Another BIG chapter, lots of things happening ... and lots of things NOT happening. I didn't like the blood prison movie, the idea was good but the plot straight up absurd so I'm "nuking" it, quite litteraly.
In this chapter I'm introducing a few new characters into Naruto's shenanigans, before anyone gets excited, this is NOT a harem fic, there are thousands out there, go find one yourself.
Naruto kept tugging at the wooden cage, testing for any weakness. He had to find something—anything. Losing now wasn't an option. Not after everything he'd achieved.
"Would you take a moment to stop struggling and think?" Kurama's voice echoed through his mind, calm yet pointed.
Naruto frowned. "As much as I appreciate your expertise with prisons, I'm working on it, okay? I need to concentrate," he muttered under his breath. He'd been on the road with the ANBU escort for hours, and judging by the landmarks, they'd be crossing the Land of Grass border soon.
"You're being an idiot," the fox retorted dryly.
Naruto paused, his muscles tense as he momentarily gathered his strength. "It's part of our deal," he said firmly. "I have to escape on my own."
Inside the seal, Kurama sat with an amused yet exasperated look. The great fox leaned closer, his enormous frame radiating power. "Listen, brat, I've been locked up for nearly a century. As much as a part of me thinks it might do you humans some good to see what that's like, it's not something I'd wish on you. Deal or no deal, I'm giving you advice whether you want it or not."
Naruto's spirit turned to face the fox, skeptical. "Yeah? What's your brilliant idea?"
Kurama's lips curled into a toothy grin as he gestured lazily with his paw. "Unless you failed to notice, this little wooden cage has you nearly immobilized. You don't need brute strength to break free—you need timing. When the moment's right, you know what to do."
Naruto blinked, then realization dawned on him. "Oh... Oh, right. I could—wait, no. Not yet," he said, shaking his head. "I need to wait until—"
Kurama snorted. "Good. At least you're learning. As cunning as a true fox. Now, quit yanking at splinters and focus. Prepare your escape."
By the next day, the ANBU had reached the border of the Land of Grass. A squad of Grass shinobi awaited them, their faces stoic as they moved to complete the transfer. The Konoha ANBU handed over the sealed cage, exchanged a few curt words, and without ceremony, turned back toward Konoha.
Naruto remained silent, his head low, fighting the grin threatening to spread across his face. This was almost too easy.
Once the Grass shinobi took custody and began their journey toward the prison, Naruto began to focus. He closed his eyes, drawing on the faint yet vibrant pulse of natural chakra around him. Slowly, steadily, he allowed the energy to flow into him.
Half an hour later, a massive structure loomed on the horizon—dark, foreboding, and unmistakably the prison he'd been sentenced to. His captors trudged onward, oblivious to the silent storm brewing within their prisoner.
Naruto opened his eyes, and the bright blue irises burned with a fiery red hue. Senjutsu energy surged through his body. With a sharp exhale, he unleashed his strength. The wooden cage exploded into a rain of splinters, scattering across the terrain.
Before the stunned Grass shinobi could react, Naruto was upon them. Quick, precise strikes rendered them unconscious, their bodies crumpling to the ground like rag dolls.
Standing amidst the chaos, Naruto cracked his knuckles and exhaled, shaking off the last remnants of the suppressing seals. The horizon was clear, but the clock was ticking. It was time to improvise.
"Okay," he muttered to himself, scanning his surroundings. "What's the next move, Uzumaki?"
The guards at the gate of Hozuki Castle stood at attention as the expected shinobi from Konoha arrived. Naruto Uzumaki was bound tightly with ropes, his captors—a group of four Grass shinobi—escorting him with an air of grim authority. Once inside the castle, the leader of the escort spoke to one of the prison guards.
"Send a message to Konoha. Inform the Hokage that their shinobi has arrived at his destination. We need to report to our squad leader immediately, so we won't be making a detour for the paperwork," the Grass shinobi said curtly.
The guard waved dismissively. "Ah, don't worry about it. That's standard protocol for us. Unless some hidden village demands immediate confirmation, we handle the messages."
With a nod, the escort left the castle quickly, their departure raising no suspicions. Inside, Naruto met the warden, Mui. The man radiated authority, but Naruto's first impression was less than favorable. As far as he could tell, Mui was, well... an asshole.
Mui wasted no time, applying suppressing seals to the new prisoners. Naruto winced inwardly, worried that the seal might disrupt his plan, but to his relief, it wasn't strong enough to destabilize the clone—carefully infused with natural chakra—that he'd left in his place.
A few kilometers away, the real Naruto stood among the unconscious Grass shinobi, dispelling the clones that had impersonated his captors. He quickly stashed the bound shinobi in a hidden location where no one would stumble upon them before they had a chance to free themselves.
"And that's how you escape prison without ever actually escaping," Naruto said, a self-satisfied smirk spreading across his face.
Inside the seal, Kurama rolled onto the ground, laughing heartily. "Hahaha! That was brilliant! By the time anyone figures out something's off, you'll be a few countries away. Well played, kit."
Naruto chuckled but fell quiet after a moment, glancing at the horizon. He'd been running in a random direction, and only now did it occur to him—he had no idea what to do next.
"I can't go back to the village. They'd just send me back to prison. For all I know, they've already put me in the Bingo Book," he muttered, frustration lacing his voice.
Kurama's laughter softened, replaced by a tone of quiet understanding. "Welcome to the club, kid. That's how it feels to be hunted by the entire world."
Naruto sighed, clenching his fists. "I have to tell Hinata I'm okay. That I'm innocent. But letters would be intercepted, and I can't trust anyone at this point." His voice dropped. "I'm in exile."
Kurama's golden eyes gleamed as he posed a question. "Do you trust me?"
Naruto blinked, taken aback by the sudden query. "What kind of question is that? Of course I trust you, furball!"
The fox grinned. "Then let's align on a common goal. It's time to take out the Akatsuki. It had to be done eventually, and now that you're unshackled from Konoha's orders, there's a lot we can accomplish."
Naruto tilted his head, mulling over the suggestion. "The Akatsuki... They probably don't even know I've been sent to prison. That gives me an advantage."
"Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't," Kurama replied. "But surprise is an edge you can use. So, what's your plan?"
Naruto sighed. "First, I need supplies and rest. Good thing traveling with Jiraiya taught me how to get by in the field—though we weren't fugitives back then."
"Then we head north," Kurama declared.
Naruto began moving, trusting his partner's instincts. "Why north, specifically?"
Kurama's tone grew serious. "Because my brother, Chōmei, is there. The humans call him the Nanabi—the Seven-Tails. When Hashirama handed us over to the hidden villages like trophies, Chōmei ended up sealed in someone from the Land of Waterfalls."
Naruto frowned. "But the Land of Waterfalls isn't a major shinobi country. Why would a jinchūriki be there?"
Kurama huffed. "Yet another thing Mito got wrong, at the time they actually believed they would turn out to be a strong military force," he said, his tone sharp, though he left the remark unexplained. "Chōmei is a giant rhinoceros beetle. And yes, one of my brothers is an insect," he added preemptively.
Naruto raised his hands in mock surrender. "No offense meant! I was just surprised, that's all."
Kurama snorted but let it slide. "If the Akatsuki already found him, we'll deal with it. But they haven't—not yet. I can still sense the tailed beasts that haven't been sealed away. If we move quickly, we can reach Chōmei and convince his host to join our campaign."
Naruto's eyes lit up with determination. "A new ally... That's perfect. I just hope this jinchūriki is easier to deal with than Gaara was."
Kurama chuckled, his deep voice reverberating with amusement. "With Chōmei? Nah, he's probably spoiled his host rotten. But you'll see soon enough."
Naruto pressed forward, his resolve firm. This wasn't just about survival anymore—it was about striking back, proving his innocence, and setting the world on a better path. With Kurama's guidance and a growing plan, the next step in his journey was clear.
"We need to speed up this operation," Tsunade stated firmly, her tone sharp with impatience. It was the fifth time she'd repeated herself since the emergency meeting began.
