Day 1, 4:20am.
Dawn lurked behind the horizon like a harbinger of doom, casting a silver light across the town of Fūka. What was once a tranquil place now stood at the edge of annihilation, the tension in the air thick and suffocating. Suna's defenders, along with their allies, braced for the storm that was about to break. Gaara stood at the rear, his gaze cutting through the misty horizon, unyielding and silent. The calm before the storm weighed heavily on everyone.
Then, the sky screamed.
Artillery fire shattered the fragile silence, streaking down like falling stars of death. Explosions erupted all around, shaking the earth beneath them. Gaara's sand surged upwards, forming a colossal shield that spanned across the town.
The shells crashed against it, detonating in blinding bursts of flame and debris, but the coastline was less fortunate. Waves of fire tore through the defenses, sending sand and bodies spiraling into the air. Fortifications crumbled, screams lost beneath the roar of the bombardment.
The ground trembled violently with each shell that hit. Soldiers huddled behind what little cover they could find, gripping their weapons as the barrage bore down. Gaara's sand trembled under the relentless onslaught, the pressure mounting. He could feel the enemy's determination to breach his defenses—an unstoppable force pressing down on them all.
In the distance, shapes began to materialize from the mist. Boats, slicing through the churning waters, emerged like phantoms. The warships of Kiri loomed behind them, cannons flashing as they pummeled the beaches. This artillery from the sea joined the symphony of destruction, layering chaos upon chaos.
The defenders at the coast retaliated with fury. Arrows cut through the sky, ninjutsu lit up the horizon in bursts of elemental energy. A few of the smaller vessels succumbed to the onslaught, disappearing beneath the waves, but then a shadow darkened the horizon.
From beneath the sea, the Eight Tails, Gyūki, surged forth, its massive form blotting out the moon. Its roar shook the very air, a deafening, primal bellow that froze the blood of those who heard it.
In an instant, its mouth opened, unleashing a barrage of Tailed Beast Bombs that tore through the shore with cataclysmic force. The coastline exploded in a storm of fire and earth, craters gouged deep into the sand where once stood defensive lines.
Panic rippled through the defenders. The ground shook not just from the artillery, but from the overwhelming presence of the Eight Tails. The artillery, the warships, the relentless waves of Kiri's water-style ninjas—all of it was too much. The once-solid defenses now crumbled like sandcastles under the tide. Casualties mounted with horrifying speed.
The sight of Gyūki towering above the battlefield marked a turning point. The defenders faltered, morale collapsing as they faced the living juggernaut of destruction. The order to retreat echoed over the battlefield, bitter and desperate. Holding the coastline was no longer an option. Survival was.
Amidst the chaos, a grim discovery was made: the supply depot for weapons had been sabotaged. It was clear that enemy ANBU units had infiltrated and carried out the sabotage, further crippling the defenders' ability to hold their ground. With no other option, the defenders retreated from the coast, regrouping at the town's port.
The retreat was chaotic, the defenders struggling to maintain order as they fell back under the relentless assault. The port, though damaged, provided a new line of defense. Gaara's sand continued to shield the retreating forces, buying them precious time.
As the defenders regrouped, the artillery barrage ceased. The invaders aimed to capture the port intact, knowing its strategic value.
This location would serve as a docking point for more troops. Killer Bee, accompanied by a brigade from Kirigakure's amphibious division, led the charge. They moved with precision and purpose, driving the defenders back with relentless force.
Unbeknownst to the defenders, Yugito Nii and a platoon of Kumo ANBU had been lying in wait behind their lines. As the defenders attempted to regroup, they were caught off guard by the sudden assault.
Faced with attacks from both the front and rear, led by two formidable jinchūriki, the defenders were overwhelmed. Their retreat from the port turned into a chaotic rout, soldiers scattering in disarray.
The defenders took up new positions within the town itself, determined to hold the southern districts. The artillery barrage resumed, shells raining down once more. Buildings crumbled under the onslaught, fires breaking out amidst the chaos. The defenders held on through the onslaught with grim determination, knowing the stakes were high.
Meanwhile, the enemy secured the port, fortifying their positions and preparing for the next phase of the invasion. More troops poured into the once peaceful town, now a battleground. The port was transformed into a hive of activity, soldiers disembarking from ships and setting up supply lines.
