AN: This was supposed to be the first chapter to Arc 4, but I thought it would better fit as the end of Arc 3. I apologize for the delay in this, but I had a lot of graduate school prep. That, and my drive to write was not that great. I estimate five to six chapters for Arc 4. As for estimated update time…unsure, but I will keep you posted on my Author Note section on my profile page. Thanks all, and once again I apologize for the delay.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto in any way, shape, or form and I am not doing this for monetary gain.

ITALICS – Thinking

BOLD – jutsu/demon speak


Arc Three: Home is Where the Heart Lies

Chapter 14


Rain fell down upon Konoha as if to show that the God's themselves were grieving over the loss of Kiba and Choji.

Two young shinobi who just began to blossom.

Two young men who had their lives cut drastically short.

As the whole village gathered for the ceremony, they couldn't help but think back to yesterday when their Godaime announced the terrible news. For Naruto, the sudden shift in everyone's aura brought back visions of how his master died and the subsequent funeral. Although slightly put off by the hauntings of the past, Naruto had already accepted Fukui's choice and would honor his dying wish.

Naruto, dressed in his repaired and polished armor, couldn't help but look over at the remaining members of the Konoha 12 as they walked to the two caskets in tandem. He knew what pain they must be feeling at this moment, and also knew that a wound like this would take a long time to heal.

As the rain pelted his face, Naruto sighed and slowly made his way towards the group.

Ino couldn't help but look at Choji's peaceful face with a sad smile. Why? Just before his mission, Choji had asked her out on a date. With a stutter and a massive blush, one which would make the old Hinata proud, Ino accepted.

It was the best night of her life, and one she would never forget.

Ino couldn't hold back any longer and latched onto the person closest to her; Shikamaru.

"Let those troublesome feelings out, Ino. All of us are here for you."

For the other members of the Konoha 12, they weren't fairing much better. Try as they might, the tears couldn't be held back. For Sai, silent tears were shed not only for Kiba and Choji, but for the memories of the suicide mission that Danzo had sent him on many years ago.

"Hauntings of the past, Sai?" Naruto solemnly announced his presence which made the pale shinobi nod.

"I never knew the joys of emotion until I met these people…Kiba and Choji introduced me to Lazy Shadow and the others. And to see them sleeping so peacefully reminds me of my brush with death when Danzo sent me to Iron Country."

Naruto sighed and gently patted Sai on the back before he spoke. "The present is like a portal into the past…time rewinds, and the wounds which were healed long ago suddenly reopen."

"Wise words you speak, my boy." Hiruzen introduced himself with a small smile, one which Naruto returned.

"I've met the Shinigami far too much in my time, Ji-Ji. That, and Master Harumasa taught me well. Rest his soul."

Before the Sandaime could respond, the rest of the Konoha 12 had decided to join them. At first, the silence seemed like it would go on forever, but eventually the ever exuberant Lee decided to make his presence known.

"Unyouthful as Kiba and Choji's demise was, it only helps strengthen the flames of youth which we all carry inside each other!"

"A means to get stronger so that the enemy doesn't stand a chance." Tenten replied with a small smile.

No other words were said as Nagato cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention. The ceremony to honor Kiba and Choji's sacrifice would begin and would be one that helped rekindle the Will of Fire which everyone held in their heart.

It was only until after the funeral service did Naruto hand Hinata a scroll.

"Take this to Hiashi-san please." Naruto started to explain after seeing the two Hyuga's confused faces. "I'm sure he will be pleased to know that what he and my master talked about all those years ago will come to fruition."

The two nodded and dared not look at what was written inside. Before leaving, however, Neji invited Naruto to Akimichi BBQ in remembrance of Kiba and Choji.

Naruto smiled as he replied. "I thank you for the hospitality, but I have footsteps of the past to retrace."

As Neji and Hinata watched the Uzumaki turn and head towards the gates, they couldn't help but become confused on whose footsteps those were. However, those thoughts were placed elsewhere as the rest of the Konoha 12 met up with them. If any of them stayed any longer, they would have seen the ghostly image of Fukui and Takeshi appear with smiles on their faces.

Both proud at what Naruto had become.


Iwa – Tsuchikage Office

A drop of cold sweat made its way down Kurotsuchi's neck as she stared at the six jinchuriki in front of her. She had a feeling why they were here, and what would happen if she said the wrong thing. Yes Kurotsuchi was labeled a Kage, but the power of six jinchuriki together was something not to be reckoned with. Steeling her nerves, and remembering Onoki's past mistakes, Kurotsuchi spoke.

