Another Word For Monster

by Kuma Akuma

Konoha's Boogeyman. Jinchuriki. Hero. Traitor. Murderer. These were the names of Naruto Uzumaki. He left Konoha 3 years ago a broken man, looking for a peaceful life. But the shinobi life doesn't let peace come so easily. It calls you back. Through violence. Through war. Through blood. Monsters didn't get peace. And shinobi? That was just another word for monster. Light AU.

40. Chapter 40

It didn't take the group long to reach the town of Haryana. It was a flat, dusty town. The buildings that sprinkled its streets had old fashioned architectural design, a stark contrast from the technological advance that was the capital city of Rain. The visual brought a stark reminder to the blonde's mind of the limitations that bottlenecked Ame in industrializing the rest of the country. Sure, they didn't have many natural resources, but the brain power of the country was nothing to scoff at.

Haryana was nothing like the town of Oaxaco. The buildings there looked to barely be standing, while the buildings here were sturdy, made of stone and wood. Certainly not advanced, but they were not liable to collapse underneath the pressures of the elements. People bustled through the streets, their cloaks protecting their bodies as well as they could from the dust that wafted through the air. The lack of rain suddenly made it very clear how dusty a mining village could be to Kagari.

Naruto made a clone as the group approached, ordering it to walk off and find the group a room at a local inn. He received no protest. His students would be happy to sleep in an actual bed rather than the cold, wet ground or the damp flooring of a destroyed hut. The group slipped through the streets of the city, moving together for the time being. They kept their cloaks tight to their bodies in an aim to not reveal themselves in case they accidentally spooked any hiding Konoha shinobi. As they moved through the streets, they could not help but overhear the murmuring of the local populace.

"Do you think those raids will make it this far in?"

"I hope not. If they attack Cata we'll lose our food supply."

"My family and I are barely making it as it is! We can't afford a famine."

"I'd tighten your belts then. The farmlands have been set aflame, and the so-called protectors of Ame can't do anything about it."

"But we have the Amekage!"

"Bah, he never leaves the capital, while we're stuck here living in the dirt. Typical shinobi."

The group frowned under the words of the civilians. Their words were...harsh. Still, there was some truth to it. Beyond that, there was some information they had that shouldn't have been publicly known, especially with how sparse population sources in Ame were.

"How do they know about the raids," Kagari whispered. "They've been kept at the border."

"Word spreads. It's not impossible that Konoha left survivors who fled to other villages," Midare stated.

"No, Kagari is right," Naruto whispered. "Something strange is going on."

The blonde stumbled forwards suddenly, walking as though he was much older. The deception wouldn't have fooled a trained shinobi, but it didn't need to. The blonde stumbled towards one of the news centers, a petite man screaming "Get your news!" at the top of his lungs. With a clink of coin Naruto paid for one paper and returned to the group.

"What's this," Midare muttered, reading the headline.

"Oh my..."

The headline was decorated in big, black, bold letters, highlighting the raids going on in Ame borders by Konoha shinobi. Graphic photos detailed the newspaper, showcasing the dead bodies of Ame civilians and buildings burning or laid to waste in the background.

"This is awful," Suiren managed to squeak out.

The blonde frowned. He had not known the destruction had been so deep. Sure, they had fought at a village lit aflame by Konoha forces, but this was something else entirely. The article depicted savage killings led by Konoha shinobi. Nothing he had not seen in his years of experience, but to a civilian they were harsh. To him they were, he had simply learned to repress this aspect of the job, so it did not affect his psyche. Judging from his students' reactions they knew they had too as well, but it was much harder. The blonde couldn't blame them. The article went into detail about how Ame shinobi were failing, quite spectacularly, at protecting the farming villages on the outskirts.

The blonde quickly pocketted the newspaper, noting the name. The Guide. The same as the newspaper that had highlighted his supposed joining of Amegakure's ranks. Once again that newspaper had information quickly, information that it shouldn't have. There was something strange going on with that company, but Ame nor he had the time or resources to go investigate.

"Ignore the newspaper," the blonde stated. "We continue the search here in Haryana. Hopefully my clones in Cata will reveal something. Break off for now, and make sure you search the entire town. We cannot allow these two towns to be attacked."

"Yes sir!"

---

The Konoha shinobi tried to run as fast as he could, desperate to send word to Shikaku back at base. But try as he might he was incapable of fighting off the overwhelming force that was gravity. He was pulled backwards, fear in his eyes as he expected to meet death only for the Amekage to clasp him by the back of the head and slam him into the ground. He groaned in pain before a scream shot from his mouth as he felt one the Amekage's black rods pierce his hands, pinning him to the ground.

"Forgive me," he muttered, before he walked off.

Nagato was not having a good day. This was the third battlefield today he had sensed and subsequently brought to a swift conclusion. The Konoha shinobi had been attempting to push beyond the border but each they were repelled since his arrival. They couldn't pierce the border anymore, but he did not kill the shinobi he fought. Instead, he bound them, ordering the Ame shinobi to take them prisoner back to the fort to man it once more.

The deaths at his hands only so long ago still haunted him.

The Amekage turned to the leader of the Ame scouting force. The man was covered in wounds, ones that would potentially be life ending if he did not receive immediate aid. Nagato wasted no time, quickly summoning the King of Hell and offering his assistance. It was hesitant, but the leader accepted in, smiling with relief as he was released from the jutsu. Nagato felt the familiar drag on his chakra and body grumbling in protest. A flash of weakness overcame him before he recovered, continuing his search. None of the other injuries were quite as serious, nothing the iryonin back at the fort would be incapable of handling.

It wasn't much longer until the Amekage sent them on their way, Konoha prisoners in tow. He looked over at the border, allowing himself to feel the rain that showered over this section of it. There were no more threats in this area, at least not ones that he could detect. It was time to expand his search. The attacks were getting more infrequent, although whether it was a result of Konoha changing tactics or him capturing their shinobi he was not entirely sure. His mind raced, trying to understand the thought process of the leader of the Konoha force. Naruto had told him it was Shikaku Nara, father of the Nara Clan member he had killed when Konoha had attempted to kidnap his son.

He did not know how to feel about that.

He held no doubt that the man likely despised him. Nagato was a father himself. If Shikaku had killed Ashino...

He did not want to think about what he would do if someone killed Ashino.

Confronting the man, as he knew he would have to eventually, was not something the Amekage looked forward to. Internally he wondered if that was the reason he had hesitated in leading the charge on the Konoha fort. If thatwas the reason he was letting the Konoha shinobi he found live rather than killing the threats as he had no doubt Yahiko would have demanded had he been there. Nagato had been given its location. It would have been a trifle to secure the border and lead the attack. He could have taken the fort by himself if he so desired. He had no desire for war, but he was no fool. He knew the power he possessed. No one in the fort could challenge him. If they could they would have made a move by now.

But it was not a physical challenge that bothered him, but rather the emotional one. Looking Shikaku Nara in the eye was not something he felt he could stomach at the moment. So, the Amekage moved on, looking to find another engagement on the border to distract himself with.

Within the borders of Konoha, Nagato's foe was the much the same. His thoughts were composed solely of his foe, eyes searching over the border of Fire and Rain. He had thrown his initial jabs when reports came in of the Amekage's presence. They had been repelled, and quickly at that. Shikaku had to admit, the man's martial power was impressive. He had no concrete details besides the report from Konohamaru about the man's abilities, but the sheer fact that none of his scouting parties had come back told him all he needed. If he didn't already have an informant, he would have thought it was Naruto slaughtering Konoha shinobi.

And while that would have been beneficial in the long term, Shikaku was aiming for a more personal touch.

He had deciphered enough about his foe's personality. He had switched his strategies then. Unless the Amekage had suddenly taken to burying his enemies, he was capturing them. He did not know why the Amekage was capturing his forces, as opposed to the way he had murdered his son, but the reasoning behind it was irrelevant. He just needed to know that he was in fact capturing them.

Shikaku placed a piece on the map.

When the Amekage had appeared the typical rain that filled Ame skies become a permanent downpour. The Uchiha he had with him had confirmed that the rain was filled to the brim with chakra. Some type of detection system no doubt. A sensory technique, and on an incredibly large scale at that. Maintaining it while fighting had to be extremely draining and yet it never ceased. It was undeniable evidence of the man's monstrous chakra reserves.

Frankly, Shikaku felt insulted at the monster Ame possessed. Any man capable of such feats was not someone mere strategy could defeat. At least, not any strategy with the pieces he currently held. But he did not need to defeat the Amekage. The man held some regard for human life, as evidenced by Sakura Haruno's capture and Konohamaru's squad survival. The Sarutobi had explained it to him in detail before he left to disappear in the northern parts of Konoha.

The Amekage was protective, but he was no demon.

He felt the weight of human life.

Shikaku clenched his fist. Good. It was better this way. He would make the Amekage feel the weight of Shikamaru Nara's life. And the hell that came with it.

The man quickly wrapped his forehead protector around his forehead.

'Let's see how you feel when those you care for die shall we, Amekage?'

---

It had been a long two days. The tensions between the Uchiha Clan and other clans had slowly begun to quell after Itachi's interrogation. It may even have stayed that way, with tensions returning to normal had it not been for the subsequent attack led by what newspapers were already calling an 'Uchiha terrorist' and 'traitor.' Within the days that followed the news of the attacks coupled with the unverified leak of the Uchiha Accords had led to whispers of sedition being plotted by the Uchiha. Tensions had spiked to levels higher than they had been before. Some shinobi had called for the Uchiha to be placed under watch. Others demanded outright extermination. The village was soon to be at a precipice.

And this singular meeting between the Clan Heads and the Hokage had the power to put it all to a halt.

"What is this outrage," Hiashi yelled in the room, throwing the news article that contained the Uchiha Accords to the ground. The normally reserved man had lost himself to his rage, his chakra lashing out like an enraged bear. His eyes burrowed into Danzo's stone-cold demeanor.

"The Uchiha planned a coup! And in return you planned to make the son of their Clan Head Hokage?"

"Mind your manners, Hyuga-dono," Shino stated, his voice cracking down at Hiashi's rage like a whip. "That is the Hokage you are addressing."

