The heavy air in the Hokage's office was palpable as the delegation from Suna entered, their expressions a mixture of annoyance and guarded suspicion. Minato stood at the head of the table, flanked by his trusted advisors: Danzo, Tsunade, Hiashi, and Shikaku. The atmosphere was tense, the stakes higher than ever.

"Thank you for coming," Minato said, his voice calm but firm. "We understand the urgency of this meeting."

Baki, the leader of the Suna delegation, crossed his arms, his expression cold. "Urgency? More like a necessity after your jinchuriki unleashed chaos in our village. Your son damaged our infrastructure, Minato. How do you intend to address this?"

Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "Naruto was being in foreign territory without our knowledge. Our ANBU were attempting to capture him and bring him back home."

"Self-defense or not, the fact remains that he threatened the lives of our citizens in the heart of our territory," Baki shot back, his voice rising. "This not only jeopardizes the safety of our village but strains the relationship between Konoha and Suna."

Danzo leaned forward, his voice low and menacing. "Perhaps this wouldn't have happened if Suna had not chosen to shelter him. Your leader, Gaara, has placed our entire alliance at risk."

Hiashi interjected, his tone measured. "This isn't the time for blame. We need to address the larger implications of Naruto's actions. The sight of the Nine-Tails attacking Suna could embolden our enemies."

Baki's gaze hardened. "And what of your responsibility in this? You sent ANBU into our territory without notifying us. That is an act of aggression."

Minato held up a hand, trying to diffuse the growing tension. "We acknowledge that was a mistake. However, we must now focus on controlling the narrative. We will publicly brand Naruto as a rogue shinobi to distance ourselves from this incident."

"And what of the truth?" Baki challenged, leaning closer. "You would risk our alliance for public perception?"

Shikaku sighed, rubbing his temples. "What choice do we have? If we reveal that we sent operatives to retrieve him, it would not only damage our credibility but also paint a target on our backs. Our enemies would see this as a weakness to exploit."

Tsunade nodded. "This is about survival, Baki. If our enemies think we cannot control our own shinobi, they will come for us, not just Konoha but Suna as well. We need to present a united front especially now that our enemies are making progress at our expense."

Baki hesitated, clearly torn. "So, you intend to sweep this under the rug? To tell your citizens that Naruto has gone rogue while we both know the truth?"

"Exactly," Danzo replied, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "We must protect our interests, even if it means playing the fool in front of our people."

"And how do you plan to find him?" Baki asked, skepticism lacing his words.

Minato's eyes darkened. "We will intensify our efforts to locate Naruto. We cannot allow him to become a weapon against us. He has already proven he will attack friendly shinobi."

"Which makes Gaara's decision to shelter him all the more concerning," Danzo added. "He should have known better than to harbor a rogue shinobi during wartime."

Baki bristled. "Gaara made his choices for the safety of his people. Your son came to us seeking refuge, not conflict. You're blaming us for a situation you created."

"Let's not forget who allowed Naruto to escape in the first place," Hiashi stated coolly. "Suna's failure to monitor its borders has repercussions."

"We can't afford to point fingers," Shikaku said, trying to mediate. "This meeting is about finding a solution. If we work together, we can contain the fallout from this incident."

Baki considered this, his expression softening slightly. "Fine. But we need guarantees that Konoha will not send any more operatives into our territory without our permission. We will not tolerate such disrespect again."

"Agreed," Minato replied, his voice steady. "From now on, all operations concerning Naruto will be conducted with your full knowledge."

With a sigh of resignation, Baki nodded. "We'll present a united front to our people, but make no mistake, we will be watching you closely, Hokage."

"Understood," Minato said, relief mingling with the tension in the room. "We'll keep you informed of our progress in locating Naruto."

As the meeting began to wrap up, Danzo's voice pierced the air once more. "And if he poses a threat to either village, I expect full cooperation in dealing with him. We cannot allow one rogue shinobi to endanger our lives."

Baki's gaze flickered between Danzo and Minato, weighing his options. "Agreed. But remember, we expect you to hold your own as well. This alliance must mean something, especially now."

With a curt nod, the Suna delegation prepared to leave, the tension still heavy in the air. As they exited, Shikaku turned to Minato, concern etched on his face. "Do you think we can contain this situation?"

Minato sighed, staring at the closed door. "I hope so, for all our sakes."

As the Hokage's office settled back into silence, the weight of their decisions loomed over them, a precarious balance teetering on the edge of chaos.

Mei Terumi, the Mizukage of Kiri, sat at the head of a long table inside the command tent, her expression a mixture of determination and excitement. Around her were several high-ranking officials and military generals from the Land of Water, each one focused on the maps and strategies spread out before them. A light flickered overhead, casting shadows that danced along the walls as Mei considered the news that had reached her.

"Gather round, everyone," Mei called, her voice firm yet optimistic. "We have received troubling news from Sunagakure regarding the Nine-Tails. Reports indicate that Naruto Uzumaki has attacked the capital."

