Chapter Eleven; Soundless

Land of Fire; Hidden Leaf Village

"...you did what...?!" Tsunade whispered, but it felt like a shout to the occupants of the council chamber. The recon team, bowing their heads except for Sai, said, "The White Dawn forces had engaged Sasuke Uchiha in combat. We intervened…" Kakashi began, but Kiba growled loudly and snorted, "Pinkie went off the deep end and struck the White Dawn, dragging us into the fight." Kakashi shot him a glare, which was returned in full. "From the positioning, it is safe to assume they, the White Dawn, were in a defensive position that Haruno-san shattered with her surprise strike." Shino reported. "They were attacking Sasuke. We had to save him," Sakura argued back, glaring at the bug boy. Kakashi sighed, "We took them down and apprehended the last Uchiha, but before we left, reinforcements for the Dawn arrived."

"Naruto was leading them," Kiba reported, his mood doing a full one-eighty as he could be seen glaring at the floor, kicking it absentmindedly. Shino too seemed distant. Kakashi caught the others' gazes while Sakura looked around nervously. Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "So, you captured him…?" She asked, but upon their shaking heads, she leaned forward, the clan heads too intrigued. "…Exchanged information about their goals? Something we can use to ally…"

"His wife was among the Dawn we killed," Sai reported, causing a deathly silence to engulf the room. Tension climbed to new, unrecorded heights. "…wife?"

"According to the bingo book…" Kakashi spoke up now, "Her name was Kin Tsuchi, formerly of Sound, Captain of the White Dawn…" he sighed "…and wife of now widowed Naruto Uzumaki." Many throats swallowed that pill very, very hard.

Tsunade covered her face with both hands, trying to collect herself, as she understood what her Naruto must be going through until another fact reared its head: "Kin Tsuchi… wife of Naruto Uzumaki… mother to his daughter." Her eyes widened at that, but the last Senju paid them no mind. "I want a full and detailed report on the confrontation." Looking up with a blank face, she said, "Shikaku, I want our expeditionary forces to avoid any and all contact with Dawn forces. They will want blood, and I don't want us to provide it."

"Understood." The Nara head confirmed that order with a nod, before watching as the Kage gave similar orders to the others. They had been searching for a way to ally with this mercenary group since they defeated Kumo in the Land of Spring, but this just put a massive wrench in that plan. The unlawful killing of a full squad, including the wife of one of their founders, in territory that doesn't belong to them and was in a state of open conflict. What a drag.

"Meeting dismissed," Tsunade called, and everyone began to move. "Kakashi, answer me one question, please?" The Kage inquires, earning the scarecrow's attention. "Yes, Lady Hokage?" Though he suspected he knew what she was going to ask, "The killing blow…"

"'My lightning blade.' Kakashi admitted plainly, and the tension actually caused one of the civilians to wet themselves. Tsunade's blank stare at the copycat was unnerving, as there was no intent, but not even a fool would believe that she was okay with this fact. Eventually, no one knew how long it took, but the last Senju nodded. 'Okay. I want that report before first light.'"

"Yes ma'am." He vanished in a swirl of leaves.


Land of Rice; Fortress Sunburst

As the bells chimed, numerous caskets were loaded onto the transports, each with either a katana brand for samurai or a kunai for shinobi. However, the one that everyone watched was the captain's casket, which was loaded last. It contained two crossed kunai beneath two bells attached to the Uzumaki Swirl. The Commanders of the Forces stood at attention throughout the entire time, the bells chiming softly as the silence drew on. Of the two, all eyes were locked on the fiery blond. His eyes were puffy and red, his normal cobalt blue replaced with fiery red. Ever since that casket was closed, he hadn't said a word. No one was surprised, though; it was his wife.


Land of Fire; Hidden Leaf

Tsunade takes Kakashi's report detailing the incident within the recon mission to the conflict zone in the Rice Country. The first half was standard practice, typical for the mission, and moved quickly towards the fight and the lead up;


Flashback.

Kakashi was leading the team towards the flaring chakra signals not too far ahead. One was recognisable. "We have a situation up ahead."

"Smells like six fighters, blood too," Kiba leaped forward, "That's Sasuke's signature." Sakura announced, but Kakashi cursed beneath his breath. Before he could give new orders, the pinkette darted off directly into the fray from the tree line, chakra already primed in her clenched fist. "Get away from my SASUKE-KUN!" she yelled, landing a solid hit that blew a samurai to bits, shrapnel from his armor injuring the others.

"Shit! Koin!"

"Enemy reinforcements! We need to pull back."

"Great, the crazed Uchiha on one side and the fucking Leaf on our ass," Kin growled out. "Milo, and Keira, hold off the group to the rear. Everyone else, eyes forward!"

"Hi Captain!" The two light samurai moved to intercept the group of shinobi; however, the three shinobi moved to engage Sasuke. "Careful, that one uses chakra to enhance strength at the point of contact."

"A medic then?"

