Act 01 - Kazekage Rescue! The Aid of Uzumaki Naruto.

[ Previously ]

In the midst of his short night of sleep after the test with Kakashi, which lasted until dawn.

Naruto instantly woke up startled after hearing a loud roar.

At first, he thought it was the fox, but quickly dismissed that idea, as the roar was slightly shrill and thin compared to the little fox's.

He didn't quite understand, but it was as if it was a cry for help, and that roar made Uzumaki remember an old friend.

Worried about the situation while noticing it was already 05:45, Uzumaki quickly went to the bathroom where he took a shower to fully wake up.

Having a light breakfast consisting of toast and coffee, the blonde even considered wearing his usual cloak.

But soon his mind returned to the roar he heard as if it were a cry for help, and he opted to wear an outfit that Fukasaku had specifically prepared for missions.

He knew it was something extravagant, but the elder toad made it clear that Naruto should not reveal his true identity to enemies who could harm him.

And this was something he felt the moment he quickly dressed, awaiting some emergency...

Smiling in satisfaction, the blonde heard a noise at his door with the voice of his teammate calling:

- Naruto, wake up... it's an emergency! Hokage-sama is urgently summoning us. - The voice had just finished speaking when Uzumaki opened the door at the same moment, surprising the person with his attire. - Why such an outfit? - The person inquired, to which Uzumaki responded with a different voice from his usual one.

- A gift from one of my masters, it's intended for ninja missions so that I don't reveal my identity recklessly. You should have one; I can make a perfect one for that beautiful body of yours. - Naruto said everything, getting closer and closer to the girl, just like the previous day, and to his surprise, she showed the same lack of reaction.

Taking advantage of this, he gave her a quick peck on the lips:

- Well... it tastes like cherry. - Naruto said to himself, making the girl blush instantly and swing a punch at him immediately.

That punch was promptly caught by the blonde's fist, who then whispered in her ear:

- Don't pretend you don't like it! I hate people who lie to themselves, and I think you even expected more than I did, or will you say I'm wrong? - Naruto asked as the pink-haired girl blushed, a sign she showed to be true when Naruto started kissing her eagerly, and she closed her eyes and accepted.

- Anyway, let's go, Sakura-chan. - Finally, Naruto responded with a deep voice, referencing his disguise. He then jumped out of the hallway window, heading straight to the Fire building.

- "Damn..." - Sakura thought to herself, breathless and blushing, where somehow a faint unconscious smile appeared on her face as she followed him quietly, realizing that her first kiss was taken and it was clear that her friend did not seem inclined to make it the last.

- "What are the chances of one thing being related to the other?" - Naruto asked himself seriously, knowing well that the roar was not a dream but a propagation in his subconscious.

Now an emergency arose... If it had been three years ago, he would have ignored it and pretended it was just a dream or a silly imagination. But he knew well that such things didn't happen by chance; his masters taught him to doubt everything and never let anything slip by carelessly.

 [ Currently ]

[ First Arc: Kazekage Rescue ]

== Konohagakure no Sato ==

In the midst of the Godaime Hokage's office, there was complete chaos. First, several Chunnins were coming in and out, informing messages related to the Sand Village, which was attacked in the early hours of the night.

Tsunade knew well that the situation was critical because, in addition to the Kazekage being kidnapped, the Sand Village was also destroyed from within in a supposed explosion by the invader.

The Senju didn't have much information about the villagers and injured ninjas, having only received an immediate SOS informing that the village had been completely obliterated, along with the kidnapping of the Godaime Kazekage.

- When will those two arrive? - Tsunade said, completely frantic, pacing back and forth.

- Let's stay calm. Sakura left here a minute and a half ago. - Kakashi responded in his monotonous manner, making the blonde huff in irritation, immediately sitting down in her chair.

However, soon with the silence instated, they had their room invaded by a hooded man who had two katana sheaths on his back, along with a hood that kept his face hidden, with only three whisker marks visible on each cheek.

Startled, Tsunade even thought of screaming, but soon running through the door came a pink-haired girl who exasperatedly shouted:

- Don't leave me behind, Naruto! - Sakura shouted, where Kakashi quickly analyzed from top to bottom this style of clothing he had never seen before.

- Why the urgency? - Naruto asked with a deep voice, but then coughed, repeating the same question as his voice returned to normal, lowering the hood.

- Hm... - Tsunade murmured, still staring at the blonde's outfit, but soon recomposed herself, returning to the main focus. - I have an urgent mission. I know it may be last minute, but the mission level is classified as S, potentially reaching a higher rank depending on the situation.

- What are we referring to, Tsunade-sama? - Sakura asked seriously, seeing Shizune organizing several documents.

- It is a secret mission where you cannot reveal it to anyone outside for the maximum security of a village! Early this morning, Sunagakure no Sato suffered an attack, where it was completely destroyed. - Tsunade informed all at once, making Naruto look alarmed at the situation.

- Could you tell me the exact time the attack occurred? - Naruto asked, having a personal doubt.

