The Pantheon of Nine

By: Finn Mertenz

A/N: As promised, since this story has reached over 1,000 favorites, I'll upload 3 chapters. It's nice to finally have a place for this story, a premise that's always intrigued me.

Excluding this arc (The Kage Summit) there's only 2 arc's left, maybe 5-10 chapters. This is the final built-up, the tragic climax, this is my last season for Naruto.

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


Chapter 131: A Quarrel Of Nations! Calling All Kage.

Monday 9:57am, October 5th 58SSP.

"Three weeks have passed since Ōnoki's assassination..." Guy spoke.

Situated behind an oaken desk, Guy's palms were clasped with interlocked fingers. Covering the stern face he possessed, the scarlet hat of a Hokage was strapped to the back of his neck.

In the distinguished office of the Hokage, each of the Konoha Eight were gathered. Training vigorously in recent weeks, their youth didn't blind them, because they knew conflict was coming.

Dampened by chirping birds, an adjacent window was open, brightened by sunlight. Discussing recent events, they prepared for war, an external battle that would shape the shinobi world.

Holding a freshly written scroll, this unrolled letter was dabbed in patterns of kanji. Signed and decorated with various names, each held prestige and renown, the autograph of several Kage.

"And neighboring nations have experienced enough bloodshed." Sasuke finished his sentence.

A Kage Summit had been called, stretching diplomacy across all Five Great Nations. Calling veteran Kage and noble samurai from every corner of the globe, their destination was the Land of Iron.

Like the Land of Tea and the Land of Frost, the Land of Iron relied primarily on samurai. A minor island in the center of the sea, it was secluded from most of the shinobi world, hidden from war.

"That's why the 4th Raikage has summoned a meeting." Guy declared.

The 5th Hokage had to travel long and far, too traverse a handful of nations. Writing a detailed list of chores, he expected his students to preform them, too guard Konoha in his absence.

"How long will you be gone?" Tenten asked.

Two weeks, maybe three, that was the answer, derived by cautious planning and travel. In this time, Konoha would be defenseless, missing the Hokage that led, guided and protected them.

"I'll keep him safe." Sasuke cut in.

Pacing up to a window, the 5th Hokage glared outside, observing a group of children. Oblivious to the chaotic reality they lived in, these youthful kids laughed and cheered, playing games.

As an escort, Guy would take Sasuke, his right hand, and Sakura, a blessing of blossom. One shinobi possessed Senjutsu skill and intellect, while the other was coached in medical Ninjutsu.

"What about us?" Ino moaned, speaking for Hinata.

Destined and paired as a group, these kunoichi would be dispatched with Sai for foreign work. That was the goal, to spread far and wide, too profess the unquestioned innocence of Konoha.

"I know everything has been difficult the past few months, but I'll settle it now. As Hokage." Guy was resolute.

He would accept the invitation, take part in the meeting, and judge the selected action. Acting as one, the shinobi nations would debate the proper reaction to Naruto's 'Akatsuki'.


Meanwhile.

"Have you heard?" Kankurō's back was propped against a doorway of sand.

An entry into the grained office of the Kazekage, this shinobi conversed with his sister. Earning the title of 5th Kazekage, Temari glanced out a sunbaked glass window, coated in sand.

White robes with vibrant hues of green, identical to the saucer-like hat she wore. Emblazoned with the emerald kanji for 'wind', her clothed back was battered by sprinkled currents of grain.

"Yea." Temari murmured.

Peering across the horizon, this kunoichi watched a distant Sasori with unblinking eyes. Welcomed with distrust but need, his strength tripled Suna's might, drained from Orochimaru's manipulation.

Baki would stay behind, to mange day-to-day options inside the sand village. While that occurred, Temari would attend the Kage Summit, protected by her bodyguards, Matsuri and Kankurō.

They weren't teenager warriors anymore, playing pawns to greater schemes. Instead, they were shinobi in their own right, fine ninja that represented their nation, and their home.


Meanwhile.

"I'm telling you! They called a meeting! A big fancy one!" Sasame pled.

Located deep in the stoned bowels of Oto, she was swallowed by shadows. Lit only by a flickering fireplace, she was joined by Kagerō and Kotohime, loyal kunoichi to the Land of Sound.

"Let them meet, why should I care?" Dosu was buried in paperwork.

