Fuu stood in the silence of her office, staring out at the darkened waters of Kiri's port. The moonlight shimmered over the ocean, calm and tranquil, yet her heart was anything but. A sudden hum vibrated in her mind, and Fuu could sense the familiar presence reaching out to her. Naruto.
"Fuu," Naruto's voice called softly, and then louder, "Fuu, are you there?"
Taking a deep breath, she allowed herself to slip back into the link. "I'm here."
"How are you holding up?" Naruto asked. There was a weariness in his tone that hadn't been there before. "I saw the news. Kiri's been busy with diplomatic talks."
Fuu smiled bitterly. "Yeah. Mei's been working hard to secure ceasefires. We've got one with Suna now."
There was silence on Naruto's end for a moment before he responded. "Good for her, I guess. She's probably more concerned with her own interests than actual peace."
Fuu bit her lip, her mind flashing back to her earlier conversation with Mei. "Maybe. But that doesn't change what happened with Konoha. You attacked them, Naruto."
Naruto scoffed, his voice colder. "Konoha deserved it. You, of all people, should know that. You know how rotten that country is. Its leaders are no better."
"I know," Fuu admitted, her voice soft. "But… why not go all the way? You only killed one man. Gyotaru. A merchant from Kumo, of all people. Why him?"
Naruto's breath hitched, and Fuu sensed his anger flare, but it was quickly followed by a heavy sadness. "Gyotaru wasn't just some merchant," Naruto said slowly. "He… he was going to marry someone important to me. Hinata."
Fuu's heart sank. "Hinata?" She had heard that name before—Naruto's lover, the one he had left behind in Konoha. "Wait, she was going to marry him?"
"Not by choice," Naruto spat, his voice laced with bitterness. "Kumo was using her as a bargaining chip. The Byakugan in exchange for Konoha's place in Kumo's artillery program. She was going to be his concubine."
Fuu gasped, horrified. "That's... horrible. I didn't know."
Naruto's voice hardened. "That's why I killed him. I wasn't going to let that bastard touch her. Not ever. I might have left her before, but I'll be damned if I stop looking out for her now."
Fuu felt a deep ache in her chest. Naruto's pain was palpable, and she couldn't help but empathize. "I'm sorry, Naruto," she whispered. "I can't imagine how hard this is for you."
Naruto let out a long, weary sigh. "It's just one of the sacrifices I have to make. I thought… I thought the current Kage could maintain peace, that maybe they'd be different. But I was wrong. They're no better than the ones before them. I should've seen it sooner."
Fuu hesitated, but then, to her own surprise, she found herself agreeing with him. "I think… you're right." The admission caught in her throat, surprising even her.
"Fuu?" Naruto's voice held a note of surprise. "You agree with me?"
Fuu nodded, even though he couldn't see it. "Yeah. I've seen it myself. The future looks bleak. The Kage aren't... they aren't what I thought they'd be."
Naruto was silent for a moment, then his voice dropped lower, colder. "That's why I've made a decision."
Fuu's pulse quickened. "What decision?"
"I'm going to eliminate the Kage."
Fuu's breath caught. "Eliminate... the Kage?" The words felt surreal, but there was no mistaking the cold conviction in Naruto's voice. "You're serious?"
"Dead serious," Naruto replied. "If this world is going to be better, the ones currently in charge need to be removed. It's only a matter of time before they start another war."
Fuu opened her mouth to argue, but then she stopped. Mei's voice rang in her head, reminding her of the cold war they were technically in, of her plans for Suna. Fuu clenched her fists, realizing how many other Kage could be thinking the same way. Could any of them truly be trusted?
Naruto's voice softened, but there was still that hard edge. "Fuu, you know I'm right. If they're gone, maybe the next generation can do better. People like Gaara..."
Fuu's mind swirled with conflicting emotions. She wanted to argue, to tell Naruto that mass murder wasn't the answer. But she couldn't deny his logic. Maybe the world did need new rulers, ones who weren't corrupted by power and conquest.
Fuu swallowed hard, her voice barely a whisper. "Naruto… Mei is heading to Fūka soon. She'll be giving a press conference there."
Naruto was silent, stunned by her sudden revelation. "Fuu…"
"She only has a light escort. Three warships, at most. And there's only one brigade of naval infantry stationed there. But Yagura… Yagura will be with her." Fuu's voice trembled, but she pressed on.
"Fuu," Naruto whispered, disbelief lacing his tone. "Why are you telling me this?"
Fuu stared out at the ocean, her heart pounding in her chest. "Maybe… maybe it's worth seeing your plan through. Maybe the beautiful among us are yet to be born. Maybe the new generation deserves a chance." Without waiting for his response, Fuu severed the connection, leaving Naruto in stunned silence.
Back in her office, Fuu shuddered, the enormity of what she'd just done crashing down on her. She had betrayed her own aunt. She had handed Mei over to Naruto.
