Naruto's eyes sharply narrowed to the right, sensing a disturbance in the air flow around him. He saw a kunai, flying toward him with the speed of a bullet. He took a single step backwards, just slightly enough to avoid the projectile. He watched it, fly past him with a gust, just inches away his nose.
The second it zipped past him, two masked men materialized, flanking his back and front. Deadly fast, both holding short swords. The other lunged toward him from a crouching position, his blade stabbing toward his left knee. The second Anbu had appeared in a blur, slightly above ground just behind him. He was twisting, holding his sword with both hands, the aim was the back of his neck.
Even in such speeds, high Jonin level speeds, Naruto didn't consider it threatening. He was used to hearing static when Sasuke moved past him. He was used to blurs and chasing after shadows.
He lifted his right foot in a swift motion, and then stomped toward the incoming blade. He caught the blade, slamming it to the ground while shifting to the right, his left hand was being raised. The sword attack from behind missed him, just barely, but it was enough for him to catch the Anbu on the wrist.
While trying to pull the Anbu toward his front, the Anbu below had already discarded his sword, lunging with a kunai at hand.
Naruto let go on the hand he held, and then vanished along with the winds. The two harmlessly collided while Naruto appeared beside a tree, and then leaned against it, hands folded across his chest.
"Killing someone as powerful as you really is difficult." The Anbu commander said, sitting on a branch above Naruto.
"But not impossible."
"More training."
"Speed. Though not the only thing that matters. But if you have speed and a sword, you can kill anyone. My father was successful because he could get behind his opponents and kill them fast enough before they could even detect his opponent."
"Not everyone can be that fast."
"There are techniques to be learned. Of course, only the best can learn them. Over the years, I have tried different methods to be fast. I have one, and I have no issues with sharing it. I don't even use it that often anyway."
"You would hand over such a technique?"
"Why not?"
"We could end up trying to kill you."
Naruto shrugged. "As if I would get killed by my own technique. Every jutsu has a weakness. Some can only be exposed by certain people." The blond smiled. "The thing with me is that you can't kill me with one fast attack. Unless, you chop my head off my neck."
"Your ability to regenerate. I've only heard of it from Sasuke-san."
"Well, I'm not careless in battle to make a constant use of it that anyone would notice. I don't really get excited over battles anymore."
When you were this strong, it was hard to find any opponent. But the Anbu commander figured Naruto just didn't enjoy fighting. He did once say when in battle, his purpose was to kill his opponent. So, there was no time on enjoying the battle, but finding the quickest way to end it all, despite all his overwhelming power.
"But speed and techniques mean nothing if you have no battle experience. Experience builds instincts." Naruto added.
"Instinct alone can be the difference between life and death."
"Then continuously sparring with you will help us in that regard." Another Anbu said.
"It is only better if you're hardened in battle and used to operate in extreme conditions in battle. You will notice the difference when you get to dance with a Jonin. But you can't be too proud. Protectors of the village must be able to keep up with their Kage."
"Karin said you have a jutsu that can wipe out an entire village."
"During Iwa's Chunin exams, I executed a jutsu and made some explosives to go along with it. It gave me an idea. I have the chakra to do it. It's nothing special really, and I hope to never use it." He smiled. "Well, against an army, it would be lethal…" he imagined it for a second before continuing. "Come by my house later. I'll give you scrolls on some jutsu I developed."
"Here comes trouble." Kakashi muttered, seeing the Yondaime Raikage, stalking toward them. They had arrived around the same time, but not yet entered the building.
"Be cool. He lost his brother. As far as I am concerned, he loved his brother very much." Tsunade said, steeling herself for confrontation.
If the Raikage had not underestimated the Akatsuki, he wouldn't be in this position. He had been warned but did nothing. Even when one of his was taken, he hadn't been bothered. But when they took his brother, he had willingly rushed to this place.
"Hokage." Ai started with a hardened stare.
"Raikage. It has been a while since we last met."
"That time, you were pathetically afraid of a little blood. And you were a medic." He scoffed. "It seems the others have already arrived. Let's get this done and over with."
The two parties joined and slowly walked toward the meeting place. "I thought you were going to come at me with accusations. In fact, you're a lot calmer than I thought you'd be."
Ai glared at Tsunade. He was barely able to control his emotions. He didn't want to let loose and ruin things. He understood the bigger picture.
He, nonetheless, didn't say anything to Tsunade but just silently continued to walk.
The Kage and their two guards. These were the leading powers. The people who decided whether there was war or not. The people who maintained their shinobi systems. Naruto had often pointed out to the power of the Feudal Lords, but Sasuke still thought if these people wanted, they could change things.
No doubt, the blond was a little disappointed he wasn't here. He lived for such moments. There would be hard pressing questions. If Naruto was a Kage in such moments, he'd likely piss of the others for his amusement. Even if he was not, he would've made a remark earlier about the Raikage's pitiful attempts to control his emotions.
"We all know why we are here. There is no need to say anything else!" Ai started in a cold tone, glaring at the others. "But before we get to it, do you have anything to do about this, Tsuchikage? You have been utilizing the services of the Akatsuki."
"I have nothing to do with this." Onoki replied with indifference. "But you should ask Konoha. I heard from a reliable source that the leader of the organization is a member of the Uchiha clan. In fact, Uchiha Itachi and Orochimaru were once part of the organization. Both Leaf shinobi."
All eyes turned toward Tsunade. The Hokage shot a glance at Sasuke who just shrugged. She should have known it would come down to this. And curse Onoki for throwing the ball to her court. She didn't need this suspicion.
"We know there as an Uchiha who claims to be Madara. But you all know that Uchiha Madara became a missing-nin. And he shouldn't even be alive. We know it is not him but do not know who it is. It is common knowledge that Itachi fled Konoha after committing a great sin. The same can be said about Orochimaru. We find it offensive that you would suggest Konoha was working with them in the sidelines."
"Shouldn't you know? He is an Uchiha! And you're the only ones who still have a Jinchuriki!"
"Konoha still has a Jinchuriki because it can protect itself…" Sasuke found himself saying.
He was just a little annoyed over the fact that the Uchiha clan was brought up. His brother was already dead. There was no need to bring him up anymore- given the sacrifice he made.
Tsunade quickly took control over the situation to diffuse any tensions. "Shut, up, Sasuke. You will not say another word unless spoken to…" she said sharply. "If everyone here believes Konoha has something to do with this, then we will leave as there is no reason for us to be here. If we are doubted, then we're not going to go anywhere."
She didn't think things would go that far but she had to make it known to them that the Leaf would not tolerate just anything.
"Kirigakure does not have suspicion over Konoha. The Leaf has been actively hunting members of the Akatsuki and I'm given to understand it has warned all villages concerned about the threat of the organization." Mei spoke. "Casting suspicions on each other isn't going to solve anything. We are facing the greatest threat to the shinobi world never seen before. Never had one organization possessed eight Bijuu. That is the threat we have to deal with."
