sand over the two leaf nins to protect them.

Naruto grinned and disappeared mid swing, reappearing in front of Gaara, "Got you." Naruto moved to hit Gaara in the stomach. But his gold sand shot up at the last second, protecting him from the hit; however, Naruto's attack shot wind out of his fist, sending Gaara flying into the trees.

"Fire Style: Ash Pile Burning!"

Looking around Naruto saw a black smoke surround him, "What the-" Before Naruto could finish the cloud burst into flames. Sakura, Hinata, and Haru shielded their eyes from Sasuke's attack that he just used. He was standing over Kiba protecting him, 'Where will you come from next Naruto?' he thought 'You couldn't get away from anywhere above ground so…' Sasuke grabbed Kiba and jumped out of the way just as a hand shot out to grab his ankle, 'You'll come from below ground.'

Sasuke landed next to the girls and handed Kiba to Sakura. They saw Naruto climb out of the ground with no burn marks on him at all. "Pretty sharp Sasuke; to predict my movement like that." Naruto dusted himself off, "However I'm not impressed with you or Gaara. And although I would love to actually fight you two seriously I don't want my father to know of our exact location just yet."

Sakura pointed out, "Sasuke's attack sends mixtures of different burnt scents into the air that can easily be picked up by Hana. They'll be here soon."

Naruto narrowed his eyes at Sakura and then jumped away from where he was standing when gold sand shot out of the hole he came out of. Gaara was kneeling where he was knocked down at and had his sand go through the hole Naruto made to escape Sasuke's attack and tried to capture Naruto, but missed. Naruto said, "Looks like my time is up. My mission was to capture Haru, not go into a battle royal with Leaf ninjas. My job is done here, there's no reason for me to try and fight a losing battle."

Haru's clenched her fists. She wanted to fight him so badly, this was her only chance. 'Use it.' Haru froze, hearing it's voice, 'You know you what to. He's right there taunting you, showing all of you just how weak you really are. Just use my power and you'll be able to overpower him.'

'No! I-I can't use it. I can win on my own! If I go into Sage-' her line of thought was interrupted when her prisoner said.

'Sit still for five minutes? He'll be gone before you even get halfway there... three years of training and you're not even sure if it is enough to stop him. If you use my power than you'll be able to overpower even him and bring him down…'

'But-'

'You swore to capture him didn't you? Sage mode will only take you so far and it's nowhere near as strong as my power.' Haru continued to tremble and finally the voice shouted, 'USE IT NOW!'

Chakra surged out. Making Gaara, Sasuke, Sakura, and Hinata look at Haru as her eyes turned blood red and her fangs grew. Her whisker marks grew as well along with her nails. She dropped on all fours and Gaara realized what was going on. Hinata told Sakura, "We have to go now!" they left holding onto Kiba while Gaara shot out his gold sand to get Akamaru and Sasuke ran over to get Shino. The ground beneath them started to shatter and shake.

Meanwhile Naruto watched as Haru began to change as her skin started to peel off. Unlike the last two times, Naruto knew this malicious chakra, 'The first time you showed me true fear; which is what led to my first defeat. The second time I couldn't stop shaking feeling that hatred and putrid chakra rolling off of you, I thought I could win, but I was too full of myself and was beaten by that chakra again. This time though I'm ready for you beast.'

Haru let out a monstrous roar and chakra erupted from her body creating a dome around her and enough energy shot out from her that it pushed and ripped all the trees out of the ground as well as a few of the gravestones and only Naruto remained in his place. The chakra surrounded her and encased her, creating a black ball. Naruto tried to stand his ground, shielding his eyes from the wind that Haru kicked up. Finally it died down and Naruto saw Haru's new form.

Her skin was replaced with a black and red mass, her fingers were her claws just like her toes, five tails waved wildly behind her, her long hair was doing the same, and her eyes were shining white orbs. Naruto grinned saying, "This is new."

Haru roared at him and Naruto took up his fighting stance, "Tell me Haru, you don't know who I am at this point huh?" He got a loud monsterous roar from her in response, "Then you're not Haru, you're that beast aren't you? If you are, then I'll just have to put you down like a beast."

Haru shot her hand out as it grew trying to grab hold of Naruto. Vanishing again Naruto appeared behind Haru with steel surrounding his right arm and he backhanded her in the face. The blow knocked it off its feet, but another mass formed from her back, a second upper body of Haru that had only it's left arm. She swung out at Naruto, but he disappeared again, avoiding the attack. He appeared to its side and kicked it in the face, disappearing again and uppercutting Haru, lifting her off the ground. Then punched her right in the stomach making her fly backwards. He disappeared and reappeared a good distance away from her.

Recovering Haru looked at Naruto and rushed at him again. Naruto jumped into the air and Haru shot her tails up at him to catch him again, "A mindless monster can't win against me." Naruto breathed in and shouted. A backlash of wind shot out, knocking the tails away. Once they were gone Naruto disappeared and reappeared on the ground. Naruto opened his mouth and his platinum powder poured out. Haru looked back and punched out at Naruto, but the platinum made a wall, stopping her fist. But she dented it enough to cause concern for Naruto.

