After a brief bout of Talk-no-jutsu,
"No matter what the pain and suffering may come on, I will move forward. That's who Naruto is!" Naruto tosses Jiraiya's first book toward Nagato.
Nagato stares at Jiraiya's novel and recalls his days spent with Jiraiya. Konan passes him the book as he gently touches its pages.
"You are a mysterious guy, Naruto. You remind me of my past self. Perhaps if I had believed and endured a bit further, I might be like the protagonist of this novel, like you! I think I shall try to believe in you…" Nagato closes his eyes. His tears stain the cover of the book.
He passes the book to Naruto.
"I have a message for Jiraiya-Sensei.
I might not have lived up to his expectations and easily gave up on myself. But… at last Jiraiya Sensei's teaching made it to my heart. In my final moments, I will repent for my mistakes."
Nagato slowly lifts his hands and makes a ram hand sign.
"Gedou: Rinne Tensei no jutsu,"
Nagato uses the outer path- samsara of heavenly life technique to revive the dead shinobis of Konoha.
"But Nagato… you…" Tears flow from Konan's eyes.
"It's fine, Konan. Even without this technique, I don't have much time to live. The Gedo statue has drained most of my vitality and at most I would have lived another five years. This battle shortened that duration to a year. However, this is the choice I made for myself."
Nagato's hairs turn white. His sickly body turns more emaciated.
"WHAT? What did you do?"
Naruto stares at Nagato with wide eyes as he senses the rapid drain of vitality from Nagato.
"He used his life force as a catalyst to cast a powerful technique. It's a sort of Forbidden jutsu." Sasuke explains to him as he inspects Nagato's body with his Mangekyo Sharingan.
'The power of the Rinnegan is out of this realm. What a powerful ability to manipulate life and death!"
The hue in Nagato's eyes dims down as his body limply falls on the mechanical walker.
"Nagato!"
Konan burst out in tears.
Suddenly,
Fwoosh… Fwoosh… Fwoosh…
Multiple white Zetsu clones pop out of Nagato's body.
"Seems like it was earlier than planned. But we have to complete the task nonetheless. One of the Zetsu clones rips out Nagato's eyes."
"Recovery complete!"
"YOU BASTARDS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" An enraged Naruto jumps at the Zetsu clone with a Rasengan.
Swoosh…
"Chidori Raikiri,"
Sasuke also appears beside the Zetsu clone with lightning chakra in his palm.
Tch…
The Zetsu clone clicks his tongue. A sealing Fuinjutsu formation erupts from the mechanical walker of Nagato. The Fuinjutsu formation restricts Naruto and Sasuke's movements. The Zetsu clone enters the ground to escape.
Argh…
"I won't let you. KURAMA!"
Naruto releases a burst of red chakra and instantly destroys the sealing Fuinjutsu formation by overloading it with the chakra.
Whoosh…
Naruto and Sasuke break through the paralysis of the seal and immediately appear beside the Zetsu clone. They slice the body of the Zetsu clone in half.
Heh…
The Zetsu clone smirks before its death as another Zetsu clone escape with the Rinnegan.
"He used a substitution technique to swap his position with another clone." Sasuke dismembers the remaining Zetsu clones.
"DAMNIT!" Naruto punches the ground. A gigantic crater appears beneath him. Everything happened in the blink of an eye.
"Konan recovers from her shock. It's him. It must be him- The Madara Uchiha!"
Konan grits her teeth in rage.
---------------------
Back at Konoha,
"Thirty-three casualties! The Akatsuki members wiped the entire patrol platoon."
One of the Anbu members passes a report to Itachi.
Sigh…
Itachi sighs and stares at the corpses of the patrol teams lined outside the remains of the patrol platoon headquarters.
Rumble… Rumble…
Suddenly, a gigantic figure of the Underworld King appears at the outer perimeter of Konoha.
"WHAT… what's this?"
The Anbu members quickly enter into a combat stance.
"An enemy attack!" They warily stare at the gigantic face of the Underworld King. The purple hell flames around its body send chills down their spines. None of the anbu members dare to stare into Underworld King's eyes.
"Wait!"
Itachi stops them as he warily inspects the Underworld king with his Mangekyo Sharingan.
