AN: Been a while since I updated, and I apologize. I am enjoying myself here in Florida, and might be able to get another chapter out before I leave on the 27th. It is my hope that twice a week updates start after my trip. If anything delays this, it will be posted on my bio. Thanks readers, and enjoy the latest installment.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, and I am not doing this for monetary gain. All rights go to their respective owner.

ITALICS– Thinking

BOLD – demon talk/jutsu


Arc Three: Home is Where the Heart Lies

Chapter Eight


Naruto looked at Orochimaru with narrowed eyes then gave a smirk knowing why the man was here thanks to the aura he was exuding.

"Orochimaru, please come in as we have much to discuss." The Sennin didn't hesitate and closed the door before joining everyone. "Now, I know we didn't have the greatest of starts, but I believe we can start anew. Perhaps showing your worth in Kiri will do well for your reputation."

The Snake Sennin let out a smirk of his own. "Ku ku ku, yes, a new start sounds lovely. My Sound Five will no doubt be willing to help after being stuck within Konoha's walls since the conflict ended."

The Iron Country rebel who spoke early on Black Ops, looked the Sennin up and down as to judge his character, then nodded in approval.

"Perhaps your Sound Five would do well with the Black Ops mission us rebels will be performing. Care to join?"

Before Orochimaru could answer, Zabuza spoke up. "Hey gaki, the Toad Sage has some sort of spy network so why can't you have the same inside Kiri? Orochimaru can use his snake summons to retrieve any messages as well as deliver responses."

Shizuka smirked, "Speaking of summons."

A couple hand signs and a puff of smoke later, a small blue salamander appeared inside the family room which made Haku and Zabuza's eyes widen in shock.

"Hey Aoi, would you mind telling the others that I will be needing you to run a spy network in Kiri?"

Said summon nodded and had a slight gurgle to his speech. "Sure thing, I'll inform Ibuse. Speaking of which, when will you take up Sage training?"

Shizuka hummed in thought, and responded after a short pause. "Soon, as I feel that tensions will rise after we are done in Kiri."

Aoi nodded and dispelled to tell the boss the news. Once the smoke cleared Zabuza could only point at Shizuka with his mouth open which made Orochimaru chuckle.

Naruto bit back a chuckle of his own, but his amused tone still came through. "Yah, my fair maiden is amazing…but onto the matter at hand."

He set his gaze on Fu, Han, and Roshi; his tone becoming more serious.

"You three are going to be my spy network in the Elemental Nations…a support to Jiraiya's own. Fu, I want you to head to Kumo and do what we discussed during the gathering. Han, Roshi, I want you to trail the Black Ops group who will be going before Shizuka, Orochimaru, and I."

Han nodded, his tone was like usual; flat and uninterested. "From our gathering, I suspect you feel that Utakata might be needing assistance."

Naruto let out a grim smile, "If the Akatsuki managed to capture him…try to find a trail. You all know what will befall us if the bijuu are extracted."

Haku decided to make his presence known, "Not to intrude, but what exactly will this Black Ops mission entail?"

The one who proposed this responded. "At first it was just go in, plant explosive tags in key areas, blow the place to kingdom come to lure Yagura out, then end the war then and there. But, after what we discussed, I have a better plan."

The Iron Country rebel went onto say that he planned for everyone in the infiltration group to gain various jobs in Kiri. Academy instructors, ANBU members, secretaries for Yagura, hospital staff, and the list went on. From here, information would be gathered on the layout of the village, battle tactics, how the forces were trained, run, among other important tasks. The rebel noted that the trickiest part would be to enter Kiri. It was here that Shizuka brought up the topic about a chakra suppression seal.

Shizuka theorized that it would be best to have spies on both sides of the board; civilians and shinobi. She noted how the rebel force in Iron Country managed to split, and eventually fight against each other. From here, discussion began on how to push the civilians away from Yagura's views, and push them towards Mei's. Two such ideas came to mind.

Propaganda and to stage a Kiri shinobi killing an innocent civilian.

After much discussion, everyone agreed that these would go hand in hand and would be the catalyst for Yagura's downfall. By late afternoon, the planning was completed which prompted Zabuza and Haku to leave so that they could notify Mei. Orochimaru left soon after to gather the Sound Five, but not before the rebel leader told them where to meet for debrief. Soon, all that was left in the Namikaze home was Naruto, Shizuka, and Yuki. Oh, and one other person in the shadows.

