Ok, so to begin with, I'm announcing my resolve to finish this story this year. Five years is long enough and I've had the ending done since 2014, all that remains is to write in the rest.
There are really only three more arcs to go at this point. The first, my original take on the Akatsuki attacking. The next will be the Five Kage meeting, with my own twist. Lastly, the war, which will also go differently to canon and finally the epilogue, which is already written.
At this point though, I'd like to give an update on my situation. I am going to start medicine in February and with it comes a lot of expenses. As the alternative was getting a part time job, which would force me to stop writing to the level I wish to (or at all, depending on how intense the course is, as I have no idea right now), I've set up a for people to support me. The details for, as well as a better explanation for what my situation is, can be found on my profile page, with a more in depth explanation on my page, the link for which is on my profile page. I am already well on my way towards my goal and greatly appreciate any help anyone can give, as the alternative is a possible 1-5 year hiatus.
I am putting most of my focus on this story for now and am only occasionally writing for others, when I get bored. For this reason, chapters will be 3-5K words, as shorter chapters are easier for me to write and proofread. Truthfully, this was my least inspired Naruto story and my first story ever, so I did have a lot of errors earlier on and a few potholes, which I hastily patched. However, this in no way diminishes my pride in this story and I will finish it, flaws and all.
At this point, I would like to thank you all, old readers and new alike, for taking the time to read my story and I hope you all stick with it to the end.
Enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Naruto anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Heavily demonic voice'
'Fox talking'
"Fox thinking"
*expression*
Jutsu
Flashback
Chapter 35 – Prelude to Chaos
Naruto stared at the downed form of Sasori in contemplation. Was this really their fate? Was the fate of all ninjas to die in battle? A large explosion suddenly grabbed Naruto's attention and he rushed towards it.
'I've got you now, little man.' Said Deidara confidently, looking down at Yagura from his clay bird.
Yagura had taken a lot of damage and was coughing up blood from that last attack, indicating he had taken internal damage as well, coupled with the numerous gashes along his arms.
'Now, let's wrap this up…' Said Deidara arrogantly, lowering his bird, only to flinch in shock, as he felt something carve through his left elbow.
'Ah shit!' Cried Deidara in pain, before seeing a transformed Naruto staring at him. His white hair blending in with the mist while the single lock of red, hanging over his forehead, stood out prominently. His eyes unnerved Deidara the most though, solid gold, with a single tiny dot in the centre.
'Tch, I'm out, yeah, but you little ones better prepare yourself for the storm that's coming.' Said Deidara, in annoyance, before dropping a small bundle of clay, which started to expand rapidly.
Naruto acted quickly and rushed towards Yagura, picking him up and quickly shot out of the tree line, which was destroyed a moment later.
'Thanks for the help, Naruto. I thought I could handle things, but they proved a formidable duo.' Said Yagura tiredly, after Naruto had set him down.
'Can you continue on?' Asked Naruto, getting a small nod from Yagura.
'Of course, we are Jinchuuriki. It will take more than this to keep us down.' Said Yagura fondly, before Naruto suddenly snapped his head to the right.
'What is it?' Asked Yagura curiously.
'Another clone just dispelled, Yugito is in trouble as well.' Said Naruto, before turning back to Yagura.
'Go, I'm fine.' Said Yagura, to which Naruto gave a quick nod and disappeared in a flash of crimson.
-line break-
'Damn it Kakuzu, hold her down already.' Shouted Hidan, yelling at a masked individual.
'Since when did you ever need me to help you, Hidan? You've gotten weak. I should just kill you and get a new partner already.' Said Kakuzu.
'How about I kill you both?' Growled a tall blonde haired woman.
'Yugito Nii, I'm glad you have a sizeable bounty, it will make cashing you in all the more rewarding, after we take the Nibi from you, of course.' Said Kakuzu, before leaping backwards, as a ball of chakra slammed into the ground, right where he had just been standing.
'Hmm, you're fast.' Commented Naruto, slightly irritated his attack had been dodged.
'Naruto Uzumaki, the Kyuubi holder. So Pein was right, you Jinchuuriki are working together after all.' Stated Kakuzu, causing Naruto to raise an eyebrow slightly.
'Seems Pein is smarter than I thought.' Said Naruto, before somersaulting backwards, to avoid a scythe that had been thrown at him from his left.
'I remember you! You're the one who stopped us getting the Ichibi that time.' Said Hidan in annoyance.
'Yugito, can you still fight?' Asked Naruto quickly.
'I'm just getting started.' Growled Yugito, before blue flames burst from her form and grew quickly, enveloping her completely.
'I'll let you handle Hidan.' Said Naruto, before turning to Kakuzu.
'You're either very brave, or very foolish, to challenge me. I faced Hashirama one-on-one and survived.' Said Kakuzu calmly.