Moments later, Killer Bee stood at the port, his eyes searching for a familiar face. As soon as he spotted a head of blonde hair in the distance, his expression lightened. "Yugito, it's good to see you're okay." He grinned as Yugito walked up to him.
"You too," she smiled, equally happy to see he was fine. The pair paused, looking around at the growing military presence at the port.
"That's one objective seized, now comes the hard part." She sighed, referencing the heavily fortified town. To her side Killer Bee nodded in agreement. "We've got them on the run," he said, his voice a deep rumble. "Now let's just keep the pressure on."
Yugito Nii, her eyes gleaming with anticipation, nodded. "I'm still with the sabotage units. We're disrupting their lines, keeping them off balance."
Bee's grin was fierce. "Just be careful out there, my love. We're in this together."
Yugito's smile was equally fierce. "I can handle myself, Bee. You just focus on your own objectives. We'll link up when we can."
With their roles defined, the two jinchūriki prepared for the next stage of the battle. The defenders had retreated to the southern districts, but the fight was far from over. The town of Fūka, once tranquil, was now a crucible of conflict.
The first stage of the Battle of Fūka had concluded, leaving the defenders battered but unbroken, and the invaders firmly entrenched in their newly captured foothold. The true struggle for control of the town was only just beginning. As the sun peeked in the horizon, both sides prepared for the brutal fight that awaited them in the days to come.
The defenders steeled themselves, knowing that every inch of ground would be fiercely contested, and the invaders, confident in their initial success, readied themselves for the next assault. The fate of Fūka hung in the balance, the echoes of battle reverberating through the night.
1:47pm...
The captain of the flagship of the invading Kiri fleet, battleship KNS Bear, stood at the bridge, his eyes locked on the distant silhouette of Fūka. The town lay just beyond the horizon, shrouded in a veil of smoke and dust as the thunderous roar of his ship's main guns echoed across the sea. The boom resonated through the hull, a deep, rumbling sound that shook the bones, vibrating through the ship like the heartbeat of a beast.
From his vantage point, the town seemed distant, small, a huddled cluster of buildings nestled against the coast. But the destruction was clear, even from here. Plumes of smoke billowed into the sky where the shells had struck, marking each impact zone like scars on the landscape.
His gaze fell on Gaara's massive sand shield, shimmering in the afternoon light, an impenetrable barrier protecting the heart of the town from the relentless bombardment.
"Captain!" The sharp voice of the communications officer snapped him out of his thoughts. The young officer turned to him, his expression tense.
"More reports from the port—another counterattack from Suna. They're hitting our units hard."
The captain cursed under his breath. His fists clenched at his sides as he looked back toward the city. Gaara's shield held firm, absorbing the brunt of the artillery strikes from his fleet. The constant rain of fire did little more than dent the surface of that monstrous defense.
He knew it wouldn't last forever—no shield could withstand this kind of punishment indefinitely—but time was running short. The enemy was regrouping, and their foothold in Fūka was still too fragile.
Out to sea, the Dolphin, one of the cruisers in his fleet, fired again, its turrets rotating to target another section of the town. The heavy blast of the ship's guns echoed across the water, sending another salvo toward the shore. It worked independently, striking targets that were closer to the beach, where ground forces of Kiri struggled to maintain their hold on the port.
Closer to the shoreline, the large troop transports sat anchored, rowboats streaming back and forth, ferrying soldiers and supplies to the recently captured port.
The landing operation was slow, methodical, but any delay was dangerous. Suna's forces were growing more aggressive, and their defenses more resolute with every passing minute. Gaara's sand shield was the key to their survival—it had to fall.
The captain gritted his teeth, frustration building. "What the hell is the Mizukage waiting for?" he muttered to himself, pacing the bridge. "We need another battleship here. If we had one more, we could pound that shield into dust."
They had requested additional ships—a second battleship, at the very least. If they had just one more battleship, they could bring down Gaara's shield, instead of relying on the amphibious divisions and the jinchuriki of the Eight Tails. He had half a mind to take it up with the Mizukage herself.
"Communications, get the fleet to hold fire," the captain barked. "Have them focus on supporting our forces at the port."
The officer nodded and scrambled to relay the orders.
"Incoming transmission," the radio operator called out. "From the port. Our units are under heavy pressure—they're requesting artillery support. Immediate."