'My gut feelings that tell me to not attack it. If I might attack him, I might provoke something dangerous.' Numerous alarms go off in Itachi's head as the threat of death looms over him.
'It's… it's like this thing can control the life and death of every living being.'
Itachi enters in a combat stance, ready to make a move the moment the Underworld King attacks.
'I thought Naruto went to talk with the leader of the Akatsuki. Did he fail?' Several questions appear in Itachi's mind.
Crack… crack…
Suddenly, the gigantic figure of the Underworld King cracks opens his mouth. It opens its gigantic mouth and releases multiple cyan orbs from it."
"That is…"
Itachi inspects the cyan orbs.
"Could these be… Souls?"
Itachi recalls his encounter with the strange girl in the HOLE. That girl had the ability to ferry souls to the afterlife. The appearance and aura of the souls were similar.
Fwish… Fwish… Fwish…
One by one, the cyan orbs enter the dead bodies of the Konoha shinobis lying outside the remains of the patrol platoon headquarters. A cyan aura surrounds the bodies. The wounds on the corpses rapidly regenerate. Even the lost limbs and torn-off heads reattach to the body.
Aaaah…
The anbus gasps in shock as they notice the unusual phenomenon.
"He is moving!"
One of the Anbus points towards a particular body with visible movement in hands.
"No, all of them are moving!"
Itachi points towards other bodies as all of them make some movements.
"But… but… how could this be? I personally checked their body and there was life in it." One of the medic-nin falls on his knees.
"What… what's this miracle? Could… could this be the act of a GOD?"
The medic-nin zones out as the patrol team members slowly stand up and look around in confusion. One of the shinobi, with a distinct outfit, quickly regains his wits and turns to Itachi.
"Enemy attack! It's an enemy attack. The Akatsuki are attacking the village." He reports to Itachi.
"It's alright! The situation is already under control. You did well." He praises the patrol team captain for his wits and soothes him.
"All of you… return to the village and continue to tally the damage. I want a report as soon as possible." Itachi dismisses them and waits for Naruto and Sasuke to return.
Kakashi had departed for the infirmary to treat Guy's wounds. Shisui has returned to the Police Headquarters to fulfill his duties.
----------------------
Back at the Uzumaki compound,
"About this incident, inform the Kazekage. I will tell Mei myself. We can't reveal the loss of one-tails for the time being. It will create unnecessary panic." Tsunade reaches a decision.
"That's my exact thoughts!" Minato nods his head.
Tsunade turns to Minato and questions him.
"So, now Minato. I would like to hear more about this student of yours. We have confirmed that he was the one responsible for the release of Nine-tails fifteen years ago. He was also responsible for both of your near-death states, and perhaps he was the person who orchestrated the Uchiha clan massacre with Danzo and manipulates the Third Mizukage." Tsunade throws down a bunch of accusations at Obito.
Sigh…
Minato sighs helplessly and explains everything in detail to Tsunade.
"Hmm… so this kid broke down after the death of his only love." Tsunade feels in a dilemma.
She reminisces about the death of her brother Nawaki and her former lover Dan.
'Huh… it was the same for me. Instead of blaming others, I fell into a self-reproach, bottled and channeled all my hatred towards myself. Instead of relieving my hatred of others, I drowned it in alcohol and gambling.'
Tsunade closes her eyes and recalls her previous state.
'Pathetic… isn't it? We shinobis strive forward to another day, just to protect our loved ones. If our only sense of purpose was taken away from us, then what's even the use of living? That's what I used to think before.'
Tsunade opens her eyes as Izuna's smiling face appears in front of her eyes.
'It was you who pulled me out of that self-reproach and blew away the fog blocking my vision. I learned to move forward from you.'
Tsunade recalls her first meeting with Izuna.
'Perhaps you were the first person to treat a beautiful woman with such bitter words. But back then, you were still a kid, so I pardoned your offense.' Tsunade chuckles to herself.
'Now, after showing me the path forward, you shielded others from the impending darkness.'
Tsunade recalls the final smiling moment of Izuna before the space rift engulfed him. A drop of tears leaks from her eyes.