Grown and developed, Dosu was 15 years old, and the 4th Dokage of his village. Left for dead in a world that mocked his disfigurement, he refused to stop, too backdown or give up.

"Because you got an invitation." Kagerō dangled a loose scroll.

Snagged by bandaged fingers, Dosu raised this letter to his linen-wrapped face. Adorned in white robes with swathes of violet, the kanji for 'sound' was embellished over his back.

Wearing the distinguished saucer-shaped hat of all Kage, only his left eye was visible. With a hunched back and hump shoulders, he wrinkled the page beneath his grip, scoffing aloud.

A minor nation surrounded by great powers, even the Land of Sound played their part. The world had been called together, summoning the heads of each state and land, all to one place.


Three days later.

"I feel nervous..." Chōjūrō scratched the back of his scalp.

Defined by tuft strands of pale blue hair, he dramatically walked with a slouch in his back. Strolling across an oaken deck, he was led by 44 year old Jonin, the veteran known as Ao.

Both dressed in mud-colored pants, they had a tint of sapphire, blending with mist. Draped over this attire, they wore baggy azure kimono's with overstretched sleeves and Kiri's engraved seal.

Positioned atop an ornate vessel of lumber, they sailed north through the Narrow Strait. Barely recovered from Naruto's invasion, this envoy represented Kiri, and their new Kage.

"Hold your head hide, you represent our nation." Ao reprimanded.

Adrift towards rumbling and dark clouds in the sky, a storm approached their boat. Muffled by the distilled and cackled laughter of Kisame, white robes with deep blue hems were worn.

The 6th Mizukage, a rank that Kisame obtained through decades of work and skill. Once a rogue ninja, he now served as Kiri's highest defense, a warrior from the Land of Water.

"Don't worry, I'll watch your back." Kisame's smile was jagged and toothy.

This was the truth, filtering lies, deceit and death, Kisame hated to lie for any reason. Honesty until the end, clarity without discrimination or disgruntled perspicacity in resolve, the new goal of Kiri.


Meanwhile.

"Going all this way... Just to talk with the enemy." Suzumebachi snarled.

Accompanied by her older brother, Kurobachi, this ninja was previously freed from Oto. Used as a gesture of goodwill, Dosu desired no bad blood, hoping to preserve peace with mercy.

"Konoha will be there, a chance for payback." Kurobachi chirped.

Suspended over vast plots of expansive land, these ninja stood on a cloud of bees. Buzzing like the droned hum of a hive, these insects were enthralled and fed by potent chakra.

"Don't talk like that." Deidara sneered.

Accepted home barely four weeks ago, Deidara now stood immortalized as the 4th Tsuchikage. Rushed through coronation, he won nomination solely due to Ōnoki's will, a final testament.

"If we attend a ceremony of peace with prospects of war, we'll never get anything done." He stroked his chin.

White robes hung to each ankle, sprinkled with occasional strips of earthy brown. Highlighting the tan kanji for 'earth' on his back, Deidara's hat was freely strapped around his neck.

He didn't want a shallow peace, enforced upon the world by hostile weapons of shinobi. He sought genuine peace, not the tranquility of the grave, or the fragility of a tormented slave.


Meanwhile.

"Can she hear anything at all?" Kazan wore the grey robes of a Jokage.

Traversing the Land of Frost, this delegation from Yu was escorted by Meng and Olivia. The latter of whom was bumping her head to unheard music, funneled through enlarged headphones.

"It helps her focus." Meng explained.

Representing the Land of Hot Springs, Kazan and his family were renown nobility. No longer would his nation beg and plead for peace, or neutrality, instead, he would demand it.

From far and wide, neighboring powers sent representatives to the Land of Iron. An island country safe from war on the mainland, it was the perfect location for talks of peace.


Meanwhile.

"Hey, that's mine!" Kahyō argued.

Chasing her childhood friend through wooden hallways, Paku giggled without end. Groaning in compliant, Zabuza dealt with these affairs, pinching the bridge of his bandaged nose.

Clad in bleached robes with pale strips of ocean blue, the 1st Namikage was stern. Standing up to stretch, he stepped over lumbered stairs, journeying onto the exposed deck of a ship.

Early in day, the skyline was crowded with darkened clouds of thundering grey fumes. Blocking the sun from sight, it resembled night, met by the distinct sound of crashing waves.

Veiled by black feathers and a squawking raven, Naruto sat on the planked floor. Glancing over his own shoulder, Zabuza made sure he was alone before leaping into quiet conversation.


