KG: (reading a book) Hmmm mmmph. Hmmmm...ummm, huh? What? Oh we're on. Well what the hell are you people looking at? I'm reading my book at the moment. Come back later.
Naruto: Sorry KG, but you have a contract. You are to do this story today. It was filed out by your contract with the WRA( Writers Rights Association). You're compelled to do this.
KG: Seriously?
Yugito: Conditions were already made that you could lag a little when at home or on holidays, but that was it. You have to go.
KG: Son of a bitch. Fine fine. Damn Corporate America and all of their shit. Fine I'll get to work then. (Leaves study) (Appears in the kitchen)
Samui: Aren't you going to work?
KG: I'm getting a pack of cream soda. Something's got to keep me up for this shit.
Omoi: You're just lazy.
KG: Fuck you Omoi. Now then, I guess I'll go get to work. With absolutely no pay.
Karui: If they paid you for it then-
KG: It would be stealing from Kishimoto. Yeah yeah, whatever. Hmm, and what the hell are ya'll looking at readers? Were you expecting a cheerful KyuubiGoku? Yes, you were? Hmph IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT YOU WERE EXPECTING! Now take your mouse, scroll down and read the damn chapter. It's what you wanted right? It's the only reason you're here isn't it? Well, get that camera out of my face and go read! After you read this quote.
Quote: "The secret of many a man's success in the world resides in his insight into the moods of men and his tact in dealing with them" by J. G. Holland.
Sakura hurriedly dragged Naruto through the streets back towards the Forest of Death. She had already called everyone else to the scene and most should have arrived their already. She was absolutely ecstatic about this was what Naruto thought, but he didn't appreciate getting manhandled by a woman, well unless it was Nibi, Kyuubi or Yugito. He could live with that.
"Hey, would you let me go?!" Naruto said as he swiped his hand away from Sakura's. The pink haired jonin turned around and lightly glared at Naruto.
"What's wrong with you? I'm taking you to the Arena. You said it was a waste of time, but it isn't. I can assure you of that," Sakura proclaimed while Naruto folded his arms. He was getting a little irritated with Sakura's attitude or personality. He normally wasn't like this, but not even knowing the pink haired girl on a true friendship level, then Naruto was reluctant to do much with her.
"Hey I just got through a meeting with your council. I'm a little tired right now. You knocked into me, don't even apologize, and drag me off away from Yugito-chan. It seems there is more wrong with you than there is me," Naruto stated while Sakura fumed. She cracked her knuckles while Naruto stared at her impassively. He would dare her to try and hit him again. It wouldn't be like in Konoha. No way in hell.
"Hmph, whatever. I guess it was a mistake to bring you. Just go home then. God, you're such a wimp," Sakura said before she hopped off along the rooftops. Naruto snorted and rolled his eyes. Fine, he would indulge her a little bit if only to sate his own natural curiosity about whatever she was talking about. Naruto quickly disappeared in the Hiraishin shocking a few civilians who had seen him and Sakura arguing. They just stood their slack-jawed for a good amount of time.
With the others
Sakura, in no time at all, arrived at the Forest of Death and saw all of her friends around the area. They had all been waiting patiently for her arrive. Sakura had seen Kiba explaining to everyone in an excited tone about what he had seen along with Sakura and Sai.
"And they all have large ass pillars. In the center of the three levels is a big areas fit for four people. It's got one-on-one spars as well as team spars. It was awesome, but the weird thing was that no one was wearing their headbands. It was obvious that there were a few people that I've never seen in Konoha before and that wasn't even the weird part. No the weird part was this one guy who sits at the top of the seats where people watch. He watches from behind a soundproof glass, but it's dark so no one knows what he looks like. I'm telling you it's awesome and you even get paid if you win," Kiba said sounding giddy. The others all looked at each other with confusion written across their faces.
"And you don't see anything weird with this?" Neji asked as it reeked of suspicion. Shikamaru and Shino had the same thought in their heads. If this was the case then they would really need to tell their Hokage about this, that was if he didn't already know about it.
"What Kiba says is the truth. We had been walking for about four hours that night so we didn't stay long, but it seems that once you step over a seal near a door then a light envelops you and you are pulled there. It was incredible," Sakura said with a smile. Sai merely folded her arms and leaned against the railing. He had his suspicious about it too, but he didn't voice them. At least he would voice them when he had the concrete evidence of something going on.
"What a drag. Why are you pulling us into this? We already make money as it is. Besides this doesn't sound right," Shikamaru said siding with Neji over the suspicion. Kiba pouted and so did Akamaru. Hotaru and Hinata were mostly uncertain about such a thing.
"If that's the case then we should at least investigate. Kumo is Konoha's ally and I'd rather not see you guys go up in smoke," Naruto said coming down with a semi loud crash. He brushed a hand through his hair while everyone felt a calm wind blow around them.
"I figured that you would show up. It seems you're not a wimp after all," Sakura said while Naruto snorted. He quickly launched himself over the gates to the Forest of Death and turned around before smirking.
"Well? Are you going to show the way or not?" he asked while Sakura grinned. She, Sai and Kiba hopped over the fence. They all waited and Lee jumped over as well. Neji followed him, so did Tenten, Shikamaru, Hotaru, Hinata and Shino. Ino and Choji decided to stay behind if only to report anything weird that would happen if they were gone for too long.
Sakura and Sai walked ahead of the group and continued to guide people towards the tower. It was during this time that Naruto took in the sight of the forest. It was still standing after two years. Actually it seemed more lively than he remembered. He could hear the various howls, cries, and chirping of animals both dangerous and not-so-dangerous. It was then that Naruto felt his shoulder tapped and the blonde turned to see Hinata. She lightly blushed and spoke.
"S-So Naruto-kun, how long are you going to be in Konoha?" Hinata asked deciding to strike up a conversation with the blonde. Everyone turned to Naruto waiting for his answer while Naruto answered.