"Move to…" they both ducked twin strikes from two pale-faced shinobi, slashing out in the same motion, cutting them both in half, but both exploded into blobs of ink. Effortlessly evading the twin piercing fang, Kiba barely avoided bisection. "That was…" Kakashi and Sai intervened before Kiba could finish. He was kicked by the Samurai, and all parties parted ways. Bugs followed the two armored warriors, who ignited their blades in flames, slashing high to force the swarm back. Sakura struck quickly, but her opponent side-hopped, avoiding the attack. The kunai she threw was blocked, but Sai slipped into Keira's guard, punching through her armored plate.

Ripping his tanto from her chest, he tried to avoid the strike, but he lost a few fingers from the retaliatory strike. Kakashi had appeared and swiftly ended the life of the second samurai, Milo. Just as he dropped, Kiba took several shuriken, laced with wind chakra that sliced across his chest, sending him down. "Kiba!"

"Sakura! Get down!" Kakashi called. On instinct, she dived as a massive fireball blew past her, singeing her hair. The Jonin leader snapped over to see Kin drop the water wall. Sasuke lowered his fingers from his mouth with a dark smirk upon his face but was promptly forced to dodge the flung senbon paired with a wind jutsu. "Damn it, Sasuke."

"Incoming!" Akamaru in his human transformation action called out, as the injured Sai was tackled by the actual Kiba, narrowly avoiding another bisection. The dawn shinobi that had moved to engage the new arrivals, deflected the kunai barrage from Shino, used his flames to engulf his wakizashi, swiping his blade up along the flight path of kikachu, forcing them back off. He was suddenly impelled by Kakashi from behind. "You… will… greatly regret this… leaf scum," he coughed blood. "I doubt that. We'll be gone before your help arrives," Kakashi pulled his electrified kunai. "Sorry about that." A scream cut through the air as Kin slammed into a tree, a cough escaping from between her lips, with blood dripping too.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura called out, running between the two, but Kakashi noticed the murderous glint in his eyes and his lightning blade powered up. "I'm sorry… Sasuke…" he whispered as he charged forward, in the blind spot of the Uchiha, idly noticing that Sai's ink snakes were holding him down and Shino's bugs were hovering above in case he missed. The ground shattered in his wake, but as they moved, the very microsecond his hand made contact, the Sharingan revealed that it was not Sasuke he was assaulting, but rather, Kin, used in a substitution for his rogue student.

Splatter.

The shock and fear in the woman's eyes sent Kakashi into a slight panic, flashes of Rin didn't help either, "I… I…" She reached for his hand but ir fell limp, soon she slipped off and fell back onto the muddy ground.

Sasuke was tied up and bound by seals made by Sai when Kakashi had emerged from his brief trip down trauma lane. Shino's bugs were already draining his chakra. "Sensei! They are hurting him!" Sakura declared, about to rush forward, only to be caught by him. "He's a criminal."

"…but Sensei, he's being controlled…"

"'That may be so, but we can't overlook this, Sakura.' Kakashi states, pulling her arm to force her to face him, eyes locking in on one another. 'He's injured our comrades and caused destruction wherever he went.'"

"Hey, what about the other guys?" Kiba approached the duo, looking over the samurai. "They were in the way." Sai shrugged, pulling the prisoner to his feet, but with Shino's help, he placed him on Akamaru's back. "Taking them out was necessary."

"Yeah, I know but…" Kiba looks at the kunoichi of the group, "…she smells familiar."

"Familiar? How?" asked Kakashi approaching the body, "I don't know." Kiba scratching his head, but it was Akamaru who figured it out, barking repeatedly and Kiba paled "Oh… she smells like Naruto." A sinking feeling filled the former Anbu captain, "Naruto? Why would someone smell like…?" Sakura paled seemingly figuring out something, looking to her sensei "Is she…?"

"She must be involved with him."

"…you killed her." Sasuke chuckled darkly from the ninken's back, "How do you think he'll feel about that…?"

"Well, once we…" Kakashi began, but a colossal level of killing intent slammed upon them all. Just then, they spotted the White Dawn troop arriving. What caused them all to almost wet themselves was the only blond among the newly arrived. His slit red eyes were full of rage, glaring at Kakashi. "To think my own former comrades were the ones to kill my wife, and love of my life. I guess I must have done something wrong in my previous life."

"…wife…?" squeaked Kakashi, nearly having a heart attack, his mind running amok trying to figure out their next move. "You were married…?" Sakura whispered in horror, sweating profusely. "Seems we've made a miscalculation…" Sai said, sweating heavily, glancing around. "Fuck." Kiba stepped back as Shino stood frozen, his hive buzzing warily.

"Now, now… we can talk about this, Naruto." Kakashi stepped back, the others falling back along with him as the rage seemed to spread across the other White Dawn members, all drawing their blades to their ready positions.

They advanced forward only until they covered their comrades' bodies. Naruto reached his wife's body, slowly lifting her into his arms. Holding her to his chest, he teared up, sniffling hard. "Kin… I'm sorry. I wasn't fast enough." he whispered to himself, only heard by Kakashi, Kiba, and Akamaru.