"I agree with the Mizukage." Gaara said. "We gathered here to discuss the way forward. Bickering and pointing fingers like children isn't going to take us anywhere."
Onoki scoffed. "A child calling us children," he said with disgust. "But you're not necessarily wrong. Iwagakure has lost its Jinchuriki. There is the danger of the Bijuu being used against us. But we must first talk about what must be done to the remaining Jinchuriki."
"We need to first understand what the threat is before we talk about those measures." Tsunade said.
"Before you speak, Hokage." Ai interjected with anger barely hidden in his tone. His killing intent didn't just made it clear just how serious he was. "If it becomes clear that any of you had anything to do with the capture of my brother and I find him dead, you will pay for it. Even if it means war. We will crush any."
"That doesn't help things," Onoki said.
"I am just stating my thoughts just so we are on the sama page."
"Are you not letting your emotions get the best of you?"
"Regardless, you have heard me."
"You shouldn't hold out hope for his survival, Raikage-sama. I have experienced this myself. We die when our Bijuu gets extracted." The Raikage detected his killing intent toward Gaara but he ignored it and turned to Tsunade. "As you were, Hokage."
"Right… what we understand is that there was originally a beast called the Ten-Tails. The Sage of Six Paths created the Bijuu out of it. The Ten-Tails is unlike anything we have seen before. The Kyubi is known as the most powerful. Kumo and Iwa know this much, having repeatedly failed to capture it. It is often said with a single of one of its tails, the Kyubi could level a mountain. But the Jubi is a different beast. The Kyubi is just a child in front of it. While we like to claim the Bijuu are nothing more than masses of chakra, that is true to the Jubi."
"You know this how?"
"The Kyubi."
There was silence. It was sponsored by the fact that they all considered Bijuu is nothing more than mindless beasts.
"How can we trust this information?"
"My brother was united with his Bijuu. I know the Bijuu are not just mindless beasts." Ai said.
"Having once been a Jinchuriki, I can confirm this much. Shukaku often communicated with me." The Kazekage said. "Even if we cannot trust the information, we know nothing good is going to come out if all Bijuu were taken."
"Do you really believe this information, Hokage?" Onoki asked with concern.
"Yes."
"Then there is only one option; the Kyubi's Jinchuriki has to be killed. We cannot take any chances. If he falls, we are all doomed. That is what you're saying, isn't it?"
While Onoki had his agenda, it was the most reasonable step to take considering the circumstances. No rational person could argue against his point.
"I agree with the Tsuchikage. This is a sacrifice Konoha has to make. We have to hunt down every last member and kill them. But we don't know how much time this will take. Or even if we will succeed. But in the meantime, if the Kyubi's Jinchuriki is gone, then we have nothing to worry about." Ai said in agreement.
"A reasonable proposal." Mei said.
"It is indeed reasonable." Tsunade admitted. But Naruto was going to refuse and Tsunadr wasn't going to dare ask him to die. He'd turn on Konoha in the blink of an eye. "How do we hunt down the remaining members?"
"Do you agree that your Jinchuriki has to die? This isn't just for Konoha but for the rest of the shinobi world. If Konoha is refusing, we will question your motives. You don't even need to agree to it. We can send people to do it for you. You only need to lead him to us." Onoki was insistent.
"I cannot make that decision. Naruto will make it." Tsunade said with a shake of her head.
Ai slammed his fist on the round table. "You have no control over your shinobi!? If you cannot make the decision, we will make it for you!"
Order Naruto to die? These people were ridiculous, even if Sasuke would admit it was the logical step to take, such a move was a fatal one. His friend wasn't going to permit it. Sasuke wouldn't even partake in such an activity. It was just too dangerous.
A noble course for the shinobi world? Naruto had no care for that. Even Tsunade understood that much.
"Killing Naruto isn't an easy thing. Sasuke, tell them."
"If you had proposed this in front of him, he'd laugh it off and remind you all that this happened because you failed to protect your Jinchuriki. Maybe even suggest you should all die for your failures. He would dare you all to come at him to kill him. If anyone attacked, he would kill them…" Sasuke then released an incredible dense chakra, that caused the walls in the room to crack. The Kage tensed. Some of the guards fell on their backs at the extreme pressure he exerted. The Kage had to release their chakra to remain calm. "Even if I can do this much, he could dwarf my efforts. In fact, if he just raised his finger, this room would have been destroyed. The truth is, there is no one in Konoha who can match him in battle."
"All the more reason he should die. You can't have a shinobi you can't control. If Konoha can't do it, then we can send out efforts to do it together." Onoki said.
"He is currently in hiding. Somewhere where no one can go." Tsunade lied. "We can make a plan on that. But what happens once we have defeated all the members of the Akatsuki."
"Every village gets its Bijuu."
"If someone takes from another village?"
"It is a declaration of war!"
"All in agreement?"
They all agreed.
"If any of you is unable to capture your Bijuu, Konoha is more than willing to help. For a price of course."
Onoki scoffed. "Looking to profit even at such times."
"It helps things move quickly."
"But dangerous. You could capture our Bijuu, hold it hostage for an exorbitant fee. Some may do so under such pretext and refuse to release the Bijuu." Onoki reasoned. "No one should hunt for a Bijuu that doesn't belong to them."
Sasuke was certain there was no way they were going to stick to this agreement. There was going to be a race to hunt down Bijuu. There was going to be a war after this. If they succeeded in stopping the Akatsuki of course.
It was at the moment that Sasuke wished he could make the Bijuu disappear from this world.
"Konoha will send the two behind me and Jiraiya for the hunt of members of the Akatsuki. We ought to do this without delay."
"Kiri will send the two behind me."
"I will join." Ai said.
"So will I." Onoki added.
"I will also join." Gaara said.
"Good… We know one of them is located in the Rain. Then we meet and head over there."
"In a week from today. We meet."
"Can Kumo, Kiri and Konoha meet at the valley of End?" Tsunade asked.
"Acceptable."
"Iwa and Suna will meet across the border between Birds and Storms."
They were going to go the Rain – a village they didn't know anything about. As far as Mei was concerned, the village was notoriously difficult to enter.
"I know we're talking about sending our best, but will it work? We are talking about a Hidden Village. We don't know what awaits us from there since we know nothing about it." Mei said with concern. "It would be more dangerous if the Bijuu are located there as well. While I highly doubt it, I think they wouldn't waste time in summoning them to battle if they were losing."
"The Mizukage is right." Onoki nearly hit himself. He didn't consider this. "Let this be a full-scale invasion of the Rain. We're not going there to plunder the village. Just for the Akatsuki. The village resists, that's when we have to destroy it."
