(Hi,guys. Welcome to my next chapter. I've launched it on my 28th birthday as a little gift. I hope you all enjoy it. Especially as Naruto reconnects with his past lives.)
In Kusa one morning close to the Tenchi Bridge, Squad Seven led by Captain Yamato were in the forest close to the bridge planning their ambush.. Yamato spoke up, "All right, everyone. Our spy will be here soon, so we need everything to go flawlessly. Even the littlest slip up could jeopardize the whole operation."
The squad nodded, as Naruto asked, "So what's the first part?"
"The spy is expecting to meet his master Sasori. And Sasori is who he's going to meet," Yamato reached into his pouch and pulled out of picture of Sasori in his Hiruko puppet. He handed it to Sasuke, "Hold this so I can see it perfectly, Sasuke."
"Ok." Sasuke took the pictured and held it out for Yamato to see.
"That's good. All right," Yamato formed hand signs, "Wood Style; Transformation!" beams of wood emerged from the ground and surrounded his body. Suddenly Yamato appeared exactly as Hiruko in the Akatsuki robe and hat.
The girls marveled at the style of transformation, as Sakura spoke, "All right! You look just like Sasori's puppet."
"The resemblance is spot on." Naruto agreed.
"All right. Now I need to mat the voice. Stop me when I sound about right." Yamato began vocalizing in different pitches and tones starting from normal, high, and low. When he started reaching low tone the group paid very close attention, until Sakura heard Yamato's voice matching Sasori's.
"There! That's it!" Sakura announced.
Yamato now speaking in Sasori's voice spoke, "Good. Now we should get into position and wait for the spy."
Naruto looked concerned, "Wait a minute. Something's wrong. You acting too polite. Sasori's a cranky guy who's easily impatient and aggressive."
"Oh, well then how about this?" Yamato asked as he spoke in the tone Naruto suggested, "We're starting the operation now!"
Sasuke smirked, "Perfect."
"That spy won't know the difference." Yami said smugly.
"As long as everything goes according to plan." Yuzuru replied.
"Well, we can only hope right now." Naruto said.
"You all get into position, and are not to make a move until I give the signal." Yamato ordered, and they nodded.
So while the teens hid behind a log, Yamato as Sasori moved out to the bridge. They waited patiently until they checked the time as it hit noon, "Show time." Sasuke told his comrades.
"Look." Yuzuru whispered, as they saw emerging from the forest on the other side of the bridge was a figure in a cloak.
"There's our spy." Naruto squinted his eyes.
"Remember we stay put until we receive the signal." Sakura reminded them, as they kept themselves scarce.
When Yamato and the spy met on the bridge, the spy spoke in a male voice, "It's been a long time, Lord, Sasori. Five years, correct?" the spy removed his hood to reveal who else but Kabuto Yakushi, much to everyone's shock.
'That's...' Yamato thought in surprise.
'No... It can't be.' Sasuke thought in shock.
'Kabuto?' Naruto thought in equal shock.
Yamato remembering to stick to the plan asked, "Were you followed?"
"No. It's just you and me."
"And how do you feel?"
Kabuto sounding worried answered, "Well, I haven't shaken off the feeling in my head since your jutsu broke and I regained my memories."
Over by the teens, Naruto whispered, "So he's the one?"
"Who would've guessed the Akatsuki spy was Kabuto Yakushi?" Sakura asked in equal surprise.
"And he's Orochimaru's number two man." Sasuke added.
"His most loyal follower a mole." Yami said.
"He really is the best at deception, even with his memories altered." Yuzuru put in.
Back with the two, Yamato spoke up making sure not break character, "I have a few questions for you."
"Well, I don't have much time so please keep it brief," Kabuto answered, "I've risked my life coming out here without Orochimaru knowing."
"I want to know about Orochimaru's hideout and what he's up to."
"Orochimaru has several hideouts throughout the ninja land," Kabuto began, "We keep moving to a different one to avoid enemies locating us. Most of them are located in the Hidden Sound Village, and we have spies in every corner of the land."