Kushina and Minato silently vacate the place, leaving Tsunade to herself.
"She misses him a lot!" Kushina remarks.
"We all miss him, but…" Minato shakes her head.
'I am not sure about the feelings in Lady Tsunade's heart… No! I am aware of it. It's just that I don't want to voice them.'
"Let's go!" Minato walks out of the Uzumaki compound.
"Next time he comes, I will make him take responsibility for making Tsunade Nee-san shed tears." Kushina grits her teeth.
A few days passed after the Akatsuki assault,
"Senpai! I can't do this." Yamato plops on the ground with exhaustion clearly visible on his face.
"Just hold for a bit more. We are almost done with restructuring the terrain." Kakashi tries to placate him.
"You said the same thing yesterday, the day before yesterday, and even the day before that." Yamato stares at Kakashi with a wronged face.
"Well…"
Kakashi scratches his head. An idea pops into his head, and he turns to Yamato with bright eyes.
"And there he goes again!" Shisui chuckles as Kakashi praises Yamato to the high moon.
"Yamato… I have high hopes for you. Among the entire Konoha… No, the entire shinobi world, you are the only person who possesses the legendary Wood Release currently. Only you are capable of this task." Kakashi pats Yamato's shoulder.
"I believe in you, Yamato. If you finish the task in the next three, no two days, then I will take you to the exclusive VVIP resort in the Land of Hot Water. It will be the most luxurious vacation you will ever have in your life." Kakashi continues to pat Yamato's shoulder.
"Isn't he talking about Izuna Nii-san's resort? All of us can visit and enjoy it for free with that card." Shisui takes out a black card from his pocket.
"He is duping Yamato Senpai again!" Itachi shakes his head.
"Senpai… if… if that's what you want, then I will complete it in the next two, not within one day." Yamato takes out a bunch of chakra pills from his storage. He swallows them all in a gulp and sits cross-legged to restore his chakra.
"Looks like I overdid it!" Kakashi scratches his cheeks with a wry smile.
"Well, at least he is motivated, so it's a win overall." He chuckles dryly. Itachi and Shisui shake their head.
Hmm…
The group turns around and stares in the distance.
"This chakra! Is it someone from the Land of Lightning?"
Soon, a shinobi in the Hidden Cloud attires appear in their vision. He notices the group standing at the foothill of a mountain.
The cloud shinobi hurriedly moves towards the group. He waves a green messenger flag to relay his intentions.
"So, he is a messenger." Kakashi and the rest lower their guard.
Soon,
Huff… Huff…
The cloud messenger approaches them while panting.
"I… huff… huff… have a message… huff… huff… from the Raikage-sama. You must be Kakashi Hatake. Please escort me to the leaf village." The messenger takes out a scroll from his pocket.
Kakashi looks around and notices no one except the messenger in front of him.
"Are you alone?" He asks the messenger.
"No… my teammates are still resting at the village a few miles ahead." He looks around and remarks.
"The terrain around Konoha has changed a lot, so it took us longer to figure out the correct path."
"Let's return to Konoha. There are things we would also like to talk about." Kakashi escorts the messenger to the village while Yamato, Itachi, and Shisui stay behind to help rebuild the terrain.
-------------------
Back in Konoha, at the Hokage Office.
Tsunade reads the scroll and ponders.
"So, the Akatsuki also attacked Kumogakure. They captured the Eight-tails jinchuruki Killer B."
Tsunade ponders as she lays the scroll on the table.
"Yes, Bee-sama fought valiantly and took down one of the Akatsuki members; but unfortunately, he was ambushed by another Akatsuki member." The envoy grits his teeth.
"I understand Kumo's stance towards this. Konoha was also attacked by the eight members of Akatsuki. You can still notice the traces of battle outside the periphery of Konoha." Tsunade nods at him.
'What kind of battle did Konoha fight to drastically change the landscape?' The envoy couldn't even comprehend the scale of the battle.
'I better report this news to Raikage-sama after I return.' The envoy makes up his mind.
"I need to discuss with the Elder Council before making a decision. So, it's better if you wait for a while." Tsunade turns to Kakashi.
"Kakashi, escort him to the guesthouse of Konoha."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Kakashi bows and leaves with the Kumo messenger.
