The Pantheon of Nine

By: Finn Mertenz

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


Chapter 133: Rise: My Champions! The Enemies' Of God.

Friday 2:09pm, October 10th 58SSP.

"You can't be serious!" Kazan protested.

Roused to his feet, the 5th Jokage clasped the oaken desk in front of him with bare teeth. Faced with the stark and troubled words of Naruto, he stood in silence, waiting for an answer.

"Lord Hokage!" A shouted in reserve.

Receiving a swift nod in reply, the 4th Raikage surged forth, bathed in an aura of static blue. Merging their twin speeds as one, encompassing chakra radiated like a summit of power.

With the simply snap of his fingers, Naruto sent his rogue siblings from sight, left alone. Confronted by a red-skinned Guy and A's sneering face, his own whiskered cheeks were aloof.

Halting their advance with outstretched hands, a sphere of gravity poured from his eyes. Infused by the foresight and past thoughts of Nagato, his lips curled to speak words unspoken.

"Almighty Push." Naruto whispered.

Instantly sundering adjacent earth, tranquil air was diluted by a hostile vortex of might. Swallowing the 5th Hokage and 4th Raikage, this rippling shockwave spread in all directions.

Consuming the Kage Summit, and everyone inside, half of Tetsu collapsed on itself. Caught in the fierce grip of Naruto's technique, surrounding Kage, shinobi and samurai were buried.


Two days later.

"I'm hungry..." Tayuya held her growling stomach.

Walking atop quaking waves of water, black and red robes splashed with droplets. Using the chakra around her feet, she strolled over the ocean's surface, exploring north of the Narrow Strait.

Swimming in the background, Isaribi and Suigetsu leisurely paddled with lazy arms. Soaking their crimson clouds, they laughed and played, enjoying peace before the storm to come.

Disturbed by the crunch of chips, Karin secretly snacked, earning Tayuya's direction ire. Charging this companion, she was tackled below the water's surface, wrestling over potato chips.

Shaking his head in disagreement, Jūgo's orange hair sparkled beneath rays of sunlight. The moving perch for a colorful flock of singing birds, chirping beneath a morning breeze.

"I can't see anything from here." Gaara's pale eyes scanned the horizon.

Far from any mass of land, the only noticeable landmark was thrashing waves of water. Crouched atop this restless current, fresh drops of salty liquid dripped from Naruto's whiskers.

"You're looking in the wrong direction." Naruto placed a sole palm atop the ocean below.

"He's right, I saw like ten houses already." Suigetsu bobbed from the water.

Littering wet chips atop the ocean, Tayuya cobbled down a soggy mouthful with gusto. Holding her fuzzy penguin hat adrift, barely saved from the frigid moisture around, she burped.

"A sunken town?" Jūgo hummed.

Chilling portions of water with each step, Haku created floating patches of ice. Noticing distinct shadows deep below, he was one of the few to recognize this area, a forgotten location.

The only one not touching water, Fuu flew with a slouched back and buzzing wings. Jutting from her back, and the crimson clouds that covered it, twin and insectile wings spread.

More than a simply town, in reality, it was the Village Hidden By Whirling Tides. Once an island nation, the Land of Whirlpools was ravaged and attacked during the 2nd Shinobi War.

Long ago, this deprived isle housed the bulk of Uzumaki descendants, Kushina's birthplace. But now, it rested a hundred leagues beneath the sea, another shinobi act of bloodshed.

Quaking beside the clasped weight of Naruto's palms, surrounding water trembled with chakra. Raising an outstretched hand towards the sky, pillars of coral-covered concrete were pulled.

Slowly lifted above the ocean, chunk after chunk, piece after piece shifted together. Awed by overcast shadows, Karin's mouth fell open with wet glasses, the only visible part of her body.

Pressing his hands for a second time, clumped debris from below rose with greater speed. All merged and molded with the strength of gravity, streets, homes and towers were rebuilt.

Drained of water, vast torrents fell from exposed pipes and narrow canals beyond. Heavily corroded and stained with colorful coral, Tayuya cheerful clapped at this sight, smiling wide.

