Author's Note: First of all, Happy New Year, my dear readers! Let's hope 2021 turns out to be at least an improvement over 2020.

So, due how many people have Sage Mode in this fic, there's some confusion over who has it and who hasn't (many readers mentioned they were under the impression Kurenai was a Sage), so here's a list of all the current Sages: Naruto, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Hinata, Hanabi, Shizune, Shisui, Asuma, Karin, Rin, Gaara, Kankuro, Temari, Fu and Mei.

Now, enjoy the next chapter:

Chapter 119:

The Sandstorm Subsides

or

The Tutorial is Over

Turtle Island

As it was usual for Naruto after he befriended the Nine Tails, the blond Jinchuriki was at the edge of the shore of the island, trying to master the Tailed Beast Ball. Turns out, his hypothesis was correct, and spinning the ball like with the Rasengan helped stabilize the volatile chakra of the Nine Tails. However, while it made it easier, it didn't mean that it solved the problem, since Naruto still had trouble to master the jutsu completely.

The blond had lost count on how many times he had tried just today, but he had a feeling that he was close to it. He was using his two arms to hold the sphere, as well as four additional arms made of golden chakra to keep the sphere stable and the rotation going. It seemed that this time he was going to do it.

"Come on... come on...!" Naruto said, as beads of sweat trickled down his neck, his golden-red eyes fixed on the sphere of chakra, expecting to destabilize and blow up at any moment.

But the moment never came. The sphere was stable. The fast rotation held the chakra in place.

"Heh, guess you finally did it, brat," Kurama praised his host. "Not a true Tailed Beast Ball of course, but an acceptable facsimile you can rely on until you master the real thing."

"Thanks. I guess," Naruto replied. Even then, he still was unsure about when the grumpy Fox's compliments were genuine or mocking.

"Now throw it, and see the effect," Kurama told the blond.

Naruto nodded, and careful not to stop the rotation, he brought his arms back, before tossing the Tailed Beast Ball into the ocean. The sphere traveled in a wide arc for a couple hundred meters, until it crashed into the water, producing a decend sized dome-shaped explosion.

"Not bad, brat. For the first time, definitely not bad," Kurama said.

"Hey yo, Naruto, that was a pretty neat Tailed Beast Ball! It seems that you finally surpassed that wall!" a voice said behind him.

Naruto turned around, and saw Killer B standing there, arms crossed, with his lips curved into a small smirk.

"Heh, thanks," Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head. "Though, Kurama said I still have a long way to go until I can master his chakra completely."

"Hey, no worries, getting used to Tailed Beast Chakra takes some time. Just keep training like you've been doing, and you'll be fine!" Killer B rapped. "I myself had to do a lot of wait until I was able to turn into Number Eight! So don't worry, you'll get there, and in the meantime, prepare."

"Though, now that you mention it, it's been a while since the last time I tried the Tailed Beast form. Hey Kurama, you think that with all the progress I've made I can do it now?" Naruto asked.

"I find it unlikely, but there's no hurt in trying," Kurama said, with a shrug. "No hurt for me, of course. It will probably hurt a lot for you."

Naruto felt like saying something, but decided not to dignify that with a response. Instead, he clapped his hands together and focused his chakra. Thinking in the form of the Nine Tails, the chakra cloak started to grow, first in the form of a shapeless glob, then, little by little, it started to take the form of the fox, first growing arms and legs, then the head, then nine stubs that would grow into the nine tails. Or that was the plan, because the chakra construct fell apart halfway transformation.

"Dammit!" the blond yelled, as he punched the sand. "I thought I was going to do it this time!"

"Like I said, you're still not ready, the Nine Tails chakra ain't steady! But worry not, the chakra of number nine will be fine in no time!" Killer B said. "Though, I must ask, is there anything that makes you worry? You're pushing yourself hard, there's no need to hurry."

"There is, though, There's a war out there, and the sooner we finish our training, the sooner we'll be able to help them," Naruto said, as he looked into the horizon. "People from our villages are dying every second, fighting a war to protect us. I don't want more people to die than those who did already."

Killer B sighed, but nodded, understanding where the blond came from. "Listen, Naruto, I know what you mean. Wars are ugly, they are never clean. It's a sad reality we have to face, sometimes ninjas die so others don't have to take their place. If we just go out now we'll play into Akatsuki's hands, by staying here we protect our homelands."

"Heh, wish you were this responsible when I asked you not to fake your own death to go on a vacation, B," Gyuki intrevened, making his host frown, and getting a chuckle out of Naruto.

"Shut up, Number Eight, I didn't ask for your opinion! B needed that vacation, he ain't nobody's minion!" Killer B protested.

Naruto shook his head. "I don't think that's the problem. I think I'm already used enough to Kurama's chakra, especially after all this training," Naruto explained. "But when I try the Tailed Beast Form... I don't know, it feels like I'm missing something. How did you manage to achieve the Tailed Beast form?"