"Silence whelp," Hiashi hissed. "You were but a child when these actions occurred. You cannot know the outrage that this is."

"I think-" Shino made to respond, only for cooler heads to cut through the brewing argument.

"Let's all calm down," Choza interrupted. "I'm sure Hokage-sama has a perfectly reasonable explanation for this, doesn't he, Hokage-sama?"

Choza looked at the man expectantly, desperate for something that would quell the room. All eyes turned hotly onto Danzo. The Hokage felt their gaze. He understood their outrage. That was how he had felt when he first learned of it. But he had had years to quell his anger at Hiruzen. More so, he had years to prepare a countermeasure. He had expected this response.

"The story is true," Danzo stated. "Hiruzen Sarutobi and Fugaku Uchiha came to an agreement. I myself was not in the meeting, but I was informed afterwards. I cannot speak to the reasoning of our late Hokage. Electing the son of a traitor to a position of power is...beyond me."

Itachi's eyes narrowed.

"What do you have to say for yourself Itachi," Danzo stated. "You are implicated in this."

Itachi felt the eyes of the other Clan Heads fall on him, filled to the brim with suspicion. The Uchiha wanted to laugh. He had to admit his foe was clever, to subtly reveal the Accords when he had no proof tying the intentional leak back to Danzo. He could not state how the peaceful solution had been met lest he and others be branded traitors, nor could he state what the other solution had been as well due to lack of evidence.

Yes, he understood well why the Daimyo had passed up on him. Strong and intelligent he may be, he was not the political tactician that Danzo Shimura had turned out to be. The Uchiha was beaten.

The Uchiha Clan Head turned, feeling the eyes of his fellow Clan Heads on him. He could see the issue at hand clear as day. There was no longer trust in them. They had hung off his every word but two days ago, all believing that someone was hunting Uchiha. Now, after the news about the Accords was leaked, there was suspicion and doubt. The situation was just too similar. The Uchiha's eyes met Yoshino's. She looked at him expectantly. Inoichi's eyes contained much the same.

"I am no traitor," Itachi stated plainly. "I was not then, and I am not now."

"So, you admit it," Hiashi spat. "Your clan is filled with traitors."

"I do not deny the Uchiha Clan's disagreements with-"

"Disagreements," Hiashi spat. "What a mild way of putting treason."

"Enough Hiashi," Inoichi interrupted. "Let him speak."

Hiashi's eyes pierced Inoichi's but the man did not back down. The Hyuga Clan Head held his gaze for a while before eventually reclining to his seat, a sign for Itachi to speak. Itachi nodded his thanks to the Yamanaka before continuing.

"As I was saying, the Uchiha Clan did attempt such things. I cannot deny it. However, I was no traitor. You know that well yourself, Hokage-sama."

All attention in the room returned to Danzo. The man did not shift in his seat, so Itachi spoke for him.

"You instructed me to spy on the Uchiha Clan. To act as a double agent and inform Konoha of their movements. Did I fail to meet your expectations?"

The Hokage's eyes were still, but Itachi could see the annoyance he barely restrained within.

"No," he finally stated. Saying yes was always a possibility, but Itachi knew the man well enough to knew he wouldn't.

Itachi nodded.

"I presume that is why I was acknowledged to be the future Hokage. A peace offering. My loyalty to Konoha could not be questioned. Similarly, the Uchiha would not rebel against a Hokage under their name. The perfect way to break the tension."

Whispers immediately broke out between the Clan Heads. The news of Danzo's knowledge of Itachi's spying on the Uchiha Clan was sure to regain some lost ground in trust. The Uchiha Clan Head needed only to continue to rebuild it.

"The Uchiha Accords were an agreement that were never supposed to reach the light of day. You must know who the leak is?"

"I am searching for the leak currently. Nothing is confirmed to the populace, and we shall publicly deny it."

"I would hope you find the leak soon Hokage-sama," Itachi stated. "They are framing us, as I have said before. Our eyes are being robbed, the assailants use them to frame us as traitors and leak information to sow distrust among us."

Itachi was careful, holding his tongue as he almost immediately leapt to claiming that meant a traitor was among them. It wasn't true, in a technical sense, seeing as Danzo was the Hokage and therefore decided what treason was. But the claim was incendiary. Without evidence, it was a fire that would only burn him.

"Wait," Yoshino interrupted. "Permission to speak plainly, Hokage-sama?"

Danzo stared at the kunoichi before giving a curt nod.

"If Itachi was supposed to be the Hokage after Hiruzen passed or relinquished the position, why are you the Hokage?"

The question was one that weighed heavily on everyone's mind. It was the obvious one. The Accords were supposedly still in effect, yet Itachi was not Hokage. Even Itachi himself was curious. He only knew part of the answer. When the Daimyo had informed him of his decision, that he was being passed over this time but would be selected in the future, it had been a...tumultuous day in the Uchiha Clan to say the least. Luckily, calmer heads had prevailed due to the Accords earlier effects.

"Daimyo-sama," Danzo began. "And Naruto Uzumaki. His meteoric rise challenged the promise to Itachi's position."

"But he left," Inoichi stated. "I could understand if he was still here, considering his strength and lineage, but I fail to see the continued problem."

"Daimyo-sama simply selected me," Danzo stated. "As you know they have the final word on who becomes Hokage. I cannot be privy to his own internal logics."

The words were unsatisfactory to everyone involved, but none could question them. Danzo had not been allowed in advisory meetings when discussing the election of the Hokage for fear of bias. The Daimyo had met with many of the Clan Heads to hear their opinions but had never voiced his own. When Danzo Shimura was selected it had come as a surprise, but none could challenge the authority of the supreme ruler of Fire.

"It was explained to me that he valued my political and military experience in war," Danzo stated. "That is all."

Such loose reasoning for such a serious position sat with the group, drawing confused eyes. The Daimyo were not altogether deeply involved in the process' of shinobi villages. The Fire Daimyo's electoral power over the Hokage mostly designed as a check against Konoha by the capital. Hashirama had been elected by the shinobi themselves, and the Daimyo had negotiated with him out of fear it would occur again. Hashirama, in pursuit of his ideal of peace, had agreed to it. Fire's method of conducting its electoral process was unique, even among the Great Powers. However, one could not deny the results.

"The issue of the attacks, Hokage-sama," Itachi insisted. He was eager to bypass the topic. He had never much cared for the position anyway.

"I have brought Fuu Yamanaka," Danzo stated. The man stepped forwards, standing beside the Hokage. Inoichi looked up at him, eyes interested.

'Fuu. You've grown.'

"Explain the situation with the barrier Fuu."

"The barrier has had fluctuations in my absence, Hokage-sama," Fuu stated plainly. His voice was monotone. "I suspect that someone is dampening the barriers as the Uchiha Clan Head stated, however, the timing does not match the timing of the attacks in Konoha."

Itachi's eyes narrowed.

"There are penetrations near the Uchiha Compound," Fuu stated plainly. "Small. But they come internally."

Itachi wanted to laugh. How could he have expected anything different?

'Fuu is Danzo's.'

All eyes returned to the Uchiha Clan Head, and he felt the urge to scream once more. He had not expected this play. He had no counter, no way to shift attention or blame. All he had was an appeal to heaven.

"This is news to me," Itachi stated. "At what times are these penetrations occurring?"

"Night, Uchiha. There have been many, usually around midnight but often later."

"I'm sure you can track which shinobi these have been then," Inoichi questioned. He remembered his own time working to survey the barrier. "Any Uchiha born to Konoha would be registered to the barrier. Their chakra signature should be known to you."

"I'm afraid that is unknown to me," Fuu stated. "As I said the barrier is dampened. I am currently conducting a thorough investigation into the Barrier Corp. Whoever is responsible for this will be found and brought to punishment. The rot runs deep."

Inoichi frowned. He supposed that was possible. The barrier had never been dampened under his supervision. He had held a tight ship. But he had likewise never been sent out on missions during his duties. That by itself was odd.

"Are you implicating the Uchiha Clan," Yoshino called.

"I cannot pinpoint the blame anywhere," Fuu stated. "I merely am reporting my observations."

"So, these attacks must be coming from within the village," Choza stated. "That is the only reason the barrier wouldn't react to someone piercing it."

Itachi felt Ino's and Yoshino's eyes on him. He did not meet them.

"I shall investigate the-"

"You have done enough," Danzo stated.

Itachi frowned.

"This does not prove us to be behind the attacks. You have seen the bodies of my dead clansmen. The assailants' corpses have been turned over to the interrogation team."

"Ibiki will have the report for us soon, Hokage-sama," Inoichi stated.

"Good," Danzo stated. "But that is not enough. While we have no evidence your clan is behind the attacks Itachi, there is evidence that your Clan is leaving the village unauthorized. That cannot be overlooked."

"They could be children, young shinobi sneaking off into the night. Sage knows all the things we've all gotten up to in our youths."

"Be that as it may, the situation is too risky to leave it to young ignorance," Danzo stated. "We are being attacked in our homeland. While I do believe your clan is not at fault, we must take care. Your clan will be forced to relocate into the Uchiha Compound, a precaution I assure you. A temporary one. You will be allowed to be released when we have dealt with these assailants, whatever their origin may be."

"You would cage us?"

"We would watch you," Danzo clarified. "Your bodyguards will serve a dual purpose. To protect your clan from attacks and to ensure there are no traitors amongst your ranks that you are unaware of. You did not expect your father to turn coat once again. We cannot be sure of your knowledge of the rest of your clans...proclivities."

Itachi clenched his fist underneath the table.

"Think of it in this manner. It will be far easier for your bodyguards to protect you if you are all together."

Itachi almost activated his Sharingan in his rage. Only decades of training stopped the natural instinct.

'He dares threaten my clan's demise again!'

"In the meantime, I want you in charge of capturing these assailants, Fuu. And bring in whoever is sneaking off into the night. We must interrogate them as well."

"My clan is not a suspect," Itachi cried out, rage on his face.

"Ah, but it is," Hiashi stated plainly. "A clan of traitors rebelling once more is to be expected, no?"

"Enough," Danzo interrupted. "My decision is final. Dismissed."

