"UNCLE HIGURE!"

Sakura shot across the room, pouring chakra into her legs to increase her speed, kicking up dirt like a sand storm.

Orochimaru flashed his eyes towards the rampaging pinkette and sneered, "Two birds..." The Sannin began to withdraw his blade from Higure's chest slowly, ready to slice Sakura in half.

In a blind rage, Higure suddenly rose to his feet, screaming in pain as the sword began carving a larger hole in his chest. Sakura stopped, gasping in shock, while Orochimaru snapped his head around in response. His hand burning with lightning again, Higure slammed his open palm against Orochimaru's face, and clutched it as tightly as he could.

The Sannin bellowed in agony as Higure poured all of the chakra he had stored up from his torture sessions through his arm, and into his murderer's pale face. Sakura stopped in her tracks, the shock of her uncle suddenly standing up and grasping Orochimaru's face taking her aback for a moment. She shook of the surprise and then charged again to help her family.

The properties of the lightning chakra started to tear Orochimaru's face to shreds, as he attempted to pry Higure's hand off of his face. Orochimaru then quickly removed the blade from Higure's body, and slashed him across the chest. Blood sprayed out of the wound like a fountain. Higure let out a soft breath as he lost even more of his strength. The chakra flow stopped, and he released Orochimaru's face.

The serpent Sannin cried out in pain and dropped his sword on the ground. His hands hovered inches above his scarred, damaged face. Blood dripped onto the floor, and seeped between his fingers. Orochimaru's mind raced with what to do before he looked up and saw Sakura with her fist pulled back. He grabbed his sword, drenched with Higure's blood, before the third and only living hydra head came around and swallowed his master.

Sakura stopped, but quickly reacted as she charged towards the hydra again. Her body and mind burned with rage and the desire to avenger her uncle's death. Sakura sprung onto the hydra's skin and charged towards its head like a rampaging bull. She pulled her fist back and then slammed it directly into the hydra's chin. Much to her surprise, she flew through the reptile as though it were made from dead leaves.

'Snake skin?!' Sakura turned her head down to the ground, seeing the mutated hydra, now only with a single head, slithering away to an empty corner of the room. It turned back and looked at her before hissing, and then vanishing in a cloud of smoke. "NO!" Sakura then landed on the wall and looked around the room as the other snakes started to vanish. "No! You coward! Get back here!"

Jiraiya turned to face Tenga, but she too was gone as well. The Palace then shook violently, this time from an explosion that blew out a fair portion of the room. "Damn it! We need to move now!"

"Not until I find Orochimaru," Sakura shrieked angrily, clenching her fists tight enough to almost break her leather gloves.

"He's already gone Sakura," Jiraiya snapped as he dodged a falling piece of debris. "If we don't leave, then we'll be throw into that lake of lava below!"

Sakura scowled angrily before turning to her uncle, lying bleeding on the ground. She ran towards him and slowly, gently picked him up. Haku landed next to Higure too, and helped Sakura lift him up. The two young shinobi picked Higure up and moved towards the exit, where Jiraiya guided them.

Nagato and Itachi stumbled a little bit as the cavern system shook, seeing explosion after explosion blowing out from the sides of the Inner Sanctum's walls. Fearful cries came from the prison cells, and the explosions continued to shake the cave.

"This is bad," Nagato shouted.

"Very bad," Itachi agreed quickly.

Nagato then cast two hand signs and then clasped his hands together. The earth dragon extended into a bridge as a section of the prison exploded outward from the Inner Sanctum. As the smoke cleared, Jiraiya came forth and saw Nagato and Itachi standing on the other side of an earth made bridge.

"How did you-,"

"Sensory jutsu," Nagato quickly answered, cutting off Itachi's question.

Jiraiya cleared the bridge quickly with Haku and Sakura behind him, moving across the bridge as the lava below bubbled and boiled, splashing with each piece of debris that came down.

"Let me take him," Jiraiya said as they made it to the other side. Haku and Sakura allowed Jiraiya to pull Higure up on his back. "Now get going!"

The shinobi all turned tail and ran back towards the exit before the Inner Sanctum collapsed. What they soon discovered unfortunately, was that all of Hell's Palace was coming down around them.

"Move faster," Nagato ordered as he took point, blazing through the halls of Hell's Palace. Haku quickly followed after the Rinnegan carrier.

Sakura did her best to keep pace, but had burned through most of her chakra in her rage to try and get Orochimaru. Despite this, she did her best to keep up with the other members of Akatsuki. Sakura then suddenly felt herself lifted off of the ground, and realized she was being carried by Itachi, who then shot forward with the same speed as Nagato and Haku.

Trailing at the end of the group was Jiraiya, carrying the fading Higure on his back, "Stay with me old friend...you can't give up this quickly on me!" A weak groan was the only response Higure could give. The Sannin focused his eyes ahead, determined to make it ouf of Hell's Palace alive.

At the entrance of Hell's Palace, Tsunade and Zabuza stood and waited. They felt the ground quaking beneath their feet, and guessed that the Palace was collapsing in on itself. Both Zabuza and Tsunade agreed though that with so many speedsters in the group, that they would make it out alive. Despite this belief, both rogues carried heavy doubts.

The ground ahead began to cave in and sink deep in on itself, creating a massive hole filled with rubble. Tsunade clenched her fists tightly, her body filled with anxiety and fear.

Entrance was then suddenly blown open, and Nagato was the first one to spring out from the hole. Haku came next, followed by Itachi carrying Sakura, and Jiraiya carrying Higure.

"Tsunade, quickly, you have to heal him," Jiraiya snapped.

"I'll do my best!" Tsunade didn't waste any time, and crouched down next to Higure and began to heal his wounds. 'Damn it...this doesn't look good...'

Sakura sat down next to her uncle, clinging his hand tightly between hers and fought back against the tears welling in her eyes. "C-come on Uncle Higure...I-I know you can pull through..." Higure's breathing became heavier and slower, which was noted by the present company. Sakura squeezed her uncle's hand tighter and began sobbing despite her best attempts. "Come on...d-don't give up! Don't...don't leave me..."

Tsunade knew how hopeless the situation was. Higure had lost too much blood between the torturing and the wounds from Orochimaru, not counting in the internal damage. The medical Sannin looked up at Sakura with soft, pity filled eyes. The pinkette, who bore a shocking resemblance to a younger Tsunade, sobbed quietly and looked down at her uncle who was clinging to life.

