Chapter 52: Third and Fourth Division

AN: As I said before I had up to Chapter 53 written. I've actually gotten further than that now so I'm uploading Chapter 52 today! I know I uploaded Chapter 51 not long ago but guess you just get more from me! :) Not much has changed for War Recap since last chapter so you can go ahead and jump right into the chapter. I left the recap here anyways incase you did want to keep refreshing your mind of who's fighting where. As always, thanks for reading!

War Recap:

First Division: Locked in battle by the sea against White Zetsu Army and reanimated shinobi.

Second Division: Hanabi and Kimimaro in Second Division. Kurotsuchi is Captain, Izaya is named Vice Captain.

Third Division: Kakashi, Haku, Guy, Sakura, and Sasuke in this division are currently facing off against the 7 Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist as well as Might Duy, Fugaku, and Tobirama.

Fourth Division: Gaara's company with the aid of Onoki are currently facing the former Kage and Jiraiya. Rasa has already been sealed.

Fifth Division: Aiding the First Division

Others: Hiruzen making his way to the Fourth Division. Itachi and Nagato have been sealed away. Naruto, Bee, Suigetsu, Karin, and Jugo are traveling together.

Chapter 52

Third Division

The night was long and cold as everyone was extremely tense, wary, and exhausted both mentally and physically. The reason? It was because the onslaught never stopped. Amongst the reanimated shinobi left were Uchiha Fugaku, Might Duy, Jinin Akebino, Kushimaru Kuriarare, Jinpachi Munashi, Ameyuri Ringo, and out of nowhere the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama. Haku stood with his back against Sasuke and Kakashi's at this moment waiting to see how the enemy was going to strike next. They kept up this formation all throughout the night as morning had finally rolled around the corner. Even with the warm touch of the sun's rays shining on the Third Division it did nothing to alleviate everyone's stress.

"Oi! Don't come too close to me! You might hinder my movement!"

"Hey, be quiet! What if the enemy hears and comes this way!"

"Save me...I don't want to be here any longer!"

"Maybe it'd be best if I just die now. End my suffering."

"Don't come over here, don't come over here, don't come over here."

Voices and whispers could be heard all around as the entire Third Division was on edge. Haku frowned noticing the tension rising amongst everyone and said, "Kakashi-senpai, we can't keep going on like this. Ever since Lord Second arrived on the battlefield the enemy has been attacking nonstop and they won't let the division members rest. It's already been 24 hours of no sleep and constant fighting. At this rate we'll defeat ourselves. I can still go on for a few more hours but even I'm starting to get weary and I have more stamina than most. I'm afraid most of the members in the division are already out of commission."

Kakashi frowned as he too realized this was a problem and said, "I know. I'm trying to think of a way to solve this problem. To stall Duy, Guy activated the 7th Gate and he has to rest after using up his power. Duy on the other hand can continue without rest as a reanimated shinobi. In order to ensure that we keep casualties to a minimum I take Guy's place to stall Duy after Guy's energy runs out, but that means I can't help the others fight against the four remaining members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. The Swordsmen easily utilize that moment of opportunity to deal massive damage to the alliance. And every time we dispel the mist one of them just activates it again. Even with numbers on our side it doesn't help much with how skilled our enemies are. Thanks to Sasuke he's been able to help counter Fugaku's use of Genjutsu against the alliance members. On top of that we need you, Haku, to keep Lord Second at bay as you are the most skilled Water Style ninja here and your Sage Mode can help you detect and defend against his Flying Thunder God Jutsu. The only reason why our division hasn't completely fallen apart yet is because Sakura has been keeping up her healing of the members, but I'm afraid at this rate Sakura won't be able to keep up and we'll start to fall apart. Sasuke, Haku, if either one of you have any ideas I'm all ears."

Both Sasuke and Haku remained silent for a moment before Sasuke spoke. "Why don't we have the intelligence division contact Izaya or Shikamaru and see if they have any ideas. I'm better suited to fighting and finding counter strategies on my own than planning a wide scale tactic."

"Mn." Haku nodded in agreement.

Kakashi let out a soft sigh, "It can't be helped. Will you two be okay on your own for a bit?"

"Mn." Sasuke and Haku nodded.

Kakashi quickly dashed off to the intelligence unit stationed in their division and contacted HQ that was now stationed at the Second Division battlefield site. After Kakashi felt the connection link up he spoke. "Izaya, Shikamaru, are you both there?"

