Chapter Eleven

The sun was setting in the Land of Lightning, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Kumogakure. Akio Sekiyama, an assigned delegate for Kumo, walked steadily through the entrance gates of Kumo, accompanied by his young daughter, Mabui Sekiyama. Nodding politely to the gate guards as they were greeted, the pair made their way toward the Kage's office.

Kumo was alive with activity, though noticeably different from other villages. The streets were filled with shinobi rather than civilians, a testament to Kumogakure's aggressive approach to building military strength following the Third Great Shinobi War. It was a village driven by power and readiness, and that energy was palpable as they passed through the crowded streets.

Upon arriving at the Raikage's office, they were greeted by the secretary, who promptly led them to the meeting room. After being announced, they stepped inside to see the Fourth Raikage, A, in the middle of lifting a heavy dumbbell, sweat gleaming on his muscular arms. Noticing their entrance, he set the weight down and turned to greet them, his stern expression softening slightly when he saw Mabui.

Mabui's face lit up with joy, and she quickly ran over to hug A. "Raikage-sama!" she beamed. A smiled warmly, ruffling the girl's hair. "How was the trip?" he asked, his deep voice surprisingly gentle.

Mabui grinned. "It was so long, but Konoha is super big! I even made a new friend there—a boy named Naruto Uzumaki!" she said excitedly, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

At the mention of the name "Uzumaki," A's eyes widened, and he shot a quick glance at Akio Sekiyama. That surname stirred something within him, a disturbance from the past. Sekiyama noticed the Raikage's reaction but said nothing, waiting for the right moment to address the matter.

With a smile, A turned back to Mabui. "I'm glad you had fun. And soon, when you graduate from the academy, you'll be working right here with me. You'll be able to travel the world, just like your father."

Mabui cheered happily at the thought, causing both men to smile. She then asked if she could go play with her friends, to which Sekiyama nodded. "Go ahead, have fun," he said. Mabui bolted out the door, her laughter echoing down the hallway.

The moment the door closed, the atmosphere in the room shifted. A's smile faded, and his expression became serious. He turned to Sekiyama, his voice a low growl. "Report."

Sekiyama's face hardened as he spoke. "The negotiations with Konoha were fruitless, Raikage-sama. I didn't even have the opportunity to make a move for the Hyūga. Their defenses were tighter than anticipated." He paused, shaking his head in frustration. "However, I did uncover something unexpected. As you just heard, the Uzumaki lives."

A turned sharply, his eyes narrowing as he moved toward the window. The name "Uzumaki" clearly disturbed him. "The Uzumaki clan," he muttered, staring out over the village. "I thought we'd never hear that name again. During the war, they were savages—unstoppable forces that tore through our ranks. A clan like that brought imbalance to the world." His hand clenched into a fist as he recalled the past. "And now you're telling me that one of those monsters survived? Interesting."

Sekiyama nodded. "Yes, Lord Raikage but it seems the boy is out of the village now. I don't know where he's headed, but if he truly has the blood of the Uzumaki clan, he could be a powerful asset or foe."

A's expression darkened. The Uzumaki were a feared and powerful clan, their sealing techniques legendary. The idea of one of them living, especially a boy with no ties, was dangerous—but also, incredibly valuable. The Fourth Raikage grabbed a book from his desk, flipping through its pages before handing it to Sekiyama. "Add him to the bingo book," he ordered. "B-rank. And make sure the bounty specifies: he must be brought in alive. Imagine what we could do with an Uzumaki under our control. A new clan in Kumo."

Sekiyama took the book, nodding in understanding. "And what will you do, my lord?"

A continued to stare out the window, his mind calculating. "I will personally oversee the efforts to track the boy down. We cannot afford to let him fall into anyone else's hands. He's a rare commodity, one that could change the power balance in our favor."

Sekiyama, sensing the gravity of the situation, gave a respectful bow. "As you command, Raikage-sama."

A watched as Sekiyama exited the room, his eyes narrowing as he considered the possibilities. If they could capture Naruto Uzumaki, they could gain access to the Uzumaki clan's legendary sealing techniques. That kind of power, combined with the strength of Kumogakure, would make Kumo unstoppable.

But A also knew that others would be looking for the boy—Konoha wouldn't let their hidden gem slip through their fingers so easily. The race for Naruto Uzumaki had already begun, and A was determined to win.

Hidden Leaf Village

Tsunade stormed through the streets of Konoha, her fists clenched tightly at her sides, her rage palpable. Behind her, Shizune struggled to keep up, holding Ton Ton in her arms, glancing nervously at her mentor's stiff posture. Tsunade's thoughts swirled in an angry haze, every step fueling her anger. How could that old fool, Hiruzen, allow this? How could he have pushed Naruto out of the village, let him slip through their grasp like that? Unforgivable.

The wind whistled through the village streets, but Tsunade barely noticed, her mind slipping into the past. Memories of Naruto were painful, but it wasn't just him. The faces of those long gone came rushing back—most vividly, Kushina.

