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SIDE NOTE: Would anyone be interested in a summary chapter that lays out the major points that have happened in ABoaL up to this point? 7 years of writing can be difficult to remember. It doesn't have to be its own chapter, either. I can attach it to the end of the next chapter if you all prefer. Please let me know.
Chapter 63: Singing in the Rain
In the Shinobi World, it is not how you live, what you are remembered for is how you died. Some say a Shinobi is only as great as they were in their final moments of life. What did you risk your life to protect, and did you uphold your Ninja Way until the very end? These are the questions every young ninja stays awake at night pondering with their entire careers ahead of them.
What exactly is it that we are fighting so hard for? Peace and stability, or something a little more personal?
Hashirama Senju, one of the founders of the Hidden Leaf, dreamed about a world where children would not have to go into battle and die for some cause they were too young to understand. A Ninja Village became a place where the next generation could be nurtured until they were old enough to choose to fight for that cause. It was far from perfect, but still leagues better than the savage days of the Warring States Era. The First Hokage planted the seed for what he believed would lead to a better future. Whether or not his successors chose to forge ahead and endure for that same ideal was entirely up to them.
Every Hokage since has been entrusted to carry on that dream and improve upon it during their tenure. If that dream were to be threatened, it is also their duty to defend it, even at the cost of their lives. That is how Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi are remembered. They died giving their lives for that dream. Minato was not Hokage for very long and did not accomplish much of anything in the little time he had the hat, and yet he is looked back on as a truly great Hokage. Hiruzen's tenure was marred with mistakes and lapses in judgment that had far-reaching and harmful effects. His decision to retire was also met with scrutiny– the idea that a Kage could live long enough to retire was looked down on by many. It didn't help that the man had a reputation for being opposed to all matters of conflict. Was he truly someone they could count on to lay down his life if necessary?
Public perception changed drastically when he retook the position following the death of the Fourth Hokage and then sacrificed his life years later to deter the invasion orchestrated by Orochimaru's Sound Village in conjunction with the Hidden Sand. Much to someone like Danzo's displeasure, Hiruzen's death wiped the slate clean and he was remembered only as the great hero who protected his home.
When Tsunade accepted the hat and gazed up at the stone faces of her predecessors, she imagined a similar fate would inevitably befall her. The Akatsuki and Orochimaru were known threats at the time, and the likelihood that she would one day have to follow in their footsteps was high.
But this…? Was this really how her story was meant to end?
Tsunade struggled to lift her head. The entire room spun as her chakra-depleted body struggled mightily to remain conscious. Nagato had sapped her of all of her strength and even restored his body to peak condition in the process. In other words, because of her, the world was in more danger than ever. What sort of Hokage would allow such a thing?
Had she failed?
"Nagato, you're…" Tsunade just barely managed to focus on the source of a new voice. It was the third Hidden Rain orphan that Jiraiya looked after. She couldn't place the woman's name, but that blue hair was too distinct to forget. "Did it really work– how do you feel?"
"Yes, Konan," Konan, of course, that was her name. "Everything went just as we planned. My body has been fully restored."
"Excellent. Now no one will be able to oppose you, not even him," Konan practically spat. "Our plan– your plan can finally be realized."
"We still need to capture the remaining Tailed Beasts," Nagato emphasized. "Only a few more remain, then we shall show the world the meaning of true pain and stop all wars in the process."
"Shall we return to the Leaf to draw out the Nine Tails?" Konan asked. "Surely now we can make them bow to our might and willingly hand over Naruto Uzumaki."
Tsunade's eyes widened. There was nothing she could do, and it tore her up inside unlike anything else.
"No, I don't believe that is the best course of action."
"And why is that?"
"The Nine Tails and Jiraiya-sensei are no doubt off training somewhere in preparation for a battle with me. Even as I am now, there's no telling how powerful those two have become. If they were to join forces with those in the Leaf it could spell trouble. No, I still believe that the most logical course of action is to have those two come to us within the borders of the Hidden Rain."
"I understand," Konan paused, then looked down at their guest. "And what do we do with her? She knows too much about you now. Leaving her alive could be dangerous."
"I am aware," Nagato knelt down in front of Tsunade. His eyes almost looked sympathetic, though it was masked by an overwhelming sense of superiority. "I must say, your vitality is quite impressive; I didn't think you'd still be conscious."
"Go to hell…" Tsunade spat with so much hate laced into her words that even Nagato almost recoiled from it. Sweat dripped from her brow from the fatigue that was etched into her features. The only thing keeping her coherent was her worry for her loved ones and village.
"You've done a great deal for me today, Lady Tsunade," Nagato appeared unthreatened by the woman's venom. "Tell me, what are your final words? It is the least I can do for someone as decorated and legendary as yourself."
"You… will die," Tsunade declared in between labored breaths. Exhaustion was setting in fast. "Naruto… is… stronger than you could… possibly know. Maybe we'll… see each other again soon." Despite everything, she finished that statement with a sickeningly sweet smile.