"Kakashi?" Shikamaru and I said at the same time.

"Mn. I need the both of you to help me strategize." Kakashi proceeded to tell the details of what was happening leaving Shikamaru and I to ponder for a bit. After thinking about their situation I spoke out, "Kakashi-senpai. Why don't you just have the Third Division utilize the same tactic you use with Guy?"

"Eh?" Kakashi exclaimed as that possibility totally slipped his mind. Shikamaru nodded and said, "I think that's the best strategy to go with. Have your members pair up in groups of three. Then you should separate your division into three sections. The first section will be the ones who continue battle. The second and third will be allowed to rest. The resting period will be 4 hours. After 4 hours let the first section rest and the second section take their place. After another four hours the second section rest and the third section takes their place. Rinse and repeat. With you, Haku, Sasuke, and Guy keeping Fugaku, Duy, and Lord Second at bay the rest of the alliance members only need to worry about the four Swordsmen that are left. Have them focus on defense and countering. From what it sounds like, only you four are capable of keeping up against Fugaku, Duy, and Lord Second. In order for the four of you to get some rest I suggest using the same tactic but with shorter resting periods, say 2 hours between each cycle with Sakura focusing mainly on healing you four to help make up for the reduced resting period. Once Guy recovers Sasuke should get some rest. It'll be up to Kakashi, Haku, and Guy to do their best to hold down the fort against those three reanimated shinobi. After 2 hours Kakashi, you rest while Sasuke, Guy, and Haku take up the mantle. Then Haku rests after that. Rinse and repeat. The hope is that either you four are able to find an opportunity to defeat your opponents overtime or the other alliance members are able to defeat the four Swordsmen and lend their aid to you guys."

I nodded my head after listening to how Shikamaru decided the setup. "Kakashi-senpai, Shikamaru is right. You'll have to work at it like that for now until you find an opportunity to win or until reinforcements are available."

Kakashi nodded his head. "Alright, thanks to both of you. The plan sounds like it'll work. Let's hope nothing goes awry." Kakashi cut off the connection and quickly gave out his orders according to the plan that was discussed. Kakashi nodded his head approving of how much more organized this setup was and returned to Haku and Sasuke's side.

"How did it go?" Haku asked.

"Mn. Shikamaru and Izaya were able to come up with a strategy to help the division members get some rest. Once Guy comes back Sasuke, you go get some rest for 2 hours. Then we'll rotate and I will get some rest once Sasuke returns. After that it'll be Haku, and we'll continue this rotation until a more favorable situation occurs."

Sasuke and Haku nodded at the new plan. At that moment a giant water dragon came rushing towards them prompting Haku to furrow his brow and quickly weave his hand signs shouting, "Ice Style Freezing Mist Jutsu!" He expelled an incredibly cold white mist from his mouth that instantly froze the water dragon and shattered it into nothing but ice crystals.

"It'll be about another hour before Guy returns. Hold out until then." Kakashi said as Sasuke and Haku nodded. The three of them dashed off to engage their respective enemy.

Bang!

Haku threw a kick straight at Tobirama's head unsuccessfully as Tobirama blocked and grappled his leg. He swung Haku through the air and spit several sharp water needles at him to which Haku responded by spitting out ice needles to counter.

Ting! Ting! Ting!

Haku landed just as the water and ice needles clashed. He placed his hands on the ground shouting, "Ice Style Shattering Ice Spear Jutsu!" Just as incredibly sharp and large ice spikes rose from the ground to pierce Tobirama he expertly dodged by activating his Flying Thunder God Jutsu and flew right next to Haku who he marked earlier when he grappled his leg. Tobirama stabbed at Haku's neck with a kunai successfully cutting right through his throat only for his kunai to become stuck as Haku turned into a cold frosty ice clone. Tobirama widened his eyes in shock and said with praise, "Excellent job reading my movements and countering my Flying Thunder God Jutsu! You substituted yourself with an Ice Clone just in time."

Haku nodded as he was in the air slowly falling down and replied, "I'm honored to be praised so highly by you Lord Second Hokage. I'm familiar with facing the Flying Thunder God because my big brother can also use it." He's also better at teleporting with the Flying Thunder God than you are Lord Second, Haku mentally thought to himself.

