Chapter 19

The mightiest fall

"Despite their great power, a day comes when even the gods and demons must die."- Sage of Six Paths

Chaos. Everywhere Tsunade looked she could see destruction. She did not know how it'd come to this. She knew not how the Akatsuki infiltrated the village. She did not even know how many have died by now. But she did know this much.

The Hidden Leaf Village was now a warzone.

She noticed another explosion not too far from the tower, where she believed her favorite drink bar was located. Tsunade narrowed her eyes. And the shouts from the panicking ninja, reporting about the situation, was not helping. Still, from what she knew by now, she had no doubt of who the attackers were- the Akatsuki.

"Rally all men!" She ordered. "We must defeat the enemy! Assist the enforcers in battle! I do not wish to take the risk of losing them!" the shinobi disappeared in a blur. Then the female hokage turned to the lone toad on her desk. Something Lord Fukasaku left behind after Naruto's departure. The toad, Kosuke, was left behind to deliver any urgent message from Tsunade. This was an emergency.

She just hoped she'd be heard.

"Get to Lord Fukasaku! The village has been invaded by the Akatsuki! We need Naruto back here immediately!" she instructed, just as Homura and Koharu entered.

The two wanted to know what battle plan did she come up with to deal with the crisis. But to hear she wanted Naruto back to fight...

"Ignore that order!" Koharu instructed the toad. Then turned to the female hokage. "Tsunade. The jinchuriki is the reason why the Akatsuki invaded our village in the first place. If you call him, you will sell him out to our enemy. Our jinchuriki is still a child. And this is the man who killed Jiraiya who's attacking. I never hid the fact I have no liking for the brat, but I am not willing to hand it over to the enemy..." she was interrupted at that very moment, when Tsunade grabbed her and Homura by the collar and pressed them against the wall.

"T-Tsunade! W-what are you doing?" The glasses-wearing elder demanded.

"Let go of me, Tsunade." Koharu said, and her friend soon followed.

"We're your advisors, Tsunade. Who do you think you are?"

Oh, now that got Tsunade to snap. "Who do you think you are?! I've had just about enough of you mistreating him! He has inherited The Will of Fire! He's grown up! If hasn't surpassed Jiraiya yet, he's just about to do just that! He is not a demon to be held in a cage! Nor is he a hidden weapon to keep the enemy from attacking The Village! Uzumaki Naruto is a ninja who protects the Hidden Leaf Village!" she yelled at the two, before dropping them. And still she released some killer intend. "Do you know what Sarutobi-sensei, Jiraiya and Chiyo of the Hidden Sand had that you lack?! FAITH! Just like my grandfather, the First Hokage, had faith and entrusted the village to you, now it's your turn to have faith in these children and entrust the situation to them!"

The two elders looked at Tsunade with somewhat angry look. Then got up and turned away. Do what you like..." Koharu said. As they exited the room, Shizune entered. As the door closed, the two elders looked at each other... and nodded.

Seems they'll have to do that.

"Shizune? Did you learn anything?" The Fifth Hokage asked her assistant.

"These piercings... Lady Tsunade, they're something like a chakra receivers." Shizune explained. "They're located throughout Pain's body. If what Lord Fukasaku said is true, all Pains have them on their faces and their bodies."

"Hmm. So they're all moving according to whatever chakra signal they receive." Tsunade deducted. "Or is it how they share chakra between each other? Maybe even their visual link?"

"There's more." Shizune interrupted. "Ganju claims this one's transmitting right now. We think it might be a key behind the secret to Pain's strength. We are only awaiting what the interrogation division learned."

"It would appear the enemy's looking for Naruto. And Pain is the one behind the attack." She said. Now she knew how to proceed. And face the toad. "Tell Lord Fukasaku of what we learned and bring Naruto here!" Then she turned to Shizune and the ANBU captain who appeared. "Shizune! Get to the interrogators and inform them of what you learned! Find out who Pain is! I want Shizune guarded by two squads! I'll be upstairs helping Katsuyu heal the wounded while waiting for the information! MOVE!" she ordered.

Soon, the group left the room, leaving the small toad alone. It looked outside the window, watching the smoke and explosion. "Okay... I'd better get goin..."

*stab*

The toad was lying on the desk, stabbed by the danto. Danzo let go of the hilt, watching the destruction outside the building.

"Now the jinchuriki is out of the way." He murmured.

Hunger Demon Path Absorbed another jutsu. The three ninja around him were now panting.

"This is getting us nowhere." Genma commented.

