"Shit! Don't die on me, Ino!"

Shikamaru kept a watchful eye on the surroundings as he nursed a broken leg. He was beyond relieved when Sakura arrived on scene. Ino was badly injured and needed immediate medical attention. Pain was the toughest enemy they had ever fought. Even if Chōji was there to complete their Ino-Shika-Cho formation, Shikamaru had doubts about a victory.

Sakura funneled copious amounts chakra she had into healing Ino's wound. The stab wound wasn't in a fatal area but if she didn't get the bleeding under control then Ino would have hemorrhaged and died from blood loss. As the wound closed from the healing chakra, Sakura breathed a sigh of relief. Her best friend was saved.

"There. She'll make it now." Sakura moved over to Shikamaru's snapped leg bone. "This is gonna hurt. I need to realign the bone before I can heal it, Shikamaru." The medical ninja rummaged through her back pouch of assorted medical supplies. "Here. Bite down on this."

"Be quick." The Nara bit down on the stick as hard as he could.

The kunoichi worked as quickly as she could, ignoring the muffled screams of her comrade. She had to be perfect with her bone alignment. She didn't want Shikamaru to walk with a limp for the rest of his life. She funneled as much chakra into his system as she could, without overloading his nervous system, to lessen the pain.

"You're gonna be sore for a few days, but your leg will be fine."

Shikamaru gingerly moved around the area. "This is gonna be a huge drag."

A soft smile graced Sakura's face. It was relieving to see that personalities remained through hard times. In her mind, that was another version of the Will of Fire. The ability to keep their personalities through rough times was harder than most people realized, yet that never seemed like a problem for the shinobi and villagers of Konoha. No matter the circumstances or situation, Konoha always kept their heads held high.

Wind gusted from large flapping wings. Sai landed with two bodies laid across the back of his ink construct. There was worry hidden beneath sadness. "Sakura..."

Oh no.

Sakura leapt on the owl's back. It was Kiba and Hinata. The Hyūga princess was breathing and none of her visible injuries were near vital spots. The Inuzuka was in far worse condition. Sakura immediately went to work.

He's not breathing. He's lost a lot of blood. She put her ear to his chest. No heartbeat.

"I found them towards the inner sanctum of the city. I think Hinata will make it. Her injuries aren't near any vital spots. But Kiba..."

Sakura closed the open wounds. She used the same technique on Kiba that she did on Naruto earlier, trying to restart the heart. It wasn't working.

C'mon Kiba!

Sakura pumped Kiba's heart for a full two minutes with no signs of life. The feeling sunk deep into her stomach. There was nothing she could do. Sakura let go of Kiba's heart, letting it rest in peace.

Shikamaru limped over to the owl, peering over the edge. "...Sakura?"

The medic shook her head. "...He's gone."

The Nara stepped away in shock, trying not to give into the sting of tears. He hated watching comrades die, especially ones that he grew up with. This was the first one.

And, unfortunately, not the last.

Sakura cleaned her hand of Kiba's blood as best she could. "Get Ino loaded up. Head for Kakashi sensei and the rest of the force. I need to find Fu."

"Do you think she's still alive?" Sai questioned, choosing to ignore his feelings towards for the time being. "She and Naruto were in the Akatsuki's presence for a long time. Her Bijū might have..."

"Just go, Sai. Get them out of here." Sakura interjected. She was hoping he was wrong. "Pass her up to me, Shikamaru."

Sakura hoisted Ino onto the owl's back, laying her next to Hinata and Kiba. Shikamaru was able to pull himself up, despite his bum leg. The medic jumped off the owl.

"I'll be on my way once I find Fū."

Shikamaru was almost too scared to ask. "What happened with Naruto? Do we even know where he is?"

Sakura glanced up to the tallest building in the city. "He's going after the real Pain. He's going to end this...once and for all."

As the owl took off into the fading sunlight, Sakura was left to wander the streets of Amegakure in hopes of finding Fu alive somewhere in this forsaken hell of a city. Perhaps the weeping country moniker wasn't as accurate as she believed. The rain stopped the second they entered the city.

Sakura took a moment to collect herself and get a grip on her emotions.

Kiba Inuzuka, heir to the Inuzuka clan and friend to many, including herself, was dead. He died a hero's death, risking his life for a comrade. Despite seeing that comrade as a rival and questioning loyalty, Kiba did not

Perhaps the weeping wasn't from the sky, but from those who inhabited the land. Sakura pondered that while she wept.

