Disclaimer: I use AI to help me write.

"Normal Talking"

Powers, Techniques, and Jutsu

'Thinking'

"Tailed Chakra Spirit talking"

(Scene Break/Time Skip)

"Superhearing"

(One day later – Konoha Intelligence Division – Interrogation Room)

After KAIDO informed Takeshi about the information that Aito had passed along, he ordered the immediate capture of Kabuto, which Minato contracted Aito to help with, given that Kabuto had been giving them the slip for so long. Aito is much faster than Minato or any other shinobi they had in their ranks.

The room in Konoha's Torture and Interrogation Facility was dimly lit, designed to suffocate any sense of comfort. The air was cold, and the walls were solid stone, making the space feel claustrophobic. Ibiki Morino stood before the restrained Kabuto Yakushi, his scarred face set in a grim expression. On either side of him were Shinobu and Mozuku, each prepared to push Kabuto to his limits for the information they needed. Kabuto sat strapped to a metal chair, his hands bound behind his back with his chakra sealed off and his glasses slightly askew as he looked up at them with a feigned calmness.

Ibiki leaned in, his voice low and commanding. "Tell us everything you know about Orochimaru. Where is he? What are his plans?"

Kabuto merely smirked, the light catching the edges of his glasses. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about." he said, his tone dripping with mock innocence.

Shinobu exchanged a glance with Mozuku, who nodded before stepping forward, producing a small, sharp instrument from his pouch. Mozuku's expression was impassive as he examined the tool, clearly intending to make Kabuto reconsider his silence.

"You might want to reconsider your answers." Mozuku said coldly, his eyes locking onto Kabuto's. "The more you resist, the worse this gets for you."

Kabuto merely sighed, shifting slightly in his seat as though the restraints were a minor inconvenience. "Torture… is that really the best you can do? I've been through worse."

Ibiki's brow furrowed, his frustration visible, but he was not one to give in easily. He nodded to Shinobu, who stepped forward and began applying pressure to Kabuto's mind using genjutsu—flashes of searing pain and terror. Kabuto gritted his teeth, his composure cracking only slightly as a wince escaped him. Yet, still, he said nothing.

After hours of questioning and resistance, Kabuto remained tight-lipped, his loyalty to Orochimaru unshaken. Ibiki shook his head in frustration, stepping back. "He's not breaking." he muttered, a hint of irritation seeping into his usually stoic voice.

Just then, the door to the room opened, and Aito Uchiha stepped in, his tall figure cutting an imposing silhouette against the dim light. His expression was calm, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes as he took in the scene—Kabuto was bloodied but smiling, and Ibiki and the others standing with visible frustration.

"Let me handle this." Aito said, his voice quiet but filled with authority.

Ibiki stepped aside, nodding. "He's all yours."

Aito walked towards Kabuto, his eyes locked on the captive's face. Without saying a word, he summoned the Sacred Dragon's head—a massive figure manifesting behind him, taking up what space was left in the room, its form glowing with the soft blue and purple light of the Shinryokugan. The sight of the Sacred Dragon was enough to cause Kabuto's smirk to falter, his eyes widening slightly.

Aito reached out, grabbing Kabuto by the throat, his grip firm but not yet crushing. He leaned in close, his voice a low growl. "You're going to answer my questions now. If you lie, you're as good as dead."

The Sacred Dragon opened its mouth, and a tongue-like appendage shot out from within its maw, latching onto Kabuto's chest. Kabuto's eyes widened further as he felt it latch onto his soul, a cold shiver running through his body.

Aito's eyes were cold as he spoke, his voice commanding. "Where is Orochimaru? What are his plans?"

Kabuto struggled, his voice cracking as he spoke. "Orochimaru… he's… he's hiding in a base near the border of the Land of Fire. He's planning a joint invasion for the Chunin Exams… that's all I know, I swear."

Aito's gaze didn't waver as he continued. "What do you mean 'joint' invasion? Why did Suna and Kumo send their jinchūriki to participate in the exams?"

Kabuto's face twisted in pain as the Sacred Dragon tightened its hold. He gasped before finally answering. "Orochimaru… he made a deal with them. It's a joint invasion. The Sand, the Sound, and the Cloud… all planning to attack Konoha during the finals, during Gaara and Sasuke's fight. He promised Kumo the Byakugan and possibly the Sharingan…"

Aito's expression darkened, the weight of the revelation sinking in. He nodded slightly, and the Sacred Dragon retracted its appendage, releasing Kabuto's soul. Kabuto sagged in his chair, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his eyes unfocused from the ordeal.

Aito stared down at him momentarily before placing a hand on Kabuto's forehead. The Psyche Path of the Shinryokugan activating. With a flicker of chakra, Aito erased all memories of the interrogation and Kabuto's capture from his mind, leaving only a haze of confusion behind.

Kabuto slumped further, unconscious from the mental strain. Aito turned to Ibiki, Shinobu, and Mozuku, his voice calm. "He won't remember any of this. Make sure you return him to his residence. If we keep him locked up, Orochimaru might get suspicious and launch the attack early to get Kabuto back. We need all the time we can get to prepare."

Ibiki nodded, a hint of respect in his eyes as he looked at Aito. "Understood. But what if he escapes after waking up?"

"I'll put my Flying Thunder God marker on him. Once the invasion has been thwarted, I can capture him easily." Aito answered, tapping Kabuto's neck before turning and leaving the room, his mind already focused on the new threat that lay ahead.

The Sand, the Sound, and the Cloud—an alliance formed against Konoha. He knew they had to prepare and fast.

(Two days later – Hokage's Office)

Two days had passed, and Konoha had already begun planning to minimize the potential damage that this Sand-Sound-Cloud Joint invasion would do.

The Hokage's office was unusually quiet, illuminated by the soft glow of KAIDO's interface, which projected a holographic map of Konoha across the large wooden desk. Takeshi Senju leaned forward, studying the map intensely as he worked with KAIDO to develop a defense strategy that would minimize the damage of the upcoming invasion they knew was coming. The AI highlighted critical points in Konoha's defense, presenting various projections of possible enemy maneuvers.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Takeshi looked up from the holographic projection, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"KAIDO, who is it?" Takeshi asked, his voice calm but firm.

KAIDO's interface flickered momentarily before responding, "It is Jiraiya, Lord Hokage."

Takeshi allowed a small smile to cross his lips. He leaned back in his chair, his stern expression softening slightly. "Come in, Jiraiya. And lock the door behind you." he called out.

The door opened to reveal Jiraiya, his usual carefree demeanor somewhat tempered by the tension in his eyes. He stepped in and closed the door securely before turning to face Takeshi. "It's good to see you, Takeshi." Jiraiya said, a hint of a smile on his lips as he walked up to the Hokage's desk.

Takeshi nodded, gesturing for Jiraiya to take a seat. "It's always a pleasure to see you, Jiraiya. What brings you back home?"

Jiraiya sighed, the smile fading as he lowered himself into the chair across from Takeshi. "I've come with some news, and it's not the kind we like to hear. I've been informed that a terrorist organization, made up of S-rank missing ninja, is making moves. They call themselves the Akatsuki, and their goal is to capture the tailed beasts."

Takeshi's expression hardened, his eyes narrowing at the mention of the Akatsuki. He steepled his fingers and leaned forward. "What does that mean for Aito, Naruto, and the village?"