Uzushio, a village from the past abruptly returned to life, suspended above the clouds. Defined by high-rise towers and a central river dividing the settlement, its source of water was endless.

Gushing rapid waves that plummet, this revitalized settlement resembled a floating oasis. Pristine and paired, saved and redeemed, the Land of Whirlpools sparkled with new life.


One week later.

The 4th Shinobi War?! A's voice echoed.

Seated on a barren and empty balcony, Sasuke watched the rising sun with slatted blue eyes. With an opened sliding door behind him, his room was exposed, highlighted by sunlight.

An oaken manor in the center of stoned and ornate walls, the Uchiha Compound had one guest. The sole occupant of this forgotten edge to Konoha, surrounding streets were emptied.

Over a decade ago, the Uchiha were moved to this far off section in the lush leaf village. Relocated and cut-off from governmental buildings, this simple act pushed the Uchiha further away.

"You've been here all day." Ino exclaimed.

Walking across overgrown grass below, this kunoichi intruded upon Sasuke's front yard. Waving outstretched hands, she broke him from his hypnotized stupor, returning to reality.

"Lord Hokage called for you, personally." Gripping her waist, she was timid.

Instinctively glancing over his own shoulder, Sasuke examined his messy and unkempt room. Leaving this disorganized bundle behind, he leapt to Ino's side, causing her to blush.


Meanwhile.

"I understand." Guy spoke.

Standing with crossed arms behind his back, the 5th Hokage loomed over a window. Crystal clear, the depiction of Konoha was soothing imagery, engulfed by leaf-filled gusts of wind.

Despite the glorious and worthy sacrifice of Choji, Tani now stood in smoldering ruin. Brought about by Tayuya herself, this previous ravine of peace was punctured by spires of coral.

Baring this news, Raiga, Ranmaru and Gennō gathered in front of the Hokage's desk. Cloaked by the suspended silhouette of a radiant sun, these figures stood with gloomed expressions.

Narrowly surviving the now historic Collapse of Tetsu, many shinobi returned home. But some of these homes no longer existed, along with Chishima and Sandayū, falling to Naruto's assault.

"You and your people may stay here, it's the least we can do." The 5th Hokage coughed.

Overwhelmed by stress and decay, Guy pulled a drawer from his iconic and maple desk. Revealing the old oaken pipe of Hiruzen, he snagged this instrument, filling it with fresh weed.

Lit by a stray match, Guy inhaled a breathe of smoke, like his liver spotted predecessor. His first hit of leaf, a single grey hair fell between both eyes, swept aside to preserve all youth.

"The same thing happened to Kusa and Yu." Raiga cursed.

In total, Kiri, Tani, Kusa and Yu had fallen, crushed beneath the rogue boot of Akatsuki. Relocated across neighboring nations, the refugees from these lands sought peace and security.

Positioned by the wooden doorway, Shikamaru shuffled through a weighted clipboard. Lined with countless pages, treaties and special documents, he took notes on this discussed meeting.

Dampened by a thudded door, Sasuke stomped inside, trailed by Ino with clasped palms. Nervous from the depressed aura of her friend, her own face was downcast, partially veiled.

"It's good to see you." Guy spoke with a mouthful of smoke.

Gnawing on the heirloom of the 3rd Hokage, Guy took a seat at his distinguished desk. True to past words from Hiruzen, time was crucial for training the next generation, the future.

Throughout the course of just five months, dozens of honorable shinobi fell in combat. Iruka, Hiruzen, Choji, Kakashi, Kiba, Shino and Kurenai, noble ninja perished in worthy combat.

Leaving behind voided caps where they once stood, the fallen were cherished by name. Committed to heart and mind, scribbled upon statues and monuments, their sacrifices were not forgotten.

Detailing the situation, the loss of allied villages, Sasuke and Ino were brought to awe. Naruto's Akatsuki were feared and troublesome, but to accomplish so much death was disheartening.

"I never thought it would come to this..." Ino muttered with a hand over her heart.


Meanwhile.

"This was an act against both worlds, shinobi and samurai." Mifune declared.

Loomed over a rickety table, this veteran warrior organized relief efforts for his village. With pitched tents and tattered bedrolls, this makeshift home was covered by a blanket of snow.

