its been awhile since I've put up a chapter but here it is finally. I spent some of my spare time as much as I could to get this done and I think it has turned out pretty decent. This chapter will have a fare amount of flashbacks in it as well. so hope you enjoy it.
Also a side note: This chapter does have some scenes and spoilers from recent chapters that I cannot take credit for so here is a heads up. However there are some things that I shape and outcomes that changed so things could go along with my story.
Chapter 16:
Chapter 16: Steps Back…and Forward
Naruto's eyes radiated like the ocean on a midsummer night. His deep blue eyes were completely fixated on the immobile Karin. The wires clung her tightly to the gritty tree that had been holding her at bay for several hours now. A stolid silence had been hanging dry in the night air as Naruto stayed focused while Karin continued to try and assess her predicament.
"Akkifue is done with if you want something else to think about," Naruto blurted out calmly, "Now pretty soon we will be taking you into Konoha."
Karin's head was dropped low by his comments. She had no way of getting out of this and because of that it only made her feel more and more of a disappointment to Sasuke. She was the right person to get captured for very important information which would just be a thorn in Sasuke's side. She slowly raised her head back up and suddenly noticed something that wasn't there before. A sliver of luck was turning to her side and it was in the form of a very familiar figure closing in on Naruto's backside. His alertness was a little off the mark as a transformed arm sliced right through him making the body puff into thin air. The person slid across the soft ground finally coming to a stop in front of Karin. She sat still raising her eyes up to an open hand that was returning to its normal form.
"Are you going to get up?" Juugo towered over her.
No words came from her mouth as she reached out her hand and was pulled up by Juugo. She quietly stared at him very thankful that someone pulled her out of this tough situation, but before she could heave a deep sigh of relief her attention turned to the sound of leaves cracking from the footsteps of another person. From the recesses of the dark forest strolled a serious raven-haired man. His bangs slighty swayed with the wind and his cloak lightly leaned from side to side with each step. The cold glaring black eyes laid flatly upon Karin.
"S-Sasuke-kun gomenasai (I'm sorry)," Karin quickly apologized, "Please forgive me for my failures."
Sasuke came to a stop a few feet away from them, "Fortunately for us we decided to come seeing as you had not returned at the time I wanted you to…but it looks like Akkifue has fallen."
Karin dropped her head in disappointment, "I didn't want to let you down and I deserve some kind of punishment for doing so."
"It does not matter anymore. What's done is done…but you will have to prove that my trust in you won't be wasted ever again."
"Forgive …," Karin suddenly cut herself off seeing that a certain blondie had reappeared.
Karin and Juugo looked on with wide eyes at a serious Naruto standing back to back with an expressionless Sasuke. Naruto stood silent, eyes closed, with his head slighty held low. It was easy to see the look on his face held much anger in it like a wave of storms were forming his mind. Even so Sasuke did not flinch a single muscle at his presence. It was just merely a way of him showing that Naruto's presence meant nothing.
"I had many Kage Bunshins lying in wait just in case anybody came to save her," Naruto raised his head up opening his eyes, "But who would of ever thought that you of all people would show up…Sasuke…"
Sasuke stood unresponsive to Naruto.
"Time is at a standstill for the both of us isn't it?" Naruto rhetorically said, "But I'm going to personally make sure that it stays that way for you…I will stop at no end to finish you off Sasuke."
"…You will never be able to beat me baka (idiot)," Sasuke softly spoke, "I will destroy everything you have ever know…And in the end of all this I will be the one that ends you."
"I will grind you to the floor for everything you've done!" Naruto raised his voice.
Swinging his arm behind him, Naruto drilled a quickly formed Rasengan into Sasuke's back. There was not a hint of pain that cringed on Sasuke's face as his body suddenly burst into a swarm of slithering snakes. Naruto was then entangled by the snakes who squeezed harder and harder trying to take his every breath away from him. He burst into a puff of smoke while two more Narutos jumped out from the depths of the forest with a Oodama Rasengan formed between them. They came crashing down on the snakes slicing and dicing them into tiny pieces. As the giant blue sphere drilled into the ground, a nimble Sasuke erupted from under the dirt flipping over the two Narutos. He swiftly landed out of the now formed crater slamming his hand down into its edge. Swarms of electricity raced through the crater, tearing it up, as the current swallowed them causing more puffs of smoke to go off.
Sasuke easily noticed Naruto come rushing at him from the corner of his eye. There was a flat look on his face while Naruto came swinging down with his sharp kunai. With a smooth fluid motion Sasuke reached from under his cloak pulling out his Kusanagi. Latching onto Naruto's striking arm holding him at bay Sasuke swung his sword up cutting his former teammates arm clean off. Naruto let out a yelp of pain but the sound was instantly stopped by the sudden impaling of his gut.
Sasuke stood firm with his bloody Kusanagi gripped firm in his hand while a one-armed Naruto tried to push the sword out of him. Finally dropping his arm to his side Naruto slowly gazed at Sasuke square in the eye. The blood flowed out from his mouth and dripped from his chin splashing onto the deadly blade. Neither of them budged another inch and the two present members of Team Hebi stood in awe. Could Naruto have been this foolish to have been finished this quickly? They could not grasp ahold of what exactly was going on.
"How pitiful of you to do this," Sasuke commented, "You are a fool to no end."
"…Heh…," Naruto raised a smirk, "After everything that we've been through…you're going to underestimate me."
Then without warning a monstrous kick was planted into the side of Sasuke's face sending him sideways several yards. Recovering from the surprise hit he turned back towards his previous position to see something that a sent a look of disbelief to flow through his face. The once bloody Kusanagi was laid flat on the ground as clean as the day he got it. The previously one-armed and impaled Naruto was standing a few feet in front of where he was struck with not a single scratch on him. Finally realizing what had just happened Sasuke returned to his normal demeanor.
"…Genjutsu…," he softly spoke out as a trail of blood trickled down one end of his lips, "…Since when?"
"I really wanted to save it for another day but I figured what better way to give you some insight to how much I've prepared for you. I've trained endlessly and I've learned to no end," Naruto explained, "…I have your brother Itachi to thank for it."
Sasuke eyes shot wide open at the mere mention of his brother's name. The thought that Naruto had gone to those lengths to prepare for him flashed signs of trouble. Naruto must have put in a lot of training to learn how to go toe-to-toe with an Uchiha and Itachi was his teacher to boot. Was there something more to what Itachi was doing like when he murdered their clan?
