Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing some of the first casualties in the cold war between the Shinobi Alliance and the Akatsuki, along with seeing some of the other resurrected Ninja as well. Then we'll be seeing Naruto making new moves and taking care of a potential problem. So, without further ado.
I own nothing
While the Fourth Shinobi War was put on hold, for the time being, due to Naruto's "death" along with the attacks against Kumo and Iwa. The Shinobi Alliance was still making plans on preparing for when the Akatsuki finally made their move, not to mention trying to find out about this new organization. Sending out various scouting teams to try and find any sign of when and where they'll strike, or even where they're located to take them out before they can strike.
With one such scouting team consisting of Shikamaru Nara, Chōji Akimichi, Kiba Inuzuka and Akamaru, and Neji Hyūga. The team having been sent to the border between the Land of Lightning and the Land of Frost after getting reports of spotting White Zetsu's in the area. With the four of them being sent to investigate and see what they can find.
Only for them all to get a very painful reunion with some of their old enemies, the resurrected Sound Four. Who were among the ones resurrected by Kabuto, with all four of them being more than eager to get revenge on the ones who killed them.
Normally, this wouldn't have been difficult for the Scouting Team to handle, given how they fought the Sound Four before and knew how they fight. But they also knew, even back then, they couldn't even defeat them one-on-one, with Chōji and Neji just barely managing to defeat Kidōmaru and Jirōbō. While Shikamaru and Kiba needed to get help from Kankuro and Temari to defeat Sakon and Ukon, and Tayuya.
Now the Sound Four had immortal, unkillable bodies and limitless Chakra, not to mention they were now fighting together. While the Scouting Team were still reeling from Naruto's "betrayal" and the attacks against the Shinobi Alliance, leaving them in rather emotional states and unfocused.
Leading to Neji getting shot full of arrows by Kidōmaru, Kiba and Akamaru being taken over by Sakon and Ukon with their bodies being ripped apart from the inside out, Chōji getting his head and heart ripped out by Jirōbō, and Shikamaru being crushed by Tayuya's Doki.
"That felt good." Sakon said, while smirking.
"Very good brother. No puppets around to save you this time, mutt." Added Ukon, while kicking Kiba's corpse.
"And so much for those "All-Seeing" eyes of yours." Kidōmaru taunted as he shot another arrow into Neji.
"No butterfly wings to help either, fatty." Stated Jirōbō, before tossing Chōji's head away.
"Yeah big fucking deal, we got to kill the trash. Like it fucking matters." Tayuya said, scowling and crossing her arms, making her teammates frown but knew she was right.
Despite getting their revenge on the ones who killed them, it was a hollow victory for them, after what they learned from Kabuto when they were first brought back.
*Flashback*
"Oh fucking perfect. We can't even stay dead now!" Tayuya said as she and the other members of the Sound Five stepped out of their coffins, seeing they were resurrected.
"Be silent Tayuya. While I can no longer kill you in this form, we have been brought back to serve Orochimaru-sama." Said Kimimaro, the Kaguya being pleased that his master resurrected them to serve him once more.
"Well, where is he?" Sakon questioned as they looked around for where Orochimaru was.
"Did he summon us outside of Otogakure or another base?" Ukon asked, when they didn't see the Snake Sannin anywhere in sight, nor did they recognize their surroundings.
"I'm afraid Orochimaru isn't who summoned your five. I was." Said Kabuto as he revealed himself, surprising the five at his new appearance.
"Kabuto? What happened to you? And where's Orochimaru-sama?" Kidōmaru asked, upon seeing his appearance now resembled a snakes, even so more than Orochimaru's.
"Let's just say, I've gone through some changes. As for Orochimaru, he's been dead for over a year now." Revealed Kabuto, much to their shock and horror that Orochimaru was actually dead, having believed he could never die.
"Then why have you brought us back?! Why not let us remain in the afterlife to serve Orochimaru-sama there?! Or did you bring us back to avenge is death?!" Kimimaro demanded, angry and saddened to hear his savior was dead, now wanting to find the one responsible for killing him and rip them apart.