-Conversation between Students-

Finally seeing the object of his vengeance, Naruto's sagehood morphed into something more. The primal power rose through his system, creating a hybrid version of senjutsu and Kyūbi chakra. The rage he felt only fueled that power

"I know you hate me. I can feel it. I am the object of your vendetta. Do you wish to act on that anger? That rage?"

"Killing Nagato or destroying our village will not achieve peace. You will only feel personal satisfaction." Konan would give her life for her friend. He was the pillar for peace.

"Hypocrite!" Naruto shouted, rage breaking through the restraints. "How can you tell me violence towards another won't bring peace, yet you attack my village, hurt my friends, and kill innocent people?!"

Naruto stepped closer, making Nagato react. A black rod was fired from the base of his machine, embedding into Naruto's stomach.

"From this short distance, I can manipulate your every move with my chakra. You'll survive, don't you worry. I still have use for you...jinchūriki."

The shinobi instantly ripped the rod out of his stomach, snapping it in two. Neither Konan nor Nagato could believe that Naruto could resist that chakra. "I came here...to talk you. But I'm not sure if I can anymore."

Nagato could only wonder what he wanted. Konan remained on guard; she couldn't believe that someone could fight off Nagato's chakra so easily. "...Talk to me?"

"It's like you said. You are the object of my vendetta." The broken rod pieces clanged against the ground. "I needed to know how I would feel when I faced you. To finally see the man that killed my master."

"...How do you feel now that you've seen my face?"

Naruto dashed, appearing before Nagato in the blink of an eye. "I want to kill you!"

With the fury of heaven and hell behind him, Naruto was ready to end Nagato's terror. But the familiar repulsive attack returned and threw Naruto back.

"You are the real one. You can use all their powers, can't you?"

"When one of the bodies is defeated in battle, their powers are then transferred back to me. I am not as fragile as I appear, jinchūriki."

Naruto readied himself to attack again. He had the basics of the different techniques down; he had confidence to beat them again.

"But there is no need for any more fighting. I know the difference in our strength now. Even with all six combined back into my body, I don't think I'd be able to defeat you in my body's current state."

"Then I will fight..."

"No, Konan. This fight is over."

"But..."

"Stand down. That is an order."

The woman remained at her friend's side. As willing as she was to follow him through, Konan hated when Nagato ordered her around like any other member of the organization.

"You have beaten a god. Nothing will ever be the same for you. Take your rightful place as ruler of this realm."

Naruto could feel his fist rising: could feel the impact against the man's fragile jawline. It would be easy. With or without senjutsu, he could kill Nagato in a single hit. Then all the lives that were taken would be avenged. Justice served with the vengeful spirit.

"There's just too much hate in this world."

He had been consumed by that hate for most of his life. Hatred towards the village. Hatred towards his father. Hatred towards himself.

"I believe that everyone one day will understand each other and live in harmony."

Finally learning the events of his birth and speaking to his father helped Naruto realize how tired he was of the hatred of not only himself but of the things around him. His father never deserved any of the harsh words or hateful thoughts. The weight lifted was unbelievably relieving. It made him comprehend how bogged down he had become from the hate he carried.

"Pervy Sage believed that there would come a day when people would understand each other and live in peace. He passed that quest onto me...but I never thought it would truly be my responsibility. But now, I'm beginning to understand what he was telling me. But things aren't as simple as that."

"Master Jiraiya's words shouldn't change the fact that you can't forgive me. Human love isn't so cheaply invested that you can just sweep it under the rug and forgot about it."

Naruto chuckled. "You're right about that."

"You said you would kill me...and that my death would bring peace to the world. But that's just personal revenge! If that's your justice, then you'll never be a god."

"I don't want to be a god. How can you even call yourself that?"

"And how can you truly believe Master's ridiculous words?!"

A question for himself that he had never thought of. "...Because he believed in me. He saw the good in me. And so, I'll take on his quest for him...to honor what he's done for me."

"But do you believe those words he spoke? Honoring your master's teachings and believing them are very different things."

"...I believe in my own way. I understand hatred and what it's like to be drowning in it. I know what it's like to want vengeance, and to feel the rush of acting on it. And the empty you feel when it's over." Naruto would never forget those feelings, never wanted to return to those dark places.

"Then why won't you kill me? I'll just keep coming again and again until I have all nine tailed beasts. There isn't anything that will stop me from achieving peace."

"That isn't peace. Peace through fear isn't true peace."

The two were talking circles. Both see a path to peace through separate eyes. One through fear, the through harmony. Neither were easily achieved. Clashing with ideologies was never about strength and tactics but proving and convincing that one idea was better than the other.