Tsunade writes a letter to summon the members of the elder council.
A few minutes later, inside the meeting room.
"What should we do with this situation?"
The elder council ponders as they recall the contents of the scroll.
"So, eight-tails who is Raikage's younger brother got captured by the members of the Akatsuki. But didn't Akatsuki suffer a devastating defeat under our hands and most of their members fell in battle? Even their leader, Pain, died in the previous battle." One of the elder council members remarks.
"Pain wasn't the mastermind behind the Akatsuki. The real mastermind is still out in the open." Tsunade reveals a little bit of information about the situation.
'Revealing Madara's name will create panic among them. That's a name which can't be taken lightly even in Konoha's current situation.'
"So, what's your decision, Lady Hokage?" One of the elder council members directs the question to Tsunade.
"Since it's the Raikage who initiated the Hokage Summit, then I don't see a reason to refuse it. Akatsuki has been a major threat to the shinobi world for a while. If we can make a united stand amongst the five nations; then it will only benefit us. Also, the Hokage Summit would be held in the Land of Iron, a neutral territory of the Samurais. So, there won't be any conspiracies involved." Tsunade announces her decision to the elders.
"Then please make sure that Konoha has a leading position in the meeting. We are currently the strongest shinobi Nation out of all Five Nations. So, it's given that Konoha receives the most benefit out of this meeting." One of the elderly council members reminds her.
"Konoha won't suffer a loss in the negotiation. For now, we should prepare for the possibility of a war. It's better safe than to be sorry later."
"Very well! We will make arrangements with the clan leaders." The elder council members agree with Tsunade and the meeting concludes.
Tsunade returns to the Hokage Office.
"Summon Kakashi and his team!"
A few minutes later,
Kakashi, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura arrive in the room.
"You summoned us Hokage-sama!" Kakashi salutes Tsunade.
"Team seven, I have an S-Rank mission for you. I want your team to escort me to the Land of Iron."
Tsunade writes down a mission letter and issues it to Kakashi.
"Land of Iron! It has been a while since I last went there." Naruto recalls his previous trip to the Land of Iron.
"I went to the Land of Medicine with Izuna Nii-san. We visited Land of Iron on our way." Naruto crosses his arms as he recalls the trip from his memories.
"Oh, I remember that! Back then you were a lot cheeky brat!" Tsunade grins at Naruto.
"Now… now… don't bother yourself with the small stuff." Naruto waves his hand in an attempt to change the topic.
"Also, Minato will be the other guard!" Tsunade remarks.
"DAD! Dad is going with us?"
"Of course! Minato is also a former hokage and has much more information about our enemies. So, he will play a vital role in the meeting. This might be the first time when all shinobi nations will put aside their difference and work together for once. If this happens, then the long-awaited dream of the peaceful days of my idiotic grandfather might become a reality."
Hashirama's face appears in Tsunade's vision.
'Don't be mean to Grandpa, little Tsuna." He bashes at Tsunade's angry expression.
Knock… knock…
Someone knocks on the door of the Hokage Office.
"Come in!"
Mei enters the room with Team Three.
"I am so exhausted!"
She plops down on the sofa in the Hokage Office.
"Did you also receive the letter?" Tsunade asks her.
"I did! That unruly A want to hold a Kage Summit in the Land of Iron. Looks like he suffered a heavy blow with the loss of eight-tails and his younger brother. It was enough for him to let go of his ego and ask for help." Mei shakes her head.
Ayaka waves her hand at Naruto and Sasuke and chats with them.
"I will have three escorts. Izumi and team three will escort me from Konoha and Ao and Chojuro from the Mist. Since it's a long journey from Kirigakure, we will teleport to Konoha and will start the journey from there. This way, it will be more convenient for us." Mei reveals her plan.
"That's fine with me. Having additional people will make the journey less jarring and boring." Tsunade agrees with Mei.
"I will return home for now. Tatsuya and Kanna might be looking for me. I left them in their grandma's care." Mei massages her forehead and stands up.
"I will also come with you, Mei Nee-san!" Ayaka follows her.
"Me too!" Hanabi and Yakumo also follow her.
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