Naruto's POV (Bar of Leaf Camp - Land of Iron)

  Naruto had often hung out with friends. He mostly enjoyed it with Shikamaru in tow. While he didn't win everyone, trying in a big, relaxed group felt easier. But here, with both the supportive nature of Ino and Neji. The friendly faces of Kiba and Lee. And the shockingly tolerant new Sakura, he found himself quickly enjoying it. Gai and his twin student were undoubtedly a lot to process, but the blonde found them at least likable, if not overbearing. Lee and Gai were among the strangest people he had met. Yet they shared some of his beliefs and seemed to be nice down to the very bone. Kiba was annoyingly competitive with his remarks, but Naruto enjoyed it; he was somewhat competitive himself.

  Besides, listening to Neji send snipes at the prideful Inuzuka was priceless. Sakura was someone he had never managed to impress, so she didn't hold much of an opinion of him. But Ino seemed oddly determined to keep things smooth, quickly taking the woman's attention and limiting how much the two could argue.

  As soon as they arrived, Gai challenged Kakashi to a spar that turned into a drinking match. The two were now ten shots deep, and despite the hazy eyesight and slurs in their speech, the two men showed no signs of stopping. Initially, he and Lee got oddly competitive over who would manage more and had cheered on their respective sensei. But upon realizing their awkward situation, Naruto distanced himself from the competition. The ever-loyal Lee, determined to witness his sensei win in his "duel of honor," decided to stay. Kiba, inspired by his sensei, had also gone into a drinking frenzy. Unfortunately, the young man lacked the experience of the Jounin and was quickly shit-faced, somehow starting a dance circle in the small bar. He was feeling himself after his solo passing of the exam and could do some form of dancing he called "breakdancing" incredibly well. Neji had decided to watch over the drunk Inuzuka. Though he had declared he would break the man if he happened to throw up on him.

  Ino and Sakura had quickly gone off on their own. The two needed to catch up. Naruto figured they had meant so usually, but thus far, the two seemed content with gossiping on various topics. Naruto wisely had chosen to leave them to it. He had no interest in such issues and didn't dare tempt Sakura's infamous tempter. Lee and Kiba both separately describe her as the enforcer of their team.

  This left Naruto to observe the group from afar, nursing a drink. While he was often loud and brash, he occasionally preferred to sit back a bit and think. He needed it after recent events. He had become a Genin despite the odds against him. He had even aided in taking down a Chunin before his promotion. He had engaged on his first mission and had taken on an S-class shinobi. Endured three months of hell from Kakashi. Now, Naruto could discover one of the truths that had eluded him his whole life. The identity of his father, why it was kept from him all these years.

  What happened to him… All he needed to do was pass the exams. He had intended to do so before, but now he would ensure it no matter what.

  Furthermore, the secret he had held for years had been exposed, and his identity had been given out to those around him. Doubtless, it would lead to complications he could not fathom. Gaara had met him and informed him of the affliction he had shared with him. He had even met another. One was similar to himself yet seemingly hopeless.

  Naruto could sense the loneliness in her somehow. Fuu seemed to shine despite it, hopeful despite the odds she had been given, even with no path suitable in front of her. Gaara seemed the opposite. He had accepted the cruelness of the world and distanced himself from humanity. He seemed to hate them incredibly and passionately, speaking of forming some group of his own "kin." Simply stated, Naruto was feeling a bit overwhelmed. If Naruto was being fully honest, though, he didn't hate it. He had the chance to discover his father's identity, grow closer to his goal, and meet others who had lived similarly to him. Naruto couldn't help but be hopeful. He could finally see the change he wished for himself.

  Naruto flinched as he suddenly felt as if someone was watching him. He turned his gaze towards the feeling. His eyes landed on a widow showing a nearby closed store. On the roof of it stood a silent, menacing Gaara. He stared back at Naruto silently with utter focus. It unnerved Naruto, but he could feel his rage grow as he realized it was some kind of silent threat. Naruto was tired of being pushed around… He quietly rose from his seat and stalked off towards the bar's exit. The others were too engrossed in the festivities to notice as the blonde did.

  The Uzumaki marched out of the bar, locking eyes with the other jinchuriki. He slowly drew riptide as he flexed his chakra. The blonde did a body flicker to appear on the opposite side of the same roof as Gaara. The two silently stared each other down for a few moments. The tension built as the two sized each other up.

  "Gaara," Naruto started seriously. "I won't let you hurt anybody here."

  Gaara stared back blankly. Slowly, he blinked twice, as if thinking carefully. "Do you have enemies?" he replied suddenly.

  "Enemies? Um… I don't think so. I mean, I guess the Leaf might and me by proxy, but…" Naruto said as he rubbed the back of his head. The sudden and odd question threw him off a little bit.

  "Would anyone have any reason to follow or track you?" Gaara asked impassively.

  "What the hell kind of question is that? Are you some kind of stalker? Do you want to kick your ass all the way back to the desert?!" Naruto yelled.

