Chapter Twenty Eight: Interlude
Hi no Kuni - Two week Later - Konohagakure no Sato
The Yondiame Hokage was dead.
It was a simple fact, yet hard to believe: the strongest shinobi in the entire Elemental Nations had been killed. The Fourth Hokage, the Yellow Flash, who had safeguarded Konoha from the horrors of war and chaos, was no more. His death was the result of a joint attack by the Kage of Iwagakure and Kumogakure—a betrayal that shook the foundations of the shinobi world. Initially, both villages denied responsibility, but the remnants of their chakra, interwoven with the traces of forbidden techniques, spoke volumes. Denials turned hollow, and the weight of the truth bore down upon the Elemental Nations like an avalanche. His blood was on their hands, and the world knew it.
The funeral was the largest since the passing of the First Hokage, a somber event that drew mourners from every corner of the globe. Dignitaries arrived in droves to pay their respects: the Kazekage from the windswept deserts of Sunagakure, the Mizukage with a retinue of Mist shinobi, the Emperor of Yukigakure cloaked in icy splendor, and even select nobles from the Fire Court, faces shrouded in grief. The streets of Konohagakure brimmed with sorrow as villagers, shinobi, and allies gathered under a sky painted in muted grays, a fitting backdrop for the loss that hung over them all.
The ceremony was held in the heart of the village, where every man, woman, and child could bear witness. His body lay in state, the same serene smile etched upon his cold, pale visage—a final reminder of the unwavering resolve he had shown in life. One by one, people spoke of his legacy: his former sensei, who recounted tales of an unyielding determination that had inspired his comrades; the Sandaime Hokage, whose voice trembled with the weight of loss; the Kazekage, who praised his strength and diplomacy, even as rivals; and others who had fought beside him or stood in awe of his deeds.
This was not merely a farewell. It was a testament to a man who had shaped the fate of nations. He was the hero who had stopped the rampage of the Nine-Tails, sacrificing his own family to protect the village. He was the shield that stood firm against the assault at Konoha's gates, unyielding even when the odds were stacked against him.
As the eulogies faded into the air, a statue was unveiled—a colossal monument of stone and steel, towering in the village square. It depicted him in his iconic pose, one hand gripping a kunai, the other reaching forward as though to shield his people once more. The sight was enough to bring the strongest of shinobi to tears. It was a first in the history of Konoha, for never before had such a monument been built to honor a single man. It stood as a promise that Minato Namikaze would never be forgotten, his legacy forever etched into the hearts of his people.
In the wake of his death, the mantle of Hokage passed to another—Uchiha Itachi. Appointed as the Godaime Hokage, the prodigious shinobi became the youngest leader Konoha had ever seen. Once the youngest shinobi to attain the S-Rank classification, Itachi was now burdened with leading the strongest nation in the wake of its greatest loss. He accepted the role with the quiet determination of a man who understood the weight of sacrifice.
And so, under the shadow of Minato's passing, the village stood united. Grief mingled with resolve, and hope flickered like a fragile flame in the hands of their new leader. For Konoha, the road ahead was uncertain, but the will of fire burned on, carried by those who vowed to protect the legacy of the hero who had given his all.
Hi no Kuni - Hokage Tower - Hokage Office
It was an adjustment—this office was officially his now. Everyone in the village answered to him, not as an apprentice or a stand-in but as the Godaime Hokage. Itachi Uchiha couldn't help but wish his mentor had lived to see it. He knew, deep in his heart, that Minato Namikaze was at peace. The afterlife was a topic of speculation among shinobi, though it had rarely occupied Itachi's thoughts. Yet, in these past few weeks, it lingered in his mind like an unwelcome guest.
There wasn't time to dwell on it now. The meeting—the meeting that would shape the future of the entire shinobi world—was fast approaching. But first, there was the matter of a guest. A highly anticipated one. What good was an overly funded intelligence organization if it couldn't prepare above expectations?
Sitting across from him was Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure no Sato. She radiated a poised and commanding aura, her elegant demeanor tempered by the steel of a battle-hardened leader. Beside her stood Hana Shimizu, arguably one of the most dangerous individuals Itachi had ever encountered. Her long silver hair and piercing blue eyes, combined with the standard Kiri jonin uniform, painted a picture of precision and lethality. During his ANBU days, even Dragon had spoken of her with rare respect, warning operatives to avoid her at all costs. That reputation was enough for Itachi to keep his reservations intact about her presence in Konoha.
"Mizukage-dono, it is good to see you in good health," Itachi greeted formally.
"Thank you, Hokage-dono," Mei replied with a soft smile. "And my condolences once again for your loss."
Itachi inclined his head in gratitude. "Thank you. What can I do for you? The meeting will begin soon."
Her smile faded as she cleared her throat, her eyes flickering to the door and the shadows around the room. She noticed something unusual: the absence of guards.
"Well," Mei began, "news has reached our shores that Konohagakure may be hiding the Sanbi within its walls. Initially, I dismissed these accusations. But then I thought back to that day—the battle that nearly destroyed Kirigakure—and the seal Orochimaru-sama used. I did some research on the components I remembered. Do you know what I discovered?"
