Chapter Sixteen: The Twin Sages

Five Years Later (Age 18) - Hokage Monument - ANBU Headquarters - Briefing Room

ANBU Headquarters beneath the Hokage Monument is a blend of state-of-the-art technology, traditional ninja architecture, and complex fuinjutsu (sealing techniques), creating a facility that is both highly functional and nearly impossible to penetrate. Accessible only through a hidden entrance concealed within the stone of the monument itself, the entire structure is protected by layers of advanced seals that obscure its presence from even the most skilled sensor-nin. The air is thick with a low hum of chakra, a subtle reminder of the power embedded within the walls. Upon entering, operatives pass through a chakra-authentication seal embedded in the entryway, recognizing only approved ANBU members. Unauthorized individuals will find themselves paralyzed by a defensive seal, automatically alerting the guards stationed nearby. The narrow entry path then widens into a sleek corridor lit by soft, chakra-infused crystals embedded in the walls, which respond to movement, illuminating only when someone approaches to maintain the stealthy, shadowed atmosphere ANBU members are accustomed to.

The central hall is the heart of the headquarters, where mission briefings, strategic planning, and tactical coordination take place. The floor is inlaid with an intricate pattern of fuinjutsu, designed to amplify and store chakra that can be drawn upon during high-level missions. The walls are lined with complex chakra-reactive screens that can project maps, mission plans, or intelligence reports, which appear only for authorized eyes. A silent command through a special hand sign can instantly clear these screens, leaving no trace of classified information. Surrounding the central hall are mission briefing rooms, each outfitted with projection technology powered by chakra seals, capable of displaying holographic maps, recon reports, and profiles of targets. These rooms are equipped with silence barriers—seals that prevent any sound from leaving the room, ensuring that even the most sensitive mission details remain confidential. Each seat has a chakra-lock mechanism to prevent unauthorized operatives from entering or eavesdropping on briefings.

"Today you embark on a mission of utmost secrecy and importance. Five years ago, the royal family of Tsuki no Kuni, the Land of the Moon, was slaughtered in their sleep. This brutal coup was orchestrated by none other than their own former minister, Shabadaba, who now claims the throne. Under his rule, Tsuki no Kuni has descended into chaos, becoming a stronghold for rogue-nin and criminals—a stain on what was once a prosperous land. But the importance of this mission goes beyond merely toppling a tyrant. Among Shabadaba's allies are three key figures—individuals directly involved in the attempted assassination of the Namikaze family. They are cunning, resourceful, and dangerous. Each of them poses a threat not only to the Fire Country but to our village as well.

Your objectives are as follows: first, eliminate Shabadaba, the self-proclaimed king. His death will pave the way for our allies in the Fire Capital to restore order to Tsuki no Kuni. Second, seek out and eliminate those three conspirators who were involved in the Namikaze plot. This is a chance to ensure justice for the Namikaze family, to root out a lingering threat, and to send a message to those who would dare threaten Konoha. Finally, if possible eliminate any rogue-ninja. But remember, secrecy is paramount. No witnesses. Every death must be swift and silent, and if possible, leave behind no trace that could implicate Konoha. Use the chaos of the Land of the Moon to your advantage—let it appear as though this is an internal purge, the result of Shabadaba's own corrupt rule. Your success will not only restore balance to a destabilized land but will safeguard the security of the Leaf and ensure the safety of those we protect. Move with precision, carry out each step flawlessly, and return with your mission complete. Dismissed."

The projection shut off, and the six ANBU operatives stood at attention. Each member was a seasoned shinobi, marked by their unique appearances and hardened expressions.