Broken and sundered by Naruto's attack, the wolf-shaped mountains of Tetsu were lain. Just two weeks ago, three spires stretched like craned peaks, reduced to crumbled towers of rock.

"Regardless of the bonds you once shared, that is a fact." He stroked his elderly and trimmed beard.

Consoling Idate, this youthful Daimyo was the sole delegate from his homely Land of Tea. Losing his right hand, Aidan, in the Collapse of Tetsu, his own nation and resolve was crippled.

"Naruto is an enemy, an enemy to the world." He waved his hand over a field of tents.

Damaged and injured, battered and beaten, hundreds of samurai were crushed and stoned. Bandaged and doctored, tended too with care, Mifune sought to repair and heal his village.


Five days later.

This doesn't feel like war... Matsuri doubted her senses.

Spared from the Akatsuki's main wrath, Suna survived their initial onslaught of death. Now, patrolling the desert dunes of their frontier, Matsuri and Kankūro escorted dwindled legions.

From the northern dunes to eastern cliffsides and southern wells, this group traveled. Traversing all terrain inside the Land of Wind, Kankūro spoke through a mechanical earpiece.

"1st, 2nd and 3rd divisions up north, 4th and 5th to the east." Kankūro barked orders.

Directing armies of shinobi, Suna's remaining military was spread across the sandy desert. Eager to confront their enemies, dozens of ninja rushed into position, ready for conflict.

Faced with death and disease, ruin and defeat, this great nation stood while others fell. Hoping to surpass his father, to honor his sister and confront his brother, Kankūro stood tall.


Meanwhile.

Partaking in a journey across the Land of Hot Springs, Meng and Olivia leapt forth. Jumping from roof to roof, they surged throughout Makapu Village, the fabled home to Aunt Wu.

Lying dormant from the previous efforts of Gaara and Naruto, a tall volcano slumbered. Resting in the shadow of this sleeping colossus, Makapu was empty and quiet, naked and devoid.

Encouraged by Wu's legendary predictions, she foretold the destruction of her village. Escorting her people to safety, she led an exodus into plains of natural springs, hidden and secure.

"This place has changed so much..." Meng returned to her childhood house.

Before Kazan's promotion to Jokage, Meng and her father enjoyed a peaceful life here. Now, this recognition felt like recalling a different era, an age cast off and forgotten long ago.

Dancing to unheard music, Olivia's youthful hips swayed and swung with delight. Bobbing her head to the consecutive thump of music, padded headphones stretched over each ear.

Scouting ahead of Kazan's advance, these twin kunoichi kept watch for intruders. With the destruction of Yu during their absence, the Land of Hot Springs became crippled and weak.

Carrying the torch for his nation, and all that fell before him, Kazan was stalwart. Accompanied only by Meng, Olivia and a handful of shinobi, he was the greatest hope for his people.


Meanwhile.

"This is a village?" Sakura groaned.

Confronted by the weathered silhouette of Chin Village, this town beamed with sunlight. Partially dilapidated and disturbed, various homes and houses were repaired since Jūgo's rampage.

"It's bigger than most back home!" Ranmaru cheered.

Oblivious to the poor nature of his own childhood, Ranmaru praised a worn down town. The birthplace to Tayuya, nestled between the Land of Snow and Land of Lightning, it sat.

Lined with rotten stands in the marketplace and tumbled ruins in the background. Chin was nothing but a shadow of its former glory, dwindled and flickering to survive the latest war.

Currently spared from the Akatsuki's onslaught, that didn't deter the need for security. Dispatched as one, Sakura, Raiga, Ranmaru and Gennō combed the landscape as a solidified unit.

"But on second thought, I'm just glad you're here." He blushed.

A young child with a budding heart, Ranmaru gawked at Sakura with a dreamy gaze. Thinking the thoughts of a growing boy, his one weakness was girls, pretty girls with green eyes.

Squinting his pupils with annoyance, even Raiga could see the might in Sakura. Distilled from years of embarrassed training and teased insults, she was nothing like her academy self.


Meanwhile.

