The night was dark and foreboding, a thick blanket of clouds obscuring the moon and stars. Naruto sprinted across the choppy waters, the sound of the night echoing around him as he focused solely on the distant silhouette of the flotilla.
His heart pounded in rhythm with his feet splashing against the sea's surface, and with each stride, a burning orange chakra enveloped him, flickering like a fire in the night. The air around him hummed with an intensity that matched his determination, each step fueled by the weight of his mission.
As he drew closer, the lookout stationed on one of the ships, KNSTitanspotted him. He squinted through the night, disbelief etched on his face as he rushed to inform his superiors. "Captain! There's someone approaching!" he shouted, pointing toward the blur of orange rushing across the water.
The captain, a stout man with graying hair and eyes narrowed in concentration, grabbed his binoculars. "What the hell is that?" he murmured, raising the lenses to his eyes.
The moment he focused on the figure, his breath hitched.
The unmistakable cloak of the Nine-Tails chakra surrounded the lone shinobi, and the captain's face drained of color. "Nine tails!" he bellowed, his voice shaking with panic. "Ring the alarm! Alert the flotilla!"
The ships came alive, lights flickering on as the searchlights cut through the darkness, their beams locking onto Naruto's figure. An eerie alarm blared across the water, slicing through the night with its shrill warning.
"Damn it," Naruto muttered, clenching his fists as the warning echoed in his ears. He pushed himself harder, racing toward his target. Naruto's resolve only intensified, his focus unbroken.
As he neared the flotilla, a cacophony erupted from the ships. Bright flashes of light drove away the darkness, followed by the sound of artillery fire roaring through the air like a beast awakening from slumber.
Naruto braced himself, his instincts honed from battles past warning him of the impending danger. The air vibrated with the whistle of incoming shells, their explosive potential sending adrenaline surging through his veins.
He quickly darted to the right as a massive plume of water exploded in front of him, spraying him with icy droplets. No time to hesitate, he thought, charging onward. The decks of the warships were alive with chaos as gunfire erupted, bullets ripping through the air with deadly precision. The pitter-patter of bullets striking the water sounded like rain, but Naruto paid them no mind.
With each cannon blast that rumbled through the flotilla, Naruto focused intently on the rhythm of their fire, listening for the familiar whistle of incoming shells. He darted, weaving through the onslaught, his body a blur against the turbulent waters. With every explosive sound, he tightened his focus, knowing he needed to navigate the deadly gauntlet of gunfire.
Bullets whizzed by him, the crackle of rifle fire punctuating the deep booms of the naval guns. The smell of gunpowder mixed with the salty sea breeze as he pushed forward, the impact of shells crashing into the water sending violent waves in all directions.
"Come on, come on," he whispered to himself, his heart pounding in time with his footfalls. He felt the adrenaline surging through his veins, his senses heightened. He was almost there.
Water dragons surged from the sea, their powerful jaws snapping shut as they lunged toward him. With precision and speed, Naruto summoned Rasenshurikens, slicing through the jaws of the nearest dragon. The sound of water being torn apart was drowned out by the roars of the ships, but he couldn't afford to lose focus. More dragons surged toward him, and he spun, launching a barrage of well-timed Rasenshurikens that shredded them into nothingness.
But the ships were relentless, and the crew was ready. A massive wave surged up from the hull of one of the vessels, crashing toward him like a wall of water. Naruto pushed off the rising surface, propelling himself forward and sprinting across the crest of the wave. As he closed the distance, he glanced at the warships, their ominous silhouettes looming against the starry sky.
Finally, he reached a point where he could feel the intensity of the battle cresting."I'm close enough,"he thought, determination surging within him. He focused inward, feeling Kurama's chakra surging through him. "Let's do it," he said, his voice a fierce whisper.
[Tailed beast bomb: Rasenshuriken]
The Nine-Tails responded, energy crackling around Naruto as he summoned a tailed beast bomb infused Rasenshuriken.
The disk of dense energy glowed ominously, spinning rapidly as it cut through the air, gliding toward the closest warship, the cruiser Hammerhead. Tracer bullets whizzed by, some narrowly missing their target, but Naruto's resolve remained unshaken. He watched with hawk-like focus as the Rasenshuriken closed in on the ship's hull.
Time seemed to slow as the deadly projectile neared the target. It struck just below a gun housing, piercing through the steel like a hot knife through butter as it impacted with the ammunition hoist.
For a split second, time seemed to stop; silence enveloped the area. And then, the night erupted into chaos.
The explosion tore through the air like thunder, a brilliant flash of light illuminating the surrounding ships, turning the dark night into day for a moment.
A shockwave rippled across the water, sending sprays of seawater high into the night sky. The warship split apart by the seam. The noise was deafening, a roar that drowned out everything else. Naruto felt the force of the blast on his body, the flames and debris swirling in his wake.
With renewed vigor, he charged toward the remains of the warship, the chaotic sounds of panic and alarm reverberating in his ears. But there was no turning back now; he was committed to this fight. "This is for everyone." For Hinata, for his friends, and for the hope of peace.
As he approached the next vessel, the silhouettes of the crewmen scrambling in fear and confusion fueled his determination. They were scrambling to aim their weapons, but Naruto was faster.
A barrage of fire erupted from the deck, the sound of gunfire blending into a singular roar. Bullets rained around him, but Naruto dodged and weaved with uncanny agility, his senses sharper than ever. Each movement was a dance of survival, a flow of instinct guiding him through the chaos.
He leapt onto the deck of the second ship, rolling as he landed to absorb the impact. With a fierce battle cry, he charged into the fray. The crew, still reeling from the explosion, scrambled to defend themselves. Naruto unleashed a flurry of jutsu, his Rasengan tearing through enemy lines as he fought his way deeper into the heart of the ship.
The blaring alarm jolted Mei Terumi from her slumber, the harsh sound cutting through the serene night like a knife. Heart racing, she bolted upright in her lavish cabin aboard her yacht, the Kiri flagship anchored off the coast.
Shadows danced along the walls, and the dim glow of emergency lights flickered ominously, heightening her senses. The muffled sounds of shouting drifted through the vessel, urgent and chaotic, sending a jolt of adrenaline coursing through her veins.
