CHAPTER 10
"Damn it."
Sakon spat, his voice dripping with anger.
"What were those idiots doing? They couldn't even stop one man."
Naruto's calm demeanor only seemed to enrage them further. His jumpsuit was untouched, not a scratch on him, despite having already defeated Kidomaru and Jirobo. It was as if he was toying with them. Tayuya's eyes narrowed, and she tightened her grip on the flute in her hand. This was no ordinary shinobi.
"I'll take care of him in a second."
Sakon growled. Without waiting for a response, he charged at Naruto, his body shifting grotesquely as an extra arm sprouted from his side. The mutation gave him a monstrous appearance, but Naruto's smirk didn't falter. If anything, it grew wider.
"Hasshūken." Naruto declared, his voice steady and confident.
As he moved, it appeared as though he had grown additional arms, though they were merely afterimages created by his incredible speed and precision. The illusion was so convincing that Sakon hesitated, his momentum faltering as he tried to discern which set of arms were real.
Tayuya's sharp gasp broke the silence. Her eyes darted around, looking for an opening, but something else caught her attention. In a blur, Kimimaro appeared beside her, his movements as fluid as water. The barrel containing Sasuke was slung over his shoulder, and his piercing gaze met hers for the briefest moment.
"I'll be taking this. This vessel is essential to Orochimaru-sama's plans. If you want him back, come to the Valley of the End. Quickly."
Before anyone could react, Kimimaro vanished, leaving behind a gust of wind and an ominous challenge. Naruto's eyes narrowed. The urgency of the situation weighed on him, but first, he had to deal with the two remaining adversaries.
Sakon wasted no time, launching himself at Naruto with renewed vigor. Naruto met him head-on, their clash sending shockwaves through the forest. The sound of their battle was deafening, but Naruto had the upper hand. With a swift kick, he sent Sakon hurtling back, his body crashing into a tree with a loud thud.
Tayuya stepped forward, pulling her flute from her belt.
"Step aside, Sakon. I'll handle this."
Sakon grumbled but relented, stepping back as Tayuya brought the flute to her lips. The haunting melody filled the air, and in an instant, three massive trolls appeared, summoned by her genjutsu. Their hulking forms loomed over Naruto, their fists raised to strike.
The ground trembled as one of the trolls swung its massive arm, aiming directly at Naruto. He dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. But the seriousness of the situation was not lost on him. Sasuke had been taken, and time was running out.
Naruto exhaled sharply, his hand rising to his forehead.
"Limiter, released."
With a quick motion, he unsealed the blade at his side. The sword glinted in the sunlight as he assumed a combat stance.
"Rai no Kata: Raimei Kōkyō."
Closing his eyes for a brief moment, Naruto focused his energy. When he opened them, they burned with determination. In a flash, he was upon the trolls, his blade slicing through the air with the ferocity of a thunderstorm. Each strike resonated with the sound of a thunderclap, creating a cacophony that echoed across the battlefield. The trolls barely had time to react before they were reduced to nothingness, their forms dissipating like mist.
Tayuya stared in disbelief. Her strongest summons had been defeated in an instant. Before she could react, Naruto appeared behind her, his speed a blur. With a precise strike to the back of her neck, he knocked her unconscious. Her flute clattered to the ground as she crumpled, leaving only Sakon standing.
"You shouldn't underestimate me."
Naruto turned just in time to see Sakon—and his brother Ukon—emerge. Ukon had separated from Sakon's body, his grotesque form lunging at Naruto with a sneer.
Naruto's response was immediate.
"Krav Maga Style: Axe Kick."
He raised his leg high above his head and brought it down with crushing force. The blow connected with Sakon's head, sending him sprawling. Ukon, undeterred, grabbed Naruto's leg, his hand tightening like a vice.
"You're not going anywhere."
Ukon snarled, preparing to land a punch. But Naruto was already a step ahead.
"Karate Style: Tobi Geri."