Gasps and murmurs filled the tent, and the officials exchanged glances. "Are you certain, Mizukage?" one of the generals, Kurogane, asked. "That could mean the Nine-Tails is out of control, and with reports of Naruto absent from the front lines, we could have an opportunity here."

"Exactly," Mei replied, her eyes glimmering with resolve. "If Naruto is rogue, then we can take advantage of the chaos this incident has caused. The alliance between Konoha and Suna may be weakening, and now is the perfect time for us to escalate our offensive."

A young aide, clearly nervous, spoke up. "But Mizukage, we have to consider the risks. If Naruto is indeed rogue, he could lash out unpredictably. And if Konoha decides to regroup… it could be disastrous."

Mei waved her hand dismissively. "I understand your concerns, but we cannot allow this opportunity to slip through our fingers. The potential for us to strike is too great. We need to be decisive."

"Should we not wait for more information?" Kurogane interjected. "What if this turns into a more significant conflict with Konoha? We're still regrouping from our last offensive."

"Waiting has never been our strength," Mei retorted, leaning forward. "We've wasted too much time already. If the Nine-Tails is loose and Konoha's defenses are weakened, we must capitalize on it. We need to show them that we still hold the initiative."

As the murmurs continued, Mei's gaze turned steely. "In fact, I have made my decision. I will lead the next wave of our assault personally. We can't afford to be passive any longer."

"Are you sure that's wise?" a general questioned, concern etched on his face. "You could be putting yourself in unnecessary danger."

"I am the Mizukage," Mei said firmly. "It is my duty to lead my people. We will deploy a full-scale attack on Sunagakure, and I will be at the front lines to ensure our success."

A general cleared his throat. "The Kazekage, Gaara of the sand, has been a major obstacle to our progress. At the end of the day, he is still a jinchuriki, and he wields immense power. He will definitely respond to any reports of you on the frontline, Lady Mei."

A smile crossed Mei's lips as she leaned forward, her elbows on the table. "I'm counting on it," she revealed. "I want him to try to take me on. His desire to avenge his father will lead to his own downfall. I already have measures in place to ensure Gaara meets his end."

The room fell silent for a moment as the officials absorbed her words. Finally, another general, Yoshikawa, spoke up. "If we are to push harder, then we should consider using our new jinchuriki as well. Yagura Karatachi was chosen for a reason."

"Exactly," Mei agreed, her excitement returning. "Yagura will be invaluable in our efforts to turn the tide. Him and Fuu, no matter how weak minded she is; will be enough to decisively tip the scales in our favour against Suna."

Kurogane's brow furrowed. "But Yagura hasn't mastered the Three-Tails yet. Deploying him could lead to unexpected consequences."

Mei shook her head, her determination unwavering. "We've been patient long enough. The time for caution has passed. Yagura will learn on the battlefield. He has the potential to turn the tide of this war in our favor. If he doesn't learn, we will make him fight as we need him. Fuu is still not as ruthless as we need her to be, we can't sit around and wait for her to suddenly become a good soldier."

As the discussions continued, the generals and officials began to lay out plans for the offensive, pointing at the maps and marking potential targets. "We should schedule the push for the end of the week," Yoshikawa suggested. "This will give us time to mobilize our forces and prepare for the next move."

"Agreed," Mei replied, her excitement palpable. "Let's set the date. I want our troops ready and our strategy in place. We cannot waste this chance."

As the meeting progressed, Mei felt a renewed sense of hope swell within her. This could be the turning point they desperately needed, a chance to reclaim their strength and take what she believed was theirs from Suna.

After finalizing the plans, Mei rose from her seat, her heart racing with anticipation. "Let's make our preparations, everyone. The day of reckoning is upon us."

As she stepped out of the command tent, the cool breeze of Fūka washed over her, invigorating her spirit. She looked out over the horizon, her mind filled with visions of victory.

As she walked through the camp, the soldiers and shinobi around her greeted her with determination in their eyes. Mei knew that this was a moment of significance—a chance to reclaim their power and strike back against their enemies. The Nine-Tails might be loose, but that only fueled her resolve. She would not let this opportunity slip away.

Naruto's eyelids fluttered open, a dull ache throbbing through his body as he took in his surroundings. The dim light filtering through the narrow opening of the cave illuminated the jagged rock walls, casting eerie shadows that danced around him. Confusion gripped him for a moment before he fully registered where he was.

He pushed himself into a sitting position, exhaustion weighing him down. "What the…? Where am I?" he murmured, rubbing the back of his neck. His throat felt parched, dry and scratchy, and an unsettling sense of hunger gnawed at his insides.

He struggled to remember the events that had led him here, but everything felt like a blur. All he could recall was a whirlwind of pain and a desperate, instinctual urge to give himself over to Kurama. But why? What had happened? "Kyuubi!" he shouted, panic creeping into his voice. "Are you there?"

The familiar, gruff voice of the Nine-Tails echoed in his mind. "I'm here, you fool. Finally awake, are you?"

"Kurama, what happened?" Naruto pressed, his heart racing. "How long have I been out? Where is everyone? Is Konoha okay?"

