Damn it," Naruto sat at the table, trying to write something. It was a report, his first report. Being a genius, he was used to reporting the mission results only. Now, however, the Hokage made him write the report himself. He had no idea how to format it properly.
"Hey, Naruto, what are you doing?" - Kakashi appeared at the window, as always, sneaking in during patrols.
"Oh, I'm trying to write a report," Naruto attempted to concentrate.
"Don't know how to fill it out?" - the answer was evident on Kakashi's face.
"I have no idea," Uzumaki tossed the pen aside.
"Let me help," Kakashi climbed in through the window, nudging Naruto aside. He then took the pen and began writing something. "Done."
"It hasn't even been a minute," the Chunin was surprised.
"I didn't write your report for you, just filled in the fields. This is the official part, and here's the report itself," Kakashi explained, pointing at different sections. "Got it?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"Well, good. I gotta go, see you later." Kakashi jumped out the window, leaving Naruto to finish the report. Afterward, Kakashi landed next to his partner, wearing his Cat mask.
"What were you doing there, Senpai?" the ANBU asked.
"Oh, just helping with the report," Kakashi waved it off.
"A new excuse from you?" Cat guessed.
"No," Kakashi pondered, "well, actually, it could be a good excuse."
"You never change, Senpai."
Half an hour later...
"Here," Naruto placed the paper on the table. "The report."
"Who helped?" the Third Hokage asked, taking the paper in his hands.
"Me, well, a little help from Kakashi-sensei," Naruto reluctantly replied.
"I see," Hiruzen quickly read the report and put his seal on it. "Not bad."
"What about my request? Did you consider the situation with Waterfall Village? Action needed to be taken. I understand that, but spreading rumors wasn't my intention," Naruto said.
"I didn't just think, I decided," the Third corrected him. "You won't go. You are free."
"Why is that? I uncovered this information, after all," Naruto started to protest.
"I see you becoming a loudmouthed Genin. For this task, we need trusted and experienced shinobi," the Third explained. "I have no doubt about your loyalty, but experience is another matter. You understand," the Hokage replied just as he had expected from Naruto.
"But to gain experience, I need missions like this, right?" Naruto tried to corner the Hokage.
"Not all at once, gradually, step by step," Hiruzen quickly understood the game Naruto was playing and had no intention of giving in.
"The key to being a successful shinobi is rapid development, as you once told me when I joined the Academy," Naruto continued.
"I said that I remember," Hiruzen tugged on his cat's tail. "But not rapid as in sudden. Rapid development is a gradual, step-by-step improvement for a shinobi. And you want to progress rapidly by skipping the basics and going straight to the most difficult missions. Gradual rapid development, not just rapid."
"I'm not rushing development; it comes with experience. That's why I need this mission," Naruto argued.
"So, you claim that this mission will bring you experience?" the Hokage raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," Naruto crossed his arms.
"Then you will go on this mission as the fifth member of the team. But remember, if the mission fails or your leader reports to me about your unreadiness and inability to complete such missions, you'll spend an entire year doing D-rank missions."
"Well, that will still be an experience, albeit a bitter one," Naruto wasn't upset by such an outcome and tried to see only the positives in everything.
"Proceed," the Third gave the order. Behind Naruto, four ANBU appeared, and they removed their masks in the same second.
"Meet Naruto, this is your team," Uzumaki turned around and saw four ANBU. The first one was Kakashi. The second was a brown-haired shinobi with big eyes. The third had big black eyes and hair that reached almost to his shoulders. The fourth also had big black eyes and slightly tousled hair. "Kakashi, you know him. Yamato, Itachi Uchiha, and Shisui Uchiha," the Hokage introduced the shinobi.
"You'll go with them. You're free to leave now. Kakashi, stay," the ANBU left the office. Naruto was about to leave with a questioning look directed at his sensei, but the silver-haired man ignored him. Once everyone was gone, the Hokage continued.
