Rain's Redemption

by MeepMeep7913

Taken from birth from his still-living parents, he was instead brought to a foreign nation to become a ninja of Rain. Having changed the board, Nagato now sought to end the hegemony of the Leaf in the height of its power and the rest of the major nations and bring the peace he sought. It was time for Yahiko's dream, and Rain, to be redeemed.

4. Chapter 4 - First War

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR
THIRD BRIGADE, FIRST ARMY CAMP - NEAR THE LAND OF GRASS BORDER.

'...Out of everything a ninja must utilise and carry, they must remember their basic equipment. Not having the right tools in battle means that they are at a disadvantage - and in a world of shadows and death where even 'peace' conditions means foreign ninja cross borders at will; this can be the cause of death just as much as the ninja that will slit their throat.

The first and foremost any ninja may think of when told to account of their equipment is perhaps that of the basic kunai. Versatile and lethal to this day, its history saw it rapidly rise to fame and use as the need for a versatile weapon arose in the clan wars era following the rise of chakra utilisation; its own origins lying in the pre-apocalyptic era. A ninja must remember their kunai for any battle as it can fit the standard of any battle - its light weight and versatile uses in being thrown or even standing up to swords making it standard issue for any army.

A ninja must also remember their headband. Not only does this protect the vital area of the brain and top of the head from instant and damaging injury, it acts as the identifying factor for any individual. Readers of this manual must be reminded that going on missions without an identifying factor is grounds for espionage or desertion - the penalty of which is execution across any and all countries in the elemental nations. But perhaps the most important factor is that of your allegiance - by putting on your headband each day, you promise to serve and be loyal to our leader and nation, of which there can be no greater reward for a soldier.

A kunai pouch is also standard equipment for Ame ninja. Not only does it contain the aforementioned kunai, but also other basic ninja tools such as ninja wire, explosive seal tags, smoke bombs and other such useful items. These serve a variety of purposes, from binding prisoners to acting as distractions. Please see the relevant sections on the ninja tools to learn more and how to incorporate them into battle tactics.

A flak jacket is also extremely advisable, but it is not part of the necessitated equipment list. Handed out to chunin rank or above due to the costs involved and that chunin go on more dangerous missions than genin, this flexible jacket can offer plenty of protection for the torso whilst offering other purposes like storage.

There are other pieces of equipment a ninja can utilise, however his differs across what unit a ninja belongs to and what purpose it would serve for the ninja carrying out a specific role. For example, hunter ninja will be given senbon and other gear to assassinate or capture targets.

All equipment and gear will be found within your brigade logistics department...'

Naruto snapped the revision guide book shut at that moment, not really feeling like continuing reading it. His stomach was restless, and he'd been trying to keep his mind off of it, but it was constantly reminding him of the nerves that coiled round within the pit of his torso. Taking the blanket from covering just his legs, he brought it up to his chin and tried to find a bit more comfort in the warmth as he ignored the slight shivers in his lower legs.

"Kurama, am I really going to fight...?" He murmured to himself, not really knowing if the fox would respond.

A gruff noise sounded from the back of his mind, before the deep, slightly reverberating tone of the nine tail's voice spoke to him."Calm down, Naruto."Kurama responded."You're going to be fine. I know you didn't know what you were going to do, and neither of us saw this coming whilst your genin, but your rank is exactly why I believe you'll be just fine. You've seenthe alljonin and chunin on the way here, youwill play a support role."It took a second with a pause as if the tailed beast was trying to swallow his pride, before saying a last sentence."And I'm still here with you. It's not like I can go anywhere else."

Despite the nerves that felt like they hadn't decreased much at all, Naruto gave a small smile.

THE NEXT DAY.

As it turned out, the supplies that had originally been routed for the initiates before they marched North had been sent elsewhere to jonin units who could make the journey North far quicker, and so priority had been given to them. With only food and water supplies given to the two platoons to sustain them, the instructors had heralded the genin initiates through the main pathways of the Land of Rain to the border as other, more experienced units bypassed the paths entirely and were there in under a day compared to the four days it took the initiates.

So, it was organised that they would utilise the Third Brigade's supplies from its logistical arm to give to the initiates at the camp. Given that the absolute majority of the Brigade had now arrived up to the fourth day the initiate platoons had arrived to the camp, there was sufficient supplies that had kept flowing in to now spare for less mission-critical personnel such as that of initiate platoons whom had not even ben declared out of training. As it were, there were so many ninja taking up space that the camp grounds had reportedly nearly doubled in size compared to the original plans which had themselves been made in haste from the quick orders sent down from on-high from Ame.

The thinning woods which had been quite a bit denser when Naruto had passed through them the day before obviously did not hide such large numbers of thousands of ninja well, given the terrain further North eventually gave way to rolling grassy plains. The border to the Land of Grass was a mere few kilometres away, and whilst not feeling so anxious in the midst of so many friendly ninja, Naruto certainly felt dread for whatever was upcoming. It was clear, no matter the relaying of precisely worded orders on paper to 'reinforce border skirmishes', that this was planned on the behalf of Rain.

Hiding was not the aim of the game, and border duties were assigned to dozens of personnel along a particular area - not thousands.

But there was something to keep his mind from that right now, as he neared the front of the queue, standing at the door to the warehouse before the next group were called in. The four warehouses that made up the small depot was the logistical hub for the camp of the Third Brigade, staging grounds that had been built along the borders for any variety of purpose like the way the Brigade currently occupied the surrounding area. The only other building was a guards hut which made up the accommodation for a dozen ninja on border duties, but the empty warehouses had quickly been put to use for the arrival of thousands of ninja staggered over four days.

Stepping through the door onto the concrete floor, Naruto squinted his eyes a bit at the dimmer, temporary lighting that had been strung up across the previously disused warehouse, before they widened a bit at the hastily erected metal shelves that stored what appeared to be hundreds of boxes. A chunin at the door took one look at him before pointing and waving him over to a table that had just become available on the right side of the warehouse, away from all the shelving.

"Table four, move along to receive your equipment orders." The chunin barked out in a tone that made clear the urgency to keep the line moving. "Next!"

Walking with a fast pace over to the folding table that had been erected with a printed '4' on a taped piece of paper to the edge of the desk, Naruto looked up to a jonin who was just completing some kind of form on a clipboard. "One second. There's been so many people coming through today that if I don't do the form after each person, I'll lose track." The jonin explained, taking a further few seconds to hurriedly scrawl away on the paper before tearing it off the clipboard and throwing it into a tray next to them full of other papers. Attaching a new one to the clipboard, they finally got to look at Naruto. "An initiate?"

Naruto nodded at that. "Yes ma'am."

"The lack of a headband gives it away." The jonin stated, before setting out what they needed. "Name and license."

"Naruto, orphan." The red-head responded, with the explaining word at the end as to why there was no surname - given the processes in the Land of Rain, such details were allowed to slip through the cracks. The state owned orphanages certainly were not going to pay the fees for name change administrations of the many orphans up and down the country, given the tight budgets everything was on the decade following the end of the civil war. Such practices would very likely have reduced now the economy was on better ground, but Naruto was not so fortunate to have been part of the orphanage in that time. A piece of paper was taken out of his pocket and put on the table in front of him.

Whisking up the piece of paper, the jonin had to take a few moments longer than they normally had to pick out the key details of matching the picture to the person in front of them, the registration number, rank and such. Given they'd been dealing in the properly authorised laminated licenses all day, it was a bit more awkward copying across the details to the form from the temporarily issued license paper given only to cases such as initiates.

"All is accounted for." The jonin spoke approvingly as they dealt with the form there and then, before looking to the initiate in front of them. "Each ninja is given a forty-eight hour ration box, and as an initiate you will also be given the standard weaponry kit box. However, due to the slight surplus of supplies now available, you will be able to request additional supplies within reason, and approval from me - mostly to ensure what surplus we have can be sustained." She picked up a form in anticipation, before giving some advice. "Trust me kid, don't go for anything specialist or big, as an initiate you won't get it. But we've got plenty of things you can have such as spare kunai or even another holster if you want."

Thinking it over for a moment, Naruto perked up a bit as a thought came to mind. "Can I have another leg pouch and sealing supplies?"

"Sealing supplies?" The jonin questioned as they raised an eyebrow, before casting a look back to Naruto's temporary license paper. "Well, normally initiates aren't allowed, but as you've been pre-approved before I'll sign it out for you. The pouch is of no problem - please allow for a minute."

A small burst of chakra to their feet allowed the jonin to jump clear of the table with a blur towards the shelving units, Naruto managing to turn his head and follow them for a few seconds before they disappeared round a corner of the shelves. A few chunin obviously cleared to do so perused the shelves, one pulling a box clear of the shelves from the highest point three shelves up before Naruto spotted the jonin walking back to the table he was at; holding three boxes and a pouch held by a strap between two fingers.

Rounding the table and depositing the stuff onto it, the jonin made a quick note of the taken supplies onto the form before looking to Naruto and shoving forth the stuff as she mentioned it. "Food rations for forty-eight hours, standard issue weaponry kit, sealing supplies box for an outgoing squad and a spare pouch." She paused for a moment before the jonin remembered and quickly pulled something out from a box at her feet. "And a a forehead protector for yourself, pre-approved by your jonin instructor. Please remember that all equipment has now been signed out to yourself, and whilst nothing here is to be charged to you, you are liable for ensuring that all non-expendable items are to be maintained and replaced at future charge to yourself."

"Please sign here." The jonin stated as she put the clipboard down on the table in front of her. "As stated in regulations 1.2.4, all symbols of allegiance are to be worn when outside the barracks and on duty, including the forehead protector which you are now issued."

Picking up the pen and not bothering to read any of it, Naruto scribbled his name onto the paper before plucking out a scroll from a pocket in the jacket he was wearing. Rolling it onto the table and exposing the kanji written on the inside of the scroll to the jonin who raised an impressed eyebrow but otherwise didn't say anything as she put everything else away, Naruto dragged his stuff onto the paper which then disappeared in a small puff of smoke with a quick channelling of his chakra into it.

It was later at the camp that Naruto had unsealed it all, first looking to the box containing his food, as he sat next to the strung-up canvas sheet that was his shelter for the darkening evening. Picking out the menu paper from the industrially made rations, Naruto grimaced at the fact that it was just his luck that out of the ten different types of boxes, each with differing meals and flavours, he got the box containing the porridge and strawberry dessert. He didn't like those - he'd have to trade with the other initiates later.