Itachi stood as Danzo did, watching the man walk out of the room.

If the Hokage felt the death glare Itachi was giving him, he did not show it.

---

It hadn't taken much convincing for the Shiin Clan family head to agree to meet with Orochimaru's informant. Knowledge on who worked for Orochimaru in Rice was priceless for a shinobi clan that was trying to resist his influence. The fact that they hadn't been completely overtaken by itself was a miracle. Fugaku had expected it to just be him and Neoni, but Kakui had decided to stay, citing some reference that Kumo could use the information.

"You're late."

The trio approached, each wrapped in a Henge (Transformation) to look like the Daimyo and a samurai guard. The two foreign shinobi allowed Neoni to take point. She would have more information on the behavioral patterns of the Daimyo than either of them would.

"I would expect more timeliness from you Daimyo. You know what happened the last time you were late."

The man approached, glancing at the two shinobi disguised as samurai.

"Wait here. I have...things...to discuss with our Daimyo here."

Fugaku glanced at Kakui who nodded. Before the informant had any time to react, they both leaped into action. Kakui smashed his fist into his stomach while Fugaku snatched his head. It was quick, unnoticeable to most shinobi, but he activated his Sharingan and applied a genjutsu in one fell swoop. The messenger of Orochimaru collapsed like a sack before slowly rising, his eyes dull.

"He's ours," Fugaku stated plainly.

"Did Orochimaru recently move out to the border of Fire and Frost," Kakui interrupted.

The man nodded dumbly.

"Needed...to...test...new abilities."

The two Great Power shinobi glanced at each other. New abilities? That was...unnerving. Orochimaru was already a Kage-class opponent. Not even the most powerful shinobi in the continent wanted to push their luck against him. What new abilities could he have gotten? How strong had he become?

"What new abilities," Kakui continued.

"Don't...know..."

The two frowned.

"Did he take back any captives," Fugaku stated. He saw Kakui glance at him, but he was this close to the information he needed to save his son and wife. He couldn't let Kakui's realization of his true goals get in the way of that. "Two Uchiha by any chance?"

"Brought back...two captives...don't know who."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed. Two captives. That meant Mikoto and Sasuke could be both of them. His family could be alive!

"Where did he bring them? Where is his base of operations here?"

"Twenty miles south of the capital," the man whispered. "Underneath the mountains."

That was enough for Fugaku. The man glanced at Kakui who narrowed his eyes.

"What are his plans for Rice? Why is he here?"

"Preparing..." the enthralled man said. "Two...threats...he...fears. Experiments...on...shinobi..."

The two men frowned. Two people on this earth caused Orochimaru to feel scared? Enough to actively prepare to face them? The thought of someone capable of scaring Orochimaru scared them.

"This information must be brought back to Shiin-sama," the Shiin kunoichi stated. "What will you two do?"

"For now, we'll return with you," Kakui stated, instantly taking a leadership position like the two had crafted. "But Kumo will need time to think about this. Whatever Orochimaru is planning it cannot be left to play out."

The two men nodded at each other. The Shiin Clan kunoichi quickly slit the throat of the man before them, watching his body crumple to the ground. Fugaku's eyes widened.

"What are you doing? We can't kill him! Orochimaru will know there's an issue."

Neoni opened her mouth, shock somewhat on her face at her blunder.

"I'm sorry. I just assumed..."

"What do they say about assumptions," Fugaku hissed, the frustration on his voice practically toxic. "You just blundered the whole operation!"

"Calm down," Kakui stated, raising a hand. "It was an honest mistake. Natural inclination. We can't get so worked up over it. I'm sure we can do some framing to make it look like they were attacked."

"You think Orochimaru won't be suspicious! I can't believe you'd be so foolhardy."

"No, he will," Kakui admitted. "But we can live with him being suspicious. The only thing we truly don't want is for him to move locations. The mistake was already made. All we can do is best adjust with it now."

Fugaku snarled, irritation on his face before he acquiesced. Kakui had a point. There was no point getting angry at the kunoichi's mistakes now. Instead, the trio quickly did their best work to paint a picture that foreign shinobi had attacked the spot, killing the informant before the three vanished into the lands of Rice.

---

Sasuke awoke in a rush, feeling his muscles roar at him. He leapt to his feet, feeling the chakra in his body surging. It was stronger than normal. Overwhelming. He felt an overwhelming desire to crush anything and anyone who stood in the way of his goals.

To slaughter.

The Uchiha glanced around, desperate for a vector for all of this energy. His eyes settled on a prime target. The man who had caused all of this suffering.

Orochimaru stood on the other side of the room, crimson eyes staring at him through the darkness.

"Ah, you're finally awake Sasuke. Your body took longer to take than the Sarutobi's. But you live, nonetheless. What a rarity to see two people capable of withstanding my kinjutsu in one place."

Sasuke snarled, feeling the familiar pleasure of chakra rush to his brain, activating his Sharingan. Orochimaru smirked.

"Good. Come at me. I have powers to test."

Sasuke surged forwards, rage in his eyes. His attacks flew forwards, but despite his best efforts Orochimaru was simply too fast. The Sannin danced between his attacks, swatting down any blow with a grin on his face.

"So this is what it is like to predict the future? How fascinating."

Sasuke roared and dug deep, lashing out even faster with a flurry of blows. But his eyes revealed the truth to him before his body had even moved. Orochimaru would deflect them all, and the vision came to pass. No matter what he did, he could not pierce the Sannin's defenses. His skill was simply too great, and it was amplified now with his mother's eyes resting in his skull.

The thought infuriated him. The picture of his mother dying flooded his memory as the Mangekyou burned to life in his eyes. Orochimaru smiled, activating his own only for memories that were not his own to flood his head. The sight of a dead Uchiha woman lying on the ground before him, throat slit. A bloody kunai was in his hand. A punch from the Uchiha smashed into his face, sending him flying backwards. Sasuke pushed his advantage, but Orochimaru quickly regained focus and control of the fight, sending Sasuke flying with a kick to the chest.

'Mikoto's memories flood my body when I utilize these eyes. They're linked not to her...but to the Sharingan. Fascinating.'

The Sannin watched Sasuke rise at a snail's pace.

'And the power...I can see everything!'

Orochimaru smiled as Sasuke charged forwards once more.

"Yes, come...Sasuke!"

---

The Sannin looked down at the crumpled Uchiha before him. The man's body was covered in a litany of bruises and cuts, courtesy of their battle. The Sanin smirked, impressed with the Uchiha child's power. He touched the wound on his arm, the blood that dripped from it covering his fingers. He gave it a soft lick. Yes, the Uchiha was interesting indeed. He had managed to actually hurt him. A minor wound, all things considered, but his level of growth was remarkable. Playing on his emotional angst only stoked his desire to prove himself, and it resulted in meteoric growth.

If he could turn the Uchiha...he would be a useful tool.

Perhaps even more so than Kimimaro.

Still, there was the other problem. The Sannin felt the pain that flared through his body, courtesy of the usage of the Mangekyou Sharingan. More importantly, the dip in his vision was noticeable. Mikoto's warnings of blindness were not to be forgotten. The dojutsu was powerful, but it would be useless if it forced him into blindness. He glanced down at the young Uchiha before him, remembering Mikoto's promise that swapping eyes was the key to awakening the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan and staving off the blindness.

But were the two compatible?

It was a risk, the Sannin acknowledged. If they weren't compatible then he would have effectively wasted his most prized possession, even more so than the Sanbi that rested inside of him. But if they were...he would have a power that only Fugaku Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha possessed. And perhaps then he could overwhelm them. The Sannin raised his hand.

"Kabuto."

The man appeared as if a ghost. His personal aide, Kabuto was always close by.

"Prepare for surgery. The Uchiha and I have a treatment to undergo."

The Sannin looked down curiously at Sasuke. The question of whether he should allow him to also awaken the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan danced in his head. The Uchiha would certainly grow in power if he allowed him to do so. It could even be a gesture of his good will, a method of slowly but surely converting the Uchiha to his side. It would take work, after all, converting the son of a woman he killed.

Besides, there were doubtless risks and intricacies to the Eternal eyes that would need to be worked out. The Uchiha was the perfect test dummy, possessing the same eyes. He could go and capture Fugaku Uchiha or Itachi Uchiha, but the likelihood that either encountered him was slim to none unless he carefully crafted their encounter. And if Mikoto's eyes were this powerful but she viewed herself as their inferior, he had no desire to know what unique abilities those two were capable of.

Kabuto held Sasuke's body as he walked out the room, glancing back at the Snake Sannin.

"Master?"

Orochimaru smiled.

"Coming."

---

It was late in the day when the group settled back together in their room. They had searched Haryana thoroughly, but no one had come back with any information that could be used to determine what the plan of the Konoha shinobi was. They had found no sign of them whatsoever. The lack of memories flooding into Naruto's mind indicated that the same was true in Cata.

So far, the Konoha team was a mystery.

Still, they had felt to their belief that the threat was aiming for these two villages, and the blonde instead sat in front of his trio of Chunin, further explaining the abilities of their foe.

"There's something else about Hanabi you three need to know if you engage with her," the blonde stated. "She has two abilities that you must not let her utilize. The first is an ability that both she and my younger brother Konohamaru have."

"Hold on," Midare questioned. "You have a brother?"

"Adopted."

The answer was satisfactory enough, so Naruto continued.

"It's an A-ranked, close combat ninjutsu, created by the Yondaime Hokage."

Suiren's eyes widened. The blonde smirked. He had come to notice that whenever he mentioned ninjutsu her ears perked up. The girl was a natural at the branch of the shinobi arts, especially if they were Suiton (Water Release) based. He would have to foster that growth.

The blonde held out his hand, concentrating, before a brilliant sphere of blue chakra sat perfectly in his hands. A dull hum filled the air from the orb's rotation.

"The Rasengan," the blonde stated. "A single strike from this technique would be enough to kill any of you," the blonde stated. "Whatever you do, do not give her the time to use this ability. And if she has, strictly stick to long range until she has utilized it. The benefit of this is she can't use any other jutsu when its activated, at least to my knowledge. So, unless a clone is using it, you don't need to worry about any tricks. She's not a ninjutsu master like me."

