Kakashi slowly came to, he found himself in a hospital room 'Oh man.'
"He's awake." Sasuke noted.
"So, back here again huh?"
Then Tsunade came in with Shizune "Good job Kakashi, well done. The same for you Tatsu."
"I didn't really do anything on the mission." Tatsu admitted "Kakashi, Naruto and Sasuke did all the work."
"You weren't just sitting on the sidelines though, I hear you all fought hard. Well done."
"Lady Tsunade…" Kakashi tried to sit up, but failed.
"Don't push yourself, I examined you earlier and it's going to be some time before you return to duty. It's bedrest for you for at least a week." Tsunade told him.
"Guess I'm not surprised."
"Looks like you need a little more practice before using that Mangekyo Sharingan in battle again." Tatsu noted.
"Looks that way."
"Anyway, you just take it easy for a while." Tsunade told him "The rest of you should rest to, you can file your report later. Let's go Shizune."
"Just a minute." Sasuke followed her "I've got something to discuss with you."
Naruto and Lee shared a look.
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Tsunade led Sasuke out of the hospital, along with Shizune "What is it? Is it regarding…?"
"It is." Sasuke confirmed.
"So have you told Kakashi about it yet?"
"He's been out of it for awhile, so not yet. Naruto, Tatsu and Lee do though. They're the only ones though, I figured my team then consult with you."
"Tell me everything."
10 minutes of explanations later…
"I heard this from Sasori of the Akatsuki." explained Sasuke "He mentioned it was a reward for defeating him. He said to go to Tenchi Bridge in the Hidden Grass at noon, from today that would be 6 days from now. Apparently one of Orochimaru's henchmen is a spy for him and that's where they were supposed to rendezvoused."
"Yes but can you trust your source?"
"They were his last words, I doubt he was lying."
"What if it's all a trap? With Orochimaru as bait and the Akatsuki waiting there in full force for whoever's foolish enough to show up."
"If it's a trap then we fight him."
"Yes but now Kakashi's going to be out of commission for more than a week and with only 6 days until the rendezvoused."
"There's another problem." a masked figure appeared before then.
"Dragon."
"Lady Hokage. Master Jiraiya sent me to deliver this." he handed her a scroll "It's further detail on Orochimaru's usage of his immortality jutsu."
"I see. Thank you."
"I do what I must to protect the Leaf." and he disappeared in a green flash.
"I think I have an idea." Tatsu made himself known.
"I'm not gonna like it am I?" Tsunade guessed.
"Nope."
"Also, how long have you been there?"
"I followed you guys, how'd you not sense me?"
"...What's your plan?"
"You won't like it."
5 minutes later…
"WHAT?!" Tsunade shot an incredulous roar "Do you know how reckless and foolish this sounds?!"
Tatsun wiped the spit from his face "Yes I'm aware, and I also know it's our only shot at taking down Orochimaru. Permanently."
"If this doesn't work then not only will we lose one of our most valuable ninja, we'll be handing over the Sharingan to Orochimaru on a silver platter."
"But like I said, it may be our one and only shot to take him down for good. You know better than anyone how true that is."
"This is ridiculously foolish."
"Exactly, it's so colossally foolish that it will work."
Tsunade recalled Jiraiya mentioning something along those lines when he told her about taking Naruto out of the village to train for 3 years "You really believe this will work?"
"I stake my life on it."
"You know what will happen if this mission fails."
"I'll do it." Sasuke cut in "Tatsu's right, this might be our only shot at taking him out once and for all."
Tsunade's eyes hardened "Very well. But don't forget Tatsu, if this goes south then I'm holding you accountable."
Tatsu nodded "Understood."
"Good. Now who do you propose should be sent on this mission?"
"Naruto and Sasuke for one, but we'll need the full 4 just to make sure nobody gets suspicious."
"Yamato to suppress the Kyuubi's chakra."
"Right. Now as for the last one… who's available?"
"Well nobody from Kurenai's squad or Asuma's squad."
"I'm on it!" Naruto suddenly jumped down.
"...How long has he been up there?"
"Since I got here."
"So he knows the whole situation?"
"Considering what just happened… what do you think?"
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Naruto was wandering around the village randomly "Well so much for finding a teammate that easily, and after I made such a badass exit too. Only question is, who'd be good now? If this plan is gonna work then we're gonna need someone who's strong but not too strong, so both Tatsu and Bushy Brow are out. I can't pick someone so weak that they'd slow the team down either, that way the plan will never work. Then there's the question of whether or not we get along with them or we can kiss our teamwork goodbye. I've gotta be careful about this."
"Long time no see Naruto." said a voice.
Naruto turned around to see a hooded figure standing behind him "Who the hell are you?"
"It's me."
"...I don't know any creepy hooded guys."
"Then what about this?" the figure held out his hand.
"Oh yeah! Shino right?"
"It finally came to you? It took you long enough."
"Well how the hell am I supposed to recognize you when you've got your face covered up like that?!"
That was when Kiba dropped in "What's up? You're early Shino." then he saw Naruto.
"No way… Kiba, that you?"
"Hey." then Kiba sniffed him "No mistaking that scent, it's Naruto alright."
"You had to smell me first? What's that all about?" then he saw the big Akamaru "Holy crap, is that Akamaru?"
"What do you mean? Yeah of course it's Akamaru who else?"
"...Wha?!"
"Man look at you Naruto, you've really grown haven't you?"
"Compared to Akamaru I practically stayed the same. It's only been 2 years, there's no way he could've gotten so much bigger."
"Really? We're always together so I guess I didn't notice it that much."
"Dude, he's bigger than you now. It wasn't that long ago he was so small you could carry him around on top of your head. Come on Shino, you of all people remember don't you?"
Shino, however, was in one of his moods "You recognized Kiba right away, didn't you Naruto?"
'Son of a bitch, now he's mad at me.'
Kiba waved him off "Don't worry, he's always like that. So what's the deal, when'd you get back?"
"About 2 weeks ago, got sent out on a mission to the Sand with Sasuke, Kakashi-sensei, Tatsu, Bushy Brow, Ino and Neji."
"Cool. So you must've gotten a hell of a lot stronger."
"Looks like you're no pushover either."
"I hope not, I've been training under Tatsu and Lee the past 2 years. They even put in a good word with Asuma-sensei for me and got me these." he pulled out two claws from his bag.
"I learned a bunch of fire, wind and water jutsu."
"I can add lightning and wind chakra to my Fang Over Fang."
"My Rasengan is bigger than your-" he paused when he heard a gasp.
