Chapter 4

After the holograms of the Akatsuki vanished Deidara creates a clay bird to ride on that swallows the body of Gaara as he tries to escape into more open air to really let loose his art. Unfortunately he is prevented this when Ameyuri uses her Kiba Blades to electrocute the flying golem as the Shadow Oni opens his hidden demonic wings to catch the Kazekage and then handing him to Lady Tsunade and Chiyo. The more Shadow Oni showed the Leaf and Wind shinobi, the more intrigued they were.

"Sorry, but I've always wanted to hunt down a rogue Iwa that has a fetish for things that go boom. You old gals get clear and try to fix Mr. Sandman while me and my hot devil handle these worthless Akatsuki." Said Ameyuri.

"Hn, you think you can take me on? You washed up wannabe swordsman! Kisame has more bite than you ever will!" Deidara taunted to the only female swordsman of the Hidden Mists.

"Yeah, well I just fried the big shark's puppet clone since he wasn't man enough to be here himself! So I'll take my anger out on you, doughboy! Lightning Style: Thunder Gate!" the fanged woman then thrusts her hooked blades into the ground as lightning coursed through the water and earth throughout the cave.

Tsunade and the others leaped out of the cave before the electricity could reach them while Shadow Oni and Sasori stared intently at one another, unharmed and without flinching from the sparks that flew around the cave before it exploded. Deidara and his created clay dragon flew out of the smoke and following down the river with Ameyuri in hot pursuit. Sasori was still standing his ground while Shadow Oni was unmoving and still like a statue.

"You are a strange one, Shadow Oni. To not only use fire that burns as bright as the fallen Pakura's, but also one that uses it that can harm a powerful object as the Gedo Statue. You would certainly make a unique addition to my puppet collection." Sasori comments before preparing his poisoned scorpion tail and hidden senbon needles while also readying his wire defenses.

The still warrior suddenly moves as his eyes peer through his oni mask to show bright golden eyes that have no pupil or irises, just pure gold yellow. With a huff of breath like a bull ready to charge, Shadow Oni stalks forward as fire consumes his body. The hunchback fires his senbon needles from the puppet's mouth, but they are all burnt to ashes before touching Shadow Oni's physical form. Next Sasori has his iron tail strike at the armored beast, but the samurai uses his gloved hands to brush the tail away without worry.

Sasori is surprised when he watches his poisoned steel wire catch on fire from Shadow Oni's chakra aura before it melts away. Becoming harmless and useless. He wonders if his opponent may be able to contend with Itachi's infamous cursed Amaterasu flames.

He didn't have to wait long as Shadow Oni lunged forward and created a flaming sword that was going to cleave the puppet master of the Akatsuki in two. Sasori used his scorpion like tail to block the sword, but the power coursing through the fiery weapon overpowered it as one of his current puppet's would soon be destroyed like unto his shattered tail. Sasori was forced to escape and bring out the big guns.

"Your flames are starting to annoy me. I recognize your power against my needles and poisons. But are you strong enough to face one of the best puppets in my collection?" Sasori's true form revealed to be a young red head with brown eyes as he pulls out a summoning scroll to summon his most favorite of man-turned puppets. The Third Kazekage, The strongest Kazekage in Suna History.

The puppet first showed its power by wielding a multitude of large sharp blades that have Shadow Oni jump back in self-preservation. Seeing that using fire annoyed the puppet master, he keeps his flaming aura on to taunt Sasori and his precious collection of wooden dolls. The warrior then pulls out his sheathed darkened blade that had glowing symbols on it that had Sasori curious.

As the two fought in the cave, Tsunade and the rest of the Leaf shinobi were astounded that this Shadow Oni was able to contend against an S-rank Akatsuki. Sasuke was seething that this nobody ronin was stronger than he was currently. Kakashi was planning to inform Jiraiya and Danzo on this new development, while wondering what was keeping Sai from completing his mission towards Shizune since Sai was not back with the rest of them yet.