  "For now, I am no threat to you," Gaara replied simply. "There are two shinobi nearby watching us. I wouldn't be surprised if they were considering moving in. I suppose it depends if they have a sensor. Pest never willingly encounters a predator after all."

  "Predator? And who the hell is following me?! I'm not in the mood for whatever the hell this is!" Naruto called out, yelling out into the night.

  "They won't attack us here," Gaara stated.

  "Too much of a chance of help coming," Naruto stated simply. "So let me just tell Kakashi-sensei. He'll kick their asses before they can escape."

  "Your sensei is drunk," Gaara replied woodenly.

  "Oh yeah… wait, how long were you watching!"

  "Long enough," Gaara said bluntly. Come." He suddenly raced off into the snow forest surrounding their camp, feeling compelled to follow and wanting to exert some stress on whoever was following him. Naruto followed. They arrived in a small clearing filled with soft snow.

  "They're gonna come now or what?" Naruto asked, annoyed.

  "Naruto Uzumaki." A voice interrupted. The two turned and noticed two more joining them in the clearing. It was a silver-haired man who had spoken. A redheaded woman stood slightly behind him. "Name is Sakon of the West Gate. To my left stands Tayuya of the North Gate. We are two of the Sound Four sent to bring you to Orochimaru and or Ikam. Depending on our master's fancy. You will comply with us, or we will have to beat you until you have no choice." Sakon said matter of factly.

  "You pests cannot have him. He is spoken for," Gaara interrupted as he approached the man and stood between him and Naruto.

  "I agree with the weirdo!" Naruto chimed in as he took a battle stance. "You all better get out of here before you get your ass kicked by yours truly. Also, I am not spoken for, nor do I approve of your odd choice of words, you damn ginger!"

  "Of course you are. After all, you're my prey." Gaara said as he glared at him.

  Naruto met the glare before suddenly Sakon lashed out with a jab. Catching Gaara square in the face. The redhead flew back, showing off Sakon's absurd speed and power. He pursued the redhead. Tayuya threw a flying kick into Naruto, distracted by the sudden attack on Gaara, and slid back before he crashed into a snowbank.

  "Now, now, kiddies. The adults are here, behave." Sakon taunted. Before he gasped, he realized Gaara didn't seem hurt by his blow. Sand suddenly wrapped itself around his hand. Sakon tugged once, twice, three times before he freed his arm, falling backward as he did so.

  "You're out of your league, human. Surrender now, and I'll make your death painless." Gaara told him darkly.

  "Sorry to disappoint you, but only one of us will die screaming," Sakon replied with a smirk.

  Tayuya's eyes widened as Naruto walked out of the bank, seemingly unphased from her attack.

  "Sorry, but pests should wait their turn as a predator takes their feast," Gaara muttered darkly as Sakon dashed away. The murderous redhead followed the man with a manic smile. Naruto, seeing the opportunity, attempted to leave. Suddenly, he dodged a thrust from a large semi-human-looking summon. The creature was wielding dual spike gauntlets. He jumped back towards the waiting Tayuya as she stood behind more summons. One lacked arms being comp,letely wrapped in bandages while the ,other wielded a large club.

  "Sorry, shithead, but we have to attend a meeting," Tayuya said with a smile as she lowered into a playing stance. The two prepared to battle one for the future he grasped. The other was fighting for the present, as it was the only thing she knew.

  Ikam's POV (Border of Land of Iron)

  Ikam marched through the snow, and a small troop of his followers formed a loose formation around the man. The Land of Iron had proven valuable; they had gained some much-needed material. His venture with the samurai was sure to be profitable shortly. He had ensured Naruto and Kushina Uzumaki, some of the last and most potent survivors of the accursed clan, would struggle before their fated death and had furthered his beneficial temporary alliance with Orochimaru even further.

  In truth, he detested the snake and could sense he felt the same. They had been partnered for his brief venture into the Akatsuki. He had joined the odd group as an assassin.

  New to his goal to exterminate the Uzumaki, he heard rumors that a powerful one was leading the group. He had sought him out and challenged him. It had been a one-sided defeat, the man nearly killing him before offering him an out. He was to join the group as a mercenary. With the promise that the Rinnegan-wielding Nagato would kill him for betrayal. He had paired him with another, less trustworthy member, Orochimaru. He had hoped the invasive and mistrusting nature of the two would lead to the clashings and keep them busy. But Nagato had been a fool. Both sought his death and, upon their failure, sought freedom. The two had used their combined genius and strength to escape Nagato. Managing to win over Zetsu to aid them in their escape. The two then fought back against the ace squad of the Akatsuki. They barely fought the powerful two off. Nearly dying several times in the process. But it had worked; the two were free. They had kept in touch, intending to kill Nagato at some point but recognizing they likely would need one another to achieve such. Slowly, it grew into a beneficial partnership. They both saw themselves as superior, Ikam was sure. Both are planning to one day kill the other wretched rival. But for now, they moved mutually.

