Herald of the End Chapter 48: Grim Visions, a naruto fanfic

You guys are fantastic!

I apologize for taking so long to get this chapter out. Over the last three weeks I purchased a house, and the process for doing so as well as moving in took more time than I anticipated. However, I have good news: Not only will I have more time to write since I have finished my house stuff, but I also have a new beta, PoeticFire.

It seems like everyone liked the 'Short Section' idea I tried out last chapter, so for the most part, each chapter is going to have a Short Section.

AU Changes: There is two major/minor changes this chapter. The first is Shion's Future Telling. Apparently according to canon, the ability actually sends her soul back to her past self and shows herself what happens (in order to prevent her own death). That has been changed, and instead, Future Telling is much more straightforward. It now shows the death of the person Shion sees in the future. There is a more detailed explanation at the bottom of the chapter. Secondly, Moryo (and another similar creature) are now actual demons, instead of figurative ones.

And without any more delay, here is the next chapter. Chapter 48: Grim Visions

"Are you ready to leave Naruto-San?" Gaido inquired as he neared the blonde Uzumaki. He had been assigned to serve as a guide for Naruto's group, and would be leading them to the High Priestess Temple as soon as they were ready to leave. "It is a four hour journey, and it is already midday."

"We should be able to leave soon." Naruto idly scratched his neck as he waited outside the ramen shop, "Haku-Chan and Hinata-Chan are doing some grocery shopping, and Honoka-Chan and Sakura-Chan are grabbing some other items. Everyone should be meeting back here within the hour."

"Why wait here?" Gaido glanced around, "Is this some kind of secret shinobi thing?" He had grown up reading serialized action stories of the shinobi, and despite his best efforts, the guide couldn't stop the thrill of excitement that shot through him at the thought of being in one of the adventure stories he had read about.

"Even better." Naruto grinned as he rubbed his hands together with glee, "This place has the best ramen around and they agreed to make a massive pot just for me. I was getting low on the ramen reserves."

"Oh." Gaido's shoulders slumped, "I guess that makes more sense." Silence fell between the pair as Naruto leaned to the right and peered into the ramen stand, hoping that they had finished the massive order he had placed. His hopes, unfortunately, were dashed. After a few moments of more silence, Gaido broke the quiet again as his brow furrowed in confusion, "Naruto-San, how do you plan on carrying all of that ramen? It will get cold quickly and there's going to be so much of it."

"Eh," Naruto waved his hand unconcernedly, "I'll just seal it."

"Seal it?" Gaido eagerly moved to stand in front of Naruto, "Like in the stories?"

"Yes?" Naruto cautiously confirmed as he warily eyed the guide. "You can watch if you want."

It was like three birthdays were all happening at once. "Really?"

"Yeah." Naruto nodded, "Hopefully the ramen will be done soon."

"This is…" Gaido stared in open awe as he watched Naruto seal bowl after bowl of steaming hot ramen, "Better than anything I've ever seen." He watched Naruto place a bowl on the sealing scroll, tap a certain place on the scroll, and then, as if by magic, the bowl would vanish. "It's just like in the books."

Before Gaido knew it, it was over. All bowls had been sealed, and Naruto-San was back to a seemingly normal young man. But Gaido knew better. He had seen a wonder today, and he would never forget it. "It's almost like the books." A slow awestruck smile materialized on Gaido's face as he remembered that Sakura-San, Hinata-San, and Haku-San were also shinobi, and he - Gaido, a simple soldier - was going to escort them on a shinobi mission. "It's exactly like the books!" Cupping his hands over his face to hide his expression of utter excitement, Gaido couldn't stop the other thoughts and questions he dared not voice, lest Naruto-San think he was some kind of useless fanboy.

The young soldier proudly slammed his hands on his hips and puffed out his chest. "I'm a capable fanboy." Behind him, Naruto blinked several times at the guide's strange behavior. After a moment, the Uzumaki shrugged, deciding that Gaido's behavior wasn't compromising the mission, and thus the guide was free to do as he wished.

The Konoha group soon reconvened and moved out, professional masks falling over their faces. Gaido was even more amazed at their emotional control. It was just like the Shinobi Soldier trilogy that had come out eight years ago, and he had memorized every line in the series. It was his favorite, and two of his prize possessions were the second and third novels, both first editions. "And next month I'll have saved up enough to buy the signed first edition of the first novel too."

"I wonder if enemy ninja will attack." Gaido cast a glance from side to side as he led the Konoha shinobi up the path. The pace he had set would have been considered almost brutal by soldier standards, but to an experienced ninja - not that Gaido was aware of their increased speed capabilities - it could barely be considered a jog. "If they do, I'll be able to see a shinobi vs ninja battle up close."

Despite the slower pace, the group quickly left the suburban sections and moved into the forest, the intertwining white marble and dark chestnut buildings giving way to lush green forests and bubbling streams. Birds sang and flitted through the tree branches, and squirrels hopped from branch to branch to watch the strange group move past below them.

Precisely four hours later the High Priestess Temple came into view, the forests parting to reveal a wide stone tiled clearing. Several groups of soldiers patrolled the grounds, their polished bronze armor glinting in the early evening light. Archers gazed outward from their posts on the walkways of the massive, sprawling stone and wood temple. A three lane staircase made of grey stone stretched from the ground up to the next level, some forty feet above. Large imposing wooden arches covered in lacquered red periodically towered over the stairs, and on each arc there were hundreds of impossibly intricate carvings etched into every available inch of surface area.

Several structures dotted the first level of the temple, mostly being housing for the soldiers, servants, and anyone who was completing their pilgrimage. The priests and shrine maidens moved freely among the soldiers that guarded the first section, offering advice and blessings to those who wished for them. A shorter, but no less impressive staircase led up to the main temple itself.

The temple roof was flat on the top and the side of the roof cut in then back out again, the edges of the roof ending in sharp, sloping points. Lit braziers flickered, casting their warmth and light like a beacon for weary travelers. A large arched entrance, trimmed in gold, served as the door to the main temple.

After Gaido cleared the group with the main guard-captain, the Konoha shinobi proceeded up the stairs. Upon closer inspection, Naruto noted that the stairway – and presumably the entire temple structure – was ancient, but countless hours of diligent care kept it in peak condition. Still, the walkways were made of wood, and the Uzumaki ninja couldn't help but remember his lessons on how to destroy enemy structures. Wood was often the weak point, prone to fire and piercing attacks.