Naruto changed the appearance of his powder making it into a large balled cage with spikes lining the inside, moving his hands the steel cage rolled to Haru and captured her inside. Naruto said, "Tortured Spiral!" The spiked cage began to spin rapidly and would change direction so quickly it left no time to react. Haru was getting cut up inside the platinum cage, but Naruto saw that it wasn't cutting her. Whatever was shielding her was stronger than platinum and instead of blood flying around sparks just danced in the air. Adjusting the shape of the platinum powder Naruto had it encase her completely making a solid round ball, "Maybe taking some air away from you for awhile will calm you down."

Suddenly his jutsu was ripped open and Haru emerged roaring. Naruto wasn't the least bit surprised, "Figures that wouldn't hold you for long."

Gaara, Hinata, Sasuke, and Sakura watched from a distance. Gaara, now sitting, said, "Hang on give me some time to go into my transformation! Maybe I can slow her down just a bit." Sasuke told Hinata, "Keep an eye on them!" Hinata activated her byakugan and watched the battle.

Naruto did a few handsigns and shouted, "Lava Style: Lava Tsunami!" a large wave of lava shot out at Haru and crashed into her like a rockslide. Naruto summoned out two clones and all three started doing did another set of handsigns shouting, "Water Style: Geyser Waves!" He and the clones shot out a light stream of water from their mouths, hitting the lava and making steam erupt everywhere. They hardened the lava with the mixture of all the water. Cracking and hissing sounds could be heard as the lava hardened. After it hardened completely Naruto could see with his byakugan that Haru was imprisoned.

Or so he thought; Haru had expanded her body and erupted from the rock prison with a roar. Naruto watched as she swiped with her claw and a tornado came flying his way, he and his clones avoided the tornado, jumping out of the way in time; but Haru opened her mouth and launched a blast of fire at them. One clone grabbed Naruto and tossed him away from the fire, but in the process was hit and disappeared.

Naruto landed on his feet and said, "Enough…" Naruto shot a thread out at Haru, but he saw the moment it wrapped around her arm it started to burn and quickly severed the thread from his body. He saw Haru give a kind of smile, 'So your skin is your ultimate shield?' Naruto put his hands together and disappeared and appareled in front of her and punched her square in her face knocking her out of the hole she climbed out of. Naruto immediately hardened his thread with his steel and hundreds of them wrapped around Haru's arms, legs, body, neck, and tails, keeping her restrained. The threads held, at least for the time being. Naruto hoped that his threads would last long enough to let him siphon her chakra.

Haru tried to rampage, but Naruto had her held down and she seemed to get weaker with each passing second. Naruto gritted his teeth as he absorbed her chakra, thinking, 'This chakra is giving me so much strength… but it's so vile that it's actually making me nauseous.' Haru was calming down some and was barely moving and he thought, 'Capture of the Nine-Tails almost done.' Naruto looked behind him and saw a shine of gold heading his way and immediately let go of Haru jumped out of the way.

Gaara had charged at Naruto and tried to hit him, but when he saw Naruto evade it meant that he could stop Haru now. Naruto saw that Gaara's appearance was different now. His body was completely encompassed by a layer of gold sand that hugged his form. His eyes turned black and his iris had a black four sided star in them surrounded by four black dots around it. His gourd was gone and instead there a large gold tail with black markings waving behind him. Gaara looked the same, just golden. He jumped over Haru and gold sand came out of his mouth and fell onto her creating restraints and Gaara held his hands together shouting, "Golden Sand Pyramid!" Gold sand shot out and covered over both him and Haru.

Naruto watched as the pyramid was complete.

"Nine Demon Sealing Method!"

Naruto heard a familiar voice and then saw nine markings appeared around the pyramid that held Haru forming a circle around the pyramid. Naruto next saw his mother appear in front of the pyramid and held her arms out at it and gold chains shot out of her body and wrapped around the pyramid. Then his father appear on top of the pyramid shouting, "Lock!" a green light erupted from that hand and shot his whole arm into the pyramid. Naruto saw his brother with his byakugan coming up behind him, but Naruto spun around and tried to kick him in the head. Arashi blocked. 'How did he see me?'

The two brothers started fighting punches and kicks flying at an incredibly fast pace. Kakashi was hiding behind a rock formed a few handsigns. "Lightning Style: Knockout Stunner." Lightning erupted from his fingertips. The lighting arches traveled down his fingers to the palm of his hand. Running out from behind the rock hecharged Naruto. Right as he got close Naruto turned and grabbed Kakashi's wrist stopping him when he got close enough shocking the jounin.

Naruto gritted his teeth thinking, 'I have to get out of here now! There's no way in hell I'll be able to win!' He let go of Kakashi's wrist to block some punches from Arashi. The minute he let go Kakashi joined in, both trying to keep Naruto occupied.

Kushina was still had her sealing chains around the pyramid and Minato was almost done sealing Haru's chakra thinking, 'Looks like she can't control this stage just yet or she let her emotions get the better of her.' Naruto was kicked in the chest by Arashi making him skid a few feet and Kakashi moved quick enough and shouted again, "Lighting Style: Knockout Stunner!"