Hinata had seen him and was now hiding around a corner 'N-Naruto… I'd heard that he'd returned to the village… what should I do? I'm not ready for this… after all this time… I-I wouldn't even know what to say…'
"Hey Hinata." Naruto was suddenly "I figured that was you, what's up?"
Terrified, Hinata turned to face him 'Naruto…'
"What's the deal? What are you hiding back here for anyway?"
5 seconds later, Hinata promptly fainted.
"Crap."
"What?" then Kiba saw "Oh for f*ck's sake, why's she always like this whenever you show up?"
"Well that rules her out then. Anyway Kiba, I'm looking for another teammate for a mission to the Hidden Grass since Grandma Tsunade won't let me go without a full 4-man squad." Naruto picked up Hinata one one side.
"I'm afraid you caught us at a bad time Naruto, the three of us just got assigned a new mission ourselves." Kiba picked Hinata up from the other side and they led her over to a tree "As soon as Kurenai-sensei gets here, we're on our way. Sorry."
"Well that sucks. Thanks anyway, later guys." and he left.
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After that, Naruto was still searching while simultaneously moping "I can't believe it, all that crap and I'm still not getting anywhere. Well if that's how they're gonna play it then I know one person that won't let me down."
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He found that one person that was rarely ever doing anything.
Shikamaru shook his head "Sorry but like I already said, I've been put in charge of the Chunin exams. It's a big-ass drag, but there it is. I mean I'd like to lend you a hand Naruto, for old times sake and all that crap, but these days it seems like my time isn't my own anymore."
Naruto groaned and slammed his head into a wall "Son of a-"
"Besides, the Fifth Hokage herself appointed me. She'd kill me if I just gave it up and went with you. You don't wanna get on her bad side, she's worse than my mother."
"And here I thought I know one guy I could count on out of everybody else-"
"Puppy-dog eyes don't work on me, I said I couldn't."
"I'll help you out." a new voice cut in "Here you go Shikamaru, your mom asked me to bring you your lunch."
Naruto looked and was startled by whom he saw "No way… Choji?"
"Hey Naruto."
"What're you talking about Choji, how could you help him out?" asked Shikamaru "Have you forgotten the mission you're going on with Asuma?"
"Yeah but he needs help, I can't turn down an old friend like Naruto. Don't worry man, I'll clear it with Asuma-sensei."
Naruto grinned "Thanks Choji, I really owe you."
"Sure thing man." Choji pulled out a bag of chips.
"Same old Choji, always eating just like the old days. Compared to back then you've gotten so fa-"
"Water Style: Raging Wave!" a blast of water shot towards them.
"Get back!" Naruto got in front of them and formed hand seals "Wind Style: Great Breach!" he fired out a blast of wind "What the hell?"
"Water Style: Liquid Manipulation: Lion!" lions made of water charged.
"Partial Expansion Jutsu!" Choji squashed each of them with one hand.
"Over there." Shikamaru looked to where two masked figures standing on a rooftop at the end of the road "A sneak attack."
"I've got this. Shikamaru, back me up." Naruto charged in and formed hand seals "Fire Style: Foxfire!" he breathed out a large fire fox.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu!" one of the figures shot out a large water dragon, and the attacks collided, cancelling each other out.
Naruto clashed with one of them, kunai against kunai "Who the hell are you two?!"
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Tatsu met Tsunade on the roof of the Hokage building "So Shizune's still doubtful of the plan?"
"Any sane person would be." Tsunade pointed out "Let me ask one more time, do you really think this plan will work?"
"I'm not gonna say it again, Sasuke has to be the one to execute this plan because his Sharingan makes him the only one who can, and Naruto has to be there too in order to make it believable. Yamato has to be there in case Kurama decides to be a dick about containing his chakra from within Naruto, and I've narrowed it down to two guys for who will be the fourth member. They're both testing now. Believe me I'm well aware how different this situation is from when we sent them to the Hidden Sand, but think of the alternative. Orochimaru is still as dangerous as ever, if we don't do this then it's only a matter of time before he tries to invade the Leaf again to get Sasuke. We have to do this. Both candidates know the details, and once they'd decided they'll tell Naruto."
"I see. You've thought this through."
"Tsunade."
'Shit.' Tsunade, along with Tatsu, turned to see elder Koharu standing behind them.
"I need to discuss something with you, it's rather important."
"Fine." Tsunade walked towards her, with Tatsu right behind her.
"I asked for Tsunade."
"If this is about the Akatsuki then it involves me, no discussion." Tatsu said firmly "You're not getting rid of me either way."
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"I should've expected as much." the first figure said calmly "You've improved."
"Who the hell are you?!" Naruto snarled.
"Alright, I say it's time." both figures revealed their masks "It's been awhile Naruto."
"Dosu? Zaku?"
"You disappointed?"
"...Tatsu put you guys up to this didn't he?"
"Yep."
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Tsunade found herself seated in front of elders Koharu and Homura, with Tatsu sitting right beside her "So what did you want to talk about? Since both of you advisors are here, I imagine this isn't a social visit."
Homura frowned "Now that you mention it…"
"Shizune recently paid us a visit seeking our advice on something." Koharu told her.
"This is about Naruto isn't it?" Tatsu guessed.
"Correct."
"Figures."
"Henceforth, regarding Naruto, he must not be dispatched on missions that might bring him into contact with the Akatsuki." Homura stated.
"Before Tsunade goes full herculean because you guys blurt out something without thinking of how she'll react, since that's EXACTLY what will happen, let me speak for her. I completely understand your reasoning, you don't want to risk Naruto coming into contact with the Akatsuki so we won't risk him getting captured. We've been hearing about that from Shizune ad nauseum."
"Well then, we feel it best that you find two accomplished shinobi. They are to remain at Naruto's side at all times."
"Lee and I have that covered, and we have Dosu as well."
"Furthermore Tsunade, you should decrease the number of missions you assign Naruto as much as possible, and limit the scope of his responsibilities." Koharu insisted.
Tatsu held up a hand "Let me stop you right there. While I understand your logic, Naruto won't. Don't forget, he's not the sharpest kunai in the set. I suggest that instead of decreasing the number of missions he's sent on, you decrease the difficulty. Nothing higher than a B-rank, he'll be out of danger and he won't complain. And besides, if Shizune the Sellout here had to ask you two to intervene then you should already know what Lady Tsunade will say. Asking him to just sit around and do nothing while the rest of us are out risking our lives to protect him? It's just not happening, end of story."
"Tatsu, Naruto is not just an ordinary child."