In a puff of smoke, the Naruto Ukon held disappeared, revealing itself to be a clone. The real Naruto came flying through the air, delivering a powerful kick to Ukon's face. The force of the blow sent both brothers crashing to the ground, unconscious.
Naruto wasted no time. He quickly tied up Tayuya, Sakon, and Ukon, ensuring they wouldn't cause any more trouble. With the battlefield finally quiet, he closed his eyes and concentrated. The faint trace of Sasuke's chakra was still detectable, leading him toward the Valley of the End.
"Hang on, Sasuke. I'm coming for you."
With a burst of speed, he dashed into the forest.
"You shouldn't have come here alone, Naruto-kun."
Orochimaru hissed, his voice dripping with malice.
"I have taken over a body temporarily to fight you and retrieve Sasuke-kun."
Naruto came to an abrupt halt, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene before him. Standing in the middle of a clearing was Sasuke, confined in a strange vessel held firmly in Orochimaru's grasp. Surrounding the villain were fifteen of his strongest shinobi, each one radiating an aura of danger.
Naruto exhaled slowly, his resolve hardening. He was outnumbered, and the odds were heavily stacked against him, but retreat was not an option. This confrontation was inevitable.
Orochimaru smirked, the corners of his mouth twisting upward in a grotesque grin. With a slow, deliberate motion, he clapped his hands.
From behind him emerged what looked like a metallic clone of himself, its movements eerily mechanical. Alongside it was a metal replica of the Nine-Tails, its crimson eyes glowing with a menacing light.
Without warning, Orochimaru bit his thumb and slammed it onto the ground.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" he intoned, and in a burst of smoke, the massive serpentine form of Manda appeared, coiling and hissing in anticipation.
As if that wasn't enough, the vessel containing Sasuke cracked, its surface splitting apart as the boy stepped free. Sasuke's dark eyes surveyed the scene, his gaze flicking from Orochimaru to the shinobi surrounding him. Finally, his eyes met Naruto's.
For a moment, the world seemed to pause. There was no need for words. Sasuke's determined expression told Naruto everything he needed to know. Sasuke was ready to fight by his side.
"You haven't brought enough people to attack me, Orochimaru."
Naruto declared, his voice steady and confident. In a flash, he performed the Kawarimi no Jutsu, switching places with Sasuke. Now standing in front of Orochimaru, Naruto quickly formed a series of hand seals and extended his palm.
"Suiton: Goshoku Zame!"Streams of water erupted from his fingers, transforming mid-air into five ferocious sharks that streaked toward Orochimaru.
Before the attack could reach its target, a tall, wiry man with slicked-back brown hair and sharp teeth stepped forward. Gozu, one of Orochimaru's loyal subordinates, formed his own hand seals.
"Doton: Dorokarada no Jutsu!"
His body transformed into mud, which expanded outward to form a thick wall. The water sharks slammed into the barrier, dissolving into harmless puddles. From within the wall, Gozu's head emerged, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Doton: Dorohasa no Jutsu!" he exclaimed, spitting a torrent of mud bullets directly at Naruto.
Naruto remained still, his expression unreadable. Gozu's smirk grew wider, mistaking Naruto's inaction for defeat.
"Chidori!"
The sound of crackling electricity filled the air as Sasuke appeared in front of Naruto, his arm enveloped in lightning. With a swift motion, he sliced through the mud bullets, dispersing them into the air.
"Sasuke, to the side!"
Naruto ordered. Sasuke obeyed, leaping out of the way just as Naruto swung his blade in a wide, upward arc.
"Go no Kata: Netsu Kairai!"
Lightning crackled along the edge of Naruto's sword, extending its range as the slash struck Gozu, cutting through his mud form and rendering him unconscious.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, and he drew the Kusanagi from its sheath, prepared to join the fray himself. But before he could act, another of his subordinates stepped forward.