'Yes, but as I recall, you lost that fight, much like you will lose this one.' Said Naruto calmly.
'We'll see.' Said Kakuzu, before black projections fell off his body, before forming into four misshapen black figures, each with a differently styled mask.
'If you plan to face me with elemental jutsu, you will lose.' Said Naruto.
'Highly unlikely.' Said Kakuzu, before two of his creatures morphed into one.
The amalgamation charged up flames in one mask and Naruto could feel the wind warping around the other, before both masks released their attacks, launching a terrifying blast of fire at Naruto. The attack enveloped Naruto and Kakuzu watched on calmly as the flames dissipated, revealing nothing.
'I think you're underestimating me, since my natural affinity is for earth.' Said Kakuzu, before black threads, similar to what his masked monsters were made of, plunged into the ground.
Naruto shot out of the ground, cradling his left arm momentarily. It had been pierced by three spikes during Kakuzu's attack and Naruto frowned in annoyance.
'I suppose you are better than I expected.' Said Naruto in annoyance, before using chakra to leap to the roof, as a wave of water passed under him harmlessly.
One of Kakuzu's creatures had flanked Naruto, during his underground escape, leaving the Jinchuuriki none the wiser. Naruto started down at Kakuzu, as his arm slowly healed, becoming bathed in a white glow, before unmarred flesh was revealed.
'This next sequence will take you down, Jinchuuriki, I only hope I don't ruin your face, so I can still collect your bounty.' Said Kakuzu calmly, before a massive wave of fire was launched at Naruto, enhanced by a strong wind attack as well.
Naruto quickly dropped to the ground, only to find the fourth mask which had yet to attack him, floating in the air, near the water surrounding him.
'Lightning Style: False Darkness.' Intoned Kakuzu, as the mask like creature launched a blast of electricity at Naruto.
Naruto grimaced slightly, before breathing in deeply.
'Wind Style: Air Bullets.' Said Naruto quickly, launched numerous balls of air at the oncoming attack, all within a split second.
The two attacks clashed and caused a blinding explosion. Once the light faded away, Naruto was gone once again.
'I already told you, that won't work on me.' Said Kakuzu, stabbing his threads into the ground again and impaling Naruto through his shoulders, chest and legs.
Naruto coughed up blood on the floor near Kakuzu.
'How disappointing.' Commented Kakuzu, only for Naruto to grin.
'Boom.' Said Naruto, causing Kakuzu to widen his eyes, as the clone exploded.
Kakuzu was sent flying from the explosion, crashing into the cavern wall, but was nonplussed, as his heart hadn't been damaged.
'So, it seems I'm not the only one with keen analytical skills, but you are much too young to beat me.' Said Kakuzu calmly.
'The fox is older than you though.' Said numerous Naruto clones.
Kakuzu was surrounded in every direction by clones, even on the roof.
'Fire Style: Grand Fireball Jutsu.' Said all of the clones, launching a swathe of flames at Kakuzu.
As the flames from all directions collided, a massive explosion occurred, causing the cave to shake. Once the smoke had cleared, the real Naruto frowned. The concussive blast from the attack had dispelled all his clones, but Kakuzu's lifeless body was nowhere to be seen.
'Hidan, pull back now.' Said Kakuzu, appearing closer to his partner, who was covered in burns and had singed clothing, due to his fight with the flaming hellcat.
'What are you talking about Kakuzu, I've got this bitch on the ropes?' Shouted Hidan, only for his head to be sliced off, courtesy of Naruto.
'Idiot.' Muttered Kakuzu, before sinking into the ground.
'Oi! Kakuzu you fucker! Don't leave me here!' Shouted Hidan.
Yugito reverted back to her human form. A groan was heard nearby, as Naruto stumbled towards Yugito and Hidan's body.
"How long was that Kurama?" Asked Naruto in thought, now having his usual blond hair and blue eyes once again.
'Ten minutes. You're also up to fifteen percent now as well.' Answered Kurama, causing Naruto to curse.
"Shit, at this rate I'm screwed, that was only the second time I used that from for combat and you're telling me I've already lost fifteen percent. Damnit!" Cursed Naruto in thought.
'Something wrong Naruto?' Asked Yugito, once her fellow blond had reached her position.
'Nah, everything's fine.' Said Naruto, waving off her concern.
'What do we do with him?' Asked Yugito, pointing to the severed head which was currently spewing profanity at everything and everyone.
'Want a new alarm clock?' Joked Naruto.
'No thanks.' Replied Yugito dryly.
'Fine, fine, I'll just seal him into this.' Said Naruto tiredly, before placing an unravelled scroll in between Hidan's head and body, before gathering chakra and pressing his index finger, into the circle drawn on the seal.
'Seal!' Cried Naruto and the Akatsuki member's form disappeared.
