CHAPTER 6: Confrontation
Naruto Uzumaki stood alone in his training field, his heart pounding as he faced Yugito Nii, a seasoned Kumo Jonin and the Jinchuriki of the Two-Tails. She had cornered him here, far from the ongoing chaos outside, her mission clear: capture Naruto for Kumogakure. Looking around for any signs of help, Naruto regretted coming to the field alone. There was no other option for him but to get out of his predicament himself.
"Uzumaki Naruto" Yugito said, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the young Jinchuriki. "It seems I'm lucky today...you're all alone, your loving father is unaware you're here no?"
Naruto clenched his fists, his heart pounding in his chest. "I won't let you take me without a fight!"
Before him, Yugito grinned, producing two kunai. "I expected such from you."
He focused, drawing on the natural energy around him, entering Sage Mode. His eyes turned toad-like, and he felt a surge of power. "I have to protect the village," he thought. "I can't let her win."
Naruto dashed forward, his speed enhanced by Sage Mode. Evading her thrown kunai, he launched a series of punches and kicks, each one faster and stronger than before. Yugito, however, moved with fluid grace, evading his attacks with ease.
"Too predictable," she murmured, ducking under a high kick and countering with a swift palm strike to his chest. Naruto staggered back, the impact forcing the air from his lungs.
"Come on, Naruto!" he thought, pushing through the pain. "You can do this!"
He summoned shadow clones, sending them to surround Yugito. They attacked in unison, a whirlwind of strikes aiming to overwhelm her. Yugito smirked, her movements a blur as she dismantled the clones with precise, effortless strikes, flashes of a kunai landing critical hits on each target.
"Is this all the Nine-Tails' host can do?" she taunted, her voice laced with a hint of disappointment. "I expected more but to be fair you are just a kid."
Naruto growled, forming a swirling ball of chakra in his hand.
[Rasengan]
He created the powerful jutsu and charged at her. "Take this!"
Yugito met his attack head-on, her hands glowing with blue chakra. She deflected Naruto's hand wielding the Rasengan with a well timed parry, sending Naruto crashing into the ground. The Rasengan fizzled out, leaving a deep crater where it had impacted.
"You missed." she said, walking towards him. "You need more than brute force to win."
Naruto struggled to his feet, his Sage Mode beginning to fade.
No, no, no... not now, not now!
He panted heavily, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in. "I have to keep going," he thought desperately. "I can't lose here."
As his Sage Mode expired, Naruto felt a surge of desperation. "Dammit" he cursed, breathing heavily.
"Gotta think of something fast..."
Naruto
The Uzumaki was startled by Kurama's voice calling him from within. The nine tails hardly spoke to him.
Finding himself in their shared mind plane, Naruto carefully approached the cage barring the giant beast.
"I'm kind of busy y'know?!...What do you want furball?" Naruto demanded impatiently.
Kurama grabbed the bars of the cage with a clawed hand. Maatatabi and her jinchuriki are bent on capturing us for their village, surely even someone as stupid as you can see that you absolutely can't lose this fight.
"Oh gee, thanks for the heads up Kyuubi!" Naruto smiled, his tone heavy with sarcasm. "I'll just simply not lose, why didn't I think of that?"
The Nine-Tails stirred within him, baring it's teeth. Let me take over, brat. Your capture will also put my life in danger, I can't let that happen.
Naruto hesitated for a moment. He had trained all his life to prevent Kurama from taking over and potentially harming people, but faced with another Jinchuriki, it was looking like a fair gamble. With no other choice, he nodded, allowing the Nine-Tails' chakra to envelop him. His eyes turned crimson, and a red chakra cloak formed around him, taking the shape of the Nine-Tails. He roared, his power surging as his skin peeled away under the red cloak of chakra that engulfed him. With a beastly, inhuman roar, four chakra tails sprouted from his rear.
Yugito's eyes widened slightly at the sight but she quickly regained her composure. "So, you've tapped into that power. Let's see how well you handle it."
Naruto, now in his four-tail form, lunged at her with blinding speed. His attacks were wild and ferocious, each strike carrying destructive force. Yugito deftly avoided his swipes, countering with precise blows that failed to do much damage to him.
He's powerful, but uncontrolled, she thought, ducking under a massive chakra-infused swipe. A quick back handspring let her evade Naruto's punch crashing to the ground and Yugito regained her footing, watching Naruto charge her again.
Naruto's mind was a whirlwind of rage and desperation. He launched a massive wave of red chakra at her, the energy crackling with destructive power.
[Mouse Hairball]
Yugito countered with a torrent of blue flames, the two attacks clashing in a brilliant explosion. Both were pushed back, but Yugito quickly regained her footing as she was sent tumbling into the forest.
Nii, Yugito's tailed beast, Maatatabi spoke from within her. You better start taking this seriously, this kid is a formidable threat.
"Just trust me." Yugito replied. Crossing her forearms together, ten lengthy razor sharp claws extended from her fingers as she smiled to herself. "I know what I'm doing."
