Disclaimer: I do not own any of the content following this statement. Masashi Kishimoto owns all titles, names, and plots.

Vengeance in the Mind's Eye

Deep beneath the towering Uzumaki compound, the air was cold and still, heavy with the scent of stone and earth. The dim glow of chakra lanterns cast shifting shadows across the carved walls of the underground chambers, illuminating the intricate seals etched into the bedrock. The labyrinth below the compound was a world apart from the grandeur above—a hidden fortress carved from the heart of the village itself.

Karin stood at the center of one of the newest chambers, a large, open space that still bore the scars of chisels and drills. Her hands clutched a roll of parchment, its edges curling from constant use. She traced her fingers over the detailed plans for the next phase of excavation, her brow furrowed in concentration. More rooms, more tunnels, deeper protections for the clan she vowed to shield.

Her red hair shimmered faintly in the lantern light as she scrutinized the blueprints. To Karin, this underground stronghold wasn't just a safeguard; it was the future of the Uzumaki. Every carved wall, every hidden seal, was another layer of control, another step away from the pain she had endured as a child. She clenched the parchment tighter, her knuckles white. She would not be used again, her children would not be used like her, if she had to bleed the village dry, she would do it to protect them all.

"Still playing the mastermind, huh?" Tayuya challenged, her voice echoing off the stone.

The sharp voice made Karin tense, snapping her head up. She didn't need to turn to see who it was.

Tayuya emerged from one of the side tunnels, her silhouette stark against the soft light. She was dressed simply, her crimson hair falling loosely around her shoulders, her amber eyes burning with challenge. Her steps were unhurried but deliberate as she approached, her hand brushing against the rough stone walls.

Karin exhaled sharply, rolling up the parchment with a snap. She turned to face Tayuya, her stance firm, one hand still on the rolled plans. "You shouldn't be down here," she stated firmly. "One of us needs to be with the children."

Tayuya scoffed, folding her arms, her gaze never leaving Karin's. "And you shouldn't be playing games behind everyone's back," she retorted. "But here we are."

Karin's eyes narrowed, her posture tightening as she faced her. "I'm not 'playing games,'" she insisted, her voice rising slightly. "I'm ensuring this clan's survival. Something you wouldn't understand."

"Wouldn't understand?" Tayuya's voice rose, her tone cutting. She took a step closer, her boots scraping against the stone floor. "You don't get to lecture me about survival," she snapped back. "I've been in the mud just like you. I've fought, bled, and killed to keep us standing. But this?" She gestured to the carved walls around them, her hand slicing through the air. "This isn't survival, Karin. This is you trying to control everything, to hide from everything. And it's going to tear this family apart."

Karin took a step forward, her grip tightening on the plans. Her other hand clenched into a fist at her side. "You think I want this?" she questioned, her voice trembling with intensity as she stepped closer, closing the gap between them. "Do you think I enjoy every sleepless night, every lie I have to tell to keep us one step ahead?" She demanded, her eyes flashing with resolve. "I do this because someone has to! Because if I don't, we'll end up like we did before—scattered, broken, used like before."

"Used?" Tayuya barked a bitter laugh, the sound echoing harshly as she threw her hands up in frustration. "Look around you, Karin," she said, kicking at a loose stone, sending it clattering across the floor. "You're building a prison! You're so afraid of losing control that you're chaining us all down with your paranoia. What's next?" she asked, her voice rising in incredulity. "Seals on every door to make sure we don't even breathe without your approval?"

Karin's composure shattered, her voice rising in a torrent of emotion. She grabbed the edges of her robes, pulling them open to reveal her scarred skin, marked with countless bite marks. "LOOK AT ME!" she screamed, her voice trembling with both fury and anguish as she thrust her arms out. "This is what they did to me! All of them! Draining me, leaving me broken, until they took everything—even my mother's life! They drained her dry!"

Tears burned in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Her voice cracked with the weight of her promise as she leaned in, her face inches from Tayuya's. "I swore I would never let that happen again," she declared, her voice raw with emotion. "Not to me. Not to my girls. NEVER!"

Tayuya's fists clenched, her voice sharp enough to cut stone. She stepped back, her heel grinding against the floor. "And in doing that, you've become just like the people you hate," she accused, her tone venomous. "Orochimaru, Danzo, the rest of them—they all thought they were protecting something too. But it was always about power. That's what this is for you, isn't it? Power."

"You don't understand!" Karin shouted, stepping even closer, her eyes burning with fury but beneath it, something raw, something fragile. She reached out, almost touching Tayuya, but stopped herself, her hand hovering in the air.

Tayuya's voice dropped, low and venomous. She leaned in, her face close to Karin's, her breath visible in the cold air. "Don't you dare drag me into your madness," she warned, her voice cold. "I fight for this clan. Hell, I'd even fight for you. But if this is the path you're choosing..." Her eyes burned with intensity as she stepped back, her words cutting like a blade. "I'm done."

The silence that followed was deafening. The only sound was the faint hum of the chakra lanterns, their light flickering as if responding to the tension in the room. Karin's shoulders trembled, her grip on the plans faltering. They slipped from her grasp, the parchment unfurling between them, like a tangible line drawn in the sand.

Karin's breath hitched, her hand reaching down to pick up the plans but hesitating, her fingers just touching the edge of the parchment. "If you think I'm wrong, then what's your solution, Tayuya?" she asked, her voice defiant but shaky as she straightened up, her back stiff. "What will you do to protect us? Will you run out there and fight every battle alone?" she continued, her tone challenging. "Because that's all you know how to do is fight. Fighting doesn't build a future. This does."

Tayuya stepped closer, the space between them crackling with unspoken words. She reached out, her hand hovering near Karin's, almost touching but not quite. "You think I don't see it?" she questioned, her voice softer but still piercing. "The fear in your eyes every time someone steps near you?" She pointed at Karin's face, her finger just inches away. "The way you bury yourself in this... fortress, trying to hide from the world? You're not building a future, Karin. You're digging a grave. For all of us."

Karin's breath hitched, her voice trembling but defiant as she leaned back slightly. "And you think you can lead better?" she challenged, her voice rising. "Go ahead, Tayuya. Take the reins, I dare you." She gestured broadly to the chamber, her hand sweeping through the air. "See how far you get before everything falls apart. I will not let your false hope destroy our family, our clan."