"Defiant until the very end," Nagato placed his hand on top of her head and smirked. "I would expect nothing less from you."
Tsunade felt something in her change the moment that happened. This was not the chakra absorption technique from before, but something far more terrifying. It was like her inner self was just latched on to.
"Mount Myoboku."
Tsunade's eyes widened as dread flushed throughout her body. 'W-What— how?!'
"I believe that is the Toads' Hidden Village, no? So, this is where they went off to in preparation. If that's the case, I cannot wait to test out my powers in this body after so many years."
Tsunade's eyes darted up past Nagato, her will now resolved and gave a subtle nod before closing her eyes.
Nagato followed her line of sight, though it only led to a bare corner of the room. He quickly parsed through her mind to learn more, only to see that she was praying for her village's safety. After giving her a moment to finish out of respect, it was finally time.
In one motion, Nagato ripped Tsunade's soul from her body. Her eyes rolled back into her head, which dropped for the final time.
As her spiritual essence lingered in his hands for a few more seconds, her final thoughts were inadvertently passed on to Nagato. He frowned.
'Jiraiya, I love you. I wish so much that we could have spent the rest of our lives together, and one of my biggest regrets is that it took me so long to realize that. I'm sorry…'
"Nagato, what's wrong? Konan had noticed the look on his face and was slightly concerned. "Did you learn anything else?"
"It's nothing." Tsunade's soul finally faded and he pulled his arm back by his side. "Let's go– we must return to the Hidden Rain at once and prepare."
"Of course."
Naruto sidestepped Jiraiya's fist with renewed confidence as the Senjutsu-enhanced attack brushed lightly across the tip of his nose. Now with senses completely in tune with their surroundings, Naruto went to counter, but his Master was ready; they interlocked hands, and a power struggle ensued.
The veins in Naruto's forehead were evidence of his desire not to lose. His heels dug into the dirt for a big push to gain the upper hand. Jiraiya suddenly dropped to the ground and used that forward momentum to send Naruto flying end over end in the same direction.
Naruto maintained his composure with a graceful land, though he was given little reprieve. Jiraiya was already practically on top of him swinging with heavy Senjutsu-infused strikes.
Naruto made sure to not only avoid the limbs themselves but also the invisible Natural Energy they were shrouded in. Through constant repetition and an unbendable spirit, he was improving at an unbelievable pace. The speed at which his mind processed information increased, which also aided his offensive capabilities.
Naruto slipped inside to avoid a strike and loaded up a devastating headbutt. Jiraiya refused to dodge, and instead, met him with equal force as their headbands slammed together. The bone-rattling shockwave traveled down their bodies and reverberated through the ground. Fukasaku had to steady himself to keep from falling over as hundreds of birds in the surrounding trees left their nests in a startled frenzy and took to the sky.
Naruto stared into his Master's eyes, dissatisfied that his attack was nullified so easily. Jiraiya, on the other hand, was grinning from ear to ear.
"Nice try, kid. 'Bunta told me about your fight with Gaara. I know you like to swing this thick skull around like it's a mallet. There's no way you're getting me with something like that!"
"Don't get so cocky. I'm not finished yet!" Naruto took a half-step back and planted his back foot into the ground. Just as Jiraiya was about to drop into a defensive stance, a sudden and unexpected sensation lapsed his concentration. Naruto saw this, his eyes now wide in anticipation, and immediately loaded up for a vicious uppercut. "Got ya!
Jiraiya regained his wits just in time to avoid Naruto's fist, but not fast enough to avoid the surrounding Nature Energy. It felt like a boulder collided with his cheek as he was sent skipping across the ground.
"Yes, that's what I'm talking about!" Naruto fist-pumped. He was getting closer with every training session, but that was the cleanest he managed to hit Jiraiya in their Sage Mode training so far. "Take that, old man!"
Jiraiya finally rolled to a stop. His head was still in a daze from the absolute bomb his student blasted him with, and yet that wasn't on his mind at all. Just before Naruto's attack landed, something brushed up against his other cheek. It was faint, so gentle that if it weren't for Sage Mode he likely would have not noticed it. It was a familiar and comforting sensation, and yet he could not place what it was.
"You okay, Sensei?" Naruto approached him slowly, his look of joy replaced with one of confusion.
"Y-Yeah, I'm alright," Jiraiya shook his head. "You just got me pretty good, is all."
"Yeah…" Naruto's brown knitted together.
"What?"
"It's just… you're rubbing your right cheek. I hit your left one."
"O-Oh, yeah, it's just that I hit this side of my face pretty hard against the ground. They both hurt like hell!"
Naruto narrowed his eyes. There was no reason for Jiraiya to lie in this situation, and yet it felt like he was.
How odd.