"You think I don't know that? I know fully well he's a jinchuuriki, he's basically a powerhouse on a silver platter in the eyes of the Akatsuki. Look, the Hokage and I are both in favor of using the 4-man squad model for his team, but you can't pose any more restrictions on him. As long as Naruto stays in one place the Leaf is in danger, sooner or later the Akatsuki will come for him. In the incident with the Sand, they went straight for Gaara, the jinchuuriki, despite him supposedly being in the safest location in the village. When they do come after Naruto you can bet they'll be just as brutal as they were then, and at the end of the day that would put the Leaf in danger as well. Think of this, if Naruto's constantly on the move then they'll have a tough time figuring out what he's up to and how to get him. Let's not forget, Naruto's more talented than anybody in our generation. He's a fine ninja and a great asset to the Leaf. Besides, when the Akatsuki come for him, do you think he'll just sit by and do nothing?"
"Correct me if I'm wrong but you can't be sure Naruto won't be taken by the Akatsuki, and if they do get control of the Kyuubi then tell me what guarantees you can make that such a horrific tragedy will never come to pass."
"He won't fail, they won't get him. If there's one thing I believe in in this world then it's gotta be him."
"And if your judgement turns out to be mistaken?"
"Then I'll pay for that mistake with my life, no hesitations about it. As a shinobi, as the last of the Leaf's Kamikaze clan, as a jonin of the Leaf, I will do anything and everything in my power to protect this village and everyone in it."
Koharu and Homura shared a look, then turned back to Tatsu "Very well, if you feel that strongly about this then we will not stop you or Tsunade from doing as you see fit. Now then, about Naruto's 4-man squad."
"If you're concerned about the Kyuubi leaking out then don't be. Sorry about this Kurama, I've gotta play along with these old farts for now. Lady Tsunade and I have already picked one we feel is more than capable of containing its power. As for the final member, I've already picked someone I feel is more than capable. Someone I trust with my life."
"Is that so?" a new figure entered the room.
Tsunade looked back "Wait, aren't you?"
"It's been a long time, Princess Tsunade."
'Danzo.' Tatsu stepped up "If you're trying to shoehorn one of your roadies from little boyband the Foundation within the ANBU Black Ops then forget it, Yamato is the closest you're getting to that and that's all there is to it. I've worked it out with Lady Hokage and she's agreed on the team that we've both put together. Wait, were you thinking of that guy with the chakra ink, the fake smiles and always talking about how guys have no balls?"
"He's close to Naruto Uzumaki in age, he's stronger than anyone in his generation in the Leaf, and he's extremely talented with a paintbrush."
"My brother was the one who taught that freak, I'm well aware of who he is and I'm telling you that it's not necessary. Look, Yamato is more than capable of taming Naruto should the need arise, so you have nothing to worry about."
"...Very well." deciding not to invoke Tsunade or Tatsu's wrath or do anything foolish, Danzo chose to back off and left the room without another word.
"So anyway, I'm thinking Dosu. That work?"
Tsunade nodded "Very well, he's in between missions just now."
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Tatsu later made his way to Ichiraku "Hey guys."
"Hey Tatsu." Ayame waved "The usual?"
"More like whatever relieves stress, I need it."
"What's up?"
"Well aside from Shizune caving in and going to the elders for advice on Naruto…"
Ayame gave a knowing glance, while Teuchi paused, then went about his work "It's Danzo isn't it?"
"Yeah. He tried to shoehorn one of his lackeys into Naruto's squad, probably to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't do anything they don't like. I'm just lucky I got Dosu in on that squad first, or who knows what might've happened."
"Was it that one guy who-"
"The very same." then he heard a crash "And there it is."
"What was that?"
"My best guess would be Tsunade ripping into Shizune the Sellout. Anyway, Yamato is gonna be team leader since I'm not gonna be there."
"I think Yamato will do just fine."
Tatsu looked to see Hayate come in and sit down beside him "Hey sensei."
"I here you guys fought the Akatsuki. Good job. Hi Ayame."
"Hey Hayate, the usual?" asked Ayame.
"Yes please."
"You know about what Danzo tried to do." Tatsu's voice was quiet.
"Yeah."
"You know everything about Danzo, how he's a member of the Hawk Faction, how he's the founder and leader of the Foundation."
"Which he never disbanded despite being ordered to."
"The Third knew this well, but he knew that Danzo had whatever his twisted mind believed was the village's best interests at heart."
"He's sort of an anti-villain."
"Exactly."
"So what's this plan of yours regarding Naruto and Sasuke that I heard about from Lady Hokage?"
"Well…"
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"Hey Sasuke!" Naruto came running up to him "Wait this is the place right? Where we're all supposed to meet up?"
"That's what I was told." then Sasuke turned serious "You know about the plan right?"
"Yeah…"
"Whatever happens, protect Kin for me."
"Will do."
"And be sure to have Zaku tell her."
"Duh."
"Of course that was the plan, it's not like you or Tatsu have the guts to tell her."
Naruto looked to see Dosu emerge "So you're our new teammate for now Dosu?"
"That's what I was told."
"So who's the fourth?"
"That would be me." Yamato stepped out "It's a pleasure to meet you, from now on I'll be taking Kakashi's place while he's recovering in the hospital. Please, call me Yamato."
"Wait…" Naruto stared, then screamed with terrified anime-eyes "You're that creep who keeps watching me from the window!"
Sasuke stared at Yamato incredulously "What the f*ck?"
Yamato chuckled nervously "Sorry, I just wanted to practice the face."
"Sick freak." Naruto grumbled "What's Tatsu doing while we're on this mission anyway?"
"Him, Ino, Lee and Hayate are on another mission." Sasuke told him "Apparently it's a joint mission with the Hidden Waterfall."
"Wait, since when do we have an alliance with the Hidden Waterfall?"
"Since Lee's team went on a mission there after Tsunade became Hokage."
"Anyway, let me give you a rundown on our mission." said Yamato "The four of us will head to Tenchi Bridge, capture the Akatsuki spy who's infiltrated Orochimaru's organization, and bring him back. This is our best chance at getting intelligence on both Orochimaru and the Akatsuki, intelligence we can eventually use for orchestrating Orochimaru's assassination so keep that in mind. As soon as your gear is packed and you're all ready to go, rendezvoused at the main gate in exactly one hour."
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Tatsu was waiting outside the Leaf hospital and looked back to see Yamato behind him "You're late."
Yamato sighed "Sorry, I'm afraid I got a little held up."
"I told you practicing your scary face on Naruto was a bad idea. Anyway let's go, Kakashi and the rest are waiting."