"Sir, should we apprehend them?" one of their heavyweight samurai spoke gruffly, his eyes fixed on Sai, while his two-support shinobi glared at the two trackers near him.

"…We don't have time. Let's get our people home," Naruto instructs, stroking his wife's hair, running his fingers through the silky, long raven hair. "It's all we can do now," he says, turning his back to them.

"Attention any and all units receiving this… This is Captain Renold of the 5th Samurai, attached to Command Squad. We have found Command squad one, All KIA. Be advised, Hidden Leaf forces have been discovered in country and are to be deemed hostile. Approach and engage with extreme caution. Repeat." He repeated his transmission causing Kakashi to snap to the others, "We have to leave, now!"

"Don't have to tell me twice," Kiba commented, moving back while still clutching his bleeding chest. "Our next infiltration will be complicated," Sai muttered as Kakashi led them away on a direct path back towards the Land of Fire at best speed.


Flash back End

Sighing heavily through her nose, Tsunade finishes her third cup of tea as she closes the report, rubbing her head. It was clear that between the forces of Team Seven, the loyal, the corrupt, and the forgotten, any reasonable chance of alliance with the peacekeeping force known as White Dawn had been doomed. Glancing at the folders brought in by her temporary assistant, numerous reports and scrolls from the group on the border. Numerous files from skirmishes with both Sound Forces and White Dawn alike, no doubt.

She sighed heavily again, "I'm getting tired of this crap..." looking over the towering paperwork, a random invasive thought of hanging up the hat and joining her boy who is probably in morning right now. Pausing, it was actually an idea. A good one. "Jairyia... get in here." The elder kunoichi called out, and with a slight flicker of breeze, she continued, "I will be heading out. I'm leaving you in charge."

"Finally, you took long enough." Her teammate chuckled, causing her to snap her eyes to him. A smiling expression was upon his face. "Good luck!"


Land of Rice; Fortress Sunburst

The Royal flagship set down beside the cargo airships, which were currently being unloaded of supplies. Its white skin, adorned with delicate, elegant silver decals, set it apart from the dull grey of the regular military ships that towered above it. It was a mere yacht among cruise ships as it sat down. The vessel's ramp dropped, and out came a dojutsu-wielding red-head, strolling with singular purpose. At his back was the angel of Ame, looking stoic as ever. Several Ame shinobi followed them out, all Jonin with thick scrolls on their backs, moving off towards the barracks.

Moving swiftly, Nagato pushed through the crowded central command staffing room, through the bulk of the temporary building. The shinobi, kunoichi, and samurai parted as they passed, slamming themselves against the walls. This continued until they reached the office. "Almighty push..." The door blasted off its hinges, and the first rays of light graced the morbid features of one Naruto Tsuchi, having officially retaken the name upon his wife's death.

"Naruto." Konan whispered as her mask of indifference came off. The sight before her was heart-breaking. The normally cheerful and vibrant eyes of her little brother were replaced by broken eyes that looked back at her like a shattered arctic mirror. Without prompting, she rushed forward, "Naruto… I'm…" Her mouth felt dry; no words could fully convey what she wanted to say. But it was Nagato who acted in her stead, wordlessly pulling his nephew into a hug.

Feeling the boys gripping him tightly, Nagato turned to his wife, "I'll handle this. You take care of the other thing."

"Are you…?"

"Yeah. This isn't something I can handle alone." Nagato said confidently. Konan hesitated, so he turned and smiled, "You will be needed later." The bluenette nodded before leaving. Many would later wonder what the older man said to the younger one to get him out of that office; he had held himself in for the last week.


Three days later…

Nagato stepped onto the podium, and the entire fortress was in attendance to bear witness to his rippling renenigan. "As you are all no doubt aware, the Commander of Shinobi affairs, Naruto Tsuchi-Uzumaki, has suffered a personal loss," he said. The silence was profound, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. "Due to this, as of two days ago, I, Nagato Uzumaki, will be leading in his stead. As such, we have much to do and accomplish, but we must not forget our journey here. Our comrades have given us their will to move forward and protect our loved ones. We will avenge our fallen. Our enemies will rue the day they decided to stand against us and avenge the fallen of all those before us!" Cheers erupted from the crowd.

As Larne watched from the balcony of the command room, his eyes narrowed as he observed the proceedings. He was searching for something, or someone. Several possible targets were in the back, and three different people caught his attention. His hand gestures signaled his own special unit. Luna, after all, was Naruto and Ryūzetsu's love child. As much as he liked the guy, he was still a shinobi at heart, and Luna was a shinobi's wet dream made flesh. His unit adhered to the traditions he himself held. Although he had discussed the idea with Naruto, he willingly admitted that their scope was rather limited, whether on or off the battlefield. However, within that narrow margin, they would be scarily effective.

It was time for the Crescent moon to rise in the absence of light.


Land of Snow; Royal Air Dockyard

The royal and home guard were in full ceremonial mourning garb as the ramp of the royal yacht lowered to reveal the caskets of the fallen and their commander, who looked like he hadn't slept in days. None blamed him. The band played as the caskets were unloaded, not even the children dared speak, as if sensing the gravity of the situation. The last one off was none other than Kin Tsuchi, her commander carrying it alone with three shadow clones assisting. His normally somewhat rebellious clones had never looked so set in stone and serious.