Her hands trembled as she gripped the windowsill, her breath shaky. "What have I done?" she whispered to herself, gripping the windowsill. She had just given him the information to ambush Mei. The Mizukage.
Her own aunt.
But then, Mei's voice echoed in her mind, reminding her that the road didn't matter, only the destination. Fuu clenched her fists, steadying her breath. Maybe Mei was right. Maybe Naruto was right. She wasn't weak anymore. She couldn't be.
Looking out over the sea, Fuu's resolve hardened.
"I will become Mizukage," she declared to herself, trying to gain strength from her words. She was going to seize her destiny, no matter the cost.
Yugito Nii sat quietly in her home, the atmosphere thick with warmth and comfort. She took a deep breath, savoring the moment of peace. Across the room, Bee sprawled comfortably, his eyes fixed on the screen where news reports flickered with the latest updates.
"Come on, you've got to take a break from the news for once," she chided playfully, shaking her head.
Bee grinned, his trademark carefree spirit shining through. "But it's all about Naruto! You know I can't miss this even if I tried. Every freaking channel's airing his stupid face."
A sigh escaped Yugito as her mind drifted back to a conversation she'd had with Naruto not long ago. The urgency in his voice echoed in her thoughts. He had been adamant about his next move, about going after the Mizukage. She had shown concern, pointing out that after his attack on Konoha, the target on his back was bigger than ever.
"Yugito, I can't waste time," Naruto had insisted. "I need to act fast."
"Do you think he'll be okay?" she asked now, concern knitting her brow.
"I trust him," Bee replied confidently, leaning back in his chair. "He knows what he's doing. Besides, I wouldn't shed a tear for any Kage."
Yugito chuckled softly, pushing her worries aside for the moment. Rising from her chair, she leaned down and kissed Bee gently on the cheek. "I'm going to check on Hakari," she said, her heart swelling with warmth at the thought of their child.
As she made her way toward the other room, a sudden noise caught her attention—coming from the direction of the entrance to the house.
"Bee, did you hear that?" she called back.
"It's probably Naruto." Bee replied, standing up quickly to meet him.
Yugito nodded, resuming her journey to Hakari's room. But suddenly a noise rang out, and she turned just in time to see Bee clutching his side, blood seeping through his fingers.
Another shot echoed, and this time, Bee tumbled to the ground, a pained expression crossing his face. The room spun around her, and dread clamped around her heart. She looked up to see a group of armed men standing at the entrance—ANBU operatives, their faces masked and their intentions clear.
"Bee!" Yugito screamed, terror clawing at her throat.
She rushed toward him, her instincts screaming for her to protect her loved one.
"Get back!" he shouted, panic lacing his voice. "Get him to safety!"
Yugito nodded, turning around to escape the scene. But before she could reach her child, she felt a sharp pain slice through her back, and she crumpled to the floor. She tried to get back up but her body didn't respond, and she discovered she was paralyzed.
"Maatatabi!" she gasped, feeling a dark wave of panic wash over her. "What's happening?"
"Yugito, your spine… it's been severed. You can't move."Maatatabi warned, urgency creeping into her voice.
From where she lay, she could hear one of the operatives shout, "She's down!" The attention shifted to Bee, who was fighting for his life.
"Tag him!" another operative commanded, the urgency palpable in his tone. "Split up and check other rooms, find the Nine-Tails! Check on that woman too."
Yugito's heart pounded in her chest as she struggled against her paralysis. She could see Bee, engulfed in his chakra cloak, his face set with determination.
"Get away from her!" he roared, delivering a devastating lariat to one of the operatives, collapsing the man's ribcage upon impact.
More shots rang out, the sharp cracks echoing through the hideout. She watched in horror as Bee fought back, but the number of operatives was overwhelming. He grabbed another by the head, crushing it against the wall before electrocuting another man with a burst of lightning.
Bee watched a Konoha ANBU operative raise his rifle at him, preparing to fire. His senses heightened, he watched the small projectile approach, undeterred. Bee picked his next target as the bullet approached, maintaining his faith in his defenses.
Yet, it wasn't enough.
Suddenly, a sharp pain lanced through Bee's midsection, and he grabbed at it, shocked. The warm liquid pooling in his hands was a telltale sign of the gunshot wound that had pierced through his chakra defenses.
"Bee!" Yugito cried, tears streaming down her face as she watched him fight through the pain.
"Stay back!" he shouted, but the gunfire didn't stop.
Yugito felt helpless as the operatives continued to fire at Bee, their relentless assault chipping away at his strength. He fought fiercely, managing to take down two more, but the toll was heavy. He fell to his knees, gasping for air, blood pouring from his mouth.
"That all you got!" he yelled, desperation seeping into his voice.
"No!" She cried out. "Maatatabi, help...help me him!"
"I'm trying!"Maatatabi's voice was strained. "But whatever you were hit with is interfering with my chakra."
"Get up Yugito!"she screamed internally, the weight of helplessness bearing down on her."Get up! Get up! Get up! Get up!"
