Question: Is Muta dead or just unconscious from the wound?

Kairan1979: What happened to Muta is revealed in this chapter.

Question: Sooo... in a previous chapter, the one before Naruto is assigned his team, Kakashi told Naruto he had the Sharingan, that's why he was going to be Sasuke sensei and could not be Naruto's personal sensei anymore. Why is he surprised in this chapter, I get Sasuke's surprise but not Naruto's?

ytygr: Naruto at the time didn't know how the Sharingan worked. He knew what it was, a powerful Kekkei Genkai Sasuke had that made Kakashi have to train Sasuke, but he didn't know what it was capable of.

Question: I think you've made your OC, the ten desert shinobi, too powerful. If Suna had even three shinobi that are near the quality you ascribe to your desert snakes, why go to war with Konoha? Why on earth would their Diamyo be giving missions to Konoha? They practically defeated all the Konoha elites during the chunin invasion. It doesn't make sense. They defeated Kakashi, Kurenai, Asuma and Anko! The only person they struggled with was your Konoha OC, Purple Spice (Margaret, seriously?). You should have just made them part of Akatsuki if you wanted them to be significant or build a compelling back story we can relate for them in Suna. Magically appearing during the invasion to save the day consolidates my utter dislike for them. Love everything else about your story.

Lex: I would disagree with you here. I don't really think the Ten Desert's are too powerful. I mean Genraika has had two fights, one of which was pretty much a tie with Kakashi and the other was against a Genin-level shinobi, low-level Chunin level shinobi, and high-level Chunin. A shinobi of Kakashi's caliber I think should be capable of handling that fairly easily. Genruko has also had two fights, one with Margaret which I didn't really delve into to much, and then one with Muta who made him struggle despite Muta being weaker than him. Soka has also fought, but I thought I made it pretty clear that Soka is Kage-level. It should be of no surprise that Anko couldn't touch him. As for backstory they will be delved into, you're already starting to see why Genruko is such an ass to Margaret and well, just about everyone not from Suna. As for why the Daimyo gave missions to Konoha, think about it for a second. They have the a Hokage who is stronger than the Kazekage, Gai, who I'll be up front right now can beat Soka, Kakashi who is Genraika's level, so it does make sense. Also, Asuma didn't fight anyone significant during the war and neither did Kurenai so what do you mean?

Teacher and Student

Orochimaru smirked as he walked onto the shoreline, Aiko and Kimmimaro walking next to the Sannin. Orochimaru smirked, walking onto the island, glancing around. "Tsunade Tsunade," he chuckled, his voice slithering out in the area. "Where are you," he whispered. The Sannin then dashed towards the village, his henchmen following him.

XxX

Naruto sat down, his eyes wide as he listened to Tsunade's story. "Tsunade," the blonde stated, not really knowing the right words to say. "I'm sorry for your loss." The blonde Sannin could only stare at her hands, still visualizing them as being covered in blood. "But you're not guilty of anything that happened."

Tsunade looked up at Naruto, confused. "What...but I couldn't save them." Naruto nodded somberly. "Yes, but you have to realize that isn't your fault. You weren't even there for one of them. No this isn't your fault. How could it be? You can't stop tragedies that happen when you're not there. You're not God. I don't think Nawaki would want you to blame yourself for his death. And Dan especially. You stopped the bleeding, and now they have pills for specific blood types to help increase blood production in the body. If they had been invented then he would still be alive today. You don't have to bear their sacrifice all on your own. We have learned, we're capable of achieving more. You can't stop every tragedy."

"That doesn't mean I shouldn't try!" Tsunade stated, her eyes hard. "That doesn't mean I just give up and ignore the fact that the people that I love are dead. What type of person would I be if I did that?" Naruto nodded, placing a hand on her shoulder, a kind look in his eyes. "That is absolutely true. But that doesn't mean you shoulder that burden all by yourself. You have friends, like Ero-Sennin, for that. They want to help you. There's nothing wrong with burdening their pain, pain is constantly a motivator to stop bad things from happening ever again, but you should channel it in a positive way. Dan and Nawaki would want you to use their deaths to save others from a potentially horrible fate, and I don't think I need to explain to you how a medic ninja, especially one of your caliber, having hemophobia would dangerous to those in need."

Tsunade sat their in silence, looking at Naruto before looking at the floor. Naruto, confused, shook her gently but got no response. Suddenly she looked up, standing with a hard look in her eyes. Naruto watched her with confusion. "Let's go open that door," Tsunade said, emotion lacking from her voice. Naruto was worried about the woman, but knew their was no getting passed her and merely nodded, following after her towards the door, carrying Haku on his back.

The duo walked up to the massive sealing matrix, a frown on their face. "Do you know how to operate this thing," Tsunade asked. "You're the one who knows seals here." Naruto frowned, analyzing the matrix with a frown on his face. "I can tell that at the very least it requires a blood sacrifice, likely the blood of an Uzumaki. But there seems to be some form of time related matrix's in there. This is above my understanding. I'm sure Jiraiya could understand but he's not here right now."

Tsunade sighed. "Well, we may as well try the blood of an Uzumaki part." Naruto nodded, placing Haku on the ground before he and Tsunade simultaneously drew a kunai, cutting their hands before placing them on the sealing matrix. For a brief moment nothing happened, causing them to frown before the sealing matrix shone a bright crimson, beginning to swirl, almost like the Uzumaki crest. The duo watched in wonder before they grunted, feeling drawn into the portal.

The crimson light disappeared, the two Uzumaki's frozen in place as though they were unconscious, their hand still on the seal.

XxX

"You finally found me it seems."

Naruto and Tsunade immediately looked upwards, confused. They were floating in a white space, with nothing around them but an elderly man in front of them, a gentle smile on his face.

"What's going on? Where are we," Tsunade asked, stepping in front of Naruto. The elderly man smiled. "Calm down Tsunade. There is no need for such anger towards a relative."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about? All of my relatives are dead."