Sakura, now matured, bore a diamond-shaped mark in the center of her forehead and wore an eyepatch over her left eye. Her pink hair fell just below her shoulders, and she wore a black ANBU uniform with the standard breastplate. A complex fuinjutsu array traced up her sleeve. Marking her role as Cat, with her cat mask adorned by black lines extending from a white diamond on its forehead. Hinata's hair, grown to reach past her shoulders, concealed a faint scar on her neck. She wore the standard ANBU attire and a Falcon mask that represented her swift, precise movements in battle. Sai, the former operative of the S-Rank rogue Danzo Shimura, now served under this squad's new captain. He wore standard ANBU armor and a dog mask, his quiet demeanor contrasting sharply with the intensity of his training and skill. Kazuki Tanaka, towering at 6'2" with a muscular, solid build, was known as the Iron Sentinel for his Earth Release abilities. His ANBU mask bore gray and bronze accents, evoking an ancient warrior's visage. With short, dark brown hair and intense hazel eyes, he had earned the respect of his comrades, who referred to him simply as "Iron." Ayame Fujiomoto, standing at 5'6", possessed long, dark green hair that flowed like willow branches, often tied in a loose braid. Her delicate ANBU mask featured water-like waves painted in blue, complementing her standard uniform. Known for her Genjutsu prowess rivaling that of the Uchiha, she was called the Whispering Willow—her codename, Willow, was a testament to her subtlety and grace in the field.

Finally, there was Kitsune, the enigmatic squad captain. Standing at an even six feet, he wore a fox mask with intricate designs, paired with an ANBU undershirt that left his tattooed arms exposed. His lean, well-toned physique was accentuated by a long red scarf that reached down to his lower back, and a chokuto was strapped across his back. His identity was known to only a select few; rumors whispered that not even the Hokage knew his true name. Kitsune's rapid ascent to captain within a year and his fearsome title, the Sage of Shadows, spoke volumes of his skills and influence. In his third year, he had formed a team that many whispered was a match for the legendary Nightfall. Kitsune was respected—and perhaps even feared—by those he led, answering to none but Dragon himself. Kitsune turned to face his squad, this got into attention stone expressions on their faces. "Alright Squad" His voice was raspy, distorted likely by a device similar to what Dragon had. "We leave in 30 minutes and travel through the night. This'll go as simply as this, The primary target will be located in the palace, likely protected by a squad of ninja as well as whatever soldiers he has left. I want you all to handle the first objective and leave the rest to me, keep up comms and Lieutenant Falcon will lead you in my stead. Any questions?" Sai spoke in his usual blank voice "How long will we be allotted?" "Before the sun rises Tsuki no Kuni will empty of every criminal."

Next Night - Tsuki no Kuni (Land of Moon)

They moved like shadows, the ANBU armor was enhanced. Lightweight yet durable, it is crafted from chakra-conductive materials that allow ANBU to reinforce the armor with their own chakra, providing extra protection in combat. A unique chakra-sealing system within the armor can temporarily mask the wearer's chakra signature entirely, allowing them to disappear from sensor-type ninja. The boots were the key for an operation, shock absorption and silencing seals engraved into each boot. The masks are not merely symbolic; each mask is crafted with a specific fuinjutsu array that enhances perception, allowing operatives to see through certain genjutsu, enhance low-light vision, a seal to filter poisons of different kinds and dampen sound for stealth operations. The masks also have built-in chakra signatures that identify the wearer's status, relaying critical information back to headquarters during missions. If a mask is removed or damaged, the headquarters is instantly alerted. Billions had been invested in the Konoha ANBU, from the ancient fuinjutsu of the Uzumaki clan to the seals that barely matched today's standards. Konoha was the strongest for a reason: it's great military presence, anchored by a state-of-the-art intelligence and covert operations division led by a ghost from the previous war. Hinata landed silently, followed by the rest of her squad. She raised her hands, signing the ANBU code. "Dog, Willow, take care of the target. Iron, take the staircase. Cat, take the entrance." In a flash, they all vanished, handling their assignments with the utmost professionalism.

Sakura landed quietly, sticking to the shadows of the room. She examined her surroundings, her hand moving before she could process anything. Her kunai embedded itself into a spot on the wall. A genjutsu dropped, revealing a young girl with long, shaggy white hair. She wore a grey headband on her head and a long, open white vest that fell just below her knees, over a pinkish long-sleeved shirt that transitioned into a skirt just above the vest. She also wore a short pair of black shorts and black gloves. "The intel was spot on, Karenbana." "Looky here, a Leaf ANBU in foreign territory. I'd say run along, but I've been getting really bored, you see." Karenbana dropped the dagger in her hand as a tornado of roses began swirling around the young ANBU. She disappeared into the whirlwind, the effects of a high-level genjutsu taking hold. Instinctively, Sakura channeled chakra into her armor as her opponent reformed, slashing at her. But the blade bounced off; the fuinjutsu array sprang to life, the seal dancing and shifting into a large pitch-black hammer. Sakura swung it in a circular motion, blowing the petals away. Karenbana barely had time to dodge; her poisons weren't working. Shifting out of the way of the enormous hammer, she watched as it swung past her, sighing. Too soon, the hammer completely disappeared as the ANBU soared through the remaining petals, punching her in the chest. Karenbana's entire skeletal structure shattered like glass, her insides turning into a fine paste.