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Tsunade was waiting with Shizune, Jiraiya and Kakashi when she heard footsteps "Well then, sounds like they're finally here."
"Hey Kakashi, can we come in?" Tatsu called.
"Come on in." Kakashi told him.
Tatsu entered, with Yamato right behind him "So you know about the details of the mission."
"Yeah. I know I can't stop it, but… just make sure they don't get hurt."
"I will. Now then, onto why Yamato's here."
"This is about Naruto right?" Yamato guessed.
"Exactly. You already know about the Kyuubi spirit sealed inside Naruto."
"I do."
"First, let me go back to before the Chunin Exams three years ago. I could already sense the Shukaku inside of Gaara and decided to meet with the Kyuubi in person."
"You what?!" Tsunade blurted out.
"Using my clan's training art, meditating into Limbo, we met in a neutral space and I met him face to face. From there, we came to an agreement: as long as Naruto was his jinchuuriki, he would do whatever he could to make sure Naruto wouldn't be killed or captured, mainly out of his own preservation. Survival of the fittest, if you will. But he did give me a warning awhile back, once in awhile his chakra would start to leak out. Thanks to his training with Jiraiya over the past two years Naruto has managed to control up to three tails worth of Kurama's chakra with no side effects. However, he did give me a warning. So long as Naruto's heart holds darkness, he'll never be able to completely bond with Kurama's power, and that darkness will take over once Naruto goes four tails or higher. Kurama's trying everything he can to hold in his power and make sure it doesn't leak out."
"I see, so that's how it is." Jiraiya muttered.
"Yeah. Tell me something Jiraiya, what's the maximum number of tails Naruto's gained while he was training with you?"
Jiraiya sighed and began disrobing "In all my years of living, I've come close to death only twice. The first time, I broke six ribs, both arms and ruptured a handful of internal organs. That was when I was caught doing research at a hot spring and Tsunade beat me like a drum. The second time…" he lifted his shirt "The second was back when Naruto and I were off training together, and the fourth tail appeared."
"Kurama gave me some information on how that works. From what I know, the amount of his chakra that Naruto unleashed against Haku in the Land of Waves and Gaara during Orochimaru's invasion were just the initial forms. Using the amount of chakra from one tail up to three tails awakens the Version 1 form. Using four tails up to seven tails awakens the Version 2 form, with six and seven tails forming an incomplete version Kurama's skeleton. Eight tails awakens a form just short of a full transformation, and from that point only the Fourth Hokage's failsafe would be able to stop it."
"Wait, failsafe?"
"He mentioned that when the Fourth sealed him inside Naruto, he included some of his chakra in the seal so that he'd appear to rebuild it if it ever unravelled so far as the eighth tail."
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Sasuke looked at Kin through a window from a rooftop 'I just hope she can forgive me for what I'm gonna have to do.' and he leapt off.
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Tsunade was making her way back to the Hokage's mansion with Shizune when she saw Sasuke standing in front of her "What is it? You still have some time to meet up with the others don't you?"
Sasuke nodded "Yes, but I needed to have a word with you before I left."
"Well your timing is perfect. I was hoping to talk to you about Naruto."
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5 minutes later in Tsunade's office…
Tsunade sighed "I see, so it's that bad already?"
"Well it's Yamato's fault." Sasuke pointed out "Anyway, I'll be sure to keep Naruto on a shorter leash to make sure that doesn't cause the mission to go south."
"Please do." then she heard a knock "Come in."
Then the dark ruler of the Underworld- I mean, Danzo- entered "Princess Tsunade."
"Well Danzo, what do you want?"
"I'm just curious, were you able to assign a distinguished Black Ops operative to lead that certain unit?"
"Yes, an exemplary shinobi with experience as far back as the Third Hokage's rule."
"Very well, I just hope that he's not too deeply rooted in the pacifism of that pushover Sarutobi, the gutless teachings of the Third who hated all manner of disagreement. Just as the Third Hokage was rooted in the teachings of your grandfather."
Tsunade's eyes hardened.
"Well in any case, I believe. Now I can enjoy my meals in relative peace. If you'd be so kind as to excuse me." and he left.
"Who the hell was that creep?" asked Sasuke once Danzo was gone.
"Someone who long ago competed with the great Sarutobi-sensei for the seat of Hokage, they were polar opposites." explained Tsunade "He's the founder of a hardline martial faction founded on rigid principles, he also Yamato's superior at one time. As a student of the moderate Third Hokage and granddaughter of the First, he actively despises me."
"Doesn't sound like you're too fond of him either, and if that's how he is then I doubt he's a fan of me for claiming the same power as the Second, your great uncle."
"That's about right. By the way, isn't it almost time for you to…"
"Looks that way." he formed a hand seal.
"You know your mission, and be careful."
"Right, and when Kin finds out about this please don't tell her that I'm doing this for her, only to become stronger. I'm mainly doing this to protect her, if she learns this then she'll probably do something reckless." and he disappeared in a puff of smoke, a small spark at the center.
'His use of the Thunder Clones has improved.'
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Naruto stared at the photo of Team 7, from which Sakura had been long since cut out 'Sasuke… I have to be honest, part of me wants this plan to fail…' then his usual personality returned "Okay then, let's move." and he left.
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Yamato and Dosu were waiting when they saw Naruto and Sasuke approaching "Good, you're both here."
"I just had some last minute details to sort out." Sasuke told him "We're both ready."
"Right." Yamato turned to face the open road "Okay people, this is it. Team Yamato, we're moving out."
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After about a day's worth of travel, the group had stopped at a hot spring for the night.
Yamato let out a sigh "Naked like this, no secrets from each other, there's nothing like it for bringing people together is there?"
"Huh?" Naruto turned to see Yamato shooting him the scary look.
"There's nothing like it is there?" his voice was deeper.
"Right, there's nothing like it! Draconian method it is!'
Dosu and Sasuke shared a look and sighed.
This was gonna go on for awhile.
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Later, Yamato was going through some of his old ANBU stuff, including his mask 'I guess a great change in the wind has already passed.'
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Naruto met with Sasuke in Limbo "Hey."
"You know what the mission is, right?" asked Sasuke.
"Yeah. When we reach Tenchi Bridge, one of us will disguise himself as Sasori and meet with the spy, then you'll come out, kill the fake Sasori, and have the spy take you to Orochimaru."
"And I'll swear loyalty to him, in exchange for him leaving the village, and more importantly Kin, alone."
"Right…"
"You still hate the plan don't you?"
"Of course I do, it's basically ripping our team apart."