"I hate snakes." Sasame squirmed.

Safeguarding the southern outskirts to the Land of Sound, her orange hair was unkempt. Roused from a short nap, she yawned while Kagerō stood over her, sipping a morning cup of tea.

"What does that mean?" Kagerō hummed.

Resting beside a narrow and dirt-filled road, a pillar of smoke rose from a distant chimney. Fed by cindered logs, this fire warmed the interior set-up of a remote and isolated inn.

True to her peculiar nature, Kagerō struggled to understand the relationship of emotions. Taught the familiar sensation of a sole feeling, she placed all value in her friend, a cherished companion.

"Think of something that annoys you, but worse." Sasame sighed.

With auburn brown eyes, these pupils resembled honey as sunlight struck this kunoichi. At the cusp of her ninja career, her dark blue beanie was adorned with a violet puff ball on top.

Fidgeting with the sleeveless purple blouse she wore, she rose to her feet before yawning. Brushing the clumped dust and dirt from her tiny butt, the stray hand of Kagerō leased aid.

"Like Orochimaru?" Kagerō hummed.

Speaking with pale eyes of sapphire, this 14 year old Jonin was cloaked by loose steam. Rising from the fresh tea she drank, her beverage was restrained inside a carved cup of maple.

Spread far and wide, patrolling remote ravines and lush forests, the Fūma clan searched. Hanzaki, Kotohime and others all scoured the horizon, enforcing borders to the Land of Sound.

Just five months ago, these budding girls were enslaved by the treacherous Snake Sage. Only now were they freed, living briefly in joy, forever disrupted by a jarring outbreak of war.


Meanwhile.

"Whatcha' looking at?" Inari muttered.

Tugging on his white and blue-stripped bucket hat, Inari leaned against a railing of concrete. Yawning atop the Great Naruto Bridge, squawking seagulls soared overhead with stretched wings.

Three times the size of his stepson, Zabuza's own back was curved and arched with boredom. Forever dressed in layered linen around his lower jaw, teeth and skin were obscured.

"A storm is coming." Zabuza groaned.

With the wooden hull of planked walls behind them, the village of Kai was cloaked by waves. Crashing and thrashing, stray droplets of water against coral-covered rocks and cemented docks.

Playing a cheerful race through their town, Paku and Kahyō sprinted down bricked streets. Laughing aloud, Paku giggled as she squirmed from her friends grasp, snorting flared nostrils.

Wearing the navy blue robes of a Kage, Kubikiribōchō was strapped against Zabuza's back. Characterized by the elongated and metallic hilt of his sacred blade, it glimmered in the sun.

Barely six months ago, Zabuza was a rogue, rabid and ranked ninja from the Land of Water. But this reality was left in the past, evolving into the protector and guardian for the Land of Waves.

Possessing eyes more trained and veteran than his stepson, Zabuza spotted distant clouds. Brewing and rumbled with grey tones, the sound of thunder roared above a pristine ocean.


Meanwhile.

"As Shikamaru would say, this is a drag." Ino mumbled.

Accompanied by Hinata, Sazanami and Ryūzetsu, these ninja scoured a scorched land. Swiftly creeping throughout the Land of Grass, they made way to Kusa, an attempted reclamation.

Too busy with their own mission, Team Sasuke was unable to visit Kusa for a third time. Instead, Ino and Hinata were sent in their place, joined by the 5th Kukage, known as Muku.

"They must really believe in us." Hinata spoke with twirled fingers.

Growing beyond the persistent and repetitive stutters from her youth, Hinata was a new girl. Seeking to show her own value and prestige, strands of hair rustled beside currents of wind.

"I was hoping they'd send the cute boy..." Ryūzetsu grumbled.

Still smitten by the pale face and reptilian eyes of Sasuke, she discreetly blushed. Abruptly arguing over this Uchiha survivor, Ino claimed ownership of this boy, flaunting their relationship.


Meanwhile.

"Honestly... I'm relieved." Kegon sighed.

Positioned outside the natural walls and exterior cliffside of Taki, this village remained. Admiring this bastion, Yōrō stood beside his childhood friend and teammate, always by one another.