The others nodding in agreement, wanting to avenge their master, along with the chance to avenge their own deaths as well.
"How touching that you all still show such devotion. It's almost a shame Orochimaru never even gave any of you a second thought." Said Kabuto, smirking, as the Sound Five's eyes widened at what he just he said.
"What the fuck did you just say?! We were his personal guards! Of course he would have been angry at our deaths!" Tayuya shouted, while glaring at Kabuto, who started chuckling.
"Hmhmhmhm, oh how you've deluded yourselves. Orochimaru never cared for any of you, not even you Kimimaro. The only thing you all were to him, were four pawns and a defective vessel, nothing more, nothing less. He didn't even so much as blink when he learned of your deaths. In fact, he was probably only mildly annoyed that he couldn't recover your bodies for studying. That's how little he cared for you five." Kabuto revealed, as their shock and horror turned into despair to hear what Orochimaru really thought of them, with Kimimaro even falling to his hands and knees, shaking his head in denial.
"Though if it's any consolation, you five did indirectly get your revenge and cause Orochimaru's death. Since the one who killed him, was none other than Satsuki Uchiha, the one he sent you to bring to him. Congratulations, your actions helped lead to the death of a Sannin." Kabuto taunted, simply to rub more salt into the wound.
*End Flashback*
'Fucking should have known the snake bastard never cared.' Tayuya thought, knowing the news was a major blow to all of them, given how Orochimaru saved them all and gave them a purpose, now they learn they were just more pawns to him.
With Kimimaro taking it the hardest, learning his master and savior never cared about him and that he had a hand in causing his death. It resulted in him turning into a blood-thirsty savage, like the rest of his clan, now simply killing anything with a pulse. Whether it's an enemy or any ally, an ally he can kill anyway.
It was actually even more unnerving than his usual stoicism, seeing Kimimaro gleefully slaughtering animals and humans alike.
"So, the fuck are we gonna do now?" Tayuya asked, while looking at the others, none of them really having an answer, since they were still under Kabuto's control and have gotten their revenge.
They were basically back to where they all started, with no purpose except to just exist.
Though the resurrected redhead then heard a noise and looked to see Shikamaru was somehow still alive, making her smirk.
"Well, I just found something to do." Stated Tayuya, glad for the chance to make the lazy bastard suffer some more.
Walking over to him, Tayuya kicked Shikamaru in the side when he tried crawling away. Pulling out her flute, the redhead was about to place him under a Genjutsu, only to stop when she heard him mutter something.
"I'm sorry, Naruto." Said Shikamaru, hating himself for not doing anything someone who considered him a friend, being one of the few that knew Naruto was innocent.
"Naruto? Wait…that's that orange wearing, blonde loudmouth brat!" Tayuya said, remembering who Naruto was, before kicking Shikamaru onto his back.
"Start talking trash." Demanded Tayuya, wanting to know where that brat was and actually wondered why he wasn't here to, since if he was, it'd be a full reunion and would complete their revenge.
"He's dead. He was accused of trying to kill the Raikage and imprisoned in Hōzuki Castle. But several months ago, someone attacked it and killed everyone inside, including Naruto." Shikamaru revealed, not seeing a point to lie or withhold the information, since it didn't matter.
He was going to die here and Naruto was already dead.
"Did he actually try to kill the Raikage?" Questioned Sakon, having vague memories of the blonde brat, and found it hard to believe that he could try to kill the Raikage.
"No. It was all just a mission, one that he wasn't even aware of, but it doesn't matter now. He died and now everyone believes he died a criminal and traitor." Said Shikamaru, making the Sound Four scowl at hearing this.
While they may not have liked the blonde brat for getting in their way to retrieve Satsuki, they were also loyal to their allies, even if Orochimaru didn't return that same loyalty. Now they were learning these trash betrayed someone, who seemed ready to die for his comrades.
"The only traitors I see, are you and those four corpses over there." Tayuya sneered, while the begrudging respect she had for Shikamaru, when they first fought, died at seeing she was right about them not caring about their comrades.