Tayuya's gaze softened for a fleeting moment, but it quickly hardened into something colder, sharper. She stepped closer, her hand now resting on Karin's shoulder, a gesture of both comfort and challenge. "I'm not trying to take over, Karin," she said calmly but firmly. "I'm trying to stop you from destroying everything we've fought for. You want to protect this clan? Then start by trusting it," she advised, her tone earnest. "Trust us. Trust that this village stands behind us. Allies aren't made by fear—they're made by being the Uzumaki clan they all remember."

Karin's hands trembled, her grip on the plans loosening until they slipped from her grasp. The rolled parchment unfurled between them, like a tangible line drawn in the sand. The two women stood there, the weight of their words pressing down like the stone surrounding them, the echoes of their argument reverberating through the carved halls.

Finally, Karin turned away, her voice quieter, weaker, as she picked up the parchment, rolling it back with careful, deliberate movements. "You don't understand what it takes to lead, Tayuya," she murmured, her voice filled with resignation. "You've always followed orders—never the one to give them."

"And maybe you've forgotten what it means to be Uzumaki," Tayuya countered, her voice calm but cutting. She moved to stand beside Karin now, their shoulders nearly touching. "Truth. Honor. Loyalty. That's what we stand for. That's what makes us stronger than the rest. But I won't stand by while you twist this clan into a monument to your fear."

Their eyes locked, a silent battle raging in the space between them. The sound of dripping water broke the stillness, a grim reminder that time was moving even as they remained frozen in their conflict.

"I've seen how things work in this village, Karin," Tayuya continued her tone firm but not unkind. She placed a hand on the wall, her fingers tracing a seal. "And I've seen the wider world. We can lead. But not your way. Not with lies and false promises."

With deliberate steps, Tayuya closed the distance between them. She reached out, gently pulling Karin's robe closed, her fingers brushing against the older woman's cheek. A single tear slipped down Karin's face, catching the dim light of the chamber.

"You've forgotten who we are," Tayuya whispered, her touch lingering for just a moment before she let go.

Then, without another word, Tayuya spun on her heel and walked away, her footsteps echoing in the silence. Karin stood motionless, her eyes fixed on the plans scattered at her feet. The strength she prided herself on, the resolve that had carried her through so many battles, now felt brittle. Doubt seeped into her thoughts, like a shadow creeping through the cracks of her carefully constructed world.

Her gaze drifted to the spot where Tayuya had stood. Was the Little Dragon right? Was there another way? The memory of her willingness to trade a daughter for power surfaced, chilling her to the bone. She would never again let someone try to take one of her daughters.

…

The air inside Mei's command tent was tense, the deaths of the ice bridge team had reminded them of the challenges of the battles ahead. Maps of Kirigakure were spread across the central table, weighted at the corners by kunai and scrolls. Flickering lanterns cast shifting shadows over the gathered figures. Mei Terumī, the rebel leader, stood at the head of the table, her sharp green eyes scanning the faces before her.

Naruto, flanked by Ino, Chōji, and Shikamaru, along with all the other retired clan heads leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the map. The clan heads were present not just as allies, but as the cornerstone of the strategy to take back Kirigakure from the Akatsuki.

Shikamaru stood straight, his hands on the edge of the table. The Nara's usual air of nonchalance was gone, replaced by a sharp focus that commanded attention. "The key to this operation is precision," he began, his voice calm but firm. "Kirigakure isn't just a city; it's a fortress. The Akatsuki will have fortified every choke point and bottleneck, expecting an assault. We have to outthink them, not overpower them."

He pointed to the map, tracing a line along the tunnels carved beneath the city. "These tunnels are our best shot. The Akatsuki may know they exist, but their forces are stretched thin holding the city. We can divide their attention by creating diversions aboveground while moving strike teams through these pathways."

Ino frowned, leaning over the map. "How do we make sure those diversions are enough to draw their strongest fighters away? If we miscalculate, we'll walk right into a trap underground."

Shikamaru nodded, acknowledging the concern. "That's where your people come in. Their sensory abilities and the Yamanaka's Mind Body Transmission will be crucial. We'll need you to locate their commanders and monitor their movements. Once we identify their leaders, we can bait them into thinking the main attack is coming from a different direction."

Chōji, standing to Shikamaru's right, crossed his arms. "And what about reinforcements? If they collapse the tunnels while we're down there, we're done for."

"That's why we'll keep the heaviest hitters, including Naruto, aboveground," Shikamaru replied. "Naruto, you'll lead the diversion team to the south. Your job is to draw out their strongest fighters and keep them busy. Mei and her rebels will support from the flanks, targeting their weaker points to create as much chaos as possible. We will attack at three points around the village hours apart to draw their focus"

Naruto frowned, his arms folded. "So I'm the bait? Great. What about when the tunnels collapse or the plan falls apart? What's the fallback?"

Shikamaru exhaled, his sharp mind already anticipating the question. "If the tunnels collapse, the underground team will use Mei's water-release shinobi to flood the passages and force an exit back to the surface. Aboveground, you'll need to hold long enough for reinforcements to regroup. The key is keeping the Akatsuki disorganized. If they can't coordinate, they can't win."

Mei, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "The Akatsuki's strongest advantage is fear. They've ruled Kirigakure through terror, but terror is a fragile thing. If we show the people that they're not invincible—that the Akatsuki can bleed—they'll fight back."

Shikamaru gave a short nod. "Exactly. If we disrupt their command structure and give the rebels a visible victory, it'll create a domino effect. Their morale will collapse and the shinobi will change sides."

Naruto slammed his palm on the table, his eyes blazing with determination. "Fine. Let's do it. Tell me where you need me, and I'll make sure the Akatsuki knows exactly who they're dealing with."

Shikamaru smirked faintly. "You'll need to be unpredictable. No clones rushing in blindly this time."

"Hey," Naruto retorted, grinning despite the tension, "I know more than just clones now."

The room's atmosphere lightened for a moment, but Mei quickly brought their focus back to the plan. "We have two days to finalize the details as we travel. Once we reach the village, we'll have to act swiftly as the rain is filled with chakra letting them know we are there as soon as we cross the line. If this plan succeeds, Kirigakure will be ours again, if not, I don't expect to see the next day's sunrise."