"We're doing this for the sake of the village, if we don't then chances are Orochimaru will just invade again."
"I know, but…"
"Look, whatever feelings you have you can get out during the plan." then Dosu appeared "So this is what Limbo is like. Anyway, Yamato wanted me to tell you two that dinner's ready."
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Naruto was practically drooling when he saw the food "Alright! I've never seen something like this! Hey Captain Yamato?"
"What is it Naruto?" asked Yamato.
"What's the deal here? Is all of this really for us?"
"Yep, go right ahead and dig in."
"Alright!" Naruto started drooling again "I don't know where to start! Man if we get treated to a feast like this on every mission then I say you can lead our squad forever Captain Yamato! Let's hope Kakashi-sensei doesn't get out of the hospital too soon!"
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Kakashi was going through hell in the hospital, being forced to stick to an IV despite longing for some real food.
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"Man, I'm stuffed!" Naruto rubbed his full stomach "Thanks for the food."
Yamato grinned "Now then, normally I'd say this was the perfect time to discuss our mission now that we're all fed and rested."
Naruto and Sasuke both bolted up.
"But since the reason we're here is to build up some morale before the moment comes, we'll save the heavy stuff for later."
"Now you're talking, good idea."
"Alright then, we'll discuss the mission specifics tomorrow."
"So we're staying here another day?"
"Let's not get carried away, I'm not made of money you know."'
Dosu raised an eyebrow "You mean you paid for this out of your own pocket?"
"That's right."
Naruto grinned "Alright, that's so cool! Okay it's settled, Captain Yamato is now the official leader of Team Kakashi!"
"Team Kakashi isn't a thing." Sasuke pointed out.
"Whatever, he's the new Kakashi either way."
"That I second."
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As his group camped out, Tatsu stared up at the moonlit sky 'Sasuke… even if this mission fails and you can't kill Orochimaru, I just want you to make it back alive… brother…'
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After a few more days of travel, their destination was upon them.
Yamato stopped them "It's right up ahead, let's make sure we're all ready and then we'll head for the bridge."
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After an hour, Sasuke's hawk and Thunder Clone disappeared and he turned to Yamato "No sign of any other presence around Tenchi Bridge yet, so that rules out any sign of an Akatsuki ambush."
"Then that means we'll proceed according to the plan." Yamato pulled out a picture "Could you take this picture and hold it up in front of me?"
"Sure." Sasuke held it up: a picture of Sasori.
Yamato formed hand seals "Wood Style Transformation!" he was engulfed in wood and a cloud of smoke, and when the smoke subsided, he appeared as an identical copy of Sasori while in his Hiruko puppet "Well? Did it turn out okay?"
"Perfect, you look exactly like how Sasori did in his Hiruko puppet."
"Excellent. Now I have to match the voice, let me know when it sounds close to Sasori."
"Deep and raspy."
"Like this?" he tried a voice.
"Raspier."
"This?"
"Not that much?"
"This?"
"There we go."
"Alright, if you're all ready then should we begin the operation?"
"Hold it, Sasori sounded more aggressive?"
"Oh you're right, I'm supposed to be cranky and irritable, but more than anything I hate to be kept waiting."
"He also didn't talk so fast."
"We're starting the operation. NOW!"
Naruto grinned "You nailed it, that's exactly what he sounds like!"
"Listen up, our opponents will be on the alert so I want us to split up. We'll have to work as a team, especially you Naruto. No one makes a move before I give the signal."
"Right."
"Good. Let's go!" and they scattered, with Naruto, Dosu and Sasuke hiding amongst the bushes, while Yamato himself stood on the path to the bridge, still disguised as Sasori's puppet 'Okay, this is it.' he made his way forward onto the bridge 'He's here.'
A cloaked figure appeared on the other side of the bridge and met Yamato, at the center of the bridge "It's been a long time Lord Sasori." the figure shifted his hood, revealing his face.
Yamato-Sasori nearly froze in shock 'That's…!'
"About five years, right?"
'Kabuto… Yakushi! Were you followed?"
Kabuto looked back, then back to Sasori "It's just you and me."
"How do you feel?"
"Well I still haven't shaken that strange sensation, from when your jutsu broke I remembered who I was again. My head still feels clouded and heavy."
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"No way, he's back?" Naruto murmured in shock "So the Akatsuki spy was actually Kabuto?"
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"I have a few questions for you." Sasori rasped.
Kabuto nodded "I don't have much time, so please keep it brief. I risked my life sneaking out to see you without Orochimaru finding out."
"I want information about your boss's recent activity, as well as the location of his hideout."
"Orochimaru has several hideouts, we keep moving to a different one every week to avoid being discovered by the enemy. Of course many are in the Hidden Sound Village, but some hideouts are in other lands too. He as spies everywhere, acting as his eyes and ears. There are so many ways a person can get around, it's not easy to track them."
"The current hideout?"
"Right now Orochimaru's holed up on a small island on a lake just to the north of here, we'll be moving again in three days. He hasn't been up to anything noteworthy as of recent, apparently he's planning to bide his time and wait until he can assault the Leaf Village and transfer himself into Sasuke Uchiha's body. Oh, by the way…" he suddenly whipped around and looked towards a bush, only for it to be a rabbit "It was nothing, just a wild rabbit." it wasn't, but he wasn't going to mention that "As I was saying, we should discuss the orders you gave me Lord Sasori."
'Dammit, I still had a few more things I wanted to ask him while I had the chance. If this conversation goes on much longer then I might be discovered.'
"Even after reanimation, Orochimaru uses a protection jutsu on the specimens of his discarded vessel so I wasn't able to analyze their cellular structure as you commanded me."
"I see."
Kabuto's eyes narrowed slightly "Now I trust you brought the item you promised me. Let's do the hand off, I've spent too much time here as it is." he held out his hand "If I were to be discovered speaking with you like this then Orochimaru would certainly kill me."
"I'm aware. I can't stall any longer, I have to take him right now!' he drew a kunai and was about to charge.
That is, before he appeared "Your conversation sounds intriguing, I hope neither of you would mind if I joined in the fun."
'He was followed! Orochimaru…"
Kabuto quickly ditched his cloak to avoid Orochimaru's snakes, and retreated back to Sasori's side "Lord Sasori if you hadn't pulled out that kunai then I never would've gotten away from him in time."
'Lucky, looks like he was so disturbed, I guess my cover hasn't been blown yet. However, now that Orochimaru has shown up… what'll I do?'
Orochimaru de-summoned his snake and smirked "I remember that garb, it sure brings back memories Sasori."
"So you followed Kabuto did you?"