"I really don't know. Maybe a week or two and then I'm leaving. I only came here to deliver some information to Ero-sennin," Naruto said before Sakura turned around. She quickly glared at Naruto while she held up her fist.
"You'd do well to respect Jiraiya-sensei. He might let you get away with that disrespect, but I won't," Sakura said to him before Naruto sighed.
"I do respect him. Probably more than I respect anyone else in this village than Jiji. I know what he is, but don't you ever think that he gets tired of that?" Naruto asked while people seemed confused so Naruto explained as they continued to walk.
"He's called 'Hokage', 'Jiraiya-sama' or 'Hokage-sama' almost by every single last person in the village every single day of the year. You'd think he wouldn't be a little tired that no one could be casual with him? I show him that even though he's in a high position that he's still the same to me. Maybe you should give it a try and not try to go against my ways of showing my godfather my respects," Naruto said before he walked off. He knew the rest of the way naturally from the chunin exams so he didn't have to worry much about it. He left everyone else to ponder those words, but no one more than Sakura or Sai. Both had been with Jiraiya for a good two years and yet they weren't nowhere near as casual as Naruto was with him.
"Yosh! Naruto-kun is right! From this day forward I vow to treat Hokage-sama with respect as well as one of us. I wonder if he would like to run around Konoha with me," Lee said while he pumped his fist into the air. Everyone grimaced at such a thing as Sakura knew that Jiraiya would instantly turn it down.
"He still makes a valid point. Nothing, but formalities all the time will take their toll on you after a certain point. I know I would get tired of it. It's just like hearing Lee shout about "Youth" all the time. You'd more than likely go insane," Tenten said sighing while Hotaru decided to question that.
"So why haven't you?" she asked and Tenten snorted.
"Oh I have. I'm just trying to suppress all of it right now and deal with it later in my life," Tenten responded which earned a chuckle from everyone who had been beside her as they all decided to pick up the pace and follow Naruto deeper into the woods.
With Izanagi
Izanagi was currently talking with both Hidan and Kakuzu. He had wasted too much of his times dealing with Akatsuki and their goals. He completed his assignment, but he wasn't a patient person. When he wanted something then he wanted it at that exact moment and what he wanted right now was his sister Izanami. This was just all taking too long. Though thanks to Hakura's research then Izanagi might've just found the best way to take Karui from Naruto as well as end the blonde's life once and for all.
Apparently, when Izanagi was younger he was a Raiton prodigy, so much so that people suspected that he would become the Raikage instead of A, but that was before his betrayal. He didn't want to rule over those fools. No, he just wanted what was coming to him. All it would take would be a little...meeting with the three others of Akatsuki. He just had to get within range of Nagato, Konan and that fool, Madara. If he could just touch one of them then it would all be over for them. That's why he had been speaking with Hidan and Kakuzu.
"You say you're leaving Akatsuki? You haven't even been here long and the only way out...is death," Kakuzu said while Hidan licked his lips. He chuckled slightly, but both could see an air of dignity about Izanagi that they couldn't prepare to understand.
"You know, I heard that they are planning to use the bijuu. Have you ever thought about what they would use it for?" Izanagi asked. He had been explained the plan by Madara before he became an Akatsuki member. It would be his greatest mistake.
"We don't care," Kakuzu said looking through some of his money in his pouch. Hidan began to walk away with a roll of his eyes whole Izanagi smirked.
"Apparently they are going to bring the bijuu together and form the original bijuu. The Juubi. I heard that they will use Uchiha Sasuke's body as the host and will manipulate him to cast a genjutsu over the moon which will be used on everyone in the world. They will all be under his control," Izanagi said while Hidan scoffed and Kakuzu snorted.
"Who cares about those heathens," Hidan retorted while Izanagi smirked. He just got his first follower from that simple question.
"Well if he succeeds then so you two will be under his control as well. Maybe even I will. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to be the puppet to some Uchiha bitch. Now then if your under the genjutsu then Hidan, you can't kill anymore. You will never have Jashin-nii at your side," Izanagi mentioned and Hidan growled. He slammed the wall next to him and cursed. Losing his god was worse than losing his very life. It was unthinkable. The only reason Hidan even join Akatsuki was so that he could kill people, but if the end product was him not being able to kill at all then it just wouldn't work.
"Jashin-sama, I will sacrifice these fools to you. I'm sure you will be pleased," Hidan said under hi breath with a sick and twisted grin across his face. Izanagi smirked and closed his eyes. It was all coming together for him. Now he just had to get Kakuzu and he knew the best was to do that.
"Also you won't be on bounties. Money will be a thing of the past. You will never have a ryo or yen to your name. You might as well be broke. But hey, you just need peace right?" Izanagi asked while Kakuzu glared. He was the one who handled the finances of Akatsuki and while they did have the money to do the operations, they still needed more. Kakuzu's money was more important than his life. His philosophy was that "everything can be bought at a price." He could never go without money or that philosophy.
"And what would you have us do? In case you forgot, but there is still Deidara, Zetsu, Konan, Kisame, Itachi, Tobi, and Pain. We can't take them all," Kakuzu said while Izanagi smirked. The Rai clan's leader knew exactly who Tobi was. How could he not? It was too easy and that guy wasn't Uchiha Madara. No, he was someone different, but no Uchiha Madara that much was sure, but it didn't matter to him. He could make it work all the same. He reached into Kakuzu's pouch and pulled out a coin and flipped it in the air.
"This coin has an opposite. Akatsuki might be heads and something else is tails. Wanna figure out which one is tails?" Izanagi asked with a creepy smile on his face while Hidan and Kakuzu glanced at each other. They took a hint of the smirk on Izanagi's face while he continued to flip the coin.
"The elemental nations. They are the tails to this coin. We just have to make a few conditions to where the head will try to go after the tail. As for Deidara well I know just how to get him to go to his death," Izanagi said while Hidan and Kakuzu continued to listen.
"So what is your plan anyway? What are you planning to do?" Hidan asked as he placed his scythe over his neck. He was starting to enjoy this immensely.