- We are not sure of the start of the attack, but the destruction occurred between 05:30 and 06:00... - Tsunade informed, puzzled by the question.

Logically, the blonde couldn't help but think of the attack time and the roar he heard at the same time, waking him up suddenly. However, he soon dispelled such thoughts, informing next:

- Right! My mistake... - Naruto said, where Kakashi and Tsunade looked at him suspiciously.

- Anyway, I want you to provide support to the Sand Village with the chaotic situation they are in.

- In 12 hours, we will have another team ready to assist as reinforcements, and I want you to keep me informed of the entire situation every 120 minutes. This is an S-rank mission of extreme importance that could further strengthen the ties between villages."

- And Gaara... what happened to him? - Naruto interrupted this time, genuinely concerned, as his daydreams had made him forget about his friend in the village.

Tsunade could see, in a way, the old facial expressions of the blonde, where she hadn't seen him worried like this for a long time. She knew the subject was delicate, but in respect to the blonde having exposed everything about himself, she decided to explain:

- The Godaime Kazekage, Gaara... was kidnapped after the attack on the Sand Village. - Tsunade said directly, where the blonde's features were not good, and his eyes glowed intensely in a crimson red with beast-like aspects identical to the nine-tailed fox.

However, with a blink, everything disappeared, along with the sudden pressure of chakra that seemed ready to explode from Uzumaki.

- Tell me! It's about "that". All this is related to that thing inside him? - Naruto asked, where his anger became more apparent by the minute.

- Yes... apparently, it was an attack focused on capture, as we were informed of the live kidnapping of the Kazekage. - Tsunade responded, seeing the blonde pull the hood over his head, making his face shadowed as if something more was hiding his identity in those clothes.

- What is he talking about, Tsunade-sama? - Sakura asked, confused.

- What I mean is that Gaara was kidnapped because he has a beast sealed inside him, just like the little fox inside me. That's why I trained! To protect myself from bastards like these, who seek what is inside us just to bring chaos and destruction due to their petty goals.

- Tsunade! You know very well that if I am in the presence of one, I will kill him at the first opportunity. What do you say about that? - Naruto asked while panting lightly, as he couldn't swallow the fact that his friend was going through all this, where even Suna was destroyed.

- You will not act recklessly like that! Follow your captain's orders and when a confrontation is necessary, give it your all and you'll be free to take down the enemies. Now control yourself! - Tsunade said authoritatively, touching Naruto's covered face as he was still panting heavily. - Just calm down and keep your reason to save your friend.

With the blonde taking control of the situation, understanding Uzumaki's euphoria to some extent, Team Kakashi was fully briefed on the mission. Both Kakashi and Sakura prepared within the last hour, with Uzumaki, Tsunade, and Iruka heading to the village entrance.

[ ... ]

== Konoha Entrance ==

With everyone ready to depart, Tsunade issued her final orders diplomatically:

- Remember, the captain will be Hatake Kakashi. In case of team division, Naruto will take the lead and instruct the team until further notice from the village.

- Keep me informed of all necessary details every 120 minutes, support the village, and avoid unnecessary combat." - The Hokage finally said, and at the entrance ahead stood an albino who had just appeared in a body flicker.

The person had a serious expression, but just by noticing his student, he smiled.

- Oh! Naruto, already heading out on a mission? - Jiraiya inquired, confused upon noticing Uzumaki's attire, then showing a perplexed expression. - Ah, you rascal! How did you get that? - Jiraiya shouted, completely examining the outfit while touching the sleeves and fabrics, making his eyes shine.

- Secret, Ero-Sannin... - Naruto responded sarcastically, leaving the albino somewhat annoyed.

- What's with that outfit? - Tsunade asked, curious, as she had never seen anything like it sold in the village.

- It's an ancestral relic! One of the greatest relics of Mount Myōboku. According to legends, this garment was worn by the first human Senjutsu user, who became renowned for battling a ferocious giant monster many, many eras ago. - Jiraiya said enviously, as Fukasaku always denied him the garment, saying no one was ever able to wear it after the owner's death.

- How about this... I'll make a new one just like this especially for you. But in exchange, you give me "that book". - Naruto said, where the Sannin showed a malicious expression, with only Kakashi understanding what they were referring to.

- Deal... don't forget! But anyway, I have some urgent information for you. - Jiraiya informed while walking over to the blonde next to Iruka, putting his arm around her shoulders.

- The Kazekage of the Sand... - Jiraiya tried to explain quietly, but the blonde quickly interrupted him:

- I know! This team is specifically for that. - The blonde explained, pointing to Kakashi, Sakura, and Naruto.

- Wait... Seriously? With those guys involved? - Jiraiya commented in the blonde's ear.

- Based on the abilities of these three, I believe it's the best option. - Tsunade responded confidently in her decision.

- Hm... boy! Come here. - Jiraiya said as he walked away from the others, followed by Uzumaki, who accompanied him near some trees. - Listen! I know you're very strong... but I ask you not to lower your guard, do as I taught you... - Jiraiya commented, where Uzumaki continued in the albino's place.