Yugito watched in horror as Bee fought valiantly, but the wounds were too severe. He collapsed, gasping for breath, his strength waning. An operative approached him, a sealing tag ready in hand.
"Restrict the woman," the leader ordered, glancing at her with contempt.
Yugito heard Hakari's cries from the other room, and her heart shattered at the thought of her baby being in danger.
"Go check on that," one of the operatives ordered.
"Hakari..." she pleaded, but her words fell on deaf ears.
The operative turned and ran toward the cries, and in that moment, another operative loomed over Bee, placing a sealing tag on him.
"No!" she screamed, but it was too late. The connection with Gyuki severed, leaving Bee vulnerable.
"Get away from me!" Bee yelled, his voice strained.
The strike team's attention was directed to the entrance as a new presence made himself available. Minato Namikaze entered the hideout, surveying the scene with a cold expression. "Get a medic!" he commanded the ANBU, who stood frozen in shock.
"Both medics are dead, sir," one replied, glancing nervously at the two injured Jinchuriki.
Minato's eyes narrowed as he spotted Bee bleeding out on the floor. "The Mizukage's new weapons are as effective as advertised," he muttered to himself. "Hurry up before law enforcement arrives."
Yugito heard him, her heart racing as she lay helplessly on the ground.
"Where's Naruto?" Minato demanded.
"There's no sign of him, but we found the Eight Tails and likely the Two Tails," the operative replied.
Before Minato could respond, another operative burst into the room, holding her baby.
"Sir! We found a kid."
Yugito's breath caught in her throat as she watched Hakari being taken from the hideout.
"Please!" she cried out, trying to move but finding her body unresponsive.
Minato looked down at Hakari, intrigue dancing in his eyes. "A child of two Jinchuriki… his potential could be unmatched," he mused. "This child is the first of his kind." Minato raised his gaze, glancing at Yugito on the floor. "We're leaving with him."
Yugito's heart raced with panic. "No! Don't take him!"
"Do something about the Two-Tails," Minato ordered, turning to leave. "We'll find Naruto another day, but we're not leaving empty-handed."
"Get away from my baby!" she shouted, desperation flooding her voice.
As Minato exited the room, the operatives approached her on the floor, ready to secure her. Yugito tried as hard as she could, but her body wouldn't just move.
"Yugito,"Maatatabi called her from within as she finish healing her back."You need to act now."
As the operatives closed in, she prepared to unleash her power, hoping against hope that she wouldn't be too late.
The pair of mist ANBU carefully approached their target, lying on the floor in a small pool of her own blood. Yugito's body lay on the ground, still as death. But then, a sudden shift occurred—a sharp pang of pain shot through her spine. With a violent jerk, the bullet that had lodged itself there began to wriggle free, finally slipping out and clattering to the floor.
As it hit the ground, an aura of brilliant blue flames erupted from her body, illuminating the room. Dark, feline-like markings emerged across her skin, glowing as if charged with energy, the transformation complete. She bolted upright, her senses heightened, every sound around her crystal clear.
Two ANBU operatives stood frozen, weapons drawn, disbelief plastered across their faces. "The Two-Tails is moving!" one shouted, his voice tinged with panic. In a split second, they raised their weapons, but Yugito was already in motion, her instincts taking over.
With a feral growl, she dodged to the side, sidestepping the first barrage of gunfire as bullets whizzed past her.
Everything slowed. She could see the glint of metal flying toward her, but she was faster. In a heartbeat, she lunged at the nearest operative, her claws extended like blades of vengeance.
The man barely had time to react as she impaled him, her claws piercing through flesh and bone. He gasped, eyes wide with shock, before she yanked her arm free, sending him crumpling to the ground.
The other operative, still reeling from the horror before him, turned his weapon toward her, desperation etched on his face.
"Open fire!" he yelled, his voice breaking. But in his panic, he accidentally pulled the trigger, the bullet striking his fallen comrade instead. Blood splattered against the walls, painting the scene in a gruesome hue.
Yugito, fueled by her transformation, didn't pause. She darted low, evading another round of gunfire. The second operative was still scrambling, his rifle aimed in her direction.
But Yugito was already upon him, her claws slashing upward in a deadly arc. The blade-like tips of her fingers sliced into his throat, the man choking on his own blood before he crumpled lifelessly to the ground.
With the room now drenched in chaos, the remaining ANBU operatives regrouped. They unleashed a barrage of bullets and offensive ninjutsu, the air crackling with energy.
Yugito leapt upward, using the ceiling as her escape route. As a fireball shot toward her, she deftly sidestepped, then leapt off the adjacent wall, springing back to the ground, quick as a flash.
She singled out one operative, a look of horror on his face as she streaked past him, engulfed in blue flames. The next moment, she stood several meters behind him, blood splattered across her claws as she turned, watching him drop in two halves, his body collapsing like a rag doll.
"Fire! Fire!" another operative shouted, but it was too late. Yugito was a blur, weaving through their attacks with incredible speed.