"But the core team has to go there first. In order to ascertain of the conditions in the village. We can't go there blindly." Tsunade said. The idea of an invasion didn't sit well with her, but there was no other choice. "I'll have Jiraiya infiltrate the village as soon as possible. Hopefully, by the time we meet, we will be able tell us something. You should send your spies so that when we meet, we can consolidate the information. How much of our forces are we contributing?"
"Two thousand each."
"Kiri cannot mobilize that much in such a short period of time. We still have travel through the sea. I'm afraid the time for the assault will be too soon for our forces to move."
"We cannot delay this any further. Only one remains. But I understand the logistics of preparing an army. 10 days. Inland armies can be readied. Supplies will follow. We can demand the neighboring lands to prepare supplies as well. Kiri can join us later."
"Who will assume control?"
"I will take charge of the elite force." The Raikage said. "Is there anyone who disagrees?:
Nobody disagreed.
"If the Tsuchikage agrees, he can take command of the rest of the armies having experienced wars before."
"Agreed."
The meeting ended quickly. Though it seemed like a good deal had been brokered, Gaara was certain things were just going to get worse but it couldn't be worse than what the Akatsuki was planning. It was ridiculous that he was starting to think wars came and went. But the destruction from the Akatsuki may be something they never recover from.
If he had absolute power, maybe like the Shodai Hokage, he could capture all Bijuu and then hand them over to their respective villages. That way, it would end the Bijuu race. Of course, they had to survive the Akatsuki.
Gaara made a stop to speak privately with the Godaime Hokage.
"What are you going to do about Naruto?"
"We will speak to him. But he'll refuse to be sacrificed."
"You're not even going to ask him?" Gaara asked.
"No. I fear him more than I fear the Akatsuki or whatever they are planning. We can only convince him to go into hiding while we deal with the Akatsuki." Tsunade admitted.
Gaara nodded. As far was as Intelligence was concerned, Naruto and Sasuke were Konoha's most precious assets. Their power was unmatched. Sasuke was inclined to follow Naruto. That meant, if Konoha plotted against Naruto, the Uchiha would turn on the village.
It would just be disastrous.
"But with their power, if he sticks with Sasuke, I think they can repel the Akatsuki." Tsunade added in a thoughtful tone. "But we don't want to take that risk."
"Reasonable." Gaara nodded in agreement. "I was thinking about what happens after we have dealt with the Akatsuki."
"Iwa and Kumo are going to lead us into war. They won't be satisfied with just their own Bijuu. And we won't just let them do as they please. While there is cooperation, as soon as it ends, there will be war."
"I think as much. This is why I propose we make steps to prevent such from happening."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Konoha can capture all the Bijuu. The Shodai did it before. As a Mokuton user, it should be possible for Naruto as well. If he does that, he can hand them over, thus preventing a Bijuu race."
Tsunade stared for a moment. She hadn't even considered that but it was a good plan. She liked the way the Kazekage thought. She'd been thinking she would have to come up with war plans. If there was a way to prevent it, then she would go full throttle.
"We can arrange that."
Kakashi glanced at Sasuke and then at Tsunade before staring at the way ahead. He was certain, there was going to be one hell of a tomorrow that awaited them. But at least, the Kage did agree to form a military power to fight against the Akatsuki. He was just worried about the fact that the Tsuchikage and Raikage were going to be there. If an opportunity presented itself, those two would try to kill others fighting along with them once the battle with the Akatsuki was finished. There was no question about it.
If they tried with Sasuke and failed, the Uchiha was going to kill them. It would just lead to war. There were many reasons for war to begin. And Kakashi really wished this was all just a nightmare and he would soon awake to the peace he has enjoyed over the past couple of years.
"What did the Kazekage want?" He asked Tsunade. They were slowly moving back toward the Hidden Leaf. There was no time to rest. Konoha could be under attack now.
"The threat of war caused by the free Bijuu and a method to prevent it from happening." Tsunade sighed. "I should have said something."
"It wasn't going to change anything." Sasuke replied. "Naruto has always thought war was a possibility. One of the reasons I think he wanted to get rid of the Akatsuki himself."
"He doesn't want war?" Tsunade asked with surprise. "He seems to thrive in chaos."
"No question about that," Sasuke said with a slight shake of his head. "But he wouldn't go as far as to engineer it. He does love his peace. And he his chaos isn't one of bloody battles. It should be obvious by now that he doesn't go around flaunting his power." Inwardly, Sasuke snorted at the thought. Naruto was capable of anything. If the ends meant something he liked, he wouldn't be against engineering chaos. This was the same person who had a plan to control the Feudal Lords of the Great Five.
"If he was younger, he would certainly do it for his amusement." Kakashi added. The Naruto of old pretty much pressed all buttons if he found it funny. His sense of humor was unmatched. Not to mention, his freakish ability to twist people.
Perhaps he learned this from Orochimaru. The Sannin was a specialist in controlling people. You hardly found any of his follower who didn't want to die for him. Of course, Orochimaru usually massacred the families of his subjects before making himself a savior. But Naruto applied his powers differently. He'd learned to understand people. These days, he rarely displayed such powers. But maybe it was because Kakashi didn't see much of him.
"You have a low opinion of someone who was once your student."
Kakashi shrugged. "You should know having read his report. Naruto is capable of anything. Even if you asked him, I doubt he'd deny it. Unless it would bring his loyalty into question. What are we going to do about the proposal from the Kage?"
"What do you suggest?"
"Get him to safety and say nothing about it." Kakashi then shook his head. "It would work out. But I think the others won't hesitate to send assassins after him. The future of the shinobi world is at stake."
"What would happen if they tried and failed?" Tsunade asked.
"Depends on his mood." Sasuke adopted a thoughtful look. "He might shrug it off. He might make a meal out of it. Really, he can do anything from sensible to extreme."
"That unpredictable?"
"When he wants to be." Sasuke couldn't figure out what Naruto had in his mind. It was problematic since he hardly revealed anything. Even when he was thinking, it was on the point of view of someone else. "Is there really going to be a war?"
"If all fails, yes."
"Simply because of the Bijuu."
It was always about power and the Bijuu. Sasuke wondered what the solution of his brother would be. He shook his head. Itachi murdered his family for Konoha. It was best not to think of such a man in such circumstances. It wasn't a snide against his brother. They just differed on their approach.
"The Kazekage was coming with a plan?"
"Yes. We will discuss it when we get home. For now, we focus on being safe. I'm just surprised no one appeared to disturb the summit. It is making me worry that they could be using this opportunity to attack Konoha for Naruto."
"You're right about that."
The group of three leapt forward while twisting around. Sasuke landed in front of Tsunade while Kakashi landed behind her.
The Godaime was honestly impressed by Sasuke. Aside from one outburst at the summit, he has been well behaved and has been reasonable. It was different from what he was, at least in reports about him.