Jiraiya frowned, his eyes meeting Takeshi's. "It means we could be looking at a direct threat to Konoha. The Akatsuki know Konoha has the Nine-Tials but don't know that the Nine-Tails is split between Aito and Naruto. But they could attack Konoha at any time to get their hands on both halves of the beast."

Takeshi exhaled deeply, leaning back in his chair. "Aito can take care of himself. His Kryptonian abilities are already at full strength, and he's more than capable of defending himself. Naruto, though..." He paused, his brow furrowing. "Naruto's Kryptonian abilities aren't fully developed yet. Aito's helping him train, but he's still not at the same level. That's what worries me."

Jiraiya nodded, understanding Takeshi's concerns. He was about to speak, but Takeshi continued, his tone turning grave. "There's something else. We've just learned that there's an incoming joint invasion from Sand, Sound, and Cloud, which is set to launch during the Chunin Exam finals. It's a coordinated effort, and it'll happen here in Konoha."

Jiraiya's eyes widened slightly at the revelation. "During the finals?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Takeshi nodded. "Yes. Not only that, but it's the perfect opportunity for the Akatsuki to strike. During the finals, we'll have three jinchūriki in Konoha—Gaara from Suna, Yugito from Kumo, and our own in Naruto and Aito. The Akatsuki could swoop in during the chaos to target all four." He looked Jiraiya in the eye, his face grim. "We need to be prepared for that possibility."

Jiraiya's jaw tightened, and he nodded, processing the information. Takeshi then seemed to remember something, his gaze drifting momentarily before focusing again. "Minato once told me something about Aito and the Nine-Tails." Takeshi said, his voice slightly softer. "Aito mentioned he did something to earn the Nine-Tails's trust and assured us that no one is in danger... but I want to know what he did." He looked at Jiraiya intently. "Jiraiya, I need you to check Aito's seal. I want to make sure everything is as it should be."

Jiraiya nodded slowly, a look of determination settling in his eyes. "Of course, Takeshi. Where can I find Aito?"

"He's at my private training ground." Takeshi replied, his gaze shifting slightly. "Aito's there with Naruto, training him to master his Kryptonian abilities. If anyone knows how to bring out Naruto's full potential, it's Aito."

Jiraiya stood, his face resolute. "I'll head there right away. We can't take any chances with this. If the Akatsuki are moving, we must be ready for anything."

Takeshi nodded in agreement, his eyes returning to the holographic map on his desk. "We have a lot of work ahead of us, Jiraiya. We'll face whatever comes our way—Akatsuki, invasions, anything. But we'll protect this village and those we love, no matter what."

Jiraiya gave a determined smile. "That's the spirit. And don't worry, Takeshi—we'll make sure Naruto, Aito, and Konoha are ready for whatever's coming." With that, he turned and left the office, leaving Takeshi alone with KAIDO's soft glow illuminating the room.

The Hokage leaned back, the weight of the responsibility heavy on his shoulders. He took a deep breath and turned his attention back to the holographic display, his resolve hardening. There was no room for failure. The village's safety—their future—depended on it.

(Minutes later – Hokage's Private Training Ground)

Jiraya approached the Hokage's private training ground, the air filled with the rhythmic thud of boulders being shifted. As he walked closer, he saw Naruto, sweaty and focused, lifting increasingly larger boulders. Aito stood nearby, arms crossed, his gaze sharp as he assessed Naruto's progress.

"Keep your back straight, Naruto! Breathe in before you lift." Aito instructed calmly. Naruto grunted in response, straining against the weight of a particularly massive boulder.

Jiraya smiled at the scene and then called out, "Well, well, look at you two! Hard at work, I see!"

Aito and Naruto both turned to face him. Naruto dropped the boulder with a loud thud, his expression brightening. "Pervy Sage! What are you doing here?"

Jiraya approached Aito with a relaxed wave, his usual jovial demeanor masking the seriousness of his visit. "Mind if I interrupt for a moment, Aito? I've got some business to attend to." he said, now facing Aito directly.

Aito raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Why are you here, Jiraya? We're in the middle of training."

Jiraya sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "Takeshi wants me to check the seal holding the Nine-Tails. He mentioned that Minato told him about you doing something to gain the Nine-Tails' trust, and we don't want surprises. We need to make sure everything's stable."

Aito's expression hardened, and his usually composed demeanor showed a hint of irritation. "Konoha isn't in danger, Jiraya. There's no need to check the seal."

Jiraya frowned, taken aback by Aito's defensive tone. "Why are you being so touchy about this? It's a standard precaution."

Aito crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "Because what I did is between me and the Nine-Tails. It's not something Konoha needs to worry about. Revealing it would be breaking his trust, and I won't do that."

Jiraya paused, studying Aito for a moment before shifting his attention to Naruto. "Alright, alright, I get it. But what about Naruto? You don't mind if I take a quick look at his seal, do you?"

Before Naruto could respond, Aito stepped forward, placing himself protectively between Naruto and Jiraya. "Naruto's seal is fine. I would never do anything to jeopardize my brother's life. There's no need for you to check it. We're here to train, and that's what we're going to do. You need to trust me, Jiraya."

Jiraya held up his hands in a placating gesture, a small smile still on his lips, though his eyes were more serious now. "Alright, alright. I'll back off. But you should know, Takeshi isn't going to stop until he finds out exactly what you did."

With that, Jiraya turned and began to walk away, seemingly accepting Aito's stance. Aito kept his eyes on Jiraya until he was out of sight, his posture still tense. Naruto glanced at Aito, a confused frown on his face. "What was that about, Aito?"

"Nothing you need to worry about, Naruto. Let's get back to training. Focus on your breathing this time." Aito shook his head. 'Sorry for referring to you as the Nine-Tails Kurama.'

Unbeknownst to the brothers, Jiraya hadn't completely left. Once far enough away to avoid detection, he found a secluded spot and entered Sage Mode. His senses extended, seeking out Kurama's chakra. He frowned as he realized what he was feeling—Naruto held almost none of Kurama's chakra, while Aito contained nearly all of it.

As soon as Jiraya started seeking out Kurama's chakra, Aito sensed it but didn't do anything, seeing as he had more important things to do, like help his brother master his Kryptonian abilities. It's not like they could really do anything to him.

With the confirmation he needed, Jiraya's face hardened. He quietly withdrew from the area, his thoughts heavy. Takeshi needed to know what Aito had done, and it was clear this situation was far more complex than any of them had anticipated.

(Later that day – Hokage's Office)

The Hokage's office was quiet, with the occasional rustle of paperwork or shifting fabric as the group of elite shinobi waited. Takeshi Senju, the current Hokage, stood behind his desk, his gaze fixed firmly on the door. Jiraiya was leaning casually against a wall, his eyes betraying a hint of concern despite his outwardly relaxed demeanor. Shikaku Nara, the Jonin commander, was present as well, his analytical mind already working over countless possibilities. Minato Uchiha, the Yellow Flash, was seated, his expression neutral, while several elite Jonin filled the room in a way that wouldn't crowd or intimidate the young man they were waiting for.

The door creaked open, and Aito stepped into the room. He scanned the gathered shinobi, recognizing each of them instantly, his gaze finally settling on Takeshi. He offered a slight nod. "I'm assuming Jiraiya reported his findings." Aito said, getting straight to the point.