"My plan? My plan will be to free my sister's soul. I will take her from this world to the place that we rightfully belong. You two can do with the world what you wish after that. Now then, how about we get out of here," Izanagi said while Hidan rose an eyebrow.
"And go where?" he asked as Izanagi touched his and Kakuzu's arms.
"When I was young I had become the proud owner of a little fighting place. The Arena if you would like to call it. I was able to make it for all the elemental nations where they can fight, bet, gamble, or do whatever as they wish. All they have to do is turn on their headbands to the front. Right now, Hakura should be looking over everything. Hehehe, shall we go?" Izanagi asked before they all vanished in a snuff of lightning. As they left, a piece of paper fell from the walls before more gathered. Konan suddenly appeared and narrowed her eyes.
"I'd better go and inform Nagato," she said before she quickly dispelled out.
With Naruto and the others
Naruto and the others descended into the basement of the tower in Konoha's Forest of Death. They had been walking for a good three and a half hours. Hotaru wiped her brow free of some sweat that had dropped to her clothes. It was obvious that no one except Sakura, Sai and Kiba knew where they were going. Naruto just continued to follow them to wherever they were taking them before they stopped in front of a wall.
"Great, you brought us down here. Now what?" Shikamaru asked rubbing the back of his head. They were all lucky that Naruto had brought a few lights with him so they they wouldn't get completely lost. Sakura smiled as she pointed down to their feet. Everyone looked down to see a large seal over where they were standing. Naruto knelt down and narrowed his eyes.
"This seal. It's a transportation seal, but I've never seen anything like this. This type, I studied it in Tou-san's library. This seal was used by the Kingdom of Rōran back during when Tou-san was a jonin. Who the hell has a seal this old? There is no way that this can be real, but if what Sakura says is truth then, this seal can only work if it's in four other locations. Something's wrong," Naruto thought to himself, but he couldn't make an accusationwithout knowing more. He definitely couldn't tell the others this for the simple fear of them leaving. He had to test this theory out with them. Naturally Naruto would take the proper safety precautions, but they still had to go.
"So? What did you do the first time?" Naruto asked and Kiba grinned as he stepped up and moved his hands across the wall. It took him a bit to find it, but he managed to hit a particular stone. Everyone heard a 'click' sound that locked something else in place. Soon the seal across the ground lit up and everyone braced themselves for anything before the light came across them. Naruto could feel his consciousness slipping away and so could everyone else. Naruto noticed everyone drop to the ground while he tried to stay conscious. He felt heavy, maybe even worse than heavy. The light forced him to the ground before his vision got blurry and then the Kyuubi jinchuuriki passed out.
Connected Space
"Naruto," a voice suddenly called for him. Naruto's eye twitched while his body felt limb. His breath felt hoarse and he felt like his breath had been taken away. How ironic for the person who controlled wind to feel short of breath.
"Ugh, what happened to me?" Naruto wondered before he opened his eyes. He didn't know where he was. A formless place with only shades of light. The blonde groaned as he tried to get up.
"Naruto," The voice called again. Hearing it better, Naruto was now able to distinguish the unique sound. It was firm and strict and at the same time very smooth. He felt like he might've heard this voice before. It was so weird.
"Uzumaki Naruto of Kyuubi, you must wake up. There are things happening that you must be aware of. Yagura of Sanbi, wake up. You must be aware of the same. Sabaku no Gaara of Ichibi, awaken. Yugito Nii of Nibi open your eyes my child. Fu of Nanabi, wake up. Utakata of Rokubi open your eyes this night. Roshi of Yonbi, awaken. Kirabi of Hachibi, rise my child. All of you open your eyes. Your brother Han of Gobi is waiting for you to rise,"
Naruto groaned as he opened his eyes. He then widened them and turned his head to the left to see Gaara lying unconscious next to him. Next to Gaara was Fu and Bee. He then turned his head to the right and saw Roshi, Utakata, Yagura and Yugito beginning to open his eyes.
"Ugh who's the jabroni that kicked me in my sleep?" Fu asked getting up. She widened her eyes to seeing Naruto looking at her. Soon one after the other they all woke up and got to their feet.
"Gaara, what are you doing here?" Naruto asked. He took in Gaara's outfit to see the Kazekage blinking at him. It had been a long time since either jinchuuriki saw each other.
"I'm just as confused about this as you are, Uzumaki Naruto. However it is good to see you," Gaara said holding out his hand. Naruto smiled and held out his hand as well before shaking it. He then turned to see Yagura rubbing his head and Yugito coughed.
"Yugito-chan, are you alright?" Naruto asked while Yugito leaned up. She nodded as she wished the ringing in her ears would stop. She then looked up in shock to see Naruto smiling.
"Naruto-kun, what are you doing here? Wait, what am I doing here?" Yugito asked, but Naruto wasn't sure. Kirabi soon got up also before he spoke.
"Oh this place is looking so tight. I might just go blinded because it's so bright. Yeah," Bee said while Utakata groaned.
"Someone had better explain what's going on before I get pissed," Utakata said while all jinchuuriki from one to nine appeared.
"I'd like to meet the candy ass who brought us here. I suddenly felt light headed and I fainted. What's the explanation on that?" Fu asked, but no one was sure how to answer her.
"Same with me," The others said while Naruto rubbed the side of his head. He then folded his arms before taking a step forward. He looked left and right, but all he saw was a vast endless space of light.
"Someone was telling us to wake up a few minutes ago. I did so and now there is nothing here," Naruto said while everyone else nodded.
"The would be my fault my children," Naruto and the others jumped at the voice before they saw a small little fire. They all noticed that a man came into view. Roshi knew who it was immediately.
"Han, you're alive. What are you doing here? Where have you been?" Roshi asked while everyone could easily see that this guy was the tallest out of all of them. He was even taller than Bee which was what Naruto assumed. He actually had to lean back slightly to meet the guy at eye level. He seemed like Shino. He kept the majority of his face covered except for his eyes.