Meanwhile.

"Give us a moment of rest, for pity sake!" Kegon begged.

Escorting their Sukage, Kegon and Yōrō were out of breath, violently panting. Wearing thick kimono's with lavished scarfs, they traveled throughout the Land of Iron, a snow-capped country.

"Every moment we rest, Fuu gets further from us." Shibuki proclaimed.

A poor excuse for his 17th birthday, Shibuki lived in foreign land on his favorite day. However, this didn't deter the vigor inside, an adamant resolve to bring stable peace and prosperity to Taki.

Like all Kage, Shibuki was given a letter of invitation to their national meeting. Convening inside a neutral nation of samurai, shinobi would place their differences aside to address Naruto's threat.


Meanwhile.

"I appreciate the offer, but this is terrible." Raiga groaned.

Eating overcook white rice shaped like a ball, he spat burnt grains from his mouth. Tormented by Ranmaru's poorly prepared food, they both sat around a flickering fire beneath a setting sun.

The 5th Taikage, Raiga was guided by Ranmaru and Gennō, shinobi of Tani. A 60 year old man, Gennō was a veteran of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Shinobi Wars, a council member for his village.

Hailed as the Trap Master, his skill in Genjutsu, Ninjutsu and Taijutsu was well known. Characterized by sunbaked skin with a sandy cowl, loose fabric was restrained by the headband of Tani.

Wearing a teal blue kimono with a brown waisted sash, stray cloth hung over each foot. Shrouded by countless hilts, swords, scythes, axes, spears and maces were strapped against his back.

"I'll keep first watch, and wake Ranmaru in three hours." Gennō bowed.

Traveling through forested country in the eastern Land of Fire, these ninja adventured. Destined for the Land of Iron, their journey was almost done, hoping to sail from the mainland.


Two days later.

"Thank you." Idate praised his acquaintance.

Adorned in ceremonial grabs of foreign samurai, Sandayū represented his nation. A delegate from the Land of Springs, the renamed capital of Haru sent their finest and most noble warrior.

Dissolved under sweltering heat after the death of Dotō, the Land of Snow was no more. Replaced by a tropical island of flowers, sparkling swells and trees of lush green and verdant grass.

"We must stand together." Sandayū spoke without glasses.

With pristine robes and stainless attire, Sandayū's elderly hair was tied into a ponytail. Strapped with a rustic and curved katana, this sheathed blade rested against the left side of his hip.

Not just shinobi, samurai and Daimyō were also called upon, summoned from far off places. Sending representatives from their nations, Sandayū and Idate were such men, fighting for their lands.

"That's why I invited you." A 62 year old man coughed.

Titled as Mifune, he was the Daimyō for the Land of Iron, ruling from the capital of Tetsu. Retired from former glory, he once fought in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Shinobi Wars, a relic of the past.

Now, serving the role of diplomacy, he walked frigid and stone halls with guests. Illuminated by stray beams of snowy light, a grey scalp was partially wrapped under linen bandages.

Protruding from beneath this cloth, threads of silver hair ran to Mifune's aged waist. With deep wrinkles and liver-spots, they lined the lengthy goatee and noodled moustache he possessed.

"You're all part of this world." Mifune combed his facial hair.

Dressed in a simple kimono colored purple, it consisted of humble and modest fabric. Paved by the iconic clap of wooden against rock, he wore an oaken pair of traditional Japanese sandals.

Growing mature and experienced, Idate was now 17 years old with the posture of a king. Carrying the Sword of the Thunder God, it was a leftover gift from Naruto, conveniently forgotten.


Meanwhile.

Waving their invitations, Ryūzetsu and Sazanami led the path for Muku, the 5th Kukage. Entering an elaborate and chiseled cave network, the village of Tetsu resided inside three unique mountaintops.

Named the Three Wolves, this natural formation provided great protection from the frost. At the mercy of ocean winds and currents of exchanged air, the Land of Iron witnessed frequent snow.

Two weeks past her 15th birthday, Ryūzetsu's rank and skill as a Jonin was revered. But her prestige was minuscule in comparison to Sazanami, a combatant of the 2nd and 3rd Shinobi Wars.

Each draped in full-bodied suits of dark green, their flak jackets resembled grass. Embellished with the headbands of Kusa across their foreheads, they grumbled and groaned.