She paused, letting the weight of her words settle. "It was a modified storage seal. The power of a Bijuu is what keeps nations in check. The thought of unleashing one strikes fear in even the most hardened hearts. We have been without that deterrent for far too long, chalking it up as a casualty of war. Please, Hokage-dono, explain yourself. Or this alliance is over." To her surprise, Itachi smiled, a calm yet unreadable expression. "Mei-sama, this topic has been in discussion for some time. Allow me to introduce our Deputy ANBU Commander, who has overseen this project."
A masked figure appeared silently at his side. No one in the room had sensed their presence until that moment. Itachi nodded to Kitsune, who returned the gesture with a slight bow. "The directive was given by the late Yondaime Hokage," Kitsune began, his voice modulated and detached. "Only three people knew of it: Minato-sama, Orochimaru-sama, and Dragon-sama. At the time, Kirigakure was in a weakened state. According to our calculations, the trajectory of the rebellion would have resulted in your victory—eventually."
Mei's brow furrowed as Kitsune continued.
"However, the cost would have been catastrophic: a 70% reduction in Kirigakure's shinobi forces, coupled with the permanent loss of a Bijuu. Such losses could have crippled your village for generations. To mitigate this, measures were taken to safeguard Kirigakure's future. One of those measures involved the secret capture of the Sanbi."
Mei's eyes narrowed.
"Yes, we could have returned it to you," Kitsune admitted. "But Kirigakure, at the time, lacked the capacity to train a jinchūriki while rebuilding from the ruins of war. Minato-sama devised a plan: to train the jinchūriki ourselves and, in eighteen years, return them to you as a fully capable guardian. That time was drawing near, but… unforeseen events prevented that outcome." Mei's gaze hardened as she analyzed his words, her years of experience struggling to penetrate the mask and the protective seals that obscured Kitsune's presence. "You had no right to make this decision," she stated coldly.
"No, we didn't," Kitsune replied bluntly. "But it was the best course of action to ensure Kirigakure's survival and recovery. Come in, please."
At his signal, the door opened, and a young man walked in wearing the uniform of Konoha's Black Ops. "This is Yukimaru," Kitsune said. "The perfected jinchūriki of the Sanbi. He has undergone minimal field training, as he does not enjoy killing. His unique chakra system calms the tailed beast, allowing them to form a bond. And now, he is ready to return home." Mei studied the boy carefully, her emotions a storm beneath her composed exterior.
"You knew nothing of this, did you?" she asked, turning to Itachi.
He shook his head. "I was an ANBU captain at the time. My clearance was not high enough. I apologize for the deception, Mizukage-dono. Transparency is vital for any alliance, and even more so for friendship."
Mei sighed deeply, her expression softening. "I see."
Six years of preparation had led to this moment. Tonight, the declaration of war would echo across the Elemental Nations.
In a vast chamber, illuminated by the projection of the Elemental Nations, the war council gathered. Around the table stood the Hokage, the Mizu and Kazekage, the Fire Daimyo, the proclaimed emperor of Yukigakure, and key figures like the Sannin, Jonin sensei, and members of the shinobi council. At the forefront were two enigmatic figures, Dragon and Kitsune, whose roles in this conflict were as critical as they were secretive.
Strategic points were marked across the map—chokeholds, supply routes, and the positions of every known S-Rank shinobi, either confirmed or predicted. The war was being planned on two fronts: the battlefield and the shadows. Moves were calculated months, even years, in advance.
"The Dusk Reapers," Kitsune began, his voice steady but resolute. "I want them assigned to this operation."
Rasa, the Kazekage, folded his arms and raised a skeptical brow. "Why? Their work is... specialized. What do you have in mind?"
Kitsune's hand moved, shifting the map projection. Two marked locations appeared on opposite sides of the continent. "The Dusk Reapers bring a unique advantage. The operative I worked with during the mission to retrieve your son showed me that. If this war is to succeed, I need Hound retrieved and Otogakure reduced to ash."
The room fell silent, eyes fixed on the map. Kitsune continued, "I anticipated this meeting. A company of our best is already en route to uproot the Crimson Dawn's operations. According to intel, their leaders plan to meet in one year. If we strike there—at the heart of their operation—it will cripple them. But I need the Dusk Reapers to ensure it succeeds."
Rasa frowned, his fingers drumming lightly on the table. He understood the importance of eliminating threats early, but with war imminent, his intelligence network would be stretched thin. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. I'll send them to the usual briefing location."
Kitsune inclined his head in thanks. Itachi rotated the display, zooming in on a specific point.
"That's it," Itachi said.
"Mountain Graveyard?" Kimko's voice broke the silence. "It's the perfect location for a joint attack on Hi no Kuni's northern border. But... it's impractical. The terrain is notoriously difficult, and combat there is nearly impossible."
"Unless you've spent the last five years preparing for it," Retsu interjected.