"Have you been informed about the mission's objectives?" Kakashi nodded. "I'll modify it slightly. This mission will be of a peacekeeping nature, with an assigned S-rank. Your goal is reconnaissance and establishing relations between our villages."
"What if the plan goes south or the mission fails?" Kakashi inquired.
"We can always negotiate later. As for the plan... if the situation gets out of control or something goes wrong, you will act as you see fit. I fully trust you here and give you complete freedom of action. Any other questions?" the Hokage asked.
"Naruto..." - he almost forgot. "Report personally about his influence on the mission's outcome. I think that covers everything. You're free to go."
"Hai," Kakashi left the office. "Let's see how well you'll get along with such strong shinobi, Naruto," Hiruzen took out a pipe and lit it.
Time passed, and the team was already heading at full speed toward the Waterfall Village. They were all dressed in Konoha's Jonin and Chunin uniforms. Fifteen minutes had passed since the team set out. Itachi was at the front, with Kakashi and Yamato flanking him on the sides. Shisui was in the center, while Naruto trailed behind. The formation was chosen by Kakashi for a reason. Itachi was a sensor, so he led the way. Kakashi and Yamato covered the flanks, while Shisui was in the middle as reserve and support for the rear. Naruto was placed at the back due to his slower pace compared to the others. However, considering his abilities, guarding the rear was the best position for him. Naruto wasn't foolish either. From the first steps, he realized he was slower than any of the four, though it was evident anyway. Kakashi was pleased with this team. His loyal assistant Tenzō and a good friend. The Uchiha clan geniuses: Itachi and Shisui. And, of course, Naruto – the genius of the year. It was just what he needed. Naruto was the weakest among the five, but Kakashi had no doubt in him. Sometimes, when he turned around, he saw the determination in Naruto's eyes. It was clear that he would do everything he could and give his all. Kakashi was sure of it, and it pleased him greatly that his student had started taking things more seriously.
Tenzō was a bit surprised by this turn of events. His Senpai had often told him about how talented this boy was, but there was one downside – Naruto always needed a push. Just tell him or explain, and he understood everything even with half an explanation. It was impressive.
Yamato's interest grew when Kakashi told him about his idea: "When the time comes, I'll take him into our squad." If Kakashi himself decided on it, then there must be something in the blond that his Senpai saw. And that spoke volumes.
Itachi remained focused. Yes, now was not the time to expect enemy attacks, but ANBU was always vigilant. The mission promised to be calm, but something inside told him otherwise. An S-rank wasn't given for "just negotiating." The Hokage knew what he was doing. Besides, the information had come out of nowhere. This blond, Naruto, as Kakashi had told him, obtained the information while on a regular mission, which was his first in his new rank. Itachi appreciated Chunin's professionalism and was slightly impressed. He was curious to see Naruto in action.
Similarly to Itachi, Shisui was also concentrated. The mission had a more interesting nature, which amused him. After all, they had finally formed a team, after a long time, albeit with a rookie in the mix. He felt a certain excitement, and if he felt excited, then Itachi's bad feeling meant the mission wouldn't be dull.
Unknowingly, the team arrived at the border, but it was already evening. Therefore, Kakashi decided to stop for a break and continue the journey tomorrow.
The next day, the team reached the Village of the Hidden Waterfalls at noon. Everyone was ready, and some were already on edge.
"Alright, listen to my plan," the team hurried and approached the village already on the main road. "Yamato, Shisui, Naruto, and I will head to the village leader's place to start negotiations. Itachi, you'll disguise yourself and gather information. You have until evening, understood?"
"Yes," Itachi replied.
The others listened, but Naruto was thinking, "So this is what it's like to be on a mission with Kakashi-sensei. He's disciplined and strict, like a completely different person." Naruto was getting used to everything. It was a revelation to see this side of Hatake. Naruto had no intention of arguing or protesting. He needed to appear before the Hokage as a mature shinobi.