As he and the group made their way up the second set of stairs to the temple proper, he noted that the walls were mostly constructed from thin wood and white paper shutters. It was certainly pretty, Naruto would give the architecture that, but it would hardly stand up to any powerful attack, much less a determined shinobi. Noting that the braziers provided illumination and potential targeting sites, he made a mental note speak with the Captain of the Guard to see if they could be extinguished.

Entering the temple itself was like stepping back in time. Thick wooden pillars, covered in red lacquer and accented with shining gold, lined the interior, and dozens of shrine maidens and priests moved about the temple, their steps reverent yet purposeful. As the group entered the temple, the priests and shrine maidens paused to assess the newcomers, but after realizing their purpose, the priests and shrine maidens resumed their duties.

"Wait here." Gaido held up his hand, "I'll go get Taruho, the High Priestess' bodyguard." As the soldier hurried off, Naruto and Sakura shifted slightly, blocking Hinata from any casual viewer. Temporarily concealed, the Hyuga Kunoichi activated her bloodline, seeking out any defenses hidden from basic sight.

Estimating that there was close to a hundred soldiers guarding the temple grounds and structures, Hinata examined the walls and floors of the lower buildings. The temple complex was built sturdily; feet of thick stone supporting the heavy wood structures. Detecting faint traces of chakra on the edges of the temple complex, the Hyuga homed in on a section of the outer wall. Hundreds, if not thousands, of tiny sealing arrays covered the wall, but oddly, it didn't look like any sealing array she had ever seen. Silently promising herself that she would inform Naruto about the sealing arrays later, she retracted her vision to the temple itself.

The priests and shrine maidens had almost Genin levels of chakra - unlike the civilian levels of chakra that the soldiers had -, but their chakra coils looked to be weak and underused. Oddly enough, there was a series of rooms in the back of the temple that her eyes couldn't penetrate. Given that the outside of the rooms was re enforced, Hinata was almost sure that it was the High Priestess' chamber and living areas.

Spotting Gaido's weak, but still unique chakra signature, Hinata noted that the person beside him - presumably Taruho - had active chakra network, but given the state of his chakra coils, she estimated that he used one or maybe two, with an outside maximum of three, different techniques. Closing her eyes and deactivating her bloodline, Hinata brushed her fingers ever so lightly against Sakura's and Naruto's backs, informing them that she had completed her reconnaissance.

Naruto and Sakura shifted back to their normal spots, allowing Hinata a first glimpse of Shion's bodyguard. He was average height and was slimmer than most of the other soldiers. Deep calluses on his right fingers indicated that he had spent numerous hours firing a bow, and judging by the minute way his left foot planted itself more heavily than the right, the kunoichi guessed that he wielded a sword as well. Oddly enough for an archer, Taruho had red rectangular glasses on, and his jaw length brown hair was longer than would be considered regulation.

He wore a light green vest over a white long sleeve jacket pants set. Professional relief trickled through Hinata as she caught a glimpse of bronze beneath the vest as Taruho stopped in front of them. "Good. He shouldn't panic in a fight."

"Greetings," Taruho clasped his hands and bowed, "I am Taruho, High Priestess Shion's personal body guard. Allow me to welcome you to this holy temple."

Naruto clasped his hands in front of himself and bowed slightly, the rest of the group following his lead. "We are honored to accept your hospitality and offer our services to assist in protecting High Priestess Shion." Once Taruho had straightened up, Naruto did as well and then gestured to himself. "I am Naruto Uzumaki, and this," His hand swept to Hinata, "Is Hinata Hyuga," his hand continued to move, pausing at each kunoichi as he introduced them, "Sakura Haruno, Haku, and Honoka Uzumaki."

"I am pleased to make your acquaintance." Taruho bowed once again, "I welcome your help in protecting Shion-Sama." Straightening back up, Taruho gestured to the shinobi group. "If you would please follow me, I shall bring you to meet Shion-Sama, and along the way I will explain a bit more about her."

"Good-bye Naruto-San." Gaido waved enthusiastically, "It was nice meeting you."

Puzzled, Naruto waved back and then followed Taruho. Gaido continued to wave until the group had vanished into one of the numerous side hallways, and then the soldier hurried out of the temple, completely ignoring disapproving frowns he got from the nearby shrine maidens. "I can't wait to tell the rest of the unit that I met a real shinobi."

"If you will please direct your attention off to your left, you will see the temple's library, and off to your right is the sleeping section for guests. At the opposite end of the hall is the sleeping quarters for the shrine maidens and priests. And through there," Taruho pointed at a intricate doorway at the end of the hall, "Is the High Priestess' suite. She has a private bedroom, shrine, eating area, and bathing area."

"Is she required to isolate herself?" Haku politely inquired, having studied a small portion of the history of her bloodline in Mist. Some of her bloodline had once been priests and priestess', guiding and protecting the people of Mist. "Or is a personal choice?"

Taruho paused, seemingly debating something with himself. Letting out a sigh, he gestured to a small door near Shion's quarters. "We should go to my office. I will explain there."

Taruho's office was small and cramped. In addition to the half-sized writing desk and five chairs, there was also a small shrine and, off to one side, a bedroll. "Welcome to my humble home." Taruho smiled, the expression free of bitterness or sadness, "It's not much, but it lets me stay close to Shion-Sama, so I don't mind."

Verbalizing a noise of thoughtfulness, Naruto wondered out loud who would have to remain standing. "It's alright Naruto-Sama." Hinata softly assured him, "You can sit down. There are enough places for us to sit down."

"Okay." Naruto pulled out a chair and waited for Taruho to seat himself. When the brown haired bodyguard did, Naruto and the others sat down as well. Listening for Hinata to sit down, Naruto blinked when he didn't hear the faint ruffle noise she always made smoothing out her close before she sat down. "Hinata-C…" His words died off as Hinata smoothed out her clothes and sat down sideways...right on his lap. Ponderous

"It's alright Naruto-Kun." Hinata was privately astonished that her voice didn't falter, "I have a seat." Never before had her emotionless mask been so tested. "Please continue." Despite her best efforts, she felt heat creeping up her neck as she was acutely aware of how close she was to Naruto, and the casual intimacy of their position. The 'proper' ladylike part of her that was ingrained in due to her political and clan training was screaming at the improperness of the position, but Mei's words had been echoing in her mind over the last few weeks.

"Remember, one of the most important things in a relationship is your own happiness and the happiness of your partner. Don't let some stiff noble or outdated tradition keep you from that."