"And the current hideout?" Yamato inquired.
"We're held up on a small island just to the North of here. We'll be moving out in three days." Kabuto answered.
The teens tried listening in, but with the wind blowing around made it impossible to here, "Can't hear anything. Hope the Captain's not in trouble." Naruto hoped.
"Doesn't look like anything fishy's happening between them." Yami squinted her eyes.
"Remember, we wait for the signal." Sasuke reminded them.
Kabuto spoke to his master, "Now Lord Sasori, we best discuss the orders you have for me."
Yamato thought, 'I was hoping to get some more information. But if I drag it out too long I'll get discovered.'
"Orochimaru uses a protection jutsu on the specimens for his reanimation into other bodies. I was unable to analyze their cellular structure for you."
"I see. And this may come as last minute information, but what of his plans involving Naruto Uzumaki, the Avatar?"
Kabuto got nervous about answering, but had no choice, "Ever since Orochimaru lost his jutsu to Naruto three years ago, he's been devising some ways to destroy him. But so far he hasn't come up with anything full proof. At least nothing to my knowledge. Anyway, I trust you brought the item you promised me. Let's do the hand off so I can get back. I've spent too much time here already. If Orochimaru found out I was here, he'd kill me."
"I'm aware of that," Yamato replied, and thought to himself, 'I can't wait any longer. I have to act now.' he pulled out a kunai much to Kabuto's shock and was about to strike, until Orochimaru himself appeared behind Kabuto.
"I hope you boys don't mind if I crash in on your conversation." he snickered.
'Kabuto was followed.' Yamato thought.
Back with the guys, they were in shock at seeing who ust appeared, "Orochimaru." Naruto gasped.
"He's here too?" Sakura asked in worry.
"Dammit!" Sasuke cursed at this wrench thrown into their plan. The twins got nervous as they saw Orochimaru who's appearance alone gave them the shivers.
Orochimaru had a snake coiling around Kabuto and was about to squeeze the life out of him. Kabuto escaped and landed at Yamato's side, "Lord Sasori, if you hadn't pulled out that kunai I never would've gotten away from him in time."
Yamato sighed in relief and thought, 'Lucky he misunderstood it. Guess my cover's still good. But Orochimaru, oh what do I do now?'
Orochimaru squinted at Yamato's transformed look and spoke, "I remember when I wore that cloak. Oh, those were the days."
"So you followed Kabuto?" Yamato asked.
Orochimaru snickered, "I just wanted to personally thank you for sending me this child. He's been of so much help. Experimenting on new jutsu really cleans through my test subjects, but Kabuto's expert in the field of medical jutsu has allowed me to use so many bodies over and over again."
Yamato thought, 'Taking on Orochimaru is damn near impossible for me alone. If I teamed up with Kabuto he'd see that my fighting style was not Sasori's leaving my cover compromised. If I call in the guys, Kabuto would take off and we'll lose him. I better make a decision fast.'
Unfortunately Yamato didn't have enough time to think of a plan, as Kabuto channeled chakra to his hand and spun around to attack him. Kabuto's attack broke up Yamato's wood cover exposing him to the two. The captain jumped out gained distance in the air, 'Did he see through my disguise all along? No, that can't be it."
Orochimaru aimed his hand at Yamato, "Multiple Striking Shadow Snakes!" many snakes extended from his sleeve and were flying at Yamato. Some wrapped around his limbs to restrain him and one sunk its fangs into his neck only to realize Yamato replaced himself with a wooden dummy.
The real Yamato landed on the ground as his dummy landed before Orochimaru who was stunned, "That was a wood style substitution. How interesting, then you must be..." Orochimaru trailed off, as Kabuto spoke up.
"Lord Orochimaru, is that really Sasori's true form?"
"Sasori? Not in the slightest," Orochimaru answered, "Do you mean to tell me after all your time serving him, you've never seen Sasori's real face?"
Kabuto chuckled, "Nope. He always hid himself through those bizarre puppets of his."