B seemingly grew pensive, as he placed his hand under his chin.

"Jinchuriki are two being sharing a single body, the two need to agree, or the result will be shoddy. If you want to get the job done, the key to that is to work as one!" Killer B explained.

"Work as one, uh?" Naruto replied, trying to make sense of B's explaination. "But Kurama and I are already working as one. We became friends, and he allows me to use his chakra freely... it is because we aren't close enough?"

His heart was starting to hurt. Naruto decided to leave that for later.

"By the way, where is Fu? I don't see her," he asked.

"She finished her training, she said she was tired. Headed into the jungle, playing with the animals there gets her all fired," Killer B explained. "And I believe you should take a rest too, you won't make any progress if you're exhausted, get it, fool?"

Naruto let out a sigh of defeat. "Okay. I'll cut my losses and celebrate that I sorta managed to master the Tailed Beast Ball."

Killer B nodded, and the two jinchuriki walked out of the beach. Still, Naruto wasn't going to take any days off. He had a feeling in his gut that he needed to master the power of the Nine Tails as soon as possible. He would need it to face the war's final challenge.

And he wasn't wrong.

…

Fourth Division's Camp Base, Nighttime.

Soon after Kinkaku and Ginkaku's defeat, the Sand Siblings quickly moved to incapacitate other Impure World Resurrection zombies, who proved to be far less challenging than the Gold and Silver Brothers. This caused the tide of the battle to quickly shift in the Alliance's favor, and the Akatsuki, realizing this, ordered the White Zetsu to retreat and their reanimations to be recalled.

Unfortunately, one of the reanimations that was succesfully recalled before it could be sealed away was that of Danzo's, menaing that they'll have to deal with the crafty old man again.

After their resounding victory, Rasa ordered his troops to move back to the coast and build their base there, with better defenses this time in order to better avoid a future possible attack by the enemy by sea. By the time they were done, night fell over them, and the Allied ninjas sat around bonfires in order to enjoy a well deserved meal.

Rasa, as the commander, had the duty to report the result of the battle to the Ninja Alliance HQ, thanks to a Yamanaka clan member linking their mind via teleapthic jutsu.

"Good job protecting the Land of Lightning, Kazekage," Onoki congratulated the brown haired man. "Especially given the caliber of the reanimations you and your men had to face against."

"Thanks. It wasn't an easy task, I can assure you," Rasa replied. "Those guys were tough. And that was before they revealed their hidden power."

"The Gold and Silver brothers were pretty high in our list of potential future reanimations. I find a bit odd that Orochimaru waited until now to send them," Onoki chimed in.

"If Orochimaru is sending his heavyweights now, that can only mean two things," Chiyo intervened. "Either Akatsuki is nearing their endgame and is preparing for one final push, or they're getting desperate. Neither of them foresee good things for us, but I wish it was the latter's case."

"By the way, how were you able to subdue those two monsters, Rasa?" Onoki inquired. "I fought them in my prime, and they gave me one of the hardest fights in my life."

"Thankfully, my children picked up quite the useful skill from the Supreme Commander's son when I sent them as part of the relief group to help Konoha reconstruct after it was attacked by the Akatsuki," Rasa explained. "Sage Mode. I'd say that right now, all three of them are far stronger than I am."

"A father should always feel proud when a child surpasses him, Kazekage," Onoki replied.

"These recent developments are surely making me rethink my stance on alliances with other villages," Chiyo mused. "Given the results..."

"Continue with your report, Kazekage," Onoki told him.

Rasa nodded, as he continued. "Other notable reanimations we had to deal with was Danzo Shimura," Rasa continued. "Unfortunately, he escaped."

"Danzo was also in the list among the most likely candidates to be brought back," Ao intervened. "The Supreme Commander added him to the list himself."

"By the way, when you requested the help of the air force, it was mentioned that Deidara was leading them," Onoki intervened. "What about him? Did he escape again? Or was he killed or captured?"

"Ah, the man who kidnapped my son," Rasa replied, sounding sour. "Yes, he was taken down. By that ex-Akatsuki woman. Nothing would have made me happier than killing that bastard myself, but I do appreciate the irony of his demise coming at the hands of one of his fellow Akatsuki."

This seemed to please Onoki. "Good, good. The world is a better place now that that traitor is no longer among the living."

"Still, I wouldn't put past Orochimaru to revive him as well," Chiyo said.

"We haven't had any signs of Kisame being revived after his death. Then again, he might have be keeping them as a reserve force for an emergency," Ao stated.

"It's a possiblity. Though something that troubles my mind is that I feel Orochimaru hasn't revealed his best assets yet," Rasa said. "According to what the Supreme Commander told me, when Orochimaru first attacked Konoha, he brought back its past three Hokages. Given that he's now proficent in the jutsu enough to resurrect hundreds of ninjas of great power... it seems suspicious that he hasn't deployed any previous Kage against us."

