The Pantheon of Nine

By: Finn Mertenz

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO. I DO NOT CLAIM TO OWN NARUTO.


Chapter 115: The Mysterious Masked Man! Gotta See, Gotta know.

Thursday 12:28pm, July 29th 58SSP.

"Yo, no, hoe, give me some blow!" Killer Bee sang to himself, swishing his arms.

Strolling down a rock-covered shoreline, this eight-tailed jinchūriki was illuminated by sunlight. Positioned atop the iconic Turtle Island, Bee was training to control Gyūki.

A 34 year old shinobi of Kumo, Bee's true dream was too become the worlds greatest rapper. Because of this, Bee constantly erupted into dance or an array of music, looking for any inspiration.

Characterized by dark skin and a muscular build, Bee had blond-tinted cornrows, obscured by his white Kumo headband. Contrasting his well-trimmed goatee, Bee's eyes were hidden by black glasses.

Defined by a blue tattoo across his naked right shoulder, this was known as the Iron Armour Seal. Specifically used by Kumo to restrain the eight-tails, this tattoo was Bee's most distinguishably feature.

Framed by seven red-hilted swords on his back, these weapons jutting out from Bee's distinct flak jacket. An iconic piece of attire in Kumo, this flak jacket was held in place by a single strap over Bee's left shoulder.

Matching his flak jacket, Bee wore a pair of white gloves and boots, both adorned with crimson stripes. Drawing attention to his skin-tight black pants, Bee had a rope-like red belt around his waist.

Walking across a plain of sand, Bee's knee-length white scarf dramatically wavered against the wind. Dampened by the crash of nearby waves, Turtle Island was swimming through an endless deep.

Littered with mountain-sized protrusions of rock and lush forests of green, Turtle Island was a vibrant depiction. Adrift in the Forgotten Sea, this massive island swam between the Land of Lightning and the Land of Silence.

"I'll have to beg him to stop... My back is killing me." A 26 year old Samui complained, rubbing her shoulders.

A tall Jounin with a slime and petite figure, Samui's most distinguishable trait was her large and symmetrical chest. Shaped in a perfect circle, these large breasts jutted out from the low-cut grey kimono she wore.

Held in place by a white gridle around her stomach, Samui's kimono deeply contrasted her fair-skin. Also, Samui had sky blue eyes with shoulder-length golden hair, cut in a slanted angle to give her more bangs.

Resting under her kimono, Samui wore a short black skirt with a matching pair of shinobi sandals. This exposed the crimson wrist-guards she wore, matching the tantō on the back of her waist.

"It's cause your boobs... They're too big." Omoi slurred his response.

Slouched beside his middle-aged leader, Omoi's back was propped against a coral-covered rock. Gnawing on a wooden toothpick, Omoi was glaring at the ocean with a far-off expression.

A 13 year old shinobi, Omoi was a freshly promoted Chunin of Kumo, evident by the black linen headband he wore. A dark-skinned ninja with short and spiky white hair, Omoi's black eyes matched his headband.

Dressed in a grey jacket with crimson wrist-guards, Omoi wore the one-strap white flak jacket of Kumo. Sprawled over his legs, Omoi wore black pants with crimson bandages around his ankles.

Adorned with red shinobi shoes, this brought attention to the blood-colored katana on his black. Wrapped in a layer of linen bandages around the hilt, Omoi's weapon sparkled in the ocean's reflection.

Instead of responding with words, a 14 year old Karui rushed into sight, kicking Omoi into the ocean. Defined by her back-length spiky red hair, Karui had dark-skin and amber eyes, revealing her bead-shaped earrings.

Similar to Sakura and Tayuya, Karui's chest was as flat as a board, an embarrassing fact for this young kunoichi. Restrained beneath the sleeveless grey kimono she wore, this attire was held in place by a white flak jacket of Kumo.

Draped around her slime waist, Karui wore a knee-length black skirt, blending in with the pants she wore. Sprawled across her dark feet, Karui was dressed in a pair of white shinobi sandals, matching her Kumo bandana.

"Shut up! Idiot! You don't know anything!" Karui shrieked, wearing a carbon copy of Omoi's sword.

Drowning under crashing waves from the ocean, Omoi helplessly waved one arm through the water's surface. At the same time, Samui continued to rub both shoulders, causing her massive chest to swell.