"I'm not sure Roshi, but I think we'd better be quiet. Whoever has brought me back I think it will only be for this duration," Han said and Roshi nodded sadly. Han was his best friend and fellow jinchuuriki.
"What Han says is truth. I know of his circumstance so when this is over, he shall return to the afterlife. As will I," the voice spoke. Everyone was put on edge. The jinchuuriki of each individual bijuu looked around in angst and frustration to find the voice, but even Naruto nor Yugito with their wind and fire abilities could pinpoint this sound. The voice was everywhere, but no body heat was coming from it.
"Where are you? Show yourself!" Fu shouted out while Naruto calmed her down. It was fast, but the figure came into view. Everyone was shocked or at least surprised, no that wasn't how stupefied, uncertain and helpless they all felt.
Naruto recognized the man's eyes almost immediately. They were the same eyes as Nagato's. His torso was more of a sage cloak and he held a staff in his hand while he wore a necklace made out of six red magatama. His short black hair held a distinct shape with two parts of it mimicking the horns of a demon. On his back was the single eye that Naruto saw in Nagato along with nine other magatama.
"T-The...Rikudo Sennin," Roshi uttered while everyone else continued to look on in awe. The first and original jinchuuriki. The holder of the Juubi, the God of Shinobi. He was right in front of them all. All ten jinchuuriki had come together.
"Aren't you supposed to be dead?" Fu asked while Naruto nodded his head unconsciously. Never before had he been intimidated by someone's presence other than Kyuubi's. He had such an air of power and authority that it commanded respect from them all.
"That is right. The only reason that I am here is because when splitting the Juubi into the nine bijuu that you all know I sealed a small portion of my chakra inside each. No one has ever been called by me until today. That just shows how crucial this is," he said before a chuckle escaped his lips.
"Also please don't call me Rikudo Sennin. I've had enough of that in my life. You may call me Ryuusuke," The old sage said while everyone merely nodded individually.
"So how are we all sharing this space?" Yagura asked while Ryusuke looked around.
"You are all connected through your bijuu. It just took a bit of calling their individual chakras together and forming this space," He answered and Yagura nodded before stepping back.
"So...why are we here?" Utakata asked folding his arms. He wouldn't say that he was being impatient, but he would rather get this over with. He was outwardly shocked while inwardly he was trying to contemplate just this at the same time.
"You're here because I have something to tell all of you. As you know the bijuu are masses of chakra. They can't be killed, but will vanish overtime. I have to tell this to you. You must all do what I did. You must conquer your individual bijuu and take their chakra. Kirabi and Yugito should know what I'm talking about," Ryusuke said while everyone glanced to them. Bee narrowed his eyes behind his glasses while Yugito nodded. Seeing the nod, Ryusuke continued.
"I do know of this "Akatsuki" that your generation faces. I also know that Gaara and Han have had their bijuu taken as well as Han's death. It is sad, but Han won't be able to do this nor could he even if he did have his since he's dead," Ryusuke said while Han looked down at the ground. He sighed before Ryusuke turned to Gaara.
"Gaara, however, if he frees Shukaku from his imprisonment then I'm sure that the connection that they have will force them back together which will allow Gaara to do this as well. When you conquer your bijuu and their hatred, then you will fight them. If you succeed and take their chakra as your own then you will get this result. Yugito-san, if you please," Ryusuke asked while everyone turned to her. Naruto and Bee smiled while Fu and Gaara slightly widened their eyes. Roshi, Utakata and Han were even as Yugito's entire body flew up in blue chakra. The seal appeared on her stomach and the same magatama for Ryusuke appeared around her neck as well.
"What is that?" Fu asked in shock while Bee rapped.
"It is the product of Yugi-chan's deal with Nibi. She took the chakra and mastered it easily," Yugito stared at the ground and she watched small roots of trees coming from the earth beneath her. Ryusuke smiled at the sight of new life while the others were confused.
"Your bijuu are the product of Yin and Yang release. Yang release governs life and as you can see, it has an effect on things such as trees or other wildlife," Ryusuke stressed. Everyone seemed to understand it before Ryusuke walked up to Naruto specifically.
"I've had my eye on you the most Naruto-san. You're the one who fell in love with both my daughters. I know Kyuubi and Nibi's thoughts. Both really adore you," Ryusuke said with a smile. Everyone else looked at Naruto incredulously while he scratched his cheek a little embarrassed about the declaration.
"I would like to thank you. After I died everyone made their own realms also known to you as Makai. They can be handfuls as I'm sure that you know. I want you all to come together and face this threat. No matter what, you must not let the ones known as Uchiha Sasuke and Izanagi meet. If they do then you will all be in for the fight of your lives," Ryusuke said while Naruto spoke.
"What could Sasuke do? I fought the guy back in Taki. He's about the same level as me without my wind mastery," Naruto said while Ryusuke narrowed his eyes. With his Rinnegan, he could see a large output and intake of Fuuton chakra from Naruto and a large output and intake of Katon chakra from Yugito. He wasn't sure what to make of it, but he chose to ignore it for later.
"Was this Sasuke any different to you when you had seen him?" Ryusuke asked while Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"Not really. He was taller, faster and stronger than when I met him first, but nothing else comes to..oh wait, he was able to use this dark chakra to fly. I didn't know where it came from, but when we were fighting the Master Puppet I got sidetracked from it," Naruto mentioned while Ryusuke narrowed his eyes.
"I see, this is...troubling. All of you, be vigilant. I fear that things will get out of control in the world," Ryusuke stated while everyone else nodded. They doubted that they could believe this, but hearing things from the Rikudo Sennin himself sort of made up for it. Han turned around and shrugged.
"Well I guess it's time to go," Han said before Ryusuke closed his eyes. He slammed his staff to the ground before he touched the center of Han's body and everyone watched as a fire came over his body. Han widened his eyes in his armor before he felt his heart thump. He fell to the ground while Ryusuke turned around.