Plucking out a ration bar as he couldn't be bothered yet to set up the fire apparatus in the box to cook a dinner, he chewed on it as he in dug a finger into the tape securing the box of sealing supplies and tore it open. Naruto perked up as he saw it was indeed a box of sealing supplies meant for a squad, as though he'd been told about it he'd only ever been given paper and ink with a classroom brush to use. This was a much better set-up for the red-head, as he enthusiastically dug into the box and scooped out the supplies within, tearing open the bag it was kept in.

Having asked the jonin instructor who'd actually been in the field, he knew of the still moderately new kit that had been made available to Rain ninja roughly two years ago. The general consensus was that sealing was an unpopular art due to the risks it contained and its complexity, with many ninja not having the time to fit in educating themselves on the art around their duties (and unwilling to give up hours of time meant to relax from stresses) unlike Naruto who'd been doing it during training. Hence why he'd probably gotten his hands on the quality sealing supplies of which there must've been some amount of surplus.

There was a brush within, with strengthened bristles that were more rigid than the one he'd swiped from the classroom and evidently would draw straighter lines with less effort than before, as well as a second writing implement next to it. A chemical invention of Ame's research department, Naruto didn't understand the paper which declared it to be an emulsion based, solid particulate mixture on the end of a handle. Reacting with chakra channelled down the implement allowed it to be drawn onto paper as the chemicals within became more fluid, but as soon as the brush moved away with the source of chakra, it reverted back to its solid state instantly for a instantaneous finish in a one-time reaction.

Giddily wanting to try it out, he pulled out both the scrolls of quality sealing paper and packs ofsmall 15cmx15cm sheets of paper from the box as he forgot about dinner. Giving a mental poke to the Fox in his mindscape who grunted and woke up, he successfully wasted away the evening without further thoughts lurking on what may happen the next day.

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR
AMEGAKURE, PAIN'S TOWER.

Deva stood close by the window in the radio centre, watching as the rain pelted his city as it always did. The Deva Path had no need for work at least, not when the Preta Path was going through it in his private quarters in the restricted floors. No, he was here for guidance.

His musings were interrupted as a chunin raced over to his desk, knocking Pain out of his stupor and turning to face the man who approached him. No emotion crossed his face as he merely watched the man falter as his gaze turned on him before continuing and then bowing before his desk.

"My lord." The chunin began. "I have news that was marked urgent for you."

"Ah." Deva spoke. "That must be the troop movements along the border with the Land of Earth that I asked for. Tell me, have they pulled back their reinforcements?"

"Yes, my lord." The chunin responded, before carefully placing the report on the desk that Deva quickly seized. "Watchers along the border report a marked decrease in the amount of Rock ninja."

Deva gave an approving nod as he read the report. "Good. Back to your post, chunin." Deva ordered, only getting another bow from the chunin who then quickly scurried off.

Deva took a few more minutes to properly glean through the report, before placing it down and turning back to the window. He lost himself in thought for half an hour more, rinnegan eyes remaining unmoved at the murky view as the puppet master upstairs did the thinking.

Reaching a good strategy in his head, the Deva Path looked as still as ever apart from bringing up his right hand and clicking his fingers twice. Putting his hands behind his back, he didn't have to wait as two corresponding thumps on the floor on either side of him sounded out, eyes not needing to look as he saw their reflections in the mirror.

Two blue uniformed ninja had landed on each side of him about a metre away, the blue of their uniforms reflective as it was revealed to be made up of a metallic armour. Covered from the neck all the way to the hands and feet, these soldiers were fully armoured as only their heads remained exposed, headbands proudly displaying the four vertical lines of the Ame symbol wrapped tight around their foreheads. Two thin white lines went up the outside of each leg, up diverging up the front and back of the torso before each line met under each arm. The paint scheme of the guardsmen of his elite division.

"You, on the right." Deva addressed as the corresponding ninja stood to attention whilst pulling off the salute, silently awaiting their orders. "Go and make sure all elite units involved in the Grass incident are prepared for tomorrow. All troops need to be equipped, fully rested and knowledgeable in preparation for moving tomorrow. This especially concerns those already behind foreign borders. Alert all units to be prepared for tomorrow." He gave a casual wave of his hand, knowing the strictness of his elite branch. "Go." The ninja was gone as soon as he said the word.

"And you remaining on the left." Deva spoke, the ninja also standing to attention. "Make sure the First Army commander is fully prepared for invading tomorrow. All sealed orders are to be distributed now in preparation for opening them tomorrow. Also, all reinforcements from the Land of Stone from pulled back units of the First Army are to be put on standby too, to be prepared to move at a moments notice - either to the Land of Grass or to the borders or even to Ame. Oh, and make sure there is not any resistance or increase in hostility within the Land of Stone ever since we reduced the army strength there. Go."

Deva watched the rain for a few minutes more as he planned, but it was already too late. The orders had already been sealed and sent off to their respective troop units. To change it now would delay everything.

No, Pain mused. If something really didn't go as he planned then he would have to make a personal appearance in order to turn back the tables, something that he really did not want. It was bad enough that he was risking the exposure of his elite units, but to reveal his existence to the world years before he was ready would be disastrous to his plans. He wasn't being arrogant, at least he liked to think so, but rather utilising the assets he had to the best if his abilities. Including himself.

Deva abruptly turned on his heel and left the radio room, returning back to the preserving machine that would house the lifeless corpse before it was needed once more.

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
NORTHERN BORDER BETWEEN GRASS AND RAIN.

Thunderous claps suddenly rang out across the entire skyline, causing many a ninja in their observation posts to look towards the sudden, deafening intrusion to their senses. The answer was devastatingly obvious, as balls of incinerating fire flew into the air, raining flaming and ruined debris across a mile of forest.

At an observation post built into one of the trees of Rain country along its border, a jonin was lowering their binoculars. Placing their finger to their ear at the portable radio attached to it, they spoke. "Ma'am, we've just seen a large explosion a mile west of our post. Most likely the radio station near the border, likely destroyed. I am sending two of my squad to investigate."

A sharp burst of static in their ear caused the ninja to wince uncomfortably before a woman's voice crackled into life. "Negative jonin, you are to belay that order. Priority orders are already incoming from Ame who have received news from other posts. You are to hold position and wait for my orders."

A few miles from the observation post, an elite jonin quickly set the radio receiver down and picked up a ringing telephone from its cradle instead. "Yes sir, that is multiple confirmations of a large explosion several miles north of the village of Crile, sir. Reports indicate that the radio station there has most likely been completely destroyed. Awaiting orders, out."

It took only a second before a burst of crackling overcame a likely moving radio or phone on the other side, murmuring and footsteps drifting down the line before a clear sound of picking up the opposing receiver was heard. A smooth, deep voice then began to speak. "This is Lord Pain, your Leader. As of 12:13pm, it is clear that our border has been violated in an unnecessary act of aggression by Grass forces. You are hereby ordered to seek out all guards or local forces close to the border of loyalty to the Grass, and conduct warfare operations. The details of how this is to be done shall be left to the officer in will be joining you soon with these orders on paper." The phone line went dead in her ear as the junior-elite jonin took a second to consider those orders.

Back at the observation post, the jonin in charge of the post quickly received their orders. "You are hereby ordered to go on a search and destroy mission, jonin. Find all local Grass units nearby whether guards or otherwise and take them down - either death or taking them prisoner. Nothing else is acceptable, by order of Lord Pain." The radio then went silent.

The jonin slowly withdrew the finger from his ear, slowly considering what they had just been told. It was tantamount to a declaration of war by engaging in such actions against an opposing side. But it was not his place to judge either - the orders had comedirectlyfrom the top, and they had a duty to carry it out.

The man stretched to alleviate the tenseness in his muscles, before immediately turning to the ninja next to him. "Chunin." The jonin barked, causing them to stand up straighter. "Gather the rest of the squad, we have our orders."

That was swiftly done, with the jonin simply ordering the three chunin that made up the squad with him to follow him, explaining on the way. "This is a search and destroy mission!" The man shouted as they moved swiftly through the trees, rapidly getting to the border and being covered by the trees of the forest to make their approach less likely to be seen. "We are to seek out what Grass forces are in the area and engage! The enemy may only be taken prisoner or killed!"

There was a moment of silence before one of the chunin spoke up. "But sir!" They shouted, confusion evident. "Since when was the Grass our enemy?!"

"Since their attack on the radio station! Now be silent chunin, these orders are directly from Ame!" The jonin ordered, the squad falling silent as they crossed directly over the border. There was no official boundary, just merely the knowledge of passing over a man-made territorial line that signified their breach into the Land of Grass.

The jonin immediately targeted the local observation post on the opposite side, sending out silent hand signals to get two of the chunin to flank the small wooden post built into the trees. They only nodded, before optimising the chakra within their feet to climb higher as they leapt across the trees.

The jonin himself prepared for battle as the wooden post was only metres away now, dipping his hand into his kunai pouch attached to his leg and withdrawing an explosive tag already attached to a kunai. Seeing that their enemy must be within the post itself apart from the lookout on top which had just spotted them if their shocked appearance was anything to go by, it was already too late for them to shout a warning; for the kunai that the jonin had been spinning in his hand to build up momentum was released directly towards the outpost, explosive tag already fizzing.

The ninja who was on lookout duty on the outpost had already leapt away, landing sideways on a tree and utilising their chakra to stick there, before rocketing off the tree, kunai drawn to engage them. However, the chunin beside the jonin had already surged forward to meet them, kunai in their own hands as they clashed blades in mid-air.

The explosive tag then thunked into the wooden observation post and exploded, the explosion caving in the entire front of the outpost and sending half of the wooden building crashing to the forest floor. The body of a ninja joined the raining debris as two Grass ninja leapt out from the result of the surprise attack upon them - one sporting burns in their uniform and arms. A second kunai was sent hurtling towards the Grass ninja who couldn't do much in a mid-air trajectory course, but they did lower their head enough to duck the kunai.

Unfortunately, that only further blinded them to danger as one of the flanking chunin launched themselves downwards from above, using their chakra in an explosive fashion against the bark of the tree top they had been on to instantly gain momentum. The Grass ninja could not dodge this one as a kunai was plunged directly into their heart, the metal tip of the blade actually penetrating straight through the torso from the power behind it.

The second Grass ninja was a harder enemy to fight, primarily as they had managed to recover from the surprise attack as the Rain ninja focused on their comrade. They retaliated with the same attack - an explosive tag landed next to the Rain jonin and was but a second away from detonating - but the jonin was not trapped within the confines of a building unlike them.

