Naruto / Ikam's POV (Traversing Land of Fire)

  They had left quickly after Leifazu and Suzumebachi forced joining of them, at his mother's insistence. Kakashi was familiar with the Leaf's patrol division's movements, and even those of the Anbu. As such his sensei led the group to evade their paths and exit the village without much notice. However, Kakashi did inform the group they needed to put distance between themselves and the Leaf. With the jailbreak and their disappearances, it wouldn't take long for them to notice and send a part after them. Distance would be key for now.

  The idea of fighting against his village made Naruto feel sick, and obviously the others too, for the group had a fantastic time as they blitzed through the forests. They were miles away from the village now, and the team sent after them would spend precious time tracking them, which would cement their lead. It helped the newest members of their team be shockingly agreeable.

  Leifazu and Suzumebachi led the group's formation. His mother had already devised a way to take care of the two during this trip. Both were marked with a simple explosive tag seal, a powerful one, however. With its placement along their spine and ability to explode within their bodies as well, neither could survive their wrath, but it seemed unnecessary now.

  All the same Naruto felt a burning hatred for them both. Leifazu was the very reason Choji and Lee were in the near-death state they were in, though she had also carried them to their safety. Suzumebachi had fought both Lee and Shino with intent to kill. Doubtlessly without the two of them their group would have fared better; perhaps even Yuno could've lived…

  However, he let that anger and sadness sink inside of him for now. It was tempting to wallow in it, and his dark self had let him hear plenty of how absurd this all was. But Naruto would save Lee and Choji first, then figure out how to process this.

  'Just kill Suzumebachi.' His dark self reasoned. 'Ma said Leifazu would be needed due to the state of the ruins. Suzumebachi is a tag along, and as such is unneeded.'

  'She's still human, scum, but human all the same. Besides, Yuno has been avenged… this is to save the ones we can.' Naruto countered.

  'What is our plan anyway? Save these two and spend the rest of our life inside a cell? Do you really think the old man is soft and our village is kind? You know better… for acting out they'll be punished.'

  'None of that matters now.' Naruto concluded as Leifazu caught his gaze and winked suggestively. Naruto cringed, finding the woman creepy, especially with their apparent blood link.

  Leifazu's words within Irminsul had proven somewhat true. Leifazu truly was pleased with Mishiro's death and oddly excited to visit the ruins of their shared origin. Suzumebachi was less pleased but seemed accepting. Naruto suspected both were intending to escape; the question was when? How?

  "Come on, ladies and gentlemen!" Leifazu called. "We're going to my old home!"

  "Only you would be excited about visiting ruins!" Suzumebachi snapped at the woman.

  "If you knew what I did, you'd be too!" Leifazu snappily replied.

  Team Seven glared at the woman as they caught the less subtle threat. His mother had warned the group they'd need Leifazu and that she'd likely be a threat and betray them regardless. It seemed Leifazu was confident the Ruins of the Uzumaki would present an opportunity.

  Kushina explained that the ruins of the Uzumaki were not only inhabited but staunchly defended. When Kushina was younger, she had attempted to visit the ruins but had been repelled by the water itself. The village's namesake was a good natural deterrent, but the town had been covered in traps, even the water holding explosive charges. This all she suspected had been set up by Ikam as if the man was or had been set up there. This is why bringing a Uzumaki and ally of Ikam should allow them to bypass it all. It didn't mean the two were welcomed; however,… even bound to them as they were none of the group trusted their new allies.

  Naruto and Kakashi were next in line, just a few steps behind their forced guides. Even sealed as they were, the group needed to keep them in check; Naruto was confident he and his sensei would have little problem dealing with either if the time came. Muri, now resummoned, was perched on Naruto's head. While he could not sense chakra, his ability to feel emotions made him an effective sensor. Kakashi had his loyal clan of dogs surrounding the group as well. The two served both as a spearhead and to watch the group side flanks.

  Next were Ino and Kushina in the center of the convoy. Both were powerful in their own right, but with Ino and Kushina's support abilities, they were perfect to serve as the core of the group. They dogged Naruto's steps protectively all the way.

  Neji served as the group's rear guard. His power and near three-sixty-degree vision allowed him to easily watch their most vital flank. He would also serve the best chance of alerting them if the Leaf drew close.

  Naruto felt melancholy even now. He was glad to be on the move, happy for the distraction from Yuno. But he was being insubordinate towards his home and heading to the ruins of the family he could've had. And if his mother was correct, he'd be there…

  Ikam Uzumaki, a man Naruto scarcely knew, was supposedly his blood relative. The man who had, in recent years, seemingly done his best to harm Naruto.

  The set-up attack from Mizuki, the assault on the Uzumaki Shrine his mother cared for, the attempted assassination of her, the attack on his home, exposing him as a jinchuriki, and the death of Yuno were due to his own second in command Mishiro Uzumaki. And he may very well be waiting for them in the Ruins of the Uzumaki…

  'So what's the excuse for him?' His dark self taunted. 'Ikam Uzumaki, a man determined to kill all Uzumaki and the man responsible for most of our recent pain. A man who nearly killed our mother. A man who caused Yuno's death! What justification do you have now!'

  Naruto clenched his teeth hard and felt a flare of chakra from Kurama. 'None. I don't want to, but I won't allow him to take anything else… if I see Ikam Uzumaki… I'll kill him!'

  'Naruto…' Muri worriedly chimed in. 'This… voice… may be you, but it's tainted. Do you truly wish to follow its whims?'

