"It always gets worse."

Shikamaru enters the Uzumaki residence. The first thing he hears is the crying. Himawari Uzumaki weeps in the arms of Hanabi who herself is holding back tears. Shikamaru enters his friend's room. There is a hole in the floor where equipment is store. He knew to who this belongs.

Naruto sits on his bed, staring at the secret compartment. Ino walks to Shikamaru. She seems flabbergasted herself.

"Appears our fears are true. It's her."

Shikamaru sighs. "Goddammit."

He walks over to Naruto. The Hokage holds a mask, one he kept staring at. His eyes are dull and lifeless. Upon closer inspection, it seems like he was crying. Naruto speaks up in a croaky voice.

"It can't be her. Shikamaru, tell me it's not her." There is defeat in the Hokage's tone.

Seeing him like this broke Shikamaru's heart. One of his best friends was broken and defeated. Just like when Jiraiya was slain, and how he lost his son.

Naruto looks back down at the mask. No light radiated from him. He is completely despondent.

Ino whispers to Shikamaru. "Let's give him some space."

Both leave the room and stood in the living room.

"Shikamaru we need to act."

"Yeah, I know. The museum, Hinata, Sarada-"

"That's what I'm worried about. Sarada. Have you seen Sasuke anywhere?"

"N-no. Have you asked Sakura?"

"She's gone too!"

"What? If word gets out that Sasuke gone rogue, the alliance will declare him a criminal!"

"I know. Which is why we need to act. NOW."

Sounds came from the fridge. Clings and tings. Naruto is there grabbing and throwing stuff to the ground.

"Uh… Lord Seven?"

"Wrong. Try again." A different voice came out of Naruto.

Shikamaru and Ino look closer and notice some changes. His eyes are red and his pupils stilted, his nails and teeth were longer and sharper. Naruto's whisker-like marks on his cheeks are wider and thicker.

"Are you… the Nine-Tails?" Ino questions.

"Yes." Kurama delivers a twisted smile.

"Why are you out? What happened to Naruto?" Shikamaru asks.

"Naruto is in a state of anguish. He didn't want to move or talk, so I took control. Did you know he hadn't eaten properly in days? He's overworked. I am doing him a favor, and I'm feeding him. To be honest, I have no choice. I live here."

"Can you… bring him back?"

"Can't. His psyche is buried in the dark corners of his soul. And he doesn't want to get out. Shut himself away."

"What? No! We need him!"

"Shame."

Kurama grabs a chunk of meat on the fridge holding it with a puzzled stare. He walks over to the stove. "How do I turn this on? Bah, forget it." He spits fire onto the stove setting it ablaze. At that point, he throws the meat on the now raging fire.

Ino and Shikamaru panic as they try to find a way to extinguish the fire. Himawari tugs Naruto's, now Kurama's, shirt.

"Papa?" she said weeping.

"Sorry, kid. He's not here." Himawari shattered heart breaks even further upon hearing the words. "Hey, do you know how to cook? Because I'm hungry." The fox asks.

Hanabi holds the crying Himawari. She glares at the Tailed Beast. Kurama scoffs.

"What?"

Ino speaks to Shikamaru once they control the fire. "What are we going to do now? We don't have a Hokage!"

"Well, we have two others."

"Don't be a smartass!"

Everyone hears a distorted step. The First Horsemen, Uchū, phases his upper body through the wall. With a smile, he screams.

"Hey kids, wanna see a dead body?"

Everyone in the room, except for Kurama, yell.

"Stop screaming!"

The room quiets like dogs whimpering. Uchū comes out of the wall with Megami suddenly teleports next to him.

Kurama faces the Horsemen and smiles. "I see the theories are accurate. She's with you."

Uchū spreads his arms, presenting his student like a proud parent.

"My greatest creation!"

"Creation?" Shikamaru questions.

Megami groans.

Uchū continues. "An abandoned soul I pick up. Made her a body beyond any other. Skin that can withstand great punishment. Blades nor elements can piece it. Does not need food, water, or air. It's also rape-proof."