Sāra, holding Juk on her left and Rellahan on her right, but for her own daughter Symāru holding back Kushina, her baby sister, things might have been a bit of a hassle. All three kids seemed to sense something was wrong, after all, they had never seen their daddy cry nor without a smile on his face. With the saluting samurai and Shinobi passing him by, none dared comment on his dull blue eyes, nor the bags beneath them, as he lowered his cargo into the awaiting morgue trailer on the train.

Upon him stepping clear of the cart, the commander saluted, followed by every soldier, officer, and royal presence there in perfect unison as the train slowly headed back toward the capital. The salute was held until the commander lost sight of the train, at which point he dropped it, again in perfect unison with everyone else.

Koyuki was about to make her way over to try and comfort him but was stopped by the most surprising of people, her white hair distinctive as she shook her head in the negative. Eyes looking back, she saw Karin approaching the man of their affection. "This is her domain. Let her do her job."

"…but…" the daimyo muttered, "She is far more suited for this task. You and I will just be in the way. The same goes for the children. Sāra is handling them for now." Ryūzetsu informs as she releases the actress's shoulder, her own heart aching at seeing her man so broken, so close yet unable to do anything about it.

Karin stepped up beside her clan head, not saying a word and just let her chakra presence flow over him to allow him to know that she was here. She knew the subtle flaring of her chakra was unnecessary, his chakra sensing would be drawn to her due to their proximity. He was a statue; she knew based on what her own sensing abilities were telling her, his mind was not in a good place. Finishing her initial approach, bypassing his automatic snarky defence, she slowly and steadily embraced the clearly upset man, and just as she predicted, he slowly took hold of her and buried his face into her shoulders beneath her long hair.

Those watching from afar were numerous people who were all eager to help him, but most knew that they were not going to be able to help so awaited their time to act. They all noticed his trembling shoulders. Silently, and without warning, the chains of gold created a dome around them, and before anyone could stop them, they vanished.


Land of Eddies; Projection

With the chains up, the barrier made them appear on their clan's homeland, a particular cliff that overlooked the ruins of the home neither knew. Yet in this construction was a chakra memory. Thanks to their chakra connection, their hug, and her mastery of her chakra, they were able to 'escape' to this virtual reality. Though one would never be able to tell the difference between this and the real thing, even the smell of the ocean spray, the sound of the native puffins calling out, it was all around.

"Oni-sama, we are alone now. You can cry here, in my arms, without anyone to see. It's just you and me." Karin's voice was unusually submissive, calm, yet soft and gentle. Just like that, his dam broke. Tears trailed down his face while his knees gave out, and she followed him down, comforting him as best she could.

It would take her many hours to do so.


Land of Spring; Kaze no kuni

That night, Naruto couldn't return home, so he and Karin strolled through the woods in silence. She wasn't doing anything but keeping close to him. They walked long and far beneath the chain shroud she provided, hiding them from the senses of others, but allowing him the freedom to let his mind try and recover while keeping his body active. On occasion, he would take her hand, and she would offer it a soft squeeze before he released it as his mind continued to wander.

The further away they got, the darker it became, but Naruto showed no hesitation as his movements seemed automatic with his gaze unfocused. It had been a few hours now when suddenly Naruto froze, gripping her hand rather roughly as he growled deep and hard, "You picked the wrong day to try and ambush me, Fourth Raikage." Naruto's words were spoken low and monotonous, unbeknownst to the Uzumaki matriarch, his eyes were a vivid blood red and slit, glaring at the approaching bulk of a man.

"Ah? Naruto Uzumaki, leader of the terrorist group that has been slaughtering my shinobi and kunoichi. Capturing or killing you will be more than enough of a message…" Ay then looked to Karin, his cold, hard gaze did not soften. "…Another Uzumaki? A fine lady too. I'll take care of her, rest…" The absolute monster amount of killing intent that could have cowed any of the bijou hit Raikage, who almost outright shat himself. "Karin-chan, Imoto… stay here and do not move." Naruto's voice was vacant, empty, but most worrying of all, filled with nothing but rage and loathing.

Offering a soft squeeze, "Just promise me you will come back. Come back to me, okay?" Karin's voice was soft as cotton, but he offered no verbal response, just a stiff nod and a squeeze back. He released his gentle hold upon his clansman, leaving her pale hand with the warmth of his tan skin. The few strings of chakra slowly broke off one by one. At a full metre, the final strand had broken, and Naruto finally unleashed his inner demon. "I'll come back," his words echoed as he sensed her erect a barrier.

The Raikage had paled somewhat, as the red eyes of the nine-tails jinchuriki had never broken eye contact since he and his men had arrived. "You, Raikage, have made your last mistake..." Smoke seemed to be smoldering from the red scarlet eyes. "...you and..." He visibly sniffed; it wasn't needed, but it would. "...your six compatriots will not be able to live to regret it."