As the village appeared on the horizon, four Waterfall shinobi approached the group. Kakashi handed them a scroll, and the leader read it before allowing them to proceed, leading them inside the village. Itachi said he would go and find a hotel, and Kakashi granted him permission. They followed the escorting shinobi until they reached a building on a small hill at the outskirts of the village, decorated in a traditional Japanese style, with a single floor. Once inside, they saw a large hall with the village leader sitting at the far end. He was dressed in the Waterfall Jonin uniform, wearing a head protector covering one eye, a long scar on his left cheek, and two on his right. A scar on his nose resembled Iruka's. Two shinobi, presumably guards, stood behind him.
"Welcome to the Village of the Hidden Waterfalls!" he stood and bowed to the guests. "I am Takeishi Tenkara, the village leader. How did I earn the honor of a visit from Konoha shinobi?"
"We wish to strengthen the ties between our villages," Kakashi spoke.
"So, you've come for negotiations?" Tenkara clarified.
"Yes, Takeishi-sama," Kakashi bowed this time.
"Very well, I won't keep you waiting. Please, follow me!" Tenkara opened the doors behind his throne and invited his guests inside. Once inside, they saw a similarly empty hall with a table and two chairs on opposite sides. Tenkara sat down, and his two guards stood behind him. Kakashi sat on the other side, and Naruto, Yamato, and Shisui stood behind him.
"I apologize for my lack of extravagance, but I dislike excessive clutter," the village leader explained.
"I understand," Kakashi took out the scroll and placed it before himself. "I heard that you're a reformist and are reshaping the shinobi system."
"Yes, I've decided to make some changes to the system. To improve it, so to speak. I won't go into the details; otherwise, I'll keep you here until evening. I'd like to resolve matters of international importance," he smiled.
"Agreed," Kakashi opened the scroll. "Let's start with the first point. Let's talk about trade..."
Itachi moved around the village under the Henge jutsu. As he planned, the first thing he did was book a room at the hotel. Disguised as his younger brother, still before joining the academy, he roamed the village, going from shop to shop, wherever there was a crowd, trying to eavesdrop. Unfortunately, he didn't hear anything useful, not even from the homeless; it was all in vain. Itachi spent the whole day trying. In the end, he decided to give up and join the others to report on the situation.
"Wow!" Kakashi stretched and took a deep breath of fresh air. "Who knew that a trade negotiation could take until evening."
"Interesting. Did Itachi succeed in his assignment?" Shisui rubbed his neck.
"I'm more worried if I set the right prices," Kakashi's face darkened. "And there are still ten more points in that scroll."
"Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei. By the way, here comes Itachi," Naruto pointed to Itachi approaching, whose expression suggested he hadn't found anything.
"I guess you've already figured it out," Itachi scratched his head apologetically. "Let's go back to the hotel and rest."
Fox. Roar. Bomb. Hand seal. Masked person. Rasengan. Kyuubi. Child. Claw.
"Aaaargh!" Naruto jumped off his bed. "Another nightmare. Darn it." Naruto got up, got dressed, and stepped out onto the balcony. Kakashi was standing on the neighboring balcony, calmly gazing at the lights and listening to the sound of the nearby waterfall. Its roar could be heard throughout the village and beyond.
"Can't sleep?" Kakashi asked.
"No. Nightmares," Naruto leaned against the railing. "They've been haunting me for years."
"I keep dreaming about my comrades dying in battle," Kakashi drifted into memories. "And what are your nightmares about?"
"The Nine-Tails attacking Konoha, and I see it through someone else's eyes... I don't know whose," Naruto replied.
"Tell me more..." Kakashi's response surprised Naruto. It seemed mystical, like the one he experienced during the Chunin Exams. It could provide answers to many questions.