Dragon stepped forward, pointing at various locations around the map. "These sites have been hubs for their training operations, reported by our agents. What we're seeing now are the movements of an elite force. If they've adapted to the terrain, we're at a disadvantage."
The room grew tense. Orochimaru's voice, smooth and measured, cut through the air. "Then we adapt as well. A contingent of Kirigakure shinobi could neutralize their advantages. Kumo's strength lies in its lightning; weather manipulation using Water and Wind Release can counter them. As for Iwa's tunnels, we can root them out, perhaps even smoke them out... if poison is too unseemly."
A cold smile tugged at his lips.
The Hokage raised a hand, signaling the end of the discussion. "We'll reconvene tomorrow. Prepare your plans—this war won't be won on hesitation. Thank you for your time."
"Team 7 returning after a completed mission."
Their voices were tired, their bodies sore, and their minds restless. Somewhere in their hearts, they had thought this protection detail would be a simple task, but reality had been far more unkind.
Iruka scanned their faces briefly before shaking his head, his voice apologetic yet firm. "Sorry, kids. That report doesn't go through me. Follow ANBU-san here."
The silent presence of a weasel-masked ANBU standing nearby immediately drew their attention. Without a word, the figure turned on their heel and began walking away with a calm, deliberate pace. It took Team 7 a moment to process the abruptness of the change in routine before following.
"Hey, where are we going?" Shikamaru finally broke the silence, his tone sharp with confusion and fatigue.
The ANBU did not answer, continuing through the busy halls of the Hokage Tower, where the sounds of hurried footsteps and muffled conversations filled the air. Without warning, they exited the building, moving across rooftops with practiced ease. The team exchanged a glance before following close behind.
Their chase led to a heavily guarded building they immediately recognized—the Department of Security and Information. A place spoken of only in whispers.
The ANBU ushered them inside, weaving through corridors filled with masked operatives and Jonin, many unfamiliar to the trio. The halls were suffused with tension, every face carrying a weight they didn't dare ask about. Finally, they arrived at a large, ornate door on the top floor. The ANBU opened it, stepping inside and fading into the shadows.
Behind the desk sat a figure none of them could mistake.
A mop of yellow locs framed a face they hadn't seen in years yet couldn't forget. Memories of their genin days surfaced unbidden, of laughter, arguments, and camaraderie forged in the fires of youth.
"Hello, Team 7," Naruto said quietly, not looking up from the document in his hands. His voice was measured, professional. Detached. "Mission report, please."
For a moment, no one moved. Naruto extended his hand expectantly, waiting for the written report. But nothing was placed in his hand.
"What?" Naruto's voice didn't rise, but the undercurrent of disappointment was palpable. "We barely speak in the last five years, and this is how you want to start?"
Shikamaru scoffed, crossing his arms. "I'm sorry, but after everything, you expect us to just hand over a report like we're strangers?"
Naruto's expression hardened, the faintest trace of irritation flickering across his features. "I thought this was a professional environment," he replied coldly, slamming his hand against the desk as he rose to his feet.
The silence that followed was deafening.
"We just want to know how you're doing," Sasuke said at last, his voice calm but laced with something unspoken. "It's been a long time."
Naruto glanced at the clock on his desk, the ticking sound seeming louder than it should. His schedule was full. He didn't have time for this. And yet…
With a resigned sigh, he grabbed his father's jacket from the back of his chair, throwing it around his shoulders. "Fine," he said, grabbing both Shikamaru and Sasuke by the arms. In a flash, they were gone.
Ichiraku Ramen
The familiar warmth of the ramen shop enveloped them, a stark contrast to the tension that had followed them here. Each ordered a bowl, and for a moment, silence reigned as they ate.
It was Shikamaru who finally broke it. "So, how was the capital?"
Naruto paused mid-bite, his disinterested gaze meeting Shikamaru's. "If you're going to lie, at least try harder. Ask what you really want to know."
Shikamaru shrugged, unbothered by the retort. "Alright. How long have you really been back?"
Naruto resumed eating, his tone clipped. "Today makes three years. My initial contract was for three years, but before I left, I spoke with Dragon and was set to join ANBU upon my return. That's where I've been ever since."
"And you told no one?" Shikamaru pressed.
Naruto set his chopsticks down with deliberate care, his voice growing colder. "ANBU is the primary black ops organization. Our identities are our lives. Some of us prefer to keep it that way. Others—Itachi, Sakura, Hinata—they don't. We are the masks we wear, and the fewer people who know, the better."
The weight of his words silenced them all.
Finally, Sasuke broke the quiet. His voice was low, hesitant. "Was it you? In the barrier that day?"
Naruto froze. Memories rushed back—of blood, smoke, and failure. If he had killed Kuro that day, perhaps his father would still be alive.
"Yes," he said simply, the single word heavy with regret and finality.
Sasuke nodded slowly, returning his gaze to his bowl.
"Will we ever run missions together again?" Sasuke asked after a pause.