"I don't care what your story is or what led you to being here or why you're like this. You hurt me, my friends, the ones I care about. Killed my master. I can't let go. But I'm tired of hating. Tired of vengeance. I hated my father all my life for what he did to me. I used to say that there's no consideration for the damned..."

"So, you're going to kill me then."

Naruto was truly beginning to see what his master talked about for so long. The fog was being lifted.

"No. I think differently now. I need to stand by my master's beliefs. If I kill you now...all that's going to do is spread more hate and eventually, another one like you will be reborn. The cycle will continue."

Infuriated, Nagato began to shout. "You are just going to simply believe in Master Jiraiya's words?! After everything that has happened?!"

"...I have to. He believed in me, so I'm going to believe in him."

"There is no true peace in this cursed shinobi world! My path is the only path!"

"And if there is such a thing as peace, I'll find it! I'll break the curse!"

Nagato froze at his words. A long-forgotten memory from his life before becoming Pain. "...Those words...it can't be..."

Naruto pulled out the very book they had both read. "You know these words? This story?"

"...I do. They are my words." Nagato simply couldn't believe it. This was impossible. "This is purely coincidental."

It had been a very long time since Naruto found that book. A pure accident. But he had the book memorized front to back. Growing up, he was confused because he shared the name of the main character. He had no answer. More hatred and anger followed for years.

Now, grown and given answers, Naruto now understood that this book wasn't just a story left behind but a model for what to be. A person to become.

"I share the name of the main character from this book. My father was inspired so much by it that he decided to name me after him." He flipped to the very last page. "Look. In the back of the book, he wrote about the disciple that inspired him to write the book. It was you..."

"...He wrote that about me?"

"Well, the book certainly wasn't about my father. He fell in love with it like I did. If you truly were his student, then you are the only option left." Naruto was finding it more and more peaceful to talk about his father freely. He was beginning to appreciate the man more.

Nagato's machine began to open, revealing the dainty body of the sickly man. His arms were no thicker than a growing tree's branches, legs smaller than pencils. The weight of all the black rods in his back caused him to collapse from the machine.

"Nagato! What are you doing?!" Konan reached to help her friend. She was scared of what was coming next.

"No, Konan." The red-haired man calmly pulled himself back to his feet. "This is what I want."

"But, without the machine, you'll..."

Naruto curiously watched the dainty man take his first true steps in years, maybe decades. Slowly, Nagato stood eye to eye with Naruto.

"Earlier, when I said that you and I should be able to understand each other because we're sibling disciples...I meant it as a joke." Nagato fell against Naruto, his strength already leaving him. "Damn...already?"

Konan rushed over, helping Naruto lower the man down. "...Nagato..."

"What's going on with him?"

Konan sadly looked down at her friend. "...Nagato has been kept alive by that machine for many years now, it also served as the control apparatus for the Pain bodies. If we don't get him back into the machine..."

"Konan...stop. It's okay." The sickly man opened his eyes, using all the strength he had.

"But...!"

"I have...forgotten what it was to believe in something. Master Jiraiya's words…used to be light for me. I was…lost."

The vibrant purple of the Rinnegan was beginning to fade. The man once called 'bridge to peace' was beginning to crumble, his pillars fading away. After years of pain, sorrow, and regret, Nagato was finally feeling at peace with himself.

"But now...because of you, Naruto...and that book, I know that I am found."

Nagato looked towards the light that was dimming. At the end of the tunnel, there were those he had cherished waiting for him. His parents that died when he was child: the first great pain in life. A tragedy that would haunt him for all his days. With them, Yahiko shined with his bright smile. His best friend and greatest rival. When Yahiko died, the part of him that believed in himself died with him.

Nagato was the bridge to peace, but Yahiko was the pillar for that bridge.

And as the light dimmed, briefly shining into that of a rainbow, Nagato ascended into the light to be with those he cherished.

Nagato Uzumaki, the seventh Pain, had died.

Konan shed a silent tear as she closed her beloved friend's eyes.

"Why did he do that?" Naruto questioned. "If he knew he couldn't survive being outside that machine, why did he..."

"To show his belief in you." Konan focused on her ability and wrapped Nagato's body in a flurry of paper tags. "Like what Master Jiraiya did to you. He bequeathed his quest for peace to you, now Nagato did the same."

Naruto was having trouble understanding. "But why me? I didn't do anything for him."