Tayuya then began playing her flute, causing Shikamaru to begin convulsing in agony and foam at the mouth, while blood leaked out of his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. The Nara then letting out a scream of agony, before falling motionless to the ground.
The Sound Four then gathered up the bodies and took off back towards where Kabuto was hiding, having been ordered to bring any bodies to him to add to the Edo Tensei Army.
*Kumo*
Meanwhile, walking through the ruins of Kumogakure, were the resurrected Sandaime Raikage A, Blue B, Kinkaku and Ginkaku, Hizashi Hyūga, and Yugito Nii. With Yugito looking around her former home with a solemn expression, not believing Kumo was really gone. With the Sandaime Raikage and Blue B sharing in her sadness at seeing the state of their village. Along with the pain and sadness they feel at learning about A and B's deaths, with the Sandaime taking it especially hard to learn his sons are dead.
While Ginkaku and Kinkaku didn't feel any sadness at their former villages destruction, and in fact couldn't care less about it. While Hizashi took a certain enjoyment in seeing the village that was the cause of his death being in ruins. With Hizashi being here to help in the search, with his Byakugan.
The group had been sent here by Kabuto to, hopefully, find anything of use that was still here, along with DNA samples for the Edo Tensei. Despite how Kabuto preferred having actual bodies that could provide him several samples. They were also searching for any clues to the mysterious organization that appeared under the noses of the Akatsuki and Shinobi Alliance.
"How could one mission going wrong lead to this?" Blue B muttered, wondering how one failed mission could lead to the destruction of an entire village, with all of them being filled in on what had led to this.
"Could the Kyūbi Jinchūriki still be alive? Or could it be, that this organization has people that were close to him in it?" Said Yugito, knowing it wouldn't make sense for this organization to mock the Shinobi Alliance in such a way as committing the same crime her fellow Jinchūriki was framed for.
Knowing it only made sense if Naruto himself was responsible or the organization had people, he was close to and wanted to avenge his death.
"Whoever's responsible will pay." The Raikage said, swearing he'll avenge his village and sons.
Suddenly Hizashi gasped getting their attention, before seeing him smirking like Kabuto, who had taken control of the Hyūga.
"You're quite the thinker, Yugito. I'll admit, I've had my own suspicions about Naruto's alleged death, as a body was never found nor any evidence that he was dead. I haven't brought this to "Madara", because if he can't come to the same conclusion, then I won't waste my time telling him." Said Kabuto, not to mention his alliance with Obito is more for his own benefit than actual loyalty to the Akatsuki.
Though he could also see why the Shinobi Alliance hasn't made the same connection, given the emotional ties that Konoha and Suna have with Naruto. Despite a majority of the former once again hating him, it was that same hate that blinded them to the idea of Naruto still being alive. Just like it blinded them to the fact it was painfully obvious who his parents are.
While those from Iwa, Kiri, the Land of Iron, and refugees from Kumo, Naruto showed himself to be too kind and pure, not being capable of such destruction and death. Despite how cunning and resourceful he can, given the pranks he pulled when he was younger. Plus, Kabuto begrudgingly admits that Naruto was full of surprises, like during their first fight.
Plus, if Naruto was alive, after the betrayal he suffered, he wouldn't come out of it the same and would be changed.
"And do you really believe he's alive?" Yugito asked, not knowing anything about Naruto or had any connection to him outside of them both being Jinchūriki, so she could see the possibility of him being behind this.
"Perhaps, perhaps not. All I have are speculations until there's genuine proof Naruto is alive somewhere out there. But I will say this…if Naruto is alive and he's seeking revenge…I truly pity whoever gets in his way." Said Kabuto.
*Land of Waves*
Meanwhile, Naruto, Shizuka, and Shion stood in the smoldering ruins of what used to be the Land of Waves. The three gathering up the corpses of those that were killed or the few survivors, to be used in some of the rituals that Shion was kind off to give them access to.