"What the hell is going on?" she muttered to herself, the confusion swirling in her mind. Just as she started to gather her thoughts, the thunderous roar of a nearby cruiser's main guns shook the vessel, and she shot out of bed, quickly dressing in suitable attire—a dark blue, form-fitting combat suit adorned with Kiri's symbols, ready for the chaos that lay ahead.
As she stepped onto the deck, the wind whipped through her hair, and she scanned the horizon. "Captain!" she barked, spotting the yacht's captain, who stood near the railing, barking orders into a radio. He turned to her, eyes wide with urgency.
"Madam Mizukage! We're under attack!" he exclaimed, his voice strained.
"Under attack? By who?" Mei demanded, her pulse quickening. Panic clawed at her chest, but she forced it down.
"I don't know, but we need to get to safety!" he replied, glancing nervously at the horizon where flashes of light lit up the dark sea.
Mei's brow furrowed. "Is it Suna's soldiers?" The thought sent a chill down her spine. If they were coming for her, she wouldn't go down without a fight.
"Not Suna," the captain said, shaking his head. "We're unsure of the attackers' identity, but—"
"Chojuro!" Mei called, interrupting him as her loyal aide rushed onto the deck, breathing heavily.
"Lady Mei! We need to move!" Chojuro said, glancing around anxiously. "We're under attack! We can't stay here!"
"Who's attacking us?" Mei asked, demanding answers.
"It's… it's the Nine-Tails Jin—" Chojuro began, but before he could finish, a massive explosion lit up the night sky, drawing their attention. The twisting metal echoed through the air as the hull ofHammerheadengulfed in flames began to sink. Mei's heart raced, the reality of their situation crashing down on her like a tidal wave.
"No," she whispered, her eyes wide. The adrenaline surged through her, mixing with a flicker of fear. "Not him. Not now."
"Ma'am, we need to retreat!" Chojuro urged, urgency lacing his voice. "If Naruto is attacking—"
Mei cut him off, her determination surfacing. "We're not going anywhere," she said, her voice firm. "That brat Naruto dared to challenge the Mizukage on her own territory. I won't let him think he can intimidate us."
"Mei—" Chojuro began, concern etched on his features.
"Do you know how fast he can be?" she continued, ignoring his protests. "Our ship wouldn't outrun him, especially not from anchor. I won't cower and run. If he wants to play, I'll teach him a lesson he won't survive to remember."
Chojuro fell silent, a mixture of disbelief and admiration crossing his face. "But—"
"Gather the camera crew," Mei interrupted, a determined smile crossing her lips. "I want to record the demise of Naruto Uzumaki. This will show the Hokage the consequences of his reckless son's actions."
"Mei, please," Chojuro pleaded, but there was no changing her mind.
"Go!" she commanded, and he reluctantly turned, rushing to gather the crew. As he left, Mei's expression hardened, and she reached for the yacht captain's radio, her fingers steady despite the chaos around her.
"Admiral, identify Naruto's location!" she demanded as the captain scrambled to provide her with information.
"Madam Mizukage, he's onTitan!" the admiral replied, urgency in his voice. "We're attempting to rally—"
"Rally my men to fight!" she interrupted, her tone resolute. "We're standing our ground."
With a firm nod, she dropped the radio and leapt off her yacht, walking effortlessly on the choppy water's surface. Waves crashed against her, but she remained unyielding, determined to face the storm head-on.
The air thickened with tension, and a dark storm began to brew overhead, heavy rain pouring down in sheets. The peace of the night shattered by the roars of battle echoed across the sea, as the water country's naval forces scrambled to defend their ruler.
Mei steeled herself, gazing into the tempest as the sound of cannon fire filled the air. She could feel the tension in the air, but she wouldn't back down. If Naruto thought he could challenge her reign, he would soon learn the true meaning of strength.
Rain pelted the deck of the Kiri warship, each drop mingling with the salt spray from the ocean as Naruto Uzumaki fought valiantly against the misty shadows of Kiri's forces. The ship rocked violently beneath his feet, the sound of metal creaking echoing in the storm. The distant roars of cannon fire and the crack of gunshots punctuated the air as sailors scrambled, their shouts barely audible over the din of battle.
Naruto dispatched a group of Kiri sailors with a combination of swift movements and expertly placed jutsu, his chakra flaring around him like a protective cloak. He spun and leaped, dodging incoming gunfire, each bullet singing past his ear.
He sensed their fear and desperation, but he pushed those feelings aside. He had come to face Mei Terumi, the Fourth Mizukage, and he would not let her escape him.
Scanning the environment, he sought the opulent white yacht that had been the target of his pursuit. It was there, gliding through the heavy downpour, anchored just beyond the warships. But before he could make a move, a rising wave drew his attention.
The sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed off the iron deck. Clenching his fists, he turned to face the source, his heart pounding with anticipation.
There she was—Mei Terumi, the infamous Mizukage—striding confidently toward him with a determined smile painted across her face.
As the wind whipped around them on the open sea, Mei Terumi crossed her arms, a confident smirk on her lips. "You really think you can challenge me, Naruto? You're all alone now, a former hero turned fugitive. How amusing."
Naruto's expression hardened, a spark of defiance igniting in his eyes. "Amusing? That's rich coming from the Kage who hides behind her village's reputation while committing atrocities. I'm not just some pawn; I'm the one who's going to change everything."
Mei chuckled, shaking her head. "Change everything? You must be delusional. The world's not going to change just because you say so. You're nothing but a lost child playing hero."
"Better a lost child than a power-hungry ruler who can't see the bigger picture. Your time is up Mizukage, you and your fellow imperialist Kages" Naruto shot back, fists clenched, ready for the fight.
"It's time for another generation to rise up, and maybe fix your mistakes. A friend said something to me not long ago, she said that maybe the beautiful among us are not yet born'...
Naruto clenched his fists, raindrops splattering around them. "And here I am thinking, that maybe it's because the ugly ones like you, Mizukage...you simply refuse to die."
He raised an arm, extending a finger towards Mei. "Well I'm here to do something about this little issue, Mizukage-sama."
Mei fixed Naruto with a glare, though a cunning smile formed on her lips. "Just who do you think you are, jinchuriki?"
With a flick of her wrist, She summoned a thick mist around them, her voice dripping with disdain. "Let's see if you can back up your bravado, little ninja."