For the first time, a faint smile tugged at Naruto's lips. "I picked an amazing teammate for you," he replied.
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "And what are you doing now? I've got my suspicions…"
Naruto grinned, pointing his thumb at himself. "I was just appointed Head of the Department of Security and Information. I've been busy—especially after…" His voice trailed off, and the grin faded, replaced by a shadow of something darker.
For a moment, no one spoke. Then Shikamaru leaned back, his voice unusually soft. "Naruto…"
"I'm fine," Naruto interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Let's just eat."
They didn't push him further. For now, sharing a quiet meal together was enough.
Tuschi no Kuni (Land of Earth) - Iwagakure no Sato - ANBU Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
The village was more alive than it had been in years. The man who had brought them to their knees—the one who haunted their darkest nights—was finally dead. But the victory was hollow, marred by petty tricks and desperation. He had toyed with them, dancing on the edge of triumph. In the end, Kuro had delivered the killing blow with a tanto to the back, severing chakra pathways to ensure their enemy couldn't slip away.
Yet, even in victory, the price was steep. Jiro, the Tsuchikage, had collapsed during the retreat, his body betraying him after enduring unspeakable punishment. He had been rushed to the ANBU Hospital, but the air was thick with uncertainty.
"Spit it out already, doctor," Jiro growled, his voice a rasp of impatience and pain.
The ANBU doctor shifted uncomfortably, flipping through the chart again as if hoping the words would change. Finally, he sighed and met Jiro's gaze. "I'm not going to sugarcoat this, Tsuchikage-sama. You've sustained severe, life-altering injuries. Frankly, it's a miracle you're alive."
Jiro said nothing, his expression carved from stone. The doctor pressed on, his voice softening.
"Your spinal damage is extensive. You have herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and significant nerve damage. On top of that, your kidneys have sustained damage, and you've developed a lung contusion. Had you stopped fighting sooner, there might've been a chance for a full recovery. But... that's no longer possible."
The words struck like shuriken, each syllable tearing away at the fragile shield of resolve Jiro had managed to build. He gripped the edge of the hospital bed, his knuckles white with tension. Every breath he took was a reminder of the battle—of the grinding, searing pain of that damned Rasengan.
And those eyes. Cold, golden, and unrelenting. Even in death, they haunted him.
"What can you do?" he asked at last, his voice low, almost trembling. The vulnerability in his tone was foreign, unsettling.
The doctor hesitated, removing his glasses and setting them aside. His eyes were heavy with regret. "With the assistance of the best medics in the world, we can manage the pain—lessen it. But…" He paused, exhaling slowly. "This isn't temporary, Tsuchikage-sama. The damage to your spine and muscles has caused a condition called Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Chronic pain will be your companion for the rest of your life."
Jiro's fingers dug into the sheets, his head dropping as the weight of the diagnosis settled over him like a suffocating fog. Every ache, every sharp jolt of pain in his body felt magnified now, a grim reminder that there was no reprieve waiting for him.
The grinding echoes of the battle replayed in his mind—the moment that golden-eyed beast had come for him, relentless and overwhelming. And though the beast was dead, Jiro couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. His neck prickled, the urge to turn around almost overpowering. But he didn't. He wouldn't.
Because he was afraid. Afraid of a dead man.
Before he could speak again, the door slammed open with a deafening crash. An ANBU operative, his mask cracked and armor singed, stormed into the room.
"Tsuchikage-sama! The Western Border is up in flames!"
The words hung in the air, heavy with urgency and dread. Jiro's eyes snapped up, the pain momentarily forgotten. His body screamed in protest as he tried to move, but he clenched his jaw against it. There was no rest for a kage—not even now.
"Prepare my armor," he growled, the fire in his voice returning despite the agony.
"Tsuchikage-sama, you can't—" the doctor began, but Jiro silenced him with a glare.
"I am the Tsuchikage," he spat. "Pain be damned. My village comes first."
The ANBU nodded sharply and disappeared as quickly as he'd come, leaving the room in tense silence. Jiro slumped back against the pillows, his breathing labored.
"You're going to destroy yourself," the doctor said softly.
Jiro closed his eyes, a faint, bitter smile curling his lips. "Maybe. But I'll do it on my terms."
Western Border of Tsuchi no Kuni
The air was thick with tension, crackling like an impending storm.
It was pure pandemonium.
In the heart of the night, they came like wraiths, their movements a blur of darkness—no shadows, just fleeting glimpses of death. Their kunai fell like whispers in the wind, missing their marks, then it appeared. A monstrous silhouette, green and ethereal, a skeletal demon towering above, its very presence suffocating. In one brutal, sweeping arc, the border was cleaved in two, the earth quaking under the force.
For a heartbeat, the demon vanished—then, the sky seemed to ignite. A tidal wave of flames engulfed what remained, devouring walls, bodies, and memories, turning the air itself to ash.
It was over too fast. No one could comprehend what had just transpired. The border was no more. Only one guard remained, paralyzed in a haze of disbelief. He couldn't move, couldn't even breathe as they materialized before him—silent, like shadows themselves.
