The sun dipped lower over the desert horizon, casting long shadows on the battleground where the fate of Sunagakure hung in the balance. Gaara stood resolute, his emerald eyes locked onto the figures of Mei Terumi and Yagura. The tension in the air crackled with the anticipation of an imminent storm.
Mei advanced with a confident swagger, her red hair billowing in the desert wind. Yagura followed closely behind, tension radiating from him. The water droplets in the air began to coalesce, shimmering with a potent chakra as Mei surveyed the landscape, a sinister smile creeping across her lips.
"It's 2 on 1, Kazekage," Mei taunted, her voice smooth yet filled with an undercurrent of menace. "You could save yourself a lot of pain if you just accept your fate."
"Never," Gaara replied, his voice unwavering. He tightened his grip on the gourd strapped to his back, the sand within stirring to life at his command. "I will protect my village with everything I have."
Mei laughed lightly, dismissing his resolve. "How admirable. Yagura, let's show him the futility of his stubbornness."
"Understood, Lady Mei." Yagura replied, his voice low and solemn. The two shinobi positioned themselves, Mei at the forefront, while Yagura's presence loomed ominously behind her.
"Gaara," Temari's voice spoke from the Kazekage's earpiece. "We're in position to support you, just gi-"
"No." Gaara replied sternly. "Don't put yourselves in danger, you'll only get in the way."
"You better know what you're doing brother," Temari's voice came again, carrying a hint of concern as she observed the impending clash from a safe distance.
The desert shook as Gaara shaped his sand, forming massive shields and constructs ready to absorb the first wave of the impending assault. He narrowed his eyes, focusing on the two formidable opponents before him.
Without warning, Mei's fingers danced through hand signs. "Let's see how you handle this!"
[Water style: Piercing serpent]
From her outstretched palms, a coiled, writhing serpent of water spiraled forward at incredible speed, its maw wide and hissing as it dove toward Gaara with a predatory hunger.
Gaara's sand responded, instinctive, twisting into a massive wall that the serpent slammed into with thunderous force. The collision sent shockwaves ripping through the earth, the impact shaking the battlefield.
He gritted his teeth, sensing the energy radiating from Yagura as the jinchuriki prepared to join the fray.
"Get moving, Yagura," Mei snapped, her eyes glinting with ruthless intent. "We need to keep the pressure on him!"
Yagura nodded, a grim determination settling over his features. "Yes ma'am!"
In one fluid motion, Gaara's sand surged into action, forming dozens of jagged blades. Each one of the deadly projectiles sliced through the air like a missile, aimed for the Mizukage.
But Mei was faster.
[Water style: Great water wall]
Her hands whipped through the air, summoning a massive wall of water. The sand blades struck, but the water devoured them, dissipating into a rain of droplets.
"Too slow!" Mei called out, her laughter echoing.
"I'm not done Mei," Gaara shot back, his resolve hardening. His sand groaned as it pulled itself from the ground, a roaring wave that built and built, its presence swallowing the battlefield as it rose higher.
The sand, like a tidal force of nature, surged forward, ready to consume Mei and Yagura whole.
But Yagura stepped forward, his hands clasped together as he summoned his own jutsu.
[Water style: Great Waterfall Jutsu]
He unleashed a powerful stream of water that met Gaara's sand wave head-on. The clash sent a cloud of mist into the air, obscuring both combatants from view.
Gaara knew hesitation would mean death. Through the mist, his hands moved swiftly, commanding the very desert to rise.
[Sand Tsunami]
The sand swelled, roaring like a beast as it surged toward the two Kiri shinobi, ready to engulf them. But Mei's eyes narrowed as she unleashed her next attack. "Yagura, assist me!"
[Water style: Ocean Water Cannon]
With a nod, Yagura complied, releasing a torrential stream of water that spiraled upward and arced down upon Gaara.
The combined power of their attacks collided against Gaara's tsunami, the resulting explosion sending sand and water flying in every direction, creating a blinding cloud of dust and debris.
As the dust settled, Gaara stood firm, the sand around him forming an impenetrable barrier. He could feel the energy of the battlefield intensifying, but the two shinobi before him remained undeterred.
"Is that all you've got?" Mei jeered, stepping through the haze with a predatory gleam in her eyes. "We're just getting started."
Gaara gritted his teeth, feeling the urgency of the situation weighing down on him. He quickly formed hand signs again, the sand swirling up into enormous fists that rose above him, ready to strike. "You won't take my country!"
"Foolish!" Mei shouted, forming a swirling vortex of water that engulfed her and Yagura. "Yagura, bring forth the power of the three tails! It's time to show him true despair!"
Yagura grimaced, the rods embedded in his skin pulsing with power as he took a deep breath. "Yes, Lady Mei."
"Activate the transformation!" she commanded, her tone sharp and demanding.
With a painful cry, Yagura's body began to tremble, the energy within him surging uncontrollably. Gaara's eyes widened as he realized the implications of Mei's order.
The transformation was agonizing; he could see Yagura fighting against the pain, his body morphing as the three-tailed cloak began to materialize around him.
"Don't fight it!" Mei shouted, her voice dripping with anticipation. "Embrace the power and crush him!"