Tobirama widened his eyes in surprise that another shinobi managed to learn his Flying Thunder God Jutsu. "Your big brother must be quite a remarkable shinobi then."

Haku nodded affirming Tobirama's statement as he formed the hand sign Seal of Confrontation activating his Crystal Ice Mirrors Jutsu. Twenty ice mirrors surrounded Tobirama as Haku fell into one of the mirrors projecting his image across all twenty and condensed chakra in his hands forming them into ice needles. He expertly threw them out at great speed. Tobirama quickly defended by creating a powerful water wall that blocked the ice needles before he clapped his hands and said, "Water Style Water Fang Bullet Jutsu!" From the water he created with the water wall, multiple powerful conical pointed shaped pressurized water spread out in all directions crashing towards the mirrors and shattering them.

Haku was forced to jump out of the mirrors as he silently acknowledged Tobirama's strength with the Water Style and thought, Lord Second is a really difficult opponent. Should I conserve what chakra I have left and slowly stall until it's my turn for rest or should I try a forceful approach and summon one of the Three Guardians to help me out? The summoning time won't be that long though with my current chakra reserves.

Not too far away was Sasuke engaged in his fight against Fugaku while they conversed. He dodged several kunai from his father before appearing by Fugaku's side and successfully kicked him in the chest sending him flying. At this point Fugaku had learnt from Sasuke of what happened to both of his sons after the massacre of the Clan. He felt incredible sorrow deep within his heart as he was forced to continue his fight with Sasuke against his will. Sasuke blocked a punch from his father at this moment and said, "Father, why did you choose the Clan over the village?"

Fugaku dodged a sword strike from Sasuke as he performed a backflip to distance himself. "You've already learnt the truth from Itachi. There isn't much more for me to say. I failed as the leader of the Clan. Even if I was the current Clan Head I never truly held much power. My will was too weak. I was pressured by the Clan and couldn't pacify or manage their dissatisfaction well enough. I realized that, should the Clan go against the Leaf that it would not end well for the Clan. The only true way for the rebellion of the Clan to succeed was if Itachi had agreed to help us, however, you already know of the decision Itachi made. After Itachi began distancing himself from me and the Clan I had already guessed which side Itachi had chosen, however, the pressure the Clan placed on me had only continued to intensify. I knew that without Itachi's help in the coup d'etat the Uchiha Clan would not be able to succeed no matter how much military might we possessed. In the end we were still only a single Clan amongst the rest of the village. It is because I came to this realization that I decided to remain as the Clan Head until the very end. Even if I could not quell the anger of the Clan I would bear the burden as the Clan Head in taking on the pressure of war-talks and leading the preparations for battle. I, who had experienced the horrors of the Third Great Ninja War did not wish for an internal war with the village. The same was true for Itachi. I had bought as much time as I could. The night before the Clan would wage war against the village was the night Itachi had made the decision to massacre the entire Clan.

I spoke to Itachi on that fateful night and heard what his plan was as well as what his ideals were. After hearing everything about how and why Itachi came to the decision he did your mother and I gladly accepted our fate and chose to die without any resistance. This is why I am proud of your brother. I did not have the courage to stand up to the Clan nor did I manage the Clan well enough. In the end I could do nothing. I could do nothing for the Clan and I could do nothing for my sons. It was Itachi who had the courage to stand up to the Clan. It was Itachi who was decisive enough to make a firm decision. And it was through Itachi's choice that allowed you to live, Sasuke. Perhaps everything could have been avoided if I had tried harder to speak and discuss with Lord Third, however, I didn't. I am a failure as a Clan Head. And I am a failure as a father. The burden I had to bear was nothing in comparison to the burden I had left to Itachi. But if what you said is true, then Itachi is truly already dead. And I have died a long time ago. Sasuke, you are the true pride of our Clan and the only surviving member left. Itachi left everything else to you. I also leave everything else in your hands. Although I am a reanimated shinobi right now, it is still my soul that is trapped in this body. Just as I am proud of Itachi, Sasuke, as you stand before me right now I can truly say from the bottom of my heart that I am truly proud of you. Both of my sons had the courage to do what I could not. Both of my sons had the will to bear the heavy burden of their father and their Clan. There's nothing left for me to say except this. I am proud of you. And as your father, I love you, my son. Quickly seal me away so that I may be with your mother and brother."