In her mind's eye, she was back at the Senju compound, where things had felt simpler. Kushina, her fiery red hair flowing down her back, was always the life of the group. Tsunade, Mikoto, and a young Itachi had been there that day. Tsunade could still feel the warmth of the sun filtering through the windows as she sipped her sake. Mikoto had been reading quietly, the atmosphere peaceful. But that peace never lasted long with Kushina around.

Suddenly, a blur of red shot across the room, and before anyone could react, Kushina had swept little Itachi off his feet, lifting him into the air with a joyful squeal.

"Look at how cute he is!" Kushina had exclaimed, swinging Itachi from side to side as if he were a rag doll. The boy, ever calm and collected, had his usual composed expression, even in Kushina's arms.

Mikoto had sighed, her voice a blend of amusement and exasperation. "Kushina, please, I'd prefer it if you didn't smother my son."

Kushina, ever the joker, pouted dramatically, twirling Itachi in her arms. "Oh, come on, Mikoto! He's adorable, and I'm not smothering him!" she teased.

Watching the chaos unfold, Tsunade shook her head, smiling despite herself. "Honestly, Kushina, shouldn't you keep your emotions in check? Especially in your condition?"

Itachi, always one to maintain his composure, had smiled softly, something rare for the young Uchiha. "Auntie Kushina isn't strong enough to kill me," he had said dryly, clearly teasing her.

For a moment, the room had fallen into silence.

Then, realization dawned on Kushina, and she stared at Itachi, her eyes wide with mock fury. "WHAT DID YOU SAY, BRAT?!"

Tsunade had nearly doubled over with laughter, unable to contain herself as Itachi's calm exterior cracked for just a moment. His amusement, however, was quickly hidden, knowing it would only rile up Kushina further.

Mikoto had stepped in then, her motherly voice soothing but firm. "Kushina, calm down. Itachi, stop grinning like that or you'll make her even more upset."

But the rare sound of Itachi's laughter had filled the room, and even Kushina couldn't stay mad. Her expression softened, and she gently set him down. "Alright, brat, you win this time," she said, ruffling his hair with a grin.

Tsunade had wiped tears from her eyes, still chuckling. "You always fall for it, Kushina."

Mikoto had then stood, addressing Itachi with that same motherly authority. "Itachi, don't you think it's time for bed?"

Itachi had nodded, offering a small smile. "Good night, Lady Tsunade. Good night, Auntie Kushina."

As he left the room, the playfulness had faded, replaced by a quiet, contemplative mood. Tsunade had noticed Kushina sitting on the couch, her hand resting on her swollen belly, her smile faltering just slightly.

"How are you holding up?" Tsunade had asked gently, her usual sternness giving way to concern.

Kushina's smile had returned, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Better than expected, dattebane," she had replied, her voice light but carrying a weight beneath the words. Then, after a pause, she had looked at Tsunade, her voice dropping to a near-whisper. "Minato said… my seal might weaken during childbirth."

Tsunade's heart had clenched at those words, her hand tightening around her sake cup. "Is it something we need to worry about?"

Kushina had hesitated, her fingers tracing circles on her belly. "Minato says it shouldn't be a problem, but… if something happens to me… you'll protect Naruto, right?"

Tsunade had felt a pang of dread, but she had reached out, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Nothing's going to happen," she had said firmly. "But if it does, I promise—I'll protect Naruto. I'll take care of him."

Kushina's mood had brightened immediately, her usual cheerfulness returning. "Of course you will! I'm not worried or anything, dattebane! Just saying, you know?"

Tsunade had smiled at her, though the weight of the promise settled heavily on her heart. "Of course," she had echoed, though there had been a hint of teasing in her tone.

Kushina had narrowed her eyes, playfully. "Don't say it like that—you're teasing me!"

"Of course," Tsunade had repeated, her grin widening.

"Tsunade!" Kushina had laughed, and for a moment, the bond between them felt unbreakable. They had shared a laugh, a moment of pure friendship, and for a while, everything else had felt far away.

But that moment was gone.

"Tsunade!"

The sharp voice of Shizune snapped Tsunade out of her reverie. She had stopped in the middle of the street, her fists clenched tightly, her eyes unfocused.

"Tsunade, are you okay?" Shizune asked, her voice laced with concern.

Tsunade didn't respond right away, her heart heavy as the memory of Kushina lingered in her mind. Her eyes filled with unshed tears as she whispered, more to herself than anyone else, "I lost him, Shizune… I lost Naruto."

"What do you mean?" Shizune asked, her confusion evident.

"I failed him," Tsunade said, her voice breaking. "I promised Kushina I would protect him… and now he's gone. There's nothing I can do."

Shizune's eyes softened with sympathy, and she stepped closer to Tsunade, placing a hand on her arm. "It's not too late, Lady Tsunade. We can still find him."

Tsunade shook her head, silently agreeing with her student. Yet her mind thick with emotions.