Guarding the sole entrance into their village, these shinobi yawned while Shibuki studied. Sitting inside the oaken and cozy office of his lakeside lodge, the 4th Sukage read from a scroll.

"I'm just surprised were here." Omoi murmured.

Using one finger to clean the wax from his ear, he said what everyone was thinking. The Land of Lightning supplying aid to the Land of Grass? Such idealistic notions of peace were foreign.

Mere months ago, villages like Yu and Kiri, or Kusa and Iwa were fierce enemies. Now, faced with the unbridled might of nine jinchūriki, nine tailed beasts, warring ninja joined together.

If they fought alone, bickering over past grudges, one by one, their nations would fall. So instead, a brief union was established, a respite to decades of endless conflict and squabbles.

This was an unspoken truth of the Akatsuki, an observation that went unnoticed. So blinded by this threat, neighboring nations finally ended hostility, working with genuine intent.


Meanwhile.

"Be careful!" Ao barked.

Directing a small vessel that sailed through the Narrow Strait, Ao trained Chōjūrō. Joined by Idate and Mifune, each of these samurai were adorned in sparkled plates of rigid armor.

Missing their fabled leader, the sixth Mizukage tended to far-off necessities and allies. Returning home to enable Kiri's growth, this distinguished group traveled alone, with too few troops.

With peaceful clouds above and soothing water below, these depictions reflected vividly. Despite the brewing storm and torrents of conflict abound them, this current image was tranquil.

While Chōjūrō steered the wheel and Ao guided him, Idate sat atop a wooden railing. Doodling a colorful drawing, the famous Sword of the Thunder God was strapped to his left side.

Admiring this artful depiction, Mifune stroked the stretched gray hair from his beard. His scalp was bandaged in layers of linen, parted by occasional threads of loose and unkempt hair.

Emblazoned with welded and bent sheets of metal, his armor shared the hue of iron. Contrasting this enhanced alloy, Idate's own attire held the tone of baked tea leaves, a faded brown.

Samurai and shinobi, working as one people, united in the face of utter destruction. Determined to save the world, to preserve the lives, homes and nations they built, their ship sailed.


Meanwhile.

"I can't see it." Temari stood atop her opened fan.

Accompanied by four Kage from each of the Great Nations, they soared across the air. Led by swirling currents of chakra-infused wind, the only sight was blue waves and white clouds.

Guy, A, Temari, Deidara and Kisame, all distinguished ninja with prestigious backstories. Now, their unique goals became shared, aiming to confront the Akatsuki at their own headquarters.

"My spies said it's hard to miss." Kisame cackled.

Seated with crossed arms, the bandaged silhouette of Samehada clung to his back. Sapphire robes of the Mizukage blurred beside colored robes, crimson, yellow, brown and emerald.

The only Kage still wearing his iconic hat, Deidara was sprawled on his back, napping. Using the draped cloth that hung from his saucer-shaped cap, his eyes were shielded from the sun.

With only his right arm remaining, it lazily rested on his stomach, rising with each breathe. A calm before the storm, the 4th Tsuchikage frequently slept to preserve his beauty sleep.

"You're just looking in the wrong direction." Guy's gaze was raised.

Struck by miniature pebbles from above, these plummeting rocks fell for minutes. The size of rice, this debris still managed to rouse Deidara from his slumber, sitting up in annoyance.

The floating isle of Uzushio, the resurrected Village Hidden by Whirling Tides loomed high. Nestled between fluffed clouds a hundred feet over the ocean, this settlement glimmered in the sun.

"Is tha-...?!" A croaked.

Acting like he saw a ghost from the past, the 4th Raikage was stunned by Uzushio. Oblivious to this trauma, Temari's fan continued to soar, bridging a horizon of dense and puffy clouds.

"Whatever this place is, we're going inside!" Temari yelled.

Rolling sideways to doom, Deidara clung to the end of Temari's fan at the last moment. Dangling miles above the ocean, he breathed a sigh of relief as Kisame yanked him to safety.

All riding Temari's opened fan, this group of Kage infiltrated a large sewerage pipe. As wide as a system of caves, crystal clear water sprinkled from the exit, an unending waterfall in midair.