His body involuntarily moved as he reengaged Sasuke in a fierce clash of hand to hand combat. Sasuke dodged, blocked, punched, and kicked as he successfully created some distance from Fugaku. He stood atop a boulder looking down at his reanimated father, a single teardrop fell down the side of his cheek. "Father, you don't have to worry. Leave the rest to me. I understand now. What a Clan is. What a village is. What bonds are. What love and hatred is. I will carry on the burden of the Uchiha Clan and rise above their darkness and truly restore their honor." Sasuke focused his Mangekyo on Fugaku and said, "Amaterasu!"

He widened his eyes in shock at what happened next. Instead of Fugaku being lit aflame by the black fire, Fugaku had instead activated his own Mangekyo and used Amaterasu to counter. Furrowing his brow Sasuke whispered to himself, "Father also has the Mangekyo and can use Amaterasu?"

Five shuriken flew in his direction which he expertly deflected using his sword of Kusanagi and then made a dash straight for Fugaku.

Swish!

He swung his sword only for Fugaku to block with a kunai. Sasuke immediately channeled his Chidori into his sword greatly increasing its cutting power and cut right through Fugaku's kunai. Just before he could cut Fugaku down he backflipped out of the way as another Fugaku attacked from beneath the ground.

"So father can also use the Shadow Clone. I was too young back then to know exactly what abilities father was capable of. After spending all this time fighting father I know that he's not as strong as Itachi. The only reason Itachi was sealed away so quickly was because Izaya, Naruto, and Killer Bee assisted. But of all the things possible I never imagined that father would also possess the Mangekyo Sharingan."

He stared at Fugaku while contemplating his next move only for his intuition telling him something was off.

Boom!

A giant explosion destroyed the ground where Sasuke was just standing as a figure held Sasuke by the arm successfully dragging him out of the blast radius just in time. That figure channeled their chakra into Sasuke dispelling the effects of a powerful Genjutsu on him prompting Sasuke to open his eyes wide in shock. "Genjutsu? Impossible, father was able to cast a Genjutsu on me? But not even big brother's Tsukiyomi works on me!"

Thud.

As he landed on the ground once more he took notice of the person who just saved him and widened his eyes in surprise. "Sakura?"

She let out a breath of relief. "Sasuke-kun, are you alright?"

"I'm fine...But what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be in the field hospital?"

Sakura shook her head. "It's alright. I finished healing those with serious injuries. The other medics can take care of the others. I also finished healing Guy. I was informed of the plan Kakashi-sensei implemented so I came to get you since it's your turn to rest."

Sasuke remained silent for a moment but ultimately nodded his head noting his low chakra reserves. He had already expended a lot of chakra after fighting Itachi and he had Izaya send him to fight Fugaku right after without rest. The main reason why he hadn't tried harder to seal away his father earlier was because he still wanted to speak to him. The downside was that the battlefield was chaotic enough to cost him more chakra than he would have liked. Turning back to face Fugaku he was careful not to let his guard down while saying, "Sakura...Thanks."

Her cheeks flushed pink for a moment before returning to normal as she simply nodded in response.

At this moment Fugaku made eye contact with Sasuke once more only for Sasuke to feel something off so he quickly gathered his chakra saying, "Release!" He was instantly freed from Fugaku's Genjutsu and came to an understanding as he thought, it's just like Itachi's Tsukiyomi ability. I was caught in the Tsukiyomi once but since we're blood related I have a higher chance of breaking free. The power of father's Mangekyo Genjutsu is weaker than Itachi's Tsukiyomi. He caught me in it the first time because I was unaware of its power. Now that I'm aware of it I can break free of its control. I'm not exactly sure what kind of Genjutsu it is but since it stems from the Mangekyo it'll be tricky to deal with if anyone gets caught.

Fugaku silently nodded in approval at Sasuke and Sakura. "You there. Young girl. Good timing. Thank you for saving my son from my earlier attack."

Sakura widened her eyes at the revelation of Fugaku's words as she now knew that this reanimated shinobi was Sasuke's father. Fugaku turned to Sasuke and said, "Now that you've been hit with my Mangekyo's Genjutsu ability once it shouldn't have much of an effect on you anymore. You are blood related so you can feel when you're being affected. Others however cannot. This Genjutsu ability is called Amatsukami. It shares its name with Uchiha Shisui's Mangekyo power but mine is much weaker. It requires me to make brief eye contact with my opponent and lets me place them under a powerful suggestive Genjutsu controlling all of their senses for five seconds. There is also a five second interval before I can utilize this technique again. I advise someone fight me at long range and keep me at bay to stall me until you finish your rest Sasuke. I can tell your chakra reserves are getting low."

