AN: Well, the chapter a lot of you has been waiting for is here, and I'm loving the reviews about Obito and what he is doing. I'm going for something that not many, if at all, writers on this site has done…no spoilers, though I have given clues as to what might happen. Lastly, when this arc is completed, I will do something I've never done before.

Instead of uploading a chapter once it's completed, I am going to upload Arc 4 and the Epilogue all at one go. Why? I want to ensure that the final chapters flow nicely and are without plot holes. During this time, and even now, I will be going back and editing the ENTIRE story for grammar, missed details, among other things. With almost 900 followers and over 800 favorites, I want to make sure this story is worth rereading as well as appealing to new readers. So, when Arc Three ends and you don't see an update for a month or so keep in mind that this story is still active and not abandoned. I promised you all back in June 2014, when I started this story, that I would finish it and it's nearing the home stretch.

Again, thank you for all the support and I apologize for the lengthy AN. Enjoy the latest installment!


Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, and I am not doing this for profit. All rights go to Kishimoto.

ITALICS – thinking

BOLD – jutsu/demon talk


Arc Three: Home is Where the Heart Lies

Chapter 12


As the sun started to rise above the horizon, a person could be seen on the beach of the island where Mei's rebels have been residing for years. The man was in a meditative position, one that his master had taught him many years ago. His face was as calm as the morning breeze, yet his mind was like that of the waves crashing to shore.

Not only did he get news that Kumo was gone and that Tobi had control of Utakata and Yugito, but today was the day they would strike, to land the final blow to end Yagura's reign. The Sound Five and the Iron Country rebels already reported that the civilians had started to make their moves under the cover of darkness while they went about aiding them in any way they could.

The sun crept higher into the sky, the warmth it blessed the armored figure with brought a smile to his face. He remembered the good in his life, but also remembered how many times he has come close to death.

A cold feeling such as that is something not easily forgotten.

As the sun started to light the Elemental Nations, the man finally broke out of his meditation and stood while taking a deep breath. Soon, his eyes opened. The cold sapphires looked towards the main village where a building higher than the rest could just be seen. He knew who resided in that place, a person he would soon do battle with. With one look back at the sun, he knew it was time.

Like the battle-hardened samurai he was, Naruto stoically made his way back into camp to ensure that the troops were ready to go.

"Kit." Kurama started, a smile on his face. "I have faith that you will rescue my brother, Isobu, but I will not think of you any less if you must strike the killing blow."

Naruto mentally smiled back. "I hope it won't come to that, Kurama. The last I wish to do is kill one of my own."

As Naruto came back into camp, he found the rebels in perfect squads with Mei and the others leading one of them. For Hinata, Neji, Kiba, and Choji, they, like others, were chatting about their orders.

The village was split into sectors; north, east, west, and south. Each sector would be covered by the four rebel squads with the Konoha group backing up any that needed it. With only two underwater caverns, one on the east end, the other on the south, Naruto knew it was going to be tricky to get the north and west squad in position to stage their ambushes. Luckily, the hospital was in-between those sectors which will act as cover once it blew. As for any innocents inside, they were already moved to safe-houses.

Naruto was brought out of his thoughts when he felt someone scratching his leg. Looking down, he couldn't help but smile at how excited Yuki was.

"Ready Yuki? Today's the day you show the world what you're truly made of." Naruto said as he scratched behind the arctic fox's ears.

"-eady, Uto! Yuki kick ass!"

Naruto, and others who heard, stifled the laugh that tried to come out. After another scratch behind the ears, Naruto's professional attitude returned as he made his way towards each of the squads.

"Sound off!"

"North squad, ready to go Commander Harumasa!"

"South squad ready, Commander!

"East squad ready and willing!"

"West squad suited up and ready to go, sir!"

Naruto nodded then looked to the Konoha group where Kiba gave a thumbs up. It wasn't professional by any means, but it was enough for Naruto.

"Good, everyone is accounted for. Mei, Ao, Zabuza, Haku, Shizuka, are you ready to lead these brave men and women?"

"Hai Commander!" They all chorused which made Naruto nod in approval.

"Before we depart to take back what is rightfully yours, take a good hard look at those around you. Shake their hands, wish them the best of luck, and never forget their faces for the sacrifice they might make today." Naruto said as he paced back and forth, his hands clasped behind his back.