The battle seemed to be turning in Sasori's favor when he unleashed thousands of iron puppet hands to pommel Shadow Oni into the ground. But still Shadow Oni refused to give up as his armor started to crumble. Calling on the darkness within the cave, Shadow Oni vanished from sight before his face could be revealed as Sasori tried to pinpoint his location. However, it proved pointless as the ronin proved a master in Silent Killing as the Swordsman of the Hidden Mists, only shadows and darkness were utilized instead of damp mists.

Sasori felt his heart stabbed through by the dark blade as the shadows rescinded and the cave was visible again. The puppet man turned to look into the eyes of the Akatsuki's future enemy and they widen in surprise. Sasori smiles before giving his final remarks as his body started to burn.

"To think after all this time, you would have survived after the Valley of the End incident. You have grown more powerful than what our spies had of you when you were a weak idealist jinchuriki. I wonder who will win when you fight Pain? The God of Rain versus the Demon of Shadow and Flame. Such a thing would be a wonderful work of art to immortalize." He remarked before the fires consumed him and the Akatsuki now were short one member.

Maybe two.

Ameyuri vs Deidara

After Deidara flew out of the cave, he kept himself in the air while Ameyuri was in hot pursuit on the ground. Only getting some elevation when leaping onto giant tree trunks in between the ravine walls. She wasn't considered the most tenacious swordswoman that never lets her prey get away for nothing.

"Hn, you can't touch me from up here, runt." Deidara jeered at the short woman as he prepped two clay bombs to nosedive at the pursuing kunoichi.

If there's two things you should know about Ameyuri Ringo. One, don't mention her size. And two, don't make her bored by running away from her. It just makes her more angry and more relentless in her hunt.

"Bad move, fart face." She muttered as she used her lightning blades to cut the clay bombs to pieces. Their explosion being minimized by her lightning chakra nature. Which she is a master of.

"If I can't reach you from up there, then I will make you come down here! Lightning Style: Lightning Fang Jutsu!" bolts of blue lightning race from her blades and towards the flying Akatsuki and his clay ride.

The lightning hits Deidara who becomes paralyzed by the attack as he falls to the water below with his clay dragon destroyed with a not so impressive boom. Deidara tried to shake the paralysis off, but the water from the river made it difficult for him. Ameyuri fires a thunderbolt using the Lightning Style: Thunderbolt Jutsu when Deidara was in her vicinity.

Deidara cursed that he was now unable to move his hands to create more exploding clay that he must be forced to use his ultimate trump card. Unfortunately, Ringo was faster than him as she spun like a top in the air with her lightning still ablaze as she sliced and diced Deidara into pieces. The kunoichi inspected the broken body to be certain that it was really him and not some fake clone.

Satisfied by her hunt, she hightailed it back to where Naruto and the others were so they could get the party started.

Scene Change

Tsunade was stunned to see her godson's face after so many years. At first, she thought she was hallucinating after Sasori's burnt remains were thrown aside by Naruto's blade. But after seeing his blue eyes, whisker marked face, and her grandfather's necklace still wrapped around his neck, she knew that this wasn't a dream.

Kakashi was sweating at seeing the demon return from the underworld. Now looking older and stronger than before. Now that his Shadow Oni armor was destroyed the Kyuubi brat now wore dark long-sleeved hooded coat with red, orange, and yellow flames dancing along the edges of the sleeves and bottom ridges. Under the coat was a black mesh shirt that went well with his black pants and black tool belt where he sheathed his sword. The belt buckle having a strange design with lots of blues and white silver with a gold ring in the background.(A:N check out my cover image for Uzu-Udun. If you can't see it, just picture a circle buckle with a celtic knot ringed edge with a gold filler and in the center of the buckle is silver white with the bluish outline of the western gate of the Mines of Moria, with added gold runes on the pillars that symbolize Naruto's Maiar status. Which is also the symbol for Gandalf)

"Naruto? Is it really you?" asked Tsunade.

"It's me, Granny. Aren't you supposed to be sitting in an office doing Hokage work?" Naruto chuckled.