"Am I to assume Naruto sent you here to see if I will pose a threat to his march towards peace?"

No response, but the body language each presented told her enough. It made her smile.

"Do not think of me as another Onoki, I am far from that actually. After living with the geezer for so long, not to mention the Nations now knowing his dirty secrets, I have grown to realize his faults and helped Iwa become prosperous once again. I'm sure you've seen the improved buildings and such?"

Han and Roshi narrowed their eyes as Onoki was a huge sore spot for them. It was only natural that they distrusted his granddaughter. However, Gaara was more open-minded.

"With no allies, I cannot help but wonder how you are funding all these projects. Mining perhaps?"

Shizuka nodded her head and leaned back in her chair with a serious expression. "Correct, but I wish not to divulge any more until the Kage Summit has been held. I would like to judge the other Kage's to see if they are worthy of the product we are producing."

A silence overtook the office as the jinchuriki digested this, but after a while Gaara decided to test to see if Kurotsuchi knew about Kumo.

"As wise as this move is, I have to ask if you have heard about Kumo's demise at the hand of two of our fellow jinchuriki."

"W-What!?" Kurotsuchi eyes widened in shock.

Gaara couldn't help but smirk as he decided to push further. "Oh, and did I mention that Obito was the one who is controlling them much like he did to your grandfather?"

That did it.

With an anger befitting that of Onoki the Fence Sitter, Kurotsuchi slammed her earth enhanced fists on the desk which shattered it to pieces.

"If what you say is true…" Kurotsuchi angrily drawled out. "…I will enjoy ripping his body limb from limb!"

A knock at the office door interrupted any other conversation that was about to take place.

"What now!?" The Tsuchikage ordered.

"U-Um, Kurotuschi-sama, the Raikage is here to speak with you." The messenger nervously said once the office door was open. "Should I send him in?"

The granddaughter of Onoki couldn't help but rub her temples and groan. With a sigh, she nodded her head. Within seconds, an intimidating wall of muscle entered the small office.

A had arrived.


With Naruto – Wave Country

Thanks to using his wind Ki, it only took Naruto about six hours to arrive in Wave Country. The first impressive sight to behold his eyes was the massive bridge which connected the two land masses together. The second was the sight of the extremely busy, yet prosperous, village.

Ships, big and small, filled Wave Country's ports with some heading out to sea. Dock workers and sailors could be seen unloading or loading goods while the captain of the ships were talking to the foreman of the port; most likely arguing about the price of their wares.

The screams of people advertising in the town square could be heard along with the occasional newspaper boy asking five ryo for a paper. The culmination of aromas in this area was almost overwhelming to Naruto. Baking bread, the saltiness of the sea, a heated forge, among others.

"Five ryo for a paper sir?"

Naruto looked down at the kid with a smile. One which the kid returned when he realized that Naruto gave him 100 ryo instead.

"No paper kid, just take that to your family and use it well."

The paper boy nodded and pocketed the change before advertising to others. As he was about to buy other wares for his trip, Naruto ran into one person he thought he wouldn't see again for a long time.

Tazuna.

"Ah, Naruto-san. How's your super samurai academy going?"

"The students are progressing well, though I fear they will not be prepared for the war to come."

Tazuna grunted in annoyance. "I knew I wasn't the only one. Prices have become super cheap here due to the rise in trade recently...it tipped me off."

Naruto raised an eyebrow in question, but didn't prod any further. Yuki, however, decided to make her presence known.

"Yuki hungry!"

The bridge builder looked at the arctic fox then back at Naruto with a 'WTF look' which made Naruto shake his head in mirth.

"You'll get used to it...care to walk with me as I shop for my trip."

Tazuna nodded and handed Yuki a piece of fish which she greedily gobbled up.

"So, where to if you don't mind me asking?"

Naruto smirked as he knew his answer was going to leave the bridge builder speechless.

"Why, my clan's home of course! Uzushiogakure."

The sake bottle the old man had in his hand was now shattered on the cobblestone street, his mouth open in shock.

"I find his lack of speech amusing." Kurama suddenly spoke up which made Naruto snort in amusement.

"You would, Kurama."

"Hmm, I wonder if that artifact father left at my shrine is still there."

Now it was Naruto's turn to be speechless. Just what secrets would he unearth at his clan's home?


Hiashi's Office

The clan head looked at the scroll in his hands with something akin to anxiety. Yes, Hinata had told him what Naruto told her, but that still did not ease his nervousness. Eventually, he opened the scroll and began to read.