"Don't tell them that!" Megami shouts in embarrassment.

"People would kill for that perk." He responds.

Megami repeatedly kicks Uchū on the shin making reel in pain. "Stop talking about my body!"

"I made that body!"

Megami growls even louder.

"Fine! Sheesh."

"Why are you here?"

Uchū replies. "Heard what happened. Wanted to see for myself. Where's Naruto?"

"Resting."

"At a time like this. My my, how irresponsible. Who's going to save poor Sarada?"

"She's alive?" Shikamaru mutters.

"Oh yes. Hence, me asking 'Do you want to see a dead body?'. Do you want to see her again?"

Hanabi whispers to Shikamaru. "Are we trusting him?"

"Absolutely not. But, I'm afraid we have a few options left."

"Go for it. I sense no malice in his intentions."

Kurama and Uchū observe each other. Both smile. Everyone feels a weight in the air. An Archangel and a Demon opposite of each other. Uchū knew the Nine-Tails wanted a fight. Like an animal proving its superiority. To prove who's the alpha male. The Horseman tires of the growing tension.

"Do you want my help?" Uchū politely asks.

Kurama stares at Ino, waiting for an answer.

"...Yes," Ino said.

Kurama snickers and goes back to his meat.

"Good! Then let us talk. But you better hurry. Your enemy has her."

Shikamaru huddles with the group. "We need to organize. Get the others. And don't let word get out about the Naruto. Can't have the people panicking. Or that Daimyō taking advantage while we're down."

Meanwhile, Uchū telepathically speaks with his student. "Go to Otogakure. Find the Byakugan Princess and deliver me that book. Don't backtalk. Clean up your mess."

"And leave you behind?"

"I'll get there in due time. Just let me explore the village a bit."

Megami glares at Uchū. "Fine."

The Ronin disappear leaving only the Horseman.

"Well, let's chat."


Sarada slowly opens her eyes. Her glasses are gone meaning she couldn't see. She finds her arms tied behind her back. A metal device is stuck on her stomach. Worse yet she couldn't feel her chakra.

"Easy now. That device is quite annoying to tinker."

Sarada instantly froze. The voice seems smooth and nice but feels honeyed. After gathering her thoughts, she realized the voice sounded familiar.

"L- Lord Orochimaru?"

"In the flesh."

Orochimaru observes Sarada inside a prison cell, all tied up with a chakra disruption device strap on her stomach and struggling to see.

"Where am I?"

"Oto. You survived that train crash. We took you in."

"We?"

"The Academy."

Sarada's eyes widen, her head shaking and repeatedly saying no. She kicks the gate trying to break free.

"Easy, easy. You're with me. I won't hurt you."

"Why?! Why are you with them?!" She yells.

"I… dug myself a hole too deep."

"Traitor! Have you ever thought about Mitsuki?"

"He's the reason all of this is happening."

Sarada stops kicking, puzzled by what Orochimaru just said. "What?"

"My greatest creation. Who's existence would spark such strife."

Both hear footsteps, coming closer and closer. From the shadows, he appears. The leader of the Academy. Gaoh Uzumaki.

"Looking after our guest?" He said.

"She's a friend. Would be rude to leave her alone down here."

"I'll look after her. You should head the church."

Orochimaru looks at him then at Sarada. She is blind but could feel him looking at her. Sarada can tell he didn't want to leave, yet had no choice. But before he disappears within the shadows he whispers into Gaoh's ear.

"Do not lay a single finger on her."

Gaoh grins. "You have my word."

Orochimaru disappears leaving Gaoh and a panicking Sarada.

"We meet again Sarada Uchiha."

"Shut up! Shut up!"

"I know the last time we met wasn't very pleasant. Let's start again. On the right foot this time."

Sarada pounces hitting the gate and dropping. Gaoh observes how she is behaving, like a caged animal. He likes it. Exactly what he wanted.

"You killed him! Ruined everything we had." Sarada slumps to the ground face to the floor, defeated. "Turned me into this monster." She whispers.

"Such ferocity. You would be perfect for us."