…The truth about your brother has been hidden within a vast, infinite darkness…
…recall everything you know about Itachi…
…remember your loving brother…
…his top-secret mission…was to wipe out the entire Uchiha clan
…so Itachi made his choice…
…the only thing he failed to do…was kill his little brother…
…he was worried about you more than himself…
…he couldn't kill his little brother…
…he decided, all on his own, to commit a crime he would never be forgiven for…
…this man who risked everything to protect the shinobi world…
…a man who worked tirelessly to keep his village safe and stable…
…to protect you…
…everything was planned out…
There must be some ulterior motive for his brother to do something like that. Itachi is know for those things. Even so somehow Itachi survived that fight that occurred several years ago when many thought, including Sasuke, that he was dead. Yet still till this day Sasuke, despite knowing the truth of everything, swore to be the one to kill Itachi while still following through with his other plans.
…Itachi planned every last detail…
…When he left the village, he had already decided he would die by your hand…
…He let you defeat him, and take revenge for the Uchiha clan, to turn you into a hero…
'Could it be that Itachi is still trying to protect me even if it's from myself' Sasuke kept thinking to himself. Sasuke knew that this path he chose is the one that he wanted and no one was going to stand in his way. But Itachi's was always a murky one. This time was Itachi doing something for the village or for his brother? Or could there be something else?
"…Well it sucks that we can't finish this today though. Time is short right now…But know this Sasuke…I will kill you. Even if it's the last thing I ever do."
With all that being said Naruto disappeared into a puff of smoke leaving the three of them to wonder. A slight twitch of anger filled up Sasuke's brow seeing the same pattern play for Naruto. His potential was jumping even more leaps and bounds.
"Let's go," he flatly said as he began walking away.
"That's it?! After what just happened right now…," Karin blurted out, "all you can say is 'let's go.' I mean you don't think anything of what Naruto just…"
"Now!" Sasuke raised his voice to an annoying Karin, "Let's go both of you now before you ruin my patience. We're heading back."
Juugo casually joined Sasuke and Karin slowly followed suit. Does Sasuke really not care about how far Naruto has come or did it actually bother him? She wanted so badly to say something else or ask him what was really on his mind. But Karin knew she would never get anything out of him so she just settled her mind back into what they would be doing next. What surprises would be in store for them?
A somber Naruto and Shizune stood in silence on the desolate battleground that held witness to Choji and Ino's finally hours. Shikamaru was still curled down on the ground between his two friends still reeling from the fact that they were gone. The fight was finally over but the sadness was just setting in.
"He's been like that for over an hour now," Shizune sadly sighed, "The pain he must be feeling…"
"I know…," a depressed Naruto proclamied, "It's such a weird twist of fate too."
"What do you mean Naruto-sama?"
"This is the same day Tsunade was…well you know."
"Oh…," Shizune finally realized, "I see what you mean…"
"But yet I just can't quite grasp the fact that my former classmates and friends are dead," Naruto softly said, "It's even more that I had a run-in with Sasuke too."
Shizune's eyes shot open, "Sasuke was here?!"
"Yeah my Kage Bunshins had an encounter with him about a mile or so away from the camp. The little fight just ended a few minutes ago," he told her, "I do feel that if things were better that we would go after him right now, but it is more important that we care to the wounded and take our fallen comrades home where they can have their rightful resting places."
Naruto walked away from Shizune down towards where Shikamaru was still mourning. How difficult it must be for him. Choji and Ino were like family to him and to lose both of them like this was terrible. No one deserved the pain that the others, especially Shikamaru, were now feeling.
Quietly Naruto stopped in front of Choji and Ino giving a very deep bow of respect for his fallen friends. They had given their lives fighting to the very end as did many others. They had died for what they believed in and what they swore to protect. This was the result of war and the sad price for peace. Sending his reflective thoughts to the back of his head Naruto kneeled down next to Shikamaru laying his hand gently on his back.
"Hey buddy," he soothingly said, "…Let's take them home."
The gray clouds hung heavily in the afternoon sky. Two newly filled burials stood firmly side-by-side. The funeral procession was over and most of the people who came to pay their respects were all gone. Shikamaru stood solemn over his dead friends. The tears that were once sliding down his cheeks were now dry. His bloodshot eyes could not lift their gaze from the ground. He was stuck in between reality and a dream with nowhere to go.
"Am I really that weak," he softly spoke.
"It's war Shikamaru…," Naruto slowly walked up behind him.
Shikamaru kept his gaze down, "I know…but I could have done something to save them. If only I had gotten there sooner."
"We knew well that something like this could happen. The more you dwell on what you could have done the more focus you lose on what must be done," Naruto spoke smoothly, "Choji and Ino knew what was at stake and they gave their lives defending what they believed in, what they vowed to protect. We can honor their courage and their sacrific by winning this war. We will do it for all the lives we have lost and the future ones that will fall…I'm out of place too Shikamaru. If I could have done something I would have. I wonder if I made the wrong decision by sending them if I had know this would happen but I must be strong for the village. I cannot have any thoughts of doubt. I won't let this village down."
"…They really did pick a good Hokage in you Naruto," Shikamaru responded.
Naruto held a slight smile from the compliment, "Hey…take as much time as you need here and after that I need you to report to my office…I have a new position for you," Naruto gave a long bow and parted ways with Shikamaru.
Slowly Shikamaru kneeled down on one knee. Placing a hand on each of the gravestones Shikamaru gave his final goodbyes to his friends. He knew he had to be strong. Mourning for them could only go so far before it could slow him down. Shikamaru vowed he would honor everything they did. He would go full force into everything that laid ahead. He would give it his best even if it takes his life.
The office door creaked open as Shikamaru finally strolled in. Already inside stood Yamato, Neji, and Rock Lee.Yamato was in his anbu outfit, Neji was wearing his white robe-like attire with dark brown pants, and Lee was clad in a sleeveless green shirt including matching pants and a light green flak jacket along with bandages that were wrapped from his elbow down to his hands.
"Oh Shikamaru you finally made it," Naruto motioned him to join the others, "So all of you are probably wondering why I've called for all of ya'll…I have new assignments."
"What kind of assignment?" Neji asked.
"Well I'll get right to the point. You three shall form my new elite anbu squad with Yamato as the captain. You will only answer to me and no one else."
"Not even the Director of Anbu Black Ops?" Lee chimed in.
"Hai," Naruto affirmed, "The new director Mitarashi Anko will not receive reports about anything this squad does; however, she will be aware of this squad. The elders nor the council will have any knowledge of this. This team is not even on record officially and it will remain that way."
"…Why the need for secrecy?" Shikamaru finally spoke.