This man, Kamikiri, was armed with scissor-like pincers attached to his right arm. With a shout, he swung them at Naruto.
Naruto raised his sword, Senbonzakura, and blocked the attack, sparks flying from the clash of metal. Sasuke seized the opportunity, spinning through the air and delivering a powerful kick that sent Kamikiri crashing into a tree. The impact left him groaning in pain, his arm bent at an unnatural angle.
"Kamisotei no Jutsu!"
From the shadows, a girl with long black hair and pupil-less eyes emerged. Her hair extended like tendrils, wrapping around Sasuke in an attempt to immobilize him.
Naruto reacted swiftly, slashing through the hair with his blade. Grabbing the remaining strands, he yanked Kotohime toward him, pulling her off balance.
"Your turn, Sasuke!"
Sasuke leapt into the air, bringing his heel down in a devastating axe kick that drove Kotohime into the ground. She didn't rise again.
Naruto's senses flared as his Kenbunshoku Haki picked up another presence behind him. Spinning around, he delivered a powerful kick, knocking the assailant unconscious before they could attack.
Suddenly, he felt water pooling around his feet. Looking down, he noticed the liquid begin to rise, taking the shape of a massive humanoid creature with glowing eyes and an open mouth.
"Sasuke, we need to evaporate it lunges, hit it with a Katon Jutsu. I'll amplify it with Fūton."
Sasuke nodded, the two of them waiting for the creature to make its move. When it surged forward, both ninjas moved in perfect synchronization, forming hand seals.
"Katon: Ryūka no Jutsu!"
"Fūton: Daitoppa!"
The combined fire and wind techniques created a massive inferno, engulfing the water creature. Steam hissed and rose as the enemy was reduced to nothing.
Orochimaru stood silently, watching the battle unfold with a mixture of amusement and frustration. His golden, snake-like eyes followed every move Naruto and Sasuke made, analyzing their teamwork.
It was uncanny, he thought, how seamlessly the two fought together despite everything that had transpired between them. It was as if they had been fighting side by side for millennia, as if they were born to be brothers in arms.
But Orochimaru didn't care for their bond. What he wanted was Sasuke, and Naruto was proving to be a formidable obstacle. A hindrance that needed to be removed. He chuckled under his breath.
"I have to give props to Kakashi. It seems he's as great a teacher as his own master's master. Minato was skilled, but Kakashi... he's far more like Jiraiya than I gave him credit for."
A sudden movement caught his attention. A girl with blue hair, dressed in light garments resembling a fairy's attire, leaped into the air. Her wings fluttered as she released a stream of flammable gas from her lungs.
"Katon: Kasumi Enbu no Jutsu!"
The gas spread rapidly, filling the battlefield with a combustible haze. Sasuke, noticing the opportunity, prepared a fire jutsu.
"Wait!"
Naruto called out, his sharp instincts kicking in.
"No! It's flammable gas!"
Sasuke halted his hand seals, and Naruto darted forward, gripping his sword tightly.
"Wolgwang Sword Style: Nakyeop Tteolgugi!"
In a flash, Naruto delivered a rapid series of strikes to the girl's head, abdomen, and the back of her knee. She crumpled to the ground, unconscious, as Naruto landed beside Sasuke.
Orochimaru growled in irritation.
"Why is only one person attacking two opponents when we have the numbers advantage? Everyone, gang up on them! But keep Sasuke alive—I need him!"
At Orochimaru's command, his remaining forces surged forward, surrounding Naruto and Sasuke.
"Shōton: Hashō Kōryū!"
"Enryū!"
Two enormous dragons materialized—one formed of shimmering crystal, the other a writhing mass of smoke. They roared as they lunged toward their targets, the crystal dragon aiming for Naruto while the smoke dragon pursued Sasuke.
Naruto and Sasuke leaped in opposite directions, narrowly avoiding the dragons' attacks.
"Enmaku Rō!"