Naruto smirked, determination radiating from him. "I don't need to back it up—I'm about to show you why I'm no longer a 'little ninja.' Prepare yourself, Mei."
The tension crackled in the air as they both readied themselves for the impending clash, the battle lines drawn.
One of Mei's naval cruisers drifted past, crewmen armed and ready to defend their leader, as the tension in the air thickened. The two shinobi stared each other down, each assessing the other's resolve. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, Naruto engaged first.
He sprinted towards Mei, channeling chakra into his legs.
[Rasengan]
With a swift movement, he gathered energy for a powerful Rasengan. The air hummed with his resolve as he leaped, aiming to end this before it even began.
But Mei was ready. With a fluid motion, she conjured a wave of water, crashing it over the deck with tremendous force. The torrent knocked Naruto back against the guardrail, his momentum halted. He staggered but quickly regained his footing just in time to avoid a lava ball, fiery and menacing, hurtling toward him.
"Stay focused, Naruto." Kurama's voice penetrated his thoughts. "Remember who your opponent is, she is the Mizukage for a reason."
"I'm not underestimating her," Naruto replied his inner demon, breathing heavily. He gathered chakra in his hand, his eyes never leaving Mei. "I'm well aware of the stakes."
[Rasenshuriken]
With determination fueling his movements, Naruto hurled a Rasenshuriken, sending it spiraling towards Mei. She deftly dodged, her confidence unwavering as she executed a series of hand seals, summoning her signature water jutsu.
[Water style: Piercing serpent]
A concentrated beam of water surged toward him, darting with blinding speed. Naruto narrowly evaded the attack, a primal instinct kicking in as he prepared to counter. He rushed at her, forming a Rasengan in his hand, but Mei was quicker.
With a water whip, she ensnared him, using his own momentum against him, lifting him high into the air before slamming him down onto a bed of ice spikes she had created below.
Reacting instinctively, Naruto smashed through the icicles with a chakra-imbued arm, crashing onto the metal deck.
"Not bad, Uzumaki," Mei taunted, her smirk unwavering as she watched him scramble to his feet.
Before Naruto could recover, Mei crashed another wave of water into the ship's hull, throwing him off balance as the damaged battleship suddenly listed to the side. In the same moment, the Kiri sailors on the nearby cruiser opened fire with their rifles, determined to aid their ruler.
Naruto skidded across the wet deck, crashing into the guard rail as a hail of bullets whizzed past him, one finding its mark and slicing through his arm. Pain flared, but he pushed through, adrenaline surging in his veins.
"I can't lose here," he muttered under his breath, determination igniting within him. He quickly created and then fired off a mini tailed beast bomb, the dense ball of chakra crackling with energy.
The bomb shot towards Mei with deadly precision, but she bent low, constructing a slanted ice wall that deflected the jutsu upwards, the resulting momentarily lighting up the dark night sky.
"Fighting me in my own element?" Mei mocked, her voice dripping with confidence. "Foolish."
Before he could respond, Mei raised her arms, and the rain around them suddenly stopped, as if time itself responded to her power. The air around them felt charged as she manipulated the droplets, freezing them in mid-air.
With an intricate series of gestures, the Mizukage formed an intense whirlwind of razor-sharp hail, sending it cascading towards Naruto like a storm of icy daggers.
"No escaping this..." Naruto grumbled, bracing himself for impact.
He gritted his teeth as the barrage tore into his chakra cloak, each shard striking with brutal force. His body endured the assault, but as the hailstorm subsided, he barely had time to react to the next wave of gunfire erupting from the nearby cruiser.
Naruto ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the barrage, his heart racing with the intensity of the battle.
The jinchuriki cursed under his breath, not finding space to breathe as Mei unleashed jutsu after jutsu at him, not giving him breathing room.
The falling rain combined with their location made sure she had the advantage, utilizing the abundance of water to attack Naruto with particularly devastating water style ninjutsu.
"This is getting old, Mei!" he shouted, launching a Rasenshuriken at her as he evaded a jet of fire that casted a red glow on the wet metallic deck.
Mei's response was quick to Naruto's attack; she performed a set of hand signs, wearing a grin on her face. "Think fast, Naruto!" she shouted as she extended an arm towards him.
Naruto's eyes widened as he registered Mei's warning, and he could barely move away in time, briefly catching a glimpse of Mei's confident smile.
[Water Style: Great Water Blade]
She seamlessly intercepted Naruto's jutsu, splitting the spinning disk of energy with a thin, deadly blade of water that she summoned from the very rain around them.
The Rasenshuriken disintegrated as the water blade sliced through it and also the ship's superstructure behind, sending debris crashing into the ocean below.
"Not even the Kazekage could beat me!" Mei chided, her eyes glinting with a mix of amusement and malice. "Just who the fuck do you think you are, Uzumaki Naruto?"
"Damn it!" Naruto growled, getting to his feet. He remained on edge, anticipating Mei's next attack.
Naruto began to feel Kurama stirring within him, urging him to think strategically. "You need to exploit the environment and use it against her!"the beast growled in his mind.
At the beast's words, his gaze darted around, focusing on the ever-present water surrounding them. Mei controlled it effortlessly, twisting it to her will. He needed to outsmart her, to find a way to turn the tide against her.
"This entire place is her element you dumb fox! What am I supposed to exploit here?!"
"Look around brat! Use your brain!"
Getting an idea, Naruto curiously looked at his feet—and noticing he was fighting on a massive warship packed full of fuel and ammunition. "You're right..."
As Mei prepared for her next attack, she crafted several massive water dragons that loomed behind her, glistening in the dim light. "I'll present your corpse to your idiot father myself... show him how to handle rebellious brats like you."
"Bring it on!" Naruto shouted in response, his resolve unwavering.
The deck of the warship rocked violently as Mei unleashed her wrath upon him.
Six massive water dragons surged forth, twisting and roaring. They carved through the air, each one a lethal weapon aimed directly at Naruto.
Naruto's instincts kicked in, and he leapt skyward, narrowly avoiding the deadly serpents as they crashed into the ship's deck below, sending seawater flying.
But as he soared, a dozen piercing water serpents emerged from the depths, striking him mid-air with brutal precision. Pain erupted across his body as he was sent crashing into the superstructure of the ship, metal groaning under his weight.