'Do you want to do the honours?' Asked Naruto, handing the scroll to Yugito who gave a cat-like smirk.
'My pleasure.' Said Yugito, gripping the scroll in her right hand, from which, blue flames suddenly burst, incinerating the scroll, ensuring Hidan was no more.
'Hah, I'm so tired. Three Akatsuki fights in a week. I didn't sign up for this.' Grumbled Naruto.
'Considering you approached each of us, one by one and recruited us for this group, you kind of did.' Pointed out Yugito, causing Naruto to groan.
'I just didn't think they be so aggressive. It is a good thing Itachi gave me information on all of them, or a few of us would have been taken out by now… er, no offense.' Said Naruto.
'None taken. Scythe boy over there came very close to landing a few good hits. If Kakuzu had been against me as well, things would have gone south, fast.' Commented Yugito thoughtfully.
'I just don't understand why they are being so forceful right now. I figured if Itachi defected, they would pause and reassess things, but they're coming out in full force.' Said Naruto, before snapping his head to the right.
'Shit! Another one!' Cursed Naruto.
'What do you mean another?' Asked Yugito.
'I just came from fighting off Deidara and Sasori with Yagura, killed Sasori too and now I felt Utakata's clone as well. This is bad, my body can't take another jump all the way back to Mist, especially since I just dropped out of my other form.' Said Naruto worriedly.
'Do you think Yagura will be able to help?' Asked Yugito, with a hint of worry.
'I hope so. I need at least half an hour to recover before I can get there.' Said Naruto nervously.
'Well, since I'm technically still on my mission, we could both go there on foot. It might take a bit, but it is better than nothing.' Suggested Yugito.
'Alright, but I think this will be better than going on foot.' Said Naruto, before biting his thumb and summoning an approximately horse-sized black fox.
'Come on.' Said Naruto, hopping onto the fox's back, as four tails swayed behind it lazily.
Yugito quickly jumped up behind Naruto, before the fox blurred away.
"Hang on guys, we're coming." Thought Naruto desperately.
-line break-
Utakata was not having a good day right now. It had started off simple enough, waking to the chirping of birds and warm sunlight on his face. He had made his way through the forest, hoping to find some food, but had soon found himself prey.
'Rokubi Jinchuuriki, give up, you are against a God. You stand no chance.' Spoke a spiky haired orange man, with piercings through his nose, ears and just under his lower lip.
Utakata was surrounded on all sides, by six different shinobi, but all of them shared the same eyes and the same vision it seemed. All of his attacks, which would have taken out any normal shinobi, had all be effortlessly dodged by the ones currently staring him down. Ever attack that was completely unseen had somehow been blocked, which had led to Utakata changing his tactic, for a direct frontal approach, with overwhelming power… only for him to be met with an even greater power. It had been minutes ago that Utakata had sent for help, however, he was beginning to think that Naruto wasn't coming any time soon.
'Why are you doing all of this?' Asked Utakata calmly, trying to buy time.
'For peace. Pein will bring peace to the nations and end the bloodshed. Your sacrifice will make sure of it. Stop resisting and accept your fate.' Spoke the same man as before, who had done all the talking so far, the other five sentinels not making a sound.
'How? By invading every country and attacking the Jinchuuriki? Who does that benefit?' Questioned Utakata.
'You could not hope to understand the mind of a God. I shall end this now though, Almighty Push.' Said the orange haired figure, before a massive explosion blasted Utakata, hiding him from view and causing dust to cloud the vision of all six purple eyed ninja.
As the dust started to clear, a dome of coral was revealed, which slowly sunk into the ground, revealing an unharmed Utakata and a haggard Yagura.
'Third Mizukage, you are foolish to intervene here today.' Spoke the man blandly.
'On the contrary, today might just be the day we defeat Akatsuki. Sasori is gone and Deidara is missing an arm. You should rethink your strategy, Pein.' Said Yagura calmly.
'No matter what, none of you can stand up to the power of a God.' Spoke Pein calmly.
'Well, Naruto seems to disagree with that and I agree with him. You're days are numbered.' Said Yagura.
Pein's eyes studied Yagura carefully.
'You are hardly in any condition to fight. You cannot fool the eyes of a God.' Said Pein, causing Yagura to mentally curse.
'Injured or not, I won't let you win here today.' Said Yagura resolutely.
Pein started Yagura down, unnerving Yagura slightly, before he spoke.
'It seems today God has shown you mercy. You may live for another day, but know that they are numbered. The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki will not stop my plans after this, so know that you will be defeated soon.' Said Pein, before floating into the sky.
'Almighty Push.' Intoned Pein calmly.
A massive pressure pressed down on the two Jinchuuriki and it was only thanks to Yagura's quick reflexes that they weren't flattened. As the coral dome faded once more, the two looked around and saw they were now alone.