Gaara felt a chill run down his spine, the air thick with tension as he braced himself for the overwhelming power that was about to be unleashed. He knew he had to act quickly, but the magnitude of the threat before him was growing.
"Get ready, Gaara," he muttered under his breath, focusing on his resolve. This was the moment that would determine the fate of his village.
Hinata stepped through the gates of the Hyuuga compound, her senses flooded with familiarity. The scent of cherry blossoms and the soft rustle of leaves brought back memories of her childhood, grounding her in a place she hadn't seen in over a year. Her caretakers greeted her with warm smiles, helping her with her bag as they led her down the path toward the main house.
"Welcome back, Hinata-sama! We missed you!" one of them said, her voice laced with genuine affection.
"Thank you," Hinata replied softly, taking deep breaths to acclimate herself. The walls felt both comforting and stifling, a reminder of the weight she carried from her time in the field.
As she entered the main hall, she spotted Neji waiting for her. He looked at her with his usual stoic expression, but his eyes softened slightly.
"Hinata," he greeted, stepping forward. "It's good to see you. How have you been?"
"Neji! I've been... okay," Hinata said, forcing a smile. "Busy, mostly."
"Busy?" Neji raised an eyebrow. "More like relentlessly working, I imagine. You always did push yourself too hard."
Hinata looked down, tracing patterns on her uniform. "I was just doing my job."
Neji nodded, his expression serious. "I know. But remember to take care of yourself too. You've done more than enough."
"Thank you," Hinata murmured, feeling a warmth spread in her chest. "Is Father at home?"
"He's in his study. I'll let him know you're here." Neji gestured toward the hallway. "But I should warn you, he's been preoccupied with clan matters."
"Alright," she said, heading towards her father's study. Just as she was about to knock, a caretaker appeared beside her.
"Hinata-sama, Hiashi-sama isn't home right now. He left with Hanabi a while ago."
"Oh," Hinata replied, disappointment creeping in. "Do you know when they'll be back?"
"I'm afraid I don't. Would you like to wait for them?"
Hinata shook her head, feeling a wave of fatigue wash over her. "No, I think I'll just go freshen up and rest for a bit."
"Of course," the caretaker said, bowing slightly before leaving her to her thoughts.
As she stepped into her old room, memories washed over her. It felt both nostalgic and foreign. She quickly changed out of her uniform, savoring the warmth of a bath before slipping into comfortable clothes. After a quick nap, she was startled awake by a gentle knock on her door.
"Hinata-sama, it's time for dinner," a servant called.
"Thank you," Hinata replied, stretching as she made her way to the dining room. As she entered, her heart lifted at the sight of Hanabi at the table.
"Hinata!" Hanabi exclaimed, leaping from her chair and running to embrace her sister. "You're back!"
Hinata hugged her tightly, surprised by how much taller Hanabi had grown. "I missed you so much, Hanabi!"
"Me too! You won't believe how much I've been practicing my jutsu! And I've been studying really hard!" Hanabi's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Really? I'm proud of you!" Hinata said, ruffling Hanabi's hair as they returned to the table. Hiashi sat at the head, looking up from his meal.
"Welcome back, Hinata," he said, though his eyes remained focused on his plate. "It's good to see you."
"Thank you, Father. It's good to be home."
As they ate, Hanabi fired a barrage of questions at Hinata. "Did you fight a lot? Did you see any cool places? Did you meet anyone famous?"
"Slow down, Hanabi," Neji interrupted gently, his voice calm but firm. "We're at dinner. Let your sister eat."
Hanabi pouted for a moment before turning back to Hinata, her enthusiasm unwavering. "I'm sorry, but I just want to know everything!"
Hinata smiled softly. "I promise I'll tell you all about it after dinner. I even brought you something."
"Really?" Hanabi's eyes widened in excitement. "What is it?"
"Just wait until after we finish," Hinata said, savoring the moment as they shared a simple meal together. When they finally finished, she led Hanabi to her room, a parcel tucked under her arm.
"What is it?" Hanabi bounced on her toes, unable to contain her excitement.
"Open it and find out!" Hinata said, handing the package to her sister. Hanabi tore it open, revealing an elegant green hairpin.
"It's beautiful!" Hanabi exclaimed, but then her expression faltered. "But... I just wish it was pink."
Hinata's heart sank. "You don't like green anymore?"
Hanabi shook her head, a little frown forming on her lips. "I stopped liking it months ago. I like pink now."
The realization hit Hinata like a slap to the face. She had missed so much of her sister's growth while she was away, and it stung more than she expected.
"Oh... I see," Hinata said, trying to hide her disappointment. "I'm sorry, Hanabi. I didn't know."
Hanabi, oblivious to her sister's internal struggle, perked up again. "Can you tell me about your adventures now? Please!"
Hinata smiled inwardly at her sister's naive eagerness. "Okay, just a few stories. Nothing too scary, though."
As Hinata recounted her experiences, she carefully crafted her words, sanitizing the harsh realities of war. She spoke of distant lands, exotic sights, and friendly faces, all while pushing the darker memories to the back of her mind.