She dropped like a broken doll, and the student of the Slug Sannin spoke into her comms. "Entrance clear." Across the room, Tazuki faced off against Kongo. The two muscular men squared off, a grin forming on the mercenary-nin's face. "I'll break you, boy." Iron didn't respond; why would he? The battle was decided before it even began. Tongo shot forward, creating a crater as he did so, his fist cocked back. When his punch connected, it created a thunderous boom that filled the empty halls, and his grin grew before quickly dropping. Tazuki stood there, unfazed, his fist pulled back. In a flash, Tongo's skull caved in, the pieces of it piercing his brain. Tongo stumbled backward, mumbling words that barely formed a complete sentence before falling to the ground, lifeless.

"Clear."

Hinata dropped into the courtyard, lightning chakra flashed into existence at certain points as her hand hovered inches away from the hilt of her tanto. Ishidate smirked as his glove glowing as it's eye opening "What are leaf ninja doing here?" His smirk didn't fade, in a flash he was in front of Hinata, hand reaching out to grab her. Hinata shifted off to the side, breaking her knee up and elbow down; she broke his forearm. With a swift motion she snapped his arm up placing it against his own face and with a spike of chakra he was turned to stone, it was too easy. In the chamber the proclaimed king was drowning his own blood, a swift kunai swing did it. Just like that the first part of the mission was complete. "Target has been handled, regrouping." Willow had placed a genjutsu over the entire complex, it wasn't easy but worth it. By the morning the occupants wouldn't even know what happened, they all flashed into the courtyard in front of Falcon as she began to sign "Alright let's go to the rendezvous point and wait on Kitsune."

Outskirts of Tisuki no Kuni

Kitsune stood atop one of the buildings, gazing out over the ruined city. Once polished and well-maintained, it was now a slum. But everything would change tonight. Silently, a horde of clones appeared, vanishing into the streets. He began walking along the rooftops, his enhanced senses picking up the muffled sounds of screams echoing below—slashing, stabbing, and gutting; all different methods, but the job was done the same. Doors were kicked open as some of the guards sensed what was happening. However, as they stepped outside, a kunai found its mark in the carotid artery, stopping whatever they had planned. He paused as memories from a dispelled clone surged into his mind, and with a shunshin, he vanished. Chakra exploded from his tenketsu as he landed in front of the panting forms of Shiro, the Illusionist; Raiden, the Thunder Mirage; and Zaku, the Silent Wasp. The latter took some investigation to uncover. Zaku was the man who had poisoned Kushina's chakra system and subsequently funneled a large sum into an offshore account following that fateful night.

Raiden looked up, glaring as lightning chakra danced around him. "Who are you?" he demanded, but there was no response. His chakra spiked, and his lightning armor surged. "Fine, let's see how long you can keep up the silent act." His tenketsu expanded with practiced ease as he prepared to end it with a single, lightning-quick jab. His punch exploded with speed, but Kitsune sidestepped the blow. Molding lightning chakra into his own tenketsu, Kitsune jabbed, striking the nerve clusters in Raiden's arm and momentarily causing him to lose control. With a reverse tornado kick, he sent the man barreling away, the lightning of Raiden's chakra cloak zapping through his leg, but the pain was nothing. A foreign chakra invaded his system, but he instantly dispelled it as he turned his gaze onto Shiro, who was weaving through hand seals. Shiro moulded chakra for his strongest genjutsu, but Kitsune stared into his soul. "Kasumi Jūsha no—"