"And I'm telling you, we can't successfully complete a joint operation in under a week," Shikamaru countered, maintaining his calm demeanor. "If it were Suna, maybe, but—"
"You're just saying that because you're spending time with Temari," Kakashi interjected lazily, raising his head from the novel he was reading. His single visible eye sparkled with amusement before returning to the page.
Shikamaru's glare could have melted stone. "Anyway," he drawled, ignoring Kakashi, "the Hidden Cloud is a neutral party at best. It's a miracle they even agreed to cooperate with us in the first place." He gestured to the letters sprawled across the table, correspondence he'd been handling with Kumo's representatives. "Diplomacy takes time. A week is nothing in the grand scheme of things."
"It is," Tsunade snapped, "when not even an hour after the operation starts, the head of a clan storms into my office!"
Shikamaru and Kakashi exchanged a glance. They had been briefed on Hiashi Hyūga's visit: his revelation of Naruto's bond with Hinata, the unforeseen chaos caused by the Blood Prison operation, and the Hyūga clan's decision to retaliate by isolating themselves from village affairs. Tsunade had also mentioned that Sakura, acting on her orders, had tried to apologize to Hiashi directly—only to be barred from entering the Hyūga compound.
"The Hyūga are cutting themselves off from the village," Tsunade continued, her voice laced with frustration. "Rumors are spreading, and it's already affecting us. I had to deny nearly a fifth of the missions on our roster because there weren't any Hyūga available to assign!"
"Well, that's good news," Shikamaru said nonchalantly, sipping from his cup of tea.
Tsunade's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Good?! One of our major clans is in rebellion. Two days in, and I'm already losing key resources. How exactly is that good?"
Shikamaru shrugged. "You're losing some money, sure. But in exchange, you're strengthening relations with a major hidden village. Long-term gains, Hokage-sama."
"There's no guarantee the Hyūga won't hold this against the village for the rest of my reign!" Tsunade shot back, her frustration mounting.
"They'll get over it," Shikamaru said, waving her concerns away. "Once they understand the bigger picture and realize the plan behind Naruto's arrest, they'll be as relieved as he is. If you're really that worried about dragging the operation out, I can request Kumo to move our schedule forward by a day. They won't like it, though."
"Do it," Tsunade ordered curtly, already turning to leave. "And someone get me a bottle..."
As the Hokage stormed out of the room, Kakashi closed his book with a soft thwap and turned to Shikamaru, studying him with mild curiosity.
"What?" Shikamaru asked, leaning back in his chair. "I'm giving her sound advice. It's not my fault she can't separate her work from whatever personal connection she has to Naruto."
"That's called trauma, Shikamaru," Kakashi replied, his tone devoid of its usual humor. "But Tsunade has a point. You, on the other hand, don't worry enough. You act like you can predict everyone's reactions perfectly. That might work on a battlefield, but it doesn't apply to a village."
Stretching his arms, Kakashi rose and headed toward the door, leaving Shikamaru alone in the Hokage's office.
The young Nara let out a long, exasperated sigh. "Tch... troublesome village."
Three days after Naruto's little trick at Hōzuki Castle, he finally reached the Land of Waterfalls. Oddly enough, there weren't many waterfalls in sight. If countries had to reflect their names, he figured Konoha should have been built on a volcano.
"Couldn't they have called this place the Land of Forests?" he wondered aloud, glancing at the scenery.
"There used to be a Land of That," Kurama replied dryly.
"Oh, so the name was already taken?" Naruto asked, missing the point entirely.
"No, idiot. That was its name—'The Land of That,' literally."
Naruto blinked, then frowned in confusion. "…Humans are weird."
Kurama snorted. "They named your country the Land of Fire just because they thought fire was cool."
"Oh," Naruto said, processing the statement. "Well, they were right!" he declared, beaming.
The fox groaned, covering his ears with his paws. "Spare me. You humans and your ridiculous notions. I can breathe fire. You can't."
"See, that's why I wish I could do that too! Fire's awesome."
"Enough chatter. Head east," Kurama ordered, his tone sharpening. "We're close. And remember, you're still technically a criminal, and your features are… not exactly subtle."
Naruto rolled his eyes but kept moving. "If I managed Gaara, I can handle whoever Chōmei's jinchūriki is."
"Hold," Kurama interrupted abruptly, his voice a low growl. "Something's wrong. To the south—it's definitely my brother's chakra, but it's… overwhelming."
Naruto stiffened. "Akatsuki?"
"Most likely. I'll gather chakra. Get us there quickly!"
Naruto nodded, his pace quickening. "We're really doing this, huh? What should I expect?"
"Working with me will be… different. The seal's open now, so you won't need to worry about how much chakra I flood through. But I don't know what to expect either—I've never worked with anyone before."
Naruto hesitated. "Wait… am I gonna turn into you?"
Kurama groaned in exasperation. "What? No! And I'm not leaving your body, either. As long as I'm here, you're immune to genjutsu. My chakra works like… clay."
Naruto frowned. "Can you simplify that for idiots?"
"Just will it, and my chakra will take shape, you moron!"
Moments later, Kurama's golden chakra enveloped Naruto, transforming his body into a radiant cloak. Guided by Kurama's heightened senses, the blond burst into a clearing—and stopped dead in his tracks.
At the center of the clearing loomed a massive, suspended sphere of water, shimmering ominously in the light.
"That's insane," Naruto muttered.
"Look closer," Kurama urged. "That idiot inside—it's someone we know."
Naruto squinted at the large figure barely visible in the sphere. Recognition dawned. "Kisame," he growled. His eyes then caught another figure, smaller and desperately struggling against the water's pull. "And that's Chōmei's jinchūriki!"
Kurama confirmed. "Yes. Kisame must have drained her chakra through that cursed sword of his. The technique's powerful but unsustainable—he won't last much longer. Save her first."
The golden chakra surged, taking the colossal form of Kurama himself. Sharing control with the fox, Naruto plunged a massive paw into the water sphere. The surface resisted for an instant before giving way, and he dragged the girl free with a powerful swipe.
"We got her!" Naruto shouted.
"Good job, kit," Kurama praised. "But we can't maintain this form for long. We've got seconds before reverting to the basic cloak. Let me handle something first."
Naruto let Kurama guide him, the fox's form assuming a familiar, ominous stance that sent shivers down his spine. Memories of their battles in the seal flashed before his eyes.
Above Kurama's open jaw, a dense black sphere formed, streaked faintly with red and purple. The fox swallowed the orb and unleashed it in a devastating blast. The projectile roared into the water sphere, instantly evaporating it into a cloud of steam. The water vanished completely, but so did Kurama's physical form, leaving Naruto back in his regular cloak.
Naruto darted forward, catching the jinchūriki before she collapsed. She was conscious but badly injured, her body marked by vicious gashes—clearly inflicted by Kisame's sword, Samehada. Yet, the wounds were already closing, Chōmei's chakra working to heal its host.
"H-He wi-will kill us," she stammered weakly.
"Not on my watch," Naruto assured her. "Reinforcements are here. Give me a few minutes, and that guy's toast. Believe it."
He created a pair of shadow clones, sending them north with the injured girl for safety. Then he turned his attention back to the clearing.
As the last wisps of steam cleared, Kisame emerged, his face twisted into a cruel grin. Samehada was unwrapped and gleaming hungrily, ready to drain more chakra.
"My, my… you've grown since we last met," the shark-man sneered. "But it won't be enough. No sane creature challenges a predator head-on. Samehada will devour you whole."
Naruto let out an exaggerated sigh. "Says the kettle to the teapot. Wasn't it you who said you'd cut off my legs three years ago? Big talk. This time, I'm doing much worse—for every jinchūriki you've hunted. How many of us still haven't been hunted down like animals?"
Kisame snorted, his shark-like grin stretching wide. "Fine. Since you and the insect brat are about to join the club, that makes seven. We're saving the best for last, tying up the loose ends."
Naruto's frown deepened, his jaw tightening.