"Did you go to any cool places?" Hanabi pressed, her eyes wide with admiration.
Hinata chuckled softly. "A few. But they were mostly just… boring old villages. Not the best sights."
Hanabi pouted slightly. "That sounds boring. You should have taken pictures!"
"Maybe next time," Hinata said, trying to keep the mood light.
As the conversation continued, Hanabi's face lit up with curiosity. "What about your boyfriend? Did you see him?"
Hinata's heart sank. "Boyfriend? I don't have a boyfriend, Hanabi."
Hanabi frowned. "But you do! I remember! You brought him home! What was his name? Uhhh... Naruto!"
Hinata swallowed hard. "Um… he's… not around right now."
Hanabi tilted her head. "Where is he? I want to see him."
"Um, he's sick," Hinata said quickly, her mind racing. "Very sick. He needs to rest."
"Can I visit him?" Hanabi asked, her voice hopeful.
Hinata hesitated, guilt twisting in her stomach. "You can't. It's contagious, and he wouldn't want you to catch it."
Hanabi's smile faltered, but she nodded. "Okay. Just tell him I said hi, okay?"
"Of course," Hinata replied, forcing a smile. Inside, her heart ached at the deception. "I'll wish him well for you."
Hanabi's face brightened a little. "He'll get better! He just needs his medicine and lots of rest."
"Yes, exactly," Hinata agreed, touched by her sister's innocent optimism. "Maybe you could make him a card? That would cheer him up."
"Great idea!" Hanabi exclaimed, her spirits lifting.
As they discussed card designs, Hanabi suddenly pointed to a small scar on Hinata's cheek. "What's that from?"
Hinata felt for it, remembering the fight with Kurotsuchi. "Oh, it's nothing."
"I know you got it from fighting bad guys in the war!" Hanabi said excitedly. "That's so awesome!"
Hinata hesitated, the weight of her experiences heavy in the air. "I... I don't want you to think that's a good thing, Hanabi."
"Why not? I want to be like you! A badass hero that fights bad guys!" Hanabi declared, her eyes shining with admiration.
Hinata felt a pang of guilt and sorrow at her sister's words. Memories of violence and injustice flooded her mind—the cries of civilians, the devastation she witnessed. "No, you don't want to be like me," her voice came out firmer than she wanted. "You don't understand what that means. I... I don't wish it on you."
Hanabi's smile faltered, confusion etched on her face. "But..."
"Just trust me," Hinata said, forcing a calm tone. "I'm very tired. Let's talk more later, okay?"
"Okay..." Hanabi mumbled, clearly unsettled.
Just then, Hiashi appeared at the door. "Hanabi, give your sister some space. She needs to rest."
"But, Father—" Hanabi started, but Hiashi cut her off.
"Listen to your sister. You can talk later," he said firmly, and Hanabi relented, though she grumbled under her breath.
Hinata leaned down, kissing Hanabi's head. "Let me rest some more, then we can have some fun later okay?"
"Okay," Hanabi replied, her mood lifting again. "I'll be waiting!"
As Hinata stepped out of the room, Hiashi's gaze followed her with concern. "Are you okay, Hinata?" he asked, his voice low.
"I'm fine, Father," Hinata replied, trying to sound more convincing than she felt.
Hiashi studied her for a moment longer before nodding. "Very well. Just know that I'm here if you need to talk."
"Thank you," she said softly, heading to her own room, the weight of her emotions pressing heavily on her heart. As she closed the door behind her, the silence enveloped her, leaving her alone to her thoughts.
As the sun shone high over the endless sands of the battlefield, Gaara stood firm, his sand swirling around him like a sentient guardian. Opposite him, Mei Terumi flashed a confident grin.
"So far you haven't disappointed, Kazekage," Mei's voice was a teasing purr, as she undid the fasteners on her red cape, allowing it to drop to the sand.
Gaara stood there speechless, his eyes never leaving his opponents. The tension was electric, each shinobi ready to unleash their powers.
"Let's go!" Mei declared, lunging forward with speed that belied her relaxed demeanor.
[Water style: water dragon jutsu]
Gaara's eyes narrowed as he quickly molded his sand into a defensive barrier, the grains forming a solid wall just in time to absorb the impact of her incoming Water Dragon Jutsu.
The dragon burst forth, coiling around the barrier but not breaking through. Gaara's hands were a blur as he moved through gestures.
[Desert Storm]
Gaara countered, his gaze low and steady. He raised his hands, and the sand beneath him responded, rising up to form a massive whirlwind that swept towards Mei, who deftly evaded.
The wind howled, scattering sand everywhere, but Gaara was relentless, summoning more to his command.
[Water style: Great Waterfall Jutsu]
Mei countered, unleashing a large torrent of water that clashed with Gaara's sand, creating a violent steam explosion that filled the area with mist. Gaara pressed forward through the haze, using the sand to sense her movements.
The mist shifted, and he could see Mei charging at him, her hand wielding a water whip.
As Mei closed the distance, she attacked him with her whip, but Gaara countered with a swift sweep of sand that caught her off guard.
The sand coiled around her arms, binding her temporarily. Gaara seized the moment to created a sharp sand spear to impale the Mizukage.
