"I DON'T OWN NARUTO"
The sound of hissing static hummed in his ear. He stopped dead in his tracks and pressed his ear peace closer so that he could hear better. Finally, a voice came through.
"Attention this is Inoyaki, and I have an update from Naruto, so please everyone listen closely."
Within a few moments, everyone on border patrol was briefed on what had just happened. All of Naruto's clones were now aware of their original heading, and each one of them was silently rooting for him. His clones weren't alone; each one was assigned to another shinobi. That person was in charge of reporting any findings back to intelligence headquarters. It made checking in less confusing since there were 20 Naruto's on the same radio frequency.
One of Naruto's clones was paired with Anko and Yamato. The three of them were stationed in the small village of Koka. Yamato and Anko had arrived in the village the day before and Naruto's clone had made the trip in just a few hours. His speed was impressive, especially if he was alone and didn't have to keep it slow for someone else. The evacuation of the villagers had gone off without a hitch and they were about to get started with their mission when they heard Inoyaki's message.
"Well it looks like things are about to get interesting," said Anko.
"Indeed," replied Yamoto as he looked over at Naruto. "So it looks like you aren't wasting time now are you?"
"No, I'm not, I'm glad that I'm on my way to finally put an end to all of this."
"I don't think I'll ever get used to you creating so many clones, it can be a little creepy," replied Anko as she looked Naruto up and down.
"I know it does come off as strange, especially in circumstances like this, but it does come in handy."
"That may be true, but it's unsettling listening to you refer to yourself while you're here, and also in several other places," added Anko.
"Don't think about it that way, you'll just end up giving yourself a headache," warned Naruto.
"Ugh it's a little too late for that," groaned Anko as she rubbed her temples.
"Well, that's enough idle chit-chat for now guys," said Yamato. "We need to make sure the many roads that lead into the village are secured. Koka is just one of the many ways someone can get into Konoha, and this place is a hotspot for trouble, especially since this place is so small and overlooked. "
"It's an excellent place to use to try and slip into the village."
"Anko's right," said Yamato.
"Alright, I was here just a few months ago so I'll take the Southern area since the layout is still fresh in my mind."
"I guess I'll take the Eastern and Western side and Anko…"
"Yeah, I'll take the Northern region."
"Good then it's settled, we all have our locations to patrol. We'll check in on radio frequency three, this way it doesn't interfere with our main channel with HQ."
"Roger that Yamato, we'll meet up here once we're done, said Anko."
"Sounds like a plan," added Naruto.
They each nodded to one another and in a flash, they were gone. The patrolling of the many roads in the woods on Koka came up clean. Nothing was out of place, and yet Naruto's clone couldn't help but feel uneasy. He wasn't sure what was causing him to feel that way, but he was sure that he couldn't afford to ignore it.
Thick damp fog blanketed nearby trees that stretched out toward the hidden sun. Kabuto relished this kind of weather, despite the fact that it wasn't favorable to serpents. This kind of overcast environment reminded him of his childhood. He remembered days just like this one, back then life was simpler, but he had left that all behind. At times it was hard to remember that he did once have a normal existence. He looked over to his right where Sasuke was standing. He said nothing as he looked down into the valley below.
"Are you sure you just want to wait here for Naruto Sasuke-kun?"
"Yes."
"Why? We've been planning this attack for over a year now, yet you want to delay things by waiting for him? I would think that your little rivalry with him would be a thing of the past. What you and he had was a childish squabble that should be wiped from your mind. All of this, everything we've worked for, is far beyond whatever grudge you've had with Naruto-kun. So why are you allowing him to ruin a perfectly good opportunity to crush this pathetic world?"
"Because I need to destroy him."
"And why is that Sasuke-kun?"
"Because Naruto represents a time when I was weak. He's a walking embodiment of what I've fought so hard to forget. I hate what he represents. He's a consistent reminder of a bond that I made, one that has always held me back."
"I see," replied Kabuto.
"Naruto and Konoha, they must be eradicated. Konoha will fall by my hands and I will rob him of his family just like his precious village did to my brother and I. I'll make him watch as I kill Sakura and their child. Then once he's lost everything, I will kill him, and I won't leave his side until I see him take his last breath. Once that happens I will be truly free."
"While that all sounds very poetic you do know he won't be coming alone, right? Your old classmates aren't shinobi that can simply be ignored."