"It's been at least two days since you lost consciousness," Kurama replied, a hint of annoyance in his tone. "They used way too much gas on you. Honestly, I'm surprised you're still alive. You were completely out of it."

"Two days?" Panic surged through Naruto. "What did I miss? Did I… did I hurt anyone?" The thought twisted in his gut. He had to know if he had seriously hurt his comrades, Gaara's village.

"Calm down," Kurama snapped. "You're fine now, but when I took over, you caused quite a scene. I had to defend myself against those fools who thought they could take you back. They didn't end up very well. But you… You need to get your act together. You're in no condition to fight."

Naruto swallowed hard, the weight of Kurama's words settling heavily on him. He thought back to the chaotic feelings he had experienced, the rage and power that surged through him. "What happened after that?" he asked hesitantly. "Did I hurt anyone in Suna?"

"You were reckless," Kurama admitted. "But it wasn't your fault. You were defenseless, and I had to take over to protect you. As far as I know, the battle ended, and the threat was dealt with. You need to get out of this cave and find some food and water. You're dehydrated and starving."

Naruto felt a wave of frustration wash over him. "I can't just sit here! I need to find a way back, to see if everyone is okay!" He pushed himself to stand, swaying slightly as the world tilted around him. "What should I do?"

"You're weak right now," Kurama said, a note of concern lacing his words. "You need to find water first. Focus on that before you think about anything else."

Naruto nodded, determination hardening his resolve. "Right. Water first." He took a deep breath, the stale air of the cave filling his lungs. "Let's go."

He stumbled toward the cave entrance, feeling the damp coolness against his skin as he moved. Outside, the sunlight blinded him for a moment, but he quickly adapted, scanning the rocky terrain around him. The landscape was barren, stretching out endlessly, dotted with sparse vegetation and craggy outcrops.

"Great," he muttered, squinting against the brightness. "This isn't going to be easy." He could feel the emptiness in his stomach, and the dull ache of dehydration reminded him of his urgency.

"Think, Naruto," Kurama urged. "There must be a water source nearby. If we can find a river or stream, we'll be in better shape."

Naruto nodded, feeling the familiar sense of focus sharpening in his mind. He had to find water. That was his priority. He took a deep breath, allowing Kurama's chakra to mingle with his own, giving him a sense of strength. "Alright, let's do this."

He began to walk, searching for any signs of water. The heat beat down on him, but he pushed through the exhaustion, determination fueling each step. As he climbed over a rocky ridge, his ears picked up something trickling in the distance—a small creek winding its way through the valley below.

"Over there!" he shouted, excitement bubbling within him. He took off running, ignoring the fatigue that threatened to pull him down.

As he approached the water, he knelt beside the creek, cupping his hands to drink greedily from the cool stream. The refreshing liquid flowed down his throat, revitalizing him, and he couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh. "This is amazing," he murmured, filling his hands once more, letting the water splash against his face.

"You're still not out of the wilderness yet," Kurama reminded him. "You need to keep your guard up. Konoha might be looking for you, and who knows what else is out there?"

Naruto straightened, wiping the excess water from his face. "Right. I have to keep moving." He stood up, the cool water giving him a sense of renewed energy. "What do we do next?"

"Now that you're hydrated, we should find food," Kurama suggested. "You'll need your strength if you're planning to make your way back. You can't rely on me forever."

Naruto nodded, a fire igniting in his heart. "I'll find something. I can't give up." He glanced back toward the cave, the memories of losing control swirling in his mind, and he felt the weight of that responsibility pressing down on him. "I have to make this right."

He scanned the surroundings, looking for any signs of wildlife or edible plants. He recalled his training and the lessons from his time in the military. "Come on, there has to be something out here."

As he ventured deeper into the wild, Naruto felt a mixture of fear and determination coursing through him. He knew he had to push through the anxiety that gnawed at his insides, the uncertainty of what had happened while he was unconscious. "I'll make it back," he whispered to himself. "I'll find a way to fix this."

With renewed purpose, he set off, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The sun hung high in the sky, the heat radiating down, but Naruto was ready to confront his fate, driven by the hope that he could reclaim his life—and the trust of his friends.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting an ominous shadow over the battlefield as the forces of Kumo and Iwa launched their offensive against the Konoha stronghold: a series of fortifications in an occupied settlement.

Raikage Ay stood at the forefront, his towering figure clad in the armor of his country, a grim expression etched across his face. He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of responsibility bearing down on him. The absence of both his village's jinchuriki had left Kumo vulnerable, but today, they would reclaim their honor.

"Advance!" Ay's voice roared, reverberating through the ranks of his shinobi. With a determined thrust of his arm, he led the charge, his chakra surging like a tempest. The Kumo forces surged forward, their morale bolstered by the recent victories against Konoha's stretched lines.

Behind him, the booming sound of artillery echoed, pummeling the Konoha defenses. The smoke rose into the air, mixing with the cries of battle as the Kumo shinobi pushed toward the stronghold.