"You were all but hopeless and ready to resign to the Shinigami's cold clutches when I arrived, but now you breathe new life! You all have a vision, a vision of what the new Kiri will be like, of what your future may hold. Grasp onto that whilst you battle and never let it go. May it guide you to victory this day, and may it defeat those that dare stand against us!"

As everyone started cheering, a smile was brought to his face. Even more so when Shizuka hugged him from behind and kissed his cheek.

"Good luck out there Naruto-kun, perhaps we will have some free time later on."

Naruto smirked as he knew what Shizuka meant. "You little vixen…"

The two shared a heated kiss where they soon found their tongues fighting for dominance. Before they could get too intimate, a certain fox made them break apart.

"Uto, Uka get room!"

Naruto and Shizuka looked at Yuki then everyone else and immediately became as red as a tomato. A hue which intensified as Zabuza spoke.

"Woo hoo! Way to go gaki!"

Mei held in a snicker as she spoke. She knew the two wouldn't speak for a little while.

"C'mon everyone, let's get to those caverns ASAP…fall behind and I'll melt you!"

As the squads started to leave, Naruto motioned for Shizuka to go with them; after another peck on the cheek, she left. Once a certain distance away, Naruto turned to look at Fu and Killer B to see slight concern on their faces. The sight of which made him sigh.

"Look, I'm just as frustrated as you are when it comes to Obito and we will do our damnedest to get them back. For now, let's just focus on the task at hand." Seeing the two nod made a small smile come to Naruto's face. "Come, we have a brother to rescue."


Kiri

Kimimaro held up a fist to make the civilians behind him hold their position to allow some loyalists to rush past the alleyway they were hiding in. Once passed, the last Kaguya motioned forward towards the academy they were trying to get to. Once there, they were tasked to eliminate anyone for Yagura's cause while detaining the rest. As his group, and countless other civilians, moved into position he couldn't help but chuckle at what took place before the sun started to rise.

About 100 Yagura loyalists created a ruckus in the civilian district to gain everyone's attention. Once a group had formed, the civilians were shocked to see them ready to perform a group seppuku. The reason, as one loyalist stated, was to atone for the many sins they committed over the years. Though, just as they were about to perform the gruesome display, Kenshin, the leader of the ANBU, showed up and decided to take a gamble. He briefly went over their plan then asked if any would be willing to show how committed they were to keeping this away from those still loyal to Yagura.

Five of the 100 didn't hesitate and committed suicide. Needless to say, the civilians and everyone else was impressed. They were far from accepting the once loyalists, but the civilian's knew that it was a good start.

Back with Kimimaro's group, they just arrived at the academy where Iron Country rebels and ex-loyalists helped them gain access by killing any guards nearby. Knowing that class was just starting, everyone broke into groups of five and chose a classroom to raid.

Kimimaro looked at the four civilians with him and motioned to the door they were at. With a silent count of three, the last Kaguya kicked the door off its hinges then quickly raised his hands and shot Finger Drilling Bullets at those that decided to rush him with a kunai. All 10 bullets hit true, square between the eyes. For the students in the class, seeing their guards and teachers being killed put fear into their hearts; there was no will to fight.

"Come along children." A civilian said as he wiped the bloody kunai in his hands on one of the corpse's shirt. "The bad people are all gone now, Yagura can't hurt you no more."

For most of the classrooms, this scene played out which made the children hesitant to go with them. However, after some coaxing with the promise of making each and every one as strong as the Seven Swordsmen, the students quickly obliged and followed the civilians to one of their many safe houses.

Just as the students exited the academy, explosions started going off around the village, and the sounds of battle began to overwhelm the morning silence. A battle Kimimaro soon was part of as he had to duck to avoid a Water Bullet. Not deterred, the Kaguya shifted his loose-fitting kimono where it wouldn't interfere with what he was about to do. With a hint of a smile, he made bones extend from various areas of his body as he watched the group of 20 Yagura loyalists come his way.