Shizune's worry deepened as she kept pace with Tsunade, who stormed through the streets of Konoha with bitterness radiating from her every step. She was terrified of seeing her master fall into the same dark spiral of gambling, debts, and alcohol that had once consumed her. Naruto had been the anchor that kept Tsunade grounded, the force that brought her back to the village and gave her purpose again. Now, with him gone, Shizune feared that Tsunade would lose that purpose and slip back into old, destructive habits.

Tsunade, however, was consumed by her own guilt. The bitterness in her heart grew heavier as they neared the village's exit. She cursed herself for being a coward, for not being there for Naruto when he needed her most. In her grief over Kushina's death, she had turned her back on the child of her dearest friend, leaving him to face a world filled with cruelty and hate. And now, it had come to this—Naruto was gone, and it was too late to fix things.

Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of fists hitting wood, followed by heavy, labored breathing. Tsunade stopped, her sharp senses picking up on the disturbance. She glanced toward a nearby training field, where she saw a young girl with indigo hair relentlessly striking a tree. Her knuckles were bloodied, the bark splintered from the repeated impacts.

"Shizune, do you see that?" Tsunade asked, narrowing her eyes at the girl's intense display of emotion.

Shizune followed her gaze and gasped. "That's Hinata Hyūga! She's the heir to the Hyūga clan—and the last person to have seen Naruto before he left."

Tsunade's surprise was evident as she nodded. She hadn't expected to see the typically reserved Hyūga heir acting so aggressively. "Let's go ask her a few questions."

They approached the training field, and Tsunade observed Hinata with a mixture of curiosity and concern. The girl was ferociously hitting the tree, her fists raw and bloodied, but she didn't seem to care. She was pushing herself to the limit, lost in her own world of frustration and pain.

"Hey, you! We need to talk!" Tsunade called out, but Hinata didn't react. She continued pounding the tree, her Byakugan activated, her strikes fueled by something deep within.

Tsunade's patience thinned. "Hey! I'm talking to you!" she snapped, her voice sharp with irritation.

Still, Hinata ignored her, her focus unwavering. Each strike seemed more desperate, more determined than the last.

A vein throbbed on Tsunade's forehead. She wasn't used to being ignored, especially by a younger shinobi. With a quick step forward, she grabbed Hinata's shoulder and spun her around, her grip firm. "You should listen when your elders are speaking, brat!" Tsunade growled, her voice dripping with authority. "I have questions, and you're going to give me answers!"

But before Tsunade could finish, Hinata lashed out. Her Byakugan flared to life, and she launched an attack with all the force she could muster, her strikes wild and uncoordinated.

Tsunade's eyes widened momentarily, but she quickly deflected each blow with practiced ease, her movements precise and calculated. Hinata's attacks were reckless, driven by emotion, and Tsunade could see that she was running on pure frustration.

When Hinata attempted to unleash her Sixty-Four Palms, Tsunade blocked each strike effortlessly. Within moments, Hinata was on the ground, out of breath, her body shaking from exhaustion. Tears streamed down her face as her forehead rested against the dirt.

Tsunade crouched beside her, pinning Hinata's arms to the ground. Her voice was softer now, though her grip remained firm. "Nice moves, but that tantrum isn't going to help anyone," she said. "Now, tell me about Naruto. Did he say anything before he left? Did he hint at where he was going?"

For a long, tense moment, there was only silence. Tsunade was about to push further when she realized Hinata was quietly sobbing, her shoulders shaking beneath Tsunade's hands.

"H-He left me," Hinata choked out, her voice trembling. "Even though I told him… I told him I love him, he still left. I wasn't strong enough to stop him. I'm too weak… I need to be stronger, to bring him back…"

Tsunade's irritation melted away as she listened to the broken girl's words. She recognized the raw emotion in Hinata's voice—the pain, the self-blame. It was the same anguish she had felt when she lost those she loved.

Shizune knelt down beside them, her heart aching for Hinata. "Lady Tsunade…" she began gently, but Tsunade raised a hand to silence her.

With a sigh, Tsunade loosened her grip on Hinata and allowed the girl to sit up. "Strength isn't just about being able to punch through a tree or win a fight," Tsunade said, her tone more gentle now. "It's about knowing when to ask for help. It's about understanding that you can't do everything alone."

Hinata wiped at her face with her sleeve, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "But I… I couldn't even help him…"

"You couldn't help him because you're not ready," Tsunade said bluntly. "But that doesn't mean you won't ever be."

Hinata looked up at her, wide-eyed. "What do you mean?"

Tsunade stood, brushing the dirt from her hands. "Naruto's gone, and you feel powerless. I get it. But beating yourself up—literally—isn't going to change that. If you want to be strong enough to help him, you need to train smart. Come with me, Hinata. I'll help you become stronger, but it won't be easy. This path isn't for the faint-hearted."

Hinata's breath caught in her throat, her eyes wide with surprise at the offer.

Tsunade continued, her voice firm. "Naruto isn't just your burden to bear. We all want to bring him back, but it's going to take more than just one person. If you want to help, then commit to it—no more beating yourself up."