"Cause when I see, I'm gonna be, rapping for eternity!" Bee cut in, dancing in the foreground.

Care-free, Bee always lived without a single worry in life, casually moving from day-to-day. That's why Bee was sent to Turtle Island, to isolate him for training, instead of music.

"Don't cha' know! I'm a hero! Not a zero! Can you hear me bro?!" With each word, Bee swung and swayed his large hips.

"Your rhythms are weak and your flow is trash...!" Tobi dramatically screeched, phasing out from the earth.

"So get ready to die, because Tobi's gonna spank that ass!" Wiggling his arms, Tobi shook his butt from side-to-side.

Enthralled by this sudden appearance, Samui and Karui both leapt in front of Bee, shrouded by his muscular shadow. Also, Omoi continued to drown in the background, disturbing the water's surface.

Pushing his tense bodyguards to the side, Bee confidently strolled in front of Tobi, gazing at each other. Releasing an inquisitive hum, Bee was met by a girlish squeal from Tobi.

Without warning, Bee's hands and feet began to twitch, empowered by a bulging array of veins. Flexing both arms, Bee erupted into a sick break-dance, popping, locking and sliding into place.

"You come to my herd! Question my words! Looking like an orange turd!" Poking Tobi's mask, Bee couldn't stop dancing.

Despite his lethal status as an S-rank rogue ninja, Tobi matched Bee's wicked beats with his own. Comedically knocking their butts together, Tobi and Bee entered a brief dance contest.

"You stink bro, your swords smell kinda sour..." Tobi sunk with melody, waving both arms.

"You need to wash up, dog. So step into my shower." Pointing at his right eye, Tobi's mask focused all attention on his Mangekyō Sharingan.

Spewing out from Tobi's crimson eye, a spiraling vortex wrapped around Bee, pulling him closer. Dispersed by a barrage of kunai, Tobi effortlessly side-stepped these approaching blades.

Knocking Bee off his feet, Tobi kicked this elite jinchūriki across the shoreline, rolling against the rocky earth. Launching pebbles through the air, a cloud of dust concealed Bee from sight.

"Lord Bee!" Omoi screamed with panic, jumping atop the water's surface.

Spitting his toothpick out, Omoi became tense after recognizing Tobi's outfit, a black robe with red clouds. As his mind raced a mile in seconds, Omoi clasped each of his wet palms together.

Weaving through the tiger, snake, tiger, bird, tiger and ram seals, Omoi's hands radiated with blue lightning. Swollen with vibrant chakra, arcs of lightning surged and singed the water.

"Lightning Style: Thunderbolt!" Muffled by his own technique, Omoi expelled a torrent of thunder.

Scorching the water as it advanced, Omoi's jutsu sprang forward with the speed of lightning. Tilting his mask-covered face in response, Tobi casually phased through Omoi's attack.

Striking the shoreline of Turtle Island, this living behemoth released a bellowing shriek of pain. Startled by abrupt quaking, Karui and Samui were knocked to the ground, landing on their hands.

Undaunted by the geyser of rock and stone behind him, Tobi acted like nothing even happened. Looming over Bee, this eight-tailed jinchūriki promptly rolled across the ground.

Unsheathing each of his seven swords, Bee lunged towards Tobi, juggling his sharpened blades. Gripping these crimson hilts with hands, teeth and elbows, Bee resembled a tornado of swords.

Moving with Kage-level speed, Tobi dodged each of Bee's thrusts, cheering like a playful school girl. Clapping his glove-covered hands together, Tobi's hair rustled under the breeze from Bee's attacks.

"What's going on?! No one can stand against lord Bee's fighting style!" Karui shouted in protest.

Jumping over several sword swings, Tobi's foot was flung through the air, kicking the spit from Bee's mouth. Stunned by this powerful display, Bee was launched backwards, crashing against the distant tree-line.

"Im-... Impossible!" Omoi stuttered in disbelief.

Ignoring the panic in her teammates, Samui stood up before clapping both hands in front of her large chest. Rushing through the tiger, ox, dog, rabbit and snake seals, Samui pointed two fingers at Tobi.

"Wind Style: Great Breach!" Samui snarled her words.

Unleashing a chakra-filled vortex from her fingertips, Samui's wind rushed across the rocky shoreline. Traumatized at the last moment, Samui gasped as Tobi appeared directly behind her.