Just as the group started hand signs for jutsu, with some deciding to use their tanto, Kimimaro rushed forward and danced like a willow shaken by the wind. As the Dance of the Willow commenced, the hospital nearby erupted in a massive fireball which sent debris flying. As Kimimaro dodged, parried, and killed his opponents, his grin widened as he knew what that meant.

Mei, Naruto, and the others were finally here.


East Sector

The east squad, led by Shizuka and backed up by Neji, finally entered the village from the underwater caverns to find that battles between civilians and Yagura loyalists had already started. Using this to their advantage, Shizuka pointed to nearby rooftops.

"Use height to your advantage, we go once my katana is raised." She quietly said into her radio.

"Orders received, Shizuka-san." Many others acknowledged back.

As the rebels silently scattered towards the rooftops, the civilians down below were staring to be pushed back. Screams of the wounded and dying filled the air along with an occasional explosion of those that decided to use themselves as suicide bombers.

"Hold the line!" A civilian shouted, but was quickly silenced when a kunai embedded between his eyes.

"Push forward…for Yagura!" The loyalists shouted back.

As they did, Shizuka rose her katana in the air. With a thunderous roar, the rebels leaped from their vantage point which took the loyalists completely by surprise.

They didn't even have time to relay back to get orders from Yagura.

As the rebels descended, kunai were launched which found their marks. Tanto and various swords were used to behead and block any enemies that managed to survive the ambush. And Earth and Water Bullets were thrown about like candy at a parade. Occasionally these two jutsu clashed to create a tsunami of mud which trapped anyone that would be in its path.

For Shizuka, just as she landed, she quickly showed the loyalists the skills she had as a samurai/shinobi hybrid. With the speed and ferocity of a feline, Shizuka used her blade as an extension of herself and started to hack away at the enemy without a hint of emotion. Heads rolled, limbs were severed, and blood soon began to run like a river out of the alley way she was currently fighting in. Try as the loyalists might, within a minute of Shizuka starting her dance, 30 corpses lay at her feet.

Fear started to creep into their minds, though some remained undeterred.

Quickly pivoting on the balls of her feet, Shizuka raised her katana to block an overhead strike. As they fought for dominance, she let a smirk form as she started to run through one-handed signs.

"Water Bullet Jutsu!"

The loyalist gasped in shock then fell to the ground like a wooden plank; a bloody hole where his heart used to be. With bloodlust rolling off Shizuka in waves, as well as an immense killing intent, she looked to the ten remaining loyalists who attacked her with a crazed smirk.

"So, who's next on my list?" She said then flicked the blood off her blade which spattered on their faces.

It was too much for these ten loyalists, and they promptly ran away in fear. Though they ran, the loyalists didn't stand a chance as Shizuka raised her fist, added chakra to it, and punched the ground using Tsunade's super strength. However, this was far from the Sennin's earthquake producing punch, no, Shizuka managed to spice it up during the time they were with the rebels.

As the ground buckled and cracked, a bulge was seen in the earth as it raced towards the fleeing enemies. Once close, the bulge erupted out of the ground to reveal what looked to be a gaping maw. A maw which soon spit out a barrage of Earth Spikes and mercilessly impaled the fleeing loyalists.

None survived.

The sounds of fighting suddenly ceased in the sector as everyone turned towards Shizuka with wide eyes. The next two words she spoke would forever cement her legacy in the Elemental Nations.

"Gaia's Wrath."

Fear was now firmly planted into any Yagura loyalists still left standing, so much so that they quickly laid down their arms and surrendered. After the shock wore off, the civilians and Mei's rebels began cheering which brought a smile to Shizuka's face. It hadn't even been 10 minutes, and the sector was now out of Yagura's jurisdiction.

As the prisoners were rounded up, a playful punch on her right shoulder broke her from her mental celebration. As Shizuka looked to see who it was, she blushed in embarrassment.

"Ten, Shizuka, I only managed to kill ten yet here you kill a small platoon with ease…I sometimes wonder why I even still hold onto my belief that fate controls everything." Neji dejectedly said, an emotionless pout on his face.

Hearing no response, Neji looked to the pile of mutilated corpses in the nearby alleyway and winced. With a sigh, he decided to try and inject some humor into the situation.

"And did you have to be so messy? At least my kills were clean…see, no blood on me."