The smoke dragon coiled around Sasuke, trapping him in a suffocating shroud. Struggling to see through the haze, Sasuke turned his head, searching for Naruto. What he saw made his heart sink.
Naruto was pinned. Guren, Jugo, Mecha-Naruto, and Rinji had him surrounded, each one attacking in unison. For a moment, it seemed like the battle was lost.
But then, a powerful gust of wind swept through the area, dispersing the smoke surrounding Sasuke.
"My, my. It seems you'll need our help."
Sasuke turned, surprised, to see Temari standing beside him, her fan still raised. A short distance away, Gaara stood silently, his expression unreadable.
Gaara's sand began to rise, shifting ominously as he prepared to assist Naruto.
Orochimaru snarled, realizing the threat.
"Kimimaro! Stop the Ichibi Jinchūriki! If he joins Naruto, there's no chance of our success!"
Kimimaro nodded, stepping forward with eerie calm. With a flick of his wrist, he fired a bone projectile at Gaara.
The bullet hurtled through the air, only to be intercepted by a thick wall of sand. Gaara's defense was impenetrable.
"You'll have to go through me to help your friend." Kimimaro declared, his voice steady and cold.
Gaara's sand coiled around him like a living entity.
"Very well."
Sasuke stepped up beside Gaara.
"You're not alone."
Meanwhile, Naruto analyzed his situation. Fighting all four opponents at once wasn't feasible. He needed to divide and conquer.
Forming a quick series of hand seals, Naruto created three shadow clones, each one setting its sights on a different opponent.
Clone 1 vs. Rinji…
The first clone faced Rinji, the weakest of the group. Rinji bit his thumb, summoning a massive bat that swooped down with a deafening screech.
"Rasengan!"
The clone formed a spiraling orb of chakra and slammed it into the bat's face. The creature vanished in a puff of smoke.
Before Rinji could react, the clone appeared behind him, grabbing him by the waist. With a swift motion, the clone suplexed Rinji into the ground, knocking him unconscious. The clone dispelled itself immediately after.
Clone 2 vs. Guren…
The second clone charged at Guren, who retaliated by forming a razor-sharp shuriken made of crystal.
"Kesshō: Rokkaku Shuriken: Ranbu!"
The crystal projectiles hurtled toward the clone, but it dodged with fluid precision. Closing the distance, the clone coated its forehead in Busoshoku Haki and delivered a devastating headbutt.
The impact sent shockwaves through the air, cracking Guren's skull. She collapsed, unconscious, and the clone vanished.
Clone 3 vs. Mecha-Naruto…
The third clone faced Mecha-Naruto, who immediately fired a missile.
With swift reflexes, the clone redirected the missile back at its source. The explosive projectile struck Mecha-Naruto, causing it to erupt in flames and debris. Smirking, the clone dispelled itself.
Naruto vs. Jugo…
Naruto turned his attention to Jugo, recognizing him as the most dangerous of the group. Jugo's arm transformed into a massive axe, which he swung with brutal force.
Naruto caught the attack, gripping Jugo's wrist and using the momentum to slam him into the ground.
Jugo roared, his body trembling as his rage began to spiral out of control. Naruto knew he had to act fast.
Coating his fist in Busoshoku Haki, Naruto delivered a crushing punch to Jugo's face, the force of the blow rendering him unconscious.
Temari vs. Kigiri and Kiho…
As Naruto finished off Jugo, Temari dealt with Kigiri and Kiho. The two opponents worked in tandem, creating a dense smokescreen to obscure their movements.
"Messhū Enrō!"
"Maengan!"
The battlefield was engulfed in thick, choking smoke.
"You should know better than to use smoke against a Fūton user." Temari said, a smirk playing on her lips.
Raising her fan, she swung it toward the sky.
"Fūton: Tatsu no Ōshigoto!"
A massive tornado descended, ripping through the smokescreen and scattering the enemy shinobi like leaves in the wind. Kigiri and Kiho were flung into the distance, incapacitated.