Ino leaned over the map, her fingers tracing the intricate network of tunnels. "We're putting everything on the line for this. I'll lead the team underground. The Yamanaka clan will have its revenge." No one doubted her, but many wondered how she would be able to fight past all the traps and the last Akatsuki member, Konan.

"You're not going alone, me and Shikamaru will be with you with Jonin from our clans," said Choji slamming down the spiked staff he would use in battle, the staff was his clan's legacy of brute-force fighting.

Shikamaru nodded, his expression sharp and focused. "We've faced impossible odds before. We'll face them again. Let's make this the Akatsuki's final battle."

….

The light filtering through the windows of the Hokage's office cast long shadows across the room, the warmth of the early morning sun doing little to ease the tension in the air. Tsunade sat behind her massive desk, her gaze unwavering as she regarded the two Uchiha standing before her. Sasuke stood with his usual stoic presence, his arms crossed as his dark eyes narrowed in thought, while Itachi stood beside him, calm and composed, a quiet power radiating from her.

Tsunade leaned back slightly in her chair, fingers steepled beneath her chin. "The Kage Summit is set. Two bodyguards per leader. I want both of you with me. This meeting could decide the future of the villages, even the world and I won't take any chances."

Sasuke shifted, his posture stiffening. "I understand the importance, but Itachi should stay behind. Our son…"

"You worry too much," Itachi interrupted softly, though her tone left no room for debate. Her crimson Sharingan eyes, were calm as they met his. "We agreed we would protect what matters most to us—together. Our son will be safe in the hands of the little Dragon."

Sasuke turned slightly, his voice quiet but firm. "You don't need to come. I can protect the Hokage alone. Our son shouldn't—"

"Our son has the clan of your best friend to look after him. Tayuya is many things, but she and that tower will outlast this village," Itachi cut in again, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips, though her voice remained firm. "The Uchiha cannot afford to appear divided, Sasuke. The world needs to see that we are strong, and that our clan walks alongside Konoha as its protector once again."

Tsunade watched the exchange with keen interest, a small flicker of approval in her golden eyes. "She's right, Sasuke. The Uchiha returning to prominence isn't just about you—it's about the legacy you're both building. You've fought hard for this. Now you need to show the world the strength of your clan."

Sasuke exhaled sharply through his nose, his gaze flicking between his wife and the Hokage. It wasn't that he doubted Itachi's strength—he knew better than anyone what she was capable of—but the idea of leaving their young son weighed heavily on him. Still, he knew there was no winning this argument.

"Fine," he relented, his voice low and grudging. "But we leave extra protection at the compound. I want Sakura there. I can trust her to watch over him."

Itachi smiled fully this time, the small victory clear in her eyes. "Of course. And then we will make sure the world knows that the Uchiha are not just back—but stronger than ever."

Sasuke uncrossed his arms and turned his gaze to Tsunade, nodding in reluctant agreement. "We'll be ready."

Tsunade rose from her chair, her authority filling the room. "Good. This summit is a show of power as much as it is diplomacy. We are not there to make friends, but to remind the other Kage that Konoha does not bow and does not fear whatever is coming."

The room was silent for a moment as her words settled over them. Finally, Tsunade's expression softened ever so slightly. "Your son will be fine. He's a Uchiha, after all." She grinned at the inside joke knowing that the boy was less than two years old and wasn't able to protect himself.

Sasuke said nothing, though a flicker of pride crossed his features. Itachi gave a slight bow, her gaze respectful. "We will protect you, Hokage-sama. And we will remind the world of who we are."

As they left the office, Sasuke walked slightly ahead, his thoughts no doubt preoccupied with the summit and the family they were leaving behind. Itachi fell into step beside him, her expression serene but her hand brushing his briefly—a silent reassurance she was there as she always would be.

"Everything will be fine," she said softly, her voice for him alone.

Sasuke glanced at her, his face as unreadable as ever, but his eyes—dark and unyielding, betrayed his agreement. Together, they would face whatever the summit brought. And together, they would ensure the world would never again forget the name Uchiha.

….

"Oh god, what is that noise?" Sakura groaned, trying to roll over in bed. She quickly realized she couldn't; Hinata was sprawled across her, her black hair a tangled mess across both of them. Hinata's arm clung to Sakura like she was a pink-haired teddy bear, her grip secure and unmoving.

"Hinata… Hinata, wake up," Sakura murmured, her voice muffled by exhaustion. The light knocking at the door suddenly turned into a louder, more insistent pounding.

Hinata stirred, her lavender eyes fluttering open. She groaned softly, lifting her head from Sakura's chest. "What… what is that?" she muttered groggily.

"It's someone at the door," Sakura said, trying to wiggle out from under Hinata.

Hinata gave a sleepy sigh but rolled off Sakura, brushing her hair back from her face as she stood. Straightening her back, she padded toward the door, her bare feet making no sound against the floor.

Swinging the door open, Hinata found Neji standing there, his expression as composed as ever, though his gaze carried a sense of urgency.

"Neji?" Hinata asked, her voice still soft with sleep as she stood in the doorway, completely naked.

"Sasuke is here," Neji said simply, his tone low and unwavering, not averting his eyes. "He's asking to speak with Sakura. It's important."

Hinata frowned, glancing over her shoulder at Sakura, who was now cocooning herself deeper into the covers. "This early in the morning? Can't it wait?"

Neji's expression didn't falter as his eyes flicked toward Sakura's form under the sheets, one foot hanging out from the mass of blankets. "Apparently not. He's waiting in the main hall."

Hinata sighed and turned back to face Sakura, who peeked out from under the blankets with an annoyed look. "Your presence has been requested, Sakura," she said, her voice tinged with amusement.

"By who?" Sakura grumbled, sitting up slightly, her hair a chaotic mess. As the sheets slipped down, exposing her chest to the cool air, Neji noted the faint bite marks covering her skin but didn't say a word. He appreciated the womanly form, though he preferred a more masculine presence in his own bed.

"Sasuke," Hinata replied, stepping back into the room. "Neji says it's important."

Sakura groaned dramatically, throwing the blankets off herself as she sat up fully, unconcerned with her nudity. "He's lucky I'm already awake."

Hinata gave her a small smile, leaning against the doorframe. "Come on, then. Let's not keep the great Uchiha waiting."

"I think he would prefer it if you got dressed first," Neji said dryly as Sakura began walking toward the door.