"Sakura, isn't it?" The younger kunoichi looked up with an expression of bewilderment, as though she forgot where she even was. Tsunade forced a reluctant smile, though her brow pulled up and displayed Higure's fate before she even spoke. "I...I'm sorry...there's nothing I can do..."

"NO! That's not true!" Sakura's whole body trembled with the fear of losing her uncle. She squeezed Higure's hand as tightly as she could as the tears rolled down her face. "Y-you're Tsunade! You're the best medical ninja in the world! Y-you have to save him! You...you can't just-,"

"S...Sakura..." The pinkette gasped softly and looked down at her uncle. His eyes were nearly closed, and the usual bright emerald greens in them were almost completely dull and faded. "I...I'm sorry I-I can't...stay..." Higure wheezed softly, almost sounding as if he was trying to cough.

Sakura sniffed pitifully and tried to wipe away her tears with the back of her hand, "D-don't say that...y-you're gonna be fine uncle..."

The rest of Akatsuki watched silently, feeling nothing but sorrow and guilt for the family they hardly knew. Tsunade stood up, her hands clasped together in front of her as a single tear welled up in her eye. Jiraiya's eyes remained closed, as he hardly wanted to witness another friend's death. Regret filled his mind as the Sannin cursed himself for not being faster.

Haku couldn't help but cry as the tears ran down his cheeks. He tried to wipe them away as quickly as he could, but more would just stain his soft face yet again. The ice user was always more emotional, even when it was just him and Zabuza, but Haku had learned to hide those feelings behind many walls. Being apart of Akatsuki tore those walls down quicker than they were erected. What was worse was that Haku felt in his soul that had the situations been reversed, that Haku would break down just as easily if Zabuza were the one dying.

Haku tried to stop himself from shedding anymore tears, but he was surprised when he felt an arm wrap around his shoulder. He looked up and saw Zabuza holding him against his side. Haku was astonished, not for the show of affection, but for the fact that he saw genuine emotion and sadness in Zabuza's eyes. Haku closed his eyes, knowing that he and Zabuza were feeling the same thing in their hearts. Both Haku and Zabuza stared back at Sakura and Higure.

"I...I can't be with you anymore kiddo..." Sakura whimpered pitifully at this, biting her quivering lower lip as tears stained her face. Higure managed to wiggle his hand out of Sakura's and slowly reached up to her. He placed his hand on Sakura's cheek, and used his thumb to wipe away some of her tears, garnering a smile from his niece. Higure returned the smile as best as he could with his bruised face. "Y-you're apart of Akatsuki...like we talked about..."

Sakura's smile faded a bit, "Y-you were supposed to come with me..."

Higure nodded softly, his brow pulling up slightly, "Sorry...I can't." Sakura reached up and used both of her hands to hold her uncle's against her cheek. She closed her eyes, imprinting the feeling of her uncle's last touch in her mind before nodding weakly. "Y-you're a strong girl...and I know you'll get stronger in Akatsuki...th-there are a lot of good people...l-like Jiraiya, N-Naruto...and that b-blue haired gal..." Sakura opened her eyes and nodded again, sniffling softly as the tears ran down onto Higure's hand.

"I love you Uncle Higure..."

Higure managed to pull a small grin, and pressed his hand into Sakura a little more. "I...I want you...I want you to remember s-something Sakura..." Higure's arm, too weak by this point, fell slightly, but Sakura quickly caught it. She looked at her uncle and nodded, knowing that time was running out. "Y-your parents and I...w-we fought for th-the W-Will of Fire...us, a-and the rest of our team believed in the Will of Fire. W-we wanted to change Konohagakure from th-the inside...to prevent more war if we could. B-but...I see th-that's impossible now. For so many years...I kept the Will of Fire alive...for me and...m-my friends a-and family...I-I tried to teach you b-by the same...guidelines. A-and I know...you carry your mother's spirit. A-and you carry the Will of Fire...d-don't lose that Sakura. Don't...lose your fire...or the will that drives you."

Sakura stared at her uncle and nodded, over and over again, "I-I won't uncle...I'll keep the Will of Fire burning. I'll carry the Will of you, mom, dad, and your teammates. I promise I'll make Konohagakure a better place uncle!"

"I know...you...will..." Higure gasped softly and let out a soft, rasping breath. Sakura panicked and placed her hand under Higure's head, clenching her jaw to keep from breaking down. "I...love you Sakura. I-I'll tell Saiki...and Satoru...you said hi..." Higure then closed his eyes and let out one, final sigh of life before his entire body fell limp.

Sakura clenched her uncle's hand and head tightly before throwing her head down on his chest, and breaking down entirely. She cried and bawled with grief, her body shaking with devastation as her heart starting breaking apart.

Nobody said a single word as Sakura screamed and sobbed with anguish. Though death and killing were apart of a shinobi's life, seeing firsthand the harm that one's death causes to a loved one was hard to bear.

Sakura's mind started reaching back to her memories of her uncle, trying to bring back some happiness. The happy memories however only caused more pain as she knew that Higure would never be around for her again. "I...I'm sorry...I'm sorry I couldn't save you Uncle Higure..."

Jiraiya stared at the young girl with sympathy, "This wasn't your fault Sakura. This is Orochimaru and Danzo's fault."

"But if I were just a little faster, if I had tried and stopped those ANBU that took him away in the first place!" Sakura closed her eyes tight, fighting against the tears again. "If I had just listened to him whenever he would voice his doubts against the Alliance...we...we could have left sooner..." Sakura opened her eyes, and stared longingly at her uncle's lifeless face. She kept hoping that he would just spring back to life again, but Sakura knew that would never happen.

"This wasn't your fault," Jiraiya repeated. The old man wasn't sure what else he could tell Sakura to keep her from blaming herself.

Sakura's eyes fell to the ground, focused on her uncle's hand. Gently, the kunoichi took his hand with both of hers. She lifted his hand up, bringing it up to her face as she offered a heartbreaking, tear-jerking smile. Higure's hand was already cold, making his death sink in even further.

"…I was the best," Sakura finally whispered. "Aced every test at the academy. The perfect student. Uncle Higure was always so proud. I even memorized the one hundred shinobi conducts. Even though he didn't remember, or even follow half of them, he was still so proud that I memorized them. 'You've got a good head on your shoulders, and you'll become an amazing shinobi one day Sakura…' That's what he told me all the time." The anguished young woman gave a weak sob, but quickly swallowed her emotions and continued. "I remember, so clearly, this one exam they gave us at the academy. They asked us to recite the twenty fifth principle of shinobi conduct. I got it right of course…"

Sakura started sobbing, tears flowing down her face as she squeezed her uncle's hand as much as she could. She choked on her own emotions as she opened her mouth to try and speak.