"Is this what this is? To recruit me?"

Gaoh chuckles. "I'm not a fool, Uchiha. You'll never join us. Not after all the history between us. However, I want you to understand."

"Understand?"

"Our way of life. The truth that Humanity rejects."

"All you want is anarchy! Kill anyone who opposes your ideals."

"You talk without knowing. We seek to teach the masses the truth. How to be free."

"Free? Free to kill? To break trust? To turn children into weapons?"

"What we undertake is no different than what the Elemental Nations do."

"We don't massacre people to send a message."

Gaoh gives Sarada a stern gaze. "During the Third Shinobi World War, the Hidden Leaf use to send Genin into the battlefield. Very young children, barely out of the shinobi academy, were sent into an early grave."

Sarada recoils. She had no comeback for that one. She gritted her teeth.

"How about the small villages that were eradicated during Second World War. A war Konoha started. Or what about the First Shinobi World War?" Gaoh laughs. "And how can I forget, The Uchiha massacre."

Sarada kicks the gate. "Shut up!" She screams.

"Your whole clan, slaughtered. All because they feared their power."

"SHUT UP!"

Sarada kicks the bars again, this time able to dent it. Goah marvels at her fury.

He claps. "Even with the Chakra Disruption Device, you can still mold enough chakra to strike. The miracles of anger."

Sarada hides in the corner. "What are you going to do with me?"

"You are our guest. And we will treat you as such."

A chill breeze passes through the halls. Gaoh is surprised. Sarada felt it. She couldn't tell what it was. It wasn't chakra. Felt foreign.

"Ah, progress," Gaoh whispers. "I would like to stay and chat some more but work calls. Rest easy, Uchiha."

Gaoh walks away leaving Sarada to herself, alone and imprisoned.


The Hidden Leaf leadership reunites once more to discuss the current situation. Uchū sits before them. A confident smile across his face. It made everyone unease.

Kakashi steps forward. "We're here. Just like you asked. Now, tell us what you know."

"Oh, so demanding. No wonder the ladies drool over you." Uchū snickers. "The Academy have obtained something I want."

"The Book of Gelel."

"Exactly."

"Why do you want it?"

"Secrets stay secrets."

"Of course." Shikamaru mutters.

"This is the perfect opportunity. I want you to get it for me."

"Why don't you get it yourself?"

"Don't feel like it. Too much work."

Kakashi raises a brow. "So the Horsemen are lazy?"

"Not so. I want to… observe. That's all."

"Really committing to this watching us bit, have you?"

"If you get me that book I'll give you information on the Academy. Deal?"

"What kind of information?"

"Anything you what. Location. Motive. Riches. Future plans. All yours! Only if you get me that book."

While the leaders debate the Horsemen's offer, Uchū looks out the window. A small snake lays on the hinges of said window. The Horseman winks making the cold-blooded reptile shiver. It slithers away to report to his master.

We've decided."

Uchū shifts his gaze back at the Village leaders.

Kakashi speaks. "We accept."

"Excellent!"

"But you have to tell us one thing."

Uchū tilts his head. "I'm listening."

"Who are you? You look human but you feel… odd."

"I'm human. Was. It's complicated. I'm Human turn… concept."

Everyone looked at each other confused.

"Now, fox." Everyone looks at Kurama still controlling Naruto's body. "I know about the seal placed on the girl. You can track your sibling's chakra."

The Nine-Tails scoffs. "Why should I?"

"Sasuke would be very irate if he found out something happened to his little pride and joy. You know how forbidding things become when he's angry. Plus, Naruto would be even sadder." Uchū says as he makes the crying gesture.

Kurama ponders for a moment. "Fine. I'll help."

"Wonderful! Now if you'll excuse me I have somewhere else to be. Good luck!"

Uchū disappears. The leader's glace at each other. Without the Hokage, they wonder if they can function normally. And if trusting the stranger was a wise move.


A snake wraps around Mitsuki's arm and whispers to his ear.

Mitsuki nods. "Understood."