The figure before him was cloaked in the unmistakable aura of an ANBU, his eyes blazing red, piercing through him like a weapon. The guard's heart raced, struggling to keep his composure, but it was futile. This man—this monster—could see into the deepest recesses of his soul.
"W-What do you w-want from us?" His voice was barely more than a whisper, fear flooding his every word.
The ANBU stood tall, towering over him like an unstoppable force, his comrades appearing from thin air, shadows that surrounded him, each one an extension of death. The one who had summoned the demon approached, his hand outstretched, fingers glowing with a blood-red fire.
"Consider this our declaration," the voice was cold, merciless. "Iwagakure will soon bend the knee to us."
And just as swiftly, they disappeared—gone without a trace, not a flicker of chakra, not a whisper left behind. The flames that had consumed everything now left only silence, broken only by the echoes of the guard's own shattered breath. His world was gone. His comrades, his friends—all of them slaughtered in a brutal, methodical fashion. Decapitated. Arteries severed. Minds reduced to pulp. He was the last one left.
His knees buckled under the weight of despair, but his resolve flared as something far more dangerous flickered in his eyes. In a flash of movement, he shot forward, his body flickering like a streak of lightning, eyes gleaming with the burning intensity of his Sharingan. No. This isn't over.
Behind him, the rumble of an explosion shattered the silence. His heart skipped a beat as he turned to face the far-off village—the very village he had left to protect. It was burning.
"Report, ANBU!" he demanded.
One of his elite kneels before him, breathless. "Tsuchikage-sama, the Stone Monument... it's gone. Destroyed. We haven't tracked down the culprits yet, but the damage is severe."
The ground cracked beneath his clenched fist, the rage in his veins threatening to consume him. His chakra flared, his tenketsu ripping open as he pushed off the ground with such force that the air itself seemed to shudder. His mind was a vortex of fury. I'll make them pay for this.
Meanwhile, elsewhere—
A shadowed figure watched the destruction unfold from the safety of the distance. His lips curved into a cold, calculating smile.
"Titan's taken the bait."
A voice, smooth and filled with quiet authority, answered. "Good. Are all preparations ready?"
"Yes, Shisui-sama."
The name hit the air like a dagger—sharp, final, inevitable.
"Send word to Kitsune that Titan's on the move."
With a swift nod, the ANBU disappeared into the shadows, leaving the clearing empty. Only the faintest trace of chakra remained, a whisper too subtle for any normal shinobi to detect. But to one who had honed their craft, it was a trail too tantalizing to ignore.
Shisui's gaze turned cold as his own chakra hummed, a tempest inside him. They won't get far now.
He took a single step forward. The hunt was on.
Preparation for this moment took months of planning and even longer for drillers, all to bring down the Iron Titan of Iwagakure, the spike of oppressive chakra, it made him shiver but then it felt it halt only for the briefest of moments. He flashed a set of hands seals holding the last one, the signature turned into signature more on close pursuit.
Closer.
Closer.
He dropped the sign; it was as if the gates of hell opened. A spiraling inferno, a deadly dance of a combination of jutsu. It rose as the heavens screamed in agony, being brought to their knees once again before being forced to obey. The tornado of chakra formed, sweeping up the unable shinobi in its divine clutches. Jiro planted himself, nearly succumbing to the same fate as the rest, and the tornado lit ablaze a moment later. Their screams were drowned out by the inferno.
The shadows moved too fast for his vision, the unstable surface, his vision distorted by the howling winds. But focused, his tenketsu screamed in agonizing pain, but he leapt into the air, his hammer poised, chakra coursing throughout its length. He poured so much that the construct began to crack, wisps of white peering out. With a mighty slam, the forest floor shook under his command. Trees were uprooted, chunks of earth joined the tornado that dispersed a moment later, launching charred remains and pieces of the forest around the barren land. He looked around, the shadows danced like phantoms. His eyes were narrow as he molded chakra, forming something in the palm of his hand.
A shadow moved, jumping out into the clearing, a bird-masked ANBU. "Konoha..." This didn't make any sense. The death of the previous Kage happened mere weeks ago. Something like this... Oh, this was predetermined to happen. The ANBU grasped his tanto, a Sharingan forming behind his mask. In a flicker, he was gone. His hammer moved, swinging as the ANBU reappeared, dodging the swing. He brought his palm out, revealing something. A translucent cube surrounding his form as he spoke with a grin. "Jinton: Genkai Hakuri no Jutsu (Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique)." A bright light emitted from the cube, turning everything to dust, but his senses flared.
He raised his hammer, swinging downward, clashing against the tanto of the same bird-masked ANBU. He stared into those Sharingan eyes, his body a weapon of war, his tenketsu automatically flushing his system of any foreign chakra. The ANBU reached into their weapon pouch, and with a flick, threw a kunai that was caught. Then, the green ethereal demon formed once again. The sound of cracking bones echoed as the beast swung its large blade. In a substitution, the Tsuchikage was gone, his hand snaking, gripping the arm of another ANBU that attempted to stab him.