"Got it," Midare stated. "Avoid the spiraling orb of death."

Naruto nodded, letting the jutsu dissipate into specks of chakra.

"Can I learn that," Suiren asked, looking at the blonde. The blonde smirked.

"I figured you'd ask. Yes, I can teach you, all of you, if you'd like. But it's an intensive jutsu, based off one of the most destructive jutsu in existence. And that's not even getting into the chakra control you need for the jutsu. The training steps for it are not easy."

"I'm okay with not easy," Suiren stated. "I'm a mid to long range ninjutsu specialist but...I won't always have that luxury. Especially when we're being attacked by large groups of shinobi. If I have something up my sleeve to force them back or deal with the enemy, perhaps we'll be better equipped to handle large amounts of enemies."

Naruto cocked an eyebrow. It wasn't bad reasoning. Still, it wasn't what he had expected. It seemed that their ambush had left a larger mark on her than he had initially expected.

"Sure, that's fine. I will say it's chakra intensive. We'll have to see what your reserves are like first. It's not nearly the most chakra intensive jutsu I have, but it does require larger than average reserves to use consistently."

Naruto leaned back.

"As far as I'm aware, Hanabi can only use this jutsu twice a day. Once, if she uses the other jutsu I gave her. Something that even Konohamaru doesn't have. Something I don't have access to anymore."

"A jutsu you don't have access to anymore," Kagari questioned. "But you taught her the jutsu Naruto-sensei? How could you not have access to it?"

"Because it's a contract," the blonde stated. "A summoning contract, with the toads of Mount Myokobu."

"The summoning contract of Jiraiya the Toad Sage," Midare stated. "Your mentor."

Naruto nodded. "Correct. When it became clear to the toads I abandoned Konoha they cut the summoning contract. We don't have bad blood but, they promised Hiruzen they would serve the village and became a village summoning clan. Hanabi is their only contractor. They won't attack me, but you three..."

"Be careful of large toads trying to murder us," Kagari whispered.

"Fantastic," Midare muttered.

"I wouldn't say large," Naruto stated. "Hanabi has larger chakra reserves than normal, but she can't summon the truly gigantic toads. Still, that doesn't mean they're not dangerous. They give her a level of mobility she otherwise could not have. She can shoot accurately whilethey're moving. Letting her summon one means that you will lose the fight. Whatever the situation, never let her utilize summoning unless I am there."

"Understood, Naruto-sensei," Suiren cried out.

"You talk a lot about her strengths," Midare stated. "But what we need our weakness if we ever end up fighting her. Something we can use to catch her off guard and take her down or escape if need be. The only thing we have are these flashbang seals."

"Her stamina," the blonde stated. "If you absolutely must fight her you have to tire her out. That's the only way you'll stand a chance against her."

"That has its own risks," Suiren muttered. "There has to be something else."

"There is," the blonde stated. "Her emotions."

The trio looked at their sensei, confusion visible on their faces.

"She's hung up on me, on how I abandoned her. I...can't blame her. Her emotions are her weakness. I am her weakness. She won't be able to think straight if we're fighting."

"But you don't need a weakness to beat her."

"No," the blonde stated, answering Midare's statement. "But ideally I'm the one who does. It puts all of you at less risk."

Before the quartet could continue their conversation, an explosion ripped through the ground, sending a shockwave throughout the city of Haryana. Each ran towards the window, their eyes widening as they saw billowing smoke and towers of flame. Their eyes widened as they saw the shaking electrical wiring that struggled to power the rest of the city. If those wires broke...

"We need to do something, and fast," Midare exclaimed.

"Guess we're put at risk now, ey sensei," Kagari quipped.

Naruto's eyes narrowed.

"You three go to the mineshaft. Rescue any survivors you see along the way. We can't afford a cave-in. That mine is the cities lifeline. They don't have the technology or shinobi to fix it quickly. Stay together."

"And you Naruto-sensei?"

Naruto opened the window.

"I'll go put out the fire."

---

The world was a blur of motion for the trio of Kagari, Midare, and Suiren as they moved through the burning city. They were constantly stopping, helping the elderly and children escape crumbling buildings. The smoke charred their lungs and filled the air. It was utter madness. They had to yell over the screams of the innocent as they struggled to save them. Every fire they saw they quickly snuffed out, courtesy of Suiren's Suiton or Kagari's Doton (Earth Release). Midare handled debris, shattering any that blocked an exit or trapped a family. They saw the eyes as they moved.

Distrust.

Fear.

Horror.

It made them work faster.

The three shinobi burst into the mining section of the town, noticing village was suddenly full of much older, gruffer looking men. Those that worked these mines.

"You," Midare exclaimed, rushing a fleeing man. "Which direction is the mine!"

"O-O-O-Over there," the man stated, pointing behind him. Fear filled his eyes.

"Are there people inside?"

"The night shift," the man exclaimed. "Twenty men in total. They make sure we keep producing iron!"

Midare glanced at his teammates who nodded. The trio rushed off, quickly reaching the steps that descended into the mineshaft.

"Who do you think is inside," Kagari asked.

"Does it matter," Midare muttered, bringing to sprint into the mine. "We'll find out when we're there!"

Kagari and Suiren glanced at each other, shrugging, before they descended into the mine. The trio charged, the path initially lit with the flames above and the candles that lined the walls. Then, just the candles. Then...darkness. They couldn't see anything.

"There's no way they work in these conditions," Midare muttered. "You couldn't see a thing to mine."

"No," Suiren whispered, touching the walls. She could feel the heat emanating from it. "The explosion probably took out the fires that light the mines."

The trio nodded, each sticking close to each other as they stepped through the mineshaft. It was like navigating through a pitch-black room you had never been in. Unfamiliar. Clumsy.

Loud.

Their ruckus had attracted attention.

"Over here!"

"Help us!"

The trio stumbled in the direction of the voices, panic on their faces.

"Hold on," Suiren called out. "We're coming!"

"Hurry! The rocks are moving!"

"We're close!"

The trio quickly came upon the group of men. They were at the bottom of a ditch, their climbing and safety gear completely crushed underneath rocks. Rays of light from the moon above shone through cracks in the ceiling, courtesy of the damage done to the mine. Whatever that explosion was had caused a rockslide. They were lucky they weren't killed. However, they were not out of the woods. Judging from the way the ground around them cracked and rumbled at every step they didn't have long before another rockslide occurred in the mine.

And this one would be fatal.

"Help us," they screamed, desperate.

"Kagari, get as many as you can and escape with your Doton: Moguragakure no Jutsu (Earth Release: Hiding Like A Mole Technique). Suiren and I will go down there and try to carry as many up as we can. Quickly, the ground can't support that much weight."

Midare's teammates nodded, quickly getting to work. Midare and Suiren quickly took to the walls, walking carefully so as to not put any undue pressure on any weak points and accelerate the cave-in. Meanwhile, Midare slipped into the ground, appearing beneath the miners almost instantly.

"All aboard? Heads up though, I can only fit two of you at a time."

"No worries," Suiren stated, finally reaching the bottom. She held out her hand, a smile on her face. "We'll be rescuing all of you, so there's no need to rush! You're safe now."

And so, the trio got to work, escaping with as many miners as they could. The trio brought them back up to the safer levels up above. The process, while delicate, was fast, mostly thanks to Kagari's jutsu. While Suiren and Midare could only take one miner at a time, Kagari could take two and quickly at that. It took them only a minute to rescue nineteen of the miners. Leaving only one.

"Kagari?"

"Sorry," the Chunin stated, panting. "Just a little tired."

"Rest here," Midare stated. "I'll get the last one."

Midare slowly began to work his way down, eyes intense.

"Don't worry, you'll be out of there soon."

"Hurry," the man cried out. The mine rumbled. "It's breaking."

"It'll be all right," Midare stated, taking more steps towards the man. "I'm almost there."

Unfortunately, almost wasn't good enough. The ground shattered, and the man began to fall with it, along with rocks and the mining tools. The man's screams filled the air, but Midare was quick to act. He leapt from the wall, snatching the man in midair.

"Midare!" his teammates called from above. Midare snorted, flipping to kick off a rock and lurch back into the air. It wasn't high enough. Whatever pit they were above descended deep into the ground, judging from the darkness below where even the moon's light did not reach. But falling rocks were plentiful. Midare leapt from rock to rock, chakra roaring through his body as he struggled to climb for safety. With one final kick he flew into the air.

But it would not be enough.

His eyes widened as Kagari's hand leapt out from the ground, eyes full of desperation.

"Take my hand!"

Midare didn't hesitate.

His hand clasped Kagari's and in a blur the trio were back on solid ground, safe with the rest of their group.

"You're safe," Suiren exclaimed, hugging them both tight. "Thank the Sage."

"Oh shit," Kagari stated, panting. "That was terrifying."

"But you did it anyway," Midare stated, finally feeling the fear that filled his body. "You saved me, Kagari. Thank you."

"Well, what are teammates for," Kagari muttered. "Especially better-looking ones."

Midare snorted. "Shut up you idiot."

The Doton user chuckled, gathering himself as did Midare.

"Now let's get you all out of here," Midare exclaimed.

It wasn't long before the group made their way through the darkness of the mine, reaching the stairs that led to open air. The trio directed them out of the mine, the panicked look of the miners calming somewhat as they reached the outside.

"Quickly! Get out of the city as fast as you can!"

The group of twenty men rushed off, yelling their thanks as they went. A small smile overcame the group only for it to be shattered by a familiar voice.

"You three are annoying you know that?"

The trio quickly huddled together; their eyes narrowed as they saw the kunoichi standing atop a burning building.

"Hanabi Hyuga," Midare hissed, disdain in his voice. "What are you doing here?"

"Enacting my mission," Hanabi stated plainly. "Lucky for me I get to kill some rabble while I'm at it."

"Stay close," Suiren whispered. "If she's here that means Naruto-sensei is engaging with other Konoha shinobi. We just have to survive until he gets here."

"Survive," Kagari whispered, his body shaking violently as he stared at the woman who murdered his parents. "No."