The captain cursed again, stepping closer to the communications station. "Coordinates?"
"Sending them now."
The gunnery officer's voice crackled over the radio as the coordinates came through. Without hesitation, the captain gave the order. "All ships, fire for effect on the coordinates. Concentrate everything we've got."
A low, mechanical hum filled the air as the Bear's turrets shifted, their barrels aligning with the new target. It's massive guns glimmered in the sunlight as the crew members adjusted to their new firing coordinates. The hum of machinery and the distant yells of sailors filled the air as the crew prepared for the next barrage.
The tension on the bridge was palpable as the crew worked swiftly to carry out their orders: their soldiers on the ground were depending on them. One misstep, and the port would fall.
The air was still for just a moment, the calm before the storm.
Then the afternoon sky was torn apart by the thunder of the battleship's guns. The massive naval guns recoiled with earth-shattering force, sending shells arcing high over the water.
In unison, the three cruisers fanned out along the coast followed suit, their turrets blazing as they unloaded shell after shell toward the shore, the rapid-fire crack of their smaller guns filling the gaps between the battleship's thunderous volleys.
The captain watched through his binoculars as Gaara's sand shield shimmered and rippled, absorbing the impacts.
But something was different now.
Near the southern tip of the town, cracks began to appear in the swirling barrier. A few more hits, and the shield fractured, a gaping hole ripped open by the relentless firepower of the fleet.
From the bridge, the captain watched the carnage unfold. In the distance, the now exposed southern residential district of Fūka bore the brunt of their concentrated fire.
The shells impacted with devastating accuracy, erupting in violent bursts of flame and smoke. Buildings crumbled under the bombardment, streets torn apart by the sheer force of the explosions. Each blast shook the earth, and the acrid smoke rose in great columns, blotting out the sky.
A moment later, more parts of the shield shattered, exposing the Suna forces below to the full fury of the fleet's firepower. The artillery rained down upon them, the shells finding their marks among the enemy soldiers. The once-impenetrable shield was gone, and now the full force of Kiri's fleet descended upon them.
The captain watched as plumes of smoke and dust swallowed the battlefield. Through the haze, he could see the enemy soldiers falling back, their retreat hastened by the deadly barrage. Their counterattack had been broken.
A transmission came through from the port. "Enemy retreating. We've repelled the attack."
The captain exhaled, a rare moment of relief. "Cease fire," he ordered, his voice calm but firm. "Save the ammunition for the coming days."
The roar of the guns slowly faded, replaced by the eerie stillness of the aftermath. Smoke drifted lazily over the water, mingling with the distant fires that still burned in Fūka.
The captain stood at the bridge, his hands resting on the railing as he looked out at the scene before him. The southern part of the town was a smoldering ruin, but Gaara and the bulk of the Suna forces still held the northern districts.
He scowled. They needed more ships. More firepower.
"Radio the main fleet again," he ordered. "Request another battleship. We're going to need everything we've got if we're going to push further. Once we push further north, we'll be out of range for the cruisers. If Suna has anything waiting in the northern districts, we're going to need a lot more firepower to take them down."
The communications officer hesitated for a moment but nodded.
As the captain stared out at the burning city, a sense of unease crept into his mind. The initial landings had succeeded, but this was only the beginning. Suna had been ready, and he had no illusions that they would fold easily. They had to break through the northern districts, and they would need every ounce of strength to do it.
For now, they waited—waiting for reinforcements, waiting for orders, waiting for the next wave of battle to crash over them. The captain knew that when the time came, they would be ready.
Fūka would fall. One way or another.
6:00pm
Kazekage Rasa sat at his desk, surrounded by the tension of the situation. The air in the room was thick with worry and unease. Minato stood to his right, his expression equally grim. Suna's elders were seated around the table, their faces lined with concern. The map of Fūka lay spread out before them, marked with the latest intelligence reports and troop movements.
Rasa's voice broke the heavy silence. "The town of Fūka still holds, but the situation is precarious. The port has fallen, and we've received reports of sabotage along the two roads that serve as our supply routes. It appears the enemy is attempting to encircle the town."
Minato nodded, his gaze fixed on the map. "From our intelligence, Kumo and Kiri have deployed roughly 45,000 combined troops, along with a platoon of ANBU operatives, and a flotilla of warships. The Eight-Tails and Two-Tails Jinchuriki are also reported to be part of their forces."