Unsure of where to put his hands, Naruto settled for leaving them at his side. Breathing out his mouth to avoid inhaling Hinata's scent, he felt her shiver. "I didn't think my breath was that cold." Hyper aware of the feminine softness leaning against him, the blond Uzumaki did his best to distract himself. Shifting slightly to the left, he spotted the shocked look on Taruho's face. "Girlfriends." Naruto didn't try to stop the fond grin, "They are pretty amazing." Sucking in a deep breath, the blond Uzumaki exhaled, donning on his professional mask once again. "You were going to tell us about High Priestess Shion?"

"Yes." Taruho took a moment to collect himself, "Of course." Leaning forward slightly, he began with a question. "Have you ever heard of the bloodline called 'Future Telling'?" At their indications of denial, Taruho continued, "Future Telling is a powerful dojutsu, letting its wielder predict the death of anyone they see." Sensing their skepticism, the brown haired soldier raised his hand.

"It may sound outlandish, but out of one hundred predictions Shion-Sama has made, all one hundred became true." Taruho pressed onwards with his explanation, "From my understanding of the ability, when Shion-Sama first sees someone she has never seen before, she will see their death. Depending on how much chakra the person has, the longer her vision of their death, and the events leading up to it, will be. Shion-Sama has no control over her bloodline."

Taruho's eyes lowered to the desk. "That is why Shion-Sama has isolated herself. Since her bloodline has an obvious visual indication when it activates, people began to avoid Shion-Sama, not wanting to be reminded that they are going to die. Plus," The bodyguard grimaced slightly, "Shion-Sama often informs people how they are going to die, and that only contributes the uncertainty people feel about her."

"But it's not her fault." Taruho hastened to resassure the group sitting in front of him, "She is secretly lonely and has had a hard life. The burdens of being a High Priestess fell on her shoulders when she was very young, and she didn't have much time to be a child."

Rather than debate how he didn't believe that the future was set in stone, Naruto opted to instead inquire, "When is Shion-San scheduled to leave?"

"In three days' time." Taruho stood, prompting everyone to stand as well, "She has to purify herself in a special pool of water, and then we must travel to the Land of Swamps when Moryo's body is sealed. If all goes perfectly, the demon's body will still be sealed, and Shion-Sama will only have to strengthen the seals."

"And if everything doesn't go perfectly?"

"Then Shion-Sama will need to seal the demon's body, just like her mother did ten years ago. During the ritual, she will need to be protected so that the sealing ritual is not disturbed." Leading the group out of his office, Taruho continued, "It normally takes three weeks to travel to the Land of Swamps, and another three days to travel to the hidden temple where Moryo's body is sealed."

Stopping outside the main door to Shion's living area, Taruho knocked on the door six times in three sets of two. A moment later a shrine maiden opened the door. "These are the shinobi I told you about." Taruho indicated the Konoha ninja behind him, "Is Shion-Sama available?"

"Of course." The shrine maiden's short purple hair swayed as she bowed, "High Priestess Shion is in the sitting room."

"Thank-you Senna-San." Taruho lead the group into the living area, "May the Seal hold."

"May the Seal hold." Senna murmured reverently before peeking upwards at the passing group, her amber eyes taking in every detail of the shinobi group, only her training as a shrine maiden holding back her insatiable curiosity, causing her to reluctantly settle for simply watching. Guessing that they were going to stay for at least a few days, Senna promised herself that she would ask them all of the questions burning within her once her shift rotation was over.

"Shion-Sama," Taruho announced as he entered the expansive sitting room, "I have the shinobi with me who I informed you about. They will be your additional bodyguards." He hesitated before continuing, "They are the fabled Team Eight from Konoha."

"Of course you interrupt me now." Shion sighed as she sat on a satin pillow that was on a raised dais on the opposite side of the room, "And I was just getting relaxed too." Pushing herself off of pillow to stand, Shion began turning to face the group. "Let's get this over with."

As Shion turned to face them, Naruto, deep in mission mode, began cataloging her features, knowing that the other members of his team would be doing the same. Shion's most striking feature was her pale lavender eyes, followed shortly by her waist-length light blonde hair. Her hair was tied back and held in place with a simple golden crown, and her High Priestess floor-length robes were light pink with darker pink borders. A brown undershirt peeked through the top folds of her robes.

Her hands were uncallused and smooth; and her nails were perfectly cut to the minimum length. Taking a quiet experimental sniff, Naruto noted that she smelled of smoky incense and cedarwood. Her expression looked bored, almost dismissive as she gazed at the group.

Shion's eyes stopped on Hinata. Starting at the center of the High Priestess' pupils, a glowing purple kaleidoscope bloomed, growing until it encompassed her entire eye.

"That must be Future Telling." Naruto surmised, "It certainly does stand out."

Shion mentally sighed to herself as she turned to face the new group of so called 'shinobi'. She had left behind fanciful tales she had read as a child long ago. She was certain that they were just soldiers with a few special techniques. "I wonder if any of them are going to die in unique ways?"

Gazing upon Hinata Hyuga, the world shifted as her bloodline activated.

Hinata was fighting in a grassy field. She spun to the left and out of the way of a streak of fire. Before the Hyuga could react, a jet black chain coiled around her left arm like a terrible snake. Chakra flared along Hinata's right hand and she thrust the glowing hand at the chain.

The chain began constricting.

Her hand moved closer.

The sleeve to her white and blue battle kimono shredded under the chain's pressure.

Her fingers brushed the chain.

The chain pulled...and Hinata's arm was torn off in a shower of blood and bone.

The Hyuga's right hand slammed onto the stump, desperately attempting stifle the torrent of blood gushing out of the massive wound. The green grass was quickly soaked red, and after a few moments of struggle, Hinata slumped to her knees and then onto her side with quiet thump.

Her body spasmed four times, fighting the inevitable.

Her chest went still.

"Mildly different, but hardly unique. I wonder when she'll die to that chain."

Shion blinked and noticed the pink haired young woman next.

Her bloodline had not receded, and the vision began within a moment.

It was the grassy field again. Sakura lithely sprung to the right, dodging a bolt of water. Her feet touched the ground and in a blur of terrible speed, chain that was black as the night itself impaled her abdomen and exiting out her back. Sakura coughed, blood splattering outwards. Green chakra flared in her left hand, seemingly healing some of the damage while her right hand grabbed the chain, holding it in place.

The chain began vibrating.