"Oh, did that upset you?" Kisame taunted, feeding off the reaction. "It's almost disappointing, really. I expected you jinchūriki to put up more of a fight. But no, you drop like flies. Almost feels like a waste of my talents."
Despite the provocations, Naruto didn't move. He stood his ground, his gaze shifting casually around the clearing. Kisame found it unsettling. The boy had changed, yes, but not by much—people didn't evolve that drastically in just a few years. Yet there was something unshakable in his demeanor that gnawed at the shark-man's instincts.
Annoyed by the blond's lack of aggression, Kisame lunged, his massive blade gleaming hungrily. But Naruto's voice stopped him mid-charge.
"Where's Itachi?" the jinchūriki asked coolly, his eyes fixed on Kisame. "I can't sense anyone else nearby. Weren't you supposed to work in pairs?"
The mention of his former partner drew a shadow across Kisame's face. His forced smile barely masked the lingering grief. "Didn't you know? Your old friend Sasuke finally fulfilled his objective."
Naruto's eyes widened momentarily in surprise before softening into a smile—an expression mirrored by Kurama within the seal. The reaction only served to inflame Kisame's anger.
"What's so funny, you fishcake?" the Akatsuki member snapped.
Naruto chuckled, his voice calm but sharp. "Let's just say my partner and I are very glad to hear there's one less Sharingan user to deal with." His smile widened as he added, "One down. Two to go."
Kisame's rage boiled over. "I'LL MAKE A RIVER OF YOUR BLOOD!" he roared, swinging Samehada with murderous intent. The sword craved Naruto's chakra, and Kisame intended to feed it well. He would replenish himself, trap the brat in a fresh water prison, and end this fight with his pride intact.
Naruto remained composed. "All going according to plan," he muttered under his breath as he dispelled his shadow clones and raised his arms in a defensive stance.
Samehada's jagged scales ripped through Naruto's skin, piercing even the protective layer of Kurama's chakra. The blade greedily absorbed the blond's energy, and Kisame felt a surge of power as it fed. His triumphant grin returned.
"You're finished," Kisame growled. "You're still just an idiot—"
He stopped mid-sentence, his triumph turning to confusion as Samehada began to quiver in his grip. Without warning, the sword's scales turned gray and brittle. The transformation spread rapidly, petrifying the blade entirely. The stone effect crawled up Kisame's arms, paralyzing him as he struggled to comprehend what was happening.
Naruto stepped back, his forearms glowing faintly as Kurama worked to heal the injuries from Samehada's earlier bite. "Let me guess," Naruto said, his voice laced with mockery. "'What have you done, you monster?' Sound about right?"
Kisame recoiled, his stone-covered arms throbbing in pain. "What is this?!" he bellowed, his voice tinged with panic.
"That," Naruto explained, "is natural chakra. While we've been chatting, my clones have been gathering it nonstop. The longer you talked, the more they gathered. Turns out, your sword's appetite for chakra was its undoing."
Kisame's eyes widened in horror as Naruto continued advancing, his tone almost conversational. "Thing is, you can't just flood your body with natural chakra. It's dangerous. Too much, and…" He gestured toward the petrified Samehada. "You end up like that. Stone, fire, liquid—I was curious how it would react. Stone works just fine."
"You… you…" Kisame stammered, his usual composure shattered. Samehada, the sword he had trusted for years, was now nothing but dead weight.
Naruto smirked. "In your own words, I expected you to put up more of a fight. Pretty disappointing." Golden chakra arms sprouted from Naruto's cloak, swirling with power. He raised his real arms above his head, and a spinning orb of wind and energy materialized in his grasp. The deafening screech of the Rasenshuriken filled the clearing, its sharp edges slicing the air with deadly precision. "It's ironic, I am the one who gets to make a river of your blood ... go to hell Kisame."
With one less Akatsuki member to worry about, Naruto allowed himself a sigh of relief. Kurama finished the last of the healing and withdrew his chakra back into the seal.
"Well done, Naruto," the fox said, his voice carrying a rare tone of approval. "Simple and efficient. Turning the enemy's technique against them was a smart move. Your parents would be proud."
Naruto smiled softly. "I had the best partner, though."
"Like that was ever in doubt," Kurama scoffed, though there was a hint of pride in his tone. "Chōmei's host is awake. You should meet her before she takes off."
Taking the advice, Naruto headed to the clearing. The girl he had saved was still there, wringing out her soaked clothes. She looked up and immediately broke into a bright smile.
"Ah! Yellow head!" she exclaimed with unbridled enthusiasm. "Chōmei says you're like me! You've got his brother inside you! Thank you so much for helping with that shark guy! I'm Fū!"
Her energy was infectious, though her peculiar mannerisms threw Naruto off for a moment. Still, there was something familiar about her—a kindred spirit, perhaps.
"Nice to meet you, Fū," Naruto replied warmly. "Actually, I need to talk to you about something."
"Sure! Let's go to my place! I'll get us some food."
Naruto grinned. "Glad to meet another jinchūriki. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, from Konoha. And don't worry about Kisame—he's not coming back from that one."
When they reached Fū's home, Naruto almost regretted the decision—not because of her, but because of her cooking. Her idea of "lunch" turned out to be a plate of flowers. He forced himself to take a bite, his expression betraying him as the sugary-sour taste assaulted his senses. He silently thanked the universe that Kurama wasn't anything other than a carnivorous mammal.
"Guess only Chōmei's jinchūriki gets to enjoy gourmet flowers like insects do," Naruto muttered, trying to mask his reaction and chase the taste from his mouth. "No offense."
"Hehe, none taken!" Fū laughed, her carefree nature shining through. "Can't remember the last time I had lunch with someone. People in the village are so mean… at least the guys who go on missions with me are tolerable."
Naruto's grin turned wry. "Yeah, I get that. Almost got thrown in prison recently because some bozo disguised himself as me and started killing people all over the continent. They couldn't even prove I was innocent—they just wanted to toss me out to avoid a war."
Fū's jaw dropped. "Wow. They must be really stupid."
"You have no idea…" Naruto sighed. "Anyway, Fū, ever heard of the Akatsuki?"
"The Hidden Rain Village? … Brings back memories," Tsunade muttered, her voice heavy with recollection. She could still see the battlefield in her mind—the clash against Hanzo and his horrid salamander. A ruthless dictator, but even he had been mortal enough to push them to the brink of exhaustion. Neither side could claim victory that day.
And now Jiraiya wanted to return to that land of endless rain and sorrow.
"You believe the Akatsuki's main base is located there?" Tsunade asked, snapping herself back to the present.
"Not necessarily," Jiraiya replied, his brow furrowed in uncharacteristic seriousness. "But the reports I've gathered share a disturbing common thread: the Hidden Rain. I've got a bad feeling about this, like I'm walking straight into Orochimaru's den."
It wasn't often that Jiraiya openly expressed apprehension about a mission, and that made Tsunade uneasy. Still, he forced a grin to lighten the mood. "Speaking of which, where's my favorite student? If I'm in town, I might as well buy him some ramen."
Tsunade felt a pang of guilt twist her stomach. "Naruto's on a mission in the Land of Grass. Looks like he'll miss your visit this time."
"Eh? But I saw Kakashi and Sakura in the village. Did he go with another team?"
"No," she said, hesitating. "Let's just say it's… a solo mission for him. I plan to promote him to Chūnin when he returns."
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Chūnin?"
"Yes. I believe he's ready—"
"You haven't promoted him to Jōnin yet?" Jiraiya interrupted, his tone carrying the weight of both disbelief and scolding. For a moment, Tsunade almost forgot she was talking to the village's most infamous pervert; right now, he sounded like a teacher defending his star pupil.
Tsunade sighed, weary of the debate she sensed brewing. "I thought you weren't one for favoritism."
"This isn't favoritism," Jiraiya countered sharply. "Naruto has all the qualities of a great Jōnin."
"He's immature," Tsunade shot back, trying to mask the flicker of doubt in her voice. "I should know, especially after the stunt he pulled to dodge his duties on wall watch."