"Yes, you did." Konan simply couldn't believe it but this child – this shinobi changed Nagato. And in his final moments, he repented for his sins by giving his life up for all the pain he had caused. "He chose to believe in you...so, then I will as well."

Konan was hesitant. Barely an hour ago, Naruto was her enemy, hellbent on killing them all. And then, in a moment of clarity, he spared them and chose the peaceful option when there wasn't one to be had. That choice deeply resonated with Nagato and changed him, making him put his belief inside this shinobi.

In the beginning, it was Konan and Yahiko being Nagato's pillars. They supported him unwaveringly. Now, Nagato became a pillar with them to help Naruto build his bridge for peace.

Konan would pray that Naruto would be the blossom of hope that never wilts.

"...Thank you." Naruto outstretched his hand. "What are you going to do now? I'd hate to think you'll be going back to the Akatsuki."

"No. I'll be leaving the Akatsuki. Yahiko and Nagato meant everything to me. Their dreams...they've been passed on to you. We of Amegakure will chase their dreams together with you."

Unsure of what to think or feel, Naruto simply nodded. Suddenly having the faith of an entire village that he was just fighting wasn't his intention. Yet, through the confusion, there was a relief and strange confidence.

"And because of this, I will give you a piece of advice. Please heed my warning."

The shinobi nodded again.

"Your leader, Danzō Shimura, is not to be trusted. It is because of him that Yahiko died. He allied with our former leader, Hanzo, to usurp the seat of Hokage. Because of Amegakure and the Akatsuki's reputation, we have been on the receiving end of many of his dirty doings. All that man has ever wanted was power through the Hokage's position. I would suggest that you take care of him sooner rather than later."

An ironic coincidence. "You're the second person from the Akatsuki to tell me that Danzō can't be trusted."

Konan was hardly surprised. "Who was the first?"

"Itachi Uchiha."

That was something Konan should have expected. Itachi was somehow involved in everything.

"Though, this begs me to question as to why former Akatsuki members tell me not to trust Danzō." Naruto needed to make sure there wasn't some kind of hidden agenda. "Clearly there's something there."

"Itachi was a double agent for Konoha, I cannot speak for him. I look in the best interest of Amegakure. We both want peace through our own paths. Danzō does not want peace and looks out for himself."

"...I'll keep that in mind."

As the duo looked on over the balcony of the tallest building, two objects floated towards them. Shaped similarly to Nagato's wrappings, Konan had brought forth two more bodies. One was the body of the Deva Path. The other was Jiraiya's body.

"So...he really was being controlled." That small hope of his master still being alive was diminished. "Why would he do this?"

"He wanted to break you: mind, body, and soul. It didn't matter by what means or who stood in his way. Nagato wanted to destroy you." The paper coffin opened, revealing their master's pierced face. "Would you like to say some final words? I'm going to give him a proper burial."

There were many things Naruto could say. This would be the final time he would ever see his master- no, his father's face. He could talk for hours about what Jiraiya meant to him and how what Jiraiya taught him would carry him for the rest of his life. Naruto wasn't going to allow his master's words and lessons to be forgotten.

There were too many words yet no true way to voice them all. It would take a lifetime to express his gratitude, to express his respect, for the man that raised him and turned him into the shinobi and man he was. The shinobi placed his hand on his father's shoulder.

"Just you watch, Pervy Sage. I got this."

-With Sakura-

The medical chūnin sprinted through dark halls, quickly clearing empty rooms as she ran passed. She followed every dead end, every turn, trying to find where she was. Time was against her. Death loomed over like a storming cloud, daring to let the first rain drop fall.

C'mon! Where is she?!

The innermost part of the city was a complete maze. There was no rhyme or reason for the layout of the halls that Sakura was sprinting through. With each turn, she hoped she would find her target.

With that final turn, Sakura came into a massive hall. The Gedō Mazū frozen in place, towering over her. At the base was who she was searching for.

"Fū!"

Sakura pulled the girl over. By a stroke of luck, Fū was somehow still alive.

But barely.

"I've got to get you out of here." Sakura wasn't sure how but she would.

The girl stopped, seeing the bodies of the other jinchūriki there. It felt wrong to leave them. They were innocent in all this. Pure happenstance that they were the hosts to these ungodly beasts. But Sakura couldn't stay, she had to get Fū to a safe location.

We'll come back for you all. I promise.

-Outskirts of Amegakure-

What remained of the ragtag attack force retreated to hard mainland ground and set up a makeshift base camp. Kakashi made the call to let the injured rest before making the journey back to Konoha.