Shizuka looked at her hands that were stained with blood and evilly smirked as an idea came to mind. Neji's eyes widened as he realized what was about to take place, but he was too late to react.

After cleaning her hands on Neji's white kimono, she looked at him with a sly smirk and started to walk away. A tick mark appeared on the Hyuga's forehead as he looked down at the bright red display.

"Why does fate hate me so!?"


South Sector

Much like the east sector, once the group exited the tunnels they found that the fighting already started. However, this group of Yagura loyalists was much stronger as most of the Sound Five was there as well as Kiri ANBU agents was there fighting against them. Zabuza and Haku, who were both leading the group, quickly barked out orders. Instead of an ambush like planned, they all readied explosive kunai while Zabuza ran forward to show the allies that backup was here.

As Haku watched his father figure hack and slash away at the opposition, he waited to see recognition on part of the Sound Four and the ANBU before he allowed his squad to launch the kunai. One ANBU managed to catch glimpse of the backup and quickly signed to others with a code that Kenshin made up and taught to everyone including the civilians. The allies now acknowledged what would happen which made Haku raise his hand in the air, then drop it shortly afterward.

The morning sun was blotted out by a sudden black swarm which made the opposition look up, only to have fear overcome them at what was about to rain down upon them. However, as they tried to run, any ANBU with an earth affinity created walls around the enemy then quickly shunshined out of the blast radius to join their fellow allies.

Although not all the kunai managed to hit flesh, those that hit the wall and exploded created deadly shrapnel which basically turned the walled sector into one giant blender. Once the explosions calmed down and the dust started to clear, the allies were prepared to face any whom survived the deadly attack.

Tayuya cheered as she watched the fireworks, but soon she, and the other members of the Sound Five looked at their feet. All four jumped back and flung a kunai at the same exact time. Just as the Yagura loyalists popped from the ground, they found a kunai embedded in their foreheads.

"Motherfucker interrupting my firework show…that'll teach him!"

Jirobo shook his head and sighed, "Language Tayuya."

Kidomaru and Sakon chuckled as Tayuya huffed and crossed her arms, some other allies following suit. However, that laughter wasn't for long as more enemies started to pop from the ground.

The battle was back on.

Sakon and his brother Ukon quickly split apart then grasped each other's stone-like arms and started to run at the approaching enemy. Their tag-team clothesline was jumped over, but that was exactly what they wanted. Sakon grasped Ukon's other hand and spun him around, only to launch him at the unsuspecting loyalist. Ukon couldn't help but grin and cackle in glee when his stone-like fist met cheek bone which sent the person flying.

"Hey Jirobo, catch!" Sakon yelled out which made the man turn to see incoming.

The Sound Five member grinned as he effortlessly caught the enemy by the face only to fling him toward Kidomaru and return to those he was fighting.

"You're up Kidomaru!"

Having his other four arms fight the loyalists attacking him, he unsealed his bow and arrow, pulled the string back, and launched the projectile which struck the helpless bastard through the heart.

"Woo! Still got it…now to deal with these other pests!"

After sealing his bow and arrow, Kidomaru bit one of his thumbs, then slammed his hand on the ground.

"Summoning: Kyodaigumo!"

A puff of smoke engulfed the area, only to clear to show what looked like a massive tarantula.

"Kill it with fire!" A loyalist with arachnophobia screamed as he prepared a fire jutsu.

A jutsu that failed as Kidomaru spat out some webbing to tie up his hands then did so to their feet. As the others joined in, they received the same fate. Before he could say anything, he sighed and unsealed his bow and arrow once again. Without even looking, he fired three arrows off, each hitting their airborne target through the head.

"A little heads up would be nice Jirobo!?" The spider-like man said with a tick mark.

Jirobo heard the remark which made him smirk, but he never replied. He was having too much fun using his strength to upheave the earth and crush any Yagura loyalist in his path. A whimper brought Kidomaru back to reality only to see that the one afraid of spiders had pissed themselves thanks to Kyodaigumo staring them in the face. After a snort of amusement, Kidomaru started to walk away to find other prey.

"Enjoy your breakfast Kyo, just dispel when you're done!"

If the massive spider could've grinned it would have done so.

The enemy's screams didn't last long.