Tsunade could only smile as she rushes over to give him a Senju hug as she cries for joy at this surprising miracle. Naruto's demonic strength being able to handle her hug as he in turn hugged her back. The two held each other like this for several minutes while the Leaf and Sand Shinobi could watch in awe and confusion. Guy and Lee wanting to express their youthfulness at this wonderous moment.

This is the scene Shizune walked into when she came out from the forest with Naruto's companions, Kurama and Tayuya. Shizune was earlier cornered by Danzo's Root after the team slit up in fighting Itachi and Kisame's doppelgangers. Sai was leading them as they were ordered to eliminate Tsunade's assistant and steal the Senju belongings that Danzo wanted. For the Good of Konoha.

Thankfully, Tayuya and Kurama were Naruto's backup that he had watch over Shizune-neesan. The humanoid Biju and the ex-member of Sound Village made quick work of Sai and the other Root agents that were Danzo's backup in case Tsunade was not terminated by Kakashi. But Ameyuri was there for Tsunade.

Speaking of which, the Kiri Swordswoman made it back and joined up with her girls as they went to Lady Chiyo and Temari's side where they were watching over Gaara's unconscious body. Having recovered thanks to Lady Tsunade and Chiyo's expertise but remained unresponsive.

Tsunade released Naruto from her hug as she asked the million-yen question. "Why didn't you come back? We thought you were dead."

"I was dead. Thanks to Kakashi who finished the job at, as he put it, 'avenging his sensei'." Tsunade glared at Kakashi for murdering Naruto. "I've been sent back by Kami with the blessing of my father and mother, who I've met in the great beyond. They were not pleased with what Konoha has done to me, but now things will be different. I am Naruto the Dark. And I come back to you now, at the turn of the tide." Said Naruto.

"You shouldn't have come back, loser." Said Sasuke who was forming a Chidori in his right hand.

"You may have beaten me back then, but I am stronger now that I can prove to you that you will never be better than me!" Sasuke then charges forward, only to be tripped into the water by Kurama who was showing her fox tails for all to see.

"Granny allow me to introduce you to my company, and love interests. Ameyuri Ringo of the Seven Swordsman of the Mists, Tayuya Uzumaki formerly of the Sound Four, and the top woman being Kurama, the Kyuubi no Yoko." Naruto introduces the trio to Tsunade.

"Liar! This woman can't be the Biju?! You are the Kyuubi reincarnated. I never believed that you were the son of my sensei when Tsunade announced your heritage crap. For I am the son Minato-sensei ever needed!" Kakashi denied as he could not accept Minato giving birth to a demon by that Uzumaki harlot that hung around him.

"And that is why I will never understand humans that favor a clan that is cursed by their hatred induced Sharingan that turns them insane. Only Itachi and Kushina's friend Mikoto were the ones that were not blinded by their hatred for anything that proved more powerful or special than the Uchiha. I can see that your implanted Sharingan has left the great Kakashi to abandon reason for madness, Dog-breath." Said Kurama who then revealed her fox ears and let her red eyes shine to further prove herself.

Kakashi was in much confusion and disbelief as he stared between Naruto and the female fox woman. Sakura was about to punch Kurama for tripping her precious Sasuke, only to be knocked to the ground by the kitsune's tails that were no longer restraining Sasuke. The Uchiha then got the idea that he should try controlling the Kyuubi with his improved Sharingan.

"I am your master now, Kyuubi. Submit to me, as my ancestor Madara did before!" Sasuke commanded as his red pinwheel eyes spun to life.

However, Kurama had a lot of practice with Naruto and their fellowship to now resist Genjutsu of any kind, including the hypnotizing Sharingan. The Kyuubi decided that Konoha should learn the hard way that they were favoring a weak brat. Kurama punched the Uchiha in the stomach before using her clawed fingers to gauge out his eyes.

Sasuke screamed in pain and anger that the Uchiha's most prized possession was lost. He snarled and tried to force her to give them back, but he stumbled and blindly tried to attack the Kyuubi. Everyone had distanced form Sasuke as he yelled and cried for retribution. The answer given was having his eyes crushed and then burned by Kurama's red chakra.

Kakashi was stunned by this before anger replaced it. "You have destroyed the Sharingan of Konoha's last Uchiha! You will SUFFER!" He then forms his Chidori to kill the Kyuubi.