Meanwhile.

"To old times." Asuma lit a cigarette.

Standing atop the overgrown grass inside Team Seven's distinct training ground, alone. Kept company only by the constant fall of changing leaves, they held a multitude of different colors.

Brown, orange and a crinkled crimson, autumn leaves fell below pattered footsteps. Traversing half of Konoha just to talk, Shikamaru stood behind his sensei, confronting him.

"Here again? Reliving the past." Shikamaru sneered.

Robbed of Kurenai and Choji, each of these shinobi felt their own pain and loss. Infact, the eldest son of Hiruzen felt a deep and empty sensation, instilled from years of ninja conflict.

Chuckling with undeterred laughter, Asuma's shoulders bounced as he inhaled smoke. Losing the love of his life, and his bestfriend, this middle-age shinobi still found a way to smile.

"You still don't understand." Asuma shook his head.

Resting both hands inside the pockets of his flak jacket, a cindered cigarette swelled. Pinched between Asuma's lips, the Memorial Stone loomed before him, freshly etched with Kurenai's name.

Was it all a waste? Dwelling on faded thoughts and partially forgotten memories. If you asked Shikamaru, his answer would've been yes, stuttered as quickly as a spooked squirrel.

But Asuma saw a different truth, the symbolic realization of looking back on the past. To look forward, one must always look back, driven and inspired by past actions and old decisions.

Too dwell on Kurenai's smile and Kakashi's wink, the little things, cherished to late. To turn a blind eye to the past was the equivalent of denying your identity, built by the world around.

"You can't move on, if you don't look back." Smoke poured from Asuma's nose.

Spoken with trivial ease, better than anyone, Asuma understood the reality of war. The feeling of loss, the pain of stagnation and the void left behind after losing someone you loved.

Turning to pass his student with a grin, he pulled a bag of potato chips from his jacket. Shoving this snack against Shikamaru's chest, he walked away, leaving flowers on the Memorial Stone.


Meanwhile.

Walking the empty and desolate outskirts of Konoha, Konohamaru's face was downcast. Hiding both hands inside the pockets of his blue shorts, he wore the garb of an average citizen.

The tone of adjacent leaves and grass, Konohamaru's green shirt held Konoha's symbol. Sewn across the back of this fabric, it was partially veiled by a loose scarf, lengthy and azure.

As still and solidified as ice, Konohamaru quickly froze mid-step, lingering in the road. Directing his gaze to the side, he became hypnotized by Naruto's unkempt grass and littered yard.

Five months of change, of isolated misery and forlorn hope for any and all answers. He wanted to be greeted by Naruto, to see the front door flung open by a whiskered and smiling face.

But instead, there was nothing, only the frequent chirp of far-off birds and rustling wind. This realization was a heavy burden to bear, the acknowledgement that he was completely alone.

Just 6 years old, Konohamaru lost almost everyone and everything that gave him peace. Never knowing his parents, he grew up solely in the shadow of Asuma and Hiruzen, the 3rd Hokage.

Robbed of his elderly role model, and the blond jinchūriki he once labeled as sensei. Konohamaru found momentary relief in Jiraiya, but even he fell in combat, sealed away in battle.

"There you are!" Moegi breeched these thoughts.

Clean and proper, Udon sniffled before rubbing the snort from his underaged nose. The same age as their friend, these shinobi were years behind his skill, freshmen in the Konoha Academy.

"We just got out of class." Udon choked on snort.

While both arms were pinned behind her back, Moegi held clasped hands to her skirt. Short, ruffled and yellow, this cloth hung above each thigh, paired with a long-sleeved blue sweater.

Framed by jutting spires of orange hair, two tied ponytails protruded from her scalp. Smiling with a prominent blush, the gap between her and Udon was nonexistent, brushing together.

"Want some Ichiraku Ramen? I'm buying!" Moegi consulted her old friend.

Blindly glaring off the side of the road, Konohamaru observed Naruto's empty home. Stuck in an miraged haze, he strolled past Moegi and Udon without a single glance or word.

