So... no stats this time around again. Mostly because its getting to the point where I'm spending the better part of half an hour calculating the exact numbers for the views and visitors.

I'll seriously reply to reviews through PMs (for serious this time, and not just one of those "I'll get back to that" type of thing where I don't get to it).

Disclaimer the First: So. Originally this was to be chapter 39, but then the original chapter 38 (the Naruto Battle, as I'm sure you've guessed at this point) decided to move at a rate that would make molasses look fast.

Disclaimer the Second: Finally getting around to writing the next chapter of Becoming again. I think it was the inclusion of scene breaks and characters that aren't Naruto taking POV that threw me; broke the monotony so hard I lost my groove for a while there. But now the groove is being regained. Still, don't expect it to appear anytime within the next month or so.

Disclaimer the Third: Current manga status- meh. Kishimoto's non-inclusion of why Obito (don't look at me that way, the character choice on this site spoils that little thing) Genjutsu'd Yagura and created the Bloody Mist, along with his meeting with Itachi had me suspecting if Kishi's been speeding through flashbacks a bit too fast. Having Hashirama's flashback flit through Madara and himself fighting and growing up without explaining how he came across the Mokuton, along with just up and shafting Izuna leaves me certain that Kishi's got a bit ahead of himself with these last couple flashbacks (Kabuto, Obito, Hashirama), and has gotten into a bit of trouble with his pacing of them.

Lucidity

Chapter 38

Interlude

"I seem to be getting mixed signals." The masked man – Madara, not-Madara – sounded bored, and was watching from his position on the railing with mild interest. In the shadow of the moon, the eye-holes of his mask glowed from the power held within. The right eye glowed blood-red from the Sharingan, while the left eye held the muted gray glow of a Rinnegan. "Perhaps you could enlighten me, Rokubi Jinchuuriki."

Across from the man stood Yagura, panting heavily while wielding his hook-staff, while further back Utakata was crouched on the far end of the deck. Between the two combatants, there was a massive tear in the ship, cutting a crescent moon shape that marked where the masked man had previously been standing.

"If you're not Madara, then who are you?" Yagura growled, his voice a deep rumble, accented by the Sanbi held within. "That is, if you speak the truth."

"I would never speak lies." The masked man replied jovially. "I prefer to allow the truth to rout the lies. You see, truth is far greater a weapon to be used than lies. Wouldn't you agree, Tadashii?"

With a growl, Yagura leapt forward, intent on attacking once more, with the masked man watching with badly veiled amusement, only for a bubble to pass in front of the former Mizukage's face, exploding in his face and stopping him in his tracks.

"That's enough!" Utakata didn't do authority; when he did, Things happened – capitalization intended. It was why his best method of teaching had been through example, because that meant that he wasn't taking authority over his latest nutjob apprentice, and could easily deny responsibility when they inevitably screwed up. "Now, you don't seem to be into attacking us, which means you're here for a different reason."

"Precisely that, Rokubi Jinchuuriki." The masked man nodded. "I merely came to barter an exchange."

"If you think for one second that we'll just go quietly..." Yagura's threat was double-fold when the wind began to pick up, whirling around the Sanbi Jinchuuriki like a deadly tornado waiting to be unleashed.

"I hold no such illusion." There was a noticeable pause, and the masked man fixed his gaze upon Yagura. "Do you hold such an illusion, Yondaime Mizukage?"

This time, Utakata was too late in preventing Yagura's attack, and the Sanbi Jinchuuriki leapt towards the man with a guttural snarl, and the hook-staff was brought down on the masked man, only to slip right through him, and crush the railing beneath the mysterious Akatsuki leader. The masked man said nothing, only leaping to another, further edge of the boat, this time leaning against the railing.

"Good try. That one almost got me." The tone was mocking, and Utakata didn't think it helped matters. This man – whether or not he actually was Madara – was the source of a huge chip on Yagura's shoulder, and picked at the wounds he made on the former Yondaime with careful deliberation. Taking a deep breath, Utakata put as much as he could safely spare into creating a bubble large and strong enough to hold Yagura back.

"If you're not Uchiha Madara, then why use his name?" Utakata tried to ignore Yagura's enraged screams as he attacked the surface of the bubble, instead focusing on the man before him.