"Come out!" the Uchiha demanded, glaring into the shades of the trees.
Slowly, Obito morphed into view. "I cannot let you go back to Konoha. Pain has to capture the Kyubi."
Tsunade gritted her teeth. Her outmost concern was Konoha. She worried the village could be destroyed.
"Hokage, you can go back to Konoha. Kakashi-sensei and I will deal with him. I was hoping he would show up." Sasuke was grinning. "A pity, Naruto would've wanted to face him."
"Are you sure about this?"
"Yes. We can handle him." Sasuke said confidently.
"What if she gets attacked along the way?"
"Is she not a Sannin?" Sasuke asked with a raised eye brow. Besides, he honestly didn't care if she lived or not. It changed nothing for him.
"Gai, Jiraiya are in Konoha. Naruto is there." Tsunade said. "But I will rush back to Konoha. Don't take too much time…" she then disappeared in a blur.
Obito didn't chase. Tsunade was of no consequence in the face of Nagato. But these two could change things.
"We're the only Sharingan users alive today. This should be interesting," yet, he made no movement. "But let us talk a bit. I was watching the summit, and have come with a conclusion you have surely. That there is going to be another war."
"We have no desire to hear a lecture from you. You probably want to talk about your plan and stall for time."
Obito settled on the tree branch he was standing on. He was in no hurry to fight. His goal was within reach. There was no need to be on haste. Besides, he may never get another opportunity like this.
"Don't be in a hurry, Sasuke."
"He is stalling, sensei. And we can talk to him once he is defeated. He is not who he is. I know there is a connection between his sharingan and your Sharingan. I want to know why and who is behind the mask." Sasuke said in a stern tone. "Talking for now is pointless. Let us get ready for battle."
"Naruto Uzumaki, we have finally met."
This flat voice with no hint of emotion reached a stone faced Naruto the moment be appeared in front of the convoy of six. He's been curious about the man named Pain, but he didn't think he would be staring at Six of them. No, it was the same chakra presence. Six damn Rinnegan. Technically, twelve.
With a shake of his head, his expression changed slightly. "The pleasure is mine. Though, I suppose I would have preferred under different circumstances."
"Oh?" Tendou paused but chose not continue with the line. "We have come for the Kyubi. The hunt has captured all other eight. You're the only one who remains. It would be best if you let yourself be captured for the sake of peace."
Naruto smiled. That was laughable. Pain had confidence. This wasn't going to be easy. It wasn't arrogance. It was just coming from a man who had absolute confidence in his power. Surely, the man knew about him, and yet, he didn't know a thing. It made him wary. But he had to dive into it.
Normally, he wouldn't think about attacking, but this was delicate. He had to change tactics. As long as he allowed it to be comfortable for Pain, he wouldn't know much about the man's power.
Still, facing six people at once was a bit of an overkill. But all the more reasons he had to be sharp.
"I'm not interested in dying. Of course, if I didn't know what you intend to create, I would be curious to ask." He said so, clapping his has together.
"You know what we intend to create?" That was honestly surprising. But Nagato didn't show it.
"Of course. But maybe in the same manner. I just know if all Bijuu are sealed within the demonic statue, a terrifying power will be born."
"Are you sure you don't want me to help?" Konan asked Nagato from their hiding place.
"It is fine. We're not far from Konoha. If this drags on, they'll come here. You need to stay close with me just in case."
But without a doubt, this wasn't going to be an easy battle. After all, Naruto was a powerful shinobi who used Mokuton. Not to mention, he held the Kyubi within him.
There has also been a warning that Naruto may also be a Rinnegan user.
"Mokuton: Rising Forest."
The ground began to tremble before large trees and roots protruded from the ground where they all stood. This forced the six paths to jump into the air to avoid being crushed by the trees. The paths landed on the roots, still separated.
Naruto flashed behind the Animal Path, holding the sword of Kusanagi. He swung the sword in a quick slash, aiming toward the path's neck. Despite the swing behind in the blind spot, the path ducked under the swing.
There wasn't even time for Naruto to be surprised by the swift dodge. A missile was coming in from behind him. He didn't try to dodge it, but motioned his left hand. A huge trunk burst out, forming a shied behind him. The missile collided with the trunk, bursting into an explosion that tore through it, sending splinters flying into all directions.
Before the explosion could even hit, Naruto was forced to plant both feet on the roots before holding his sword with both hands to block a crushing kick from above.
Another path appeared in a blur, falling toward him holding a black rod. The rod was stabbing toward his right shoulder. It then stabbed him but the second it did, Naruto burst into a log.
His senses worked overtime when he felt movement from behind. He twirled around, holding out his left hand and caught a high kick aimed at the back of his head. He caught the foot around the ankle. He then held his sword firmly, and tried to stab it through the throat of the path he held but a missile was being sent his way once more. This time, he held the path firmly and twisted around, hurling it toward the missile.
The Collision resulted in an explosion.
There was no time to enjoy the fireworks as he felt himself being pulled by an invisible force. Within seconds, Tendou was holding him by his throat before slamming him hard into the roots. His body crashed, breaking the roots but he did not reach the ground.
Staring down at him, Tendou spoke.
"You're moving rather quickly. You're not known for attacking head on like this."
"Against some opponents. I always proceed with caution. This strategy works for me."
"Is it working?" Tendou asked, as a rod materialized on the palm of his hand. He then tried to stab it through Naruto's abdomen but the blond blocked the strike with the face if his sword.
"Hmm…"
The second response came with roots lunging Tendou. The path didn't move but merely narrowed his eyes.
"Shinra Tensei."
Boom!
Naruto, along with the dense forest he had created where blown away by the jutsu. Everything around the Path was sent flying. Even with debris flying around it, the path slowly descended to the ground. The second it landed, the other paths landed beside it. Their watchful eyes on Naruto, having never lost site of him.
Naruto landed on the ground on one knee, a hand on the ground for balance. He was unharmed, but unsmiling.
"Well, this is going to be bothersome." He said to Kurama.
"He is a Rinnegan wielder. Of course he is going to be tough to beat."
"Hmm…" Naruto stood up. "Let us something di…"
He was forced to jump into the air when a path shot toward him like a bullet, a chain-saw zipping through the air. The second he took off, a wooden spike protruded below him, ripping through the path's chest. The attack left it impaled and unable to move.
While in mid-air, Naruto had to fold his hands across his chest to block a two-footed attempt to stamp him. The full force of the path's body slammed into him, breaking through his defense. The feet crashed into his chest – a loud blow that caused him to choke slightly before being sent crashing into the ground with his back. The crash left him buried, vision obstructed a little but he could still sense movement around him.
His eyes sharpened slightly when he saw a bullet of a human crashing toward him. Merciless, he thought before pulling himself slightly to roll over to the side. The path crashed into the ground, just on his left. He didn't even get to try to block the debris as someone dragged his right foot, pulling him into the air. He was tossed to the side like a piece of scrap.