The snake slithers off and disappears in the grass. Mitsuki sits on the ground. He observe the trees around him, he feels the breeze brush against his skin. He perceives the flow, the energy, the song. The grass defies the wind turning its body at Mitsuki, attracted like a magnetic force. His mind expands and reaches beyond his sight, smell and hearing.

Mitsuki senses someone hiding the trees.

"I see you. Come out."

Shikadai comes out of the leaves confronting Mitsuki.

"Spying on the village heads won't help rebuild your reputation." He says.

"At this point, it doesn't matter. My friend needs me, that is what matters." Mitsuki responds.

"Are you planning to go find her? By yourself?"

"I have help."

"Leaving the village will mark you as a defector. It'll be worse for the son of Orochimaru."

"I'm ready for the consequences. Are you going to stop me?"

"No. I want to join you."

Mitsuki's eyes widen. He didn't expect this. Especially from Shikadai, who hails from a very politically powerful family.

"Why?"

Shikadai blushes. "I want to see Sarada safe. She's my friend too."

"O-okay. We need to move. Must not waste any time."

"Such noble purpose."

Both turn their gaze finding Uchū laying his back on a tree.

"Who are you?" Mitsuki demands.

"I'm but a simple kind stranger. Here to give you a tip."

"What you talking about?" Mitsuki asks.

"Doesn't matter. I was told never talk to strangers." Shikadai cuts in.

"I'm a friend of your father."

"Still applies."

"Damn! I was so looking forward to kidnapping some children." Uchū sarcastically says.

"State your intentions!" Mitsuki yells.

Uchū smiles. "You want your friend back? Find the Hybrid girl. Tell her to lead you to research base 33. Her sisters are there and so is Sarada."

Mitsuki and Shikadai look at each other.

"Is this a trap?" Shikadai whispers.

"Maybe. How do you know all this?"

"Information is kinda my thing. I'm giving it to you, for free."

"Tch, why should we listen to you."

"Action, inaction. I see many paths. Many end with you burying your friend. Do you want to attend the funeral of another comrade? I'm gifting you a freebie. Don't toss it away."

Uchū teleports away but his voice still echoes. "Decisions, decisions. Time is cruel and heartless for it always marches forward. Those left behind rot and wither. Will you watch your friend wither?"

Only the wind blowing between trees is heard. Mitsuki and Shikadai discuss their options. Were they willing to trust a stranger?


The ground shakes in a forest scattering many birds across the sky. Cracks emerge from the earth sending chuck in the air. In the epicenter stood a female with pink hair. Her green eyes filled with fury.

Unconscious thieves lay on the ground, defeated. She hears footsteps behind her and goes for a swing of her fist. Purple ethereal ribs block the attack yet suffered heavy damage. He didn't display it but on the inside, Sasuke is a bit afraid of his partner's strength.

"Sasuke?"

The Susanoo ribs fade.

"What are you doing?" Sasuke shouts. "Do you think rampaging across the land will help find Sarada?"

"Are you saying we should give up on finding our daughter?"

"Don't talk nonsense. I want to find her just as much as you do. But we can't lose control of our emotions."

Sasuke grabs Sakura's hands and holds in tight.

"There's no need to worry. We both saw her improvement. Sarada is capable of defending herself. I know she'll come back home."

Sakura stares at Sasuke with tears falling.

"You're right. You're right." She whispers.

"Eww. Are you two gonna make out now? Did I come at the wrong time? I knew I should've come here first."

Uchū sits on a stone created by Sakura's punch. Sasuke takes out his sword and points it at the Horseman. Uchū chuckles.

"Did I ruin the mood?"

"What do you want Horsemen?" Sasuke barks.

"I'm here to help. No need to raise your blade."

"Explain."

"First of all, the village knows your gone AWOL. Big trouble for you."

"What? Sasuke, you can't do this. You'll be breaking parole."

"We have other things to worry about." Sasuke he whispers back, hinting at the Horseman.

"Second, follow the Nine-Tails. He'll find your child."

"Why Kurama?"