"The seal," Naruto said, grabbing her attention. "The time matrix's...they held an Uzumaki member stuck in time." Tsunade's eyes widened before she looked towards the elderly man. "You're an Uzumaki?" The elderly man nodded. "Yes, although the boy is not entirely correct. I am not stuck in time. I am already dead, this form merely being an astral projection of a consciousness I imbued. I created this to safeguard the village secrets, and if ever necessary, teach the new generation about the ways of the Uzumaki. The time matrix's hold your bodies in stasis while your consciousness is within here."

Naruto's eyes widened. "That's amazing. I can't do something that complex yet!" The elderly man laughed. "Why thank you, although I'm sure you will be capable of it eventually. Although trust me when I say the Uzumaki have much more impressive seals that I would be glad to teach you."

"Really," Naruto asked, his eyes lighting up. The elderly man laughed. "Of course. We are related after all Naruto!"

"How do you know our names," Tsunade asked. "If you're a consciousness from the past it wouldn't make sense." The elderly man frowned. "It seems the Uzumaki Clan has failed to teach since I passed away. I know your names through the Kagura Shingan (Mind's Eye of the Kagura). Surely you've heard of it?"

Tsunade shook her head. "This is my first time ever hearing about it." The elderly man frowned. "Tell me...what has happened to the Uzumaki Clan? For us to forget teaching some of our most prized clan jutsu." Tsunade and Naruto frowned, causing the elderly man's eyes to narrow. "What is it," he asked.

"The Uzumaki Clan...the Uzumaki Clan is for the most part deceased. For all we know, we're the last descendants still alive. They were attacked a long time ago...they village was destroyed."

The elderly man's face went through a series of emotions, before he eventually rested on peace, a hand sign forming in front of his face. "May the water carry them to an eternal slumber. For everyone must go, but not all arrive. For everyone will die, but not all live."

Naruto frowned at the somber thought, although he did pay attention to what was likely a clan ritual for the dead. "Anyways," the elderly man began. "Enough of this negative talk. My name is Ashina Uzumaki, third Uzumaki Clan Head. It is nice to meet you my descendants."

The two Konoha shinobi bowed, a smile on their face, trying to replicate the hand sign Ashina made previously. "The pleasure is ours." Ashina looked at their hand signs however, a sweat drop forming on his face. "Yes, well...we will have to work on your cultural knowledge on hand signs later. And your form is all wrong. What do they teach you in Konoha these days?"

"How did you know we were from Konoha," Naruto asked. Ashina glanced at Naruto as if he was an idiot. "You're wearing the headband..."

Naruto suddenly felt very stupid. "I'm afraid that we aren't exactly in the safest of places right now." Tsuande interrupted. "We're not in Konoha, we're in the ruins of Uzushio, and there are many foreign shinobi here." Ashina nodded. "Yes I feel them from outside the seal. Several powerful shinobi reside on this island. One reminds me of a shark, another of a crow, and another of a vile snake, although a snake that has had its fangs dulled."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed at the mention of a snake. There was only one person who for some reason was universally regarded as a snake, regardless of any other traitors. Naruto frowned as well, Orochimaru coming to his mind.

"Is there a way we can shrink the seal to bring it back home as we deal with the foreign shinobi?" Ashina nodded. "Yes. Merely cut off an arm and the seal will replace your arm, becoming the seal."

Naruto and Tsunade blanched. Ashina laughed, his face red with humor. "That was a joke!"

Naruto and Tsunade glanced at one another, a singular thought going through their mind. 'He can't make jokes...'.

"The real way is to merely offer a slightly larger blood sacrifice. It will shrink the seal down. If you want to enlarge it merely give the same blood sacrifice over again." Naruto nodded. Ashina's face then turned to a frown. "You may want to hurry. The crow and shark approach, with the snake not far behind, a puppeteer and skeleton with him."

Tsunade frowned. Things were going to get extremely hectic very quickly. She was not looking forward to this.

"And it seems like a thunderstorm is returning back to the seal. Likely for the winter storm next to the boy in the real world."

Tsunade knew what that meant. "Yes it seems that we must go." Naruto nodded. "It was a pleasure meeting you Ashina-ji!"

Ashina's eyes widened before he smiled, happiness in his eyes."Yes, it was a pleasure to meet you two as well. Safe travels back to Konoha. We will speak more then."

XxX

Tsunade and Naruto opened their eyes, Naruto quickly applying a larger blood sacrifice, the large seal shrinking downwards and binding itself to his arm. Naruto frowned. "Yeah, because I don't already have enough seals on my body. Let's just apply more shall we?"

"You seem distressed Uzumaki Naruto, is it because Kisame Hoshigaki has come for ya?"

Naruto and Tsunade turned, their eyes widening upon the two legendary shinobi in front of them. Even Naruto knew who they were. "Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki. You've got to be fucking joking."

"'fraid not brat!" Kisame said, hand going to the large weapon that was covered in bandages on his back. "We've come a long way to find you." Tsunade frowned, clenching her fists. She knew that Itachi thought that Kisame could be converted to Konoha's side, but she wasn't so sure, especially not with the behavior he was displaying now. The man was unstable, she was sure of that. Konoha had enough unstable people as it was.

"I'm afraid you'll have to get in line. The boy is mine to kill."

The group of shinobi looked up, their eyes widening to see Akiyoshi glaring at Naruto. "He's mine to kill." Kisame snorted. "If you think that I'm going to let you have a shot at him before me your crazy." Akiyoshi looked at Kisame, an irritated look on his face. "You'll have to kill me beforehand." Kisame's smile deepened. "That can be arranged." Akiyoshi was about to bite back when an outraged cry came from behind the former member of the Seven Swordsman of the Hidden Mist, "Kisame! Give Kiri back Samehada!"

Kisame turned, his smile deepening as he saw Ameyuri and her Genin team, if that was even possible. "Ameyuri! Long time no see! How have you been? Raising a Genin team now eh? That's below you don't you think?"

Ameyuri growled, rage filling her body.

"Why isn't this the party? So many legendary figures gathered in one room," the group heard, glancing up towards a nearby bookshelf to see Orochimaru standing there, two of his subordinates next to him. "Aiko, Kimimaro it would only be polite to say hello," he stated to his subordinates, neither of whom actually said anything.