He flashed in front of the genjutsu master, his cold blue eyes locking onto Shiro as he pressed his palm against Shiro's chest. "(Gogyō Fūin): Five Elements Seal." His fingertips ignited in a blue haze as a seal appeared on Shiro's chest, severing his connection to chakra instantaneously. With his other hand, Kitsune placed it on Shiro's face, and with a rotation and explosion of chakra, brain matter splattered across his hand as Shiro's headless, bloodied body dropped to the ground. Raiden's eyes shot open in shock as he turned to see his longtime partner fall lifelessly. Zaku was gone—the coward. He moulded chakra in his tenketsu as his lightning chakra exploded. "(Raiton: Raijin no Yari) Lightning Release: Thunder God's Spear!" A pillar of lightning chakra arced and exploded toward the ANBU captain, but it slowly dissipated, turning back into raw chakra that floated into the sky. Raiden pointed upward as he looked up. A large barrier covered the field, fuinjutsu arrays filling the sky, connected by threads of chakra. As Raiden looked down, his world was turned upside down. The last thing he saw was Zaku backing away, fear etched on his face. This was madness. Someone like this shouldn't exist—how had he not heard— "You're the—" A hole exploded in his head, and he fell over lifelessly. The barrier dropped, the chakra threads severing before composing into a small array that wrapped around his arm. Turning to face the Land of the Crescent Moon, Kitsune reached up toward his mask as the members of his squad flashed around him. As he removed it, his hair color shifted from black to yellow, revealing the mature, blank face of Naruto. He took a deep breath, allowing the air to tousle his hair. When he turned, he saw the masks of his squad, each of them giving him a nod. "Our mission here is complete. Gather around." As he placed the mask back on, his hair shifted once again to its black counterpart. The squad members placed their hands on each other's shoulders, and in a blue flash, they disappeared.

The Next Day - Konohagakure no Sato - Front Gate

Five long years—it had been five long years since Sasuke had last set foot in Konoha. Taking a deep breath, he looked around, feeling the weight of memories tugging at him. Jiraiya ruffled his hair with a chuckle. "Miss it, don't you?" Sasuke pushed the elder Toad Sage off him with a scowl. Now older, Sasuke wore a green flak jacket similar to the Jonin, customized with a white upper section and a red zigzag pattern along the edge—a distinct marking of Mount Myoboku for those who recognized it. His Konoha headband with a black cloth was tied around his forehead, paired with a dark undershirt that extended past his forearms. A brown belt with several pouches held his kunai and shuriken, and strapped behind him were two swords, hinting at the evolution of his fighting style. "Alright, kiddo, I know you want to see your friends, but we've got to report to the Hokage first," Jiraiya said, placing a reassuring hand on Sasuke's shoulder. Sasuke nodded, and in a swirl of leaves, they appeared in the Hokage's office. All eyes turned toward them as they entered. Minato, looking only slightly older with a few new wrinkles, stood at his desk, while Itachi sat nearby in Jonin attire, his Konoha headband wrapped around his shoulder. Shikamaru, standing off to the side, gave his former teammate a soft smile and a nod. Sasuke returned the gesture, a toothy grin breaking his otherwise stoic expression. "Sasuke Uchiha, reporting for duty, Hokage-sama," Sasuke greeted. Minato smiled. "You took him away for quite some time, Jiraiya. Was it really necessary?" Jiraiya grinned. "Oh, absolutely. This kid's the newest Sage of Mount Myoboku." Minato's eyes widened slightly. Although the others knew of Jiraiya's title as a sage, they hadn't fully grasped the significance until now. Sasuke smirked. "Now, where's your brat?" he asked, only to receive a sharp smack to the back of the head from Itachi, who reprimanded him with a stern look. Kneeling to rub the forming bump, Sasuke muttered, "Apologies for my brother, Hokage-sama. He seems to have forgotten his manners." Minato stifled a laugh as he reached into a drawer, pulling out a small envelope. "Last I heard, he was still in the capital," he said, handing the letter to Sasuke. Sasuke's brows knitted as he took the envelope, exchanging a glance with Shikamaru, who narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "If you'll excuse me, Hokage-sama, I'll take my leave," Shikamaru said. Minato nodded, and as Shikamaru passed by Sasuke, the two shared a silent, wordless exchange before he exited the room.