With everyone working in tandem, the enemy opposition didn't last long. Within 20 minutes, the sector was no longer under Yagura's control.


With Yagura – Office

The Kage snarled as he looked at the reports he was given by his personal guards as well as some of his forces on the field.

The first report that came through was that the academy had been overrun and the children evacuated to an unknown area. Any teachers and shinobi guards loyal to him were dead, and his brainwash tactics used on the future generation would now be reversed. The second was by the hospital exploding in a fireball followed by the sounds of increased battle below. This was followed by Yagura learning that his ANBU and some of his own soldiers turned against him and was now aiding Mei's rebellion force. The most recent was word that the eastern and southern parts of the village were now in allied control with prisoners taken.

Simply put, Yagura was pissed.

It was an emotion that did not mix well with his unstable jinchuriki status, a mix which usually led to wanton destruction.

Just as he was about to get out of his chair and show these peons what happens when you push the wrong buttons, his office exploded as did part of the Kage Tower. It wasn't but a minute later that a blast of malevolent chakra was felt by the entire village. A blast so powerful that it destroyed the rest of the Kage tower and scattered its remains around the area.

What it revealed was Yagura in his two tailed state.

His anger was so palpable, that the veins on his neck bulged out while his fists were clenched so tightly they bled. Looking around to see who caused this debacle, Yagura spotted a blond samurai calmly sitting in the seiza position enjoying his cigarette and petting a two tailed fox with two others standing beside him.

"I WILL TAKE GREAT PLEASURE IN GUTTING YOU, BOY!"

Naruto didn't respond, though he did clean his right ear out with his pinky finger. An action which further enraged the already angered jinchuriki. As the ground started to shake at Yagura's advance, Naruto looked at Fu and Killer B then Yuki and nodded.

"Fu, B, I know you wish to fight, but I fear that the North and West sectors need your help…Yuki, go with them and show them how much ass you kick."

"Uto be OK?"

Naruto couldn't help but smile at how worried his companion was. "I will be, and if you see Shizuka say hi for me."

As the shaking intensified, Fu grabbed Yuki then all three shunshined out of the area to let Naruto do his thing. After flicking his cigarette away, he grasped Honjo and waited for the right moment to strike.

Ten seconds later, Yagura was on Naruto, but it only took less than one for Naruto to strike and be standing behind his opponent.

The wind whistled through the street they were in, a sound interrupted by the click of Honjo returning to its sheath. The squelch of flesh parting and blood spurting out was heard next followed by the pain filled screams of Yagura. As Naruto returned to his seiza position, the Mizukage looked down to see a nasty gash going from his left hip, all the way to his right shoulder. It was here Yagura felt an emotion he thought wasn't possible.

Fear.

"If not for my bijuu cloak, I would have been sliced in two!"

"I purposely held back, Yagura." Naruto's suddenly spoke. "I wish not to kill a fellow jinchuriki this day."

Yagura, partly in fear, and partly in anger, decided to go for broke and let his bijuu take full control. After roaring in Naruto's face, the bijuu looked directly into his eyes and was surprised to see the samurai not even flinch once.

"I know you are in there, Isobu, wanting to be free of the chains that bind you…Kurama would enjoy having his brother back."

For a moment, it looked like the bijuu was ready to accept help, but it was here that Yagura took control. Using wind to propel him into the air, Naruto barely dodged a swipe by one of Isobu's claws.

"Kurama, how dense is Isobu's armor?" Naruto said in curiosity which made the fox snort.

"Kit, even my bijuudama barely cracked his armor. Hell, we played bijuudama tag every once and a while…had to quit though when we almost blew up a village."

Naruto mentally sweat dropped. "Childhood moment aside…I believe this would be a good test to see if Honjo lives up to its legend."

At first what Naruto said didn't registered, but once it did Kurama gawked. Before he could speak, however, Naruto cut the connection. The nine-tails could only watch with bated breath as Naruto descended with Honjo at the ready. Just as he was about to thrust the Masamune into the shell of Isobu, Kurama couldn't help but laugh when Naruto was bashed aside by one of his brother's tails.

"Karma's a bitch, kit!"

Naruto, who just crashed through a nearby building, groaned as he held his head. If not for Shizuka's durability seals, his armor would have been cracked in several places or broken all together.