Swallowing this busty beauty into his Mangekyō Sharingan, Karui and Omoi both screamed in the background. Dampened by a demonic howl, dislodged trees were thrown through the air.

"Oh?" Tobi hummed, speaking with a voice that wasn't his own.

Peering into sight, a rabid Bee was on all four limbs, sundering the earth with purple chakra. Swishing into view, a collection of five tails were displayed behind Bee's muscular back.

Surging across the shoreline, Turtle Island became singed under Gyūki's chaotic chakra. Crushing nearby rock into purple water, this chakra-filled cascade swelled under Bee's rampaging feet.

Standing in the center of these approaching waves, Tobi's Akatsuki outfit violently wavered against the wind. Drawing all attention towards his Mangekyō Sharingan, streams of blood poured from Tobi's crimson eye.


Meanwhile.

"I haven't traveled this far since the Chunin Exams..." Izumo cut in, traveling through the Land of Tea.

Obscured by his bandana of Konoha, Izumo's spiky brown hair protruded across his ears. Sprawling over his right eye, Izumo's fair face was hidden by a wall of jagged hair.

A 24 year old Chunin of Konoha, Izumo was one of the more iconic shinobi, well-known and praised. A childhood friend of Iruka, Izumo was extremely loyal and diligent, empowered by nationalism.

Hanging his head as he walked, Izumo wore a full-bodied blue jumpsuit, covering the lower portion of his chin and jawline. A stark contrast to his green flak jacket, Izumo's loose fabric was tucked into his blue shinobi shoes.

"You can say that again." Kotetsu sighed, scratching the bandage over his nose.

Adorned with fair skin and needle-like black hair, Kotetsu's scalp jutted out in all directions, hiding his Konoha headband. Similar to Izumo, Kotetsu wore a full-bodied blue jumpsuit, partially concealed by his green flak jacket.

"I'm already looking forward to my shower." Kicking his feet against the road, Kotetsu yawned with boredom.

"Shut up. You're elite Chunin of Konoha. Act like it." Ibiki snarled in response, resting both hands in his trench coat.

Undaunted by the vibrant and heated rays of sunlight, Ibiki was dressed in full black, hiding his scars. A 27 year old Jounin, Ibiki's most distinguishable feature were the poorly-healed cuts across his face.

Dressed in the same Konoha bandana as Izumo, this blue cloth was spread against Ibiki's tan-skinned skull. As this Jounin walked, his extended coat wavered in the wind, battering his pants.

Strolling into a remote tea shop, Ibiki opened the hinged door with his chest, walking inside. Glancing at every angle and corner, the restaurant was completely empty of customers.

"Welcome, welcome! Tea is on the house! We're celebrating our new Daimyo!" An elderly shopkeeper spoke with applause.

Standing behind a wooden counter, this man encouraged Ibiki, Izumo and Kotetsu to approach. Pouring a fresh array of tea into several cups, this aged man served his foreign gusts.

"Daimyo? Isn't that why we're here?" Izumo slurred.

"Yea, but I don't know why they sent an interrogation unit for diplomacy." Kotetsu sighed.

Startled by the sound of metal striking wood, an armored escort of soldiers marched into the restaurant. Led by the 35 year old outline of Aiden, this loyal patriot held an ornate musket with both hands.

Displaying his ear-length brown hair, Aiden narrowed each of his brown eyes, exposing his fair skin. Staring at Ibiki, these men admired each others scars, comparing their wounds.

Walking past this group of warriors, the hood-covered silhouette of the new Daimyo came into view. Snarling at this youthful figure, Ibiki bared his naked teeth, bathed in the steam from his tea.

"You're late." Ibiki spat out.

Pulling his linen hood off, the 16 year old face of Idate Morino was fully exposed, smiling from ear-to-ear. Spreading to his stern brother, the rigid face of Ibiki displayed a faint smirk.

"Yes... But now, I'm ready." Idate exclaimed.

Raising his cup of tea towards the ceiling, Ibiki took a deep chug, drinking to his brothers fortune. After all these years, Idate finally understood what his brother was talking about, he understood the value of sacrifice.


Meanwhile.

Shrouded by overcast grey clouds and rumbling thunder, Konoha was drenched under heavy rain. As streams of water poured over the Hokage Monument, their stone faces were crying.