Takeshi's gaze remained steady, a deep sigh escaping his lips. He leaned back slightly, clasping his hands together. "Before we get into that, Aito, I need to ask you one more time. What did you do to gain the Nine-Tails' trust?"

Aito looked at Takeshi, and then his eyes flicked to Jiraiya, who met his gaze with a knowing look. He could tell that Jiraiya knew that Naruto now possessed almost none of Kurama's chakra. Aito exhaled slowly, his posture relaxed, but his eyes focused. "I did the right thing." he said, his voice steady. "Keeping the Nine-Tails split was inhumane. I helped him, and in return, he trusted me."

The room fell silent for a moment. Takeshi and Jiraiya exchanged glances, and Aito could see the weight of the information settling on everyone present. He straightened slightly, his eyes narrowing. "So, what are you all going to do now that you know?"

Takeshi glanced at Jiraiya, who stepped forward, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Aito, there's something you need to understand." Jiraiya began, his tone grave. "We've learned about a group called the Akatsuki. They're collecting the tailed beasts, and they're highly dangerous." He paused, his eyes meeting Aito's. "They've been targeting jinchūriki across the nations."

Aito was silent, his face impassive as the words sunk in. He felt Kurama shift within him, and his thoughts turned inward momentarily. 'The Akatsuki.' he repeated internally. 'If they're collecting all the tailed beasts… they're likely trying to reform the Ten-Tails. That means that someone else out there has the Rinnegan.'

Kurama's voice rumbled in his mind, a mix of annoyance and recognition. "Seems like it's a race now, kid. A race to get the rest of us before they do."

Aito let the silence stretch for several seconds before he finally looked up at Takeshi and the others. His voice was calm yet resolute. "I can take care of myself. And now that you know… I'm planning to safely extract the rest of Kurama from Naruto." he said, meeting Takeshi's eyes directly. "That way, they won't target him."

The room remained silent, the gravity of Aito's words settling over everyone. Jiraiya's eyes narrowed slightly, a mix of concern and pride on his face. Takeshi sighed again, nodding slowly. "We'll need to plan carefully." he said. "But Aito, understand this—what you're doing is dangerous. The Akatsuki aren't enemies to take lightly."

Aito gave a faint smile. "I know, Lord Hokage. But I also know what's right."

Minato, silent until now, looked at his son with a sense of understanding and pride. "You carry a heavy burden, Aito. Just remember, you don't have to carry it alone." he said softly.

Aito nodded, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "I know, Father. I have all of you."

(27 days later – Senju Stadium)

The day of the finals had arrived, and Konoha had made sufficient preparations for the incoming invasion. That included charging the outer walls' energy shield, and evacuation transportation was on standby nearby to get the nobles and important people to safety quickly. Aito told Takeshi to leave the Jinchuriki to him as he had a plan for them; when Takeshi asked what that plan was, Aito simply said, 'We'll never have to worry about an invasion again.'.

The stadium was filled to the neck with Konoha's citizens, Chunin and Genin, those who had failed earlier portions of the Chunin exams, Jonin, Clan heads and their clans, and nobles from all over the Elemental Nations. All the exam participants were down in the stadium pit except for Dosu.

Takeshi and his right hand and leader of ROOT Minato are in the Kage viewing box when the Kazekage, his two guards, Ay, the Raikage, and his two guards enter.

"Lord Kazegake, Lord Raikage, how nice of you to join us. I hope the long journey here didn't tire you." Takeshi greeted

"Quite the opposite. It's quite refreshing to get out of the village every now and then." Ay responded

"Please sit down; the exams are about to begin." Takeshi said before standing up and walking to the railing, "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, welcome and heartfelt thanks for gathering here in Konoha for the Chunin exams. We will now begin the final round of matches between the eight candidates who advanced in the preliminaries. Please, sit back and enjoy!"

(Down in the arena pit)

Genma turned around, holding a sheet of paper, "Before we begin, I have a few announcements. Look here!"

They see that Dosu has been removed from the tournament, so Omoi would fight the winner between Aito and Yugito.

"There have been a few last-minute changes. Look again and confirm your assigned opponent." Genma said, "Listen up. This is the final exam—no set rules, just like the prelims. Fight until one of you dies, concedes, or I decide there's a clear winner and stop the match to prevent death. Got it?"

"All right then, match one, Naruto Uchiha and Neji Hyuga." Genma said, "You two stay down here; the rest of you, proceed to the waiting room outside the arena!"

The arena of the Chunin Exams Finals buzzed with excitement as Naruto Uchiha, Son of Konoha's Yellow Flash, faced off against Neji Hyuga. The sunlight streamed down onto the circular battleground, creating a natural spotlight for the combatants. Naruto stood with a determined look in his eyes, a subtle smile forming on his lips. He could feel the crowd's energy, but his focus was entirely on the opponent in front of him—Neji, whose calm demeanor concealed the power within.

"Begin!" Genma said

Naruto wasted no time and rushed Neji. The prodigious Hyuga activated his Byakugan instantly, his pale eyes narrowing as he focused on Naruto's movements. They closed the distance within seconds, and both combatants locked in a deadly dance as their blows collided rapidly. Neji struck at Naruto's tenketsu, aiming to shut down his chakra network. However, Naruto moved fluidly, dodging Neji's precise strikes, his enhanced reflexes making it look effortless.

Naruto suddenly shifted low, aiming for a leg sweep to take Neji off balance. Neji, his Byakugan catching the subtle motion, anticipated the attack and pushed himself into a backflip, creating distance between them. He landed gracefully, eyes still locked on Naruto.

"You're faster and more nimble than I expected, Naruto." Neji said, calm but with a hint of surprise.

Naruto grinned in response, giving a small shrug. "Thanks. It's genetic." Without giving Neji a moment to prepare, Naruto vanished, his superspeed blurring him from sight. Within a heartbeat, he was right in front of Neji, fist-cocked back and ready to strike.

Neji's eyes widened, and he spun on his heel in a swift response. "Eight Trigrams: Palm Rotation!" he called out, a dome of chakra erupting around him as he spun, forming a near-impenetrable shield. Naruto's fist rushed toward the rotation, and at the last second, Naruto coated his fist with chakra, his eyes narrowing with focus.

A deafening sonic boom echoed across the arena when Naruto's fist collided with Neji's rotation. The sheer force of the impact shook the stadium, sending ripples of dust and debris outward. Neji gritted his teeth, maintaining the rotation, his body fighting against the incredible pressure.

The audience watched in awe for a moment as Neji's Palm Rotation held against Naruto's might. But Naruto wasn't done. He let out a small grunt, pushing more of his power into the punch. The chakra surrounding his fist flared brightly, and Neji's rotation shattered with a final surge of force, the barrier breaking like glass under strain. The shockwave sent Neji hurtling backward, slamming into the pit wall with a loud thud.

Silence fell over the crowd as the dust settled, revealing Neji unconscious, slumped against the cracked wall of the arena. Naruto stood at the center, his arm still extended, breathing slightly heavier but otherwise calm. He lowered his arm and glanced toward the proctor, who quickly moved to check on Neji.

"Winner: Naruto Uchiha!" Genma announced, and the crowd erupted into cheers. Naruto turned to look up at the stands, finding familiar faces cheering for him. He allowed himself a small smile before returning to the unconscious Neji, giving him a nod of respect.