"Sometimes I wonder if the lessons Master Fukui taught me about patience really stuck…seems old childhood habits are hard to contain. Oh, and Kurama…muzzle."

The fox's laughter was instantly ceased when a muzzle was placed over his large snout. The poor bijuu couldn't even roar in disgust.

"So help me Kami, when I get out of this accursed contraption…"

Without hesitation, Naruto activated his Kyuubi cloak and flashed right in front of the three tails with his right fist cocked back. Before the bijuu could react, Naruto punched the beast in the face which sent it skidding back into some nearby buildings. Another flash, but this time Naruto had a mini Bijuudama in his hand which was used to uppercut Isobu. While the explosion flattened any nearby buildings and created a crater in the street, the three tails was sent flying into the air. As Naruto flew after Isobu, he thought he could potentially knock the genjutsu loose to where Yagura could finally see reason and end this farce. However, that was not to be as Isobu curled into a ball and started to spin in midair; eventually managing to launch itself towards Naruto.

Eyes wide, Naruto quickly sheathed Honjo and held up both his hands in the hope that a powerful wind blast would halt the bijuu wrecking ball's momentum. It did nothing of the sort, and if not for flashing out of the way, Naruto would likely have been nothing but a pile of mush on the ground. Speaking of which, Isobu deepened the crater already made in the street and used the dust it produced to launch out multiple water bullets at Naruto.

"I really need to follow that scroll's advice…not being able to use two Ki elements at once is becoming quite the annoyance." Naruto thought as he used his wind Ki to dodge the incoming projectiles.

Having enough of this game, Naruto flashed onto Isobu's head and spat a massive ball of fire out of his mouth. It landed directly on the unprotected flesh of the neck which made the bijuu thrash around and scream in agony.

"Sorry Isobu, but this is for your own good!" Naruto yelled then took out Honjo ready to end Isobu's suffering.

Before the blow could be struck, the bijuu suddenly bucked its head forwards which sent Naruto off Isobu's head. Before the Uzumaki could flash away, however, he was caught in the three-tail's powerful jaws. As Naruto started to feel the crushing pressure exerted on his body, his eyes shut in pain, he realized that Honjo was held in that only hand that was free. Seeing the bijuu look at him gave Naruto an idea, but it would be a risky move.

He only had one shot.

Praying to his master and Kami to give him the luck and strength he needs, Naruto lashed out with the Masamune. As Isobo roared in pain at having its only eyeball sliced in half, the pressure was released on Naruto which was enough for him to flash away. However, his victory was short lived as the bijuu started to charge up for an attack Naruto knew all too well.

"Kurama!" Hearing no response made Naruto remember the muzzle. "He is going to be so pissed."

Sure enough, once the muzzle was removed, Kurama roared which shook the entire mindscape; the birds in the trees instantly taking to the skies.

"If Isobu doesn't gut you first, I will be the one taking great pleasure in doing so!"

Naruto mentally sighed, "I apologize, but your incessant laughing was ruining my concentration on the fight…one which I will lose if you don't allow me to go full form."

Kurama smirked as he saw what his brother was doing, it was a smirk that Naruto didn't like.

"You have that durability seal, why not test it out?"

Naruto's eyes widened, but before he could retort the Bijuudama was launched his way. There was no way of dodging it or getting out of the blast radius in time. Just before the attack connected, Naruto could only cross his arms and close his eyes in the hope that Shizuka's fuinjutsu skills would come out on top.


North Sector

When Fu and Yuki arrived at the North Sector, the place was in chaos. Multiple civilians and rebels lay dead on the street and against surrounding buildings. Blood was spattered against walls like a fresh coat of paint, some dripping to join the small stream which ran down the street. The stench of iron and death was unimaginable as was those still fighting without an arm or a leg. It truly showed how dedicated the two factions were when it came to their ideals.

Fu, seeing the rebels and civilians being pushed back and about to lose this fight, quickly got to work.

"Yuki, not sure what you can do, but give it your all…I'll cover."

What happened next was something Fu was not expecting. Yuki growled and started to glow red, the aura she put out was like that of Kurama's. The fighting stopped for a brief moment to see who was behind such an evil presence, but once they saw what it was, Yagura's loyalists started to laugh.