"The quality of the reanimations increases with each battle. I assume we will see former Kages very soon," Chiyo said.

"Let's hope we're ready for when such moment arrives," Onoki noted. "Anything else to say, Kazekage?"

"Nothing at all," Rasa replied.

"Very well. In that case, let's conclude this report here. Expect a convoy with supplies in the next hours," the acting Supreme Commander said.

Rasa nodded, and the mental link was broken.

…

Kurenai, her two students Haku and Yakumo, as well as Hotaru, were sitting on benches across a bonfire, enjoying their meals after a rather harsh day of battles. Despite the victory, though, the mood was a little somber, because among other things, none of the four ninjas present had managed to beat the enemies their faced, either because they managed to flee, or because they needed additional help to deal with them.

The mood didn't go unnoticed by Kurenai, who decided to try to cheer them up a little. "Well, another day, another victory for the Ninja Alliance. We're a little closer to the definitive end of the war now."

"I guess so," Yakumo said. "It would have been nice if we got to capture and seal Danzo, though. That old bastard will show up again, and cause more mysery."

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Yakumo," Kurenai said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Even in his old age, Danzo Shimura was one of the strongest ninjas Konoha ever produced, being close in power and skill to our very own Third Hokage. Not to mention all the body modifications he had, such as Hashirama's cells or Fugaku Uchiha's Mangekyo Sharingan. The fact that you and Haku managed to hold your own against him was really impressive."

"Not to mention that he was familiar with your Bloodline Limit and devised a way to counter it," Haku added. "The deck was stacked against us, yet we prevailed."

"Wait, Danzo knew how to counter your jutsu?" Kurenai asked in shock, leaning forward. "I thought Yakumo's genjutsu could only be countered with more genjutsu!"

Yakumo looked a little upset, not happy with having to talk about Danzo's accomplishments, especially since they were about neutralizing her. "Well, since my Bloodline Limit affects the victim's minds even more than normal genjutsu, so he thought about using Yamanaka mental jutsu to create shields inside his mind in order to repel or undo my illusons."

Kurenai never felt so dumb in her life. It was so simple, yet so brilliant. How is that nobody thought about that before? Had she asked a Yamanaka for help to deal with Yakumo when she was struggling to keep her powers under control, perhaps a lot of lives could have been saved, and Yakumo wouldn't have to go through several years of hell under Root as one of Danzo's human puppets.

"Yakumo, I'm so sorry!" Kurenai said, shaken by guilt. "Had I thought of that, a lot of tragedies could have been averted."

Yakumo grabbed Kurenai's hand, and smiled at her. "It's okay, sensei. It's in the past."

"But... your parents could be alive! And you could had a normal life!" Kurenai continued. "Had I been a better sensei and ninja, none of this-"

"Kurenai-sensei, stop," Yakumo told her, shaking her head. "Like I said, it's in the past. I might hate Danzo, he might be many things, but stupid isn't one of them. Quite the opposite, in fact. Plus, Danzo was always compiling information on how to neutralize enemies, both already existing, and potential ones like me at the time. He was very good at that."

"I... okay, I'll stop, for now," Kurenai agreed, though Yakumo frowned a little at the last part. "We have a war to win, and I can't afford to let anything distract me. None of us can."

"That's a good mindset to have. The next batch of enemies we'll have to fight against will be even stronger than these ones," Haku pointed out.

"Yeah, the reanimations are getting tougher and tougher. The one reanimation I fought against, a Kiri ninja named Harusame, also kicked my ass," Hotaru said a little bashfully. "Then again, he was Utakata-sensei's Jonin-sensei, so I had no business fighting him at all. Then I went to help Kurenai-san with that Akatsuki and... the results were the same."

"It's very hard to fight an airborne enemy when your means to flight are rudimentary at best," Kurenai replied with a nod. "Had I have Haku's assistance, like the last time we fought him, we would have brought him down for good."

"The important part is that Deidara did meet his end today. The fact that it wasn't at your hands wasn't important," Haku stated. "A job done is a job done, no matter how or who did it."

"Guess that's something Zabuza would say, hm?" Kurenai mentioned.

"Yes. Pragmatism is a must in the life of a ninja. Even without Zabuza-sama's guidance, it's a lesson I could have learned over time myself," Haku said. "Unlike your battle, our job wasn't finished, meaning that Danzo will eventually come back."

"Though, it's not that what happened today was anything new," Hotaru pointed out. "I did hear that Mei-sama's division was only able to nail about half of the reanimated swordsmen."

"You may be right. But Orochimaru won't have the element of surprise if he uses the same reanimation more than once," Kurenai mentioned. "Reanimations can't get any stronger than they were when they died, can they?"

"I'm not really sure, but I'd say they aren't," Hotaru guessed. "Not that they weren't strong as hell to begin with."

"What I mean is, we fought them, we know what jutsu they have. Perhaps not all of them, but many of them," Kurenai began. "Meaning that we can come up with a counter strategy in order to fight back against them the next time they show up. It's an advantage they have that we should capitalize."