"I'm glad the great nations have decided to act... But I don't trust samurai." Sazanami leered.

This hesitation stemmed from decades of conflict, a lifetime of blood on the battlefield. Named for sprawling battles between ninja, samurai also fought in the Shinobi Wars, sparsely.

Tugging the dangled cloth of her headband, Ryūzetsu's white eyes glanced out. Observing massive halls, held up by carved pillars of stone, lit torches dotted the walls, an aura of light.

"I just hope someone here is cute." Ryūzetsu held the back of her scalp.

Smitten by the previous appearance of Sasuke, his snow-white face lingered inside her mind. Enthralled by this Uchiha, she blushed at the image, thinking flirtatious thoughts.


Ten minutes later.

"I won't stand for this!" A sat down.

Creaking a chair beneath his gigantic weight, the 4th Raikage flared each nostril. Holding crossed arms with a scowling glare, he belittled and second-guessed Mifune's decision.

"This is a summit for Kage! Not an academic meeting!" He snarled.

With darkened skin and blond canals of cornrow hair, his moustache was curled. Brainy muscles throbbed and stretched as white robes clung to his body, chiseled and jacked like rock.

More than the Five Great Nations, all were hailed, converging various lands into one. The Land of Waterfalls, of rivers, of sound and grass and tea, minor and fledging nations were acknowledged.

"I'd understand if you invited Hisen, but this runt?" A insulted Shibuki.

Positioned in a wide and empty room, several chairs were missing their fabled guest. The convened diplomacy hadn't even begun, and threats of conflict already gnawed at its foundation.

"He couldn't protect his brother, yet he acts like he can protect me?" Shibuki's tongue was sharp.

Sundering adjacent wood, A slammed a clenched fist against the table he sat at. 45 years old and fueled by testosterone, he loved his brother more than anything, defending his memory.

"If we can't sit down without arguing, what else can we accomplish?" Mifune hummed.

Joined by Sandayū and Idate, this delegation of samurai were gathered together. With Kage and their shinobi destined to sit at a crescent table, these samurai kept a safe distance.

"I'm only here to ensure my village isn't left out." Raiga declared.

Once a Swordsmen of the Mist, Raiga was well-known, carrying twin blades of Kiba. Wearing mixed robes of white and teal, the blue kanji for 'rivers' was sewn across his arched back.

Cackling with pointed teeth, Kisame's grin was stretched and bare, a stark smile. Bleached and loose, the 6th Mizukage was dressed in distinguished garbs, complete with the kanji for 'water'.

"Personally, I'm glad so many have come." Temari murmured.

Emerald and vibrant, the 5th Kazekage allowed her hat to rest atop the oaken table. A month past her 16th birthday, age didn't dampen her skill, praised as the finest Wind User of Suna.

"There's a lot of familiar faces in this room... I don't like it." Zabuza muttered.

The Namikage, a title more foreign and strange than most, he was the first in name. Representing the Land of Waves, an insignificant isle held a voice in unfolding events of conflict.

"Yu stands neutral, as always." Kazan's bald head sparkled.

Peace through strength, neutrality through objectivity, the Land of Hot Springs was adamant. The 5th Jokage used shinobi as a tool for peace, to ward off war with threats of death.

"For one, I don't like Iwa's presence here, or in my lands." Muku retorted.

The 5th Kukage of Kusa, Muku was symbolic council for the dwindled Land of Grass. Chastising the Land of Earth for impeding on their sovereignty, focus turned to Deidara, the 4th Tsuchikage.

Iwa, Kumo, Tani, Taki and Suna, Kiri, Yu and Oto, many villages made an appearance. Each placed around a curved desk, their prestigious hats rested in front of them, denoting their status.

"What about the Land of Rain? Weren't they invited?" Guy spoke.

Instilled with youth and a fiery will, the 5th Hokage held sleeved arms against his chest. Ame was the center of his ire, blaming their village for Kakashi's death, he also condemned himself.

"They aren't coming." Dosu was among the last to arrive.

Hearing the past conversation, he patted the side of his left ear, naked and exposed. Veiled by layered linen of violet and ivory, the saucer shaped hat of a Kage shrouded his bandaged skull.

"I took the pleasure of meeting their leader. They've denounced the shinobi world." His back was hunched.

Breaking these words, Chishima entered the room, dressed in a blue tinted kimono. Strapped with a pair of formal and courtly katana, a single sheath clung to each side of his waist.