Rasa sighed heavily. "On our side, we have 20,000 troops, with no heavy hardware. We are backed by Naruto and Gaara, who are absolutely crucial to holding the town. So far, we've suffered around 4,000 killed and wounded in the opening day, most of them lost defending the coast. The enemy has taken losses too, but their hardware and Jinchuriki remain intact and unaffected. They still hold a significant edge."
One of the elders, an old man with a stern face, spoke up. "Their naval artillery has been a menace, delivering most of our casualties. And the eight tails...he's tearing through our ranks."
Minato turned to Rasa, his expression thoughtful. "We need to rethink our strategy. I propose we deploy Naruto and Gaara to defend the south of the village, away from the Eight-tails' axis of attack. They should focus on defeating enemy infantry. This might give us a fighting chance to hold the town."
Rasa nodded slowly, considering the suggestion. "But can we adequately defend the flanks from any attempts at encirclement, especially if they are backed by enemy Jinchuriki?"
Minato sighed. "It will be difficult. Our troops are spread thin, and the enemy's forces are overwhelming. But Naruto and Gaara are our best hope. They have the strength to turn the tide, at least for a while."
The atmosphere in the room grew even more dour. The elders exchanged worried glances, knowing the gravity of the situation. Rasa did not want to lose Fūka; it was a strategic position and a symbol of their resilience. Yet, the odds were stacked against them.
Minato broke the silence again. "I've pledged another brigade of soldiers to defend the town. They are on their way, but with the sabotage efforts and the time it will take for them to arrive, I fear it might not be enough."
Rasa looked at Minato, his eyes filled with a mixture of determination and desperation. "We need to hold Fūka. The town is crucial, not just strategically but also for morale. We cannot afford to lose it."
Minato nodded solemnly. "We will do everything in our power to defend it. Naruto and Gaara will stem the tide, at least long enough for reinforcements to arrive. We must have faith in their abilities."
Rasa closed his eyes for a moment, silently praying for his son and Naruto. He knew the burden they carried was immense, but he also knew they were their best chance. "We will proceed with the plan. Deploy Naruto and Gaara to the south. Strengthen our flanks as best as we can. And pray."
The elders murmured their agreement, though their faces showed their lingering doubts. The room fell silent once more, the significance of the battle obvious to everyone present.
As they dispersed to carry out their respective duties, Rasa remained seated, staring at the map. He could almost hear the distant echoes of artillery fire, feel the ground shake with each impact. The battle of Fūka was far from over, and the outcome was uncertain.
With a heavy heart, he rose from his chair, his mind filled with thoughts of his son and the brave shinobi defending their home. They were about to face one of the toughest battles of their lives, and all he could do was hope and pray for their success.
Day 3, 5:15am
Hinata crouched in the shadows, her Byakugan activated, surveying the captured port with unwavering focus. Around her, the ANBU detachment moved with practiced silence, blending into their surroundings.
They had been observing for hours, watching as boat after boat docked, unloading waves of men and material. By her estimate, at least 30,000 enemy soldiers had disembarked, though she feared there were more hidden from view.
A tense quiet enveloped the team, broken only by the distant sounds of the ocean and the occasional murmur of the radio. Hinata's eyes darted from one ship to another, noting the steady stream of supplies and personnel. Despite the heavy activity, there had been no significant movements—until now.
Suddenly, her Byakugan caught sight of several squads of shinobi gathering, arranging themselves into organized groups. Her heart skipped a beat. They were poised to attack.
"Enemy shinobi forming up for an assault," Hinata whispered into her radio. One of her squadmates quickly relayed the information to command through the larger transmitter they carried. The response was immediate, urging them to maintain their position and continue observing.
Hinata nodded to herself, her gaze never leaving the enemy. The tension in the air was palpable, each second stretching into an eternity. The enemy was preparing for something big, and she could feel it.
Then, from the rear of the enemy lines, a blinding flash of light illuminated the horizon. Hinata's eyes widened as she recognized the source—Killer Bee, in his Eight-Tails form, launching a Tailed Beast Bomb.
The massive sphere of destructive energy hurtled toward Gaara's sand shield, which had been protecting the town of Fūka.
The impact was cataclysmic. The sand shield, already weakened from hours of relentless bombardment, shattered under the force of the explosion.