"I hold a three-bladed kunai and use a jutsu, something like space-time ninjutsu, or something similar. I'm fighting against a masked person, and sometimes I see a child with the same hair as mine. It feels like I am that child," Naruto recounted as if he were there, putting all the pieces together to form a picture, though with many questions remaining.
"I knew someone who used something similar," Kakashi's emotions stirred, and he recalled what he saw in Naruto during that night—the night of the Fourth Hokage's death. Naruto didn't understand it, but he had a hunch. Yet, if Kakashi considered it coincidence, so did everyone else. Nobody paid much attention to that little boy. Only those in the inner circle could know the truth.
"Now, that's a revelation," Naruto scratched his head. He was somewhat shocked, but he had already suspected it. It was the only logical conclusion. And now, his sensei confirmed it. There was no doubt. It was true. But what did it all mean?
"Don't dwell on it. We have a mission right now. After that, we'll find out everything. But first, let's finish this assignment, alright?" Kakashi noticed Naruto's confusion.
"Alright," Naruto nodded.
"Then I'll go to sleep. Tomorrow will be another long day of negotiations. Good night," Kakashi entered his room. Naruto stood on the balcony for a while, pondering. There were too many questions, so he returned to his room to sleep again. He lay down and almost fell asleep when he heard a rustle on the balcony. Naruto grabbed a kunai and continued pretending to be asleep. Suddenly, he saw Itachi standing there. Itachi put one finger to his lips, signaling for Naruto to stay quiet. Naruto nodded. Itachi removed his hand and pointed to the balcony. Naruto understood and got off the bed. Both of them quickly approached the balcony door, standing on each side. Uninvited guests quietly opened the door and entered - two Waterfall shinobi. They approached Naruto's bed and realized he wasn't there.
"There you are!" The Waterfall shinobi turned around and saw two Konoha shinobi ready for battle.
"Idiots!" a voice came from above, seemingly passing through the ceiling. A shinobi appeared, landing next to the two Waterfall shinobi. The man was tall, about two meters in height, with a well-built physique. His face bore a scar, like that of a wound from a wild animal. His black hair was disheveled, and his eyes were of a deep blue color. He was dressed in a Jonin attire of the Waterfall Village. Itachi and Naruto immediately recognized him; he was one of Takeishi's bodyguards. "The mission is a failure. Let's get out of here!" The man touched the two shinobi, and they rushed straight toward Naruto and Itachi. As the two attackers approached, Naruto and Itachi prepared to defend themselves, but the intruders simply passed through them and the wall behind.
"What was that?" Naruto froze in place.
"No time to figure it out, we need to follow them," Itachi rushed to pursue the attackers, and Naruto quickly followed. Naruto trailed behind Itachi, trying to mimic him, and kept some distance. He pondered the abilities of the unknown shinobi. In his dreams, the masked person used a similar technique; perhaps this person was related to the one in his dreams or might know something about him.
The pursuit led them to the residence of the village head. They hid from a distance behind some buildings, and Itachi activated his Sharingan to see better and read lips.
"How did it go?" Takeishi asked.
"Poorly. They spotted us, and we had to retreat," the black-haired shinobi reported.
"Idiots!" the village head growled. "Do you understand what we lost? Sharingans. Shisui, Kakashi, Itachi, their heads are worth valuable rewards. We needed those Sharingans; we would have used them. But you idiots ruined the mission. At least you didn't bring the tails with you."
"No, Takeishi-sama," the shinobi bowed.
"That's good, but now we'll have to pay them a visit." Itachi immediately signaled Naruto to back off. They quickly retreated and returned to the hotel to warn the others.
Upon reaching the hotel, they were met at the entrance by Kakashi and Yamato. "Where have you been? We were about to go after you," Kakashi started.
"And where's Shisui?" Itachi asked.
"He left a little earlier than us. Why?" Itachi's reaction was instantaneous; he rushed off in the direction Shisui went. Kakashi looked inquiringly at Naruto.