"We have to resort to physical attacks." A mustached chunin suggested. The three were about to strike...

"Stay out of it!" A voice commanded. The trio looked up to find a woman land before them. Genma felt relieve to find it was one of the Enforcers- Hitodama, the Dragon of the Leaf.

"Lady Hitodama!" the other jonin in the party spoke. "Be careful! He...!"

"Can absorb jutsu. I know. I've been here long enough to see that." She explained.

"You what?" the chunin asked in disbelieve. "You were here this entire time and just watched as he...?!"

"Do not think I did not want to step in earlier!" the Dragon of the Leaf yelled in disgust. "This is the Akatsuki we're facing. Attacking someone like that blindly, even by people like the Enforcers, is suicidal. I needed to learn more about him before engaging. I regret allowing him to bring harm to all these people. I regret I allowed him to kill your comrades." She pointed at the two Leaf ninja by her feet. "But I cannot undo what has been done. There are times when you must face reality and allow things like this to happen. After that, the best you can do, is not let their sacrifice go to waste. And so I am willing to put my life on the line. If I am to die by Pain's hand, then so be it! I only ask you don't attend to those who can still be saved! MOVE!" she ordered. The three ninja were hesitant, but did as ordered. They vanished in a blur, leaving the woman alone with the fat enemy.

Hitodama narrowed her eyes, taking her stance. "I'll make you pay for every single person you killed."

H.D.P. smirked. "You cannot hope to defeat us."

"We'll see." The woman smiled, before dashing at her opponent, delivering a powerful right hook to his temple. Then she flipped onto her hands, caught him by the collar with her right foot and started kicking in the face with her left. H.D.P. was about to punch her, But Hitodama blocked his fist with her foot. And with a loud yell, she started spinning him, until she let him go, sending him into the nearest building.

Genma and the other two were still nearby to see this and, little to say, they were impressed.

"So... this is the power of the Enforcer?" the chunin asked. Genma was trembling slightly, though kept his smile.

"We couldn't hit this guy with our jutsu and were too chicken to engage him directly. And she didn't even need to use a single jutsu to land a few good blows on him. These Enforcers are real monsters." He chuckled nervously.

H.D.P. got out of the rubble, looking as emotionless as before. He eyed the kunoichi carefully, narrowing his eyes. She was an actual challenge. He moved out of the now destroyed building, making his way towards his opponent, as Hitodama got ready to engage him. And it so happened.

H.D.P. leaped towards her, pulling out black rods from his sleeves. Hitodama jumped back, dodging the attack, and pulled out two kunai. The two traded blows, making sparks fly with every strike. At one point, the two struggled to overpower one another. Sweat was running down the Dragon of the Leaf's face, while H.D.P. seemed unfazed. But she smiled. She backed away slightly dropping her kunai...

Only to catch it midair with her foot and cut her opponent's left biceps, down to the bone, in half. Pain backed away. This woman cut his arm. She was dangerous. He prepared his rod and circled around her, like a predator before launching at its prey.

Hell Path tossed another body. Again, he learned nothing. Could it be their target's whereabouts were unknown to the village. More likely there were only few who could know. Apparently safety measures have been taken.

As he moved on, he did not notice his own shadow acting strangely. And it shot up, like a blade ready to stab him in the back. But it missed. Hell Path grabbed the shadow blade and pulled it, pulling out the head of the Niigetsu Clan, Yamamoto. The one-armed man was shocked to find his enemy managed to do that and barely managed to block the incoming attack, blocking the enemy's kick with his own leg. Yamamoto managed to pull his sword out of Pain's grip and jumped away, taking a safe distance.

"Well, I'll admit you're good." Yamamoto complimented, smirking cockily. "Guess I have to put some effort into it."

And with that, he stabbed his sword into his shadow. Hell Path jumped out of the way just in time to dodge a long shadow blade extending from his shadow.

The Realm of Ogres...

Naruto came out from the springs. He would've sighed in relieve if it wasn't for the fact he felt bad about it. He was taking a bath while his friends were working on figuring out Pain and learning of his whereabouts. He tied the belt of his kimono real tied and made his way to his room. The minute he dressed, he would go to the dojo and continue his training. Seriously, if this Pain, the Akatsuki leader, defeated Jiraiya, while he barely managed to beat the other Akatsuki member, then he needed to get stronger. And fast.

On his way Naruto was thinking about his training. It was a serious pain. Literally. At times he felt as if kissing death. If it wasn't for their healing methods, which also helped his mental health, he would likely be broken by now, severely traumatized. He remembered the first day of training, where, according to his aunts, Goryō ripped off his arms. And on the second he ripped him in two. The blond was thankful the memory of that one was removed. But did question if he had to be told about it. Well he shouldn't have asked in the first place. But he was making progress.