Kakashi hit him in the chest, causing the arches from the electricity to shoot everywhere, blasting the two away from each other. Arashi caught Kakashi and Naruto slammed into the ground hard. Naruto looked at his chest, seeing a burned mark bigger than a hand in his chest. Naruto had his steel surrounding his chest and stomach. Kakashi held onto his hand, looking at the scorch marks that covered it.

Minato and Kushina watched the fight and they could fell the Kyuubi's chakra go back within Haru, indicating that she was turning back to normal slowly. Naruto got back up and Itachi appeared in front of Naruto and grabbed his collar and looked at Naruto in his eye, trying to cast a genjutsu on him. Itachi's eyes widened when the genjutsu was dispelled the moment it was cast. Naruto grabbed onto his wrists and fell back onto his back, placing his foot onto Itachi's stomach to flip him over. Itachi recovered twisting around in mid air and threw shurikens at Naruto.

Naruto turned his right arm into steel and knocked them away. Itachi watched closely and landed on his feet, he saw a few shurikens fly passed him and he made a few handsigns and spat out some fire igniting the shuriken. Naruto saw Sasuke was behind Itachi who had launched kunai at him. Naruto made his handsigns too and spat out a large lava glob that melted them easily. It flew towards Itachi and Sasuke. They jumped out of the way but the lava glob erupted and knocked them off their feet.

Appearing in front of Itachi, Naruto kicked him in his stomach, launching him off the ground. Arashi appeared in front of Naruto and tried to punch him in the face and was turelyamazed when Naruto jumped back and away from his brother.

"Leaf Coiling Whirlwind!"

"Gatsūga!"

Naruto, reacting quickly, turned around and covered his whole body with steel. He was kicked by two separate people, but even then he was hit with enough force to knock him off his feet and into the air. Naruto was suddenly hit by four spinning wind vacuums that collided with him and sent him flying into the ground, making a crater. Arashi, Kakashi, Itachi, saw standing where Naruto just was just moments ago was Guy and Lee. Who were both smiling; and not too far off Hana was on all fours and her three ninken were standing around her all snarling. Minato finished the sealing and the gold sand pyramid fell and they saw Gaara holding Haru bridal style Haru returned to normal except her skin was all red now and he laid her down gently, Kushina stood over her daughter telling Minato, "Go!"

Minato ran over to the crater and looked into it seeing a hole where Naruto should've been. Hinata appeared next to the Hokage and shouted, "He's digging that way!" Before Minato could say anything gold sand shot into the hole and he turned around, seeing Gaara sitting by Haru. He had his gold sand chase after Naruto. Minato told Hinata, "Follow Naruto. Arashi, Itachi, Sasuke, Gaara come with me! Everyone else stay put with Haru incase Kisame comes around!"

Nodding Minato and the others left and Hinata kept an eye on Naruto who was deep underground. Gaara didn't want to really go, but Kushina told him,"Go she'll be here when you get back." he nodded and left continuing to use his gold sand to try and capture him.

* Kisame *

Kisame hid in the village and had just got done talking with Pain about what happened. Kisame knew that this mission was meant to be a failure to see how Naruto performed against everyone. Kisame wasn't wearing his Akatsuki cloak since it was destroyed when Haru tossed all those explosives into his water jutsu. He asked, "So you want me and Naruto to retreat for now?"

"Yes, the fact that Naruto performed his skills against Konoha is enough. From what you've told me Orochimaru doesn't stand a chance agaisnt Naruto, that boy is gaining strength at an alarming rate. For now retreat."

Kisame agreed, "Alright, we'll escape now." Standing up Kisame stretched for a moment and ran his thumb across his sharpened teeth making blood draw and he ran it along a tattoo that was by his neck and slammed his hand onto the ground shouting, "Summoning Jutsu!" The cloud of smoke came up in front of him and standing before him was Naruto.

"Enough playtime. It's time to get out of here." Kisame told him. Naruto asked, "What about Haru and that Gaara guy?"

Grabbing onto Samehada he told his partner, "Leader has other plans for them. Gaara is Deidara's capture. Right now we're outnumbered and we'll go with your plan of capturing her while she's on a mission. For now we are to retreat." Naruto didn't argue and told him, "I'm done with what I wanted to do. Whatever Orochimaru had planned with Konoha's elite I think I might of stopped it if not slowed down his plan. However he had other targets all around the other ninja villages."

"How so?"

Naruto mentioned, "He had a list of ninjas who are dead and another list of ninjas he planned on killing. Whatever he has planned hopefully like I said I've stopped it. I just wonder if he's planning using the deceased ninjas." Kisame and Naruto heard people were rushing to get inside their homes after hearing all the damages caused by their involvement. Kisame said, "We'll mention this later for now we have to leave."

"Any suggestions?"

Kisame pointed over his shoulder in the direction of the main gate, "Just punch through like we always do. How about using that wind jutsu of yours to create a bit more chaos." Naruto knew what jutsu he was talking about. It was a jutsu that both he and Kakuzu developed during his training. He however agreed to this and Kisame started running with Naruto following behind him. They ran through the crowd and headed toward the main gate and immediately ten Konoha ninjas appeared at the gate all holding kunais ready to fight.