Sasuke and Gaara vs. Kimimaro…
The battlefield was eerily quiet, save for the soft crunch of sand shifting beneath Gaara's feet. Kimimaro stood motionless a few meters away, his pale face serene, his empty eyes locked onto his opponents. He exuded an aura of unshakable calm, as though the battle were already decided.
Sasuke stood beside Gaara, his Sharingan spinning as he analyzed Kimimaro's stance. Despite the calm exterior, Sasuke could sense the immense danger radiating from the man before them. He then unsealed a Katana that he had stored in a seal. This Katana was a Gift from his Mother.
"You'll have to go through me to reach Naruto."
Kimimaro's lips curled into a faint smile.
"Very well. Let's begin."
Gaara said coldly, his sand swirling protectively around him.
Without warning, Kimimaro lunged, moving so fast he seemed to vanish. Sasuke barely had time to react before Kimimaro's bony spear—the shikotsumyaku—thrust toward him.
Sasuke sidestepped, his Sharingan predicting the movement just in time.
"This guy is fast."
Kimimaro's attack continued in a relentless barrage, each strike faster and more precise than the last. Sasuke dodged and parried with his sword, sparks flying as bone met steel.
"You won't last long at this pace."
Kimimaro said, his voice devoid of emotion.
"Then let's pick up the pace."
Sasuke's sword flashed, crackling with Chidori. He swung it toward Kimimaro's torso, aiming to cleave through the seemingly unbreakable bone armor. Kimimaro twisted his body, the blade grazing him but failing to penetrate his defenses.
Before Sasuke could follow up, Gaara's sand erupted between them, forcing Kimimaro to retreat.
"You fight recklessly." Gaara said, his voice as calm as ever.
"I'm testing his limits." Sasuke shot back, though he was silently grateful for Gaara's intervention.
Kimimaro straightened, brushing sand from his shoulder.
"Impressive. But let's see how you handle this."
With a series of unnatural movements, Kimimaro's body began to change. Bones jutted out from his back, forming an armor-like exoskeleton. He extended two long, curved bone blades from his forearms, their edges glinting in the sunlight.
"Tsubaki no Mai."
Kimimaro dashed forward again, his movements now even faster and more erratic. Sasuke met him head-on, their blades clashing in a blur of strikes and counters. Meanwhile, Gaara stood back, his sand forming intricate patterns in the air.
"Sabaku Kyū." Gaara intoned, his sand surging toward Kimimaro like a tidal wave.
Kimimaro leaped high into the air, evading the sand entirely. He spun mid-air, sending a barrage of bone projectiles raining down on Gaara and Sasuke.
"Move!"
Sasuke shouted, activating his Sharingan-enhanced reflexes to dodge.
Gaara's sand formed a dome around him, deflecting the deadly projectiles with ease. When the sand receded, Gaara's eyes locked onto Kimimaro.
"My turn."
The sand shot upward, forming a massive claw that swiped at Kimimaro. He countered with his bone blades, slicing through the sand but losing ground as Gaara's attacks grew more relentless.
Sasuke seized the opening, appearing behind Kimimaro with Chidori in hand.
"Chidori!"
The electrical surge extended outward, striking Kimimaro and forcing him to the ground. Sasuke landed gracefully, breathing heavily but keeping his guard up.
Kimimaro slowly rose, his body now riddled with cracks but still functional.
"Your teamwork is impressive, but it won't be enough."
Suddenly, Kimimaro slammed his hands into the ground. The earth trembled as enormous bone spires erupted from below, creating a deadly forest of razor-sharp bones.
"Sawarabi no Mai."
Gaara's sand surged, forming a protective barrier around himself and Sasuke. The bones struck the sand with incredible force, some managing to pierce through the outer layers.
"This is his true power." Gaara said, his voice tinged with rare concern.
Sasuke gritted his teeth.
"Then we'll crush him here and now."