Dear Hiashi,

As I'm sure you know by now, war is fast approaching and the end of the great villages is nigh. Although some villages are returning back to strength, the loss of Kumo and many other small villages are just preludes of what is to come. The aura I feel is foreboding, cold as the clutches of the Shinigami, and suffocating to the point where seppuku seems the only way for release. Do not dismiss my feelings as if you do, the Hyuga clan will cease to exist. Train hard, and above all, use the surprise Shizuka-chan has given at the end of the scroll.

Always know that the Hyuga clan will be allies to not only the Uzumaki, but the Harumasa as well. When the war is over, you are invited to stay with me in Iron Country, the place where the Hyuga clan was born.

In the best of regards,

Naruto Uzumaki Harumasa

Hiashi couldn't help but let out a smile, even more so when he unsealed the surprise that Shizuka left for them. A note accompanied said surprise, one which simply stated:

LET THE CAGED BIRDS FLY FREE


Iwa – Kurotsuchi's Office

Fingers steepled, and chin resting against them, Kurotsuchi looked at A with narrowed eyes as she recanted what the man just told her.

"So, you decided to set up a tent city outside our village borders with your survivors a day before you arrive here without my knowledge, and only now wish to join forces?"

The put-off tone the Tsuchikage spoke with didn't faze the Raikage in the slightest.

"I would deny your request, but that is something my grandfather would have done. That, and we have a war approaching. So, I welcome you within our walls. However, I have but one question to ask…why didn't you notify me sooner?"

A nervously chuckled, "I was afraid you were like Onoki."

This made the six jinchuriki face fault. Here was A, one of the strongest Kage's in terms of physical strength and he was scared over some midget with a bulbous nose and terrible temper to boot. Even Kurotuschi pinched her nose and closed her eyes, a sigh of disbelief escaping her lips.

"Just go, A, I will notify every one of your arrival…to the jinchuriki, you have my permission to train in and around the village. The more protection, the better off this village will be in the long run."


Naruto – Shores of Uzu

Yuki and Naruto stared at the massive whirlpools about 30 yards from the bow of their small vessel. For Naruto, he hoped his Uzumaki would be enough to gain him safe passage. However, the amount of wreckage around the island and floating near the whirlpools didn't help matters any. Tazuna had told them of the dangers and how nobody had been able to access the island since the village fell in the second war.

Many have tried, all have failed.

It was because of this danger, Tazuna insisted that all his purchases were to be free of charge. Naruto was having none of it and paid everyone triple the amount and told them to put it to good use. After acquiring a small craft, almost the whole village came to see the Uzumaki off.

Now, here Naruto and Yuki were looking at the whirlpools in front of them.

"Ready, Yuki?"

"Yuki scared, Uto no go!"

Naruto scratched the fox's ears and smiled. "Too bad, the secrets of Masamune must be revealed."

With that, Naruto used his wind Ki to push the boat forward. As they entered the churning waters, Yuki couldn't help but put her front paws over her eyes and whimper in fear. As the sea spray started to soak both to the bone, and the waters attempted to capsize the craft, multiple whispers started to overcome Naruto.

"The savior has returned!"

"Finally, the one to lay us to rest!"

"Our memory has not been forgotten, an Uzumaki lives!"

"Safe passage we must give him, honor him we must!"

Naruto closed his eyes and smiled as he took everything in. And, soon enough, the sea calmed which made Yuki open an eye and peek between one of her paws. A rough jolt signaled they ran ashore which made Naruto open his eyes only to see destruction for miles around.

Skeletal remains, pot marks in the soil where explosions went off, and the ruins of Uzu in the distance brought tears to Naruto's eyes. He now understood just how brutal this battle was and how effective the Uzumaki were when it came to seals.

As he and Yuki exited the boat, Naruto examined some of the remains outside of the village and saw discarded Iwa, Kumo, and Kiri headbands as well as something else.

A blank mask with faded Kanji on it.

"Root…how far did Danzo's treachery go?" Naruto clenched his fists, though controlled his anger.

"I'm sorry, Kit." Kurama sadly said.

"It's in the past, Kurama. Though I cannot help but feel sad to think that I could have had a true family had all this been avoided."

With a motion of the hand, Yuki followed Naruto into Uzu only to find the skeletal remains of his clan members, their headbands gripped tightly in their skeletal hands. Without a thought, Naruto picked one up, and polished it to the best of his ability. The cloth that the metal was affixed to was all but rotted away but that did not deter Naruto at all. He simply took out his armor repair kit, and proudly sewed his clan's symbol to his armor; right over his heart.