Naruto glanced behind and noticed the Tendou was waiting for him, its right hand outstretched. He forced his body to twist, to face the path.
"Bansho Ten'in!"
The force of attraction did nothing but quicken Naruto's travel to the awaiting grip of the path. It caught him by his throat, pulled him up with such force he was momentarily surprised. As the path attempted to slam him into the ground, he grabbed the hand holding him with both his arms, lifting his legs as well. The time he had crashed into the ground, he had a lock on the path's hand, dragging it down with him before applying the force of Senjutsu to tear off the arm from the shoulder.
Two paths landed on the sides. The other dragged Tendou by its shoulder, pulling it away while the other leaned onto him, trying to stab him with a kunai. Naruto used the arm as a shield. The kunai pierced through the arm, but it gave him enough time to roll away and then disappear in a blur.
He landed a distance away, with no attack coming away and finally, he breathed. And then pulled out the kunai.
"Word about your strength has not been an exaggeration. This is the first time that two paths have been destroyed in such a short time and the main path slightly damaged."
Naruto shrugged. "I didn't think they'll be controlled by a single person. I can see the chakra, and all of them are being controlled by a single chakra signature?"
"Oh, you can see that?"
"Senjutsu." Naruto replied with a wave of his right hand.
"Whether you see that or not, it makes no difference."
"Oh it does… I know that after defeating these ones, I must still face another one. I suppose your partner as well. The Akatsuki works in pairs, yes?"
He could just decide to flee from here and go after the real Pain. Knowing that these were just puppets was a nuisance. He took off the Tendo's arm and it didn't even blink. A human would have screamed. There would have been blood gushing out. Fighting lifeless puppets didn't even motivate him to continue fighting. In fact, he was even considering just transforming into the Kyubi and release two or three Bijudama. It would even things out.
"You think you can defeat God?"
"Hahaha… you're the God. Being a wielder of the Rinnegan does make you reach certain heights I suppose…"
The heights he should reach. Naruto had no interest in being God. Actually, there was no thought of that now. He just wanted to fight this man and just be done with it. Maybe before anyone comes to be of nuisance. It would be a bother if Sasuke or Jiraiya intervenes.
"You know about the Rinnegan?"
"Hmm… some things. But not as much as you, I suppose. But I do wonder how you came to have such eyes… The Rinnegan is not some mystery power that is granted to some people. There is no God that rules humans and intervenes when it becomes necessary."
"It would be much better if there was a god."
"Indeed. There would be less misery and destruction in this world. But because humans do as they please, we are where we are."
It appeared that Naruto was feeling a little bit chatty or perhaps he was stalling for something. Earlier, he'd seemed as if he was prepared to go on a continuous attack but that has come to an end. What raised Nagato's eyebrows wasn't that Naruto could tell he was controlling the paths from a distance but that he seemed to have some information about the Rinnegan. According to his sensei, the eyes appeared in dangerous times to usher the world into a new path. Perhaps those were just ramblings of an idealistic man.
If Naruto was willing to talk, could they talk about peace? It seemed as if the blond had no interest in peace. Nagato could feel it, the blond was powerful and he wasn't the least moved by anything. Not that he'd done anything to worry him.
"Then why are you trying to stop me? My goal is to attempt to create a world where conflict will not happen. For that, I need the Kyubi."
"You're playing with powers beyond your imagination. Do you understand the power of the Jubi?"
"Jubi?"
Naruto frowned. "Useless puppet. And to think the wielder of the Rinnegan would be used like this. The Uchiha is the one with the plans then. He must have fed you the idea of collecting the Bijuu if you don't even know that collecting all Bijuu recreates the Jubi… the original beast. You should know this, being the wielder of the Rinnegan..." he stared coldly. "I truly question where your Rinnegan comes from."
"I awakened these eyes…"
Nagato was surprised that Naruto knew more about the power he wanted to create. He said to recreate, then originally there was one beast. The tales of the Six Paths were true after all. Perhaps the idea that Naruto was also a Rinnegan user was true. If it was true and then, this was going to be a problem. It would mean Naruto could counter him and might have more knowledge than him.
"You're not a child that you would believe that the Rinnegan just chose you because of your distress and awakened. Those are not just mere eyes that awaken. Such nonsense occurs only in fiction…" Naruto caught himself getting frustrated. He was angry at Pain. How could he be this powerful and yet so ignorant? Mind tricks worked wonders in people. He sighed, pushing his frustrations away. "You said once all Bijuu are sealed in the Gedo Mazo, it would create a terrifying power. Do you even know if you can control that power?"
"I didn't say anything about the Gedo Mazo."
Naruto blinked and the laughed. "A slip of the tongue. Regardless, do you think you can control the Jubi?"
"Are you saying I can't control it?"
"This wasn't really your idea, wasn't it?"
Nagato said nothing.
"Humans originally did not have chakra. Chakra was shared by the Sage. Those naturally born with chakra at first were the Sage and his brother. This followed by his children. The Sage shared chakra with the rest of the world. Perhaps it explains why descendants of the Sage have always been the most powerful. Who could compete with the Senju and Uchiha? What originally had chakra was the Jubi. You could say, the Jubi is the progenitor of all chakra. You all consider Bijuu as mindless weapons but they are not. However, that phrase applies more pointedly toward the Jubi… Bijuu have minds, they think. But the Jubi is just a mindless beast that will destroy everything. The Sage defeated it, but after all how long of a battle? Can your power even be compared to that of the Sage?"
After saying those words, Naruto settled down, looking as if he no longer had any desire to continue to fight.
Nagato knew his use of the Rinnegan couldn't be compared to the Sage of Six Paths. He was honest with himself that much.
"How do you know that? Why is it you know this and have not done anything to change the world?" Nagato asked out of curiosity. This was the first time he met someone who spoke about the Jubi. Not even Madara spoke about the beast into such detail. Of course, he knew the man had other plans, but he didn't think there would be more he didn't know.
"I'm a Jinchuriki. Of course, I'll know. Where does your Rinnegan really come from?"
"You do not believe that I awakened these eyes… but it really doesn't matter."
"Perhaps." Naruto closed his eyes, reevaluating his plans.
He hadn't thought he would end up facing Pain at a time like this. All but one were captured. The Jubi was close to being reborn. If Pain was doing it today, what about tomorrow? Sure, he could kill this man. And then disperse of the Bijuu to different locations. A race would begin among the Great Five, followed by war.
There were sinister plots behind. What was the purpose of reviving the Jubi? did that shadow have something to do with it? He had to work on the premise that both the shadow figure and the Uchiha knew.
"If you're here, then your benefactor is at the Kage Summit. Kakashi and Sasuke should handle him. If he dies, there is no threat of his plan coming into fruition. Your plan becomes a reality."