- Honor the elders of Myobokuzan...

- Never show your full potential right away...

- And...

- Don't take the enemy's pain as your own, always protect what is important to you.

Naruto and Jiraiya recited the last part together, where the Sannin instructed his student after the latter decided to focus on his own improvement years ago.

- Don't worry! Be it villain, anti-hero, or hero... Genin or Kage. I won't lower my guard for anyone. - Naruto said with a smile while touching the Sannin's shoulder and walking away, pulling his hood over his head, completely obscuring his face as his eyes turned golden. - See you later, Jiraiya-sensei. - He finished with his voice becoming completely unrecognizable.

Approaching the Hokage, who was watching Team Kakashi set off on their mission, the albino finally said:

- It was one of my best choices. - Jiraiya commented beside Tsunade, while Iruka looked curiously at what he said.

- What? - Tsunade asked, confused.

- Making him forget about the Uchiha, taking greater priorities in life, not revealing himself to enemies who would hunt him for what is inside him, and primarily training his full potential so he wouldn't depend on anyone but have people depend on him... - Jiraiya listed the steps he took in his first year of training. - He's becoming a man and soon will be more powerful than his own father, I'm sure of it. - Finally, the albino said, seeing that Team Kakashi was already far away due to their high speed.

[ ... ]

Many minutes had passed as everyone ran and leaped over trees toward the Fire Country border.

Naruto, who was slightly ahead, soon sensed the chakra signature of someone familiar within the forest. With a simple look at Kakashi, the albino nodded in agreement.

Descending quickly to the ground, accompanied by the albino and the pink-haired girl, Naruto stopped behind a blonde carrying a huge fan on her back.

- Temari-san? - Sakura said, whereupon the girl looked at them in confusion.

[ ... ]

With quick explanations, after confirming that she was indeed the sister of the Godaime Kazekage, Kakashi and Sakura explained everything they knew about the situation in the village and especially about the kidnapping of the Kazekage.

- We are 72 hours away from the hidden Sand Village. Let's hurry, okay? - Kakashi informed everyone, who quickly fell into formation with Temari following them.

[ ... ]

== Sunagakure no Sato ==

Situated outside the village, hundreds of tents were set up where there was a real hustle and bustle with villagers helping ninjas clear the village's debris. Many had lost their personal belongings in the explosion, which simply swept everything away, causing a real crisis to be established in that region, as in the midst of this, their Kazekage had been kidnapped.

In one of the medical tents, there was a team of male doctors along with a man with bandages covering the left side of his face.

- Baki-sama, his injuries aren't too severe. - One of the doctors said.

- The problem is... - The other doctor tried to say.

- I know! The poison. - Baki responded while looking at one of his students on a stretcher.

- The poison is very exotic with compounds we've never seen before... we have no idea how to create an antidote. - The doctor on Baki's left explained where the serious expressions of the Jounnin were evident.

- First Gaara, and now Kankuro too... it seems we are in Konoha's hands if they send aid as requested. - Baki replied, where the two doctors were even more worried because they didn't know if the neighboring village would really help them, especially considering what they did in the past during the Konoha Crush orchestrated by the fake Yondaime Kazekage.

== Fire Country Border ==

In the middle of the night, four figures were running skillfully through the dark forest trees, where a blonde moved away from everyone while having several flashbacks about when Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame tried to kidnap him in the past.

Sakura kept complaining about the blonde, and with each minute, he became more irritated.

He didn't want to treat her badly, but he wouldn't hold back from saying a few harsh words to her if she continued to feel entitled to complain about something.

An entire village had been obliterated, his friend had been kidnapped, and his friend's sister didn't know how to react to the situation with the shock evident on her face. It was noticeable how she hadn't yet processed it enough to become desperate or anything else.

Many events related to Itachi, Sasuke, Kisame, and Jiraiya were swirling in his mind, making him remember the Akatsuki and how Ero-Sannin had been seeking information through his worldwide investigation network.

[ ... ]

- "Naruto is the prize that Akatsuki desires. Make no mistake, we will have him." - A dark-haired man with red eyes wearing a black cloak with red clouds said, his tone serious in the presence of Uzumaki and the Toad Sannin.

Naruto remembered this, and at that moment, he panted heavily under the steam coming from his mouth due to the cold night and the internal heat of his body.

[ ... ]

- "Don't imagine things, it's not you they want. It's what's inside you! I have no doubt it's the Nine-Tails they're after."

- "They might even be thinking of seizing the power inside you and shaping it to their will." - Jiraiya had told the young Uzumaki, who had a backpack on his back and an uncomfortable expression on his face.

Naruto remembered this time, and at that moment, his eyes changed to a beast-like crimson aspect, glowing within the hood that completely covered his face, with his strength multiplying by 2.5 times, an indication that things were about to change from now on.