The jonin had already launched himself at the enemy, kunai in hand as the explosion occurred behind him, flying towards the Grass ninja with a downwards swipe at their head. This was quickly blocked by the Grass ninja with their own kunai, before deflecting the opposing blade and jumping away. Flashing through a series of hand signals, they called on their natural wind element. "Wind style: great breakthrough!" They called out as they thrust both of their hands forward.

A rippling distortion of air powered by the wind natured chakra emerged, a scythe of rippling, sharp wind blade formations surging towards where the jonin was. Having no choice, the jonin jumped up to avoid being cleaved in two, but not before retaliating himself. Calling upon his own fire natured chakra, the man channelled it to his lungs as he sucked in breath and clapped his hands into a hand seal.

The man gave no indication of what technique he used as he spat out a C-rank fireball from his mouth, the fiery projectile flying towards the enemy ninja who made no hesitation in dodging themselves. This was when the second flanking ninja made themselves known however, having manoeuvred themselves to be directly behind the enemy ninja and taking a stab at them - successfully gouging deep into the side of the Grass ninja's ribs as they dodged the fireball.

They were given no time to recover as the other flanking ninja launched a series of kunai at the Grass ninja - only one of which missed as three kunai penetrated straight into their back and one blew straight through the skull; brain matter emerging with the exit of the kunai.

Landing on the ground just in time to see the dead body flopping to the floor with him, the jonin exhaled and allowed himself to relax a little, the tension from the fight seeping away. Giving a nod, he once more made a hand signal to reform on him.

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR
AMEGAKURE, PAIN'S TOWER.

"Yes, the major nations." Deva spoke, eyes seemingly entranced as he stared down at the map, particularly the Land of Grass where the Leaf and Stone villages could intervene in. "They are tricky in that regard. Let's see now - they are most unlikely to approach the Land of Rain itself, and provoke an assumed response from Hanzo - particularly after the massacre of the Leaf forces and defeat of the Sannin just twelve years ago by Hanzo, his elite corp and Salamander summons. But, the intervention of forces into Grass of a 'defensive' nature could be done by either side."

"Luckily." Pain muttered, but Konan could still hear clearly from the other side of the desk. "Geography favours us. Both the Stone and Leaf village would be unwise in sending large reinforcements into the Land of Grass given the canyons and steep drops that make up the corresponding borders on either side. The only real points of entry for quick troops movements is the Tenchi bridge for the Leaf, and the Kanabi bridge for the Stone. Should quick reaction forces destroy these points of entry before any opposing foreign forces cross, then they will be relegated to be have a much longer trip further North for both sides to reach the more gentler plains. Any forces that do manage to cross the rough terrain will be met by Ame forces carrying out the pincer movement - and bogged down."

"It is likely to go our way, Konan." Pain started to conclude. "We already have forces on dummy missions within the Land of Grass with pretences to be en-route to the Leaf and Stone villages respectively - but will actually have explosives with which to destroy the bridges. I have sent elite forces so as to swiftly defeat the border forces. Then, by the time they send forces from the North, an approximate three to four days by my reckoning, as they likely will - the Grass Village will have fallen. The Land of Rain has two sides facing the Land of Grass in an already pincer shape that will allow quick encirclement - and the proximity of the Grass village to us is greater than any other nation, especially if they are stuck coming from the North."

"But how will that stop them coming? They could just continue to push forwards and re-take the Land of Grass, and whilst Hanzo might pose a serious threat to them, it is unlikely to stop the advances of an entire army where we are the aggressors; particularly as much of our forces will remain in Rain to act as defence." Konan questioned, a slight worried tone to her voice, especially as the day of action was here.

Deva then smirked and quietly chuckled a mirthless laugh at that. "This is where greed comes into play, Konan. We will play both sides. We will offer two things to them which are sure to get them to settle down and even look at us better - we will offer them whatever land we haven't encircled or conquered by the time the Grass Village falls, which will likely only be the rocky plains to the North; and admirable trade rates in weapons. Not only will this stop them - but the Grass will no longer act as a buffer in the deals they will likely accept. The two rivals will be even busier keeping a closer eye on one another that it favours us even more in keeping hidden when we lock down our borders once more, halt some of the trading and hide again after the deals are over."

Konan looked back to the map, before sighing. "Fine, but how will you end this?"

"A straight up demand for surrender." Pain put bluntly, reading over the document he had produced - with prominent angry red text displayed in it. "It holds the border disputes as the reason for this demand, however I expect it to be turned down. No military insight has been provided on this one, and given how they likely have limited intelligence on Ame - they may feel that we have gone mad. Whereas previously they held the strongest army of the minor nations in the West, they have no idea of the expansion of our forces from the sheer money I have put into the military versus their lower, consistent numbers in peacetime. Only that devastating consequences await them should they refuse is mentioned."

"Theywillthink you mad." Konan inputted, getting only an eye flicker from Deva.

"Maybe." He murmured. "But that's what I'm counting on - to prove them and everyone else wrong."

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
THE KANABI BRIDGE, MAIN ENTRY POINT ON THE BORDER BETWEEN GRASS AND EARTH.

The Kanabi Bridge was the main gateway between the Lands of Grass and Earth, being the best place to take both trade and ninja movements; especially as it offered direct routes to both the Hidden Stone village, and the Grass capital. The bridge itself was a simple structure - hanging over a canyon, it was a flat metal construct that resembled the wide path on either side that it joined with two main supports diagonally joined to both the bridge and canyon sides.

That was what a group of eight people, all with hiking gear and backpacks, saw as they leaned against the sides of the bridge, taking in the natural aesthetics of the landscape they were in. Whilst the lack of colour in the brown rocky landscape may not be that much to look at, the steep sides, rock formations and others made it a geological marvel.

Not that the group of eight cared, however, as they seemed to be talking amongst one another. Indeed, a woman who seemed to be the leader of the group appeared to be issuing orders.

"Now remember the plan." The woman quietly spoke to the others. "Lord Pain is counting on us - should we fail to destroy this bridge, the entire invasion could be thwarted by intervention from forces from the Land of Earth. That being said, however, we are not here for war with them either - the Stone ninja on the right side of the bridge are not to be harmed. For that reason, we shall focus exclusively on the left side of the bridge."

"How should we do this, captain?" One of the men in the group spoke up.

"I have planned for this." The captain spoke calmly. "Four of you shall each take one of the four Grass guards and kill them, no exceptions. As part of the elite unit, I do not expect failure. Then another two will plant the heavy duty explosive seals on the supports on the left side of the bridge as well as underneath it. Finally, me and another shall stay here and keep the Stone ninja from holding you up - remember, none are to be killed. After you have finished with the Grass guards, one of you shall come back to help us as the other three stand guard on the left and protect those planting the explosives. We move at one o'clock, which is in four minutes. Understood?"

A round of nods gave their assent to their captain, who looked satisfied before they all stared back at the scenery. They caught the occasional eye from the guards who would make sure they gave no trouble, but they didn't bother to further be suspicious of what was clearly a group of hiking tourists.

An assumption they got dangerously wrong as the transformation technique on each of the eight elite Rain ninja dropped, revealing all of them to be wearing the metallic armour that signified the elite units Pain had created. Being trained to the extreme in order to become part of said elite units, the bridge guards on the left could only turn their heads and try and withdraw kunai before half of the Rain ninja were upon them. They couldn't even block as three of their throats were slit, the last one having an even more painful death as a kunai was plunged right through their torso, destroying the lungs and heart.

Methodically, two of the ninja had already retrieved scrolls the size of their hands from their backpacks, the metre long scrolls being unravelled and stuck down to the bridge with chakra. Being so long, the seals upon the scrolls identified themselves as heavy-duty the likes of which could blow apart entire houses in one go - enough firepower for the bridge as the ninja retrieved more and jumped down to where the supports were located.

Meanwhile, the final two Rain ninja had assumed position in the middle of the bridge. Taking up defensive stances, they had plenty of time to see the Stone ninja recover from their shock and start running towards them. Withdrawing their standard issue swords, they deflected a barrage of kunai that had been thrown at them, one of the Rain ninja having to leap to the left a particularly heavy mud projectile slammed into the bridge next to them. Not that they cared - gouging material out the bridge would only help their demolition.

"Remember, don't kill them." The captain reminded as she found herself close to her fellow comrade.

"Of course, captain." The ninja replied, as he took out a senbon. The Rain country, being particularly full of exotic plants and resources, was well known for its poisons - as this ninja was about to prove as he threw the senbon laced with the lime green paralytic poison. He successfully scored as the metal stick plunged into the neck of one of the approaching ninja, delivering the poison straight into their bloodstream as the ninja gave a gasp, before two seconds later collapsing.

The other three Stone guards were knocked down in a similar manner, the last one falling to the captain of the group as she worked around the close combat thrusts of the ninja and sent a powerful blow to the back of their head with the reverse of her sword.

Just then three other ninja joined the two, the captain recognising the two ninja assigned to setting the explosives and the other ninja who had come to help them. "Are the explosives in place?" She questioned.

"Yes captain." One of the ninja, getting a nod from her.

"Good." Replied the captain before making a motion to the left side of the bridge. "Move out off the bridge and then we can complete the mission."

Arms being thrown back, the group of elite ninja quickly raced off of the bridge and into the rocky outer edges around the border of the Land of Grass before they would emerge into the lush grassy plains the country was named after. Looking back only briefly, the captain of the two squads formed a half hand seal before pulsing her chakra through it in a specific pattern - responded to by the sparkling flaring of bright chakra fizzing from the heavy duty explosive seals on the bridge.

She quickly looked forwards again as she sprinted at the head of the group, heading to their next assignment. Having an elite formation deep within enemy territory where the action was furthest away (and thus more surprising) was an opportunity Pain was going to take full advantage of, after all.

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
AMEGAKURE, PAIN'S TOWER - RADIO ROOM.

The Deva Path was once more stood in his contemplating pose as he stood behind his desk, rinnegan eyes glaring dully at the falling rain from behind the window panes. Pain mused upon the rain - if he pushed enough chakra into the rinnegan to fully utilise its chakra seeing properties, the rain would start appearing as fast falling white specks. His natural Uzumaki sensing abilities would reveal more if he focused, that of sensing his own chakra falling in minute amounts for miles around.

"Its almost quarter past one, Pain." Konan stated, looking at the Deva Path as she joined him at his desk. "Are you sure you really want to escalate this?" She asked more queitly.