"I need to have the assurance that I have a highly skilled squad in anbu that I can trust completely."
"Meaning?" Shikamaru inquired more.
"It is true that anbu is under the control and report directly to the Hokage and that final approvals for new members into it are always signed off by me. But the elders, the council of Hi no Kuni, and the daimyo all must be given the information of every time a person is brought in but their identities. They even have the power to bring in candidates as well. If someone isn't satisfied by my objections of a person then a council meeting can be held and I could be overruled," Naruto paused for a second, "This has rarely happened of course but recently a tiny handfull of suspected Root members, excluding Sai, have been allowed into anbu. Danzou, being a member on the council, has made some recent suggestions for some candidates that have been allowed into anbu…I believe in the old man and Tsunade-baachan as past Hokages to not be very trusting of Danzou and his Root division. Anbu surveillance has been on Danzou for several years keeping a sharp eye on everything that he does but now that there is a chance that Root could have a few eyes in anbu I wanted to be assured that I had an elite squad that can move freely where the gaze of people I don't trust cannot reach them…So I have chosen each one of you for that reason as well as others."
"It's amazing to see your growing knowledge," Lee popped a grin, "We will not let you down Naruto-kun."
Naruto glanced over the rest to see the affirmation to their new position. All of them had a look of complete commitment to it. Seeing that they were on board Naruto scuffled through a bag that was hugging tightly to his chair and pulled out two scrolls and handed them to Yamato.
"Our first mission assignments," Yamato opened them handing them to the other three to look, "You can see that they are currently blank."
"Huh? They are," Lee confusingly looked, "What are we gonna do with blank scrolls?"
"Lee they are sealed scrolls that can only be released by us," Neji answered him.
"To ensure our secrecy only Naruto-kun and us can reveal the scrolls contents," Yamato added on, "They are like blood contracts only we can access."
"Now that ya'll have your first mission assignments you guys are free to go," Naruto said as he continued on his paperwork.
Each gave a slight nod and made their way out. Yamato, the last one in the room, came to a stop at the door and turned back towards Naruto. He had wondered if Naruto was worried about doing all this. If he were caught there could be a possibility that he could be stripped of his position or even worse.
"Naruto-kun," Yamato spoke out.
"Nani? (What)" Naruto looked up.
"Are you sure about this?" he quietly asked.
"I'm sure everything will be fine," he grinned, "Besides with your skills as well as theirs I know you guys would never be figured out."
The light rays broke the dusty morning sky. The sun slowly crept over the horizon as the shades of night began to fade away. Walking along a dry desolate path surrounded by vast mountain ranges blanketed with massive trees was a relaxed Naruto accompanied by Kakashi and Sakura as well as several chuunin an jounin leaf shinobi. The descreetly overshadowed path twisted and turned as they walked further along it finally leading them down into a narrow valley. They trekked beside a tiny stream and jagged rocks deeper into the valley coming up to a dark cave. The the group of chuunin and jounin walked in first checking for any dangers. After a few minutes they came back out signaling to Naruto that things were clear. So with a deep sigh, Naruto followed everyone into the cave.
They walked in darkness for what felt like hours while they twisted and turned down the many tunnels. The gentle stream could be heard flowing along with them as they journeyed deeper through the cave. Finally a faint light could be seen in the distance showing the way out. Making it to the opening they came to oversee a circular valley completely surround by high mountain ranges. They could see the stream flowing down into the valley and splitting off to several more caves on the mountains. But directly in the center of the valley stood what they had come here for.
A large tower stood proud and quiet like a wise old hermit. By the appearance anyone could guess it had been there for many generations. Vines grew up the sides of the dusty and dry brown tower. Pieces of stone were missing from many spots on it and signs of rust could be seen on many places of the building; however, five distinct element symbols stood out above a large dirty door.
"So this is one of the sacred Kage's Tower," Naruto muttered to himself, "It looks so ancient."
"It would seem it hasn't felt the presence of people in many years," Kakashi commented.
Finally they strolled up to the old large door. Naruto ran his hand across many tiny markings that ran across the door. He huffed a soft sigh lifting his hand up towards his face. For a moment he examined the dirt smudges on his hand. So many great and gifted shinobi had graced this place with there presence. There was much history held here and Naruto couldn't help but wonder what they would do in a time like this. Was he even worthy of being amongst the ones who had preceded him?
Bringing his mind back to reality Naruto stepped back a performed a sequence of unfamilar hand signs ending with him biting down on his thumb to reveal his blood. He gently placed that hand on the door causing the markings on the door to glow a faint blue color. A soft creaking sound could be heard as specks of dirt bursted out from the middle. The doors slowly swing open inward giving sight to a large room filled with pillars and statues. They made their way in hearing the door slowly swing itself shut behind them.
The inside looked even more ancient than what it was on the outside. Moss and vines flourished all over the place. Many massive and jagged cracks ran along the blackened walls. Some parts of the floor looked as if a stampede of animals had trampled over it. To many of them it seemed surprising that this place was still standing by the way it looked. But still there was a feeling of tranquility here. They walked more coming to a stop in the middle while they looked over five statues standing in a circle facing outwards. Each one of them were firm figures bearing the robes of the kage. The five kage statues bearing homage to the five great shinobi nations all standing together harmoniously.
After gazing over the present surroundings, everyone made their movements towards a set of grayed stairs dirtied by the trials of time. They made their way up the hard steps that went up and split out in opposite directions along the wall leading them to what was above. Winding up the stairs and around the room they entered, everyone arrived to a splintered wooden door. Naruto gently grabbed onto the knob and slowly pushed the old door open.
The room they came into was just as large as the one below them. The five statues of the kage's could be seen lined up across the wall overseeing a large polished circular stone table. The room was not empty though as everyone quickly noticed that Gaara and the Mizukage were present each with their respective entourages.
"We've been waiting for you to arrive Hokage-sama," the Mizukage rose from his seat and approached him, "I am Yuuga Harou one of the Seven Swordsman of the Mist and the current Mizukage. It is a pleasure to finally meet you formally."
Naruto shook his hand, "Yeah me too."
Naruto slowly examined the relatively young looking man with flowing navy blue hair. There was a soft look to him that Naruto could easily feel warmth and comfort with yet in the back of his eyes there was the look of anguish from something. The scar across his right eye even suggested more to it. But despite the look of anquish this man appeared to be very caring for his people and his nation. Naruto then moved his glance from Harou to Gaara. Gaara sat there with the usual solemn look on his face but only Naruto could tell that there was an even sadder disposition that was glazed over his deep black eyes. The same could be said for Kankuro and Temari who were a part of his group standing behind him. After looking over everyone, Naruto finally took a seat.