Ay could see the defenders scrambling, their resolve waning as they attempted to regroup under the relentless assault.

As they neared the fortress, Ay's eyes narrowed, scanning the walls for any signs of weakness. "Focus your attacks on the western flank! We'll breach their defenses!" He shouted, directing his men. A wave of energy coursed through him, fueling his determination to strike hard and fast.

The Kumo forces responded, unleashing a barrage of jutsu. Lightning crackled in the air, illuminating the battlefield as they charged forth.

Ay darted forward, a blur of speed and power, his fists crackling with chakra as he punched through a line of Konoha defenders, sending them flying like ragdolls.

"Push! Don't let up!" he roared, feeling the thrill of battle surge through him. He felt invincible, a force of nature, as he tore through enemy ranks, his men rallying behind him.

Yet, just as victory seemed within reach, a chilling realization settled in. The Konoha defenders, once faltering, were beginning to hold their ground. Ay narrowed his eyes, frustration boiling within him. "What's happening?" he demanded, glancing at one of his advisors.

"They're regrouping, Raikage! But they're not fighting back like before," the advisor responded, his voice laced with confusion.

Suddenly, a message reached Ay through the chaos—a runner sprinting toward him, breathless and wide-eyed. "Raikage! Konoha's forces are retreating! The Yellow Flash has joined the battle!"

The news hit Ay like a thunderclap. Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, had arrived. He was not just a powerful shinobi; he was a legend, a hero whose speed could turn the tide of battle in an instant. The sight of the Yellow Flash could bolster Konoha's defenses and turn the momentum against them.

"Damn it!" Ay cursed, clenching his fists. He couldn't let this opportunity slip away. If he could strike Minato down, it would deliver a crippling blow to Konoha, and perhaps shift the entire war in Kumo's favor.

"Form up! We're pushing forward!" Ay ordered, ignoring the protests of his advisors. His eyes burned with determination as he stormed ahead, charging toward the sound of battle. He could feel the energy crackling in the air, a storm brewing within him.

The battlefield raged on, jutsu flying in all directions. Ay barreled through the chaos, his massive form cutting a path toward the center of the conflict.

The screams of battle filled his ears, the scent of blood and smoke overwhelming him as he fought through Konoha's defenders, pushing them back in his relentless pursuit.

"Minato! Face me!" Ay bellowed, the sound echoing across the battlefield as he broke through the last line of defense. He could see flashes of yellow in the distance, the unmistakable figure of the Yellow Flash moving with blinding speed.

In that moment, Ay felt a rush of adrenaline, knowing that his opportunity to take down Konoha's leader was near. The eyes of his men were on him, their resolve ignited by his unyielding spirit.

"Keep pushing! Don't let anyone stop you!" he shouted, spurring his men forward. They surged behind him, ready to claim victory.

As Ay pushed ahead, he felt the atmosphere shift. The winds began to swirl, darkening the skies as thunder rumbled ominously above.

The ground shook beneath him, and for a fleeting moment, he felt a sense of foreboding wash over him. But he shook it off, focusing solely on the task at hand.

He was close now—he could see the flickering forms of Konoha shinobi falling before him, their defenses crumbling. Ay's heart raced with anticipation. Victory was within his grasp.

But just as he was about to break through the final line, a blinding flash of light erupted in front of him. The air was filled with the unmistakable sound of a hiraishin, and Ay felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

"Now!" he shouted, launching himself forward, determined to meet Minato in battle. But before he could reach him, the Hokage appeared, standing defiantly in his path.

"Raikage," Minato said, his voice steady, the calm amidst the storm. "You shouldn't have come here."

With a roar that shook the battlefield, Ay charged forward, ready to unleash his fury upon the Fourth Hokage, determined to turn the tide of war once and for all. As the two powerful leaders faced each other, the battlefield crackled with tension, each side holding its breath, waiting for the storm to break.

Naruto stumbled through the dry, barren wilderness of the Land of Wind, his legs heavy and his vision blurry from exhaustion. He had been walking for hours, the relentless sun above searing his skin. His stomach growled in protest, empty and aching. Every step felt like a battle to keep moving forward.

In his head, he heard Gaara's voice echo, "Keep heading to the coast. You'll find help there."

Naruto wiped the sweat from his brow, glancing up at the endless horizon. The coast. It felt impossibly far away, especially in his current state. He tried to keep faith in Gaara's words, but doubt was gnawing at him. What is Gaara thinking? he wondered. Kiri's navy has blockaded the entire coastline… there's no way I'm getting through without being spotted.

As he trudged forward, the sand crunching underfoot, his heart sank at the thought of a Kiri patrol boat spotting him before he could even reach safety. His eyes scanned the area nervously, but nothing moved except the wind stirring the sand.

Finally, in the distance, the glimmer of water came into view, though he couldn't make out the shore. He sighed with relief but didn't make it all the way. His legs were too heavy, his head too light. Instead, he spotted a large boulder offering shade and immediately headed toward it.