  It was a good day for the two, he supposed. The Sound Four likely couldn't stand up to his soldiers. However, with the assistance of Zetsu, Kabuto, and his own Leifazu, they likely achieve their plan. But now, seemingly to further complicate matters, two game changers had arrived. Both were robust and likely here to wreak havoc as they approached their goal. His former teammates moved forward. Kakazu and Hidan were coming to the exams. While Ikam was confident he could best work with his group, it would be close and likely costly. For now, he would leave; if the group caught any whiff of him, it would end poorly regardless of victory. Ironic the two unknowingly allowed one of their enemies to escape. But the two fools marched into the Land of Iron as they marched out. The two groups were only separated by a single peak of stone.

  It was a precarious situation, but Ikam was sure about his decisions. After all, Ikam had spent much of his second life living on the edge. Ikam knew his goal seemed irrational, and his reasoning was thin and hypocritical. Yet whatever he had been before had been consumed by this rage. He wondered if Mishiro would love him nearly as dearly if she knew he was no Uzumaki? Would Ashira finally make a move against him if he knew he was destroying the family he made over lies? Would Leifazu hate those before him if he knew why the Uzumaki must die? It mattered little to him, he supposed. Whoever Ikam had been before meant nothing. He was now the reaper of the Uzumaki.

  For better or worse.

  Reizo / Mifune's POV (Samurai Main Camp - Land of Iron)

  Reizo had fought many skilled swordsmen. Many of them at the same time. As the need called, his blade had met with those wielded by Anbu or Jounin. He was confident in his strokes, even against his men; he knew only Mifune was his better. Yet these monstrosities wielded katana as well as any of his men. This mastery was matched by levels of physicality that the men in question could never match. Reizo deflected a blade aimed at his face with his palm. Managing to expertly swat the dull side. He twirled as he followed through the strike, nearly beheading another white monster. The beast barely managed to block the blade, and the power behind the strike sent him flying back. Several of the beasts thrust towards him. Surrounding him in the time it took him to defend himself against the first two. Reizo's blade seemed to fly through the air, somehow managing to redirect the six Zetsu with ease, sending each one flying back. More charged forward, determined to overwhelm him with numbers. But Reizo merely chuckled hatefully as his blade suddenly glowed with chakra.

  "I have what you filth would likely call my own jutsu. I believe you call it a bloodline? Either way, die like the beast you are. RAGE HUNT: BLADE OF WRATH!" He called as the surrounding Zetsu around him suddenly were met by red lines that flew from Reizo's blade, sliding through them harmlessly. They laughed cruelly as they prepared to pepper the man's body with new holes.

  Reizo merely smirked as they came close. "ERUPT!" He roared suddenly, and each Zetsu around him screamed in pain and collapsed. Their bodies fall to pieces around the man. Bursting from the cuts was a powerful red chakra. "As I suffer you filth, my rage becomes my strength." He said as he marched past the corpse of the beast he had slain.

  "I think we might be in trouble~!" One Zetsu sang as he readied his blade.

  "Shame he's all alone~." Another mocked.

  "Time to die~!" With this final cry, they started to want to launch Flashes only at Reizo. The Samurai captain flinched as the barrage closed in. With a desperate snarl, he hopped over one. He thrust his blade out, smashing into the ground, and pulled it back up quickly, spiraling in the air to dodge another two. He yelled out in fury as his blade glowed once again, spinning as he landed to cut through one Flash. Ducking another, he unleashed his own, which cut a path out in front of him. As one flew in after the explosion, he slid underneath it, finally drawing close to the closest group of beasts.

  "RAGE HUNT: PETTY SLASH!" He called out suddenly, slicing a red line of violent chakra through the legs of ten surprised Zetsu. The beast cried out in pain as they fell. Several more charged forward to kill the presumably open Reizo. "RAGE HUNT: PETTY ERUPTION!" As the Zetsu ran over their legless brethren, they were suddenly enveloped by a burst of red chakra exploding from each stump left on the Zetsu. The resulting explosions left only a few Zetsu left. And half of the building collapsed on the wall, peppered by the force. The building, now being torn open, allowed snow to drift in. Reizo panted and fell to a knee as the remaining beasts readied themselves for a final stand. "I have anger left for you, trash," Reizo said with a smile as he dashed towards his opponents, confident he wouldn't perish here.

  X-X

  Mifune's POV

  Mifune wasn't confident that he wouldn't perish here. His dark creature of an opponent seemed innocuous and unthreatening. As such, he wanted to help Reizo quickly with the crowd of murderous white beasts. With this in mind, Mifune had locked eyes with the creature and uttered what he was sure would be the final words it would ever hear.

  "Dancing Blade Risk." He whispered silently as he was suddenly behind Zetsu. Having moved so quickly, the odd creature had not sensed him until his blade met its body. As he sheathed his blade, the creature fell. Likely being split in two by his speedy and powerful slash.