She charged toward a pair of operatives taking cover behind a chair, just as a paper bomb detonated in her path, the explosion knocking her sideways.
She rolled onto her hands and knees, but her eyes locked onto five bullets and a shuriken hurtling toward her. Yugito's chakra surged, and she flickered out of sight, dodging the incoming projectiles with ease as they impacted the wall.
She suddenly appeared behind the two operatives, her presence a haunting specter.
[Mouse Hairball]
She grunted, her chakra coalescing into a massive wave of blue flames. The attack split into several smaller projectiles, each locking onto its target.
Screams echoed in the chamber as the flames collided with the men, engulfing them in a blaze of fury.
One managed to conjure a water shield just in time, but it proved futile. Yugito burst through, her claws slicing through his barrier like parchment, leaving him defenseless.
She slammed her open hand into his masked face, her claws extending into his skull as she tore away, leaving him lifeless on the floor. The room was now filled with the scent of blood and burnt flesh, a testament to her anger.
Yugito turned to face the last enemy, only to be met by a defiant figure standing at the entrance: Minato Namikaze, the Hokage. He held her child, Hakari, cradled in his arms.
A primal roar erupted from her throat as she charged at him, the flames licking at her heels. But in a heartbeat, he vanished, leaving her grasping at air, confusion and rage surging within her.
"Where are you?" she growled, scanning the room for any sign of him. Her heart raced, fueled by adrenaline and fury, but deep down, a nagging fear began to claw at her insides.
The adrenaline coursing through Yugito's veins began to ebb as she caught her breath. The violent clash with the ANBU operatives had left her feeling both exhilarated and exhausted.
With every pulse of her heart, she could feel the remnants of her chakra cloak fading away, the blue flames that had enveloped her body flickering like a candle on the verge of extinguishing. The last echoes of chaos faded into silence as she turned and hurried over to Bee's side, her heart plummeting at the sight before her.
Bee lay sprawled on the ground, his body battered and bloodied, the remnants of their fight evident in the crimson stains that painted the floor beneath him. His breathing was ragged, each inhalation punctuated by a pained wheeze, and his skin glistened with sweat and blood. Panic surged within her chest as she knelt beside him, pressing her hands against his wounds, desperate to staunch the flow of blood that seeped from his body.
"Bee! Stay with me!" she pleaded, her voice cracking. Her hands trembled as she felt for a pulse, praying it was still there.
"Yugito?" His voice was weak, barely a whisper, but it was enough to send a wave of relief washing over her. "I'm here, I'm right here…" She ripped the sealing tag from his chest, trying to force her chakra into him, but it felt futile against the damage he had sustained.
"Damn, this is gonna leave a mark," he joked, but the laughter was cut short by a fit of coughing, blood spilling from his lips. Yugito's heart ached at the sight, each cough a reminder of how fragile life could be.
"No, no, no, don't say that! You're going to be okay! Just hold on!" She felt her voice shaking, tears blurring her vision as she frantically searched for a way to save him. "I-I-I-I'll go get first aid, I have some bandages that..."
"Yugito…" His voice softened, and the pain in his eyes seemed to dim momentarily. "Hakari…" he murmured, his voice breaking. At the mention of their child, her heart clenched painfully in her chest.
"I'll get him back, I swear! Just stay with me! Please!" She could hardly form the words through her grief, desperation clawing at her throat.
He winced, his face contorting in pain. "That bastard…" he muttered, a hint of anger mixed with agony, referring to the Hokage.
Yugito could only nod, her tears flowing freely now, each drop a testament to her fear of losing him. "I'll get him back, Bee! Just stay alive to hold Hakari again. Please!" She was begging now, her voice a raw whisper filled with emotion. "You have to hold on. I can't do this without you."
Bee managed a weak smile, though it was laced with pain. "I know you'll get our kid back… I believe in you," he whispered, but there was a heaviness in his tone that made her heart sink deeper.
"But—"
"Yugito, listen…" He grasped her hand gently, his fingers cold and slick with blood. "I can't promise I'll make it…" His words felt like daggers, piercing through her soul.
"No, Bee, please!" Her tears fell onto his face, mixing with the blood that stained his skin.
He sighed, his breath shallow. "You take care of Hakari for me, okay?" He winced again, and she pressed her forehead against his, feeling the warmth of his skin contrasting with the coldness of despair wrapping around her heart.
"Bee…" she choked, wishing with every fiber of her being that she could reverse time, that she could erase the pain he was feeling.
He whispered softly with a weak smile, "My sweet kitty cat... I'm trying to hold on but..." Each word felt like a fragile promise, something she wanted to hold onto, but the reality of their situation hung heavy in the air. "I can't even string a rhyme together anymore," he smiled.
"I love you, Yugito."
"Bee, I love you too. Don't say you can't rhyme, you were always an amazing rapper..." she forced a smile through her tears, trying to cling to the lightness they shared, but her heart was breaking.
