-Somewhere in the Land of Sound-

Deep in the halls of an underground hidden base was a room that was lit by a single candle. In that room were two men. If one were to try and recognize the two men, the first one would be Kabuto. The other man was covered in bandages from head to toe, even up to his fingertips, and had short white hair. There was only one distinct feature about the man, his visible golden silted right eye and purple markings underneath his eye.

"What's keeping Kimimaro? He should've been back by now."

Kabuto pushed up his glasses. "Perhaps he was closer to death than I realized. Kimimaro was only able to move out of sheer will. The medication I gave him was only to prolong his life, nothing for pain or to help his body. It could be taking so long simply due to his pain tolerance." Kabuto moved to light another candle. "But it's not like it matters, Lord Orochimaru, you've already gone through your body transfer process. Kimimaro's timetable is obsolete now."

The Snake Sannin growled. "Damn Tsunade. If only she had healed my arms, then I wouldn't have been forced to switch bodies! My next body should've been Sasuke!"

"Lord Orochimaru, I would also like to point out that if you had listened to me and not overuse the Gedō Mark-"

"Kabuto…I suggest you leave now and track down Sasuke's location and bring him here before I kill you."

Kabuto heard the anger and the serious tone and decided it would be best for him to leave. Without saying a word to his master, Kabuto dawned a black hooded cloak and proceeded to leave the hidden underground fortress. Using the heavy down pour to cover his tracks, Kabuto made his way to the border.

-Somewhere in the Land of Fire-

"Where's Naruto?!" Kakashi raised his headband and revealed his Sharingan. He wasn't going to mess around; he was going to get serious from the start.

Cee was able to realize who the man was. "Kakashi Hatake of the Sharingan. Our target's jōnin sensei."

Kurotsuchi looked at the sliver-haired man curiously. "So, he's the guy that destroyed Kannabi Bridge. He certainly seems strong."

Kakashi jumped down from his heighted position. "Don't make me ask again! Where is my student?!"

Asuma drew his chakra blades, the other jōnin. "Here's a better question. Why are Iwa and Kumo shinobi working together? That's what I'd like to know."

"Because we're gonna take Konoha down! That's why!"

Cee wished Kurotsuchi hadn't said. Their village alliance was supposed to remain a secret until there was an official declaration of war. "We're on a joint mission. That's all you Konoha shinobi need to know."

Kakashi knew more than he was letting on. "It's your alliance for war. You want revenge for what the Fourth Hokage did to your villages."

The rest of the Konoha shinobi looked at their well-known comrade with confused looks written all over their faces. What did he know something that they did not?

Cee's face hardened with discouragement. He reached for kunai, readying for battle. "What kind of idea is that? You Konoha shinobi are always wanting a war. You're just war mongers."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes, knowing the guy was dancing around the truth. "I know what's coming. I know you are doing. Don't play dumb with me." He growled angerly. "If you guys are the first strike then I suggest we get this started because I'm looking for my students."

Kurotsuchi smirked with confidence. "Naruto Uzumaki? You won't make it in time. He'll be long dead by the time you make it to him."

Genma was the next to question. "What on earth are you planning? Naruto's done nothing to either of your villages."

"He's your jinchūriki, no?" The silence and surprised faces gave Cee the answer he already knew. "Then that's reason enough."

"Reason enough for what?" Kurenai asked. "Tell us now and we might let you walk away with your lives!"

"It seems Kakashi Hatake knows what's coming. Why not ask him?"

The group of Konoha shinobi looked at the back of their worldly known comrade, waiting for an explanation to the situation that was unfolding before them. It seemed only Gai and Asuma weren't as surprised that Kakashi had insider information on other villages, he is a former ANBU Black Ops captain.

"Some time ago," Kakashi began, "I was told some troubling information about what Kumogakure and Iwagakure were doing in secret. According to my source, the Tsuchikage and the Raikage had come together to form an alliance with the intent to start another shinobi war against Konoha. And the only reason I could come up with as to why would be to enact revenge on the late Fourth Hokage."

The Konoha shinobi took the news in and processed it, realizing that Kakashi was not lying. The proof was before them. The hate that runs between Iwagakure and Kumogakure is deep. But if they were on a joint mission, as they said they were, then what Kakashi just told them must be the truth. Even a few had a hunch on where he was getting his information. Jiraiya did always favor Kakashi.