  Suddenly, it rose again in a peculiar manner. Its body is unharmed as it rises bonelessly. Almost as if his body was utterly malleable by will. "My, that is quite the technique. I would've been cut if I were a mere human." It mocked as it turned to face him. "Got anything be-" Black Zetsu was unable to finish. His voice was cut off by Mifune's sudden whisper or, more likely, the wave of a powerful chakra following after enveloping and slicing into Zetsu before he could even flinch.

  "Drowning Flash Wave." He announced that a building-sized slash of chakra consumed and carried Zetsu, cutting him to bits as it smashed through the remaining standing portion of the building, causing it to collapse entirely. Mifune sheathed his blade as they were exposed to cold wind and flying snow. The remaining Samurai scrambled away from the ruins of the building. Knowing Mifune would likely crush any remaining enemies. Mifune eyed the several pieces of the creature remaining. His gaze, in particular, landed on the severed head of it. His eyes widened, and he jumped back as it cackled back.

  "How amusing. To think this land would produce someone of your level. If you weren't so simple to read, you'd be worth something. Unfortunately, all you are now is a particularly competent pest. You'll still need to be crushed." Zetsu ranted as his body seemed to liquefy and fly through the air to reattach the talking head. The other parts similarly fly through the air to form a mass. The head flew back, with Zetsu laughing all the while. His head was added to the mass last. The rest reformed into the vaguely humanoid shape the beast had before. "My turn, Wood Style: Forest Emergence!" As he finished his cry, trees suddenly sprouted from the ground, and wooden beams grew and flew towards Mifune, who flinched. He then grits his teeth and lowers his stance.

  "Allow me to show my hand as well! Draw of the Seven Principles: Seven Slashes of Death!" He called. He sliced through the air with intense, precise strikes, each seemingly blocking out all surrounding sound for a moment. As the forest drew close, the trees were suddenly cut to shreds, the air following the slashes in significant streams, blasting any bystander. For a moment, it looked like Mifune had countered the powerful attack with relative ease. Before the wood continued to fly towards him. The previously sliced and falling wood is merely being carried by the new beams and trees combining them with itself. Mifune desperately called out as it drew close. Desperately using the last of his chakra to shield his men, he called out. "QUICK DRAW: NETTING OF BLADES!" The attack came out once again, managing to slice some of the approaching forest, but not near enough. Samurai, Mifune, Reizo, and even the remaining White Zetsu were smashed into it by this. The forest stopped, bringing silence to the clearing. The former plateau was now covered in a forest. Separating the survivors and effectively wiping out the group.

  Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

  "Surely, that will be enough of a distraction. I'd like to ensure it is as is, but it would be wise to retreat for now." 'Besides, that old man took more out of me than I expected. He may even be as strong as the five Kage.' Black Zetsu marched out of the forest. I'm not concerned in the slightest about a continued assault. They were either dead or were undoubtedly wishing they were.

  Ikam's POV (Traversing - Land of Fire)

  Ikam was usually not one to dwell on the past. Sure, his goal was due to the past, but he very much moved to the future. Yet today, his mind seemed to be locked into the past. Before he became Ikam of the Uzumaki, he formed a powerful group to aid in his goal. He had been very different before, he was sure. He could remember him hiding out, seemingly fearful of each day. He could remember desperate, long days longing for peace and safety. The exact details had become fuzzy at some point. Suddenly, he heard a voice demanding that he enact an absurd plan.

  For one year, Ikam suffered under its voice. At first, he assumed it was a ghost or god. But soon, it became clear somehow, the voice was simply another part of him. He couldn't remember much, just long nights of him pleading to himself for peace. Pleading they need their mind for life. But the voice hadn't relented. Ikam had given in after time. Its volume had consumed him. It had made him care little for his current life. Instead, it told him to enact the plan. Feeding him bit by bit until he was under its hold. First, it told him of his new identity as a Uzumaki. He had found a way to permanently dye his hair red. He studied their ways and customs until he was indistinguishable from others. It told him to gather its kin. Each time, it led him to a useful Uzumaki. Each time, it told him how to gain their loyalty. It had never strayed him wrong.

  So when it told him he must kill or ally with each Uzumaki, he treated it as law. His group had been hard to convince, but he presented an edited version of the tale as he had discovered the truth of Uzumaki's crime. He used evidence that the context was misstated to support his version. Within a few short years, the group had grown and started to slay their kin.

  It was odd to Ikam. He felt like he was somehow a puppet to another part of himself. He acted within his own will but not with his consent. If Ikam had been foolish, he would've confided the truth to one of his followers. But thus far, only Mishio had accepted the actual version of events and moved with him despite it. That was only due to her utter adoration of him. Something he had always irrationally hated. But he used it to his advantage. He merely wished some part of him wouldn't scream in pain whenever he was close to her. Yes, he lived in constant opposites. He supposed most would not continue as he would. But he must accomplish the goal he seemed to crave. It could finally silence his mind.

  Ikam shook his head, and the group around him stopped and tensed. He looked at the trips, realizing those odd thoughts had returned. But knowing it would shatter his image, he merely continued walking. The group continued as well, knowing better than to question him. Mishio squeezed his hand. Ikam inwardly flinched before frowning at that. Why would he feel oddly standing with his beloved wife? He shook away the useless thoughts as his group stopped nearing their goal. Ikam cleared his mind as Mishio, Ashira, and he walked to a ledge overlooking the ocean. In the distance, a series of islands could be barely spotted. Most of them are utterly covered in mist.