"There, now my clan members will always have a place in my heart. But now, the hard task begins." After a sigh to recompose himself, Naruto looked at Yuki with a frown. "Come, we must lay these honorable shinobi to rest; ally and enemy alike."

Although it took until the sun went down, most of the remains were buried where they fell. Naruto wanted to continue, but he knew that Masamune hid something on this island. For now, he would focus on training and bury the rest later.

After a quick look at the map on the ancient scroll, Naruto started towards his destination and eventually found himself near the other end of the island; far away from Uzu. There a large mountain stood, and near the top was an indent which Naruto assumed was a cave. As he flew up with Yuki in tow, he couldn't help but think back to the time he found Masamune's home.

It didn't take long to reach the cave, and, to Naruto's surprise, the same wolf which attacked him in the mountains of Iron Country was there to greet him.

"Hello, Chosen One." It spoke with a growl, yet it was eerily soothing. "I apologize for our past encounter, but Masamune insisted that I gauge the Chosen's will in the face of death."

Naruto couldn't speak which made the wolf let out a vulpine grin.

"My name is Elune by the way…come, Chosen One, we have much to do in little time."

Naruto dumbly nodded, still not believing that the wolf was, in a way, a representation of Masamune's soul. However, as they started into the cave and descended into the darkness, Naruto found his voice.

"I'm honored that you are training me, Elune. But, may I ask one favor?"

The wolf nodded then turned to a nearby wall and touched it with his paw. A bright light was seen before stone grinding against stone could be heard. Soon, another passage way was open to show a bedroom and couple bookshelves filled with scrolls.

"Your request, Chosen One?" Elune mentally grinned at Naruto's shocked expression.

A playful bite on his left ankle via Yuki brought Naruto out of his stupor, then scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"Sorry, I was too enamored by the sight before me. Anyway, could you train Yuki as well?"

Elune looked at the two tailed fox for a minute before nodding. "She is worthy and I will do as requested, Chosen One."

"Just call me Naruto, and thank you."

Elune bowed in thanks. "No, thank you, Naruto, for keeping Masamune's legacy intact. Although his students tried, only a couple managed to make scrolls to lead you here. However, the rest managed to spread his legacy through stories and teaching future samurai…most likely the ones protecting your Daimyo's today."

Naruto nodded as he walked to one of the bookshelves and pulled out a scroll that was calling to him. When he opened it, he blinked at shock at what was written on this scroll.

It was the secret to fully controlling your Ki.

"I can finally master that move I used on Takeshi, the same move which Mifune forbade after I recovered from the ordeal." Naruto mentally grinned. "Watch out Obito, by the time my training is up, you will wish you didn't make an enemy out of me."


With Shizuka

Multiple salamanders watched their summoner as she attempted to achieve the first step of learning the Sage Arts.

Finding and connecting with the nature chakra spread around the summoning world.

Shizuka scrunched her eyes in concentration as she meditated on a pool of poison. The sickly green waterfall behind her which wafted noxious odors about the area didn't seem to bother her in the slightest. Then again, after a week of Ibuse spitting poison in her face, and throwing her in the same pool she was meditating on, helped Shizuka become somewhat immune.

The first week was not filled entirely of this, no, the salamanders taught her their unique taijutsu and ninjutsu. Most of which dealt with poisons, something which would be bolstered by Shizuka's wind affinity. Although in the beginning stages, Ibuse, the boss summons, saw great potential in Shizuka; even more than that of Hanzo.

A calming aura soon blanketed the summoning realm which made the salamanders smile. Shizuka had done it, but the process was nowhere near complete as the transformation hadn't occurred yet. Just as quickly as it came, the aura left and Shizuka opened her eyes with a smile.

"Finally, how was that Ibuse?"

"Very good start, hatchling…but much more needs to be done in order to continue."

"More poison training?" Shizuka asked as she walked onto dry land.

Ibuse shook his head before he replied. His booming, authoritative voice was unique among the clan.

"Perhaps later, hatchling, as a new task awaits you. Come, my personal armory awaits."

Shizuka looked at the boss summons in confusion. "Ibuse-san, perhaps you are forgetting that I am proficient with the katana strapped to my back?"

If he could smile, Ibuse would have done so. It was a wise question after all.

"But a hatchling, and yet so wise to ask a question such as that." A slight pause before the salamander continued. "The loss of your sword is like the loss of a limb; the advantage you had is now lost. Such is the bane of short range weaponry."