"Another war, eh?" Genma said out loud. "It's really not that surprising."

Izumo and Kotetsu glanced at each other in concern. They barely participated in the Third Shinobi War. The two were fresh genin and only were allowed to escort supplies to the deployed units. But they were shinobi. This was what they were meant to do.

"If it's war you want then I'll gladly provide it!" Anko proclaimed. This news, while troubling, excited her. She was starting to get bored with the standard missions and lack of action.

Kurenai wasn't thrilled about the news but was willing to fulfill her duty as a jōnin of Konohagakure regardless. "I will do what I must to protect my village. No matter the opponent or the cost."

"HAHA!" Gai laughed in a barrel-chested manner. "The Flames of Youth have never burned so bright in my soul! Konoha's Noble Green Beast is always ready to defend her! That's a promise!"

Cee shook his head. "Your reactions just proved my point. Konoha urns for war. Always has. Always will."

Kurotsuchi readied herself for a fight. "Konoha is filled with strong ninja, but you can't stand against two other great villages and think to win! It's a snowball's chance in hell that you'll survive!"

Kakashi drew his own kunai from his thigh holster. "It's because we inherited the Will of Fire! We are the shinobi of Konohagakure! We will fight any and all who threaten our village and her people!"

The two opposing forces jumped at each other with fury and determination in their eyes, ready to lay down their lives for the greater cause that was their respective villages. Clashing metal and battle cries signified the beginning of the Fourth Great Shinobi War…

Kakashi charged straight for Cee and Kurotsuchi, engaging them both in taijutsu. Gai saw this and immediately provided back up for his friend. The other Konoha shinobi quickly engaged the Kumo and Iwa shinobi.

Using his brass knuckle-like chakra blades, Asuma dueled with one of the Kumo shinobi and his sword. Their clashing weapons creates sparks that echoed throughout the battlefield. The Kumo shinobi was very skilled in kenjutsu, Asuma had to give him that. But Asuma could do what his opponent could not. Channeling his own elemental chakra into his blades, Asuma sliced right through the enemy's sword and stabbed the Kumo shinobi directly in his chest.

Anko went in close to a Iwa shinobi and wrapped him in a swirl of snakes. He struggled to break free, but it was of no use. The multiple snakes bit down and injected the man with poison. With the amount of toxins in his system, there was no way he was going to survive.

Izumo and Kotetsu opted to work together, like they always did, and combined their techniques to take on two of the enemies. Izumo covered the area with a high viscosity water with his Suiton: Mizuame Nabra (Water Style: Syrup Trap) technique and trapped them. Kotetsu came in swiftly and killed them both with his kunai blades, which were just bigger versions of a regular kunai knives.

Kurotsuchi erected a stone wall to protect herself from Gai but his taijutsu abilities were too strong. Flying in with his powerful kick, the stone wall was shattered upon impact and fell into rubble. Kurotsuchi realized that getting into close combat with this odd man wearing a green jump suit was not going to end well for her, so she quickly jumped back.

"Cee, we need to retreat! We're outmatched!" Kurotsuchi yelled at as the remaining Iwa and Kumo shinobi rallied near her.

Ce disengaged from his battle with Kakashi and joined his team, only half of them remained alive. "Konoha's strength is no joke. Let's rejoin with the others at the rendezvous point. We'll have the numbers advantage then."

There was no point in arguing or debating, it was a decision and it was made. The remaining Iwa and Kumo shinobi jumped into the trees and ran away. Kakashi was quick to follow.

"What about your students, Kakashi?!" Asuma called out.

"He said that they found Naruto and to meet up at the rendezvous point! If Naruto's there then Sasuke isn't too far away!"

The rest of the Konoha shinobi jumped after the jōnin and chased after the enemy.

-The Final Valley-

"Hm. Cee hasn't responded. I wonder what's going on." Darui stated.

"Maybe the radios don't reach." A Kumo shinobi responded. "We are a good distance away from each other."

"No, those radios have a signal strength to cover the entire land. Cee and others wouldn't have been able to get that far out that quickly. Even if they did, Cee would've radioed back saying they had arrived. Something isn't right."