"A shinobi never shows their feelings, no matter the circumstances…" Sakura's crying paused briefly as she heard someone else's voice recite the code. Zabuza stepped forward and knelt down next to Sakura, staring at Higure's body with regret and respect. Sakura was dumbfounded by the rogue's sudden display of caring. Zabuza placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder, and finished the code, "Feelings are a weakness…that only clouds his judgment and weakens his sense of duty…"

Everyone seemed a little surprised by Zabuza at this point. The masked man however squeezed Sakura's shoulder firmly and then stared at her tear filled eyes. "That's what I was raised, conditioned, to believe by my teacher. Feelings and emotions can be distracting, but recently...recently I've learned that they're far from a weakness." Sakura straightened up a bit, hanging on Zabuza's every word. The Demon looked over to his comrades, Haku in particular, before looking back to Sakura.

"Whether it's love, hatred, duty, devotion, emotions aren't a weakness for a shinobi. They're a strength. Emotions are what push you further, what push you forward. We all can't be emotionless foot soldiers like Danzo, or Kirigakure's ideal shinobi." Zabuza looked down at Higure's body again and then placed his hand gently on the man's still chest. "That's something I think your uncle believed to be true as well. That's what separates the Akatsuki from any of the other villages, is heart." Zabuza then turned back up to Sakura, who looked as though she were about to break down into tears again. "Don't kill your emotions little girl. Embrace them for what they are, and keep moving forward. That's what your uncle would want."

Sakura bit her lower lip, all of the pain and sorrow finally subsiding a bit thanks to Zabuza's words. All Sakura could do was nod to the masked man. He held out an arm to Sakura, who immediately embraced him and sobbed quietly into Zabuza's chest.

She felt alone in the world, like an ant on the mountain. Sakura's friends, her village, her family, and her former life were all robbed from her, and she had to brave it all alone. For the time though, she clung to the man in front of her and cried.

In the deep woods, a howling cry of pain echoed throughout the night. Orochimaru was knelt to the ground, both of his hands covering half of his face. The blood from his scar seeped between his fingers, dripping and forming a crimson puddle in the dirt. The Sannin panted and breathed heavily, trying to mend his scarred face. Tiny white snakes pulled and rejuvenated his pale skin to cover the wound.

His entire body burned with agonizing pain and pure rage. Orochimaru knew that with this absolute failure that Danzo would label the last Sannin as a traitor. All of Orochimaru's connections, resources, and many of his plans would go up in smokes.

The Sannin's body shuddered hard as his face was slowly being mended, and his mind futilely tried to think of some way to stay within the Alliance. However, Orochimaru knew better than to presume that he could save himself now.

Taking some of his blood from the ground, he used his trembling, crimson stained hands to perform a summoning jutsu. Several regular sized snakes, all as white as Orochimaru's skin, appeared around the Sannin.

A pair of yellow serpent eyes peered up through the darkness behind his hair, "Send word...we're going...underground..." The white snakes all then slithered off in multiple directions, leaving their master alone.

Orochimaru's rage burned for Akatsuki, who ruined his plans in Hell's Palace. Jiraiya imprinted in his mind as the ringleader of the band of would-be rescuers, and Sakura Haruno herself for being the catalyst that spurred Akatsuki to rescue Higure.

The Sannin got up on his feet and began stumbling forward through the night, the flaring pain from his face and the blood loss nearly knocking him off his feet. Orochimaru stared forward, his eyes ablaze with anger and full of rage.

"The Wrath...their dawn..." Orochimaru visualized Danzo and the Alliance leaders, along with Jiraiya and other members of Akatsuki in his mind. "I'll burn them all...to ASHES!"

It was almost midday before Jiraiya and the others returned to Akatsuki's hideout. The entire time, nobody said a word, and Sakura simply stared lifelessly at the ground she tread through.

Waiting for them at the main entrance were two Akatsuki guards speaking with Yahiko. They all turned as the group approached, with Yahiko paying particular attention to Sakura, and something Jiraiya was carrying on his shoulder. The Akatsuki founder noticed the robes Sakura wore, and then looked up at the others.

Nagato was the one who caught his old friend's eye, and the redhead simply nodded. Yahiko returned the gesture and looked back down to Sakura's face, seeing the dead, blank expression she wore.

"I'll show you where you may rest," Haku said softly to Sakura. The pinkette gave the attempt of a poor smile and nodded before pulling up her hood over her head. Haku guided Sakura, walking closely next to her while the adults watched them move forward.

Jiraiya and Zabuza were the only ones who didn't stop by Yahiko, walking towards the left of the entrance. Yahiko watched them quizzically before turning his head to the return party.

"What happened...?"

Nagato crossed his arms and sighed, lowering his head to the ground along with Itachi and Tsunade. The Rinnegan user was the first to speak, "Sakura...lost her uncle." Yahiko closed his eyes and remained silent. "She...she's agreed to join the Akatsuki, and share with us everything she knows about the Alliance. But, considering her age, rank, and her sheltered lifestyle, she obviously doesn't know much that we don't already."

"I see," Yahiko murmured. Itachi looked up at his senior quizzically for a moment before turning to Tsunade. "Naruto is sleeping. After the long hike, the knucklehead passed out. When he wakes up, do you want me to keep him away with busy work?"

"No, we'll have Konan tell him about Sakura joining us," Tsunade stated, her eyes shut firmly. "She'll also explain to him about Higure Haruno's death." The busty Sannin opened her eyes and stared hard at Yahiko. "Don't make her stay...uncomfortable."

Yahiko simply nodded, almost bowing to Tsunade's wishes, much to her and Itachi's surprise. "I wouldn't dream of it. I'll spread word that she's with us."

"And Kiriya," Tsunade questioned, her brow tightening skeptically.

"Still recovering. He'll be hospitalized for weeks at least. I'll inform him not to cause trouble though, you have my word," Yahiko stated. The spiky headed man then bowed his head down and then entered the underground hideout.

"That went...easier than expected," Tsunade admitted with a tone of shock.

"It shouldn't, to be honest," Nagato stated. Itachi and Tsunade both turned to the redhead who wore a look of worry as he watched his childhood friend fade into the darkness. "Yahiko, Konan, and I have been through the same pain that Sakura is going through. She lost her only family to the Alliance, just like us." Nagato then turned to his fellow leaders and gave a sympathetic smile, "Yahiko may be...extreme, but he's not heartless."