Despite the time of day, the entire village was an eerie ghost town, pierced only by the occasional citizen. Dressed with umbrellas and heavy coats, the civilians of Konoha were battered by rain.

"How are they?" Guy asked, standing in front of a rain-stained window.

Positioned inside the iconic Hokage office, Guy was standing behind his desk, holding both arms against his back. Obscured by the linen cloth from his Kage hat, Guy's bushy eyebrows were barely visible.

"Shikamaru is-... He isn't handling it too well." Asuma replied, taking a drag from his cigarette.

"And Ino is even worse... She keeps blaming herself." As he spoke, Asuma was surrounded by Kakashi and Kurenai.

Dampened by a booming chorus of thunder, the village of Konoha was briefly illuminated through Guy's window. Instead of turning around, Guy continued to stare out this window, causing his shadow to stretch across the room.

"Kiba feels bad too, he's been training for days without end." Kurenai cut in.

As these Jounin spoke, Kakashi held a clipboard with one hand, shuffling through the pages. Polluting the air with the sound of wrinkled paper, the faint patter of rain bombarded the roof.

"In truth, I think we all blame ourselves." Guy proclaimed.

Clenching his sleeve-covered fists with vigor, Guy popped a vast assortment of joints and muscles. At the same time, another ripple of thunder echoed through the sky, exposing Guy's stern face

Choji's death sent a shockwave through the Konoha 12, the newest class of graduated Genin. Raised in a time of peace, many of these Genin didn't understand the reality of war.

Constantly mocked and belittled for his weight, Choji still sacrificed his life without a second thought. This was a realization that heavily bore down on team Asuma and team Kurenai.

"At least we got Kakuzu's body... His corpse can provide crucial intel about the Akatsuki." Kakashi spoke with a hushed tone.

"I still can't believe Choji managed to kill him..." Kurenai blurted out.

Turning around with an abrupt twist, Guy tore his Kage hat off, throwing it to his desk. Pinning both arms against his stomach, Guy hummed with a dramatic and over-extended tone.

"Yes, Kakuzu was an S-rank rogue ninja." Guy exclaimed.

"And he went toe-to-toe with the 1st Hokage, to think Choji was so strong." As Guy spoke, Asuma downcast his face.

Before this conversation could progress, the elderly silhouette of Biwako entered the room. Closing the door behind her, this widow held both arms against her back.

"You summoned me, lord Hokage?" Biwako muttered, met by an awkward glare.

Ordering Asuma, Kurenai and his hidden Anbu guards to leave, Guy became isolated with Kakashi and Biwako. Sitting down in his chair with a heavy thud, Guy stared at Biwako with unblinking eyes.


Meanwhile.

Muffled by the sound of pouring rain, Kiba was beating his fists against a soaked tree. Punching the withered bark off, Kiba's knuckles was covered in blood, washed away by rushing rain.

"Damnit! Damnit! Damnit!" Kiba screeched.

As Kiba assaulted this tree, a depressed Akamaru was sitting in the background, completely drenched in rain. Attacking this isolated tree for several hours, Akamaru refused to leave his master.

"I haven't changed at all! I'm still just some useless kid!" Cursing his own weakness, bone protruded out from Kiba's knuckles.

Despite all his training and effort, Kiba was still weak, he couldn't even look after himself, let alone his friends. Kiba felt like he was stuck in the past, unable to reach the future or his true potential.

"Why did do it?! Why did he sacrifice everything for me?!" Enraged by Choji's death, Kiba dug his nails into the tree.

"I always made fun of him! I always joked about his weight! Why did he throw everything away for me?!" Ignoring the blood on his hands, rain dripped from Kiba's hair.

Strolling out from the tree-line, a lazy Sakon leisurely strolled up behind Kiba, soaked with rain. Using one hand to comb his wet blue hair, Sakon glared at Kiba's back.

"You've been out here all day, I like your spirit." Sakon proclaimed.

"That kid who died, do you blame yourself?" As Sakon spoke, his Konoha headband glimmered with rain.

Met by an awkward silence, Kiba finally stopped beating the tree, sliding to his knees. Burying his downcast face against blood-stained bark, Kiba's hands began to tremble.

"Me and my brother have been bored lately, so we'll make you a deal..." Slurring his words, Sakon scratched the side of Ukon's neck.