Grunting, Naruto assessed the damage. The water serpents hadn't penetrated his defenses, but they still hurt like hell. "Damn it!" he muttered, shaking off the disorientation.
He swiftly created several shadow clones, using them to absorb the hail of bullets that suddenly rained down from the soldiers on the circling cruiser. These guys are pesky... he thought as he focused on the threat.
With his gaze fixed on the cruiser, Naruto's resolve hardened. He leaped upwards, tracking the movements of the enemy soldiers with fierce determination.
[Rasenshuriken]
He grunted, conjuring a massive, spiraling sphere of chakra. He hurled it toward the ship, the jutsu arcing through the air, tearing through anything in its path in a perfect arc.
The explosion lit up the night as the jutsu connected, sending soldiers sprawling in all directions.
Naruto smiled, momentarily satisfied by the chaos he had unleashed. But his triumph was short-lived as Mei retaliated, her eyes narrowing with fierce determination.
A stream of molten lava shot from her mouth, arcing toward him. "Not this time!" he yelled, narrowly evading the attack as it scorched the air around him. The heat was intense, but the thrill of battle surged through him.
"Enough playing around!" Naruto growled, creating a tailed beast bomb. He slammed it into the deck of the ship, the impact shaking the very foundation of the warship.
Mei's eyes widened in shock, realizing the impending doom. In a quick motion, she washed herself overboard, landing safely away from the blast on the water surface.
She quickly conjured a wall of ice for protection as the ship erupted in a fiery explosion, debris scattering across the ocean.
The water splashed around her, and she scanned for Naruto's figure. "Where are you Naruto! Come out!" She cried, scanning for him.
Just as she spotted him charging towards her from the wreckage of a ship, she snapped her fingers.
The ground beneath Naruto froze, sharp icicles shooting up to impale him. Mei extended her hand, manipulating the ice until it formed a sphere around him.
[Ice Chamber]
In a split second, Mei manipulated the ice into a sphere, encasing Naruto within it, her intent clear: she would crush him.
"Goodbye, Naruto Uzumaki," she taunted, her voice dripping with malice. She focused her chakra, compressing the sphere to a tiny size, snuffing out his life. Triumphantly, Mei turned around to walk away.
But suddenly, a fierce punch landed squarely on her face. Mei tumbled backward in disbelief, stunned to find Naruto standing triumphantly. "You think I'd fall for that?" he shouted, rage fueling his determination. Mei clenched her fist in frustration. She had only killed a clone.
"Damn you!" Mei spat, recovering quickly as anger blazed in her eyes. She summoned a fireball, preparing to retaliate, but Naruto was faster. He closed the distance, landing three quick, punishing blows that sent her sprawling to the water.
"You're not getting away that easily!" he yelled, pinning her down with his foot. He bent low, raining punches down upon her, his fist fueled by the pain of his loss. As he formed a Rasengan, he prepared to slam it into her head, ready to end this fight.
In a desperate move, Mei flicked her wrist, and the water surrounding them surged upward, flipping them upside down. Now she stood above him, and Naruto felt his grip on her slip away as he was engulfed in the depths.
"Enough!" Mei shouted as Naruto struggled to regain his footing. "Yagura!" she called out, her voice laced with urgency, realizing she hadn't brought a radio and she was alone in the fight.
Frustrated, Naruto surged upwards, shaking off the water as he broke through the surface, determined to end this battle. But Mei had already fled, creating a wall of ice between them and making a run for it, riding a wave she conjured to her yacht.
Back on her yacht, Mei scrambled for a radio, her hands shaking. "Yagura! I need you!" she called, her voice filled with panic. As she turned around, gunfire erupted at the stern, freezing her in place. She knew Naruto was now onboard.
"Yagura!" she shouted again, desperately searching the deck. Suddenly, Yagura emerged from the water, landing gracefully between Mei and Naruto.
Naruto studied the imposing figure of the jinchuriki before him, noticing the cruel rods piercing through his skin. He could sense the torment Yagura endured under Mei's control.
"Yagura, do something!" Mei pleaded, fear creeping into her voice as she faced Naruto, now seemingly cornered.
But Naruto didn't move. Instead, as Yagura charged, he reached out, placing a hand on Yagura's face. "What have they done to you?" Naruto whispered, his voice conveying empathy as he channeled his chakra into him.
Yagura froze, a tear rolling down his cheek as he dropped to his knees, expressionless. "You don't have to obey her anymore," Naruto said, stepping closer to Mei, who was now utterly alone.
Mei's confidence wavered as she prepared to defend herself. The tide of battle was turning, and she could feel the weight of impending doom as she faced the storm that was Naruto Uzumaki.
She called out, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "The prodigal son returns. Have you come to shame your father even more, Naruto? Betraying your family like this?" She smirked, trying to mask her unease. "I can't help but wonder what Minato would think. I mean, just look at you. You look so much like him and yet you're not even half the man he is."
Naruto frowned, her words striking a nerve. "You're right," he said, his tone steady but lacking the fire of rage. "I'm nothing like him. Minato's just another Kage to me, no better than you." His eyes hardened, the resolve growing stronger. "And I'm determined to take you and the others out of the picture. You're just the first in line."
Mei's expression shifted from mockery to irritation. "You think you can take me down? I'll show you what real power looks like!" She gritted her teeth, her fingers weaving through hand signs.
[Water Style: Tidal Wave]
A massive surge of water crashed towards Naruto, dark and menacing, ready to engulf him.
Naruto leapt upwards, landing gracefully atop the yacht's superstructure. He glanced back, gauging Mei's movements.
She was already darting for the door leading inside the yacht, desperation creeping into her strides. A clone of Naruto burst forth from behind her, intercepting her just before she could escape.
"Not so fast, Mei!" The clone extended a chakra arm, slamming her against the wall.
Mei gasped, her breath caught in her throat. She quickly countered, conjuring a blade of water and slashing through the clone's chakra arm with a swift motion. The arm fell limp, and she stumbled past it, rushing into the nearest compartment.
Inside, Mei found Chojuro unconscious on the floor, his form crumpled and still. A crew of camera operators huddled fearfully in the corner, eyes wide with terror. "Chojuro!" Mei cried, panic lacing her voice as she rushed to his side.