"You fought well, Neji." Naruto said, acknowledging the strength of his fallen opponent before walking away, the crowd's roars echoing in his ears.

"Next match: Shikamaru Nara vs Temari of the Sand!" Genma announced

(Five minutes later)

Shikamaru and Temari's fight was significantly longer than Naruto and Neji's. Still, it ended with Shikamaru forfeiting, claiming that he was running low on chakra and that 'Being Chunin would be a drag.'. When Genma announced Shino and Kankuro's match, Kankuro immediately forfeited.

"Next match: Aito Uchiha vs Yugito Nii."

Aito leaps over the railing, landing in the pit and creating a crater. Yugito leaps over the railing and into the pit but lands with the grace of a cat before walking over to Genma. Aito then stomps the ground, causing it to return to what it was like he had never landed there before walking over to Genma.

"Ready?" Genma asked, only getting nods from Aito and Yugito, "Begin." he declared before stepping back.

Yugito wasted no time. With a fierce battle cry, she launched herself toward Aito, her body a blur of motion. Aito reacted instinctively, his feet moving him backward in a flash as he narrowly avoided her attack. Dust kicked up around them as Yugito's fist crashed into the ground where he had been standing a moment before.

Aito's face softened, an apologetic expression crossing his features. "I apologize, but I need to end this quickly." he said calmly. His eyes briefly flickered with a soft glow beneath the transformation that concealed his Shinryokugan. In an instant, his body disappeared from sight, moving with speed so fast that it made him almost impossible to follow.

'He's so fast.' Everyone but Naruto, Takeshi, and Minato thought

Yugito's eyes widened, but before she could react, Aito appeared behind her, delivering a roundhouse kick that sent her careening into the pit wall. The impact reverberated through the arena, and the audience gasped as a cloud of dust erupted from where she had struck the wall. For a moment, Yugito lay still, her body crumpled within the indent her collision had made.

'Just how strong is he to be able to move so fast that no one can track him and hit hard enough to send her flying across the arena pit?' Everyone but Naruto, Takeshi, and Minato thought

Aito landed gracefully, his eyes focused on Yugito, waiting to see if she would rise. Slowly, she pushed herself up, her body trembling as she did. Her chakra surged, and blue flames began to lick at her skin, forming a cloak of flaming chakra. Matatabi's power leaked out, wrapping her in a protective aura of blazing blue energy. The crowd could feel the sudden spike in heat, and murmurs ran through the spectators.

'Damn, she's resilient.' Aito, Naruto, Takeshi, and Minato thought

'He hits harder than Bee-sensei.' Yugito thought as she struggled to stay standing

High up in the Kage box, Takeshi Senju leaned forward slightly, his gaze shifting to Ay sitting beside him. "It's bold of you." he commented, his tone neutral though his eyes remained alert. "Risky, too, sending your jinchuriki to these exams."

Ay grunted in response, his eyes fixed on the arena below. "I don't doubt her potential. Yugito is strong, but I see the struggle she faces. We both know the burden of being a jinchuriki and what it does to a child." He paused, his voice lowering slightly. "I understand your intentions, Takeshi. If she loses control, lives are at stake—including her own."

In the pit, Yugito growled, the cloak of chakra around her flaring even brighter. She charged at Aito, her movements more feral as Matatabi's influence began seeping into her consciousness. But Aito's expression remained unchanged. He vanished again, a blur of motion that left Yugito striking at empty air.

Before she could even turn, Aito appeared beside her, his leg already swinging in a powerful arc. His roundhouse kick connected cleanly with the side of her head, and her chakra cloak flickered briefly before dissipating entirely. Yugito's eyes rolled back, and she collapsed, her body hitting the ground with a heavy thud.

Aito landed softly, his eyes filled with empathy as he looked down at her unconscious form. He knelt briefly, placing his hand gently on her shoulder. "You fought well." he whispered, a sentiment meant only for her ears.

Genma approached, raising his arm as he looked at the audience. "The winner by knockout—Aito Uchiha!" he announced, his voice carrying across the silent crowd, which quickly erupted into a mix of cheers and murmurs.

Aito stood, his gaze shifting toward the Kage box, meeting Takeshi's approving nod. Ay merely observed, his expression unreadable as he watched the medics carry his young jinchuriki.

"Next match: Aito Uchiha vs Omoi of Kumo!" Genma announced

'There is no way I stand a lick of a chance against him. But if Lord Raikage wants me to fight, I will fight.' Omoi thought

Omoi quickly looked up at the Kage viewing box, silently asking Ay if he wanted him to forfeit the fight so that he wasn't taken out for the invasion. Ay subtly shook his head just enough for Omoi to see.

"Proctor, I forfiet." Omoi said

"Winner by forfeit: Aito Uchiha!" Genma announced

The crowd erupted in cheers as Aito turned and walked away, ready for whatever challenge awaited him next.

After seeing Aito's flawless victory against Yugito, Ay begins to second-guess Orochimaru's plan and reconsiders his and Kumo's involvement in Orochimaru's planned joint invasion. Ay signals for one of his guards to step forward. One of them steps forward and bends down, allowing Ay to whisper into his ear.

"Inform Bee, Yugito, and the rest of our troops participating in the invasion that we are withdrawing from the invasion. Aito is simply too powerful, and I will not risk the lives of my men knowing that we will lose." Aito heard Ay whispered to his guard

'Well, guess I might as well get Gyuki and Matatabi while they are here. Better than having them die at the hands of the Akatsuki; at least I can bring them back.' Aito thought as he made his way to the medical bay within the stadium

"Aito is dominating." Sakura commented, only getting nods from Ino and Hinata, "Just how much do you think Aito was holding in the academy or still is holding back?" She asked, turning to Naruto, "Do you know how much he was or still is holding back?"

"He is holding back quite a bit. If he wanted to, he could take all the available Jonin, Chunin, and probably whatever else Konoha could throw at him and still come out on top." Naruto answered, causing them to go wide-eyed

"Final match: Gaara of the Sand vs Sasuke Uchiha of the Leaf." Genma announced

Gaara appeared in the stadium pit using the Sand Body Flicker Technique. In contrast, Sasuke used a standard Body Flicker Technique.

"Begin!" Genma said, hand chopping through the air

(Minutes later – Medical Bay within the stadium)

After a few minutes of walking, Aito arrives at the Medical Bay, where Kurama directs Aito towards Yugito, who is being treated. As Aito arrives, he finds Yugito, who has just regained consciousness with Killer Bee at her side, both turn their attention to him upon realizing he is in the 'room'.

"What do you want?" Yugito asked with hostility, "You already won the match. What more could you want from me?"

"I'm here to offer you an opportunity." Aito answered, "Both of you, in fact."

"What could you possibly have to offer us?" Yugito asked

"A chance to not remain dead from having your tailed chakra spirit extracted or be hunted by a terrorist organization that is set on collecting them to make a super weapon." Aito answered, "You give them to me, and their attention will be redirected towards me. I'm sure you know I can care for myself and whoever comes after me. But the question is. Can you? Can your village?"

Aito turned to Killer Bee, "I know you are already a perfect jinchuriki, but not even you and Gyuki can take on a group of S-rank missing ninja and come out alive. I'm unsure what kind of relationship you have with Gyuki. Still, if you let me take him, I can guarantee you will be resurrected after extraction."