"Dammit," Sakura muttered, spinning around to search for her clothes. "I get so used to the idea that all you Hyuga are perverts staring at me, I forget."

Neji raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his stoic demeanor unshaken.

Sakura hastily threw on her clothes, tugging them into place as she ran her fingers through her hair in a futile attempt to tame the chaos. Without another word, she followed Neji out of the room, her irritation still evident in her hurried movements.

Halfway to the main hall, Hinata joined them, her appearance far more composed, as befitting the head of the Hyuga clan. She gave Sakura a brief once-over, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You could've taken a moment to fix yourself up more. You look like you had a fight with a cat—and lost."

"Yeah, well, it wasn't a cat, just a big baby. And Sasuke can deal with it," Sakura grumbled, smoothing her dress with a quick swipe. "If it's so damn urgent, he can take me as I am."

Hinata chuckled softly, her calm demeanor unshaken. "You're really not a morning person."

Sakura smirked at that, her irritation melting slightly as they continued toward the main hall.

When they reached the door, they paused as Neji went in ahead of them to announce their arrival. Hinata took a deep breath, and Sakura watched as she transformed before her eyes—from playful bedmate to the composed and regal head of the Hyuga clan.

"Alright, let's go talk to the Uchiha," Hinata said, her tone firm and steady. She caught the look Sakura was giving her and, with a grin, swatted her on the rear. "Come on, move that ass."

The playful gesture snapped Sakura back to reality, and she shook her head, leading the way into the main hall. Her mind, however, lingered on the seamless transformation Hinata had made, a reminder of the weight of leadership she carried every day.

"Sasuke, what do you want so damn early?" Sakura asked, striding up to her old teammate and stopping just inches from his face, her green eyes daring him to challenge her.

Sasuke didn't flinch, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow. "You look like shit. Don't they have showers here?" he replied dryly, his gaze drifting past her to Hinata, who stood poised just behind her.

"What are you doing here? I'm surprised Itachi let you wander around on your own. You lost?" Sakura shot back, crossing her own arms and staring directly into his coal-black eyes.

The air between them crackled with unspoken tension as their staring match stretched on for what felt like minutes. Neither flinched, and neither spoke, until finally, they both broke eye contact at the same moment.

"It's good to see you too, Sakura," Sasuke said, his voice softer now, almost but not quite curving into a smile.

"Yeah, good to see you too, Sasuke. So, what's up?" Sakura asked, stepping back slightly, making space as Hinata approached, joining them in their little circle.

"The Hokage has ordered Itachi and me to accompany her on a mission," Sasuke began, his tone clipped but carrying the weight of his concern. "We'll be leaving Katsuro with Tayuya, but I want you to stay with them until I return. I'd feel better knowing your crazy ass is watching over my son."

He finished, using more words in one breath than he usually spoke in an entire day, a rare break from his usual grunts.

"If the Hokage has called for both of you, then it must mean the Kage Summit is happening," Hinata said, her tone steady and thoughtful, cutting in before Sakura could respond to Sasuke's usual snark.

Sasuke's gaze flicked to her, his expression unreadable for a moment. "Yes," he said, his voice even but carrying a sense of unease that hinted at the seriousness of the situation. "She believes there's more to this summit than just political posturing. Something's stirring in the world, and she wants to be prepared for it."

Hinata crossed her arms, her pale eyes narrowing slightly as she considered his words. "If that's true, then this isn't just a meeting of Kages—it's a test. A show of strength, to let the other villages know where everyone stands."

Sasuke nodded once, his agreement as subtle as it was deliberate. "The Uchiha will let them know exactly where we stand. It's not enough for them to see Konoha as strong. They need to see that the Uchiha are back—fully, undeniably—and that we're not going anywhere."

Hinata's gaze lingered on him, sharp with understanding. "A display of unity and power," she said softly, her voice carrying the concern of someone who understood the stakes.

"It's more than that," Sasuke added, his tone darkening. "Tsunade isn't just showing strength—she's watching for cracks. She feels something shifting, and she wants to see how the others react. This isn't just about politics. It's about preparing for what's coming next."

Sakura, who had been watching the exchange with a raised eyebrow, finally cut in. "So, let me get this straight. You're going to play the Uchiha pride card, Itachi's going to glare at everyone, and the Hokage's going to try to out-drink the Raikage. Sounds like a solid plan."

Sasuke's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Something like that."

Hinata shook her head, but there was a faint hint of amusement in her eyes. "If Tsunade believes this summit is more than it appears, then we all need to be ready. This world isn't as stable as it pretends to be."

Sasuke met her gaze, his expression hardening. "That's why we're going. To make sure Konoha stays ahead of whatever's coming."

"I will send three teams to watch over the Uzumaki compound," Hinata said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We may have our differences, but I will not allow one of the noble clans to be endangered."

Sasuke inclined his head slightly, a rare gesture of respect. "I am honored. This will not be forgotten."

"Neji," Hinata continued, her voice steady and commanding, "inform the captain of the house guard and send someone to my room. Sakura will need suitable clothing for this mission." She didn't turn to look at Neji; she didn't need to. He had become the other half of her whole, her silent shadow who carried out her will without hesitation.

Sometimes, it felt as though a single thought began in her mind and ended in his. The trust between them was unspoken but absolute—a bond forged not just by blood but by years of shared purpose and understanding.

What might have been chaos in any other household unfolded like clockwork in the Hyuga compound. Sakura's belongings were packed with surprising efficiency, and the teams were gathered before Sasuke had a chance to disappear. The pace was quick but not rushed, a quiet intensity filling the air.

The group made their way to the Uzumaki compound in a show of force, a formation designed to catch eyes and send a message. Shinobi moved with deliberate confidence, their presence practically daring anyone watching to interfere. This wasn't just about escorting Sakura; it was about making it clear to anyone with bad intentions that the Hyuga were not to be trifled with.

As the group arrived at the entrance of the grand lobby, the imposing structure of the building loomed overhead. Inside, the beauty of the polished marble floors reflected the bright light streaming in from the high windows. A small group of guards stood near the far side, each one bearing the unmistakable pink hair and sharp eyes of the Haruno clan. They were still, waiting for the next command, their loyalty unquestionable, a loyalty that lay firmly with Tayuya.