"Fucks sake," Naruto stated. "What is that bastard doing here?" Orochimaru smiled. "Why Naruto-kun I'm hurt? You don't like seeing me? And here I thought we had formed such a nice friendship in the Forest of Death?"

Naruto snarled, almost subconsciously drawing on the Kyuubi's power before he held himself back. "I'll show you just how much I missed you!"

"Calm down Naruto," Tsunade said, an irritated tone in her voice. "You can't take him. Ashina might have said his fangs were dulled, but he is still far beyond you in terms of strength. Don't go and get ahead of yourself."

Naruto snarled but held back, knowing that one stray move could light this whole powder keg into a mess of senseless fighting where, in a room filled with monsters such as the ones nearby, he was unlikely to survive.

Haku took that moment to wake up. "What the-Naruto!"

Naruto sighed as he looked at Haku, who was quickly freezing the ninja wire with his Kekkei Genkai, attracting Orochimaru's attention. "My my, I didn't know Konoha had such promising Kekkei Genkai within its walls."

Ameyuri snarled, her Kiba blades already drawn, lightning crackling around them. "He's a Kiri-shinobi and I swear if you touch a hair on his head I will-"

Orochimaru laughed. "You'll do what exactly? Kill me? You can't accomplish that."

"She can't, but I can." Tsunade stated plainly. Orochimaru smiled. "I'd like to see you try Tsunade-chan."

"Gladly."

Tsunade launched a punch towards the ground, starting the frenzy and caving the entire building down on the entire group as the battle began. The second the building began to collapse Akiyoshi rushed towards Naruto, eager to to kill him, yet Itachi appeared in front of him quickly, grabbing Akiyoshi's hand before kicking him away. Itachi dashed after the rogue shinobi, his Sharingan blazing. Orochimaru rushed towards Tsunade, who met him halfway, the blonde ducking under his punch before grabbing the snake and launching a punch that sent him skidding backwards. Orochimaru groaned before he rushed forward again to meet her, but Tsunade was ready, going through a series of handsigns and breathing out a basic fire style jutsu forcing Orochimaru to retreat.

Kisame lunged towards Ameyuri, who blocked his sheathed weapon with her twin Kiba, grunting under his physical strength as he slowly but surely forced her back, before he sent her flying away with a hard kick to the stomach that made her cough up spittle, Kisame quick to pursue her. Chojuro and Isshin prepared to rush after her, yet Aiko appeared in front of them, chakra threads flying from the tips of her fingers, forcing the two shinobi to slice through them with their respective weapons. Kimimaro appeared between Haku and Naruto, two large bones shooting from his palms as he tried to impale the duo, forcing them both to leap away in fear for their life.

XxX

Itachi stood in front of Akiyoshi, an annoyed look on his face. "Sensei, I didn't think I would fight you ever again." Akiyoshi frowned looking Itachi down. "Neither did I. I thought are paths were never destined to cross again. Looks like I was pleasantly surprised eh Itachi?"

Itachi was silent, staring at his sensei with an apathetic look in his eyes. Akiyoshi smiled. "Those eyes...those would be the eyes I would require when I come back to reclaim Konoha from the hands of the fools who run it now. Eyes like yours. People who lack emotional attachment...even to the likes of family. I need people loyal only to me. What do you say Itachi, join up with your sensei again?"

Itachi frowned. "I will have to turn that offer down sensei. I'm afraid that I cannot follow someone weaker than me." Akiyoshi's eyes twitched, before he subtly began to activate his jutsu, only for Itachi to smirk. "You know that genjutsu won't work against my eyes sensei. I'd advise you find a new strategy."

Akiyoshi snorted, giving up on his jutsu before he dashed forwards, launching a punch at Itachi's face. Itachi lazily dodged the punch, dropping to a sweeping kick that Akiyoshi hopped over, his hand already in a seal. "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu)!" Itachi's eyes widened as his eyes locked with his mentors, the ball of flame surrounding both of them before exploding in an intense fiery inferno that caused the building around them to collapse around them.

Akiyoshi frowned as the smoke from the explosion cleared, glancing around for Itachi. "You forget who trained you as a Genin Itachi, I know all of your tricks," he said, leaping towards a nearby rock and launching a powerful kick through it. Itachi appeared behind him. "You forget that I grew and learned more as I became a shinobi," Itachi said, stabbing a kunai into Akiyoshi's back only for the man to turn to mud, causing Itachi's eyes to widen.

Akiyoshi appeared behind Itachi, his leg already cocked and ready to launch. "You, Itachi, forget who taught you the basics," he stated softly, before launching a kick that smashed into Itachi's side, sending him skidding against the ground towards a nearby piece of debris. Itachi groaned, flipping to his feet to glare at his teacher. Akiyoshi sighed, forming a single handseal. From his armor came a puff of smoke, revealing a large, golden glaive that Akiyoshi caught before spinning, slamming the hook-shaped pommel into the ground.

"Get out of my way Itachi. I have no desire to harm you. Consider this a gift from your sensei, I'll let you go, despite killing off a clan full of valuable assets to my plan."

Itachi merely drew two kunai, dashing forwards. Akiyoshi frowned but responded in kind, his eyes widening as Itachi launched one kunai at him. Akiyoshi didn't even bother to stop his charge, spinning his glaive, catching the kunai's open end with his hook pommel before spinning and sending it flying back at Itachi, who deftly caught it with a flick of his hand before he lashed out with his weapons. Akiyoshi blocked the kunai with the pole of the glaive, before he deflected them to the side, spinning the glaive rapidly, the blade end whirling towards Itachi, who barely was capable of deflecting the series of high-speed attacks. Akiyoshi grunted, and with a final swipe, pushed Itachi back with his superior physical strength.