As Tsunade and Shizune turned to leave, Hinata remained kneeling on the ground, her heart racing. Her emotions were still raw, but Tsunade's words had ignited something within her. Slowly, she stood up and began walking after them, her fists clenched with newfound determination.

"I will bring him back," Hinata whispered to herself, her voice filled with resolve. "No matter what."

Tsunade heard the quiet words and allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. Naruto might be gone, but those who cared about him were still fighting, still searching for him. Hinata catching up with her only confirmed that.

As they left the training field, Shizune glanced at Tsunade. "What now, Lady Tsunade? What about the village? They'll wonder where the Hyūga heir has gone."

Tsunade's gaze was steely as she looked ahead. "We're going to find Naruto. And this time, we won't stop until we bring him home."

Shizune and Hinata nodded in unison. The mission to find Naruto had begun—and this time, no one would be left behind.

⁂

Kakashi darted across the rooftops of Konoha, his feet barely making a sound as he raced toward the Uchiha compound. The familiar path stretched before him, the route to Shisui's and Naruto's home etched into his mind after countless visits. The compound came into view, a shadow of its former self—empty, silent, and cold.

He landed on the windowsill of Naruto's room with a swift, soundless leap, prying the window open with ease before slipping inside. The stale air hit him immediately, a mixture of dust and decay. The house, once full of life, felt abandoned, like a place long forgotten. It was as though someone had left in a hurry, leaving everything behind in disarray.

Kakashi scanned the room, his gaze settling on Naruto's bed. The blanket and pillow were tossed carelessly, his clothes still hung neatly in the closet, and his toothbrush sat untouched in the bathroom. The potted plants around the room drooped, their leaves withering from neglect.

He shook his head. It was clear that Naruto had left without much preparation, no indication of where he had gone or why. The only thing of importance now was the discarded shirt hanging loosely on a chair by the window.

Grabbing the shirt, Kakashi slipped out of the house and sprinted toward the main gate. The rendezvous point was just ahead. When he arrived, he saw Jiraiya, Tsume and her ninken companion, Shikaku with his usual tired expression, and the ever-stoic Shibi standing in wait.

Jiraiya looked at Kakashi with a serious expression, his carefree demeanor absent. "Did you find anything?"

"Yeah, it's been long enough," Tsume growled impatiently, her ninken barking in agreement. Shikaku sighed, mumbling "troublesome" under his breath as usual.

Kakashi held up the shirt. "This is Naruto's. With Tsume's ninken and Shibi's insects, we should be able to pick up his trail."

Everyone nodded in agreement. But Kakashi couldn't shake the gnawing fear at the back of his mind. Eight days. What if Naruto's scent had faded or been altered by the new environment around him? He quickly squashed the thought, calling forth his ninken in a cloud of white smoke.

The pack appeared with their usual enthusiasm, Pakkun at the front. "What's up, boss?" Pakkun drawled, looking around at the unfamiliar group.

"This is Naruto's shirt," Kakashi explained. "He's been missing for eight days. Find him."

The pack exchanged concerned glances, but they started sniffing around, familiarizing themselves with Naruto's scent.

"Eight days is a long time," Urushi pointed out cautiously.

Kakashi's voice was firm. "There's been no rain. His scent should still be here."

Pakkun gave a nod. "Alright, boss. We're on it." With that, the ninken took off, noses to the ground. Kakashi tossed the shirt to Tsume, who immediately had her ninken join in the search.

As they waited, Kakashi's thoughts turned to the village. How would the village react if this continued? A boy like Naruto—Konoha's jinchuuriki, the son of the Fourth Hokage—missing for days, possibly in danger. The tension was growing with each passing day.

"Boss," Pakkun's voice broke through Kakashi's thoughts. "We've picked up his trail."

"Show me," Kakashi ordered, and the group moved swiftly, following the pack as they darted through the dense forest. Tsume's ninken confirmed the same scent, and Shibi's insects buzzed in silent agreement.

They arrived at a remote clearing, where the ninken gathered, pointing to the faint trail left behind. "He came through here, heading north," Pakkun said, stepping into the clearing and indicating a patch of dirt.

"North…" Jiraiya muttered, narrowing his eyes. "Toward Kiri? Why would he be heading there?"

Shikaku crossed his arms, thinking aloud. "It does make sense. Kirigakure's in the middle of a civil war right now. It'd be the perfect place to hide—chaotic and easy to get lost in the mix. That troublesome kid…"

Jiraiya was about to respond when he suddenly disappeared in a puff of smoke, his presence completely gone.

"What the hell happened?" Tsume snarled, her voice edged with alarm. "Are we being ambushed?!"

"Relax it's Reverse summoning," Kakashi explained calmly. "His summons the toads must have called him."

Shikaku sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well that changes nothing. Back to the topic at hand, the only way Naruto's getting to Kiri is through the Land of Waves. That's a major shipping port, run by a man named Gato. If he's using that route, we might catch up with him there."