With a wet squelch, the pink haired kunoichi began pulling the chain out, link by link. Her hand healed the damage as it passed.

The chain stopped vibrating.

The chain was pulled out enough that it no longer stuck out of her back, the end of the chain now inside her abdomen. The exit wound on her back began to close.

Wicked curved spike erupted from the chain, and it snapped upwards...tearing through and out Sakura's chest in a explosion of gore and bone.

Green chakra flickered definitely as the medic nin attempted to heal the massive damage.

It went out.

"Hmmm...It looks like She couldn't handle their enemy."

Inwardly sighing at how annoying it was to have multiple visions one after another, Shion blinked and focused on the redheaded young woman. Honoka Uzumaki.

Honoka was packing a large scroll, sealing smaller scroll after smaller scroll into it. Tears splattered one scroll, and her hands trembled. After a moment, she lost the battle to her emotions, and the scroll went tumbling off of the desk to the floor. Covering her face with her hands, her shoulders shook with keening sobs.

Regaining control of herself a minute later, the Uzumaki wiped her tears with the back of her ink stained hand and grabbed the scroll from the floor. Sealing it and the last two scrolls into the larger one, she picked up the large scroll and headed out of the room. Pausing to nod at two other redheaded women, all three exited what looked to be a clan compound.

Something exploded in the distance, and the body of a mint haired young woman rocketed past to slam into the wall with a crunch of bone and meat. The mint haired girl slumped to the ground as vibrant green chakra flames flickered out.

Tears sprung up in Honoka's eyes, but she wouldn't let them fall. With a fierce and determined expression, she turned back to face the mint haired girl had been thrown from. There was a sudden brightness that grew ever brighter and ever closer.

Pieces of debris began whipping past.

Defeated, she let the large scroll tumble to the ground.

The brightness had almost reached her.

A tear slid down her cheek.

The brightness consumed her.

After what seemed like an eternity, it receded. There was nothing left of the redhead, only ash and ruins of the city serving as her grave.

"Well, at least it wasn't the chain. She has that going for her."

Shion blinked and faced the calm black haired one. Haku Yuki.

The grassy field stretched in front of Haku as she pirouetted away from a flash of lightning. Her brown eyes widened, and less than a second later her hands snapped upwards, creating as shield made of ice. A black chain flashed towards her and rebounded off of the shield, sliding across its surface. It abruptly changed course and wound around her right arm.

The chain began to coil tighter.

Taking a deep breath, the ice user breathed onto the chain, coating it in ice.

Blood began to seep from her arm, only for the red liquid to freeze a moment later.

With a gesture from the ice user, the ice began to rapidly spread across the chain.

The chain twisted...and pulled off Haku's arm in a horrifying spray of meat, bone, and frozen blood.

The ice user snapped her left hand onto the ruined remains her arm. Haku breathed out shakily as she pushed through the pain, her hands trembling as she focused. Bloodstained ice crept over the wound, sealing it shut.

Haku's head snapped back as another chain speared it.

She crumpled bonelessly to the ground.

"They should have learned how to fight chains. Now..." Shion turned her gaze to the blond shinobi, "Will you die to the chains as well, Naruto Uzumaki?"

The grassy field stretched outwards in all directions. With a streak of red, blue, and yellow, Naruto blurred to the closest fallen kunoichi. Falling to his knees, his hands glowed bright green, the healing chakra flaring so bright that it nearly blinded Shion.

Two puffs of white smoke popped into existence, and a perfect clone of Naruto charged out of each cloud. The clones instantly arrived at the other fallen girl's sides. Their hands flared green.

"I've got you." Naruto's shaky voice bravely attempted to reassure his love, "I'll fix this." Tears coursed down his cheeks. "I'll…" He pushed even more chakra into the technique, "I..I'll f...fix this." He choked back a sob. "Just don't leave me." His shoulders heaved. "Please."

But...death…

Death was not something that could be undone. Green flared again and again as the blond Uzumaki tried to defy the final end of existence.

Defeated, Naruto slumped onto the kunoichi's bloodstained chest. Guttural, heart wrenching sobs tore their way out of his chest. Time grew meaningless.

"Damn it." His fist slammed into the ground. "D-Damn it." His fist smashed into the ground over and over again, "K-Kami D-Damn it." Blood began to drip from his shredded knuckles and his vision blurred from the tears.

Then...blood colored chakra began to flicker around his form; terrible and filled with malice beyond comprehension. His grieving blue eyes began to glow malevolent red. The Jinchuriki turned to face someone beyond Shion's line of sight.

"You." The words were directed at someone the High Priestess couldn't see and Naruto's form trembled, but not with grief. No…

It trembled with wrath.

"You did this." The terrible tone sent a chill up Shion's spine and threatened to freeze her blood.

The grass began to smoulder.

"You killed them." The High Priestess' heart began to pound, fear and adrenaline racing through her system.

The ground beneath him began to shudder.

"DIE!" With an inhuman roar of rage, grief, and pain, Naruto slammed his hand into his stomach and twisted.

For the briefest of moments all was still. The breeze did not blow, and the birds did not sing. All of nature seemed to be holding its breath. Then, the moment passed.

Red seething chakra exploded outwards. The grass that weren't blasted away instantly ignited, burning like countless torches. Fire swept across the grasslands, turning it to a burned out wasteland. Stones turned to dust. The ground split and cratered. Ash fell from the sky like snow. And within the smoke, something moved.

Shion saw the tails first. There were nine of them, made of raging fiery chakra and dense, skinless muscle.

Then, the rest of the creature emerged from the smoke. It was monstrous in size and terrifying beyond mortal courage. Tight, coiled muscles covered every inch of the massive, skinless fox, and a skull rested upon its head like a gruesome helm. Blood red chakra covered its form like a bubbling skin, and there were no eyes, only searing red pits filled with unending hate and fury.

It roared, and then Shion knew what this creature, birthed from unending pain and bottomless wrath, would do. It would rage and destroy until there was nothing left but ash and ruin; until there was nothing left to vent its rage upon.

It would be the end of the world.

Shion staggered backward in stunned shock as the vision abruptly ended. Her heart pounded, primal fear running through her veins. Lavender eyes widened as her heel caught on one of the small steps that led up to the dais, and her arms flailed in instinctual panic as she tumbled backwards. Squeezing her eyes shut, she braced herself for the pain.