"That changes nothing."
"Fine Sasuke-kun, I can see that you aren't going to budge, but if you insist on confronting Naruto then at least allow me to ensure that our other targets are hit. This way you can destroy him while I ensure that we cripple the shinobi world."
"Fine, contact Fuyu, make sure it's done."
"Of course Sasuke-kun, whatever you say."
Kabuto slithered away leaving Sasuke alone. He continued to look down at the valley. The mist from the waterfall added to the dense fog that engulfed everything. The sound of the rushing water, the smell, and the feeling of humidity reminded Sasuke of that day, at the Valley of the end.
"What we started years ago, ends today Naruto."
Swift and nimble feet ran across soft wet dirt. Naruto and his team made haste, Kumogakure was their destination. Kiba took in the smells of the forest they were passing through. The smell of wet dirt and rotting leaves filled his nose. He picked up the pace so that he could catch up to Naruto. He looked over at him and shook his head.
"I got nothing Naruto."
"Keep at Kiba. I know we're heading in the right direction."
"Roger that, but I gotta ask, do we even have a strategy or plan for when we find Sasuke?"
"I think that's a very appropriate question," said Sai.
"As do I," added Neji.
Naruto slowed down and his friends followed suit. He finally stopped so that he could comfortably address everyone.
"Look guys I don't have a plan per se, but my strategy is to have you guys as a backup of sorts."
"You really think we should be going into this blindly?' Asked Neji.
Yeah Naruto, that doesn't sound like the best thing to do right now. This isn't some push-over mission that we can just improvise on. If we mess up, we're fucked, were dead."
"I know Kiba, but that's not going to happen, not on my watch it's not."
"Alright, then Naruto if you don't have a plan what's your strategy?"
"Well knowing Sasuke he'll have Kabuto by his side, and he can be difficult to deal with. Now the important thing to remember when fighting him, or anything he summons, is to fight together. Pick the same target and stay with it until it's destroyed. Don't get separated, I can't stress that enough. If that happens fighting off whatever he sends out will take longer. It's much better if you take on everything as one. Now while you guys deal with Kabuto I'll take care of Sasuke."
"Alright so stick together, and make sure we take out each target as fast as we can. Sounds simple enough," said Kiba.
"We should also just try and stop Kabuto if the opportunity arises," added Sai.
"I second that," said Neji.
"If the opportunity presents itself go for it guys, just be careful with him. He's a cunning asshole so don't let your gaurd down."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Wait a minute, we headed to Kumogakure right?" Asked Kiba.
"Yeah."
"Well, it's going to take us at least a day to get there."
"You're right if you were traveling at normal shinobi speed, but we'renot."
"What do you mean Naruto-kun?"
"I mean this," said Naruto as he bit his thumb, he placed his hand on the floor and everyone was momentarily blinded by white smoke.
Everyone coughed and waved the smoked away from their faces. A loud croak made everyone look up towards the sky. The dense fog created by the summoning started to fade, and soon afterwards Naruto's team was able to see who was in front of them, it was Gamakichi. The large toad took a puff from his pipe and he blew out a thick haze of smoke.
"Yo boss, what's up?'
"Gamakichi, long time no see."
"Yeah it has been a while, hasn't it."
"Almost two years now."
"That's right, the last time we saw one another was during the war. How did the aftermath of everything go? Is everything alright?"
"Oh yeah everything is alright in that department, but I got some other stuff that I'm dealing with right now."
"Im guessing whatever it is you're dealing with is the reason for my summoning?"
"Well yes and no," said Naruto sheepishly.
"What do you mean?"
"Well here's the thing Gamakichi, I am going to need your assistance, but I need you to do me tiny favor first."
"Sure thing what is it?"
"My friends here need a ride. We're heading to Kumogakure, and while I can make it there in no time they can't. We need to get there as fast as we can, time is short."
"So you summoned me because you needed a ride? That's weak boss."
"Ugh come on Gimakichi, I was going to summon you anyway. I'm just doing it earlier, that's all."
"You know pops would be pretty pissed if he knew you were doing this."
"Your dad gets mad at just about everything I do."
"You got me there," chuckled the toad.
"So what do you say?"
"Hmmmm let me think about."
"Did I forget to mention that you'll probably get to encounter one of the inhabitants of the Ryuchi Cave?"