Only for Naruto to come behind Kakashi and knock the former sensei unconscious with the pommel of his sword. Naruto then looks to the remaining Konoha ninja to give them a message.

"Take your ninja and return to the warhawk and his lackeys with this message. The heir to Whirlpool has returned. And he will destroy the evil of the Root by unleashing the flames of the true Will of Fire. Then shall he establish peace as the Uzumaki were meant to as the mediators amongst the entire Elemental Nations." Naruto informed Team Guy as they gathered Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi before vanishing in a large swirl of dancing leaves.

"That was something else, Naruto-kun. Makes me want to take you to a private hotel and eat you up." Said Ameyuri.

"Uh, uh. I am the top woman and I get to be Naruto's first before either you or Tayuya can get a piece of him." Kurama putting her foot down.

"Not until I deem you all worthy of being with my godson, you perverted kitsune." Jabs Tsunade as the ladies get into a fight that would soon turn into a blood bath until Naruto lets his demonic features out and gives a balrog bellow to shut them up.

"No one is getting a piece of me yet. One step of our journey is over, and another begins. I need to get my inheritance from my parents' compound. Then we are to hide and help in Kiri rebuild so that they can help Wave in rebuilding Uzushio. After that, we can plan on what to do next before the Akatsuki strike again."

"But how are you going to get there when Danzo will probably have Konoha locked down and sending Root and Leaf nin to hunt us down? He must have realized that I took not only my Senju belongings but the Scroll of Sealings as well." Said Tsunade.

"I have my ways. I am the master of Fire and Shadows; I know how to wield them in ways others cannot comprehend…Now though is not the time. I wish to wake my friend Gaara from his slumber and if possible, sojourn in Suna with my growing group." Naruto directs this to Temari and Lady Chiyo.

"We would be happy and honored to have you stay in Suna for a time, Naruto. But Gaara has been put into a coma that not even Lady Chiyo can wake him from it." Temari told him.

Naruto simply smiled before he walked on over and knelt by Gaara. He then places a hand over Gaara's face as he murmurs quietly. No one could understand him, but the three redhead kunoichi knew what would happen next.

After removing his hand from his best friend Naruto waited. Gaara began to stir as he slowly opened his eyes and looks to his left to see his sister. "… I know your face…Temari…Temari."

Sand nin searchers came into the clearing to find their Kazekage safe and well. Temari was so glad to have her brother back. When Naruto died those years ago, he kept to himself mostly and rarely slept due to having nightmares of Naruto saying that he could not save him when he saw from a distance Kakashi delivering the final blow. He knew that Tsunade could do nothing as Hokage while those advisors that favored Sasuke and his Sharingan, nor could he speak up or else damage Suna more while Konoha reaped the rewards, so he stayed silent. Pushing those he loved away so they wouldn't fall into his same abyss.

When he looked around, he recognized the faces of Lady Chiyo, Lady Tsunade, Shizune, and Tayuya were there too. It was when he saw Naruto that he truly was surprised.

"Naruto?" Gaara took in the Uzumaki's new look and hairstyle, demonic horns, wings, and tail.

"Breathe the free air again, my friend." Naruto simply said before reaching his arm out so Gaara could take it.

The Fifth Kazekage grabbed his friends hand as Temari also helped in picking him up on his feet. Suna shinobi, Team Uzumaki, the Senju Duo, and the old advisor of Suna stood ready for the return of the leader of the Hidden Village of the Sands. Gaara did not know how, but he knew somehow Naruto rescued him, again. In a more miraculous way then at the end of the Sound/Sand Invasion.

"Dark have been my dreams of late." Gaara stares at his shivering hands, feeling as if he has not used chakra in a long time.

"Your fingers, and body, would remember their old strength better... if they grasp your gourd." Commented Naruto.

Lady Chiyo pulls out a scroll of sealing as she frees Gaara's giant gourd of sand that he once had strapped to his back. Gaara slowly reaches for the top of the giant gourd to uncork it. He then feels the gourd with hands before concentrating on his chakra once again. He feels the minerals of the earth and within the gourd rise as he lets his chakra flow through him again.