[ ... ]

- "Decide yourself! Do you want to be an innocent boy chasing after an Uchiha, weak and vulnerable? Or do you want to become a real man, holding incredible power capable of protecting everything important to you?"

- "The decision is yours, choose the Uchiha and learn only to perfect your current techniques where I just protect you from enemies over these years, or follow my advice where you will learn through brute force everything I can teach you." - Finally, the albino's voice could be heard after Uzumaki complained that he couldn't control a Rasengan with just one hand, and that way, he would never bring the Uchiha back to the village.

Having finally this last memory, where over the months he went through a real hell of completely suppressing the Eight Trigrams Seal, feeling as if his body was being torn apart by the fox when it forced the gate countless times.

When he trained to exhaustion with the Toad Sannin, he stopped going to brothels to spend 24 hours a day purely training with the boy. Having only half an hour break for lunch and an hour to sleep.

A hell that made him grow stronger beyond anything he believed he could achieve, making him worthy of going to the legendary Mount Myōboku and being trained by the important elders there. It eventually made him capable of facing enemies like those threatening people similar to Uzumaki.

With a single leap, he distanced himself dozens of meters ahead of everyone else, catching the attention of the team captain, who noticed an aura forming around his student, a clear demonstration of his power being multiplied threefold, an alarming sight for his Sharingan as it calculated the Nine-Tails' chakra.

With that, a shrill voice was heard:

- Naruto! Stop doing this, stop overtaking us! - Sakura said in a loud tone, drawing the attention of the other two, who were quickly startled by the following:

- Damn! I can't take it anymore... Will you shut up, Sakura! It's not my fault you're all so slow. - Naruto exasperated, without interference in his voice, but it came out exceptionally serious and angry, capable of scaring everyone there with the accompanying beast-like growl. - I know very well why Gaara was kidnapped, I know very well why a village was destroyed. This is no longer a mystery, everyone here knows I have the Nine-Tails sealed inside me. - Naruto said this time in a low tone, to the surprise of the Sunagakure kunoichi.

This phrase served as a jolt to the pink-haired girl's mind, where she remembered when Uzumaki was ostracized by everyone in his childhood. Logically, far from her knowledge, but it was very easy for a child to be influenced by parents when they say someone is not good company.

Kakashi recalled Uzumaki's old ways, someone exceptionally predictable and who shouted to the four winds, seeing him shout like this brought a certain nostalgia.

Meanwhile, Temari remembered when the battle between the One-Tail and a giant toad occurred. A toad that turned into a fox through a Henge. However, she had no knowledge that Uzumaki himself would be the jailer of the feared Nine-Tails.

- Gaara and I are the same. We have monsters sealed inside us, and that's what those idiots are after! That's the worst part. - Naruto raised his voice again, stepping on a branch and simply breaking it with the force imposed on his legs, his Chakra Aura fading as a bubbling cloak emerged into a tail, doubling his power. - To them, we are just monsters, and if that's what they want... THEY WILL GET IT! - Naruto shouted this time, where two red tails spread over his body, in this constant evolution of power.

Alarmed by the situation, Kakashi quickly held a piece of paper containing a containment Fuinjutsu. However, he soon noticed Uzumaki continuing to speak:

- Everything about us is exactly the same! We were ostracized by our villages, labeled as monsters, and looked down upon by everyone. - Naruto said in a hoarse, aggressive tone, having another flashback.

[ ... ]

- "To them, I was a relic of the past, I was a monster. So, what was left for me as a goal in this existence?" - Gaara said with his expressionless way.

- "Why continue to live with this emptiness?... To live, you need a purpose! Living for nothing is the same as being dead."

- And now he is a target of the Akatsuki... another thing we have in common! That's why I'm in a hurry, that's why I'm euphoric! That's why, for the first time, I truly want to kill everyone! - Naruto said angrily, as a third tail spread over his body, soon directing them towards the three ninjas behind him.

Alarmed by the situation, Kakashi prepared the seal, where Sakura and Temari closed their eyes. However, they quickly felt a strong impulse and wind on their faces, where upon opening their eyes, they were surprised to see that they were over a hundred meters above the ground, and the blonde quickly bit his thumb and pointed below him.

KUCHIYOSE NO JUTSU! - (SUMMONING TECHNIQUE!)

Naruto summoned, where his hood fell back due to the wind of the fall, and they were all quickly immersed in a vast white cloud of smoke.

As the dense smoke dissipated, they all smelled a strong scent of tobacco in the air, and upon closer inspection, they noticed they were atop the head of a giant red toad with a pipe in its mouth.

- It better be important... - The toad tried to ask, but soon noticed the familiar bubbling red chakra being suppressed back into Uzumaki.

- I know we don't get along very well. But I need you to go to Sunagakure as fast as possible! Don't spare any effort, as it's extremely serious and urgent. - Naruto said seriously, where the other three present looked relieved at Uzumaki's state, while Kakashi was confused and suspicious, as such an uncontrollable chakra of that magnitude wouldn't suppress itself like that.