"Isn't it obvious?" The masked head tilted slightly, the curves casting dark shadows against the light of the moon. "Madara is a name that gets results. Had I used any other name, none of you would have reacted as I wanted."

"Then who are you?" The words came out like a snarl, and Utakata kept an ear out for the other boats. With all the commotion going on, someone was bound to notice and do something.

"Does it matter?" The masked man questioned, his voice full of amusement. "Events have proceeded too far for my identity to matter. Even if you were to kill me here and now, the war would still occur, and I would remain without identity in the eyes of the world."

"Akatsuki will fall." Utakata grit his teeth, fingers curling inwards, wrapping around his bubble pipe.

"But the war is not integral on Akatsuki's involvement." Again, the masked man was cryptic, and it was beginning to grate on Utakata's nerves. "We have allies who, even now, are preparing to do battle against the Elemental Nations for our cause."

"But–"

"That is enough free information. My turn for answers." The masked man tilted his head back, letting the full light of the moon shine upon him. "You have abandoned your native villages in favor of traveling together. Why?"

"Because not everyone finds their lives fulfilling living as the strongest weapon of their country's Shinobi Corps." Utakata tersely replied, purposely avoiding giving away any relevant information.

"Perhaps I should rephrase, then." The masked figure didn't sound amused. "Every single one of you were safest when you were allied with a Shinobi village. What purpose is served by abandoning that safety in favor of a more... nomadic lifestyle?"

"Safety is overrated." Utakata blithely replied. "You just can't rely on it anymore."

"Fascinating." The figure hummed. "And you chose to rely on one another?"

"No more than you're guys rely on each other." Utakata parried, which was answer enough.

"I doubt that." The figure clearly got the subtext. "But you've given me almost enough that I'll consider answering more of your questions." He pointed at the bubble holding Yagura. "Release him. My next question is for your Yondaime."

"He won't tell you anything." Utakata considered acquiescing to the man's request. It was quickly becoming more trouble than it was worth holding the Sanbi Jinchuuriki back. "In fact, I believe he'll want something from you instead."

"I already told you, my death will not forestall the coming war. If anything, it will force the hand of my ally. I would not wish you to suffer his wrath." The masked figure replied, his tone making it sound as though they were discussing dinner plans. "But it wouldn't matter whether you choose to release him or not. Either way, I will be getting my answer."

Utakata held the man's glare – while staring at the figure's right hand with vested interest, instead of turning his gaze towards the hidden face with glowing eyes – before sighing, and with a snap of the fingers, Yagura was freed. The silver-haired Jinchuuriki slammed the hook-staff against the deck, using it to propel himself towards the masked figure. With a silent snarl, the hook-staff was brought forth in a swing that was stopped in its tracks against the outstretched palm of the figure.

"That wasn't–" The rest of the sentence was lost when Yagura kicked both feet out, sending a blast of wind at his adversary. Before it could make contact, the masked figure dodged, diving through the hook-staff and letting the wind jutsu explode against the sea harmlessly. Whatever joviality had existed in the man was long gone with the attack, and his entire form radiated displeasure and annoyance. Were they not so immersed in the salty sea air, Utakata was sure that the ambient chakra would be set aflame from the sheer amount of fire chakra the masked man exuded in his anger. "That." Two gloved hands slapped against one another, sparking the air into twin trails of flame that spun and twirled in the air like whips. "Is." A flick of the wrist, and the fire-whips snapped, one curling around the hook-staff while the other came down upon the former Mizukage. "Enough." The whip was dodged, but Jinchuuriki and weapon were parted. "I shall indulge this petty vengeance of yours no longer!"

"Petty vengeance?" And if that wasn't the most shocked tone of voice Utakata had ever heard coming from Yagura's mouth, then color him white and call him Saiken.

Do not include me in your human expressions.

"We are Shinobi; we are taught from birth that such things can and do happen." The masked figure's tone was clipped. "Do not act the aggrieved party when you know perfectly well otherwise."

"Years." Yagura's voice was straining, matching his inability to hold back. "You stole away years of my life. Years I cannot steal back. I am well-assured of my place as the aggrieved."

"I needed to test something, and you were the most viable candidate." The masked head tilted, the tone as if he were imparting important knowledge. "The testing of jutsu on live subjects – preferably Shinobi of the likes that will ultimately fall prey to the jutsu – is one of the required steps in jutsu creation."