"Come out godfather, I knew you were there since the beginning…so, what is it that you wish to talk about?"

Jiraiya was about to speak, but Yuki did that for him.

"Pervert!"

Shizuka giggled then bent down to give the now two tailed fox, who was the size of a medium dog, some belly rubs. A tick mark grew on the Toad Sage's forehead as Shizuka kept on telling Yuki 'good girl' repeatedly. However, the Sennin quickly recovered and decided to drop the bombshell.

"Yagura is not doing this on his own accord, Naruto, he is being controlled."

Shizuka stopped what she was doing and both she, and Naruto blinked in shock. In unison, they said.

"Come again?"

"Tobi or Obito is the one controlling the jinchuriki. For your sake, I hope you're ready for the aftermath to come."

Naruto sighed and rubbed his temples. "So that's why the Three Tails never showed up when all of us met…and I know, Godfather. I foresaw a great war, one which made the Warring Clan Era look like a puppy dog in comparison."

Jiraiya balked. He knew of the Warring Clan Era thanks to the horror stories Hiruzen had told him, Tsunade, and Orochimaru. And to say that a war would be worse than that…it truly made the Toad Sage wonder what would happen to the Elemental Nations as a result.


With Utakata – Two Days Later

The jinchuriki to the six-tails was happily puffing on his bubble pipe as he sat beside a lake on one of the many islands that surrounded Kiri. Ever since he decided to leave what he once called home, Utakata never felt more alive. For years he held resentment against Kiri and was honestly thinking of letting Saiken take over so the village could be razed. Yagura, however, got there first and so he decided to wait out the storm and watch those that neglected him die a slow, agonizing death.

As time passed, all this death made Utakata numb inside. He became soft-spoken, stoic, and oddly charming. Thanks to Saiken, and the jinchuriki meeting half a year ago, Utakata finally understood that most, if not all jinchuriki, were treated as nothing more than animals. Although Naruto didn't deal with this stigma all his life, his samurai training, and the wars he's fought through showed him what true suffering was. This understanding lead Utakata to join his fellow jinchuriki on the quest to bring peace to the Elemental Nations.

A quick jolt of Saiken's chakra brought Utakata out of his memories where he instantly scanned his island for intruders. With a sigh, the jinchuriki stood and started to stretch which produced some popping sounds. The kinks were out, and now it was time to face the one thing Naruto discussed with everyone.

"Seems the Akatsuki is making their move…"

Saiken nodded, and had a frown on his face. "Please don't let them take me."

Utakata let out a rare smile as he spoke. "I've prepared ever since Naruto gathered us…you needn't worry."

The Six Tails went silent as his container puffed on his pipe to encase himself in a bubble. With but a thought, Utakata floated into the air and started to prepare his ambush. An attack which would hopefully take one of the two S-rank nin out. Again, he pushed out his senses to find the Akatsuki members, but Utakata suddenly stopped due to the conversation they were having.

A debate about art, and it was heated from how it seemed to echo around the small island.

"What do you mean my art is fleeting, yah! At least mine goes out with a bang!"

Sasori, who was in his Hiruko body, sighed. "My art actually takes skill and can be repaired, thus everlasting. Yours is but a simple sculpt which vanishes without a trace shortly afterward, thus fleeting….any other questions?"

Deidara had a tick mark on his head as his anger exploded. "I will turn your wooden ass into SPLINTERS! You hear me!? SPLINTERS! Betcha your art won't be repairable after that, you prick, yeah!"

Before Sasori could respond, Utakata did that for them. "Art? Why, I'd be more than glad to show you my own."

As the two Akatsuki members looked up, they suddenly found themselves surrounded by thousands of small bubbles. Bubbles which suddenly exploded in a massive flash of yellow. As the two were blinded, Utakata popped the bubble he was in and dropped into the small lake below to prepare for his next strike.

Deidara's laughter soon echoed throughout the island; both he and Sasori were on a massive clay bird the Iwa Bomber made.

"I already like this gaki…art is such a bang, yeah!"

Completely ignoring his partner, Sasori looked into the dispersing dust cloud below to see if their target was still in the area. The only thing the puppeteer saw was a massive Water Dragon which decapitated Hiruko in one shot.