"What? A serpent summon from Ryuchi Cave? Wait a minute, you're going after Sasuke arent you!?"
"Yeah."
"Well it's about time!" Boomed the toad as he made his way lower to the ground.
"Can you see why this is so important now?"
Gimakichi nodded in agreement.
"Alright boss, I'll let this one slide, but only because it's serious."
"Thanks Gimakichi, you're the best. Come on you guys hop on."
Neji, Kiba,Sai and Akamaru all jumped up towards the massive toad in front of them. Once they were all safety ontop of his head Naruto addressed his summon.
"Alright, Gimakichi just follow my lead. We should get there in no time," said Naruto as he unleashed his nine tails chakra mode.
It was a form his friends had only seen once, and that was during the war. Naruto literally looked like his body was engulfed in a cloak of fiery chakra. His hair seemed longer and black symbols covered certain areas of his body. Gimakichi took in a long drag from his pipe as he looked down at his master.
"Keep up Gimakichi."
"Oh stop showing off boss," replied Gimakichi as he blew out a stream of smoke.
"Don't get jealous now," replied Naruto.
With that said he took off and his giant summon leaped into the air. There was no way he was going to let Naruto beat him.
Sakura couldn't believe what she had just heard, but she knew Karin had no real reason to lie to her. It was a pretty unbelievable story, but if Naruto was involved it made perfect sense. During Karin's explanation, Moegi returned with Sakura's pain medication. She and Konohamaru had to return to their original orders, despite Konohamaru's stubborn attitude. Sakura's mother had returned with news of their relatives. They had made it inside the evacuation tunnels and they were all safe. They told Hanako they would stop by to visit once all the hustle and bustle inside the mountain had died down. Hanako was now sitting down next to her bedside. Sakura could tell she was skeptical of Karin, but she hadn't said anything rude to her.
"So there you have it Sakura. Naruto is on his way to be the hero once more."
"Do you really think Sasuke-kun is at his hideout just waiting for him?"
"Oh, I have no doubt in my mind."
"Why is that?"
"I can't believe you're really asking me a question like that. You know very well that Sasuke isn't threatened by anyone. He'll stand his ground till the very end."
Sakura felt a chill go through her, Kairn was absolutely right. When they were younger Sakura thought it was one of his coolest traits. He was always so brash and fearless. He had a sort of stubbornness mixed with what she thought was courage. She had been wrong though, it wasn't courage, it was a mixture of pride and arrogance.
"Naruto…"
"If it's any consolation I think Naruto has things under control. You know I never thought I'd ever say anything like that about him, but after spending some time with him he gave me something that I haven't had in years."
"What's that?"
"Hope."
Gaara stood high above the parched red cliffs that encompassed his entire village. Suna was surrounded by layers of rock and from high above it looked as if it was hidden inside a large crater. The young Kazekage was still very much shocked at the news he had heard just a few moments ago. He was informed by the Hokage that the Bijuu were offering help. Apparently, there were providing protection, and the one tail was heading to Suna. Never did Gaara think that he would come face to face with Shukaku once more. The last time he had seen the one-tailed raccoon had been during the war. He was being controlled just like the other bijuu were. However, they had no interaction with one another, but Gaara fought alongside Naruto as they, and their friends, fought for the trapped beasts. What Madara did to them, was unforgivable. Gaara and Naruto knew the pain of being a prisoner, a weapon, and he didn't want Shukaku and the others to suffer any longer.
So when Gaara learned he was coming to help he rushed out to greet him. He wasn't quite sure why he was waiting out in the open desert alone. It's not as if they were old friends, but he had known the beast all of his life. He was a constant companion, even though the relationship they had wasn't a good one, but still, he was always at Gaara's side. Temari and Kankuro landed on each side of their little brother. Temari looked flushed, while Kankuro looked annoyed.
"Just what in the world do you think you're doing!?" Snapped Temari.
"Whatever do you mean," replied Gaara calmly.
"Oh don't pull that kind of attitude with me Gaara. You maybe the Kazekage but you will forever be my little brother."
"Giving you attitude was not my intention Temari. You're blowing things out of proportion."
Temari's face reddened and she cursed in frustration.
"I told you not to confront him Temari. This always happens when you do," said Kankuro.
"Just what are the two of you doing here?" Asked Gaara.
"We're making sure that your old friend Shukaku doesn't try anything funny when it gets here."