Something warm and protective wrapped around her before she could slam into the cold, unforgiving floor. Her eyes snapped open. Just a few inches away was Naruto's face, and his blue eyes reflected concern as he carefully held her. Abruptly aware of how he was holding her and how she must look, Shion's cheeks flared with embarrassment. Her heart rate began to slow. She breathed out shakily before throwing up her mental mask.

"Why are you continuing to touch me?" Her left hand moved to brace herself while her right pushed the blond Uzumaki away. It was easy to tell herself that the push was simply to move him away from her, not to feel the comforting presence of someone after she had watched the world end. Naruto eased back, making sure that she could support herself.

Taruho hurried to her side. "Shion-Sama," Distress rose in his voice, "Are you alright?" Holding out his hand, her anxious bodyguard offered to help her up.

"I'm fine." Shion slapped his hand away as she stood and fought the urge to cover her face as it burned with shame. "Leave me." Spinning on her heel, the blonde young woman quickly walked forward and plopped down on the satin pillows, keeping her back to the group the entire time. Glaring down at her hands that trembled ever so slightly, she willed them to cease their traitorous actions.

"Of course Shion-Sama." Taruho bowed and backed away, motioning for the Konoha group to follow him.

After their footsteps faded, only then did Shion risk standing and moving the two dozen feet to the double doors to her sitting room. By the time she reached the doors her hands stopped listening, and trembled openly. Her shoulders shook, and it took everything she had to push the doors shut. A lone tear splattered against the wooden floor, and her hand could barely lock the door.

Now alone, Shion staggered back to the pillows and collapsed on them, giving into her fear. "What hope is there when such monsters exist?" An ache slowly grew in her chest, "What does it matter what we do? Everyone dies in the end. There is no happy ending." Drawing her arms around herself, Shion did her best to stifle her sniffles. "I haven't seen my own death, so I'm not going to die." The invisible bands around her chest continued to tighten. "I'll survive. I haven't seen my death. I'll survive."

"I apologize for Shion-Sama's behavior." Taruho bowed to the group after they left the High Priestess' living area, "She is under a tremendous amount of stress and doesn't mean to hurt others." He sighed, looking for a moment far older than his actual age, "She hasn't had a friend in so long that I fear she no longer remembers what friendship means." The brown haired soldier shook himself, ridding himself of his thoughts. "Please don't blame her."

"It's alright." Hinata assured the man, "Despite her confusion regarding fate, we don't hold any grudge against her for her actions. We will conduct ourselves with the highest level of professionalism."

"That's a relief." Some of the tension loosened in Taruho's shoulders and he visibly relaxed. "But don't let my words drag you down. Please feel free to visit the library any time, and when you are hungry, just let one of the shrine maidens know." The bodyguard bowed again and hurried off, his thoughts on the High Priestess' strange behavior.

Naruto shrugged at Taruho's behavior and turned to the rest of the group. "Want to grab some food and then hit up the library?" Murmurs of agreement followed his suggestion. "Okay then. Let's go find a shrine maiden."

It was some time later when Shion managed to push herself off of the pillow. Drying her tears with practiced ease, the High Priestess moved to a small side table and quickly washed her face from the water basin. It wouldn't do, after all, for anyone to see evidence of her breakdown. The High Priestess did not have such emotional issues; and having been crowned High Priestess on her tenth birthday, Shion knew that she needed to be strong whenever anyone else could see her.

The crushing burden of her responsibilities pressed down on her each and every day, and sometimes - not that she would ever admit it - it was too much. In an effort to keep her head above the proverbial water, Shion occasionally indulged in seeking out a soldier or priest and told them of their fate. A High Priestess could not care about those under her without reservation, Shion had been told that countless times during her training. A High Priestess' job was to seal the demons, and the army's job was to ensure that she was able to do so. Their sacrifices were sad, but necessary.

For Shion, it was different. Each time she looked at a soldier, she knew how they would die. And more often than not, they died for her, protecting her and keeping her safe. It was easier, she found, to distance herself from the horror of seeing their deaths, and from the guilt of knowing that they died, or were going to die, for her. It was easier to find humor in the expressions they would make after being told of their deaths, than to urge them to avoid their fate. No one avoid their fate. Some part of Shion hoped - despite herself - that one day someone would take the warning she gave and survive their fate.

"You're going to die." Startled, Gaido spun around and froze at the sight of the High Priestess standing a few feet away. She was as beautiful and perfect as the other soldiers had whispered to one another. Her gaze was regal and her robes shimmered in the torchlight. Her hair seemed to be like waves of faded gold, and her lavender eyes practically pierced his soul.

Belatedly remembering that she had spoken, Gaido couldn't help but stammer, "I-I'm sorry? I missed what you said."

"You are going to die." Shion seemed to almost glide forward, "You're going to take four shurikens to the back right…" Her hand reached out and ghosted across the upper right section of his back, "...Here."

"O-Oh." Gaido stepped outside of her reach and suppressed the shiver that crawled up his spine at her tone. "Are you sure?"

"I have seen it." There was a hint of dark humor in the slight curved smile on Shion's face, "And my visions are absolute." Her heart lightened at Gaido's expression of concealed unsease. "It won't hurt...much." A pause. "If you don't leave right now, you might not survive the night."

"Right." Gaido nervously glanced around, "I think my squad leader is calling." Quickly bowing, he backed away as quickly as possible. "May the Seal hold. By your leave, High Priestess."

Sighing inaudibly as she watched him hurry off, Shion wished that she had someone she could turn to. Shaking herself free of the thought a moment later, she began moving back to the temple. A High Priestess, after all, did not need to friends.

After eating, the Konoha group had entered the library and split up, dividing the moderately sized room up into manageable sections. They were looking for any scrolls or books on Moryo, seals, or the Shinigami Mask.

The stack of books Naruto had collected from his section hit the table with a soft thud. While he hadn't found anything on Moryo or Uzumaki artifacts, he had found several books on sealing theory. What had truly interested him was that, unlike the Uzumaki style of sealing items, the Priestesses seemed to use physical items as anchors for the seals, and even more interestingly, there was a bloodline component built into each of the sealing arrays.

As he cracked open the first book, a thought stuck the Jinchuriki. "I haven't heard from Kurama in a few weeks. He doesn't always communicate, but he hasn't stayed this quiet before." Setting down the book, Naruto settled back in his chair and closed his eyes, focusing on entering his mindscape.

Drip

"Kurama?" Naruto wondered forward to the massive cage, "Are you alright?" Stepping through the bars, he squinted in the oddly dim light inside the cage, "Where are you?"