"The ones who fought against Danzo the most were Shisui-san and Shizune-san. Shisui-san isn't here, but Shizune-san is. Perhaps we could ask her about what abilities Danzo used against her and Shisui-san when they fought him in the Valley of the End," Haku began.

"And I guess Mizukage-sama must know something about Harusame, given that he was the Jonin-sensei of one of Kiri's jinchuriki," Hotaru said, resting her chin under a finger. "Plus-"

Suddenly, Hotaru grew very quiet, and her eyes became wide as plates. The Kiri kunoichi looked as if she just saw a ghost. Or something worse.

"Hotaru-san?" Haku asked, a little worried. "Are you feeling well?"

Hotaru didn't reply, at least at first. The blond girl needed a few seconds to snap back to reality and process Haku's words. "Huh? Oh, yes, yes, I'm fine! Very fine!"

"Are you sure?" Kurenai asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because the way you're acting... that does not suggest that you're fine at all."

"I may be a little shaken from the battle. This is my first battle after all," she quickly said, as she stood up. "I think I may need to take a walk in order to clear my mind out."

"Okay..." Yakumo said. "Just do what you think is best for you, Hotaru-san."

The Kiri kunoichi then left the bonfire, leaving the three Konoha ninjas alone. All of them shared looks of worry.

…

Meanwhile, in another bonfire, Gaara, Temari and Kankuro were also having dinner, and talking among each other. Naturally, their mood was much brighter, given their victory over the Gold and Silver brothers.

"We just defeated two of Kumo's most infamously strong ninjas," Kankuro began, overflowing with excitement. "Who actually killed Konoha's Second Hokage. Who were immortal and had infinite chakra. And we beat them! Without breaking a sweat!"

"I wouldn't dare to say 'without breaking a sweat', Kankuro," Gaara told his older brother. "Even if we beat them, the Gold and Silver brothers proved to be formidable adversaries. Had not be for Sage Mode, I doubt we would have beaten them, even before they used the power of the Nine Tails they had within them."

"Come on Gaara, try to enjoy the victory we had today," Kankuro said. "This is going to look great on our record sheet!"

"Strange as it sounds, I'm with Kankuro here," Temari interjected, much to the puppeteer's surprise. "Those two psychos had to be among Orochimaru's strongest reanimations. The fact that we beat them not only means that we deprived the enemy from two of its strongest assets, but that we can take almost anything Akatsuki throws at us."

"That sounds awfully a lot like tempting fate, sister," Gaara replied. "There is always a stronger opponent waiting to cross path with you. As long as this war lasts, we should remain vigilant."

"Well said, son," a new voice said.

The three siblings looked up, and saw their father, the Kazekage, walking towards them. Though when he arrived, he didn't sit with them.

"Father," Gaara said. "Did you finish your briefing with the HQ?"

"Yes, thank goodness. I preferred to have to deal with Jiraiya. The way that old midget questions me gets on my nerves," Rasa said in a low voice, gritting his teeth. "Let's hope Jiraiya comes back from his trip soon."

While the news of the attack on the HQ, as well as Jiraiya and Tsunade going on a mission to kill Orochimaru was a strict secret for obvious reasons, with only the Division Commanders and other high ranking members of the Alliance being aware of it. Though, given their status, the Sand Siblings were among those few privy of the secret.

"Did you get any update on how their mission is going?" Temari asked, in a similar low voice.

"Not at all. Then again, I doubt they're sending messages telling us how close they are to the target," Rasa said. "If there's a target to begin with."

"Bummer," Kankuro said. "Let's hope they can end this soon enough. Depriving the enemy of all the reanimations at once would make this war end in a jiffy."

"We can't put all our hopes on something that comes from such an unreliable source," Rasa said. "I'm afraid we'll have to win the war the old fashioned way. Still, given the display of power you three did today, it gives me hope that we can end this with less casualities than I initially feared."

"I hope you are not upset because we defeated an enemy you weren't able to beat, father," Gaara said, cautiously eyed his progenitor and military leader.

"In another time, I would have been. Now... not in the slightest," Rasa said, letting out a sigh. Then, he walked towards the bench they were sitting at, and sat besides them. "That Sage Mode is sure something."

"I know, right? I wish we had that when Deidara and Sasori ambushed us that time. We would have kicked their asses so hard...!" Kankuro said, grinning maniacally, making punching motions.

"Speaking of which, I did heard that the Akatsuki, Deidara, had been killed. By that other Akatsuki, no less," Temari said.

"I still wish I was the one to put an end to that man's life, but I'll be content with the thought that he got his just punishment and won't be able to hurt more people again," Gaara said, nodding a little.

Temari started to mentally count, as her mouth moved without making any sound. "So... with Deidara out of comission, and Kisame also killed by the Mizukage... and given that the Moon Puppets stopped working a few days ago, Toneri must had bitten the dust...the only Akatsuki members still alive right now are Obito and Orochimaru."