"To think I would have to resort to my own body this early…"

As Sasori jumped out of his Hiruko body, only to seal it up as he descended to the ground, he watched Deidara start to bomb the lake with small clay birds. Using this, Utakata created multiple Bubble Clones to attack the Akatuski members while he made his escape to a better location to attack from.

Both clones used the Blinding Bubbles Technique at their opponent, but only one was truly effected. Sasori, being a human puppet and being immune to most poisons, was completely unaffected and quickly dispatched the clone with the hidden flamethrower on his body. It was a short enough time for the puppeteer to see the real Utakata get away.

A large explosion made Sasori pause to look back to see the clone holding its own against Deidara. Said clone was incased in a Bubble Dome which soon wrapped around him only to float into the air a short while later. An aerial battle had begun.

"Seems I will have to capture this jinchuriki all by my lonesome…perhaps I will use my secret weapon, one which hasn't seen daylight for so long."


With Deidara

"Keep still you little shit, yeah!" Deidara shouted as he dodged another round of explosive bubbles.

The Utakata clone kept up his impassive gaze and stayed mute as he sent out another round of Blinding Bubbles. Deidara dodged them with ease thanks to the massive clay bird he was on, then reached into his clay pouch and started kneading it into the appropriate shape. A short while later, the bomber smirked and started throwing his creations.

"C1, yeah!"

Utakata clone narrowed his eyes as he used the bubble to dodge, and deflect the incoming explosive birds. As he dodged, he got closer to Deidara. Once close enough, the clone popped the bubble he was riding in and went to tackle the mad bomber off of his transportation.

Deidara, seeing the incoming clone was ready to activate his C4, when Utakata used Saiken's chakra to increase his falling speed. One Blinding Bubble later, and Deidara started cursing and clutched his eyes in pain.

"You motherfucker, yeah!"

The bubble clone smirked and held up a hand sign, "In your words, art's an explosion…KATSU!"

The bubble clone, and the clay bird Deidara was riding on erupted in a massive fireball which flattened any trees within the vicinity, and caused some of the island to sink due to the shockwave. The tremors of which was felt by Utakata and Sasori who just started to fight.


With Sasori

A wave of poisoned senbon was launched at Utakata who effortlessly dodged and retaliated with a massive wave of water which he spit out of his mouth. Not deterred in the slightest, Sasori used his chakra threads to grapple a nearby tree branch to lift himself to safety. Once on the branch, he was ready to unseal his secret puppet, but soon had to dodge a round of exploding bubbles. As the puppeteer jumped from branch to branch, many thoughts ran through his wooden mind.

"Our target is well prepared which begs the question as to if the jinchuriki met; something which Tobi told us was impossible."

Explosions behind him, Sasori positioned himself higher into the canopy and unsealed a scroll which contained one of his puppets. Before it could be unleashed, however, a Bubble Clone appeared and connected with a haymaker which sent Sasori plummeting to the ground below. The real Utakata was ready to deliver a round of Ink Bubbles to finish his opponent off, but his senses alerted him to building chakra below him. With distaste, Utakata sighed and substituted with his clone just as the explosion went off.

"Art's a bang, yeah!" Deidara said with a smirk, then looked to his recovering partner. "Hah, seems your wooden ass took a beating, yeah."

"Shut-up Deidara, just cover me while I get to work."

Utakata looked at the incoming bomber with a frown. "Saiken, you have my permission."

Said bijuu nodded, "As you wish."

Just as Deidara was to throw his explosive creations, a massive wave of chakra exuded from his target which sent him back toward the ground. After recovering, he looked over to see Sasori unsealing the Third Kazekage but that attention was turned elsewhere as a large shadow overcame him.

Looking up, Deidara summarized the current situation perfectly. As there, standing in all its glory, was the Six Tails himself.

"Ah shit, yeah!"


Kiri – Yagura's Office

Yagura was currently pacing his office as Kabuto and one of his ANBU gave their reports. For Kabuto, his report detailed the success of his experimental gas and also on the dwindling numbers of Mei's rebellion force. He also notified that Zetsu spotted the Akuma no Senshi and a small band of forces headed this way. For the ANBU, he notified Yagura of new entrants that needed to be placed as soon as possible.