Sakura turned the page in her book and let out a quiet sigh. With their mission effectively over, there was nothing to do except wait for the evac team to arrive. She glanced up; Kakashi had a similar idea to her, though his literature of choice wasn't exactly something Sakura approved of. Sasuke, however, continued to silently hover over Suigetsu's water tank as if it would compel his friend to miraculously wake up. She could tell from across the room how tense he was. It was sweet, and yet also worrying. Sasuke's concern for his comrades was a welcomed sight to see, but it also highlighted his inability to process complex emotions in a healthy way.
Though, given his past, could anyone really blame him?
"Kakashi-sensei," Sakura closed her book and put it to the side. "How are you feeling?"
"Hm?" Kakashi looked up, somewhat startled. He was currently engrossed in a particularly exciting chapter and tuned out his surroundings. It took him a second to register her words. "Oh, I'm feeling much better. Kamui usually wipes me out pretty good, but I'm just about at one hundred percent."
"Good, I'm glad," Sakura responded with a genuine smile. She turned her attention to the less talkative one. "And you, Sasuke– how are you feeling?"
"I'm fine," Sasuke answered somewhat harshly. There was a brief pause, then his body seemed to loosen up just a little bit. "I'm fully healed, as well." He finished with considerably less bite to his tone.
That was followed by an even longer period of silence. Kakashi, too, had put aside his book and they both stared at Sasuke's back. They wanted to talk to him, he just made it difficult by refusing to let anyone in. Almost everything had changed since their Genin days, and yet so many things have stayed the same.
"How much longer until the evac team gets here?" Sasuke didn't bother to hide his impatience. "They're on schedule to arrive today, right?"
"Hold that thought," Kakashi's nose suddenly twitched. "I just picked up multiple scents closing in on our location."
"Is it our team, or someone else?" Sakura reflexively suppressed her chakra signature.
"Hard to say through these walls… they're a bit too far away for me to know for sure," Kakashi said in between sniffs. "Is that…? It is! Yes, it's definitely our team from the Leaf. They're right outside of the hideout."
"Someone should go get them. They could easily get lost in her if they aren't careful."
"No, Sakura, let's stay here," Kakashi countered. "I gave detailed instructions of where they could find us within the hideout when I sent the evac request back to the Leaf. Besides– if I can smell them, the same will be true for them.
Sakura gave him a knowing look and nodded.
"Oh, so it's that team?" Sasuke asked curiously. "Huh, this should be interesting."
A few moments later there came a sound at the door.
'Knock, knock… knock knock…knock knock.'
"Who is it?" Kakashi asked in a singsong voice.
"Man, can you just open the damn door? I don't have time to remember a password!"
"Heh heh, yep. That's them."
Sakura quickly opened the door and ushered the team inside. The group was composed of Karin, Shino, Kiba, Akamaru, and lastly Hinata. The eyes of the members of Team Eight immediately fell on Sasuke.
"Kiba, would it kill you to act like a proper Shinobi for once in your life?"
"C'mon, Sakura," Kiba whined. "Cut me some slack, will ya? We got here as fast as we could– I'm exhausted! Besides, who else but me is gonna answer a secret password like that? That's better than any serious answer I coulda gave ya!"
Sakura could only shake her head in disappointment. There was a time when Naruto would've answered just like that.
"Karin," Sasuke waved her over.
Karin slipped by the crowd at the door to get to Sasuke. She couldn't suppress an uncomfortable wince at the sight of their injured teammate. "I've never seen him like this before. Has he shown any signs of improvement?"
"Sakura says he's stable now and that all of his external injuries are healed. She thinks that being stuck partially in his liquid state could be the problem. It's constantly using chakra, which makes it difficult to heal the more serious external injuries."
"Did she try any Medical Ninjutsu on him?"
"We decided it would be best to wait for you to get here in case his vitals plummeted when we took him out of the tank. Also, the constant siphoning of his strength makes her Jutsu less effective. You're able to give him a large infusion of your own chakra all at once, which should be more suited for something like this."
Karin nodded her agreement. "Okay, so now what?"
"Here, help me get him out of the tank."
"Okay."
…
Team Eight still had not taken their eyes off Sasuke since they arrived. Hinata and Shino seemed somewhat wary of him, while Kiba seemed a mix of annoyed and angry.
"Tch, look at that cocky bastard," Kiba huffed. "Not even a 'hi' for the guy that went on a suicide mission for his dumb ass. Whatever, it's not like I care anyway."
"If you expected some sort of polite greeting from Sasuke, I do not think you ever truly knew him."
"Who's side are you on, Shino?!"
"I do not take sides on such trivial matters. You are annoyed from not receiving a polite greeting, however Sasuke seems preoccupied with helping treat a comrade. Perhaps you should wait until after that to get offended by such a thing."
"...This is exactly why I asked Kurenai-sensei if we could leave you behind," Kiba teased.
"Do you mean like when I was not included in the mission to go after Sasuke?"
"And there it is," Kiba let out an exasperated sigh. "I told you already– you were on a mission with your dad and we needed to leave the village right away. That's not my fault!"