"So he's just going to leave Sakura alone without questioning her loyalty," Itachi questioned.

"Yahiko is still, unfortunately, Yahiko. He'll keep an eye on her, but keep a distance. I think he's learned by now that his black-and-white views aren't helping his cause." Nagato sighed and turned back to the entrance, placing his hands behind his head. "He just worries. The Alliance could easily wipe out Akatsuki if they found us all here at once you know? Yahiko just wants to protect Akatsuki. I do too. None of us want to lose a second family."

"I suppose I didn't see it like that at all," Tsunade said, unfolding her arms and placing her hands on her hips. "Yahiko...he's just like Naruto. Both are idiotic knuckleheads who are too proud to just say what they feel. Then again, I suppose that's all men." Nagato and Itachi both slumped over at the demeaning remark towards their gender. Tsunade cracked a smirk before she strode into their base, followed by Nagato and Itachi.

Haku found a small, single bedroom on the very edge of the massive cavern system. Unfortunately, the outer rooms were the only ones massively vacant. Only agents that were constantly in the field used the rooms sparingly, and they were otherwise used as extra storage space for the spare supplies and weapons. Haku had managed to find one decently sized room, though a bit rough and undeveloped, it was empty and available.

Sakura walked into the room, barely giving it a second glance before she stood still in the middle of the room. The ice user rubbed his arm nervously, "Sorry about it. I just...most of the other members have to share rooms, and I figured you'd want to be alone and-,"

"It's fine," Sakura replied. Haku paused and stared at his guest. Sakura turned her head and gave Haku a small but genuine smile. "Thank you for being so considerate." Sakura turned her head and started reexamining her new room. "It's not like I had a whole lot of stuff to pack anyway, right?" She walked over to the small cot in the corner of the room and sat down on it. The springs squeaked noisily under her weight. "Can you come get me when Jiraiya and Zabuza finish burying my uncle...?"

"I will immediately," Haku said reassuringly. "Do you need anything else?"

Sakura shook her head gently, staring blankly at the floor, "I'll be fine for now." The black haired boy nodded his head and then went for the door. Sakura blinked and then lifted her head up to him, "Hey, Haku?" The ice user stopped and then turned his head back to Sakura. "Thank you...for helping me."

Haku swallowed his feelings of guilt and simply nodded, giving Sakura a light smile. With that, he left the room and closed the door. Sakura sat in solitude, her mind empty and her body numb with pain. She closed her eyes and willed herself not to think of her uncle.

Zabuza grunted as he slammed the shovel's blade into the dirt, and then throwing if off to the side. Jiraiya did the same, alternating with his swordsman partner as they dug a shallow hole. Jiraiya stopped for a moment, but watched as Zabuza continued to dig.

The white haired Sannin stared at the swordsman, seeing a determined look in his eyes. "That was...quite unexpected the way you comforted Sakura like that earlier." Zabuza ignored Jiraiya's topic and kept digging. The older shinobi rubbed his chin with a pondering look on his face. "In fact, when we first met her, you were ready to leave Sakura to fend for herself in the woods. And then you suddenly become Mister Sensitive. I don't think any of us have seen you like that before."

Zabuza gave a stifled grunt before he left his shovel sticking out of the ground. The masked shinobi lifted his head up, staring off into the open valley that rested on top of Akatsuki's hideout. "What do you want me to say? This goes beyond simple curiosity Jiraiya."

"Perhaps it is just simple curiosity..."

Zabuza huffed indifferently before staring directly into the Sannin's eyes. Jiraiya always admired Zabuza for never batting an eye when dealing with himself due to title alone. He often found himself too overwhelmed by shinobi who referred to him as 'Lord Jiraiya' or 'Master.' Zabuza wouldn't allow himself to grovel to Jiraiya, or even Tsunade.

"I felt sorry for her," Zabuza finally answered. The swordsman kept digging, despite the fact he felt Jiraiya's curiosity beaming to him. "I have a soft spot from time to time." Zabuza grunted between words, but didn't slow down. "When I found Haku...he had lost his home, his family, everything. I took pity on him."

"You gave him a purpose," Jiraiya stated.

Zabuza chuckled and shook his head, "I didn't mean to. I could have cared less about giving him purpose when I first found him. I saw him as a useful tool that had nothing left to live for."

"And you related that situation to Sakura's," Jiraiya finally guessed. Zabuza stopped digging again before staring at the Sannin. The older ninja chuckled before he started digging again. "Then you'd know that Sakura's situation is different from Haku's." Zabuza nodded and then helped digging again. "She hasn't lost her purpose..."

"She's just lost her way," Zabuza finished. Jiraiya's eyes drifting off to the body bag that held his old friend. Remorse covered his face before he focused back on digging. "And unlike Haku, she'll have better influences around her."

"You were a fine influence on Haku," Jiraiya proclaimed loudly with a hardy grin. Zabuza shook his head again, thankful that his mask could hide his smile somewhat.

The two shinobi remained silent the rest of the time, respectful, until they were done digging.

A little over an hour later, Sakura sat in front of her uncle's grave. A gentle wind blew from the right as Sakura stared longingly at the mound of dirt in front of her. The fond memories lingered in her mind, thinking back to when she was growing up, before becoming a shinobi. When all she or her uncle had to worry about was getting food ready for dinner.

She knew it was all gone now.

Sakura closed her eyes as her heart sank, dragging her down into depression. Her mind raced needlessly with alternate outcomes, or if the reality she lived in were different somehow. Her heart was crushing itself in her chest, filling her with a numbing sense throughout her body to help ease the pain.

Higure wouldn't be around anymore to help Sakura, to brush away her tears, or to hold her when she had a panic attack. That reliance was taken away from her, because of Danzo.

Sakura exhaled slowly through her nose, shaking a bit as she clenched her fists to keep from breaking down. Sitting next to the young kunoichi was her uncle's journal, the only possession she had brought from Konohagakure along with the clothes on her back.

"Uncle Higure...I'm sorry you carried so much on your back," Sakura murmured. She opened her eyes and looked with sorrowful eyes at the grave. "Knowing now, what you were carrying on your shoulders...it must have been unbearable. You promised mom and dad to take good care of me, to raise me. But you promised Minato, Kushina, and Junichi to protect Konoha, and to liberate it without destroying the village."