  'No. But I can't accept the alternative. That mercy, the kindness I'm proud of, has cost me a friend already. It won't again.' Naruto replied grimly.

  'I suppose, but are you sure this is right?' Muri countered.

  'Not at all,' Naruto answered honestly. But doing what it takes to protect my own can't be wrong.' Naruto could feel Muri's discomfort and disapproval, but the summon was present. Muri may not agree with his actions, but he supported him all the same.

  "Naruto, are you okay?" Kakashi worriedly whispered. I can tell you're distracted, and I can feel your killing intent as well… I understand, but trust me when I say we must be on guard."

  "From the little I heard, things were tense," Naruto replied guiltily. "We nearly caused a war by being missing."

  "Don't place that blame on yourself, son." Kushina chimed in. "The Elemental Nations have only been stable in recent years; it was never going to last."

  "Which means encountering foreign shinobi will be all the more dangerous," Kakashi admitted. "Even more so after those bounties…"

  "Dear Kami, I nearly forgot!" Ino chimed in. "We're all wanted, aren't we?!"

  "Bounties? I was aware Kakashi had one, but the rest of us?" Naruto asked, confused.

  "They have bounties!" Suzumebachi called out, enraged. "If I knew that, I wouldn't have bothered with them! Damn you, Leifazu!"

  "Hey, how is it my fault you didn't win a single fight?" Leifazu cackled. "What was your bounty again?"

  "A respectable Three Million Ryo!" Suzumebachi snapped back. "Leaf Hippies! What are the bounties of Rock Lee and Shino Aburame?!"

  "Ohh, I'd love to know Lee's! Choji Akimichi as well!" Leifazu added.

  "Shut up, you two!" Naruto snapped at both. "Though I am curious…"

  "It's fine; you all will learn of this eventually. Besides, if we're traveling, it would be wise to know the dangers," Kakashi explained to the rest.

  "Everyone present here, save Leifazu, has bounties." Neji's voice hollered from the back of the line. "It means if spotted, we're likely to be known and potentially targeted. Especially when the grand worth of our bounties are totaled. We reach a total of 180 million Ryo. A fortune and a half."

  "So spill it! How high is my bounty?! " Naruto crowing excitedly. The idea of being a wanted shinobi was a dream come true; every Kage had a bounty, after all. He also didn't miss a slight wince from Neji; he was lower…

  Kakashi deftly tossed each of them a sheet regarding their bounties. "We need to take a moment anyway. Read these over; it'll contain your bounty, title, and description of you. Once we do, we'll plan out our route from here."

  The group settled down around a tree. Leifazu and Suzumebachi sat above the others, whispering to themselves as the group lounged around, deciding what to do next. Naruto was sure they were plotting something more than ever, but for now, they'd be no threat.

  "Kakashi sensei and Ma are both so high!" Naruto said, shocked. Hanging upside down from a branch as he read. "But what's with the nicknames?"

  "They are chosen by the media group related to each village." Ino chimed in. Sitting next to the blonde. "So they can be different…"

  "Of course, my old bounty is under that nickname… I don't look like a tomato…" Kushina complained with a sigh. "And Naruto's bounty is so high… sit proper!"

  "Believe it!" Naruto roared, momentarily excited despite the recent days. Though noticeably swinging around the branch and sitting down as Kushina asked. He threw his arm around Ino and cheered. "30 million isn't too shabby for Maelstrom! Not to mention, a certain Hyuga is beneath me!"

  "Making me considerably safer." Neji countered with a sigh as he stood next to them. "Besides, 15 million is respectable enough. At least my title is better…"

  How is The Prodigy of the Hyuga Better than Maelstrom! I'm named after a whirlpool, a powerful natural disaster!" Naruto snarked back.

  "A disaster indeed. I, however, am pleased to bring shame on the Hyuga." Neji replied with a shrug. They had recently banished me from the clan; having my title tied to them will infuriate them."

  "At least you two aren't tied to the literal circus…" Ino complained. "I can literally read minds; why name me the Ringmistress…"

  "I thought that cool rope jutsu of yours was named after that?" Naruto pointed out.

  "Yes, cuz Anko named it! Said something about it fitting a kunoichi!" Ino replied exasperated.

  "Sex sells." Kakashi joked from the end of the branch, dodging twin kunai from Naruto and Ino alike. "Anywho while knowing all of that is neat, it changes things going forward from here. We've made enough ground where the Leaf will be well behind us. So we need to prepare to travel by town. Under disguise, of course."

  "He's right." Kushina agreed. "Nearly all of us have bounties, and we're likely to be spotted in our regular appearances. From there, the Leaf will come running. Or worse yet, bounty hunters."

  "The Leaf knows our destination." Neji points out. "It would seem they will eventually catch up regardless, especially if we get stalled by the supposedly trapped Ruins of the Uzumaki."

  "True, but our goal is only to get the medicine," Naruto countered. It's fine if we go back willingly once we have it, but not until then."

  "Which means we got to make it there quickly and in a path they wouldn't expect. Hiruzen is aware of the state of the Ruins, so they will only send someone strong enough to overpower us, escort us back, and potentially enter and exit the Ruins. Meaning, we can assume he'll send the Sannin." Kushina explained. "Likely both of them…"

  "The old bastard did do that. Though it's only me." A female voice cut in the scene. Each of them flinched, having not sensed her coming; even Muri seemed caught off guard. "Luckily for you all, I intend to do the opposite. Naruto Uzumaki, I've come to tell you the price of my aid to serve you friends and from here on out."