Suddenly, a roar erupted from the distance—Yagura, the jinchuriki of the Three-Tails, had completed his transformation.
Gaara barely had time to react as Yagura unleashed a barrage of mini tailed beast bombs, each one crashing against his defenses with explosive force.
'This is bad...'
He summoned more sand, creating a thick barrier to absorb the hits while preparing a counterattack.
[Sand Coffin]
Gaara grunted, sending a mass of sand spiraling toward Yagura. The sand encircled the jinchuriki, trying to bind him. But Mei reacted in time, washing it away with a stream of water.
With a thunderous roar, Yagura released a powerful Tailed Beast Bomb, the resulting blast sending shockwaves through the battlefield, forcing Gaara to redirect his sand to shield himself. The explosion rocked the ground, sending him sprawling back.
"Again, Yagura!" he heard Mei call as she closed in, ready to strike while he was vulnerable. Gaara quickly regained his footing, his resolve hardening as he called forth a massive wave of sand to create a defensive structure.
[Sand Wall]
Gaara moved his hands, erecting a massive barrier just in time to block Mei's follow-up attack: a series of razor-sharp water blades that sliced through the air.
The wall shattered under the assault, but Gaara pressed on, summoning more sand from the ground.
The battle intensified, the two Kage exchanging jutsu in a deadly dance of elemental power. Mei and Yagura fought in tandem, overwhelming Gaara's defenses, but he countered with every ounce of strength he possessed, drawing on the very essence of the desert.
The wind roared as Gaara lifted a massive wave of sand to slam down toward Mei, but she countered with a sweeping arc of water that washed away his attack, splattering sand everywhere.
"Is this all you have, Gaara?" she taunted, confidence flowing through her voice.
"Don't underestimate me," Gaara retorted, his voice fierce as he shifted his strategy, creating a flying disc of sand underneath him.
As he rose in the air, he tried to attack the Mizukage and her jinchuriki with another wave of sand, but he realized in horror that the water attacks from the mist shinobi had dampened most of the sand around, weighing it down.
"This can't be good," Gaara muttered to himself, just as a bright beam of energy shot out in front of him. He looked below to see Yagura with his mouth open, directing his attack closer to Gaara.
The Kazekage deftly evaded on his sand disc, shooting a hail of sand bullets towards Mei and Yagura.
[Ice style: ice shield]
Mei successfully defended herself with an ice shield, while Yagura's hardened skin prevented him from taking damage.
"You're not getting away so easily!" Mei shouted, performing a set of hand seals. She created a lasso with water, successfully wrapping it around Gaara and dragging him to the ground.
Gaara landed hard, getting up in time to create a wall of sand to shield himself from Yagura's tailed beast bomb barrage.
To his side, he could see the Mizukage launch a jet of lava towards him, and he quickly shielded himself. Pressed from two directions, Gaara needed to react quickly.
"Yagura!" Mei shouted, her voice laced with frustration seeing Gaara's sand hold firm. "Can't you see it's not working? Try something else already!"
Gaara's eyes narrowed as he shifted his focus to Yagura, who was preparing another attack. "I need to find a way to separate them," he thought, formulating a plan.
The three tails jinchuriki suddenly unleashed a high-pressure jet of water from his mouth, the concentrated stream hurtling toward Gaara like a beam.
Gaara quickly darted to the side as his sand shield shattered under the pressure, quickly replying by sending several tendrils of sand towards Yagura.
But Yagura was quick to respond, unleashing his chakra arms to bind the swirling sand, transforming it into coral upon contact.
"I need to try something else," Gaara thought. He began to form more complex sand constructs, diversifying his attacks.
[Water Style: Water Serpent]
Mei hissed, unleashing another water serpent that coiled toward Gaara, trying to pin him down.
[Desert Sand Barricade]
Gaara countered, but the water serpent slithered around, quickly catching him off guard. The sand was becoming increasingly difficult to control as Mei's jutsu weighed it down.
"Gaara!" he mentally scolded himself, realizing he needed a breakthrough. "Think!"
As he continued to dodge the incoming attacks, Gaara concentrated on Yagura, who was now charging a Tailed Beast Bomb again.
[Sand shift]
With a gesture, Gaara moved the terrain underneath Yagura, stumbling him and sending his bomb into the sky in a brilliant explosion that shook the battlefield.
But Mei was quick, conjuring water to soak the sand, rendering it useless.
The air crackled with energy as the battle continued, with every jutsu released causing explosions and shockwaves that sent ripples across the desert.
[Sand barricade]
Gaara gritted his teeth, creating a large wall of sand that shielded him from Mei's fire attack. With quick hand gestures, he reshaped the large sand wall into a razor sharp net, spanning several metres in length.
"Evade this!"
With a defiant grunt, Gaara sent the large sand dismantle towards Mei at incredible speed. The Mizukage's eyes widened in shock, scrambling to perform hand seals fast enough to protect herself.
But she was too slow.
Helplessly, Mei watched as the sand net came closer and closer.
Suddenly, Yagura leaped in front of her, his back turned towards Gaara's impending attack. His hardened shell took the full force of the sand dismantle as he shielded Mei, and cracks appeared on his skin.