"Oh? Is that…" an eruption of thick, miasmic, cloud like chakra bellowed out from the blond Uzumaki spreading further afar before it slowly congregated along as the red eyes seemed to glow brighter. The Raikage was suddenly reminded that it was his father who fought the eight tails to a stand still: not him. The rapidly forming nine tails fox miniaturised forming before him was causing nothing but fear and apprehension as the mass of hatred and power was now squarely focused on him.

Gulp. Fuck it.

"Lightning Armour!"

"Foolish simian, you dared interrupt my vessel's day of mourning for his vixen. You belittled him, then chose to disrespect and threaten our skunk. Hahahaha… foolish simian," the Kyuubi's words offered nothing but truth and a condescending snarl upon the muzzle of chakra and fury.

A deathly howl echoed off the moon, which was only the beginning. The red blur that was Naruto clashed with the buzz saw blue streak. Boom. Ay was flung back, flipping quickly. The bulk of a man glared up at the encroaching figure of chakra construction swerving around. His arm block was successful, but his lightning cloak had peeled off briefly, forcing him back. His heel dug in as he thrust his fist forward, smacking his foe's arm aside, driving his elbow into the gut, forcing the blob back, crashing through the dirt and frost.

Grinning, Ay called out, "Cee, capture the girl! Everyone else..." locking his gaze upon the now standing jinchuriki, "...follow me in!"

"YO!!!" A tentacle appeared from the darkness and attempted to grip the feral mass of chakra, but within the breath of a baby bird, the tentacle had been shredded to pieces behind the string of red. Boom. "Yo!!" Thud.

As the ground rumbled, signalling that the eight tails had been knocked onto his back, Ay struggled to make it halfway there. A blast of chakra narrowly missed him and smashed into the background, causing him to grin. The screams of his backup could hardly be heard over the explosion that erupted. The air that blew past him was enough distraction for a close line to smack the man down. "What..." boom.

Coughing and wheezing were all Ay could do as he pulled himself from the ravine he found himself in. His chakra cloak had sizzled out at some point. Looking up, he saw his brother being smacked around by the second-stage nine-tailed jinchuriki, Naruto, like a fresh genin out of the academy. "Bee! Finish him, already!"

"Gyūki, what's wrong? Can't keep up, huh? Did you forget who you are trying to defy?!!" Naruto roared as he slugged the ox-topus, which forced him back. The tails, however, whipped around, forcing the nine-tailed being to duck and weave before he let another chakra blast fly. The glowing orb streaked across the dark sky, like a shooting star, but the tentacle knocked it aside. A new roar erupted, and the favor was returned.

Boom.

"Hahahaha… finally… you still have your teeth, huh?" The glowing red eyes showed nothing but mirth and rage. "Kurama. You…?"

"Is something wrong? You aren't the only one with a perfect partner." The dark orange fox's features gradually appeared, starting with his muzzle, then his front claw. "You are pathetic, Gyūki… you've gotten soft." As the tails swept away the remaining smoke, a fully formed nine-tailed fox glared at the battered eight-tailed fox. "You actually lowered yourself, huh?"

"Lowered? Hah… he has risen above all others and earned my respect." Taking a predatory stance, a growl erupted from his throat. "Respect enough to see your actions as nothing but a hindrance… a hindrance I am all too willing to put down." Abruptly, he felt a soft touch atop his head. His senses told him it was the female soothing his container. "Kurama-sama, is Naruto-koi okay? His mental state…?"

"Relax, vixen." His eyes remained fixed on his recovering brother's form. "He is sleeping now. Let him rest for a while while we clear up this filth." Causing a grin to split their faces, "Oh, Kurama-sama; nay, Kurama-dono, you truly are the greatest bijou." Karin chuckled darkly as those infernal chains erupted from her back. "Now then, allow me to assist you…" Kurama would never tell a soul how much fun he was having watching his sibling evade the pesky chains, that pinned down the tentacle that tried to sneak up on him as he punched the oxy in the face. The retaliation strike was swatted by one of his tails, but the lightning chop that came from above was effortlessly countered by the chains that deflected the dropping Kage, clear of the massive fox. Boom.

Ay powered up again, but was suddenly swatted like a fly on a table by a tail. Gyūki was attempting to dislodge his elder brother, but was either countered violently by sheer power or subdued by the Uzumaki chains. Damn it. He knew this was a bad idea. His thoughts as Kurama's jaws parted, a dense, glowing ball spinning and itching to go, "Oh…"

Boom.

I watched on as my brother was effortlessly subdued by the nine tails. This. This shouldn't be possible. Then again, no one knew that the kyuubi had formed a perfect relationship with his container either. It was absurd. Now. Those red eyes have locked on me. No support. Gyūki had retreated back within Bee, who was out. "Stupid human. You chose the one time my container would not hold my wrath back." Kurama stalking across the plane toward the leader of Kumogakure, dark grin forming on his muzzle "The one time he would no object to tearing you limb from limb. You are a fool."

Chakra spike.