"Just for a second," he muttered to himself, collapsing behind the rock and sinking to the ground. The shade was cool, and he closed his eyes, trying to steady his breathing.

"Hold on, Naruto," Kurama's voice rumbled from within him, gentle yet firm. "Help is on the way."

Naruto nodded weakly, his body trembling with exhaustion. He could feel the edges of his consciousness fading, and before he knew it, he passed out.

"Yo, kid, you gonna sleep all day or what?"

Naruto blinked his eyes open slowly, the world a blur around him. He rubbed his eyes, trying to focus, and froze in disbelief at the sight of the figure standing beside him.

"Killer Bee?!" Naruto gasped, blinking rapidly to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.

"Yeah, that's me, you look like you've been through a stormy sea," Bee said, his signature grin in place. "Man, you look terrible, for real!"

Naruto stared in stunned silence for a moment, his brain struggling to catch up. "W-What… what are you doing here?"

Bee chuckled, squatting down next to him. "Relax, kid. I'm here to help you out. Gaara sent us a message, and here I am."

Naruto couldn't believe it. "You're… really here to help me?"

"Of course, bro. Now come on, let's get you on your feet." Bee reached down, pulling Naruto up, allowing him to lean on his shoulder for support. "You're lucky Gaara reached out, otherwise you'd still be bakin' in the sun."

As Naruto wobbled on his feet, Bee closed his eyes for a second, reaching into their mental link. 'Yugito, it's time...'

Naruto's vision blurred again, but this time it wasn't from exhaustion. Suddenly, everything shifted, and he found himself standing inside a cozy living room. The walls were adorned with simple decorations, and the smell of food lingered in the air.

"What the—?" Naruto looked around in confusion. His eyes fell to the ground, spotting an intricate seal drawn in the middle of the floor—a reverse summoning jutsu.

"That's one way to travel," Naruto muttered to himself, still disoriented. He looked up to see Yugito standing nearby, her hand resting on the center of the seal.

"Welcome," Yugito said calmly, her expression soft. Bee led Naruto over to a sofa, helping him sit down.

"Yugito, grab the guy a glass of water, will ya?" Bee asked as he propped Naruto up. Yugito nodded and disappeared into the next room.

Naruto leaned back, still trying to wrap his head around what had just happened. "Where… where am I?"

"You're in sunny Costa Verdaña," Bee replied with a smirk. "¡El hogar del sol y la felicidad!"

Naruto blinked. "What?"

Bee laughed. "It's the local language, kid. I'm still getting used to it myself."

Before Naruto could ask more, Yugito returned with a jug of water and handed it to him. Naruto guzzled it down, not even pausing to breathe. When the jug was empty, he held it out. "More?"

Bee snorted, watching Naruto drink like a parched desert wanderer. "Man, you really are a wreck. You owe Gaara one for getting us to pull you out of the fire."

Naruto wiped his mouth, nodding. "Yeah… thanks. Both of you."

Yugito gave a slight smile. "Are you hungry?" she asked, her voice gentle but direct.

"Starving," Naruto admitted with a weak grin, his stomach rumbling to prove his point.

Yugito left again, and Naruto watched her go, still feeling out of place. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, trying to understand what was happening. He was in a foreign country, with two rogue shinobi… and yet, he felt safer than he had in years.

Bee tapped his shoulder, bringing him back to the present. "Hey, don't get too deep in your thoughts. You're safe here."

Naruto glanced at him. "You think Kiri detected us? Will they come find me here?"

"Nah, not in Costa Verdaña. They're too busy blockading the main routes. We're out of their reach for now," Bee said confidently.

A short while later, Yugito returned, this time wearing an apron and carrying a tray of food. The sight of her in such a domestic setting threw Naruto off, but the smell of the food wiped away his confusion.

"Here," she said, setting the tray in front of him. "Eat."

Naruto didn't need to be told twice. He dove into the food, barely tasting it as he shoveled it into his mouth. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until now.

"You're worse than a starving cat," Bee teased, crossing his arms. "Slow down before you choke."

Yugito stood to the side, watching Naruto eat with an amused expression. "Do you need anything else?" she asked.

Naruto shook his head between bites. "No, no, this is… perfect," he mumbled through a mouthful of food.

When he finished, he leaned back, patting his stomach. He finally felt somewhat human again. "Thanks, Yugito. That was amazing."

"Glad you liked it," she replied, taking the tray from him.

Naruto was about to start asking questions, but Bee cut him off with a raised hand. "Look, you've had a long day. Before we get into all the details, you need to rest. And, uh, you definitely need a shower, man. You reek."

Naruto chuckled weakly, his eyelids already drooping. "Yeah… maybe I do…"

Bee grinned. "We'll show you your room in a bit, but first—"

Before Bee could finish, Naruto's head lolled to the side, and he was fast asleep, his body finally giving in to the exhaustion.

Yugito returned with a pillow and blanket, and she handed them to Bee. Together, they tucked Naruto in on the sofa, the two rogue shinobi looking down at the exhausted boy.