Even the Land of Birds attended this ceremony, a small country between Suna and Iwa. Only the Land of Stone and the Land of Neck remained absent, religious and spiritual nations.

"Don't distract me! I called this meeting to discuss the Akatsuki!" A roared.

Originally designed, manned and built to create peace, that was their eternal goal. Now, a decade since their inception, they continued to herald tranquility, harbingers of a new age.

"Almost every village in this room is guilty of consulting with them." He labeled accusations.

Long ago, the Land of Earth hired them, while the Land of Sound fled from them. More than that, Kiri and Iwa were jointly ruled by former Akatsuki, rogue ninja returned home.

"But every problem can be traced back to one source." The 4th Raikage pointed.

Directing all blame towards Konoha, various glares shifted to the 5th Hokage. Naruto initiated all of this, triggering an avalanche of conflict, a swollen and tense prelude to war.

Wrought into heated words and hostile arguments, the door to this room was sealed. Sighing in an exterior hall, Sakura's back was propped against a grey wall of stone, holding her flat chest.

"All the action happens in there... This is boring." Sakura complained.

Springing from a thick crowd, Ranmaru slid across the ground with a smile. Landing in Sakura's lap, his face was a bright blushing red, thinking the budded thoughts of a maturing boy.

"I have everything I need." Ranmaru chuckled.

Greeted by a cheerful pat upon his scalp, this Chunin was blessed with attention. Shaking his head with dismay, Gennō loomed in the background, the eldest shinobi in attendance.

"Why are we outside though?" Sasuke lazily snorted.

"Leave it to Konoha, rushing in without thinking." Suzumebachi sneered.

Representing the Kamizuru clan, and Iwa as a whole, Suzumebachi squinted. Trailed by her elder brother, Kurobachi held his own throat, plucking loose strands from a bushy beard.

Leaping to defend his crush, Ranmaru blocked Sakura's path with a puffed chest. Trampled by a flat palm, his nose was slapped by Matsuri's gloved hand, halting his advance.

"Aren't you a little young too be a shinobi?" Matsuri teased her frequent opponent.

Paired with this Suna kunoichi, Kankurō was the second escort for Temari, his sister. Standing with sleeved arms, each palm rested inside a stretched pocket, yanking the straps of a puppet.

"Nu uh! I'm a Chunin!" Ranmaru rang his head from side-to-side.

Groaning in the distance, Meng rubbed her eyes with boredom, seated with bent knees. Captured beneath Olivia's shadow, she bumped her head to unheard music, quietly throbbing.

"They're already arguing." Sasame tucked her beanie.

With clasped hands and a downcast face, Kagerō nodded in timid agreement, Childhood friends from the Land of Sound, they encircled a pillar of grey tinted stone, lit by flickering torches.

"All these ninja in one place... And we can't even locate the Akatsuki." Kegon snarled.

Positioned in the shadows, Yōrō observed their surroundings, distrustful of Iwa and Kumo. Sasuke had won their allegiance, the faith of Shibuki and his village to support the Land of Fire.

Sazanami, Ryūzetsu, Chōjūrō, Ao, Omoi, Karui, Paku and Kahyō, various shinobi gathered. Defined by their own stories, their own personalities, they all had a unique goal that drove them.

The time to test this resolve would soon be tested, upon unknowing participants. The Land of Iron was a far-off isle, isolated from the mainland, but where shinobi tread, conflict followed.


One hour later.

"It really dampens the weather." A masked samurai moaned.

Named Izomu, this warrior was accompanied by two of his younger brothers. Wielding distinguished names such as Izatumo and Itakata, this band of siblings all wore silver plates of armor.

"Nothing's better than warm tea on a cold day." Itakata pulled his mask off.

Identical to his brothers, he possessed frigid and pale skin, lined with short black hair. Slurping from a steamy cup of wood, his pupils were a faded tone of blue, diluted by adjacent snow.

Guarding the western entrance to Tetsu, caverns of rock were carved and sculpt. Columns of bricked concrete supported a steep ceiling, paved with occasional stalactite, frozen.

Similar to Oto, the village of Tetsu was built below the earth, a dome of mountain. Revealed by three main gates, all roads led below, twisting and curving beneath frozen stone.

"Once this meeting is over, let's head underground and get a drink." Izatumo suggested.