"They tried to grab us, but they couldn't. We followed their trail and found out they want to capture us to take our Sharingans and sell our bodies," Naruto explained hurriedly, causing Kakashi to barely make out the words, but he understood the essence.
"Yamato, Naruto, follow me!" Kakashi immediately dashed in the direction where Itachi went, and Yamato and Naruto followed.
Itachi followed the tracks beyond the village. He deduced that Shisui got into a fight while still in the village but was pushed outside. Itachi continued following the traces. The aftermath of the battle was ominous – felled trees, craters, and no bodies along the way, meaning there was likely only one opponent. Eventually, Itachi came across an enormous pit, probably left by some jutsu. Without a second thought, he followed it to the end. When he reached the spot, he was horrified. Shisui was sitting on the ground, leaning against a tree, a massive wound on his chest pouring blood like a river. Shisui was covered in blood, barely conscious.
"Shisui!" Itachi rushed to his friend and tried to stop the bleeding.
"No..." Uttered the Uchiha weakly. "Go... Itachi..."
"Itachi!" The rest of the team appeared, and they were all shocked by what they saw.
"No..." Shisui said again. "Go... She's... coming... for... you..."
"Who?" Itachi asked.
"The Jinchuriki of the Seven-Tails..." Shisui said before losing consciousness.
"Hold on, Shisui!" Kakashi and Yamato supported Shisui.
"In this condition, he won't last long. He needs medical attention. But first, we need to get far away from here," Kakashi decided, and the team set out.
Half hour later
The team stopped for a rest and bandaged Shisui's wounds to reduce the blood loss. Shisui was in a critical condition, and everyone knew it, but they had to hurry and find a city with a medical ninja.
"We're being pursued," Itachi shouted, using his Sharingan to spot the enemy.
"How many of them?" Kakashi asked.
"Only one..." Itachi was astonished. "This woman... she's a Jinchuriki!"
"Itachi, Naruto, grab Shisui and retreat. Yamato and I will distract her," Kakashi ordered.
"No, Kakashi-sensei, you're faster than me. I'll hold her off or at least distract her for a moment," Naruto refused to follow the order.
"Don't be foolish, you're too young for such battles. Take Shisui and go," Kakashi insisted.
"No," Naruto refused to obey. "I won't let her pass here."
"Naruto..." Kakashi lowered his head. "I can't leave you here; the opponent is too strong."
"I won't be alone. I'll stay with him," Itachi declared. "Together, we can handle this."
"Senpai, decide quickly, we're running out of time," Yamato was inspired by Naruto's speech, feeling that their team could handle the situation.
"Alright," Kakashi realized that he had made a tough decision, one he might regret. It was probably his most foolish mistake, but the two of them were not going to back down. "Yamato, take Shisui. Let's go!"
The three shinobi disappeared, leaving only Itachi and Naruto behind.
"Do you have a plan?" Itachi asked.
"No. At this moment, a woman appeared before them: long red hair, red eyes, dressed in a Jonin attire of the Waterfall Village, and with the village's headband on her forehead, over her cloak bearing the symbol of the Village Hidden in the Waterfall. She took out two kunai that started to emit bright yellow light.
"It seems we can only evade and parry her attacks," Itachi was already contemplating ways to defeat her. "Genjutsu won't work on her, and I can't copy this kekkei genkai technique."
"I have an idea," Naruto created two shadow clones, which immediately rushed at the red-haired woman. The first clone attacked head-on but was quickly dispatched by her, and the second tried to flank her but was also defeated with ease. That's when the trick unfolded; the clone was meant to distract her while the original Naruto approached at full speed with Rasengan in hand. He wanted to strike with all his might, but his Rasengan was deflected by her kunai, and the yellow light started to spread along his weapon. Naruto quickly released the technique, and the Rasengan turned into yellow dust, dissipating in the air. Now, Naruto stood before her alone, and the woman was ready to attack him. However, Itachi intervened, and his Fireball Jutsu forced the red-haired woman to step back. Naruto did the same.