Akiyoshi wasn't finished however, spinning the glaive, stabbing the pommel into the ground and lifting himself into the air, spinning like a buzz saw with the blade end descending towards Itachi's head. Itachi raised his kunai, barely blocking the attack, although the force cratered the ground. Itachi pushed upwards, pushing Akiyoshi into the air slightly, before launching a kick that the man blocked with his pole although it sent him flying backwards. Akiyoshi cursed before he rushed forwards again his glaive spinning at almost imperceptible speeds, yet Itachi managed to deflect the attacks. Akiyoshi smirked, spinning on his heel and launching a kick that sent Itachi skidding backwards.

"Your taijutsu is still lacking, Itachi."

Itachi's red eyes merely blazed in the sunlight, the man's face not changing but his eyes showing his irritation towards his Genin sensei's words. "This time I won't hold back," Akiyoshi said, the light smile on his face disappearing, being replaced with cold eyes, before the man disappeared in a burst of speed. Itachi's eyes widened before he glanced at his side, Akiyoshi already there, his glaive pointed at Itachi's head. With a flick of his wrist Akiyoshi launched it forwards, Itachi quickly bending backwards to avoid being pierced, a slight cut still appearing on his cheek as he was too slow to avoid it completely. Akiyoshi turned back again, raising a foot once more, "And I'll kill you," he muttered before launching a kick that smashed into Itachi's side, causing the Uchiha to cough up blood as he was sent flying towards a nearby tree. Yet Itachi managed to push off the ground, flipping in midair as he launched his kunai at Akiyoshi, flames coating the weapons before suddenly multiple more copies of them appeared in the air thanks to Itachi's jutsu. Akiyoshi cursed before he spun his glaive, deflecting any kunai that came close to him.

Akiyoshi rushed forwards, attempt to stab Itachi, yet the man dodged it, launching a kick that Akiyoshi blocked with his forearms that sent him flying into the air. Akiyoshi flipped in midair, glaring down at the black-haired Uchiha, before raising his glaive as if he was going to through it. With a mere handseal however, the blade end shot forwards by itself thanks to a retractable cord, spinning like a buzz saw towards Itachi. Itachi's eyes widened as he did a back flip, avoiding the blade as it stabbed into the ground, only or the cord to draw Akiyoshi in, almost to fast for Itachi to react. Itachi barely had time to draw another pair of kunai and raise them in a half-formed block as Akiyoshi flipped, and with his glaive coated in fire, slashed at Itachi's head, causing a huge explosion and sending the Uchiha flying into nearby pieces of debris.

Akiyoshi smirked, preparing to continue his assault, only for a massive fireball to come flying out of the smoke, forcing him to jump to get away. However, the second he landed spikes slammed into his thighs and feet, causing him to scream in pain as Itachi floated above him.

"We're not done yet sensei," Itachi said, his red eyes swirling.

XxX

Ameyuri frowned as she pushed off of Kisame's blade, flipping midair as she landed on her feet. "It seems Samehada is as attached to you as ever." Kisame snorted. "Yes. And it seems you're still as incapable as ever at defeating me in combat." Ameyuri snarled before she rushed forwards, her blades coated in electricity. Kisame merely raised Samehada, bringing the blade down and forcing Ameyuri to dodge to the side, Kisame's strike cracking the ground with the force behind it. Ameyuri swung her Kiba, attempting to cut Kisame's face, yet the man blocked with Samehada. However, instead of getting caught in a battle of strength which she stood no chance in winning, Ameyuri spun, lashing out with another strike that Kisame blocked, continuing this strategy, each time going faster in an attempt to strike the legendary swordsman. However, eventually Kisame grew bored of the assault, blocking a strike before lashing out with his blade, forcing Ameyuri to dive to the side to avoid being shredded.

Ameyuri rushed in immediately afterwards, crossing her blades in a downward slash that Kisame blocked, although the force behind her blow pushed him into the ground. Ameyuri continued, launching a series of blade strikes from all angles, yet Kisame managed to block each and every one of them with Samehada, his head on a swivel to keep track of the fast kunoichi. Ameyuri snarled, spinning her blades before she lashed out, Kisame blocking the strike but the force behind it sending him skidding backwards.

"Come on Ameyuri, I know you can do better than that!"

Ameyuri snarled, her body being coated with lightning before she dashed in a circle around Kisame before shooting inwards, blades aimed to behead him only for him to block the strike with Samehada once more. The man pushed upwards, forcing her into the air with a smirk on his face. However she came down hard like a lightning bolt, slamming Samehada into the ground before slashing at Kisame's neck, forcing him to let go of Samehada. The man quickly leaned backwards, flipping onto his hands before he swung his legs in a circular motion, Ameyuri blocking each kick with one of her blades, only for Samehada to launch a kick that smashed into her stomach before flipping to his feet and quickly launching another that smashed into her stomach, sending her flying away. Ameyuri groaned, spittle flying out of her mouth, yet the swordswoman managed to flip and land on her feet, glaring at Kisame as he picked up Samehada, whose bandages had been shredded thanks to the weapon attempting to shred into Ameyuri's feet.

"That's more like it Ameyuri! I want more from you! Try harder, let's have some fun!" Ameyuri merely glared at Kisame. "After I am finished with my meal," she stated, "I will take Samehada back to Mizukage-sama!"

Kisame rolled his eyes. "You still follow that puppet? Even after all that he's done?" Ameyuri snorted. "You mean Yagura? No, he was defeated not too long ago. Why else do you think I'd be here instead of helping with the rebellion?"

Kisame smirked. "Maybe you do have a bigger brain than I thought. Either way, you're going to die today!" Ameyuri snorted, lightning crackling off of her form. "I doubt that. This will no doubt be an entertaining supper though."

This time Kisame took the initiative, charging forwards with Samehada in his grasp, before he leapt forwards, using chakra to enhance his strength, slashing at Ameyuri's midsection. The member of the Seven Swordsman of the Hidden Mist quickly raised her Kiba to deflect, using chakra to reinforce her body, but it didn't matter, the force behind Kisame's strike was to great, as their blades locked he kept moving forwards, pushing her along with him until she was slammed into a nearby tree, pinned. Kisame grunted with effort, and with a scream of pain from Ameyuri he shattered the tree, sending her flying into the air. Ameyuri groaned as Kisame appeared next to her in the air, swiping down with Samehada and sending her careening into the ground, blood trailing from her stomach and chest and part of her chakra depleted by Samehada.