"No Han, it's not your time to go yet. You still have work to do. My children I want you all to find each other and better yourselves for the world and for peace. I have seen the strife that has happened to all of you because of my actions. Humans fear what they don't understand. I can only apologize for the actions that have been affected on your lives. I hope that you all rise about it and can find it in your hearts to forgive them. When you awake, you will all remember this," Ryusuke said beginning to leave before he felt everyone grab his arm. He turned around to see everyone back away. Naruto walked forward and stood in front of the sage.
"Those words alone aren't enough to stop what has been done, but we understand. Thank you for telling us. We'll all be ready. You can rest easy," Naruto said with a thumbs up. Ryusuke chuckled and ruffled Naruto's hair like a father would his son.
"I know I can. I'd better not find any of you where I am any time soon. Also I'll be expecting great tales from each of you," the Rikudo Sennin said while Naruto chuckled. He turned around and noticed that everyone was beginning to fade.
"It seems we're all going to be working together," Gaara said while Fu chuckled. She looked at everyone who was like her and it gave her some peace.
"I guess I'll be seeing Bee in the morning. Get ready jabroni!" Fu said pointing her finger at Bee. The Hachibi jinchuuriki grinned while he turned to the girl.
"Eh yo girl. Is you a fool? You gonna call me the famous Bee-sama or you gonna be messed up. Yeah!" Bee said while Naruto waved goodbye to Gaara and Yagura.
"See you soon Roshi," Han said while Roshi waved goodbye. Everyone faded out of their connected conscious and returned to their individual spaces.
With Naruto
"Naruto...Naruto...NARUTO WAKE UP! SHANNARO!" Sakura shouted while Naruto opened his eyes. He had been laying on Hotaru's lap for ten minutes. The blonde groaned and got up.
"What is it?" Naruto asked before he heard shouting, cheering and other noises. He looked up to see various people walking around and the sounds of fighting reached his ears. He looked up and rubbed the back of his head.
"We're here," Neji said while Naruto stood to his feet. He then leaned over and helped Hotaru to her feet. Everyone looked around while Tenten and Lee stared in awe.
"Are you newcomers? If you are then please abide by these rules. Rule one, you mustn't be wearing your headband when you come inside. Rule two, all fights must be done in the ring. Finally rule three, all bets must be paid before you leave if you do decide to bet," A woman said while she held out a box for their headbands. Everyone took theirs off while Naruto did the same. He then sealed his in a scroll. This headband had sentimental value and he saw other Kumo headbands there so he wasn't going to lose it.
"Have a good time," she said while Naruto walked around. He had caught up with everyone else just in time for Sakura to say, "Hey why don't we all try it out? I didn't get to fight the last time and I want to try it out," she had told them. Everyone sighed, but they were here and it would be a waste to not do something. Naruto looked up at the dark room with soundproof glass. In there was someone who could see everything, but no one could see him. It...unnerved Naruto slightly, but he would have to get over it.
"If we must," Neji said while Lee looked absolutely crazed about the idea. Naruto shrugged his shoulders and Sakura walked up to someone.
"How do we register for a fight?" she asked and the person handed her a form. He then handed Naruto one and went off. Sakura filled her out and so did Naruto. He didn't care if he had to fight Sakura, but when they left he would be going home to see if the Raikage Mansion had the same thing.
While they waited for their names to be called Naruto sat in a seat and folded his arms. He watched a few fights and he noticed a lot of taijutsu and ninjutsu being thrown around, but he noticed the lack of weapons such as shuriken and kunai. He narrowed his eyes a few times, but his mind was somewhere else. He was thinking about what the Rikudo Sennin said to him about Sasuke. What was it that made it such a problem?
"And our next and last fight for today will be a very special one. A first timer Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze vs Sakura Haruno," someone said while Naruto got up from his seat. He must've been in so much thought that he missed most of the fights. Sakura leaned up as well and glared at Naruto. She would finish what she did in Taki. Everyone watched with baited breath while Naruto heard some remarks about his Namikaze name, but he ignored them. He stood in the arena and looked around. They were in a caged match. He knew that Sakura was going to try to kick his ass, but it's not like he would let her.
"Alright both of you. No shots below the belt except for the legs and feet. As you know, no weapons. So discard them. Now then Begin!" an announcer shouted while people started placing their bets. A few for Sakura and a lot for Naruto.
Sakura charged at Naruto in a blinding speed, but Naruto kept it easily. He sighed while Sakura's fist slammed into a wall of wind. Naruto glared at her while Sakura widened her eyes. She leapt back while Naruto kept his arms crossed. Sakura tried to connect all of her punches to Naruto's face, but they didn't connect while Naruto snickered.
"Should I give you a handicap?" he asked and Sakura snickered. She quickly pivoted her foot and vanished in a blur of speed. Naruto's eyes widened before Sakura appeared behind him. She shook her head and slammed Naruto across the face sending him flying.
"No thanks I'm good," she said while Naruto backflipped in the air. He quickly stayed there while people looked on in shock. Sakura smirked and motioned for Naruto to come and get her. The blonde chuckled and Sakura instantly regretted it as Naruto kneed her in the stomach. Sakura coughed from the hit. She had seen a flash of yellow come in front of her before she was sent to the floor.
"How did you...," Sakura asked before she looked at her waist. On her waist was the Hiraishin seal. She cursed underneath her breath while Naruto closed his eyes.
"I think it's time that I gave this a try. Kage Bunshin no Jutsu," Naruto said sending three clones at Sakura. He then quickly backflipped and put up a wall of wind as he crossed his legs and sat down. Naruto breathed easily while Sakura tried to defeat Naruto's clones. She cursed multiple times before she jumped into the air. With her fist cocked back, she slammed the ground causing a tremor with her strength. She then ran at one clone and slammed it in the stomach making it dispel. She then looked at the other two surrounding her while she grinned. Sakura closed her eyes while the clones charged her.
She waited until they were just inches from her before she vanished. She appeared behind them with her hand glowing blue.