But it was a distraction. The Green Skeletal Demon swung its massive blade, cleaving the canopy apart. He moved, positioning his hammer in front of him, clashing against the blade. His body ached from all of the strain. His back was in searing pain as his hammer cracked once again, and then it shattered. He molded chakra to perfection as the forest floor shook, time seemed to slow as he did so. Steel across the ground formed a giant metallic shield to defend him. "Kōton: Kurogane no Tate no Jutsu (Steel Release: Black Steel Shield Jutsu)." He moved, molding chakra once again, slamming his fist against the ground, sending ripples throughout the forest floor. "Kōton: Hagane no Hōkō no Jutsu (Steel Release: Iron Roar Jutsu)." Large metal spikes shot from the ground in a circular pattern, but it was unable to penetrate the beast.
The ethereal skeletal demon loomed over him, its glowing green form pulsating with otherworldly energy. The clash of its massive blade against the black steel shield sent shockwaves through the air, the force nearly toppling Tsuchikage's stance. He gritted his teeth as his arms trembled, the shield buckling under the pressure. His heart raced, but he wasn't about to falter—not now, not with the blood of his comrades still fresh on his mind.
As the massive blade reared back for another strike, Tsuchikage's eyes narrowed. His chakra roared to life, flaring around him in an explosion of power. The shattered remains of his hammer lay discarded at his feet, but his will remained unbroken. With a primal roar, he pushed off the ground, his body moving faster than he thought possible, the earth cracking beneath his feet as he launched into the air.
Time seemed to slow. The wind howled around him as he molded chakra once again, focusing it in his palm. He thrust his hand forward and unleashed a surge of raw energy, a massive shockwave that tore through the air, shattering trees and sending debris flying. The force of his strike sent ripples across the battlefield, but the demon was far from defeated.
It swung its sword once more, a blur of motion too fast for most to track, its green eyes glowing with a malicious hunger. Tsuchikage barely managed to dodge, the blade missing him by inches as he hit the ground with a heavy thud. He wasn't fast enough this time—his shield had taken the brunt of the blow, but the impact had sent him sprawling.
Before he could react, the shadows moved again, flickering like smoke. Another ANBU, a new one, appeared beside the demon, their sharingan blazing from beneath the mask. Their movements were a blur, impossible to follow. He raised his arm to shield himself, but the sheer weight of their attack made him stumble. His body was already on the edge—his chakra reserves running low, his wounds accumulating faster than he could heal them.
This was no ordinary assault.
With a snarl, Tsuchikage twisted his body, narrowly avoiding a deadly kunai aimed at his throat. He barely registered the sound of another ANBU's footsteps before they appeared behind him—faster than a shadow. His senses flared, a warning just in time. The figure was readying another kunai, the glint of steel flashing in the moonlight. He spun around, catching the kunai mid-air with a snap of his wrist and throwing it into the sky.
"Kōton: Kurogane no Tate no jutsu (Steel Release: Black Steel Shield Jutsu)!" he bellowed, summoning the metal from the ground once again. The earth trembled as large, jagged blades of steel erupted from the ground, aiming straight for the shadowed figures around him. But once again, they were too quick. The masked figures danced through the air, weaving between the spikes with frightening precision.
Tsuchikage's eyes caught the movement of the skeletal demon once more. It was preparing for another devastating strike—its blade glowing a bright green as it swung down with terrifying force. Tsuchikage moved without thinking, throwing himself into its path. His hands met the blade just in time, pushing against the monstrous weight with all his remaining strength. His legs buckled under the pressure, and the earth beneath him began to split open. The crack echoed through the forest as he grunted, holding the massive weapon in place.
I can't hold this much longer...
A dark figure flashed into his periphery. The ANBU with the bird mask was upon him, his sharingan swirling with deadly intent. In the blink of an eye, he appeared at Tsuchikage's side, his tanto raised high.
"I'll end this now," the ANBU's voice hissed from behind the mask.
But Tsuchikage wasn't done. With one final surge of chakra, his body erupted in a flash of energy. His hand shot forward, his fingers locking around the ANBU's wrist as the tanto came down. He twisted, throwing the masked figure off balance, but as he did, the blade of the demon swung again—wider, faster, and more lethal.
In a final act of desperation, Tsuchikage released his grip on the sword, leaping backward just as the demon's strike collided with the forest. The trees exploded outward, a shockwave of green and red lighting up the night.
Tsuchikage's body hit the ground hard, pain shooting through his limbs. He lay there for a moment, trying to steady his breath, but the world around him was growing distant. His chakra was nearly gone. His body was on the verge of collapse. The skeletal demon loomed above, its blade raised for the final strike.
This was it. His end.
But the sound of a distant explosion—louder, more violent—snapped his focus back. His eyes widened.
The ANBU were distracted.
Iwagakure… He could feel it. The attack was imminent. This fight was just the beginning.