"Always knew I was…" he chuckled weakly, the sound fading as his energy waned.
With one last squeeze of her hand, he looked into her eyes, and she saw the flicker of life begin to dim. "Take care of yourself... and our kid…" His voice was barely audible, but it was laced with the finality of his fate.
And then his eyes closed.
"No! Bee! No, please!" she cried out, her heart shattering as she cradled his lifeless body closer to her. She pressed her face against his chest, sobbing uncontrollably, feeling the warmth of his blood soaking into her clothes. "Don't leave me! Don't you dare leave me!"
Yugito hugged him tightly, a flood of grief pouring from her as the world around her faded into a blur. Every moment they had shared, every laugh, every promise, every dream of a future with their child flashed before her eyes, and the weight of her loss felt insurmountable. It was as if a part of her very soul had been ripped away, leaving a gaping void that echoed with her despair.
The wall clock ticked behind her, but all she could hear was the sound of her own heart shattering, the tears that fell mingling with Bee's blood, marking the ground as a testament to her agony. She had fought so hard, endured so much, only to lose the one person she loved most.
"Why?" she sobbed, clutching his cold body. "Why did it have to be you?"
Her heart felt as though it was being crushed under the weight of her grief, each breath becoming a struggle. "I'm so sorry, Bee. I'm so sorry…"
And as she lay there, cradling the body of her beloved, the world around her felt dark and hopeless, the future uncertain and bleak. The only thing she knew was the crushing pain of loss that enveloped her, the sorrow that threatened to consume her whole.
With every sob, with every breath, she knew that she had to keep fighting—for Bee, for Hakari, for the love that had once filled her heart with so much joy. But right now, all she could do was grieve. All she could do was cry.
The Hokage's office was heavy with tension as Danzo Shimura sat across from Hiashi Hyuuga. The air felt charged, each word carefully chosen, both men knowing the weight of the situation at hand.
"Danzo, this is unacceptable," Hiashi began, his voice steady but laced with barely contained fury. "You cannot simply hand my daughter to Kumo after what happened to Gyotaru. The village will suffer for this."
Danzo leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "This is not a matter of choice, Hiashi. Kumo's anger is a wildfire threatening to consume us all. We need to uphold our end of the artillery swap deal, or we risk inviting further hostility."
"But to send Hanabi? She's just a child!" Hiashi's fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. "What of her future? Her happiness?"
Danzo cut him off, his tone firm. "This decision comes from the top. As part of the Fire Nation, the Hyuuga clan has no say in the matter. Kumo's demands must be met to ensure peace and stability."
Hiashi's heart sank as the implications of Danzo's words settled in. "You cannot be serious. You know the dangers she will face—"
Danzo leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "I assure you, it is Hanabi who will be sent to Kumo this time. The marriage negotiations will take place there. You must prepare your daughter for this trip, which is scheduled for next week."
Hiashi opened his mouth to protest, but the weight of Danzo's authority left him speechless. He felt helpless, a father forced to send his daughter away into the unknown, and anger coursed through him like a raging river. "You are condemning her to a life of servitude!"
"The nation comes first, Hiashi. Remember that," Danzo replied coldly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Later that evening, Hinata sat with Neji in the courtyard outside their home, the moonlight casting a soft glow on their faces. They were surrounded by the soothing sounds of crickets chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves, but neither of them felt comforted.
"What do you think we can do?" Neji asked, his brow furrowed in concern. "This isn't right. Hanabi shouldn't be sent away to Kumo, especially not at her age."
Hinata sighed deeply, her heart heavy. "I've pleaded with Father, but he won't change his mind. It's already been decided. Hanabi is... she's devastated."
Neji nodded. "I can see that. She hasn't smiled in days. It's not fair to her. She has a future here."
Hinata's eyes were filled with determination. "I can't let her leave like this. She shouldn't have her life thrown away because of politics."
"Do you think Father would listen if you insisted?" Neji asked, his tone hopeful yet realistic.
Hinata shook her head. "I wish he would. But he believes this is his duty as the head of the clan. I can't stand to see Hanabi so sad. I need to do something."
Neji placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're right. We can't just let this happen. But what can we do?"
As they spoke, the weight of impending decisions loomed over them. The reality of Hanabi's future seemed to press down on Hinata like a heavy stone, making it hard for her to breathe.
Later that night, as Hanabi sat on her bed, Hinata watched her sister from the doorway. Hanabi's usually bright eyes were dull, her spirit seemingly extinguished by the weight of their family's decisions.
"Hanabi?" Hinata called softly, stepping into the room.
Hanabi looked up, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Hi, Onee-chan."
Hinata sat beside her, taking Hanabi's hands in her own. "I know you're scared. You don't have to go. We can find a way to stop this."
Hanabi shook her head, tears threatening to spill over. "I don't want to be a burden. Father thinks this is best for the clan. I can't fight him."