Deva's eyes slowly flickered to Konan's face as she spoke, his musing now focusing upon her instead. She was in no way regretful, he knew that. After all, as his second in command, she had access to everything he did - and he knew she'd seen the reports about how he'd ordered all of Hanzo's family and followers mercilessly slaughtered; especially as he'd never mentioned it. They'd both come too far for such sentiments. No, she was inquiring about whether they were truly ready. He couldn't help feeling it himself, especially given the Akatsuki was only three members strong apart from them.

"Let us not doubt now, Konan. I know you hesitate before the potential might of the world crashing down upon us with one wrong move." The Deva Path spoke, one hand reaching up to grip her shoulder. "But we have planned for this. We have several constituencies and tricks of our own to counter what they may throw at us, and so long as it is done quickly then other engagements will also be finished quickly. After all, a potential intervention by the major powers would be made to combat a still moving enemy that they expect to be weaker than them as a 'minor' nation. They will soon learn how wrong they are."

"And so you decide to leave some of the country behind." Konan spoke.

"But of course." Deva spoke, eyes turning back to the window. "With our stronger enemies considerably delayed, we have time to go beyond the capital which was always within a few hours reach of us anyway. Taking more of the country means more resources, but we already have much resources and most of the population lives around the south of the country anyway due to good industry, jobs and trade. By advancing no further than where the country begins to narrow, we create a good defensive line as well as a bottleneck where Leaf and Stone forces will almost certainly meet, slowing down long-time enemies even further."

Konan nodded, but said no more as a chunin had risen from their seat and dashed over to the two highest authoritative figures in the country. "Lord Pain, an urgent message for you at once!" The chunin spoke, quickly saluting.

Pain only nodded as he took the slip of paper given to him, only waving the chunin away as he turned back to Konan whilst reading.

URGENT*

KANABI AND TENCHI BRIDGES CONFIRMED DESTROYED. ALL ELITE UNITS ENGAGING ENEMY. OVER.

That was all Pain needed to see as he merely passed the note over to Konan so she could see it, before he turned around away from the window and began to walk towards the radio operators in the centre of the room. The very people who would initiate war at his command.

Stopping close by, Pain watched as each man and woman before him stood up and saluted, to which he only nodded. "The time has come." He spoke, a professional hard edge solidly infusing his tone of voice as he initiated the biggest order he'd ever given in his life so far. "Order the First Army forward to seize their objectives."

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
FIFTY KILOMETRES EAST OF THE GRASS CAPITAL.

"...I repeat, we are under intense assault by Rain forces! We are heavily outnumbered!" A chunin ninja fitted with a flak jacket and baring the headband with the Grass nation symbol upon it, was shouting into a radio set. "Requesting urgent reinforcements! We will only hold out for a few minutes longer-"

A kunai suddenly skimmed by, cutting by the chunin's head with great accuracy that would've cleaved a scar through their forehead had they not shifted their head to the left. A Rain chunin leapt straight through the doorway into the small room the Grass chunin had been sheltering in, the Grass ninja jumping backwards to attain some amount of space within the enclosed environment.

A stalemate quickly ensued, as quick swipes and clashes were made with opposing kunai as the Grass ninja drew a kunai from their leg pouch and thrusted it at the Rain ninja who instinctively blocked it. Several more swipes and thrusts were met with the same outcome, a competition of strength forming.

The Grass ninja once more clashed and blocked with the kunai before changing tactics - sending a hefty punch towards the lower torso of the Rain ninja, who quickly lowered their guard to deflect the incoming blow. An overreaching arm quickly thrust forwards to stab the Rain ninja with the kunai, who only realised that they had been duped by a feint too late.

Another hand quickly seized the thrusting limb at the elbow though, stopping it completely as the Grass ninja stared in shock at the Rain jonin who had silently joined their altercation. Roughly seizing the arm further and twisting it back towards himself, the jonin used chakra in his hand to further aid his strength as a sickening snap rang out, a cry of pain ringing out from the Grass chunin. The Rain chunin took the opportunity to rectify his mistake, gripping their own kunai tighter and burying it to the hilt in the torso of the Grass ninja - a central strike to the heart as geysers of blood began to already fall from the wound; semi-synchronous with the dying pulses of the failing organ.

It was over as quickly as it began as the jonin pushed the bloody corpse to the floor, the body falling at such an angle that it crumpled over itself. The chunin was taking deep breaths to regain their bearings as the jonin calmly glanced at them.

"Good job." The jonin gruffly praised. "However, your close quarters combat could use some work. Try fighting where you are not exposing yourself so much or where you can utilise both hands effectively. Now come, we must clear the rest of this base."

Giving a nod, the chunin only followed after the jonin as they walked out.

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
GRASSY PLAINS SURROUNDING THE CAPITAL.

Standing in one of the tall trees that occasionally dotted the long grassy plains was the division leader tasked with seizing the capital. Under their command, was more than twenty thousand Rain ninja that had yet to move into the capital.

Five divisions had invaded the Land of Grass. The First and Second Divisions had swung left and right simultaneously, a combined total of forty four thousand ninjas had stormed through the grassy country which had just more than twenty thousand ninjas in its military. Needless to say, more than half of this number had to be diverted to the flanks of the country lest they get totally cut off, leaving the Third Division the numerical advantage in outnumbering their enemy by two as they were tasked with seizing the capital and its surrounding area. Not to mention the Fourth and Fifth Divisions which were moving behind the First and Second and thus within easy reach of them - a deliberate action so they could be reinforced within hours if needs be.

The Fourth Division would be in easiest reach to the East.

The man was currently stood on one of the thicker branches that could hold his weight, observing through binoculars the small city that held a population of roughly four hundred thousand. As to be expected, thousands of them had already fled which would put pressure elsewhere on the country, for a small nation that only had a population less than ten million would be unused to dealing with such movements.

For now, neither side made a move - one hastily erecting whatever defences they could as the other prepared and awaited for the order to attack. As the division leader observed, grass ninja were scuttling about the main entrance to the city he was facing - a wide stone path that was had been hastily blockaded by a wooden structure being built over it. Grass ninja dotted about, many of them doing exactly what he was doing - he'd been spotted more than once.

"Sir." A woman called out, as the chunin ninja landed on the branch beside him and gave a quick salute causing the division leader to turn round, before pulling the radio set off her back and handing the wired receiver attached to it to him. "Ame wants you, sir."

"Very well." The division leader acknowledged as he made a gesture with his hand which the chunin quickly placed the receiver in before the man brought it to his ear. "This is the Third Division leader of the First Army, go ahead."

"Division leader, this is Pain." A deep voice spoke quietly from the receiver. The chunin ninja watched, a bit shocked as the very posture of her superior many times over herself was brought to attention. "What is the status of the enemy and yourselves?"

"Static, sir." The division leader responded, his tone of his voice noticeably much more professional. "Neither side has moved yet. The Grass ninja are erecting quick fortifications whilst we were waiting for all of the troops to arrive."

"And have they?" Came the responsive question, tone seemingly neutral but a sliver of impatience was there.

"Most of them, sir. There's still a few platoons missing from Fourth Brigade though, sir." The man responded.

A short pause allowed for Pain to think before his voice came back. "Begin at once. Allow the enemy no more time to prepare."

"Yes sir." The division leader responded with a tone of finality, but that was of no use as the radio line had already been cut off before the division leader even spoke.

The division leader himself said no more as he simply signalled for the chunin to fall back to her squad, before withdrawing a kunai from his pouch. Reaching a hand inside his pocket and tugging out out a flare tag, he carefully attached it to the end of the kunai before he then charged the entire metal weapon with his chakra. The flare seal responded immediately, starting to spark and hiss before the leader then threw it straight up in the air as high as he could.

As the weapon reached a height of thirty metres in the air and still climbing, the flare tag activated - red light immediately flaring out from the seal upon the tag and creating a trail of red in the sky as the kunai arched up before beginning to fall. The tag had spluttered out before the kunai even touched the ground.

The effect was near instant. Shrill whistle blasts erupted across the entire rural country side that surrounded the northern entrance, sending out a loud message that was clear even to the opposing side. And so, out rose their attackers from the long grass that made up the northern plains of the capital, rushing en-masse to their objectives. Hordes of dark green and black ran through the grass that came up to their waists, humanoid shadows that nimbly sprinted through the environment to reach the capital before them at full pelt.

The division leader saw it all as he made no move to join his troops. Hundreds of four-man squads were dashing across the environment in triangular formations that denoted their platoons, flying past all the occasional trees in seconds and would be upon the small city within the minute. It seemed to be that the opposing Grass ninja were panicking in their attempt to organise, men and women scrambling onto the makeshift barricade on the stone road and on top of the rooftops of the low-lying buildings. Watching through binoculars, he took note of their posture - tense, nervous, sweating. Many already had kunai within their hands, angled for an optimum throw; others had set their hands into the first seal of an undoubtable jutsu sequence; all of them now merely awaiting for the Ame ninja to be upon them. After all, most ninja engaged best in shorter distances - many ninja could throw a kunai further than they could a jutsu. And kunai were easily dodged at long distances...

And so it began.

Jutsu were immediately exchanged first as kunai were flung at each side, soaring off into the country side or impacting a building and clanging off the material. Fireballs were launched from the barricade that blocked the main entry to the capital, projectiles of earth being thrown or spat at the on-rushing Rain ninja. They too responded in kind, with the two common elements of Ame being thrown at them - water and earth. Barrages of chakra infused hardened earth and rock crashed into the barricade, splintering and damaging it - some smashing right through the wooden wall. The squads that had a fireball racing towards them slowed and the lead ninja of the four-man squad was quick to spit out a water wall to hold back against the approaching fireball. The other three members of the squad quickly leapt away and split up, flanking around and surrounding the jutsu caster, who panicked and tried to fight back but was quickly killed by a kunai strike to the back.

It was the same image for those who approached the city buildings, only having to leap over a small stone wall that ringed the city with the assistance of chakra. Rain ninja jumped right on top of rooftops and either immediately assaulted a surprised enemy or were repelled by the Grass who took advantage of an enemy still in momentum. However, the Rain ninja heavily outnumbered the Grass ninja who had spread themselves thin over the city whilst the Rain had assaulted almost entirely from the North.

A platoon from the fourth brigade was tasked with seizing the reinforced stronghold at the entrance to the city behind the hastily erected barricade - a previous policing station that had been reinforced ever since word had arrived of the Ame invasion. It was quickly swept up within minutes, two squads landing on the roof of the police station and quickly dispatching the outnumbered spotters on the roof. As they did that, six other squads surrounded the building and forced their enemies to take shelter within. Kunai were hurled at windows and covered shelter to force their enemies into hiding as they could bring more kunai to bare than those within - as the three remaining squads breached the back entrance.