- Naruto! - Kakashi tried to say, but Uzumaki quickly looked at him with red eyes, which then returned to their normal blue.

- Not now! The mission comes first. - Naruto responded seriously, and with a simple command from the blonde, the toad quickly leapt towards the desert, indicating that the journey would be much faster than expected.

- "Uzumaki Naruto, I... Thank you." - Temari thought, feeling a sense of relief and happiness for the blonde's actions.

She didn't want to cry or despair in front of them, and seeing Uzumaki act like this helped her stay in control, where she somehow trusted her brother's life in the blonde Uzumaki's hands.

[ ... ]

== Sunagakure no Sato ==

It was a new day in the Sand Village, where the villagers were starting to wake up. Everyone was ready for another day of survival, to restore the village, hoping their neighboring village would send aid.

They knew well about the past feud regarding the Snake Sannin killing the Fourth Kazekage and forcing an attack on the Leaf Village, causing the death of the Third Hokage years ago.

But amid all this, they held hope, knowing it wasn't easy to survive a night in the desert during the dangerous sandstorm.

At the same time, while some kept watch, others got up with the children who finally slept after the shock of the attack, but their attention quickly shifted to a noise on the horizon.

With a moderate shifting of sand from the ground, all the ninjas looked at each other.

[ ... ]

With the sound of something colliding with the ground, all the ninjas were alert to everything and everyone for another attack, with many running towards the walls to protect their families and friends.

[ ... ]

Again, a slight shock to the ground served to lift some sand.

[ ... ]

Another shock, this time with the sound of stones falling from the destroyed corridor leading to the village.

[ ... ]

Finally, a last shock to the ground, where a lot of sand could be seen spreading across the sky on the horizon.

And with that, to everyone's astonishment, a creature landed fifty meters from the village gates.

The creature, which had a long katana with it and a pipe emitting smoke from the animal's heavy breathing, gave off a strong and unpleasant tobacco scent.

With everyone ready for combat, they were simply surprised by a very familiar person jumping from the animal's head.

- Wait... don't attack! - The blonde, who was standing on the animal's head until then, exclaimed as she adjusted her clothes, followed by three more figures jumping together.

- Temari-sama? - One of the guards who recognized her quickly approached, while the blonde further back thanked the summoning with a promise to repay another day.

- We were waiting for you to return... we just didn't think you'd arrive before a response from Konoha. - Another guard said, noticing one of their fastest hawks sent to Konoha returning at the same time as the toad arrived.

- We took a "shortcut". Inform me of everything, what happened to Gaara? - Temari asked urgently, where soon everyone followed the ninjas to the newly made medical tents.

== Bear Country ==

Situated on an island far from Sunagakure, in a country filled with forests, caves, and wild animals.

Two hooded individuals stopped at a medium-sized cliff in front of a cave blocked by a huge spherical rock.

In the center of the rock, a rare sealing tag was visible, undoubtedly with extremely complex formulas, potentially causing brutal results to intruders trying to bypass them.

- Let's go! - Sasori, who had been silent until then, commented as he jumped from the medium cliff, followed by his companion with a kind of white bird carrying the kidnapped Jinchuuriki.

Performing a short one-handed seal, the hooded blonde quickly invoked a release where the seal glowed with a scarlet light towards the four corners, and the rock began to levitate upwards.

Walking quickly inside with the bird, both Akatsuki members saw a colorful hologram of a tall man standing with his back to them.

The figure, who had been standing still until then, simply turned around, revealing a pair of strangely purple eyes with black circles around the pupils.

Then the imposing voice of the figure present in the cave said:

- You are late! Prepare yourselves now. - The figure finally said with a slightly robotic voice, receiving a direct response from the blonde who was wearing a hat until then.

- The Jinchuuriki was stronger than I thought. He was able to save all his people, but in the end... the victory was mine with the destruction of the hidden Sand Village. - Deidara responded proudly, as the rock behind them descended, trapping them inside.

However, even so, it was impossible to get any reaction from the hologram in front of them, which performed some hand seals and then touched the ground, invoking:

Kuchiyose: Gedõ Mazõ! - (Summoning: Demonic Statue of the Outer Path!)

With the imminent smoke emerging in the place, a grotesque monster with chained hands appeared, its ten eyes closed, but its mouth soon opened.

- Alright... gather up! - The leader said, indicating that he was the one in charge as various holograms appeared around.

With each hologram on a respective finger of the grotesque hands of the monster, only three fingers remained free. Finally, orders were heard:

- Now, let's begin! - The man said, looking at the summoning and his followers, who remained on standby with the unconscious Ichibi Jinchuuriki at the center of the ritual site.

== Sunagakure no Sato ==

After a brief explanation, all of Team Kakashi understood the chaotic situation. The village was literally destroyed from within, and the Kazekage was kidnapped by a man in a black cloak with red clouds, due to the battle's duration through the night and his effort to save them.

Sakura was immediately directed to the medical tent where Kankuro was in a critical condition due to being poisoned during a confrontation with one of the enemies.