Chakra erupted from Naruto's body accompanied by wind as Naruto shouted, "Wind Style: Hurricane Force Alpha!"

* Minato *

Minato, Hinata, Gaara, Itachi, Arashi, and Sasuke stopped when Hinata said, "He just vanished. He was digging and the next thing he turns into a puff of smoke and disappears." Itachi looked at Minato asking, "You think it was a clone?"

"He wouldn't have had a chance to use it. Hinata would've seen something and I don't see when Naruto had a moment to sneak away." Minato said. Arashi thought about it suggesting, "What about a summoning jutsu? It wouldn't be that farfetched to think that he was summoned elsewhere."

Minato agreed, "It's possi-"

Suddenly the ground shook and they all looked in the direction of the main gate of Konoha. A giant dome of wind ravaged through that area. Minato gritted his teeth, "It's just one thing after another. Come on!" Everyone followed after him.

* Outside of Konoha *

Kisame and Naruto were racing to avoid getting caught by any ANBU. All the while Kisame was grinning, saying to Naruto, "That jutsu of yours is deadly. Even for someone like you it should be difficult to control."

Naruto told him, "Thanks to my byakugan I'm able to achieve that feet. It is however still difficult to control Omega. If I'm not careful my own jutsu could destroy me." Kisame knew about his strongest wind jutsu and the real force behind it. Though the one that was just demonstrated was strong it was nowhere near as powerful as its final form. The two kept running until they would soon be clear of the village.

* Konoha Main Gate *

Minato was at the gates, wounded ninja surrounding him. The huge gates were literally ripped off their hinges and tossed into the trees that surrounded Konoha. Part of the wall was destroyed as well, along with a few of the nearby buildings. No one was killed, but many ninjas and a few civilians were injured badly. An ANBU ninja landed by him and asked, "Shall we pursue them Hokage-sama?"

Still looking at the damage he said, "No even if you pursue them, Kisame would show no mercy in cutting you down. Pursuing them wouldn't do any good… They'll be leaving Fire Country and from there we won't be of any real use." He then ordered them to tend to the ninjas and few civilians injured by the attack. Jiraiya walked up next to Minato with his arm in a sling, "That boy has showed that he hasn't been sitting on his ass the last three years."

Minato didn't respond and Jiraiya just said next what he was thinking, "You know that when word gets out about this attack on Konoha the other nations will focus on how much more a threat he's become. Not to mention Akatsuki."

When he looked at Jiraiya he said, "It's odd."

"What is?"

Minato again looked around and explained, "Since leaving Konoha Naruto has done the opposite of what ninjas are suppose to do. Stay low and remain hidden, don't let your enemies know what you're doing. Instead he's attacked ANBU from Kiri, killed ninjas from Sunagakure, Kumogakure, Kirigakure, and Yukigakure, he's openly attacked ninjas of Konoha, attacked Haru who's a jinchuriki, and wreaked this much destruction to the village."

Jiraiya noticed, "You're right, but that could just be-"

"And all of this under the Akatsuki flag. Even for Naruto… He's careful about letting others in on what he really wants, and if he really wanted to keep Akatsuki under the radar than he would be doing this with stealth and not flash." Minato brought his hand to his chin and thought about it more. Finally he said, "Jiraiya take over here. I need to go see how Haru is doing."

"Go on, I'll handle things." Jiraiya said waving him off. Minato smiled, but before left he glanced over to where Hinata was helping find anyone buried beneath rubble and whispered, "Keep an eye on Hinata, she was the first to chase after Naruto and until I question her about what happened we'll need her watched for now."

Jiraiya said, "I will."

Minato called out, "Gaara, Sasuke you two are with me! Everyone else stay here to help!" Everyone obeyed and both Gaara and Sasuke walked over to Minato before they disappeared, heading over to where Haru was. They all reappeared back at the destroyed cemetery, seeing Haru on the ground unconscious, being treated by Sakura. Haru's skin was red from being peeled away by the transformation. Kushina was sitting next to her daughter as she was being healed holding onto her hand. Minato walked over to her and Kushina didn't have to look at him to know what happened, "Naruto got away didn't he?" When she received no reply she gave a sad smile, "I see… What now Minato?"

"For now the village will be on lockdown and I'll have to contact the Kazekage to let him know what happened with Gaara's involvement. There isn't much we can do right now." He told her, but after that he looked at Sasuke and said in a low tone, "Why didn't you obey my orders? I said to go back to the village and you all came here to fight? Why didn't you obey my orders? I'm talking to you as well Sakura."

The two didn't answer and Gaara stepped up saying, "Hokage-sama it was my fault. I asked for a tour of the village and I wanted to see the cemetery. I apologize." Sasuke jumped in, "I suggested it Hokage-sama, Haru-chan and Sakura-chan just went along with it."