Ibuse left it at that as they started to walk, but all the while Shizuka was trying to figure out what was just said. Nothing came to mind until Shizuka entered the armory and laid her eyes on one weapon in particular.

A kusarigama.

Like a kid on Christmas, Shizuka quickly snatched up the weapon and gazed upon its beauty. It was a sickle attached to a three foot long chain with a small counterweight at one end. The chain, much like the counterweight, was a polished black-silver. The sickle, however, was a sickly light green with red and black highlights and was adorned with etchings of the salamander realm.

The realm was mountainous and filled with various caverns for the salamanders to live in. Various streams and rivers dotted the landscape, some feeding into the poison pool which Shizuka had trained on. The sky was thick with the smell of poison and only little light came through the black clouds that hung overhead.

"I understand now…thank you Ibuse-san." Shizuka bowed at the boss salamander.

"Anytime hatchling, but now is not the time for celebration as training awaits. Back to the pool you go."

Shizuka mentally sighed at her next task; swimming laps in the poison she was just meditating on.

"Nothing says progress like waking up in the hospital..."

As she neared the pool, she took a deep breath, and dived in.


Following Day: Konoha – Hokage's Personal Training Ground

Hiruzen looked down at his three students with a shit-eating grin on his face. There, on the ground exhausted and covered with various injuries, was the great Sannin. Nearby, in one of the various trees on the grounds, was the Monkey King: Enma. Even he couldn't help but chuckle at the state Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade were in.

"In my old age, I seemed to have forgotten to mention that I've trained ever since Danzo tried to kill off the Uchiha and take the Hokage seat for himself. Perhaps it is these young whippersnappers beneath my sandals that need the proper training, not I."

Tsunade sat up and popped her right shoulder back into her socket. After giving herself a diagnostic and healing herself, she went over to the other two.

"I've always wondered how it felt to get hit by one of my own punches…now I'm regretting showing you my technique all those years ago." Tsunade said with disdain as she healed Jiraiya and Orochimaru.

Hiruzen let out a short chuckle before he responded back. "A wise shinobi does not reveal their greatest trump card...sadly for you, everyone knows about that strength of yours."

"I feel like I just got caught at the hot springs." Jiraiya interrupted as he sat up and held his head where the Adamanite Staff connected.

After everyone was healed, Hiruzen motioned for Enma to leave. Once gone, the Sandaime continued.

"This spar, my students, was to show that you have much to learn in the shinobi arts. You may be strong together and alone, but the fact of the matter is almost everyone knows your techniques by now. To put it bluntly, you've all stagnated."

The Sannin flinched at that, but they knew what Hiruzen said was true. After said man took out his pipe, lit it, and took a puff, he continued his harsh judgement.

"I honestly expected you to be at my level when I was in my prime by now, but then again I was the sole cause for all of you to go on a self-imposed exile." Another puff of the pipe; his tone softened as he remembered the past. "Not many shinobi reach my age as they become over complacent with their skills, much like you all have. For those who have adapted, like I, saw it all. Three wars, friends dying for petty political reasons, and clans wiped off the face of this great Nation…"

Jiraiya interrupted as Hiruzen wiped the tears from his eyes. "Sensei, we get it. Please, say no more and let the past stay where it's supposed to be."

Orochimaru nodded, though a smile was on his face as he knew what Hiruzen was planning. "Ku ku ku, to have us reinvent ourselves in only a year and a half will be quite the chore."

Tsunade and Jiraiya blinked in disbelief. There was no way that would be possible, it was unfeasible. Unless….

"Shadow Clones." The Toad and Slug Sage whispered.

Hiruzen smiled, but it was not a happy one. No. This one promised pain, and lots of it.

Orochimaru's smile instantly dropped. "Ku ku ku, shit…it's that smile again."

"Oh yes, my students, the 12 hour training days are back in session! You thought you bitched and moaned when you were wee gennin, hah! I barely showed you how sadistic of a teacher I could be back then. But now, I think you are ready for how Hashirama-Sensei trained me."

The Sannin paled.

Thanks to Hiruzen's story telling, they each knew just how harsh that training was. Broken bones, chakra exhaustion to the point of near death, and physical exercise until you puke. However, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru knew the results of that training as well...hell, it was starting them in the face.

"Hmm, always wondered how I looked like when Sensei gave that same speech." Hiruzen thought with an amused smile before he got to work.