Kisame landed in a heap, smirking before he rushed forward, his swipe barely being deflected by Ameyuri before she leapt backwards, Kisame leaping after her, coming down with a devastating swing that she redirected towards the ground, cratering it. However she wasn't done, sliding her blades up Samehada as she prepared to stab Kisame, only for him to grab both Kiba with his hands, a smirk on his face.

Ameyuri smirked as well.

"Ikazuchi no Kiba (Ninja Art: Lightning Fangs)!" Lightning surged from the Kiba blades, electrocuting Kisame and causing him to seize in pain, yet the man somehow managed to overcome it, kicking her in the chest, sending her skidding backwards. Kisame rushed forwards, slashing wildly with Samehada in his rage, forcing Ameyuri to continually retreat, until she came to a nearby graveyard. Kisame roared, swiping downwards, forcing her to leap away, Kisame smashing the gravestone into rubble. Ameyuri frowned, the Kiba flickering with life once more.

Kisame rushed forwards, slashing at her yet she directed the large blade again to the ground before she leapt, flipping in the air before she came down hard spinning, her body wrapped in lightning that would blind an ordinary shinobi. With a cry she lashed out at Kisame, only for him to deflect the strike, yet the sheer force behind it caused an explosion of electricity to travel throughout the ground, cratering the two as rocks, graves, and trees flew into the air.

Kisame roared with laughter as Ameyuri landed back on the ground her chakra cloak still clinging to her like a second skin. "Allow me to show you just how dead you are," she roared, a bright flash of light illuminating the area. Kisame raised a hand to protect his eyes, which Ameyuri used to her advantage, landing a slash on his chest that cut deep, causing him to hiss in pain as his blood splattered onto the ground.

Kisame snarled, causing Ameyuri to smirk before she rushed inwards again, ducking under his swipe with Samehada and landing another cutting on his side, blooding shooting from the wound before she shot away again, her movements to quick for Kisame to keep track of with his naked eye. "You're being annoying Ameyuri," Kisame stated, ripping of his Akatsuki cloak, revealing a black sleeveless shirt underneath.

Ameyuri smiled, her sharp teeth glinting in the sunlight. "You're about to be devoured, so forgive me if I want to play with my food."

Kisame smirked however, as Samehada squirmed within his grasp, the cuts on Kisame's body slowly steaming as they healed. Ameyuri's eyes widened in surprise before they narrowed. "I forgot about that." Kisame smirked. "That will be a lethal mistake."

Ameyuri coated her blades in lightning, dashing forwards with the intent to pierce Kisame straight through, and pierce they did. Kisame's hand was shredded as the two blades pierced through them, yet they stopped before they reached his stomach. Kisame moved his hand to the side, Ameyuri's shocked face being revealed to him. "Ah, ah," Kisame said. "Looks like you lose."

With that he raised Samehada, bringing it down in a slash that carved into Ameyuri's body, a splatter of blood covering Kisame and the ground. Kisame reached down, picking up the Kiba blades from Ameyuri's dying hands. "I think I know someone who might have some use for these, at the right price."

"I'm sure you could, to bad you won't get the chance."

Kisame turned, his eyes widening as the blades and corpse at his feet turned to water, Ameyuri smirking as her body crackled with lightning. The Kiba blades were stabbed into the ground. "Raiton: Sandāgēto (Lightning Style: Thunder Gate)!"

XxX

Tsunade dodged yet another one of Orochimaru's punches, frowning at the man's sluggish movements. As Orochimaru launched another punch Tsunade caught it, kicking the man's feet out from under him before quickly slamming him into the ground, quickly shifting her position so she could easily snap his arm if she desired. "Why are you holding back? What do you have planned?" Orochimaru merely laughed, his snake-like eyes boring deep into Tsunade's soul. "Why what do you think is wrong with me Tsunade?" He asked.

Tsunade snarled, snapping Orochimaru's arm causing him to hiss in pain, his eyes glowing with rage. "Why aren't you the impatient one," he coughed out between pants of pain. "It has more to do with that vile sensei of ours than you would know." Tsunade's eyes narrowed before the realization came to her. "He sealed off your chakra. You're like that Lee kid I took care of after your invasion. You can only use chakra for water walking and enhancing your body. But you're weak...no genjutsu or ninjutsu...hell Hiruzen even made it so that advanced taijutsu is beyond your reach. You're still a threat, but at best your Chunin level right now. Yet you decided it would be a good idea to come here, and you knew I would be here. You wouldn't reveal your weakness and the fact that we had spy in Konoha if you weren't gaining something. What do you want?"

Orochimaru laughed. "I want this seal gone...and I want you to heal one of my minions."

Tsunade frowned. "Now why on earth would I do that?" Orochimaru smiled. "Because that Uzumaki child will die if you don't."

XxX

Kimimaro stood in front of Naruto and Haku, the trio outside the walls of the crumbling building, staring him down. "He's strong, I can sense it," Haku stated, a frown on his face. Naruto glanced at him. "Indeed. We can't defeat him separately. Teamwork?"

"I would rather die," Haku spat, rage on his face before he drew senbon. Naruto frowned as Kimmimaro grew bones from his palms. Naruto sighed, drawing two kunai. "I guess I'm on my own then."

Kimimaro made the first move, dashing inwards towards Naruto. Naruto cursed, ducking under the jab only for Haku to appear next to him, senbon slipping through his guard and stabbing into his arm. Cursing Naruto retaliated swiping at both of them with the kunai in his hands. Kimimaro leapt away, Haku merely deflecting from the much slower arm due to the injury, following up hi strike with a powerful kick to the chest that sent Naruto stumbling backwards. Haku rushed inwards again, however Kimimaro appeared in front of him, bones lashing out to strike Haku in the throat. Haku cursed, weaving backwards leaving Naruto time to form a clone. The clone glanced at Naruto who smirked, before they both rushed in, the senbon in Naruto's arm being pushed out by the Kyuubi healing him.