"Be that as it may all of you, including Haru are being held accountable for it. What if they didn't capture Haru, but Gaara instead?" Minato said with his arms crossed it made them flinch at his words. Kushina said, "Minato-"

"No!" Minato said making Kushina stop, "I know that all of you are covering for Haru. But the fact is that you don't seem to understand that they are after the biju! Had Gaara been captured than that would've caused a wedge between Suna and Konoha! Suna would've held us accountable for this and we would lose a valuable ally!" Minato looked at Gaara telling him, "As soon as it's clear tomorrow Konoha Leaf squad will escort you and your team to the Land of Fire border. I have to worry about Haru for now, so go back to your hotel."

Gaara and Minato's eyes were fixated on each other and Gaara just muttered, "Understood Hokage-sama."Turning around he left and two ANBU followed him to make sure he got back to his hotel. Minato next said, "Team 7 will be suspended until I say otherwise." This caused shock between both Sakura and Sasuke. Sakura stopped healing Haru momentarily about to say something, but Kushina touched her shoulder stopping her and she slowly shook her head.

Minato told Sakura, "Heal her and then I want you and Sasuke to go to your homes until I call for you. Understood?" The two nodded hanging their heads. Kushina asked her husband, "What about Hinata?"

"I'll have to have a serious talk with her. Right now they're acting like children and not ninjas. I'm disappointed in them…" Minato told her, sighing. He glanced at Haru thinking, 'Haru… When will you learn that you can trust us?'

* Naruto & Kisame: Some Hours Later *

The two Akatsuki ninjas were hiding behind a waterfall to get some rest. Kisame had just told Naruto about his mission and how it was doomed to fail from the start. That Pain really wanted to know if he could fight his village. Naruto took it rather well, "Of course it was doomed from the start… Only someone as crazy as Madara would take on all that talent by himself it was one of his tests or was this Pain's idea?"

Kisame was sitting on a rock nodding at his partner, "Pain thought it up, he wanted to see how you'd handle the situation and was pleased. You were in the heart of Konoha, fought the top tier of the village, and even escaped the Hokage's grasp. Those feats are nothing but amazing." He took his sword from off his back and placed it in his lap, "Our orders have somewhat changed."

"To what?"

Smiling Kisame told him, "Kill Orochimaru. But now instead of capturing the Kyuubi… We'll be capturing the Yonbi jinchuriki."

"Where will he be hiding at? I heard that he left the village." Naruto said to him. Kisame started to pet Samehada and Naruto saw the sword move despite being covered with bandages, "Your mission to capture the Kyuubi was basically getting us warmed up while Pain searched for both Orochimaru and the Yonbi. As it turns out he found the Yonbi first, he'll tell us where at the meeting later."

"I see." Was all Naruto said. Kisame looked from Samehada to Naruto and back again, this caused Naruto to ask, "What is it?"

Kisame curiously took Samehada by the handle and said, "Wanna test that luck of yours?" Naruto raised a brow at that question and the next thing to happen was Kisame saying, "Catch." and he lightly tossed Samehada to Naruto.

* Konoha: Hokage Tower: Morning *

Minato was at his desk and Hinata was standing on the other side and the Black Mamba was laying on the desk. Minato had his hands folded on the desk asking, "Tell me… Why didn't you tell me that you saw Naruto leave?"

He could see that Hinata was very nervous and she said, "I-I-I just wanted to speak with Naruto-kun alone…"

"If he was captured Hinata then you could've done that without worry." He replied, Hinata immediately shook her head, "No! If he is captured… Then I know that I wouldn't be alone to talk with Naruto-kun. I just wanted it to be me and him, no ANBU listening, no one watching us, no you there Hokage-sama." He continued to watch her and she continued to talk, "Naruto-kun didn't hurt me, he only fought back because Kiba and Shino showed up to capture him."

Minato asked calmly, "Isn't that what you want? For us to capture him and bring him home where it's safe?"

Hinata looked at him and said to him, "For how long Hokage-sama? How long can we keep Naruto-kun safe until someone like the Raikage, Tsuchikage, or worse the people of this village demand that he's executed?" Hinata looked down at the floor and continued, "I thought that if I could help bring Naruto-kun back home that I could protect him from everyone… Haru believes that too." She looked back up at Minato asking, "Hokage-sama if I may." Minato nodded to her and she said, "Could you guarantee Naruto-kun's safety if we do bring him home?"

The silence that hung in the air was all the answer she needed. Minato said, "You're right Hinata-chan, Naruto has done too much damage. I can no longer protect my own son. I've known that for years, Arashi and Kushina both know this as well. I was just wondering how long you and your friends would believe that you can protect him. My heart bleeds that I cannot protect him, it really does... Life isn't always easy Hinata-chan."

Hinata's hands trembled a little and she said, "Naruto-kun asked me to go with him." Minato rose an eyebrow at that asking, "So why are you still here?"

"Hokage-sama, in all honesty over the past three years I always knew the answer to that. I wanted to go with Naruto-kun… I was ready to throw my headband away to be with him…" Hinata said, Minato has never seen this side of her before, "But then…" she paused for a moment and touched the sword, "I thought about the long run in that moment he asked me… I asked myself what next?"

Interested he asked, "What was the next step?"

The look in her eyes softened and she said, "I'm not going to convince Naruto-kun to return to Konoha, nor will I join the Akatsuki with him."