Standing in the middle of the lobby, arms crossed and eyes sharp, was Tayuya, having spotted them coming from the top floor. She narrowed her gaze as she surveyed the group's arrival. The moment her eyes landed on Hinata, a flicker of something, perhaps acknowledgment, passed over her features, quickly masked by her usual cool demeanor. She had become acutely aware of the Hyuga's growing influence and the quiet power the woman wielded. Now, seeing Hinata stride forward with such confidence, Tayuya understood this was a moment to observe and learn, not play her usual part as the bitch.

Hinata's pale eyes swept over the room with practiced ease, her gaze meeting Tayuya's, as if silently assessing the situation. Without missing a beat, she stepped forward, her voice steady and commanding as she spoke.

"I'll be leaving a portion of my people here to help stand guard," Hinata said, her tone calm but laced with authority. Her words were not an offer, but a decision, one that seemed to resonate with the quiet power she exuded.

Tayuya held back any visible frustration, taking in the scene before her. She wasn't used to seeing leadership handled with such quiet precision, yet there was something about the way Hinata moved, the way she commanded attention without needing to raise her voice, that resonated deeply with her. There was no arrogance in Hinata's presence, just a focused strength that felt steady and unshakable. It was a leadership style Tayuya hadn't considered, one that didn't demand power but rather earned it through quiet assurance. As she watched Hinata, Tayuya felt a growing desire to learn that kind of command, to lead with the same calm authority, without ever needing to prove it.

"So, what is this all about?" Tayuya replied, her voice low but edged with something that could only be described as respect.

"I asked Sakura to help you watch over Katsuro, and Hinata thought it would be helpful to add some of her people to guard the building now that the Yamanaka are gone," said Sasuke, stepping to the forefront, thinking this could turn into something more than just a conversation.

"Yes, with the Yamanaka gone, we are understaffed," Tayuya said after thinking over the situation, not responding with anger as she would have in the past.

"The noble clans need to support each other in times like this," Hinata said, taking her place next to Sasuke. "This is no disrespect, only an offer to help."

Tayuya bit back her usual sharp retort, a small but meaningful concession. "Fine," she muttered, the word less hostile and more resigned, as she gave them a small bow. She would follow Hinata's lead, learn from a master, and then, when the time came, she would be a power equal to the Iron Fist.

As the Hyuga clan members moved into position, nearly vanishing into the background, a quiet understanding passed between the two women. Hinata returned Tayuya's bow and gave her a small smile of understanding. "It is early. We could join you for breakfast. I'm sure the cooks I lent you have prepared something."

Seeing that Hinata was giving her a way to show that this was a gesture of hospitality, not an overreach of clan power, Tayuya let her guard down a little. "Yes, come in. Let's have breakfast on the balcony overlooking the river and your holdings," she said, bowing to them all and leading the way to the top floor. Honor was preserved, and it would be good to talk.

Sasuke, knowing that Itachi was already in the building, allowed the women to leave. He had better things to do than gossip or talk about babies.

…..

"Taking the Uchiha? Are you sure that's a good idea?" Jiraiya asked, his voice filled with concern as he emerged from the shadows of the Hokage's office and stepped into the light in front of Tsunade's desk.

"You've been warning me for the past year that something is coming," she replied, not lifting her gaze from the reports before her. "And now that it's here, you want to talk about caution? Have you seen these?"

Tsunade threw a stack of photographs that quickly scattered across the desk. The sharp movement had sent them spreading out before them. Jiraiya's eyes scanned the images, each one more horrifying than the last.

The first photo showed what remained of Kumogakure. The landscape was almost unrecognizable. Buildings had been reduced to rubble, and the bodies of shinobi and civilians alike were strewn across the ground, lifeless and broken. The devastation was staggering, as though an entire civilization had been wiped from existence. The destruction went far beyond a battlefield—it was as if the very soul of the village had been torn apart.

In another photo, the village square was unrecognizable. It had become a graveyard, filled with the broken remnants of the city's heart. Overturned carts and smashed storefronts lay scattered, while the bodies of the villagers were left in grim piles. The scene was a grim reminder of the merciless attack that had obliterated everything in its path.

"Each of these images is worse than any battlefield," Tsunade muttered, a deep frustration simmering beneath her words. "This isn't just an attack. It's as if they tried to erase Kumogakure's very existence."

Jiraiya's stomach turned as he looked at the photos. The scale of the destruction was overwhelming. The lives lost, the history erased, and the devastation rendered almost incomprehensible.

Tsunade continued, her tone bitter as she sifted through the reports. "The survivors will need years to recover. If they even get the funds from their Daimyō. Kumogakure is barely holding on, without help I doubt if they can even be rebuilt."

She picked up the scrolls that had arrived from the surviving Kage, which detailed the aftermath of the attack. The Raikage's request for assistance was clear—he needed help in finding survivors and rebuilding. But there was more than just an appeal for help. There was a burning desire for vengeance in every word.

"The Raikage's plan for vengeance is clear," Tsunade said, her voice tinged with cold realization. "His shinobi are demoralized and grief-stricken, but their rage is undiminished. They've lost their leader's vision, and now they're just fighting with blind fury. What's left of their forces are scattered and disheartened, but they're pushing for support—though they don't want to admit their defeat."

Jiraiya looked at her, his expression grim. "So, what's the plan now?"

Tsunade's eyes met his, and for a moment, the tension in the room deepened. "We prepare for the worst. We can't afford to let this happen to any other village. That is why I am including the Uchiha."

Jiraiya hesitated. "Are they ready for this? Sasuke, especially?"

Tsunade's gaze hardened. "We don't have the luxury of waiting for anyone to be 'ready.' They will join me at the Kage sumit, once there I can decide what our next step will be."

Jiraiya studied her for a moment, seeing the unshakable focus in her eyes. This wasn't just the Hokage speaking anymore. It was his old teammate, whose skill in battle was unmatched. She had hardened into something fierce and unyielding.

"Then we need to make sure everything's in place," Jiraiya said, his voice steady. "The Uchiha may be powerful, but they're not the only ones with power. I will begin moving some of our ANBU assets into place."

Tsunade nodded, her mind already turning to the next steps. "Right. We can't afford failure with so many of our forces out of the village. I only wish Naruto was here."

Jiraiya stood still, his expression thoughtful as he gave Tsunade one last look before he turned to leave. The battle lines had been drawn, and now they needed to prepare for what was coming next. There was no turning back.