"Kurama, you want to explain why Aito is offering to redirect the attention of a terrorist organization comprised of S-rank missing ninja at himself?" Gyuki asked

"It is father's will. He wishes for us to be reunited within Aito. He is tired of seeing most of us being treated like weapons of war. Aito is not looking to use us for power but rather to protect us from the Akatsuki." Kurama answered

"If it is Father's will and it guarantees that their attention will be redirected from Bee as well as his resurrection after the extraction, then I will do so." Gyuki said

"Yo, if it's the Sage's will, I'll chill. Gyuki and I will part, but it's all from the heart." Bee said, nodding with a grin.

"I am with Gyuki on this one. If it is Father's will, and Aito will resurrect Yugito after the extraction, I will do so." Matatabi said

Yugito frowned, her eyes narrowing. "Matatabi is... a part of me. How can I trust that you'll keep your promise? How do I know I'll even come back?"

"I understand." Aito said softly. "You have every reason to doubt me. But I swear you will return on my life and my word. I would not offer this if I wasn't certain."

"Will the process be painful?" Yugito asked

"To avoid putting you through unnecessary pain, I will kill you before extraction and resurrect you after extraction so you won't feel a thing." Aito answered

Yugito glanced down, her mind replaying all the times Matatabi had been her protector, her silent companion in solitude. The warmth, the power, and even the comforting presence that had always been with her. She clenched her fists, taking a deep breath. If she could save Matatabi from the Akatsuki and protect her village, then maybe it was the right path. She looked up at Aito with determination.

"Then I am willing to hand Matatabi over as well." Yugtio said, her eyes filled with determination, "But won't that process take hours, if not days?"

"Where the extraction will be taking place, time flows differently. Once we enter, it will be as if the real world has been slowed down until we return." Aito answered before Yugito was consumed by a swirling vortex, followed shortly by Bee

(Aito's Tailed Beast Extraction Dimension)

When Aito arrived in his pocket dimension, he found Yugito and Bee looking around in amazement.

"Amazing. And this world is separate from ours?" Bee asked, getting a nod from Aito

"And because of that, I control how time flows here." Aito answered before walking up to Yugito, "I'll use the quick and painless death for both of you to minimize the pain felt."

"A quick nap, huh? Just make sure you wake us up, bro!" Bee said before Aito walked up to Yugito

"This is the only way, Yugito. I promise I'll bring you both back immediately after the extraction is complete." Aito reassured

Yugito just nods, and with that, Aito grabs her head and snaps her neck, causing her to fall lifeless to the ground before he moves onto Bee and snaps his neck, causing him to join Yugito on the ground lifeless.

'It's to spare them the pain.' Aito thought

With both Yugito and Bee now dead, Aito flips over their bodies before extending both palms as an ethereal purple chain shot from his palms into both Yugito and Bee.

(12 hours later)

As the extraction nears completion, Aito felt Gyuki and Matatabi's consciousness enter his seal. 'Welcome, and thank you for trusting me.'

Seconds later, the ethereal chain retracted, signifying that the extraction was complete. Aito then summons the Sacred Dragon with his B Sacred Dragon Path before it opens its maw, to which Aito picks up Yugito and Bee and tosses them, causing its maw to close. About a minute later, the Sacred Dragon opens its maw and spits Bee and Yugito out.

"Whoa, that was like a rollercoaster through the afterlife. But I guess it was smooth—just like me!" Bee commented

"Let's get back to reality. Just be careful out there. Without your tailed chakra spirits, you'll need to be extra cautious if you cross paths with the Akatsuki." Aito said, pausing briefly. "And if the Raikage asks why you no longer have your tailed chakra spirits, just tell him I offered to redirect the Akatsuki's attention away from Kumo. From what I've heard, he won't be easy to convince, but this explanation might buy you some time. Besides, I'd like to keep Hagoromo's wish between us."

Aito only gets nods in return before all of them are consumed by a swirling vortex.

(Senju Stadium)

Aito, Yugito, and Bee return to reality like they left. Upon taking in their surroundings, Yugito and Bee see a Kumo ninja.

"I'm assuming you're here to tell them that Kumo will withdraw from the joint invasion you originally planned to participate in." Aito said, catching Bee, Yugito, and the Kumo ninja off guard, "We knew about the invasion and have made sufficient preparations to minimize casualties. Additionally, I heard the Raikage say it."

"You weren't even up there with bro. How could you have heard him?" Bee asked

"Now that would be telling." Aito answered, 'ASTRA update.'

"Evacuation and counterattack currently underway. Naruto and Sakura went after Sasuke, who went after Suna's team after Sasuke injured Gaara and they fled." ASTRA answered

"Looks like the invasion is underway. Help if you want, but it's not required." Aito said before he disappeared

(With Naruto, Sasuke, and the Sand Siblings)

Aito appears out of thin air beside Naruto and finds him fighting a fully unleashed Shukaku, with Sasuke and Sakura fighting Kankuro and Temari.

"Backup won't help you!" Shukaku shouted, causing Naruto to turn his attention to his surroundings to find Aito

"Nice of you to show up." Naruto said, "You wanna help me deal with this beast?"

"He is not a beast, Naruto. He is simply misunderstood." Aito barked before he turned his attention to Shukaku, "This can go one of two ways. Either you willingly go back into Gaara, or I isolate you. Either way, you are coming with me."

"Shukaku, I recommend you not make things difficult." Kurama commented

"And where are we going?" Shukaku asked

"Somewhere, no one will be able to bother us." Aito answered, "I know that you have been mistreated. I'm here to rectify that treatment."

"Well, you'll have to drag me kicking and screaming." Shukaku responded

"Have it your way." Aito said before a massive swirling vortex consumed Shukaku. He barely had any time to react before his form was consumed by it, and he disappeared.

Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Kankuro, and Temari just stood there, their faces a mix of awe and disbelief at what they just witnessed

"What was that? Where did you send him?" Naruto asked

"What did you do with our brother!?" Temari asked, her voice tinged with panic, concerned for her brothers' wellbeing

"Somewhere safe for what I plan on doing. You can have your brother back once I'm done with him. Gaara deserves peace, just like any other being. I'm here to make that possible." Aito answered before he was consumed by a swirling vortex

(Aito's Tailed Beast Extraction Dimension)

Aito enters to find Shukaku destroying the surrounding lush grass field.

"Would you calm down, Shukaku?" Aito asked, "I'm not here to hurt you. We are here because Hagoromo asked me to solve the problem of your mistreatment by humans and ninja."

Shukaku stops upon hearing his father's name, "How do you know that name!?" he demanded, eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"Because he mentored me for years and gave me a mission." Aito answered as he took to the air to get up in Shukaku's face before dropping the transformation technique that he had up, revealing the horn-like protrusions on his forehead. "You see these? Hagoromo and I share more than just an understanding."

Shukaku snorted, sand shifting beneath him. "So the old man sent a runt like you? Hah! Why should I trust anything you say, brat?"

"Hagoromo asked me to gather you all—to end this endless cycle of mistreatment. You've been treated like weapons, and I'm here to change that." Aito said, his voice carrying both determination and empathy. "But make no mistake, Shukaku, if you force my hand, I will do what is necessary to fulfill this mission."

Shukaku growled, shifting the sand around him aggressively. "You think you can threaten me, boy?"