Yamato who was still confused by the sudden turn of events had to get answers, "What is the meaning of this? Kabuto, you were supposed to be an Akatsuki spy! Shouldn't you have been controlled by Sasori's jutsu this whole time?"
"Not anymore. Lord Orochimaru broke that jutsu on me long ago." Kabuto answered smugly.
Yamato frowned, "So you only pretended to be under Sasori's jutsu while turned traitor this whole time? Or has Orochimaru used his own power to turn you?"
"Oh, nothing's controlling me. I simply empathize with Orochimaru's ideals," Kabuto laughed, "Now who are you? The plan was to come and eliminate Sasori, and since you aren't Sasori I can only assume something has happened to him."
"Never mind that, Kabuto. I'll inform you of this one later. Right now, I think you should signal those little rats in the shadow to come join us." Orochimaru suggested.
Yamato gasped and thought, 'So even he knew about their presence before?' With no other option, Yamato gave the group the signal. Squad Seven and the twins seeing that knew it was time. They left their hiding spot and reappeared at Yamato's side on the bridge, armed and ready.
Orochimaru smirked, "Well, Squad Seven. So nice to see you all again. Especially you, Naruto. Sasuke."
The boys frowned at Orochimaru, as Kabuto noticed the twins, "And I see we have some newcomers as well. Airbenders by the looks of them." The twins squinted their eyes at Kabuto.
"If it's you who is here, then I can only assume something has happened to Sasori." Orochimaru spoke.
"We destroyed him." Sakura answered.
"Did you now?" Orochimaru asked.
"That's right. He tried to capture Gaara, but we got the drop on him." Naruto explained.
"Fascinating. The Akatsuki are not one to be easily intercepted. I wonder how you managed it?"
"It won't matter if we told you anyway." Sasuke replied, while gripping his two swords tightly.
"And why is that?" Kabuto inquired.
"Because you two will be dead before we start spilling!" Naruto shouted, as his tailed beast chakra started surrounding his body. Suddenly as quick as lightning, Naruto appeared before Orochimaru delivering a punch to his face sending him back into the forest."
"So fast," Kabuto admired, until he saw Sasuke come at him with his swords. The medic shinobi drew a kunai and using the simple weapon to block both sword strikes. Kabuto eventually jumped back onto the land from which was on his side of the bridge, "Not bad, Sasuke. But it takes more than mere skill to outdo me." Sasuke growled, as they saw Orochimaru return with half his face torn off to reveal the true face of the vessel he was inhabiting.
"Whoa." Yami gasped.
"My God." Yuzuru gasped.
"That really hurt," Orochimaru said, as he reformed his face, "Almost as much as the time you took my jutsu from me. Which I still have to pay you back for!" he growled.
"I was unable to finish you back then, but this time I won't make that mistake." Naruto warned him.
"Don't be so sure, boy. After all you should make promises until you've actually carried them out." Orochimaru unleashed his shadow snakes at Squad Seven who jumped away.
"Guys, don't hold back! Hit them with everything you got!" Naruto shouted.
Naruto and Sasuke went past Kabuto to fight Orochimaru leaving Sakura and Kabuto against each other. Sakura was dodging Kabuto's Chakra Scalpel technique, while using taijutsu to keep him back, "Not bad, Sakura. Your skills as a shinobi have definitely improved."
"I'm not the girl you knew back in the Chunin Exams, Kabuto. I've grown!" Sakura slammed her foot into the ground making the earth swallow Kabuto's feet.
"Crap!" he cursed.
"Now here's a special delivery!" Sakura slugged him. The slug was so strong Kabuto was pulled out of the ground and flew backward crashing into a tree.
He rubbed his cheek and used healing jutsu on it, "That really did hurt."
Yamato quickly used his wood released to make a bridge for himself to get to the other side of the gorge, while the twins used Airbending to propel themselves to the other side, "We gotta help them." Yuzuru said.
"Right," Yamato agreed, as he formed hand signs and beams of wood emerged form his body and took the form of a clone him, "My clone will aid you against Kabuto. I'm going after Naruto and Sasuke." Yamato took off.