Kakashi nodded, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "We need to move fast. If we leave now, we can reach the port in a few days."

The group exchanged glances before Tsume gave a sharp nod. "Then let's move. The longer we wait, the farther he gets."

As they took off toward the northern border, Kakashi's mind raced. The boy they were chasing wasn't just a child—he was a missing piece of Konoha, a vital part of its future. And if Naruto slipped away completely, the consequences would be unimaginable.

With each step, Kakashi pushed himself harder, knowing that they had to bring Naruto home—before it was too late.

Kumogakure

Rain began to pour through the darkening streets of Kumo, casting a somber atmosphere over the village. At the top of the village, the Fourth Raikage, A, stood tall in his office, staring out over the village, his posture rigid, his face unreadable. The recent news of an Uzumaki survivor had unsettled him deeply. If it weren't for the delegation sent to Konoha, led by Sekiyama and his daughter, Mabui, the existence of the last Uzumaki might have remained a secret. The very thought gnawed at him. The memory of their savagery from the Third Great Shinobi War was still fresh in his mind.

His brooding was interrupted as the office door swung open, and in walked his younger brother, Killer Bee. True to form, Bee began his usual routine— rapping and dancing, much to A's irritation.

"Yo, bro, what's the deal? I was at the hot springs, trying to chill! Then you pulled me out of my flow, but I'll be back on track, don't you know how I get down Jack? Training all day, need a bite, maybe teriyaki chicken tonight, alright!" Bee spun, throwing up a peace sign, his words rolling with ease.

A's expression darkened, veins bulging on his forehead in irritation. "You idiot! How dare you rap in a formal meeting! One more word and you'll feel my iron claw!" he roared, making Bee sweat nervously, nodding in acknowledgment.

The air grew thick as the atmosphere shifted. A's tone became serious. "Bee, do you remember the village of Whirlpool, the Uzumaki clan from the Third Great Shinobi War?"

"Of course, how could I forget?" Bee replied, his voice unusually somber.

Suddenly, a vivid recollection of the brutal battlefield resurfaced, a memory Bee had tried to bury.

Flashback

It was the end of the invasion. Iwa, Suna and Kiri all long retreated, they were late to go. After a grueling battle it was finally over but at what cost? The battlefield was drenched in blood, littered with the bodies of fallen shinobi from Kumogakure. The Uzumaki had decimated their ranks with terrifying efficiency.

Bee had been there, alongside his brother, fighting to survive the onslaught. They had been outmatched, their forces cut down by the monstrous strength of the Uzumaki warriors.

A, despite being battle-worn and injured, had refused to stay down. He had risen to his feet, his resolve burning like a fire.

When his comrades tried to stop him, A's glare had been enough to silence them all, even Bee.

"Take us to the battlefield, Bee. We must gather the troops, and pick up the dead." A had demanded, his voice hard and unyielding.

Bee had sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing with his brother when his mind was made up. "Alright, Elder Brother. Everyone, gather around. Connect with me."

Bee had gathered his chakra, preparing a long-distance shunshin. He had known it would be draining, but A's determination had driven him forward.

In a flash, they had appeared at the battlefield, where the aftermath of the fight had greeted them in the most horrific way imaginable.

Corpses. Everywhere.

The ground was soaked in blood, the smell of death heavy in the air. Bodies of

Kumogakure shinobi were strewn across the field, their faces contorted in agony, their lives brutally extinguished. He lost more than he expected.

"DAMMIT NO!" A had roared in fury, his voice cutting through the deafening silence.

Bee had stood frozen, his body trembling as he surveyed the scene. "My god... they're all dead," he had whispered, his voice barely audible.

The battlefield was a graveyard.

Uzumaki warriors, children, Suna, Kiri ninja lay among the dead, but for every Uzumaki that had fallen, dozens of Kumo shinobi had perished.

A had punched the ground in frustration, the earth beneath him cracking under the force of his anger. Bee had immediately channeled his chakra, searching for any signs of life.

Then, Bee had felt it-a dark, terrifying presence coming from the eastern side of the battlefield. It was unlike anything he had ever sensed before. The chakra was foul, filled with malice and rage.

"Brother... something's on the eastern side," Bee had reported, dread filling his voice.

A eyes narrowed 'No, it can't be him. It couldn't be. He's dead.' he thought

They had raced toward the source, their hearts pounding with fear and anticipation. What they found had chilled them to the core.

In the center of a massive crater stood a man, bloodied and battered, but still standing.

Swords and kunai were embedded in his body, his flesh torn and mangled. One of his arms hung limp, and one of his eyes was missing. Yet, despite his injuries, he remained upright, his breaths shallow but steady.

His lone blue eye darken seeing them, it was consumed by hatred and suffering.

"A-Azashiro Uzumaki.." A had whispered, his voice barely audible, laced with fear. "Impossible"

Azashiro, once a noble warrior, had become a demon in human form, his rage and sorrow twisting him into a monster. His chakra, dark and ominous, hovered around him like a shroud, and red chains snaked out from his body, pulsing with heat and malevolence. All opposing shinobi look at him with fear.