"Your arrogance will be remembered until your village is burnt beneath my festering rage." Flames licked between his teeth. "Not that you will be around to witness it." Chains abruptly erupted from beneath Ay, grabbing his limbs and dragging him down, immobilizing him.

Kurama was sure that at this rate, he would fall in love with this woman too, presenting this lamb to slaughter so perfectly, "Be gone." Upon the flames of Kyuubi no Yoko, Ay, the Fourth to bear the title Raikage, was reduced to atoms as even the ash was incinerated.

Slowly and carefully, Kurama's form began to droop, flowing down as Karin hopped off, and eventually, Naruto was returned to the earth. He strolled ahead, passing the place where the Raikage once stood, passing the numerous craters, littered with debris and death. He walked to the edge of the hill and stopped. The rays from the sun were becoming visible. Yet something told him, from deep within his core, that he needed to just let it out.

A growl before he took a long deep breath and let out a roar to the horizon. A roar with all the pain, the anguish, the loneliness of losing his mother, father, home, and village. Now, however, it also held the pain of his love. The love he had for his wife, who had always been with him since even before his exile, gave him three wonderful children and a home to come back to. He would never see that cheeky smile that egged him on, go to dances, musical recitals, or her gigs with the girls. All that loss was poured into that roar, and it even seemed the heavens took note as the sun seemed to slow its ascent.

Karin didn't do anything to fight the tears. She could feel it. The rage, the sorrow, the guilt, the loss, everything he always kept locked up tight to be their pillar. It was far more potent than last time. As his roar tapered off and he lost the strength in his knees, she approached slowly, steadily, and covered him with her presence from behind. If only for just a bit, she would protect him from the world.


This was the scene Tsunade found Naruto in. She isn't well known for her infiltration skills, but anyone who is. Well, that doesn't live long, now do they? Finding him wasn't hard; the Kyuubi was never shy about its high chakra-levelled attacks. What broke the last Senju's heart was that scream he let out. She could feel it. The pain and suffering he has endured his entire life were in that one act. It hurt her something deep, primal even, and she wants to go comfort him. Log knows she does, but that girl is doing a sublime job. She'll wait behind this tree until they move again. Then, she'll comfort her knucklehead.

The last Senju folded her arms as she rested her head against the bark, in her standard shinobi attire, which she hadn't worn in some time and barely fit. She lacked her headband so as not to spook them like whoever set him off did. She hoped that Naruto wouldn't immediately snap at her, and she could explain before he let any of his rasengans fly. Glancing back at them, she smiled. If she were a painter, this would be a perfect shot.


Some time later…

The sun on his face, the emotionally exhausted shinobi finally spoke up. "Karin."

"Mmm,"

"—I wasn't meant to fight on my own. I feel incomplete."

"Naruto, you aren't alone. That's why we are all here." Neither of them spoke above a breath, and she offered as much warmth as he could handle. He did always like being hugged. One of the things Kin had introduced to him. She was always a very physical person. He chuckled at that, "I miss her already."

"I know."

She said she wanted another child too. I told her, "Maybe after we kick that snake's ass." Now though.

"I know," she continued to whisper as he gripped her arms tighter, sniffling for a while longer.

When he finally looked up, the sun was well above the horizon. The kids would be worried. "We. We should get moving. The kids would be worried. I – I need to tell them."

"'We will. Together. As a family.' Karin comments softly, and he nods slowly, 'Yeah – yeah. As a family. She'd want that.'"

"Mmm." This is when Karin, no longer focused solely on Naruto, picked up the new arrival and stiffened. A Kage-level chakra so close to them. Tensing, Naruto raised his hand to stop her attack, "You are a long way from home, Lady Hokage." Spoken so softly, monotone, and lacking any will to play around.

Surely enough, out stepped Tsunade Senju with her hands in clear view, earning a growl from Karin whose chains peeled out from her back, aimed and primed for an attack. "Easy. I came to..."

"Karin growls but again raised his hand and she fell silent. His hand returned to his lap as he stared at her, 'What are you doing here, Tsunade? You are aware that Land of Snow is off limits to Leaf shinobi, and White Dawn have been ordered to kill any shinobi of the leaf on sight, right?'"

"'I guessed, yes.' Tsunade spoke softly, nodding slowly as to appear as non-threatening as possible, but Naruto remained blank-faced, oblivious to the tear tracks down his cheeks. 'Then, explain why you've been here this entire time and why you showed yourself?'"

"I did not come as Hokage." She shrugged carefully, "I did not come here even as a shinobi, as technically, I am a civilian," taking a few tentative steps forward, "I did not come here as the last Senju." The rattling of the chains reminded the apparently former kunoichi of the danger she was in if she made one wrong move, "I came for one reason, and one reason alone." Finally reaching them, she knelt down before the boy she considered her own.

"'I came for you. I made a terrible mistake all those years ago. I was drunk as always, the stress from the retrieval mission and the council hounding me. I drowned my worry, my pain, my anxiety, in the bottles you found around my office on a regular basis.' She admitted, and he nodded silently, still blank-faced as her face softened. 'I – Sochi – I am not sure if you will ever forgive me.' His eyes widened at the title she gave him. It was slight, but she's a trained shinobi, a medic to boot, so she pushed her hesitation aside and pressed on."