Jiraiya's glare intensified. "You put Naruto on wall watch? Of all people, you sent him there? You don't think there are others more qualified—and let's be honest, far less essential—to handle that kind of task?"
"It was supposed to be a punishment," Tsunade admitted reluctantly. "He came to me asking for a promotion. When I refused, he argued. I thought a few weeks on wall watch might teach him some humility. Maybe help him learn to respect his superiors."
Jiraiya let out a slow, measured breath. "So you sent him there to give him time to think?" he asked, his voice heavy with disappointment. "Do you mind if I summarise how much good our exile from the village did to us? Orochimaru went mad, you drowned yourself in gambling and booze, and I've spent years chasing shadows. And now Naruto's supposed to somehow be the exception to this pattern?"
Tsunade's scowl deepened, though guilt flickered behind her golden eyes. Jiraiya caught it instantly. "Hime," he said, his tone softer, more probing. "What's really going on?"
Tsunade hesitated, then dropped the bombshell. "Naruto has requested to be removed from the shinobi ranks."
For a brief moment, Jiraiya looked as though he hadn't heard her correctly. He blinked, waiting for the punchline to some absurd joke. When none came, his shock turned to alarm. The idea was so outlandish it barely sounded real—but the look in Tsunade's eyes said otherwise.
"I'm not sure if it was some kind of trick to blackmail me into promoting him," she continued, "or if he's serious and has some other plan…"
But Jiraiya wasn't listening to her explanation. His mind had latched onto one glaring inconsistency.
"If he doesn't want to be a shinobi anymore," he asked slowly, his voice laced with both suspicion and concern, "why is he on a mission?"
"And that's about all I know regarding the Akatsuki... but Kisame did tell me they had captured all of us up to the five tails. Unless he was lying, this means I can still save the jinchuriki of the six and eight tails." Naruto spoke with determination, his voice steady but carrying a hint of urgency. He was glad he managed to keep Fuu's attention; she seemed to share the same energy as him, though not referring to their respective Bijuu.
"So half of us are already gone?" Fuu's voice softened as she processed the information, her brows furrowing in concern. There was a slight tremor in her tone, as if she was struggling to fully grasp the weight of what Naruto was saying.
"Well..." Naruto hesitated, his gaze drifting for a moment. "Gaara had Shukaku, the one-tailed tanuki, but he got caught by the Akatsuki and they extracted his Bijuu. He was brought back to life by—uh..." He trailed off, unsure of the details. "I'm not really sure how it worked, but it's five of us with four tailed beasts."
"Gaara... Gaara... WAIT! The Kazekage?!" Fuu blinked in surprise, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her voice rose slightly, clearly taken aback by the unexpected connection.
"Yeah, him!" Naruto grinned, his tone lightening a bit as he tried to ease the tension. "We're friends now! We started off as enemies, but we're good acquaintances now." His words were casual, but there was an underlying sincerity in his voice, showing the bond he'd formed despite their past.
"I'm not into killing people if not necessary, but if it's okay, I would still like to be your friend!" Fuu's voice was warm and sincere, a lightness in her tone that contrasted the heaviness of their previous conversation. She gave him a small, tentative smile, as if trying to make this moment feel more relaxed.
"Uh... that was way easier than I thought." Naruto blinked, clearly surprised at how quickly things had shifted. His expression softened, a bit of relief showing on his face.
"What?" Fuu raised an eyebrow, looking a little confused, but curious.
"N-Nevermind that! Sure!" Naruto quickly shook his head and grinned, the initial awkwardness fading. "So glad to meet and befriend another Jinchuriki. We gotta stick together, you know? ... I... I'm not forcing you into anything, but these people? They won't give up. All of them are monsters, killers. The last two I fought before Kisame were almost immortals, and—well, I guess you would've died if I didn't intervene." His voice held a touch of seriousness, though he tried to lighten it by offering her a reassuring look.
Fuu leaned against the cave wall, staring out into the distance, her eyes distant and a little lost in thought. "I got caught in his water sphere," she started, her voice quiet, almost as if talking to herself. "Chomei agreed to help me and sent enough chakra so I could transform, but I was still underwater. It was obvious I couldn't fight him head-on... yet I couldn't even run away. He drained Chomei's chakra, and I had given up." She fiddled with a small flower she had picked from the ground, twirling it absentmindedly. Her tone was a little heavier now, like she was reflecting on painful memories. "I came close to dying a few times. While shopping in the village, some fools would try to stab me and run away. I was betrayed by Jonins during missions... I wasn't scared of death, of ending up in this 'hell' that a lot of people keep promising me, no. I was scared of dying alone and without purpose. When you spend as much time as I do in a cave, looking at the forest outside changing month after month, you get to think about your existence. I want to be happy, to smile as much as I can... Chomei tells me it's a funny drive."
Naruto shrugged lightly, a sympathetic look on his face. "I guess a lot of people want just that, even if it is in a more specific context most of the time. Though I can't promise you'll find happiness if you come with me, I do promise I will do my best to keep us alive, believe it." He gave her a determined smile, trying to assure her of his commitment.
Fuu yawned, stretching slightly, before sending him a playful smile. "I trust you then, Mister Nine. I, Lucky Seven Fuu, will be joining you." She extended her fist toward him with a grin, her expression lightening. Naruto met her with a chuckle and bumped his fist against hers, the bond between them solidifying.
"Where are we headed?" she asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice, ready for the next step of their journey.
Naruto paused for a moment, realizing he hadn't thought about the next move. His eyes flicked to the sky as he spoke, uncertain. "Uh... Kurama?"
"I spoke with Chomei while you were having your moment with his Jinchuriki," Kurama's voice rumbled calmly in Naruto's mind. "I explained the situation, and we both agree that we should go search for Saiken, the six-tailed slug. Unless something happened, we should be able to locate him in the Land of Water. Gyuki, the eight-tailed bull, should be in the Land of Lightning, but you can't really go there."
Naruto looked up at Fuu, his expression thoughtful, wondering if Chomei had shared the same information with her. Fuu nodded, catching his glance. She had already been processing their options, her mind working quickly.
Fuu pondered for a moment, tapping her finger against her chin. "The Land of Water... it's quite far, and we might have to get near the Hidden Mist Village..." Her tone was analytical, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. "If you want to avoid crossing the Land of Fire, our best option is to go through the Land of Hot Water, but we might come across a lot of Cloud shinobi." She sighed, clearly weighing the risks. Her expression was serious, yet there was a certain resilience in her eyes.
Naruto's gaze drifted to the ground, his fingers tracing the edges of the dirt beneath him. "The journey will be longer, but I don't want to put us at risk. With so many of the Akatsuki's members gone, I hope we have enough time to find Saiken's Jinchuriki... Uh... I don't have equipment, it was confiscated when I was transferred to those Grass shinobi... Do you—"
Fuu's eyes suddenly lit up. "There!" She quickly dove into a corner of the cave, pulling out a large bag hidden under a flat stone. She opened it with a proud flourish and showed Naruto its contents. "That should be about four million," she said cheerfully. The bag was brimming with ryos, both in coins and marked bills.
Naruto blinked, his eyes wide as he looked at the pile. "Y-You stockpiled quite a lot of money." He scratched the back of his head, a bit taken aback by the sudden display.
Fuu shrugged casually, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. "Meh, that's not from mission payments. When I'm sent out of the village, I often go to casinos or pachinkos. I'm not called Lucky Seven Fuu for nothing!" She patted her stomach proudly, as though her Bijuu was involved in her luck.
Naruto tilted his head in confusion. "Wait... uh... you don't mean you have, like, the power of luck?"
"Why, yes, of course!" Fuu beamed, her tone almost teasing, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"... Luck is not a power." Naruto raised an eyebrow, his voice skeptical, as he looked down at the ryos she'd just revealed.
"Yes, it is!" Fuu argued with a grin.
"If her power is being lucky, I guess I make you cunning," Kurama interjected, his voice full of humor as he chuckled at the situation.