Disturbed and demented by this result, these accompanying friends sighed in defeat. Battered by eroding currents of wind, a bundle of crimson leaves were torn from there branches.


Meanwhile.

"Another one." Tsunade slammed a barren cup.

Returning to Konoha too safeguard from war, this kunoichi drowned her sorrows in Saké. Drinking at a popular restaurant, the commotion of cheer and clanging drinks echoed aloud.

Pouring a stiff fill, the bartender polished the counter before placing a coaster on top. Used as a cushion, a fresh cup was lined with chilled alcohol, promptly drank with haste.

"This is an interesting find." Anko snickered.

Revealing the bloated and fat outline of her stomach, she was five months pregnant. Carrying the sole heir to the Hatake clan, she waddled to sit on a stool, cradling her large gut.

Continuously flaunting her exposed figure, Anko still wore a stretched fishnet shirt. Barely covered by a tan trench-coat, her breasts were swollen and gorged, a sign of motherhood.

Ordering a saucer of food, this dish was lined and embellished with steamed dango. Devoured without pause, skewered dumplings were plunged into her mouth, swallowed aloud.

"You too, eh?" She spoke with a mouthful.

Speaking the unspoken truth, both of these kunoichi were pregnant with children. Oblivious to this thought, and too numb to care, Tsunade drank Saké after Saké with blushing cheeks.

Unlike Anko, this surviving Sanin was too early to show, just one month along. While Shizune and Tonton prepped for medical combat, empty cups were stacked in front of her, drained.

"That stuff is bad for your kid." Words were muffled by dango.

Raising another cup to her lips, Tsunade hesitantly froze before slurring mixed words. Dropping this soaked hull to the floor, a pool of liquid was spread and poured, drenching the floor.

Like most shinobi, Tsunade was an orphan since birth, never meeting her real parents. More than that, she lost her grandfather, the first Hokage, and Mito, her grandmother, to time.

In fact, the constant passage of time dealt significant to Tsunade, far more than most. Losing Nawaki and Dan, the man she once loved, Jiraiya's disappearance only fueled her loss.

Accepting the harsh truth of life, Tsunade had nothing left, nothing except her student. Sakura, the sole factor of joy for Tsunade, now engaged in battle, like wars and conflict of old.

But now, on the cusp of a new age, a redeemed era, she gained another purpose. The child she carried inside, baring the seed, genes and smile of Jiraiya, it was his lasting legacy.


Meanwhile.

Standing over a steep cliffside, Sasuke basked in the presence of the Naka Waterfall. With stretched sleeves that swallowed each arm, his face was emaciated and pale, as white as snow.

"We're ready, Sensei!" Tenten beamed.

Gathered together, the Genin for Team Three carried strapped and laden backpacks. Gazing at their teacher with eyes of trust, Lee, Neji and Tenten was struck by rays of the setting sun.

Dispatched to guard Konoha's border, these ninja were given a new mission in haste. An S-rank journey to defend the Land of Fire, Lee squatted in anticipation, reaching with bandaged palms.

Dreaming his own thoughts, thinking his own goals, Sasuke's reptilian pupils squinted. As blue and azure as the water he lingered upon, memorable faces and voices antagonized him.

Fugaku, Itachi, Mikoto, Shisui and Kakashi, each leaving a mark on this young Uchiha. But they all shared the same fate, an early entrance to the grave, leaving Sasuke behind.

Confronted with this lonely life, and the realization that Naruto was an enemy to all. This heir to the Uchiha sought to make the right choice, to redeem all past wrongs from his clan.

The hatred of Madara, the betrayal of Shisui, and the twisted manipulation of Itachi. This all paled in comparison to Naruto's desertion, and his declaration of war, war on the shinobi world.


Meanwhile.

Smiling in front of an iron counter, Teuchi seared and stirred flavored noodles. Cooking spiced ramen for a special meal. he planned the greatest edible in history, a hallmark of food.

With a sleeved forearm, Teuchi wiped the sweat from his middle-aged brow and face. Arrayed in white robes and a cone-shaped hat, he wore the attire of a chef, fast at work and seasoning.

Investigating the progress of her 43 year old father, Ayame entered the steamy room. While strands of brown hair were framed by the bandana she wore, it was embroiled with crusted stains.