  He would waste time later. His goal had brought him here. Orochimaru had spoken of a Kage that could be pretty useful to them. Yagura Karatachi, jinchuriki of The Three-Tails, and Mizukage of the Village Hidden in the Mist. His intel told him he saw himself as a god seeking justice.

  The arrogant and naive were always easy to fool.

  Darui's POV (Path to Cloud Camp - Land of Iron)

  Darui had to admit. The four-eyed bastard that stood in their path was anything but dull. The fight had started as one-sided as they had expected. While Kabuto was anything but a Genin facing two high-level shinobi, it would be impossible for most. He ducked a slash from Darui to his head but was helpless to dodge the burst of electricity that had jumped from his blade. Shocking him long enough for C to jump in and slash at his midsection. Darui watched as his tanto slashed through Kabuto, slicing through ribs and organs with practiced ease. Kabuto merely laughed as his body seemed to reform around his wound. Slashing with his hands towards C. C blocked, on the other hand, tapping his wrist. Before Kabuto could attack, Darui threw his blade like a hatchet sl, icing through the offending arm and removing it harshly from Kabuto. C, for some reason, screamed in pain as he jumped back. He held his wrist and glared at the man.

  "He's using some techniques to survive our blows, then another touch-based one. It somehow seemed to damage my wrist severely. I think from the inside somehow." C remarked.

  "They are called Chakra Scalpels simpleton." Kabuto's condescending tone called out. " Using precise chakra control, I formed a thin blade around my hand. This blade is so fine that I can cut into your insides without even cutting the outside. As for taking your hits, I'm merely using my mastery over Medical Ninjutsu to heal them as we fight. Luckily, these seals give me access to enough chakra to do so constantly. I look forward to testing it against you, particularly Darui of the Black Lightning. The two of you will be a decent challenge."

  "Challenge? I don't do dull things like that." Darui started suddenly, body flickering above Kabuto. "I prefer to obliterate those who my boss tells me to. Unfortunately for you, that means you. See if you can survive this! Storm Release: Laser Circus!" A litany of flashing, flowing lightning raced toward Kabuto insanely quickly as he finished.

  Kabuto could only mutter. "Of course I can. I'm now even closer to immortality and my sensei's goal." The lightning converged upon him with a massive explosion. C being blown back the might of it. The fence wall surrounding the Cloud Camp was thrown back by the force. Dust flew through the air from the impact, clearing leftovers as electricity visibly shocked the area of impact. As the smoke and dust cleared, a body of Kabuto was revealed. He was covered in burns and missing one of his arms.

  "Well, that wasn't d-" Darui started before being shocked into silence. Kabuto slowly rose from the crater with a manic smile on his face.

  "Seems even this method has limits. My mind can't take too many hits of that nature. It causes me absurd mental anguish to live through that. Nor can I afford the chakra cost to survive it repeatedly, even with Ikam's gift." Kabuto said as he fully healed. "I'll have to kill you sooner rather than later."

  "I'm just getting warmed up," Darui informed as he prepared to continue. Before either could do anything more, a shocking blur flew into the clearing past Kabuto.

  "DARUI YOUR ASS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE AIDING THE SAMURAI! HOW DARE YOU WASTE TIME HERE! I SHOULD SMITE YOU WHERE YOU STAND!" A roared, his angry expression being exposed after his sudden arrival. Kabuto could not reply, his head suddenly flying from his body. "The next lariat is coming for you, ingrate!" A roared.

  "A! Sir behind you!" C called out.

  A spun into a back fist narrowly to avoid Kabuto's kunai thrust and sending the Leaf traitor slamming into a nearby snow bank. The loud snap alludes to the bone-breaking power of the Raikage.

  "How dare you survive my lariat! I'll kill you as many times as it takes. DARUI!" A roared.

  Wordless Darui repeated his earlier hand signs before firing another Laser Circus into the snow bank Kabuto was buried in. With another boom, the snow either melted or dissipated. Leaving an empty spot where Kabuto should be lying. Yet there was nothing more than darkened stone. A was not even slowed by this. Suddenly, he appeared before Darui and raised him by his collar. Screaming questions faster than the relaxed man could explain.

  C merely sighed; this would take a while to settle, he was sure.

  Sasuke's POV (Nearby Leaf Camp - Land of Iron)

  Sasuke slashed his way through several spiders. Three tomoe Sharingan spinning as he dodged the silk they exploded into. He is supposed to be expected; this summons and its spawn would be problematic. But he managed to weave and cut his way through the spray of spiders without even being touched by the silk. The extraordinary gift of the Uchiha family. He heard Kidomaru's frustrated call of cheating as he approached. He paid no mind to this, flying in and drawing a kunai to start his assault. First, he met Kidomaru. Projecting an image of him still charging towards him on top of his summon. Both were now perched on the treetops and trying to tie him down. While Kidomaru focused on the Genjutsu, Sasuke activated his and his sensei's improved version of the body flicker as he weaved yet another jutsu with one hand. He appeared behind both, finishing his hand sign as he did.