A kunai slipped into his hands.

"I'm going to kill you!"

Hanabi smirked.

"I'd have it no other way."

---

It didn't take the blonde long to arrive on the scene of the fire. A massive blaze burned through the storehouse of the city, melting all the resources that had been taken from the mine. Naruto's eyes narrowed. This was not some random target. Konoha had been selective. The storehouse was a tower of flame, anything, and anyone inside unsalvageable. The flames had leapt from the store house, quickly beginning to spread to other buildings nearby and the roads below. If this continued it wouldn't take long for the entire town of Haryana to go up in flames.

The blonde had no intention of letting that happen.

Clones silently formed around him, each of them weaving through one-handed handseals. The blonde opened his mouth, prepared to unleash a deluge of water to put out the blaze only for a massive gale of wind to send his water in the opposite direction. The blonde's eyes twitched, turning to see a group of shinobi staring at him, masks covering their faces.

'ANBU?'

The masked figures spread out, getting their distance and ensuring they could not be targeted all at once. However, they did not engage, simply watching Naruto. The blonde's eyes drifted between each of them, analyzing their bodies. None particularly stood out. If there was any Akimichi among them they were already using their jutsu. There were no signs of dojutsu either, although it was incredibly difficult to spot the Sharingan or Byakugan behind an ANBU mask. The blonde waited, anticipating an attack that would never come.

'They're not attacking me.'

Naruto's eyes drifted to the blaze burning not far from the group. Then it clicked.

'They're not trying to kill me but stop me from stopping that fire. That's their goal.'

The blonde's eyes narrowed, looking around the group. No bow from any of them, and no emotional outbursts. Hanabi wasn't here. The blonde's mind raced, but finally he settled on his objectives. Extinguish that fire and regroup with his students.

"Why are you waiting here? There's no way that you all knew we were here."

"You are the only person with such chakra," a distorted voice called out. A member of one of the ANBU. "We see all."

Naruto snorted. So Hanabi had noticed him using her Byakugan, and more importantly she was here. But if she wasn't with this group there was only one location she could be. The blonde's eyes narrowed. Even more reason to handle business here.

"None of you plan on coming to me it seems," he called out, stretching slightly. He restrained a light chuckle as they all tensed at his movements. They were scared of him. They were not afraid to vocalize it either.

"We know who you are. We have no interest in dying soon."

"You chose the wrong line of work," Naruto stated. "Shinobi, but ANBU especially, don't have long life expectancy. I should know."

The blonde grinned.

"I used to be one, after all."

The group of ANBU tensed as the Uzumaki flashed in front of them. The clones engaged with a group each while the blonde engaged with the one who had talked. His leg flew outwards, only for the man to slip the attack. The blonde tried to press his attack only for the man's shadow to leap up at him. Naruto leapt away, eyes narrowed. Nara.

The man frowned, weaving through handseals before unleashing a Futon (Wind Release) jutsu that kicked up a cloud of dust. The blonde raised an eyebrow.

'Clever.'

Unfortunately, it wasn't clever enough. His armor's activation blew the dust cloud away, but the Nara was nowhere to be found. Naruto's eyes narrowed, only to feel his clone's memories flood his mind. The blonde smirked. The captain would not abandon his plan of delaying him. It would be problematic to deal with him and the rest of his squad without unleashing some of his more destructive jutsu. His foes were clearly a step above Hayate and Yugao, given by how they had taken down his clones.

This was a true strike team.

The blonde shot towards the blaze, fighting down the respect he felt for the Konoha forces. They were capable, and perhaps in an occupied civilian city they would have possessed the capability to truly make him work to stop civilian casualties. But if their goal was to simply stop him from doing something they would have to work much harder than they were. He formed a singular handsign before water spat from his mouth. It was met with a storm of flame courtesy of an ANBU member, but the blonde had expected such. He canceled the jutsu quickly, pouring chakra into his legs before he leapt at them. The ground shattered from the force before he tackled them, smashing them into a wall.

The ANBU member cried out, pain flaring through their body. Naruto's fist swung out, cracking against their mask and shattering it. Fragments of the material shredded into their skin, causing them to hold their face only for the blonde's knee to crack up, wedging the shrapnel even deeper. However, before he could deliver the finishing blow a wave of insects flew at him. Naruto leapt backwards; eyes narrowed at the other opponent.

Aburame.

The Aburame Clan member sprinted forwards, surrounded by a swarm of insects that threatened to suck the blonde dry if he dared to engage in taijutsu. So, he didn't, instead unleashing a storm of jutsu only for them to be countered by the remaining ANBU members. The blonde's eyes narrowed. If that was how they were going to play it, then so be it.

He leapt away from the Aburame, three clones materializing around him before they all formed seals. They all released a Futon jutsu at the same time, kicking up a cloud of dust that filled the area. He heard the typical sigh of a Nara as the dust cloud formed. A smirk covered the blonde's face.

Surely, they didn't think that he wouldn't use their own strategy against them?

He had to admit, he was a bit disappointed.

Five more clones appeared behind him, outnumbering his ANBU foes before they each leapt into the dust cloud. The blonde himself turned and ran towards the blaze, visible even in the dust covered air. He formed a handseal, prepared to remove the flames only for his body to suddenly lock up. He was forced to turn his head, his eyes narrowing as he saw the Nara standing behind him.

"Sorry," the Nara stated. "Can't let you do that."

"This jutsu can't hold me," Naruto muttered.

"Not for long," the Nara admitted. "But I only need a second."

Naruto's eyes widened as he heard the shriek of lightning and the memories of a clone fill his mind. They had a Raiton (Lightning Release) user of that level with them? The blonde saw the bolt spear towards him and a smile manifested. They weren't afraid to go for kill shots if they appeared. Unfortunately, they didn't do their scouting well enough. His wind armor roared to life and the Nara's jutsu shattered under the pressure. The bolt of lightning was immediately ripped to pieces by the blonde's wind. As the gales of his jutsu blew a hole in the dust storm Naruto turned to look at the Nara.

"Raiton? Really?"

The Nara Clan member smirked.

Naruto's eyes widened as another explosion rocked the battlefield, sending him flying backwards. He groaned, opening his eyes only to see a cloud of ash fill his vision as the storehouse collapsed. The blonde grit his teeth, eyes snapping around but it was pointless. One eye was too weak thanks to his battle with Shukaku, and the ash was too dark to simply see through regardless. Even his sensory jutsu would be useless. There were too many heat waves and floating ash particles to get reliable readings on where threats could be.

He was completely blind.

The blonde's wind armor flowed around him, a cautionary protection against any attacks. He shot upwards, flying high into the air, but still no attack came. The blonde grunted, taking that time to unleash a Suiton jutsu that was uninterrupted this time, raining down water on the battlefield. The water put out the flames and pushed the ash to the ground, revealing a steaming pile of destruction.

But there was noticeably no ANBU around.

Naruto's eyes narrowed.

'They ran.'

Of course, they did. They had accomplished their mission. The thought irritated the blonde, but he could not dwell on it. He had to find his students. He looked in the general direction of the mineshaft before he shot off.

---

Midare came to a grim reality as the fight went on.

Hanabi Hyuga was stronger than Naruto had given her credit.

The fight had started off fine enough. They had kept their distance, fighting mostly at mid-range to allow them time to react to any taijutsu attack she launched or move to utilize her bow. It was a risky proposition, but it had been effective. Most of their jutsu had missed or been deflected by the kunoichi. The most insufferable part was her voice constantly mocking them.

But then she had mentioned killing this town like she had so many other Ame towns.

Kagari had flown off the handle at that.

The Chunin shot forwards, kunai in hand as he lashed out at Hanabi's throat. The kunoichi easily ducked underneath the attack before lashing out with a series of strikes that Kagari was simply too slow to block. The blows struck home, and Kagari cried out, blood shooting from his mouth as he dropped to the ground as if his strings were cut. His tenketsu had been sealed.

"You're more emotional than last time. What, did you remember to eat?"

"Get away from him!"

Midare forced her back with a swipe of his umbrella's. He stood protectively in front of Kagari, eyes entirely focused on Hanabi but voice speaking to his teammate.

"Calm down Kagari! We can't beat her like that! Remember what Naruto-sensei said!"

"How easy for you to say," Kagari screamed, rising to his feet. It was a sloppy rise, the boy stumbling over his own body weight. The Chunin glared at the kunoichi before him. "She didn't kill your parents."

Hanabi's eyes widened at the words of the Ame shinobi before her. She could see the tears form in his eyes. The quartet of shinobi in the area were silent. Kagari didn't wait for anyone to react, instead beginning to weave handseals.

"I wouldn't do that," Hanabi stated. "With your tenketsu like this you'll-"

"Shut up!" Kagari screamed. Blood poured from his mouth as his chakra roared within his body, fighting to mold itself in the way he desired due to the attacks. "The only thing I want to hear from you is pleading for your life!"

The Chunin began to sink into the ground, rage on his face. Hanabi's eyes tracked him, a smirk on her face.

"I can see you; you know."

The kunoichi spun, forming a rotating sphere of chakra around her that deflected the sudden deluge of water senbon that descended on her position. As she came to a stop, she smirked at Suiren.

"No surprises here, girl."

"She doesn't need surprises."

Midare swung down with his umbrellas, only for Hanabi to catch them with ease.

"You aren't a match for me."

However, the girl did not push her advantage, instead leaping away as Kagari sprang from the ground, desperately slashing at her ankles only to miss. She danced away, a frown on her face as she saw Suiren to her side, hands already weaving through the seals for another jutsu. She spewed a jet of water from the mask that covered the lower part of her face, only for Hanabi to easily dodge the technique. However, before the Hyuga could counter Kagari and Midare were on her once more, each trying to distract her.

'They're not letting me get in any breathing room. Their teamwork has certainly improved since the last fight. Naruto must have drilled them.'

She smirked as she slipped another attack.

'But it's not enough.'