Minato and Hinata both smiled and he whispered, "You found another way then?" Hinata nodded at his question. Minato leaned back in his chair telling her, "I'm giving you another chance Hinata-chan, don't let me down."

Hinata bowed and said, "Arigatou Hokage-sama!"

He stood up and said, "I've already told Kushina, but your squad is on standby until your three teammates can heal. Kiba wasn't that hurt, nor was Shino, Akamaru however has a few broken ribs. So for now just do what you normally do." Hinata nodded and he asked, "Oh by the way. Is there anything else you want to tell me about Naruto? Abilities, personality, some jutsu you might've overlooked?"

Hinata didn't make any kind of motion, any kind of face, she just stood there and answered, "No."

"Got it. You can go now Hinata-chan."

She again bowed and walked up to the desk taking the Black Mamba and left the room. Jiraiya came away from the wall as if he was a part of it, "You know she was lying about that last part."

"Yeah. She's not going to betray Naruto at all." He looked at his sensei saying, "I won't force it out of her."

Jiraiya mentioned, "You know that holding back on even a bit of information could lead to death?"

"I do."

"So why not find out?" Jiraiya asked raising an eyebrow.

Minato simply replied, "I have an idea of what's behind that eye patch. Just based off of what you told and Arashi told me there can be only one explanation to how he can do what he can. Naruto has to have a byakugan under that eye patch. I just don't have any concrete evidence to back up my theory." Jiraiya was a bit surprised by what Minato said, but before he could ask anymore Minato said, "I have to go, Gaara and his team will be leaving Konoha now and I have to go see them off."

Jiraiya responded, "Alright... I'll be here, I guess."

Smiling at him Minato replied, "Of course you will." and he left his office.

* Konoha Hospital: An Hour Later *

Opening her eyes slowly, Haru held her hand up when she was assaulted by bright rays of light. Sitting up she clenched her side, "Ow that hurts." she suddenly realized, "Wait… What the hell?" looking around the room she saw her mother sitting in a chair next to her reading a book. Kushina knew that her daughter had awakened, but didn't say anything. Haru asked, "Kaa-san? What's going on?"

Kushina closed her book and looked at her smiling, "You're okay… You're in the hospital."

"What? why?" she tried to get up, but her legs felt heavy. Pulling her blankets off she saw that she was in a hospital gown and there were sealing markings all over her legs, "What the hell is this!" Kushina lightly hit her daughter on the head, "No cursing Haru-chan."

"Gomen. But what the hel- I mean heck is this?" she asked pointing to the seals. Kushina answered, "Your father. After disobeying his orders yesterday twice-"

"Yesterday! I've been out for a whole day!"

Kushina nodded, "Yes… Haru you lost control again you went into your second stage and almost destroyed the cemetery." Haru's eyes widened in shock, "You fought Naruto in that form, but from what Hinata-chan told us is that Naruto was winning that fight." Haru looked down at her legs almost about to cry. Kushina got out of her chair and hugged her, "No one said that controlling these beasts would be easy, but the Kyuubi is different. It hates that it's being used and that hate has grown inside of him since being controlled by Madara."

Haru let a tear roll down her cheek, "Kaa-san… I can't use that power again… I heard him baiting me into using its power. I-I-I…" Kushina started to stroke her daughter's hair, "There, there no one was hurt. Gaara-kun, your tou-san and myself were able to stop you before it got worse. Your friends are wondering if you're okay." She smiled and pointed, "Look." Haru looked to where her mother pointed and saw a bouquet of different colored rose flowers on the nightstand.

"Gaara-kun picked those out from the Yamanaka flower shop. He told me that they were just freshly picked."

Haru blushed and looked at her mother, "When was he here?"

Kushina frowned a bit, "Earlier this morning, but he and his team have to leave soon by your tou-san's orders. Your tou-san wasn't pleased with your actions yesterday."

"What! But it was my fault in the first place!" She shouted and tried to get out of her bed, but the seals wouldn't let her. Kushina said, "Your tou-san knows this…"

Haru stopped and asked, "He does? Then why is he sending Gaara-kun away so quickly?"

"Haru-chan look at it from your father's position. Instead of doing what was best for both of you by trying to convince you to turn back he instead went along with it. Your father is right, what if Kisame was there instead of Naruto? What would've happened if Gaara-kun was captured or, heaven forbid, you?" Kushina tried to explain, "I wasn't happy with your choice either Haru… I'm not upset with Gaara-kun, but you. You put a fellow jinchuriki at risk as well as your friends. Your tou-san feels the same way." Kushina saw Haru look saddened again, "I'm not saying this to be mean Haru-chan. I'm saying this to make you see reason. Everyone cares about you and they will do anything to protect you… However they can't protect you if you keep going off looking for trouble."

The room became deathly quiet and Kushina ran her hand over Haru's legs saying, "Now let's go." Haru looked at her mother then to her legs seeing the seal was gone, "I think that you have to apologize to Gaara, your team, and most importantly your tou-san." Kushina had a spare kimono top in her right hand reached her other hand to her daughter asking, "Well do you want to go or not?"