Swish!

Kakashi arrived next to Sasuke and Sakura at this moment. "Guy is back to fight Might Duy so go ahead and rest Sasuke, I'll stall Fugaku until you return."

Sasuke stood completely still for a moment in contemplation but ultimately agreed. "Alright. This may be a selfish request of mine but I would like to be the one to defeat my father." After he confirmed that Kakashi agreed to his request he took off with Sakura to the nearby field hospital. Sakura began dressing the wounds on Sasuke's body as he sat completely still not knowing what to say. The mood in the tent became a bit awkward as the only sounds were the ones made from Sakura shuffling around and grabbing various medical tools. It wasn't long before Sakura finished patching up Sasuke's wounds and started putting everything away. She broke the silence between them first. "I'm all done Sasuke-kun. Just get some sleep and rest. I'll be back every half-hour to check on you and restore your chakra."

Just as she was about to leave the room Sasuke felt internally confused so he said, "Wait."

His one word caused Sakura to immediately halt her footsteps. She slowly turned around to face Sasuke once more. "Is there something else you need Sasuke-kun?"

"Aren't you going to say anything about me leaving Konoha for the past four years? You don't have anything to say to me about how I treated you and Naruto all this time?"

Sakura's facial expression became a bit pained as she listened to Sasuke but in the end she shook her head. "A long time ago I was pretty useless. All I did was talk and complain. I spoke about a lot of things and said a lot of nonsense that I couldn't back up with my own strength. I always relied on you, Naruto, and Kakashi-sensei. Then, one day someone gave me a wakeup call. They forced me to reexamine myself and face the truth that I was all talk and no action. They taught me that it was okay to be weak but not okay to remain weak. After realizing my situation I resolved myself to never be that scared, helpless, and useless girl ever again. I don't want to see you or anyone get hurt in front of me and be unable to do anything about it. I've felt what that was like in the past. Never again will I go back to that. I refuse to be so useless. So even though it hurt to see you leave I knew I couldn't do anything about it. I wouldn't have been able to stop you anyways. I realize how foolish I was back then. I don't have the right to criticize you for your actions Sasuke. I'm just glad that you're back now. I've trained and worked really hard to get to where I am right now and I'm still going to work even harder. Right now my power is only good enough to remain standing right behind you and Naruto. But I promise that one day I'll be able to stand beside you both! And Sasuke-kun, I never stopped believing in you. Even when you were gone for those four years I never blamed you."

Sasuke stared at Sakura unsure of what to feel and what to say. Eventually he put on an apologetic expression as he recalled the memory of what Izaya once said to him when they conversed atop the head of the Fourth Hokage's stone face.

Flash Back

"...Honestly I'm surprised that those two even want to talk to me still after everything that's happened."

"Surprised that they still want to hold onto their bonds with you? Don't underestimate those two. One is a serious blockhead who is too straightforward for his own good. The other is hopelessly and blindly in love..."

"Well, even if it seems a bit naive of her, she has never given up on you. She has always continued to believe in you and everything she does is done with great passion and vigor and hope…"

"...I think you can travel without being too worried about such complicated things like what a village is and what a Clan is. Take it slow Sasuke. Take your time to think about such things. Come up with your own answer. See for yourself what the world is like...When it gets complicated, talk to the yellow haired straightforward one. He's sure to give you the most ridiculous but yet simple answer and keep you grounded. When you feel that you're wallowing in the dark again, go see the pink haired blindly in love one. You don't even have to say anything to her yet she'll take care of you with great love and attention. She'll just be happy that you're in her presence. And I think that kind of comforting silence will help light up your darkness. And when you feel like you do want to talk about complicated matters, I guess I'm the one you're stuck with, ay Sasuke?"

End Flashback

Sasuke walked over to Sakura and stood in front of her. He lightly touched the bandaged areas where Sakura patched him up and thought to himself, guess Izaya was right. Literally right, he said internally as he recalled how just a few moments ago Sakura really did just patch him up in complete and utter silence. After a moment of silence between him and Sakura in close proximity he finally mustered the will to say, "Sakura. I'm sorry. I guess I made you and the others worry. I've finally decided. I'm returning to Team 7."