Naruto entered the compartment, his shadow stretching across the floor. "It's not over yet, Mei," he said, his voice steady but filled with menace.
"Wait!" she shouted, spinning around to face him, her fear evident. "What will it take for you to leave? I can give you money, anything you want!"
Naruto shook his head, a bitter smile creeping onto his lips. "I grew up in comfort, Mei. Your bribes don't move me."
Mei's mind raced, scrambling for another angle. "What do you want then? I'll do it! Just tell me!"
"It wouldn't even be fair for me to accept your bribes and walk away," he shot back, his voice unwavering. "I'm not the only one here with a grudge against you, after all."
Mei raised an eyebrow in confusion, the uncertainty gnawing at her. But before she could respond, she felt a cold, sharp sensation in her abdomen. She looked down in horror as four razor-sharp claws protruded from her stomach, blood seeping from the wound.
"Madam Mizukage," came a mocking voice from the shadows, and Yugito stepped into view, a cruel smirk on her face.
"Two tails!" Mei gasped, staggering forward. Rage ignited within her, and she cursed Naruto for this betrayal. "You shouldn't have come here. I gave you a way out, Naruto! Now, I'll kill you both!" She raised her hand, gathering chakra to unleash a piercing water serpent.
But in an instant, her hand was severed at the wrist by Yugito, and she cried out in shock, clutching the bloody stump. A powerful kick from behind sent her sprawling to the ground, leaving her gasping for breath.
Naruto turned to the trembling camera crew, his expression fierce. "Hey!" he barked. He reached the crew in a few quick strides, grabbing a cameraman by the collar.
"Shut up and do your job!" Naruto lifted the trembling man in his hand, his feet leaving the ground. "You came here to record your Mizukage right?"
He dropped the man to the ground, watching him and his coworkers scurry to set up their cameras, their breaths shaking.
Yugito stepped closer, grabbing Mei by the hair and yanking her into a kneeling position. "Time for you to face the music," she said, forcing Mei to look into the rolling camera, the lens capturing the moment.
Mei's eyes darted around, fear mingling with desperation. "You… you won't get away with this!" she hissed, struggling against Yugito's grip.
Naruto leaned closer, a dark glint in his eyes. "We already have," he replied simply.
The camera crew watched in horror, the scene unfolding before them set to change the course of their lives.
The Mizukage's yacht rocked gently against the choppy seas, the storm outside mirroring the turbulent emotions swirling within the cabin. Rain lashed against the windows, and the wind howled like a banshee, but inside, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. The camera rolled, capturing every moment of the dark spectacle unfolding on the yacht of the Fourth Mizukage.
Yugito held Mei kneeling on the floor, her severed wrist clutched in her remaining hand. Blood dripped onto the polished wood beneath her, forming a dark pool that mixed with the saltwater streaming in through the windows. Mei's eyes were wild, filled with fury and defiance as she stared directly into the camera. Her breaths came in sharp gasps, but her spirit remained unbroken.
Naruto stood a few steps away, the flickering light from the overhead lamp casting eerie shadows across his face. He leaned closer to the camera, his grin sinister. "Welcome, everyone! Today, we're coming to you from beautiful Fūka, courtesy of the Fourth Mizukage. Say hello, Mei!" He stepped aside, allowing the camera to focus on Mei.
"Go fuck yourself, Uzumaki," she spat, her voice hoarse but laced with venom.
Naruto chuckled, unfazed by her words. "Well, that's a warm welcome! But let's get to the real reason we're here." He turned back to the lens, eyes gleaming with malice. "Whoever's watching this might know me as the rogue jinchuriki of the nine tails. But today, I'd like to introduce a friend."
Naruto directed the camera man to focus on Yugito for a moment. The man fearfully complied, before returning the focus to Naruto.
"Today signifies the beginning of my plan to change the world," Naruto continued. "And I'd like to once again introduce you all to our host, the Mizukage of the Water Country!"
Mei glared at him, her anger barely contained. "You think this will end well for you? You're a fool!"
Ignoring her, Naruto continued, "What's in this lovely book?" He held up a thick, worn volume, its pages yellowed and crinkled. "Mei Terumi, could you take a guess as to what secrets this book holds?"
"It could be the recipe for fruitcake for all I care," Mei snarled. "I'm not playing your sadistic game."
Naruto ignored Mei's harsh remark. "This, Mizukage-sama, is a record of every civilian killed under your watch during your campaign in the Wind Kingdom."
She scoffed, brushing him off. "It's war. You win or you lose. I chose to win, and I don't regret it."
"Collateral damage, right?" Naruto shot back. "Just like Yagura Karatachi. Not even a day over sixteen, and you subject him to a life of misery just so you can colonize foreign land just a little bit faster. You tortured him for your own gain. You're nothing but a monster."
"Where did you even get that record from Naruto?" Mei asked, doing little to hide her anger.
"Shut the hell up, Mizukage," Yugito ordered, stepping into the frame for a moment. "It's not your turn to talk."
Naruto scratched his cheek, walking towards Mei. "Y'know, I had this whole thing planned out, where I'd call the name of every individual you had slaughtered, but I don't think the camera's even gonna last that long."
"Apart from your numerous crimes against the Sand's population Mizukage, we have a bit of a personal grudge on you." Yugito interjected, her voice trembling with rage. "You and the Hokage ordered a hit on my family! You destroyed our lives!"
"The target was the nine tails jinchuriki," Mei replied calmly. "Collateral damage," she repeated, a twisted smile on her lips. "Just like the civilians in the Wind Country. If they're in my way, they're expendable."
Yugito lunged forward, landing a powerful punch to Mei's jaw as Naruto begged her to calm down. "You killed Bee! You took my child!"
Mei's head snapped back, but she recovered quickly, eyes blazing with fury. "You think your pain matters? You two are jinchuriki, tools of your villages. I have every right to do as I please with you!"
She laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "You think you can intimidate me? You're just a soldier, Naruto. You're nothing without the nation who made you."
He shrugged, unfazed. "I'm not anyone's weapon anymore. These days, I see myself as an instrument of peace."
"Peace?" Mei sneered. "You're a narcissistic terrorist, and you're too blind to see it."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, a smirk creeping across his face. "Coming from the likes of you, I'll take that as a compliment. After all, one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."