"He's tougher than he looks," Yugito murmured.

Bee nodded. "Yeah. But he's still got a long road ahead of him."

They stood there for a moment longer before leaving Naruto to his well-deserved rest.

The air crackled with tension as Raikage Ay and Minato Namikaze faced each other on the battlefield, the remnants of Konoha's forces struggling to hold their ground against the relentless onslaught of Kumo's army.

The sun dipped lower, casting an eerie glow over the chaos as both shinobi assessed one another, the weight of their legacies hanging heavy in the air.

Ay's eyes burned with intensity, muscles coiling as he prepared to unleash his might. "You think you can dodge me forever, Hokage?" he growled, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers through the ground. "I won't let you escape this time!"

Minato's gaze remained calm, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "I don't plan on sticking around to find out." With that, he vanished in a flash, leaving only the echo of his laughter behind.

Ay growled in frustration, turning to the direction Minato had been. "Damn it!" He clenched his fists, feeling the frustration boiling within him. "I won't let you get away!"

The Raikage charged forward, his massive frame barreling through the chaos, eyes locked on the area where Minato had been.

He felt the pulse of battle around him, the screams of his fellow shinobi pushing him onward. He wouldn't let this chance slip away.

As Ay barreled forward, he felt the ground tremble beneath his feet, the distant rumble of artillery fire fading into a low roar in his ears.

"Come out, Minato! Face me!" He roared, launching himself into the fray, determined to find the elusive Hokage.

Minato, however, was a master of evasion. He appeared high above, standing on the edge of a crumbling tower, watching Ay's brute force approach.

"You're persistent, I'll give you that," he said, his voice light and teasing. "But you should know, brute strength alone won't defeat me."

With a flick of his wrist, Minato unleashed a hail of kunai, the metal glinting in the fading sunlight as they flew toward Ay.

But the Raikage was ready.

He spun, swinging an arm that deflected the projectiles away. The kunai clattered harmlessly against the ground, and Ay took the opportunity to charge forward, lightning crackling around him.

"Too slow!" Ay bellowed as he lunged, aiming a powerful punch at Minato. But the Hokage vanished again, appearing just behind him with a grin.

"You'll have to do better than that!" Minato quipped, his tone playful, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness.

He darted away, his movements fluid and precise as he evaded Ay's grasp, dodging effortlessly as the Raikage struggled to keep up.

Frustration mounted in Ay as he continued to chase Minato around the battlefield. "Stand still and fight me!" he roared, a mixture of rage and determination etched across his features.

But Minato was a blur of yellow, appearing and disappearing with each passing second, a master of strategy and speed.

"You're moving in predictable patterns, Ay," he called out, his voice echoing in the chaos. "Try something different!"

Ay snarled, his temper flaring as he launched into a barrage of attacks. He focused his chakra, channeling his immense power as he struck at the air where Minato had just been.

But every punch fell short, every strike met with empty space.

"I won't let you get away!" Ay bellowed, his frustration boiling over as he launched himself once more, charging forward with all his might.

The ground shook beneath him as he closed the distance, intent on finally catching Minato off guard.

In that moment, time seemed to slow. Minato's keen instincts kicked in, and he seized the opportunity to unleash his kunai, tossing several into the air as he was charged at by Ay.

"This time, I'll catch you!" the Raikage shouted, his eyes locked onto the flickering figure of the Hokage.

Minato's heart raced, adrenaline surging as he assessed the incoming attack. "This could be interesting," he thought, eyes narrowing as he calculated the trajectory of the kunai.

The world around him slowed, every movement exaggerated as he focused on the task ahead.

With a burst of speed, he appeared in an instant, grabbing one of the kunai mid-air, his hand glowing with a bright blue chakra orb as he prepared his signature technique.

[Rasengan]

Before Ay could react, Minato reappeared behind him, the Rasengan slamming into Ay's back with bone-shaking force.

The Raikage grunted in pain, feeling the impact radiate through his body as he staggered forward. But there was no time to recover; Minato vanished again, appearing before Ay's face as he delivered another Rasengan to his chest.

"Minato, you—" Ay began, but the words were cut off as he was slammed backward once more, the sheer power of the attack sending him reeling.

Before he could even touch the ground. Minato appeared again, this time at his side, delivering another Rasengan to his side.

"Stop moving!" Ay growled, rage flaring as he finally managed to catch a glimpse of Minato's movements. With a surge of chakra, he dodged the next attack, grabbing Minato's wrist before he could teleport away.

"Liger Bomb!" Ay roared, his muscles bulging as he prepared to slam Minato into the ground. But in a flash of yellow, Minato vanished again, the ground beneath them trembling as he reappeared several feet away.

"Nice try!" Minato called out, a smirk on his lips as he stood at a safe distance, watching Ay's frustration mount. "I call that one, 'Flying Raijin: Discombobulating Rasengan barrage!"

But then the Hokage paused, rubbing his hand on his chin with a distant look in his eyes. "Maybe I should work on the name..."