With a cry both Naruto's leapt into the air, launching their kunai towards the two combatants with a combined cry of, "Shuriken Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu)!" The two kunai turned into dozens of copies as they aimed to kill Haku and Kimimaro yet the two were prepared. Kimimaro snorted before he raised his hands, deflecting any kunai that came close while Haku did the same, only with his senbon. By happenstance the two deflected all of the kunai towards one another, leading them to collide in the air. The puffs of smoke left a cloud between the two that Haku immediately took advantage of.

"Kirigakure no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Hidden Mist Jutsu)!"

Mist filled the air, restricting both Kimimaro's and Naruto's eyesight, yet Naruto didn't even bother waiting for the mist to settle before he got rid of it, weaving handsigns together as his clone did the same. "Ressenpū (Gale Fan)!" Naruto blew a violent blast of wind from his mouth, immediately dispelling the mist before it had any time to settle and simultaneously slashing up Kimimaro's body, however his formidable jutsu making him leave only light cuts. However, Naruto's clone was ready to capitalize, "Suiton: Suidanha (Water Style: Severing Wave)!"

Kimimaro cursed, leaning backwards to avoid being neatly cleaved in half by the clone's pressurized water blast, the stream cleanly cutting through several rocks and trees that it made contact with. The duo smirked, only for one of them to go up in smoke as Haku appeared, stabbing a senbon into its neck. Naruto briefly breathed a sigh of relief as Haku picked the wrong target before immediately launching himself forwards, a kicking aimed towards Haku's head only for the Kiri shinobi to duck underneath it an attempt to sweep Naruto's legs. Naruto pushed off of that leg, flipping over the attack as he drew two kunai in hand as he was in the air, lashing out at Haku's back only for the shinobi to turn, deflecting it and push Naruto higher into the air. Naruto flipped, his feet landing on a tree before he pushed to much chakra to his legs and pushed, kicking himself back towards Haku, the added chakra pushing him only making him faster. Haku, realizing he couldn't stop Naruto's momentum, ducked underneath the deadly attack, weaving handseals as Naruto passed overhead. "Mizu Bunshin no Jutsu (Water Clone Jutsu)!" Naruto's eyes widened as a clone of Haku appeared in front of him, ready to stab him. He, unable to stop himself, sheathed his kunai before forming a shadow clone, the clone barely managing to pull Naruto out of the way in time. Naruto immediately unsheathed his kunai, bringing them down on the clones head and causing Haku's clone to turn into a puddle of water.

Before Naruto could capitalize Kimimaro was back, bones protruding from his joints. "Yanagi no Mai (Willow Dance)!" Naruto's eyes widened as the long blades weaved towards him forcing him on the defensive as he attempted to block all of Kimimaro's slashes and stabs that came from every direction, somehow the shinobi even working himself behind Naruto with a series of acrobatics and spins. Despite Naruto's best efforts his body was covered in cuts from the dance, and Kimimaro did not look like he planned on stopping. The teen spun, launching the two bones on his palm forwards, impaling Naruto in the gut, causing him to cough up blood. Kimimaro raised his hand, a bone springing from it as he prepared to bring it down on Naruto, only for Haku to appear, kick aimed directly for Kimimaro's throat. Yet the man leaned backwards, quickly aiming his bone towards Haku and thrusting, the bone spearing through Haku's gut, causing him to grunt in pain before he slumped over unconscious.

"Haku," Naruto hissed in pain, groaning. "Damn it."

Kimimaro walked over to Naruto, the bones on his body receding until Naruto roared, crimson chakra bubbling up from his body, pushing the bones from his body and leaving him with three tails vibrating in the air behind him, an intense chakra cloak around him. "I'll kill you."

"For Orochimaru-sama," Kimimaro muttered, bones sprouting from his body once again.

XxX

Chojuro and Isshin frowned, both of their blades out. Aiko looked at the duo dully, chakra wafting off of her fingers, forming a mass of chakra strings. Isshin frowned, his bland katana weaving through the air before he shot forwards, cutting through the threads Aiko sent flying towards him. Aiko frowned, twitching her fingers, causing the chakra threads to whip wildly around her, before they rushed at Isshin from all angles. Isshin cursed, deflecting those that he could, yet many speared through his body causing him to curse in pain. The Genin shrugged off the wounds, managing to deflect the strings from hitting anything vital, before he released his chakra, his blade being covered in a flowing water.

Just as Aiko was going to attack him again Chojuro appeared behind her, swinging Hiramekarei, however threads appeared behind her, deflecting the weapon causing Chojuro to curse. The threads immediately wrapped around the blade, tugging it, sending Chojuro flying when he refused to let go, blade in hand. Isshin took that moment to charge in, attempting to cut Aiko yet threads deflected the strike. He cursed leaping away as two spears made of threads formed before they were launched at him. Isshin quickly pushed off of the ground, leaping into the sky before coming down with a slash. yet the threads swarmed together, forming a dense shield that deflected the blade strike, water from the sword splashing onto the ground around Aiko's feet. The threads unraveled pushing Isshin away as he dug his sword into the ground to stop himself. Aiko looked at him plainly, Chojuro walking up to join him at his side.

Isshin let go of his blade handle, a frown on his face. "Let's try this then," he muttered, weaving through handseals. Sensatsu Suishō (Secret Art of Water: The Thousand Stinging Needles of Death)!" Water from Isshin's blade around Aiko's feet swirled, forming a thousand small water needles that all shot upwards towards Aiko, causing her to panic as they were already far to close within her guard for her to block. Quickly bringing her threads in Aiko managed to block the outermost needles, yet many still pierced her flesh, blood dripping from the wounds. Chojuro capitalized on her distraction, Hiramekarei bursting from its bandages, chakra swirling around it, forming a hammer. Chojuro brought the weapon down, the earth shaking briefly as the hammer shook the ground with the sheer force.