It had been unfortunate, when Naruto learned that the Land of Waves had been one of the villages that had believed Konoha's lies about him being a "criminal". Even going as far as to silence Tazuna, Tsunami, and Inari due to their suspicions of Tsunade's claims. Along with Inari overhearing some Ninja that were in the know about the truth of his "crimes".
With their deaths being covered up, since Konoha couldn't afford to lose the alliance with the Land of Waves. Given how many of the carpenters and architects that were helping rebuild Konoha came from here.
Thankfully, with the war going on, they were forced to return home, giving Naruto a chance to deal with them. Before they could leak the fact that he was alive to the other nations, when his disguised Shadow Clone came here to speak with them.
While Naruto had still attacked without hesitation, he had been in a solemn mood the entire time. In fact, if it wasn't for his current mood, Naruto would actually find the irony rather amusing. With how he had become a hero and savior for this place on his first mission out of Konoha. But because they decided to believe the lies of Konoha and the Shinobi Alliance, he's now destroying it. And even using the deceased, and living people that survived his massacre, as sacrifices for his plans.
Once all the living people were gathered together in the prepared ritual circle, Naruto began chanting in an unknown language before the villagers began collapsing on the ground dead as their lifeforce was drained away. With the ritual circle lighting up a bright neon green color, before something began pulling itself out of the circle.
With Shizuka and Shion stepping back in shock, as in a few moments standing before them a was truly gigantic demonic being, with its entire body being dark green and covered in scales. Possessing clawed feet, tentacles emerging from its legs and waist, webbed clawed hands, large draconian-like wings, several horns sprouting from its head, and several tentacles where its mouth should be.
"Cthulhu." Naruto said, smirking at seeing the ancient demon was successfully summoned, with it being considered so powerful that ancient people once worshipped it as a deity.
With Cthulhu roaring loudly, before Naruto activated his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, placing the demon under his control. As while it was once considered a deity, it was still only a demon and Naruto could control it. With Naruto then making a handsign, dispelling Cthulhu and ready to summon him, when he needed to.
Turning to the gathered bodies, Naruto began chanting again causing the shadows to begin swirling around the corpses, condensing around them in the shape of dark black cloaks, along with black armored gauntlets and boots. With the bodies soon rising up from the ground, their faces completely enshrouded by their hoods, and kneeled to Naruto.
This ritual having turned them into Wraiths, soulless, ethereal entities, whose sole purpose was to serve their master. With Naruto being their master in this case, as he sent them away as the Wraiths sunk into the shadows, ready to be summoned at a moment's notice.
"I must say, that was quite impressive. I've only heard stories of such rituals and demonic beings, but outside of Mōryō's resurrection, I've never seen them for myself." Shion said, amazed at seeing such rituals in action.
"Yeah, it's definitely something to see. But…are you alright Naruto-kun?" Shizuka asked, looking at her betrothed in concern, with Shion doing the same, since both of them knew this couldn't have been easy for him.
"I'm fine. While it did hurt having to do this, after helping save this country and give them hope, I made peace with the fact that I would have to do something like this to places that'd support Konoha and the Shinobi Alliance. The people of Wave Country made their beds, now they get to lie in them, permanently." Said Naruto, with Shion and Shizuka still looking at him in concern and worry, knowing despite the changes he's gone through, he's still the same Naruto that was hoping that the people he's saved wouldn't turn their backs on him, like Konoha did.
"Anyway, we're done here. We'll be taking a boat to the Land of Spring and the Crescent Moon Kingdom, to see Queen Koyuki and King Michiru, since they do wish to talk about an alliance." Naruto added, glad they were willing to hear him out and knew both countries would be valuable allies.
With the Land of Spring's technological advancements and the Crescent Moon Kingdom's wealth, providing them great technology and funding for the revolution.
The trio then headed towards Tazuna, Inari, and Tsunami's house, one of, if not the only, building to survive the destruction of Wave.
Though despite what he said, Naruto knew he wasn't fine, that this betrayal from the Land of Waves hurt. Possibly even more than Konoha's, after how he helped save them and gave them the hope and power to fight back against Gatō and his men.