Ay's face contorted with anger, the frustration boiling over as he clenched his fists, glaring at Minato. "I'll make you pay for this, Yellow Flash!"

But as the battle raged on around them, Minato's keen eyes caught sight of the larger picture. Konoha's forces were faltering, his comrades falling one by one against the relentless tide of Kumo shinobi. The stronghold was crumbling, and the battle was slipping through their fingers.

"I can't let this continue," Minato thought, weighing his options as he faced the furious Raikage. The realization hit him—this battle was lost. "It's time to regroup and rethink our strategy."

With one last glance at the raging battle, Minato turned to Ay, determination filling his eyes. "You're strong, Raikage. But our little game ends here, for now."

Ay charged forward again, muscles tensed, ready to unleash everything he had. But just as he fist was mere inches away from his opponent, Minato disappeared, teleporting away to the rear of the battlefield.

"Damn it!" Ay roared, frustration boiling over as he skidded to a halt, eyes scanning the area for any sign of the Yellow Flash. "You coward! You missed your chance!"

But Minato was gone, the winds of battle swirling around him as he calculated his next move. The sun set over the battlefield, the war raging on, and the shadows of uncertainty loomed large.

The battle had just begun, but the tide had already begun to shift. As Ay stood alone, fists clenched in anger, the realization hit him—this war was far from over.

Naruto blinked awake, the dim light of the room filtering through the curtains. As he slowly sat up, confusion washed over him. The soft bedding beneath him felt foreign, and the unfamiliarity of his surroundings made him question how he had ended up here. Gradually, memories began to surface, revealing that he was now staying with Killer Bee and Yugito.

He swung his legs over the side of the bed, letting his feet touch the cool wooden floor. Taking a deep breath, he stood up, shaking off the remnants of sleep. The room was cozy, with simple furnishings and a warm atmosphere that put him at ease. Curious about his new surroundings, he stepped out of the room and walked through the corridor.

As he moved, memories flooded back to him—vivid recollections of his time in the wilderness, before being rescued by Bee. It warmed his heart to think that he had come so far, from being a prisoner to finding refuge among the same people.

Entering the living room, Naruto's gaze fell upon a figure seated on the sofa. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized Yugito, cradling a small bundle in her arms.

"Hey, Naruto! How are you feeling?" she asked, her voice bright and welcoming.

"I'm okay," he replied, stepping closer, his curiosity piqued by the baby in her arms. "Is that…? Can I touch him?"

Yugito smiled, though a hint of confusion flickered across her face. "Of course, but he's a bit squirmy."

Naruto carefully reached out, his fingers brushing against the baby's soft skin. As the baby grasped his hand, a surge of warmth filled Naruto's chest. "What's his name?" he asked, unable to contain his delight.

"His name is Hakari," Yugito replied, beaming with pride.

"Hey there, Hakari! I'm Naruto!" he said, his voice soft as he leaned closer, even though he knew the baby couldn't understand him.

Just then, Hakari let out a loud wail, startling Naruto. "Whoa! What did I do?" he exclaimed, his eyes wide.

Yugito chuckled, gently rocking Hakari. "I think you scared him, Naruto."

"Scared him? But it's me godammit!" Naruto joked, raising a brow in mock indignation. "C'mon, Hakari! Show some respect! I'm practically famous!"

Yugito laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she soothed her son. The sound of her laughter warmed Naruto's heart, and he found comfort in this moment of normalcy amidst the chaos of his life.

As he watched her, memories of their past flooded his mind. He recalled the day he found out she was pregnant, the tension between them as he had been moments away from hurting her. A mix of guilt and gratitude washed over him. He had been so close to ruining everything, yet here she was, welcoming him into her home.

"Thank you, Yugito," he said sincerely. "For taking me in."

"We didn't mind," she replied, her tone light yet genuine. "After all, we owe you one. So, technically, we're even now. No more favors for you!"

Naruto laughed, the weight on his heart lifting just a bit. "Where's Bee, by the way?"

"Check the backyard," Yugito suggested, pointing toward another door.

"Thanks! I'll go see him," Naruto said, grateful as he left the living room.

As he entered the backyard, he found Bee lounging on a bench, sipping from a drink. "Yo, Naruto! Come on over!" he called, waving him over with a wide grin.

"Hey, Bee!" Naruto greeted as he approached. "How's it going?"

"Just chillin'! How's your health? You feeling alright?" Bee asked, his expression shifting to one of concern.

"I'm okay," Naruto replied, though he sensed Bee's skepticism.

Bee studied him for a moment before speaking. "You sure? You look a little off."

Naruto sighed, the weight of the past year crashing down on him. "I… I guess I've had better days."

"Wanna talk about it?" Bee offered, his voice gentle.

"Yeah, I guess I should," Naruto admitted, feeling a lump form in his throat. "It's just… everything that's happened. I've been so disillusioned with the war and the future. I feel like I've lost my way."