Hinata watched in horror as the protective barrier crumbled, leaving the entire town vulnerable. Almost immediately, the horizon on the sea lit up with a series of blinding flashes.
Hinata's voice was tight with urgency as she spoke into the radio. "Gaara's sand shield is down. Enemy vessels have resumed fire."
The first shells landed seconds later, smashing into the heart of Fūka with deafening explosions. Buildings crumbled, flames erupted, and the air was filled with the acrid smell of smoke and destruction.
The warships intensified their barrage, their guns firing in unison, targeting the centre of the town to cut off any reinforcements.
"Dig in deep," Hinata ordered her team. They moved quickly, finding cover and remaining undetected.
The ANBU watched from their concealed positions as the enemy unleashed a hail of destruction on the town. Each explosion sent tremors through the ground, a stark reminder of the power they faced.
Hinata's heart pounded in her chest as she relayed the enemy movements to command. Her voice was steady, but inside, she was praying. Praying that the defenders of Fūka would hold firm, that they could withstand this onslaught.
The enemy soldiers began to move into the village in disciplined squads, advancing under the cover of their naval artillery.
Hinata's Byakugan tracked their progress, noting the precision and coordination of the attack. It was clear they intended to seize the town swiftly and decisively.
"We need to stay hidden and continue gathering intelligence," Hinata said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her team nodded in understanding, their faces grim. The situation was dire, but they had a job to do.
As the shells continued to rain down and the enemy forces pushed forward, Hinata's thoughts drifted to Naruto and the others. She hoped they were safe, that they were preparing for what was to come. The town of Fūka was under siege, and the battle was just beginning.
In the midst of the chaos, Hinata kept her focus, her determination unwavering. She would do everything in her power to ensure that the defenders had the information they needed to fight back.
And so, with her team by her side, Hinata watched and waited, the flashes of light from the sea and the explosions around her painting a grim picture of the battle to come. The tension was unbearable, but she knew they had to hold their ground. For the sake of the town, for the sake of their comrades, they had to endure.
Day 3, 5:15am.
The basement of the house was dimly lit, the only illumination coming from a single flickering lantern. The walls, thick and fortified, muffled the distant sounds of explosions outside.
Occasionally, a shudder would pass through the structure as another shell impacted against Gaara's sand shield above, a constant reminder of the onslaught they were being spared from—for now.
Naruto sat cross-legged on the cold floor, his back against the rough stone wall. His mind was a storm of thoughts, but outwardly he maintained a calm demeanor. Shisui and Sasuke were nearby, both equally tense.
Cowering in a corner were the original inhabitants of the house, a mother and her two daughters. The air was thick with anticipation, the weight of the impending battle pressing down on them.
"Gaara's doing his best out there," Naruto said, breaking the silence. His voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed his concern. "He's been holding up that sand shield for days. I just hope he can keep it up until we get the call."
Shisui nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Gaara's strong. If anyone can handle that kind of pressure, it's him. But you're right, Naruto. It can't be easy maintaining that level of defense for so long."
Sasuke leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. "We'll get our orders soon enough. They're holding us back for a reason. Command wants to make sure we're used where we can make the most difference."
Naruto clenched his fists, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. "I just hate sitting here, doing nothing while everyone else is out there fighting. I want to help."
Shisui placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder, his gaze steady. "I know it's hard, but we have to trust in the plan. When the time comes, we'll be ready. Right now, we need to stay focused and conserve our energy."
Naruto sighed, leaning his head back against the wall. "I get it, Captain. It's just...I can't shake this feeling. Something big is coming, and we need to be ready for it."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly. "We've been through a lot, Naruto. We've faced worse odds than this and come out on top. Whatever happens, we'll handle it. Together."
Naruto managed a small smile at that. "Yeah, you're right. We've been through hell and back. We can do this."
The silence that followed was heavy, each of them lost in their thoughts. The distant sounds of shelling continued, a relentless reminder of the war outside. Naruto could almost feel the vibrations through the stone floor, the tremors of explosions and the reverberations of impacts.
A shell from the battleship landed on the sand shield directly above the house, and the vibrations caused the glass windows upstairs to shatter. Down in the basement, the younger of the two children let out a frightened shriek, and her mother held her tighter.