"I need a count of our injured and K.I.A. I need to know where my shinobi are."

"Yes sir." A chūnin called out.

"Let Sai know to send word ahead to the village. Let them know the battle is over and we'll be returning within a week."

"Once I find him, I'll do just that." Another shinobi answered.

Kakashi continued to coordinate all the necessities for his troops, pushing through his exhaustion. And it wasn't just physical exhaustion but mental. He went from one war front to invading an entire village on opposite sides of the world in a matter of days, fighting two completely different enemies. He had sent so many letters home telling families about the death of their loved ones.

The Copy Ninja had seen his comrades reaching their limit and burning themselves out on the shinobi life. Kakashi never thought he'd ever come close to that. Being a shinobi had been his path for all his life. It's what he loved to do. Despite it being the reason for all his hardships, all the things he endured made him who he is today.

And at the end of it all, Kakashi hoped he had made his father proud. For years, he was angry at his father for what he had done. Sakumo broke the rules and abandoned the mission to save his comrades. The isolation from the village drove Sakumo to suicide. It wasn't until Obito's words and sacrifice did Kakashi let go of the anger towards his father.

"Those who break the rules are scum. But those who abandon their comrades are even worse than that."

And it was that lesson that Kakashi taught his own students. He hoped Sasuke would somehow let that lesson back into his heart and return to the light, just like he had done.

"Commander Kakashi!" A young chūnin ran up to him. Kakashi didn't agree how fast they were promoting genin for the sake of war. "Sai just landed. He has Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka, and Hinata Hyūga with him. They're being treated for their injuries. But Kiba Inuzuka..."

Kakashi simply nodded. "...I'll be there shortly."

The chūnin nodded and continued with her directed duties. There was much to do in the aftermath of a large-scale battle.

The commanding officer looked on towards the smoking city. The rain had ceased, and shining light began breaking through the dark clouds. Kakashi hoped that was an omen of good things to come.

He wasn't going to hold his breath.

Naruto...Sakura...get your asses back here.

"Commander Kakashi! Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno were spotted on the horizon! And they seem to have another injured with them!"

-Medical Tent-

Naruto sat by Fū's bedside while Sakura and other medical personnel dashed through the tent, working on multiple different patients. There were so many injured it was nearly impossible for the small team of medics to keep up. Shikamaru and Kakashi had to wait until there was enough room before they could step inside.

"How's she doing?"

Naruto looked back at the Nara. "Unchanged. Sakura said she hasn't woke up since she found her."

"Well, considering what happened to Gaara, the fact that she's alive is nothing short of a miracle." Kakashi was trying to look on the bright side. He may not have known this girl like Naruto and the others, but clearly, she was important to them. Jinchūriki or not. "There's not much we can do now but wait."

"Don't we need to move out soon?" Shikamaru questioned. "We're still in enemy territory."

"No, we're not. Not anymore."

"Excuse me?"

"I hashed it out with the lady. She, or anyone from that city, will not bother us." Naruto wasn't in the mood to explain everything. "We're fine, for now."

The commanding officer and the strategist shared a glance, passing questions for knowledge between them. They trusted Naruto enough to believe his words but would keep everyone on high alert. Threat or no threat, this territory was not their own.

Stumbling through the chaotic mess of the medical tent, Ino slumped into a chair on the opposite side of Fū's bed.

"Look who decided to finally wake up."

Ino chuckled. "Not everyone can have unrealistic healing, Naruto." Her worry powered through her pain. "How is she doing?"

"She hasn't woken up yet. But for her to be alive after the extraction...she's a fighter."

"So...the Akatsuki..."

The shinobi nodded. "...Yeah. We didn't get to her in time."

Ino readjusted herself. "Then, that means the others...they were extracted too?"

"...Rōshi, Han and Utataka were all extracted before Fū. Sakura confirmed it when she saw their bodies." Naruto felt heavy speaking these words, feeling responsible for their deaths. "There's only two left now..."

The chilling fear that ran through Ino's spine numbed her pain. They fought so hard to keep Fu out of the Akatsuki's hands, and yet it was for nothing. Despite their continued efforts, all that remained for the Eight and Nine Tailed Beasts. It was hard to grasp.

For all the fear and anxiety Ino was having, it was hard for her to imagine what Naruto was feeling. Since he was twelve, he has been hunted by these Akatsuki. With slow and deliberate attacks, the nine original jinchūriki had dwindled down to two jinchūriki left. Naruto and one other jinchūriki stood in the way of whatever the Akatsuki's plan was and whoever was left in the organization.