Yuki narrowed her now amethyst eyes in disgust. How dare these humans laugh at me! How dare they think I am but a weak animal! One of the loyalists started to slowly walk towards Yuki with a smug smile. A smile which was erased when Yuki blew a massive fireball from her mouth which impacted the loyalist's face. As they were screaming in agony, Yuki vanished and proceeded to tear out the loyalist's throat; her white fur now stained red.

"YUKI NO WEAK!"

Fu could only blink in shock as she watched the arctic fox start to tear Yagura's forces limb from limb, sometimes impaling them with her tails.

"Chomei…remind me never to piss off your brother."

Said bijuu smirked as she knew Kurama's anger all too well. "Heh, you should've been there when we pulled pranks on him…oh how he loathed the laughs he got."

The jinchuriki's eyes widened as she connected the dots. "Kurama hates being saw as weak, doesn't he?"

Chomei nodded as she tried to hold off her laughter, but it eventually failed. As laughter filled her mind, Fu got her answer. Shaking her head in mirth, she rushed off to help Yuki finish off Yagura's forces.

Ao, who was in command of this group, knew that he was the cause for the failed ambush. A move which resulted in backup being called in and them almost getting slaughtered as a result. Just as he was about to call for a tactical retreat, the sight of Yuki tearing the opposition limb from limb brought new hope for him and the others.

A war cry rang out, and the battle started anew.

Blades clashed, jutsu flew about, and soon the enemy numbers started to dwindle. But that didn't mean there were still casualties on the allied end as well, something which Ao almost became a part of. Being so focused on the enemy in front of him, and not using his hidden Byakugan, made him miss the loyalist ready to behead him from behind. Luckily for him, Yuki saw what was about to happen and tripped the person up then blew a fireball in their face point blank.

Ao sighed in relief as he finished off his enemy then turned to the blood soaked fox with a smile.

"Thank you, Yuki."

The fox smiled and innocently replied, "Yuki kick ass!"

It didn't take long until the sector was back in allied hands, but it was also at this time that a massive explosion took place near the Kage Tower.

"Naruto/Uto!" Fu and Yuki yelled as they quickly ran towards the blast site to see if he was OK.


West Sector

Much like the North Sector, this one was overrun with Yagura's troops. The only difference, however, was that Mei was the one leading which was proving to be quite effective. Thanks to most of the rebels having a water or wind affinity, Mei's lava and boil release jutsu were bolstered.

During the initial ambush, Mei used her Skilled Mist Technique which was helped along by multiple Great Breakthrough being performed. Not only was the opposition knocked down, but the acidic properties of the mist started to eat away at their skin. Another time would be when Mei shot out multiple Lava Bullets at the loyalist's feet where they hardened when they came in contact with a Water Bullet or a Water Trumpet. This made the opposition easy targets due to their immobility.

All in all, Mei's group was very cohesive and slowly pushing Yagura's forces back. However, even Mei knew that her forces could do so much. Something which was evident by the occasional rebel casualty.

Hinata just got done performing an Eight Trigrams: 64 Palms to a loyalist, the last strike ruptured his heart. She then turned and quickly fired off a Water Dragon towards an incoming group with minimal hand signs thanks to her high water affinity. It was here that she ducked to avoid an overhead slash, but then placed her hands on the ground and performed a super kick to the bottom of the person's chin. A sickening snap was heard followed by the muffled thump as the now dead loyalist hit the ground. With a deep breath, she calmed herself and looked around as she stood. After nodding at a job well done, she ran towards Mei to see if anything else needed to be done. As she left, Hinata discreetly threw a kunai towards one of the roofs.

A dead Yagura loyalist soon fell to the ground below, a kunai between their eyes.

It was at this point Killer B arrived to find, much to his disappointment, that Mei basically had everything handled. That didn't mean that he couldn't put on a little show.

Once he pulled out his eight swords and placed them where they needed to be, he ran towards the remaining opposition while screaming his famous line.

"I float like a butterfly, and sting like a bee! Weee!"

The remaining loyalists stood no chance against Killer B's speed and unique kenjutsu style. Like the other sectors, this one also fell under allied control. Before any celebration could be done, however, a massive explosion took place where the Kage Tower was. Concerned, B sheathed his blades and ran off to see if Naruto was OK.