"It's him..."

"Can't believe he still lives after that battle..."

"A one man army..."

"This is bad"

"We're dead"

Without warning, Azashiro had vanished, reappearing in front of one of the Kumo Anbu, his lone arm gripping the man by the throat. The Anbu's eyes widened in terror as Azashiro's grip tightened.

Azashiro had crushed the Anbu's throat, turning the man to ash in his hands. The remaining Kumo shinobi had stepped back in fear, their weapons useless against the force standing before them.

The battlefield had grown silent, save for the sound of Azashiro's labored breathing. "Demon.." A had whispered, unable to move as the scene unfolded before him.

After hearing that his chuckle started off slow and soft then soon he began to laugh manically, he laughed to the heavens and when he was finally content, he died standing. A satisfied smile etched on his face.

Back in the present, Bee shook his head, clearing the horrifying memory from his mind. "No... I can never forget that day, bro. The Uzumaki were monsters."

A nodded, his expression grim. "And now, one of them survives. A mere child at that. We can't let this chance slip by. If we can find him, if we can bring him here, Kumo will have its own Uzumaki-a power that no one else can match. Who needs the Hyūga when you have that."

Bee frowned but nodded. "You sure about this, bro? The kid might not want to join us willingly."

A's gaze hardened. "Then we make him. Kumo's future depends on it."

Bee glanced at his brother, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on them both. He had faced an Uzumaki before, and he knew the danger they posed. But if his brother believed this was the right path, Bee would follow. After all, the future of their village was at stake. "Where is he?"

Land of Waves

The rain fell relentlessly in Nami no Kuni, a dreary downpour that mirrored the desolation of the village. The streets were empty, with not a soul brave enough to face the storm. The entire town seemed weighed down by the gloom, like a once-vibrant place now caught in a web of despair. Naruto trudged through the rain, his heart heavy with memories of his late brother, Shisui. Each step felt like a struggle, as if the storm itself was pressing down on him, forcing him to confront the pain he tried to bury deep within.

As he approached the edge of the small town, something made him stop in his tracks. His eyes widened in shock as he saw a man slumped against a post, battered and broken. The man had short, spiky black hair, black eyes, and an x-shaped scar on his chin. His body was covered in grotesque carvings, words etched into his skin with cruel precision: "I'm going to protect this village with two arms." The mocking tone of the words made Naruto's blood boil.

At first, Naruto thought the man was dead, and he turned to leave, his heart heavy with the thought of yet another tragedy.

But then the man began to cough weakly, his chest rattling with each breath. Without hesitation, Naruto rushed to his side, cutting him down with a kunai and gently lowering him to the ground.

"Mister, are you okay?" Naruto asked, his voice full of concern.

The man coughed again, his voice weak and raspy. "M-my family... they need help..."

Naruto's heart clenched. "Let's get you somewhere safe, and I'll do what I can," he promised, offering the man water from his pack.

Across town, inside a small, dimly lit bar, the bartender wiped down a glass, listening to the soft murmur of rain outside.

A middle-aged man sat at the counter, his shoulders slumped, staring into his cup of sake with a look of utter defeat.

"Bartender.." the man muttered, his voice low and weary. "Have you heard any good news lately?"

The bartender shook his head, his face grim. "No... none. Times are hard, and this town's lost its spirit. Ever since Gato took over, it's been impossible to make a living. Hope's all but gone."

The man leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper. "I can't take it anymore. Gato's men... they've broken this town. I've lost everything."

Before the bartender could respond, the door of the bar was kicked open, and the sound of raucous laughter filled the room. A group of Gato's thugs swaggered in, dragging with them a woman, bruised and crying. They tossed her to the ground like a rag doll, her sobs barely audible over the storm.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE'RE BACK!" shouted a fat man, grinning as he surveyed the terrified patrons. His fellow thugs laughed alongside him, their eyes gleaming with malice.

The bar fell silent, the air thick with fear. The patrons glanced at each other, their eyes filled with dread, but no one dared move. The woman on the ground, Tsunami, looked around with desperation in her eyes. "Please... help.." she whimpered, her voice barely a whisper.

But no one moved. The men in the bar averted their eyes, too afraid to intervene. One thug grabbed Tsunami by her hair, yanking her to her feet as she winced in pain.

"No one's gonna help you, sweetheart," he sneered. "Chivalry's dead, and so is hope in this dump!"

The thugs laughed again, dragging Tsunami over to a table where they slammed their swords down, demanding drinks from the bartender. He rushed to comply, his hands shaking as he poured sake into cups. Tsunami, still trembling, was forced to serve them, her hands shaking as she poured.

"Easy, easy, darling," one thug leered. "Don't spill it now, or I'll make you lick it off the floor."

Their laughter was cruel, filling the room with an oppressive, suffocating tension. But it was cut short by the sound of a young voice, filled with anger and defiance.

"LET GO OF MY MOM!" Inari, Tsunami's son, stormed into the bar, his small frame trembling with fury.