"Don't encourage her, you big furball—" Before Naruto could respond, he suddenly felt a sharp numbness, as if an invisible force had struck him. His body went rigid, and the world around him spun uncontrollably, like a dizzying tilt-a-whirl. His hands shot out to steady himself, but he was forced to stand on them, his legs weak beneath him. He swayed dangerously, feeling like he was about to collapse.
"N-Naruto! W-What's going on?!" Fuu cried out, her eyes wide with concern. She rushed over and forced him to lie on his side, her hands gently helping him to breathe. Her tone was frantic, the worry evident in her voice.
"Th-the clone I left at the prison just dispelled," Naruto managed to rasp out, his vision blurring. His voice was strained, a mix of confusion and frustration. "I—I got his memories..."
The Blood Prison operation was on the verge of being jeopardized by a single man. Tsunade couldn't believe she was actively chasing down Jiraiya. The moment she explained what she had put Naruto into, the Sanin had forced his way out of the village, obviously headed for Hozuki Castle.
"Jiraiya, stop! Do you even care about Kumo's reaction if we mess this up?!" Tsunade shouted, her voice firm but edged with frustration.
"Eat an egg, Tsunade!" Jiraiya shouted back, his tone filled with defiance and stubbornness.
They were both getting too old for this. They had just crossed the Land of Grass border, and Tsunade was barely keeping up, thanks to her chakra seal and optimized control. Jiraiya, on the other hand, seemed to have an endless supply of energy. As they raced onward, the ANBU behind her were beginning to fall behind. Tsunade could hardly blame them—this was no easy pursuit.
Jiraiya was feral, driven by something far beyond mere urgency. Tsunade knew that once he had set his mind on something, the hunt wouldn't stop until he reached his destination. She couldn't shake the feeling that Hozuki Castle was close, but it was as if it had vanished. She lost Jiraiya's trail in the open field, the ANBU team trailing far behind.
The Senju headed toward the only landmark she could see—a long road lined with trees, leading to a cluster of ruins... smoking ruins. Her teammate stood at the end of the road, immobile, staring at the destruction before him.
Tsunade approached carefully, mindful of his volatile state. "Jiraiya, Naruto will be fine. We will be extracting him in a few days. Once he knows the truth—"
"Hime," Jiraiya interrupted her, his voice soft but heavy with meaning. He called her name, catching her off guard and drawing her full attention. "Hozuki Castle should be at the end of this road."
Tsunade's eyes widened. Without another word, she sprinted toward the ruins, her heart pounding. Jiraiya trailed behind her, his movements steady, but she could sense the urgency in his steps.
As they approached, they saw Cloud shinobi in the distance, investigating the ruins. Prisoners had been rounded up, and the prison staff was being treated. Tsunade's mind raced—what had happened here?
A Cloud Jonin gestured for them to stop. "Freeze! The area is dangerous. Civilians are not—"
"I am Tsunade Senju, Hokage of Konoha!" Tsunade's voice rang out with authority. "What happened here? Did Kumo do this? You weren't supposed to raid the place without us! Where is Naruto?!"
The Jonin flinched, clearly intimidated. "I-I apologize, Hokage-sama! We-We aren't part of any raid. Our mission was to monitor activities around the prison. We heard alarms and then there was a great flash of light... and the prison was gone!"
Tsunade pushed through the debris, her heart sinking. She wasn't prepared for what she saw. The prison was a crater, not a single foundation remaining. The destruction was too clean, too precise. It was unlike anything a human could do. Her voice caught in her throat. "Naruto..."
As the ANBU team arrived, Tsunade was momentarily unresponsive, her mind reeling. Jiraiya, sensing her distress, took charge of the situation, gathering information and giving orders. Tsunade sat against a fragment of cement, lost in thought. What had she done? Where was Naruto? She silently begged the gods not to forsake her a third time.
"Tsunade," Jiraiya spoke gently, breaking her from her trance. "I spoke with the guards. They said a group of individuals wearing what appears to be Akatsuki cloaks attacked the prison. Each one had a unique bloodline, and the Warden's seal didn't work on any of them... They also said Naruto was in the solitary cell wing." Tsunade's stomach churned. She had sent Naruto to his death. The operation was supposed to remain secret, yet somehow, the Akatsuki had learned of it. "I'm not sure, but there's one guard who says he saw Naruto get stabbed by one of the assailants... and he turned into smoke."
Her blood ran cold at the thought. "A clone?"
Jiraiya gave her a reassuring smile, though there was sadness in his eyes. "Right before the Akatsuki attacked, a group of Grass shinobi showed up at the door, looking exhausted. They told the guards that Naruto had tricked them all and that they had a clone in their custody." He pulled out a toad summoning scroll. "When a toad or a summoner dies, their name is erased from the register. If Naruto had died, his name would have been gone. But he's alive, Hime. Somewhere. I know him well enough to say that he never even stepped foot in this prison."
Tsunade's eyes welled up with tears, relief flooding her. Naruto, the most unpredictable shinobi in history... he was alive. And hopefully, far from the Akatsuki's reach. But she also feared he didn't trust her anymore. Her heart clenched at the thought. "Kami, I lost his trust."
Jiraiya's expression softened, but his voice was firm. "We have to find him, no matter the cost."
Tsunade nodded, her resolve hardening. "You won't be able to find him," Jiraiya continued, shaking his head. "He traveled with me. He knows how to act like an average traveling civilian. He knows where to avoid, and he knows how to cover his tracks. Even if you find him, he'll just run. He'll think you'll throw him back in prison."
Tsunade clenched her fists, her frustration rising. "I could put an entry in the Bingo Book—"
"Tsunade," Jiraiya scolded gently, his eyes soft but stern. "Naruto is better off on his own. If you won't trust me, at least trust him."
Tsunade opened her mouth to argue, but before she could find the right words, Naruto's voice echoed in her mind. "You don't trust me." Her heart tightened as she looked back at the crater left by the Akatsuki's attack. Jiraiya was right—she had underestimated Naruto. Thankfully, that had probably saved him. "Fine," she whispered, her voice soft. "Nobody must know that Naruto has escaped Hozuki Castle, not yet. We'll delay the information for as long as possible."
Both Sanin turned to the Cloud Jonin. Jiraiya rubbed the back of his head, a wry smile on his face. "Well, I hope you're more stubborn than the Raikage. I can't look for Naruto. If the Akatsuki struck so quickly, it means they're still ahead of us. We need information, and I know where to find it."
"You've seen what they can do..." Tsunade began, her voice tinged with concern. "Just, promise me to be careful this time around."
Jiraiya gave her a roguish grin. "Hime, compared to you, I always bet on the best cause." He winked, turning to leave. "I'll buy you a bottle when I return!"
"They found you that quickly?" Fuu asked, her tone full of concern as Naruto explained the little information his clone had gathered.
"Seems like it," Naruto responded, trying to sit up. His body felt like lead, the weight of the clone's memories dragging him down. "They attacked a high-security prison without hesitation. I wish I could've seen more, but some guy with orange hair just showed up and stabbed my clone." He winced, the pain of receiving so many memories at once still causing a dull ache in his head. "I need water..."
"I have better." Fuu's voice was light, almost playful, but there was an underlying confidence in the way she looked around, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Naruto squinted, trying to figure out what she had in mind. Her sudden movement reminded him of Hinata when she used her Byakugan. "Ah! There."
Before Naruto could react, Fuu was already darting through the bushes, her energy effortless as she moved. A moment later, she returned with a handful of flowers, their petals bright and delicate. Without a word, she pressed them under Naruto's nose, not even waiting for him to object.
The flowers didn't smell bad, but they didn't exactly smell good either—strange, but oddly calming. Naruto's eyes widened as the foggy feeling began to lift, the drowsiness that had clouded his mind receding. "W-Wow, whe-where did you learn that?" he asked, his voice clearer now, though still slightly disoriented.
"Chomei told me!" Fuu said proudly, her grin wide as she spoke. "He knows a lot about nature! Plus, with his chakra, I can see flowers better. He says many insects, like bees, can see more colors than humans do... and I can see edges better too, I guess." Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, clearly excited by the knowledge Chomei had shared with her.