"The entirety of the Land of Water was devolved into civil war to test a jutsu." Utakata couldn't believe it.

"Indeed." The masked man nodded, gesturing to Yagura. "Your Yondaime holds information about that jutsu that I require. It is still in development, you see."

"To refine it, you mean." Yagura always was quick to the point, Utakata mused.

"If you wish to put it in so blunt and crass a term, yes." Utakata, at this point, was looking back at the neighboring boats, and up at the bridge. Surely someone would notice? "It is a Genjutsu, as you already know."

"To what purpose?" Yagura's snarl brought Utakata's attention back to the scene at hand. "Why does Akatsuki want the Biju? What role does this Genjutsu have in your plans?"

"Biju?" Even though neither Jinchuuriki were watching the masked figure's face, they could hear the interest and curiosity. "Is that what you call those chakra beasts you hold? Oh, how quaint."

"Answer my question!" Yagura screamed, sending another blast of air at the figure, who dodged once more.

"Only after you answer mine." A finger was held up, a mocking gesture if Utakata had ever seen one. "How did you escape my Genjutsu? None of your previous methods worked, if you recall."

"I'll never tell you." Yagura growled, eyes flickering from the hook-staff at the far end of the deck and back to the masked man. "But when I do, know that you'll only have seconds left to live, if that."

"Withholding information?" The figure tsked in mock-disappointment. "Now that isn't very sportsmanlike of you, now is it?"

"It's called common sense." Yagura barked back. "Once I tell you how it works, then you will use it against me in battle. No, the day I tell you is the day I kill you."

"If you tell me, you have to kill me?" The figure echoed back. "That's rather childish thinking of you. I expected better." There was a sigh, and the head lowered, bathing the entire front of the mask in shadow. "But very well. I shall abide by it – for now. Akatsuki's ultimate goal, you asked?"
"And you're allies. Who are they?" Yagura might have been blinded by rage, but Utakata had been calm and in control when these mysterious allies were mentioned.

"Oh, it's just one ally. But he's got many subordinates, and a far reach. Indeed, you may have heard of him." The figure chuckled, the mask rising just enough to let the shine of the moon bleed over his eyes. "Does the name Orochimaru ring any bells?"

Oh, hell. The monster's name had gone down in history after that attack on Konoha that ended with the death of the Sandaime Hokage, and the temporary release of Shukaku. Despite all their pestering, Naruto and Gaara had remained fastidiously tight-lipped about that day, a clear sore spot for both boys. If Orochimaru was involved, the chance of them just getting fed up at the war and locking the enemy in a room with Naruto until they joined his side had bottomed out. There was no way Naruto could work that creepy charm of his on that psychopath.

A glance at Yagura showed that the elder man was following the same train of thought as he, and he turned his attention back at the masked figure.

"Oh, so you have heard of him!" The voice was far too joyous to be real, and just further proved how much this man was mocking them. "As for the other question you wanted, well, have you ever wondered where those chakra beasts you hold originated?"

"The Juubi." The words were a whisper on the wind, traveling far from their source – Yagura, who was staring at the masked figure in shock. Utakata, however, was looking at Yagura in shock. Juubi. Ten- tails. Did such a thing exist?

"That's one name for it." The masked figure tilted his head in acquiescence. "Other, more common names for it are Datara, Deidarabocchi, Ame no Hitotsu no Kami – the One-Eyed God, a title I find most fitting. Some say that it is the Origin."

"Origin of what?" Utakata glanced from one figure to the other. "Yagura, what is he talking about?"

"Is that dissent amongst the ranks I hear?" The masked figure took on a reproachful tone, before the eyes brightened in knowing mischief. "Keeping secrets, Tadashii? That's so unlike you."

Utakata didn't need to even consider the statement to know the figure was baiting the former Mizukage. His hands flitted through a series of seals, and a surge of seawater exploded over the side of the deck, forming a wall separating both Jinchuuriki and the masked figure.

"That is enough!" Utakata was furious – at this masked figure for daring to taunt them like this, at Yagura for keeping a secret of this magnitude from everyone else, at himself for not intervening sooner. He turned his ire on the masked figure. "You wanted information from us. Why? Why not just take the both of us down right here, right now?"