Sakura has a moment of realization. "The seal!" She answers.

"Correct. Correct. Correct."

"What's the endgame? Why are you doing this?" Sasuke asks.

"Information. Remember, I'm gathering data for my hypothesis. I'm only here to observe. This little piece of info is a present. From me to you." Uchū grins.

Sasuke and Sakura didn't believe him. Just looking at him made them anxious. Should they trust him they ask themselves.

"We'll solve our problems. We don't need your help." Sasuke claims.

"Very well. I will not deny your decisions. But aware of the consequences. Farewell Sasuke Uchiha, and uh… what's her face."

Sakura steps forward angrily. "Wait, you say your collecting information. But you don't know my name?"

"No, no. I got this. I saw you hit Kaguya on the head." Uchū presses his metal hands on his head trying to think.

"Wait, you saw us fight Kaguya?" Sasuke questions.

"AH! Ino Yamanaka! That's it. Apologies for forgetting."

Sakura is furious. Her left eye twitching. Sasuke knew she is about to snap and Uchū notices.

"I get the feeling I got it wrong. I'll remedy for next time."

Uchū teleports away. Sasuke sheathes his sword. Holding Sakura's hand he says:

"Let's met with Naruto."

Sakura calms down and nods.

In the distance, up high in the clouds Uchū watches.

"Cute."

Chakravartin lands on his shoulder. He gently speaks.

"My Lord, I understand sending the Villagers towards the Academy, but why send the children?"

"Anarchy. I want to see the mess this generates."

"...Why?"

"Doesn't one true self come out during the heat of chaos? I want them, all of them, to show me their true colors."


Sarada frantically paces around her cell. Tears form and she shakes her head. She talks to herself refusing her current situation.

"I trained for this! This shouldn't be happening. It can't. I've gotten stronger."

She hears that voice in her head. The one she hates. Mocking her.

"Your fault! Your fault! Your fault! Your fault!" It screams.

Sarada had truly broken down. She tried so hard to avoid this situation yet confronts this road once more.

"I think I should come at a later time."

It's the same voice from before. The one she heard during the crash. She didn't know what this was.

"Wha- Who are you?!" Sarada screams.

"Ah! I never properly introduce myself. I'm Lucky Seven Chōmei! The Seventh Tailed Beast."

Sarada is shocked. "Tailed Beast?"

"I donated my chakra for your seal. You and I are connected."

"You saved me? The poison-"

"Cured ya!"

"And the train crash?"

"Saved ya with my chakra!"

"Can you free me? You are talking to me, so you must be using chakra."

"Don't worry! I have a plan. A great plan!"

"Hurry. I can't tolerate it."

"I can tell."

Gaoh and Orochimaru stood in an ancient chamber. On a metallic table laid the Book of Gelel surrounded by scientists. Multiple men came in with a black metal box and set it aside. They open it revealing inside a stone. The stone is bluish-green with swelling energy moving on the inside, like paint in water.

"Proceed." Orochimaru orders.

One of the scientists grab the stone and carefully places it inside the metal piece of the cover. There is a chime, then energy emits from the book. The cover and pages morph in pristine condition like it was brand new. Then, nothing.

"Interesting," Goah mutters.

"It appears the stone has repaired the book." Orochimaru deducts.

"So the stones are not exclusive to the flesh."

"With the book complete, let's delve into the secrets of the Angelic Empire."

There is a buzzing sound coming outside of the hideout. It's getting louder and closer, the sound becoming unbearable for some.

"What the hell is that sound?!" Gaoh shouts.

A loud booming voice erupts, and everyone hears one thing.

"This is the greatest plan!"

Chōmei, the seven tails crash through the roof destroying almost everything. Gaoh teleports out of the area but Orochimaru is crushed by the debris. Many are squished by the Tailed Beast as he continues to fly downward.

Sarada feels the shaking of the ground. She hears the screams echo throughout the halls and knew what this was. His "great" plan.

Cracks spread across the walls. Reaching the cells, the iron bars snap and bounce around. Some hit Sarada bruising her. But she ignores the pain and uses the opening to escape the cell find a way out.