"He's on his way to help."
"So now you're defending it?!"
"I don't see why you'd think that Temari. I'm simply stating a fact."
"Urgh Gaara I swear to god…"
"Temari it's alright," said Kankuro. "Look little brother we're just worried about you. Shukaku was never good for you. He kept you locked up for a good portion of your life, and we don't want to see you get hurt."
"We almost lost you because of that thing too. You died Gaara, all because some people wanted to get a hold of the monster inside you. Now it's on its way here and it just makes me sick to my stomach. How can you be out here waiting for it? What do you expect to happen when it gets here?"
"You're asking me questions that I can't answer."
"And why is that?"
"Because I don't know why am I here, nor do I know what I'm going to say."
Both Gaara's siblings looked at each other in disbelief.
"You're standing out here and yet you have no reason why?"
"I can't explain my actions, it's more of a feeling. I was compelled to come out here."
"What do you expect to happen once he gets here?"'
Garra said nothing.
"This is unbelievable. If Naruto was able to get the Biju's help then that's fine, let's just add that to his long lists of his otherworldly accomplishments, but I'm not going to stand here while you do this to yourself Gaara. Facing Shukaku seems cruel. Why in the world are you doing this to yourself?"
"He just said he doesn't know why he's out here Temari."
"Shut it Kankuro, don't make me turn on you too."
"Geez Temari cool it."
"You should come back with us to the village Gaara. The reinforcements that were sent to aid us were wondering where you went off too. We should just forget about Shukaku."
Gaara said nothing again, and Kankuro silently signaled Temari to stop her interrogation of their little brother. She shot him a warning glare and the two of them argued with one another without saying a single word. Their bickering came to a halt when the ground beneath their feet began to pulse and quake.
"He's here, whispered Gaara.
The three siblings watched as the sand itself began to pull away from them and gradually it gathered into a mound of ever rising sand. They all watched in awe as the form grew and grew and grew. Then details emerged from the sand and right before their eyes the one tail bijuu appeared. No one moved or said a thing. Despite it's size it was very well aware that there were people below it. Shukaku brought his head down so that he could get as low to the ground as possible. It's massive head stopped once it was right in front of the Suna trio. It took in a deep breath, held their scents for a few seconds, and then exhaled roughly. The siblings quickly sent chakra to their feet as they prepared for what was to come. Sure enough they were all hit by a huge hot gust of wind as the Bijuu in front of them released his breath. No one moved, let alone speak. Finally after a few very tense moments Shukaku rose up once more.
"Well if it isn't the fabled Suna's siblings, the children of the late Kazekage. I suppose it's only fitting that you three are here to greet me, the all powerful Shukaku."
Temari reached deep within herself to fight back the urge to snap at the titanic beast. She quickly shot Kankuro a a glance, and he too was holding himself back. However their little brother stepped closer towards the sand tanuki, and they watched in awe as he summoned some sand underneath his feet. He then floated up towards it and he stopped once he was face to face with his old counterpart.
"Shukaku, you saw Naruto, did you not?"
Shukaku eyed Gaara as he floated in front of him. His former vessel had changed, he was no longer the shadow of a boy who hid himself from his very existence. The change in his former jinchuriki peaked the Biju's interest, and so he decided to humor him by answering his question.
"Yes, that blonde haired brat is an interesting human indeed."
"Where did you see him, is he alright?"
"I saw him in a place that only a few may step foot in. As for his state, he was fine, that is all I know."
"But he asked for your help did he not? That is why you're here isn't it?."
"Hmph, I have my own reasons for coming. However if you must know he did want the others assistance in dealing with that Uchiha. I merely decided to participate on my own accord. I the great Shukaku make my own choices."
"Do you know where he went?"
"No, and I don't care either."
"I see."
"Naruto is a human, one who has pety human problems. Those things mean absolutely nothing to me. However, he has my respect, but I don't care for his counterpart."
"You're talking about the nine tails, aren't you?"
"Yes, that arrogant fool, he thinks that he can order everyone around but he's wrong. I the great Shukaku do not take orders from a mangy fox like him."
"So why did you come?"
"I came because this place, Suna, was the monk's home, and yours. As much as I despise humans I cannot ignore the ones that treated me as an equal."
"That's why you agreed to help Naruto."
"Perhaps."
"..."