Yugito's glare burned into Mei as she prepared to strike again. She turned to Naruto, and the pair shared a knowing look.
With a sudden movement, she landed another hard blow, sending Mei sprawling to the ground. Blood sprayed from her mouth, and Naruto followed up with a punch of his own. The two of them unleashed a flurry of strikes, Mei's defiance fading as they systematically dismantled her.
The camera captured every brutal moment—Mei's face growing more and more battered, blood streaking her cheeks, her hair matted and disheveled. The air was thick with the scent of saltwater and iron.
Yugito dragged Mei back up by the hair, forcing her to kneel in front of the camera. "Any last words?" she growled, holding Mei's chin tightly.
Mei glared defiantly into the lens. "Minato Namikaze," she spat, "this is your fault! You're to blame for everything happening here!"
Naruto stepped back into the frame, his expression steely. "Raikage, Tsuchikage, Kazekage, and Hokage—you're next." His voice was low and menacing, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. "The Akatsuki is coming for you. Be prepared."
With a nod from Naruto, Yugito extended a claw, bending Mei's head back. The camera focused tightly on Mei's face, wide eyes filled with fear and realization as the claw sliced across her throat, a crimson arc bursting forth.
Blood sprayed as Mei dropped forward, choking on her own blood. The camera caught her final moments, the rage in her eyes dimming as she slumped to the floor, lifeless.
The screen abruptly cut to black.
The storm outside raged on, but within the confines of the yacht, the air was filled with an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of crashing waves against the hull, a fitting backdrop for the chaos that had just unfolded.
Yagura knelt on the deck of Mei's yacht, staring blankly at the floorboards beneath him. The ocean's gentle sway did little to soothe the turmoil within him. He could hear the soft murmurs of the waves, but they felt distant and unimportant. He was lost in thought, still processing everything that had happened—the weight of the events that had unfolded so rapidly.
Naruto and Yugito approached him cautiously, their footsteps muted by the wood beneath them. Yagura felt a hand on his shoulder, the warmth of Naruto's presence grounding him. "Are you okay?" Naruto asked softly.
Yagura blinked slowly and nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I… I haven't felt this free in years."
Memories surged in his mind, transporting him back to that fateful moment when Naruto had placed a hand on his head.
He remembered entering the mind plane, where he found himself face to face with Naruto and the immense, terrifying figure of the Nine-Tails looming behind him. The three tails of Isobu stood ominously in the background, a reminder of the power that had once bound him.
In that mental space, Naruto's voice had been both reassuring and fierce. "You don't have to suffer to serve Mei anymore," he had said, echoing Yagura's deepest fears and regrets.
The words had struck him hard, igniting a glimmer of hope that had long since faded. Kurama, the Nine-Tails, had also spoken to Isobu, acknowledging their shared hatred for the bonds that had kept them imprisoned as weapons.
"You are not alone in your pain,"Kurama had said, his voice deep and resonant."We can change this. Together."
When Yagura finally returned to the present, he felt a pang of sadness for Mei, whose path had led to her demise. "What happened to Mei?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly as he rose to his feet, dropping his staff.
Yugito's expression hardened. "She's dead," she replied coldly, the finality of her words hanging heavy in the air.
Naruto turned to Yagura, searching his eyes for understanding. "Have you been thinking about what we discussed?" he prompted gently.
For a moment, Yagura hesitated, the memories of his past and the pain of his present swirling in his mind. He looked down at his body, still marred by the rods that had once controlled him. With painstaking slowness, he began to remove them one by one. Each rod pulled free felt like a release, and as the last one clattered to the deck, a weight lifted from his soul.
"Thank you," he breathed, looking up at Naruto and Yugito. "Thank you for freeing me."
Naruto's gaze softened. "Do you know your way back home?"
Yagura's brow furrowed, and he paused. "I was thinking of something else," he admitted carefully. "I want to help you—in your plan. I want to free other people like me."
A silence fell between them as Naruto and Yugito exchanged glances. "Are you sure about this?" Naruto asked, his voice low but steady.
Yagura nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "Going back home like nothing happened would amount to nothing. I want to help you see your goal through."
Naruto leaned closer to Yugito, whispering something only she could hear. After a moment, he turned back to Yagura, the gravity of the moment palpable. "Alright," he said, his voice firm. "But I need you to understand how dangerous this path is. It could be self-condemning."
"I've made up my mind," Yagura replied, his voice gaining strength. The resolve was clear in his gaze, and for the first time in years, he felt a spark of purpose igniting within him.
As the sun rose in the horizon, casting a golden hue over the ocean, Yagura knew he was no longer alone. He was ready to forge a new path, one that could lead to the liberation of others who had suffered as he had. The weight of freedom pressed down on him, but he welcomed it, ready to embrace the fight ahead.
The flickering light from the screen cast shadows across the walls of Gaara's office in Sunagakure. He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his green eyes fixed on the footage playing out before him. On the screen, a disturbing video played. It was a sight that should have repulsed him, but the weight of the situation hung heavy in the air. Beside him, Temari stood with an aloof expression, a glass of wine held casually in her hand.
As the footage reached its climax, Mei Terumi was seen in her last moments. The moment she was struck down by Naruto and Yugito sent a shockwave through the ninja world, and Gaara felt the implications of that moment resonate deep within him.
"And there she goes," Temari scoffed, taking a sip of her wine as Mei's body fell to the ground. "Serves her right, the bitch deserved it."
Gaara sighed, rubbing his temples. "Temari, you shouldn't make such comments."
"Oh please," she rolled her eyes, taking another sip. "You're the Kazekage, but even you must have a little pleasure watching your enemies fall." She gestured outside, where the sounds of celebration echoed through the village. "Look at your people. They're reveling in her death. Naruto finally did something good for once, huh?"
"Is that why you're drinking this early?" Gaara asked, a hint of a smile threatening to break through his stoic facade.
"Maybe," she replied coolly, a smirk playing on her lips. "But I'm not the only one celebrating. You can't deny it feels good to see someone like Mei get what was coming to her."
Gaara straightened, a seriousness settling back into his features. "Temari, you need to consider the wider consequences of Naruto's actions. He brazenly threatened the lives of every Kage, and he's shown that he's willing to go through with it by killing the Mizukage."