Diverging this conversation, a howling gust of snow settled in with countless flakes. Muffled by the meow of a feline, Snowball tread across the chilled earth, leaving paw prints behind.

Pierced and probed with several chakra-rods, this cat glared with unblinking Rinnegan. Imprinting these rippled eyes with chakra, they infected the minds of Izomu, Izatumo and Itakata.

Falling unconscious, each brother struck the ground under intense snowfall, bellowing. Crawling atop these sleeping samurai, Snowball nuzzled her furred cheek against Naruto's ankle.


Meanwhile.

"We're supposed to take your word?!" A raged.

Chastising Guy, the 4th Raikage reprimanded his lack of action, allowing Naruto to defect. He also labeled accusations at Kiri and Iwa, traitors nations in his eyes, usurped by the Akatsuki.

In reality, A saw no difference between Nagato's Akatsuki, and Naruto's own organization. To the Land of Lightning, anyone dressed in the red cloud was a criminal, deserving of death.

"Konoha can't even control their jinchūriki." Growling, his arms were crossed.

"That's ironic coming from you, your village lost both of your jinchūriki." Dosu murmured.

Instigating another hostile confrontation, A slammed a sole foot against the floor. Cracking solid stone, dislodged pebbles rolled throughout the room, scuffing the ground with dirt.

Quietly laughing, Kisame's sharpened teeth laughed while heated words were spoken, Instilled with tranquility, Raiga, Temari, Shibuki, Muku, Kazan and Zabuza sat in silence.

"Pft..." Deidara sighed, combing his blond ponytail.

Discussion barely advanced, regularly interrupted by hateful grudges and mistakes. Progress was slow and derailed, unable to move on from old wars, unable to let go of the past.

"Please, control yourselves." Mifune pled.

With practiced foresight, this was the expected outcome, the fabled Cycle of Hatred. Invested with great might, Daimyō and their Kage could start wars at will, derived from petty grievances.

"As far as I'm concerned, both of them are imposters!" A pointed at Deidara and Kisame.

The allegations wouldn't stop, they couldn't stop, not in a world of endless conflict. Ninja were concerned with their own power, their own prestige, and the heroic glory of their nations.

"Lord Fourth, I think you're overreacting." Kazan cut in.

Because of his age, the 5th Jokage personally experienced the 3rd Shinobi War. A campaign that built A's career, the 4th Raikage shared a shinobi relationship with Kazan, a bond of brotherhood.

"For example, the Naruto I know is a kind and helpful boy, I don't believe this council." His voice was stoic.

If Naruto did garnish control of the Akatsuki, and attack Kiri, his motive was unknown. And several shinobi supported his actions, culling the Land of Water for previous transgressions.

More than anyone, Zabuza could vouch for Naruto's innocence, and his true goal. A purpose that remained unspoken, sealed by speared teeth beneath layers and layers of white linen.

"There's no point in blaming one another, we've all lost someone dear..." Temari's face was solemn.

Younger than a majority of her peers, the 5th Kazekage was still a fierce kunoichi. While others thought of their fallen comrades, of distinct shinobi, she thought only of her family, of Gaara.

Temari failed her brother, a gullible sibling that was tainted at birth by a sand demon. Her father's teachings impeded her own judgement, and the decisions she made as a child.

If she stood up in the past, if she rallied to Gaara, he never would've left the village. This knowledge haunted her conscious for months, since the day of his desertion from Suna.

Raiga didn't know or care about Naruto, he only respected the oath that he gave to Konoha. Vowed after Choji's death, he would stand beside the Land of Fire, the nation that saved his village.

On the other hand, Dosu's life was saved and changed by Naruto, recognizing his purpose. Driven by unique dreams, a Kage was also a person, seeking to live a meaningful life.


Meanwhile.

Wobbly walking in a straight line, Paku extended both arms, prancing on her tip toes. Trailed by her frequent accomplice, Kahyō pinched the bridge of her nose with annoyance.

"If it's called the Land of Iron, where's the iron?" Paku hummed.

Whistling aloud, she was 25 years old, with sapphire eyes and matching hair. True to her frozen nature as a Yuki, she wore a long-sleeved icy kimono, lined with dangling cloth from her waist.

Purposely tripping, this blue haired kunoichi rolled over cemented and bricked stone. Deep in the bowels of Tetsu, these ninja of Kai journeyed with boredom, waiting for the summit to end.

"Don't ask me, all of this is a waste of time." Kahyō remarked.