Haru quickly took her mother's hand, but stopped and took a yellow rose from her bouquet, "Okay I'm ready!"

* Konoha Main Gate: Twenty Minutes Later *

Team Baki were at the gate that was now being repaired and they had six ANBU with them. Minato said to Gaara, "I thank you for your help yesterday Gaara. These ANBU will take you to the border to make sure that you're safe."

Temari bowed to him saying, "I'm sorry Hokage-sama for my brother's interference. If he really did trouble you please tell us and the appropriate actions will be taken."

Minato waved it off, "It's alright, he really was a great help. It's just that the situation should've been handled better." he looked at Gaara who had his arms crossed and was looking away from him. Minato politely bowed and said, "Please come again. Hopefully an event such as this won't occur."

Temari and Kankuro bowed, but they saw that Gaara didn't and Temari grabbed her brother behind his head and forced his head down saying, "Thank you for your hospitality Hokage-sama." They turned around to leave, but stopped when they heard another voice.

"Wait!"

They turned around and saw Haru running their way wearing a dark orange plain kimono and some sandals. When she got close Minato saw Kushina was standing behind their daughter. Haru stood in front of her father with a stern look in her eyes. Before he could ask what she was doing out of bed she hugged him quickly and tightly. This surprised him and she said low enough only for him to hear, "Gomen…" He stood still and heard her continue, "I just got riled up… I really wanted to bring him home and I let my emotion cloud my judgment. I see that now and I'll take punishment for my actions just don't punish the others for me being reckless…"

Minato looked at his wife seeing her smile at him, he slowly hugged her back asking, "You're not just-"

"No I'm not just telling you what you want to hear… I'm telling you what I mean. I promise tou-san that a I won't disobey the Hokage's orders like that again." she said hugging him tighter. Minato smiled again and rubbed the top of her head, "I get it, so can you trust my judgment next time?" he didn't get a verbal response and instead she just nodded into his chest, "Good, thank you Haru-chan." They let go of each other and he motioned his head over to Gaara.

Haru moved away from her father and walked over to Gaara, Kushina walked up to her husband and hugged him saying, "You're such a softie for your daughter."

Minato rubbed the back of his head telling her, "It's that power that daughters hold over their fathers."

Gaara saw Haru with her long blonde hair let down, her shining blue eyes, and her cute features. He asked, "How are you feeling?" Blushing a bit Haru answered, "I'm feeling a lot better. Kaa-san told me that you stopped me from hurting everyone. Arigatou Gaara-kun."

"I just thought, 'What Haru do in this situation' and I came up with a solution." He told her.

Kankuro whispered to his sister, "Hey does Gaara look way relaxed right now. I mean usually he's all tense."

Temari nodded, "He does seem like he's at ease, but I think that he's still a bit nervous being by a girl he likes." Kankuro was shocked muttering, "Like? Gaara? Her? What?"

Haru moved a few of strands of her hair behind her ear saying, "Maybe next time Gaara-kun I can really take you on a tour of my village. I haven't been home in three years so I might find some new things." she said grinning. Gaara nodded replying, "I'd like that. Next time you are in Suna I'll show you around."

She replied, "I'd like that a lot Gaara-kun." she reached into her kimono and took out the yellow rose and attached it the left breast of Gaara's vest saying, "Ino told me a long time ago that a yellow rose means 'friendship and joy'." After placing it on his vest she finished, "And that you really care about someone." She stepped back and said, "There, brings some bright coloring into your attire."

Gaara touched the flower and gave her a small smile, "Arigatou… Take care of yourself Haru-chan."

She rubbed the back of her head a bit embarrassed replying, "You too Gaara-kun and again thanks for stopping me yesterday." Gaara took her hand and kissed the back of it this surprised his siblings and Haru. "Temari told me that this is the proper way to say goodbye to a girl." He said "Ja ne." he then turned around and started walking away. Temari and Kankuro left as well waving goodbye to everyone along with their leaf ANBU escorts.

Haru touched the back of her hand and her mother walked up behind her whispering, "He was kinda cool right there don't you think?"

Haru tensed up a bit, "Kaa-san!" Kushina laughed a bit at her daughter's reaction.

* Yakiniku Q *

At the BBQ restaurant Arashi, Hana, Itachi, Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma, and Guy all were watching the meat getting prepared when Asuma asked, "So Naruto is much stronger than before?"

Hana nodded saying, "Yes from what Jiraiya-sama told us. Naruto displayed a variety of jutsu and other abilities that are difficult to master, even in three years."

Kakashi stated looking at his bandaged hand, "Well he is very gifted. Besides he knows the Shadow Clone jutsu and there isn't a doubt in my mind that he used it to his advantage in training." he gripped his fist and looked at everyone individually, "He's not just another run of the mill nuke-nin; he's a genuine article and we can't let our students just blindly rush in to fight him."

Kurenai looked down at the table and said, "Like Kiba and Shino?"