"Oh I just wanted to thank you in person, after all you're the one who sent this kid to me and he's come in very handy. The development of any new jutsu usually eats up well over 100 human test subjects, but thanks to your spy's medical ninjutsu skills I've been able to reuse my test subjects again and again. For some reason it's always so hard to find volunteers."
'Taking on Orochimaru by myself would be virtually impossible, and even if I work alongside Kabuto to beat him Kabuto would tell by my fighting style that I'm not really Sasori. I could summon my three teammates, but my identity would be revealed and Kabuto would flee before we capture him. Either I call on the others and try to defeat both these guys, or mainstream my cover and retreat right now. Okay, time to decide.'
"Now then…" Kabuto activated his Chakra Scalpel and slashed at Sasori with it.
Sasori was shredded, but Yamato got out with a scratch on his arm 'Did he know who I was? No, he couldn't have. Then what's going on here?!'
"Multiple Striking Shadow Snakes!" Orochimaru unleashed multiple snakes from his arm and trapped Yamato with them.
Yamato substituted right before being bitten by one of the snakes, and landed on the bridge.
Orochimaru retracted his snakes "That was a Wood Style Substitution. Interesting, you must be…"
"Lord Orochimaru, is that form Sasori's real body?" asked Kabuto.
"Sasori? Definitely not. Oh come on Kabuto, you mean all this time as his faithful servant and you've yet to see the man's real face?"
"Well he always hides it behind those weird puppets of his, the man is such a dreary fellow."
"What is the meaning of all this?" Yamato demanded "Kabuto you were supposed to be an Akatsuki spy, shouldn't you have been controlled by Sasori's jutsu this whole time?"
"Not any longer, Lord Orochimaru broke that jutsu long ago."
"So you pretended to be under Sasori's jutsu all the while having turned traitor, or did Orochimaru use his powers to turn you?"
"Oh no you've got it wrong, the fact of the matter is I empathize with Lord Orochimaru's ideals. Who are you anyway? The plan was to come take care of Sasori, but your presence changes things."
"Kabuto, I can fill you in about this child later on." Orochimaru turned to Yamato "For now, why don't you signal to the three baby rats behind you to come on out?"
'So he must've known all along.' with no other options to go to in this situation, Yamato gave the signal.
Naruto, Dosu and Sasuke all emerged "You…"
Orochimaru looked at Dosu "A face I know all too well. A pleasure to see you again Dosu, I see you're looking well." then at Naruto "And it looks like the Kyuubi tagged along." then he looked at Sasuke "Well well if it isn't our dear Sasuke. Tell me, how's that Curse Mark treating you?"
"Shut up." Sasuke stood and slowly walked forward "Orochimaru, I didn't come to fight. I came to offer you a deal."
Orochimaru was actually surprised by this "Oh do tell Sasuke, what is this so-called deal?"
"It's plainly clear you're not going to leave the Leaf alone until you have what you want, so I came to this decision. I will go with you and swear allegiance to you, on one condition. If I join you, you keep your hands off the Leaf and leave the village and its people in peace. Understood?"
Orochimaru blinked, then chuckled "Well now, the hatching has grown some bigger feathers has he?"
'...Was I supposed to get that?'
"Very well Sasuke, we have a deal."
"Good."
"Hold it!" Naruto finally appeared in between them, arms stretched out "Sasuke, you know that there's no way in hell I'm letting you do this!"
"Naruto, you know I have to-"
"F*ck whatever you have to do! I'm not letting you go!"
"...Very well, I thought it might come to this." he looked back "Yamato, stay out of this and don't get involved unless the Kyuubi's chakra reaches four tails. Dosu, you know what you have to do while I'm gone." then he turned to Naruto "Well Naruto, I suppose I'll have to deal with you first." he turned and bit his thumb "Summoning Jutsu!" he slammed his hand into the ground and summoned his hawk "Hop on."
"Where are we going?"
"We're moving this to somewhere more appropriate, you already know where that would be don't you?"
"Yeah, I've got a good idea." Naruto leapt onto Sasuke's hawk.
"We'll hold off on the fight until we get there. Garuda, let's go." and they took off.
Dosu stared intently 'Naruto… Sasuke…'
"Well now, this is an interesting development. I think I'll tag along and see how this plays out. Kabuto, be sure to tie up any loose ends here and join me when you're done." then Orochimaru disappeared into the ground.
"Yamato, stay on your toes. I know from personal experience that Kabuto is one of the last people in the world you'd wanna face."
Yamato got into a stance "Right."
Kabuto merely pushed up his glasses "So I take it Sasori won't be coming after all. It's strange, Sasori was the only person who knew that I would be here today. Not even his fellow Akatsuki were privy to that information, and yet you Leaf ninja are here. I can't imagine Sasori being forced to reveal the secret even under torture, which makes me think he must've told you willingly. I suspect he was hoping that by coming here you would gather enough information about Lord Orochimaru to enable you to take him down once and for all. It seems Orochimaru has turned out to be quite a handful even for the Akatsuki. I must say, your disguise earlier was perfect. You wouldn't have been able to pull that off unless you met Sasori personally, and that's the only occasion I can think of when he told you about our rendezvous. There's no way that Sasori could've been aware that the jutsu placed on me had worn off, so for him to have divulged such sensitive intelligence to you, it means Sasori was acknowledging your power. Sasori bore a grudge against Orochimaru, he always said he would be the one to personally bring Orochimaru down. The fact that Sasori ended up involving all of you in this matter means that you must need to do the job for him. Or to put it another way, he's either been captured or he's no longer alive."
"Unfortunately it's the latter." Dosu told him "Sasuke himself personally defeated Sasori in battle 10 days ago."
"I see, that's wonderful news. Lord Orochimaru should be very pleased to hear that."
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Garuda dropped Naruto and Sasuke off at their destination: the Final Valley.
Naruto stood on the head of the Hashirama statue "It figures you'd bring us here, this place sure brings back memories."
Sasuke stood on the head of Madara "Just like before, I'll be the one to come out on top in the end. We both know that Orochimaru is watching, he'll expect us to fight and you'll try to stop me from going. What do you think of all this?"
"Well technically we never did decide who was the stronger one of us. I've got Kurama, you've got Raijin. It's only fair for us to go at it and decide who's best. But first I have to ask, what do you plan to do if you get to Orochimaru?"
"Tatsu and I worked out all the details. I'm gonna train under Orochimaru, find some potential allies and earn their loyalty, bide my time, and when Orochimaru's at his weakest due to his immortality jutsu, that's when I'll strike. After that I'm going to recruit allies, form a small squad, find Itachi and kill him. If all goes according to plan, I'll return to the village after that and beg Kin for her forgiveness."