Ino hoped that it would remain that way.

Because the seventh jinchūriki was about to pass away before her eyes.

Fū's eyes opened slightly, giving her a final glimpse of the loved ones she would cherish for eternity. "...Hey guys. Why the long faces?"

"Fū!"

Naruto pulled her hand into his own. "You're gonna make it, Fū. I kept my promise." His voice was breaking, holding back the tears. He knew what was about to happen.

A weak smile. "Yeah...thank you, Whiskers." She hardly had the strength to keep her eyes open. She would use what she had left to say her final words. "You don't need to be sad. It's okay."

"No...no it's not." Naruto let a tear fall. "It's my fault that you were..."

"Stop it, right now." Somehow, Fū dug deep to find enough strength to be stern with Naruto. She did not want her final moments to be filled with regrets. "None of this is your fault. Don't you start blaming yourself for anything."

The shinobi was silent. He knew this was Fū's final minutes. "Fū...I just..." This was hard. Harder than anything he could ever say. "You're the second person to save me from the darkness in myself." The shinobi looked back to see the first person that saved him watching from the end of the bed, tears threatening to break through. The day was hard on them all. "I just want to say thank you." He squeezed her hand tighter. "You showed me what it means to be happy with myself, despite knowing what I really am."

The smile was weaker still, fighting against the failing body. Fū was a warrior with a beautiful soul. A quiet passing is what she deserved.

"You're the little sister I never had."

"...And you're the big brother I wish I always had." She mustered up the last of her strength. She was giving in to the dark, slipping into the final rest. She squeezed his hand for one more reassuring gesture. "You'll be...something...amazing."

Her hand loosened and lost strength. The girl slipped away into the eternal darkness with the final breath escaping from her lungs. Her final moment was filled with a pride that she had never felt before. Fū believed in Naruto and knew that he would not fail.

Fū, the jinchūriki to Seven Tailed Bijū, died with a smile on her face.

-Mount Myōboku-

The Grand Toad Sage of the legendary toad army watched from his crystal ball inside his chambers. The elderly sage had watched the events of the battle in the weeping country.

"...It appears to have ended."

Fukasaku turned around to face his master. "And how did it turn out, pray tell? Did Naruto-boy get da job done?"

"It is as my vision foretold. The boy has become the shinobi I had foreseen all those years ago. Although, I never would have imagined two of Jiraiya's students would both turn out to be leaders of a shinobi reformation. Perhaps all of this was preordained the moment Jiraiya chose not to give up. Furthermore, who would have thought that a book would be the key to changing the world..."

Fukasaku and Shima shared a pride-filled glance. They had taught and raised Jiraiya and Naruto from early on in their shinobi careers. Jiraiya and Naruto were the standard for what shinobi needed to be.

"But what of yer vision for Naruto-boy? Has that been coming to fruition?"

Gamamaru waved his massive hands over the crystal ball, peering back through to Naruto's location. The sage's sigh was heavy, filled with uncertainty.

"...Still unclear. Light and dark still surround him heavily. Only time will tell the truth of my vision."

-Konoha, ROOT Headquarters-

"Lord Danzō, I apologize for the intrusion, but I come with news."

The Warhawk had just finished retying the bandages around his head. He was preparing himself for an upcoming council meeting with the elders and Fire Daimyo. The Jōnin Vote was in. His fate as Konoha's leader was to be decided.

"This better be important, Fuu."

"Sir, I believe it is. Naruto Uzumaki has defeated the Akatsuki leader."

The man tightly fastened the wrap, turning sharply to his subordinate. "You speak the truth, don't you?"

"It was confirmed by a report sent by commanding officer Kakashi Hatake." The operative held out a scroll. "Read it yourself. He spared no detail."

The Interim Hokage opened the message with great haste. It was mostly blank. There was a single line in the center of the page.

Threat neutralized. God is dead.

The Warhawk snickered. No doubt an attempt to try and annoy him. Kakashi wasn't his most loyal or beloved commander, but he was giving the best push into enemy territory. If the Jōnin commander remained with his division, they would probably be at Kumogakure's doorstep by now. Until his return, the western front remained stagnant.

"...Spared no detail, eh?" Danzō tossed the message aside. "So, the self-proclaimed god has finally met his devil? No doubt Naruto Uzumaki was the one to tie that noose."

"It would be a safe assumption; he would be the only shinobi that could match that kind of strength. It seems that we can no longer ignore the obvious."

Danzō grabbed his cane, heading for the door. "Elaborate as we walk."