Isshin frowned, hoping that that would be the end of the fight, however when Chojuro was sent flying back, Hiramekarei shrinking back to its original form he knew that wasn't the case, Aiko kneeling in the crater Chojuro created, bloody and bruised, yet still very much capable of fighting the duo. Isshin cursed, weaving through more handseals to take advantage of her wounded state. "Suiton: Teppōuo (Water Style: Archerfish)!" A powerful blast of water shot from Isshin's mouth towards Aiko, yet a wall of chakra strings appeared in the way, deflecting the water although it clearly strained Aiko in her injured state.

"She's like a puppeteer, but far more skilled in the use of chakra strings than I've ever seen," Isshin muttered. "I never thought such a thing was possible."

"It isn't," Chojuro stated, an annoyed look on his face at the fact that his attack seemed to have barely hurt her. "No puppeteer, not even Sasori of The Red Sands, was as skilled with using chakra strings as well as this. Sure, they could manipulate other people's live bodies if they were able to make contact, but to be able to create such durable strings that can be manipulated so freely? She's on a whole other level despite being so young."

Isshin frowned. "So how do we beat her?" Chojuro smirked, raising his blade. "Like any other puppeteer. Her close combat skills don't seem that good. We get in close, and crush her."

Isshin smirked. "So like the good ol' fashioned swordsmen we are."

"Indeed," Chojuro stated. "Although you should pull out your blade." Isshin glanced at Chojuro before he sighed, sheathing his katana before releasing a seal on his arm, a blade appeared in his hands that he caught at the hilt. The Nuibari in hand Isshin raised the blade. "Let's finish this," he muttered, before launching the Nuibari like a javelin at Aiko.

XxX

Akiyoshi glared up at his flying student, rage in his eyes. "Genjutsu..."

"Correct," Itachi muttered, not bothering to hide the obvious genjutsu. He knew it was far to powerful for Akiyoshi to break out of easily, and by the time he did he would have layered it. This fight was over. Itachi had won. "Tell me sensei, why are you here?"

Akiyoshi looked at Itachi plainly. "I thought I was fairly obvious to Kisame Hoshigaki. I'm here to kill Naruto Uzumaki, nothing more, nothing less. Then I will retake Konohagakure. You're welcome to join my in that last bit if you want."

Itachi snorted. "No, I don't think I will sensei. But I don't think I'll kill you either. Leave sensei. And never return here." Akiyoshi sighed, closing his eyes. "I suppose," he stated. Itachi raised an eyebrow, but nodded nonetheless. However, just before he could dispel his genjutsu Akiyoshi shattered it, his chakra fluctuating randomly. Itachi forwned, annoyed, as he brought his kunai up to deflect Akiyoshi's glaive strike. With a shove however Itachi was pushed back by Akiyoshi's superior strength.

Itachi groaned as he glared at Akiyoshi, his crimson eyes swirling with power before he disappeared, the ground cracking with force as he shot forwards. Akiyoshi's eyes widened before he spun, twirling his glaive and deflecting a thrust aimed at his back by one of Itachi's kunai, continuing to spin as Itachi spun around him, lashing out with strikes from his kunai that Akiyoshi was hard pressed to deflect. However, eventually Itachi made a mistake, overextending with his kunai in a thrust that Akiyoshi parried before swinging, forcing Itachi away.

Yet Itachi flipped in midair, landing on his feet before he sprinted in a half-circle around Akiyoshi, preparing to dash in as Akiyoshi rushed to meet him, swinging his glaive. Itachi deflected before he lunged forwards again with his kunai, cursing as Akiyoshi caught it in the hook-like pommel of his glaive before yanking one of his kunai from his hands. Yet Itachi was prepared, lashing out with a stab towards Akiyoshi's neck that forced the man to spin, his glaive twirling before he cocked the blade end towards Itachi's back and launched, a frown forming on his face as he hit nothing but air, Itachi's body changing into a murder of crows.

Akiyoshi glanced at Itachi's reforming body before he shot forwards, attempting to thrust into Itachi's chest only for him to deflect it with his other kunai, sliding the weapon up the glaive's pole end to try and thrust it into Akiyoshi's chest only for him to catch Itachi's hand with his own, before crashing into the young Uchiha shoulder first. Itachi stumbled backwards before he shot forwards again, Akiyoshi deflecting his attack and thrusting forward in a counterattack, only for Itachi to sidestep and get behind the man, attempting to stab him through the back of the neck. Akiyoshi ducked, spinning as he did so whilst raising his glaive to block, before he knocked Itachi's arm to the side, forcing him to move before rushing in again to swipe at Akiyoshi's shoulder. The man managed to deflect the strike however, pushing Itachi to the side, this time allowing Akiyoshi to rush in himself, swinging the blade end at Itachi's head only for him to weave out of the way. Akiyoshi followed up with another thrust that Itachi sidestepped, but before he could maneuver his way behind Akiyoshi once more Akiyoshi leapt away.

Itachi cursed as Akiyoshi landed, rushing forwards to meet him in a blurring, swirl of mettle impossible for anyone below a Jonin's skill level to even keep track of. Akiyoshi, eventually growing tired of the chase, exploded into flame, his entire body burning as he lunged forwards, Itachi forced to continually back peddle and deflect Akiyoshi's thrusts, the power behind them shattering the ground and kicking up clouds of dust and rock. Itachi cursed, deflecting an attack before swiping forwards, yet Akiyoshi deflected, thrusting forwards with his glaive once more only for Itachi to block. Yet this time Akiyoshi wouldn't allow Itachi to counterattack, leaping before he slashed at Itachi again, forcing him to block before turning and leaping once more, coming down with a far more powerful slash that sent Itachi skidding backwards from the force.

Akiyoshi's flames exploded to an even more intense degree as he lunged forwards before Itachi had finished skidding, the Uchiha barely managing to deflect the thrust, his kunai shattering under the pressure, only for Itachi to masterfully draw another before Akiyoshi could capitalize. Akiyoshi cursed, thrusting again only for Itachi to catch the weapon on his kunai, pushing it downwards before slashing at Akiyoshi's throat. The powerful rogue nin weaved away, forcing Itachi to weave as well, the two switching positions before clashing again.