"The two most dangerous members," Gaara said, nodding. "Taking them down will be much harder than the others."

"Fortunately, Orochimaru is already living on borrowed time, if what we know is true. No matter how powerful he became, there's no way he can stand to the Supreme Commander and Tsunade-sama as they are now," Kankuro confidnetly said.

"Yes, I'm sure their Sage powers will bring them a swift victory," Rasa agreed, before letting out another sigh. "If I knew the true power behind Senjutsu, I would have sent you three to Konoha long before I did."

"What about you, father? Wouldn't you want to learn how to use this power as well?" Gaara asked.

"I would. But my position as Kazekage leaves me little time to do much training. And from what you guys told me, it took a lot of days of intensive training until you got down the basics," Rasa replied.

"You can always take a few days off," Kankuro suggested, before his face scrunched into a frown. "Now that I think about it, I don't remember seeing you taking any days off."

"That's because I didn't," Rasa said. "Others might do it, but I can't stand the thought of leaving the village in somebody else's hands when I can do the job. I couldn't wait for the Kage Summit to end for that very reason."

"Well, maybe you should. At least when this war is over," Temari said.

Rasa turned at Temari as if she had grown a second head. "Have you lost your mind? That's when the village is going to need me the most!"

"Okay, I give up," Temari said, throwing her hands into the air. Kankuro groaned, while Gaara stayed silent. "We only wanted you to unwind and maybe spend some time with the children you barely raised, but whatever."

This seemed to have some effect on Rasa, who was taken aback, and started to rethink of what he just said.

"I'm... sorry," he began, sounding like saying that word strained him. "I know I've been far from the best father. But once this is over, I'll try to make it up to you. I remember when I almost lost all three of you, and one of the things I regretted the most was not being there for you while you were growing up."

"You mean it?" Temari asked, narrowing an eye at him.

"Yes," Rasa said, looking at them with genuine pride. "I know I don't say this very often, but... I'm very proud of the persons and ninjas you've grown into. And you did it without my help. I'm sure you three will lead our village to a great future once I'm no longer here."

Surprisingly, Gaara smiled."Thank you, father. We will continue making both you and our village proud."

…

Konan, as per usual, was alone. Often deliberatedly avoiding the rest of the ninjas she fought alongside with. She knew trying to confraternize with them was an exercise in pointlessness who would only lead to strife and conflict, the last things the Ninja Alliance needed right now.

Fortunately for her, despite being widely known as a former Akatsuki member, nobody seeked her out. Nobody tried to attack her, kill her, or even verbally berate her. They probably understood that doing so wouldn't end well for any of the parties involved. Or didn't understood that, but knew they could get into trouble with the high command, given that Konan was a very valuable asset.

Until now, that's it.

A small square of paper appeared between the bluenette's fingers, and turning around at an impossible speed, she tossed it at the feet of her stalker, who yelped in shock, while jumping in the air.

"I don't know what are your intentions," Konan said, amber eyes narrowing at the other ninja, a girl with blue eyes, blond hair, and a prominent forehead, wearing a Kirigakure uniform. "But approaching me was a mistake."

"Perhaps," the Kiri kunoichi said, fear disappearing from her eyes as her blue gaze met Konan's amber. "But I felt it's something I had to do. Though, first, answer me this: do you know who I am?"

Konan scanned the Kiri kunoichi from head to toe, her face remained frozen in a neutral expression. The bluenette finally spoke.

"You are the partner of the Jinchuriki of the Six Tails. Nagato and I battled you, as well as Naruto and two of his companions, on Nagi island a few months ago," Konan said. The Kiri kunoichi appeared to be surprised that Konan remembered her. "I don't think I ever learned your name."

"My name is Hotaru," Hotaru said, her voice quivered a little in an attempt to sound firm. "And the jinchuriki you and your partner kidnapped and murdered was Utakata. He was a person, not just some container for a Tailed Beast."

"And let me guess, you are planning to avenge his death at our hands," Konan replied, as she turned her back at Hotaru. Her tone was factual, and there wasn't a hint of mockery or regret. "If you feel you must do that, wait at least until the war is over. Then again, you might have to fight other people over the right of ending my life. My stay in Akatsuki created quite a few enemies, not without reason."

"I don't plan to kill you," Hotaru replied, as her hands clenched into fists. "I know of your power, and I know you could kill me without putting any real effort."

"Then why are you here? Do you want me to apologize to you? To tell you how much I regret having a hand in Utakata's death, as well in the deaths of all the people Akatsuki killed, either directly or indirectly?" Konan asked again. "I have no problem doing that, but it won't bring Utakata back. It won't even relieve your grief in the slightest either."

"I know that already. I'm here... because I wanted to ask you somehting," Hotaru said, fighting back the tears that formed at the corner of her eyes, as the memory of her beloved sensei's last moments played in her mind. "Why? Why did you do it? What were you expected to gain?"