"Working on your secret experiment? Again?" Ayame rhetorically sighed.

Hoping to create an everlasting snack, the Eternal Ramen, Teuchi vigilantly seasoned. Boiled pork and sautéed eggs simmered beside a broth of chicken flavored soup and sweetened flakes.

"This meal will last for decades, with flavor as fresh as falling acorns." Teuchi coughed.

Cooking his last dinner, the final dessert for a bygone customer, he continued. Designed and destined for a whiskered mouth, its intended devourer was Naruto, a child of Minato and Kushina.

Like Itachi and Kisame, Teuchi saw through the illusions and haze of a frightened child. He saw Naruto as the innocent child from years ago, instead of a rogue that terrorized the world.

Getting older with each day, Teuchi neared the moment when he would follow Hiruzen. But he possessed one more journey, to leave behind a peaceful and just world for his daughter.


Meanwhile.

"Geez, that feels just like yesterday." Kotetsu mumbled.

Met by Izumo's stuttered laughter, these middling Chunin sat at a wooden booth. Guarding the western entrance to Konoha's gate, adjacent streets, alleys and roads were empty.

I actually had hair back then..." Iwana slurred.

A 32 year old Chunin, Iwana was almost a decade older than Izumo and Kotetsu. Like Iruka's parents of old, he endured the tireless procedures of war, the ceaseless conflict of shinobi.

Losing his left eye in the 3rd Shinobi War, his face was framed by a tattered patch. Lined by a dark blue bandana over his bald scalp, the metallic headband of Konoha was sewn in place.

"You kids make me feel so old." Bekkō spat.

A veteran of the 2nd and 3rd Shinobi Wars, Bekkō was a renown 41 year old Chunin. With spiked protrusions of brownish-black hair, individual strands were tied behind a Konoha headband.

"Complaint after complaint..." Suzume pushed her glasses up.

A 31 year old kunoichi, Suzume was the former Genin teammate of Iwana, well-aged. Dressed in a pale pink kimono opened in front, her small chest was covered in a fishnet shirt.

Straining to straighten fizzled hair, Suzume's eyes were clouded by fogged glasses. Accompaning her old teammate, she stood with a single palm around her waist, petite for her age.

"Look at my portrait, I was an angel." She hummed.

While Kotetsu and Izumo sat, the rest of this group gathered in front of their desk. Admiring photos from the past, an old yearbook was spread open, depicting hundreds of young shinobi.

"I can't believe we uncovered this old tome, it's ancient." Kotetsu chuckled.

Making a joke about Suzume's budding age, Iwana was also wounded as a result. Numb to this exchange, Bekkō was the eldest ninja present, defined by wrinkled lines across his face.

"We didn't even have yearbooks in my day." Bekkō grumbled.

Shifting from Suzume's aged novel to the newest design of Konoha, this book was fresh. Banded by a ringed back with a sapphire blue cover, countless names were embellished.

"On man, that's a gem." Izumo chuckled after turning the first page.

Met by the crumb-covered photo of Choji, this depiction was taken a day after graduation. Arrayed next to Ino and Shikamaru, their future with Asuma was foretold and written in kanji.

Shuffling forward, Team Eight was highlighted, revealing the once timid face of Hinata. Joined by Shino and Kiba, graduating squads were given their own pages with unique descriptions.

The front contained the newest shinobi of Konoha, those who passed the Chunin Exam. While lower students and grades were cataloged in the back, placed next to their respective teachers.

Turning another page, this group fell silent, stumbling upon the stoic photo of Team Seven. Sakura and Naruto held twin smiles, while Sasuke scowled between them, nuzzled by both.

Paired with the one-eyed outline of Kakashi, he winked while holding an orange book. Enthralled by these images, Iwana sneered with bared teeth, grinding them against one another.

"I told Iruka how dangerous that thing was." Bekkō glared with beady eyes.

True to statement, not just Bekkō, but dozens of shinobi warned Iruka about his choice. Now, Konoha faced the result of this decision, confronted by the rogue ideologies of Naruto's Akatsuki.