"Hana Modori no Jutsu( Blossom Revival Technique)," Sakura said before Naruto's clones dispelled together. She then turned to see Naruto sitting down and quickly charged him. With her chakra focused in her hand she neared Naruto. She was sure she would get him before she saw Naruto's ears. They vanished in appeared on top of his head in the form of fox ears. They twitched as Naruto opened his eyes. They were red slitted and the blonde caught Sakura's punch. Sakura widened her eyes while Naruto held out his hand.
"Thank you Sakura. With your help I have completed my sage training. Senpo: Shōtenkyugan( Sage Art: Nine-tailed Focus Sphere)," Naruto shouted before he slammed his hand into Sakura's chest. Sakura coughed from the hit before Naruto forced a wave of wind through her body.
"Fūton: Rokuougan no Jutsu," Naruto shouted before he sent Sakura spiraling into the wall in an explosion. She coughed and dropped to the floor while people looked on in awe. Naruto sighed and turned around. His ears vanished and his eyes returned to normal.
"That's over," he said while the announcer gulped.
"W-Winner Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze," he shouted while people cheered. Naruto took up Sakura's body and walked off. Maybe he had overdone it, but now the place was closing down.
"Come on, we're taking the short way out," Naruto said to everyone and people agreed. Lee was saddened that they couldn't fight longer, but Tenten assured him that they would be back. Hotaru collected everyone's headband and gave Naruto the scroll for his own headband before they touched Naruto's torso and the blonde vanished in yellow lightning.
Hospital Room, one day later
Sakura groaned as she opened her eyes and looked up at the ceiling. She cursed and sucked her teeth. She hadn't been able to fight Naruto as long as she wanted if long as all. Her misguided sight of the Hiraishin had been her downfall. It made her wonder.
"How much stronger is he than me?" Sakura wondered before she heard a book close. She turned her head to see Sai looking at her with a smile. A true smile, a real one and not the fake ones that he had been using for a little bit of time when Sasuke was around.
"How long was I out?" Sakura asked leaning up and out of the bed. She winced as she touched her side. That wind jutsu that Naruto had hit her with had really knocked her unconscious. She felt all of her body compress from pressure before she passed out. That had to be A-rank when used at close range.
"Oh not long, just a day!" a voice that wasn't Sai's said. Sakura leaned up to see the sight of Anko looking at her holding a kunai in her hands. She twirled it for a little bit while Sakura sighed.
"Anko-sensei, what are you doing here?" Sakura asked while Anko pocketed her kunai away. She quickly walked up to Sakura and bonked her on the head which really did hurt Sakura only because she was still in some pain.
"Jiraiya-sama was looking for you. He said he had a mission for you and Sai and you weren't anywhere to be found. Then I hear that you're in the hospital. Where have you been?" Anko asked while Sakura sighed.
"Fighting," she said sticking her tongue out mockingly. Anko chuckled while a tick mark appeared on her head. She then got up and left the room which was suspicious to Sakura all together. Sai merely remained impassive before he stood up.
"I explained the situation to Jiraiya-sama and he said that he understood, but we would be doing a mission for punishment. Also Naruto-san and Yugito are at the training grounds," Sai said while Sakura snorted. She really wouldn't want to see Naruto anytime soon anyway.
With Naruto and Yugito
The two jinchuuriki had met up with Yagura and Utakata in the woods of training ground 7 since it was the only training ground open at the moment. All four jinchuuriki were looking at each other before Naruto spoke.
"So we all really were there and we remembered everything?" Naruto asked making Yugito, Yagura, and Utakata nod.
"Not only that, but we also met each other and Ryūsuke. He told us of the impending disaster. We're supposed to all be together. As far as I know Konoha has allies with Kumo, Suna and Kiri. The Suna and Kiri aren't really allies per se, but have an understanding. It's only Kumo and Konoha that have all four as allies with Kumo and Konoha having the most beneficial treaty between the both of them. I don't think that these four would mind all of us meeting, but Iwa is a little different," Utakata figured and everyone else could agree. Iwa wouldn't readily start allowing their jinchuuriki to start meeting with each other.
"Something drastic must happen to them for Iwa to have all nine of us meet. I was the former Mizukage so I know what it's like," Yagura stated while Naruto turned to Yugito.
"So how do we...conquer our bijuu? I'd rather we all waited until we came together to do it," Naruto said and Yugito could see the reasoning in that. With all of them coming together then they could get it done much faster than on their own.
"I agree with Naruto-san, but Utakata-san you seem to have a bit of sensitivity to this subject," Yagura assessed while Utakata sighed. He'd actually been seeking the others out after last night's vision just to make sure that he hadn't been dreaming about it, but he just wasn't sure.
"I'm just thinking that how can we trust the man who created the source of our problems. The reason we're hated and are nearly alone. He then just comes up and asks for our help since he can't do anything about. I feel like we're picking up his mess," Utakata said to them. Yagura could see where the Rokubi was going with this and so could Yugito before Naruto smiled.
"The way I see it is that the Rikudo Sennin asked for us to do it was because he knew that he couldn't do it himself. I think he wouldn't have bother calling us if he could do it, but he can't. He's placed his trust in us and for me, while she was a former problem, I got to know Kyuubi-chan and I love her a lot. There are tons of people who are out there alone, scared, hated and exiled for things out of their control. Only difference between them and us is that we directly have the power to do something about it. I've fought Izanagi before and I won, but only because of my wind affinity. I'm sure that he'll be able to counter me some other time," Naruto said and Utakata gave an unsettled nod. Other than Hotaru, he didn't really care about anyone else, but a world where Hotaru wasn't around just sort of crushed him. She was his student after all.
"Speaking of power Naruto, what was that thing you used against Sakura-san? It was amazing and I felt a larger than normal intake of chakra from you," Yagura mentioned while Yugito and Utakata glanced at Naruto. The blonde chuckled and stood up.
"Oh well that was my newly completed Sage mode from Kyuubi-chan. By taking in the Yōki from around the area into my being then my senses are enhanced. So is my range of attack, my eyes change and my ninjutsu and taijutsu is stronger," Naruto explained making Yagura nod his head.