"How many times are they gonna argue over that?" Sakura leaned toward Hinata and pointed a thumb at the two of them. "They're bickering like an old married couple."
"It may not seem like it, but Shino can be very petty when he wants to be," Hinata said with a stifled giggle at their antics. "It probably doesn't help that Sasuke is here. It was the mission to go after him, after all."
"Speaking of Sasuke," Kiba butted his head into their conversation. "How has he been acting? I've heard things here and there around the village about him, but this is the first time I've been around him since we were all Genin."
"Do you still not trust him?" Sakura asked. "Even after all that he's done?"
"No, it's not that. It's just weird, ya know?" Kiba shrugged. "I don't know, I just didn't expect things to resolve themselves so… smoothly if that makes any sense."
"He's certainly done a lot in a short amount of time to put himself in good favor with leadership," Shino added in. "From my understanding, he was integral in the suppression of multiple dangerous individuals. He even gained the trust of my father during Danzo Shimura's trial, which, naturally, extends to me."
"If Naruto and Lady Tsunade trust him, then so do I," Hinata added with a nod. "I've gotten to know Karin a little bit and she's great, as well."
"That's good to hear. Suigetsu is a fun guy to be around when you get to know him, too," Sakura smiled, glad that her friends were so accepting of not only Sasuke but the remainder of his team. "It is pretty funny, isn't it, Kiba? Who woulda thought Sasuke would just come back by himself after what you guys went through back then?"
"I had to stab myself in the stomach so a freaky twin monster guy didn't take over my body and kill me from the inside out," Kiba replied with a deadpan expression. "What is funny about that?"
"You would not have had to stab yourself if I were brought along on the mission, Kiba…"
"Shino, I will hit you with a rock."
"I would simply dodge."
"This isn't the place for that," Hinata gently scolded her two teammates. "Remember, we're on a mission."
"Sorry…"
"My apologies, Hinata."
"Woof!"
Kakashi watched silently from the corner of the room, clearly amused by it all. His book was in hand, but it was obvious that he was only pretending to read as he closely monitored Suigetsu's status.
Sakura shook her head. Eager to get away from their silly antics, she walked over and knelt down in front of Suigetsu. She noted the fresh bite mark on Karin's forearm.
"It looks like he's starting to regain his solid form, and some of the color's even returned to his face," Sakura whistled. "That's some ability you've got, Karin. Such rapid results like these aren't attainable with conventional Medical Ninjutsu."
"It's… nothing," Karin said in between breaths. "I'm just glad I could help."
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah… I'm just tired. He needed a lot of chakra, and I was already worn out from traveling here so fast. I'm not used to exerting myself like this like you guys are."
"How is he looking, Sakura?" Sasuke asked.
"Let's see," Sakura placed her glowing hands over Suigetsu's chest and started to run some diagnostics. After a moment of pensive silence, the light from her hands faded.
Sasuke and Karin both immediately felt a sense of relief when Sakura smiled.
"All the damage is healed. He'll make a full recovery and could wake up any time now, but he'll still need some rest. We should get him moved to the bed so he's more comfortable." She looked back over to Team Eight. "Kiba, can you help Sasuke move Suigetsu to that bed over there?"
"Aw, c'mon– why me?!"
"Kiba…" Sakura repeated in a low tone.
"Okay, okay, I'm coming," Kiba relented. "We're all friends here. You don't have to get like that."
Sasuke and Kiba exchanged awkward glances before they moved Suigetsu, which amused everyone else.
"So," Sakura looked at Karin. "Have you gotten to know Team Eight at all during the last couple of days?"
"Yeah, I have. They're all pretty nice– a little quiet outside of Kiba," Karin leaned in closer and covered her mouth with her hand. "Although, I think he was hitting on me on the way over here. Is that something he always does?"
"Please, Kiba's more of a dog than Akamaru is," Sakura laughed. "He thinks he's smoother than he is. If he ever bothers you, let me know and I'll sort him out."
"No, it's fine, haha. He reminds me a lot of Suigetsu so I know what to expect."
"I just can't believe there was a time when Naruto used to act similarly to Kiba," Sakura giggled.
"You're kidding," Karin was genuinely shocked. "I can't even imagine that."
"Not so much the flirting, but with pretty much everything else they were a lot alike back when we were all Genin. Loud, obnoxious, overconfident, you get the idea," Sakura clarified. "Naruto changed a lot during his time away training with Master Jiraiya."
"I never would have guessed. We haven't been friends for very long, but it feels like I've known him all my life. You know what I mean?"
"That's something about Naruto that's never changed. He doesn't need a lot of time and before you know it, you want to be friends with him. Naruto will do anything to help his friends, even at the expense of himself."
"Yeah… I got that feeling, too."
…
"So, how have ya been?" Kiba was leaning up against the wall trying his best to look cool. Suigetsu was sleeping peacefully in the bed next to him. "Heard you killed Orochimaru twice? That's pretty crazy. Didn't think you could even do something like that."