  "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu." He said as a large fireball flew into the sizeable hissing spider and its freak of a master. The spider thrashed as it burned, but Kidomaru merely flew from the flames.

  "Damn! Tricky minion turned out to be a boss!" Kidomaru roared. But could only freeze as Sasuke appeared within his guard. Wielding a kunai coated in chakra.

  "Life's not a game. If it was-" Sasuke started before suddenly appearing all over Kidomaru, slashing with each body flicker. The force of the slashes kept him in the air. As his spider summon collapsed, having finally succumbed to flames, Sasuke ended his barrage, letting Kidomaru fall to the ground. "Then this is your game over. Reappearing Shadow Sever."

  "Maybe in that life! But I got a one up!" Kidomaru chuckled happily as he rose. His body was covered in black markings, which were revealed by the cracked armor around his body. "To think you nearly cut through my armor! Gonna enjoy what comes next!" He suddenly raced forward much quicker with a flying knee. Sasuke barely managed to duck it. Whipping around, I noticed Kidomaru had gone into the surrounding forest. "Now, this is a level! No more cheating eyes telling you all my moves. Let's see if your eyes can see everything! My Curse Mark Level Two will crush you!" He howled.

  "Nothing can crush the Uchiha," Sasuke said darkly.

  Kidomaru didn't bother responding as his face shifted, becoming more spider-like. He jumped back, and his speed significantly increased as he tried to distance himself and Sasuke. But as he entered the treeline, he was suddenly kicked back into the clearing. He quickly spits out a line of kunai to buy him time, but Sasuke merely appears behind them, never breaking stride and allowing him to kneel on Kidomaru's face. The man, stunned despite his power boost and armor, stumbled back, dazed. Sasuke mercilessly swept the man's legs with a swift kick. Raising the same foot high in the air and slamming into the deformed man's face. The blow shattered the stone beneath. Sasuke glared down at the man, confident that the blow had rendered him unconscious. But he was caught off guard as Kidomaru suddenly shifted his weight, unbalancing the Uchiha and striking out with a hastily crafted blade. Sasuke stumbled back, narrowly avoiding one of his Sharigan being cut. It still cut a shallow line through his lower face and brow. The Uchiha flipped backward, obviously somewhat unnerved by the close call.

  "Your speed stats are absurd. But your strength stat is mediocre. Your kunai is even less adequate. That little teleport trick doesn't matter if you don't make your hits count. I think it's time I showed you who the player was." Kidomaru taunted as Sasuke straightened out and slowly settled into an odd stance, one hand in a tiger seal and the other stretched out as if holding a blade.

  "Attack potency is not something I struggle with. Blade of the Besmirched: Flambe." Sasuke stated coldly as flames sprouted from his hand, quickly forming a lifelike katana. The heat made the cold air hiss as he wielded it, seemingly uncaring of the heat. "I merely was testing that defense of yours. It seems it is mere armor. I don't need to cut it; you'll cook inside it anyway."

  Kidomaru was stunned into silence. He slowly stepped back, suddenly all too afraid of their speed difference. He turned fully, attempting to retreat, but once he turned, Sasuke was already behind, his flame blade mere inches from him.

  "Besmirched Flambe Reappearing Death," Sasuke whispered as the blade came into contact with Kidomaru. The man cried out as the blade hit him just below his ribs. Lacking physical form as it was, it didn't cut him. Merely wrapping around him as it passed through. But the affected body part was cloaked in its flames. The heat of which he could feel burning him into ashes from the inside. The pain made his vision blur. Desperately, he spit out a kunai at the Uchiha, seeking to delay the painful assault. As he did, he attempted to jump back. Looking backward to seek asylum, he flinched as a ducked Sasuke was already there.

  Swinging the dreaded blade of flames for his ankles. Kidomaru didn't scream; he shrieked as he fell. Sasuke could hear the man's flesh pop and bubble beneath the armor. A loud pop sounded off as either the armor around his ankles popped or his ankles themselves. It was cruel, Sasuke supposed, but death was becoming of anyone who dared threaten and impede him.

  "HAAAA-ohgod-fuck!" Kidomaru howled as he attempted to crawl away.

  "You can't leave yet." Sasuke began coldly. Appearing in front of the man's crawling form. "My technique isn't finished." He then disappeared yet again. Appearing to the side of Kidomaru, slicing into his midsection again. The man flailed and pleaded, seemingly defenseless now. Sasuke merely appeared above the man's face, his blade hovering mere inches from it. "When I find out the truth I seek, there may be those who have to pay for hidden crimes. Even those who choose to stand in my way. To both, I only offer one thing. Death." Sasuke said coldly, thrusting his blade into the head of Kidomaru. The flames wrapped around his face. His eyes visibly popped as his head was cooked from the inside.