Naruto watched the frightened children, his heart filled with sadness. They were young, too young to be subjected to this hell. Their mother, though she tried her best to remain strong, showed signs of stress and worry.
Naruto wondered where their father was, but he didn't want to bother them, housing three foreign armed shinobi in their basement was already taking a toll on the family.
"Do you remember when we were kids?" Shisui said suddenly, his voice softer, a touch of nostalgia in his tone as he watched the family cuddling in the corner. "We used to talk about becoming the strongest soldiers, about protecting the village and our friends."
Sasuke's expression softened, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Those were simpler times. We had no idea what was coming, what we'd have to face."
Naruto nodded, his eyes distant. "Yeah. But we've grown stronger because of it. All those battles, all those struggles...they've made us who we are."
Naruto suddenly felt his hand get gripped by a small hand, as the girls mother called for her to no avail. Looking down, he saw the older of the two girls holding his hand, looking up to him for reassurance.
"Mr. Jinchuriki, will you protect us? Even if we're not from your village?"
"Namiko! Don't bother them!" The girl's mother called again, this time more assertive.
Naruto smiled at Namiko, patting her gently on her head. "I will, that's why I'm here y'know? No one will harm you as long as I'm here." The young girl smiled in relief as Naruto gently led her back to her mother.
As he watched the woman look up him, he felt the weight of his responsibility weigh heavier than ever.
"I promise." He whispered to the woman, hardening his heart. "I'll protect all of you."
The sky above them seemed to crackle above them with a formidable explosion, and they could hear what sounded like an avalanche descend upon the town. Naruto felt his heart skip several beats as realization dawned on him.
The sand shield was down.
The tension in the room spiked, each of them tensing, ready for action. The enemy was certainly about to move on the town proper.
Naruto let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Every time I hear something, I think it's our signal. I'm getting jumpy."
Sasuke smirked. "Just stay calm. We'll get our chance soon enough."
The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. The sound of the naval artillery barrage outside was a constant backdrop, a reminder of the destruction being wrought above.
Naruto's mind wandered to his friends, to the people he cared about. Hinata, Gaara, Sakura, and all the others fighting to defend their home. And after what seemed like an eternity, a voice crackled from Shisui's radio.
"Uchiha Shisui, your group is cleared to engage. Move in the direction of the Kazekage Monument, at the south east and defend the market district. Our men in that sector have come under intense pressure and they're requesting relief."
"It's time." Shisui said firmly, rising to his feet as he spoke. "You heard our orders, we need to move now."
"We're going to make it through this," Naruto said, his voice filled with determination. "We're going to win."
Shisui and Sasuke both nodded, their expressions resolute. "We will," Shisui said firmly.
As Naruto exited the basement, he took a moment to steal one last look at the family hiding underground. He had made them a promise, and he swore he was going to fulfill it. He was going to defend the town and it's people with everything he had.
Day 4, 6:35am.
The sounds of battle were deafening as Sakura led a pair of medics through the war-torn streets in southern Fūka. Smoke billowed from the buildings, mingling with the cries of the wounded and the clash of steel.
The town was a chaotic battleground, with the western and southern outskirts falling to the relentless assault of Kiri's forces. Suna's defenders were being pushed back, their morale faltering under the constant artillery barrages and the presence of the Eight tails and his detachment.
Sakura's heart pounded in her chest as she moved swiftly, her senses heightened by the urgency of their mission. They had received word of a group of friendly shinobi trapped in a building, badly injured and unable to make it to safety.
Her mission was clear: retrieve them and bring them to the rear, where they could receive the medical attention they desperately needed.
"We're close," Sakura said, glancing back at the two medics following her. They nodded, their faces set with determination despite the danger.
As they rounded a corner, they saw the building ahead, partially collapsed and surrounded by debris. The sounds of fighting were closer here, and the air was thick with tension. Sakura led the way inside, her eyes scanning for any signs of movement.
A building ahead of them was struck by a shell from one of the ships bombarding the town, and the ground shuddered with the impact.
Sakura's squad kept pushing, hurrying past the crumbling house and using the damaged structures of the once beautiful town as cover as the pushed through the chaos.
"Over here!" one of the medics called out, spotting the injured shinobi huddled in a corner of what appeared to be a large shop, it's roof blown off by the relentless shelling.
Sakura rushed to their side, quickly assessing their injuries. "Shrapnel..." she muttered under her breath. It was always shrapnel.