Itachi told her, "Kakashi-san didn't mean anything by it. He is right though, Naruto is far stronger than we initially figured, and Kakuzu is by no means a push over. So it stands to reason also that with what Naruto's learned here in Konoha he would've used with him over the past three years." Guy started to move the meat around so it wouldn't burn, "From what we discussed it seems like his body is indestructible, he has a kind of sixth sense that allows him to know of oncoming attacks, he has multiple lives, he knows a variety of high level ninjutsu, even kinjutsu, teleportation ability, strong taijutsu, genjutsu doesn't work on him, and from what Kurenai-san's student Hinata said Naruto was able to fight off Haru in her beast form easily."

Asuma asked out loud, "How do you fight someone like that?"

"Easy."

Everyone looked at Arashi who had remained quiet up until now, he answered, "Strike first and fast. It's basic, however it'll work. His reaction time is fast but both Guy and Lee were able to hit him and Hana and her ninken struck him as well. Naruto isn't all powerful."

"The only ones who can do something like that," Kurenai began "are yourself, Itachi, Kakashi, Guy, and the Hokage. It's not really something the rest of us can do that easily."

Itachi told him, "A lot of us here… though it's painful for some to admit it, Naruto is stronger than a few of us here at this table."

The table became quiet. Arashi agreed, "Itachi is only saying what we're all thinking. Naruto failed today because we outnumbered him, that is the truth one on one the outcome would be different. Which is why we need to use teamwork to stop him."

"Not easy seeing as how his teammate is Kisame Hoshigaki." Kakashi said.

"Naruto has cast his hand… What will the Hokage do next?" Guy asked Arashi.

Everyone looked at him wondering if he'd say anything, he sighed and said, "For the moment now he wants the village on alert as well as focusing on Haru's protection. That's all I know."

Kakashi said, "Minato-sensei told me that my team is on a hold for now."

Asuma took out his lighter and started flicking it, "We're going on a mission tomorrow morning."

"My team is on the injury list for now." Kurenai said.

Guy told everyone, "Me and my team leave on a mission tonight."

Itachi told them, "I'm back on ANBU duty as soon as our lunch meeting is over."

"That's how it is." Arashi said out loud. "I guess he'll make me stay back for awhile to watch over Haru and to make sure she doesn't pull a stunt like yesterday."

Hana said jokingly, "That's going to be difficult even for you." The rest of the jounin smiled thinking about the blonde kunoichi, Kakashi pointed to the food, "Looks done, so shall we eat?"

Everyone started taking meat off the grill and onto their plates. All together they chorused, "Itadakimasu!"

* Akatsuki Base *

In one room were all the holographic images of the Akatsuki. Pain adressed to each group, "Deidara, Sasori. Have you two found the jinchuriki yet?"

Deidara said, "We found out that he went on a diplomatic mission to Konoha, but should be back soon."

Sasori continued, "My informant told me that he should be back within three days depending on their movement. However things can change what with Kisame and Naruto's recent involvement in the village."

"Is that a accusation I hear?" Kisame replied.

Pain said, "None the less. Deidara, Sasori remain where you are until you get word from your informant that they have reached the village."

The two Akatsuki ninjas nodded and he turned his attention to Kakuzu and Hidan, "How much did you collect?"

Hidan shouted, "Oi why do we have to get the fucking money!"

"Enough for a small army," Kakuzu answered, ignoring his companion, "but not enough for supplies. As it is right now we'd have only a mercenary army for a short amount of time."

Pain nodded, understanding the situation, "Then you two will have to capture higher ranked nuke-nins as well as some registered bounty ninjas." Kakuzu said, "Understood."

"Zetsu did you find anything on the whereabouts of the snake?" Pain asked.

Zetsu cheerful side answered, "Nope, he might've put up a barrier so that we don't find him." his other half spoke afterward, "It's annoying really."

Pain told Zetsu, "Just keep looking. When he comes out of hiding alert me." Finally his eyes fell on Kisame and Naruto, "You two I've told of your mission to capture the Yonbi. He's hiding out in Ishigakure, but he won't be there for long, so go now and capture him." He looked at Zetsu, "His clone will be waiting for you two and will guide you to his hideout."

Kisame asked, "Can he transform?"

Zetsu's black half answered, "From his training that we observed he can unleash the beast. For how long it is unclear."

"This'll be fun" Kisame noted "considering what I just found out."

Kakuzu asked, "What is it?" Everyone looked over at Naruto, seeing something on his back.

When they realized the appearance difference between Kisame and Naruto, Pain said, "Naruto, it seems that you've become far stronger now." He rose his arm shouting, "Now that this meeting is over with. Everyone go and do your job!"

The holograms disappeared one by one. Akatsuki were now on the hunt.

(A/N)

Next chapter will be about Naruto and Kisame vs Roshi, Deidara and Sasori vs Team Baki, and I should have this chapter up sometime next month. My new semester at college started so I'll work when I can! Thank you for reading!

(Updated A/N)

I should've done this at the beginning, but forgot about it. It's concerning the Kisame/Samehada situation. Let me start off by saying that Kisame isn't parting with his beloved sword and is actually testing out a theory he has and is showing what he's done to the rest of the Akatsuki and I promise that in the next chapter I'll explain why he did what he did in this chapter and he will be using Samehada when he fights Roshi