She ran at Naruto before leaping away to safety from his extending chakra arms with incredible agility.
Maatatabi is right, I need to end this soon, she thought, feeling a slight fatigue as she watched Naruto chase her into the forest. Smiling to herself, she crouched low to the ground, preparing to react to Naruto's impending attack. But to be fair, I haven't had this much fun in a long time.
Naruto's movements became increasingly erratic, his rage consuming him. Yugito, sensing his desperation, capitalized on his openings. She delivered a series of effective slashes, her claws glowing with chakra, each strike precise and calculated and gradually chipping away at his chakra cloak.
"You're strong, but strength alone isn't enough," she said, evading another of his wild attacks and leaping behind him onto a tree. Before Naruto could react, she appeared back in front of him in a blur, slashing his midsection in the process. Yugito completed the action several times, leaping from different parts of the forest and attacking Naruto before she landed on an opposing tree. "You need to exercise control over your power."
Naruto roared, launching himself at her with renewed fury. He swiped at her with his chakra tails, each one leaving deep gouges in the forest and vegetation. Yugito dodged and weaved through his attacks, her movements a blur.
He's getting more reckless, she thought, preparing herself. Time to end this.
Finally, Yugito decided to tap into a portion of Matatabi's chakra. Blue flames flickered around her form, enhancing her speed and strength. She moved like a shadow, her attacks now carrying even greater force.
Despite his newfound power, Naruto's attacks were still driven by rage and desperation, lacking the finesse and control of a seasoned fighter. Yugito, more serious now, still held the upper hand. She deftly avoided Naruto's strikes, landing precise counterattacks that wore him down.
With a powerful kick, she sent Naruto crashing into the ground, his four-tail form flickering. He lay there, panting and beaten, his chakra cloak dissipating and exposing injured flesh. Yugito stood over him, her expression a mix of respect and pity.
"You fought well, Naruto," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of genuine admiration. "For someone so young, you have incredible strength. But you still have a lot to learn."
Naruto struggled to rise, but his body refused to obey. "I... I can't..."
Yugito formed a few hand signs, placing a sealing tag on Naruto that rendered him unconscious. She lifted his limp body over her shoulder, ready to leave the forest. Searching around for approaching enemies, the jinchuriki flickered away from the scene of the battle, her mission completed.
Minato sat at his desk in the Hokage's office, his fingers drumming impatiently on the wooden surface. Stacks of documents lay before him, but his mind was elsewhere. The looming threat of war with Kumo, the recent Chunin Exams, and above all, the well-being of his son weighed heavily on him.
"Where is he?" Minato muttered to himself, frustration seeping into his voice. "Where's Naruto?"
Unable to contain his anxiety any longer, he called out, "Koichi! Get in here!"
The door opened swiftly, and his aide, Koichi, stepped inside, bowing slightly. "Yes, Lord Hokage?"
"Any word on Naruto?" Minato's blue eyes bore into Koichi's, his voice tense.
Koichi shook his head, looking uneasy. "No, sir. We've searched his usual training grounds, but there's been no sign of him. It's as if he vanished."
Minato's heart pounded with a mix of fear and anger. "Keep looking. He can't have gone far."
Just then, the door swung open again, and two shinobi entered, their expressions grave. Minato's eyes narrowed, a sense of dread creeping over him.
"Lord Hokage," one of them began, "we searched the training grounds Naruto frequents, but he wasn't there. All we found were signs of a tough battle. The area was heavily disturbed—trees splintered, scorch marks, and traces of blood."
Minato's heart sank, a cold wave of panic washing over him. "Did you find any clues? Anything that could tell us who did this?"
The shinobi shook their heads. "No, sir. Whoever it was, they covered their tracks well."
Minato stood abruptly, his mind racing. "This can't be a coincidence. The dead messengers, and now this... Kumo is behind this. I know it."
He turned to Koichi, his expression hardening. "Double the security around Gaara. If they're after Naruto, Gaara could be next. I won't take any chances."
Koichi nodded quickly. "Yes, Lord Hokage. Right away."
Minato took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "And summon the elders. We need to discuss our next steps. If Kumo thinks they can take my son, they are gravely mistaken."
Koichi hurried out to carry out the orders, while Minato turned back to the two shinobi. "Thank you for your report. Stay vigilant. We'll find Naruto and bring him back safely."
The shinobi bowed and exited, leaving Minato alone with his thoughts. The chances of war with Kumo were now substantially higher, and the weight of that reality pressed down on him. But beneath the anger and fear, there was a fierce determination. No matter what it took, he would protect his village and his son.
The next day
In the quiet streets of the Uchiha district, the tension of the impending conflict weighed heavily on the air. Sasuke walked briskly, his thoughts a storm of fear and uncertainty. He finally reached Shisui's house, pausing for a moment before knocking on the door. The door opened almost immediately, and there stood Shisui, his face breaking into a warm smile at the sight of Sasuke.
"Hey, Sasuke," Shisui greeted, stepping aside to let him in. "Come on in."