"Kabuto," Yagura sat at his desk and began in his usual tone, "I thank you for your report, but if you think I should fear this demonic samurai, you are sorely mistaken. With Mei's forces almost extinguished, he will spend most of the time trying to help them as his honor dictates. That honor, will be his biggest downfall."

Kabuto decided to voice his concern, "But, he has complete the control of the Nine Tails…you don't stand a chance against such a foe."

Yagura glared at the man, disdain was clear as he spoke. "SILENCE! I will hear no more of your petty concerns. Unless you wish to be a victim of your own experiment, I expect full cooperation for any future assignments I give."

Kabuto inwardly snarled at the gall this Kage had. However, the man simply bowed and stormed out of the office. It was here, that the ANBU looked into Yagura's fierce gaze and instantly knew what the Kage wanted.

"Lord Yagura, these new entrants are most surprising. Most have limited chakra reserves, but others would do well to bolster our forces. One has peaked my interest and I would like initiate them into our ANBU corps."

The jinchuriki hummed in thought as he drummed his fingers on the desk. After a long silence, Yagura finally spoke; his anger subsided.

"Have you screened them all, interrogated them to see what they know?" The ANBU nodded. "Good, anyone in particular that I should know about?"

With hesitation, and a stutter in his voice, "…W-Well, yes, but he had no signs that he ever joined the shinobi corps due to his chakra levels, that and his bloodline is not active."

One again, a stern glare was pointed towards the ANBU. "Speak, or your life is forfeit."

"K-Kaguya, sir, a survivor of the massacre."

Yagura paused as he digested this information, it wasn't long until his anger exploded. "WHAT! I want that man detained and executed immediately!"

The ANBU blinked in shock, "B-But sir!"

"Are you questioning my orders?" Yagura said as a Three-Tail cloak started to surround him.

No words were spoken as the ANBU bowed and left the office. His thoughts, however, were a different story.

"My loyalty to my Kage is no more…to think he would kill but an innocent civilian. I must notify the Kaguya immediately."

As the ANBU shunshined to his target, he had no idea the role he would soon play in helping end the war in Kiri.


With the Sound Five

Jirobo, Kidomaru, Tayuya, Sakon and Ukon, and Kimimaro were all gathered in a hotel they each rented for their mission. Each had undergone training after being let out of Ame's prison as they had to relearn almost everything due to not having their curse seal anymore. A result of this training, however, was a better understanding between each other which showed when they each worked together to take down an opponent. An opponent which was their former master Orochimaru. A person that the Sound Five beat nine times out of 10 during spars.

Before they entered Kiri, chakra suppression seals were applied as well as a seal to halt any bloodline being activated. Shizuka assured them that these seals were temporary and could be removed with a couple hand signs and chakra application. Said seals were also made with a chakra reactive ink so they were all but invisible to everyone, minus the Sound Five of course. Once they entered Kiri, each were screened and soon given a job.

Kimimaro ended up getting a job at a weapon's store, Jirobo got a job at a smithy, Tayuya got a job at a bakery, Sakon and Ukon got a job at a shinobi clothing store, and lastly, Kidomaru got a job busing tables at the local tea shop.

Even though they have only been on the job for less than a day, they already started to see that some civilians held strong beliefs against Yagura. It was something they hoped to exploit soon. Currently, the Sound Five was having a conversation which revolved around what Tayuya overheard her boss saying before her shift was over.

"I'm not shitting you, that's what she said…she wanted to start a group to protest against Yagura's reign."

Jirobo, although he hated Tayuya's swearing, knew the advantages of this information. "Dirty mouth aside, we should keep this information in the back of our heads as we go about our operation."

Kimimaro, the soft-spoken one of the group, nodded. "And once we gather enough information, we set up the events to push Kiri into total civil war…Yagura won't know what hit him."

"Too bad my brother can't come out and play." Sakon started with an annoyed tone. "He would be great for spying purposes."

Kidomaru looked around the place and noticed a small salamander native to the area walking about the floor. Without a thought, he picked it up and showed the creature to everyone. With a smile, he spoke.

"Which is why we have these little guys." After letting the salamander go, his voice became stern. "Like Jirobo said, we continue our operation and then, like my art, we create a web for the enemies to stick to…their death will then be absolute."