'Thanks for the save there Yagura.' Said Utakata appreciatively.
'Think nothing of it. Naruto had just helped me fend of two before going to help Yugito, with an assault of her own. I figured that it would take him time to get to here, so I did what I could… he saw through my bluff though, so I have no idea why he retreated, but I am thankful.' Said Yagura tiredly.
'What do you think he meant though? That Naruto won't stop his plans after this? What do you think he will do?' Asked Utakata contemplatively.
'I'm not sure, but considering things, there is a chance of an all-out assault on the horizon. As a Kage, when a situation like this would come up, the best course of action would be to shatter morale. Since Naruto is the one holding us together, Pein may go for him directly. I think we should be very cautious from this point moving forwards and make a point to stay near each other. If it isn't too much of an inconvenience for you, I believe we should both stick together for now, since today showed we can't always rely on Naruto to save us.' Said Yagura.
'I see, that's fine with me, but what about the other Jinchuuriki? Both Fu and Gaara are rather isolated… Fu even more so, considering her village.' Said Utakata.
'…that is a problem.' Said Yagura thoughtfully.
'Utakata, what's wrong?' Asked Naruto, appearing near the two atop his black fox, with Yugito in tow.
'It was Pein, thankfully Yagura was close by and saved me in the nick of time… but it is what Pein said that is troubling now.' Said Utakata.
Naruto hopped off the fox, with Yugito doing the same, before nodding to the fox, who promptly dispelled.
'What is it?' Asked Naruto.
'Before we get to that, what happened with Yugito?' Asked Yagura.
'Hidan and Kakuzu. Hidan is gone but Kakuzu got away and from what he said, it seems they know we are working together.' Said Naruto.
'That definitely makes what Pein said more ominous.' Said Yagura.
'Why, what's wrong?' Asked Naruto curiously.
'It seems they are aware of us working together and they have prepared something to deal with us. From the sounds of things though, Pein will be coming for you directly.' Said Yagura.
'Aw man. This can't be good, four separate attacks in such a short period of time and you're telling me they have something else planned. This is bad.' Lamented Naruto.
'I also believe it would be wise for us to move in pairs at this point. Utakata and I have agreed to do so, but we do have concerns for how to implement this for Fu and Gaara… Fu more so.' Said Yagura.
'I see.' Said Naruto sternly.
'Well, I'm sure Bee wouldn't mind sticking together with me. Han and Roshi will probably work well together as well.' Said Yugito thoughtfully.
'Gaara, Fu and I are all close to Rain though and far from each other. It will make covering each other really difficult, especially since we don't know where they will strike.' Said Naruto, with a frown.
'Perhaps Han and Roshi could stay near the border, to be able to help Fu if necessary.' Suggested Yagura.
'Doing that would leave Gaara exposed though, as he can't exactly relocate close to the Leaf. Not to mention, the Land of Rivers separates us and Akatsuki seem to have a base there as well. They really have the middle ground at this point and we can't really stop that.' Said Naruto unhappily.
'There is one other option.' Said Yugito, getting Naruto and Yagura to look at her.
'We attack them. As you said they hold the centre, be we surround them on nearly every side. If they plan to scatter us, joining together and finishing them once and for all might be the better option.' Explained Yugito.
'… That's not a bad idea, but it isn't like all of us can move freely. Not to mention, the three of you and Bee are rather far from Rain. Add to the fact that Gaara is heavily restricted in his movements and that leaves only Fu, Han, Roshi and I to take them on. A assault is too risky right now, especially since it seems they are moving now as well… it would be best to be patient… although we need to be really careful.' Said Naruto.
'I suppose. There is also the issue of the other Kage not exactly being on good terms, especially mine.' Said Yugito, with a small frown.
'That is a good point… we might have to deal with the Kages first, before we can actually focus on the Akatsuki. Gaara's fine since he is the Kage. Yagura and Utakata will also be able to move reasonably freely. I'm actually pretty restricted myself, but I can get away for a little bit every now and then. You and Bee though are probably going to have the biggest obstacle to face.' Said Naruto.
'Naruto, I felt a spike of my chakra, you need to get back there!' Shouted Kurama suddenly, surprising Naruto, who closed his eyes for a moment, before feeling what Kurama had.
'Damnit, one mess after the other! I need to go now, but we will need to have another meeting soon. For now though, please let the others know.' Said Naruto, pulling out a tri-pronged kunai.
'Wait, what are you doing? You said you weren't able to make another jump so soon.' Said Yugito in alarm.
'I'm not, well, more correctly, I really shouldn't, but I don't have any choice. Wish me luck, so I don't accidentally obliterate myself.' Said Naruto, with a grin, before launching his kunai into the sky, disappearing moments later.