"I figured as much. Alright, let's get started."
"Right, but I'm making the first move." Sasuke blitzed behind Naruto and aimed a spin kick at the back of his head.
Naruto ducked under it and threw his own punch.
Sasuke caught it and did several backflips away, landing on the cliffside on the side of Hashirama's statue, Sharingan flaring and then disappearing.
Naruto charged.
Sasuke met the charge and easily outpaced him, eventually blocking a kick "You're slow Naruto, too slow."
"Wanna bet?" Naruto suddenly appeared behind him, a kick already in full swing.
Sasuke felt the kick collide with his head and flew away.
"Wind Style: Cyclone Cannon!" Naruto breathed out a blast of wind.
"Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu!" Sasuke breathed out a fire dragon, growing bigger as it shot through the wind.
Naruto formed a Shadow Clone "Wind Style: Crimson Wind!" he fired several sharp slashes of wind "Water Style: Raging Waves!" the clone breathed out a blast of water "Combination Jutsu: Raging Hurricane!" the wind and water jutsu combined into what appeared as a miniature typhoon and surged forward, cancelling out the enhanced fire dragon.
Sasuke leapt out of the way of the attack, just barely avoiding being hit, and looked to see several trees being ripped down behind him "Not too shabby." his Sharingan flared into life and he formed several hand seals "Let's try this again."
"So now it's raw power huh?" Naruto formed a Rasengan "Sure, I'm game. Just basics this time though."
"Right. No Kurama chakra, no Raijin chakra, just what we've got on our own."
"Agreed."
Sasuke charged.
Naruto charged, but before making it a quarter of the way there he stepped on a trip wire, and the ground began to crack and glow.
Sasuke leapt off of the cliff.
Naruto just barely made it away just as the ground exploded "So you've been here before."
"On the way back from the Sand I sent a Thunder Clone to set this up in advance."
Naruto caught Sasuke's foot, spun, and threw him down into the water.
Sasuke swam to the surface and stood.
Naruto was behind him again and smashed him into the water with a kick before he leapt away, then landed on the water and formed a Rasengan, waiting for Sasuke to surface.
Then Sasuke exploded out of the water a few feet away, a Chidori already ready.
"Now that's more like it." Naruto charged and shoved his Rasengan forward.
Sasuke's free hand swept it aside and drove the Chidori into Naruto's right shoulder, just missing any fatal areas but still hitting where it would make him pass out "Too slow Naruto." he leapt back away.
Naruto coughed up blood and glared, his eyes turning crimson and his pupils changing. His wounds healed themselves and he straightened up "So that's how you wanna play it? Fine then, let's go. Shadow Clone Jutsu!" he created four clones and all 5 charged, creating massive waves as they shot forward across the water.
Sasuke dodged two, kicked the third into the fourth, then felt the real one's foot hit his chest, sending him flying backwards and skidding across the water, before he finally managed to regain his footing and formed hand seals "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" he breathed out a fireball.
Naruto shot forward again and leapt onto the cliff on all fours, kicking up dust behind him.
Sasuke shot out three more fireballs, the last one successfully finding its mark and exploding.
When the smoke cleared, Naruto was nowhere in sight, only to explode from underneath the water behind Sasuke and slammed both fists into his back, driving him underwater.
Sasuke exploded out and landed on the surface a safe distance away from Naruto, his Sharingan evolving into the Sanda Sharingan "Alright I'm impressed, sorry Naruto but you can't win now."
"Wanna bet?" Naruto charged forward again, sending up waves with pure speed along.
This time, Sasuke was able to keep up thanks to the enhancement on his Sharingan, and he dodged and blocked all of Naruto's attacks, before he eventually dropped under a punch and kicked Naruto back up to the top of the cliff. He then followed and fell towards him.
Naruto threw a punch at him.
Sasuke blocked the punch, pushed out of the way, flipped, planted a foot in Naruto's face, then pushed off to roll and land.
Naruto stood and charged while Sasuke's back was turned, then threw a punch.
Sasuke ducked under the punch, then jumped and spun and kicked Naruto off the cliff again.
Naruto suddenly appeared behind Sasuke and smashed into, sending both of them flying off the cliff, and he created a dozen clones. They all left off, the sheer force of it leaving a crater in the face of the cliff, and they charged.
Sasuke began dodging them, each one of them crashing down on him. He blocked a few attacks and met one punch with a kick.
Each one exploded, leaving nothing in the air. Then the water below started glowing, and a pair of hands shot out and grabbed him by the legs.
Sasuke found himself dragged down until his knees were in the water.
A massive chain of clones shot out of the water, dragging Sasuke with them as the chain began swinging in a circle and smashed Sasuke into a cliffside.
'So they're still there even after that? Doesn't matter, we're basically battling on pure instinct now.' as a result of that, Sasuke formed a hand seal "Lighting Style: Purple Thunder!" he shot out a blast of purple lighting that spread across the chain, destroying every clone.
The one holding his ankles was burned and wounded, barely able to move "S...Sasuke…"
"It's too late Naruto." Sasuke let out a heavy sigh "This will knock you out." he kicked Naruto out of the newly-formed crater and jumped out after him, then wrapped his arms around Naruto's legs and his own legs around Naruto's torso, and they fell.
Naruto slammed head-first into a massive rock by the water.
Sasuke stared in shock at the blood leaking from Naruto's head 'Naruto… I was just aiming to send him into the water, nothing like this…'
Naruto suddenly bolted in front of him and smashed his fist into Sasuke's nose, nearly shattering it and sending Sasuke tumbling back as a crimson cloak of chakra appeared and began covering his body, two ears and two tails sticking out.
'Two tails right off the bat?' then the pain caught up to him 'Son of a mother f*cker!'
"That was for trying to fry me…" Naruto shot forward and slashed at Sasuke with his chakra claws, his movements being so fast the cloak couldn't keep up.
Sasuke felt the hand first, then the chakra, both his together dislocating his jaw and sending him flying.
"That was for the Chidori. This is for the fall!" Naruto went ballistic.
Sasuke felt the first punch relocate his jaw, the second break two ribs, the first kick break another three and the landing break a leg.
Naruto then began beating him with everything he had, only to to stop and jump away.
Sasuke was left lying against a crater on the side of the cliff, too many broken bones to count and too weak to move "Okay… I deserved that…" he coughed up some blood "No getting around it I guess… I haven't gotten a chance to use this yet… I'm not all that sure of what'll happen to me if I do… but I don't have any other choice, do I?" a cloak of electricity-coated chakra began enveloping his body, wings made of pure lightning growing out of his back.