"I'm here." The answer rumbled from deeper inside the cage, "I'm fine." A pause. "Don't worry about me."

"You know," Naruto eased himself to the ground and settled against one of the bars, "Sakura-Chan keeps telling me that I shouldn't say that anymore." His finger idly rubbed against the damp floor of the cage, "She says that 'I'm fine' is code for 'I'm not dead yet'." A humorless chuckle echoed in the silence. "I've been 'fine' so many times in the past." The blond Uzumaki glanced up at the darkened area of the cage, "So I'll stay here. I'll listen whenever you are ready to talk."

Silence fell between the pair, unbroken for what seemed like several hours. Then the massive nine tails padded out of the dark and lay next to Naruto.

"It's just a feeling I can't shake." Kurama began slowly, "It shouldn't bother me. I am the great Kyuubi no Kitsune. I can do anything. I am the strongest. But…" The Fox's voice grew soft, "When I was talking to Isobu, I thought that…" The Kyuubi scoffed and turned its head away from Naruto, "Forget it. It's nothing."

"Kurama." Naruto shifted over and rested his hand on the nine tail's giant muzzle, "Someone much wiser than I am once told me that I'd never have to stand alone." Unnoticed, a warm smile creased his lips, "And she was right. With Sakura-Chan, Hinata-Chan, and Haku-Chan at my side…Heh." Naruto grinned at the warm and content feeling he got whenever he thought of them, "There isn't anything I can't do; No problem I can't overcome."

"Kurama," Naruto's blue eyes met Kurama's red eyes, "I will stand beside you."

"..."

"When I was talking to Isobu, I thought that perhaps I could be like you. That I could protect him like you protect your family." Kurama barked out a sardonic chuckle. "I thought, just for a brief moment, 'Maybe I could be a good big brother this time.'" His massive shoulders shrugged. "It's stupid I know, but I couldn't stop myself." Another empty chuckle. "But we both know how that turned out." The light in the cage dimmed. "I couldn't protect Isobu or any of my family."

"Kurama." Naruto pushed off of the ground and crossed over to stand in front of his friend. "I will help you save your family. I don't know how or when, not yet, but I will help you protect them."

"..."

"Naruto." Light began to filter into the cage, "Do you promise?"

"With everything I have."

"Go then," Kurama stood and stretched, "You have books to read and I have to think."

"Are you sure?" Naruto stepped back, "I can stay if you want me to."

"No, I am alright." After Naruto faded from the mindscape, Kurama spoke again.

"Naruto...Thank-you."

"This is amazing." Honoka breathed out as she reverently brushed her hand against the ancient tome she had picked off of the shelf. The thick leather cover was weathered and worn, and some of its pages were faded. The scent of old paper, ink, and dust hung over the bookshelf she was searching.

The tome Honoka had just leafed through was old, perhaps older than the temple itself. It, from what she could tell, told the story of two powerful demons: Jashin the Destroyer and Moryo the Dominator. In addition, there was several dozen drawing of sealing arrays, and what she assumed was the explanation of the seals. Moving back to the central table, Honoka settled down to read.

Slowly opening his eyes, Naruto blinked at the kunoichi surrounding him. "Naruto-Kun," Sakura crossed her arms as she lowered her hand, letting the diagnostic jutsu fade, "You were supposed to tell us when you were going to speak with Kurama."

"Sorry. I was just…" Guilt began to edge at his mind, "...Wanted to talk to him. He hasn't been as talkative since the fight with Isobu."

"It's alright." Sakura sighed, trying her best to avoid guilting him, "We just worry when you don't respond to our calls." Another sigh. "I know you didn't mean to cause us to worry." Her green eyes reflected the worry that still hadn't faded, "Leave a note or something next time." Sakura stepped forward and grabbed his hand. "Please."

"Ok." Naruto did his best to ignore the fluttering feeling he got from how close Sakura was standing, "I'll try my best to remember to leave a note if I can't tell someone."

"That's all we ask."

Seeking to clear the somber atmosphere, Haku spoke up. "I believe Honoka-Chan has found something of interest." Curious eyes turned towards the Uzumaki kunoichi.

"Moryo is a Great Demon." Honoka began, "According to legend, Moryo has attempted to conquer the Land of Demons several times. Each time he has been defeated and driven back by a High Priestess. There is another Great Demon that I will touch on in a moment."

"The tome tells that Moryo is capable of animating lifeless statues, granting power to his cultists, and other feats of strength. However, it seems that it is weak to a High Priestess' 'Light'." The red haired kunoichi frowned slightly in frustration. "I was unable to find any information on this 'Light'." Rolling out a line filled sealing array, the Uzumaki continued, "Ten years ago the High Priestess Miroku confronted Moryo. She separated the demon into two parts: Its body and its soul/mind. The tome didn't give locations for either part, but it did give the sealing array of what they used to seal him behind how they sealed him."

Tapping the sealing diagram, she pointed to one of the numerous thick lines that made up the central array. "Unlike the standard sealing arrays, the High Priestess used a physical object as a central anchor point of the seal." She paused, remembering that not all of those present enjoyed sealing as much as herself and Naruto, "Naruto-Kun, I will discuss the details with you later."

"To summarize, as long as the main lines that look like…" Honoka pointed to several of the thick lines that started from the outside circle and stretched inwards, "...This. As long as one of these main lines is not disrupted, the seal would hold, in theory, for years. If one of the lines is breached, however, there is a sizable chance that the seal would fail, releasing the demon.""They would need to somehow unseal both parts, mind/soul and the body in order for Moryo to reappear." Honoka leaned back and took a deep breath. "I found references to the Shinigami's mask, but I couldn't find any solid leads."

"Hmmm…" Haku pondered out loud, "What exactly does the Shinigami Mask do?"

"Supposedly it allows the wearer to influence life and death." Naruto idly answered as most of his focus was on the sealing diagram. "There must be a second part to the seal. It doesn't make sense to have a vulnerable seal like that, especially one that holds back a literal demon." Glancing up, he elaborated on the mask. "According to the Uzumaki scrolls, the Shinigami Mask - when worn - allows the dead to be brought back to life, much like the forbidden technique Edo Tensei. There were other things it could do mentioned in the scrolls, but I don't have those scrolls."

"Could it be used as a power source?"

"That's…" Naruto tapped his chin in thought, "...A really good question." His mind began to race as he began to follow that train of thought, "I'll have to check the scrolls, but it's possible that they are using it as a battery to seal part of Moryo."