"Do we have a sage mode?" Utakata asked, but Naruto shrugged his shoulders. He wasn't sure if they did. Yugito said that she had one, but had never used it or relied on it since she had been fine without it.
"Maybe, but I'm not sure," Naruto said while the others continued to talk.
In Iwa
Kurotsuchi sighed as she skipped a stone from a ledge. She'd been on break from the last mission that was given to her by Onoki. She looked out at her village and just enjoyed the quiet. She had nothing better to do anyway. Why she didn't she wasn't sure. She had just finished her daily routine of training and adjusted it accordingly.
"Ugh, I'd give anything for something to happen," Kurotsuchi said before she noticed someone leaping across the mountaintops. Kurotsuchi glanced just in time to see the person and widened her eyes. Only one person was that fast that wasn't the Tsuchikage. Kurotsuchi leapt up to her feet and quickly chased after him.
Han was finally able to enter the village. He quickly stopped on a ledge and looked down at his village. Since being revived by the Rikudo Sennin, his first order of business was to make it back home. He wasn't sure how long he had been gone before he felt a little reminiscence.
"This place still hasn't changed," he said to himself before Han dodged a kunai. He twisted his head and a small look of shock came across his face to see Kurotsuchi with her face scrunched up in anger.
"You've chosen the wrong person to transform as. Who are you and why are you impersonating Han-sensei?" Kurotsuchi asked in anger. Han closed his eyes and lightly chuckled. Seems someone still remembered him. Yeah he'd been hated by Iwa, but just a handful of people actually liked him. Roshi was one of them and so was Kurotsuchi, or Kuro, as Han called her.
"Wow of all the people to pull a kunai on me, I thought you'd be the last Kuro or am I really as hated as I thought?" Han asked while Kurotsuchi widened her eyes. Han uncovered his mouth from the kimono he was wearing and gave Kurotsuchi a small smirk.
"Han-sensei, you're alive? But we were told that you were dead," Kurotsuchi said dropping the kunai. It was only Han who called her "Kuro." No one else would dare say that name to her and it was the proof that he was real. Han snorted at her statement and looked back at his village.
"Funny how things work out like that. I'm glad you remember me. Even if no one else has," Han said as he glared at his village. Kurotsuchi knew of Han's problem and she never held it against him. The same for her was with Roshi. She liked them both a lot.
"Han-sensei don't think about that please. Just tell me how you're back," Kurotsuchi said grinning while Han shifted in his armor.
"I think we'd better let Han rest before he starting explaining,"
Kurotsuchi and Han turned around to see Roshi smiling at them both. He grinned outright before nodding his head to Han. The Gobi jinchuuriki nodded and Kurotsuchi felt that they had some kind of conversation going on with their eyes, but she didn't ask what it was about.
"Well come on Han. We have to inform Tsuchikage about this ordeal or who knows what someone is going to do to you," Roshi said before he noticed Han's eyes grow a little cold.
"Let them try," He muttered. Yeah he still wasn't sure that he would like to fight for humanity.
"Han-sensei, would you mind if I go with you?" Kurotsuchi asked while Han shook his head that he didn't mind while he, Roshi and Kurotsuchi shot off towards the Tsuchikage Mansion. No doubt the village was about to be in a large uproar over having their jinchuuriki back, but what they didn't know was that Han still didn't have his bijuu. It was still trapped within this large statue that Han had seen before his death, but he would come up with a plan to get it back.
With Nagato and Konan, one week later
"Are you sure Nagato? You don't want to do anything? What happened to the plan that you wanted to create using the bijuu?" Konan asked Pain who was leaning against the edge of his window looking at the rain fall against his village.
"Konan, we're not going to do anything. That plan is bound to fail. For some reason I have been questioning everything that we've been doing. It might sounds unlike me, but I truly want peace. For everyone to understand each other and that's not going to come from gathering the bijuu. I know that Itachi believes the same thing. It's why he's been helping me. This isn't what Jiraiya-sensei taught us," Nagato explained and unknown to him, Konan was silently relieved. She had always known that this was wrong and that Madara's way of thinking wouldn't bring the world to true peace, but she had gone with it because Nagato had and he was the only close friend that she truly had left.
"So, you're questioning everything that we've done?" Konan asked and Nagato nodded. He looked out and turned to Konan.
"That's right. I recently met with the Kyuubi jinchuuriki, Naruto Uzumaki. He's agreed to help me put a stop to this and with Izanagi messing around then this might be just what we need. However we'll keep an eye on him. We don't need another Madara coming around," Pain told her while Konan merely stayed silent taking it all in. She was surprised to say the least. Nagato never questioned the path he took and followed it always. It made her wonder just where these thoughts were coming from.
"Well I recently heard that Zetsu had gone to meet with Hidan and Kakuzu. Also we're supposed to have a meeting about Orochimaru and Sasuke Uchiha," Konan stated and Pain stood to his feet. He nodded and walked off with Konan to go and get preparations ready.
Nagato and Konan did their jutsu perfectly and appeared on top of the Gendo Statue. Soon after them, others began to appear left and right with the last ones being Izanagi, Hidan and Kakuzu.
"Report," Pain said assuming his cold tone while Kisame snickered.
"We're closing in on the old man. It won't be long now. Isn't that right, Itachi-san?" Kisame asked while Itachi merely stayed silent. Nagato glanced at Itachi and the two shared a nod that Konan noticed and so did Tobi.
"Deidara, Tobi what about the Sanbi?" Pain asked while Deidara snorted.
"It's not like Kiri's making it easy for us hmmm. We're about to get him. He's back in Kiri from his little expedition to Konoha. Kami knows what they're up to, but it won't matter because I'll blow them all away hmm," Deidara answered while Nagato turned to Izanagi.
"It seems that the mortal you know is the Nanabi jinchuuriki is in Kumo. She's also become a Konoha shinobi. Just say the word and I will take her out once and for all," Izanagi stated. He preferred to work alone as compared to groups. The only ones he would associate with were Hidan or Kakuzu for some reason and maybe Tobi.