  "Feel no shame, for your opponent was a Uchiha, a student of Shisui Uchiha and the next master of the Body Flicker," Sasuke said before using what had become his signature technique to body flicker closer to Yuno. The female Uchiha seemed sneaking close to a Jirobo talking into an earth dome. His palms rested against it, and his face held a cruel snarl. Right as Yuno drew close, he seemed to morph, his skin growing red and his hair growing out fully, seeming more orange.

  "I KNEW I WAS TRAPPED IN GENJUTSU! MY FORM TWO FREED ME!" He moved shockingly quickly for his size, throwing a haymaker at Yuno's face. Sasuke merely aimed his blade. Holding it as if it was an arrow in a bow.

  "Arrow of the Besmirched: Phoenix Arrow." The blade hurtled towards the man, hitting his arm before it could hit Yuno. The man screamed in pain as his blade hit an easier target. Unlike Kidomaru, who was somewhat resistant due to his armor, Jirobo had no such defense. The blade seemed to melt through his arm. His bones audibly popped, tearing through his flesh even further. Yuno, wincing at the grisly wound, took advantage of the opening. Sliding in and slitting the man's throat while he writhed in agony. She cleaned her unique kunai while she leveled a glare at Sasuke.

  Sasuke raised a brow in response. Offering a mere "Hn?"

  "You know I hate gorey attacks like that!" Yuno hollered. "So uninteresting, you damn freak!"

  "He nearly hit you; I took exception to that."

  "Then cut it off cleanly like a normal shinobi! Don't create a human BBQ around me anymore!" Yuno lectured angrily.

  "Hn…"

  "And stop your damn silent act!"

  Ikam's POV (Traversing - Land of Water)

  The various hired grunts moved supplies to their new home for a while. While certainly, he had come here primarily for his affairs with the Village Hidden in the Mist, he had heard of a potentially beneficial find in their hideout from one of the men stationed to keep it active. A summoning scroll.

  Such ties with the beast were a valued commodity. Unremarkable shinobi, the world-renowned, had used them to great success. Two of the Leaf's strongest were known for wielding the robust contract of the toads and slugs. Even his ally was signed with the snakes. Without using it to summon oneself, they could not see what clan it belonged to nor sign the origin scroll, a scroll containing the signature of all summoners guaranteeing aid to those lucky enough to sign. Ikam had sent twenty men to meet with the being behind the scroll. The group used it to summon themselves to the home of said creatures. They were relatively powerful men, about as capable of stronger Genin. Yet they had not returned; Ikam knew it would be wise to let things be. This opportunity may not come again.

  Mishio and Ashira watched both tense. Mishio, due to her beloved, risks himself to see the creatures who own the scroll. He had forbidden her from coming, knowing of her chronic defensiveness of him. Ashira was tense to see if the pitiful man would die here. He may serve him, but he holds no love for him. He would seek to complete the shared dream of the two despite his death but would do so for his reasons. He had no urge to risk the wrath of summoning creatures.

  Ikam spread a sealing array around the scroll with his mind. He slowly was surrounded by the seal. An aide drew blood from his arm as he did this. An anchor for his teleportation seal. It was nowhere near the level of the seal used by the Fourth Hokage for his terrifying teleportation technique. It is slow and can only be used as long as the user or supporter has a hefty amount of chakra present. With a silent whirl of air, he suddenly faded from the room.

  There was no passing of time or notable event to process his transport. He merely arrived in a thick, moist forest. Ikam could hear the buzz of insects, the chirps of birds, the crunch of twigs, and the rolling of stones as various wildlife milled around him. He flared his chakra, seeing if he could sense any chakra-wielding being nearby. From his reading, they used it similarly to the way humans do. But he sensed nothing nearby. Sighing, he quickly leaped through the forest, periodically sending chakra bursts. Ikam burst from the treeline, landing on a stone in the middle of the river. He could see various paths of the river branch throughout the land, his vision blocked by more trees. He traveled for a bit before suddenly he was wrapped in clay.

  "Odd," Ikam noted as it lifted him. He then glanced over to a strange creature sticking only its head out of the water, eyeing him with human-like intelligence. Would you mind freeing me, strange creature?"

  "Creature!" It roared and leaped up from the water, revealing its complete form. Its face was almost dog-like with its snout and black nose. The area around its dark eyes was a darker black. The rest of its fur is a black top and a light belly. A ring of lightness at the line of neck and body. He believed it was some sort of raccoon. "My name is Yashu! I'm no creature!"

  "A raccoon clan?" Ikam questioned himself. "Doesn't seem particularly impressive. Best not to judge a book by its cover, though."

  "RACOON! I'm a Tanuki, not a damn raccoon! That's it!" Suddenly, the beast started barking.

  "I suppose it would be best to be brought to their leader." Ikam continued to himself. "So I suppose letting them capture me would be best." As he finished this, the tanuki burst forward at speed. Suddenly growing ten feet tall, it unleashed a vicious punch into the man. He didn't even budge, managing to catch the blow with his fist. "Now, I'll come along peacefully with no need to break my bones." As he finished, various more tanukis surrounded the group.