"Wow... but..." Naruto hesitated, still amazed by her abilities. "But you saw through the bushes?"
"Yeah! I saw their pollen!" Fuu giggled, her eyes wide with excitement. Her voice held a childlike wonder, as though she was still discovering the full extent of her powers.
"Oh, so you can also see other things like... gas?" Naruto asked, a little incredulously. He watched her carefully, trying to process everything she was telling him.
Fuu nodded eagerly, her grin never fading. "Yeah!" she said with infectious enthusiasm. "It's so cool, right?"
"Isn't it weird though?" Naruto asked, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "Your vision must be so much more colorful compared to mine."
Fuu thought for a moment, her expression softening. "I don't know," she said gently, her voice reflective. "I've always seen the world like this, so I don't know if I can tell the difference. But the world is beautiful to me." Her words were simple but carried a deep sincerity, as though she found peace in the way she saw everything.
When Naruto felt strong enough to continue, Fuu helped him to his feet. He swayed a little but found his balance with her support. The cool breeze outside the cave felt refreshing, and as he steadied himself, he noticed Fuu was already looking to the north, her gaze far off into the distance.
"Goodbye, stupid village," Fuu muttered, her tone light but filled with finality. There was no looking back now, not for her, and not for him.
"Isn't there anything important you want to bring along?" Naruto asked, glancing around the cave, unsure if Fuu had left anything behind that might be important.
"No," Fuu replied with a shake of her head. "I don't think I have any good memories from this place. Let's go make better ones." Her voice was steady and resolute, as though she was ready to leave her past behind and step into a new future.
Sasuke had killed Orochimaru. Then he had killed Itachi. And now, he was on his way to fight an actual Jinchuriki. Karin couldn't shake the dread that had settled deep in her chest. She no longer felt like part of the team; she felt like a mere tool, disposable, someone Sasuke might abandon once her usefulness ran out.
It was the same nightmare, playing out again and again. A psychopath—Sasuke, in this case—had offered refuge, and now, like the others before him, she felt even more unsafe. Karin silently prayed to the gods, begging for Sasuke's tragic story to end before it pulled her into the next bloodbath.
Jugo was predictable in his hazardous way, but at least he wasn't a threat to her personally. Suigetsu? He was no different from the hundreds of murderers and twisted experiments Orochimaru had surrounded himself with. At least she could beat the crap out of him if it came to that. But Sasuke... Sasuke was different. She couldn't tell if he'd really defeated Orochimaru and Itachi using his own abilities, or if both of them had simply been dying already—Orochimaru was bedridden, Itachi, from what she knew, probably had less than a month to live. But no matter the reason, Sasuke had killed them.
Karin sighed, glancing over at Suigetsu as he complained, as he always did. "Couldn't he send us after a closer Jinchuriki? Walking sucks," he grumbled, his voice carrying through the otherwise silent mountain air.
Jugo remained silent, but it was enough. Sasuke's sword flashed out in a heartbeat, the cold metal gleaming as it pointed directly at Suigetsu. "You make too much noise..." Sasuke warned, his voice calm, but the menace behind it was unmistakable. Karin could see it—Suigetsu wouldn't get another word in. One wrong move, one sound, and Sasuke would slice him apart.
Karin swallowed, a shiver running down her spine. Even if she didn't say anything, she could feel the tension radiating from Sasuke. There was no doubt in her mind that if it came down to it, he wouldn't hesitate to kill any one of them.
They had been walking through the mountains for what felt like days, the oppressive silence broken only by their occasional exchanges. Finally, they reached Sasuke's target—but not hers. She had no stake in this mission anymore, and Suigetsu wasn't here for any Jinchuriki either. He was obsessed with Kisame, convinced that finding him would be some kind of revenge.
Jugo was the only one loyal to Sasuke, and yet he still seemed to act like a servant, the same way he had when Orochimaru was around. But Karin knew better now. Loyalty had little to do with respect; it was fear, survival, and manipulation. Sasuke had a way of bending them all to his will.
And then they found it—the Jinchuriki.
It was obvious, almost immediately, that none of them were prepared for what came next. The Jinchuriki, in a shocking display of power, transformed into a massive octopus-like creature, its enormous form spiraling into the sky. The air was thick with the crackling tension of impending conflict, and Karin's stomach twisted into knots. This was not a fight they were ready for.
Suigetsu cursed under his breath, looking between Sasuke and the Jinchuriki's monstrous form. "We're going to die out here," he muttered, though no one acknowledged him.
Karin stayed silent, her gaze fixed on the creature. The world felt distant, cold, and hopeless. She didn't belong here—she didn't belong with these people anymore. And yet, here she was, walking in the wake of Sasuke's chaos, wondering just how long it would be before her turn in the bloodshed came.
Hinata remained confined in her room, her heart heavy with the weight of unresolved feelings. She had sworn to never fall back into the same dark place she had once been in—despair, hate, and the suffocating feeling of powerlessness. Naruto had been wrongfully accused, she knew it, but no matter what she tried to say, the Hokage would not listen. Kumo always came first. What would they ask for next? Ten unsealed Hyuga women?
Unacceptable.
Her depression had taken a toll on her body. She had barely eaten or drunk anything in the past few days, her body weakening with each passing hour. Her father, Neji, Hanabi, even Konohamaru had visited her often, their concern written clearly on their faces. She tried to smile for them, but it felt hollow. It was all for nothing if Naruto was out there somewhere, suffering, wondering what he had done to deserve this. Or worse, what he hadn't done enough to prevent his friends from turning their backs on him.
Intolerable.
At night, when the house was quiet, Hinata would slip into the gardens of the clan house. She would find herself drawn to the thick training logs, the ones that bore the marks of hundreds of impacts. She rubbed the surface of one, the texture now hardened and smooth with time.
A single punch was enough to shatter the entire log... but it was never enough to release the anger festering inside her. The rage coursing through her veins twisted the natural chakra inside her, constantly in flux, a transformation that was beyond her control. It worried everyone.
Unbearable.
The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft light over the gardens. Hinata stared at it, a strange sense of connection stirring inside her. It felt as though the moon was calling to her, a distant relative reaching out. "Hinata..." Her father's voice broke the silence, and she realized that the sound of wood splinters had woken him up. She blinked, surprised, but didn't turn to face him just yet.
The pale light reflected off her, making her look like something alien, distant from the world. The tears streaming down her face only seemed to confirm the suffering in her heart, and Hiashi, though silent, could feel the weight of it.
"I didn't mean to wake you, Father... Did... did I disturb anyone else?" Hinata asked, her voice barely more than a whisper, filled with guilt.
"No... The elders are worried about your state," Hiashi replied, his tone quiet but serious. "The power Naruto taught you—" He paused for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "They fear your emotional state might lead you to hurt someone unintentionally."
Hinata nodded quietly, her fingers trembling as she looked down at her hands. The idea of hurting someone—of losing control—was frightening, but it was the overwhelming desire to hurt the world back that tormented her. "The idea crossed my mind," she admitted softly, her voice laced with sorrow. "I want to blame someone. I want to hurt the world as much as it hurts me." She turned her eyes to the horizon, the weight of her pain becoming too much to bear. "I dream of crashing down into the Hokage's monument, hunting those responsible. But when I look at myself... I see only red." Her voice cracked as she spoke, and the tears began to flow more freely. "I see a monster, worse than those it tried to take revenge on... I want these dreams to stop, but..."
Hiashi's gaze softened as he approached her. Without a word, he grabbed her hand, his grip firm but filled with a father's tenderness. He could see her suffering, but he also knew that holding onto the rage would consume her. "It's unhealthy to grieve," he said quietly, his voice heavy with experience. "I should know... The two closest people I had in my life are gone—one because I failed to protect them, and the other..." He hesitated for a moment, the pain of those memories evident in his eyes. "There isn't a single day I don't feel haunted by the memory of your mother's body failing for no reason."
He paused, walking around to stand in front of her, his voice steady despite the weight of his past. "And yet... I believe it's even more unhealthy to bottle up all this rage. I cannot remember the last time we sparred." He assumed a Jyuken position, his stance firm and ready. "Would you like to join me?"