Gaara nodded, his hands forming a seal.
"Sabaku Taisō."
The sand that had enveloped the battlefield compressed, creating a massive tremor. Kimimaro was trapped, his body immobilized by the sheer pressure.
Sasuke leaped high into the air, his Chidori blazing brighter than ever. Wings tore out of his back as the Chidori turned black.
"This ends now!"
He descended like a lightning bolt, driving his Chidori directly into Kimimaro's chest. The force of the attack shattered the bone armor, sending Kimimaro sprawling.
For a moment, everything was still. Then Kimimaro began to rise again, his body trembling as he struggled to remain upright.
Gaara frowned.
"Impossible."
But Kimimaro's movements slowed, and his breathing became labored.
"It seems... my body has reached its limit."
With a final, defiant gaze, Kimimaro collapsed, his illness finally taking its toll. Sasuke landed beside Gaara, sheathing his sword.
"That was... harder than I expected."
Gaara's sand returned to his side, shifting restlessly as he turned to Sasuke.
"He was strong, but the outcome was inevitable."
The two stood in silence for a moment, their gazes fixed on Kimimaro's still form. Then, without a word, they turned and walked back toward the battlefield, ready to rejoin Naruto and finish the fight.
Orochimaru, now visibly enraged, stepped forward, his snake-like tongue flickering as his golden, slit-pupiled eyes narrowed.
"Impressive, Naruto-kun. But this isn't over." he hissed, his voice laced with malice and frustration.
Naruto stood his ground, his fists clenched, radiating a determined aura.
"Bring it on, Orochimaru. But first, let's take care of some loose ends."
A mechanical whirring sound filled the battlefield as Mecha-Kurama's eyes glowed ominously. The hulking metallic construct unleashed a massive energy beam, aimed directly at Naruto. Without hesitation, Naruto gathered energy into his hands, forming a brilliant blue orb of condensed energy.
"Kamehameha!"
Naruto roared, firing a powerful beam of his own. The two attacks collided mid-air, creating an intense shockwave that rippled through the area. The beams crackled and fought for dominance, but Naruto's Kamehameha overwhelmed the mechanical fox's energy. With a deafening explosion, the beam tore through Mecha-Kurama, reducing the construct to smoldering scraps of metal.
Naruto didn't stop there. With precision, he redirected the remnants of his energy blast toward Manda, the colossal snake summoned by Orochimaru. Manda's serpentine eyes widened in alarm as the deadly beam approached.
"I'm not dying here!"
Manda hissed. In a flash, the enormous snake reversed summoned himself, vanishing in a puff of smoke just before the beam struck.
Naruto exhaled, his focus now fully on Orochimaru.
"Now that it's just us, let's end this quickly."
Orochimaru smirked, though there was a hint of unease behind his expression.
"I may be psychotic, Naruto-kun. But I am not a fool. Fighting you in my current weakened condition would be... unwise. Especially with Sasuke-kun and the Ichibi Jinchuriki here to support you."
Naruto's eyes narrowed.
"So you're running away? Is that all you've got?"
Orochimaru chuckled darkly.
"Do not mistake caution for cowardice, Naruto-kun. This battlefield holds no further purpose for me, and Kabuto is in no condition to help. Besides, I hadn't anticipated Ichibi Jinchuriki's involvement. But it doesn't matter. Plans can always be adjusted."
He bit his thumb, drawing blood, and slammed his hand onto the ground.
"Gyaku Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
In an instant, Orochimaru and Kabuto disappeared in a swirl of smoke, leaving behind an empty battlefield.
Naruto frowned, his mind racing. Orochimaru's parting words puzzled him. It was almost as if the snake-like man had planned to fight but chose to retreat at the last second. Was it an act of desperation or another layer of his convoluted schemes? Naruto shook his head, deciding to focus on the present.
He turned to his allies, his clones already busy tying the remaining enemies. The battlefield was littered with unconscious bodies, but two figures caught Naruto's attention: Jugo and Guren.