Before anymore talking could be had, Kimimaro suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked to the nearby dark corner of the room. Jirobo, being the strongest and closest to the target, acted without hesitation and brought the eavesdropper into the light.

"Well, well, well, it's that motherfucker that brought us to be interrogated." Tayuya sneered.

Jirobo, still holding the ANBU down, looked to Kimimaro for a signal to end this man, but nothing came.

"Let him go, Jirobo, he has not struggled once…I believe he wishes to tell us something." The Kaguya said, his face still devoid of emotion.

Complying with his leader, Jirobo helped the ANBU to a standing position then shoved him towards Kimimaro.

"Kaguya-san." The ANBU started. "I meant no ill will by eavesdropping, I simply came to warn you that Yagura wishes you dead…a deed which I cannot carry out. I can tell, now, that you are not the innocent civilians you portray to be, but a band of fighters that wish to end the evil that is our Kage."

Kimimaro looked down at the ANBU who was bowed low in front of him with a small smile. "Rise, you have no need to bow to me. Stand tall and help us towards a common goal."

As the ANBU stood, Tayuya snorted before she spoke. "Looks like the fucker's going to be on our team after all…so, cough it up shit-stain, what's your plans?"

The Kiri ANBU took off his mask to show a handsome, royal looking face; something which the vulgar Tayuya blushed at.

"My name is Kenshin, and I will do anything in my power to help end Yagura's reign. As leader of the ANBU, I will ensure that my troops stand with me; any who dare stand against will fall by my blade."

Jirobo patted Kenshin on the back with a smile, "Great, now you wouldn't be taking a certain person into ANBU with you perhaps?"

Kenshin rose an eyebrow in question, but nodded nonetheless. "Hai, a samurai/shinobi hybrid." A silence engulfed the room as he connected the dots. "You cheeky bastards…hah…well, if those other samurai/shinobi hybrids I saw enter the hospitals, and shinobi program were part of your group, I guess I picked the leader of them. Damn, who's the mastermind behind this ingenious plan?"

Kimimaro did some hand signs and applied chakra to his seals which deactivated them. He then unsealed a stack of privacy and barrier seals and set them around the room. Using just enough chakra as to not alert Yagura, the seals were active and now the more important information could be gone over.

"Before we begin," The Kaguya started as he sat on the nearby bed, "We must ensure that you are completely loyal to our cause…are you ready to begin?"

Kenshin nodded, and the interrogation began. It would be another hour and a half before the Sound Five felt satisfied to give up the secrets of their operation. The tear between Yagura's forces and Kiri's remaining civilians had begun to spread.


With Han and Roshi

While Fu spent her time in Kumo getting help from Killer B in controlling Chomei's chakra, Han and Roshi just arrived at the site where Utakata and the two Akatsuki battled. The island, to put it lightly, was almost nonexistent. Parts of the island were clearly melted from Saiken's acid breath as was any trees in the vicinity. Demonic chakra still lingered about which made Han and Roshi look at each other with worry. They knew that the battle was fierce, and the fact that Utakata was nowhere to be seen meant that the Akatsuki somehow won. With a slow gait, they carefully panned the island for any trace of their fellow jinchuriki, and after a quick five minute search they had a lead.

Han pointed towards another intact island about 10 miles out which Roshi nodded in acknowledgement. Without hesitation, both used water walking and dashed across the ocean in the hopes of finding Utakata alive.

"We are coming brother, just hold on."


With Sasori and Deidara

Both Akatsuki members were resting in a grove of trees, an injured and unconscious Utakata by their side. As much as they wanted to escape Kiri's borders the same day they captured their target, the battle had been so fierce that both were low on chakra…and missing a few limbs.

Deidara scowled as he held the stump of his right arm while Sasori was repairing his left arm and right leg; all melted off by Saiken's acid. Both knew how lucky they were at completing their assignment.

"Damn six-tails, yeah! Now how am I going to create my masterpieces!?"

Sasori sighed as he finished repairing his arm, then started to move onto his leg. "If only you were a puppet, I could fix you up...then again, you would be a fine specimen; a nice addition to my collection."

Deidara gulped and let out a nervous chuckle, "Heh, now, there's no need for that Sasori-san…my handicap is of no concern, honest, yeah."

As the two Akasuki members halted their conversation and pondered on their next move, Saiken was desperately trying to contact his container.