Her expression shifted slightly, the playful demeanor giving way to a more contemplative look. "I know. That's why we're keeping watch for him."
He nodded, already anticipating the discussions that were to come. "The remaining Kage will be meeting soon to discuss this threat. We need to prepare for whatever comes next."
"Yeah," Temari replied, her voice steadying. "But don't think for a second that I'm not enjoying this. It's a step toward some balance in this chaotic world."
Gaara couldn't help but feel the conflicting emotions roiling within him. While part of him understood Temari's perspective, he couldn't shake the sense of dread that filled him. "Naruto and Yugito," he thought inwardly, "What are you doing?"
As the video concluded, the celebrations outside continued unabated. Gaara stood up, feeling the weight of his responsibilities settle heavily on his shoulders. He glanced at Temari, who was still absorbed in the aftermath of the footage, her lips curling into a satisfied smile.
"Let's hope this doesn't ignite a fire we can't put out," he murmured before leaving the room, his mind racing with the implications of Naruto's actions.
Temari's voice followed him as he stepped into the corridor, her tone teasing yet sincere. "You know, brother, it's okay to feel a little relief. Just don't forget to keep your guard up. Who knows what's next?"
Gaara paused at the door, glancing back at her. "I won't. But I'll be thinking about more than just relief. I have a duty to my people, and that comes first."
With that, he stepped out into the sun-drenched streets of Sunagakure, the cheers and laughter of his people mingling with the weight of his thoughts.
Sakura sat at her favorite café in Konoha, sunlight streaming through the window and illuminating the cheerful pastel decor. The aroma of fresh pastries and brewing coffee filled the air, creating a comforting atmosphere. She absently stirred her tea while glancing at the menu, her mind drifting. Across from her, Hinata smiled gently, savoring a small plate of dango.
"Are you going to order anything else, Sakura?" Hinata asked, her voice soft yet curious.
Sakura looked up, forcing a smile. "I'm good for now. Just enjoying the moment," she replied, though she felt a lingering weight in her chest.
Hinata tilted her head, her brows furrowing slightly. "You seem a little distant today. Is something on your mind?"
Sakura sighed, realizing that she couldn't hide her feelings from her friend. "It's… complicated," she said, her fingers fidgeting with the teacup.
"Take your time," Hinata encouraged, her expression earnest. "I'm here for you."
After a moment, Sakura finally opened up. "I've been thinking about stepping back from being a shinobi," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Maybe I'm not meant to be a soldier. I should probably just work at the hospital."
Hinata reached across the table, taking Sakura's hand in hers. "I understand if that's what you feel is best for you. You've fought so hard, Sakura. It's okay to want a different path."
Sakura looked down, a mix of sadness and relief flooding through her. "It's just… Shisui's death hit me hard. And seeing Sasuke… it broke something inside him. He's consumed by revenge now, and I can't bear to watch him go down that path."
Hinata's expression faltered, her grip tightening around Sakura's hand. "I'm sorry, Sakura," she murmured, the weight of their shared losses evident in her voice.
Suddenly, a voice from another table interrupted their conversation. A customer had asked the café owner to put on the news. "I want to hear what they're saying about the assassination," he said, his tone casual, yet the word sent a chill through Sakura.
"Assassination? What happened?" Hinata asked, raising an eyebrow.
Sakura blinked, surprised that Hinata hadn't heard. "You didn't hear? The Mizukage was murdered last night."
Hinata's eyes widened. "What? Are you serious?"
Sakura took a deep breath, leaning forward. "Yeah. And… Naruto was the one who did it."
Hinata's face turned pale, her hand instinctively covering her mouth as she gasped softly.
Just then, the cafés television flickered to life, the news anchor appearing on screen with a grave expression. Sakura and Hinata turned their attention to the broadcast, their hearts racing.
"We have breaking news from the Hidden Mist," the anchor began, her voice steady but somber. "Mizukage Mei Terumi was assassinated last night under shocking circumstances. Viewer discretion is advised, as we'll be showing footage of the event which some viewers might find disturbing."
Sakura felt her stomach twist as the screen cut to shaky footage of Mei's execution. Her heart sank further as she watched Naruto standing defiantly before the camera, his expression resolute.
Hinata whispered, "Naruto…" her voice thick with emotion, her heart aching at the sight of him.
As the footage continued, Mei's voice echoed through the café as she replied Yugito on the screen. ""The target was the nine-tails jinchuriki..."
Hinata's eyes widened in shock."How did they know where Naruto is in such short notice…"Her mind raced back to her visit to the police station when Lord Danzo had called her in. A chill ran down her spine.
The footage cut to Mei's final moments, her voice shaky as she spoke. "Minato Namikaze," she spat, "this is your fault! You're to blame for everything happening here!"
Sakura glanced at Hinata, seeing her friend's expression darken with worry and confusion. "Hinata, are you okay?" she asked, her concern deepening.
But Hinata shook her head, her appetite gone. "I need to go," she said suddenly, standing up from the table.
"Huh? Where are you going?" Sakura called after her, but Hinata was already making her way out, the door swinging shut behind her.
Sakura sat alone, the weight of the news pressing heavily on her chest. As she stared at the screen, the gravity of the situation sank in. Naruto had crossed a line, and everything was about to change.
The café faded into a blur around her, the vibrant world outside feeling distant and cold. The light breakfast she had once enjoyed now felt like a memory of innocence lost in the chaos that lay ahead.
Hinata walked purposefully down the streets of Konoha, her mind swirling with thoughts. Each step echoed her resolve, determination evident on her face. The familiar path led her towards the Uchiha district, a place that had always felt a little foreign to her, yet one she had grown accustomed to over the years. She could feel the energy of the village around her—children playing, vendors calling out their wares—but today, she was focused solely on one goal: finding Sasuke.
She approached the door of the Uchiha household and knocked firmly. Moments later, Mikoto Uchiha opened the door, her expression warm and welcoming.
"Hinata! What a nice surprise," Mikoto said, her smile genuine. "Please, come in."
Hinata felt a wave of affection for Sasuke's mother but shook her head gently. "Thank you, Mikoto, but I'm looking for Sasuke. Do you know where he is?"
"Oh, he's probably training in the forest," Mikoto replied, a hint of pride in her voice. "You know how dedicated he is."