"As I've already said, Tadashii holds information that is pertinent to my endgame." Behind Utakata, Yagura snarled obscenities. "And the technique used to extract the tailed beasts takes time; time that is currently a rarity given the state of affairs the Elemental Nations are in. No, no. When I bring you in, this war you are waging will be lost, and each of you will have days left to live."

"We won't go down without a fight." Utakata's retort came despite the breakdown of the water wall – without his full concentration on maintaining the jutsu, it was falling apart. "This Akatsuki you've formed will fall against us."

"And you truly believe that you won't fall with them?" The masked man scoffed, clearly mocking their brave words. "Such naivety is unbecoming. You Jinchuuriki will fall, farther and harder than any before you. You can only pray that death will find you before you land." The words were spoken with such surety and malice that Utakata was surprised that he wasn't cut from their impact. "I shall ask you once more: how did you escape my Genjutsu?"

"Why's it so important to you?" The words were out of Utakata's mouth before he knew they were there. There had to be a reason why Yagura's escape from the Genjutsu was so important. Understanding dawned on his face as the Rokubi Jinchuuriki realized. "That was it, wasn't it? He escaped the Genjutsu you plan on projecting from the moon. You want to know how he did it to prevent it happening again."

"Very perceptive." The masked figure tilted his head, glowing eyes obscured in shadow once more. "But whatever answer he gives will only be confirmation of my postulations. And the conditions of those postulations can only be met be someone like you two, someone who will not exist in the dream world: a Jinchuuriki."

Oh.

Shit. If only a Jinchuuriki could escape the Genjutsu, then that meant that only the immense chakra agitation that was caused when in contact with Yokai was the only way out.

"Then why ask for what you already know?" Utakata couldn't see the point of this – asking for such specific information without a method to ensure that the informant couldn't warn the other side was tactical idiocy.

"Why indeed..." The masked man seemed to muse to himself, before Utakata realized what was going on.

He was stalling.

"Shit!" Utakata darted forth, thin arms wrapping around Yagura's midsection as both Jinchuuriki leapt over the railing, and didn't stop until he was a safe distance away.

"What are you–" Yagura didn't get to finish his question as the boat they were on exploded in a pillar of fire, a beacon of light in the night.

"As I said." The masked figure appeared before them, his form dragging long shadows along the surface of the ocean as the pillar blazed behind him. "Very perceptive."

"Why kill us if you want us alive?" There was something inherently wrong about this entire exchange, something far worse than the explosion.

"What purpose is a war if neither side is clear in their intentions?" The mask tilted as the figure tilted his head, his voice a low drawl. "Besides, if my postulations are correct, then it is only the two of you and the two Jinchuuriki of Kumogakure that will not be under the cloak of Akatsuki by dawn's light."

Utakata reacted on instinct, hands flying through the signs necessary for the pillar of water to explode out from beneath the figure, only to be met by an equally large pillar of fire to explode from the figure. The two jutsu clashed, bathing the entire area in stifling fog that condensed against Utakata and Yagura's skins and made them feel the chill of the air. When it cleared, the masked figure had vanished from sight, although neither Jinchuuriki lowered their guard. When the seconds ticked past and still no appearance or attack was made, Utakata's guard began to lower. When the seconds dwindled into minutes, Yagura allowed himself to relax. In the close distance, the neighboring boats had stopped, and distant figures ran atop the water, growing closer and larger.

"Something feel off about the whole thing to you?" Utakata finally spoke up, glancing at his companion briefly before returning to looking around him. "We got more questions than we did answers."

"I beg to differ." Yagura's response was all Utakata got before Ao appeared leading a group of Kiri-nin to their location, babbling about their state of being. While the Sanbi Jinchuuriki gave the Sensor-Nin his understanding of how things went down, along with what little information they'd gleamed, Utakata had joined in with his own little tidbits, supplementing Yagura's information wherever possible. He couldn't help but wonder what it was about the masked man that Yagura had been able to glean that he couldn't. With one last glance at the burning remains of the boat they'd been on, and with a silent prayer to the lives lost because of it, Utakata turned to rejoin with the Kiri-nin and continue their journey to the Land of Lightning.

There was something completely off about that entire exchange, and he'd figure it out no matter what the outcome.