Hinata took a deep breath, her emotions swirling like a storm inside her. For a moment, she closed her eyes and felt the natural chakra within her body begin to soften, calming the internal chaos just enough to focus. It wasn't much, but it was enough. Hiashi was right. She could turn this fire inside her into something more than just destruction. She could use it.
"Yes, Father," she said, her voice a whisper of determination. She stepped into position, ready to face what would come next—not just in the sparring, but within herself.
If there was one thing Tsunade enjoyed, it was the weekly meeting with the clan heads. At least there was less paperwork to handle, and most of the time, the meetings revolved around brainstorming ideas, drinking tea, and maintaining good relationships among the village members.
Except this time, the atmosphere in the meeting room was thick with hostility. Hinata was absent from Hiashi's side. The rumor was that she was grieving after Naruto's imprisonment, but whispers about her strange new appearance were making their rounds too. Tsunade couldn't explain it. She had considered asking Jiraiya if he had any experience with unusual powers, but it wasn't the right time to discuss that.
The Hokage had prepared herself mentally to deal with the Hyuga clan's grievances, but the tension in the room was palpable. Half of the table was glaring daggers at her, their animosity clear.
"Good morning, everyone," Tsunade began politely, trying to break the tension. "Thank you for being present. The first order of the day is—"
Before she could finish, Hiashi Hyuga raised his hand, cutting her off with a determined look. "The Hyuga clan would like to use its right to present an urgent matter."
Tsunade could have overruled him, but Hiashi rarely spoke out of turn, and given the context, denying him would make her appear like a tyrant. "Please proceed," she said, bracing herself.
"I would like to address the sudden and unjustified imprisonment of Naruto Uzumaki," Hiashi's voice was calm, but his Byakugan was active, his eyes locked on Tsunade.
No. She had to cut this off before it escalated. "As I've explained, Naruto was sent to Hozuki Castle to prevent further escalation of the hostilities between Konoha and—"
Hiashi slammed his fist against the table, his Byakugan now glowing intensely. His body was perfectly still, as any Jyuken master's should be, but his anger was palpable. "I was not finished, Hokage-sama," he stated coldly.
Tsunade decided to indulge him, wishing she could be more spontaneous than the rigid Hyuga. "Proceed," she muttered, hoping to avoid the coming storm.
"Naruto, as far as we know, has been accused of the attempted assassination of the current Raikage and many Jonin from neighboring lands. I would like to know, Inoichi, were you ordered to search his memories?"
Inoichi Yamanaka, the leader of the Yamanaka clan and member of the Torture and Interrogation division, glanced apologetically at Tsunade before responding. "No, I wasn't even made aware of the arrest until he had already been taken out of the village."
"Shikaku," Hiashi continued, turning to the Nara clan leader. "Did you organize any investigation?"
Shikaku, ever the strategist, shifted uneasily. He had been aware of the blood prison operation but had kept his distance, focusing on his duties as Jonin Commander. He knew that the operation had changed since Naruto went on the run, but the secrecy had to remain intact. "We weren't able to find concrete evidence that would prove Naruto's innocence from Kumo's point of view—"
Hiashi's anger erupted again. This time, his hand crashed through the meeting table, splintering the wood into pieces. "I usually hate involving clan politics, but this is enough! Naruto was to be integrated into the Hyuga clan the very day you imprisoned him! The village betrayed him over the accusation of an enemy, and by extension, the village betrayed our clan." His voice was seething with fury. "My daughter and he were supposed to get engaged in the coming months. She is grieving—she hasn't stopped since he was sent to that hellish place!"
The other clan heads murmured among themselves, some in shock, others in disbelief. Most hadn't known about Naruto and Hinata's engagement plans. However, it was clear to everyone that Hinata's feelings for Naruto had always been evident, even if her father hadn't explicitly shared their plans.
Some clan leaders were furious at Tsunade, believing she had allowed this situation to escalate, and if it were their children in Naruto's position, they would have revolted without hesitation. It was clear now: Tsunade's position was becoming untenable, and Hiashi was taking full advantage of the moment.
Tsunade was left speechless. What could she possibly say in response? She opened her mouth but found no words. Shikaku, ever the neutral voice, attempted to calm the situation.
"Hiashi, Naruto is only in Hozuki Castle temporarily. I'm certain that Kumo or another village will soon be able to provide evidence to prove Naruto's innocence—"
Hiashi interrupted him, his voice low but cutting. "You are counting on the same people responsible for kidnapping my daughter and pushing the Third Hokage to execute my brother to somehow prove that our village's Jinchuriki is innocent?" His gaze swept over the room, the weight of his words sinking in. "I couldn't care less about Kumo's threats. My clan requests that Naruto Uzumaki, if not Naruto Hyuga, be freed and returned to the village as soon as possible."
At the far end of the table, Danzo, who had been mostly silent during the meeting, observed the proceedings with a calculating look. He had been left aside when Tsunade had prepared her operation at Hozuki Castle. What kind of fool sends their most precious weapon, a Jinchuriki, alone and defenseless into another country? Worse yet, the prison had been attacked, and it lay in ruins—Akatsuki's doing, no doubt.
Danzo's mind churned, considering the implications of this whole affair. Tsunade had been keeping secrets, and so had her inner circle. Shikaku's silence was telling. Perhaps Naruto had been captured, or worse, killed. He couldn't tell. But there were cracks in the story, and sooner or later, the destruction of Hozuki Castle would be public knowledge. The ripple effects would be significant, and Danzo had a plan to exploit the chaos that would inevitably follow.
All he needed was a single spark to ignite rebellion, and in that chaos, he would finally rise to power as Hokage. He glanced at his old teammates surrounding Tsunade. They were all thinking the same thing—only they lacked the right guidance to act.
Tsunade stood up, her patience wearing thin. The meeting had devolved into a protest. Clan leaders were openly voicing their concerns, their dissatisfaction with her handling of the situation evident.
"Enough," she said, her voice firm, cutting through the clamor. "Naruto will remain in Hozuki Castle for as long as necessary. Unless we can move on to other matters, this session is over."
Tsunade began to leave the room, but Hiashi wasn't done.
"I have already ordered the members of my clan to remove themselves from active duty until my future son-in-law is returned," Hiashi declared, his voice unwavering. "And if any of you wish to show that your family is not a sacrifice for the village, I invite you to do the same."
As he finished his sentence, Tsunade flared her chakra, the room filling with an ominous pressure, but it was too late. The seed of rebellion had been planted in the minds of the clan leaders. Tsunade's authority had been challenged in ways she hadn't anticipated, and the village was teetering on the edge of something far more dangerous than a mere political dispute.
Naruto slowed his pace to a standstill, feeling the weight of his thoughts. Fuu, who had been keeping up with his rhythm, glanced at him curiously.
"Uh... something wrong?" she asked, sensing a change in the atmosphere.
"I'm an idiot," Naruto muttered, his gaze distant.
Fuu blinked a few times, trying to process his words. "You aren't having a mental breakdown right here and now, are you?"
"What? N-No, I'm fine, I swear!" Naruto immediately flashed a grin, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "I was just thinking about how to make Hinata know I'm alright. I don't want her to worry too much."
Fuu's expression softened, understanding his dilemma. "Ah, your girlfriend! She must be really scared... So what's the plan? Please tell me we aren't dropping by Konoha."
"Nah, we won't get anywhere near the village, I promise," Naruto assured her, his tone more determined now. "But I have an idea."
With a swift movement, Naruto bit his thumb, performing the hand seals needed for the summoning technique. In a puff of smoke, Gamakichi, the teenage toad, appeared with a cheerful grin.
"Hey, Naruto!" Gamakichi exclaimed, looking around before spotting the unfamiliar face standing next to the blond. "Hello, stranger!"
"Heyyyyy! ... Big... guy." Fuu said, trying not to act awkward in front of the giant talking toad. It wasn't the first summon she'd seen, but she still expected something a bit more fox-like from Naruto, given his usual companion.