With Naruto

Naruto slowly opened his eyes and blinked a few times to see if he was still alive. After looking around, he noticed that around him was a massive crater and the entire center of the village was destroyed. The place he stood, however, was still intact. Naruto finally uncrossed his arms and started to laugh.

"My fair maiden's seal worked!" The laughter ceased and a seductive smirk came to his face. "Oh yeah, Shizuka's definitely getting the royal treatment tonight."

The roar of Isobu brought Naruto out of his semi-perverted thoughts and back to focusing on the battle ahead. Without even saying a word, Kurama already linked up with him and soon the Kyuubi rose once again just like it did in Iwa a little over a year ago.

With a roar of his own, Naruto and Kurama launched themselves towards the three-tailed turtle intent on finally ending the genjutsu on Yagura. As the two bijuu traded blows with one another, destroying more of the village as they went, Fu, B, and Yuki arrived on scene.

"Yuki, go find Kiba and Choji and make sure they are OK while we help Naruto." Fu ordered.

"Yuki go!"

As the arctic fox scampered off, Killer B looked to Fu and nodded. Soon, all of Kiri bore witness to not two, but four bijuu being in their village at the same time. It was history in the making, and they had the front seats to the biggest show of them all.

Using his tentacles, Gyuki grabbed Isobu and threw him out of the village and onto one of the many islands nearby. Just like old times, Chomei, Kurama, and Gyuki ran towards their brother like it was one massive game of tag. However, this was no game and the stakes were much higher.

Just as Isobu recovered, the bijuu was hit with Chomei's Spear Attack Shining Horn which plowed the three-tails deep into the ground. Following up was Kurama who swiped his claws to produce a Nine-Tails Twister which destroyed the island and sent Isobu into the air. Lastly was Gyuki who fired a Biju Bomb Barrage at the airborne target. The flash of the multiple explosions was like a second sun, the sound produced was deafening, but through it all you could hear Isobu roar in pain.

Soon, the bijuu splashed down into the sea only to resurface a short while later with confusion written all over his face.

"Brothers, Sister…where am I?"

Instead of Kurama, Chomei, and Gyuki answering, they let their hosts have control back. While Naruto and Chomei hovered in the air, Killer B used chakra to stand on the water.

"You've been controlled for years, Isobu." Naruto finally answered with sadness. "Don't you remember an orange masked man before darkness consumed you?"

"Mask…mask…I'm not sure, everything's fuzzy." Isobu yawned. "Hmm, I'm tired…time to let Yagura have control back. Night everyone!"

Fu quickly flew over and plucked the unconscious Yagura out of the sea and sighed as she knew what the Mizukage would do once he awoke and if he remembered the horrors he caused. It wasn't just her that knew, but Naruto and Killer B as well.

The trip back to Kiri was silent as the three contemplated their next move.


With Obito

The Uchiha grasped his head as pain suddenly overcame him. He knew what had happened, but the loss didn't bother him one bit, in fact, the good news has kept coming in. It has been over a week since he told the rest of the Akatsuki to go forth to the small villages and slay any in their path. News of this quickly spread across the Elemental Nations, and tensions against his organization was beginning to strain.

"All I need is one more push, one more to bring this Nation to war once again..."


Konoha – Kage Tower

Nagato slammed his hands on the desk in anger as he read the most recent report given to him by his Sensei, Jiraiya. The killing intent he exuded brought the hidden ANBU to their knees as they struggled for breath.

"S-sir!" One choked out which brought the Godaime back to reality.

Once the killing intent was gone, Nagato sighed. "I apologize, but the news I've just gotten has just brought us one step closer to war."

"Another village Nagato-sama?" One of the ANBU questioned.

"First Kumo, and now two smaller ones. Although they tried to recover from the last conflict, they stood no chance. Hidden Frost and Hidden Hot Springs have joined the list of those lost to history." Nagato said as he turned his seat to look at the village below as he contemplated his next move.

The ANBU knew when their Hokage needed his space, and this was one of those times. It would be another 30 minutes before Nagato turned around and pulled out sheets of paper and a pen.

It was then he began to write.