[ ... ]

- At this moment, the Konoha group should be at the desert's edge! Nighttime makes it impossible to cross the sandstorm. Anyway, we need to find a way to... - Baki, who was in one of the medical tents, was immediately interrupted by the arrival of Temari, Sakura, Naruto, and finally Kakashi.

- Kankuro! - Temari said worriedly, approaching the bed where her brother lay.

- Temari-san? - Baki asked, confused, as Konoha had just informed them that the team would take two and a half days to arrive.

To everyone's surprise, an old madwoman suddenly attacked the team leader.

The hooded figure, who was ahead of his sensei, quickly intercepted the blow, holding the woman's wrists as she tried to escape. However, she was surprised by the strength imposed on her wrists and a slight exhalation of chakra that alerted everyone.

Pushing her slightly back as she positioned herself, Uzumaki analyzed her stance, understanding that she fought very well for her age.

- I will finally avenge my son! - The old woman said, whereupon Uzumaki lowered his guard, deciding not to protect his sensei, as this interfered with personal matters, and one thing he learned during his training years was that other people's personal matters were none of his business.

- Handle it, Kakashi-sensei. - Naruto responded sarcastically in an attempt to lighten the mood, understanding that she wasn't a real enemy and if it was a personal matter, he wouldn't interfere.

Soon, another old man intervened, stopping the elderly woman from continuing:

- Look closely, Nee-chan... I think you're mistaken. - The old man informed, seeing Kakashi with his hands in front of his chest in a sign of surrender. - He looks like the White Fang, but he's clearly not him. - Finally, the old man said where the recent attacker showed confusion on her face, followed by a forced excuse that she was joking.

- Sakura-chan! - Naruto, who had been staring at the old woman, simply pointed to the stretcher, where at that moment Kankuro screamed in agony.

- Alright! All of you, please step back. - The pink-haired girl said seriously while tying her hair under Temari's worried gaze.

Finally, as everyone left the room, the old woman paused for a second to look at the girl, feeling a certain familiarity with someone she had seen in the past. Then she stepped outside.

[ ... ]

During the next few hours, Sakura examined Kankuro and sought a homemade antidote with the help of Chiyo and the Suna medical staff, who had never seen such distinct medical skills and fundamentals derived from the famous Slug Sannin and No. 1 medic in the ninja world.

Kakashi opted to rest a bit, as having a mission right after an exhausting battle with his student was affecting him greatly.

He had already sent a report to the Hokage, informing her of the blonde's actions and the Bijuu chakra that had manifested in three tails but inevitably disappeared on its own, which he didn't understand why.

Temari was assigned by Baki to gather information to be relayed to the Konoha support team assisting them with whatever they needed.

This was one of the blonde's tasks, who after standing still for a while, examined the village and, seeing the chaos that had settled, decided to help everyone, commanding a thousand clones in the process for the heavy labor of carrying debris.

An extreme help, as a team of a thousand clones assisting sped up the work, clearing the village by removing all rocks and broken wood, repairing the ground to build new houses and shelters for the villagers.

[ … ]

{ Hours Later }

It was seven at night, and many ninjas had stopped working to have dinner with their families and friends, surprised to see the blonde still working without showing any signs of weakness or lack of vigor, only noticeable from the sweat on his body due to the desert's infernal heat.

He didn't stop at any moment, using the whole day to destroy countless rocks with strong blows, along with several clones following him, who cleaned everything by carrying logs, making the crater exceptionally clean of debris. He was now wearing only shorts and ninja sandals to avoid dirtying or tearing his original clothes.

His work continued for several more hours, and he was increasingly satisfied with the result.

[ ... ]

Kakashi, who had resolved his diplomatic issues with Temari and Baki regarding the mission, was simply interrupted from his reading by Haruno, who had finally left the medical tent, wiping some sweat from her forehead.

- Kakashi-sensei, where's Naruto-kun? - Sakura asked, looking around, and he pointed towards the village's entrance corridor.

- Inside? What's he doing? - Sakura asked again, confused, where Hatake shrugged.

He closed his book and got up, heading to the pointed location, followed by Sakura, Chiyo, and the other old elder who had been with them until then.

Walking slowly through the newly reformed and cleaned corridor, where the ground was perfectly flat, they could see more and more of the end with each step.

Upon reaching their destination, they were surprised to notice the village's side and back walls destroyed, where the ground contained an extremely reformed crater with a stone staircase giving access to the bottom, filled with flaming torches illuminating the entire place.

A place that until then had a vast white cloud of smoke, and as it dissipated, a body stretched out on the ground below the newly constructed long staircase became visible.

Descending quickly to him, they could see the blonde extremely breathless, his bare torso showing various scars on his chest along with a seal tattooed on his stomach.

Then Sakura said, alerting him:

- What did you do!? Naruto, are you awake? - Sakura shouted authoritatively, whereupon the blonde Uzumaki forced himself to sit on the ground while looking at them.