"You're not a burden! You deserve to live your life, not be sacrificed for politics." Hinata's voice shook with emotion, a fire igniting in her heart. "I won't let you leave for Kumo on my watch."
"But what can we do, Hinata? They've made their decision."
Hinata's resolve hardened. "I don't know yet, but I will find a way. You mean too much to me to let this happen."
Hanabi's expression softened, a glimmer of hope igniting in her heart. "Really? You would do that for me?"
"Always," Hinata affirmed. "We are family. I promise, I will protect you."
As Hanabi's eyes filled with tears, Hinata hugged her tightly, the bond between them growing stronger. She knew they would face whatever challenges lay ahead together, and she wouldn't give up until Hanabi was safe.
As she left her sister's room, Hinata was filled with a sense of purpose. She would not stand idly by while Hanabi's life was decided by the whims of others. It was time to take action.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery light over Konoha, as Hinata contemplated her next steps. The decisions made within the confines of their clan had never felt so heavy, but she refused to let Hanabi's future be dictated by forces beyond their control. Determination surged within her, fueling her resolve to protect her sister at all costs.
The air was thick with tension as Naruto dashed through the fields, heart pounding with a foreboding sense of dread. Something was wrong—he could feel it in his bones. As he approached the house, he caught sight of the entrance, slightly ajar, and a wave of unease washed over him.
He stepped inside cautiously, the faint glow of the interior lights illuminating the chaos. His heart dropped at the sight that greeted him. The room was a wreck: furniture overturned, scorch marks on the walls, and blood splattered across the floor. The remnants of a struggle lay everywhere, but what froze him in place was the figure sitting against the wall.
"Yugito," he breathed, rushing towards her. She was curled up, knees drawn to her chest, staring blankly at the ground. Her clothes were stained with blood, and for a moment, he thought it might be hers. "What happened?"
Slowly, she lifted her gaze to him, eyes hollow and pained. "Naruto," she said, her voice devoid of its usual warmth. "Your father stopped by."
The words hit him like a punch to the gut, and his breath caught in his throat. "What do you mean…?" he stammered, dread pooling in his stomach.
"They took Hakari," she said flatly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"No… no," he repeated, disbelief gripping him. He looked around, trying to piece together the horror of the situation. "Where's Bee?" Panic seeped into his voice as he searched her face for answers.
Yugito's silence spoke volumes, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "They killed him," she finally managed, her voice trembling. "They got Bee and Hakari...and I just lay there and watched."
Naruto felt the world tilt beneath him, a wave of nausea crashing over him. His friend was gone. He dropped to his knees, hands clutching his head as despair enveloped him. "No, no, no…" he muttered, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill over. "This can't be happening."
"Where were you?" Yugito's voice broke through his spiral of grief, sharp and accusatory.
"I was scouting… for an attack route to the Mizukage," he said weakly, shame washing over him as he realized he had been planning instead of protecting.
Silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. "I buried Bee outside," Yugito finally said, her tone flat. "Not far from here."
His heart clenched painfully at her words, the guilt coursing through him like poison. "It's my fault," he said, voice thick with sorrow. "If I'd been here—"
"Stop," Yugito interjected, her voice firm despite the tremor. "What's done is done. We can't change that now." She inhaled deeply, steeling herself. "Before Bee died, I made him a promise."
Naruto looked up, wiping the tears from his eyes. "What kind of promise?"
"To get our child back," she said, determination flickering in her eyes. "What did you find out on your mission?"
Naruto straightened, forcing himself to focus. "I've been tracking Mei's movements. She's currently at Fūka."
Yugito leaned back against the wall, processing his words. "We've seen our opening," she said slowly, her expression hardening. "They attacked us—a combination of Mist and Leaf Anbu. It was a joint operation between the two great nations."
Naruto clenched his fists, anger rising within him. "They took your child," he stated, his voice filled with a quiet fury.
"Yeah," she replied, her gaze fierce. "The Hokage took my child, but it was a mist bullet from a Mist Shinobi that took my heart," she whispered, a tear rolling down her cheek.
His blood boiled at the thought of what they had done to her and her family. "I understand," he said grimly.
Yugito's voice was laced with resolve as she looked at him, determination shining in her eyes. "The Hokage and the Mizukage… I have scores to settle with them." She paused, assessing him. "You might need some help on your mission."
Naruto met her gaze, feeling the weight of their shared pain and determination. "I accept your offer," he said, his voice steady.
But as the words hung in the air, a shadow of uncertainty loomed. The price of their vengeance was steep, and the road ahead promised only more pain.
The flickering candlelight illuminated the dimly lit office, casting long shadows on the walls as Minato and Danzo sat across from each other. The air was thick with tension, a palpable reminder of their recent failures.
"Danzo," Minato began, his voice steady but edged with frustration, "the raid was a bust. We didn't find Naruto, but we encountered two Kumo jinchuriki instead."
Danzo leaned back, fingers steepled. "Interesting. Do you think he's working with them?"