Naruto was now much stronger than ever before. His senses were even sharper than ever. And his taijutsu stance, first taught to him by Tokoyo, was now not only complete, but nearly mastered. He had to admit that this regime here was actually paying off. Because of that, Naruto's month of training, with Shadow Clones, gave him years worth of training.

As he was passing by Goryō's room, he heard him talking with Fukasaku. It perked his interest.

What he was hearing was... disturbing.

"Dead?" the lord of ogres asked.

"Intead. His name's gone, I'm tellin' ya." The elderly toad replied. "Somethin' musta happened in da Leaf."

The giant horned humanoid was in deep thought. He was considering the options. He opened his eyes, staring into the distance. If the toad was killed, the village must've been under attack. So the enemy likely killed the poor little summoning creature to ensure no reinforcement could arrive. That or someone who saw an opportunity. Anyway, it was unlikely for the toad or any summon creature to die in an accident.

"So... the Akatsuki or someone else made a move." The ogre lord spoke. "I would ignore it under any other circumstances, but..."

"But what?!" Naruto burst, entering the room and getting the two's attention. Mariko and Akira soon.

"Forgive us, brother." Akira spoke first.

"We should've kept our eyes on him." Akira spoke.

"I did not agree to come here and face a certain kill of a training just to stay in some damn sanctuary while my friends are being murdered by the bad guy who wants me!" the blond man growled. "Send me there!"

"You will calm down, NOW, you stupid brat!" Goryō roared. Everyone present coward backwards, hearing a raging storm echoing as he spoke. "The Akatsuki are after you for the Nine-tailed Fox! Your friends are dying to protect you! Does that mean nothing to you?! Do you truly think so little of them! Just a few years ago you left them because you thought they care little for you. Now they are dying for you. Have some trust in them!"

"I left the village because... I needed to find myself." Naruto spoke. His body was trembling. "After my sister died, after what Hitashi told me, I... had doubts about the village, so I left. I spent the following years to grow stronger and also discovering, that despite all that, I still want to protect the village." A single tear trailed down his cheek. "It's lame and stupid, I know. And yet, there are people I can't help but think still care for me. And I was right about that. What kind of a friend am I to leave them at the mercy of that monster?!"

For a minute, Goryō said nothing. The twins looked at him with concern and uncertainty. He growled, dangerously, and electricity was zapping everywhere in the room. Then Fukasaku spoke.

"I admit this 'ere's dangerous, Goryō. But it may be Naruto-boy's biggest test."

The ogres remained silent. Then everything calmed down.

"He's NOT going in." the lord of ogres said in a dead serious tone. Naruto was about to argue... "Alone." That stopped the blond in his tracks. Then he quickly and swiftly rose up and turned to face Naruto. "Go and prepare, nephew. Now you are going to war!"

Hidden Leaf Village, Hokage Tower

Tsunade was not pleased. The situation was growing even worse by the minute. She already received word of Yamamoto being defeated in battle. And then Choji came in with the information about one of the Pain's and the death of Kakashi. Fortunately, the young Akimichi was able to get to her thanks to Kuromaru, who explained that the summoned creatures should no longer be a problem. She commanded Sakura to attend to the wounded. She was hesitant, as the pink haired apprentice of hers had to leave Hinata and Ino fighting the blue-haired woman of the enemy. At this rate, the village could fall.

"I see you are transferring your chakra through your summon to heal who you can." A voice caught her attention. Tsunade and the ANBU turned to face the newcomer, who was hovering above them. But what he dropped the second their eyes noticed him shocked everyone. Especially Tsunade.

Kuromaru hit the ground with a loud thud.

Tsunade was wide eyed analyzing the Enforcer. Blood was coming out from his mouth and nose, his eyes rolled into his skull. A huge hole in his side and leg. Several stab wounds and cuts. Two or three burns. And three black rods sticking out from his left shoulder. She looked up with a glare, noticing the figure land before her with an emotionless expression.

"This is the strongest shinobi of the Leaf?" God Pain asked. He received no answer. "I must admit he really was powerful." He commented, slightly facing to the side, showing the Leaf ninja and their Kage a scratch on his cheek. "Not only did he destroy Animal Path with little effort. He was able to touch God Path and was near destroying it. Three more had to come to put him down. No one has ever threatened Pain to this level." He praised.