"But it cannot happen if you don't hand over the Bijuu."
"Not necessarily." Naruto smiled. "I'm truly not a kind person despite what I may think at times. I am rotten, haunted by my past even though I have killed those who made me suffer. The concept of right and wrong only matter when it is convenient. I have thought of my own happiness, it seems possible but perhaps my heart may never be really satisfied." He paused for a moment. "Forgive me my ramblings," he suddenly said to Pain.
"You have provided information that I didn't have before." Not mention, he stated confidently that Madara would be taken care of… then it was less of a problem for him.
Still, was Naruto correct to say he didn't awaken the Rinnegan? Nagato didn't know if it made sense but the blond seemed confident. He was just not going to ask about it. It was irrelevant at this time. He was soon toward his dream.
"I have decided. I'll permit you to revive the Jubi."
"Permit? Didn't you say you would stop me and I can't control the power of the Jubi?"
Naruto had his reasons, he wasn't going to explain nor even bother to get Nagato to trust him. The only the man wanted was the power of the Kyubi.
"I can give into my whims at times." Naruto shrugged. "But you say you do this for peace, yes? How do you go about this once the Jubi is revived?"
Nagato explained.
Naruto scoffed inwardly. Foolish man. The Jubi would destroy everything. Pain had no idea of the power he was dealing with.
Still, if he worked for his whims, he would be taking a huge risk. There was no telling that Kakashi and Sasuke would get rid of masked Uchiha. If they couldn't, and he handed Pain his price, they would face doom. Did he go out on leap and trust those two?
For a long minute, he sat silently, wondering what he should do.
"Everyone desires peace." But Pain would not get it. He was a foolish man. He could do much better with the power of the Rinnegan. Instead, he was left to dance to the tune of another man. "Let this not be the death of me. I have done many selfish things. I have spent the past years trying to help others achieve their dreams. Nothing noble but nothing sinister. I just thought, I didn't get much help when younger. My life means more when those around me achieve the best they can."
"So, you'll let yourself be captured."
Naruto shook his head. "I only have half of the Kyubi within me. The other half is within my father. You can have that half and work to revive the Jubi."
Nagato really had suspicions about why Naruto would go this far. Nothing made sense. There were more questions than answers. But peace was right before him. If he could get the Kyubi, then there would be nothing standing in his way. He would create his weapon and lead the shinobi world into a new path.
But what was Naruto's agenda?
"Your Intel on me should be obvious. I am not a nice person. And my history with the Leaf means I have no loyalties toward it. In fact, after this, I will have the resolve to finally leave the village."
"I see… you're a Jinchuriki and you've suffered in the hands of the village. I too have some misgivings about the Leaf. If it was destroyed, I would be content. My parents were killed by Konoha shinobi."
"And mine died for Konoha. At least in the case of my father…" Naruto was expressionless as he spoke. He then did a couple of hand seals. "Kuchiyose no jutsu: Impure world reincarnation."
Pain watched curiously as a coffin slowly sprouted from the ground in front of him. When the coffin stopped, its lid opened. Blonde hair. There was no doubt, this was the Yondaime Hokage. Then Naruto was serious. He was going to give him the Kyubi.
"Take it… I'll active it once you get out of here."
"If you do not?"
"Dealing with an Impure Reincarnation should be simple for the Rinnegan, even if that is the Yellow Flash. Besides, he is nowhere near his peak. I just don't want to deal with him. And this isn't the original reason I bothered retrieving his soul."
One of the paths slowly walked toward the coffin and grabbed it, putting it over his shoulder.
Without another word, the six disappeared.
Naruto remained sitting.
"What have you done? Do you know what you have just unleashed? I told you the power of the Jubi couldn't be compared to anything. The Sage fought it for months before he eventually sealed it within himself!"
Naruto barked in laughter.
"You sound flustered. Are you that concerned?"
"The Jubi will destroy everything."
"That isn't going to happen."
"You just handed him the keys to do it!"
It was a swift turn away from his original goal. But then, did he even have a hidden Agenda? He's always liked to be blank. Anything for amusement. Naruto shook his head – that was when he was younger. He'd become too serious. A glaring departure from his indifference. But it was life. People change. People grow.
Just this once, Naruto was going to do something right.
If he became the Jinchuriki of the Jubi, then there would be no race. Sasuke could focus on becoming Hokage without nuisance or the prospect of war. The Kage were going to agree on things but the second the enemy was destroyed, they would abandon all deals and turn to their greed and lust for power.
"Indeed, I did. But don't think of it badly. I'm just going to let him revive it for me."
"I thought you had no interest in doing that?"
"I don't. Talking to him made me realize that if I don't do something, someone will try to do it. And there will be much chaos. If the Bijuu suddenly disappear, then there is calm in the shinobi world."
"You surprise me. I didn't think you cared for the state of the world. I was under the impression that you'd be happy with the chaos. You were trying to do it."
"I just wanted to control all Feudal Lords and implement some changes in the shinobi world. Well, changes will be implemented in the Fire Nation. I have set things in motion. The others will copy it. I will make sure the Feudal Lords copy it. If the experiment succeeds, I can rest easy. If not, well, I tried." He shrugged indifferently. "With Pain, you should know I'm not stupid. I've always loved my life. I'll do whatever to preserve it. My happiness also means more than this damned world. If calm settles quickly, then I enjoy my quiet life sooner. I sent a clone to watch him. The second the Jubi is revived, I'll be there."
"when did you send the clone?"
"During my first attack. It was good I attacked in Sage Mode. Just as I can send more chakra to my clone, I can send communication via chakra. We are linked, after all. I'm just going to sit here until he begins the process." He glanced up for a moment. "Or maybe I should make sure the Uchiha is dead. I wont have nasty surprises that way. And I can avoid questions from Konoha about what happened here." He smiled. "I would be in trouble if they found out about this."
"As if you'd care. When you spoke about becoming God, I knew you were a little serious. You've always hidden your thoughts. No, you were just conflicted. But you demand power. If you're powerful, nobody can harm you. You can protect those you care for. You hate being a mere mortal. The reason you don't have the Sharingan now is because if you don't want its presence disturbing your march toward godhood. You know, eventually, you'll awaken the Rinnegan."
"Ah, I did say I was the reincarnation of the Sage. I shouldn't have said that. A slip of the tongue."
"I knew the moment you said that, if the opportunity came to pass, you'd really become like him. You were just undecided because of your relationship with that girl."
"Isn't it good that I have found resolve?" He smiled. "But don't worry… I'm not going to do as I said to Sasuke. You know, removing the Feudal Lords and the Kage to become rulers of the shinobi world."
"I'm more worried about my safety."
"Hahaha… you do have good reasons to worry. After all, if all Bijuu must be sealed within the Gedo Mazo for the Jubi to be revived, it stands within reason to conclude that the process may be slow when one is only half. But I don't think it will be a problem. The only problem is me being a Jinchuriki of the Jubi and you."