"…Gaara gomenasai (I'm sorry)…," Naruto spoke directly to him, "I wish I could have done more when Sunagakure was attacked."
"………," Gaara was silent for a second, "It is alright Naruto…I know you would have done more if you were able to. You did what you could…Our shinobi fought bravely to protect our village."
"Still if you need anything from us don't be too proud to ask," Naruto retorted, "But now what should we do next?"
"We all know that the reality of this is that Uchiha has the upper hand against us with the many towns destroyed along the Hi no Kuni border and the severing blow to Sunagakure," Harou proclaimed, "The question of what we do now is something that will take away from our enemies. Uzumaki your recent attack on Akkifue was a minor flash of what we can do but now is the time for something even greater."
"Something that will land a very damaging blow to Sasuke," Naruto spoke aloud slighty to himself, "And your right it has to be something bigger than what we did at Akkifue."
"I know something that we could do," Gaara spoke up, "Something that will both make a statement for what was recently done to my village and something that will make Uchiha Sasuke fall from his high and mighty seat."
A recluse Sasuke stood amongst a vast pile of rubble. Trails of vines and weeds ran through it like an unwanted infestation which could not be fought off. He stepped over piles of rocks towards a big wall bearing a large uchiha symbol. Running his fingers along the wall and placing a hand on his forehead Sasuke reminiscenced on the last battle that occurred here with his brother and the things that followed suit. So much had happened from that time up until now and even more so it was as if the years were nothing. No one could have planned the way things turned out. They were almost fading memories in Sasuke's head but yet they held on like a hungry leech. Thinking back on everything now Sasuke could still picture them as if the memories were strung all together like an extravagent tapestry.
…………………………
Splashes of water plopped up off the ground as the rain continued to pour. The wreckage of the Uchiha hideout held almost no signs of life except for a single fallen Uchiha. The rain pattered onto a lifeless Itachi washing away the dried up blood on his face and body. Sasuke was long gone as well as the Konoha team that got there too late. The black flames of Amaterasu were no more but they left a wide charred ground surrounding the demolished hideout. A slight twitch quivered through Itachi's arm and came to a stop. Slowly the eye's of what appeared to be a dead Itachi crept open. He looked up into the sky his vision blurred by the massive use of his Mangekyo Sharingan. The rain splashing into his eyes and sliding down his face like a stream of tears. Very gingerly he turned his head to the side and noticed that a blurred figure had just arrived. The figure casually took a couple of steps towards Itachi.
"I would have figured you for dead the way your lying there," the figure spoke to him, "Your not that much of a weakling are you?"
"…Kisame-san," Itachi softly muttered, "…We must leave."
"So soon," he chuckled, "You don't even look like you can get up and you want to leave already. Why in such a hurry?"
"I will tell you everything along the way," Itachi turned his head back up to the sky, "…I have to see what's happened…There could be much more I have to do."
"So will you take Itachi's eyes and transplant them," Tobi asked Sasuke who was sitting atop a large ribcage surround by graves and bones.
"No…," Sasuke blankly responded, "What Itachi wanted to see and what I will see, are two vastly different things. I can't do what he wanted…"
"Either way we have a meeting to attend so I suggest you tell your Team Taka(hawk) to get their things."
Kisame stood waiting on the winding balcony walkway as Tobi approached him. After secretly moving Itachi to a safe place and learning of the truth from his partner Kisame knew he had to appear as if he was out of the loop of what was going on. Luckily he was not with Itachi when Tobi had approached him to inform him of this impromptu meeting. As of right now all he knew he needed to do was act surprised when Madara revealed himself to him and play along with his plans. It still was a little surprising to find out that the childlike Tobi was actually the retired Sandaime of Kirigakure.
"I need to talk to you Kisame," Tobi said as he came to a stop a few feet away.
"First Zetsu interfers," Kisame made mention to his fight with Suigetsu, "…Now you. I thought you were dead Tobi."
"You ended up being the last to know…," Tobi spoke sounding a little shamed, "You were closest to me, so I'm sorry for deceiving you."
Kisame turned towards Tobi who was reaching up to pull his orange mask off. Appearing to be surprised by the revealing of Tobi's real identity Kisame let a resounding chortle to make things look like they were more at ease now.
"So you're 'Tobi'…I never would have guessed," Kisame remarked, "Well, this puts me at ease. With you pulling the strings, it'll be much for me to move about Mizukage-sama…uh or rather Madara-san."
"I'm counting on you Kisame," Tobi said assuringly.
"Well…?," Zetsu spoke sounding a little on edge.
"Everything went smoothly," Tobi responded, "But I hear sounds of concern in your voice. Why?"
"Itachi's body was missing," Zetsu responded.
"Is that so…hmmmm…So that would mean he is probably alive out there somewhere. Then I guess its best to just keep that between us," Tobi said not sounding at all concerned.
"You don't feel we should tell the rest?"
"No there is no need. Itachi has already lost. His little attempt to give Sasuke extra protection in the form of Amaterasu was a failure and resulted in Sasuke now having the Mangekyo Sharingan. Everything has turned out exactly as I planned it," Tobi said coolly.
"But no one would have ever told the truth about Itachi so why would he bother to give Sasuke all his eye techniques?"
"Even if the truth had stuck with him Itachi would be tormented by the idea that I would find Sasuke," he answered Zetsu.
"Even so…It's still a little surprising that so many Akatsuki members have been killed," Zetsu commented.
"Hai(yes)…but they all joined of their own free will. Sasori, Hidan, Kakuzu, Deidara…without any of them we would have never come this far. Their efforts brought us to this point," Tobi continued on, "The most important thing was to make Sasuke mine…So there is nothing Itachi can do to stop me."
"Do you wish for me to search him out and track him?"
"There is no reason for you to do so. I need you for more important things," Tobi said while his one eye gaze shifted to a new arrival, "You can leave Zetsu."
"Wakatta (understood)," Zetsu listened as his body morphed into the ground and out of sight.
Tobi turned around to face towards a newly arrived Pein standing there with his Yahiko body, "So what news do you have for me Pein?"
"Someone saved Jiraiya," Pein flatly said.
"Heh so first you manage to defeat and 'kill' Jiraiya then someone comes along and saves him," Tobi said slightly sarcastically, "How did that come to be?"
"Someone pulled him out and kept him stable. They also gave quick word to the Konoha group that you encountered and they took him back to Konoha for medical treatment."