"I want 100 laps around this village while adding chakra to your legs. Afterwards, you are to come back here and do 1000 push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and squats. And that's not all." The scary grin was back. "If you aren't screaming like wee gennin by then, I want you to hop tree branch to tree branch…upside-down and while I throw jutsu, shuriken, and kunai at you!"

Jiraiya gulped. "Ah – ha ha – Sensei, are you sure?"

The Toad Sage's answer was feeling the full brunt of Hiruzen's Killing Intent.

"Unless you want to see my bad side, so help me Kami, you will do as I say!"

The Sandaime spoke in such a way, it would almost make the Shinigami think twice.

The Sannin vanished, a dust cloud and an amused God of Shinobi in their wake.


Konoha 12

The now Konoha 10 were currently being trained by the Godaime himself and, much like Hiruzen, he was not lenient. Nagato knew the dangers posed to him and Konoha and wanted the Konoha 10 up to Sennin or Kage level by time the Kage Summit commenced. Although each were Jounin rank, reaching that level would be a chore in of itself.

A chore which the Konoha 10 were determined to achieve even if it killed them.

Although everyone ate silently in memoriam for their two fallen friends yesterday, the looks each gave one another was more than enough to convey what each was thinking. After they finished, instead of going home and sulking, they went to their favorite training ground where a battle royal ensued.

Due to their chakra output, the ANBU were called to deal with the threat. However, among seeing the next generation giving it their all in honor of Kiba and Choji, they couldn't help but watch the spectacle that was taking place.

Just before the sun went down, only two people were left standing, though both were ready to pass out. Hinata and Neji stared each other down with tears streaming down their faces as they remembered Kiba and Choji's final minutes. Although they eventually ran towards each other with the intent to end the battle in one blow, neither connected as they fell into unconsciousness much like the other Konoha 10.

It was here the ANBU picked each one up and took them to their respective homes. For the clan heads, they were at first shocked at what took place, but it was soon replaced by extreme pride. For Hiruzen, the now legal guardian of Sai, he couldn't help but remember Hashirama's words about how the next generation will be stronger than the last.

Nagato let a small smile show beneath the emotionless mask he was currently wearing. The report he got later that night solidified his decision on becoming the Sensei to the Konoha 10.

Breaking out of memory lane, he decided that each had enough physical exercise for now.

"That's enough, but like war there will be no time for rest. However, stamina is but one part of becoming a shinobi the enemy will fear. Having enough chakra to outlast your opponents will be the next task."

"Troublesome, but what will this chakra control exercise entail?" Shikamaru said with a yawn at the end.

Nagato smirked which put everyone on edge. "You will make as many shadow clones as possible and will stand upside-down on a tree branch whilst spinning a kunai on your hands. But, the challenge doesn't end there…I find your reflexes to be lacking."

"Lazy Shadow just had to ask…" Sai mumbled as he and the others started towards the nearby forest.

The Godaime mentally chuckled at this as he turned to Lee. "Although you lack chakra, your taijutsu and tonfa skills are quite proficient. Come, I wish to spar with you…and remember, this is war."

Lee nodded and put Naruto's lessons in controlling his exuberant attitude to good use. He quickly calmed himself and discarded his weights. With a boom, Lee was already in front of Nagato but his punch was swatted aside. The Might Guy copycat grinned as he finally found an opponent where he could show his true worth.

"This boy will be a force to be reckoned with…that blocked punch actually stung a little." After a pause in thought to block a knee to his solar plexus, he began again. "And now to send shadow clones of my own to the others."


Sky Country

Yugito and Utakata just got off the ship and started their trek towards their objective.

The Ancor Vantian.

It was the headquarters of Sky Country as well as a massive super-weapon powered by the Zero-Tails itself. Getting here by boat was the simplest part of the task, but now came the difficult part of obtaining one of the flying machines these shinobi were rumored to use.

As Yugito and Utakata walked, they kept their senses open as they knew that the leader of Sky Country would send his shinobi down to greet them. Sure enough, within five minutes a group of 10 landed in front of the jinchuriki and demanded to know why they were here.

Yugito and Utakata didn't hesitate and quickly activated their level one state. Although the Sky Shinobi tried to defend themselves, they were no match for the controlled duo.

"Any idea how these work?" Utakata emotionlessly said as he inspected the flying device.

Yugito shook her head, but that changed when she added chakra to the device. The propellers started to turn, and soon the machine started to lift off the ground.

As they practiced with the flying machines before heading off towards the city, a toad watched from the place he was hiding.

"Hmm, I would go further but I fear the jinchuriki would sense me. Jiraiya is not going to like this."