With a surge of will, Tsuchikage forced his body upright, his chakra flaring one last time. The skeletal demon's blade came crashing down toward him, but he raised his arms, calling the earth to his aid. Steel rose from the ground once more, forming an immense barrier in front of him. The impact sent shockwaves through the air, but he held firm.
With a roar of defiance, he pushed forward, the barriers of steel extending outward, forcing the demon back. His senses flared, his vision sharpened.
This battle isn't over. Not yet.
The Demon disappeared, he moved like the shadow was trained to be burying the blade into his chest
"Don't worry, you won't die here, a quick death is too good for you."
His chakra flared, the signal was given.
They were done here.
Hi no Kuni - Konohagakure No Sato - Hotel
"The operation was a success, Kitsune-sama."
"Good, thank you for the report."
The shinobi vanished in a swirl of leaves, leaving Naruto alone in the hallway of the hotel. Dressed in his jonin attire, he walked with purpose, his mind focused on his mission: uncover what Shizuka Natsume was doing in his village. The thought of running a village brought a wry smirk to his face—he wouldn't wish that job on his worst enemy.
He stopped outside the grand doors of the penthouse suite, pausing to clear his throat before knocking.
"Come in."
Her voice was soft, her accent thick and steady, betraying no emotion. It was monotone, with a curious, almost deliberate cadence that kept him on edge. Pushing the door open, he stepped inside. Shizuka sat gracefully on the couch, dressed in a floral-patterned white dress, a tray with two glasses of amber liquid set before her.
"Please, sit."
Naruto crossed the room and took the seat across from her. Her beauty was striking—just as he'd heard—but his heart was firmly anchored elsewhere. "What can I do for you, Shizuka Natsume?"
She smiled, lifting her glass with a languid grace and taking a sip. "How have you been since his death?"
Her words hit him like a blow, but he kept his expression neutral, his hand resting on his thigh. Without missing a beat, she slid the second glass toward him. "Don't let me drink alone."
Her smile was a mask of sweetness, but her eyes gleamed with something far more dangerous. The comment stirred something sharp and volatile within him. His gaze dropped to the glass, then rose to meet hers.
"What did you put in it?"
She laughed softly, a sound both mocking and amused. "If I wanted to kill you, I would've done so the day you were born—the weakest moment of the Namikaze family."
Naruto's expression darkened, his voice low. "Watch your tongue, woman."
She raised her hands in mock surrender, her grin widening. "My apologies." The playful façade dropped as her gaze hardened, and her voice became somber. "I knew your father. I met him once, long ago. He… was special. A kind man, but one who understood that sometimes, unpleasant things must be done."
Naruto remained silent, studying her carefully. Slowly, he lifted the glass and took a cautious sip. "What are you doing here, then?"
Her smirk returned as she crossed her legs. "I believe you already know who I am—or more accurately, what I represent. Tell me, do you believe in it?"
Naruto's brow furrowed. "If such a thing were possible, why not stop all of… this?" He gestured vaguely, swirling the liquid in his glass before taking another sip.
"Because destruction and creation are two sides of the same coin. Life and death. Humans need to experience both to evolve."
"Without conflict, we'd stagnate as a species," Naruto finished her thought.
She raised her glass in a mock toast, taking another sip.
"It's a flawed argument," he countered. "It's easy to guide a society under the pretext that you have the power to do what you claim."
"That's where you're wrong," she said, setting her glass down. "Never once have I—or anyone who follows our order—claimed to see the future. That's a rumor crafted by the blind."
Naruto scoffed, finishing his drink and setting the glass aside. "Then what is it that you see?"
Shizuka's eyes glinted with something unreadable. "What you dream at night… but the complete picture."
His heart skipped a beat. How did she know? He narrowed his eyes. "When did it start? A week? Two? Three? Four sounds about right."
"What did you do to me?"
She leaned back, her smile calm and knowing. "Nothing, actually. But I can't say the same for my predecessors."
Suddenly, the room tilted. Naruto's vision blurred, the edges of the world dissolving into a foggy haze. He clenched his fists, trying to call upon his chakra, but it was like grasping at water.
"What…?"
The last thing he saw was Shizuka standing over him, placing something on the table before him. "You'll need this in the future."
There was fire.
The air burned his lungs, acrid and thick with smoke. Pillars of flame clawed at the sky, their crackling roar drowning out the distant cries. But what seized his attention was the ocean of bodies—a sea of the fallen, endless and horrifying.
Naruto's body screamed in pain. His tenketsu felt raw, as if molten fire coursed through them, but his mind… his mind had never been clearer.
The world seemed to pause at his command.
Everything dissolved into a kaleidoscope of shimmering light, countless threads of fate unraveling and intertwining before his eyes.
He saw them all—countless versions of himself and the people he loved, walking paths that twisted and diverged. Each thread glowed with a distinct hue, representing possibility. At the heart of it all was a glowing sphere, a nexus where all paths converged. The center of existence itself—the past, present, and future. His future. All futures.
He could see.