The girls and the clone stood together as Kabuto stood his ground. The boy thought, 'An Earthbender, two Airbenders, and one who can use wood style. Even I can't take on these kinds of opponents alone.' Kabuto suddenly found his body entangled by beams of wood.
"There we've got him now." Yamato's clone said.
"That ought to hold him." Yuzuru said confidently.
"Now we can take him back to Konoha and have him really spill some secrets." Sakura said smugly.
Kabuto smirked, "Sorry to disappoint you all, but I'm not going anywhere." he channeled chakra to his free hand and grabbed the bottom of his wood restraint crushing the bottom making it weaker. With his restraint broken he was able to break himself out and made a run for it.
"He's getting away!" Yami called.
"After him!" Yamato's clone ordered, as they went after him.
Back in the forest from the side the enemies came, Captain Yamato made haste before stopping at a clearing to see Naruto and Sasuke going at it with Orochimaru, who was dodging their blows while unleashing snake jutsu at them.
Sasuke used his swords in conjuncture with his lightning jutsu to slice the snakes to pieces. Naruto summoned five clones who unleashed Firebending at Orochimaru. The Former Sannin was jumping back avoiding the shots of fire. Yamato seeing this got an idea, "Time to act fast." he placed his hands to the ground and concentrated.
Orochimaru spoke to the boys, "I must admit you two really have grown from the small genin I remembered you as."
Naruto spoke, as he powered down his demon chakra before it could force him to lose sight of himself, "Times have changed, Orochimaru. And not in the good way for you."
"We'll see about that." Orochimaru was about to attack only for beams of wood to shoot out of the ground and restrain Orochimaru's limbs. The Snake growled, as Yamato approached.
"Good work, you two."
"We should destroy him here and now while we can." Sasuke put the blade of his Space Sword to Orochimaru's throat like he promised.
"I second that." Naruto agreed.
"Let's not be hasty, you two," Yamato warned them, "He may still have information we need about the Akatsuki."
"Oh, you can try whatever methods you can, but I will never crack," Orochimaru snickered, "But I will shed," Orochimaru opened his mouth and to the boys surprise another Orochimaru climbed out of the restrained body, "Ah, that's more like it."
Naruto and Sasuke looked repulsed, as the Avatar spoke, "I really want to puke after seeing that."
Orochimaru snickered, until Kabuto called out, "Lord Orochimaru!" they saw Kabuto arrive, with the girls and Yamato's Wood clone following.
"Kabuto, we're going to have to go now." Orochimaru instructed.
"You're not going anywhere!" Naruto called, as his eyes suddenly turned orange.
Orochimaru looked at Naruto in shock, "Those eyes!" Naruto suddenly appeared up close in Orochimaru's face and threw a punch. The Sane Sannin dodged, but the nature energy surrounding him still dealt a critical blow to Orochimaru's cheek. He flew back across the ground. He groaned before looking back up seeing Naruto, "So you've mastered the art of sage jutsu."
"That's right. This style of jutsu is fitting for me. And with my power enhanced by this not even you will walk away in one piece!" Naruto propelled himself up into the air and summoned a hundred clones all enhanced by sage chakra. Each of the clones started forming a Rasengan in their palms that increased to enormous size.
"They're enormous!" Sakura gasped.
"Whoa." Sasuke gasped seeing just how much further Naruto's also taken his most powerful jutsu just has he has with Chidori.
"Sage Art: Massive Rasengan Barrage!" Naruto and his clones announced as they rained down at Orochimaru.
Orochimaru who was in a panic had to act fast and bit both his thumbs to draw blood for a summoning, "Summoning Jutsu: Triple Rashoumon!" Rising up from the ground were three giant gates which took the incoming barrage of massive Rasengans. By the time the last Rasengan was used up by the real Naruto the third gate had collapsed. Naruto's clones dispelled while Naruto was caught by the twins who airbended up to catch him.
The two brought him down safely, as Yamato spoke to him, "Naruto, are you all right?"