"I don't want to fight you, Shukaku. But I will if I have to." Aito's tone hardened slightly. "Neither you nor Gaara is leaving this dimension until I've succeeded. You can return to Gaara's seal willingly, or I'll have to suppress you myself. I know you won't like the latter option."

"Gaara." Aito continued, "is part of this too. He doesn't deserve to be consumed by hatred or to lose himself in a battle with you. I want to help you both, but I need your cooperation."

Shukaku hesitated the swirling sand slowing. "You speak big words, kid. I've seen what you're capable of... But strength doesn't mean you understand us. Prove to me you're not like the rest of them."

"I already hold three of your siblings. I'm not leaving until I hold you, too. I know you are more than humans make you out to be. You aren't beasts; you are your own beings." Aito answered, "Please do not force my hand, Shukaku."

"Three of my siblings, huh? Hah, I bet Kurama gave you a hard time—if he really is stuck in there with you." Shukaku said, the sand swirling slightly with less aggression than before. "You talk big, but you know, words don't mean a damn thing to us after everything humans have put us through." He paused, eyeing Aito's determined face. "But... I can see you're different from the others. You're not trembling like those pathetic fools who only see us as monsters. Maybe... just maybe, you're worth listening to."

The sand settled a bit more, almost reluctantly. "I'll give you a chance, runt. Don't think it means I trust you yet. But for now, I'll go along with what you say." Shukaku's tone was gruff, and though his words conveyed submission, they were laced with an edge of warning. "If you betray us, you'll have more than just me to deal with."

"Go on then, do what you have to." Shukaku said as he retreated back into Gaara's seal, waking him up

Gaara's eyes flickered open, his gaze darting around as he struggled to process his surroundings. He was no longer in the forest amidst the chaos of battle. The world around him was strangely serene, an unfamiliar field that seemed to stretch on forever. His eyes eventually focused on Aito, floating nearby.

"Where... where am I?" Gaara asked, his voice hoarse, his eyes wide with a mix of confusion and suspicion. He instinctively gripped his head as if expecting to feel the searing rage of Shukaku still clawing for control, but it was... calmer. His sand stirred uneasily around him, ready to defend him if needed.

"You're safe, Gaara." Aito said, his tone calm and even. "We're in a pocket dimension of mine. Shukaku is resting. He's not going to take control of you right now."

Gaara stared at Aito, distrustful. "Who are you? What have you done to me?" He took a step back, his gaze narrowing. "Where is Shukaku?"

"Shukaku is still within you." Aito assured him, hovering closer but maintaining a respectful distance to not provoke fear or hostility. "I've calmed him down. I'm here to help both of you—help you find peace, away from all the hatred and chaos."

Gaara's expression hardened, his eyes filled with suspicion. "Peace?" he echoed, almost incredulously, as if the word was foreign to him. "No one wants peace with a monster like me. They all fear me." He clenched his fists, the sand swirling protectively, but it moved more sluggishly than usual. "How do I know you aren't just trying to use me like everyone else?"

Aito's gaze softened, his expression sincere. "I know what it's like to be feared and misunderstood. But you're not a monster, Gaara. You're a person—a shinobi—just like anyone else. I'm not here to use you. I'm here because there's a bigger purpose, one that Hagoromo himself entrusted me with. I want to help you and Shukaku both live without this constant struggle for control."

Gaara hesitated, clearly conflicted. His entire life had been defined by fear, hatred, and the uncontrollable rage of Shukaku. The concept of someone wanting to help him without an ulterior motive was almost impossible to accept. His eyes bore into Aito, searching for any sign of deceit.

"Hagoromo...?" he muttered, almost to himself. He had heard Shukaku speak of their 'father' but it always felt more like a myth than reality.

"Yes, the Sage of Six Paths." Aito nodded. "He entrusted me with the task of reuniting all the Tailed Beasts—to bring them together not as tools of war but as beings who can coexist in balance and peace. And that includes you, Gaara. I want you to be free from the hatred and pain."

Gaara blinked, his expression a mixture of disbelief and something softer—a glimmer of hope, perhaps. "You... really mean that?" he asked his voice barely above a whisper, the vulnerability in his tone betraying the child within him that still longed for acceptance.

Aito nodded, lowering himself to Gaara's level, his voice steady. "I do. You're not alone in this anymore. Let me help you."

Gaara's sand stilled, the tension in his posture easing slightly. He looked at Aito, the disbelief slowly giving way to cautious acceptance. "If... if you can really help me... then..." He hesitated, struggling to find the words. "Then I'll... try."

Aito smiled gently. "That's all I ask. Now, normally, the process of extraction is quite painful, and I don't want to put you through any unnecessary pain. The most painless way is for me to stop your consciousness for a short while." He paused, keeping his voice steady and kind. "I know it sounds frightening, but I promise you, I've done this before. It will feel like you're simply falling asleep, and then I'll bring you back."

That statement scared Gaara, and his sand picked up again.

"I understand this sounds terrifying." Aito continued, making no sudden moves. "But I swear to you, I mean no harm. The jinchuriki I helped before are both alive and well, and they can personally vouch for that. This is the best way to make this as easy as possible for you."

Gaara's eyes widened as Aito spoke, his sand swirling more rapidly around him, forming a protective barrier. His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, a mix of anger and fear. "You want me to trust you, even after saying that?" His eyes narrowed, clearly wary. "You expect me to just... let you kill me?"

Aito remained calm, hovering at a respectful distance. "I understand how it sounds, Gaara. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I promise I'm unlike the others who've used you. This is the least painful way to do it; you won't be gone. I'll bring you back like I did with the others."

Gaara's expression hardened, his sand twitching as though caught between attack and retreat. "Everyone fears me... hates me. They've always wanted me dead." He shook his head, his eyes momentarily betraying the loneliness and confusion that ran deep. "Why should I believe you? Why would you care about sparing me pain?"

Aito's gaze softened, his voice gentle. "Because I know what it's like to be treated like something other than a person—to be feared or used. You're not a monster, Gaara. You're someone who deserves a chance at something better, and I want to help give you that chance."

Gaara hesitated, his expression faltering for a moment. He looked down at his own hands, almost lost in thought, then back at Aito. "You... you really mean that?" His voice was barely audible, more vulnerable than it had been in years. "You're not just trying to use me?"

Aito nodded firmly. "I really mean it. This isn't about using you or hurting you. It's about freeing you—from all of it."

Gaara was silent for several long moments, the tension in his sand lessening, and the barrier it formed slowly began to lower. His eyes still held caution, but there was something else now—a glimmer of hope, albeit hesitant. "If you... if you can really do that... then I'll try."

Aito smiled, a genuine warmth behind his eyes. "That's all I ask, Gaara. I'll make sure this is as quick and painless as possible. Trust me, you'll be back before you know it."

Gaara took a shaky breath, the sand settling back to the ground as he nodded, still unsure but willing to take the risk. "Do what you have to, then..."

Aito walked up to Gaara, towering over him. He gently grabs his head and snaps his neck, causing his body to fall lifeless to the ground. Aito then gently flipped Gaara over and extended his palm before a purple, ethereal chain shot from his palm into Gaara before he started the extraction process.

(Hours later)

As the extraction process neared completion, Aito could feel Shukaku's consciousness enter his seal, signifying that the extraction was complete. The purple ethereal chain retracted, and Aito immediately summoned the Sacred Dragon. It's maw opens, and he tosses Gaara in before it's maw closed. Minutes later, the Sacred Dragon opens its maw and spits Gaara out.