"Do you know who did it?" Tobi asked.
"No."
"And what about the coded message he entrusted to the frog. Do you have any idea what message he intended to leave?"
"I don't know for sure but thinking on it a guess would be that he could have figured out my secret," Pein responded, "But even if they find my secret they have no hope of defeating me."
"Don't be too cocky Pein it could be your downfall. You have already lost one of your six bodies…heh but then again your cockiness is one of your strong suits and you do have replacement bodies and you also always seem to turn up with even more surprises than that," Tobi added, "Either way Akatsuki can continue on unfeathered. You will lead the rest of Akatsuki to capture Naruto and I have instructed Team Taka to find the eight-tails. Everything will go on as planned. We cannot afford any missteps."
Pein nodded in agreement as he made his leave. Tobi let loose a sly grin buried deep under his mask. The destruction he longed to bring upon Konoha would soon be at hand and with so many obstacles out of the way it would be even easier. After spending some time thinking and gazing upon the wide pond, Tobi disappeared out of sight. Not soon after a liquid image of a head rose from the water giving shape to the cold maniacal eyes of Suigetsu.
Sasuke and the rest of his team strolled into a large dark and dank cave. Everyone was battered and sore from a hellish battle in capturing the jinchuuriki who held the eight-tails but they had finally overcame their opponent and brought them to where Tobi had specified. It was unfortunate that the dark-skinned cloud-nin that they fought was extremely adapt at using the demon that was inside him. If it hadn't been for Sasuke's Mangekyo Sharingan they knew that things could have ended up with a more horrible result. Either way they got what they wanted and now they stood before the massive King of Hell statue. The very omnious object that already held seven of the nine tailed beasts. It was a fasinating yet shocking sight for them to see. Its appearance was demonic and deathly. It was like something of such horrific magnitude that just wanted to swallow the most powerful and dark things in existence, and essentially it had already done so for the most part.
"You can toss the body right there," Tobi stood atop one of the fingers pointing to the very front of the statue, "We are about to begin so I suggest you get comfortable and relax cause it's going to take several days for this one."
Sasuke plopped the near-lifeless body onto the cold ground and stepped away with the rest of his team. The remaining five members of Akatsuki began to focus their chakra as they began the extraction process. The five occupied fingers gave off a faint green glow of the symbols that were displayed on their rings. Soon after the open mouth of the statue released nine flowing blue spectral dragons that came crashing down onto the body. The man screamed out in agonizing pain as the bijuu was being sucked straight out of him. This would seal the end of a strong and brutal ninja who had earned the respect of his clan and country.
Sasuke looked on with a blank stare at a sight which would be tramatic to some. Taking his glance from the hopeless man, he examined the quiet Akatsuki members who were focusing everything into their job. He quickly noticed that only Zetsu, Tobi, and Kisame were physically there while there was only a phantom image of Konan and Pein. He grew slightly confused by it and wondered if something else was going on.
"I see Pein and Konan are only here through an astral projection," Sasuke spoke aloud to his team, "What do you guys think?"
"We were told by Madara, I mean Tobi, how these things went sometimes," Karin responded, "It gives them the ability to technically do this while physically being somewhere else and have a slight freedom to do things."
"Yeah but with Akatsuki being this low in numbers would it just be as logical to have everyone here," Sasuke retorted, "Pein and Konan would be able to supply more chakra to the extraction and make this quicker."
"I agree with Sasuke," Suigetsu spoke up, "This is boring as hell and we've only been sitting here for a few minutes. Why do they get to be the lucky ones and not actually be here?"
"Because Pein and Konan have a very special job they must prepare for," Tobi's voice echoed throughout the cave, "Pein, as the leader of Akatsuki, must uphold to his duty of capturing the last jinchuuriki."
"So they are off capturing Naruto while I have to wait here?" Sasuke sounded a little bitter.
"Madara personally asked me to capture Naruto," Pein finally spoke, "So the nine-tailed kid will be brought in by my very hands. Once we are finished here Konoha will bear witness to the power of a true 'god'."
"But what about my goals Madara?" Sasuke grew angry, "Disregarding the fact that I should be the one to take down Naruto, what of my goal to have my revenge on the higher-ups of Konoha?"
"That time will come Sasuke. Once Pein has taken Naruto we can go into Konoha and do whatever we want with it. You will have what you are seeking," Tobi confirmed, "A perfect plan takes time to follow through with so a little patience from you would be much appreciated."
"Fine…," Sasuke scoffed, "Just as long as things get done."
Itachi sat relaxed in a wooden chair staring blankly into the darkness of the tiny little cabin that held him. It was a very secluded cabin deep in a vast forest surrounded by miles and miles of trees. No human life was even close enough to accidently come across Itachi's hiding place. The only way someone would know of the place would be if Itachi had given the information to them himself. His quiet and calm daydreaming was soon interrupted by a sudden creak on the floor boards as someone gave way to their presence.
"What news did bring me?" Itachi asked as he already knew someone was going to show up.
"…Pein is dead," the voice answered, "He was defeated after a long and grueling fight. They discovered his secret and managed to truly take him down."
"And now you've officially deserted them eh Konan?"
"Hai," Konan stepped out of the shadows, "Everything we discussed is done …I pulled Jiraiya out from his impending death and secretly delivered a message to Naruto and his group to save him. I continued following along with Pein and Akatsuki like a loyal member. I secretly sent my knowledge of Pein to Konoha to help them further prepare for his arrival. And I finally abandoned Akatsuki to come here."
"And I'm sure they know now that you have done all these things," Itachi added on.
"But how did you know I would help you by do all these things?" Konan's curiousity leapt out.
"…Because of your eyes," he quickly said, "I could see in your eyes that you still had a caring heart despite what your life has given you. I knew me coming to you as soon as Kisame came and got me, I would still be able to salvage what I could of my plans and the feelings you held in your heart. So I knew you would help to save your former teacher Jiraiya and you deeply care about your country so I also knew you would stop Pein, someone you've been beside for so long, even if it meant harm to your country."
Knowing Itachi was right Konan stood silent for a moment, "…So what are we going to do next? There is still the matter of Zetsu and Madara as well as your brother."
"Kisame is revealing his alterior motives and dealing with Zetsu as we speak and with Madara I know exactly what I can use to stop him for good," Itachi grew quiet suddenly, "…As for my brother I had hoped that he did not choose this path. So if Uzumaki Naruto can't save him now then it will be too late to help Sasuke."
"So the portion of your power you put into Naruto?" Konan inquired.