Kurama closed his eyes. There was nothing he could do to change things.
"When I was with Orochimaru, you did everything possible to make sure I lost my mind. You encouraged insanity to the point where I went on a rampage. In fact, if it wasn't for those people, I would have lost my mind. I cannot really say you've done anything for me that warrants me doing you favors. Not to mention, you killed my mother."
This was the first time Naruto was confronting him about this. Kurama had no regrets. He did what he did to survive. He wanted out and if Naruto had lost his mind, Kurama would have had a good chance to escape from the damned seal.
He smiled bitterly. He, nevertheless, didn't think this would come back to bite him.
"Is this the thanks I get for saving your life? You could have died with the experiments that snake put you through. But I saved you countless times."
"You were not saving me, but yourself. If I died, you too would die. But don't worry, I am not vengeful. I don't like you for what you tried to do. In fact, if it wasn't because I would die, I would have given you to Pain." Naruto smiled at this. "At the same time, I am a nice person who wishes to see the dreams of others come into fruition since I will never get mine. Once I become a Jinchuriki of the Jubi, I will release you in the Hidden Whirlpools."
Kurama wanted to laugh. Not out of happiness but just because he had no other reaction. He tormented Naruto, and there were times he took joy in it. The blond was he who robbed him of his freedom. After all that, this human was just going to release him?
More than anyone, Kurama knew Naruto was a corrupt and twisted human being. He didn't do things because of kindness. He was not hateful or vengeful. But that was a byproduct of desire to be sane.
Kurama did not reply to Naruto.
In his silence, Naruto spoke to himself rather than to him.
"If I go through this, I'm going to get hunted down by other nations wanting their Bijuu."
"No question about it."
"Well, I can solve that." He shrugged. "If I continue to stay here, I'll be discovered and won't move freely. I must make preparations to be able to contain the Jubi."
He stood up, and faced the direction of the Earth Country.
Konoha
The first thing Tsunade did when she arrived at the village was to order the Anbu to bring Naruto to her and raise the village's security to maximum levels. Anbu were already swarming the walls of the Leaf. Genin level shinobi were put on stand-by to get ready to evacuate the villagers to safe places. She had done all that while still at the village gates.
By the time she arrived at her office, she was being told by the Anbu commander that Naruto was not in the village, he'd gone out to intercepted an attack on the Leaf.
By how, her desk was in pieces, papers all over the office, her killing intent suffocating all those within. Shikaku came into the office while she was in a staring contest with the Anbu commander.
"You heard," he noted quietly.
"HOW COULD YOU LET HIM GO ALONE!? WE COULD BE DOOMED IF HE GETS CAPTURED!" The Godaime shouted.
She wanted to hurl her chair toward the Anhu commander because the man didn't even twitch in the face of her fury.
"Jiraiya-sama and Gai-san have gone after him." The Anbu replied calmly.
"You. Did not answer my QUESTION!"
"Tsunade-sama." Shikaku tried to calm the Slug Princess.
"We did not have a choice, Tsunade-sama. We only found out he left and why after he'd already gone. He left a clone behind and we were informed after some minutes had passed."
"How could you not notice he was gone?"
"A lapse. We were watching him at all times. We don't know how he disappeared. We're starting to think he wasn't even in the village in the first place. Nobody could have alerted him of the danger without us knowing. If he was in the village, he left around the same time you departed. For we only kept surveillance of him after you departed."
"If he gets captured, someone is going to pay for this." The Godaime warned.
"How was the Summit?" Shikaku asked, trying to shift away from the subject. "Where are Kakashi and Sasuke?"
"They remained to fight the Uchiha in the Akatsuki. He appeared on out way back as he didn't want them to reach here. The one in the Rain is after Naruto."
"I can see why you worry." Shikaku said. "We should order four squads of Anbu to move out. Two will head toward Kakashi's location and the other will go after Jiraiya-sama."
"Get it done yesterday!" Tsunade didn't need to even think about it.
"Hai." The Anbu commander saluted before disappearing from the office.
Tsunade slouched to her chair and took a heavy sigh. "We might head to war if things go according to what Onoki and the Raikage plan. They didn't say anything but it is reasonable they will go ahead to act in a way that leads to war. We agreed to send our best to fight the Akatsuki. And that each village will only get their own Bijuu once we are successful in attacking the Akatsuki."
"But the leaders are engaged in battle at the moment. If both go down in battle, there won't be an Akatsuki to hunt down."
"Yeah. We still have to go nevertheless. There could be remnants of the organization. We must clear them, and be there."
"If each village is going to get its own Bijuu, what happens to the Seven-Tails. It may have once belonged to the Grass, but they won't care. You can add the Three-Tails in there. It belonged to the Mist, but after the death of Yagura, they never attempted to capture it again."
Tsunade grimaced. "I didn't think of it. We didn't discuss it either. I suppose that is another point that might lead to war. I'll send a message to the grass."
This was one hell of s situation.
"None of that matters now if Naruto get's captured."
"Indeed. But I worry less about Naruto than I would with Sasuke. Naruto is the type of person who doesn't engage in a battle he knows he can't win. When it comes to other conflicts, he'll dive in but when it comes to his life, he is more cautious. For all his prowess, Naruto isn't known for having fought too many battles, and when he does fight, he is known for being defensive."
"I know he would retreat if a battle can't be won, but this is different. We don't know anything about his opponent's power. And nothing is ever certain in life."
"Then let us hope nothing bad happens, for all our sakes."
"Yes. We need to prepare two thousand Jonin and experienced Chunin for an invasion of the Rain."
"Another outcome?"
"Yes. It was agreed since we don't know anything about the village, it was necessary." Tsunade said. "But given what has unfolded now, it might no longer be necessary. We will be ready, just in case. We first need to find Naruto and get the location of Pain. Jiraiya will still have to go to gather Intel. If it proves nothing is there, then we won't go in."
"Should I send Anbu to send him the message?"
"Yes."
Iwagakure
Getting into a village legally was always the safest route. If he was a shinobi, he'd have eyes on him at all times. You couldn't commit crimes once you announced who you were. Sneaking in was dangerous. It has been tried and tested, with success for some. But Naruto wasn't going to go that route. It would require time, of which he didn't have. So, he had sealed off his chakra, presence, done a transformation. All he had to do was present papers, explain why he was here. If they found nothing suspicious with his papers, they'd let him go.
Naruto had authentic papers. They had been stamped in different checkpoints. He was nothing than a civilian when he walked through the village gates. If they had doujutsu, he'd never pull it off.
But still, Kitsuchi wasn't making things easy. With Onoki away, the man was holed up in the office. He couldn't exactly just walk into the office. If the man was out in the streets, then it would be fine. He had no time for anything subtle and less risky.