With her sense of sight disabled, Sarada relies on her hearing to navigate the halls. Which is difficult with the building being literately torn to pieces. She hears voices and pauses.

Academy members fight the Tailed Beast trying to pin it down but it proves to be difficult. Chōmei fights back easily swatting away the fighters. Golden powder radiates from its body then uses the wings to spread it all over the base. The chaos of the powder gives Sarada an opening.

She continues to run trying to keep herself hidden. Sneaking around blind she steps on something sharp, cutting open her right footwear. She realizes it's a kunai and lets out a happy sigh. Sarada lays on the ground grabbing the kunai and, while she struggles, can cut herself free.

Sarada grabs and pulls the chakra disruption device but pain erupts from her lower back. She feels the device following its cables that lead into her skin and flesh. If she would rip it out she would be tearing her skin and begin to bleed out.

Even more, dread fills withing Sarada. Blind and with no chakra escaping would be nearly impossible. She removes her damaged sandal, grabs the kunai, and continues to move forward.

In the ruble, Orochimaru's body lays crushed under pieces of concrete. What remained of the body begins to twitch. His mouth opens regurgitating a new body. He looks around studying the ongoing chaos.

"Goah appears to have disappeared. Typical." He says to himself.

Sarada tries to listen carefully but all the fighting made it difficult. After a while of stumbling Sarada hears a voice. She hides to avoid detection.

"You dumbass, give us the book!"

A scientist holds the book. He seems to be in a trance, staring blankly straight. Others try to get him to move but he won't walk. Ruble falls in front of the scientist forcing others to retreat.

Sarada takes advantage and grabs the book from the scientist's hands. This breaks him out of the trace. He watches as Sarada dashes out of sight.

"H-hey!"

More ruble falls preventing from others chasing after her. The Academy wanted the book so figured to take it and destroy it. She wants to harm the Academy, make them suffer for everything they did to her and the village, to avenge Boruto. All she has for them is hate.

welcome it

Sarada freezes. "W-what?"

like epiphany

A voice reverberates inside Sarada's head. It wasn't her own, a foreign presence. It continues:

unleash it

like a song

honor what you love

with ruin

By some miracle she could see, her vision restored. Sarada stares at the Gem in the book. She opens the book. The pages were blank, nothing from beginning to end.

Orochimaru notices Sarada. She appears to be in a trance because of the book. He tries to go after her but the Seven-Tails intervenes by flying in the way.

"Found you!"

The powder floats around Sarada lifting her, breaking her trance, and making her yelp. She lands in front of the demon facing it for the first time. Book in hand, vision somehow restored, she stands. Awestruck by the beast in front of her. This is the first time she encounters a Tailed Beast. Beings of unbelievable power.

"Hop on! We are getting out of here."

As soon as it finishes the sentence a whole building appears on top and falls on Chōmei. From the dust, Gaoh jumps out unscratched. He observes the damage. Sarada gets up hurt but still standing and books still with her. Chōmei floats up with little signs of wares.

"Who threw that?" It says annoyed.

"Dammit!" Gaoh scoffs. He finds Sarada with the book in hand. "No, you-"

A female tackles Goah stabbing his sides with a kunai. She appears to be a young adult with black hair reaching down to her thighs. She has purple armor covering her clothing and a large shuriken on her back.

The feature that Sarada is most entrance is her eyes. Crimson, similar to the Sharingan. The female stands attacks aiming the kunai at Goah's face. But he disappears and reappears behind. The female takes a fighting position facing the leader of the Academy.

"Himei." Goah scorns.

Men pounce towards Sarada. She darts towards cover trying to avoid them. But the damage she suffered makes her trip. The men jump swords in hand drive them downward towards Sarada.

Reach

Time slows down. A voice calls out to her. It was calm and soothing, making Sarada trust it right away.

Raise your hand. And let it out. Unleash it, like a song.