Sakura lowered her head, arms, and legs down. Her right hand felt and clenched onto the journal tightly. Tears started to build up in her eyes, but she kept them closed as tightly as possible. "You spent so much of your life...trying to keep your promises to others...raising me...y-you never had the chance...to live for yourself."

Sakura brought the journal off the ground and stared at it while a few droplets of water fell from her eyes. They landed on the leather cover of the journal, spreading out and drying quickly. "I'm so sorry...I had no idea what you were going through. What you had done to keep us safe. I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough to help you..."

The young kunoichi brought her arm up to her face and wiped away her tears, sniffling softly. "I promise to you though...I swear, I'm going to fight for your dreams. For the dreams of the Six Paths of the Shinobi, to make Konohagakure a better place." Sakura stood up and brushed her pants off. A bold look grew in her eyes, and a strong smile along with it.

"I can't afford to be weak anymore Uncle Higure. Not if I'm going to keep your dream alive." She brought the journal up and held it against her chest, giving Higure's grave one final look. "I'll make you proud. I promise."

Fighting against the aching, heavy feeling in her heart, Sakura turned around and headed back to the entrance of her new home amongst the Akatsuki.

Danzo turned down a dark corridor with an entire squadron of ANBU agents at his heels. The old man moved through the halls quickly, commanding a heavy presence as he threw a curtain in his way to the side.

Sitting in the room before the Hokage were the other leaders of the Alliance; Hanzo, Mao, and Sasori, all in the flesh, sitting around a semi-circular table. Danzo took his seat at the head of the table, his visible eye stern and unflinching.

"Gentlemen...welcome. We should get down to business quickly."

"Indeed," Sasori said, leaning forward onto the table. "How much longer are you going to milk resources and people from Sunagakure?"

"With the recent attack on Konohagakure, we must have more patrols to ensure security," Danzo stated, addressing the Kazekage's issues. "With the Land of Fire being the country that is closest to the battlefields, it would be the first line of defense against any spies or Union shinobi that might break through the front lines."

"I doubt more troops would have helped Konohagakure's situation," Sasori said with a bitter tone.

"Our intelligence also indicates that the Land of Sky's forces need to ground themselves, as they can't stay aloft indefinitely. We have widened our scouting parties in order to track them down, but in doing so, we leave ourselves wide open to attack, or letting an enemy slip by us."

"What worries me is the absent of Commanders we've been having." All eyes turned to Hanzo. The man lowered his head, staring up with the natural menace in his eyes, "Kakashi hasn't reported in from his scouting mission, and Higure Haruno was labeled a traitor and is in prison."

"Dead, actually," Danzo corrected. The other three leaders of the Alliance seemed alarmed by this turn of events. "That was another piece of information I wanted to bring up during this meeting first and foremost. Hell's Palace, the Alliance's most fortified and secret prison was broken into, and destroyed. It was a combined assault from Akatsuki, and Orochimaru."

Everyone seemed alarmed by this news. Sasori's eyes nearly came out of his head, tensing up at the implications of his partner being a traitor. Most importantly, the Kazekage was horrified that Orochimaru would do something so bold so suddenly without even giving him a word of warning.

"All the Oni Guards and prisoners in Hell's Palace were killed, and only those who infiltrated the prison, and the warden survived," Danzo explained. "I brought you all here to confirm to you in person that Orochimaru is now a traitor of the Alliance, and is to be put down as such."

Danzo's eye beamed directly towards Sasori. The puppet master had never been scared of Danzo, as the old man's main power lied in his leadership and ability to lie and fabricate the truth so that anyone could believe him. The stare that the Hokage shot Sasori was enough to send a fearful chill down the Kazekage's spine.

"As a precaution, my Root agents will be doing a clean sweep through all the villages in the Alliance to weed out any of Orochimaru's agents. Which reminds me Kazekage..." The three heads of the Alliance turned to Sasori, who kept his composure under the pressure. "Your assistant, Kabuto Yakushi, if he hasn't already fled like a coward, kill him immediately."

"You must be joking," Sasori snapped as he rose from his seat. "Kabuto is my right hand man, he's my most loyal subordinate!"

"He is also a spy I planted in the village to keep an eye on you," Danzo stated. Sasori froze as a look of shock washed over his face. His mind began reeling with this information, thinking back to any signs of disloyalty from Kabuto. "And on top of that, he was a child that Orochimaru brought to me. He can't be trusted. I want you to do a clean sweep when you return to Sunagakure. Raid his home, interrogate or kill anyone who has any connections to him, anyone he associates with regularly. Kabuto is in reality Orochimaru's right hand man, and finding him will get us much closer to the traitor himself."

"Well, this is rather bad timing," Mao spoke as his eyes stared at the panicked Sasori. The usual sly smile the Tsuchikage wore displayed his carefree attitude in the face of this news before he turned to Danzo. "We lost Higure to the hands of death, and Orochimaru is a turncoat. We've lost two of our leading Commanders on the battlefield, well, four if you count Kakashi being MIA and Hanzo coming here. On top of that, we've lost the Edo Tensei with Orochimaru, leaving our strength at an all time low."

Hanzo lowered his head, eyes shifting as he tried to calculate how to make up for the lost power. Sasori scowled, angry at the sudden betrayal of his partner and his own assistant before the Tsuchikage's words reached him. Danzo simply glared at the younger Kage, who rose from his seat.

"Our enemies will take this opportunity to strike back," Mao stated. "We need any reinforcements on the front lines right now, not building military settlements or looking for the Land of Sky."

"The Tsuchikage is correct," Hanzo said, getting a fierce stare from his old friend Danzo. "Right now, we're as weak as we can be. If our enemies catch even a scent of that weakness, then the Land of Fire will be invaded from the Union."

"We have ways of making up for that lost power," Danzo said reassuringly. The Hokage turned his head slightly as a figure stepped out from the shadows. Long black hair fell behind a demonic bird mask, that looked as though it would have been shrieking, as a pair of ember eyes stared at the Alliance leadership. Her attire was unlike that of any other shinobi, dressed in all black, with armor plating on her right shoulder and forearm, and armored guards around her thighs, held up by a leather belt with many pouches. "This is the warden of Hell's Palace, Tenga."

"And she's going to make up for the loss of two S-rank shinobi," Sasori questioned, eying the masked kunoichi before him.

"This is Orochimaru's replacement," Danzo explained. "She was engineered to be the most loyal, powerful shinobi as possible." Confused looks were shared around the table. Danzo looked over at Tenga and motioned towards her with his hand.