  Tsunade landed on a tree across from them. Despite facing down the men she had just admitted to being sent to bring back by force, she was calm and relaxed. She was confident she could take on all it seemed. After his brush with Mishiro, Naruto realized how powerful the elite were. Kushina and Kakashi stepped forward in front of the others. Kushina drew her katana as Kakashi raised his mask to expose his Sharingan. Naruto grimly prepared himself; if he wanted to save Choji and Lee, he had to fight his own allies, disobey orders from home, and now face down a Sannin… "You're now my student, a Tsunade the Slug Sannin apprentice."

  Kakashi and Kushina froze, mouths agape.

  Neji scoffed with a roll of his eyes as Ino gasped and looked at Naruto to gauge his reaction. Naruto grimly locked eyes with the woman. "I'm currently a member of Team Seven under the guidance of Kakashi sensei and already a pupil of your cohort, Jiraiya the Sannin. It'd feel wrong to agree to this when I'm bound to them."

  "You're a Chunin now, Naruto. Your position in Team Seven is much more flexible than when you were a Genin. As for Jiraiya's tough luck, he'll have to get over it if you wanna save your friends." Tsunade replied bluntly.

  "Then I have no real choice in the matter. I'll agree, but I have to ask why? You seemed to dislike me when we first met; you always treat me like a tragedy waiting to happen." Naruto questioned, jumping forward to stand across Tsunade face to face. So why force me into being your student? Are you going to try to stunt my growth or make me like you?"

  "For better or worse, I see something in you. It's the same glimmer I saw in the past, the glimmer and shine of a hero. But time and time again, I've watched this cruel world crush heroes. Those of bravery and great character get eroded by this world. For a long time, I thought that was an unchangeable fact of life. Now, you could be the one to break this cycle, if I just manage to teach and mold you in the right way, you can succeed where the others failed. And if we fail, I can die finally knowing I can face them…"

  'She's telling the truth, I sense no deceptions, and her emotions are genuine.' Muri mentally spoke from atop his head. 'She's definitely not saying everything, but she's telling the truth…'

  "I respect that," Naruto answered honestly. Then I suppose it's official: I'm your student. " Kushina suddenly bowed over Naruto.

  "You don't agree to that! She's extorting you!" Kushina roared angrily, stomping forward. "Let Mommy take care of it!" Ino suddenly appeared, wrapping Kushina in a full nelson and holding her back.

  "We can't afford to fight a Sannin! Neji, help!" Ino cried as she struggled to hold back the raging Uzumaki. However, she balked when she saw Neji was preoccupied as well.

  "That's the last straw! I'm a damn Elite Jounin, a former Anbu Captain! Why is everyone taking my student! First Jiraiya, now you?!" Kakashi mock roared. It was clear to the entire group he had no intention of attacking her. However, Neji, all the same, mocked and held him back.

  "You truly are a lazy Sensei…" Neji commented, disappointed. "Besides, it brings to question one thing. From what we deduced earlier, the Hokage would likely send both Sannin. It would seem even more likely that Jiraiya would be sent as Naruto's latest Sensei if it was one. So why only you… You have no intention of forcing us back…"

  "Smart Hyuga," Tsunade said with a smile. Luckily for you all, I not only have no intention of forcing you all back, but I intend to begin lessons for Naruto during this trip as well as defend the lot of you. With the current political state, destination in mind, Akatsuki, and likely encounter with an international terrorist, you'll likely need my power and skills."

  "She's right…" Kushina sagged with a sigh. Ino sighs as well, but with relief at her stopping her struggle. "Without one, we'll be deep in foreign territory with no backup; a medical emergency would be a death sentence."

  "Perfect," Naruto said with his second genuine smile for the day. It brought him comfort, knowing the chances of another death had been lowered significantly.

  Leifazu, however, ignored them all as she charged forward with a bloodthirsty charge. Suzumebachi chased after her, begging the woman not to. The two flew through the air toward Naruto and Tsunade. Kushina raised a hand sign, but Naruto shook his head.

  Naruto felt Muri channel the air around him as he focused the chakra in his palm. He'd blast the two away, and they'd learn. However, he flinched as Tsunade shook her head at him. She stood confidently as Leifazu closed in. Suzumebachi landed to her left, unable to stop Leifazu. However, the Uzumaki was stopped in her tracks as Tsunade flicked her finger into her ribs.

  Leifazu coughed up blood, flying back through the air and into the ground with cracks of stone and flying dirt.

  "Gotta have a gentle touch with the crazies." Tsunade joked as she looked back at the stunned Naruto. Leifazu had gone head to head with Choji and Lee, two shinobi known for their considerable power, yet they had failed to defeat Leifazu. Tsunade had just casually dismissed her…

  The dirt cleared from the air, revealing Leifazu embedded at the bottom of a decent-sized hole. She smiled with blood in her mouth before crawling out of the hole. "T-the bitch smashed right through my hardened b-blood, think she collapsed a lung… I'm in love…" She said before she passed out.

  As Naruto gawked as Tsunade one-shotted a powerful Jounin, the woman turned towards the equally stunned Suzumebachi at her other side. "Do you need to be shown who's the boss around here, too?" Tsunade asked threateningly, raising her brow.

  "No need, mam." Suzumebachi politely replied as she half bowed. Let me know what I can do to aid you in any way."