"Lady Tsunade!" Cat said, getting her attention. "He's alive, but critical. He needs medical aid."

Tsunade did not respond. Instead, she analyzed the man before her. He seemed familiar. But where did she...? She remembered. One of the orphans Jiraiya decided to train long time ago, during the Second Shinobi War. "You..."

"It seems you remember me. I feel a little flattered."

"Lady Tsunade? You know him?" Cat asked.

"Who is he?" Bird asked next. But Tsunade remained quiet.

Pain decided to answer for her. "A god who will restore order to this world."

The ANBU remained quiet. And the other of their ranks stated the obvious. "He's not an ordinary ninja, certainly."

"Where is Uzumaki Naruto?" Pain asked calmly. "Where is the Nine-tailed beast?"

Tsunade smirked mockingly. "Who knows..."

"I have all the other tailed-beasts captured. The hidden villages and Great Elemental Nations have all lost their equilibrium. Hiding the Nine-tails is pointless. The war is on the horizon. And it will be the Akatsuki who will control it. If you cooperate, you will be shown more mercy than you had shown to the small nations. Surely you are aware of our power by now."

The Fifth Hokage growled at the speech. "Do not underestimate the 5th Hokage! You are just a terrorist group trying to destroy the stability our forefather have worked so hard to establish! Whatever you say is meaningless!" she shouted. But Pain remained unfazed.

"So, you call us terrorists because we come from a small nation that was nothing more than a battlefield to you, the Cloud and the Sand? Funny how we are the evil ones, when you three were killing my people at the time of war." He paused. "Do not be so haughty." The ANBU stiffened. Something changed. The atmosphere grew much, much darker. "Your 'peace' results in violence towards us." Pain put an emphasis on the word with venom.

"I never said that the Leaf is not without fault. But I will not accept your ways of handling things."

"Watch your words, Tsunade of the Legendary Three. This is the last warning you will hear from a god. Tell me where is Naruto Uzumaki." Pain demanded again. Silence was the answer. "Your strongest failed to defeat me. How can you hope to protect a jinchuriki with..."

"Shut up!" Tsunade silenced him with a roar with anger. "Naruto is strong. When he arrives to face you... he will be stronger than even me, I have no doubt. He will defeat you." She said, as a smile grew on her face. "You consider yourself a god? Then, when you face him, it will be a clash of the gods."

Silence fell again. Pain smirked. This was interesting. Then his eyes widened. "So, Naruto is on Mount Myobokuzan? That is all I need." He turned away, ready to leave. "You, the Great Elemental Nations are so arrogant. You think you can do wars as you please on others' soil and make nothing of it. But peace has made you foolish and blind. If you kill someone, someone if bound to eventually kill you. Hatred is what binds us together. War brings no true victories or heroes. There is no true profit. No heroes. War can only bring pain and misery to both sides. War serves only bring death. To rob us of loved ones. Yet humanity keeps on making the same mistake of starting a new war, forgetting the horrors it brings, blinded by greed and power, caring nothing for life. War is the true evil, declared by fools in power."

"Great Great Nations are victims too! I have had it with your accusations!" Tsunade shouted, ready to attack. But Pain did not react at all.

"Don't make me laugh. I want you to understand pain. To feel pain. To accept pain. To think about pain." He started to hover above ground, slowly heading towards the sky. "To know pain. Those who do not know pain, can never know true peace."

And he disappeared into the sky.

Around the village, the Akatsuki started to disappear. Which was strange. The ninja started to regroup, for the most part. But there were others who foolishly believed the crisis to be over. They never bothered to look up.

If they did, they would see a sole person hovering above the village, raising his arms towards the sun.

"This world will know pain." He said. The ripples in his eyes were slowly starting to fill with chakra, as he was building the energy necessary for this jutsu. Then he started to fall. His body was speeding up more and more, leaving behind a stream of air. As he was nearing the surface, he finally build up enough chakra for this jutsu.

And then he hit.

"DEFINE REPULSION!"

The result was devastating. It was as if a meteor hit the village, leaving nothing but a crater.

To be continued...

A.N.: finally the next chapter. I will not be posting them long as in how long the chapter will be. Nor do I promise to update regularly. But next time it will be Naruto vs Pain. And you will see Naruto in FULLY DEVELOPED/ MATURE Asura form. Well, till next time.

Also... painfully, I am considering giving this story for adoption. I'll be honest, I am losing my interest in this story. Any interested party please PM me about it, a'ight? Well, I will at least reach to the end of Pain Arc and WILL ce continuing my doujin on devientart. Nuff said.