"All right, Sasuke, you're dismissed for now. But report to Training Ground Seven tomorrow at ten. I'll need an accurate gauge of your abilities before I can start sending you out on missions," Minato said, setting down his pen with a smirk. "For all I know, all you and Jiraiya did was hop from brothel to hot spring." Jiraiya's face lit up with a satisfied, far-off look, while Sasuke's eye twitched in exasperation. With a short bow, Sasuke vanished in a swirl of flames—a display that caught everyone's attention except Jiraiya, who looked away in envy. "That brat needs to teach me that someday." "How strong is he, Sensei?" Minato asked, tapping his pen thoughtfully. Jiraiya leaned back, considering the question. "Honestly? I couldn't say. Last time we sparred, I barely got away with my head. Those blades aren't just for show." Itachi looked on, eyebrows raised, surprised that his brother could match one of the Sannin. Jiraiya added, "And that's without him even using that blazing palm technique of his." Minato sighed, his expression darkening slightly. "Why hasn't Naruto returned yet? Iwagakure is likely to make a move soon, and we need all of our key players back before that happens." The sadness in Minato's eyes was clear. "I... I wish I knew. In all honesty, I'm not sure how long his contract is, but it was supposed to be negotiable. Orochimaru left with him for two years and returned alone. I'll have to call him back soon." At that moment, the ANBU Commander, Dragon, appeared in the office, halting the conversation. The Sannin nodded in acknowledgment, and Dragon inclined his head slightly before turning to face Minato and Itachi."The Tsuki no Kuni assignment has been completed. All objectives were achieved," Dragon reported in his usual efficient tone. "Rogue-nin presence?" Minato asked. "Zero," Dragon replied. The statement held a weight of its own. An entire country's rogue-nin presence was wiped out overnight—by a single squad. And not just any squad, but Epsilon, a team of relatively fresh recruits, each handpicked by a captain who had risen through the ranks in record time. Minato lifted his head, intrigued. "When will I get to meet this Kitsune?" Years ago, Kitsune had bowed before him, yet his true identity remained unknown. Minato had often wondered about him, but Dragon, as always, fiercely protected Kitsune's anonymity and he didn't push because Dragon alway had Konoha in mind. "You know the answer to that, Hokage-sama," Dragon replied, a hint of finality in his voice. "But since we're on the topic, there's something I'd like to announce."All eyes in the room fixed firmly on the ANBU Commander as he continued, his voice steady and resolute. "I intend for Kitsune to succeed me as ANBU Commander."

Ichiraku Ramen

"I missed this, thanks for the meal." Shikamaru and Sasuke rose from their seats, exiting the stand and walking in a comfortable silence until Sasuke broke it. "How've you been these past few years?" Shikamaru took a moment, thinking it over. "After you and Naruto left, I mostly handled missions solo and trained under Taro full-time. That old man crammed my head with anything he could think of. But I promise, you're not the only one who's picked up a few tricks over the years." Sasuke smirked, jumping in front of Shikamaru to walk backward and keep eye contact. "Guess you'll have to show me what you've learned sometime soon. How's Sensei? And the others?" Shikamaru's expression darkened slightly. "Sensei… stepped back from shinobi life for a bit. After he woke up, he joined ANBU for a while, but… well, let's just say the Chūnin Exams changed him—and a lot of the others, too." He took a deep breath, then continued, "Things definitely aren't the same. Sakura and Hinata joined ANBU. Sakura trained under Tsunade Senju for a while, and Kakashi took a special interest in Hinata, turning her into a quiet assassin. Team Ten stayed together. Neji made Jonin, and the others became Chūnin the year after you left. They're on long-term missions right now but should be back soon. Shino mostly works solo, though we've done a few missions together here and there." Sasuke turned forward, absorbing the news, when murmurs from passersby caught his attention. "Did you hear?" "About Tisuki no Kuni?" "Yeah, they're saying it's the Sage's work…" Sasuke glanced at Shikamaru, raising an eyebrow in confusion. Shikamaru sighed. "Ah, that. The Sage of Shadows—rumors started spreading about two years ago. He's an ANBU, or so they say. No one outside the ANBU Commander even knows his true identity. But the things he's done in the field… ANBU are supposed to be covert, but when there's a mountain of bodies left behind, it's hard to go unnoticed. Outside these walls, he's practically the Bogeyman—you never see him coming, and if you do, it's already too late." Sasuke smirked, folding his arms. "Let me guess—you want a shot at him, don't you?"