- Land expansion... Everything is already destroyed anyway, I just helped clear everything and remove the debris so they can have a new expansion in the village with the destruction of those walls... relax, the ninjas agreed, and tomorrow they will build new, even more fortified clay walls, expanding their borders even further. - Naruto responded under the accusatory gaze of everyone.

- You did all this by yourself? - Kakashi asked, startled by Naruto's actions.

- The ninjas and villagers helped until two hours ago... but overall, a thousand clones sped up the process throughout the day. At least they'll only have to survive one more night in the desert, and the land is now suitable for building roads and houses. Tsuna said she would send someone extremely skilled in house construction, but I don't know anyone like that. - Naruto replied, still panting, while he got up, receiving a look of recognition from Hatake.

- A t-thousand clones! Are you kidding? - Chiyo said incredulously with some sarcasm, whereupon the blonde looked at her seriously.

- Why would I joke? - Uzumaki asked seriously, not liking the old woman from the beginning.

- Chiyo-sama, he's an Uzumaki! Unlike me, his chakra is as large as that of a Kage or even greater, but he hides it in a null aura that I still don't know how he learned." - Kakashi interjected, where the woman looked at him in amazement from head to toe, stopping directly at the tribal tattoo on his belly.

- Don't stare too much... my orange dog hates it. - Naruto commented sarcastically while passing his hand over the Eight Trigrams seal tattoo, noticing that the old woman understood very well what that seal meant. This made him laugh alone, as in his subconscious, a huge growl resounded. - But what about Kankuro, did he get better?

- Yes, besides that, we got leads on the enemy, and Kakashi-sensei has already used his summons to track them. - Sakura responded proudly, as all the Suna medical staff had been asking for advice and treatment tips all day.

- Congratulations! I knew you could do it. - Naruto finally replied as he started walking towards the long staircase connecting the front gate to the village entrance.

- Where are you going? - Kakashi asked in his monotonous tone.

- To eat and sleep. I barely got any rest after fighting you, and I'll need to replenish 10,000 calories after all this drainage with the clones. Besides, we still have to rescue a Kazekage, don't we? - Naruto replied, finally turning slightly back with a serious look that made everyone lost in their thoughts, as they had never seen eyes so blue and serious before, but soon went away as he climbed the new staircase leading to the hidden Sand Village.

- Kakashi-sensei... those eyes, they are so cold and serious. He's so different from before, isn't he? - Haruno asked as she watched her friend slowly climb the stairs.

- Make it your own goal to find out what that means. I can only say it's anything... but a cold look. - Hatake finally responded, quite proud, as he too headed for the stairs, accompanied by the old elders who were discussing something about "Fanalis".

Leaving behind a pensive Haruno, whose psyche was shaken with just a look, wanting to know how much her friend had changed over the years.

[ ... ]

== Akatsuki Base ==

Far from the hidden Sand Village, the ritual had already begun, taking hours for the invocation to prepare and assimilate the members' chakra. With the long preparation time, the leader finally said:

- This will take three days and three nights. Be careful with the body, and Zetsu, I want you to keep watch outside.

- Understood. - The distinct-looking being responded seriously, followed by another who said:

- Three days... Shouldn't we wait longer? Orochimaru is no longer with us."

- If you think that way, then start right away. - The leader with purple eyes responded.

- Right. - Another member also responded, this one with known red eyes with black tomoe.

- Indeed. - Deidara, who until then was one of the few with an exposed face, simply responded, whereupon they all formed hand seals.

Which caused the nails of the summoned monster to glow ruby green, with titles similar to the respective Akatsuki ring:

Fuinjutsu: Genryuu Kyuu Fuujin! - (Sealing Technique: Nine Phantom Dragons Seal!)

The leader said, where a kind of blue energy condensed from the humanoid's mouth, forming several blue dragons.

These dragons charged at the unconscious Kazekage, making him float within the blue sphere that formed. Finally, a kind of bubbling red energy spread from the Jinchuurikis eyes and mouth towards the monster's mouth, causing its eyes to move.

And with that, I conclude the fifth chapter of The Sannin. I planned to make it 10k words, but that would somewhat detract from some situations I like to highlight, such as Naruto's assistance and the fox tails emerging without affecting him.

And especially his emotional turmoil with a friend suffering from something Naruto understands. I hope you're enjoying the flashbacks and the way I'm approaching the conversations and explanations.

The Sand Village was literally destroyed, and Naruto's help served to clear everything, making the crater smooth where they can start construction.

Let's be honest, there are practically a thousand Suna citizens, and a thousand Naruto clones working all day.

In the next chapter, I'll explain about Team Kakashi's departure from Suna, Team Gai, and the confrontation with two very well-known Akatsuki members.

You guys are amazing. The support you give to the fanfic is incredible, the ideas, the excitement when sharing ideas, commenting on the chapter, even giving constructive criticism.