The masked woman bowed her head and then clapped her palms together, "Summoning Jutsu: Edo Tensei." The leaders scarcely contained their shock as a coffin popped up out of the ground and opened itself up. The lid slammed noisily on the ground, revealing the lifeless, immobile husk of Higure Haruno. "Happy with the demonstration?"

"How...how does she know how to use that jutsu," Hanzo questioned.

"Orochimaru's understanding of the Edo Tensei was limited to what I wanted him to know, which was simply summoning and the means of which to bring out the undead. Tenga has a larger understanding of the Edo Tensei, to the point where her contracts could override Orochimaru's usage of the jutsu. She now has full control of the Edo Tensei, with more power over it than Orochimaru himself."

"How is that possible," Mao asked.

"The Edo Tensei's contract is between the summoner and the undead person's spirit," Tenga explained. "Though Orochimaru made the contracts first, there are very simple ways to override those contracts. For example." Tenga performed the hand seals for the ninjutsu again, bringing up one more coffin. The lid fell open, revealing Hashirama Senju next. The masked kunoichi held her hand out in front of the First Hokage, carrying a air of confidence at her display.

"Tenga will be leading her own forces, leading the Edo Tensei shinobi against the Union to make up for the loss of Orochimaru's power. I will personally be taking command of the First Division to replace Higure Haruno."

"Leaving your own village, your country, open to attack without its leader...are you sure you thought this through, Danzo?" The Hokage turned to the Tsuchikage, whose usual smile was gone.

"Allow me to explain," Tenga took a protective step closer to Danzo. She would never believe that any of them would attempt to attack Danzo, but the former warden was a careful woman. "You're familiar with the Second Hokage's mastery of space-time ninjutsu? Well, thanks to the Edo Tensei, Danzo's former teacher can remain by his side at all times, and teleport our Third Hokage wherever he wishes."

"Making jumps from the front lines of battle, back to the village a trivial matter," Danzo finished. "While I'm away, the Konoha Elders will be in charge of governing the village. I should only be needed in cases of immediate emergencies."

"Fair enough, I was mistaken." Mao leaned his chin against his hand, eyes drifting downward before coming back up. "What of Higure's niece, Sakura?"

"Why should it matter," Danzo mused.

"Well, Sakura's little speech and moment with Kurotsuchi was what helped unite Iwagakure under the Alliance's banner willingly. If she were gone...perhaps there would be...repercussions."

"Your duty as a Kage is to lead your own village, Mao. If you can't keep them in line, then get rid of them." Mao simply bowed his head silently, his smile returning to his face. Danzo narrowed his eye at the Tsuchikage uneasily. The normal expression Mao always wore was something Danzo never trusted. "Are there any other reports to be made, or concerns to be voiced?"

The leaders remained silent. Sasori had his eyes closed, "I have information relevant to Orochimaru..." Danzo's eye shifted to the youngest Alliance leader. The redhead lifted up his head and stared directly at Danzo. "He has several hideouts and secret bases. I don't know the locations of all of them, but I'll share with you what I know."

"You're selling out Orochimaru? So quickly?"

"It's no secret that he and I were allies. However, this action directly against Hell's Palace, being labeled a traitor against the Alliance, planting Kabuto as my aide without even telling me...I'd rather see that snake squirm for his actions." A small, wrinkled smile crossed Danzo's face as he nodded to Sasori.

"Thank you for your cooperation Kazekage. Your place in the Alliance is secure, and should this information be true, you'll have earned my trust."

"Thank you Hokage," Sasori bowed his head slightly.

"Dismissed."

The Alliance leaders stood up from their seats and headed for the exits. Hanzo wore a scowl on his face as he was approached by his one bodyguard, Fu. "Jeez, I didn't think I'd have to come back to this village barely a day after rejoining the Fifth Division." The young Jinchuriki looked up at her master, who didn't even give her a second glance. "You were awfully quite during that meeting..."

"I still don't like the idea of the Edo Tensei," Hanzo murmured darkly. Fu nodded silently, respectfully to her master. "With the loss of manpower though...I had no place to argue against it. And that Tenga..."

"Creepy, I know."

"It's not just that," Hanzo snapped. He and Fu left the meeting hall, a small, yet elaborate building constructed into the wall of a cliff miles outside of Konohagakure. "How come Danzo trusts her enough with the Edo Tensei? He even kept information like that from Orochimaru."

"Danzo has his secrets master. You know that better than anyone else."

"That's the thing though...Hell's Palace was originally the brainchild of Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, and was founded by the Five Great Nations. Even since the Alliance was founded, Danzo has stated that the Warden of Hell's Palace was a man named Kyoshi, and never reported any change in command."

"What are you saying master...?"

"That I hope this Tenga woman won't turn out any worse than Orochimaru..."

Sakura sat in her room in silence, reading through her uncle's journal again. She spoke with Jiraiya after visiting Higure's grave about what she could do. Jiraiya told Sakura that if they needed her for some busy work, that they would find Sakura.

The pinkette wanted a distraction more than anything. The pain she felt was bearable, making her almost completely numb. But her thoughts were still with her uncle, and the memories of the past. She wasn't fooling herself with happy memories, and reading about Higure's life again only served as a reminder of what she was fighting for now.

Sakura flipped a page in the journal and began reading about how her uncle spent a day off with Minato and Kushina. The pinkette paused for a moment, remembering the blonde knucklehead Naruto. She sighed softly, indifferent but a little disappointed that not even thoughts of Naruto could make her feel anything.

"I guess it's too soon to be optimistic," Sakura murmured to herself. There was a knock on her door before it opened. Naruto stepped inside, wearing a hooded Akatsuki robe and a worried expression on his face. "Speak of the devil. I was just thinking about you."

Naruto's heart was about to break out of his chest upon seeing the girl of his dreams on his side. Konan had told Naruto what happened with Sakura and Higure, and the fate of the latter. Naruto had already been to visit his former ally's grave before coming to Sakura.

"Hey...um...can I come in?" Sakura nodded, forcing a small smile as Naruto closed the door behind him. "I'm...I heard about what happened. I'm so sorry Sakura I wish I-,"

Sakura raised up her hand and shook her head, "Don't worry, please. There's nothing that wishing will be able to change. What's happened has happened."

"Sakura..."

"Uncle Higure wouldn't want this to drag me down forever. I've already come to terms with the fact he's gone...I've just got to get over it next..."

"I'm here for you if you need anything Sakura-chan," Naruto urged, taking a step towards the young woman.