"We need to move them carefully," she instructed, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.
The medics worked efficiently, using stretchers to lift the wounded shinobi. Sakura provided cover, her senses on high alert for any signs of enemy activity. They had just started to make their way back when the sound of footsteps echoed through the battered building.
"Stay sharp," Sakura warned, her hand moving to the kunai strapped to her thigh.
A group of enemy ANBU suddenly appeared in the doorway, their masks glinting in the dim light. Leading them was a woman with fierce eyes and a determined expression.
"Two-tails!" Sakura gasped, recognizing the leader of the squad. "We need to get out of here, now!" one of the medics whispered urgently.
Sakura knew they were outmatched. The enemy ANBU were highly skilled, and with Yugito among them, the odds were not in their favor. She moved to the front, ready to protect her team at all costs. The medics tried to shield the injured shinobi, but it was clear they were in a dire situation.
"Medics." Yugito announced to her squad, studying the group they had intercepted. They had been silently slipping through Suna's rear, intercepting supply shipments and harassing incoming reinforcements. Eliminating the enemies' medical units was unorthodox for the average shinobi, but for units like the ANBU, it was business as usual.
With a gesture, Yugito ordered her squad to deal with the defenseless medic nin. Sakura gripped her kunai tighter as three ANBU operatives drew their weapons, carefully approaching them with malicious intent, her heart rate accelerating rapidly.
Suddenly, a surge of chakra filled the room, and a Naruto clone appeared between them and the enemy ANBU. "Stay back!" the clone shouted, his eyes blazing with determination.
The ANBU hesitated, their attention shifting to the new threat. Yugito's eyes narrowed as she studied the clone. "So, they sent you here too," she said, her voice cold and calculating.
The Naruto clone stood firm, his expression resolute. "We're not letting you harm them," he declared.
Yugito's lips curled into a smirk. "Enemy Jinchuriki huh..." she purred, observing the clone.
"Yugito-sama, we have our orders..." One of the Kumo ANBU whispered urgently, putting distance behind himself and Naruto.
Yugito's gaze remained focused on the clone, her hand slowly rising to point a finger at him.
"This isn't over..." she declared, signaling for the ANBU to retreat.
The enemy ANBU disappeared as quickly as they had appeared, leaving Sakura and her team in the eerie silence that followed. The Naruto clone turned to them, his expression softening. "Are you all okay?"
Sakura nodded, her relief palpable. "Thank you, Naruto. We owe you one."
The clone smiled, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes. "Get them to safety. I'll hold off any others that come this way."
Sakura and the medics quickly moved the injured shinobi, the adrenaline from the encounter propelling them forward. As they made their way to the rear, the sounds of battle once again filled the air, but this time, there was a renewed sense of determination among them.
The town of Fūka was still a battlefield, but as long as they fought together, there was hope. Sakura glanced back at the Naruto clone, silently thanking him for his timely intervention. The road ahead was still fraught with danger, but they would face it head-on, united in their resolve.
Day 4: 10:15pm
Moonlight sliced through the smoky haze of battle, casting flickering shadows over the war-torn streets of Fūka. The once-bustling town was now a broken ruin, its structures crumbling under the weight of the ongoing war. Gaara stood motionless in the center of the battlefield, his presence like a solitary pillar amidst the chaos.
The air vibrated with the clash of steel and the roar of jutsu, but Gaara's focus was unshaken. His siblings, Temari and Kankuro, fought tooth and nail in the distance, locked in their own brutal struggles against the unrelenting forces of Kumo and Kiri.
Around Gaara, his sand swirled like a living entity, a protective force that shifted and morphed with every strike against him. Three waves of enemy attacks had already been repelled, yet the storm showed no signs of letting up. The battlefield crackled with the electric tension of impending doom.
Then, through the smoke, a figure emerged—striding with an unmistakable swagger. Killer Bee, the Jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails, moved with casual confidence, flanked by Omoi and Karui.
Gaara felt the sheer force of Bee's chakra from across the battlefield—a tidal wave of raw power that made the air around him hum.
"Yo, long time no see, Gaara," Bee called out, his voice cutting through the cacophony of combat like a blade. "Too bad this reunion's under orders. I gotta take you down, that's the deal."
Gaara's expression remained as cold as ever. "That won't happen."