Sarada follows without a thought. She raises her right arm towards her attackers. Something flows through her veins, her flesh felt cold, and her breath is warm. The air in her lungs turns rich, like higher quality. At this moment, this feeling made her realize something important. A thought floating in her mind. That she is alive.

The very fact turns from thought to feeling. Feeling to movement. Movement to energy, Energy to spark. From spark to power.

The power erupts from her palm firing a giant bluish-green laser. The beam rips through the sword-bearer. Reducing him pieces of gore. The other men look in horror.

Sarada is astonished. She stares at the palm of her hand. Sparks of the mystery's energy fade and the feeling subside. She glances over the remains of the henchmen. Another life claimed.

"Let's go."

Powder surrounds Sarada and lifts her towards Chōmei's head. The Seven-Tails flies up and through the hole in the ceiling. They reach outside and fly up into the blue sky. Free once more.

[Konoha Ruins, Present Day]

Barchiel distracts herself from the story. Her eyes move to the side as if she spotted something. She smirks.

"You're improving." She whispers.

"What's wrong?" Mujaki asks.

"Oh, nothing. Let's continue."

"Hold on. Let's pause. Now that Sarada is not around, let's explore a bit." Yūzai suggests.

"Why?"

"…because I can?..."

Everyone knew this was an excuse. He had something in mind and it frightens his team. Barchiel allows it as she nods in approval. Yūzai walks in a random direction and his team follows.

Mujaki hairs stand up, as goosebumps run through his body. His head snaps backward searching behind him. It feels as if someone was watching them.

In the shadows, a red glow flickers in and out of existence before fading altogether.

Somewhere in the city, Sarada stood on a giant hole on a building covered in flora. She takes a deep breath then opens her eyes. Mangekyō Sharingan twinkling as she looks down at the fertile earth below.

A black portal moving like a clam ocean opens behind her. Staring at it seems like gazing at the abyss, eternal darkness. Small embers expel from it. If listen closely sounds of screaming echo inside the portal.

There is stomping coming from it. A creature emerges from the portal.

It bore a likeness of a Version 2 Jinchūriki form, but instead of a red shade of color, it was black, the same as the portal. This creature wears a Gelel infused titanium knight armor, holding a large blade made of still Amaterasu flames. Six tails poke out the armor. The helmet covers the top half of its head leaving the large mouth exposed. The top half bears six holes for the six glowing eyes the creature has.

This knight walks on two feet dragging their sword across the floor. It moves near Sarada before stopping right behind her. Planting its sword on the floor, it speaks with a gruff monstrous voice.

"The horde continues to evolve. Some even given themselves names."

"I know. Their minds echo through mine. And the crystal?"

"The Light remains dormant." The Knight pauses before speaking again. "My Lady, the trespassers. What will you do with them?"

"They are my guests. As long as you remain hidden in the chasm all will be fine."

"And if they investigate?"

Sarada glances at her bandaged arm. Memories flood her mind. All the pain, broken trusts, and regrets. The Knight could feel it. Sarada looks over the horizon.

"I'll bury them with the rest of Konoha."


A/N: Well, I struggled with this one. In the three years, I've been writing fanfiction I never suffered writer's block. Never. I see the objectives I want to achieve but getting there is difficult.

After doing some metal organizing I'm happy to say we're halfway through the story! There's this arc and the last one. I'm calling this one the "Oto Revolution Ark", and the last arc I'm dubbing it "The Last Week Ark".

Sarada and Chōmei meet! Uchū schemes. Orochimaru also makes his appearance. And the Gelel Stone returns once more.

I was a big fan of the second Naruto movie. As a kid a wanted to see more of the Gelel stones and the other continent. But my dreams were crushed when I found out the movies weren't canon. When I started writing this story the Gelel lore fit perfectly with what I was planning. Then in it went! Planning to expand even more in future chapters.

Next chapter Sarada explores Oto and meets a powerful as well as wealthy OC. Will she be able to control her newfound powers or be shallowed by its secrets?

If you enjoyed the story please follow and/or favorite, share, and don't be afraid of leaving a review, I like to hear your thoughts. I'll hope to see you next time, XYZangel out.