Sakura's body trembled at Sasuke's words as she unconsciously shed some tears. She didn't know why the simple sentence of hearing Sasuke returning to Team 7 made her feel so happy. Sasuke on the other hand felt a bit panicked as he wasn't expecting such a reaction from Sakura so he didn't really know what he should do. He inwardly breathed a sigh of relief when Sakura stepped forward and embraced him in a tight hug since he didn't have to think about what action to take anymore. He was a bit surprised as what he thought was going to be an awkward hug turned out to be nice and comforting even though the one who seemed to be the one needing comforting was Sakura. He slowly wrapped his arms around Sakura and lightly hugged her back. I suppose this isn't so bad, he said to himself.

888

A large desert filled with sparkling sand and large tall rock formations painted a scene that would have been pleasing to the eyes if not for the constant sounds of screaming and the smell of blood and death in the air as two sides of shinobi clashed in what looked more like a one sided massacre than an actual battle. On one side stood the members of the Fourth Division along with the Kazekage Gaara, the Tsuchikage Onoki, and Clone Naruto while on the other side stood the Third Raikage A, the Second Mizukage Gengetsu, and the Legendary Sannin Jiraiya.

Onoki, Gaara, and Naruto were thinking of the best strategy to take when finally Hiruzen arrived on the scene. Onoki let out a relieved sigh and said, "Third Hokage you're finally here. With Naruto's help we managed to seal away the Second Tsuchikage Mu already."

Without wanting to delay the situation any further they began filling Hiruzen in on what the current situation was. Naruto chimed in and said, "Please Lord Third, let me face Jiraiya-sensei. As his student it is my duty to stop him."

Hiruzen took a moment to take in Naruto's incredible transformation as he looked at Naruto's Nine Tails chakra cloak mentally thinking, Lord Fourth, your son has grown up splendidly. He has even managed to learn how to control the power of the Nine Tails.

Gaara spoke up snapping Hiruzen out of his mental thoughts. "Do you have any suggestions Third Hokage?"

Hiruzen nodded as he immediately came up with a plan. "Here's what we'll do. Naruto, we shall leave Jiraiya to you. Kazekage, Tsuchikage, you both go and subdue the Third Raikage. His defense, speed, and power are too great. Only incredibly powerful Wind Ninjutsu can cause him some light injuries, but with Onoki's Particle Style it won't matter how great his defense is. Kazekage, you can counter the Third Raikage's speed with your ability to manipulate sand granting you a much wider range to help capture and hold him down. Work with the other shinobi to corner the Raikage to give Onoki the chance to defeat him with his Particle Style. I will deal with the Second Mizukage."

The three of them nodded after hearing Hiruzen's plan and immediately separated.

Swish!

Just as Jiraiya launched a powerful Fire Style Ninjutsu at the shinobi alliance Naruto appeared and destroyed it utilizing the powerful force generated from a Rasengan. Jiraiya immediately widened his eyes in shock as he stared at the person in front of him. "N-Naruto? Is that you?" He asked almost not believing his eyes.

Naruto nodded. "Mn. Sensei, I'm here now."

"I see. I see! Hahahaha! I see! Naruto! I've been waiting for you to come and stop me. What is that form of yours? Is that the power of the Nine Tails?"

Naruto smiled as he looked at the excited face of his old master. Even if his master was currently being controlled by the enemy he was glad that he got to see his master once more. "Pervy Sage, I was finally able to learn how to control the Nine Tails chakra. This is my chakra mode-dattebayo. I got to meet my mom Kushina and my dad, the Fourth Hokage. They both helped me learn to control the Nine Tails."

Jiraiya widened his eyes in shock when he heard that Naruto was able to meet both Kushina and Minato. "Oh? So Minato was able to seal a small portion of his consciousness along with his chakra in the seal. Hahaha! I knew you would be able to control the Nine Tails chakra one day. Naruto, I can rest at ease now. I know you'll be able to stop me."

Naruto nodded. "Sensei, I met Nagato."

Jiraiya's facial expression softened with a complicated look in his eyes. "Nagato...So you two met. I knew you both would one day meet after I had failed to stop him."

Naruto smiled and said, "Don't worry. Although Konoha suffered some heavy damage it was salvageable. Also, in the end Nagato was able to come to terms with his pain and find peace with himself."