And so, Naruto was left with just one choice.
He now sat at a building's rooftop, watching the Tsuchikage tower. He could jump from here, but they would notice and jump to intercept him. It would just invite a crowd, and he didn't want that. He could escape, but not with success, just with his life. Not to mention, he could get noticed and that would put him in a tricky position.
He jumped down the streets, and slowly started walking toward the Tsuchikage tower. He noticed, someone was following him. Did they find him suspicious? It didn't matter anyway. Nobody would attack him now. He would only get jumped on the moment he attacked.
Once closer, he made a mental note not to use Mokuton or any Jutsu known to be his.
He bent slightly, and then lunged into the air. The shinobi tailing him quickly intercepted, appearing above him, with his chakra flaring to alert the others of trouble. Naruto had expected this. He could have gone without it, but plans could be changed.
He increased his speed while in mid-air, and then blurred out of the man's vision. He appeared behind him. The man showed great reflex and swiftly turned around. Naruto nearly got impressed by this and stopped his movements. But his right hand stretched out, grabbing the man by his throat while his left slammed on his chest.
A clone appeared silently behind him.
Boom!
Kitsuchi was sitting behind the Tsuchikage desk when the wall on his right shattered, creating a hole while sending debris into the office. A shinobi burst through, seemingly hurled into the office.
One of the guards intercepted the man before he could crash into another wall. For a second, they landed on the floor, he stood up, expression serious. He could sense multiple chakra signatures coming toward the tower.
Before he could say anything, a black haired man materialized in the office. Kitsuchi was quick to act, clasping his hands together. Mud formed from the floor, and as soon as the man touched it, his legs were wrapped by the mud and quickly built up, binding his lower body.
"Hmm… as expected from you… but I am not here for trouble. I just want you. I just want to borrow your power for a day or two. You'll be returned home without harm."
"Ridiculous! State who you are!"
Kitsuchi sensed a spike in chakra and. "Get away!" He recognized an explosive clone. The clone grinned, exploding in a wave of crimson flames. It wasn't the clone only that exploded, even the shinobi held exploded. It filled the entire room with intense flames. The force of the attack sent the roof into pieces, destroying the upper levels of the tower.
Before it happened, Kitsuchi had not waited to find out the result, he had immediately went through the hole created when one his shinobi crashed through the wall.
"Yoh."
Kitsuchi didn't have the time to turn around to see who was above him. He was hit at the top of his head by a brutal kick. It felt like a bat had just been thundered on him, resulting in a thumping ache. Like a bullet, he speed toward the ground, crashing with his back. There was no time to breathe as the enemy crashed into his chest. He managed to avoid most of the blow but hardening his body using Earth style. What kept him buried was sword touching his neck. He didn't even see it.
"Well, this is a slight problem." Naruto said as he glanced around. Hundreds of Shinobi were already gathered around. There was no space for him to exploit and escape. He couldn't make a move without any seeing it.
"Give up. You can't escape."
Naruto glanced down and pressed Kitsuchi slightly.
"You would think." Given that almost all his chakra was sealed, he couldn't do anything big with chakra. "Well, this was a failure. I wasn't fast enough. The Yondaime Raikage would've been gone by now."
While he was still speaking, the Earth Shinobi joined together, creating huge four walls that rose as tall was the Tsuchikage tower. An attempt to shield the villagers from what was happening, and contain any fireworks. It just made his escape a little difficult.
He didn't plan on getting caught like this.
If he really could escape like the Yondaime Hokage, he would be gone by now.
"What a failure…" Naruto repeated with a laugh. It wouldn't be so much of a failure if he could use his power. But he could not. If he did, it was war with the Konoha. "Oh well, I'll just have to come with another plan, if it becomes a necessity."
He couldn't escape with Kitsuchi. If he could make the man disappear, then it would be fine. He could summon a scroll, and seal the man within it. But he wouldn't have time for that. Those people were only still because he had discarded his sword. The second he summoned a scroll, they would be on him. Could he even summon it with his chakra sealed off?
While thinking, Naruto dropped four smoke bombs. But the movement caused the Earth shinobi to act before the bombs could explode.
The ground pulled up, lifting him.
"Eyes above and below!"
"Nobody closer!"
They were not trying to save Kitsuchi, but to capture him.
A pity, that was an impossible feat for them.
While the bombs exploded, creating a huge smoke. In swift movements, Naruto stepped off Kitsuchi, landing just a foot away before kicking the man into the air.
"Catch him!"
"Eyes on the smoke!"
Naruto planted the palm of his right hand on the structure erected. Marks spread around it before it exploded, shattering into small chunks of rocks. Naruto held a hang sign while still within the smoke. He had no choice but to release more of his chakra. He could get away with this one. It would leave some presence, but unavoidable.
The next thing that came out of the smoke were thousands of shuriken that flew into all directions. Some went up into the air, bypassing the walls. Some went to hit the walls. Some went straight to the hundreds gathered.
"Take evasive action! Villagers already evacuated from here."
Blocking would mean their view of the smoke would be obstructed. By simply trying to evade the shuriken meant that they could still keep an eye on him.
It was a good plan, if he didn't have means to disappear.
When the smoke cleared, he was nowhere to be found. There was no sign of him. Just rocks and shuriken.
"Search him! Everybody man the walls! Don't let him escape!"
Moments later
There was chaos in the village. Shinobi were roaming around, searching left and right. Turning all tables and chairs, shoving lights into all corners. By now, Naruto was sitting in a restaurant, eating a meal while his eyes stayed on the streets.
The village was on lockdown.
Unless he could teleport, he couldn't leave. They would keep at this for as long as they could. Onoki could come back and make it worse. No, there would be a window of opportunity once Onoki comes back. He just had to stand and watch.
'That must be humiliating. You pride yourself in your ability to plot.'
'Not at all. I have had some failures and lapses in judgment. But nothing of this scale.' Naruto said with a shrug. 'I can't really tell anyone about this. It would put a shame on my name. I'm still here, I can figure something out.'
'You're trying to kidnap the village's most powerful shinobi without making a scene. You think that is possible if you can't move as fast as your father?'
'You're awfully talkative.'
'I know you might seal me within the Gedo Mazo.'
'I'll die if you go out.'
'I'm not stupid. Your mother survived after I was removed from her. Besides, your life-force is much stronger than that of your mother, partly due to the experiments done do you. Why do you think your regeneration doesn't effect you badly?'
'I may be cold, but I'm not entirely heartless.'
This wasn't what he wanted to think about. Well, he could just admit failure and put his trust in his Mokuton and sealing abilities. If that didn't work, then nothing else would contain the Jubi – if it needed to be contained before he could seal it within him.
End
...Of chapter
I know, that was a bit of a plot twist. I may end up extending the story a little further than originally planned.