The magnitude of it made him want to vomit. His body was too weak to continue, his senses overwhelmed. But his mind, liberated from the constraints of his will, refused to stop.
And then, darkness.
His sight was gone, but the vision lingered in his mind. A terrible future loomed on the horizon.
From the endless sands where life does not linger,
Will arise a spring of tears, quenched by the sun's wrath.
When the seal is broken, and life drained to its hollow,
The Desert Spring shall pour itself forth.
Through sacrifice, the vessel will awaken,
And the vision of tomorrow will shine like an oasis amidst chaos.
"He's waking up! Get the doctor!"
Naruto's vision blurred as his synapses registered the harsh intensity of the overhead light. Gradually, the rest of his senses followed, piecing together his surroundings. This wasn't anywhere he'd been before—not even after grueling S-Rank missions. The sterile air and shadowed corners of the ANBU Hospital were unmistakable.
A familiar figure stood over him, her trademark pigtails and presence impossible to miss. Tsunade Senju. She wasn't masked, as most ANBU medical personnel were. Not that it mattered; anyone would recognize her.
He tried to sit up, muscles tensing, but her hand pressed him back down with surprising strength.
"Take it easy, kid," she said, her tone firm but tinged with worry. "Your body isn't operating at full functionality. What the hell even happened to you?"
Her eyes burned with annoyance, but Naruto could see the concern buried beneath it. He knew that look—it reminded him of his mother. Before he could respond, a subtle shift in the air drew his attention. It was faint, imperceptible to most, but Naruto had trained to recognize such things.
Dragon had arrived.
The ANBU Commander stood at the foot of the bed, hands folded behind his back, his masked gaze heavy with unspoken questions. Naruto had often speculated how Dragon always knew precisely when to appear, but his theories were still blank. Perhaps the walls really did have ears. He shook off the thought, though he had a feeling Dragon already knew it had crossed his mind.
"All S-Rank classified individuals have their own detail trailing at a distance," Dragon said evenly, his voice like gravel. "By my orders. The Mist Seer was on the move for the first time in years, heading here exactly a week before the Hokage's death. Then, you met with her. After that, you lost consciousness." His mask tilted slightly, scrutinizing Naruto. "So, what happened?"
Naruto exhaled slowly, gathering his thoughts. "We had a discussion about her organization's operations. Then, she slipped something into my drink. That's the last thing I remember."
Tsunade frowned, flipping through the chart in her hands. "There's no trace of anything in your system. All scans came back clean. In fact…" Her voice trailed off, her expression shifting to one of confusion. "Including the Kyuubi's contributions, your immune system is functioning better than any of your previous checkups. I'll have the team here run more tests, but…" She hesitated, then added, "Uchiha Sasuke and Nara Shikamaru came into the hospital shortly after their last mission, reporting similar symptoms."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "That's not a coincidence."
"No, it's not," she agreed, her expression hardening. "But I've got to get back to the main hospital. I'll leave this with you for now." She gave Dragon a pointed look before striding out, her departure leaving the room in tense silence.
Naruto turned his attention to Dragon, who remained unmoving. Then, after a pause, the ANBU Commander reached into his cloak and retrieved a small vial, holding it out for Naruto to see. Inside was what appeared to be… an eye.
"This was found at the site where you were discovered," Dragon said, tossing the vial to Naruto, who caught it instinctively. "Under normal circumstances, it would've been locked away. But since you'll soon know every secret the Elemental Nations hold, what you do with it is up to you. We couldn't determine if it's Uchiha, Hyuga, or something else entirely. Scans were inconclusive."
Naruto studied the eye, its faintly glowing iris unnerving. He slipped the vial into his pocket, his mind racing. "Shizuka Natsume?"
Dragon shrugged. "Gone. Her and everyone she came with. I've sent a squad—"
"Sending anyone short of an S-Rank shinobi would be suicide," Naruto interrupted. "I've already seen it."
Dragon's gaze sharpened beneath the mask, scrutinizing Naruto's words.
Naruto stood, shrugging on his cloak with deliberate care. Noticing Dragon's piercing stare, he smirked, though it quickly fell into a blank expression. His voice dropped, carrying a chilling certainty.
"I've seen her death."
Dragon didn't press choosing to turn away folding his arms around his back, "Report."
"Operation Lockpick was a success, adjusting the initial plan was the correct idea keeping key figures here. Bird further admits to pushing his Sharingan but the wounds have been worsened, hopefully, this draws out our divine doctor capable of reversing the effects of aging. Had he been at his peak condition this would've been different, but the Iron Titan is no longer a threat of Konoha the Stone Sage however was always the brains."
Dragon nodded, thinking to himself. "I give this war 3 years max to conclude."
"I give it One."
Act 2 End
Author Notes: Well it's been a while since I posted a chapter, originally this was supposed to be a three-part but I made some last-minute changes combining them into one. I took a bit of a break but school is about to start back up and the course load has increased so I won't be posting as often considering each arc has multiple parts I'll attempt to at least do an arc a month with I think 2 Acts remaining in this book with more content for a second one.