A week past her 15th birthday, Kahyō's scalp was restrained by a metallic headband. Engraved with the curved seal of Kai, she and Paku were kunoichi from the Land of Waves.

Contrasting Paku's ponytails, Kahyō's hair was black, packed into an ornate bun. Held in place by a snow-white bun holder, her pale face was framed by loosened and stray strands.

Splintering the ground, steely senbon burrowed inside cobbled and lain brick. Suspended from the ceiling, Haku's hair hung, magnified by ruffled red clouds, weighed down by gravity.

Dropping a wide jaw, Kahyō was shocked to see her cousin, poised to attack. Wearing the garb of a terrorist, Haku was the latest jinchūriki for Kokuō, a five tailed horse with a dolphin's head.

Imprinted with snowy ink, an Iron Armor Seal was engraved across Haku's left cheek. Scribbled with kanji, the symbol for 'five' was visible, as pristine and glistening as crystalized snow.

Clasping each palm into a hollow thud, adjacent stone was ruptured by spired ice. Infused with fiery chakra, strange heat was irradiated by glacial temperatures, surpassing exterior chill.

Undaunted by pleading questions and stuttered suggestions, Haku's hair rustled. Replacing his dark brown eyes of the past, Haku's pupils were now a radiant shade of teal, the tone of Kokuō.


Meanwhile.

"Did you hear that?!" Sasame stammered.

Trailing down a vast space of stone, the enlarged ceiling was supported by pillars. Erected with iron torches, perpetually lit by flames of chakra, their field of vision stretched far.

"An explosion? Here?" Kagerō mimicked.

The same age, with identical childhoods, these kunoichi safeguarded their Dokage. Only 14 years old, their skill as ninja was refined and hardened, molded inside the Land of Sound.

Rushing to investigate, their advance was intruded by crackling embers of emerald. Searing encompassed rock and layered brick, singed stone sweltered beneath a geyser of green.

Sharing the vibrant and lush tone of these flames, chakra threads protruded out. Surging from the extended fingertips of Kagerō, dislodged gravel was shaped into a sprawling shield.

Leaping over this self-made wall, Sasame's orange hair wavered as she soared. Draped in violet cloth, the metallic seal of Oto was sewn against her cushioned bandana, worn with pride.

Several months ago, these ninja were both pawns, servants to Orohimaru's scheme. Now, they boldly stood in defiance of this interruption, looking to defend Oto's name, a purpose.

Seeking to find her own goal, her own purpose, Isaribi was bathed in olive fire. Immune to this smoldering heat, strands of purple rumbled, battered and struck by swirling torrents.

Infused by an ancient demon, Isaribi was the jinchūriki for Son Gokū, the four tails. Highlighting the sparse collection of bandages across her scalp, face, neck and arms, fished scales jutted.

Isaribi was brandished with the emerald glow of kanji across the back of her right palm. A Four Trigram Seal, it was shaped into the kanji for 'four' symbolizing the ethereal tails she possessed.

No longer would jinchūriki bow and kneel to shinobi, continuing their cycle. Instead, these carriers of beasts would fight for their own purpose, to liberate the world from shinobi.


Meanwhile.

"Something's wrong, hurry!" Ao reprimanded his partner.

While Chōjūrō and Ao advanced, their path was blockaded by Suigetsu, cloaked in red clouds. Strapped with three hilts on his back, he carried Kabutowari, Nuibari and Shibuki, three sacred blades.

Losing his older brother, Mangetsu, to illness at an early age, Suigetsu followed his footsteps. He wanted to be the greatest swordsmen in existence, feared even by the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist.

This possibility was now reachable, strengthened by an Iron Armor Seal on his right bicep. Suigetsu was the jinchūriki for Gyūki, scribbled with the visible kanji for 'eight', his aquatic prowess tripled.

Reaching harmony and acuity with his tailed beast, Suigetsu was a pinnacle of the Akatsuki. Shinobi and tailed beast fighting together, acting like one being, with one dream and goal.

Confronted by a gigantic wall of regurgitated water from Ao's mouth, Suigetsu sneered. Unsheathing the needle-shaped prick of Nuibari, he plunged this blade forward, colliding against water.

From far-off corners and nearby halls, the sounds of battle and combat rumbled. Eventually spreading to the Kage Summit, the Akatsuki had come to bring a new world, a world of peace.