Yagura roared in pain as he dropped to the ground, his back bearing the injuries meant for his Mizukage
Mei, realizing what had happened, quickly regained herself. "Get up you fucking crybaby! We don't have time for this!" She shouted at Yagura on the ground, who was writhing in pain, fighting to control the three tails thrashing within him.
Impatiently, Mei reached for her radio. "The three tails is acting up! Calm it down this instant!"
The rods located on Yagura's back began to glow as chakra surged through them, causing the jinchuriki to scream in agony.
Gaara could feel his chance slipping, his heart racing as he continued to press forward. "If I can just bind them together," he thought, finally seeing an opening as Yagura fought to regain control of his tailed beast.
With a swift motion, he directed his sand toward Yagura, ensnaring him. The grains of sand wrapped tightly around Yagura's arms, but Mei countered swiftly.
"Yagura! Break free!" she shouted, fury lacing her voice as she retaliated with an immense wave of water.
[Water Style: Water Cannon]
Gaara grunted, raising a wall of sand as the torrent crashed down. The force of the water nearly overwhelmed his defenses, but he held firm, knowing he couldn't give in.
Gaara felt the ground tremble beneath him as he focused on Yagura, still encumbered by the sand. "I need to keep up the pressure," he resolved, launching another wave of sand while dodging Mei's next attack.
As the battlefield turned into a maelstrom of attacks, both sides were pushed to their limits. Each shinobi's resolve shone through their actions, but the chaos was palpable, the battlefield littered with the remnants of their jutsu.
Just when it seemed Gaara had an upper hand, Mei unleashed her hidden mist jutsu, filling the air with a dense mist that blocked his vision as Yagura broke free. "We won't let you win, Kazekage!" she declared, a fire ignited in her eyes.
Gaara reached inside to communicate with his tailed beast. "Shukaku, I could use some help."
The one-tail laughed mischievously within him.Let's turn this up a notch.
The beast's chakra surged within Gaara, casting a golden aura around him as Shukaku's curse marks began to form on his skin.
Creating two large arms of sand by his side, Gaara stared down his two opponents, determination etched on his face. "Then let's see who stands at the end of this!" Gaara shouted back, ready for the next round of chaos to ensue.
The sun beat down relentlessly over the battlefield, casting long shadows that danced across the shifting sands. A fierce wind whipped around, stirring up particles of dirt and sand that caught the light like scattered gems. Gaara stood his ground, unwavering amidst the chaos of war, focused on the scene before him.
As the battle unfolded, Yagura's anguished roar echoed across the desert, forcing Gaara to redirect his attention. The jinchuriki of the Three Tails, overwhelmed by the beast within, staggered back, clutching his head as if trying to suppress the chaos raging inside him.
Suddenly, with an explosive effort, Yagura shot forth a jet of water that pierced the ground, surprising both Gaara and Mei. The jet burrowed deep, forcing its way underground, where it rapidly expanded.
The earth trembled, and the terrain erupted violently as a massive crater formed, sending sand and debris into the air. Gaara's eyes widened in realization—Yagura's move was aimed at rendering the desert flooded, denying him his greatest asset.
Mei's eyes widened, realization dawning upon her. "He's flooding the battlefield!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of surprise and excitement. "Yagura, you've finally done something right!".
With quick reflexes honed by countless battles, Gaara summoned a disc of sand beneath his feet, lifting himself above the chaotic upheaval.
By the time Yagura completed his action, a large body of water stretched across the battlefield, glistening ominously in the sunlight. Gaara's heart sank as he recognized the implications of Yagura's transformation—Mei and Yagura now held the advantage of the terrain.
"Damn it!" he muttered under his breath. The water was now a powerful ally to Mei, who stood confidently on the surface, her expression a blend of surprise and newfound determination. "I can't let this go on," he thought grimly.
Yagura, still writhing with the burden of the Three Tails, sank beneath the water's surface, leaving Mei to face Gaara alone.
The Mizukage's expression morphed into one of predatory delight. "Now, the tides are in our favor," Mei said, her confidence renewed as she stood atop the water's surface, poised for attack.
Gaara gritted his teeth, refusing to show weakness. "I won't let you conquer my home," he replied, steel in his voice.
As if in response, Mei unleashed a torrent of water jutsu more powerful than anything he had faced before, the waves crashing around Gaara like furious beasts.
He maneuvered with agility, his senses sharp. Large coral arms surged from the depths, snapping toward him with predatory intent. It was evident that Yagura still fought from below the surface, and Gaara had to think quickly.
He sidestepped a water whip that lashed out, and then, with a grunt of exertion, he redirected a wave of sand to block a torrent of water that threatened to engulf him.
[Water style: Water dragon jutsu]
A massive water dragon roared to life at Mei's command, its jaws snapping as it lunged at Gaara.
"Not today!" Gaara shouted, focusing his chakra. A blade of sand emerged from his gourd, slicing through the water dragon's mouth, causing it to explode in a cascade of droplets that glistened like diamonds.
As the water showered him, Gaara landed on the wet ground, realizing that the sand beneath him had become sodden and unusable.