The secret nature of the organization was held in such regard that not even all operatives knew the location of their main headquarters. This was done to protect the legitimacy of their agency. The less the public knew the better.

"Sir, Naruto Uzumaki has become a very great threat to us." Fuu had to match his leader's speed. It always annoyed him. "I believe he has the means to destroy us."

The Warhawk chuckled. "The boy hardly knows our organization exists. We have nothing to worry about from the jinchūriki. The one we should worry about is Shikaku Nara. That man has been a pain in my side for years. I have been waiting for an opportunity to remove him once and for all."

"What do you recommend then, sir?"

"As unfortunate as it is, we cannot outright assassinate him. I would be the prime suspect. That would ruin any chance I have of taking the title of Hokage. The timing must be right, and with Shikaku as my target it never is. The man is as crafty as he is smart." Danzō dreamed of the day that he could remove the life from Shikaku's body. "And, as it turns out, he'll be the deciding factor for the Jōnin Vote today."

"Then your plan to be the Hokage is null and void?"

Shikaku was the commander of the Jōnin, meaning that he led the forces in place of the Hokage. The Nara clan leader has held that position for years and has earned the respect of all Jōnin, past and present.

"Not entirely, no." Danzō corrected. "It does make it more difficult for me as Hokage if I do not have his approval. The Fire Daimyo can, and will, override his vote and put in place whoever he sees fit."

The ROOT operative nodded. "But how sure are you he'll side with you, sir?"

"...Do not fret, Fuu. By days end, I shall be the official Sixth Hokage."

-With Shikaku-

The Nara clan leader wasn't a smoker. He never liked the taste or the head rush from the burst of nicotine. But after stressful days he enjoyed a few puffs to calm his nerves and relax from the day's workload.

Today is the day Shikaku decided to have a smoke break before his stressor began. Danzō was being voted on to be elected as the official next Hokage. Being the Jōnin Commander, Shikaku was the one that held Danzō and Konoha's fate. Him and Danzō had been in a silent war for years, today it was coming to an end.

Shikaku was a realistic person. He could see the fruits beginning to bloom from the seeds that Danzō had planted. Konoha's economy was on the up, soon to be booming. Despite the war, villager and shinobi morale was high. Shinobi from all ranks were taking pride in their positions and doing their jobs, believing in the system and plan that had been set in place for them.

Danzo was doing a great job as the interim Hokage, and that is why Shikaku was so stressed about this vote. Konoha was beginning to thrive under Danzō, but Shikaku knew what the Warhawk was capable of, good and bad. And Shikaku feared that Danzō's secret organization would slowly take over Konoha's shinobi forces and chaos throughout the lands would ensue.

It would be all out war with Konoha being public enemy number one.

"Smoking? Never pegged you for that habit." The fully showing pregnant Sannin waved the harmful smoke out of her face. "

"Don't tell my wife. She'll kill me and my son if she finds out."

The woman shook her head. "Sure." The woman couldn't shake her anxiety about this. "Still don't know why I'm here. I'm from the previous administration. Am I even allowed to be here?"

"I'm not entirely sure. I believe we are in, what they call, uncharted waters."

The Sannin snickered as she proceeded inside. Shikaku flicked the cigarette, blowing the last of the smoke out of his nostrils, before heading inside the hidden chambers.

"Have you finished your smoke break, Shikaku?"

The Warhawk was eager to get this moving. He had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

The one side of the table was filled with the Daimyo's entourage, accounts and businessmen, people who had no idea what it took to run a village. All would be easily swayed to Danzō's favor. The remaining chairs were filled with five members of Konoha's hierarchy. The two elders, Homura and Koharu, the ANBU Commander, himself, and the former Hokage.

"...Yes. Are we ready to vote?"

Tsunade and Shikaku shared a glance, it was now or never.

"Before we vote, I'd like to hear your opinions on this matter." The Fire Daimyo loved delegations. Mostly because he loved to hear himself talk. "Konoha is in a unique position right now. The vote that is about to take place can, and will, shape the future of this nation. This moment...everything needs to be addressed."

"Splendid idea, sir!" One of the delegates proclaimed.

"I couldn't think of a better course of action."

Tsunade internally rolled her eyes. She was sure the child in her belly saw through that act as well.

"Lady Tsunade, as the former Hokage, I'd like to hear your opinion."

The final living Sannin slightly shook her head. "You want me to give my blessing to my replacement, who was one of the people that removed me from the position? Lord Daimyo, with all due respect, I will not. I am here because it is my obligation to Konoha, and nothing else. I hold no special feelings for Danzō Shimura. He was the biggest pain in my ass during my reign as Hokage."