"It was to give Naruto something special that I hope he never needs to use…and…it was also a fail-safe for me if Sasuke fell into Madara's hands," Itachi explained, "I can use it for something that it originally wasn't intended for. I can use it to take the Mangekyo Sharingan that I granted Sasuke which is probably what I will have to do now."
"But your hoping that it won't be like that?"
"I have to put my hopes into that foolish little Naruto," Itachi smiled, "Cause that kid is capable of many things."
"Yeah…I witnessed his abilities when me and Pein were in Konoha," Konan reflected back on the fight, "He is a very gifted person. Together with his friends and comrades he showed a lot of promise. I could see why Akatsuki wanted to keep a very watchful eye on his growth."
"Truly…and now he has left to Myouboku Mountain to train with the toad sages," Itachi finally stood up from his seat and made his way to the door, "Well now I guess I should be heading out. There are some things that need to be done before a final confrontation with Madara happens…In the mean time Konan I need you to check on something for me."
"Nanika? (What is it)"
"I've gathered some disturbing information that I need someone to help me confirm," Itachi sighed, "Something that could be an even greater threat to the shinobi world than even Madara."
A tired Sasuke stood trying to gather his breath. Things were finally winding down as he did battle amongst a dry barren wasteland. Many leaf shinobi were laid about either dead or just from severe beatings. Sasuke shot is red eyes around checking on his teammates to see that they had fallen to their hands and knees too tired to go on. Finally taking his eyes off of them he looked several yards away to see the last and final member of Akatsuki duking it out for what had been hours now with whatever Konoha had sent to throw at him.
Soon after Konoha had received word of the last Akatsuki member showing up, Tsunade sent off groups of the some of the best Konoha had to offer to finally put things to an end. It was even more troubling after all the information that was gathered on Tobi that he was actually the infamous and legendary Uchiha Madara. So sending many shinobi to fend him off was a wise yet risky maneuver.
This whole final showdown actually had begun with Konoha finding the whereabouts of Team Taka, a trap that Madara set up to draw some of Konoha's best out, and having the Konoha 11 with their respective former sensei's showing up as well. It was very drastic of Tsunade to order a mission like that but it had the greater potential of getting things done and getting Sasuke back to Konoha. What resulted was Tobi showing up and taking down most of them along with Sasuke and his team helping out. Tobi wanted to kill two birds with one stone by having the final jinchuuriki there for the taking and to drag out more leaf-shinobi away from the village. Everything went exactly how he wanted it by Kakashi summoning Pakkun to go get reinforcements resulting with things finally reaching this point.
Slowly Sasuke started dragging himself to the fight making his way past several of his former classmates that had passed out from exhaustion. It was a bitter renunion of the Konoha 11 all in the same place and the last ones still standing were him and Naruto, who was busy giving all his efforts to beating Madara. He was not alone though. Sakura continually tried to give her efforts to help take him down but she was finally brought to the ground too tired to fight on. Kakashi, Yamato, Guy, Kurenai and several other of the elite jounin were still landing in their attempts to beat him.
Reflecting on things as he made his way closer and closer to the fight Sasuke already knew full well Madara was very untrustworthy and had the potential of getting rid of Sasuke after Madara got what he wanted. Sasuke too knew that eventually he would get what he wanted from Madara once he finally got to the elders of Konoha and killed them but when he thought about it more he knew he would need Madara's help for much more. To him it felt like an unsafe decision to make but he had no choice if things were going to get done after all this was over.
Furthermore, with the countless amounts of jutsus that have been used by and on Madara there had to be some fatigue and injury inflicted on him. It was still astounding to Sasuke that Madara was this powerful. Even seeing some of his jutsus were simply jaw-dropping. But despite the fact Sasuke was actually a little frustrated about the situation. He really wanted everyone out of the way so he could go one-on-one with Naruto. It was annoying to always have Naruto come after him. Sasuke wanted to show him once and for all that he would never come back. It was time to end things for good between them.
"I won't let you have Sasuke," Naruto roared as another one of his blows missed Tobi, "Why do you want him so badly?!"
"It is my own reason as to why Sasuke is with me and pretty soon the Kyuubi inside of you will be mine again," Tobi laughed, "Then I will release him back on Konoha and finally have it be destroyed unlike 16 years ago."
"We won't let you take Naruto or destroy Konoha," Kakashi struggled back to his feet, "You will be stopped for all the deaths and devastion that you've caused in your lifetime. It all ends here with your death Madara!"
"I've been able to live for a long time and even after this I'll live far beyond your lifespan," he laughed even more.
"Fuuton: Rasen Shuriken! (Wind Release: Spiral Shuriken)"
"What the…," Tobi turned around with shock in his eye.
Two puffs of smoke went off while a raging Naruto came rushing forward. His Rasen Shuriken was giving off a high pitched frequency. The yellow center was spinning rapidly and the chakra wind blades making the shape of the shuriken were vibrantly glowing. Tobi was thrown completely off guard as Naruto smashed the Rasen Shuriken deep into the core of his stomach. The result was a massive sphere of destruction that consumed him and pushed the remaining people still standing back with the heavy gush of wind. Sasuke stared on shocked by the very powerful jutsu Naruto had performed. Not even his Sharingan could pick up everything that happened. It was an amazing sight to see the damage that it created.
The dust slowly cleared over an enormous newly formed crater and everyone looked on to see if their foe had finally been taken down. Kakashi took a glance at Naruto to see a smirking face reshape to a stunned one. He looked back into the crater, along with the others, to see a tattered but very alive opponent. His Akatsuki cloak was torn to shreds and his once bright orange mask was shattered into pieces on the ground. The remaning clothes that was under the cloak was torn up especially around his stomach which was covered in blood. Some of the metal plating on the sides of his arms and legs were missing or damaged as well. His short hair was covered in dust but the thing everyone noticed the most was that Madara's face was finally in the open. The face of an old man who had long outlived his generation. The several lines under his eyes showed signs of the time he had endured yet he still held a semblance of his former youth which kept all of them wondering how he has lived for over 80 years. Madara's now revealed left eye was the very thing he had achieved so long ago. His Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan was as plain as day for everyone to see and yet something seemed wrong with it. There was no energy behind the eye as if it was completely drained from use.
"So that is the famed Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan," Kakashi spoke heavily, "It looks as if it holds no more life in it anymore."
"It was just another sacrifice to achieve my goals," Madara panted, "Besides my massive amount of chakra, this has been the reason why I've lived for so long. The ways to a true jutsu that has granted me immortality."