  "Good girl," Tsunade said with a smile. "Now I believe we were discussing disguises for going forward. As a woman with the highest bounty among us and well-traveled, I have a few thoughts for such…"

  X-X

  Ikam's POV

  Ikam woke up with his hands wrapped around the throat of Ashira. The old man desperately attempted to fend him off but was fading fast. The absurdity of it all shocked him. He released Ashira as his mind sped, trying to understand where he was and what was happening. The older man dropped to a pile before him as he stumbled back. He was within the dim cave entrance of his newest hideout within the Land of Water. When had he fallen asleep- no, this was no slumber. His other half had awoken again… the weak fool was still struggling…

  But why was Ashira here? He went to ask, but Ashira suddenly surged forward, his katana pointed at his neck. Even as confused and tired as he felt, Ikam coldly locked eyes with his underling.

  "What is the meaning of this!" Ashira demanded. "First, you send me off to aid Orochimaru, then force me back and attack me! And why did you look like-"

  There was a crack of bone as a certain seal flared. The meaning of this enraged Ikam instantly, and Ashira's audacity to threaten him, regardless of context, only increased the rage. Ikam, faster than the man could react, suddenly sent him flying with a wild haymaker. The blow was so decisive that Ikam could feel his nose snap from the blow. The man bounded off the wall and onto the floor with a chorus of coughs and wheezes.

  "You will not speak of what you saw. Nor will you question my orders again…" Ikam warned. "Not after the setback we just received…"

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  "Set back? I can tell by the air we're in the Land of Water; how can we possibly set back?" Ashira coughed as he rose to a knee. "I hadn't even arrived at Orochimaru's… so Mishiro-"

  "Is dead, it seems. The Life Signal Seal I give you all acts as the name suggests; if any of you perish, I am alerted. Mishiro's just activated…" Ikam answered. His mind whirled; how could this have happened? Had the inhabitants of the Summoning World been more potent than he had assumed? Leifazu hadn't died, so had the loose cannon finally attempted to bite her master's hand? What of the Iwa shinobi she had brought with her-

  Another seal flared through his senses, alerting him even further; it was a barely functioning communication seal. One was so costly in chakra that Ikam had only given it to Mishiro for emergencies. Somehow, it had sent him a message; his love was dead, and the distance between this world and the summoning one delayed the activation. Ikam ignored his thoughts as he activated a seal, which sounded off with a series of clicks and pops. A secret coded cipher of theirs was made just for this seal. But it was only suitable for short messages; what could she have sent?

  The message read as this: "N.A.R.U.T.O.U.Z.U.M.A.K.I."

  Ikam gritted his teeth as he realized why she had sent this. Mishiro had informed him of her killer; somehow, someway, she had encountered Naruto Uzumaki, a high-value target of theirs. Clearly, the rookie Jinchuriki had gotten the better of her. Ikam knew why she had told him, not for revenge but a grim warning. Their mission had just been accelerated. The reason for their slaughter for naught. For the Uzumaki have unknowingly finally created their greatest sin, Naruto Uzumaki was the threat the Uzumaki had constantly threatened to create… Ikam had no choice but to kill him. It was now his highest priority.

  "Sir," Ashira asked worriedly as he stood. The man had seemingly learned his lesson and was no longer aggressive; he was simply warily watching his leader. Ikam calmed slightly at the sight of his men behaving.

  "Plans have changed. We'll have to leave Orochimaru to stand on his own," Ikam decided as he began walking out of his newest hideout, Ashira wisely following behind him.

  "He is facing the might of the Leaf and Akatsuki alike," Ashira replied. "Without our aid, your ally is likely to die."

  "We are colleagues with similar interests, nothing more or less," Ikam replied snappily. "We have our own problems to deal with. Our plans have changed."

  "In what way?"

  "Our hunt for Uzumaki and plans for the Land of Water will be stalled. Our new focus will be the hunt and assassination of Naruto Uzumaki." Ikam explained. "Before we can do such, however, we must grab Mishiro's replacement."

  "Her daughter then," Ashira said with a nod. "She has the same ability as her and is sympathetic to our cause, no doubt. But lacking in power."

  "Her healing ability was what made Mishiro useful." Ikam coldly replied. "We'll keep this next one close by, to ensure we don't lose her. Besides, her abilities are different but no less useful. It is time… time for us to travel back home…"

  Pakura's POV (Anbu HQ - Hidden Sand Village)

  Things had progressed fast since her first meeting with Gaara. When she first received secret correspondence, a letter saying, "Come," she hesitated. The young man was known for his temper, power, and lack of empathy for "humans." His hatred for his father was even more well-known. So, she had assumed this was some attempt to set her up.

  However, Pakura had agreed to meet the Jinchuriki. The strange man was an influential figure. She'd be a fool to say no if she could gain political advantage from a potential future rival for the fifth Kazekage. At worst, it was the most unwelcome booty call ever.

  But it hadn't quite been that. Instead, when faced with the strange man, he said something that shocked her:

  "You plot against my father. I've watched you slowly gain the support of the newest generation and the respect of the middling Chunin. But your fellow Jounin and Anbu don't support you, do they? They all are blindly loyal to Rasa, and they don't see you as nearly as important as you see yourself."

  "Let's say you are right, Gaara. Let's pretend I don't like Rasa and believe I could be a better Kazekage… how would you react?" Pakura had blazingly asked.

  For years now, she had blindly served her home. Blindly worked under Rasa with utter devotion, always with pride and no hesitance. She had slaughtered for her home, killed the guilty and innocent alike, all for her last actual mission.