Akiyoshi swung his glaive, attempting to bisect Itachi only for the Uchiha to leap over it, kunai above his head. Itachi coated the kunai in fire before he brought it down, Akiyoshi barely bringing up his glaive in time to block, a crater forming from the force as the heat from the fires seared the ground. Itachi grunted, the fire around his kunai exploded before he roared in effort, managing to force Akiyoshi backwards, sending him flying towards nearby debris, slamming into it at full force.

Akiyoshi emerged from the debris, rage on his face before he rushed forwards with a cry, launching multiple thrusts with his blade that Itachi was hard-pressed to deflect. Akiyoshi cursed, thrusting forwards once again, this time directly towards Itachi's kunai, cleaving it in two in the process, leaving Itachi open, his arms to wide apart to grab another kunai. Akiyoshi thrust his glaive, victory in his eyes until they sharped, as he managed to shatter the genjutsu bound on him in an instant and deflect Itachi's two thrusts with his kunai, although he was pushed back by the force of the attack.

"Damn you, Itachi."

"Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu (Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu)!"

Akiyoshi turned, his eyes wide as he saw a massive water dragon bearing down on him, barely giving him any time to react except to enhance the power of his flames. Akiyoshi grunted, swept away by the water and slammed into a nearby tree, pain etched across his face. "Clones," he muttered, pain in his voice.

"Indeed," one of the Itachi's muttered as they walked up to Akiyoshi. "Boom," it muttered, before it exploded directly in front of the man, giving him no time to substitute. As the smoke from the explosion cleared Akiyoshi miraculously stood on two feet, rage burning deep in his eyes as he held his glaive, flames roaring across it and his body. "Itachi...you've become annoying," he muttered, seemingly the pain not bothering him, despite the intense burns and various bruises covering his body. His armor was even shattered in some places, revealing singed or bleeding skin. "I'm not going to play around anymore," Akiyoshi roared, the flames exploding outwards, covering him and everything within five feet of him in raging intense flames impossible to see through. "Let's see if you can stand up to this!"

Itachi frowned, his eyes morphing into that of the Mangekyou Sharingan, prepared to take the strike head-on, despite it's obvious strength. A red, spectral skeleton formed around Itachi, the ribcage of the creature wrapping around Itachi's body as it's head and arms reaching outwards, it's fist cocked back. Itachi's eyes began to bleed from his eyes as he launched the fist forward to clash with the glaive thrown by Akiyoshi, a brilliant stream of fire wrapping around it, the flames changing colors due to their intensity.

"Susanoo: Kobushi (Susanoo:Fist)!"

"Kagutsuchi Yari (Shine Force Spear)!"

The two attacks clashed, and for a brief period in time the world seemed to freeze as the attacks battled for supremacy. The leaves on the trees stopped moving, the sweat dripping from both shinobi's bodies frozen in the air as the world watched on, waiting to see who would be the victor of the titanic struggle. As the world's interest faded the attacks roared forth, reaching a stalemate before exploding in a wave of flame and chakra, sending a wave of force towards both combatants. Itachi frowned, still surrounded by his ribcage of chakra as he was pushed back, unable to see Akiyoshi being sent flying through the thick cloak of chakra. Akiyoshi slammed into a tree behind him, blood shooting from his mouth as he landed on the charred, molten ground, a symbol of the intensity of his flames.

As the smoke and flame from the energy cleared Itachi switched his Mangekyou Sharingan back to his regular Sharingan as he saw Akiyoshi unconscious on the ground.

Itachi sighed. "Looks like I won," he muttered before dropping to a knee, his body wracked with pain, blood trailing from his eyes. "But you're still much stronger than I gave you credit for Akiyoshi..." he muttered, closing his eyes to rest.

Ok, let me make this clear before anyone comments on it. Power-scaling of Akiyoshi, considering he gave Itachi a tough fight, yet Tsunade seemed to be giving him trouble and we all know Itachi is stronger than Tsunade. There are three reasons for that. One, Akiyoshi overall is an A-rank shinobi, a high A-rank, borderline S, but his taijutsu and kenjutsu skills are mid-high level S class. This man in close combat is deadly, yet Tsunade (at least in my story) is high S-class in terms of close combat fighting abilities so she still outranks him in an outright fist fight. Itachi is low S-class in close combat, which obviously isn't bad, but as I think I've been demonstrating so far, the skill jumps between the level of S-class someone is are quite large. In terms of ninjutsu Itachi still blatantly outranks Akiyoshi, and Tsunade obviously. The second reason, is because Akiyoshi stayed close to Itachi throughout the entire fight, and this is for the reason I explained in the chapter. Akiyoshi knows he can't beat Itachi if he keeps his distance, so he stays on him the entire fight in order to win. He's forcing Itachi to fight out of his comfort zone, and considering Akiyoshi is Itachi's Genin Sensei is this really that surprising that he knows how to fight him? Thirdly, Tsunade had Naruto's help in the fight, which while minor is enough to cause minor distractions in Akiyoshi's focus. Overall Akiyoshi still is A-rank, mainly because his genjutsu is extremely situational, his ninjutsu skills are only high A-level, and he is literally an emotional time-bomb. Otherwise, this man is about low-to-mid S class rank. And yes, he is stronger than his brother...I don't know why someone might think Asuma could take him, but just to make it clear, right now Asuma would get his shit wrecked by his elder brother. Also, if anybody is wondering why Kimimaro is somehow so powerful, remember Kabuto said Kimimaro alone would have changed the outcome of the Konoha Crush. I want him to live up to that. In the anime they say that Sound Four are Jonin-level, but Genin beat them which I found to be bullshit. They will be Jonin-level in my story, but only when they have the second stage of the curse mark. Kimimaro is said to have taken on the Sound Four all at once and won, leading me to believe that he by himself must be high Jonin-level at best, likely high A class. I'm showing that in this story. Kimimaro and the Sound Four are going to be the benchmark that the Konoha 12 use to prove that they are actually getting stronger during this war. Also, for Akiyoshi's spear attack I was struggling with translation, so if anybody knows how to properly translate that please tell me.