"But…how can that…be possible?" Naruto showed signs of fading.
"It was something only I was able to manage with my unique skills and special chakra. Soon after my epic fight with Hashirama, the Shodai Hokage, where I was almost put to my death, I spent the majority of my time further developing the abilities of my Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. After a numerous and rigorous time of trial and error I finally achieved what I thought was only a dream. One day I finally reached a piece of what I ultimately sought for. The jutsu I created gave me the ability that would help grant me immortality. So using my Sharingan to manipulate the time space around myself I've retained my life throughout the years but it still wasn't completely perfected yet. In the meantime I formed Akatsuki, furthered my plans for revenge against the Uchiha clan and Konoha, and I continued working on perfecting my jutsu."
"But eventually with such an unknown jutsu it would run out," Kakashi remarked
"With the constant use of it on myself to be assured that I would live on through the years, it did take its toll. But the very thing I was also waiting for was the right candidate to help me fix that."
"New eyes…," Naruto mumbled.
"That's right…I needed new fresh and stronger eyes to be able to produce the perfection of my jutsu," Madara spoke clutching on his stomach, "But it was a surprise to me that one of my attempts to destroy Konoha in the form of the Kyuubi would give light to the very candidate I was looking for in Uchiha Itachi. The planned coup d'etat by the Uchiha clan only helped me get closer to what I wanted; however, as I went along with my plans I discovered that Itachi proved troubling but another appeared in Sasuke. With a pure and easily moldable Sasuke I could accomplish all of my goals…heh even right now Sasuke is under my genjutsu seeing us still fighting while I reveal everything to all of you……Now I have had my obstacles. In fact Yondaime was the biggest one. He figured everything that was going to happened so he sealed the Kyuubi inside his son to protect the future of Konoha."
"Is that true?? Yondaime…was my…father??" Naruto's heavy eyes grew wide.
"He truly was…and he is the one who is still a thorn in my side today because of you. You're the last bijuu that I need to ensure my power over everything in this world, but somehow you have proven to be a major nuisance that won't go away. But everything changes after today. Today I accomplish everything I have planned for…So I'm done talking. This all ends now!!"
Madara quickly rushed out of the crater towards a exhausted Naruto as he slowly passed out. Between the surprising information of who his father really was and the massive use of chakra, Naruto could not hold himself consious anymore. Everyone rushed forward to stop Madara before hearing a tired and unaware Sasuke annouce the activation of his Mangekyo Sharingan. The next thing everyone knew was a quick flash of smoke that spread over the area. People jumped in every which direction trying to figure out what just happened. Slowly the smoke let up to reveal a blue-skinned man standing behind Madara holding a bandaged sword up to his neck. Naruto was unconsious several feet away so Kakashi and the others quickly appeared around Naruto protecting him from anyone else that would come along.
Sasuke stood wondering what had just happened partially seeing Kisame by Madara while another figure blocked the rest of his sight. He slowly looked up to see who was in his way. A shocking look surged over Sasuke's face like a wild virus. He could not believe his eyes. Standing there right in front of him was an expressionless Itachi. His Akatsuki cloak waved in the wind as he held up to fingers towards Sasuke's forehead.
"You look like you've seen a ghost…little brother," Itachi flatly said, "You know the truth about me and I had hoped that things didn't turn out this way. Madara molded your mind to exactly what he wanted. I had hoped that you wouldn't have chosen this path Sasuke…heh Hebi is a more suited name than Taka for your team because it turned out you didn't shed your skin and become a hawk…hmm…I left a power in Naruto that I see he hasn't used but now I've taken it back because I see what must be done. But before I use the power to take your Mangekyo Sharingan away, I'll show you the whole truth Madara skewed for his advantage."
A couple of yards away everyone saw Sasuke collapse to the ground and a walking ghost walk towards them. Everyone, not including Madara and Kisame, had thought Itachi to be dead and to see him now sent a wave of wonder through them. Kisame was holding a wide maniacal grin at the irritated expression Madara had on his face.
"You don't look too happy to see us Mizukage-sama," Kisame cackled.
"Out of respect I didn't go kill you Kisame even after your betrayal but now it looks like I have no choice," Madara hissed.
"That's not going to happen Madara. You have greatly outlived your time and now that will come to an end. You should have killed me yourself," Itachi slowly walked towards them with his Mangekyo Sharingan activated, "I would suggest everyone back away."
Kakashi lunged Naruto up over his shoulder and quickly signaled for everyone to pull back. From a distance they saw a skeletal shape slowly take form around Itachi. It was an astonishing sight to see a massive spectral figure surround Itachi.
"You think by using Susanoo that you can stop me Itachi," Madara smirked, "You are still as foolish as they come."
"That's exactly what I am going to do. It seems that after everything that has happened you still take me too lightly. You still can't see how far I will go to protect the very things I care for," Itachi made a signal for Kisame to move away, "You think you've found a way to live forever but you've really only found a way to push your death date back."
In one quick motion the spectral form reached into its sake bottle and lunged the Sakegari at Madara only to have him easily dodge it. Several more swipes were taken but Itachi could see that Madara was too fast and there was a certain amount of time he maintain Susanoo. Kisame watched on knowing that Itachi would soon reach his limit. Knowing that this would happen Kisame swiftly dashed towards Madara taking him by surprise. Hurling his sword forward he slammed Madara into the ground. Then like razor sharp blades some of the shark skin scales came ripping out of the bandages digging into the grounded Madara
"Ugh…what do you think your doing?" Madara could feel his remaining chakra being drained, "I was your mentor…I've taught you countless things…and you…and you return the favor by betraying me. I will still give you a chance right now to redeem yourself."
"No," Kisame coldly responded, "You were my mentor and a powerful teacher, but things are going to end like this. Even an old relic like you must be put to an end…and let's just say I hold an alligence to someone else. This is goodbye Mizukage-sama."
At the last second Kisame jumped out of the way as the Sakegari came slamming down into Madara. A slight yelp of pain crept through his lips. He could not believe that this was actually the end. Madara could see now that the very people he underestimated would prove to be his downfall. He knew they couldn't compare to his power but how could he be the one down for the count like this. Things were not suppose to turn out like this.
"You sought to be immortal so now you can have it for all eternity in oblivion. Trapped in a genjutsu until the end of time," Itachi was showing signs of fatigue, "That is where your life has taken you………It's over."
"No!" Madara roared as his body began to morph into the sword, "I am the greatest of all Uchihas!! The most powerful shinobi in existance!! You can't beat me!! No one can!! I am the immortal Uchiha Madara!!"