"What are you doing?" Sasuke asked bluntly.
"I'm trying to have a conversation. It's what normal people do, Sasuke– they catch up after not seeing each other for a long time."
"I genuinely can't recall ever having a conversation with you. What is there to catch up on? We know nothing about each other."
…
…
…
"We actually spoke once at the Chunin Exams, but whatever, I can see you're still a huge asshole," Kiba shot back just as bluntly. "I just figured you would treat someone who risked their life for you a little better, ya know?"
Sasuke was slightly taken aback by that. He didn't mean any offense, though he could see how his brutal honesty could be perceived as such. To the surprise of no one, small talk was not exactly something he excelled at. He loathed it, and that was made blatantly obvious to anyone who tried to strike up a casual conversation with him.
"I didn't ask for you guys to come after me. I left of my own free will for my own reasons," Kiba appeared slightly offended by that statement, though Sasuke wasn't finished. He had this conversation with Shikamaru once before, so it was a bit easier for him to find the correct words. "However, I never intended for anyone to get hurt for my sake. I don't regret my choice, but I am sorry for what that choice put you all through."
"U-Uh," Kiba stared back at him, slack-jawed and at a partial loss for words. Not even in his wildest dreams did he expect to receive an apology from Sasuke of all people. "Wow, alright. T-Thanks, man."
"Don't mention it."
"No, seriously–"
"No, really," Sasuke cut him off abruptly. "Don't mention it to anyone. Ever."
"Oh… okay," Kiba nodded. That was more than he ever expected to get from the guy. "I get what you mean."
…
…
…
"So…" Kiba said over the awkward silence. There was something he wanted to ask, and Sasuke seemed more receptive than he expected. This might be as good a time as any to bring up. "Your friend Karin over there is pretty hot; think you could put in a good word for me? I tried putting the moves on her, but she didn't seem to be picking up on it."
"I'm not doing that."
"What, why not? I thought we were becoming bros… oh shit, are you two already together? If you are, I didn't know!"
"No."
"Oh, so are you interested in her at all?"
"No."
"So then why can't you help a friend out?!"
"Do it yourself. I have no interest in getting involved in your love life."
"Some friend you are…"
"We're not–"
"Poof!"
Sasuke and Kiba turned their heads toward the sudden noise. A plume of smoke appeared directly in front of a startled and confused Karin.
"W-What just happened?" Karin stammered. "Sakura– she just disappeared."
Sasuke was next to her in a flash with his Sharingan already activated. He examined the cloud of white fumes with scrutiny, then shot a concerned look over at Kakashi.
"Was that–?"
"The Reverse Summoning Jutsu," Kakashi finished.
"What was that about?" Kiba asked the room. "A reverse summoning?"
"Seems as though the Slugs have something urgent they need to discuss with her," Shino mused. "How peculiar."
"Does that happen often?"
"No, it doesn't," Kakashi answered Kiba's question. "Though, it could have something to do with Naruto and Jiraiya. From my understanding, the Slugs are in close communication with the Toads."
"It's also possible that Lady Tsunade needed to discuss something urgent with her, and Reverse Summoning was the quickest way to do that," Shino added.
"Hm," Kakashi put his hand to his chin and looked at the ceiling in apparent deep thought. "I don't think the Hokage would pull our Medic out during an S-Rank mission without knowing what could be happening on our end. Though, I suppose it's useless to agonize over it now. Whatever it is, I'm sure they have a handle on it. Sakura will likely be back shortly, and we have our own mission to worry about."
…
Sakura blinked. One second she was having a pleasant discussion with Karin, the next?.
"Huh… a forest? But… we're in the Hidden Stone," That's when her eyes widened. "Wait, this is–"
"Sakura…"
"Lady Katsuyu," Sakura spun around and looked up. Katsuyu's full body towered over her like nothing else she'd ever seen before. Manda and Gamabunta's size paled in comparison to Lady Tsunade's boss summon. This wasn't her first time in the Shikkotsu Woods, but that didn't make it any easier to process. "What happened– why am I here? Is everything okay?"
This was a rare occurrence. If something urgent came up, the slugs would go to Lady Tsunade first and foremost, then anything of note would be shared with her afterward. Katsuyu was never very facially expressive, but there was something different about her today. Her features were knitted together as if she were in intense pain, and there was profound sadness poorly hidden behind her eyes. Sakura's questions hung heavy in the air unanswered, as if it was too painful to string the words together. Sakura's heart dropped into her stomach, and then she looked around.
They were completely alone.
"L-Lady Katsuyu… w-where is Lady Tsunade…?"
…
…
…
L-Lady K-Katsuyu– where is s-she?!
"Sakura… Lady Tsunade has been killed…"
With her reality now shattered, Sakura dropped heavily to her knees and buried her head in her hands. Pained sobs echoed off the surrounding trees as Katsuyu sat back quietly and allowed the young kunoichi to let her raw emotions flow out.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
'Poof!'