  A simple infiltration mission to the Hidden Mist Village. One that was routine truly, usually done with the normal spies, but it had been deemed her bloodline would be seen as invaluable to the Mist. Such should allow for smooth entry and submersion within their ranks. And it had; she had been seen as a powerful and valuable catch to the Mist. Assigned as Jounin in their ranks, her mission had gone without a hitch. Until the Bloody Civil War of the Mist broke out.

  Within weeks, she had gone from their newest ace to one of Yagura's top targets. But Pakura was not worried. An extraction team had been promised she would be saved from her mission-turned-hellhole… but they had never come.

  Pakura had been forced to flee the Land of Water on her lonesome. Her home had left her for dead, and she was not willing to risk manpower to dig her out of the shit. It had taken days, fighting tooth and nail, crawling through mud, terrified swimming through the ocean. And she had survived it all. Made it back to the Sand despite the odds. She had figured Rasa would be overjoyed to have his strongest soldier back.

  Instead, she had been seen as a coward, fleeing from her mission when it got tough instead of staying in the post. Pakura cursed the fools who spread such words, and the old guard shamed her mindlessly. Her bloodline would've ensured her death; staying was nothing less than suicide. Her reputation saved her from punishment, but Rasa had made one thing clear: she would never climb any higher…

  Pakura's mind had been made since. She would overthrow and kill Rasa and become the fifth Kazekage; the only thing making her hesitate was his son. Gaara was known for his power; without his support or at least taking him out, her plan simply couldn't be. If he spoke in support, she'd have him on her side; if not, she would be forced to attempt to kill him…

  "It would please me; I have no love for the human who calls himself my father," Gaara replied easily.

  "How do I know this isn't just a plot from Rasa or your plan to become Kazekage?" Pakura asked with a raised brow.

  "I have no desire to rule over this village of humans," Gaara replied. Pakura could sense the truth of those words. Gaara was known far and wide for his hatred of "humans." "In fact, I simply wish to have a leader of this land who does not shackle me…"

  "You're offering your aid…" Pakura realized. "And in return, you want favorable treatment from me once I become Kazekage…"

  "Not necessary." Gaara countered with a snort. "I need no favorable treatment, only a simple rebukable favor in the future. One that would entail no harm to you or our village…"

  "An unspoken favor is a dangerous thing…" Pakura pondered out loud. "How do you know I'll stay true to my word? Or even the opposite?"

  "It is a risk you must take to take the mantle of Kazekage human. As for the other questions, the answer is simple: your gripe with my father is over his betrayal of you when he left you for dead within the Land of Water. You hate dishonesty, a redeemable trait for a human. So I'm certain you'll hold your word. As for you, I cannot report you without Rasa assuming I compromised." Gaara replied. "So let's join forces…":

  Since then, the two have worked in secret. Pakura slowly raises the army, and Gaara and his siblings plot and set up the assassination. Their plot had been to take out the lion's share of Jounin and Anbu. Their plan had gone as planned, but Rasa's latest move threw a wrench in it… The Kazekage, even in crisis mode, had the press release of an international paper containing the complete breakdown of the situation.

  "Damn him! This public gauntlet has informed the public of our intentions and put us on the spot. He's calling for the two of us to meet him on top of the Kazekage Manor for a duel for the position of Kazekage!" Pakura raged. "We were planning to mob him and overwhelm him! This ruins everything! Even if we win, the other villages will hear about it! We're on a damn time limit now!"

  "She's kind of right…" Kankuro agreed as the four of them met within the private office of the former Anbu captain. It was the only space in which the leaders of this rebellion could discuss matters privately. "This whole rebellion relies on the support of the remaining shinobi and the people. Pakura is beloved, and Gaara feared, but if you back down from this duel, the people will lose respect for us."

  "He's forced our hand." Temari cursed. "We figured he'd attempt a counterattack, but this is even better! He's picked the setting and terms of this battle! Not to mention, this will guarantee the other villages."

  "Calm down," Gaara ordered. "Firstly, our father isn't simply doing that. While this move is ingenious, it's only the first part of a two-pronged attack. If he's thinking properly, he's assuring our strongest fighters are tied up; he's setting us up to be missing to open up our forces for attack."

  "So we run counter-propaganda to the people, expose this ploy," Pakura started, but Gaara laughed.

  "No, we'll play into it," Gaara responded with a wide smile. "I shall go and meet my father for this duel, not the both of us."

  "Gaara," Temari said worriedly. You're powerful, but this is Rasa we're talking about…"

  "Oh, I know I can't defeat him on my lonesome. Even an evolution like myself has its limits." Gaara replied. I intend to stall him as Pakura and Temari here go to Chiyo. Kankuro, you lead the other forces into hiding. With any luck, they won't be needed or in danger."

  "You want me to protect Chiyo?" Pakura asked with a raised brow.

  "She's beloved by the people as a hero and firmly on our side," Gaara explained. "So she'll be his true target. Rasa intends to defeat Pakura and me and ensure her death, crushing us simultaneously. Instead, I will stall him out, and Pakura here will slay the force coming from her, and then the two of us will work together to finish off my father. His ploy to force us to face him will keep him locked down and remove his option of retreat…"

  Pakura nodded grimly; the plan made sense. "And you can hold back, Rasa?"