Nothing else could be heard from Madara as the rest of his being was absorbed into the sword. Slowly Susanoo disappeared from around Itachi as he stumbled a few steps forward. He deactivated his Mangekyo Sharingan and took a deep sigh. Things were finally over. Uchiha Madara was no more.
"Let's hurry and get going Kisame-san," Itachi quickly said, "Madara is no more so our job here is done and I don't want to have to deal with Konoha. Let them be left wondering what just happened here…Besides we have to meet up with Konan to see what she has found out."
"Heh," Kisame huffed in agreement.
In an instant Itachi and Kisame were gone. Everyone still left behind went rushing in to help out their injured comrades and to fully assess what they had just witnessed. Who knew that things would have turned out this way. No one had seen this coming. But there was no time to sit and think. The battle was finally finished. Now they just need to pick up the pieces.
Naruto slowly cracked open a strained eye, heavy from exhaustion. With blurred vision he tried to get a focus on what was going on around him. Slowly images of trees and people began to take form around him. Laying there he gathered what he last remembered.
"Watch out!" Naruto suddenly jolted up.
Kakashi quickly rushed over to Naruto to calm him down, "Daijobu des (It's alright) Naruto. It's all over. Madara is no more."
With a clearer vision Naruto looked around to see all his friends recovering from the major fight, "It's really over…And everyone here is fine?"
"Hai Naruto…We are all fine. We are just resting here until Tsunade-sama sends us a relief group to help us out."
"And what about Sasuke-kun?" Naruto flatly asked.
"…………," Kakashi stayed quiet for a moment, "He didn't come with us."
"What do you mean he didn't come with us!?" Naruto stumbled to his feet in anger, "How could Sasuke not be back with us? If everything is finally over then shouldn't he return to Konoha with us?"
"…Naruto…I'm…," Kakashi dropped his head.
"NO! I'm not going to let Sasuke get away this time! I can't let him do that…I will go back and get him," Naruto frantically said as he dashed off.
"Naruto wait!" Kakashi shouted.
But Naruto could not hear Kakashi anymore. He was already far on his way back to the battlefield. He just couldn't understand that now that everything was over and done with that Sasuke did not come back with them. One of the reasons Naruto pushed himself so far was so that he could help bring his friend back to Konoha with him. There was some things that Sasuke would have to answer to but in the end Naruto knew everyone would welcome him back openly. So many people have helped to bring Sasuke home. Now they were closer than ever. Naruto did not want to leave this place without him. He couldn't turn back on his word.
Naruto cleared the trees and leaped down onto the barren plains where their fight had just occurred. He jerked his head from spot to spot across the plains seeing if he could still find Sasuke. After a few frantic jolts and a growing knot of pain inside Naruto finally brought his sight on a few figures that were far off in the distance. Without anymore wasted time Naruto charged off with an urgent vigor. He quickly neared the distance between them in a matter of seconds.
"Sasuke!" Naruto screamed out with little energy he had.
Sliding very hard to a complete halt Naruto finally stood behind the friend he tried so much to save. Sasuke stood still his back towards Naruto as his other companions nodded to Sasuke and continued walking on. Naruto stumbled forward a little still feeling the exhaustion from the previous fight. Sweat beaded off the side of his face while he panted heavily, but he didn't care how drained he was there was no way that he could let Sasuke leave.
"…Sasuke…don't go," Naruto was trying to catch his breath, "All of this…is over. Why do you still insist on leaving?"
"Hmm baka (idiot)," Sasuke kept his back to him, "You just somehow never seem to face the truth. I am never going back to Konoha."
"But you have no reason to not return. Akatsuki is finished and you took your revenge against your brother."
"No my brother is still alive," Sasuke corrected Naruto, "He was here…"
Naruto's eyes clenched with anger, "Let it go already Sasuke! I know he murdered your whole clan but revenge is only going to destroy you. You will be left with nothing expect for despair."
"I am already left with nothing expect my own ambitions…My revenge for Itachi is done with but I still intend on killing him one day, but now my sights are set on something else. Something even more important than the death of my brother. I do not care where my path takes me just as long as I fulfill my goals…Konoha is nothing to me…You are nothing to me," Sasuke turned towards Naruto gazing at him with cold and weary eyes.
"No matter what I do you still won't let me save you. You won't let me bring you home to all the people who care about you," Naruto's eye swelled up with tears, "I've gone through so much to finally reach the day where I would get my friend back and I just can't let you walk away…Not this time."
"Are you saying you're going to fight me and take me back?" Sasuke asked.
"If that's what it takes. I failed the first time but I won't fail again."
"Neither of us even have the strength to lift up even a finger. Even right now I can see you're just standing there by sheer willpower."
"What do I have to do to make you see?" Naruto slid forward a bit, "What do I have to do to bring you back?"
"You are still so naïve Naruto…The days of childhood dreams are gone…There is nothing you can do that will ever change my mind. You are the one who must see that everything that there ever was is a thing of the past to me. Konoha is now and will always be…my enemy. I will see to it that it falls beneath my hands."
Naruto's teary eyes grew wide at Sasuke's remarks, "How could you say something like that? What has become of you Sasuke?…I…I could never let you do something like that."
Sasuke turned back around and continued walking, "Well then this is goodbye…The next time we face each other we will be sworn enemies…Face reality Naruto…this is the end…"
"…S-sasuke…n-no…," Naruto could only muster a whisper as his vision faded out and he collapsed to the ground.
"So its settled then," Naruto spoke, "Gaara will lead a campaign from the south while Harou heads in from the west. But do you still think it is smart for both of you not to be in your villages. Besides the fact that Sunagakure is recoving, there will be a big weakness for the villages with both of you attacking Kumogakure. This will be a very big risk to take. Are we willing to do that?"
"It is a big risk for us but with both I and Gaara there the chances of success are higher and the rewards are well worth it. I have people that I can personally vouch for that can take good care of Kirigakure while I'm gone," Harou assured Naruto.
"And I will have Temari be in charge while I'm away. Sunagakure will be in good hands," Gaara added on, "Besides it is my duty to us and my village that I go take down Kumogakure."
Naruto smiled, "I'm confident in you guys. I can send some of Konoha's shinobi to Suna and Kiri to add some extra protection. I know this is going to take a good while for you guys to get there but remember that we can't be figured out or seen at all."
"We will make sure to do so. Kumogakure will not see what's coming," Gaara firmly said, "We will not fail."
beginning work on the next chapter which I hope doesn't take me as long. but in the mean time gimme them reviews peeps. They would be much appreciated.