As more enemies started to fall within, those on the roof joined them by splitting the enemy's attention further by invading through the upper floors. As two more squads from the platoon raced in through the front entrance, the enemy were now heavily outnumbered within and couldn't even leave as the squads outside forced them back into cover with accurate kunai throws. So began the systematic clearing room-by-room of Grass ninja by the Rain ninja who combined superior numbers, surprise advantage and specific training for this scenario to gain the upper hand. Suffice to say, the building was captured within five minutes.

The division leader landed on the rooftop, three other chunin and a jonin ninja arriving with him, acting as the squad that protected him. Striding over to the door in the rooftop, he flung it open before descending the stairs. Two chunin who were still prowling the hallways of the police station quickly stepped to the side and saluted, but the division leader continued forth unabated as he strode to the radio located within a room in the station. Tuning into the corresponding wavelengths, the division leader was connected straight to his brigade commanders.

"Third Brigade Leader of the Third Division, come in. This is the Third Division Leader." The division leader spoke, the man leaning on one of the desks close to where the radio equipment had been dumped. He eyed the scurrying ninjas around him, cleaning and fortifying the place now it was theirs. The constant static in his ear suddenly gave way as he saw two of their ninja literally fling a Grass ninja corpse out of the window, a pile next to them as two more respectfully carried out a dead Rain chunin.

A feminine voice started talking into the receiver next to his ear then. "This is the Third Brigade Commander, reporting in. All preliminary objectives have taken, confirmed within Rain hands. Please advise any additional orders or requests."

"Yes, I am ordering an additional priority to be carried out above all else, even your secondary objectives. You are to take the Third Brigade and seize the central square of the city, denying them central access within the city will be crucial in putting a halt to their movements. Please confirm reception of priority orders." The division leader commanded, eyes hardened as he gazed out the window. Several black plumes could already be seen dotted close to the walls of the city, another plume shooting up further away from the walls - evidence of the Rain ninja beginning to carve their way into the actual city itself.

"Priority orders confirmed." The woman on the other end responded. "They will be carried out at once."

Static once more filled his ear as the receiver on the other end had obviously been put down, the division leader himself handing his receiver back to the radio operator before nodding to the elite jonin standing guard in the room as he strode out. He had the Fifth Brigade to go find out news upon.

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
GRASS CAPITAL CENTRAL SQUARE.

Another black plume of smoke erupted into the air as the successive detonations of several explosive tags going off at once occurred. An entire shop storefront was blown outwards through where the kunai with tags attached had smashed straight through the glass at the front, before the two Grass ninja within were blown to kingdom come as the deafening roar of the shockwave from the explosion blew apart everything within. The glass shattered outwards and cascaded lethal shrapnel everywhere with fire hot on the trail as it belched out the now gaping hole in the shop windows.

The fast-paced action of the invasive Rain ninja against the lagging Grass defenders seemed to have reached fever pitch; as the entire force of thousands of concentrated ninja in a singular brigade cracked down upon the central location in the city before the Grass ninja could even attempt to organise defensive formations within it. Speed was crucial in the ninja world, meaning that defenders in enclosed spaces often suffered poorly - as seen as the Rain ninja didn't even attempt to enter buildings but rather flushed the defenders out in hailstorms of explosions, kunai and jutsu. It went against everything one would try to achieve when taking the assets of an enemy, but Pain was not after their economy or population - but rather their resources. And so the Rain ninja did the fighting on their terms, with lower casualties than an already outnumbered enemy. With the planned invasion having been heavily equipped and trained for, and given that the home turf advantage was partly negated by the backwards scorched earth tactics the Rain ninja were employing; the fight was going poorly for Grass.

And the decisive blow to take the central part of the city and close off major transport routes to the defending Grass only further solidified that.

A squad of Grass ninja were fighting off two squads of Rain ninja at once on a cobbled path, one of the Grass ninja leaping and sticking to the side of a building and launching a fireball at several chunin at once. It was for naught, however, as one of the Rain chunin quickly went through the few hand signs needed for the water projectile jutsu they needed - spitting out a large glob of water that slammed into the fire head-on and completely negated it as the superior element. Meanwhile, two Rain chunin then followed the singular Grass ninja and quickly engaged them, giving them no time to launch any further techniques as they quickly fell to one of the chunin grabbing the struggling defender from behind and smashing their skull against the brick wall they were all on.

Only for then one of the Rain chunin to fall over dead as several kunai raked over their body, one penetrating straight through their own skull as they collapsed to the floor three storeys below, the other chunin leaping up and over to the rooftop to get out the firing line. The location from whence the kunai were launched from became apparent as a glowing soft-golden, see-through barrier sprung up over the width of one of the conjoining streets into the square. Three Grass ninja could be seen standing behind the barrier as their fourth squad mate reinforced the glowing kanji on the floor that had created the barrier. Two squads could also be seen on the two rooftops of the first buildings on either side of said street, hunkered down below pieces of cover and launching kunai or jutsu at any target of opportunity.

Combined with the squads of Grass within the square defending it as well as those still incoming from less pressurised areas in the city as opposed to the larger majority of the thousands of ninja within the Third Brigade still minutes away; the first attempt at defending a portion of the square could be successful if reinforcements arrived fast enough before the barrier was in too much danger. For behind the barrier was what the Grass ninja were really trying to defend, fleeing civilians who were panicking and running in the opposite direction of the square as they were directed and guarded by genin - some who could be no older than a young teenager.

Jutsu were already being launched against the barrier, projectiles of mainly mud laced with earthen style chakra and water crashing against it, and apart from the occasional flickering the barrier held firm as another Grass squad leapt to the street floor to add their chakra to their barrier strength. Attempts to flank the barrier from opposing neighbouring streets was met with failure as reinforcements did arrive in time, whole platoons of Grass ninja leaping onto rooftops and street pathways to repel the invaders.

This was not without consequence as the defenders focused on a singular area - resulting in their comrades still fighting in the square itself quickly being butchered and put down. As such, the quick success the Grass enjoyed from quicker mobilisation of reinforcements began to turn into a stalemate as the Rain ninja began to concentrate on the barrier. The first attempt to properly take the barrier was met with failure as a platoon of Rain ninja stormed it from ground level, expecting the weak level barrier to fall before another hail of jutsu and bombardments of explosion tags against it. A few squads of the invaders landed on the rooftops, to be met by hastily erected traps of proximity seals and tripwires, backed up by the defenders themselves who enjoyed the temporary period of matching their enemy in numbers.

This continued for a further minute as a second attempt was made by the Rain ninja. This time, the primary aim was not to break the barrier - but rather to distract the enemy as smoke grenades were detonated against it along with several concussive explosive tags to add thick, volatile and blackening smoke to the mix. Two platoons of Rain ninja a-piece then tried to storm the rooftops, landing upon them and quickly engaging the defenders in clashes of kunai, ninja tools and jutsu.

It was doomed to failure as the Grass ninja then detonated planted explosive tags along the edges of the rooftops they'd had to abandon as the Rain ninja swarmed over it, killing quite a few of the invaders and tossing many off. The remainder found themselves outnumbered in a twist of irony.

The Rain ninja in their attempt seemed to be turning into a rout as they were disorganised and forced to retreat back to their side of the barrier when suddenly another squad landed on one of the left-side rooftops. A Grass ninja that had been pushing back a chunin quickly tuned to engage one of the newcomers, their kunai glowing with chakra as they met to stab it forth - only for the newcomer to duck and sweep their arm out to the side. This revealed a hidden pointed blade which was visibly dipped in a purple poison, which was then stabbed straight into the Grass ninja's torso before they themselves could react.

Decked out in full metal chakra armour, each having a sword strapped behind their backs with styles of blue and white painted onto the armour. The normal headbands were present around their foreheads, but what really drew the attention of the Ame ninja around them were the rank slides present on their shoulders; automatically outranking any of the Rain ninja present.

"Specialist squad in position." One of them announced, before all four of the elite ninja squad disappeared as they utilised the body flicker technique.

The barrier was in danger within moments as one of the elite ninja fired a lightning jutsu at the squad powering the barrier, frying one of them as the other three scattered - the elite ninja landing on the street floor as two Grass ninja then engaged them. Drawing their sword, the Rain ninja quickly deflected several kunai thrown at them before breathing in and holding up a hand sign, their better training allowing them to fire off a fireball with only one hand sign. The Grass ninja which had leapt at them to strike at their head was instantly flash-fried as they collided with it, their screams of pain ringing out before the blackened corpse dropped to the floor.

No time to think was given as the other Grass ninja stabbed at them from behind, the kunai merely scratching the armour before the elite ninja turned, grabbed their arm and threw them away. It was to only buy a second as they quickly leapt off a wall with the assistance of chakra, but the Rain ninja quickly engaged them by blocking their overarm swing of the kunai, deflecting it downwards and bending the sword to use the tip to swat away the kunai underarm as they tried to then power through once the sword had alleviated its pressure. The Rain ninja then took quick advantage of the reeling Grass ninja, as they quickly detached their left hand from their sword, retrieved a kunai from their leg pouch and stabbed it straight through the ribcage of the Grass ninja in one swift motions they themselves were bringing their kunai back up.

With the immediate area being clear, a swift down plunge of the sword laced with lightning chakra into the sealing matrix holding up the barrier caused it to fail. And with that, the entire defensive plateau that the Grass had been holding fell as a giant entrance was now presented to the dozens of Rain squads holding the square.

Needless to say, they quickly rushed through and brought back their superiority in numbers, just as the first advance parties of the Third Brigade arrived within the square to swell the numbers already present with the arrival of an entire brigade.

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
AMEGAKURE, PAIN'S TOWER - RADIO ROOM.

"Central square is now firmly within Rain hands." A monotone voice spoke through the speaker, getting a nod from the Deva Path who was stood at the bank of radio equipment against the wall as then a further flurry of activity happened around him. Several chunin were jotting away into notepads and then flicking switches and speaking into receivers to order about even individual platoons who would then leave it to the platoon leader to order individual quads to their targets. Sat next to them were the partners to the chunins, who were constantly typing away on keyboards and updating static maps to the locations and assets on the battlefield to allow the central command a very good idea of what was going on many miles away.

Pain did spare a brief thought to the set-up as he looked about the room, giving a cursory glance to the giant map in the middle of the room where a jonin quickly ran forth and pinned down several numbers denoting the strength of the Rain forces in the central square of the Grass capital before backing off. This type of set-up was very new to the elemental nations, with the technology for it not even existing during the Third World War. He would know, he fought in it. And yet, here they were, manually directing a battle that occurred an entire country away.