"Make sure to secure could be valuable additions to Konoha's forces."
The clones nodded, binding the two with precision. With the immediate threat neutralized, Naruto turned to Sasuke and Gaara.
"Let's go back."
At the Hokage's Office…
"Is that what happened?"
Sasuke had just finished recounting his encounter with the Sound Four. His voice carried a mixture of frustration and shame as he described how they had overwhelmed him, force-fed him a strange pill, and left him unconscious. The next thing he remembered was waking up trapped in a vessel, surrounded by Orochimaru and his subordinates.
His fists clenched at his sides, and his jaw tightened as he continued.
"I've been defeated twice now. By Orochimaru's lackeys. How am I supposed to face Itachi when I can't even handle them?"
Silence filled the room. Tsunade, Jiraiya, and the others absorbed Sasuke's words, understanding the weight of his despair.
Then Naruto broke the silence.
"I have a proposal."
All eyes turned toward him, curiosity mingled with surprise.
"And what is this proposal?" Tsunade asked, her tone sharp but intrigued.
Naruto unsealed a scroll, retrieving a neatly organized file from it.
"I want to create a team—a team strong enough to take down the Akatsuki."
The room erupted in murmurs. Everyone exchanged glances, some skeptical, others curious.
"And why do you think this is necessary? We don't even know much about the Akatsuki."
Naruto smirked.
"I do."
He opened the file, spreading ten Bingo Book entries across the table. The faces of infamous S-rank shinobi stared back at them: Itachi Uchiha, Kisame Hoshigaki, Deidara, Sasori, and others. The room fell silent again as everyone processed what they were seeing.
"How did you get this?"
Tsunade demanded, her eyes narrowing.
"And how do you know these shinobi are part of the Akatsuki?"
Naruto chuckled.
"It's simple if you think about it. These are all S-rank criminals who've gone silent in recent years. Their lack of activity coincides with the death of the Three-Tails and its Jinchūriki. They're lying low, waiting for the Bijū to reform."
The logic of his deduction was undeniable. Tsunade crossed her arms, her expression grim.
"If what you're saying is true, we have three years until they move again."
"Exactly. That's our window. In three years, we'll create Team Yuyumi, a unit dedicated to destroying the Akatsuki."
Tsunade thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Very well. Team Yuyumi will be formed in three years with the sole purpose of taking down the Akatsuki. You all have your orders—train and prepare. Dismissed."
As the others began to leave, Jiraiya stopped Sasuke.
"Hold on a second."
Sasuke turned to face him.
"What is it?"
"I'm taking you on a training trip.I was considering taking Naruto, but it's clear Orochimaru fears him. You, on the other hand, could benefit greatly from my guidance. What do you say?"
Sasuke hesitated. The thought of training under someone who had once intimidated Itachi was tempting. Finally, he nodded.
"I accept."
Naruto grinned.
"Good luck, Sasuke."
Turning back to Tsunade, Naruto made his own request.
"I'd like to take leave as well. I'm going to Uzushiogakure to train."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"Uzushiogakure? Why there?"
"It's my ancestral home. I'll find resources and knowledge there that no one else can teach me."
After a moment's consideration, Tsunade nodded.
"Very well. Permission granted."
Just as Naruto was about to leave, the door burst open. Karin, Ino, and Sakura entered, having overheard the discussion. Ino's face was pale, her eyes filled with tears.
"Is it true?"
Naruto stepped forward and hugged her.
"Don't worry. In three years, the wars and violence will end. I'll make sure of it. Then we can live peacefully together."
Ino clung to him, crying softly.
"Promise me you'll come back."
"I promise."
Naruto pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Karin crossed her arms, her fiery temper flaring.
"I want to come too."
"No," Naruto said firmly.
"Why not?" Karin demanded.
Naruto smiled gently.
"You'll grow stronger if you stay here. Tsunade-sama is the perfect teacher for you."