For the time we had shared, from the moment we met and you saved me. You became the son I never knew I needed. The son I was unaware I had until you were gone. Controlling her breathing, she continued slowly, "Naruto – Sochi. I am sorry for not being there for you properly. For missing your wedding, for not witnessing your greatest achievements. Your triumphs, your failures. I never – never wanted to disappoint you to this level. So – maybe. If it is possible, can I get another chance to show you that – as a member of my family, I will never ever let you down again."

Tsunade had her heart in her throat after that speech, her ears ringing more than during her time in the Second Shinobi War. She dismissed the water on her face as she held eye contact with the blond, wait, he has red streaks, before her. The two just stared at each other, Karin a figment of their imagination at this point, until she gently squeezed his shoulders with both hands, "I – uh – am a bit off balance right now. I think that I can really use a hug though." He spoke distantly, clearly unsure of this, but she wasn't and showed it as she gently, carefully, and with as much tenderness as a mother would with her baby, brought him into a hug, and he cried. He cried the pain away.


A knock on the door, and it parted, revealing Temari, who immediately brought Naruto into a hug. Initially surprised by the gesture, he hugged her back and buried his head in her hair. "We were so worried, Baka. We sensed the Kyuubi," she whispered softly. He nodded, "Let him out to play a bit." Naruto whispered back, and she nodded, "We heard what happened. Gaara is leading Suna against Sound and sent me here."

"Thank you, Mari." As he slowly detaches from her, she leads him in by the hand, and everyone is there. All the kids from Ashina to Symāru, including Nagato and Konan's three kids, Kenshin, Mito, and Yahiko. Their parents are there, with the exception of Nagato and Tayuya, both on the frontline right now. Temari and Koyuki are present in their place, along with Tsunade, who surprises the group. Until they notice Naruto hasn't let go of her hand the entire time. A discussion for later.

"Well… kids… I have to speak to you all." Naruto began, gaining their attention, but his eyes flickered from Kushina, Rellahan, and Juk, which filled the older two with dread as their eyes began to water. "It's about…"


Land of Rice; Fortress Sunburst

Gaara, Nagato, Mifune, Larne, and Tayuya all looked up to the flap entrance to find one Mei Tarumi flanked by Aio and Suig, her newest swordsmen. "Well, what a fine gathering this is."

"Mizukage Mei Tarumi… what brings you to this neck of the woods?" Nagato asks with a brow raised. She smiles and says, "Isn't it obvious what my presence here indicates? Approaching the table, current troop deployments littering it, she adds, "The Mist is joining in on this intervention."

"'We gussed that,' " Tayuya snipped, clearly the tensest in the room, growling as she glared at the Kage. "Why though?"

"'What my friend is asking…' Nagato spoke up, shooting a warning glare at his clansmen. 'We appreciate the extra manpower, and will not turn you away, however your presence is unexpected.'"

"Let us cut the crap. We heard what happened," Mei states, letting out an unladylike growl. "Honour demands we end this fight with a landslide victory. Also, show the world that the Mist will not stand idly by while tyrants run rampant on the mainland." She leans onto the table with such intense energy that the men all swear they feel the room heat. "The Mist is ready, the most able, and we will ensure justice is served."

Sugetsu was so proud of himself for coming back to the village. Sure, Sasuke was cool and all, but fuck that speech even made his heart swell with pride for his headband. Shit man. This is going to be fucking awesome. "Very well." Mifune nods, accepting that answer. "How many shinobi have you brought with you?"

"Only a hundred," she informs with a nod. "They are the best we have and should be more than ready for anything you can throw their way."

"Let's use them on the southern pouch. Keep the sound from moving in from Fire." Larne suggests, to which Nagato nods. "Then reassign the 3rd to the northern sector and prevent Kumo from interfering. Frost too."

"Alright, I'll gather my men." Tayuya said. "Tayuya," Nagato called, and she froze before turning back. "Eat and sleep before redeploying. Make sure your team does the same." She growls but nods. "Fine." She walks off, and Nagato sighs. "What's her problem?" Sugetsu asks. Larne glares at the swordsmen. "Her best friend was killed by a Leaf infiltration team not long ago. They shouldn't have been there, but they teamed up with that damned Uchiha and killed her."

"Oh."

"Ever since then, the entire force has been pissing vinegar. Damn right viscous, especially her. You've been warned." Larne continues, and Mei sighs, "Such is war." She then looks at the others with a hard gaze, "So, is the Leaf siding with the Sound?"

"'We believe it to be an isolated incident,' Nagato informs. 'Should it not be.' Mifune let the threat hang. Mei nodded, 'The Mist is with you all. Until the end.'"


Land of Rice; Hidden Sound Kage Tower

"Lord Orochimaru. We have received reports that the Hidden Mist has joined the enemy forces, alongside the Hidden Sand."