Gamakichi let out a chuckle, clearly amused. "What's up? Need some help?"
"Well..." Naruto hesitated before explaining, his mood shifting as the conversation turned serious. "I'm basically on the run, and I can't trust anyone right now—not even Jiraiya. So I hope you understand the need for secrecy."
The toad's jovial mood faltered, and he crossed his arms, taking a more serious stance. "And I'd never betray you, Naruto, I promise you that. But why did you call me, then? There's obviously no enemy to fight."
Naruto gave a knowing smile. "Well, no... I actually know the toads have a secret way to travel between Mount Myoboku and pretty much anywhere you guys know. I need you to help me with something important."
Gamakichi raised an eyebrow, looking between Naruto and Fuu. "Uh... is it safe to mention that?" he asked, his tone cautious.
Fuu chimed in with a grin, "Oh, Fuu's a friend! She's a Jinchuriki just like me. She's to be trusted, believe it!" Naruto's eyes sparkled with trust and reassurance as he introduced her.
The toad considered the information for a moment, then nodded. "Fine then. I guess Jiraiya was the one to tell you... yes, we do have a secret method for travel. Though it's mostly for Shima to go shopping in Konoha—she really likes spicy food." Gamakichi's voice carried a playful tone, recalling the peculiar habits of the elder toad.
Naruto's expression grew serious again. "I need you to find someone trustworthy and discreet. Someone who can deliver a message without anyone catching wind of it. It's... really important."
Gamakichi, always eager to help his friends, cracked a wide grin. "Oh, I know just the right person for the job." He gave a little hop in place, his eyes shining with confidence. "You can count on me, Naruto!"
Hinata and Hanabi were in the middle of a sparring session, the younger Hyuga's rapid progress evident in her newfound access to natural chakra. Hinata was struggling to keep up as her sister began closing the gap. Hanabi had realized that while the sensory abilities granted by natural chakra were powerful, they still had limitations, one of which was a flood of information that could be overwhelming at times.
Even though Hanabi couldn't be in two places at once, she had noticed that Hinata couldn't block all the attacks aimed at her either, so she began to focus on the blind spots that her older sister couldn't reach. It was a friendly spar, as much as any competition between members of the Hyuga clan could be. The fight ended when both sisters, panting from exertion, agreed to take a break.
Hanabi, in a rare display of affection, hurried to hug Hinata, a gesture she had grown more comfortable with ever since Konohamaru had influenced her in that direction. "You're making huge progress, sister! You're not hesitating anymore!"
Hinata smiled softly, though her heart ached at the mention of Naruto. "I should be the one praising you, Hanabi. What can I say when you're already perfect and more?" She tried to joke, though her words were touched with sadness.
Hanabi pouted slightly at the compliment. "Haha, I still want you to teach me natural chakra like Naruto did! I want to impress him and Konohamaru."
The mention of Naruto struck a chord deep within Hinata, and she felt a sharp pain in her stomach. It wasn't just physical—it was emotional, something that clenched her heart tightly. She immediately seized the opening and countered with a light-hearted remark, though her mind was elsewhere. "I will make sure he teaches you both personally then. I'm not an actual master, but I am quite above a simple adept—"
Hinata suddenly froze, feeling a foreign presence near the pond in the garden. She subtly gestured for Hanabi to stay alert and whispered, "Intruder."
Without another word, Hinata rushed to the sliding door and opened it to reveal a small, blue toad sitting near the pond. The toad seemed familiar, but it took her a moment to recall its name. "Gamaden?" she asked, trying to remember.
"Yes! I feel honoured you still remember me, Hyuga-hime," the toad responded with a polite bow.
Hanabi raised an eyebrow and glanced at her sister with a wicked smile. "You're friends with toads? Hyuga-hime?" she teased, her voice filled with mischief.
Hinata rolled her eyes, though her lips curved into a small smile. "It's Naruto's fault, of course. I'm cursed to be a princess and will never hear the end of it," she said, half-joking, half-serious.
Gamaden puffed out his chest proudly. "I am an elite toad, Hyuga-hime! Worry not about me, I can hold my own if needed." His words were filled with a sense of importance, and Hinata could easily believe it. "I used a special pond that allows us toads to travel almost anywhere. I've come with a secret message to deliver."
Hinata raised an eyebrow, sensing the gravity of the message. "You may speak. I have no secrets to hide from my sister."
The toad nodded and looked directly at Hanabi. "Well... Naruto is alive and well, and he's on the run," he said simply, making both sisters gasp in shock. "There's no formal message, it's more like a report. He's somewhere between the borders of Fire and Cloud and is headed toward the Land of Water. He plans to protect another Jinchuriki from Akatsuki since he can't return to Konoha yet. He promised to send letters next time, instead of messengers. I guess he couldn't do much more at the time... and that's all. Oh, right, he loves you."
Hinata's heart skipped a beat at the last part, her emotions overwhelming her. In that one sentence, Naruto had once again proven himself to be the most unpredictable person in her life. She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could, Hanabi was already on her way out, urgency in her steps.
"Hanabi—"
"On my way to report to Father," Hanabi called back over her shoulder, her voice filled with determination. There was no time to waste; it was an emergency.
Hinata watched her sister run off before turning back to Gamaden. "Did you meet him in person?" she asked.
"No, Gamakichi did," Gamaden replied, looking at the ground for a moment. "No one else on Mount Myoboku knows, though perhaps the great elder does... one way or another. Naruto was worried that once the Hokage learns about his escape and what happened at Hozuki Castle, she'll ask Jiraiya to reverse summon him, but we won't let that happen."
"Wait..." Hinata's voice trembled slightly. "What happened at Hozuki Castle?"
Gamaden sat at the table, surrounded by four angry-looking Hyugas: Hinata, Hiashi, Hanabi, and Neji. The tension in the room was palpable, but thankfully, none of it was directed at him. The air was thick with frustration, confusion, and a sense of urgency.
"It doesn't make any sense..." Neji said, his voice sharp. "Why would Tsunade cover up the attack on Hozuki Castle?"
Hiashi was practically boiling with anger. "She made a mistake! Naruto could've been captured, rendered harmless by the warden's seal... She's a fool!"
Hanabi, her voice laden with concern, added, "We should tell the other clans. Naruto is on his own outside the village. He can't seek refuge anywhere."
Gamaden raised his hand, sensing the need to offer some reassurance. "He is stronger than you think," he began, trying to calm the situation. "He defeated Kisame from the Akatsuki on his own. And if I understood correctly, he has the jinchuriki of the seven tails traveling with him. He's headed for the Land of Water to recruit the jinchuriki of the six tails. I doubt any member of the Akatsuki would dare engage in a battle against them."
Hinata, who had been staring down at the table, finally spoke up, her mind racing. "They won't try anything now, but these people are bold. They won't hesitate for long." Her voice carried the weight of the reality they were facing. Time was running out.
Hiashi stood up, his resolve firm. "Tsunade is the problem. If she won't even defend Naruto, then we will."
Neji looked at his uncle with growing concern. "What do you have in mind?"
Hiashi's expression hardened. "I'm afraid that I will have to convince as many clan heads as possible to vote to destitute Tsunade."
Both Neji and Hanabi gasped at the suggestion. Hanabi, clearly panicked, protested, "This is treason! Or as close as it can get. What if we fail?"
Hiashi's gaze was unwavering. "We must not fail. We owe it to Naruto."
Neji and Hanabi fell silent, understanding the gravity of their father's words. Hiashi turned his attention to his daughter, his eyes softening just a bit. "Hinata?"
Hinata looked up at her father, then glanced at Gamaden. She had made up her mind. "I have a message for Naruto," she said, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside her. "Will you deliver it?"
Gamaden gave a determined nod. "Anything for a friend of Naruto."
Now a short disclaimer, THERE IS NO CIVILIAN COUNCIL, shinobi affairs are taken care of BY shinobis, I won't bother with the political lore in the anime either, Daimos do not exist in this world. Konoha is a somewhat of a democracy so it will work that way.