With a flick of his wrist, Gaara sent a tidal wave of sand rushing toward Bee. The ground trembled beneath it, a roaring avalanche of golden grains.
Bee grinned, his twin blades flashing in the dawn light as he charged head-on. Each strike sent shockwaves through the air, splitting the sand apart in violent bursts. But Gaara's control was swift, and the sand reformed, closing around Bee like a serpent tightening its coils.
Bee's movements blurred with speed, his blades whirling in a graceful dance of destruction. He cut through Gaara's sand with practiced ease, each motion fluid, each strike precise. Gaara narrowed his eyes, watching as Bee closed the distance between them in an instant.
Gaara's sand rose once more, forming an impenetrable wall that loomed over Bee. But Bee, unfazed, crackled with electricity, his blades sparking as they clashed against the shield.
The ground trembled beneath their feet, and Gaara could feel the pressure building. His sand quivered under Bee's relentless assault, but still, Gaara held firm.
"You're strong, Gaara," Bee admitted, a rare glint of respect in his eyes. "But I've got more tricks than that!"
With a fierce battle cry, Bee's form erupted in a swirling cloak of red chakra. The Eight-Tails' energy enveloped him, its raw power turning the air electric.
Gaara's breath hitched as Bee's speed and strength surged. His sand shield began to crack, struggling to keep pace with the sheer force of Bee's onslaught.
Gaara gritted his teeth, pouring more chakra into the shifting sands, but even his immense control was being pushed to its limits.
He raised a colossal hand of sand, launching it toward Bee in desperation. But Bee dodged with inhuman agility, his body glowing with crackling energy.
Gaara's eyes widened. He barely had time to react.
[Lariat]
Bee's arm, charged with lightning, collided with Gaara's hastily summoned sand shield. The impact sent a thunderous shockwave across the battlefield, shattering the shield and sending Gaara crashing backward through the debris.
He skidded to a stop, breathing heavily, his heart pounding in his chest. A second later, and that attack could have ended him.
Bee flashed a grin, his form still wreathed in the crimson cloak of the Eight-Tails. He stepped back, ready to press the advantage.
Suddenly, Gaara felt it—another powerful chakra surging toward him. Before he could react, Yugito Nii, the Jinchuriki of the Two-Tails, lunged at him from the shadows, her claws slicing through the air with terrifying speed.
Gaara's sand barely managed to intercept her attack, but the force of it knocked him off balance, his body staggering back under the pressure.
Yugito landed beside Bee, her eyes filled with regret, yet her stance unwavering. "Two against one now, Gaara," she said, her voice laced with sadness. "This isn't personal. You're just in our way."
"Sorry, man," Bee added, shrugging. "Sucks to be you."
"You can still withdraw," Yugito offered, a hint of hope in her voice. But Gaara's resolve was unshakable.
"I'll pass," Gaara replied coldly, his sand swirling furiously around him once more.
With a silent nod, Bee and Yugito launched themselves at Gaara in perfect synchronization. Their combined strength was overwhelming, their attacks coming from all directions.
Gaara's sand struggled to keep pace, each defense weaker than the last. His siblings were still locked in battle, too far to offer aid, and Gaara could feel himself being driven back, his energy draining rapidly.
Amid the chaos, Gaara heard a familiar voice echo in his mind, sharp and clear. "Move, Gaara!"
At the last second, he dodged Yugito's claws as a blur of orange streaked past him. Naruto's fist slammed into Yugito's midsection with bone-shattering force, sending her crashing through a nearby building.
Dust and debris filled the air as Naruto landed beside Gaara, his presence a surge of hope amidst the despair.
"Naruto," Gaara breathed, a rare smile tugging at his lips.
"Stay sharp," Naruto warned, his gaze locked on Yugito as she struggled to her feet, eyes burning with determination.
The air around them shifted as Bee's form began to change. The crimson chakra deepened, thickened, as the Eight-Tails cloak fully manifested. His body morphed, eight colossal chakra tails thrashing behind him, the ground beneath him cracking under the immense power.
The fight was far from over. As the two Jinchuriki prepared to face Gaara and Naruto, the battlefield crackled with raw energy.
The moonlight dimmed in the face of the coming storm, and the fate of Fūka now hung by the thinnest of threads. The battle was about to reach its critical, explosive climax.