"Troubling, my lord. They almost have us completely enclosed." Kabuto informs, looking to his master, who looked unamused at the moment. This combined force was combing every nook and cranny, leaving no stone unturned, and wiping out his bases. The only good news he got is that Sasuke managed to drive off the Kyuubi brat but was captured by the leaf in the process. All this started because he double-crossed that upstart, and now his troops are out for snake blood.

That doesn't matter right now, though. Escaping this conundrum does, however. "Have our contacts in the Land of Earth and Lightning make contact with their K. I think it's time for a new front to open up." Orochimaru orders, and Kabuto smirks, pushing up his glasses. "By your orders." The snake sannin sits back into his throne of snakes, thinking about how best to work his way through this time. Perhaps he could break the alliance apart with leaked information? That could work. But to whom, and who?


Land of Earth; Bar in Iwagakure

"Really bad," one Jonin whispered to another in the darkness of the dive bar he was sitting in with his fellow. "Tell me about it. No doubt that spineless snake Kamizuru will jump at the chance to strike down the Dawn, Sand, Mist, and Sound in one swoop." The second Jonin muttered, lifting his drink as the first shook his head. "Doing that would be a death sentence for us. The neutral countries will act."

"Yeah." He swallowed his mouthful of meed. "Without their trade."

"I agree." A new voice joined in, silently, "Kurouchi. What are you…?"

"'I plan on making the right choice in this upcoming war.' She whispered, and the other two remained silent. They knew what she was alluding to; they secretly agreed with the sentiment. 'Though, I know we need a bit of help.'"

"What are you playing at?"

"During my next border patrol, I plan to make contact with the Dawn."

"That's suicide; they'll cut you down at first sight."

"Those are rumors." She waved them off, and even through the darkness, you could see her smirk. "They will at least hear me out, as long as I don't come out throwing jutsu."

"That's all well and good..." They all fall silent as a civilian passes by. "I just need you to spread the word silently. Help will come. I am sure of it, just keep us out of that war." It was silent for a long while before they nodded. "I am sure our supplies came in a little late this week."

"Yeah. I heard the axle broke in the Anorn Range. Terrible luck, I tell you."


Land of Fire; Barbecue-Q

The table was silent. All eyes were on the silver-haired Jonin at the end, who was looking down at the updated international bingo book. His face looked back at him as he surveyed it, "Hidden Mist, Fifty Million Ryo alive, ten dead. Hidden Sand, Fifty Million Ryo, alive or dead. Land of Iron, Twenty Million alive, five dead. International peacekeeping force White Dawn, Thirty Million Ryo alive."

He looked up at his fellows. His pink-haired student was horrified that her actions had caused this. Her sensei was now a highly wanted man in the neutral countries, Mist and Sand, all because she wanted to save her teammate.

"This is your fault, pinky!" Kiba growled out, absolutely livid right now. "Things happen, dog breath. Calm down or…" Ino began, but he glared at her along with the others of the team that had brought the Uchiha back. "You do not get it, Ino," he ground out, killing intent rolling off him in waves. "We weren't even supposed to be there. It was recon only. You know how many border skirmishes there are because of the shit she pulled! Those guys are hunting us now. They're actively seeking us, leaf shinobi, and killing us!" He roared, and she flinched.

"They aren't…"

"They are Ino." Shikamaru comments from his seat, glancing up at her from his meditative pose. "Orders from up top are to flee on sight to any of their forces. They are highly coordinated and dangerously effective against shinobi in particular. If you see one, there is a good chance that there are three others nearby."

She fell silent at that. She knew this; she had been among them for a time. They drill their teamwork to another level. "Which also begs the question as to how the hell did you escape them?" Kiba glared at the kunoichi, who was shocked by the interrogation. "I..."

They've routinely caught Anbu teams out. They have byuakgan users and even trained Shinobi animals. Kiba continued, and more and more eyes looked to the Yamanaka, slowly realising this fact. You claim you got lucky on several occasions, yet...

"That's enough, Kiba," Asuma said, asserting himself. His student was lucky to make it back. She doesn't need the suspicions of the whole village on her too. "They also weren't looking for her most of the time." Shikamaru added, "If they were, then no doubt they would have caught her, and we wouldn't have the information we do about them."

"Guys, bad news," Riado said, causing a sigh from more than a few patrons. "The mist has joined the dawn's campaign. Same with the Sand and Ame."

"For the love of..." Asuma hung his head. Things couldn't get any worse. "Which basically means that Wind, Water, and the neutral counties are off limits to us." Kurenai said, earning nods from her fellows. "What a drag." Shikamaru dropped his head back, eyes to the sky. "Damn it, Naruto. Always so troublesome."


A/N; Things aree heating up in Rice. Stone seems split. Kakashi has a target on his back, larger than ever before. Tsunade has retired from the hokage seat. Oh and Ay was killed by the Kyuubi. Well damn. What else could go wrong at this point?

2ND A/N; As promised, I have not abandoned this fic. No longer solely focused on my crossovers, I have time to revisit this, Kitsune Knight, and Lost Fox. Mindful Winds is being considered for rewriting but no promises there yet. Its in a pretty bad state atm.