"Wake up Utakata, please, wake up…I don't want to be taken."

There, amid being poked by Saiken's tendrils, was an unconscious Utakata lying on a flat rock in his mountainous mindscape. The sky was dark and ominous, and the storm clouds occasionally let off a flash of lightning or a boom of thunder. The atmosphere perfectly represented what Utakata was feeling, a feeling which Saiken did not care for; a feeling which made him start to cry tears of acid.

Drip…Hiss.

Drip…Hiss.

Drip…Hiss.

The hissing sound of the rock melting kept up it's slow pace; like a small springtime drizzle. A sound which eventually made Utakata stir from his sleep.

"S-Saiken, is that you?"

"Thank Kami your awake…I'm sorry, but I used too much chakra on that Bijuudama...and…and…I'm such a failure at protecting you." The bijuu sadly stated, the acid tears now being produced at a faster rate.

Utakata rolled his body so that he looked to the dark sky, and to smell the acrid stench of melting rock. The jinchuriki simply sighed with a slight smile on his face.

"You did what you could, Saiken, and for that I am proud. If it means we are to become a martyr for peace, then so be it."

As much as Saiken wanted to fight, he knew that both their chakra was low and that Utakata was seriously injured in the real world. A tense silence ensued until it was broken by the boom of thunder. It was like the gong of the undertaker, a sign that his next victim was ready to be taken. Nothing was said between bijuu and container, a simple friendly embrace was all that was needed.

Sasori finished repairing his leg, and stood up with a sigh. After moving around a bit to ensure everything was 100%, he nodded then motioned to his partner.

"Deidara, set up some traps…we have incoming."

The Iwa Bomber dug into what chakra he had left and made a perfect clay clone of himself which disguised itself as Utakata. Afterwards, he made a massive clay bird for travel and subsequently collapsed to the ground; Deidara's chakra was almost depleted.

Sasori, having no concerns, picked up the real Utakata and placed him on the bird, then did the same to his partner. With that, they flew off to another hiding spot, but did so at a low altitude so they were not seen. It was just in time too as Han and Roshi came to the island to see their fellow jinchuriki badly injured. As Roshi started to advance, Han suddenly pulled him back.

"Brother?" Roshi questioned.

Han shook his head, "That is not Utakata, his chakra is off…there is no bijuu chakra present."

Deidara's clone suddenly opened his eyes with a shit-eating grin plastered on his face. "How right you are…art's a blast, yeah! KATSU!"

Both Han and Roshi reacted quickly by erecting two massive Earthen Walls which protected them from the massive explosion. Once the dust cleared, the two jinchuriki desperately looked for any lead where their fellow jinchuriki went. To their utmost dismay, nothing resulted. The sound of the waves hitting the shore was the only thing that broke the silence and brought a sense of realism to the situation.

With heads bowed low, both in respect for their fallen brethren and in sorrow, they made way to where Naruto should have arrived only moments before.


With Naruto, Orochimaru, Yuki, and Shizuka – Mei's Rebellion Outpost

After being escorted by a small group of rebels to the outpost, they were welcomed by Mei Terumi who led them to the operations tent. As they walked, Naruto tried his best not to let tears form at the intense feeling of sorrow and death which surrounded this base. Wounded were still being cared for, some of which were still writhing in pain. There were those that were healthy, but no excited banter happened between them. The looks on their faces was one of a broken man with nothing left to live for. Devoid of life, devoid of emotion; devoid of hope. A whimper by Yuki and a comforting squeeze on his shoulder courtesy of Shizuka brought a small smile to his face, but it still didn't help the feeling he had inside.

"Kit, I've seen suffering in my time, but this…I have no words. How can you help that which has nothing to live for?" Kurama sadly said as he wandered the massive forest in his mindscape.

"…Yet again my path curves, and yet again another obstacle presents itself."

Orochimaru, like Naruto, frowned at what surrounded him. It was eerily reminiscent of the test subjects he used to experiment on. That word, experiment, it brought shivers down his spine and made bad memories of Danzo resurface. It also brought memories of one person in particular.

Kabuto.

The Sennin clenched his fists as he had a feeling that he was behind it all. Just the thought of Kabuto made Orochimaru's skin crawl.

"And to think I taught that…that, vile being what I knew." Orochimaru sighed to himself, and internally frowned. "My past has not been erased, no, not until I kill that man myself."