"Before you do that," Sakura motioned to Honoka, "Honoka-Chan mentioned another demon."

"Right." Honoka nodded, closing her eyes for a brief moment to recall what she had read, "A Great Demon is a demon who is powerful enough to affect multiple subjects at once, and they are able to grant power to their followers. While the tome was mainly focusing on Moryo the Dominator, it provided a summary of the other Great Demon. Its name is Jashin the Destroyer."

"It is said that Jashin wishes for the total annihilation of all life, and craves chaos, destruction, and death. His chosen few followers are apparently," Skepticism laced her tone, "Immortal. Supposedly the followers of Jashin can survive wounds that would cripple or kill anyone else. They can even survive attacks that take out their vital organs without compromising their combat prowess."

"That's impossible." Sakura denied, "The body can't last without vital organs for long, and certainly wouldn't be combat capable while it's missing a heart or a lung."

"That's why I am hesitant to believe the tome." Honoka agreed, "Even the regeneration provided by the Kyubi's chakra has its limits, and if the tome is to be believed, the followers of Jashin can ignore missing limbs and/or organs." Sakura twitched but allowed Honoka to continue.

"Given time, I'm sure we can locate more information on the sealing methods used and also more information on Moryo and/or Jashin." The group nodded and moved off to their sections of the library again, intent on finding more information. Knowledge, after all, was power.

The stupidity of humans never ceased to amuse Yomi. He and his followers had been searching for years to find the location that the soul of the great and powerful Moryo was sealed in. And here it was, tucked away in a forgotten cave. Four guards stood watch and, judging by the bored expressions pasted on the guards' faces, showed that nothing exciting had happened in a rather long time. "Do they even know what they are guarding?" Yomi quietly mused to himself, "Do they know what they are protecting?"

Ultimately, it didn't matter. Four mere soldiers would be little match for one ninja, much less four ninjas enhanced by Moryo's dark gifts. Flicking his fingers forward, Yomi wordlessly ordered his followers - Kusuna, Gitai, Setsuna, and Shizuku - to attack.

The guard on the far left died first. A single shuriken, hurled by Setsuna, shot out of the dark and sliced through the guard's jugular with ease. Gurgling and clutching his neck, the guard turned to his fellow soldiers before collapsing. Panic swept through the remaining three, and before their training could take over and squelch the fear, the rest of Yomi's group attacked.

Shizuku's daggertail kunai lashed out and wrapped around a guard's neck, and a flick of her wrist shredded his throat. Gitai slammed into another guard, the repeated sound of his fist pulverizing the screaming guard began to echo across the small platform. Kusuna simply lashed out with a single blow to the last guard's midsection, and before the last guard could scream, dark, almost black chakra crawled over the soldier's body. Convulsing, the guard fell.

Yomi strolled past the violence, ignoring it in favor of proceeding inside to the ultimate prize. Proceeding inside the dark cave, he walked down the sloped tunnel, moving towards the faint shifting light in the distance. Reaching the end of the tunnel, the cultist gazed up at the glowing purple crystal seated in the center of the hollowed out cave. "Lord Moryo." He reverently breathed, "I have found you."

Carefully stepping over the thick lines of sealing ink, Yomi moved to stand next to the crystal. "Great and powerful Moryo," His voice echoed and swirled through the chamber as it rose, "Hear my prayer. Take my body as a vessel, and use it to gain access your original, and glorious form!"

Raising his hand, Yomi pressed it against the crystal, ignoring how its jagged edges cut into his palm. Faint words, too low to understand, shifted through his mind. A slow, triumphant smile slid onto Yomi's face. Reaching into his cloak, he withdrew a dark purple crystal short sword. Crafted at the height of Moryo's power ten years prior, the blade was extraordinarily sharp and strong, capable of slicing through bone and armor with equal ease.

Kneeling, Yomi raised the blade above one of the main lines of the sealing array. He thrust the blade downwards with a yell.

The crystal shattered.

Dark, purple-black chakra blasted outwards, filling the cavern with shadows and swirling malice. It cycloned the edges, leaving Yomi at the eye. Smiling one last time, the cultist spread his arms and closed his eyes. The dark covered his form in an instant with a roar.

Yomi's jaw dropped open and gulped the chakra in, drinking the oily chakra like it was life itself. Black unholy tattoos began to bleed across his skin like oozing blood, and his eyes rolled back as his eyelids closed. The dark chakra storm began to lessen, and soon it dissipated.

"I…." Yomi's mouth moved, but it was not his deep voice that issued from the ninja's mouth.

"Live again." Yomi's eyelids snapped open, revealing glowing orbs of shifting dark purple.

-Line-

"This had better be worth it." Kakuzu frowned internally, "Time is money, and…" The missing ninja cast a sidelong glance at his partner, "...This had better be worth it." Having joined the Akatsuki with the promise of the most lucrative jobs available, Kakuzu had been making more Ryo than he had ever dreamed possible. However, there were a few downsides, chief of which was his partner, Hidan.

"I can't believe I couldn't kill any of those fucking villagers." Hidan complained, "I would have only killed ten or twenty of them, but nooo…" The grey haired missing ninja waved his arms in frustrated anger. "Jashin-Sama demands that I sacrifice blood to him, and how the fuck am I supposed to do that if I can't kill anyone?"

Kakuzu was a patient man. But Hidan had been complaining about the lack of slaughter for the last five hours, and at this point Kakuzu would have killed his partner if Hidan would have actually died. Given that Hidan could ignore injuries that would have killed any other mortal - himself excluded -, Kakuzu finally couldn't take it anymore. "Would you just be quiet for five minutes?" Kakuzu's hands twitched with the urge to stab his partner, "Just shut up."

"You want to fuckin' go?" Hidan grabbed the tri-bladed scythe off of his back, "I'll fucking fight you. Right here, right now."

"Okay." Kakuzu took a deep, calming breath, "Calm down. Fighting him won't make you any money."

"No."

"Fuck you then!" Hidan resisted the urge to throw his scythe, "And fuck your heretical love of money. The slaughter and sacrifices to Lord Jashin are the only things that matter." Reholstering his scythe, Hidan stomped forwards, still mumbling to himself. "Fucking bitches. Fucking heretics. All I wanted to do is kill a few people, but can't even do that. Fucking Pain."

The pair made their way up the road, Hidan's profanity filled commentary destroying any peaceful atmosphere, and Kakuzu resisted the urge to stab him.