The plume of smoke quickly dissipated; in its place sat a rather small piece of Katsuyu.
"M'lady," Katsuyu bowed her head as a show of respect. However, she quickly noted the look of distress on her master's face. "Is there something wrong?"
"I don't have a lot of time to explain," Tsunade said in a panicked tone. "It won't be long before the Akatsuki's leader finds me. Get out of sight and watch me from a distance. In case things go bad, I need you to report any intel you gather and take it back to the Leaf."
"M'lady, we must get you out of here," Katsuyu's small eyes were wide in a mixture of fear and worry. "Please, allow me to reverse summon you back to the Shikkotsu Woods! You'll be safe there!"
"That isn't possible, Katsuyu," Tsunade's voice dripped with dread. She appeared uncomfortable to even make eye contact with whom she considered one of those closest to her. It would only make this even harder than it already was. "It's me they're after. If I leave now, they will turn their attention to the village… thousands of people would die if I were to run away from this. The only way to ensure their safety is for me to stand and fight. In case… things don't go as planned, I need to know that something of value comes from this. So, please, do as I say."
"L-Lady Tsunade…"
"Katsuyu!"
"Y-Yes, I shall do as you command," Katsuyu scurried away to leave her master behind for what could be the last time.
"Thank you for everything…" Tsunade whispered through a choked-bak sob that she covered with her hand.
Tsunade put her back against the tree's trunk and slid down until her butt touched the branch. The silence within the forest was drowned out by the sound of her thumping heart. She needed to formulate some sort of plan, though what mattered most was to first get her breathing under control.
"Did you think you would be able to get away that easily?"
Tsunade jolted to her feet. Pain was there, standing right in front of her with another one of those black rods in hand.
…
…
…
Katsuyu watched with horror-filled eyes as everything unfolded. Tsunade fought valiantly, but it was evident that her opponent was on a completely different level from anything they had seen before. She watched her master subdued by those strange black rods and wanted to do nothing more than to intervene in any way possible. It was suicide, that was obvious, and yet it provided her no solace in the face of such hopelessness.
When the Akatsuki leader left with Tsunade in tow, she followed far enough behind them to not attract any attention. Katsuyu was cognizant of the fact there may be more enemies lurking around, though her unassuming size and appearance, along with a nearly non-existent chakra signature made stealth rather easy.
That's how she found herself in a tree made out of what appeared to be hundreds of thousands of individual sheets of paper. The red-headed skeleton of a man Tsunade referred to as Nagato uses those chakra receivers to control corpses for battle while he hides a safe distance away. That allows for adequate control of the 'Paths,' while also minimizing risk to his actual body.
Katsuyu felt herself nearly disassociate at times; the stress and fear for her master's safety made it difficult to focus and process all of this information, but she refused to disobey what could possibly be her last orders.
That was when Nagato absorbed the Mitotic Regeneration Jutsu and revitalized his withered body at Tsunade's expense. Katsuyu could only watch in horror from then on as her master was slowly drained of her chakra and vitality. Through tear-filled eyes, she continued to fulfill her duty to the bitter end.
Tsunade's eyes suddenly darted up past Nagato and right at her. Katsuyu, shocked, steeled herself and gave a reassuring nod. There was so much the two of them wanted to say to each other. Decades of friendship– a level of shared respect almost unheard of between summoner and summon. Such a lifelong connection meant they didn't need words to let the other know how they felt. They could see it all in each other's eyes.
Tsunade's eyes read 'I leave the rest to you, old friend. Please, look after Sakura for me. She'll need your guidance now more than ever.'
Meanwhile, Katsuyu's eyes told Tsunade 'I will honor your last wishes if it is the last thing I do and carry on your legacy until my dying breath.'
Tsunade's features resolved, then she gave a subtle nod and closed her eyes.
Katsuyu took the hint and silently scurried out of sight.
Nagato followed Tsunade's line of sight, though it only led to a bare corner of the room.
What Katsuyu saw next would haunt her until the end of time. Nagato pulled Tsunade's very soul from her body in a vulgar display of power. The instant it happened, her master's chakra signature was completely extinguished along with it.
She was gone forever, and it felt as if a piece of Katsuyu was taken along with her. However, there was no time to wallow in a mix of self-pity and despair. There was still one phase left in her mission. Retreat without letting the opposition know they were being watched. Just as she had entered, Katsuyu escaped just as stealthily. Once the open air touched her slimy skin, she moved as fast as her little body could physically go.
Once a safe distance was achieved, the rest of her body back at the Shikkotsu Woods recalled her with the reverse summoning. The sight she saw was an expected one, though it still made her heart ache unlike anything else.
Sakura was already there, collapsed on her knees sobbing hysterically. The terrible news was relayed to her by Katsuyu's main body. The slugs did their best to try and comfort her, but she was inconsolable. No one could blame her– they all knew that things could never be the same again.