  "If I have my way, my father will be begging for death by your arrival…"

  Itachi's POV (Hidden Sound HQ - Land of Rice)

  Itachi was used to working hard and relentlessly. There was always an enemy in need of taking care of, a threat to be addressed. And as far-reaching and influential as the Leaf Village was, it had limits. These are actions it could not openly do and risks it couldn't technically afford to take. But ever since the fall of the clan, that constant struggle has fallen to his and Obito's shoulders.

  Itachi never genuinely minded. His life was in service to the Leaf Village, and after his clan disgraced himself, he owed all the more to his home. So it was no burden for him; his only purpose was to serve, such was the burden of his talent and skill.

  His partner in their silent two-man war was different. Obito, unlike Itachi, had never been particularly close to the Uchiha clan. Due to his odd behavior and observed unremarkable skill, he was a black sheep. Similar reality, yet they had arrived there in vastly different ways. From what Itachi knew, after years of their partnership, the fall of the Uchiha had happened while he and Team Minato had been off on a mission. The same mission they had lost Rin. After that, the man was a shell of himself. Determined to forget his pain and loneliness through a constant workload.

  Two broken yet powerful men, determined to serve their home. In a way, they were not dissimilar to Orochimaru himself. They were more powerful and knowledgeable than most could ever hope to be. They each suffered greatly in getting where they were. The only difference was Orochimaru lived for himself, and Itachi wondered if the man was better off. But none of it mattered. The man had sinned far too much and had made himself an enemy of their home. And Hiruzen had finally steeled his heart; his orders had been clear. Kill Orochimaru by any means necessary.

  It was easier said than done. The two had spent the last couple of weeks hunting down the snake. Finding a Sound base had been easy enough; even a tiny shinobi village produced a fair amount of traffic. But it had been then that the two realized the genius of their foe.

  Of course, the Sannin hadn't bothered to make one centralized village; with the number of enemies he had and the smaller nature and power level of his forces, it made sense to spread them out. So, it was an in-depth effort to find the base that Orochimaru hid. It would obviously be the most critical and valued village, but with each base only affording scarce clues about where to look next, their current method was repeated strikes, hoping to get lucky.

  But now they had only one left to enter. This latest base was hidden within the subsection of a mine. However, after they had destroyed so many bases, it seemed Orochimaru had given up on subtlety. This entrance was surrounded by a glowing barrier.

  "I told you I felt good about this one!" Obito roared excitedly. We're finally starting to progress; soon, we'll be done!"

  "You shouldn't lower your guard," Itachi replied calmly as the two landed before the barrier. "Orochimaru is an S-Rank shinobi like the two of us. And with his connections to Ikam and the Akatsuki, we can't be certain what surprises he has for us. He is expecting us by now."

  "That's right, Itachi and Obito Uchiha. Our lord had warned us of your arrival. We have been told to rebuff your efforts and offer you one last warning. Orochimaru cannot be slain, even by your life. Turn back now, or perish." A sickly looking man with thin brown hair spoke as he faced the two down from the other side of the barrier. "We are the Shiin clan, as its leader and loyal members of the Village Hidden in Sound. We cannot allow you to continue."

  "If you knew we were coming, you would surely know you were outmatched," Itachi pointed out. You are somewhat aware of our abilities; you've avoided locking eyes with either of us."

  "All Uchiha are skilled with Genjutsu, and then there's the two of you. A shame I can't showcase my ability, but you'll find this barrier impenetrable. It's powered by most of our clan!" Kiin taunted.

  "Wait, I thought they knew of our abilities?" Obito asked earnestly as he and Itachi marched toward the barrier. "Did that old snake really think this would stop us?"

  "A cornered animal will use any number of tactics to survive," Itachi replied. "He's not expecting them to succeed, but even slowing us down is worth the effort. If they somehow fell us, all the better."

  Itachi could see the doubt creeping into Shiin. The man leaped back as they neared the barrier, pulled out a flute, and played desperately. The rest of his men tensed, pulling out kunai and swords with determined, deadly looks.

  The two of them ignored it all. Obito placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder. The two became somewhat translucent as they walked through the barrier with ease. Itachi smirked as the men were too stunned to react. He even met the eyes of several.

  Their bypassing the barrier was only the start of the Kiin Clan's woes, as Itachi ensnared several members in a Genjutsu at a mere glance. They suddenly lashed out at their comrades, causing panic and bloodshed from within the group as they fought from within. Their leader, however, rained down kunai at both, each marked with explosive tags.

  "I'll take the leader alive. Can you handle the rest?" Itachi asked as the barrage neared them.

  "Reasonable enough to me, easy picking, really," Obito replied as Itachi suddenly launched into the air. Itachi calmly flicked each kunai to face Shiin before he kicked them back at the other kunai. Both waves of projectiles erupted in an explosion, countering Shiin's potent attack. Obito charged forward into the pack of fighting clan members, kunai gleaming with blood as he easily carved through the group. Itachi ignored it, however, as he relaunched himself high into the sky after the leader.

  Itachi saw the man's fear increase as he approached. He heard the flute's tune and dispelled the Genjutsu with ease. Shiin, realizing the effort was for naught, threw aside the instrument, drew two kunai out, and fell toward Itachi.

  The two met with a clash of steel and a cry of pain. Itachi easily deflected the man's desperate swings and slashed a deep line into his ribs for the effort. The man fell helpless to the ground, and Itachi landed on top of him with a grunt. He turned to face Obito.