One of the thugs sneered, stepping behind the boy and kicking him hard in the back.

Inari cried out in pain as he hit the ground, curling up as another thug kicked him in the stomach.

"NO! Please, just stay down!" Tsunami screamed, her heart breaking at the sight of her son being hurt.

One of the thugs grabbed Tsunami by the throat, squeezing as she struggled to breathe. "Your man Kaiza crossed Gato, and now you're gonna pay for it," he growled. "Time to teach you a lesson."

Tsunami closed her eyes, resigning herself to her fate, when suddenly the thug's grip slackened. There was a loud thunk as a kunai lodged itself in his head. He dropped to the ground with a sickening thud, blood pooling around his body.

Everyone in the bar turned, shocked, to see a red-haired boy standing in the doorway, his arm still outstretched from throwing the kunai. His hair was tied back, his lone blue eye gleamed with intensity fixed on the scene, while his other eye was closed, marked by a gash. His cloak, emblazoned with the red Uchiha emblem, billowed slightly in the wind.

"WHO DARES?!" one of the thugs roared, enraged. "You're a dead man, brat!"

Before the thug could finish, the red-haired boy vanished, reappearing in front of him and landing a powerful punch that sent him crashing across the room.

The boy turned to Tsunami, his expression softening. "Are you Tsunami?"

She nodded, tears welling up in her eyes.

"I have a man named Kaiza in my care," he said gently. "He's in bad shape, but he's alive."

Tsunami's eyes widened, and she began to sob, relief flooding through her. "H-He's... alive?"

The patrons of the bar watched in stunned silence. Could it be true? Was there hope after all?

Was their hero, Kaiza, still alive?

And who was this mysterious red-haired boy who had come to their rescue?

For the first time in a long while, the oppressive gloom that had hung over Nami no Kuni seemed to lift, if only for a moment.

As the remaining bandits groaned and stirred, Naruto turned toward the terrified patrons inside the bar. "I'm sorry, but I need you all to leave. I'll deal with them," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension in the room. The bartender and others exchanged glances, grateful for the reprieve, and hurriedly nodded before rushing out.

Before Tsunami and her son, Inari, left with the others, she paused and turned back, holding Inari close. "Please, young man... come back alive."

Naruto's cold demeanor softened for a moment, and he offered her a reassuring smile.

"I will," he said quietly, nodding before watching them leave.

Once the room emptied, Naruto's face darkened. His smile vanished, replaced by a stern stoic face as he turned back to the bandits, who were slowly getting back on their feet. "Shall we get on with this?"

The leader of the thugs, still sneering despite his injuries, chuckled darkly. "You see this kid, boys? He thinks he can take us on alone. He's in way over his head!" His men laughed in unison, the sound grating on Naruto's nerves, reminding him too much of Orochimaru's twisted amusement. The mere thought made him remember the needles, the cuts and incisions. He clenched his fist in rage.

That laughter stopped abruptly when Naruto's killing intent flooded the room, thickening the air with dread. The laughter died on their lips, replaced by stunned silence and growing fear. The bandits looked at one another, now uncertain.

Naruto's voice dropped, void of any emotion. "You all will pay for this." His hand reached into his pack, slowly pulling out Shisui's infamous tanto. The blade gleamed in the dim light, its edge as sharp as ever.

Naruto's eyes gleamed with dangerous intent. "You're all finished."

Without another word, he moved. In the blink of an eye, Naruto vanished from where he stood, only to reappear in the midst of the bandits, his blade flashing through the air.

Chaos erupted.

Fire began to spread through the bar, its orange and red flames licking at the wooden walls and floors, casting everything in a hellish glow. In the center of it all was Naruto, moving like a phantom, his tanto cutting through the bandits with lethal precision.

His movements were a deadly dance, each step fluid and graceful, each strike swift and decisive.

One bandit hurled a volley of shuriken at him, but Naruto effortlessly leaned back, dodging the attack with almost inhuman reflexes. The attacker leaped at him, blade aimed for Naruto's neck, but before he could strike, Naruto's knee shot up, slamming into the man's stomach. The bandit collapsed to the floor, gasping for air, unable to comprehend the sheer force behind the blow.

Another bandit charged, spinning to deliver a roundhouse kick. Naruto ducked under the kick, his right hand lashing out in a brutal backhand that sent the man reeling. In one fluid motion, Naruto's tanto followed, slicing across the bandit's chest. The man fell with a dull thud, blood pooling beneath him.

The bodies of the fallen littered the floor, the flames growing higher around them. Naruto stood in the center of it all, his lone eye glancing up at the carnage he had wrought. His grip tightened on his tanto, and his mind briefly flickered back to Shisui, to the man who had taught him so much-both in life and in death.

A groan pulled his attention.

One of the thugs, barely conscious, struggled to his feet, sneering through bloodied lips.

Naruto turned toward him, slightly amused at the man's audacity.