"Yeah. Just have to recover from using all that sage jutsu." he panted.
Kabuto made his way to Orochimaru and helped him up, "Lord Orochimaru, are you ok?"
"Yes. But if it weren't for my three Rashoumon gates I would've surely died from that attack." Orochimaru feared.
"We better move now." Kabuto suggested.
"You're right," Orochimaru agreed before turning to the heroes, "We'll meet again, Naruto Uzumaki. Count on it. In the meantime, help yourself to destroying the Akatsuki for us." he smirked.
Sasuke frowned, "I'm not letting you two get away!" he ran at them with a Chidori in his palm. Kabuto and Orochimaru quickly teleported off resulting in Sasuke missing them, "No!" he growled.
"They got away!" Sakura cursed.
"Maybe, but I can think of where they could've gone," Yamato answered, "Kabuto did say their current hideout is due North of here."
"You think that was truth or just a lie he had saved for Sasori?" Yami asked.
"It's worth checking out. Come on!" Naruto got to his feet and made haste with everyone following.
They kept going North until they stumbled upon a destroyed section of a forest which they could only deduce was Orochimaru's lair, "It's destroyed." Yuzuru gasped.
"We're too late." Sakura said in disbelief.
Yamato frowned, "So much for waiting a few days before departing."
Naruto looked on the destroyed lair and reflected on his battle with Orochimaru and frowned, "We failed."
The group turned to him, "Naruto?" Sakura asked in concern.
"We failed. It was all for nothing!" Naruto punched the ground in frustration.
The twins were shocked at Naruto's outburst, as Sasuke spoke, "Naruto, now's not the time to wallow in self pity."
"Sasuke's right. Things took an unexpected turn we weren't able to foresee." Sakura added.
"Still, we could've ended Orochimaru and Kabuto. But we didn't." Naruto shook, and looked on the verge of breaking down. Yami and Yuzuru went to his sides and helped him up.
"It's ok, Naruto. It's ok." Yami comforted him, as he hugged the twins together.
Yamato sighed, and spoke, "Come on, guys. Let's go." they turned back and left.
That night the gang was once again set up in a wooden home created by Yamato. As they were getting comfy, Yamato came in and saw no sign of their Avatar, "Where's Naruto?"
"He went out to clear his head." Sasuke answered.
"We're guessing he's going to talk to his past life since he already tried talking to us." Yami explained.
"Well who better to talk too than the previous Avatars?" Sakura asked.
"She's right." Yuzuru agreed.
"Well, hopefully he won't stay out for too long." Yamato hoped. The girls looked at each other in worry, and knew they had to do something.
Out in the forest, Naruto sat in a cleared section and got into a meditating form, "Korra, I need to speak to you."
Naruto was suddenly surrounded by an aura and appearing before him in astral form was the spirit of Korra, "Naruto, it's been some time since we last talked."
"I know. Sorry about that. But I just had to talk to you now."
Korra looked at Naruto and could tell something was wrong, "I feel you are troubled. What has happened?"
Naruto sighed, "My team and I were on a mission to gather Intel about Orochimaru. Sadly it took a bad turn. The rendezvous on Orochimaru's part was staged, and in the end we didn't get enough information as we wanted. And worse Orochimaru and Kabuto got away. I should've ended him when I had him!"
"Naruto, everyone makes mistakes. Even the Avatar," Korra calmed him, "Believe me, I learned it the hard way so many times."
"Well, I know you struggled but how can you say you made mistakes?"
"Perhaps you should hear an example," Korra suggested, "As you're aware after the events of the Great Change with the defeat of Unavatuu I left the spirit portals opened allowing the spirits to return, and with them came the spirit vines that spread throughout Republic City. I thought I had done the right thing with my choice, but soon enough I realized actions had consequences. The spirit and the citizens kept getting in each others ways and the spirit vines were causing trouble with road blocks and with buildings. Mayor Raiko and several civilians criticized me for making all this happen and I actually thought I made the wrong choice with leaving the portals open. But Tenzin helped me see that Change isn't something anyone can get used to over night. It did take some time, but eventually both the spirits and people of Republic City started to see eye to eye. And now the city is home to both our kinds. My words to you, Naruto. Actions may have consequences, but consequences should not hold you down," she leaned forward and pecked Naruto's cheek, "Until you need to talk to me again." Korra smiled, as she merged back with Naruto.