Naruto and Sasuke jumped down from the cliff side and stood on the same body of water as Darui and his platoon of Kumo and Iwa shinobi. The two chūnin stood side by side, despite just being at each other's throat not even a few minutes ago.

"It looks like we've been interrupted again, Naruto."

The blonde glanced at his Uchiha teammate before responding. "It seems we have." He turned his attention back to the platoon of shinobi. "Who are you guys?! What do you want?!"

Darui raised his cleaver-like sword straight at Naruto. "You, Naruto Uzumaki! The jinchūriki of the Kyūbi and the son of the Yellow Flash! We've come to kill you for the greater good! And to make our cause that much easier!"

Both Naruto and Sasuke gasped at the revelation but were also extremely confused. Naruto was the first his shock by screaming back. "W-What the hell are you talking about?! How do you know so much about me?!"

"We've known about you for a while, Uzumaki. Now, it is time for our patience to pay off." Darui twirled his sword. "You aren't leaving this place alive."

Sasuke glanced over the blonde chūnin next to him and began to formulate a plan. 'They don't seem too interested in me. They only want Naruto. If I can distract them by using Naruto as a diversion, I can slip away and escape…or, better yet, kill him myself.'

A plan was formulated, Sasuke knew what he was going to do get out the valley. Trying to bait Naruto in to go fight, Sasuke took a step forward. Naruto saw this and questioned Sasuke's motives.

"Sasuke?"

"Let's go, Naruto. There's only one way out of here and that's through them."

"What happened to you wanting to kill me? If I recall, we were fighting a few minutes ago."

Sasuke glanced over his shoulder at his teammate. "Like I said, we were interrupted again. Let's get rid of these guys and go on with our battle."

Naruto was cautious, to say the least. It was if a switch flipped in Sasuke's head. Did he not want to kill him now? This whole situation was getting more confusing by the second. Naruto felt alone and it didn't feel right to trust Sasuke at this moment. Very discreetly, Naruto reached into his back pouch and took out a kunai. This was one of his clones that he had transformed into a kunai knife. If anything seemed too suspicious, he had his back covered.

"…Fine. Don't try anything stupid, Sasuke."

"Don't worry, Naruto. I'm not going to let some random shinobi kill you. I want to finish you off, personally."

'Well, that doesn't make anything better.' Naruto thought. He shook his head free of his doubt. He needed to keep alert and to be ready for anything. The duo charged at Darui.

The captain of the platoon heard his shinobi ready themselves but quickly held up his hand, ordering them to stop. "I got this. Most of you are chūnin anyway, you're not allowed to engage him." He said and charged at the two chūnin.

As Sasuke ran towards Darui, he began to see Darui's movements before they were made. He was seeing movements before they were made. 'I can see the image of his next movements before he makes them. Even if the moves are subtle and small, I can see where he's going to move.' Sasuke jumped over Darui's swinging sword and landed gracefully to Darui's flank. 'With these new eyes, I'll be able to preserve more chakra and won't need to use the Curse Mark as much.'

Darui paid no mind to Sasuke but noted his ability to dodge his attack was something to be cautious about and continued on to Naruto, his intended target. Naruto held up his kunai to block Darui's sword, but the force was too much and Naruto was pushed back.

Naruto slid to a stop across the water, executing hand signs as he did so. "Katon: Karyūdan!"

Bullets of flame flew from Naruto's mouth. Naruto didn't see Darui weave any hands seals, he only saw Darui slam his hands on the water and erupted a massive wall of water to counter his fire bullets and turn them into steam. Naruto could hear the water splash down through the steam but, near instantaneously, a bolt of lightning burst through the steam. Naruto moved to dodge, but the bolt clipped his right arm and sent electricity through his entire body. His body was completely paralyzed for a few moments.

Struggling to move, Naruto saw Darui charging towards him with his cleaver sword ready to end him. With his clone transformed kunai still firmly in his hand, Naruto waited for the exact moment Darui was close enough and the clone burst out took the fatal blow for him. And by the time the clone had dispersed in smoke, the real Naruto had jumped back to create some much-needed distance.

Darui glanced behind him and saw that Sasuke had not yet made a move towards him, it seemed he did not want to attack. Or was considering other options. "Yo, why were you guys fighting?"

Sasuke was perplexed by the question. "What's it to you?"