"You call yourself a man, yet you prey on the weak," Naruto said coldly, his voice echoing through the burning room. He sheathed his tanto, closing his lone eye briefly. When he opened his second eye, in place was now a fully matured Sharingan. The three tomoes spun hypnotically as he focused chakra into his gaze.

The man's defiance crumbled instantly.

The thug stumbled backward, scrambling to escape as terror consumed him. "P-Please... have mercy..!" he begged, but Naruto's face remained emotionless.

"This world has no place for scum like you," Naruto muttered darkly. His Sharingan flared, and within moments, the man's eyes glazed over, his body going limp. He fell to the floor, mouth foaming, his mind shattered beyond repair.

Naruto stepped over the lifeless body. His mission was far from over. He needed information— information about Gato, the man responsible for this town's misery.

"But before you die.." Naruto muttered, crouching down next to the last conscious bandit.

His Sharingan flared once more, forcing the terrified thug to meet his gaze. "Tell me where Gato is."

The man, paralyzed by fear, whispered the information before collapsing into unconsciousness.

Naruto stood up, his task complete. He stepped over the bodies with a calm yet cold demeanor, the lingering stench of blood and fire heavy in the air. His normal blue eye now open, as he walked toward the exit. The rain that had been pouring earlier now seemed like a distant echo, drowned out by the quiet aftermath of his swift, brutal fight.

As he made his way through the streets of Nami no Kuni, his thoughts drifted back to Shisui, the brother he had lost and the lessons he had taught. 'Mercy is for those who deserve it, Naruto. For the rest, you must be swift and unrelenting.' Shisui's words echoed in his mind, and Naruto clenched his fist tighter. The village had taken so much from him, and now he has nothing. Shaking his head off those thoughts he kept his pace. When he arrived to the secured spot in the woods, he picked up Kaiza prone body.

With help from the other town folk, he soon arrived at Tsunami's house just as the rain began to pick up again. The storm overhead mirrored the storm brewing within him. He knocked gently on the door, and after a moment, it opened to reveal Tsunami and Inari, their eyes wide and hopeful.

"Kaiza is safe," Naruto said, his voice steady. "He's resting now, but I think you'll want to see him." He finished laying him down inside.

Tsunami's eyes filled with tears, and she quickly grabbed her son's hand. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice breaking. "Thank you so much."

Naruto gave a small nod, his expression softening slightly as he watched the relief wash over them. It reminded him of something he once longed for—a sense of family, of belonging. But that was long behind him now.

As Tsunami and Inari hurried to Kaiza's side, Naruto took a moment to step outside, letting the rain fall on his face. He had a lead now. Gato was somewhere in the region, and he would need to be taken down. The mercenary's tyranny was clear enough, and Naruto was determined to stop him before more lives were ruined.

He heard footsteps behind him and turned slightly, seeing Inari standing in the doorway, his eyes red from crying. The boy hesitated before stepping closer to Naruto.

"Are you… are you going to leave now?" Inari asked quietly, his voice trembling.

Naruto looked down at him, his expression softening again. "I have to finish something, kid. But I promise, I'll stop Gato and you will be safe."

Inari's fists tightened at his sides, and tears welled up in his eyes again. "I want to be strong… like you. Like my father," he whispered.

Naruto crouched down to be at eye level with the boy. "Being strong doesn't always mean fighting," he said softly. "Sometimes, being strong means protecting the people you care about. Like your mom. You're stronger than you think, Inari."

The boy sniffled and nodded, his eyes filled with determination despite his tears. Naruto ruffled his hair gently before standing up.

"I'll be back," Naruto said, and with that, he disappeared into the rain, leaving the village behind once again. But this time, he wasn't running from anything. He had a mission, a purpose. Gato would fall, and the people of Nami no Kuni would be free.

As he made his way toward the docks, Naruto's thoughts raced. He would need to confront Gato soon, but something gnawed at the back of his mind. The power he had used, the way he had ended those lives so easily—it felt too natural, too familiar. The sharingan was becoming a part of him in ways he hadn't fully understood yet.

Naruto stopped for a moment, staring out over the ocean. He could feel the weight of Shisui's influence in every move he made, every decision. But now, he was forging his own path, one that might not have a clear end. "I'll stop Gato," he thought. "But after that, Kiri."

With renewed resolve, Naruto stepped onto the lake walked towards Gato's stronghold. The storm was far from over, but he was ready to face it head-on.

Author's Note

Things are escalating quickly, what do the toads want with Jiraiya? What is Danzo planning with the Fire Daimyo? And how strong will Hinata be under Tsunade tutelage?

Okay here's another chapter just wanted to thank everyone for the continued support. I see all comments and trust me I appreciate it all!

Thor94 : I wouldn't say they're necessarily evil but the Uzumaki was the ultimate balance of the world considering they can render Bijuu and Ninjas powerless with Fuinjutsu. Danzo will be taken care of trust me, I hope you continue reading to find out!

Newradcarl504 : Thank you brother

The SlySage : Wow thank you for the positive comments man. I love your energy!