Naruto sighed in relief, "That felt like a load off my chest. But Korra's example alone is one thing. Maybe I should hear from the others," he concentrated again, "Avatar Aang, hear my call."
Suddenly emerging from Naruto was an aura that manifested in the form of Adult Aang, "Succeeding and Failing both teach us something, Naruto. And believe me failing and making mistakes really taught me a lot."
"What was one of your mistakes?" Naruto asked.
"During my travels with Sokka and Katara I had to learn the other bending elements. I was still in the middle of my Waterbending training, until I decided to skip ahead and learn Firebending from Master Jeong Jeong who rejected the Fire Nation. He agreed to teach me but when I was starting with beginner's exercise I got too impatient and cocky and went ahead trying to use Firebending like Zuko and Admiral Zhao could do. I lost control and ended up hurting Katara. I was so wrapped with guilt I vowed to never Firebend again. But Katara being who she was restored my spirit and was able to drive Zhao off allowing us to escape once again. Naruto, do not let a single mistake destroy your fighting spirit. Remember when you are down your friends will always bring you back onto your feet." Aang smiled and returned to Naruto.
Naruto smiled, "Thanks, Aang. Now then let's see what Roku has to say?" he concentrated and Roku's spirit appeared before him.
"In my time I was too eager to master the Avatar State. I lacked discipline and control. Our of impatience I decided to take a shortcut by using the winter solstice sun. I tried using the spiritual energy from the sun. I ended up becoming stuck in the Avatar State and could not control my body. Luckily my master Fire Sage Kaja was able to snap me out of it, and as punishment for my lack of discipline I was tasked with rebuilding the temple which I destroyed."
Naruto tried suppressing a laugh while speaking, "That's messed up."
Roku nodded, "Do not let impatience overcome you, Naruto. Being hard on yourself is like carrying the weight of the world on your shoulder. Given time you will find Orochimaru and make him face punishment." Roku retreated back into Naruto.
"Roku made a boneheaded move like that? Sounds like something I used to do when I was a child," Naruto chuckled, "Well, time to move onto the next one. Avatar Kyoshi, share with me your wisdom."
Appearing before Naruto was the spirit of Kyoshi who was prepared to enlighten Naruto, "In my day, I sought to help the world live in balance. I did good and also made mistakes."
"Such as?"
Kyoshi continued, "My greatest challenges was dealing with a peasant uprising in Ba Sing Sei. The people believed that their king no longer had their best interests at heart and planned a rebellion. They destroyed anything in the upper ring that reflected the old government. The Earth King summoned me to help him end the revolution. He wanted me to downright crush them like they were bugs. I refused and instead formed a compromise. The Earth King agreed to give the peasants a voice in his ruling, while I agreed to protect Ba Sing Se's cultural heritage from further desecration. And with that I began training an elite force of Earthbenders. Silent, precise, and feared by all. That is how the Dai Li was formed."
Naruto looked in shock, "You were the one that started the Dai Li?! But they're the most corrupted Earthbenders in the world. Even to this day there are some hidden factions of them out there."
"I thought I was doing the right thing by creating a group that would protect cultural history. I had no idea they would become corrupted over the years. As mentioned before, Naruto. Actions always have an effect. Sometimes positive, and sometimes negative. And sometimes the effect may not come into fruition until long after you've passed on." Kyoshi returned to Naruto.
"The Dai Li were actually supposed to be an elite force only to be corrupted over time. I'd hate to think of groups like that in our village or any village," Naruto feared, "Now to hear from Kuruk." he concentrated and the spirit of Avatar Kuruk appeared before him.