Jiraiya stared at Naruto in deep contemplation and smiled with relief. "Mn. Naruto, I knew you were the one. I've already died. And from the looks of it now there is nothing more I can teach you. You have overcome many difficult obstacles. There may only be more difficult obstacles ahead, but I believe in you. My body is not under my control so quickly stop me and seal me away."

Naruto nodded with confidence. "Never going back on my word and never giving up. That is my ninja way! Don't worry sensei, leave it to me!"

Bang!

Jiraiya and Naruto dashed at one another with incredible speed and power. After several exchanges of Taijutsu with neither coming out on top both Jiraiya and Naruto shouted at the same time, "Big Ball Rasengan!" Two giant blue spheres of massive violent rotating powers of energy clashed into one another causing a large explosion that kicked up a powerful force of wind, sand, and debris into the air. The force generated also knocked them both back a good distance away from each other. Just as Jiraiya landed on his feet he placed his hands together and shouted, "Hair Needle Senbon!" His long white hair stretched taut and became extremely sharp as they fired away at great speed towards Naruto.

Naruto quickly recalled his training with Haku and the time Haku spent teaching him some Wind Ninjutsu which he was thankful for in this moment. He quickly weaved the hand signs of Tiger, Bird, Boar, Rat, and clapped his hands shouting, "Wind Style Air Cannon Jutsu!" After taking in a deep breath he exhaled an incredibly powerful force of air that easily repelled the hair needles from Jiraiya's Jutsu and continued to make its way towards Jiraiya.

Jiraiya jumped into the air to dodge the blast of air cannon as he looked at the now destroyed area where he was at. "Naruto! Not bad! You actually learnt some Ninjutsu other than the Rasengan!"

Just as Jiraiya turned to look back at Naruto he widened his eyes in shock seeing a violently spinning Rasengan that was shaped like a wind shuriken releasing a high pitched noise. What is that? He thought. Naruto looked at his old master with sadness in his eyes as he said, "Jiraiya-sensei, this is my new Jutsu I developed called Wind Style Rasenshuriken. Leave the rest to me."

Jiraiya smiled as he listened to Naruto and watched as the Rasenshuriken approach his body in the air. Just before he was hit Jiraiya let out his last words. "Yeah...Naruto, I've left everything to you a long time ago. I couldn't be any prouder of you than I am right now. The Tale of Uzumaki Naruto…Your story is only beginning and it'll only get better from here on out. I know it…"

BOOM!

Just as Jiriaya finished speaking his last words he was hit by Naruto's Rasenshuriken causing a gigantic explosion to occur before dissipating. The sealing corps immediately sealed Jiraiya away before he could regenerate while Naruto stood on the side in silence for a moment. He thought back to the prophecy that the great toad elder had predicted for him. Toad gramps said I'd meet an octopus that'd help me out. He said that I'd be given the sealing formula dad left behind for me and that I'd be forced to fight someone important to me. He also told me that I'd meet an old friend of his from long ago but he couldn't see much because it was too dark. According to the elder the darkness could be due to him being unable to predict any further or it could mean something ominous...Anyways, Bee must of been the octopus talked about and I already received dad's sealing formula for the Nine Tails. Fighting someone important to me must have been Jiraiya-sensei.

Hiruzen, Onoki, and Gaara arrived by Naruto's side at this moment having also successfully seal away the Third Raikage and the Second Mizukage. This snapped Naruto out of his thoughts as he bowed deeply in respect to his late master. After the Fourth Division counted their losses and reorganized their formation they immediately set out to the aid of the other Divisions.

It was also at this moment that deep within an unknown area in a dark cave sat Kabuto who clicked his tongue in annoyance. "What to do. I never expected that so many of my valuable pawns would be sealed away so quickly. Itachi, Nagato, Mu, Gengetsu, the Third Raikage, Rasa, Jiraiya, Kagami, half of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, and others. I suppose I'll bring out that card...Heh-Hehehe-Hahahaha!" Kabuto moved a white stone piece on the board as he licked his lips in anticipation.

"I went through a lot of trouble and effort and was incredibly lucky to find this shinobi's DNA. With him around it won't matter if you sealed away the reanimated shinobi. It'll take some time to prepare his full body but once it's done he'd out to give the Alliance a headache to deal with."