Anyway, I'll see you all below. XD

-- Character Battle Powers --

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[ Uzumaki Naruto ]

Level: 325

Power Level: 650

Strength: 6,500 Kg

Speed: 3,250 Km/h

Endurance: 6,500 Kg

Chakra: 1,250,000

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-- Beastly Gaze --

Level: 812,5

Power Level: 1,625

Strength: 16,250 Kg

Speed: 8,125 Km/h

Endurance: 16,250 Kg

Chakra: 1,250,000

Kyuubi's Chakra (2%): 2,500,000

Note: When using the Nine-Tails Beast chakra, the host begins their transformation with a beastly and wild gaze identical to the Kyuubi's.

Naruto starts emitting a red chakra aura, granting him increased strength, speed, and access to 2% of the Nine-Tails Bijuu chakra.

The user can manipulate the chakra in various ways, such as in waves and explosions; powerful impacts through coated punches; or, emitting it through a roar.

The user's appearance changes little at this initial stage, but some changes are noticeable, like eye color, increased dentition, and wild traits all over the body.

Special Effect:

Increase in Power Level. (2.5x Base) Bijuu Chakra Available. (2%)

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-- Chakra Aura --

Level: 975

Power Level: 1,950

Strength: 19,500 Kg

Speed: 9,750 Km/h

Endurance: 19,500 Kg

Chakra: 1,250,000

Kyuubi's Chakra (3%): 3,750,000

Note: When using the Nine-Tails Beast chakra, the host begins their transformation with a beastly and wild gaze identical to the Kyuubi's.

Naruto starts emitting a red chakra aura, granting him increased strength, speed, and access to 3% of the Nine-Tails Bijuu chakra.

The user can manipulate the chakra in various ways, such as in waves and explosions; powerful impacts through coated punches; or, emitting it through a roar.

The user's appearance changes little at this stage, but a chakra aura can be noticed, pressurizing the area of effect around them.

Special Effect:

Increase in Power Level. (3x Base) Bijuu Chakra Available. (3%)

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-- One-Tail Cloak --

Level: 1,950

Power Level: 3,900

Strength: 39,000 Kg

Speed: 19,500 Km/h

Endurance: 39,000 Kg

Chakra: 1,250,000

Kyuubi's Chakra (10%): 12,500,000

Note: The Tailed Beast Cloak is a protection made with the materialized chakra of the tailed beast emitted in the previous stages. Due to the large amount of chakra released, a protective cloak appears, taking on the characteristics of the tailed beast, differentiating between Jinchuuriki.

As the amount of chakra increases, the more advanced the cloak becomes and the more similar it gets to its tailed beast.

A dense chakra cloak forms around the tailed beast's host. It has a translucent red appearance with chakra bubbles (reminiscent of boiling liquid) and makes the changes undergone in the initial transformation more pronounced.

This form is known as Version 1 or Chakra Cloak. The chakra cloak that covers the Jinchuuriki takes on the appearance of their tailed beast, with paws, horns (in some cases), and chakra-made tails. Due to its malleability, the cloak can be deformed at the user's will, creating Chakra Arms to interact with the environment around them.

The most important manifestations are the tails that emerge through the cloak, indicating the amount of chakra and power released. The more chakra released, the greater the number of manifested tails.

When the user has no control over their beast, the pure chakra of the animal surrounds them. As a result, the chakra becomes harmful both to the user, causing constant damage to their body, and to enemies, as it has corrosive properties that end up burning everything it touches. This form is triggered by growing anger or through the weakening of the seal that confines the tailed beast, becoming weaker as the number of released tails increases. The biggest advantage of this form is that the chakra cloak acts independently of the user's will.

However, if the user has a cooperative relationship with their tailed beast, such negative effects do not exist in this form. This is because the cloak is made from the mix of the user's chakra and their beast's chakra. Thanks to this, the user has full control over this form and can even transfer this cloak to other people, providing the same benefits of this mode to third parties.

Special Effect:

Increase in Power Level. (2x Chakra Aura) Bijuu Chakra Available. (10%) Ability to Shape Chakra. (Arms, Legs, Tails, Claws, and Fangs)

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-- Two-Tails Cloak --

Level: 2,925

Power Level: 5,850

Strength: 58,500 Kg

Speed: 29,250 Km/h

Endurance: 58,500 Kg

Chakra: 1,250,000

Kyuubi's Chakra (10%): 12,500,000

Special Effect:

Increase in Power Level. (3x Chakra Aura) Bijuu Chakra Available. (10%) Ability to Shape Chakra. (Arms, Legs, Tails, Claws, and Fangs)

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-- Three-Tails Cloak --

Level: 3,900

Power Level: 7,800

Strength: 78,000 Kg

Speed: 39,000 Km/h

Endurance: 78,000 Kg

Chakra: 1,250,000

Kyuubi's Chakra (10%): 12,500,000

Special Effect:

Increase in Power Level. (4x Chakra Aura) Bijuu Chakra Available. (10%) Ability to Shape Chakra. (Arms, Legs, Tails, Claws, and Fangs)

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