Karin hesitated, then sighed in defeat.
"Fine."
Tsunade, sensing an opportunity, spoke up.
"I'll train all three of you—Karin, Sakura, and Ino. Together, we'll make sure you're ready for anything."
Ino, however, had other plans.
"Actually, I want to focus on something you might not specialize in. I want to master genjutsu."
Tsunade nodded approvingly.
"Very well. I'll arrange for you to train under someone skilled in that art."
Naruto looked around at his friends and allies, his heart swelling with determination.
"We'll all get stronger. And in three years, we'll be ready to face whatever comes our way."
With that, the meeting ended, and everyone dispersed to prepare for the challenges ahead. Naruto turned toward the horizon, his resolve stronger than ever. Three years. He would use every moment to ensure their victory.
Sometimes Later…
"So, this is it." Naruto said, his voice steady but tinged with emotion.
He had decided to leave at the same time as Sasuke. The morning sun bathed the village gates in warm light, casting long shadows of those gathered to see them off. Standing nearby were Sakura, Tsunade, and Ino, their expressions a mix of pride and concern.
Ino turned to Sasuke and bowed slightly.
"Thank you for giving me Itachi's notes."
Sasuke gave a rare smile, his demeanor softer than usual.
"It's not a big deal. You'll need to be ready to help when the time comes for me to face him. And besides, it'll be poetic justice to use his own jutsu against him. Naruto's already taught me a lot, so this is the least I can do to contribute."
Naruto let out a hearty laugh, clapping Sasuke on the back with enough force to make him stumble slightly.
"Don't get too sentimental, Sasuke! But seriously, I'll send you all the jutsu I come up with—or discover—that I think will help you. We've got a lot of work ahead, and I'm counting on you all to keep up."
Tsunade folded her arms, her stern expression betraying a hint of pride.
"Don't get cocky, Naruto. Remember, this is a long road. Stay sharp."
Naruto nodded, then turned to the group one last time, his usual grin now tempered by resolve.
"I'll be back before you know it. When I return, we'll be ready to take on whatever comes our way. Believe it!"
As Naruto took a step back, he launched himself into the air and soared off toward Uzushiogakure.
Jiraiya checked his pocket watch.
"Well, Sasuke, time for us to move, too. We've got a long journey ahead."
Sasuke gave a curt nod, glancing back at the village for just a moment before following Jiraiya. With determination etched into his features, he disappeared into the horizon.
Sakura and Ino exchanged a glance, their silent resolve matching the determination of their departing comrades. They would train, prepare, and be ready when the time came.
Somewhere else…
"Not going to see your students off, Kakashi?"
Kakashi looked up from his ever-present book to see Hiruzen Sarutobi sitting beside him, the older man holding a copy of the same title. It was a rare sight to see the Third Hokage this relaxed.
"Well, they're not really my students anymore, are they? They've grown past that."
Hiruzen chuckled, a deep and knowing sound.
"I remember when my own students reached that point. One became a failure, two surpassed expectations... although, I suppose Tsunade might have fallen into the same darkness as Orochimaru, if not for Naruto-kun. But that's not why I'm here."
Kakashi tilted his head, intrigued.
"You are said to have copied over a thousand jutsu. A feat unrivaled. And I, as the so-called Professor, am said to know every jutsu in Konoha. I believe it's time for me to pass some of that knowledge down."
Kakashi's visible eye widened at the unexpected offer, and then he laughed softly.
"Well, I never expected this. Seems like I'll end up being a student of two Hokage."
Hiruzen joined in the laughter, his voice carrying a warmth that Kakashi rarely encountered.
"And don't forget, the master of one as well. You've already left your mark on the next generation, Kakashi. But there's still more for you to learn."
Kakashi closed his book completely, setting it aside.
"Then I'll be in your care, sensei."
The two men shared a quiet moment of camaraderie, the torch of knowledge preparing to pass once again.