"How are you?" Itachi asked.
"Fine," Naruto replied. "Apparently, her technique can dissolve anything with a clear and stable form."
"I noticed that too. We'll have to use techniques that don't have a fixed form," Naruto continued. "Can you use elemental jutsu?"
"Do you want to test their effectiveness?" Itachi understood that Naruto's question meant "yes." Naruto quickly performed hand seals and unleashed several fire projectiles at the woman. She evaded each of them without trying to parry. Meanwhile, Itachi flanked her and waited. When the woman dodged the last projectile, Itachi sent a large fireball her way. It seemed like a sure hit, but she quickly performed hand seals and blew a swarm of fireflies from her mouth, creating a barrier that blocked Itachi's jutsu. At the same time, Naruto launched his Rasengan, but the fireflies split into two streams, one heading toward Itachi and the other toward Naruto. Naruto tried to disperse them with his Rasengan, but they scattered to avoid the attack. Just as they were about to reach Naruto, images of fighting flashed before his eyes.
"Damn it! The Nine-Tails!" Naruto cried out. "Not now!" A bomb. "No!" Naruto fell to the ground. The fireflies caught up to him, and he closed his eyes, bracing for impact. One... Two... At that moment, Itachi appeared, scooping up Naruto and carrying him away.
"What's wrong with you?" Itachi asked.
"Nothing," Naruto stood up and looked at the hovering fireflies. "Can you distract them?"
"I'll try," Itachi glanced at the fireflies.
"Good!" Naruto pulled out ten kunai and placed them between his fingers. He then ran straight toward the Jinchuriki. The swarm of fireflies wanted to follow Naruto, but Itachi blocked their path with his fireball jutsu. Then he quickly trapped them in a cube, knowing it wouldn't last long.
Naruto reached the Jinchuriki and threw a kunai at her while subtly planting another kunai in the ground. The woman deflected the first kunai, but Naruto immediately attacked again, attempting a frontal assault. However, his strike was parried, and he jumped back, throwing one kunai while driving another into the ground.
He noticed that she had trouble handling both him and controlling the battle with Itachi. Naruto then hurled two more kunai at her, driving a fifth into the ground.
Deflecting the kunai, she rushed at Naruto, who evaded and drove the sixth kunai into the ground. Grabbing two kunai more firmly, he ran at her again, attempting another attack. The first strike was parried, and Naruto jumped back, throwing a kunai and planting the seventh into the ground.
Seizing the two kunai tightly, he charged at her again, attempting a third strike. She deflected the kunai, and Naruto dodged, embedding the eighth into the ground. He noticed that she had difficulty handling both him and controlling the battle with Itachi.
With two kunai tightly grasped, he ran at her again, aiming for a fourth strike. The first attack was blocked, and Naruto leaped back, throwing the ninth kunai and driving the tenth into the ground.
"I've got you!" Naruto shouted and released his Shadow Clone Jutsu, creating several clones. The swarm of fireflies was eager to follow Naruto, but Itachi blocked their path with his fireball jutsu. Then he quickly trapped them in a cube, knowing it wouldn't last long.
Naruto's clones approached the woman from all sides, attacking relentlessly. She managed to parry some, but one of the clones managed to get behind her. Before she could react, he placed a kunai at her back.
"Gotcha!" the clone yelled triumphantly. However, at that moment, the woman grinned and performed hand seals, expelling numerous fireflies from her mouth. The fireflies split into two streams, one heading toward Naruto's clone and the other toward Itachi.
"Oh, no, you don't!" Naruto's clone created a Rasengan in his hand and swung it at the swarm of fireflies. However, they deftly dodged.
"Lightning Element: Electric Star!" The kunai sparkled with lightning as all five struck the Jinchuriki. The woman began convulsing and fell to the ground. The fireflies vanished.
"You did it!" Itachi ran to Naruto.