He dodged another tendril of coral that lunged at him, narrowly escaping its grasp. Mei was relentless, sending water projectiles his way, each one a testament to her mastery over her element.
But Gaara was fueled by Shukaku's chakra, evading her attacks with a mix of speed and precision.
With a determined push, he closed the distance, forcing Mei to take a step back. She countered by creating a towering wave, pushing him back momentarily.
But Gaara, using a sand disc to propel himself upward, soared above the crest of the wave, gunning straight for Mei.
"I need to get closer," he muttered.
Yagura erupted from the water to intercept him, but Gaara was quicker.
[Super mini tailed beast bomb]
He launched a mini tailed beast bomb, the swirling chakra projectile racing toward Yagura's torso.
The explosion echoed loudly as Gaara encased Yagura in a hard sphere of sand before the bomb detonated, the force contained yet powerful enough to knock Yagura out of the fight. His limp body sank into the water, the waves consuming him.
"Yagura!" Mei's voice rang out, panic breaking her confidence as she turned toward her fallen comrade.
Seizing the opportunity, Gaara pressed forward, intent on exploiting Mei's distraction. He unleashed a barrage of sand bullets, forcing her to defend herself.
But Mei's composure returned quickly, and she retaliated with a series of powerful water and fire jutsu, the steam rising around them creating a misty veil that distorted their vision.
Gaara deftly blocked and dodged, his sand moving with instinctual speed. As he closed the gap between them, he switched tactics, wrapping hardened sand around his fists.
"Oh, you want to play like that?" Mei spat, preparing to defend herself. Deep down she knew that as a jinchuriki, Gaara held the edge in close combat, but he hadn't left her with much choice.
With a fierce cry of determination, Gaara engaged her in hand-to-hand combat, the clash of sand and water echoing across the battlefield.
"Is this all you've got?" Mei taunted, attempting to slow him down with a piercing water serpent. But Gaara anticipated her movement, shifting his weight to the side just as Mei's jutsu streaked past him.
He responded with a swift kick, causing Mei to block his attack with her arm. The Mizukage acted quickly, weaving a one handed seal.
[Fire style: Phoenix flame jutsu]
Acting instinctively, Gaara's sand surged around him, forming a protective barrier that blocked the fire. He countered quickly, lashing out with a punch that connected with Mei's stomach, knocking the wind from her lungs.
Gasping, Mei stumbled back but quickly regained her footing. She twisted her body, launching a series of strikes with her water whip. Gaara evaded her attacks with practiced precision, his own movements fluid and calculated.
He stepped into her guard, using her momentum against her, and delivered a blow to her jaw, lifting her off her feet momentarily.
Mei barely managed to land on her feet, a sinister grin crossing her lips. Discreetly, she weaved a one-handed seal.
[Water prison]
Gaara suddenly found himself enclosed in a large sphere of water, unable to move. "Dammit!" He cursed, watching his opponent smirk at her successful attack.
"It ends here, Kazekage-sama," Mei declared, snapping her fingers.
[Ice chamber]
But Gaara reacted quickly, forming a tailed beast bomb. He detonated the dense ball of chakra before Mei could completely freeze him, shattering the ice sphere.
Mei snarled as she leapt backwards, putting distance between herself and the explosion. "For fuck's sake, why won't this guy just die?!"
With a fierce growl, Gaara pressed forward, Shukaku's chakra amping his strength and speed to inhuman levels. He dealt a flurry of punches and kicks, each landing with precise force.
Mei tried to parry and dodge, but Gaara's relentless assault was overwhelming. He struck her sides, ribs, and gut, forcing her to retreat further and further from his assault.
After a brutal exchange, he managed to connect an uppercut that sent her soaring into the air, her form silhouetted against the sun.
With a swift motion, Gaara summoned a massive hand of sand from his gourd, sending her flying back with a powerful blow.
He felt a surge of triumph as he watched Mei tumble on the surface, and prepared to finish her off, gathering chakra for a tailed beast bomb.
"This ends now, Mei," he declared, determination burning in his eyes as he readied the attack.
But long tendrils of coral stretched towards him, zipping across the waters surface as Gaara's sand automatically shielded him. The sand morphed into coral shortly after, it's chakra transformed.
Surprised, Gaara turned around to see an injured Yagura, now back in his normal body, wielding his staff and standing on the water surface.
"Mizukage-sama! I'm here!" He shouted, sending a water dragon smashing through the coral in front of Gaara.
Gaara reeled from the impact, crashing onto the water's surface. He created a sand shield to protect himself while he launched his tailed beast bomb at Yagura.
The jinchuriki retaliated with swing of his staff, targeting the incoming bomb.
[Coral binding jutsu]
Tendrils of coral before him rose to meet the tailed beast bomb, turning the explosion into a rapidly spreading reef of coral that slowed to a stop before crashing into the water.
Yagura followed up with a large stream of water he launched at Gaara, causing him to block with his sand. Suddenly, Gaara noticed Mei was back in the fight, sending a large lava ball towards him.
He didn't have much sand left, most of it had been dampened by the water. Gaara's mind scrambled for an answer as he braced for the impact.