'With Konoha even killing Tsunami, Tazuna, and Inari, just to make sure they couldn't talk.' Naruto thought, when they arrived at the family's old home, starting to see just how bad Konoha was that they'd kill an innocent family, just to cover up their sins and keep an alliance.
And for a brief moment, Naruto faltered, wondering who else they'd kill, just because they chose to believe Konoha and the Shinobi Alliance, over the person who had helped and saved them. Though he then remembered something Madara once told him, when he asked the Uchiha how he could accept the fact that this plan, along with his original one with the Infinite Tsukuyomi, would result in the deaths of thousands, possibly millions. With his response being one Naruto never forgot.
"The hardest choices, require the strongest wills."
Naruto's momentary doubt then vanished, knowing this was necessary if such an innocent family was killed, just so Konoha could keep their secrets. Then it was time for them to meet their end.
"Come out! I know you're there!" Naruto said, getting Shizuka and Shion's attention, before they tensed when Zetsu rose from the ground.
"The Kyūbi Jinchūriki. I'm pleased to see you are really alive." Said Black Zetsu, pleased to see that Naruto was in fact alive, meaning his plan could still succeed.
"And I'm pleased, I can finally kill you, parasite." Naruto stated, before appearing behind Zetsu and stabbed a Chidori through him, with Black Zetsu quickly abandoning the White Zetsu he was using to avoid dying.
"My that was a close one. You almost had me there, but you won't be getting me that easily. Though I'm sure "Madara" will be pleased to hear of your survival." Said Black Zetsu.
"Why don't you drop the act, parasite. I know what you really are, you're the Will of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki and all this, is you're doing in a bid to revive her." Naruto revealed, shocking Black Zetsu at how he knew that, only for him to brush it off.
"Good for you, you know the truth. But it won't do you any good, no one will believe you and Kaguya will return to reclaim what's hers." Said Black Zetsu about to make his escape.
But before he could, he was stopped by a caw as Naruto's raven made itself known as it swooped down in front of Black Zetsu. The parasite's eyes widening in shock, as it only had a split second to see Shisui's Mangekyō Sharingan within the raven.
"You should have made sure that Madara was really dead, before gloating, parasite." Naruto taunted, making Black Zetsu realize who was responsible for freeing Naruto in the first place.
"No, no, NO! Damn you Madara! Damn you Naruto! Damn you Asura! Damn you Indra!" Black Zetsu screamed in horror and anger, before Kotoamatsukami took hold of him.
With the Will of Kaguya collapsing to the ground in an unresponsive vegetative state. With Naruto going over and sealing the parasite away in a Storage Scroll, which he then lit on fire, burning it to ash. Ensuring Black Zetsu was permanently gone, forever trapped in the pocket dimension of the destroyed Storage Scroll.
With that done, the trio continued on to their current residency, for the time being.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see the Sound Four are back and have gotten their revenge for their deaths and a flashback showing their reaction to Orochimaru abandoning them after their deaths, along with the Sannin's own death. Along with learning what happened to Naruto from Shikamaru before killing him. Then we see the Gold and Silver Brothers, Sandaime Raikage, Hizashi, and Yugito, who's not one of Obito's Paths since he doesn't have the Rinnegan. Then we go onto Naruto, Shizuka, and Shion in the Land of Waves, having destroyed it due to them believing Konoha's lies about his "crimes", along with having killed Tazuna, Inari, and Tsunami to keep them quiet. With Naruto using the survivors in a ritual to summon Cthulhu and bring him under his control, and no he's not the actual deity from Lovecraftian horror, just a powerful demon that was once worshipped as a deity, the same for any other Lovecraftian beings that will appear in the story, they aren't actual gods only demons. Then Naruto uses the deceased bodies in another ritual, turning them into Wraiths. With the three then heading to Tazuna's house, where we see Naruto's own inner turmoil over having destroy the Land of Waves after saving it on his first mission outside of Konoha. Finally we see Naruto dealing with Black Zetsu permanently, ensuring he won't ever come back. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out