  The man walked toward Itachi casually. A woman attempted to run him through from behind with a spear, and another man tried to throw a haymaker at Obito's face. Both attacks failed to do anything; the man was run through by the spear, and his powerful punch knocked the woman out. Obito didn't break stride or acknowledge the pile of dead and dying bodies he had left in his wake.

  "These Sound shinobi are the real deal," Obito complained. "They've fought to the last man every time; Orochimaru is a cold bastard. From what we've learned, most of these people are loyal against their will or even simply too desperate to go anywhere else… makes this all feel so wrong."

  "We've betrayed our own blood, Obito," Itachi replied. "Exterminating the filth he's surrounding himself is little compared to that."

  "Maybe… at least we didn't have to kill them," Obito replied. "Is he alive under you?"

  Itachi rolled his eyes, stepping off the defeated leader of the Shiin Clan. He kicked over the man, not surprised to discover he had been feigning his death.

  "You fools are either lucky or truly cursed…" Shiin spat out. "You defeated us, but plenty more awaits you within. Do you truly think you can kill Orochimaru… you've played into his hand! He'll kill you instead!"

  "Answers my questions; thanks for saving us time." Itachi grimly decided before he flicked a kunai into Shiin's open mouth. The man desperately rolled as he choked on blood and attempted to clear his throat; however, moments later, he passed. "Now we know for certain Orochimaru is here… it would seem others as well."

  "We were certain of that anyway." Obito grimly replied. "It has to be him with that heavy ass presence; it makes me wonder, though, if he's inside, who the hell are those other two powerful presences?"

  "Two powerful shinobi motivated to oppose Orochimaru." Itachi mused. "It would stand to reason this must be the presence of the Akatsuki; intel suggests that the Sanin and they have become something of foes, and they supposedly travel in pairs…"

  "Great, even more S-Rank guys to deal with," Obito complained. "Though if we do cross their paths, I assume-"

  "The Akatsuki is considered the second highest priority enemy of the Leaf to Orochimaru. While we shouldn't seek confrontation with them, it would doubtless benefit the Leaf if we managed to deal with them", Itachi decided. "For now, we avoid them."

  "And the strays that been stalking us?" Obito replied. "They seem like small fry, but they obviously are after us or the snake."

  "For now, we let them be. With their chakra potency, we should be able to take them down easily. If they should be foes of Orochimaru, they may aid us with taking him down…" Itachi deemed.

  However, the two were interrupted by a racket boomed from within the cave. The two men watched with interest as their newest opponents filed out. They looked like civilians but had been obviously modified heavily in some way. Each only wore simple white robes; their bodies were muscular and bulging, eight feet tall, and their nails and teeth were more like that of a beast than a man. There were a dozen of these strange men and women. Itachi noticed grim syringes sticking out of the neck of each. It seemed these resulted from the peculiar drug Orochimaru had been using…

  "More grunts?" Obito complained. "And freaky ones at that…"

  "Prepare yourself," Itachi remarked as the dozen or so strange humans rushed in at shocking speeds. "This is only the beginning…"

  Onoki's POV (Tsuchikage's Manor - Hidden Stone Village)

  Onoki was silent as he floated around his office. Occasionally, the tenseness and potency of his killing intent leaked. Making even his own shield flinch, Kurotsuchi seemed too stunned to react. They all were.

  His own son, one of his most trusted men, was hospitalized, and the people responsible for his long-time arch enemies, the Hidden Leaf Village. In the current atmosphere, it was unthinkable for the Leaf, the strongest supporters of the peace of the current time, to be the ones to shatter it, which was unheard of. The actions are senseless; Onoki could not see what Hiruzen had deemed to gain. But the truth was undeniable. Kitsuchi and Darui of the Cloud had been crucially injured in an ambush by the Leaf. Barely fighting it off, but only after Kitsuchi had been nearly killed.

  Onoki could not allow this slight to go unanswered. The Leaf had overstepped for the final time, and Onoki would no longer allow it. He had drafted a new full-on alliance, formations, potential approaches, and supplies to further the coalition and aid their new goal.

  The time for waiting was done. Onoki had allowed mercy to the Leaf after they slaughtered his men in the last war; now, they threatened to do so again.

  But they were short-sighted. Onoki wouldn't allow it to pass. They would suffer dearly for their actions, enough to cause Onoki to move forward without the support of the Cloud. If the Leaf wished to use hit-and-run tactics, Onoki would reply in earnest.

  "I've called the two of you here because the times are changing," Onoki explained. "For nearly two decades, I have done my best to give our land time to heal and foster growth, allowed us to be bullied into inaction… Hiruzen was going to expose a crucial plan of ours. One that would've ensured we were targeted by the other four. He used to force me to sign that treaty… but now the time has come to break free. The time has come for war…"

  "We're truly going to war with the Leaf?" Akatsuchi asked worriedly. "You've always been hesitant before…"

  "I did not wish to lose much for the gain of little," Onoki replied. "However, if they truly see us as foes, then so be it. I'd rather crush my enemies than allow them to crush us…"

  "So we're going to back with the Leaf Hippies with the aid of the Cloud…" Kurotsuchi said, conflicted. "Are we sure we can trust the Cloud?"

  "No. But I intend to settle this matter without them. In fact, we'll claim this victory single-handedly…" Onoki replied calmly. "The very plan Hiruzen held over our heads will be exposed to the world when it's used to cause a crushing blow to the Leaf. With the victory ours to claim, we'll gain a massive amount of territory, money, and support from customers. The Cloud will have no choice but to stick to our side, and a pecking order will be established."