Minato frowned, contemplating the possibility. "It's hard to say. He's resourceful, but I can't believe he would ally with foreign jinchuriki."
"Regardless," Danzo interjected, "we confirmed that Kiri's special ammunition is effective against jinchuriki. That's a significant development."
Minato nodded, but his expression remained grim. "True, but the second jinchuriki still managed to defeat our entire team. We can't underestimate them, even with these new weapons."
"Agreed," Danzo said, his tone shifting slightly.
Minato leaned back in his seat. "Did you manage to extract any further leads from Hinata's mind?"
Danzo sighed, recalling the memories they had sifted through. "All we got was the memory of Naruto revealing his hideout. It's incredible that she was aware of this without alerting anyone."
"She is too attached to that boy," Minato pointed out, his voice cold and calculating. "She had no choice but to comply."
Danzo's gaze hardened. "But that doesn't excuse the fact she kept it from us. Perhaps she should be punished for her silence."
"Punish her?" Minato shook his head vehemently. "The last thing we need is Naruto throwing another fit in Konoha because something happened to Hinata."
Danzo smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're more protective than I expected, Minato. But let's focus on the mission at hand."
"Right," Minato said, pushing aside his concerns. "We may not have found Naruto, but we did manage to capture the child of the Kumo jinchuriki."
Danzo's interest piqued. "Now that's a development. That child may prove useful to us in the future."
Minato leaned forward, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "Exactly. We might not have retrieved the two tails or eight tails, but this baby presents a multitude of possibilities for future tests."
"Is anyone else aware of the child in our care?" Danzo asked, his tone now serious.
"No," Minato replied firmly. "Just the two of us. I'm planning to create a team specifically for the purpose of developing the child, preparing him for the future."
Danzo nodded, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "If Naruto is any indication, the child's potential is immense. We can't let it go to waste."
"Indeed," Minato agreed, a resolute determination in his voice. "We'll mold him into a weapon for Konoha—something that could shift the balance of power back in our favor."
"Just remember, Minato," Danzo warned, his gaze penetrating. "Trust no one. Keep this under wraps. We can't afford leaks."
Minato nodded, understanding the weight of Danzo's words. "I'll make sure it stays confidential. We can't risk our plans being compromised."
"Good," Danzo said, a satisfied smile creeping onto his lips. "The future is ours for the taking. With the prospect of war out of the picture, we have the time we need to prepare."
Minato's expression darkened at the mention of Naruto. "We can't forget about him. He's still a wild card, and his potential is as dangerous as it is promising."
"Then let's ensure we control the narrative," Danzo replied, his voice low and dangerous. "We'll exploit every opportunity to regain our footing. And if Naruto stands in our way, we will find a way to deal with him."
The two men shared a steely gaze, an unspoken agreement passing between them. Their ambitions were intertwined, each driven by their desire for power.
The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the town of Fūka as Mei Terumi stepped off her yacht. She walked down the gangway with an air of authority, her long hair flowing behind her like a banner of victory. The port had been refurbished to gleaming perfection, a testament to Kiri's commitment to their new territory.
As her heels clicked against the wooden pier, she was greeted by the governor she had installed in the town, a rotund man with a nervous smile. "Lady Mei! It's an honor to have you here," he said, his voice laced with excitement.
Mei offered a nod, her expression poised. "How are the projects progressing?"
"Very well! The southern residential districts have already been restored, and we expect to start accommodating buyers soon," he replied, a spark of pride lighting his eyes.
"Good," Mei said, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. "I see great potential in Fūka. It will become an economic hub for Kiri—prosperous and thriving."
The governor beamed, puffing out his chest. "Yes! With the port now open for commercial and private vessels, we'll attract trade from all over!"
With that, they made their way to the coronation of the port. The atmosphere was electric; journalists and photographers buzzed around, eager to capture the moment. Mei stood on the podium, her presence commanding attention.
"Today marks a new era for Fūka!" she declared, her voice ringing clear. "With the port officially open, we welcome trade and prosperity into our shores!"
The crowd erupted into applause, and Mei basked in the moment, flashing her brightest smile for the cameras. But as the cheers faded, she felt a familiar presence beside her. Chojuro, her right-hand man, leaned in closer, his expression serious.
"Lady Mei," he whispered urgently, "we need to talk."
She stepped away from the crowd, her expression instantly souring. "What is it?"
Chojuro hesitated, glancing around as if searching for eavesdroppers. "It's about the mission to apprehend Naruto. It… it failed."
Mei's brow furrowed. "Failed? How? I specifically ordered that strike team to bring him back."
"Apparently, they encountered the Eight-Tails and Two-Tails jinchuriki instead," Chojuro explained, his voice trembling slightly.
Her eyes narrowed. "And? Did they at least manage to capture them?"
Chojuro shifted uncomfortably, his gaze dropping to the ground. "No, my lady. The entire team was… destroyed."