"But only briefly!" Naruto looked at the woman, who was now covered in orange chakra. "Do you see this?"
"Damn! Let's get out of here, Naruto!" Itachi and Naruto rushed away. After running through the trees for a few hundred meters, they heard something resembling the roar and buzzing of mosquito wings. Then they heard the sound of falling trees. Orange light flashed nearby, and several trees fell ahead of them. The woman stood before them, now covered in orange chakra, with one tail behind her.
"Now, I'll show you what you've done to me!" The woman declared. Her hands glowed yellow as she charged towards the Konoha shinobi. Naruto and Itachi jumped to the side just as the kunoichi appeared where they stood a moment ago. The branch she touched evaporated, and she began falling. However, she managed to swing her arms, sending compressed waves of yellow energy flying towards Naruto and Itachi. Naruto quickly created a clone that deflected him to the side, and Itachi did the same. All three landed and stared at each other. Itachi was the first to rush, but the Jinchuriki was too fast, and within a second, she was behind him. Itachi felt a blow, and then he was knocked to Naruto, knocking the blond off his feet. They flew several meters and landed.
"Damn! It burns!" Itachi struggled to get up. "What's on my back?"
"Your clothes are burned, and you probably have a minor burn," Naruto assessed his comrade's condition as he rose. "What should we do?"
"I don't know. If only there was someone else here..." Itachi sighed.
"We're the only ones here..." Naruto looked at his hand. "I can use one technique, but I doubt I can do it."
"What is it?" Itachi asked.
"Chidori... But you should stay away," Naruto clenched his fist.
"What's that?" Itachi inquired.
"It's powerful, but you should stay away from me," Naruto said as he concentrated chakra into his right hand, infusing it with a bit of lightning. He needed to hold the technique until it exploded. The first sparks of lightning appeared.
"Run!" Naruto shouted, and Itachi rushed away. The Jinchuriki, however, didn't seem to be threatened. She ran towards Naruto, and he charged at her. The lightning struck indiscriminately, chaotically selecting targets. It was a bad sign; a few more moments, and it would explode. The Jinchuriki stood before Naruto, grabbed him by the neck, and lifted him up. The yellow glow began to spread along his neck and body. The tailed beast's chakra strangely didn't burn him, and the pain came only from the choking.
"It's the end for you!" The woman grinned.
"True..." Naruto croaked.
Itachi distanced himself, not understanding why he did so. Was it fear or belief? He looked back and immediately saw lightning shooting in all directions.
"Naruto!"
Itachi ran back, everything around was in ruins as if there had been a fire there, trees were scorched, the ground was covered in ash, and some trees were toppled. Itachi ran to the most heavily fallen place and began to dig through it. One... Two... Three... Someone's leg. Itachi started digging more actively. It was tough, but he didn't give up; he couldn't leave his comrade here, couldn't let him die. And there he was. Naruto lay unconscious, his right arm was burned, and he was battered all over. Itachi rushed to the blond, listening to his heartbeat. One second, two... There it was, a single beat, then another and another...
"Hang in there, Naruto," Itachi gently picked him up and put him on his shoulder. "Everything will be fine; you fought bravely."
After half an hour
Tenkara and several other shinobi stood around the fallen kunoichi. A hole was pierced in her left chest, but she was still breathing and clinging to life.
"It was a mistake," said the village leader. "I underestimated the Konoha shinobi, but..."
He sat down next to the body and examined the wound. "The Seven-Tails didn't heal her for some reason, well, let it be, she was weak anyway."
"But what about her enhanced genome?" shouted one shinobi.
"I don't care about that," replied the leader. "She couldn't wield its power. She was just a pitiful jinchuriki and shinobi. Luckily, she's still alive, and we have a chance to reseal the Beast. Prepare everything!"
"Aye!" One shinobi dashed off towards the village.
"Haha..." Tenkara stood up. "Now we have a chance to start a war."