The kunoichi stepped forwards instead of back the next time, hands lashing out to smash into both boy's stomachs before they could react. Blood shot from their mouths, their flow of chakra completely disrupted for a brief moment. They fell. Hanabi turned, preparing to leap at Suiren only for her to feel the grip of a hand on her ankles, holding her in place. Her gaze shifted to the two boys beneath her, smiles of blood and fury in their eyes. Suiren screamed her jutsu to the world.

"Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Release: Wild Water Wave)!"

Hanabi, desperate to protect herself, launched a jutsu of her own. The Hakke Kūshō (Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm) shot from her palms, smashing into the deluge of water and sending water flying in every direction. Suiren smirked, forming a handseal. The water quickly transformed into senbon that shot at the Hyuga kunoichi, an omni-directional attack she couldn't hope to defend against without the Hakkeshō Kaiten (Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven).

The kunoichi raised her hands, protecting her most vital areas as the senbon pierced her body. She bit her lip through the pain, refusing to give her foe the satisfaction of hearing her scream in pain.

"Got ya," Suiren stated.

Hanabi's eyes burned with rage, kicking the two Chunin off her before she rushed Suiren. The kunoichi tried to escape but Hanabi was too fast. Whatever effect the senbon had had on the Konoha shinobi, it was clearly superficial at best. Her strikes lanced at Suiren's tenketsu, delicate but effective. Her chakra system was shut down, and the kunoichi crumpled to the ground.

"You," Hanabi muttered. "Are the most dangerous. A shinobi with such a gift for Suiton born in a minor village. If I don't put you down who knows what you could become?"

"Don't you touch her!"

Hanabi turned, looking at Kagari rising to his feet once more. The Hyuga raised an eyebrow. Just how was he standing? His chakra network had been the most severely damaged of all of them. Him being able to stand at all was more than simply a notable feat. It was something she didn't believe possible.

"I won't let you," Kagari cried out, stumbling forwards. "I won't let you kill anyone else I care about!"

Hanabi raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

The Hyuga walked towards the boy.

"How about I beat you into submission and make you watch then?"

She shot forwards, growing irritated at the defiance she saw in the boys' eyes. He readied himself as best he could, but it was clear he was out of commission. Her blows would land, and he would fall.

Then, something dropped from his hand. Hanabi watched with fascination before her world went white. She cried out, the flashbang assaulting her eyes and forcing them shut. Before she had any time to react, she felt a weight press against her, knocking her to the ground. Blow after blow rattled against her head as she remained on the ground, stunned. Her head snapped from side to side, arms flinging wildly up above to try to fend off her attacker, but nothing was successful. Blood dribbled from her mouth as the beating continued.

"Get off," she screamed, lashing out with a Hakke Kūshō that sent Kagari flying into the air, blood shooting from his mouth. He crashed into the ground, squirming in pain. Hanabi rose, deactivating her Byakugan to allow her to see. The world was a mix of colors and shapes, but if it was from the flashbang or the concussion, she likely had she couldn't be sure.

"You fucking bastard. Flashbangs!"

She whirled at the sound of chuckling. Kagari was glaring at her, not that she could see him. Instead, she saw three figures of him each with a nasty grin on their faces.

"Serves you right, you murderous bitch."

Hanabi snarled, rage bubbling up deep inside her like a poison as she saw the defiance in his eyes. Chakra surged in her body.

"I'll kill you, you no name trash!"

Hanabi swiped at her own blood before weaving through handseals. The Ame Chunin's eyes widened but they were too slow to stop her before she slammed her hand on the ground.

"Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Jutsu)!"

A plume of smoke erupted into the air, revealing a purple toad about the size of a small house standing before Hanabi. It gave a hearty sound before it looked at Hanabi.

"How may I help you, Hanabi?"

"Give me oil Gamagoro."

The toad didn't hesitate, oil spewing from its mouth like a waterfall. Hanabi snarled, lightning sparking across her hands before she let fly. The oil immediately ignited, a deluge of fire raining down on the Ame Chunin. It was Midare who reacted. He leapt up, dragging his teammates away from the blaze just before it landed. However, it didn't stop there. The fire quickly began to spread, hungrily eating buildings and filling the world with black smoke.

"Shit," Midare hissed, the inky black smoke everywhere. "I can't see her!"

"But I can see you."

The teen howled as his chakra network was ravaged by a series of strikes, forcing him to crumple to the ground.

"Gamagoro!"

The toad lurched forwards, quickly snagging Midare into its mouth.

"Hanabi, the heat will become unbearable for me soon."

"This won't take long."

Hanabi lurched forwards, grabbing Suiren by the hair and lifting her up. The kunoichi had still not recovered from having her chakra network cut. She was helpless before the Hyuga. Hanabi threw her backwards, Gamagoro quickly devouring her as well.

It was then that another flashbang went off, but other than a large explosion little else occurred. Hanabi couldn't restrain her laughter.

"Desperate aren't you! That flashbang has no effect on me in this smoke!"

A fist crashed into Kagari's chin, sending him to the ground. The boy tried to rise only for Hanabi's foot to press down on him.

"You're nothing."

"Whatever you have to tell yourself to feel better about being replaced," Kagari spat back with venom. Hanabi snarled, throwing Kagari even further. He bounced along the ground, but he had used the distance gained well. He smashed his hands on the ground, earth converting to mud and devouring the flames. The buildings still burned, but the smoke would significantly decrease. Hanabi didn't care, closing the distance to the Chunin and smashing another blow into his stomach.

"I'm going to enjoy beating you."

Hanabi threw Kagari into the air.

"Gamagoro!"

The toad leapt upwards, smashing its foot into Kagari's chest. Blood flew from Kagari's mouth before he cratered into the ground, unmoving. Hanabi smirked, staring down at him.

"You lose."

There was a puff of smoke as Hanabi readied her bow, prepared for a kill shot. Electricity wrapped around the arrow before she fired, only for her eyes to narrow as soon as the projectile left her hands. Naruto appeared before the arrow, snatching it out of the air and smothering its explosion with his wind. The blonde didn't give her any time to react, appearing before Hanabi and lashing out with a kick that sent her flying into a nearby building.

"Are you okay Kagari?"

The lack of response was all Naruto needed to understand the situation. He turned to face the toad.

"Gamagoro."

"Naruto. It is a pleasure to see you again. How have you been?"

"I'd be better if you released the Chunin from your stomach."

"I'm afraid I have them stored for Hanabi."

"Gamagoro, I'd rather not send you back to Ma and Pa injured. Let them go."

Gamagoro glanced back at Hanabi, the kunoichi rising from the ground.

"Don't you dare Gamagoro!"

The toad made a business decision.

"Forgive me Hanabi, but I have no desire to fight against Naruto. He is a friend. Whatever business you have with him and these shinobi, leave the toads out of it."

With that Gamagoro ejected Midare and Suiren from his mouth, the two dazed but still conscious, before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Hanabi screamed.

"Are you two alright?"

"Yes, Naruto-sensei," Suiren whispered. The girl was slowly rising to her feet. Midare was slower to stir. Behind Naruto, a clone the blonde had silently created was helping Kagari rise to his feet.

"She's strong."

"There's no need to worry about her," the blonde stated. "I'm here now."

"I'm getting real sick of you!"

Hanabi stomped out the destroyed building, anger on her face.

"I've heard that before," Naruto responded.

Hanabi snarled but glanced at the smoke in the distance.

"Looks like you failed eh, sensei?"

Naruto frowned but gave no response. Instead, he questioned her.

"What are you doing here Hanabi? Why weren't you with the others?"

"Wouldn't you like to know," she muttered. The kunoichi turned, a frown on her face. She no longer had the toads to help her fight and her chakra was beginning to drain. Backup would not be arriving. Fighting Naruto here would mean capture, and capture was something Shikaku could not afford.

"I'm leaving. Follow me if you dare."

Then she leapt off. Naruto stared at her, tempted to follow before looking at his students. Kagari and Midare had fallen back to the ground and all three of them looked to be on the verge of unconsciousness. The blonde sighed.

They needed him more.

---

The Shiin Clan Head had not reacted well to the news delivered to him. The man was mumbling to himself in a fit, his eyes darting across the room like a madman. Kakui and Fugaku sat in a room with the man, each watching with different levels of disgust at the man's behavior. Panic was unbecoming of a shinobi.

"Experiments? The other clans...perhaps that is why..."

The mention of other clans drew their attention.

"Other clans? Like the Fuma Clan?"

Hiraku stared at Kakui, irritation flashing on his face.

"Yes."

"You suggest that Orochimaru is experimenting on the other clans?"

"After Fire's invasion at the end of the third war," Hiraku stated. "Orochimaru swept in, becoming a plague in Rice. The defeated clans were struggling. They could barely afford to feed themselves. But Orochimaru appeared...promised to restore their name and honor."

"Like he elevated your own clan..." Kakui whispered.

Hiraku nodded, begrudgingly.

"My younger brother...Menma Shiin. He grew under Orochimaru, becoming a shinobi to be proud of. Our clan rose to prominence because of his skills. His auditory ninjutsu was something to be feared. But one day Orochimaru...he took things too far."

"What occurred," Fugaku questioned.

"The man has this...technique," Hiraku stated hesitantly. "A juinjutsu. I've no idea what it was but...there is some level of compatibility required with it."

"And Menma wasn't compatible," Kakui concluded rather easily. "What were the consequences?"

"Death."

Fugaku's eyes narrowed.

"When Menma died...Orochimaru lost all interest in our clan. 'A clan of useless ingrates', he called us. Too weak to be utilized as pawns in his plans. He left us to die, instead gathering the rest of the clans in Rice."

"It left you strangled economically, the Daimyo his puppet and unwilling to offer you missions and without the resources to defend for yourselves," Fugaku stated. "That's why you had us slaughter the villagers at the mine. You needed some form of economic lifeblood."

Hiraku nodded.

"It's shortsighted," Fugaku stated plainly, drawing a wide-eyed look from Kakui.

"This isn't-"

"How dare you," Hiraku hissed, staring Fugaku down. "You have no right! You have no idea what my people's life has been like, born in one of the Great Powers. Such a privileged perspective you have."

"I understand the struggle for power between a kage and a clan more than one might think," Fugaku stated. "Make no mistake that is what you find now. But you cannot simply strike at a limb, you must cut off the whole head. What do you think Orochimaru will do when he learns of his gold mine being taken?"