  "Damn right, you're coming with us! The leader will decide what to do with ya!" Yashu roared as he carried the man. The group of tanuki ran off with Ikam in tow.

  It took little time for them to bring him to their home. It was primarily hollowed-out tree trunks turned into various buildings. They led them up a staircase, carrying them up an absurdly large tree. The trunk quickly became the size of some villages. They eventually led him into a room where various animals moved throughout the room. Some meditated as cats, others seemed to nap as dogs, and one was an old, bald, tan man. He held onto a glowing green branch. Each turned to the group, holding up Ikam. One large tanuki holding each of his limbs.

  The one named Yashu walked up first. "Sir, this human was found trespassing on our land. When I approached to question him, he disrespected our clan!"

  The old human man stalked forward. His face became a beastly snarl before he suddenly shifted into a human-sized tanuki growling into his face. "Is this true, you pathetic human?"

  Ikam chuckled loudly. His volume merely increased as he felt the grips tighten as a response. "My only response is to say I'll enjoy your servitude." He said before he flexed. The powerful flex sent the tanuki, holding him flying. He raced forward, his hand reaching for the apparent leader's head. Chains of Clay raced out, wrapping around his body, trying desperately to stop him. But before it could bind him, his hand was already resting against Elder Tanuki's head. Seals raced throughout the creature's body. Ikam smiled; the seals were obedient ones meant to drive it into servitude.

  "Arrogant you are. I will have to ensure one as dangerous as you cannot return. To think the bloodline of Uzumaki would fall this low. Your seals have never worked against us. It's why you originally sought us." The Elder commented before he suddenly raised a human-like hand. Forming a seal, he smiled. "Summoning Jutsu: Banishment!"

  Ikam could only widen his eyes as he was poofed away, suddenly returning from where he had come. He flinched as he looked down and saw the scroll they had found burning into ash. It seemed he would have to hunt them down again.

  Any group that could so casually resist his Fuinjutsu was a group he wanted on his side.

  Naruto's POV (Outside Bar in Leaf Camp - Land of Iron)

  "What do you mean you want to talk?" Naruto asked as Tayuya suddenly dismissed her summons.

  "I came here for my reasons, shit face," Tayuya replied.

  "You're working for either that snake that nearly killed Old Man Third or you're working with the bastard who tried to kill my mom. Either way, I'm kicking your ass, forget it." Naruto yelled out defiantly.

  "Listen here, you little shit! Fuck…" Tayuya grabbed onto her face with an obvious mental struggle. "Please just listen."

  Naruto stopped his forward advance as he heard her tone shift. He didn't trust her, but stalling wasn't a bad idea. "Fine, hurry up."

  "I may work for Orochimaru, but I have no choice but to strike out on my own." Tayuya countered. "I wanna defect to the Leaf in exchange for information."

  "What the f-" Naruto started.

  "Please, I happened to overhear my teammates planning to give me to that man named Ikam. He has been killing Uzumaki all over the country, and me, a fucking high-level official of the sound, was gonna be offered up to him on a platter after doing my job like a good fucking soldier." Tayuya explained.

  "Why should I trust you?" Naruto asked with a glare.

  "Once I give you the information, you'll see I can be trusted," Tayuya said, staring at the blonde intently.

  Before either could ponder this too deeply, a scream roared out. Followed by a haunted cry of Ukon.

  "Brother!" He roared as he looked up at his elevated brother being held up by a large clump of sand. Both quickly took on the form of Oni. Sakon thrashed against the sand as Ukon clawed upon it. Gaara suddenly rose from the snow, slowly forming out of the sand. Once fully formed, he kicked the brother into the clump. A wad of sand followed Ukon as he hit the clump that held his brother. The clump quickly formed around the screaming two.

  "Shame you were nothing special." Gaara lectured as he lifted one arm towards the two. "If you both had used your full power instead of playing around, we may have had a good fight. Luckily, you have each other. Everyone has someone, they say… their other half. This got me thinking… What if we could merge those halves? Let's try! DOUBLE SAND COFFIN!"

  The sand compressed slowly, first crushing the two together before compressing smaller and smaller, crushing each of their bones and killing both in agony. As Gaara finished his and turned towards the two, a shaky Gai and Kakashi appeared on the roof, backing Naruto. "Seems I'll have to wait. You owe me a fight, Uzumaki." He whispered as he turned into sand, disappearing from the battlefield.

  Naruto frowned as Tauya raised her hands above her head. He quickly pulled some wire from a pouch on his hip, binding her hands together.

  "One night out drinking, and you're already tying up young ladies! I'm so proud!"

  "Quite youthful indeed, yet somewhat naughty!" Gai roared.

  "Shut up, Kakashi sensei! You too, Old Bushy Brows! You are the worst, ya know?!" Naruto roared indignantly.

  He was so done with today.

  AN

  Remastered: Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed! Peace~!