"Sasuke…" a third tail formed.
"So you're going up to three tails? You know what will happen if you go any higher, not to mention what it'll do to your body."
"I know, but the way you are now I doubt I'd be able to win without them."
"Fair enough…" a blue Chidori with a black light at the center formed in his hand "One last try, what do you think?"
"Sounds good to me." a crimson Rasengan formed in his palm.
Sasuke charged "NARUTOOOOOOOOO!"
"SASUKEEEEEEEE!" Naruto met the charge, the attacks colliding in the middle, the force preventing it from exploding, at least not at first.
The raw chakra from the collision formed a dark purple sphere around them, turning pitch black as more chakra joined it.
Then the sphere exploded outwards, detonating and engulfing the valley in an explosion.
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Dosu noticed the dark clouds overhead 'This isn't good. Yamato."
"I know." said Yamato "This is the exact reason why I was chosen for this mission."
"Same, now let's hurry. For all we know, we might be too late already."
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The attack had subsided, and when it subsided, Naruto was unconscious, his wounds slowly healing themselves but he didn't have enough strength to stay conscious, and he promptly passed out from his wounds and exhaustion.
Sasuke stood over him, then slowly removed his headband and placed it in his bag "We'll call this one a tie."
"Well done Sasuke, very impressive."
Sasuke looked too see Orochimaru standing nearby "Don't forget, if you ever dishonor our deal then I will kill you without hesitation."
"My dear Sasuke, when have I ever been one to go back on my word?" he placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, and they both disappeared.
After that, Dosu showed up with Yamato "So they're gone."
Yamato nodded "Yes, it looks like that stage of the mission was a success. Only now…"
"We're left to pick up the pieces."
Sure enough, at that moment, Naruto stood, his skin peeling off, the chakra cloak resurfacing as a fourth tail sprouted.
"Earth Style: Dark Swamp!" Dosu formed a hand seal and slammed both hands into the ground, causing "Hurry captain Yamato!"
"Right!" Yamato formed a hand seal and began encasing Naruto with wood style, then formed several more hand seals, a mark appearing on his right hand "Hokage Style Elder Jutsu: 10th Edict on Enlightenment!" he rushed forward and placed a hand on Naruto's chest, then he retreated, his hand pulling chakra from Naruto's chest. Then he slammed his free hand on the ground, causing several wood pillars to surround Naruto.
Slowly, Kurama's chakra began to disappear, leaving Naruto in his normal form unconscious, his skin deep red and he appeared to be in excruciating pain from the process.
Yamato fell to one knee, exhausted and low on chakra "It's done…"
"So that's what Tatsu meant." Dosu guessed "He mentioned there was a specific reason you were chosen to lead us this time around."
"A long time ago, Orochimaru was experimenting on people using the First Hokage's cells. I was the only one to survive this."
"I heard the First Hokage had total control over the Tailed Beasts, mainly due to his Wood Style."
"Because I have his DNA within me only I can pacify Naruto with it, but only because he wears the First Hokage's necklace."
"Tatsu mentioned that to me back when we were sent to bring Lady Tsunade back to the village to make her Hokage." Dosu gently picked up Naruto and put him on his bag "Let's go, we have to return to the village and report this to Lady Tsunade."
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Orochimaru let out an ominous chuckle "Sasuke, you are the chosen one."
"Let me ask you something." Sasuke stopped walking "You could've taken out Naruto and the rest at any time, yet you chose to let them live. Why?"
Kabuto pushed up his glasses "There was simply no need to. You see, they and we share a common enemy. The Akatsuki are in the way and we figured that if we let them live then perhaps they can get rid of at least one more Akatsuki for us, which would also make your eventual pursuit of Itachi that much easier."
"Fair enough." Sasuke gripped his fist 'Just a few months with these creeps, then they're both dead men walking.'
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At the same time, Akatsuki members Hidan and Kakuzu were confronting Yugito Nii of the Hidden Cloud, jinchuuriki of the Two-Tails.
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About 2 days went by.
Naruto, now heavily bandaged and lying in a hospital bed, staring out at the window 'Sasuke…'
"Hey, look who's up."
Naruto turned to see Tatsu standing in the doorway "Tatsu."
"So the mission went well?"
Naruto turned downcast "Exactly as you planned."
"I know you hated this from the start Naruto and I'm sorry, but being a shinobi means we have to make sacrifices. Besides it's not like Sasuke's dead, we can just get him back in a few months."
"Yeah… how'd Kin take it?"
"Well… we had Zaku tell her when you guys got back yesterday. She fainted, and she still hasn't woken up yet."
"I see." then he grinned "Okay, switch to lighter topic. How'd that joint mission with the Hidden Waterfall go?"
"Oh that was uneventful, but on the way back I got sent on another mission with Ino, Lee and Hayate-sensei. Get this, I met another jinchuuriki."
"No way."
"Yeah. His name's Utakata, he's the jinchuuriki of the Six-tails, he's from the Hidden Mist, and he's got an apprentice of his own. Oh, and I almost started a war between the Hidden Leaf and the Hidden Mist."
"Sounds like that weekend after the Chunin Exam." then Naruto turned serious "I've gotta get stronger Tatsu, I can't keep relying on you or Kakashi-sensei or anyone else to bail me out because I couldn't do anything by myself."
Tatsu let out a long, somewhat frustrated sigh "Well I was hoping to keep this under wraps until I perfected it myself, but I guess now I've gotta teach it to you."
"Teach what to me?"
Tatsu looked him dead in the eye "A jutsu that surpasses even the Rasengan."
Naruto's eyes widened "Surpasses the Rasengan? Is that possible?"
"That's right, if this works it could be considered an S-rank jutsu instead of a plain old A-rank like the Rasengan. I spent 2 years training to master this" then he grinned "But first, how about I tell you about my mission to Mount Katsuragi. It started when we were on our way back from the joint mission with the Hidden Waterfall…"
A/N:
Just throwing this out there, to all Sai fans, I apologize.
Sasuke used that Raijin Chakra Mode because he didn't have the second level of his Curse Mark, seeing how he never went through that ritual.
Tatsu's mission is gonna be a separate chapter based on a filler arc that I thought was going to be good. Oh, and it's going to have a major impact at the end.
Just a heads up, next arc a semi-major character is going to be killed off and it's gonna have a serious impact on a major character. Hint: it's not Asuma, but if you guys have an idea then let me know who you think it's gonna be.