"Destroyed?" Mei repeated incredulously, a storm brewing behind her emerald eyes. "How fucking incompetent can they be? This is unacceptable! What the hell did we gain from this operation then?"
"I… I'm sorry, Lady Mei," Chojuro stammered, cowering under her piercing gaze. "But I do have some good news. The Hokage reported that our new rounds are effective against tailed beasts."
Mei stopped in her tracks, her expression hardening. She didn't respond immediately, forcing Chojuro to hold his breath under her scrutiny. Finally, she turned and continued walking, her irritation palpable.
"Is that supposed to make me feel better? We're losing valuable assets while you're telling me about bullets?" she said, her tone ice cold.
Chojuro hurried to keep pace beside her. "The meeting with Kazekage Gaara is still on for tomorrow. We can discuss our strategy with him then."
"Strategy?" Mei scoffed, shaking her head. "What's there to strategize? I'll remind him of his place and reinforce our authority over Fūka. He must understand that Kiri is in control now."
As they approached the docked luxury ship, Mei paused to look out over the water, the waves lapping gently against the hull. "We can't let these setbacks hinder our progress. Fūka must flourish under my leadership."
"Of course, Lady Mei," Chojuro replied, his voice more subdued now.
She entered the ship, a fierce determination in her eyes. "Prepare everything for tomorrow. I want to make a statement—one that Gaara won't forget."
"Yes, my lady," he responded, trying to mask his concern.
As Mei settled into her quarters, the weight of her responsibilities pressed down on her. Tomorrow would be crucial; she could not allow herself to falter in front of Gaara. The stakes were too high. With that thought, she closed her eyes, ready to plan her next move in the game of power that had consumed their nations.
Naruto sat perched on the edge of a rocky cliff, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the sun dipped into the sea, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple. The air was thick with tension, the scent of salt mingling with the dry wind that swept through the land. By his side, Yugito crouched, binoculars in hand, her eyes focused on a distant yacht that bobbed gently in the water.
"Look at her," Yugito said, her voice laced with disdain. She adjusted the binoculars, honing in on the figure on the deck. "Mei Terumi, the fourth Mizukage. She's addressing the press again, that's all she ever does."
Naruto leaned in slightly, intrigued. "What's she saying?" he asked, though he knew it would likely be some grandstanding rhetoric.
"She's touting her 'vision' for the Water Country," Yugito replied, rolling her eyes. "You know, the usual—'peace and prosperity' bullshit. But we both know it's just a front. Mei is as ruthless as they come when she wants to." Yugito focused on the Mizukage far away, gesturing at her new port. "That woman right there has more innocent blood on her hands than any of the current Kage."
Naruto frowned, feeling a familiar anger boiling beneath the surface. "She's supervising the integration of Fūka into the Water Country," he murmured, his fists clenching. "It's not just integration; it's colonization. She's turning that town into her private estate, funding all the new properties with private money from investors. It's disgusting."
"Solid retirement plan, if you ask me," Yugito added, lowering the binoculars and glancing at Naruto, a bitter smile playing on her lips.
Silence enveloped them for a moment as they both watched the Mizukage interact with the journalists, flashing her charming smile, completely oblivious to the looming storm that was about to break.
Yugito broke the silence. "So, when do you want to make your move?"
Naruto took a deep breath, contemplating. "I'll wait until the pleasantries are over and she's back on her ship. I don't want civilians caught in the crossfire."
Yugito nodded, her expression serious. "That's a solid plan, but you should be aware of the strong naval presence surrounding her ship. They're not going to let anyone just waltz in."
He shifted his weight, eyes narrowing as he observed the yacht slowly pulling away from the dock. "I know what I'm up against," he replied, a fierce determination in his voice.
Moments later, the Mizukage's yacht moved further into the sea as she finished her speech, the flotilla of warships forming a protective barrier around it. Yugito dropped the binoculars, her brow furrowing. "She's retired to her yacht, and the war ships have entered a defensive formation."
Naruto stood, his resolve hardening. "It's time," he declared, a steely glint in his eyes.
Yugito turned to him, concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you want to go in alone?"
"I've made up my mind," Naruto said, calm and composed. "But I need you to stay on standby. If things go sideways, I'll need backup."
Yugito nodded, but her gaze lingered on him, filled with unspoken worry. "Good luck, Naruto. Make her pay, on Bee's behalf."
He glanced back at her, a small, reassuring smile breaking through the tension. "Understood." With one last look at the fading sunlight, he took a deep breath, centering himself before dropping down to the water below.
The surface of the sea shimmered under the twilight as Naruto landed gracefully, the water barely rippling from his impact. He began to run, his feet gliding over the surface, each step faster and more determined than the last. The flotilla loomed closer, the silhouettes of the ships stark against the setting sun.
As he sprinted toward the yacht, adrenaline surged through him. The wind whipped past, carrying the scent of salt and impending confrontation. Naruto's heart raced in sync with his steps, each beat fueling his resolve to confront the Mizukage and put an end to her tyranny.