"I thought every ninja was briefed about Akatsuki's plans and motives. Or don't you even know why are so many villages fighting for the jinchuriki of two villages?" Konan asked.

"I know Akatsuki's motives," Hotaru said. "But I want to hear them from your mouth. A member, who was directly involved in Utakata-sensei's demise. A member who used me as a bait to force him to sacrifice himself for my own sake. I want you to tell me what were you thinking exactly when you and your partner were fighting us."

Konan turned around and started to walk away. "This is a waste of our time-"

"It's not for me!" Hotaru yelled, as she walked towards Konan, grabbed her by the arm, and forced her to turn back at Hotaru. The former Akatsuki member didn't resist. "It's not for me."

"Why?" Konan asked. "Shouldn't it be easier if you simply saw me as some kind of irredeemable demon?"

"Because I know you aren't a demon," Hotaru replied. "Today, you saved my life and Kurenai-san's life. That Iwa Akatsuki was on the verge of defeating us, but you fought and killed him before he could finish the job. You even offered him a chance to leave Akatsuki."

"I was offered the chance to atone for my sins, and my sins aren't smaller than Deidara's. He deserved just as much," Konan said. "But I know what awaits me once the war ends and I'm no longer useful. I'll spend the rest of my days inside a cell. Perhaps that's why Deidara didn't want to leave Akatsuki. He knew that he would only have a life if Akatsuki won. Though I find that just as unlikely. Obito would probably dispose of him once he was no longer useful."

"Yet you're here. Fighting to undo your wrongs, even if you know that you won't evade the punishment for your crimes," Hotaru pointed out. "A truly evil person... a person like that wouldn't do that. So I want to know what drove a person like you to commit the crimes you did, to bring mysery to so many people."

Konan looked at the younger woman with skeptical eyes. Still, she decided that there was no harm in humoring her.

"In that case, you better sit down. The story is not a short one."

Konan started to tell her tale: how she and Yahiko found Nagato. How all three of them were found and trained by Jiraiya, after the latter found about Nagato's Rinnegan. The foundation of Yahiko's Akatsuki. The Third Ninja War. Hanzo and Danzo. Yahiko's death. Finding Obito. Nagato's transformation into Pain, the birth of Pain's Akatsuki. The jinchuriki hunt. The Invasion of Konoha. And lastly, the confrontation with Naruto, followed by Nagato's death.

"From the day we were born, Nagato, Yahiko and I were surrounded by death. We lost most of our loved ones at an early age. Then the two of us lost Yahiko. And we... we wanted that to end. We wanted to create a world where no kids would lost their parents before they knew how to talk and walk, because ninjas were forced to fight and die in wars started by other people.

"Have you ever been so consumed by despair, that you'd do anything for it to end? For somebody to reassure you that things would get better? That there was more to this world that pain, loss and suffering?" Konan asked. "I would have killed myself a long time ago, if not because Nagato told me that the best way to honor Yahiko's death is to live and create a world that would make him proud."

"Would Yahiko be proud of all the people you killed? Of all the suffering you brought into this world?" Hotaru asked.

"I know he wouldn't," Konan said, her voice being firm. If Hotaru was expecting her question to shake Konan, she failed. "It took Naruto fighting us again to make us realize the error of our ways. However, my convictions hasn't changed. I still want to create, or help to create, at least a world better than the one I had to live in. That's what keeps me going. That's my 'reward', so to speak.

"Well, you asked me about why I do the things I do, both in the past and in the present, and I answered it in the most honest way possible," Konan said. "Is that all, or is there something else you also want to ask me?"

"No, that's all," Hotaru said, letting out a sigh she didn't know she was holding. "I... I don't think I'll ever forgive you for what you did."

"I don't expect you to," Konan said. "I killed somebody who was precious to you, and you hate me for it. The cycle of hatred isn't something everybody can break. I know that better than most people."

"However, listening to you made me understand quite a few things. About you, about the world... about the ninja system currently in place..." Hotaru said, as she sat up. "All my life, I wanted to be a ninja. But I never had a solid reason for me to want such a thing. If I am to stop more people to lose their loved ones like I lost Utakata-sensei... then I need to stop people like your younger self from becoming people like your present self."

"Yes... it would have been nice if there were more people like you and Naruto when I was your age," Konan said sadly.

Deciding the conversation was over, Konan started to break down into a multitude of paper sheets, which folded themselves in the form of origami butterflies, all flying away, leaving Hotaru alone.

"Well, that didn't went as bad I as feared."

Or, at least, she thought she was alone. Startled by the sudden voice coming from behind, Hotaru yelped and turned around in shock, seeing Haku appearing out of nowhere, as he dispelled the genjutsu that kept him hidden.

"Haku? You... you've been there the whole time?" Hotaru asked.

"I had to. When we saw you going after Konan, somebody had to made sure you didn't do something stupid," Haku explained. "Kurenai-sensei wanted to go herself, but she thought that I was the better choice, given that we knew each other for longer."