Walking out of the Hokage's office, Jiraiya heard his name being called. "Lord Jiraiya, I need to speak with you," said a voice. It was Doctor Kurohara, head of the village's Research and Development department. His gaunt face and thin frame gave the impression that he rarely left his lab, an assumption supported by the slight scent of chemicals that wafted in with him.

"Yes?" said Jiraiya, not knowing who this strange man was.

"I am Doctor Kurohara," he began, his tone polite but with an undercurrent of urgency. "I believe you've heard of me, though perhaps not in the capacity I now require your attention for." He paused, his fingers twitching as if eager to explain further.

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, studying the man carefully. He didn't recognize the name, but there was something about the doctor's demeanor that suggested he wasn't someone to be dismissed. "Go on," Jiraiya said, folding his arms.

Kurohara glanced over his shoulder, making sure no one else was listening before leaning slightly forward. "I've been tasked with analyzing a… unique item that has been brought to us. It's something of significant importance, and frankly, it's not something we should be handling without proper caution. It's the gem you may have heard of, the one Tsunade-sama entrusted me with. It's far more dangerous than we anticipated, and I need your help."

Jiraiya was shocked that Tsunade had given the Eye of the God gem to someone. He had hoped she would put it in the vault with all the other forbidden items. "A gem, huh? I've heard a little about it." He didn't feel it was the time to share with this strange doctor everything he knew just yet.

Kurohara's face grew more serious, the usual curious excitement replaced by a look of genuine concern. "It's not just any relic. Tsunade-sama mentioned its connection to a demigod's chakra. But what we've discovered so far is even more alarming. It's not just a power source, it's... sentient, in a way. There's an intelligence connected to it. And I fear, if it's not contained, we could be dealing with something far worse than anyone realizes."

Jiraiya frowned, his thoughts racing. "You're telling me the gem has a mind of its own?"

"Yes," Kurohara confirmed. "A fragmented one, perhaps, but it's there. And it's been whispering, speaking in a language I can't quite decipher. I believe it might be trying to communicate something, but it could also be manipulating those who come into contact with it."

Jiraiya knew that the demigod had the power to control its monks, but he had assumed that the mind behind the power had been sent to whatever hell Naruto had created.

This is too dangerous, we can't allow them to just keep picking at it, thought Jiraiya, grabbing the front of the doctor's coat and pulling him into the Hokage's office.

"Tell her what you just told me," said Jiraiya, pushing the doctor to the front of the desk. He had to use both hands to stop from falling face-first onto the still spread-out photos.

After a quick and stuttering recall of what he had found, Doctor Kurohara looked between the two powerful shinobi, wondering what was going to happen next.

"Can you contain it?" asked the Hokage, not to the doctor, but to Jiraiya, standing behind him.

"I can check. If not, we need to get rid of it," said Jiraiya, thinking about what this gem had done to the people of the island.

The journey to the lab beneath Hokage Mountain was no simple task. Doctor Kurohara led Jiraiya through the winding hallways, their footsteps echoing through the vast stone corridors. The deeper they went, the thicker the air seemed to grow, heavy with the weight of secrecy and the scent of old stone.

At the first checkpoint, a heavily armed guard stood at attention, his eyes narrowing as they approached. Kurohara gave a curt nod, and the guard stepped aside, unlocking a massive iron door with a complex series of hand seals. The door creaked open, revealing a narrow hallway lined with even more doors, each guarded and sealed.

"I take it we're not just letting anyone wander down here?" Jiraiya asked, his voice tinged with a mix of amusement and wariness.

Kurohara didn't respond immediately, instead walking ahead with purpose, his gait steady despite the oppressive silence. As they passed through each door, more seals were undone, each more intricate than the last. The thick metal doors closed behind them with finality, the sound of the seals locking into place sending an eerie chill down Jiraiya's spine. It felt like they were moving further away from the world, as though the very mountain was protecting something dangerous.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of winding passages and seemingly endless checkpoints, they arrived at the deepest chamber. The door here was unlike any other—black stone, carved with ancient symbols that pulsed with a faint light. Kurohara stepped forward, muttered an incantation under his breath, and the door rumbled open, revealing the lab.

The room was vast, its cold, sterile walls lined with high-tech equipment and shelves full of ancient scrolls and relics. At the far end, beneath a raised platform, sat a glass dome, inside of which lay the Eye of the God gem. It floated in the air, suspended on a spiraling tendril of power that seemed to hum with energy. The gem was a deep, blood-red hue, its surface reflecting the dim lights of the lab in disturbing ways. The longer Jiraiya stared at it, the more unsettled he felt. It was like the gem itself was watching him.

"Here it is," Kurohara said quietly, stepping aside to reveal the delicate, intricate seals etched into the floor. The lines of seals glowed faintly, their power keeping the gem contained, but the air felt thick with something far more dangerous. Jiraiya's senses tingled, and he instinctively took a step back, his eyes narrowing on the floating relic.

A low, unsettling whisper filled the air. At first, it was too faint to make out, but as Jiraiya stepped closer, he could hear it more clearly. The voice was speaking in tongues—an ancient, incomprehensible language that seemed to reverberate through his very bones. It wasn't just the sound of the voice; it felt like the air itself was speaking to him, calling to him, drawing him in with an unexplainable force.

"Do you hear it?" Jiraiya asked, his voice barely above a whisper. He was trying to ignore the pull he felt, trying to keep his mind focused on the task at hand.

Kurohara's face was pale, his usual confidence replaced by a look of grim understanding. "Yes. It's... trying to communicate. Or perhaps... manipulate. We're not sure. The language is unlike anything we've encountered before. But there's something deeply unsettling about it."

Jiraiya stared at the gem, the low hum of power vibrating through the floor, his fingers itching to reach for it. But the seals on the ground, glowing brightly, kept him back. He could feel the weight of the situation settling in. This wasn't just a relic—it was alive, and it was dangerous.

"This thing has a mind of its own," Jiraiya muttered, his brow furrowing. "We need to contain it, and fast."

Kurohara nodded, his face hardening. "That's why I brought you here. If anyone can help, it's you."

As Jiraiya stepped forward, the voice grew louder, as if the gem itself was trying to force its way into his mind. He closed his eyes, blocking it out, focusing on the task at hand. He knew he couldn't let it get to him—not when there was so much at stake.