Temari and Lady Chiyo were happy as they saw Gaara was now levitating off the ground with a layer of sand surrounding his feet that was levitating midair. Gaara opened his eyes to see sand fly all around him before as he gapes in awe. The sand then flew into his gourd before the cork sealed it up as Gaara descended and looked back to his old friend before giving him a handshake.

Naruto being his cheerful self surprisingly brought Gaara in closer as he gave him a brotherly hug. Gaara was shocked by Naruto's action, but he smiled at that. Reminding himself that his unpredictable friend was back and not about to die a second time around. Anytime soon.

Scene Change… 3 Days Later

"What?! The Kyuubi jinchuriki is back? And to make matters worse, he has a demon fox woman with him, the wielder of the Kiba Blades, a member of Orochimaru's elite force, and now the Senju and her apprentice have joined forces with him. This is not good for Konoha." Danzo remarked in the Council Room with the Konoha Council gathered along with Team Guy to report on what happened to the Kazekage Rescue Mission.

When they made it back to the village to the village, the advisors rushed the bleeding unconscious Sasuke to the hospital while Guy and Lee carried Kakashi and Sakura on their backs. After the members of Team 7 were put under the doctors care Danzo, now self-proclaimed Hokage of Konoha, ordered the team to report on the mission. Guy had Danzo make an emergency meeting with the Shinobi Council, with the Civilian Council tagging along to hear how their precious Sasuke was hurt so badly. The news they were given were not pleasing to the warhawk or those that favored the Uchiha and despised the Uzumaki.

"We need to launch an immediate attack on Suna for harboring fugitives and make them pay for turning their backs fully on Konoha, their one and only allies." Homura voiced with many on the Civilian Council banging their fists in agreement.

"Troublesome. We already have lost a good portion of our forces and stock due to the demon brat's death. The jinchuriki's return will now likely have Suna cut ties with us like Wave, Snow/Spring, and the Moon Kingdom have done. It is we who need allies." The Nara Clan head, Shikaku pointed out to everyone.

"We should have had the brat killed before he became a Genin. That fox brought nothing but trouble while my hounds and clan members hunted for him in the past." Remarks Tsume. Having hated Naruto for getting Kushina killed and his annoying pranks and quirks that messed with her clan's senses and made their scouting/hunting dynamic look weak to the rest of Fire Country. Especially during that Kumo/Hyuuga incident.

"The past is the past. We must now focus on the present so Konoha can rise again from the ashes. Can we not take the jinchuriki from Taki so we can have a weapon should Kumo or Iwa attack us?" asked Danzo.

"Unfortunately, the Akatsuki have already abducted her. So there are no jinchuriki available for Konoha. But my spies have heard rumors of the Three-Tails making a reappearance and is wandering freely somewhere in Kiri. But I recommend that we try and get Naruto back to our side. He will want to come claims his inheritance once Tsunade tells him about his parents." Suggested Jiraiya.

Jiraiya may be Naruto's godfather, but his duty comes to Konoha first since the Leaf Village's situation looked grim. Especially with Tsunade no longer a part of her grandfather's village again. This time traveling with Naruto and his interesting companions. HE didn't believe the fox woman Guy described was the Kyuubi in human form. Biju are beasts, plain and simple, and their only roles were to keep the peace between the Five Great Nations while Naruto would have to be re-guided to bringing peace to the world while keeping Konoha intact.

The Council murmured in agreement as they formulated their plan with Danzo approving of trapping the jinchuriki once he steps foot in Konoha. Allowing the Council to claim the knowledge and riches of the Uzumaki and Namikaze Clans that not even Jiraiya could get to since Kushina added some seals, while leaving the demon brat with nothing. Only to listen and obey to Danzo's word as the Hokage of Konoha.

Surprise! Another successful chapter finished. Now things will start to get interesting. I hope to finish reworking the first chapter of the 'Prime Beast' before I try continuing my other fanfics. Since its almost March 17, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Stay Healthy and Stay Safe!