"Sir." A chunin called out, snapping off a quick salute as they looked at him, the microphone on the headset they were wearing raised upwards as they drew their Leader's attention. "The Second Brigade Commander requests permission to begin encircling the Southern districts of the city to cut off all escape."

"Tell me, what are the enemy doing there?" Pain asked. Even if it had been planned for, the last he'd heard about the Southern districts was thirty minutes ago. Up-to-date knowledge was important.

The chunin relayed the question through their headset before listening in for several seconds, before once more raising their microphone and addressing Deva. "The Grass ninja are still evacuating the city sir, they seem to be funnelling the civilians and genin out of the city mostly through the South as it is most opposite from where the invasion started, my Lord."

Pain gave a nod, before asking a final question. "And what precise location is the Brigade now in?"

"Mostly around the Eastern trading district in the city, sir." The chunin answered with no need to check - they were one of the five pairs assigned to watch over one of the battalions from the Second Brigade.

"Good." Deva answered, thinking for a moment before he snapped off a command. "They have my permission to engage only if all of their preliminary and priority objectives have been taken. Order a battalion be left behind to secure the Eastern districts but otherwise they are to head to the Southern districts at once and engage the enemy. The less ninja that move up to reinforce those in battle elsewhere, the better."

The chunin gave a nod and a last salute before turning back round to their monitor and flipping back on their microphone; instantly relaying the command Pain had given them.

Pain mused on the evolving situation. Whilst the initial strategy of allowing the Grass to evacuate had been good in taking away some of their manpower in assisting evacuation efforts and guarding the fleeing populace, it now worked against them as the numbers of evacuees dwindled and more ninja could switch from guard duty to actually fighting. As such, suddenly putting their populace in direct danger in larger numbers for the first time would make them panic and haul back many of their squads at once to respond in such a fashion that it would damage their ability to fight back.

It was the point of battle in which they did not know what their enemy would do, given they try to continue to cover their civilians, defend their city or even regroup enough ninja to try and make a concerted push to break through and escape. It was technically feasible enough, the thousands of Grass ninja present in the city could muster up enough strength of hundreds to try and push through the advancing Fourth Division which had turned South around the city from the East to enclose it completely.

Unlike the static position of the city, the Fourth Division could be spread thin enough that Grass platoons could break through. It would be for ultimate nought as they would then be trapped between the Fourth Division and the Second Division, ultimately doing nothing more than buying time, but trying to bait them into the first two options would save time and lives.

Either way, he'd won.

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
IWAGAKURE.

"WHAT!" Came the outraged, thunderous shout from the Tsuchikage.

The messenger ninja gave a flinch before bowing and speaking once more. "The reports are confirmed, sir. Our spies have seen the black plumes and damage to the capital as well the movements of Rain ninja throughout the countryside. The true numbers are unknown, but it is predicted at least four divisions of Rain ninja have invaded the Land of Grass, with one of them currently seizing the capital as we speak, my Lord. It is predicted to be taken within a maximum of two hours."

Onoki the Tsuchikage, leader of the Rock village and the Land of Earth, was furious. A small man with haggard expression, he was also one of the oldest ninja around to the extent that the grey hairs of elderly age had sprouted. And right now, a very angry man. He had already bared a negative view of the Land of Rain to start with when Hanzo of the Salamander had helped cause casualties of an entire brigade of their troops in the Third World War; surpassed only by the Namikaze who hadsingle-handedlyslaughtered 94% of another brigade within the Land of Grass. And now, the man was invading one of the few countries that was at least neutral to them and held a lot of their investments.

Taking a deep breath, he thought more calmly upon the situation before snapping off his orders. "Organise a platoon from the closest battalion to cross the Kanabi bridge and find out what the Grass are doing. I want more precise locations of where the Rain ninja are, what they are doing about it, and if they will allow our troops through. If not, we'll discuss that later. Now go."

The messenger ninja gave a bow before dashing out of the room, Onoki giving a sigh as he thought over the events before waving a hand forth to one of his bodyguards. "See if we can't raise anybody from the Land of Grass governing body or military, make sure to try all the radio wavelengths we know of from them. I want information."

The body guard gave a confirmative nod before then using the body flicker technique to leave, quickly going about his business as Onoki's very tone had stressed how urgent he thought it was. The Third World War had been started for less after all, and he knew that the Leaf would also be planning to respond when they found out.

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
KONOHAGAKURE, HOKAGE'S OFFICE.

Minato Namikaze was not usually an angry man. No, he had not even gotten angry in the heat of battle versus his opponent who summoned the nine tails. The same rang true now, and that was how people knew he meant business - and to stay out of his way. The day that man became angry was the day nations went asunder.

Shikaku had just finished explaining to the blonde Hokage as he sat at his desk of how an estimated entire army of Ame troops had just effectively within thirty six hours encircled more than half of the Land of Grass. How the capital was currently under siege, and from the last intercepted transmission they were winning heavily.

"It's difficult to tell much." Shikaku concluded to the Hokage. "The Rain ninja are employing jammers all along the way they're invading. They can't jam everything which is how we have what we do, but we don't have the full intelligence we need to make a concerted intervention that would result in the best outcome."

"And even if we did march into the Land of Grass, we're still up against an entire army." Minato stated, drawing a grim nod from Shikaku.

Minato gave a sigh as he contemplated over the news, before he looked over those that were in the sealed and silenced room with him. His own teacher, Jiraiya the Toad Sannin, Shikaku Nara his second-in-command; and his wife who was herself an elite jonin.

"I hope your not thinking of sending in any S ranks or battalions of your own, Minato. Doing so would lead to all out war with Rain, or even worse, Hanzo himself stepping down from Ame." Jiraiya warned, his face turning grave over his last warning. "It'd be a massacre of thousands of ninja. I should know, he came down to greet us three Sannin. He could've killed us right there and then if he so desired."

"I know, Jiraiya. Though old, the amount of people in the Leaf that could go at least go up against Hanzo would number less than ten." Minato stated as he drummed his fingers on the desk to hide his concerns. "Undoubtedly, the Land of Earth will send in brigades of their own. Whenever something goes down, they always try to grab something for themselves."

Kushina Uzumaki, the so-called 'Red Death', had thus far remained quiet in the meeting so far. But now was a time to pitch her idea. "Send in a team of experts then, like ANBU. We need information like you said, whether it be from locations and army strength to simply how they're treating people."

"I concur." Shikaku spoke up, drawing their attention to him. "ANBU would be perfect for this mission. They're anonymous and trained for sabotage and infiltration. They would be able to get us the information we need."

"Very well. I'll leave it to you to organise the ANBU, I want the details by this evening." Minato ordered, drawing a nod from Shikaku. "Meanwhile, I'll organise a battalion or more to secure an area of the Land of Grass." Minato looked up from taking a note to see confused faces and Jiraiya looking positively alarmed, but he quickly held up a hand to stop any protests or questions. "This is non-negotiable. Besides, we must take quick action. Setting up a forward base of considerable strength will allow us a staging area for larger operations if needs be, as well as an area for fleeing refugees to come. We will help anyone displaced or running from this war."

Nods went round the room as Minato looked round, and upon being satisfied that he had his answer sent Shikaku on his way.

Nobody believed for a second that the Land of Rain had been in the right when they had used the explosion against their facility as an act of war.

EIGHTEEN YEARS AFTER THE THIRD NINJA WORLD WAR.
GRASSY PLAINS, FOUR MILES SOUTH OF THE CAPITAL.

The Third Brigade of the Fourth Division had been tasked with securing a secondary ring around the South of the capital. The Third Division which was storming the Grass capital would themselves have ringed the city, but they had been tasked with securing an additional buffer around it for any Grass ninja fleeing the city who may have slipped through, or worse still broke out.

The idea that they may lose in their invasion of the capital had not been entertained too seriously.

Henceforth, they had left an area of the rolling, open space filled with the vibrant green grass that gave the country its namesake of four miles from the capital to leave an open space for good visibility. Any Grass ninja that sped out of the Grass capital would be immediately spotted - an advantage that ironically now played more into the hands of the Fourth Division of Rain ninja than the capital when it had first been invaded with overwhelming numbers.

Naruto's platoon was tasked with holding a small path that had split off from the tarred main road leading South-East out of the capital, digging in roughly at the four miles mark from the capital. The initiate platoons would not have moved as fast as any chunin or jonin, so had been tasked with a closer position to the East which was also reckoned to be safer.

Walls of earth had risen from the ground from two of the so-elementally gifted jonin instructors, with occasional barricades of earth dotted close by the path on its flanks. Out of the three jonin instructors, and the additional jonin and two squads of chunin that strengthened the platoon of otherwise initiates, two of the jonin and one squad of the chunin stayed on the path itself with six of the genin initiates. One jonin then lead the remaining initiates on each of the flanks.

The other initiate platoon, similarly strengthened, was tasked with another minor path a mile East of them.

Suffice to say, it was expected that only stragglers would attempt this path, in which case the chunin only would have been enough of a presence. The initiates and jonin were extra presence that could be afforded to reinforce all avenues of potential escape given the advantage of numbers that Rain had enjoyed when invading the country.

Naruto himself was situated on the left flank of the path, his breathing shallow as his eyes darted over the landscape before him. He'd been tense ever since they'd been given their marching orders into the country of Grass, and though he had not seen a single enemy combatant, he was high-strung all the same. As one of the four initiates situated up the front before the two walls of earth the rest of his section had cover behind, he was constantly watching over the expanse of grassy plains before him.

The initiates had used small, collapsible shovels given to them to be attached to the basic kunai holster to dig out a shallow trench before the two earth walls. Not every ninja had an earthen affinity, and though all affinities could technically be used by any ninja, it was very difficult to use an affinity you were not attuned to. So, a small, handheld shovel for one hand was included in a Rain ninja's standard kit, which the genin initiates at the front had put to good use.

It was actually for that reason, in giving the genin initiates (entirely fresh to it all) the front-watching duties as the chunin and jonin watched the sides to ensure they were not flanked. The initiates were more likely to be single-minded in their focus to watch the grassy plains, and it was both good experience and a way to ensure that all duties were being performed to a good enough standard.

To Naruto, who was not even thinking of such matters, it was entirely true. Despite the murmuring and chatting going on from behind the walls of earth the rest of his fellow colleagues were resting behind, it was still too quiet for him. Eyes roamed over the landscape once more as he strained his hearing for any noises he couldn't identify confidently, as his sensing abilities once more 'pinged' for another look.