"I was an elite body-guard for Orochimaru... I'll train you, I'll teach you everything I know." Gasping in response, Kiba's face shot up before turning around.

Licking the green lip-stick on his mouth, Sakon narrowed each of his black eyes, contrasting his pale skin. At the same time, Akamaru continued to sit in the background, waiting for Kiba.

"What for?! I have nothing to give-?!" Kiba argued, hushed as Sakon pressed two fingers against his lips.

"I'm just looking for a good fight, show me what you have." Sakon scoffed, kicking Kiba in his stomach.

Knocking this Inuzuka clan member through the air, Kiba was hurled beyond the nearby tree-line. Rushing in after him, Sakon's shinobi sandals clapped against a puddle of mud.


Meanwhile.

Walking through the desolated streets of Konoha, a downcast Shikamaru held both hands in his pockets. Adrift on dirt-paved roads, these narrow passages were covered in swampy mud.

As rain dripped from Shikamaru's hair, face and outfit, he discreetly cried, mixing in with the heavy drizzle. Ignoring the mud in his sandals, Shikamaru walked for what felt like hours, evident by his soaked outfit.

Distracted by the sudden appearance of the Konoha Academy, Shikamaru journeyed into the empty yard. Staring at an isolated swing, Shikamaru, Choji and Naruto all used to play here.

Over the past two months, everything had changed for Shikamaru, and it would never be the same again. He lost both of his best friends, because of his own failures and inaction.

If I moved faster... If I-... Shikamaru's mind was a bundle of thoughts.

Shikamaru had always been a go-with-the-flow type of shinobi, he never cared about grades or stunts. But now, after losing both of his childhood friends, Shikamaru realized how wrong he was.

If Shikamaru had acted quicker, Choji would still be alive, if he thought more clearly, Naruto would still be in the village. These were thoughts that constantly bore down on Shikamaru.

Startled by the sound of muffled crying, Shikamaru glanced to his side, exposing the huddled outline of Ino. Sitting beside the front entrance of the Konoha Academy, Ino was trying to act like nothing happened.

With both knees pinned against her small chest, Ino's linen bandages were soaked with rain. Hiding her face from view, Ino's sobbing eyes were buried against her shaking hands.

"I just want everything to go back too the way it was..." Ino choked.

"This wasn't supposed to happen... None of this is really happening!" Screeching in protest, Ino clawed at her own scalp.

Glaring at his teammate with condescending eyes, Shikamaru was undaunted by the streams of rain on his face. Standing beside the favored swing from Naruto's childhood, Shikamaru kept his distance from Ino.

"But it is happening, because we let it happen." Shikamaru snarled.

"We aren't in the academy anymore. Naruto's gone and Choji's dead, it's time to grow up." Speaking his mind, Shikamaru didn't even blink.

Dragging her twitching feet across a puddle of mud, the bandages around Ino's thighs were stained with dirt. Also, her purple apron skirt hung between her trembling legs, resting in the mud.

"Is it my fault...?" Ino could barely speak, but instead of responding, Shikamaru just walked away.


Meanwhile.

"Yea, yea! I'm coming! Spiders are nocturnal!" Kidōmaru snapped.

Tripping and falling over furniture, Kidōmaru was housed inside the same apartment as Sakon. Half-dressed and adorned with silky spider-web pajamas, Kidōmaru shuffled to the front door.

Throwing this wooden surface open, Kidōmaru was startled by the glass-wearing outline of Shino. Obscured by the raised collar of his pale green jacket, Shino held both hands in his pockets.

"What do you want?! Do you have any idea what time it is?!" Shrieking his complaint, Kidōmaru pointed at the late-day sun, concealed by grey clouds.

Answered by an awkward silence, Shino quietly stood in front of Kidōmaru's door. Hidden behind his raised collar and the glasses he wore, Shino's facial expression wasn't visible.

"A few days ago... You spoke about the six sage modes." Shino eventually hummed, earning a quick nod from Kidōmaru.

Swollen with regret, the discolored corpse of Choji abruptly pierced Shino's mind, scarring the quiet Genin. In the past, Shino frequently mocked Choji and his lack of skill, but now he could see how wrong he was.

"Is it possible to learn this power?" Whispering his question, Shino was fueled by Choji's sacrifice.