With that, the summons dispelled itself as Yugito and Utakata ascended towards the city.


Shinno, who was on the throne inside of the Ancor Vantian, tried his best to sit patiently as he waited for news on the squad he sent down. After five minutes of silence, that patience was starting to wear thin and his anger began to rise.

"Where is that squad…I wanted my report two minutes ago!"

Another three minutes passed which made sitting impossible. Shinno was to the point where he was going to see just what was taking them so long. However, just as he was about to leave, an explosion nearby caught his attention. Once he started hearing the screams of his shinobi dying he had had enough.

"When I get my hands on whomever DARES enter my domain, they will know who is the true king around here!" Shinno roared out and got ready to pull the Dark Energy from the Zero-Tails which was stored below.

Another explosion, this time even closer, followed by a couple bodies landing next to Shinno. Both had the look of fear etched permanently on their faces. The king of Sky Country began to draw out the Dark Energy and his appearance started to become younger, more muscular; his white hair became black, spiky, and disheveled. Shinno laughed manically as he saw Utakata and Yugito enter his domain.

"Yes…finally, the defilers show themselves." Another laugh was had before he charged at the jinchuriki, drunk with power. "I WILL EAT YOUR HEART!"

Yugito and Utakata didn't move from their spot as Shinno got closer and closer. Just as the man was about to strike, he found himself trapped in a bubble that started to get smaller and smaller. Shinno grinned evilly and pulsed his Dark Power outwards which popped the bubble he was in.

"This power is absolute, you have no hopes in defeating me!"

A Darkness Wave pushed Utakata and Yugito back a little, but they held their ground. As they started to run through hand signs, both spoke in unison.

"Our Master sends his regards, a sacrifice for peace you will become."

It was here the hand signs were finished, and made Shinno stare in awe at the massive wall of water and fire sent his way. Though, that awe was soon replaced by the same arrogance he possessed.

"Child's play, you hear me…YOU ARE NOTHING BUT PEONS BENEATH MY FEET!"

Arms from the Zero-Tails soon surrounded Shinno which protected him from harm. Once the dust had settled, those same arms attempted to capture Yugito and Utakata.

The battle for the Ancor Vantian had just begun.


With Obito

Obito stared at the holographic images of Deidara, Kakuzu, and Sasori then looked to Zetsu whom was right beside him.

"Has preparations begun on our army, Zetsu?"

The plant man nodded, but it was the white half which spoke. "I estimate it will take almost six months until I have the army ready."

Obito couldn't help but smile at how everything was coming together. "Good, and with Yugito and Utakata hopefully being back within the week…we can finally make our move." After a pause, the Uchiha turned to his subordinates. "How goes the village hunting?"

"Deidara showed everyone my art, yeah!"

Kakuzu sighed and spoke in his usual emotionless tone. "What blondie was trying to say is that we require a bigger target. That, and I would love to collect some nice bounties."

Obito completely ignored Deidara's angry ramblings about being blonde as he contemplated which target would be best. Iwa was a no go as Zetsu reported that Kumo had joined them as did the some of the jinchuriki. Kiri was a potential target but it was too close to Konoha, a move which would ruin his chances at getting Nagato. The same went with Taki as Iwa was close by. Even Suna and Ame was out due to Konoha being their ally.

"I cannot jeopardize our next move so your request has been denied. However, you have free reign on doing whatever you wish as long as you stay away from the major villages."

Although the Deidara, Kakuzu, and Sasori were a bit miffed by this, they obeyed their leader's orders and cut the connection.

"Has Kabuto been healed?" Obito asked Zetsu.

"No, but in time he will be."

At first the Uchiha wondered how that would be possible, but it eventually came to him.

"With the Rinnegan in my grasp, I can resurrect my newest pawn. And then, oh yes, and then the festivities can really begin!"


Night Time – Konoha: Hokage Mansion

The sun had just set in Konoha and everyone was back home from a rough day at work or, for the shinobi, a rough day of training. For Nagato, he looked at the jar in his hands which was filled with a clear liquid which kept the two objects inside preserved for future use.

"To think I would have to take this precaution." The Uzumaki sighed as he sealed the jar into a storage scroll.

"Although the shinobi under my rule gain strength by the day, I fear that this once great village will soon become dust in the wind. I may feel like Kami, but even the gods themselves have limits. Forgive me, Shodai Hokage, if I fail to uphold this great village which you so founded."

With a frown, Nagato took the scroll and sealed it into his right arm.