"We need to make sure no one else gets too close to this thing," Jiraiya said, his tone serious. "If it can manipulate anyone who comes into contact with it, we can't risk it getting out of control."

Kurohara's expression darkened. "Agreed. But we may need more than just seals to contain it. This... this is no ordinary power."

Jiraiya nodded grimly, feeling the pull of the gem's presence growing stronger. "Power, yes, that's it. If it doesn't have power, it's just a stone."

He moved quickly, grabbing his ink pot and brush, his mind already working on a solution. There was no time to waste. The whispers from the gem were like nails scraping against his thoughts, growing more insistent with every passing second. He needed to act fast, but the problem was far more complex than just sealing it away.

With swift movements, Jiraiya began sketching out a new set of seals along the floor, drawing lines that curved and intertwined in ways that would confuse even the most experienced seal master. It was intricate work, and he couldn't afford to make a mistake. The doctor hovered anxiously in the background, clearly out of his depth, but Jiraiya had no time to explain. He needed space.

"Out," Jiraiya barked, his voice cutting through the tension. "Now."

Doctor Kurohara hesitated for only a moment before stepping back. His face was pale, but he did as ordered, giving Jiraiya the room he needed. The gem pulsed with energy, the light from its core flickering erratically, but Jiraiya didn't stop. He focused all his attention on the seals, adjusting them as he worked, pulling the ambient chakra into the intricate patterns he was weaving.

His brush moved faster now, nearly a blur. Sweat beaded on his forehead as the whispers from the gem began to intensify, the voices rising into a cacophony that scraped at his senses. But Jiraiya pressed on, determined to finish what he started. As the final stroke of the seal was made, Jiraiya took a deep breath, steadying himself. It wasn't finished yet, but it was close. He moved to the door, pushing open the heavy frame with a deliberate motion. "Let's go," he muttered, his voice low.

Jiraiya stormed down the hall, his steps echoing in the quiet corridors of the Hokage's mountain. Doctor Kurohara struggled to keep up, but Jiraiya didn't slow down. The weight of what was happening pressed heavily on his chest. Time was running out, and they needed to act quickly.

Jiraiya didn't answer immediately. He kept moving, his mind still working through the steps in his head. "No," he said finally, his tone clipped. "I have to finish it. There's still one more step. The demonic fragments were barely the beginning. The immediate issue is keeping it from breaking free and causing chaos. It has already begun to warp the fabric of space, leaking power into the environment. I need to funnel the energy into a matrix so that the subatomic levels can contain the overflow of thoughts without leaking into our space-time."

Doctor Kurohara shot him a confused glance, but Jiraiya didn't elaborate more. He could feel the power growing stronger, just out of his reach, threatening to spiral out of control if he didn't complete the seal soon.

They reached the barrier room, and the hum of chakra vibrated through the air. The Great Barrier Team was already at their stations, their eyes trained on the various monitoring devices as they maintained the village's protective shield.

The room fell silent as Jiraiya strode in. The barrier team leader, a tall and imposing figure, turned to face him. "What's the situation?"

"Shut down any external power sources," Jiraiya said quickly, moving toward one of the primary control panels. "I need the full capacity of the barrier to take on something else."

The leader, a man with decades of experience, knew Jiraiya from childhood. He raised an eyebrow but nodded to his team. "Understood."

Jiraiya moved with urgency, adjusting the controls as the team leader followed his instructions. The barrier's energy systems flickered for a brief moment before stabilizing. But Jiraiya didn't slow down. His hands worked quickly, pushing and pulling at the seals, adjusting the flow of chakra, but none of the team could see what he was truly doing. They only saw the numbers shift, the chakra readings adjust—nothing to suggest what was really happening.

It wasn't until the final switch was flipped, the last seal activated, that the situation became clear. The entire barrier room hummed with a new unnatural intensity. The walls seemed to pulse, as though the very mountain itself was alive, drawing in the gem's energy. The air was thick with the raw power, and as the barrier team worked to stabilize the system, the light from the shield grew brighter, glowing with an almost blinding intensity. The teams of chunin that had been used to power the shield stood around wondering what was going on.

Jiraiya stood back, his heart pounding in his chest. He needed to explain what had just happened. "Doctor Kurohara has a new power gem. It is being siphoned into the village's barrier, its energy now fueling the protective shield." Checking the air, Jiraiya noticed that the whispers from the gem had quieted. Its presence still lingered, but it was no longer able to break free. With no power, it was unable to speak to anyone.

But it wasn't over.

"But what are we to do," asked one of the Chunin team leaders.
"Nothing, for now," said Jiraiya as he turned to Kurohara, who stood behind him, his face pale and drawn. "It's done," Jiraiya said quietly, his voice heavy with the weight of what he had just done. "But we can't keep doing this forever. It's a temporary fix. I need you to study the seals and come up with a better solution to draw down its chakra."

Kurohara looked at him with wide eyes, the realization dawning on him. "You... you used the barrier to drain its power?"

Jiraiya nodded grimly. "Yes. For now, it's part of the shield. But we'll need a more permanent solution, or it will tear us apart from the inside out. You'd better get to work."

For a moment, the only sound in the room was the hum of the barrier, its energy now pulsing more intensely than ever before. Jiraiya had made his choice, but the consequences were far from clear as he walked away from a puzzled Kurohara and the barrier teams.

…

Naruto stood in the endless rain, the cold droplets drenching him as he stared at the distant village. The rebel forces were still days behind, but he couldn't wait any longer; he had rushed ahead, acting as a scout, determined to gather any useful information before the others arrived. Every inch of him was on high alert, his senses heightened by the storm around him.

He could feel the chakra in the raindrops. Each drop held a unique energy, making the air vibrate with power. Just a few feet in front of him, a dark, pulsating chakra surged, a black cloud of malice and rage. Naruto recognized it immediately:

Pain.

The chakra was unmistakable. It was as though the very rain was tainted by his presence, a twisted reflection of the violence and hatred that had defined their past battles. The intensity of it sent a chill down Naruto's spine. It was unlike any chakra he had ever felt—a cold, suffocating presence, black and dirty, with a core of smoldering rage in every drop that fell from the sky. Naruto could feel it reaching for him, taunting him.