Temari and Kankuro swooped in on their gliders, their eyes locked on the chaos unfolding below. The sight of their brother, Gaara, surrounded by Mei and Yagura, sent a jolt of fear through them.
"Temari, look!" Kankuro shouted, his voice strained with urgency. "We have to help him!"
Temari nodded, her eyes narrowed. "We need to distract Mei and Yagura long enough for Gaara to regroup. He can't fight them alone!"
As they descended, they saw allied Suna shinobi struggling against the overwhelming power of Mei and the three tails jinchuriki. The Suna forces were brave, but they were outmatched.
"Gaara!" Temari shouted as she landed beside him, her fan unfurling as she prepared for battle. "We're here! Let's take them together!"
Gaara, panting heavily, looked at his siblings, relief washing over him momentarily. "I can't hold them off much longer," he admitted, his voice filled with determination yet tinged with exhaustion. "We need to retreat to Sunagakure!"
Kankuro stepped forward, his puppet, Karasu, ready at his side. "Then we'll give you cover! Stay close to us, Gaara!"
"Cover the Kazekage's retreat!" Temari commanded the nearby Suna shinobi. "Hold off the enemy!"
As they fought, Temari launched powerful gusts of wind from her fan, scattering the misty waters Mei conjured and allowing Kankuro to send his puppets forward, distracting Yagura.
Gaara gritted his teeth, anger boiling inside him. He pointed toward the distance where a swarm of enemy shinobi was advancing. "If we don't retreat now, we'll be overwhelmed!"
Temari's heart raced as she surveyed the battlefield. The Suna forces were valiantly fighting, but they were losing ground. As Kankuro helped Gaara to his feet, they began to make their way back, the chaos of battle raging around them. The Suna shinobi continued to fight valiantly, but it was clear they wouldn't hold the line for long.
As they dashed toward Sunagakure, Gaara felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him. The last fortified position before the capital city was crumbling, and his heart sank at the thought of the impending assault.
"We'll defend our home, we need to prepare to stand our ground." Gaara murmured, his resolve hardening. "I won't let them take Sunagakure."
Kankuro nodded, glancing back at the battle behind them. "We'll fight on, Gaara. We won't give up."
With their hearts united in purpose, the three Suna shinobi pressed onward, determined to protect their home from the looming threat.
Hinata lay on her bed, the moonlight casting gentle shadows across the room. The weight of the past few weeks pressed heavily on her, memories swirling in her mind like leaves caught in a gust of wind. The war had taken its toll, leaving scars not only on the land but also within her heart.
She closed her eyes, and her thoughts drifted back to the front lines, to the moments when she had fought alongside her new team. Shisui, Sasuke, and especially Naruto. They had been her anchors in a stormy sea of chaos and uncertainty. Joining the Jinchuriki Special Unit had been a shock, but with every mission, she had learned to adapt, to fight, and to stand strong in the face of adversity.
Yet, the realization that she was now closer to Naruto brought a flicker of warmth to her heart. The way he had encouraged her, how he had pushed her to be better, had reignited a fire within her. She remembered the late-night strategies they had planned, the shared laughs, and the deep conversations that had made the weight of war a little easier to bear.
But now, he was gone.
Hinata felt her throat tighten as tears pooled in her eyes. She wiped her cheeks, but the memories were relentless. They had gone through so much together, and she had fought alongside him, her heart pounding not just from the thrill of battle but from the fierce determination to protect him. And now he was no longer with her—lost somewhere in the chaos of the world they once knew.
A single tear escaped and traced a path down her cheek, a tangible reminder of the sorrow that had taken residence in her heart. She recalled the days leading up to his desertion, how he had seemed distant, his laughter muted by the burdens he carried. She had tried to reach out to him, to offer her support, but it had never felt enough.
Guilt settled like a stone in her chest. Maybe if she had been stronger, if she had been able to break through his walls, he wouldn't have felt the need to leave. But deep down, she knew it wasn't her fault. The war had changed him, consumed him, just as it threatened to consume her.
Hinata sighed heavily, her heart aching as she remembered the day he left. The letter he had written weighed heavily in her mind, the words echoing in her heart like a haunting melody. It was a bittersweet farewell that shattered her world into pieces.
Her fingers curled into the fabric of her pillow as she fought to contain her emotions. The tears flowed freely now, each drop a testament to her pain. Memories flooded back—his confession, the warmth of his kisses, the nights they had shared together in the barracks, where they had laid bare their hearts and souls. He had told her he loved her, and in those moments of intimacy, she had believed in their future together.
But now, it felt like a dream fading into nothingness.
"Why did you leave me, Naruto?" she whispered into the quiet of the night, her voice trembling. "Why did you abandon us?" The questions hung in the air, unanswered, as she buried her face in her pillow, the fabric soaked with her tears.
"I miss you," she confessed, her voice muffled. "I wish you were here… I wish I could help you."
Hinata closed her eyes tighter, letting the sobs wrack her body, the pain spilling over like a dam breaking. She could feel the weight of his absence, an ache that seemed to fill the very room around her. Despite everything that had happened, the longing to be by his side, to support him as he fought through his demons, still clawed at her heart.