Six Months Later

It's been six months into everyone's training and each have reached levels they never thought possible.

For Naruto, he was about half way through controlling his Ki and successfully combined two Ki elements. Although he successfully combined them, much work had yet to be done when it came to making attacks battle-ready. Speaking of combined elements, Naruto found a scroll which told him that the Honjo could be enhanced by these elements and used for a variety of attacks. On top of all this was learning how Masamune crafted his masterpieces and learning much about his Uzumaki heritage.

One such fact was that one of Masamune's students taught the earliest Uzumaki the samurai way. A path which dissolved overtime, but some of that heritage lived on through their kenjutsu prowess and how family came first before Kage duties. Among other honorable traits. Although shocked at first, Naruto smiled as he now understood why it felt so natural to him when he donned the samurai armor and picked up that katana all those years ago.

For Yuki, Elune has trained her in multiple categories. Stealth, controlling the demonic chakra in her system, a taijutsu style which revolved around the usage of the tails, and creating different fire attacks.

Elune was extremely pleased at how far the two had come, and also knew that Masamune was watching his successor from above. No doubt his feelings would be the same.

"If they achieved this much in half a year, I can only fathom what they will become once they complete their training."

For Shizuka, sage mode training was going well to the point where she started her transformation and could keep it active for about 10 minutes before becoming too exhausted. Ibuse was impressed with this just as he was with Shizuka's taijutsu and ninjutsu skills. The kusarigama, however, had taken a little longer as the weapon was unlike anything she had used before. Shizuka was a little angered by this, but it was quickly squashed as she realized just how strong she has gotten. It was only yesterday did she finally land a punch on Ibuse, something she failed at for four months now.

For the whole of Konoha, the village couldn't have been better. Some elderly that lived to see the village run by Hashirama thought they had taken a trip to the past. Like before, everyone gave off a warm vibe; the Will of Fire the Shodai Hokage preached about. Morale was high, and the shinobi were quickly gaining strength to the point that most of their forces were ANBU or Jounin level. Only about ten percent were gennin or chuunin level.

For the Sannin, they went back to their summon realms as their shadow clones worked with Hiruzen. Here, they finished their Sage training and quickly realized just how stagnated they become.

They hadn't felt this strong since their youth.

Not all was well with the Sannin as Hiruzen had to get a heart and lung transplant a month into their training. Luckily, Nagato used Creation of All Things to create the necessary organs. After a month of recovery, Hiruzen started training once again and joked that his youth had returned.

Too bad his old bones said otherwise.

For the Konoha 10, each were about ANBU level in terms of strength and, thanks to their daily training, became very close knit and had everyone's moves down to a T. No words were said if they needed to do a joint attack, their actions alone would be enough.

For Iwa and the jinchuriki, everyone helped train each other and the village quickly returned back to the way it was when it was founded. Like Konoha, morale was high and everyone was happy overall. Even past grudges between Kumo were erased showing that two enemies could coexist without violence.

Also in this time, Kiri was almost back to normal, though some clean-up and rebuilding had to be completed. However, their shinobi population was still low which Mei knew would be an issue if the Fourth Shinobi War started. It was the main reason why she reached out to Iwa for assistance. To her surprise, Kurotsuchi visited with the Raikage, Killer B, and Fu as her body guards. After the meeting, both parties reached an agreement. A treaty was made, and Kiri's shinobi population boomed thanks to some Kumo and Iwa shinobi joining their forces.

Like Iwa and Kumo putting aside their past grudges, Kiri soon did the same. A process which made some wonder if the village system was needed at all.


With Obito

The entire Akatsuki was back at the hidden base and Obito couldn't contain his excitement. Utakata and Yugito succeeded in their task of securing the Ancor Vantian with minimal damage being done to the super-weapon. One genjutsu later, and Obito added the Zero-tails to his control. However, trying to control three powerful shinobi at once had started to take a strain. Headaches started to appear, and the Uchiha began to wonder if his control would slip mid operation. These thoughts, however, were put to the side as Obito berated himself for his moment of weakness.

"The time has come, Akatsuki." The Uchiha started, a new uniform on his person (1). "Today is the day which we will thrust this Nation into war once again, but it will be a war for peace! By the end of today, all will know our true power…all will come to fear the new order…all will come to know me as supreme leader of this world!"

Obito paused and looked at Zetsu who nodded that everything was set. With a grin behind his mask, he spoke finished his speech.

"Onward to Konoha, let us topple the biggest domino of them all!"


1. Think of what Obito wore in the Fourth Shinobi War.