Sora no Kuni (Land of Sky) - Ancor Vantian

Sora no Kuni, known as the Land of the Sky, is a nation perched atop a chain of floating islands, concealed by thick cloud layers and unreachable by ordinary means. Founded centuries ago by nomadic clans who sought refuge from the endless wars below, Sora no Kuni became a sanctuary, untouched by the conflicts ravaging the shinobi world. These early settlers built advanced wind-propelled vessels and developed an intricate network of aerial pathways that allowed them to thrive above the clouds. Legends tell of the ancient Sora Clan, who mastered the art of manipulating chakra to control wind currents and atmospheric energy. They harnessed these abilities to create flying fortresses and powerful techniques, leading Sora no Kuni to become a formidable and secretive power. During the Warring States period, the nation's isolationist policies allowed it to remain largely mythological to the rest of the world, with only rumors of sky warriors and floating cities reaching the ears of those below.

However, Sora no Kuni's fortunes changed during the Second Shinobi War, when a rogue faction within the land attempted to invade neighboring countries from above. This act exposed their existence, and they faced swift retaliation from the Great Shinobi Nations, leading to a period of hardship. After suffering immense losses, Sora no Kuni returned to its isolation, vowing never to interfere in the affairs of the world below again. Now, Sora no Kuni operates in obscurity, a self-contained society dedicated to preserving its rich history, technological marvels, and distinct ninja arts. The once-feared warriors of the sky remain vigilant protectors of their floating sanctuary, their history serving as a reminder of the delicate balance between freedom and secrecy above the clouds. That's what most people thought, in the depths of their land under the thick fog and protection they amassed their numbers and technology all of those who wronged them so long ago would face judgment for the sins of their forefathers.

The Ancor Vantian hovered ominously in the skies, a fortress of unparalleled power and the pride of Sora no Kuni. With the capability to obliterate entire villages in a single blast, it served as a grim harbinger of the chaos to come. For five long years, Kaito Tsukino had orchestrated this plan, shaping it into a flawless opening strike. The destruction of Konohagakure, the mightiest of the Five Great Nations, would be more than an act of revenge—it would be a rallying cry for the minor villages to rise. In the depths of the ancient stronghold, Kaito sat at his desk, reviewing reports while his loyal faction members stood by, each bearing the marks of their journey. Sandra Saito, now sporting a metal jaw—a painful reminder of the Chūnin Exams—stood resolute beside him. Sora no Kuni was merely a stepping stone, a piece in a larger game. The Great Nations would soon learn their place. Kaito looked up, drawing the attention of the room with a single, commanding gaze. "The Akatsuki will be making their move soon. Let's give them a nudge. Kira, Sandra—head to Amegakure and inform their leader that the Three-Tails is hidden within Konohagakure, guarded by none other than the Snake Sannin." Riku raised an eyebrow. "Why help them?" Kaito's lips curled into a smile. "Simple. Tell him I said this: the Akatsuki are just another tool to reach our endgame. Our goal—a world without the Great Five." He turned to Riku, the last in his trusted circle. "Riku, accompany me to the shores of Nami no Kuni. Five years have left me curious about the Bloody Mist. Let's see if they live up to the legend."

Two Days Later - Kaze no Kuni - Sunagakure no Sato - Front Gate

In the rising sun, the gates of the Village Hidden in the Sand were met by the presence of two members of the notorious rogue-nin group Akatsuki. One of them was instantly recognizable: Hanzo the Salamander, who appeared as if he hadn't aged since the Second Shinobi War. The second was a girl wearing an orange swirl mask. Sunagakure had been preparing for the possibility of war, but this was an unexpected turn in the waking hours. The gate guards displayed a range of expressions as the two figures strode down the valley-like entrance of Sunagakure. Sahara Kazamori and Fūka Hōzan were clad in their combat attire, and some of the gathered shinobi released sighs of relief.

Hanzo's voice reverberated through his mask as he spoke, "We're here for your Tailed Beast Girl."

Shadows Saga: Begin

Author's Notes: So I have about 3 to 4 more Sagas remaining for the story overall, I have a lot planned and I honestly didn't know I how much. I hopefully want to get this story done by the end of next year but looking at all this content how long it usually takes others to finish I'm having serious doubts about this timeline of mine