Even for a forest, the air was heavy. The cloud overcast painted a grim setting on what had previously been a bright and sunny day. The wind howled through the trees around them, and even dark clouds could be seen off into the distance.
A storm was coming in more ways than one.
The rain never seemed to end. In a land scarred by war and unrest, it was almost fitting that the heavens didn't stop crying. Madara sat there with one leg lazily hanging off the ledge and the other tucked into his chest. The world below him was so lost in their collective madness that it was sickening… there was only one thing that could rescue the people from this counterfeit reality.
That's what he was waiting for. Very soon he'd learn the outcome of what could decide the Akatsuki's conflict with the Great Nations once and for all. With it, no one would stand in their way and Project Tsuki no Me would be achieved with little resistance.
The tides have finally turned in their favor, he was sure of it.
"What's the word?" Madara asked the empty room behind him. Seconds later, Zetsu poked his head out of the floor. Both halves were frowning, though their leader could not see it with his back turned.
"We were unable to find the team from the Hidden Leaf or Hidan's severed head," Black Zetsu said, his gruff voice accentuating his displeasure. "I can only assume they recovered him after the battle and went into hiding somewhere within the Hidden Stone."
"It's of no consequence," Tobi spoke indifferently. "Even if you had located them, they've had time to recuperate and are likely back close to full strength. You would be severely outmatched in a battle. Let them have this little win of theirs. It will be their last."
"Yes, but you could–"
"It is not necessary. Hidan was the weakest member of the Akatsuki– his skill will not be missed. Any intel they manage to pry from his mind will all be useless very soon. Kisame, on the other hand, I shall mourn his passing. Not just his strength, but his loyalty as an ally to our cause."
"What about Kakuzu?"
"Tell him I approve his request. If successful, it should improve his abilities a great deal."
Zetsu nodded.
"Approve what request?"
Madara and Zetsu paused. The atmosphere in the room suddenly changed.
Nagato casually walked in with Konan and Tsunade's body propelled by the chakra receivers followed closely behind. Other than his new and improved form, there was something different about him that they could not place.
"Nagato," Black Zetsu spoke first. For once, the darker half seemed in good spirits. "Excellent. Does this mean that Project Matsuura went exactly as planned?"
"Continue to refer to me as Pain," Nagato didn't even bother to look in Zetsu's direction. Instead, his heavy gaze fell on Madara Uchiha. "But yes, my plan was executed flawlessly. The Hokage's Jutsu restored my physical prowess back to its peak."
Zetsu, confused by the unusual behavior, looked to Madara for insight. Madara paid neither of them any mind– his attention was directed entirely at the body of Tsunade.
"Is the Hokage… dead?" Madara's tone was one of disbelief as if his question were rhetorical. His Sharingan detected no chakra signature from her, and yet he could not believe such a thing to be possible. Surely, her reserves were drained so low that his visual prowess could not tell the difference. It was the only thing that made sense to him.
"Yes," Nagato responded simply.
"This was not a part of the plan we agreed upon," Madara ripped his eye away from Tsunade's lifeless body and met Nagato's gaze. The tone in his voice betrayed his barely controlled rage. "Have you lost your mind– what have you done?"
"She knew too much to be kept alive," Nagato explained calmly, though his eye twitched ever so slightly at the question of his sanity. There was no fear in his voice, not even a quiver. "Things continue as normal as if she were alive. The Leaf is unaware of her fate, which means Jiraiya and Naruto shall infiltrate and fall to my might just as planned."
"Live bait is the most effective," Madara practically spat in response. "You've just run the risk of the world learning the Akatsuki has murdered one of the Five Kage this close to a Kage Summit. Can you even fathom the hellfire that would rain down on us if this were to become known? This is a far different situation than when we attempted to capture the Kazekage. The entire world knows and fears our existence now, and they will collectively declare war against us at the Summit."
"By the time they learn of the Hokage's fate, the Nine-Tails will be ours and the last remaining Sannin will have taken his final breath. It will not matter what they decide to do. I would have already won, and they will bow to my strength."
"This was not your decision to make alone. You've needlessly and recklessly put Project Tsuki no Me in jeopardy."
"Project Tsuki no Me?" Nagato repeated almost mockingly. "This was my decision to make. You have no authority to dictate the decisions of a God. It's the dawn of a new day, Madara."
"What are you saying– a God?" Madara's visible eye narrowed dangerously. There was an audible squeak from his leather gloves with how tightly his fists were clenched together. "To think you'd actually start to believe such utter nonsense."
"Yes, as a God, I alone will sit atop the throne and guide mankind through an unprecedented era of peace," Nagato spoke with a borderline fanatical look in his eyes. "Through the creation and distribution of the Tailed Beasts weapons to the Great Nations, we shall show the world what true pain is and stop all war with the terror that it will inspire. This is the true way that peace can be achieved, not with a counterfeit dream world."