"-Ochi alright?" Yuki said with a whimper at the end.

The Snake Sennin shook his head and kept on walking; he didn't feel like talking today.

Shizuka and Naruto looked at each other with a raised eyebrow as they didn't understand what was wrong. Orochimaru's past was erased for good, right?

Mei's soft, yet stern voice broke everyone out of their thoughts. "Zabuza and Haku have both presented me, in detail, your plans to end this war. And, to put it simply, it's downright ingenious. However, there is one small problem." Mei turned and looked Naruto in the eyes. "My troop's morale is gone as you saw…that needs to change."

Naruto looked around the camp with a frown, "Hai, but change does not happen overnight, no, what these people need is a new face to look up to…no offense Mei-san."

"None taken, I leave that task up to you Akuma no Senshi."

Naruto nodded, then felt something on the breeze, an aura like that just before Danzo attacked. His eyes suddenly became icebergs while his face became devoid of emotion; something which shocked Mei greatly. Even more so when he spoke in a tone which demanded the utmost respect. It made the rebel leader realize what these past wars had done to Naruto, and why he was regarded with such praise or fear.

"Mei-san, it seems your troops will be getting their morale boost sooner than expected. As much as I would like to join you in our proceedings, I wish to get a feel for this island before the full moon shines upon us all." Naruto bowed. "Good day, Mei-san."

As Naruto left, Mei looked at Shizuka for an answer. All she got was a smirk and a motion to continue onward to her tent. As they did, the rebel leader couldn't help but wonder just what brought about Naruto's sudden change.

Yuki's ears and two tails drooped in sadness. "-Uto OK?"

Shizuka smiled and gave the arctic fox some reassuring ear rubs, "After a man witnesses death twice and lives to tell the tale…I'm sure he will be fine, Yuki."

All conversation stopped as the tent came into view, before she entered, Shizuka could only look towards where her love went. With a smile, she wished him luck and entered the tent as much had to be discussed.


With Naruto

For any wounded Naruto saw, he would pull out a bag that he kept on his person for this mission only and give them a few items. These items were elixirs and medicinal balms that Ino and Hinata helped him make; a craft that he knew would take a while to master. Speaking of which, he still had his fire Ki to learn, yet did not know how to go about it. With a shrug, he pulled out a cigarette as well as a lighter Hiruzen gave him. After the cancer stick was lit, he put the lighter away and took a deep drag. He swirled the smoke around his mouth before he exhaled, creating smoke rings every now and again. With a sigh, he continued walking, giving out medicine and talking to those that wished to chat. These simple gestures helped, but it only did so much.

It was 10 minutes into his walk when Han and Roshi appeared beside Naruto; the rebels didn't even move to see if they were an enemy or not. It was testament to how low morale was.

"Naruto-san, I'm sorry, but we tried." Roshi sadly stated with Han finishing up the report.

"We had a lead, but it only led to a false body…Utakata was taken, the Akatsuki covered any tracks onto where they might have gone."

Naruto took a shaky inhale of his cancer stick, then exhaled before he spoke. "As much as I hate to leave a fellow jinchuriki behind, we must ensure that the others do not suffer the same fate. Go to your next assignments, and pray that Saiken and Utakata have enough in them for one last fight."

Han and Roshi nodded slowly, then turned and did as told. They would do their assignments, but keep a look out for their fellow jinchuriki as well. Naruto, in a fit of frustration, flew into the air and started to train in his aerial combat. Punch after punch, kick after kick; his anger flowed into every strike. A warm sensation overcame his entire body, a sensation which soon grew hotter and hotter. The heat was intense, it made Naruto sweat profusely and with a roar of anger, he thrust both hands forward. The result of which surprised not only him, but also those that watched the spectacle from below.

A massive swath of red-orange flames spewed from Naruto's hands. And once the attack subsided, Naruto realized he was doing something he shouldn't be able to do.

Using two Ki elements at the same time.

"Master is what you have yet to achieve, the one which others will truly believe, in tumultuous times when war is nigh, the perfect samurai will arise. To be the torch to light the way, to peace and longevity; that will be the day. A day which the world will never go astray." A mysterious voice echoed inside his mind.

It was here, that Naruto suddenly went unconscious and plummeted to the ground below.