Displaying a wide grin in response, Kidōmaru crossed five arms in front of his chest. Dampened by the sound of his apartment fan, Kidōmaru mumbled an array of unheard words.


Meanwhile.

Walking through the iconic Hyuga estate, Neji's naked feet clapped against wet wood, soaked by rain. Strolling past a vibrant garden, Neji froze mid-step before glancing to the side.

Standing under a wooden awning, streams of water poured from the roof, obscuring Neji's vision. Ignoring the drops of rain that drenched his feet, Neji glared at a wet violet flower, dripping from every petal.

Reaching out, Neji caressed this radiant flower before pricking his finger on a sharpened thorn. Streaming blood across his hand, this liquid was quickly washed away by heavy rain.

Startled by the sound of rapid panting, Neji could hear the collision of flesh and wood, inspiring him to investigate. Walking through the exterior halls of the Hyuga manor, Neji followed these distinct sounds.

Poking his head around a corner, Neji gasped as a sweat-drenched Hinata came into view. Dressed in a full-bodied black jumpsuit, adorned with the Hyuga symbol, Hinata was beating a wooden dummy.

Training in the center of the Hyuga dojo, Hinata was completely isolated and alone. Defined by her bulging Byakugan eyes, Hinata's attacks struck with extreme precision and vigor.

With each strike, Hinata released a miniature geyser of blue chakra, rupturing out from her palms. Swishing and swirling through the air, Hinata's attacks were muffled by the patter of rain.

...?! Neji's mind was completely blank, he'd never seen Hinata train this hard before.

Hinata always felt stuck in the dust, like everyone else was advancing while she stayed the same. And Choji's death further highlighted this realization, a heavy burden for Hinata.

Her failure to bring Naruto back, combined with the sudden loss of Choji, forced Hinata to swell with self-doubt. She wanted to shield her friends, too bare their burdens as her own, but she constantly cursed her weakness.

Now more than ever, Hinata was determined to push herself beyond her limits, to become a great kunoichi. As this occurred, Neji was discreetly standing in the background, watching his cousin.


Meanwhile.

Limping down the mud-filled streets of Konoha, Ino's entire outfit was stained with dirt. Blending in with the streams of rain on her face, Ino couldn't stop crying.

Holding a pair of trembling hands against her face, Ino scurried to wipe the mud away. Distracted by her internal turmoil, Ino tripped in the mud, faceplanting the ground with a wet splat.

Wallowing in her own pity, Ino wrapped both arms around her stomach before cradling up like a baby. Ignoring the mud in her hair, Ino continued to cry, biting her lip with frustration.

"Just wake up! Wake up!" Ino screamed, shouting at the memory of Choji.

Born in an era of peace, the aspect of death was a new reality to Ino, a harsh concept to bare. She just wanted Choji to get back up, she wanted him to open his eyes and laugh.

Startled by a gentle poke to her forehead, Ino struggled to open her tear-filled eyes, sniffling without control. Taking several minutes to regain her composure, Ino panted through her mouth.

"You shouldn't be out in this weather." Sasuke sighed, scratching the bridge of his pale nose.

Stuttering her reply, Ino choked on a mouthful of mud, hypnotized by Sasuke's snake-like blue eyes. Frozen like an animal before its prey, Ino's breath was swallow and raspy.

"I'm going home, you should come with." Instead of waiting for a response, Sasuke reached down before picking Ino up.

Draping Ino's petite silhouette across one shoulder, Sasuke yawned into his free hand, wiping the rain from his hair. Enamored by Sasuke, Ino tightly clenched the loose fabric of his attire, carried through the village.


Five minutes later.

Pulling her high-collared blouse off, Ino's purple shirt was cut extremely short, and littered with mud. Unrolling the layer of dirty bandages on her naked torso, Ino was staring in the mirror.

Muffled by the sound of a running sink, Ino continued to cry, quickly washed away by her hand. Using a towel to hastily dry her chest, Ino threw on one of Sasuke's old blue shirts.

Yanking her skirt off, Ino kicked this wet cloth across the bathroom, hurled into Sasuke's laundry hamper. Tearing the mud-stained bandages from her thighs, Ino threw this damaged linen into the trash.

Grabbing an old pair of Sasuke's shorts from the academy, Ino slid this tight fabric over her slime waist. Kicking the bathroom door open, Ino rushed into Sasuke's living room, illuminated by light from the TV.