'Welcome, Shukaku. Thank you for trusting me.' Aito said internally

Gaara gasped as he came to, the feeling of air rushing back into his lungs overwhelming. His eyes shot open, wide and frantic, as he found himself spat out onto the grass. He coughed, his entire body trembling, the sensation of death still fresh in his mind. For a few moments, all he could do was lie there, breathing heavily, his fingers clutching at the earth beneath him.

"W-what...?" he stammered, disoriented, his vision still blurry from the ordeal. The emptiness struck him the hardest—something was missing, something that had been with him his entire life. He raised a shaky hand to his chest, trying to make sense of the sensation. "Shukaku... he's... gone?"

Aito hovered close by, maintaining a safe distance, his expression calm and compassionate. "Shukaku has been safely extracted. You did well, Gaara. I promised to bring you back, and here you are."

Gaara looked up at Aito, blinking as the words slowly began to register. He sat up slowly, still feeling a strange hollowness inside him where Shukaku's presence used to be. There was no deafening voice in his mind, no constant tension as he fought to keep Shukaku in check. For the first time in his life, there was silence.

"You..." Gaara swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on Aito. "You really did it... You brought me back." His voice was barely above a whisper, a mixture of disbelief and awe. "Why? You... didn't have to. You could have just taken Shukaku and left me."

Aito knelt down to meet Gaara's eye level, his tone sincere. "I told you, Gaara. I'm not here to hurt you. I want to help you find peace—real peace. You deserve that chance, just like anyone else."

Gaara's expression softened, his guarded demeanor slowly unraveling as he processed Aito's words. He was silent for a long moment, his emotions almost overwhelming. He had expected betrayal, pain, and abandonment—just like always. Instead, Aito kept his promise.

Aito watched Gaara carefully and spoke again, his voice gentle. "While extracting Shukaku, I felt something else—another presence within you. It wasn't Shukaku's chakra, but something familiar... caring. It felt like the chakra of a mother protecting her child."

Gaara's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. "A... mother?" His voice trembled, and his eyes glistened, reflecting his turmoil. "My mother...?"

Aito nodded, his gaze never leaving Gaara's. "Yes. It felt like your mother's chakra was wrapped around you, even after all this time. I think she loved you deeply, Gaara and her chakra was there to protect you in whatever way she could. Even though you've been through so much pain, you've never truly been alone."

Gaara's heart clenched, and he bowed his head, tears slipping down his cheeks before he could stop them. All his life, he had believed his mother's death had led to his curse—that her hatred had been a source of his suffering. The idea that she loved him and her chakra was still trying to protect him was almost too much to bear.

"I... I don't understand." he whispered, his voice broken. "I thought... I thought she hated me. That I was just a burden... a curse."

Aito's gaze softened, and he placed a gentle hand on Gaara's shoulder. "You were never a curse, Gaara. Your mother loved you enough to leave behind her chakra to watch over you. You're not alone anymore. Let this be the beginning of something new—a chance to find peace for yourself."

Gaara trembled, his tears falling freely, his sand swirling loosely around him as though reflecting the confusion and hope within. "What... what do I do now?" he asked, his voice barely audible, raw with emotion.

Aito gave him a gentle smile. "You live, Gaara. Without fear, without hatred. You have a chance to start over. It won't be easy, and there will be times when you feel lost. But you're not alone anymore. I'm here to help you find your way."

Gaara looked up at Aito, his eyes brimming with uncertainty and a glimmer of hope. He nodded slowly, the weight of his emotions making his voice shaky. "Thank you..." The words were barely audible, spoken with a vulnerability he had never allowed himself before. For the first time, Gaara felt something different—a faint hope that maybe, just maybe, there was more to his life than pain and loneliness.

"Now, let's get back to your siblings. Your sister is worried sick about you." Aito said before they were both consumed by a swirling vortex

(Reality)

Aito and Gaara spit out of the swirling vortex to find Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, Temari, and Kankuro waiting.

"Gaara?!" Temari said in disbelief, fully expecting to never see her little brother again, "You are done with him that quickly?"

"Time flows differently where we were; in reality, we were gone for hours." Aito responded before gently nudging Gaara forward, encouraging him to face his siblings.

Temari and Kankuro exchanged a stunned look before both moved closer, their eyes scanning Gaara as if to confirm that he was really there. "Gaara..." Temari's voice was softer now, filled with emotion she rarely showed. "You're okay?"

Gaara hesitated, meeting his sister's concerned gaze. He nodded slowly, his eyes still filled with uncertainty and confusion from all he had been through. "I... I think so." he said, his voice quiet. He looked down, his hand resting over his chest where he still felt that strange emptiness—where Shukaku used to be. "It's... different now. Shukaku is... gone."

Temari's breath caught, her eyes widening even further. "Gone?" She turned to Aito, her gaze demanding an explanation. "What do you mean 'gone'? What did you do?"

Aito met Temari's gaze evenly, and his tone was still calm and reassuring. "I extracted Shukaku from Gaara. It was a part of my mission, given to me by someone of ancient times." He could see the disbelief in her eyes and added, "Gaara is alive, and he's free now. That's what's important."

Kankuro looked like he wanted to say something, his mouth opening and closing as he processed Aito's words. Finally, he glanced at his brother, his voice unsure. "Is that true, Gaara? Are you... really okay?"

Gaara looked at his brother, his eyes meeting Kankuro's. He was silent for a moment before nodding again. "I'm... different. It's quiet now." he admitted. "For the first time, it's quiet." His voice had a vulnerability that neither Temari nor Kankuro had ever heard from him before.

Kankuro stepped forward, his eyes softening. "Quiet, huh? Maybe that's not such a bad thing, Gaara." he said, his voice gentle. "You've never had a chance to just be... you."

Temari, her heart heavy with a mixture of relief and uncertainty, placed a tentative hand on Gaara's shoulder. "We'll figure this out, Gaara. Together." She looked at Aito, her gaze softening a little. "Thank you. For bringing him back."

Aito gave a small nod. "He's not alone anymore. And he's not the only one we have to protect right now." His gaze shifted toward Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke, who had been watching the interaction in silence, their expressions ranging from confusion to curiosity.

Naruto stepped forward, his brows furrowed in concern. "So, wait, this guy..." He pointed at Gaara. "Is he okay now? He doesn't have the... beast in him anymore?"

Aito's eyes narrowed slightly, and his tone, while still controlled, held an edge of irritation. "They are not 'beasts,' Naruto. They are Tailed Chakra Spirits—living beings, with thoughts and emotions, who deserve respect." He paused, his gaze steady on Naruto. "Shukaku is no longer within Gaara, but understand this—they were never just monsters. They were misunderstood and mistreated, and it's my mission to help them find peace too."

Naruto blinked, surprised by Aito's sharp response. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Uh, right, sorry about that. I didn't mean to disrespect them..." He looked at Gaara, then back at Aito. "So, is Gaara really okay now?"

Aito softened his expression, nodding. "Yes. Gaara is no longer a jinchuriki, and he's safe. It will take time for him to adjust, but he's free now, Naruto. And that's what matters."

Gaara watched the interaction, his eyes widening slightly at Aito's words. No one had ever defended Shukaku like that, much less in front of him. He could sense Aito's genuine care for Shukaku and the other Tailed Beasts—a respect that no one else seemed to understand. Slowly, he nodded. "I think... I am okay now. It feels... different, but I think it's a good kind of different."