"When I was younger I always sought a challenge. I traveled the world fighting opponent after opponent. I was arrogant, proud, boastful. You might say I was quite the show off Avatar. That is until the day I met the love of my life. Ummi was from the Southern Water Tribe. When I first met her I knew we were guided to one another. When she came into my life I renounced my irresponsible ways and settled down. We were to be married in the Spirit Oasis, but on that day tragedy struck. Ummi fell into the spirit pond as if some force pulled her in. She was taken by Koh the Face stealer to punish me for my arrogance in the past. Every year on our wedding anniversary I went to the Spirit World to try and find her. But I had failed her."
"I see." Naruto answered, while thinking about the girls in his life hating the idea of anything happening to them.
"Remember, Naruto. Never let yourself be clouded by arrogance and pride. Otherwise you'll lose more than yourself down the line, you'll lose all you hold dear." Kuruk returned to Naruto.
Naruto panted, "Kuruk's right. I must never get too caught up in my own power or I'll lose everyone. Well, now it's time I asked the true master himself." he concentrated and Wan appeared before him.
"Hello, Naruto." Wan greeted him.
"Wan, my past lives have helped me see that no Avatar is perfect. We make mistakes like all the rest, but shouldn't let failure or fear hold us down or shape us. You just have to accept it and move forward."
Wan smiled, "Very wise, Naruto. You've learned well. Just as I have years ago when I began the whole Avatar ordeal," Wan reminisced, "After I was banished from my village I sought to do good, but I made mistakes along the way. I ended up releasing Vatuu on the land, my friends rebelled against the Chou Family by taking the Lion Turtles Fire and used it for destruction against them as well as on my spirit friends. In the end both sides lost and Vatuu only got stronger. That's why Raava and I had to work together to end the suffering and imprisoned Vatuu. Naruto, I leave you with these words, no matter what mistakes you made you never face them alone. I've had Raava with me since I became the Avatar, and you have both Raava, Kurama, and all your friends. You will continue to make us all proud." Wan was absorbed back into Naruto.
The boy let out a deep sigh of relief and smiled, "Thanks, guys."
"Um, Naruto?" came Sakura's voice.
Naruto looked over and saw Sakura and the twins, "Girls, how long were you there?"
"We just arrived. It wasn't easy trying to find you out here. Especially since we didn't want to interrupt your concentration." Yami answered.
"Are you ok?" Yuzuru asked.
Naruto got up and smiled, "You know what? I actually am." the girls were relieved to see Naruto wasn't down in the dumps since Orochimaru and Kabuto escaped.
"That's good news." Sakura said.
Naruto spoke, "We may have missed a chance to defeat Orochimaru and Kabuto, but they will be back. But next time we'll make sure they don't walk away."
Yuzuru smirked, "That's the Avatar we love."
Sakura smiled and nodded, "Yeah."
Naruto looked at the three, "Let's go back." The girls nodded and followed the boy, as Sakura pecked Naruto's cheek much to his surprise, "Sakura, what was that for?"
"For being such a good friend and teammate. I'm lucky to have you in my life."
"As are we." Yami added.
"Uh-huh." The twins performed the double cheek kiss, making Naruto smile brighter.
Meanwhile far from their location, Orochimaru and Kabuto stood on a large tree branch looking across the land before them, "They've grown stronger over the years." Kabuto noted.
"Indeed. Especially the Avatar." Orochimaru added.
"And with the Akatsuki finally on the move, there's no doubt they'll be coming after us too."
"Even our forces are no match for the Akatsuki, especially not against Itachi," Orochimaru explained, "We need help in eliminating both sides if they don't destroy each other first. Kabuto, I'm going abroad."
"Abroad? To where?" the bespectacled ninja asked.
"The Land of the Benders. There may be some who can help us in crushing both the Akatsuki and the Avatar. At least if I can find the needed material." he snickered. Kabuto looked to his master in concern wondering what Orochimaru was planning.
(And there you go. The rendezvous ambush took an unexpected turn, and Orochimaru escaped. But Naruto and the others won't let this setback weigh them down. And what does Orochimaru hope to find where he's going. Tune in next time.)