Fast asleep, Sasuke had fallen into slumber, quietly breathing out his opened mouth. Inspired by the distinct patter of rain on the roof, Ino yawned before rushing forward, timidly crawling onto Sasuke's couch.

Gazing at this sleeping Uchiha, Ino rested her chin against his knee, allowing her chest to flutter. Adrift in a sea of rabid thoughts, Choji's limp corpse was the last thing Ino saw before falling asleep.


Meanwhile.

"So you knew... You knew all along." Guy exclaimed.

Seated behind his iconic desk, Guy hold both hands in front of his rigid face, magnified by the eerie horizon. Shrouded by Kakashi's shadow, these childhood friends were investigating Hiruzen's late widow.

"The Uchiha Massacre was a necessary sacrifice, even Hiruzen could see that." Biwako remarked.

"Itachi was the prefect instrument to blame, giving us a traitor to infiltrate the Akatsuki." After Biwako spoke, thunder polluted the air.

Clenching his clipboard with each word, Kakashi swelled with anxious rage, searing behind his mask. At the same time, Guy's mouth was concealed behind his clasped hands.

"There had to be another way!" Kakashi spoke out, inspired by Obito's memory.

"Do you think you're the first to say such a thing?" Slurring her question, Biwako strolled forward.

Walking in font of Guy's rain-stained window, Biwako gazed out across the village of Konoha. Barely a small child when Konoha was first established, Biwako spent her entire life inside these walls.

"Say what you will about Danzo, but he too understood the threat of the Uchiha." Met by an enraged fist, Kakashi slammed his palm against the wall.

"You're speaking about a loyal clan to Konoha! Dozens of Uchiha have sacrificed for this village!" Kakashi argued.

Pierced by the distinct cough of Guy, this elite Hokage was dramatically clearing his throat. Standing up with his chair, Guy loomed over his desk with both arms.

"Is it true? Are the Akatsuki really based out of Ame?" Guy asked, taming Kakashi's rage.

Tightening each of her concealed hands in reply, Biwako reluctantly bowed her head in agreement. As this occurred, a barrage of lighting arched over Konoha, depicted across Guy's window.

"The Akatsuki aren't important, Itachi will deal with them." Biwako protested.

"But you should be more focused on the nine tails, he's a rogue ninja." As Biwako spoke, Kakashi narrowed his visible eye.

"That doesn't give you the right to hide important information from me." Grumbling his response, Guy towered beside Biwako.

Disturbed only by the rampant flashing of blue lightning from overhead, a storm rumbled over Konoha. Dripping from every tree, house and alleyway, Konoha was completely drenched with rain.

"The nine tails represents our village as a whole, he's capture is the top priority." Biwako exclaimed.

Throwing his clipboard to the wall, Kakashi snarled from behind his mask, pointing at Biwako. Brought into an extended staring contest, these silver-haired adults gazed at each other.

"Naruto has sacrificed more for this village than anyone, even you!" Kakashi spat his argument.

"That is his duty. As a jinchūriki of Konoha, he belongs to this village." Biwako proclaimed.

Met by the sound of snapping bones, Guy gripped his desk before chunking this ornate wood out the window. Collapsing his pristine wall, shards of broken glass and debris tumbled outside.

"You don't have the authority to make that call." Guy growled.

Rushing into the Hokage's office, a rain-filled breeze polluted the room, forcing Guy's robe to rustle. Also, the sleeves on Biwako's outfit wavered against this wet wind.

"You're speaking to a village elder... You would do well to remember that." Snorting her reply, Biwako's face was bombarded by rain.

Sundering the floor with one step, Guy punched a nearby wall, causing the wooden surface to shatter. Crushing a loose plank of wood under his foot, Guy loomed over Biwako.

"Get out! Get out right now!" Screaming without delay, Guy ordered Biwako to leave.

Slamming the door shut behind her, Biwako strolled out of sight, isolating Kakashi and Guy. Turning around, Guy stared out his collapsed window, battered by a heavy current of rain.

Caught in a foreboding silence, the patter of rain was the only sound that could be heard. Muffled by the iconic hum of Guy, the 5th Hokage was hypnotized by his own thoughts.

"What do we do now?" Kakashi asked, crouching down over his clipboard.

"We're going to investigate the Land of Rain." Guy declared, illuminated by flashes of lightning.