"Thank you Naruto," Sakura's smile became more genuine, and less forced. She sighed and looked down at her uncle's journal in her hands and gently closed it. "I appreciate the offer. I just really need a friend right now..."

"You don't have to worry about that," Naruto assured with a huge smile on his face. "There are plenty of people in Akatsuki! I can introduce you to my friends and-,"

"Naruto..." The blonde stopped his babbling and looked at Sakura who had an almost pained look on her face. "I'm not...you and me, I just..." Sakura closed her eyes and let out a heavy sigh, trying not to cry again.

Naruto gave a wary smile and put his hands behind his head, "Not ready for any kind of a relationship right now. Sure, that makes sense."

"I'm sorry Naruto," Sakura mumbled.

"No, it's alright! I get it it," Naruto quickly moved forward and sat next to Sakura on the bed. The pinkette subtly moved the journal under her blanket, remembering the deal she made with Jiraiya. "I don't want to pressure you into anything. And...considering what you've been through in the last couple of days, I'm willing to back off if I need to." Sakura regretfully nodded to the blonde Jinchuriki. Naruto simply hugged Sakura tightly in response. "I'm still here for you Sakura-chan...as your friend."

"Thank you Naruto." Sakura returned the embrace, her heart aching once again. She hated having to hurt Naruto, but there was no way she could return his feelings. "I'm so lucky to know you."

"That should be my line," Naruto replied with a smile. The blonde then stood up with his smile turning awkward. "Well...I have scouting duties right now. Maybe...maybe I'll see you later?"

"Maybe," Sakura murmured. "I'll be here unless sent away on an assignment..." Naruto wanted to say something, but he knew he was running behind as it was.

"Alright, well, I gotta run." He turned and quickly made it out of the door, closing it behind him.

Sakura gave a wary smile, before curling up into a ball on the bed. She felt horrible for having to reject Naruto, but she knew there was no fair way to handle the situation. Her uncle's death rendered her unable to feel anything, lest she tear down the dam of emotions she had blocked off. Sakura reached up and clutched her chest tightly as her heart felt as though it were shriveling up. She shuddered and willed herself back to numbness, back to safety.

Yagura and A sat at their conference table, along with several other shinobi from both Kirigakure and Kumogakrue in order to relay messages to the war front. "What have your scouts learned," Yagura asked.

"We've located the Land of Sky's forces, along with Shinno," A replied, his gargantuan fist balled up on the desk. "They're just north of the Mountains Graveyard, preparing for another assault on the Land of Fire we presume."

"Could there be a chance they could be preparing to attack your country instead? Perhaps ensuring that we don't attack them for betraying the Union."

A shook his head, pointing to the map on the table, "The Land of Sky's mission has always been to target the Land of Fire for what they did to them. You and I both know that we were a means to an end for the Land of Sky, Mizukage. Regardless, the Land of Sky should not be our main focus. The Alliance is severely weakened at the moment. Now is our time to strike."

The short Mizukage nodded, placing his hand on his chin, "Yes, you're correct. With Kakashi missing, and Hanzo away from his post, now would be the best time to strike. However, not just on the the front lines."

"What do you recommend then?"

Yagura's eyes shifted to the Land of Earth, "We know that the Tsuchikage is preparing naval vessels to better equip the Alliance for battle to invade your country, as well as my own. I can slip some of my own spies through by crossing through the Land of Lightning, and over the seas. We can sabotage, and wreck havoc within the Land of Earth."

"There would be no guarantee that your men would be able to return," the Raikage pointed out, his narrow eyes shifting to Yagura. The Mizukage seemed unaffected at this statement before matching the Raikage's gaze.

"My men are more than willing to throw their lives on the line to help end the Alliance. And they're willing to do so for their Mizukage. Besides, I already have a two-fold plan set in motion." Yagura gently dragged his fingertip across the map and planted it firmly on the location of Konohagakure. "I already have spies planted within their village. With the lack of security, and the Land of Sky's recent attack on Konoha has made it even easier to have my spies mix into the village almost seamlessly."

A hummed silently as he gazed upon the Land of Fire, "You truly don't waste any opportunity do you?"

"With the great Saizo Hideyoshi as my predecessor, I must try my best to live up to his expectations. Though, if he were still alive, my forces would have already made it onto the shores by now..."

"Time enough for that once we start this next phase of the war. No more pulling punches." Yagura nodded and clasped both of his hands in front of his face. An uncharacteristically joyful smile crossed the Mizukage's lips, which was shared by a hardy grin from the Raikage. "Both Jinchuriki are set on the Land of Frost's border between us and the Alliance. By tomorrow, both Yugito and my brother, Bee, will wreck havoc on Alliance forces, allowing us to push into the Land of Hot Water by the end of this week. With Kakashi Hatake having been absent for days now, and the Alliance on that border becoming increasingly disorganized, we'll be able to launch a full scale assault."

"And in doing so, it will make it even easier to gain access to the shores of the Land of Fire," Yagura stated as he physically pointed out the southern border of the Land of Hot Water, which was close to many encampments of Yagura's forces. "If we can take the Land of Fire, taking out the Alliance will be child's play."

"Then we start by extinguishing the Wrath of Fire," A stated with a deep growl. Yagura smiled softly and nodded in agreement.

Shinno stared out into the vast ocean, as had become his habit. This time however, he was smirking to himself proudly. Nearly a week after attacking Konohagakure, he encountered no resistance from either the Alliance or the Union, and his true objective was nearly complete.

The only resistance that the Land of Sky encountered was a small scouting party from the Alliance, led by their own Commander, Kakashi Hatake. Shinno had taken the would-be scouts hostage in order to boast his power to the enemy, before bringing down the might upon the world.

"Lord Shinno," a voice called. The scientist turned his head as his Captain appeared before him, bowing on his knee with his head down. "A...visitor has arrive."

"What," Shinno questioned, scowling furiously. "Another intruder?!"

"Not exactly, old friend..." Shinno's head snapped upward, face widened with shock as the new figure tossed two corpses on the ground behind the Captain.

The figure stood as tall as Shinno, wearing robes that hid his entire body from sight. He wore a straw hat with the cloth that came down and shielded the sides of his face. Standing behind the cloaked man were seven other shinobi, all of them practically teenagers with the exception of one young man with silver hair, and glasses.

Shinno scowled angrily, his body tensing up as an overwhelming presence overcame him. He recognized the voice, and the aura of the man, never being able to forget such a foul feeling.

"Orochimaru..."

The Sannin lifted up his head, revealing his mouth from the shadows of his guise, and grinned maliciously.