"Wait... you realized that the reason I reacted that way was Konan?" Hotaru asked, incredulous.

Haku stared at the blond kunoichi flatly. "We're ninjas, Hotaru-san. Kurenai's a full Jonin, and I'm a Special Jonin despite my young age. We both noticed Konan walking past our bonfire, and the way you reacted to it."

"Then why didn't you guys say anything, and acted like nothing happened?" Hotaru asked.

"Do I need ro repeat myself?" Haku asked, sighing a little. "Besides, we wanted to give you a chance and see if you were able to restrain yourself. And I'm glad to see that our faith in you wasn't misplaced. Sorry for spying on you like that, I can imagine some of the things you said weren't mean for privy ears."

Hotaru visibly deflated. "No, it's okay, it... it doesn't matter anymore. Sorry if I worried you guys. I felt I needed some closure on Utakata-sensei's death, and thought that facing his killer would bring it to me."

"Did it bring the closure you seeked?" Haku asked.

"A little," Hotaru said. "You know, the saddest part is... Konan isn't a bad person. Under different circumstances, I think we could have gotten along..."

"In a way, I understand what she went through," Haku said. "I also grew up in a country torn by war and hatred, and that hatred deprived me of my parents. However, I was found by Zabuza-sama, and then I met Naruto, Hinata and Kurenai-sensei. While Konan... was found by Obito."

"Then let's make sure such thing won't happen again," Hotaru said with renewed determination. "First, let's end this war. And then, we will make sure to create a new world. One where the circumstances that led to Akatsuki's creation will never happen."

"Yeah, let's," Haku said with an approving nod. "You know, I'm sure that if Utakata-san could see you now, he'll be proud of the ninja you've grown into."

Hotaru smiled in return. "Yes. I will create a world that will make my sensei proud."

…

Mountain Graveyard

"Well, another defeat. And on top of that, we just lost Deidara," Obito grumbled, as he walked back and forth through the cave both he and Orochimaru were using as a base of sorts. "Your reanimations are proving to be such a huge help," he snarled.

This time, Orochimaru didn't keep his friendly façade, and met Obito's glare with one of his own. "The Ninja Alliance is proving to be more resilant than either of us predicted. Though, if the course of the war is going so badly on our end, imagine how little you would have accomplished with your army of Zetsu clones and the few Akatsuki members left."

"And that fool Deidara got himself killed. By Konan no less," Obito said, clenching his fists as rage filled his body at the thought of that traitor. "I'm going to make sure that bitch's death is slow and painful. Nobody crosses me and lives to tell the tale."

Orochimaru felt tempted to say something, but decided that riling Obito up even more would be counterproductive. Instead, he decided to try to calm him down.

"Things aren't as bad as you think, Obito-kun. You can still grow more Zetsu clones. And I can summon again the reanimations that have been destroyed," Orochimaru suggested. "As long as I round up a few hundreds of people to use as sacrifices, that is. We can recover from our losses much faster than the Ninja Alliance can. If this become a war of attrition, they will inevitably lose."

"We can't afford to reach that point, Orochimaru. This is a race against the clock. We need to catch those three jinchuriki and feed their Tailed Beasts to the statue as soon as possible," Obito insisted.

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "I wasn't aware that we were working under a timetable. Obito-kun, is there something you are hiding from me?"

"As if you didn't hide secrets from me either," Obito said. "You're older than me, didn't you hear the saying that the life of a ninja is measured in secrets, and that the moment they have none, their life ends?"

"Yes, I probably heard it before you were even born. I'm very old, after you so sagely noted," Orochimaru replied. "But I'm asking because this secret may affect me as well. I'm sure you'll understand my concerns, Obito-kun."

Fotrunately, before the argument could escalate any further, Zetsu –the original one– emerged from the ground. Strangely enough, he was smiling.

"Hey boss, good news!" the white half happily said.

"The only news I would consider good is that the Flying Zetsu have finally located that moving island the jinchuriki are hiding at," Obito humorlessly said.

"Well, you're lucky then, because that's exactly what we were coming to tell you!" the black half said. "One of the flyers has already latched onto the turtle, and is releasing spores that can only be tracked by other Zetsu."

"We can find them, and they have no way of realizing that their position has been compromised," the white half added with glee.

"Well, it seems that this farce of a war can finally reach its end. Let's cancel all our offensives, and move all our forces to intercept the island," Obito said, now sounding more content. "Make sure none of the jinchuriki escape."

"If we do that, the Alliance will find about us and they'll move to intercept us, like they've done every time we tried to get behind the enemy lines," Orochimaru suggested. "I thought that would be obvious. No wonder we're losing the war if our leader is such a poor tactician."

Obito's good mood evaporated. His glare pierced Orochimaru. "What do you suggest we do then, oh mighty strategic genius? Your record when it comes to war against Konoha is far from spotless."