"Language, Lady Tsunade." Homura interrupted. "This is an official meeting that is being recorded with an auditor. Please refrain from using such language."

The Sannin rolled her eyes. "Whatever. If you want my opinion, Lord Daimyo, then you aren't going to get it. I don't have nice things to say, and I'll probably end up using profanities."

"Lady Tsunade, please." The man urged again. "This is a place to say our grievances about the next administration. I want full transparency."

The Nara spared a small nod to the Sannin. She did not need his approval, but they had to stand in unison. Tsunade understood that.

"...In my professional opinion, and I can't believe I'm saying this, Danzō is a good fit for Hokage on paper. Personally, it's completely different. Danzō was a thorn at Sarutobi sensei's side for decades, his dark operations were more of a hinderance than an advantage. Constate undermining of my own authority during my reign as Hokage. I cannot give a confident vote for him."

"Neither can I." Shikaku quickly added. "Danzō is not fit to be Hokage."

"We need a strong figure to lead our village through the end of this war." Homura interjected. "Danzō as Hokage gives Konoha the best chance to end this sooner rather than later."

"Under his leadership, we are on the enemy's' doorsteps for both fronts." Koharu added. "Under Tsunade's leadership, we made no headway. She allowed the war to drag on and sent away our biggest asset."

Tsunade snickered, shaking her head. "Still looking at him in that way? Shameful."

"Naruto Uzumaki has been the main reason for the western front's success. Because of his abilities and strength, we've had low casualties. He even defeated Iwagakure's jinchūriki in battle. And that is because of Danzō's leadership." Koharu was never a fan of the boy, but she knew how useful he was. She could not deny that. "He has become what we had hoped for."

"Danzō has nothing to do with Naruto's abilities." Tsunade quickly turned that rhetoric away.

"True. But under your leadership, he was kept hidden away in the village or on a mountain. Under Danzō, Konoha is on the verge of defeating one of our long-time enemies." Homura stated factually. "He given back to the villagers, improved quality of life, and helped restore Konoha to it's former glory."

"Danzō is, and will be, our leader." Koharu stated. "Much better than you ever were."

Tsunade moved stand in defiance to that, but Shikaku fiercely waved her down. They did not need an outburst. They needed calmness and consistency to stop Danzo's ascension to Hokage.

"Moving from that..." The Daimyo continued. "...perhaps beginning with personal opinions was the wrong direction. Danzō, I understand that you have a statement you'd like to give."

"Thank you, Lord Daimyo." The Warhawk stood in front of the members of the village's hierarchy. "Honored members, I stand before you a humble man who wants only to keep this village safe. In the wake of the Third Hokage's death, I was asked why I did not try to become Hokage. Because I believed in his teachings and that they would continue to work through his student that was elected. Unfortunately, I was proven wrong."

Danzō began to pace around the meeting table, his cane echoing with each step.

"It is because of the Third's teachings that led to these current crises. These teachings led to war, multiple attacks within our walls, and overall softness in every aspect through multiple generations. That same generational softness allowed Suna to betray us...and Orochimaru's operation that killed the Third...the rise of the Akatsuki...and for our home to be continuously attacked without warning. We need a stern, powerful Hokage to led Konoha out of these dark times. Konoha needs to be returned to the powerhouse that the other nations feared."

Danzō stopped when he reached the Daimyo, placing his hand on the feudal lord's shoulder.

"Under my leadership, Konoha has returned to her former glory. The Akatsuki have been hunted down and are nearly extinct. I just received word this morning that the Akatsuki leader, who killed Jiraiya and attacked our village had been killed by the task force I sent out, led by Naruto Uzumaki and Kakashi Hatake."

While the others in the room rose up with a surprised cheer, Tsunade slinked into her chair in shock. Too stunned to speak or react. She couldn't believe it. Naruto did it.

That boy...Jiraiya, you did well by him.

While others were joyful, Shikaku silently cursed. Not good. He's twisting the narrative. I need to get a word in and sway it back.

"Lord Daimyo, if I could..."

"Hush, Commander Shikaku, I've made my decision."

The Jonin Commander couldn't believe it. "This is a bit one sided, don't you think?! And what about the Jonin Vote?!"

"I'm using my authority to overrule your vote." The Daimyo fiercely proclaimed. This was his decision and his alone. He would not sway when his mind was made up.

"Danzō...I hereby name you the Sixth Hokage!"