"Are you betraying me, Nagato?" The usually reserved Uchiha could still hardly believe what was happening. "We came to an agreement that the Tailed Beasts were to be used for Project Tsuki no Me. That is the correct path, as true peace is impossible in this false reality we call existence. Deep down… you know that I am right. Think carefully about what you're about to do… do not make a mistake that you will come to regret."
"It's Pain," Konan corrected heatedly. Her eyes betrayed how badly she wanted this day to come. "We are done taking orders from you, Madara. Project Tsuki no Me is not our dream, it is a false dream that you forced upon us. Your manipulations end here. Nagato has become utterly invincible, and he is the one who possesses the Rinnegan to harness the power of the Tailed Beasts. There is no reason for us to follow you any longer! We will not allow you to continue to tarnish the legacy of the Akatsuki!"
Zetsu's eyes widened and he quickly disappeared into the ground without a trace.
"Why you–!" Madara's Mangekyo Sharingan spun to life. "Do you really think this will be so easy? You would be nothing if it weren't for me."
"We've studied your abilities closely for years in anticipation of this very moment," Nagato said coolly. He was face to face with the fabled Ghost of the Uchiha, and yet he almost seemed bored at the prospect of a fight. "You are no match for me as I am now."
"We'll see about that…"
Madara rushed forward with his arm outstretched, intent on ripping Nagato's eyes from their sockets.
"Konan, get back," She complied, though Nagato stood his ground.
When Madara closed in, a third arm suddenly emerged from Nagato's shoulder aimed at his enemy's throat. As expected, Madara phased through the attack and pivoted– ready to launch a counterattack once their bodies no longer overlapped.
Nagato appeared one step ahead, the manifested third arm quickly deconstructed itself, then morphed into what seemed to be some sort of mechanical energy cannon. A loud whirring sound, followed by a hot, white glow from its barrel only further confirmed it.
The instant their bodies no longer touched, Madara struck. However, Nagato anticipated this and unleashed a ferocious energy blast from his mechanical hand cannon before his opponent could make contact.
Madara's entire body was consumed as the beam of concentrated energy ripped through him and the wall behind him.
The citizens of the Hidden Rain looked up into the sky as an explosion rattled the ground beneath their feet. A beam of light sourced from the top of their master's tower darted across the sky in a dazzling display of beauty that lit up the entire village. Once the light faded, the people began to cheer in wonder. To them, it was a sign that their leaders' power and benevolence were unquestioned. To grace them with such a beautiful sight for seemingly no reason reaffirmed them of his divinity.
Nagato's mechanical arm seamlessly receded back into his shoulder. Their enemy was nowhere to be found, and yet he appeared unsatisfied.
"Nagato," Konan's voice cut through the silence.
"I know." Without warning, Madara emerged from the ground at his feet with his arm outstretched. Nagato looked down at him intensely and uttered two words.
"Almighty Push!"
'Boom!'
I loved reading the reviews from the last chapter. Seeing so many people tell me how much they enjoyed it was great. We're at what might be my most anticipated part of the story, and hope you continue to enjoy being along for the ride.
Thanks again to all of you. I wouldn't be doing this if people weren't reading.
Leave your thoughts in the reviews if you're feeling kind.
Until next time with Chapter 59: "Pain!"
oSayan - Appreciated. Pain is easily my favorite Naruto villain. It's been a long time coming.
The Disquieting One - As you can see at the end of the chapter, I think Nagato chose clashing.
Ky111 - You review pretty much nailed it. On one side, Tsunade was a threat to Nagato. On the other, just as 'Madara' said, the consequences of killing a Kage can be far-reaching.
Kuma Akuma - The Leaf's pushback led to the formulation of Project Matsuura. Nagato could strengthen himself to untold levels, while also dealing a heavy blow to the Leaf Village.
Pungis - Good observation. All I can say is that how I am writing Nagato's character is purposeful.
Lilthug - Glad you enjoyed! And yes, this will have massive ripple effects on what happens going forward.
Passive Person - 10/10? I am honored. I think that's the highest rating you've given one of my chapters by a wide margin.
Ycat137 - Yeah, the issue with a long running fic is that it is so difficult for readers to remember things that have been written over the course of 7+ years. I may have to post a summary chapter to recap things. Let me know if that is something you want.
SageofKumo - Best compliment I could receive is on the originality/freshness of my ideas. Thank you!
KaddyD - Predicting all of my moves like you're Aizen or something lol.
Itachi ended it himself because he had long since resolved to be killed by an Uchiha to avenge the clan. This is something he talks about in canon. Sasuke had refused to kill him, so Itachi took it upon himself to get the job done. It's also a moment inspired by Kaneki and Arima from Tokyo Ghoul, as I have always felt Itachi and Arima are very similar characters.
The goal for Itachi was to avoid Tobi at all costs as his presence would greatly complicate things. He planned things so Tobi would not be able to interfere, and Sasuke could make his decision on whether to side with the Leaf or not of his own free will.