Kakashi sighed as he carelessly tugged at his bonds. He was suspended in the air, arms held up above his head, and apart. His hands were encased in a metal device that kept his fingers apart, and would drain any chakra he tried to channel. His legs were tied together, and encased in a device similar to the one on his hands. The Commander had been hanging in his predicament for weeks now, and was beyond the point of exhaustion.

Guy was in a much more deliberate, yet extravagant device. Shinno preached to the two Jonin about the effort it took to make the captive unit that encased all of Guy's body from the neck down. Like the devices on Kakashi, it prevented Guy from using any chakra in his body, due to Shinno being aware of the taijutsu master's prowess.

Between the two capable ninja, having a couple of weeks and still not coming up with any escape routes, they had given up trying to break themselves free. Both Kakashi and Guy knew that their salvation would have to come from somewhere outside of their cells.

Kakashi didn't hold much hope that Lee could escape, due to his attitude akin to Guy's. The two teachers had hoped that their students would have been put in simpler, easier to escape cells, and that from there, the two young ninjas could break free.

Kakashi simply closed his eyes and sighed, 'Come on Sasuke...you're the last hope any of us have in this damn place...'

The sun was rising on a new day. Standing at the height of the entrance to the great village of Konohagakure, Danzo stood alongside Tenga. The former warden for once not wearing her mask, stood tall as her long, black hair blew backwards against the morning winds.

"You know your objective," Danzo questioned, ensuring that his new second had her orders drilled into her.

"Yes sir. Destroy the Land of Sky before they launch another assault on our country once again." Tenga lifted up her arm, the sleeve covering her hand falling down and revealing a new mask in her hand. "Then after that, head to the Land of Hot Water, and help secure their holding. Accommodate both fronts accordingly."

Danzo's eyes stared forward, one narrowed, dark eye and the other a blood red Sharingan, both reflecting the blazing orange of the rising sun. The Hokage then lifted up his own mask, a metallic one. He placed the mask on his face, covering everything but his eyes. The mask had a gaping, demonic maw with razor sharp teeth painted onto it, reminiscent of Saizo Hideyoshi's signature design.

Within the prison of the Land of Sky, an explosion went off in one of the cells. Several Sky ninjas quickly rushed towards the young, shirtless boy with long black hair and lightning crackling in his hand that had caused the explosion.

"I won't let you...stand in my WAY!" Sasuke charged his enemies and cut through several of them with one thrust of his Chidori. The Sky ninja quickly rebounded and chased the young Uchiha, who ran for escape. The sirens went off, but Sasuke still ignored this, his undeveloped Sharingan burning brightly, expressing the full intensity of his hatred.

"I've hidden in the shadows long enough," Danzo stated, his tone rising with power. The Hokage slammed his palms together, rising up two coffins that revealed both the First and Second Hokage's. "No more! I am the rightful leader to guide this world into everlasting peace!" The husks came to life, though emotionless in their expressions, stood behind their successor. Danzo's voice echoed back off from the mask, giving him an eerier sound. "My Wrath will blaze a new trail for the world! The next god of this world will no longer hide! I will crush anyone who stands in my way!"

Tenga's pale lips curved upward into a smile before she placed her mask over her face. The mask was a simple one, the lower half covered in black flames, reaching up to the forehead, which then turned into an orange color that matched the sun.

A single Iwa shinobi was performing his rounds atop a railing high above the docks. He yawned to himself, bored of the needless patrol while looking down at the workers and other ninjas on the ground. The shinobi turned his head and saw something far out in the ocean. He quickly pulled out a telescope and looked through it, seeing five boats, all with Kirigakure soldiers on them loading cannons and readier various weapons.

"Oh no..." The Iwa shinobi lowered his telescope and shouted to the others on the ground, "Kirigakure soldiers! We're under attack!"

The man was silenced, and killed, by the overwhelming sound of metal bending and breaking from the destructive force of a cannon ball.

The ball crashed through a building of ordinance for the ships they were building, and landed harmlessly in the middle of the floor. The workers and a few shinobi were startled when the ball came crashing through their walls, and looked at it for a moment until they all realized it was covered completely in paper bombs. The workers and ninja cried out as they attempted to flee, but the explosions went off, setting a chain reaction of explosions that blew the entire building and everyone in it to ashes.

The docks were then in full alert, with shinobi raising up earth walls off the shores to protect themselves, while the workers ran for their lives. The cannon fire rained down on the shores, either arching over the walls or blasting right through them.

Standing at the docks, one man in robes was calm as the wind blew against him. His white robes fluttered before taking the Tsuchikage's hat off of his head. "Well, dear me," Mao murmured. "This is quite unexpected..."

"Go Tenga," Danzo shouted as he threw his arm up into the sky. "Spread my Wrath across the lands! Show the Land of Sky, the Union, the Akatsuki, show the world, that the Wrath of Fire is the only true path!"

Tenga bowed her head and then brought forth another coffin behind her. A tall, slender figure encased in wrappings with the exception of his eyes and nose, wearing simple black pants, stood behind Tenga. Danzo turned his head towards his second, his eyes being the only expression the kunoichi could read.

"I have given you full reign of all the Edo Tensei soldiers at our disposal, with the exception of the First and Second Hokages. Don't you dare fail your mission."

Tenga laughed a mocking, lighthearted laugh, "Lord Danzo, have a little faith in your creation. With most of the shinobi at my disposal, I don't see how in the world I could fail." Tenga then turned to the man standing behind her and smiled, "Come Mu, we can reach the Mountain's Graveyard by midday if we hurry."

Danzo watched as the Second Tsuchikage enchanted himself and Tenga with the jutsu that allowed flight. The two ninjas then took off north, becoming little more than dots in the sky in his sight. "And so...it's time for all of us to take the stage for this war..." Danzo turned forward as his former teacher, the Second Hokage, placed his hand on the Third and the First Hokages. "And my Wrath...will not be defeated..." Within a flash, the first three Hokages were gone from Konohagakure.

Hey everyone. Sorry about the spotty updating as of late =/ Things have been back and forth hectic in my life, currently I'm sick, and I'm trying to get ahead in my WoF chapters again. Also it doesn't help that my interest in this series (my series, not necessarily Naruto) has been spottier than heck lately. I do have another Naruto storyline idea for whenever I'm done with my WoF trilogy. So far I like it more, but who knows, maybe just because it's new and whatnot?

Oh well, rambling over. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Criticisms and critiques are always welcomed as much as any other review. Thanks for reading.