"I hope you're safe," she murmured, the words escaping her lips like a prayer. "Wherever you are, please take care of yourself."
In the solitude of her room, Hinata allowed herself to grieve for the connection they once had, for the dreams that felt so out of reach now. She talked to him as if he were right there with her, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please come back to me, Naruto. I need you."
And as the night wore on, the moonlight continued to bathe her in its soft glow, a silent witness to her pain, her love, and her unwavering hope that somehow, someday, he would find his way back to her.
Naruto paced the living room in Bee and Yugito's home, the air thick with unspoken tension. He felt the presence of the two jinchuriki nearby, their eyes filled with concern. The conversation he had with them moments earlier echoed in his mind, replaying like a broken record.
"Are you really sure about this?" Bee had asked, his brow furrowed in worry. "You want to unite the great nations against yourself? It sounds insane!"
Naruto had nodded, the weight of his decision pressing down on him. "I know how it sounds. But I've seen what this war does to people. The destruction, the pain… I don't want anyone else to suffer like that."
Yugito had crossed her arms, her gaze serious. "And what about you, Naruto? You'd be shutting yourself off from the very people you want to protect. How can you do that?"
He remembered the pain in her voice as she had said those words. "I can't just sit back and watch while everything I care about gets destroyed. If I have to become the villain to make the nations set aside their differences, then so be it."
"Dude, you're talking about becoming a target for everyone," Bee had replied, his voice heavy with apprehension. "You're gonna end up alone."
Naruto had felt a sting at that word—alone. But he had pushed through the moment, saying, "If being with them comes at the expense of the lives of the innocent, then I don't want that. I've made promises to myself and to my friends. I need to fulfill them however I can."
Yugito leaned forward. "But isn't there another way?! You can't just go straight to whatever this plan of yours is Naruto."
Naruto remembered how his mind had swirled with thoughts. "If you have a better idea, I'm willing to hear it. The Akatsuki never got to achieving any of it's goals in the past, consider this a second try of some sorts. I don't want any of you to be condemned to the life I've chosen, so I'm going about this by myself.
He stopped, facing the two people sheltering him. "I'm open to any suggestions but I'm not straying away from my ultimate goal."
Yugito had nodded, sympathy flashing in her eyes. "But you don't have to do this alone. You could just stay with us—"
"No!" Naruto interrupted, leaning forward, urgency in his voice. "I can't keep running away. I have to confront this head-on. I made a promise to myself and to Hinata… and I won't let anyone suffer because I was too scared to act."
Bee had sighed, defeated. "Just think about it, Naruto. You have time to change your mind."
As he walked away from the two of them, Naruto's heart felt like a heavy stone in his chest. He couldn't shake the realization of what he was about to do. Each step echoed in his mind, reminding him of the distance growing between him and the people he cared about—especially Hinata.
Hinata...
The thought of her face, her warm smile, and her unwavering support pierced through his heart like a blade. He remembered her eyes, filled with concern and determination, even during the darkest times. He could almost hear her voice, soothing and steady.
Naruto, I'm here for you.
But the weight of guilt crashed down on him. He'd left her behind, running away when she needed him the most. The pain of not being able to hold her again twisted in his chest. Tears brimmed at the corners of his eyes.
"Hinata, I'm so sorry," he whispered into the empty space around him, imagining her there beside him. "I'm sorry I hurt you. I just thought—"
He couldn't finish his sentence. The ache in his heart intensified as memories of the war flashed before his eyes: her fear, her struggles, and the way she had tried to remain strong for him despite everything she struggled with herself.
Why had I been such a fool?
Naruto pressed his palms against his eyes, trying to block out the tears. "You deserved better than this," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You deserved someone who wouldn't run away... someone who would stay by you."
But instead, he had turned his back on her, believing he needed to escape from his pain while leaving her in danger. He felt anger boil within him, directed at himself for being so selfish, his actions now putting her at risk just by being in her life.
The realization hit him hard—this wasn't just about him. It was about Hinata, and everyone he had ever cared for. The realization that he had to make sacrifices for the greater good began to take root in his heart.
"I'll make it up to you," he vowed, a determined fire igniting within him. "I'll find a way to make the world safer, even if it means suffering myself. I won't run anymore. I'll stand and fight for what's right."
He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He would fulfill his promise, not only to himself but to Hinata. He wanted to ensure a future where she wouldn't have to live in fear—one where children wouldn't have to suffer because of wars started by those in power.
With newfound resolve, Naruto wiped the tears from his eyes, standing tall. He would embrace this path, no matter how painful it was. He would not only be fighting for peace but also for Hinata and all those who had suffered because of the endless conflicts.
As he stepped out of the room, his heart pounded with a mix of trepidation and determination. He would forge a new path—one where his sacrifices would lead to a brighter future. He would carry the burden of his choices, knowing that every step he took was a step toward healing a world filled with pain and despair.
"Hinata," he murmured, "I promise I'll make it up to you. No matter what it takes."
With that, Naruto set his sights on the future, determined to make the world even a little better. He was ready to shoulder the burden of his choices, ready to become the hero he always aspired to be, even if it meant walking the path of a martyr.