Sasuke entered, his eyes scanning the familiar surroundings. He found comfort in Shisui's home, a place that had always felt like a refuge. They settled in the living room, and Sasuke's eyes were drawn to a photo of Itachi and Shisui on a nearby shelf, a stark reminder of the losses he had already endured.
"What's on your mind?" Shisui asked, breaking the silence. He could see the worry etched on Sasuke's face.
Sasuke took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Shisui, I... I'm scared. The possible war with Kumo, the tension, it's all getting too real. And now you're being mobilized."
Shisui leaned forward, his expression softening. "I know it's scary, Sasuke. War is never something to take lightly. But we have to trust in our strength and the strength of our village."
"But what if..." Sasuke's voice wavered, "What if something happens to you? You're the closest thing I have to a brother now. I can't lose you too."
Shisui reached out and placed a reassuring hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Sasuke, listen to me. I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to come back safe. Our duty is to protect the village and our loved ones, and that includes you."
Sasuke's eyes met Shisui's, searching for the reassurance he desperately needed. "But what if..."
"No 'what ifs'," Shisui interrupted gently. "We Uchiha are strong. We've faced countless challenges and come out stronger each time. You have to believe in that strength, in our shared will to protect what's important."
Sasuke nodded slowly, absorbing Shisui's words. "I want to believe that. I want to be strong like you and Itachi."
Shisui smiled warmly. "You already are, Sasuke. Your determination, your drive to protect, it's what makes you strong. And remember, you're not alone. You have your friends, your teammates. We're all in this together."
A small smile tugged at Sasuke's lips. "Thank you, Shisui. I needed to hear that."
Shisui ruffled Sasuke's hair affectionately. "Anytime, little brother. Now, let's focus on what we can do. Keep training, stay sharp, and trust in our village. We'll get through this."
Sasuke felt a renewed sense of determination. "You're right. We'll get through this together."
As they sat there, the looming threat of war seemed a little less daunting. With Shisui by his side, Sasuke felt a glimmer of hope, a belief that they would indeed get through whatever came their way.
One week later
The Raikage's office was a spacious room, filled with the weight of authority and power. The walls were adorned with maps of various territories, strategic plans, and symbols of Kumo's strength. The Raikage, Ay, stood by the window, gazing out at the village he was sworn to protect. His massive frame was tense with anticipation.
A knock on the door broke the silence. "Enter," Ay commanded, his voice deep and resonant.
The door opened, and several figures clad in dark Anbu attire stepped inside. Among them was Yugito Nii, her mask tucked under her arm, her eyes sharp and unwavering.
"Lord Raikage," Yugito began, bowing slightly. "We have just received confirmation from our informant. Konoha has acknowledged the receipt of our message."
Ay turned, a grim smile spreading across his face. "Excellent. What is their response?"
Yugito glanced at her comrades before replying, "They appear to be backing down, Lord Raikage. The possession of Naruto Uzumaki has forced them to reconsider their stance. They seem willing to negotiate a truce."
The Raikage's smile widened, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "As expected. They cannot risk the life of their precious jinchuriki. This gives us the upper hand."
He stepped away from the window, approaching Yugito and her team. "You have done well, all of you. Capturing Naruto was no small feat. Your efficiency and precision have brought us to this pivotal moment."
Yugito inclined her head, acknowledging the praise. "Thank you, Lord Raikage. It was a coordinated effort, and our team performed admirably under pressure."
Ay's gaze hardened with determination. "With Naruto in our possession, Konoha is at our mercy. They will relinquish their claims to the disputed land, and we will call off the war. But that is not all."
He moved to his desk, where a detailed map of the ninja world lay spread out. "Naruto Uzumaki is a powerful asset. His potential as a jinchuriki is unmatched, and under our control, the Nine tails can be shaped into a weapon that will secure our dominance over both Suna and Konoha."
The room was silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Yugito and her team exchanged glances, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Ay continued, his voice firm. "We will use the beast to demonstrate our strength. Naruto's conditioning for the extraction of his tailed beast will begin immediately. With the nine tails as our weapon, no village will dare to challenge us."
One of the Anbu members stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "Lord Raikage, what if Konoha tries to retaliate or attempts a rescue operation?"
Ay's eyes blazed with confidence. "They won't. The threat of losing Naruto permanently will keep them in check. We will remain vigilant, but for now, we have the upper hand."
He turned back to Yugito, his expression softening slightly. "Your contribution has been invaluable, Yugito. Your loyalty and skill have brought us to this turning point. I trust you will continue to serve Kumo with the same dedication."
Yugito bowed deeply, her resolve unwavering. "I will, Lord Raikage. We all will."
Ay nodded, satisfied. "Good. Prepare for the next phase. We will summon Naruto and begin his conditioning at once."
As Yugito and the Anbu squad zero exited the room, the Raikage returned to his desk, his mind racing with plans and strategies. The future of Kumo was brighter than ever, and with Naruto Uzumaki under their control, their supremacy was all but assured. The balance of power in the ninja world was shifting, and Ay intended to ensure that Kumo would emerge victorious.
END OF ACT 1