A part of him wanted to move, to rush forward and face Pain right then and there. It would be so easy, just like old times. He could feel his fists tighten at his sides, the familiar rage rising within him.

"Bastard," he muttered under his breath, his voice low and threatening. He wanted to get it over with, to erase this menace from the world once and for all. But logic held him back. He knew this wasn't just a matter of pride or revenge.

No, this wasn't the right moment.

Naruto's hand went to his side, instinctively brushing against the weapons hidden there. He could take Pain on his own, no doubt about it. He had done it before. He was stronger now, sharper, and more determined than ever. But this wasn't about a one-on-one fight. There were too many unknowns. The other members of Akatsuki were out there, and with the rumors of Pain recruiting more powerful shinobi to his cause, rushing in would only make him a target.

And there was more at stake now than just himself.

His eyes narrowed as the wind howled through the trees, the rain falling heavier, almost as if it were urging him to move. But Naruto stood firm, his gaze locked on the village. He had to be patient. The plan had to be followed. He had to wait for the rest of the rebel forces. Moving too soon could ruin everything. They needed to strike together, at full force.

A buzzing sound filled the air behind him, but Naruto didn't need to turn to know who it was. Fu had followed him, even after he had told her to stay with the others.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, stepping back down the small hill he had used as a vantage point. "I told you to stay behind."

"I know, but I was worried. And I can move faster than anyone else, so here I am," Fu said, her usual cheerfulness dulled by the oppressive chakra in the air.

"Fly back and tell them I'm okay," Naruto said, his tone firm, his mind wandering back to the battle to come.

"NO, it's getting dark, I'm wet, and I don't want to," Fu replied, her usual enthusiasm subdued by the grim situation, challenging Naruto directly.

Naruto sighed, but he understood. "Then in the morning," he said. "We have to make camp or find someplace to get out of this rain."

He scanned the area, looking for a place to rest. They moved farther from the village, and though the thick, tainted chakra of Pain's presence still lingered, clinging to the air like a stain, it gradually faded as they moved away.

Fu spotted an abandoned shack, its roof surprisingly intact, offering some respite from the elements. It was a far better option than the cold ground or a makeshift hole. No caves here; they were all under the village itself.

As they took refuge, Naruto's mind wandered to his wives, Karin and Tayuya, his children, and all of his responsibilities. His resolve was no longer about proving himself to the village but leading his clan, expanding it with new alliances, all while keeping the darker sides of his nature in check.

They stepped inside, the rain's roar muted by the walls. The shack was small, the air thick with the musty scent of abandonment. Naruto's eyes adjusted to the dim light, noticing the single, creaky bed in the corner, the only piece of furniture not claimed by time.

Fu closed the door behind them, the rain's patter a backdrop to their isolation. She moved closer, the wet fabric of her clothes doing little to hide her body's contours. Her breath was warm against his neck as she whispered, "You know, being this close to you always makes me think of last time."

Naruto felt the familiar heat rise within him, the memory of their last encounter vivid in his mind. Fu's hands were already on him, slipping under his soaked shirt, her touch igniting his skin. Her voice was a seductive purr, "We're alone, Naruto. Just like that first night... don't hold back."

Her fingers danced lower, tracing the lines of his abdomen, a clear invitation. The tension of the mission, and the adrenaline of the storm, all seemed to surge into this moment. Fu's boldness, her familiarity with his body, was a stark contrast to the cold, heavy rain outside.

In the dim light of the shack, with the world outside in chaos, the primal need to connect, to claim some warmth in the storm, overwhelmed them both. Fu pressed herself against him, her lips finding his in a kiss that was both a challenge and a surrender, a promise of more to come in this night of darkness and rain.

Her tongue delved into his mouth, tasting him with a hunger that matched the storm's ferocity. Naruto's hands responded, pulling her closer, feeling the cold water from her clothes seep into his skin, contrasting with the heat of their bodies. He grabbed her by the waist, lifting her slightly to press her against the wall, the wood creaking under their weight.

Fu's hand slid down, her fingers deftly working at his pants, her other hand tangling in his hair, pulling him deeper into the kiss. Naruto's breath hitched as she freed him, her touch bold and teasing, sending waves of pleasure through him. She wrapped her fingers around him, stroking with a rhythm that matched the pounding rain outside.

"You're always so ready for me," she murmured against his lips, her voice thick with desire. Naruto's response was to slide his hands under her top, feeling the hard nipples on her small breasts, his thumbs circling her nipples until they hardened even more under his touch.

Fu moaned, her grip on him tightening, her movements more urgent. Naruto pushed her shirt aside, his fingers finding her wet heat, proving her arousal was as intense as his own. He teased her, circling, dipping, until she was gasping against his mouth, her body writhing under his touch.

"I need you," she hissed, her voice a desperate plea, her eyes wild with lust. Naruto didn't make her wait; he lifted her, her legs wrapping around his waist, guiding himself to her entrance. With one swift thrust, he was inside her, the sensation overwhelming, a mix of urgency and longing.

Fu cried out, her nails digging into his shoulders, the pain a sharp contrast to the pleasure that engulfed them. Naruto moved, each thrust pushing them closer to the edge, the sound of their bodies meeting filling the shack, louder than the rain outside. The wall shook with their rhythm, their shadows merging and dancing on the wall with each movement.

Her breath was hot against his ear, whispering encouragements, dirty, enticing words that fueled his desire. "Harder, Naruto, make me forget everything but this," she moaned, her body clenching around him, urging him on.

He complied, his pace relentless, driven by the need to dominate this moment, to claim her as she had claimed him with her touch. The world outside could wait; in here, it was just them, their breaths, their moans, the slick sounds of their union.

Fu's climax came with a shudder, her body tightening around him, her cries echoing through the small space. Naruto followed, his release a powerful surge, the culmination of tension and desire. They stayed like that, breathing heavily, her legs still around him, the aftershocks of pleasure still rippling through them.

As they disentangled, the reality of their situation slowly returned. The storm outside hadn't ceased, but the one within them had shifted—from raw desire to a calm, satisfied stillness. Fu leaned into him, her head resting on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his slowing heartbeat.

"I think we could manage a few more rounds, don't you?" she teased, looking up into his blue eyes as her hands began their mischievous work. All she got in response was a low grunt before he bent her over

….

It may be some time before the next update. Going to be traveling a lot.