Licking the dry lips, he picked up one of the two binoculars deposited at the front section for another look at a solitary tree amongst the plains. Sighing to try and exhale some of the pent-up emotion, he lowered the binoculars and forced himself to look up as he stretched.

It dragged on for another hour of watching.

The initiates visibly get a little more restless as another one of the jonin from the path joined the jonin in charge of the section, murmuring to them to relay a message from the singular radio possessed by the platoon before leaping back to the path. Turning round and clearing their throat as they felt the rest of the section's eyes on them, they announced aloud the message. "A group of roughly three hundred Grass ninja has broken out of the capital and are reportedly heading North-East. Reserve units from the Elite department are being rushed forward to reinforce the breach, but it is unknown when they will arrive. We should expect contact."

Not staying to view the reactions of the section they commanded, the jonin crouched down beside one of the chunin to obviously discuss any potentially upcoming conflict. Naruto himself tried to focus back on the task at hand as he forced himself to look back to the grassy plains before him, but it was hard. Not once over the next ten minutes did his hand pick up the binoculars unlike the many times he'd done it the previous hour.

His eyes widened as a 'blip' entered the area his sensory abilities was straining to cover, his breathing taking a jagged hike to the back of his throat before a burst of warm chakra covered him to forcibly shake him from the goosebumps that had erupted over him. Shaking his mind clear and managing to adapt a calmer mind frame thanks to Kurama's reassurance, he formed a half ram seal to focus closer, before letting out a ragged exhale.

"Underground! Underground!" He screamed out, leaping out of the shallow trench that had served as the previous hours' shelter as he made to put more distance between him and the chakra signatures he felt.

The reaction was instantaneous, two chunin leaping on top of the earth walls as the initiates of his section scrambled around for a proper position, the jonin in charge landing right next to Naruto with a sturdy, questioning gaze to the red-head. Not another word had to be spoken though, as he thrust out a pointing finger, with the jonin reacting to it by flinging forward the explosive tag he had in his hand directly toward the spot Naruto had pointed out. Primed to a shorter fuse than the standard tag, it erupted only a second after landing.

Flames, smoke and upturned earth flew out from the point of impact, which created a gouge in the ground from which staggered out two Grass jonin, their foreheads glinting with the symbol of three vertical grass blades that was the symbol of their country. Blood staining the upturned dirt made it clear that one of their comrades had not survived the point-blank explosion from where the two who made it out had been protected by enough layers of earth to be unharmed but disoriented to the extreme from the battering shockwaves that had travelled literally through them.

Kunai thrown from the chunin ended their lives before they could clear their heads, only one managing to summon enough cognizance to try and dodge; but to no avail as they only avoided one of the three thrown kunai at their body.

"Into cover!" The Rain jonin roared out. "We're under attack!"

Having sensed the advance party of their comrades killed, more ninjas erupted from the earth that they'd been hiding in to leap up onto the surface - small clumps of rock and dirt being uprooted and thrown around as over two dozen Grass ninja emerged.

"Grass cutters!" Yelled out one of the chunin, perspiration breaking out across their brow at the sight of the sword-wielding Grass ninja advancing onto them, and quite rightly. It was said to be the closest thing the Grass nation had to an elite force since they disbanded their black-ops force due to a shrinking military budget in peacetime, instead expanding upon the skill that Grass nation was known for - swordsmanship. It had been legendary throughout the First and Second World Wars, allowing them to retain independence as a nation with the pinnacle being the leader who would always wield the Kusanagi blade. Though having declined in quality since, especially with the peacetime cuts and the still unidentified killer of the leader who also stole the Kusanagi, they were still a formidable foe.

A round of explosive tags hurled at them from both hands of the Rain ninja was unsuccessful this time, with ninja now able to move freely on open terrain deftly leaping away from the oncoming projectiles - one jonin even batting aside the kunai the paper bomb was attached to so it detonated harmlessly to the side of all the commotion. Now launching themselves to the section defences, it was also obvious that the other two sections of the platoon would be unavailable as the other Grass ninja sprinted towards a couple of the Rain chunin breaking off to assist them.

It was never going to hold up - four jonin and a handful of chunin, reinforced by only genin, were decimated by the force of other a dozen of Grass country's finest closest combatants. Taking full advantage of having emerged within ten metres of the defences before being sensed, the first few Grass ninja were within hand-to-hand range of the Rain ninja in merely a second.

The Rain jonin initially on the forefront as the section leader had attempted to block an incoming sword swing before having to perform a seal-less substitution with a clump of earth five metres away to avoid being decapitated by another. It had appeared to be anticipated for however, as another Grass ninja leapt up and threw a volley of kunai that forced the jonin back into the centre of the fighting where the Rain ninja were now being boxed in by a larger group of more skilled fighters.

The reason was obvious as two of the Grass ninja spat out tidal wave of water, the two B-rank techniques combining to become a sweeping wave of water that flooded the initial trench the Rain ninja were gathered round. It was a simple matter to leap over one of the already erected earth wall defences as cover against it, all of the skilled ninja doing so - but three of the initiates were not so skilled. Panicked and gripped swirls of thoughts of how to stay alive, they didn't react in time as they were picked up by rag dolls and slammed against the very defence that covered the rest of their comrades - their broken bones being only momentary thoughts as thrown kunai by the Grass ninja made their deaths quick.

The shepherding of the Rain ninja by the superior Grass ninja sprung what was obviously the second phase of their plan as two of their number were vaulted forth over the wall by two other comrades in a burst of chakra-assisted speed that out-did anything a singular jonin could do. Aiming straight for the Rain jonin, they were on top of them before the jonin could leap away thanks to the burst of speed. It was an impressive display of skills by the Rain jonin as they managed to block two strikes at their torso with a duel grasp of kunai to block the first swings of swords by two ninja at once - even spitting out a hardened glob of rock right into one of the Grass ninja's faces as they made to go for another strike. But the diversion of attention proved to be too much, as the other Grass ninja lashed out into the Rain jonin's calf with a downward thrust of their booted heel in a painful strike, causing the Rain ninja to cry out in pain before the sword of the Grass ninja swung up into their torso.

The chunin of the Rain section were of no help either, as at the same time one of the Rain chunin was caught by a hand launching out of the ground and grabbing hold of their ankle, before disappearing back through and dragging them underground in a usage of the earthen style head hunter technique. It remained unfinished however, as the Rain chunin was not dragged wholly underground - instead, the Grass swordsman burst out of the ground, their sword following in an upheaval of dirt and grass as it flew straight and decapitated the Rain chunin who had lost all sense of momentum.

The second Rain chunin was of no help as they did avoid the initial underground strike by leaping away, but was sent crashing back to Earth by a skull-fracturing blow to the back of the head by the hilt of a sword by another Grass jonin sent vaulting over the Earth wall.

Naruto's shallow breathing had returned as he had literally dived out of the way of the racing water looking to slam him and his comrades into the very wall they'd emerged from. Quickened intakes of breath were required both for the heightened activity of his heart to supply the demanding movements he was now making, and to try and push back the fear that rose as bile in his throat.

They'd said there was little chance of enemy action here.

He didn't know any techniques beyond the basic sets meant to help with survival including lighting a campfire, substitution and chakra reinforcement of the limbs; his chakra control had been too terrible to learn a single offensive or even defensive technique unlike his comrades learning at least one mandated technique before they could become ninja. He hadn't been too worried - the sealing arts had helped secure him an exception to the rule which could pass and learn better chakra control exercises when part of a platoon rather than teaching staff which had too many students at once.

But war had come too soon.

Forcing his trembling hands to go through the motions of the five required hand seals of the body replacement technique, he disappeared in a puff of smoke to the position of a large box he remembered being behind the second earth wall further back from the first wall the fighting was centred around. Seeing there were two initiates having remained huddled behind the wall themselves, scared out their mind, Naruto quickly pointed to the lightly wooded area behind them.

"Go! Get help!" He barked at them, reaching into his pocket and hastily scrawling kanji onto one of the short pieces of paper he'd stuffed into his jacket from the sealing supplies he'd received. Knowing he was of little help to everyone else here and having the specially made brush speeding up the drawing process, Naruto was done in only a few seconds before he scrambled to his feet, stumbling a little before righting himself and taking off after the other two initiates to try and regroup elsewhere. Not knowing what to do, and feeling like he would have to stop and throw up soon from the fear he was feeling and having had to avoid two attempts on his life already, the few rational parts of his thinking left seem to agree that taking cover in the woods was a better idea than remaining.

It didn't work.

Naruto let out a cry as a boot collided with his ribs, sending him rocketing forth as the motion from running forward added in sending him sprawling several metres away from where he'd previously been. A Grass swordsman, having seen the fleeing initiates, had quickly utilised a body flicker technique to appear beside Naruto and lashed out with their foot, before then sending a burst of chakra to their back foot with their sword raised to end the life of the obviously green genin before him in a merciful, quick strike.

Their momentum was arrested from them as they collided with a barrier then, the shimmering semi-transparent wall of rippling chakra that had sprung up from the ground providing a hardened surface that the Grass ninja rebounded off of. They couldn't control their initial stumble into the wall from the burst of speed born from the usage of chakra to the back foot, but as soon as the other foot touched the ground from slamming into the barrier they righted themselves in a second of dizziness.

Letting go of the piece of paper he'd slammed into the ground, the barrier then instantly failed as without a storage component added to the hastily scrawled matrix, it had been powered purely by the chakra Naruto gave it. Seeking to take advantage of the seconds' respite he'd gained, he thrust forward from low with a kunai.

But it failed completely as the jonin recovered and reacted quicker than he'd ever anticipated, grabbing the wrist of the hand holding the kunai and forcing it back, snapping the wrist in a fluid motion as the other hand readied the blade. Holding the young Rain ninja in position with another twist of the breaking arm they held in a tight grip, the Grass swordsman shoved their blade forward. It would never have been exact given the thrashing person they were keeping hold of nor that they were hunched over, but it was aimed directly at a larger organ.

Blood flew from Naruto's mouth as he coughed, also running in copious amounts from the now gaping wound from the sword embedded into his torso right through his lung. It was only a couple of seconds as spasms rocked up Naruto's body as the widened, frightened eyes of the child soldier looked up to the adult grass ninja who had merely batted aside the only attack he'd had time to drum up and now sought to claim his life. His enemy's eyes were completely hardened - death was a common occurrence in the ninja world, and this war was making it all the more common.