  "Surely you don't mean Operation Falling Earth," Akatsuchi asked, even more worried. "That plan was discarded due to the number of pointless deaths and property damage. Even if it is possible it could skew our reputation for years to come…"

  "What is Operation Falling Earth?" Kurotsuchi asked, confused. "Just what sort of operation is this?"

  "The Hidden Stone Village was at an all-time low after the painful loss of the Third Great Ninja War." Onoki began to explain. "The loss of the war was costly; nearly forty percent of our active shinobi were dead or injured, clients coming in seeking our aid was lower, and we were seen as lesser than the Leaf. We faced security and financial issues that threatened our way of life. This operation was created as a solution of sorts."

  "The idea was originally proposed by the Kamizuru Clan." Akatsuchi continued on. "They suggested an emergency attack on all four of the Hidden Villages. One that would ensure victory while minimizing casualties."

  "It was a dark and incredible task," Onoki replied. "The logistics and moral weight of such made me hesitate back then; after consideration, I rejected the proposal. But somehow, Hiruzen discovered the plan and threatened to leak it. This led to us abandoning it and agreeing to the truce Hiruzen proposed. Now, we'll use it on the Leaf itself… Akatsuchi arranged a fifty-man team of some of the best Earth-style users. Kurotsuchi has the Council arrange for a public meeting."

  "What of my father…" Kurotsuchi asked glumly. The people aren't sure what happened to him, but they will want an answer… I want an answer…"

  "Sorry, my granddaughter, that all has to wait…" Onoki replied. "The time to act has come… we'll have our answers once the Leaf is in ruins… Besides, until Kitsuchi wakes up, we know nothing."

  Hiruzen's POV (VIP Room - Hidden Leaf Hospital)

  Hiruzen had not felt a headache of this magnitude since the Kyuubi attacked his village. Jiraiya and Danzo's respect networks had been working over time and dug a variable feast of bad news. Hiruzen and Danzo pondered the situation.

  Jiraiya had been found by Shizune, the man poisoned by Tsunade and left behind. Somehow, Naruto had the gall to disobey a direct order to extract high-value prisoners and win over Tsunade, Kushina, and the entirety of Team Seven to his side!

  As if a potential mutiny wasn't enough of a problem, Jiraiya's network had worked up another concerning fact. Not only were the Stone and Cloud, at this point, somehow staunch allies, but their own ally, the Sand, was quite possibly experiencing a civil war! Rasa's cold nature had finally caused what Hiruzen always feared it would, his own men, to attempt to supplant him. If Jiraiya's spy was to be believed, an alliance between Gaara and Pakura led the new generation of the Sand against Rasa and the old guard. This means that if anything did happen, their staunch ally would be useless.

  Considering the recently discovered bloody Civil War of the Mist, this made for a startling fact. The Stone and Cloud seemed keen on opposing them, and if they did, they'd likely stand alone.

  Suppression by Hiruzen regarding Naruto and Co's recent escapade was in process. Shizune had managed to revive Jiraiya easily enough. The man took her and Dez to attempt to get back their leader, Tsunade, and the rest. It was tempting to send more, but as valuable as the bunch was, he was spread too thin.

  His decision to eliminate Orochimaru had seemed wise. His former student had nearly killed him, and Danzo and he had committed all manner of atrocities and would likely threaten the Leaf shortly. But having sent out his strongest pieces left him feeling vulnerable.

  The lives of his people were in all manner of danger now and left unprotected; their strongest heavy hitters were missing. Luckily, Hiruzen had tricks left…

  "It was wise indeed you released me, Hiruzen." Danzo complimented calmly. "To imagine things could become so dire… you truly have lost control."

  "Nothing of the sort. You know better than most. Time has a way of making us all look like fools. But this is why I've brought you back. I need to make a move here, something to substantiate our power to stabilize us before the storm." Hiruzen replied, semi-ranting.

  "That's always been your problem." Danzo pointed out. "You see the negative in war but none of the positive. You fear the loss but feel nothing toward the potential gain."

  "Gained through the loss of lives. It is not truly worth consideration." Hiruzen snapped back.

  "And yet here you are planning how to win the next one, seeking the aid of a war-loving man like myself."

  "How can you so openly claim to love war? Even a child can tell it is inhumane and evil."

  "It is the catalyst for change, the negative side of progress, the ultimate assurance of safety," Danzo replied easily. "Win it, and your home will prosper, grow, and wilt."

  "Why not avoid it if possible?"

  "It's naive; there will always be another war… look at the Sand."

  Hiruzen cursed at the point before a bitter smile broke out. "Just the reason I called for you. I'm sending you and some of the Black Anbu to aid Rasa. I'm not sure what's going on, but I need you to help stabilize it. Don't let it go too far."

  "Wise, if we secure our allies, they'll be indebted to us. They'll have no choice but to stick to our side." Danzo replied, standing. He slowly limped out of the room.

  Hiruzen clenched his teeth as the tension set in deeper within his body. What else could possibly go wrong!

  "Sir! The Stone and Cloud have just sent us several complaints and threats after complaining of an unsolicited attack!"

  "WHAT?!"

  AN

  Oh, the things I have planned. The absolute chaos these next arcs will bring is truly what DiA is. I should've known this project was entirely too ambitious from the start, but I love that about it? The entire point of this whole setup is to be creative and just a tad bit nuts. I hope you enjoyed it.

  I look forward to an update relatively soon! (Have some time off soon.) Peace~!