"I never thought I'd meet anyone like Bunpuku, but then you and I became one. At first, I didn't think you'd be different, on the contrary, you were the most docile jinchuriki I had ever had, and because of that, you were easy to manipulate. Yet you never fought me, you learned how to live with me always lingering in the shadows, and you excepted your fate. Then after I was exacted from you I never thought we'd meet we again. Yet something changed in you. Despite everything, a bond between us was made, and I saw proof of it during the war."
"What are you talking about? Do you have memories from the war?"
"Not my own memories, no, I was being controlled by Madera most of the time. However all the Bijuu share memories, we are linked to the same consciousness, and because of that, I have memories of what happened thanks to that insufferable fox. He gave me the ability to see what happened while I was unable to. I saw you and Naruto fighting for our freedom through his eyes. Seeing you two fight for us reminded me of something that an old monk said to me years ago."
"What did he say?"
"He told me that one day I would come across someone that would protect, redeem, and shepherd me. That old monk's words have resonated with me for years, but I never thought they would come true. That is why I'm here. You fought to protect me, and now it's my turn to prove that I am absolute defense," said Shukaku.
The massive tanuki didn't wait for a reply, instead, it turned around and walked away from Gaara and his siblings. None of them could believe what they had just heard, and Gaara knew that the one tail would probably never repeat what it had just revealed to him, but he wouldn't hold that against him.
"I wonder, are you still reliable?"
"Yes of course I am…"
"Good, it seems that you have the opportunity to redeem yourself."
"He knows it wasn't my fault, right?"
"You know he isn't fond of excuses."
"But it was Uzumaki Naruto, it's his fault that I was unable to execute my mission."
"Ah yes Uzumaki Naruto, he can be a thorn in one's side."
"If he hadn't of discovered that I was behind the seibutsu then I could have done more damage to Konoha, and I know I could have eliminated him if I had more time."
"Time is a fickle thing is it not? One never has enough of it, and yet when they do they waste it."
"What is it that you'll have me do?"
"So eager to please I see."
"Yes… I'll do anything for him."
"Somehow I knew you'd say that. Now listen closely, there a few things that were kept from you, but it was all in your favor."
"I don't understand."
"The seibutsu were a gift a Fuyu, one that came with a price. I took the liberty of injecting some rather curious samples of blood into you. The abilities that come with this blood were hidden by a seal that I placed on you. I wiped any recollection of this happening when I placed memory seals within your mind. There was no way of you knowing what you harbor inside you. Once I removed the seal all that untapped power will be released and you can have your way with Konoha."
'What did you exactly inject into me?"
"That matter isn't important, especially if you want to be in Sasuke-kun's good favor."
"Yes of course…"
"Then go forth Fuyu, and destroy them all."
Karin leaned back in bed, she was finding it difficult to get comfortable. Another fluff of her pillow and tug of her bed sheets finally pleased her and she relaxed her tired body. Her room was quiet but she could hear plenty of chatter coming from outside her door. She sighed heavily as unwanted thoughts filled her mind. Karin was well aware that dwelling on things did nothing but cause stress, but she couldn't help but think about Naruto and how he was going to deal with Sasuke. She huffed in frustration, this was really none of her business. If anything she had been dragged into all of this because of who she was. Naruto really meant nothing to her, and yet she couldn't help but worry about him.
That thought alone was odd, especially coming from her, and Karin couldn't help but think about Sakura and how she was feeling. From what she had seen Sakura had taken the news about Naruto very well, but then again she really didn't have much of a choice. She had their son to think about, and that pretty much trumped everything else she was dealing with emotionally. Karin pulled her glasses a bit forward so that she could rub her eyes. She was definitely tired, more so than she would admit, but a nap was tempting. Karin was about to fully remove her glasses when a familiar chakra simply appeared out of thin air. She froze, what she was feeling simply wasn't possible. Her heart began to race as a million thoughts rushed through her mind.
"How can this be? There's no way she could have just waltzed into the village. Has she been here this entire time? Was she purposefully hiding her chakra from me?"
Karin couldn't make sense of what was going on, but regardless of that, it didn't change the fact that she felt Fuyu's chakra, and it was different. The one thing that sent a shiver down her spine was just how similar it was to her own chakra and Naruto's. This was bad, very bad, and Karin knew she couldn't waste time. That nap of hers was just going to have to wait.