"Excuse me." Hidan and Kakuzu froze at the sound of the voice behind them, "I couldn't help but notice your cloaks." The Akatsuki pair snapped to face the owner of the voice, and Hidan pulled his scythe off of his back. "Oh, hello." The hooded figure brushed back his hood to reveal his short blood red spiky hair, "My name is Uragiru." He smiled pleasantly, "You must be members of the Akatsuki."

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" Hidan was eloquent as usual, "How the fuck do you know of the Akatsuki?"

"I try to know as much as I can about organizations that targets Naruto Uzumaki." Uragiru shrugged harmlessly, "Call it a hobby of mine."

"You know Naruto Uzumaki?" Kakuzu subtly began to cycle chakra through his limbs, "Are you going to try to stop us?"

"Stop you?" The redheaded Uzumaki shook his head, "Not in the slightest."

Hidan blinked. "Why the fuck not? You care about the blond bastard, don't you?"

"I'm not going to stop you because I don't have to." Uragiru made his way over to the side of the road and leaned against a tree, "Naruto isn't going to be taken down by your plan, whatever it is." An eyebrow rose, "I mean, obviously there is a chance that you'll succeed and piss him off enough that he goes on a rampage. But," He held up a hand, "I'd give that about a ten percent chance of success." The Uzumaki grinned, the smile full of teeth and pride. "But that's okay. He'll lose control after my plan executes."

"What the fuck are you talking about?"

"Look." Uragiru opened his arms, "I'm sure you believe in your leader's plan, whatever it is. But Naruto's going to defeat you guys." He shook his head sympathetically. "It's not your fault. You guys just are picking a fight with the wrong person."

Hidan's head began to hurt. Stepping forward, he pointed the scythe at the Uzumaki. "If you think that you're going to oppose us, think the fuck again."

"You don't want to do that." Uragiru stilled, "You wouldn't be the first Jashin cleric I've taken down." Only now did Kakuzu begin to notice the unsettling darkness hidden within the Uzumaki's eyes, "It's not easy taking one of you down, given that you guys can survive being decapitated, but it's possible." His head snapped up and locked eyes with Hidan. "If you want a threat, I'll give you one. If you take another step forward, I'll cut off your arms, chop off your legs, and then sever your head."

The Uzumaki's lips began to pull back in a feral snarl, "I'll then take your head and seal it into a scroll. I'll then put that scroll into a box." Something shifted and coiled beneath the sleeves of his robe, "I'll then take that box and drop it into the ocean."

"But," Uragiru smiled once again, the expression open, "That's only if you attack me. If you don't, I'll just take my leave and you two can continue on your mission."

"Kakuzu?" Hidan glanced over at his unmoving partner, "Did you hear him fucking threaten me?"

"He does not have a bounty on his head." Kakuzu ignored the dirty glare Hidan sent him, "And he does not seem like he is going oppose us."

"Fuck you Kakuzu." Hidan stepped back, "Fuck you and all of your hearts." Normally the Jashin worshipper would have attacked, but there was an unnamable aura around the Uzumaki that made the hair on Hidan's neck stand up. He would have to check to see if Uragiru was telling the truth. If so, Hidan felt a sense of sick glee at the thought, the Cult of Jashin would have to stop hiding and go on the offensive. "The slaughter will be righteously massive. Blood will wash away the heretics in a tide of pain and death."

Kakuzu ignored the enraptured expression on his partner's face and instead cautiously watched the Uzumaki stand and stretch. As Uragiru started heading back down the road, Kakuzu couldn't help but ask, "Why do you believe Naruto Uzumaki is going to win?"

Looking back over his shoulder, Oragiru grinned. "I'd be a terrible person if I didn't believe in my nephew, now wouldn't I?"

So what did you think? Drop a review and let me know.

On Shion's Future Telling: Basically Future Telling shows Shion the future that is most likely to happen. For example: Without a change, a person would always turn onto a certain road and then have an fatal accident. It may be caused by a self fulfilling prophecy, or by the lack of strength/power by the individual, or maybe fate cannot be changed. Either way, almost everyone in the Land of Demons believes that fate told by Future Telling is absolute.

On Shinobi vs Ninja: In the Shinobi lands (where the hidden villages are), the terms 'shinobi' and 'ninja' are interchangeable. However, in places with ninja/shinobi, (such as the Land of Demons), 'shinobi' and 'ninja' are different things. 'Shinobi' (much like the gunslingers from the Old West era in real life) have been romanticized and made into heroes. By contrast, 'Ninja' have been villainized, being written as dishonorable assassins and killers.

On Uragiru: Remember the Uzumaki from the last part of Chapter 39? Uragiru is that guy. To summarize what is currently known about him: Uragiru is good with a sword and other combat techniques, has a 'bit' of a problem with people who interrupt him, and for some reason, is very interested in Naruto.

To my reviewers' direct questions:

Animaman: To my knowledge, Kakashi isn't getting bashed. He wasn't aware of what was truly going on with Naruto, plus (pre chapter 8) Kakashi was stuck in the past due to all of the trauma he suffered.

Conchamp1998: I can confirm that there is one Uzumaki that Naruto hasn't met.

Merchant of Blue Death: : You'll see the girl's slowly making more efforts towards Naruto, and their relationship with him (and his relationship with them) growing once again. It's not going to be a super quick thing, but it will start moving forward.

Nin-Guest: I was planning on showing the Yamanaka short section this chapter, but well, the current one seemed to fit better. The Yamanaka one will be next chapter, followed by one featuring the elder duo on the following chapter. I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't say more than that.

Naruto-kun257: I'm honestly not sure if it was orange or yellow. The stills and pictures I've seen feature one color or the other, so I went with orange to keep a continuity going with Tobi.

Naruto-kun257: You, as readers, know that, but none of the people outside of Konoha know that. Hashirama fighting Madara/Kyuubi didn't really happen when other villages could have seen it, and thus it couldn't be confirmed. According to canon, the Sandaime Raikage fought for days before he defeated Hachibi, but that's just not realistic. The human body (no matter how well trained) can't fight non-stop for that long. While the Raikage was still awesome and fought the Hachibi, he didn't do it alone. I'm pretty sure that Suna didn't want anyone to know that their trump card got the beaten by a lone ninja, and Konoha (at that time) wouldn't have offered up the information on Naruto for free. Again, Mei only knows what her spies can tell her and/or what is common knowledge.