There was no time, or point to semantics as the grass ninja instead kicked him back off the blade, impacting the ground hard and then tumbling further away still over ten metres away from where he'd stood prior; such was the power of it - as his enemy then just leapt away to find a new target.

Blood pooled soaked the ground in greater amounts from the removal of the sword that had caused the fatal wound in the first place and then plugged it, and the rebounding damage from hitting the ground hard.

He tried to move. By God, he tried to move, to crawl away from the bloodied puddle he found himself in - the same semblance of consciousness that was controlling those motions was screaming at him that the sword strike hadn't punctured anything that controlled movement. Whilst that may have been true, the fact was that the spasms rocking his body made those movements all but impossible, and the frightened hysteria that warped the rest of his mind and body didn't let him try any further. All he could do was cry from the pain, and the unfairness of it.

The only thing he knew at that point was that it would be the blood loss that killed him, and he had only a short while left to live.

"No."Was the singular word that inputted into his mind then, and it took a few seconds during the haze of pain he was in for him to identify that that was Kurama's voice. He'd forgotten all about his only friend during those moments, but he doubted that he would be able to speak anything coherent to his friend. The only thing that came of his attempt to speak to his friend was the rasps that were forced out in short bursts of panicked breath, completely inaudible to all but him and not making any sense to even him anyway.

It was what happened next that made him scream, loud and clearly recognisable to all.

Kurama injected his chakra into Naruto, brute forcing the sentient energy in a tidal wave that overtook all of his chakra pathways - allowing the red chakra to completely wash over him. It formed a red, bubbling layer of visibly frothing chakra that made a translucent layer over all of him, an angry crimson red layer that didn't even damage his skin or clothes. Indeed, it acted in symbiosis with its human host as the chakra being did not work to fight him but work with him.

If Naruto could've looked to the hole in his chest, he would've seen the flesh seem to jump-start back to life as it knitted back together and closed in a matter of moments, testament to the power of the tailed beast chakra that it did in moments what healing chakra alone would never have done. It healed the cuts and bruises all along his body wrought from the rough movements and fighting he'd done all day, and acted protectively from even the light as it miraged the appearance of his body - the skin and clothes being seen only translucently now through the crimson red chakra veil covering his body.

The problem was the chakra pathways.

Still growing and developing with his body, it was accustomed to the chakra density and reserve of a genin in training. Though Kurama pushed through only a drop of the chakra energy he could spring forth from his reserves, it was the nature and density of said chakra being forced through the coils of his chakra pathways that put such a prolific strain on them. The acidic nature of tailed beast chakra, which when forcibly taken by the human host in conjunction with the containment seal holding the tailed beast at bay; was not a problem in this case as it was willingly given and the sentient chakra commanded not to hurt its host, but it did not lessen the problem of the density.

The density of the chakra of the most powerful of the tailed beasts was accordingly the thickest. As it was forcibly shoved down the pathways and intertwined with the blue human chakra running through them, it also accordingly widened them from the brute force used as the sheer amount of dense energy that flooded them strained them beyond capacity. It was only the healing nature of the sentient chakra that shored up the pathways and consistently healed them against bursting that prevented the medical condition which crippled many a ninja for life - chakra bursts; where it literally ruptured the pathways irreparably.

The red shroud of chakra covered Naruto as he screamed, before he finally lost consciousness.

THE MINDSCAPE.

Kurama looked to the sleeping child on one of his nine tails. Head raised high enough that he literally had to look down to look beyond his snout, the contemplation in his mind had already been made up. It was of course, completely expected that the mind of the child had shut down - had he been only asleep or even unconscious, he still would have been awake inside his own mind. But clearly for a child, it had been too much - and so even in his own mind, he was unconscious. So, he just made up his own mind.

Certainly, he could burst free from his prison now and regain his freedom, and all the ninja caught up in their little war around him would be powerless to stop him. But he hesitated for two reasons. The first was obvious, and enough in itself to stay put - his freedom would be short lived.

A tailed beast of his size and chakra density could not hide from any chakra sensor, and Minato Namikaze still walked the Earth.

The second was what had made him contemplate in the first place. The hatred he felt towards his first two hosts did not extend to his third - as Naruto Uzumaki had already proved himself different to them. He didn't even know hewasan Uzumaki, having never been told in his short life, and Kurama wasn't even sure who else knew beyond his birth parents. Whilst he was cruel enough that he could snuff out the life of a child without any qualms, particularly for his freedom, Naruto had proven himself the exception to the rule.

Originally born from a desire to gather information and see if there was an opportunity to flee when he could, he had resolved to waiting years when he found out he was in the country that literally bordered the Leaf. The fact that there was man with the rinnegan out there, and that a trove of S ranks and sealing experts lay in the country next door, meant he'd never be able to escape long. Especially when the leader of that country could teleport.

So, he'd resolved to wait. Every ninja left their country on a mission eventually, and Kurama had been imprisoned for over a century already - what was the cost of being patient for just twelve years on average until his host was a genin, and did leave the country? He'd already figured they'd never even see him down here.

Until he had at the age of eight.

The huge orange eye looked down to the child again, and he grinned. An expression that revealed a maw of razor sharp teeth bigger than Naruto himself, but just recognisable enough to be a grin.

"Rest well, Naruto."Kurama spoke aloud with the surety of the predator he was."I'll take control now."

THE WAKING WORLD.

Eyes snapped open, crimson red irises replacing previously cobalt blue ones as they darted around the world from the lying down position they were in. Quickly righting the body and falling onto hands and knees in a crouching position, a quick check at the previously mortally wounded area revealed only smooth skin. Grinning savagely at the sensations of finally being returned to the true world for the first time in twelve years, however temporarily, Kurama exploded the ground around him figuratively and literally.

Figuratively, in that the speed he raced forward with eclipsed everyone there by several margins - leaving the bled-upon ground in well under a second, and literally as the emergence of two chakra tails from the cloak in a harsh eruption of chakra carved a trench along the ground from the force of it.

Version one of a tailed best cloak may have been the weaker version, but itself was still terrifying. Affording a massive increase in power to the jinchuuriki, this was from the sheer factors including that tailed beast chakra was the densest on the planet above even natural chakra that turned most to hardened stone, and the volatility of the chakra that made it so toxic and gave it the explosive capability in power boost. Speed and physical strength were massively boosted past what should've been even possible for the base strength of a human, with additions of clawed appendages and a toxic miasma of chakra that shrouded and shielded the jinchuuriki. Each tailed beast normally had its own abilities too.

The downside was normally the primal state of mind, the deep rage of the tailed beast that the jinchuuriki normally fell into when using such a stolen power without consent - but that was not the case when the tailed beast themselves were in control.

The same Grass jonin that had so wounded Naruto and then kicked him away was singled out - with not even an iota of warning as the newly manifested shroud of toxic chakra and claws leaped onto their back. Such was the speed as a trained jonin, given more training resources than any normal counterpart of theirs, had no warning from their instincts and trained mind of keeping an eye on their surroundings was sent sprawling forth in such a forceful manner that the collision of the ground broke their jaw and a couple of ribs.

They were given no time as a singular swipe from the snarling teenager shrouded in the translucent shroud of red chakra had four claws rake through and bisect their skull, sending the blood and gore flying before the jinchuuriki disappeared once more. Speeding along before any of the forces could properly react, let alone match, Kurama had wrapped a clawed hand around the ankle of another jonin and proceeded to slam them into the ground. The elbow strike that followed caved in the curved portion of the spine which would ensure paralysis even if the injection of toxic tailed beast chakra to the chakra pathways of their central nervous system didn't kill them in the week anyway.

A burst of speed had another raking set of claws running the width of the torso of another ninja who had only tried to move backwards with the little reaction they'd managed to get in from seeing the red blazing death leaping about the field now - but ultimately failing still. This bought a second ninja metres away just enough time to leap completely off the ground with wide, fearful eyes as they saw what they now recognised as a jinchuuriki utilising its tailed beast.

It was for nought as red, interlocking chains made up of the chakra of the nine tails blew straight through their torso and legs, the spiked tips of the chains penetrating with ease the chakra-reinforced body parts and bone and then swung downwards. Ninja and red chakra were made earth-borne, as Kurama capitalised on the new development surprising the ninja by manifesting two further spiked-tipped chains flying out to the sides to attack two incoming swordsman with lightning dancing around their blades.

Ninja were now dying quicker than before as the dozens of combatants either attacked the Fox-like shroud of chakra or fled the scene entirely in fear, as the nine tails remained uncaring for whatever symbols were emblazoned on their forehead protectors. A roar from the mouth of the jinchuuriki disturbed a lot of loose-lying dust that Kurama then ploughed straight through in a burst of speed with claws outstretched to land straight onto a panicking chunin.

But with the actions of the claws, chains and often single-minded focus on targets came a brief opportunity for anyone skilled enough watching, as an apparition made up of rock, mud and earth hardened by the earth-style chakra coursing through it impacted both Fox and the chunin. The earthen style dragon that the sole Rain jonin left had used clamped down on both targets, before then leaping away as stone and dirt debris rained everywhere from the implosion that occurred from within of red chakra and chains.

Again, it was proven futile as Kurama's speed greatly surpassed the jonin as a flurry of claws, angered greatly by the nuisance of being knocked off target but utterly unharmed, descended down on the jonin. Flesh was torn from limbs as muscle stripped from bone by the actions of the raged Fox, an entity made up of wrathful chakra tamed only by a thousand years of experience letting the primal side of its chakra shine through.

Even before the bloodied corpse had stopped twitching, Kurama had leapt off and now proceeded to blaze through the weakly-wooded forest that would provide some amount of cover in his quest to leave the country. Away from Fire and Rain, he set out to put distance between these countries and set forward to a minor nation where he and Naruto could figure out what to do.

A snarl erupted from his throat as he deftly avoided a kick from a black-armoured metal boot, leaping back in both focused anger and surprise that someone had matched his speed. There was no time for contemplation though, as he howled in pain as a sealing matrix burst into life across the wooded clearing he'd leapt into, the black kanji across the dirt floor beginning to glow blue.

Elite ninja from Ame began to leap from the trees to surround the supposed out-of-control jinchuuriki, though their metallic armour was completely a dark shade of black, but stayed their hand as the seal began to work. Red chakra began to be stripped from multiple places across the body as the strengthened tailed beast suppression seal targeted all over the body - the crimson shroud racing back into the chakra pores they'd bubbled out from as it was forcibly suppressed, one of the last places being the head as the roar turned into a cry much like in Naruto's own voice - before the jinchuuriki completely collapsed to the floor.