Naruto smiled, his expression softening as he looked at Gaara. "That's good to hear, Gaara. And hey, maybe now you and I can figure things out together, huh?"

Gaara met Naruto's gaze, a flicker of something like hope in his eyes. "Maybe..."

Sasuke, who had been standing with his arms crossed, finally spoke, his tone skeptical. "So, we're all just friends now?" He glanced at Gaara, his Sharingan still active as if expecting an attack at any moment.

Aito turned to Sasuke, his expression calm. "Trust takes time, Sasuke. No one's saying everything changes overnight. But right now, we have a bigger threat to deal with—the Sand and Sound invasion isn't over. We need to work together if we want to keep the village safe."

Sasuke frowned but gave a small nod. "Fine. As long as he's not a threat anymore."

Gaara looked at Sasuke, the defensiveness still visible in his stance. "I don't want to be a threat." he said quietly. "I just... want to understand what comes next."

Temari stepped closer to her brother, her gaze filled with determination. "We're going to protect you now, Gaara. You're not alone anymore."

Kankuro nodded as well. "We're with you, bro. Whatever comes next, we'll face it together."

Aito looked at the group of Konoha ninja, his heart warming at the sight of Gaara surrounded by his siblings and Naruto, who seemed to understand what Gaara was feeling. He nodded, his voice strong. "Right now, we stand together. There's still a battle outside these walls, and we need to face it. But when it's over, we'll all have time to figure things out—no more fear or hatred. Just a chance to start over."

Naruto grinned, his eyes alight with determination. "You've got it, Aito. Let's show these invaders what we're made of!"

Sasuke glanced at Naruto, then at Aito, before nodding reluctantly. "Let's get this over with."

Aito looked at Gaara one more time, giving him a nod of encouragement. "Stay close to your siblings. We'll get through this together."

Gaara met Aito's gaze, a hint of determination returning to his own eyes. "Right." He looked at Temari and Kankuro, both of whom stood protectively beside him, ready for whatever was to come.

And with that, the Naruto, Aito, Sakura, and Sasuke turned their attention back to the looming threat beyond them, ready to defend the village and face whatever challenges lay ahead—together.

(Days later – Konoha)

The sun had begun its descent, painting the village in warm, golden hues as Konoha stirred to life after the chaos of the Sand-Sound invasion. The streets were filled with villagers and ninjas, busy repairing minor damages and rebuilding the sense of normalcy that had always characterized the Hidden Leaf Village. Konoha had triumphed with minimal damage and casualties despite the attack, and a sense of resilience thrummed through the air. For Aito Uchiha, though, it was a bittersweet moment that marked the end of an era.

Aito walked towards the Hokage Residence, his steps heavy but resolute. The purpose of his mission weighed on him, and he knew what he had to do. He had decided to leave Konoha behind to become a missing ninja for reasons only he could understand. He couldn't risk Konoha becoming a target for those after his power, especially not with the Akatsuki in the shadows. He needed to leave to protect the ones he loved and fulfill the mission given to him by Hagoromo, even if it meant severing ties with everything and everyone he cherished.

(With Takeshi)

Aito found Takeshi, the Hokage, standing at the gate of the Hokage's office, overseeing the recovery effort. Takeshi turned as he felt Aito approach, sensing the seriousness in his aura. Takeshi's calm gaze met Aito's rich black eyes, and for a moment, neither spoke.

"I'm leaving, Takeshi." Aito said simply.

Takeshi's brow furrowed. "Leaving? What are you talking about? The village needs you now more than ever."

Aito shook his head, a sad smile tugging at his lips. "The village will be safer without me here. I can't allow myself to become a weakness—a reason for Konoha to be attacked again. You and everyone here are strong. I trust you to protect the village."

Takeshi sighed heavily, his eyes softening. He understood, even though it pained him. He placed a hand on Aito's shoulder. "You've always made the hard choices, Aito. Just promise me that you'll stay safe out there."

Aito nodded. "I promise." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Takeshi with a mixture of pride and sorrow.

(With Tsunade and Jiraya)

Tsunade and Jiraiya stood side by side near the hospital. They had been helping with healing the injured, and they watched as Aito approached them. Jiraiya, usually so jovial, wore a serious expression. Tsunade crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"So, you're really doing this?" Tsunade asked, her voice a mix of frustration and sadness.

"I have to, Tsunade." Aito replied softly, his gaze dropping momentarily. "If I stay, Konoha becomes a target. I can't risk that."

Jiraiya sighed heavily, his eyes showing an understanding only someone with a lifetime of experience could have. "The path you're choosing... it's not going to be easy, kid. But I know why you're doing it. Just don't forget that you have people who care about you here."

Tsunade stepped closer, her voice gentler. "Don't get yourself killed, Aito. We'll be waiting for you to come back someday."

Aito gave them a respectful bow. "Thank you, both of you. For everything."

(With Minato, Kushina, and Naruto)

Finding his parents and his twin brother, Aito felt his heart tighten. They stood together in their home, where he had grown up—a place full of love and warmth.

Kushina's eyes were already glistening with unshed tears. "Aito... are you really leaving?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Aito nodded, his own eyes softening as he looked at her. He kneeled, bringing himself closer to her height, and gently hugged her. "I have to, Mom. I must protect all of you; this is the only way."

Minato placed a hand on his son's shoulder, his expression a mix of pride and sadness. "You're doing what you think is right. Just know that we'll always be here, waiting for you."

Standing beside them, Naruto tried to keep his emotions in check, but his voice cracked. "You better come back someday, Aito. We're supposed to do this together—change everything."

Aito pulled his twin into a tight hug. "I know, Naruto. And you will change everything. I'll be out there, making sure you have the chance to do it."

(With Fugaku, Mikoto, Itachi, and Sasuke)

At the Uchiha compound, Aito found Fugaku and Mikoto standing with their sons, Itachi and Sasuke. Fugaku nodded as Aito approached, a silent acknowledgment of what was happening.

"You're leaving." Fugaku stated, his voice even.

"Yes, Uncle. It's for the best." Aito replied, bowing respectfully.

Mikoto stepped forward, her eyes filled with sadness. "You've always been like a second son to us, Aito. Promise me you'll take care of yourself out there."

Aito smiled gently. "I promise, Aunt Mikoto."

Itachi looked at Aito, his expression unreadable. "I understand why you must leave, but know that you'll always have a place here." he said softly.

Sasuke, his eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and hurt, spoke up. "Why now, Aito? Why leave when things are finally getting better?"

Aito rested a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "Because sometimes, we must make sacrifices to protect what we care about. I'll watch over all of you, even if I'm not here."

(Gates of Konoha)

Aito made his way to the village gates, the final step before leaving everything behind. The familiar sights of Konoha—the bustling streets, the Hokage monument in the distance—were now memories he would carry with him. He paused, taking a deep breath, and turned back one last time, the wind catching his crimson-tipped hair.

"Goodbye for now, Konoha." he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'll be back when this is all over and done with."

And with that, Aito Uchiha stepped into the shadows, leaving behind the only home he had ever known for now to protect it from afar.

Author's Note:

I'm upping the minimum word count per chapter that I'm aiming for from here on out from 2.5k to 5k