"The Daimyo will-"

"The Daimyo is a figurehead, as you yourself have admitted. Gold is valuable resource, too valuable for you to skimp shipments. The Daimyo will learn. When he learns of it he will report it to Orochimaru. You could kill the Daimyo or place him under an illusion, but that too will be found out. Your shinobi already killed his messenger. It would be of no surprise if he already knew."

Hiraku hesitated, mouth agape. He turned to face the Shiin Clan kunoichi who had slit the messenger's throat, rage on his face.

"You did what?"

"Forgive me, Hiraku-sama," she stated, bowing her head. Fugaku couldn't help but notice that the emotion in her voice felt so distinctly fake. As if she couldn't care less that she had made such an obvious blunder.

"Bah!"

Hiraku swung his hands at the kunoichi, smacking against her face and forcing blood from her mouth.

"You fool! We would have gotten away with it-"

"She made a mistake," Fugaku interrupted once more. "You are not the only one frustrated by it. But it would not have stopped Orochimaru from uncovering your deception."

"What do you mean?"

"A week. That's how long you may have gotten before Orochimaru discovered your treachery. Then, he would have responded, and your clan would be dead."

"Ah, that's where you forget, Kumo-san," Hiraku stated, grinning. "We stumbled upon a dead village, killed by Kumo shinobi. We are innocent. Kumo-"

"And you think that will matter to one such as Orochimaru," Fugaku interrupted. The man almost wanted to laugh. "He let you live before because he considered you pathetic. Now, you're a nuisance. He will slaughter you...down to the last man."

"So, what would you have us do," Hiraku insisted, rage on his face. "Live out the rest of our days destitute!"

"Cut off the head," Fugaku stated plainly, causing Hiraku's eyes to widen. "You must slay Orochimaru if you want too truly be safe. You will send a message to the rest of the clans and the Daimyo in so doing. That you, the Shiin Clan, should be the true power in Rice."

"Do you not think I hadn't thought of that," Hiraku insisted. "I cannot kill the man. He is beyond me."

"Beyond you yes," Fugaku stated. The disguised Uchiha glanced at his partner.

"But not beyond Kumo."

"You mean to-" Kakui insisted before he felt the snares of a genjutsu rip through his mind. Suddenly he was sinking into a dark pit, able to view the actions of his body but lacking the control to stop it. It was like he was stuck miles underwater, crushed underneath the pressure. His body filled with rage at the realization. The Uchiha must have planted a subtle command in the genjutsu he had applied to him earlier, allowing him to reactivate the genjutsu at any time. Thus, he could only watch as his body said words his mind would never agree to.

"We are here with you," Kakui stated. His voice was slightly off, but Hiraku did not notice. "We will lead a strike force against this base of his with you. Cut the head off the snake and leave the Shiin Clan the power in Rice. We did promise we would take care of the problem for you, did we not?"

Hiraku wanted to laugh.

"You expect me to believe that two random Kumo shinobi are capable of killing Orochimaru! Don't make me laugh! Maybe if you had the Raikage or Killer B with you I would believe it. Or at least Yugito. But I've never heard of you two."

"That is why we are the best choices," Fugaku stated. "We are shinobi that specialize in assassination. Killing a man without being detected is what we were trained to do. Even a man like Orochimaru is not above our capabilities."

Hiraku rolled his eyes.

"And even if I were to agree, what would I get in return? A requirement that I become Kumo's serf, like Frost? I refuse."

"No terms," Fugaku stated. "Rice would remain free, completely under your control. You would simply have our gratitude."

Fugaku reached out his hand.

"Let us help you."

Hiraku paused, glancing at the hand as if it were a foreign object. The man stared for a long while, the offer hanging in the air. Finally, his head snapped up, eyes meeting Fugaku's with rage in them. He made to slap the Uchiha's hand away, but as soon as his hand made contact his eyes widened briefly. The emotion previously contained in them slipped away.

Instead, Hiraku's hand slipped into Fugaku's, shaking it with a firm grip.

"I'll ready my clan."

Fugaku smirked.

---

Yahiko grunted as he threw the two men in the cell. Their pleas of innocence were wasted. He didn't even acknowledge them. He closed the door behind him in the cell before glancing at Karin.

"You can leave. Thanks for spotting them, Karin."

"What are you going to do to them?"

"Information gathering."

"Without my lie detection skills?"

Yahiko opened his mouth before shutting it. He raised an eyebrow at the pregnant woman instead.

"My methods aren't exactly nice. And you're friends with the Konoha kunoichi."

Karin shrugged. "I'm not ally to Konoha. I simply like Sakura. I'm her captor as much as anyone else here. We both understand that."

Yahiko paused, hesitating before finally nodding to himself.

"Well...in that case...by all means."

Yahiko turned back to the spies.

"I'd advise you don't lie," Yahiko muttered, pulling out a kunai. "I hear it's not good for your health."

---

The Hatake frowned as the body dropped to the ground before him. The Kiri kunoichi had fought valiantly to protect her secrets but try as she might she wasn't strong enough to protect them. The man shuffled through the desks, leaving a mess until he found what one of the spies had warned him off.

Blockade plans.

It was as Konoha had feared. Kiri was going to mobilize their fleet to stop all of their seafaring trade. After conquering Wave Kiri had fought tooth and nail to further restrict Fire's trade routes. It was why Hotsprings had become so heavily contested with Lightning, as Fire could easily transport its goods if they had control of the nation. But with the country a battleground it placed Konoha's trade in a delicate balance.

That was why he was here in Water. To halt any potential advance of Kiri's military. To force them to siphon their forces away from forming any blockade. But it seemed that the Mizukage was willing to forgo civilian islands and targeted damage if it meant establishing the blockade. She was a cutthroat woman to be sure.

It had to be stopped.

---

The town did not settle for long into the night. Naruto and his team had put out the fires set off by the Konoha shinobi, but the devastation had been done. The storehouse was completely destroyed. Houses burnt to a cinder and lives lost. The town of Haryana was suffering. It was only thanks to the actions of his Chunin squad had the mine been saved, as they had found explosive tags littering the support beams in the mine after they investigated further. They were easy enough to remove, but the town was deathly afterwards. The shinobi hadn't even gotten a thank you for saving lives. Instead, the town was filled with silence as people stumbled to find neighbors who would at least stay the night. They needed the night to process, and the light of the morning to figure out how to best address the problems that lie ahead.

They were not the only ones.

Naruto and his students sat in their room, reporting back to their sensei about how the battle had gone against Hanabi.

"Better," the blonde stated as they finished speaking. "Much better. You wounded her, and that's not something that's easy to do. That training has been paying off. Keep fighting as a team like that and next time we can finish her."

The blonde rubbed the back of his head, glancing at his students. Suiren and Midare were mostly fine, but Kagari had been thoroughly beaten. He would heal, but a concussion would be the easiest of his injuries to manage.

"Still, it was dangerous. You all could have died there."

"You said she was stronger than us sensei," Suiren stated. "And that the gap would be too strong to overcome quickly. We're expecting danger."

"No, it was too dangerous," the blonde stated. "Your training has made you able to hold your own against her for a time if you fight as a team, but what if you had been faced with that group of ANBU? You'd all be dead. I need to do a better job preparing you. You managed to wound her, but the end result would have been all of you dead. A hollow victory at best. I need to do a better job preparing you."

"How could you do that sensei," Suiren questioned. "You've already done so much in such a short amount of time."

"Midare was right," the blonde stated, looking at the Chunin. The teen's eyes widened at the statement. "I haven't been training you all to kill Hanabi. But in so doing that I'm putting each of you at risk. I can't do that as your sensei. It's my job to put you all in the best position to succeed, and you have to walk away from a fight alive to do that."

"So, what's your goal now," Midare questioned. "You're going to train us to kill her? You can't do that."

"I can't," the blonde admitted. "I'll never be able to. But I can train you to hurt her. Because that you're going to have to, you have no choice. She couldn't activate Hakkeshō Kaiten to defend against your omni-directional attacks because Kagari and Midare rooted her in place but that's a risky strategy that won't work multiple times. I can't get any of you up to snuff to fight against her in taijutsu, but it's time I upped the ante on your training."

Naruto looked at Suiren.

"You have prodigious skill with Suition, but your chakra reserves aren't amazing. That's a problem, especially now that you all have revealed that you have flashbangs at your disposal. You'll need to blind her if you want to get a hit in. That's where you come in."

Suiren blinked.

"Your Suiton: Kirisamegakure no Jutsu (Water Release: Hiding in Drizzle Technique) can work against her," Naruto emphasized. "The reason it didn't before is because you didn't have enough chakra to conceal yourselves in. You couldn't produce enough water. Either you get more efficient with your chakra control, or your reserves grow, but either way, you have to be able to generate larger storms of water to conceal yourself and your allies. I'll be working with you on that. But, it's more than that..."

The blonde rubbed the back of his head.

"Frankly speaking your expertise with water seems to be lightly hitting attacks designed to stun. You lack sheer firepower. You're creative, but the Suirō no Jutsu (Water Prison Technique) won't work against Hanabi. She'll never let you use it. You need something that really packs a punch. That's where Suiton: Suidan no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Bullet Technique) comes in. It should give you the ability to really hurt her. It also serves as a launch pad for you to finish perfecting your Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu (Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet). As a plus, it's also going to demand you improve your chakra reserves to effectively use your Kirisamegakure no Jutsu."

Suiren smiled. Another ninjutsu sounded like heaven to her, especially one based in Suiton.

"Yes, Naruto-sensei!"

The blonde turned to Midare.

"You like taijutsu. I won't take you away from that. We don't have the time for it anyway. But umbrellas aren't going to cut it against her."

"I'm not-"

"I'm not asking you to not use them," the blonde said, raising his hand placatingly. "I'm asking you to make them more dangerous. The Hien (Flying Swallow) is a concept that's pretty basic to any nin-taijutsu specialist."

"I already use the Hien. I coat my umbrellas with chakra."

"You do," the blonde admitted. "But not most effectively. Chakra can enhance things, but elemental chakra can do more. How do you think my staff could cut things? Why I'm known to use a scythe when I clearly don't carry one?"