Hinata nodded, a flicker of concern crossing her mind. "I see. Thank you, Mikoto."
With a brief farewell, Hinata made her way toward the training ground. The trees loomed overhead, casting shadows on the path as she hurried, the urgency of her mission driving her forward.
When she arrived, she found Sasuke alone, focused on his training. He was striking at a series of wooden dummies, the sound of his fists hitting the wood echoing in the still air. Hinata hesitated for a moment, watching him before stepping forward.
"Sasuke!" she called out, her voice cutting through his concentration.
He paused and turned, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "Hinata? What's up?"
She took a deep breath, preparing herself. "Can we talk?"
"Sure," he replied, his tone casual, but there was an edge in his eyes.
"I wanted to ask you about the interrogation at the police station," Hinata said, her heart racing as she spoke.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, seemingly puzzled. "What about it? The guy spilled everything he knew about Naruto."
Hinata studied his expression carefully, searching for any sign that he wasn't being completely honest. "What did he say?"
Sasuke crossed his arms, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his posture. "He told us where Naruto was. That's all we needed."
She felt her frustration mounting. "Please, just tell me the truth about what happened."
Sasuke's gaze hardened, and he hesitated for a moment. "I already told you, Hinata. He talked."
"Stop lying to me, Sasuke!" she pressed, her voice rising. "What really happened?"
He looked conflicted for a moment, then sighed heavily. "Fine. We placed you under a genjutsu and read your mind."
Hinata felt as if the ground had shifted beneath her feet. "What? Why would you do that?"
"Danzo ordered it," Sasuke replied bluntly, irritation creeping into his voice. "It was part of our investigation."
Her heart sank, anger mixing with disbelief. "You went along with that? You invaded my privacy, Sasuke!"
His expression turned sharper, frustration evident. "Looking back, if I hadn't complied, we wouldn't have known that you knew where Naruto was hiding before and didn't tell anyone!"
Hinata stepped back, the weight of his words hitting her hard. "So? It would've gotten him killed!" she shouted, hurt lacing her voice.
Sasuke clenched his fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface. "Your loyalty to him, even after everything, is insane! He's a terrorist now!"
Hinata felt a surge of anger at his words but didn't counter them. "You don't understand," she replied, her voice trembling. "They used me. They invaded my mind without my consent. How can you be okay with that?"
"It was for the greater good!" he snapped, exasperated.
Feeling overwhelmed, Hinata turned on her heel and stormed off, her heart racing. Sasuke's words echoed in her mind, twisting her emotions further. The village she had trusted, the people she had cared for, had betrayed her in the name of security.
As she walked home, the weight of the conversation bore down on her, her thoughts consumed by the implications of Danzo's actions and Sasuke's compliance. A sense of dread washed over her, mingling with her frustration as she questioned everything she had believed in.
Neji sat cross-legged on the polished wooden floor of the Hyuuga clan's main house, the evening light filtering through the shoji screens, casting gentle shadows that danced around the room. He could feel the tension in the air, thick and unyielding, as he glanced between Danzo and Hiashi. Danzo's demeanor was stern, his hawkish gaze fixed on Hiashi, who appeared lost in thought, a shadow of his former self.
"Hiashi, we need to finalize the marriage arrangements soon. Hanabi leaves for Kumo in two days," Danzo said, his tone businesslike, lacking any warmth. "The artillery swap deal needs to be wrapped up swiftly."
Neji couldn't help but feel a surge of anger at the mention of Hanabi's impending departure. "But what about Hinata? She should be considered too," he interjected, his voice steady yet laced with frustration.
Danzo shook his head dismissively. "No, we don't want to entertain any more visits from Naruto. It's not safe. Hanabi is a safer bet. Besides, the potential suitors from Kumo consider Hinata bad luck after everything that has transpired. The Raikage himself requested Hanabi specifically and I support his decision. If we had stuck with the original plan then maybe none of this would've happened."
"Why would you even consider Hanabi? She's so young!" Neji exclaimed, disbelief etched on his features. "Is this really the best we can do?"
Hiashi remained silent, his gaze distant as he wrestled with his own demons. Neji turned to him, searching for support. "Father, you can't allow this to happen! It's not right!"
Hiashi raised a hand, signaling Neji to let it go. The disappointment in his uncle's eyes only deepened Neji's frustration. "Danzo is right," Hiashi said finally, his voice quiet and defeated. "We must prioritize the village's needs."
Danzo nodded, continuing the discussion without missing a beat. "We'll need to prepare the necessary documents for the transfer of Hanabi. She'll be leaving immediately after the deal is finalized."
As the two men discussed the details, Neji's anger simmered just beneath the surface. He couldn't shake the feeling that Hanabi deserved better than to be treated as a pawn in their political games.
Unbeknownst to them, Hinata stood just outside the room, her heart racing as she strained to catch snippets of their conversation. The mention of Hanabi's wedding arrangements brought a frown to her face, and she clenched her fists in frustration.
Cursing Danzo and the entire village of Kumo under her breath, she turned away from the door, her heart heavy with dread. The very thought of her sister being married off against her will made her stomach churn. As she passed a nearby room, a pair of voices drew her attention.
Peeking through the slightly ajar door, Hinata saw two of her clansmen watching the television, their expressions filled with shock. The news footage displayed was grim, with breaking headlines flashing across the screen: "Mizukage Assassinated."
Hinata's breath hitched as the infamous clip of Mei's execution played out, her heart pounding in her chest. She watched, riveted, as Naruto stood defiantly on the screen, vowing to change their world. His words echoed in her mind as he threatened the five Kage, a promise of upheaval and revolution.
The resolve in Naruto's voice ignited something deep within her. Thoughts swirled in her mind, each one fueled by her determination to save Hanabi from a life of servitude, a fate she wouldn't accept for her sister.
As the report continued to play, Hinata's heart raced with conflicting emotions. She wanted to scream, to take action, to reach for Danzo and strangle him herself. But could she? Could she risk everything for the sake of her sister's freedom?
As she watched Naruto speak boldly into the camera, a thought lingered, a subtle but growing certainty that guided her as she stepped away from the door, her heart pounding with determination.
Hinata took a deep breath, steeling herself. With every passing moment, her resolve solidified, and a flicker of hope ignited within her.