"Very well. Hidan, Kakuzu, what is of the Nibi and Hachibi?" Pain then asked while Hidan snickered.
"We're going to get the bitch soon. We're already at the edge of Kumo's border and we haven't been discovered yet," Hidan said with a light cackle. Pain nodded before he closed his eyes for a bit and then opened them back up.
"Now onto other news. It seems that Orochimaru has been killed. Zetsu has the report," Pain said while everyone seemed at least amazed at that. They all glanced around and murmured while Black Zetsu spoke.
"We had located his body near one of his bases. He was defeated by Uchiha Sasuke," Zetsu paused as everyone glanced towards Itachi who glared evenly. Itachi seemed at least surprised by that, but Deidara was the only one who was pissed. That damn Uchiha. The one who used the eyes that looked down on his art. The same that he sought to defeat. This was starting to get personal.
"Hmm so the brat is stronger than we thought," Deidara said with a snort of indifference that everyone noticed, but ignored.
"However something is troubling When we saw Orochimaru's body it looked like the life was drained from his face. He was pale, ermmm paler than he should be. His eyes were dark and he just laid there dead. It was creepy, even for us," White Zetsu said while everyone gave a contemplated look.
"Regardless that has had one of our problems dealt with for the moment. You all have your objectives. You will get them done. Also Deidara, don't go after Uchiha Sasuke," Pain said before he faded out. Everyone else was beginning fade out as well while Izanagi stayed.
"Going to take that from him? While I have different views I still respect your art. If Uchiha Sasuke doesn't then you should force him to respect it. After all, it'll be a life of happiness for you if you see him glaze up in amazement of your art just before he dies. Isn't that what you would like?" Izanagi asked before he faded out leaving Deidara alone.
The blonde opened his eyes from where he was sitting and stood up. Tobi turned to him and Deidara grinned.
"Let's go Tobi. Fuck the Sanbi. I'm going to kill that little Uchiha brat and show Itachi his dead body and that my art is the best hmm," Deidara said before he walked off. Tobi sighed and shrugged his shoulders. This just wasn't good for his senpai, but Tobi didn't complain. Why? Because Tobi was a good boy after all.
With Sasuke
Sasuke glared evenly at the moon. It's light sort of mocking him like it was something out of his reach. The Uchiha raised his hand, but felt his arms tighten from the pain before he looked to his hand and saw a small black seal over it. Sasuke wasn't sure what it meant for him, but he didn't really care. This power, whatever it was, it allowed him to conquer Orochimaru and absorb him into his being. Because of it, Sasuke felt stronger than he had in a very long time. With this added chakra he could kill Itachi without a worry in the world. It was hurting him, but this pain was his key to his revenge.
Sasuke opened up his palm and a handful of black fire came from it. He chuckled lightly before he made it vanish. The Uchiha quickly strained his body and Sasuke allowed dark wings different from his curse 2 form to spread across his back. The Uchiha launched into the air and did a few flying exercises while trying to fly as fast as he could. The Uchiha could feel the wind in his hair while he activated his sharingan. He could see everything even at this speed. He could take to the air without a care in the world. Sasuke snickered and then he cackled.
"With this power I will kill you Itachi. Once and for all and then my revenge will be complete. Hm..hmhm...hehehe...HAHAHAHAHA!" Sasuke laugh began to spread around the forest that his team was sleeping in. They'd be ready tomorrow. Team Hebi was about to make itself known.
With Izanagi
Izanagi, Hidan and Kakuzu stood together on top of a mountaintop. Izanagi chuckled and outstretched his hands. Hakura was with them as everyone watched Izanagi laugh his head off.
"Does he do this a lot?" Kakuzu asked while Hakura nodded his head in slight embarrassment. Izanagi cackled some more before he suddenly stopped and softly snickered.
"All of you are about to witness the beginning to a beautiful new world. It will resound in the heavens as I judge these mortals," Izanagi said while he turned to Hakura.
"Has it all been evacuated of the Rai clan?" Izanagi asked while Hakura nodded his head with a smile on his face. Izanagi then turned to Hidan and Kakuzu.
"Fear the curse of the lightning god, Izanagi. I will bring this world to its knees. You hear that sister. Feel the power of your brother as he sets things in motion," Izanagi shouted while Hidan and Kakuzu watched him raise a handsign into the air. They felt Izanagi's chakra flare violently before it dissipated.
"Know fear," he said before he turned around and walked away.
In Konoha, Suna, Iwa, Kumo and Kiri
People chuckled with each other and were having a good time in their normal day. However they all felt the earth rumble. The seals underneath the village, the seals from the Kingdom of Rōran, that Naruto had identified, flared violently. They shifted and changed before lightning coursed through them. The clouds outside circled over each nation and everyone watched in awe. The jinchuuriki of each village narrowed their eyes and Naruto cursed.
"Something is wrong," he said while Yugito, Fu and Bee agreed. Naruto had no idea how right he was as a large light appeared in the sky. It blinded everyone's view in their individual villages and a huge explosion soon followed. People screamed and shouted about what could be going on. The light faded and the clouds dispersed. People from their villages sighed and opened their eyes in shock. Four massive craters had impacted the streets of their villages.
Izanagi, from far away, laughed.
"Bring the lightning raining down,"
KG: Done, there I hope you're satisfied. I fulfilled my side of the contract for you. Yeah I know I brought Han back. He needs to be around and the Rikudo Sennin will be explained. He just basically copied Minato's way of entering the seals except he did it with the bijuu. What I plan to do is a surprise. Sasuke is also a surprise. There I told you. Hmm what? Are you expecting an omake? You're saying I should do one? Don't be ridiculous. Now then wait for the next chapter, stay breezy, protect whatever you want, review and send me cream soda! Now then, as I said the last time. Would you be so kind as to, GET THAT CAMERA OUT OF MY FACE! (Slams door) Damn taxes.