Midare's eyes widened.

"We're going to be incorporating Suiton into your Hien. It'll be...interesting. Your umbrellas are thrusting weapons primarily, which means Raiton would be the best elemental nature for it, at least traditionally speaking. But high-pressure water has incredible piercing effects as well. You should, at least in theory, be able to replicate the best of Futon and Raiton chakra natures with it. I've never tried to do so using my own Suiton element, but I can walk you through the application process."

The assassination expert smiled.

"I like the sound of that."

The blonde then turned to look at Kagari.

"Frankly speaking you don't have any ninjutsu I can help you on. My skill with Doton is practically nonexistent. But I've noticed you like fighting away from people, keeping your distance. Prodding assailants with genjutsu isn't a bad idea."

"I thought you said genjutsu wouldn't work on her," Kagari questioned.

"If my plan with Suiren goes well then it should, unless of course the Byakugan has built in defenses against genjutsu but I wouldn't know."

"But you don't know any genjutsu."

"I don't need to," the blonde stated. "Genjutsu is the most creative of the three main branches of shinobi arts. You don't need a specific technique, simply the ability to manipulate your chakra to infect the person you wish. I can't do it, but you can practice on me."

"That sounds...extremely high level."

"It probably is," Naruto stated. "I learned that from Sakura, who learned it from an Uchiha. So...high bar. But it is effective. Besides, that isn't all you'll be learning. The Iwa Bunshin (Rock Clone) would be a good technique for you. I'll teach you how the basics of forming an elemental clone work, but you'll have to figure out how to apply your Doton to it."

Kagari frowned at the news, crossing his arms.

"That's it?"

Naruto frowned.

"Is that a problem?"

Kagari glanced at Suiren and Midare, irritation in him building at their curious looks.

"No," the boy said sarcastically.

Naruto's eyes narrowed but for now he let the issue lie.

"That's it. For now, you three get some rest. I'll watch over the town for the rest of the night. We'll make plans on what to do next tomorrow."

---

The blonde had known his student would sneak out. He could see it on his face the second he had told him what jutsu's he would be teaching him. The disappointed eyes. The frustration that burned underneath.

The rage.

Naruto followed Kagari as the teen snuck out of the city, leaving a clone to watch over it. He trailed his student all the way to the outskirts of Haryana.

"Damn it," the Chunin muttered. "I have to be better than that."

The Chunin quickly took out a kunai and began going through a series of katas. The blonde had to admit, he looked stronger than normal, despite the injuries that ravaged his body. Every blow contained force behind it, chakra enhanced as well. He was certainly much more focused on his training. It was something Naruto could respect.

But he was blinded by something else. Something Naruto was all too familiar with.

"You're unstable. A strong breeze could knock you over."

His voice caused Kagari to almost jump out of his skin, whirling to see his blonde sensei floating in the sky above him. Naruto descended. Kagari refused to meet his eyes.

"You're up late. You should be resting."

"I can't sleep."

"Can't sleep," Naruto parroted. "Or won't?"

"I have to train. I need to be stronger to protect my teammates."

"Sure, being stronger would help," the blonde admitted. "But there's more to strength than physical capabilities."

Naruto's eyes narrowed.

"You flew off the handle against Hanabi today. You can't do that again Kagari. Your teammates were able to save you this time but...charging in ahead wildly in anger will lead to your death."

"Easy for you to say," Kagari spat. "She didn't kill your parents!"

Naruto paused, staring at the shinobi for a moment. A bitter pill rose up inside of him before he swallowed it.

"You're right," Naruto stated. "She didn't kill my parents. But I know what loss feels like. And I know what hatred does too. You can't live with it."

"Then help me," Kagari screamed, throwing his hands up in the air. "You're giving Suiren and Midare powerful jutsu to help fight her, but me? I'm left with nothing! A clone technique to help set up a strategy you don't even know will work!"

Kagari shook his head, tears falling down his face.

"I was the deadlast in our graduating class, you know that," Kagari muttered. Naruto could hear the dejection in his voice. "I was always lagging behind in taijutsu or ninjutsu. Genjutsu was the one place, the one place where I shined. And I was mocked for it. Who needed genjutsu when taijutsu and ninjutsu are so popular, so dominant as shinobi skills? Think of the legendary shinobi throughout history. How many of them are genjutsu experts? Even the Uchiha Clan, renowned for the genjutsu, are more known for their ninjutsu capabilities. Even in talent, I come in last."

Kagari looked up at his teacher, the tears in full force now. His voice cracked with every word.

"I couldn't even protect my parents. My hometown. Because I was too slow. And now you're not even letting me have the strength to get back at their killer. And I'm too weak to take it myself! That's the story of my life. I'm always too weak!"

Kagari grit his teeth, glaring up at his sensei.

"I refuse to be too weak anymore. If you won't help me, I'll do it myself. I won't be a deadlast. I won't fail to protect my team. And I won't let anyone else die!"

Naruto stared at Kagari, fixated to one spot amidst his outburst. He stared for so long the silence became awkward, and even Kagari began to look bashful, feeling the indignation in him die out.

Then, Naruto raising his hand, causing Kagari's eyes to widen.

"Hit me."

"W-What?"

"Hit me."

Kagari took a soft stance, lightly throwing a jab at the blonde. The blow barely touched his hand and Naruto felt irritation rise up within him.

"Hit me!"

Kagari threw another, the punch solid this time. Naruto nodded, egging the Chunin along.

"Again."

Blow.

"Again.

Blow.

"Don't stop."

Punches rattled into the air, Kagari unleashing more and more attacks onto Naruto's waiting hands. Eventually the Chunin grew tired of using only his fists, switching to kicks and full-on combinations that forced Naruto to react defensively instead of set specific targets. The blows were solid, but none connected.

And Naruto used this.

"Hanabi wouldn't be hit with that."

Harder.

"So slow. She'd see it coming a mile away."

Faster.

"She would have taken Suiren and Midare out by now!"

Kagari screamed, lashing out with a punch that Naruto saw coming. Instead of catching it, like he had all the others, the blonde let his arm drop and Kagari's punch struck true. Naruto's head snapped to the side, and blood spat from his mouth. Kagari's eyes widened in shock.

"I'm so sorry Naruto-sensei! I have no idea what came over me I just-"

Naruto raised his hand. He looked at Kagari, a soft smile on his face. He knelt down, placing a hand on Kagari's shoulder.

"That rage you feel...it's okay. You should feel it. It's okay to feel it."

Naruto's smile grew brighter.

"But it's only okay here, okay? With your team. You can't take it out into the world. You're not training in the security of your team out there. You're fighting for your life. If you take it out there...it can blind you just like it did now. And you, and everyone you care about can die. It isn't easy. You're going to find things or deeds that fill you with fury. Fury that's going to burn so hot you don't think you can control it. But you must. Or else other people's lives...they're on you."

Naruto looked up at the sky. Memories of his wife flashed through his head.

"I've crossed that line. I've lost control of my anger...and entire countries suffered for it."

Naruto looked back at Kagari.

"We can't fight to avenge the people we've lost."

Naruto sighed.

"I know you're angry about the jutsu I gave you, but I did that for a reason. Because I don't want you to be a killer. You're a shinobi. You'll have to kill. But you don't have to be a killer. My sensei used to say something about the cycle of hatred. And how if you kill someone, one of their loved ones just turns around and tries to kill you. That's what Hanabi did. That's what you're aiming to do. But what if you do kill her? Do you think that will be the end of it? What if Neji, her cousin, comes looking for you? Or Hiashi, her father? Shikaku Nara is leading the war effort against Ame. He's doing it because Nagato killed his son. Because his son tried to kidnap Nagato's."

Naruto shook his head, a sigh of dejection on his face.

"Everyone has their reasons to kill. But you can never allow yourself to fall victim to those reasons. You kill to protect. Not out of anger. Not out of vengeance. That emotion will leave, and what happens when it does? You'll be left with nothing. Trust me...I know."

Memories of Jiraiya and the death of the Tsuchikage flashed through his mind.

"I killed the Tsuchikage because he killed my godfather, Jiraiya. I had memorized his ninjutsu, practiced for days on end preparing for the fight. I knew I would feel relieved when I got my revenge. At least that's what I thought. But when I did kill him, you know what I felt? It wasn't joy. It wasn't satisfaction. It wasn't even relief that Jiraiya could rest in peace. I felt hollow. And then I felt rage. So I killed even more Iwa shinobi."

Naruto shook his head.

"I killed and killed and killed. And by the end of the battle that hollow feeling was still there. Because what did that accomplish? I didn't stop the war. And I didn't bring back Jiraiya-sensei. He was dead. And what did I get in return? A country that would love nothing more than to execute me publicly? A nickname?"

"You were an avenger."

"I took a grandfather away from a girl," Naruto countered. "Just like the Tsuchikage did to me. I ruined a family, just like what was done to me. And for what? Jiraiya's satisfaction? He wasn't there to see it. What would his approval even mean? He wasn't there to say."

Naruto frowned.

"I told you once before my goal is to protect those that I care about. All of them, even if it's unreasonable. That's why I fight. That's why I want you to fight. Not out of rage to kill Hanabi, because all that will do is get you and your team killed. Fight to protect them. Fight to protect Ame. Fight because you know how much it hurts to lose what we've lost. Fight because if we can stop that from happening to others-"

"Then we have to," Kagari interrupted, a burning passion in his eyes.

Naruto smiled.

"Then we have to."

The blonde placed a hand on Kagari's shoulder.

"I...I won't tell you not to kill Hanabi. I don't have that right. What she took from you...is irreplaceable. But I will tell you that you shouldn't kill her out of vengeance for your parents. They're dead Kagari. Killing her will not bring them back. And it will not bring you peace."

Kagari was silent, staring at the ground as if unsure of what to say. The blonde turned to leave, understanding the Chunin needed to be left alone with his thoughts only for Kagari to call out to him.

"Naruto-sensei...can we...go back to training for a bit? I...I want to see how that jutsu works?"

Naruto smiled.

"Yeah...of course we can."