Bee nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"I ended up leaving Konoha," Naruto confessed, shame creeping into his voice. "I felt horrible about it. I left everyone behind just to pursue my own goals. And then, in Suna… I attacked Konoha ANBU under the Nine-tails influence. I caused destruction in Gaara's city, even as he was offering me shelter. I guess I'm a rogue shinobi now, and everyone probably sees me as a monster."

Bee remained silent, letting Naruto's words hang in the air for a moment before he responded. "You did what you had to do, man. Sometimes you gotta look out for yourself."

"But it was Konoha," Naruto replied, his voice wavering. "They were my comrades, Bee. I—"

"Hey, hold up," Bee interrupted, his voice firm. "Does that mean you're a monster? Look at me and Yugito. Are we monsters? We're considered rogue shinobi too, but that doesn't define who we are."

Naruto frowned, lost in thought.

Bee reclined back in his chair. "So what if your government has branded you rogue? Who cares?! I mean, from what you've told me you weren't even happy fighting for them right? Why should their opinion of you affect the way you live your life?"

"Besides," Bee continued, his tone lightening, "the incident at Suna? That wasn't your fault. The Nine-Tails took control. You didn't want that to happen."

Naruto bit his lip, struggling with the conflicting emotions swirling within him. "But I still participated in the harsh treatment of civilians in occupied territories. I even carried out summary executions once."

Bee's expression softened. "I get that. But you gotta look forward, Naruto. You can't let your past define you. People will have justified grudges, sure, but you have to keep moving. You need to believe you're not that person anymore and make attempts to fix things."

"Yeah, I get it," Naruto replied, gratitude filling him. "Thanks for saying that, Bee. It really helps."

"I mean if your friends think you're a piece of shit, oh yeah that's bad but coming from Konoha's rulership? Useless information." Bee added, causing Naruto to slump further into his seat.

"I don't know man, I don't even know if they're still..." Naruto couldn't complete his sentence, sighing with guilt as he remembered his team. They were probably going through hell at that moment.

"Hey, I'm gonna be honest your friends have every right to be mad at you, but you still have the chance to make things right." Bee said, placing a hand on Naruto's shoulder.

"You chose this path for yourself, it's time you accepted reality and worked from there instead of moping around. Find a way to fix things man. You're the only one who can."

Naruto rubbed his hands together, going over Bee's words. "You're right... thanks again Bee."

"Anytime, bro," Bee said, flashing a grin. "You can borrow my drink, if you want. To help you calm your nerves."

"Really? I'll take that!" Naruto replied, a hint of excitement in his voice.

Bee was about to hand him the bottle but then he abruptly paused, staring at him suspiciously. "How old are you?"

"Uhh... I'll be 19 soon," Naruto replied awkwardly.

Getting the confirmation he wanted, Bee cheerfully handed him the entire bottle. "Just don't overdo it, alright? And remember, if you need anything, just talk to me."

Naruto nodded, feeling a newfound sense of resolve. He took a deep breath and gave Bee a grateful smile. "Thanks, Bee. I'll remember that."

As he stood there, holding the bottle, Naruto felt a small flicker of hope igniting within him. Despite the pain and confusion, he was not alone. He had friends who cared about him, and maybe—just maybe—there was a way forward.

As Naruto walked back down the corridor, the soft glow of the room he had woken up in faded behind him. Each step echoed in his mind, guiding him toward the door he had stepped out of earlier. The outline of it tugged at his heart, and he paused, curiosity mixed with an inexplicable longing.

He carefully pushed the door open and stepped inside, a wave of sadness crashing over him as he looked at his belongings on the drawer.

A bittersweet ache settled in his chest as his eyes settled on the necklace on the wooden drawer. The piece of jewelry was a symbol of quiet moments together—talks that stretched into the night, shared dreams and fears, laughter that danced in the air.

Naruto moved further inside, his heart heavy with longing as he sat down on the bed, the necklace Hinata gave him in his hand

Memories of Hinata flooded his mind: her gentle smile, the way her eyes sparkled with warmth and kindness, the strength she had shown even in her moments of doubt.

He remembered how she had always believed in him, unwavering and steadfast, a beacon of light in his darkest days.

A pang of sadness struck him as he thought of how he had left her behind, how he had chosen to run away from the very people who had supported him.

He closed his eyes, envisioning her face—soft, serene, and filled with concern. He wondered how she was holding up, how she felt about him now. The weight of his absence bore down on him, a suffocating reminder of his mistakes.

As he lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, he allowed himself to imagine her beside him, her hand in his, whispering words of encouragement. "I'll find a way back to you," he promised himself, a fierce determination igniting within him. "I'll make things right. No matter what it takes, I will return to you, Hinata."

The thought of her gave him strength, and he couldn't help but smile through his melancholy. She deserved so much more than he had given her. He ached to hold her again, to see that beautiful smile light up her face as he promised her everything would be okay.

"My love," he murmured into the quiet room, his heart heavy with love and regret. "I miss you so much...I will find my way back to you. I promise."

With that vow echoing in his heart, Naruto closed his eyes, letting the memories of her wash over him like a gentle tide, determined to turn the tide of his life and find his way back home to her.