"This is what we'll do: we'll continue waging war against the Alliance in order to make them think that nothing has changed, and while their attention is focused elsewhere we'll send a small team of reanimations to infiltrate the island and kidnap the jinchuriki," Orochimaru said. "I have several reanimations in reserve who are both powerful fighters and have the right skillset to shut down a jinchuriki."

Obito wasn't convinced. "A small team might not be enough. What if the ninjas stationed there just keep them busy while the jinchuriki escape? We'll lost all the advantage we have now."

"I already planned for that, and devised a contingency plan," Orochimaru assured confidently.

Obito let out an exasperated sigh. "Very well then. If this is our best chance, proceed."

Orochimaru grinned widely.

…

Next Morning, Turtle Island

A boat slowly sailed through a sea covered in a very dense fog. It was manned by several White Zetsu clones, since they were the ones who knew where to go. There were also several cloaked people on board as well, but they didn't appear to be part of the ship's crew.

Soon, a large silouette could be seen in the distance. What appeared to be a large being covered in spikes. The White Zetsu at the helm smirked wickedly.

"Land ho," a the helmsman said.

Naturally, this drew everybody's attention, who quickly moved to the prow of the ship in order to see their target. One of the cloaked figures clicked their tongue.

"We took too long. The sun is already rising," he complained. "I think it would have been better if we managed to catch them at night."

"Eh, it's more fun that way. I want to get my hands dirty," another cloaked figure said.

"I think that, from this point onwards, you guys can go on foot," another White Zetsu said.

"I'm sensing a very powerful barrier surrounding the island," one of the cloaked figures, who had feminine voice, said. "They'll know we're there the moment we set a foot there."

Another cloaked figure took a step forward. He pushed his cloak back, revealing to be the last member of the Kaguya Clan. "It doesn't matter. Even if we lose the element of surprise, they can't send reinforcements nor ask for help of any kind. They're doomed to perish against us."

Kimimaro then jumped out of the ship, and the seven other cloaked figures quickly followed him, using chakra control to walk on water. Two of them were lagging behind the main group, though. One of those cloaked figures glared at the other one through his glasses.

"To think that Orochimaru-sama would make me work alongside you..." one of the cloaked figures said, gritting his teeth clenching his fists.

"I'm not happy with my lot in undeath either," the second figure said in a raspy male voice. "Complaining about it won't solve anything. Though, this is nothing new to you, Kabuto. You were a servant of Orochimaru in life, and continue being so in death."

"Shut up, Danzo!" Kabuto snapped. "You ruined my life! You made me kill the only parent I ever knew and loved! My only consolation is that somebody also put you in your place!"

"Hey, the shitheads on the back, pipe down, you morons!" another cloaked figure shouted, a flash of red hair visible under the hood. "We don't need to draw even more attention than what are going to!"

"While I may be bound to serve Orochimaru, I do not wish for his plans to succeed, so I don't have to follow your orders," Danzo calmly replied back.

"Enough, Tayuya," Kimimaro said. "We're close. Jirobo, Kidomaro, Sakon and Ukon, go ahead and scout the area for us. We will follow you then."

The reanimated members of the Sound Five nodded and quickly went forward, leaving the other five figures behind.

"You know they're going to get annihilated, right?" Tayuya asked. "Those morons are too weak to deal with whatever ninjas are escorting the jinchuriki, much less the jinchuriki themselves."

"I know. Like I said, they are merely scouts. Though if they can annoy the enemy, the better. I'm not expecting them to win this battle for us," Kimimaro said, as he turned his head back and looked at another of the cloaked figures behind him, a woman. "Orochimaru-sama provided us with an specialist for such a task."

Author's Note: Man, the more I write Konan, the more I like her character. It pisses me more and more the fact that Kishimoto killed her so soon in such a cruel way in canon when, apart from being one of the biggest badass ladies of the franchise, she has such a deep character that makes her a treasure trove for deep and philosophical moments.

Funny thing about that moment with Konan and Hotaru: it was completely unplanned. In fact, the two of them ending up on the same battlefield was pure coincidence on my part, and in fact, I was a bit worried that this chapter was going to end up being way too short. Then I realized that I had one of the killers of Hotaru's beloved sensei and companion in the same division as her, which in my mind they were BEGGING for a scene together. A scene I hope you enjoyed reading as much as it was for me to write.

And with this chapter... the first part of the War Arc concludes, and the second part begins! The side characters already had ample time to shine, and from now onwards, the plot will move at a much more steadier pace. The next chapter, the story will focus once again on Naruto, Fu and Killer B as Akatsuki launches an attack on the Turtle Island!

Thanks to Ookami88 for betareading this chapter.

I hope you're excited for the next part of the story as much as I am. What will be the result of the raid on the Turtle Island? While you wait for the next chapter, leave your thoughts on this chapter (and if you feel like it, predictions for the next) in a review! Reviews make me really, really, really happy!