"Because, if it's a valid reason and not over something stupid, I'll let you finish your fight."

Sasuke wasn't convinced in the slightest. "And how do I know you won't kill us both the second our attention is turned off of you? I'm going to need something. A sign of trust."

"Tell me what you two were fighting about."

Sasuke just shook his head. He saw that was getting him nowhere. "I'm leaving Konoha and headed elsewhere. He's trying stop me and I'm killing him for it. That's all you need to know."

"Hm. So, you're defecting your home village?" Darui seemed to think about it for a moment. "Killing a fellow shinobi would really seal it in for you. However…" Darui appeared in front of Sasuke and slammed his hand on Sasuke's chest. "I don't agree with deserting your home village!" He funneled chakra into Sasuke's body. "Kanashibari no Jutsu!" (Temporary Paralysis Jutsu)

In the matter of a second, Sasuke was rendered completely immobile. It was as if invisible steel chains were holding every part of his body in place. Struggling with all his might but he couldn't move a single muscle. "Why can't I move?!"

"A simple paralysis jutsu. It's simple but quite effective. The stronger a person is, the stronger the jutsu. So, you should be out of the fight until I deal with your friend." Darui turned back to Naruto. "Sorry for that."

'This is getting out of hand. He's leagues above us!' Naruto thought internally. This guy was strong. Very strong. Much stronger than he and Sasuke could be combined right now. He may have faced a Sannin before, but those were under vastly different circumstances. This was something completely different. Orochimaru didn't say, flat-out, that he wanted to kill him, and the Sannin was holding everything back. This was going to be a fight. A fight for his life.

'This…this impossible. I'm not strong enough to beat this guy. I just know I'm not…there's too many of them. I might be able to hold them off with shadow clones and free Sasuke, but he'll cut through them all and chase us down. This is it…I'm really not leaving here alive…'

A strong shiver of fear ran down Naruto's spine. Something he had not truly felt in a long time.

"Do not be afraid, Kit. Death is something we all face in life. Whether it be in battle or not, death will always be there. Greet death like an old friend and be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death. You are a shinobi, a warrior. Shinobi die on their own terms. Embrace your death like a warrior going home."

The Kyūbi's words resonated deep inside Naruto's mind. They were words of encouragement. The shivers of fear slowly faded as did his doubts of what was going to happen. Death was always there. Greet him like an old friend.

Closing his eyes and taking in a deep, calming breath in, Naruto let go of his fear. He reopened his eyes and felt the determination to keep his life going. His eyes were filled with the beast within him, and, without making a sound, Tojin manifested itself in Naruto's right hand.

Darui looked on curiously. "Interesting. I've never seen a summoning like that. I wonder what you'll do."

Sasuke remembered that sword well. It was the reason he was able to beat Gaara that day. And, according to Sakura, it's the reason why Naruto was hospitalized along with him after Itachi came to Konoha. If Naruto was resorting to using whatever that sword was then he was definitely taking this guy seriously.

There was a curious feeling slowly building up inside Sasuke. All he could was helplessly watch Naruto fight for his life against this formidable opponent. Why did that bother him? Within the last half hour, Sasuke wanted to be one to kill Naruto.

Sasuke wanted to cut his ties with Naruto and gain the power like Itachi had. But watching Naruto fight wasn't sitting right with the young Uchiha.

It felt wrong now to want to leave, to abandon what he knew.

It was wrong. And he didn't want to go through with it anymore.

Naruto gripped Tojin and took a fighting stance. "I'll take as many of you as I can!"

Darui saw the change in Naruto's demeanor. 'His fear has practically disappeared and now he's determined to fight to the death with me.' He smirked. "Finally, something interesting is happening." Darui readied his sword.

Dashing and meeting in the middle of the distance between them with their swords clashing. Sparks flew wildly as the two dueled on the surface of the water, causing ripples with each movement. The Kumo shinobi looked on in shock.

"I've never seen someone match Captain Darui in swordplay. This kid is good." One of the Kumo shinobi stated.

"Only Lord Bee has ever bested Captain Darui. And he was Darui's teacher." Another one said.

"His kid's file says nothing about having any skill in kenjutsu." An Iwa ninja spoke up. "Something isn't right here."

Darui was quite impressed with Naruto's kenjutsu skills, Naruto was able to keep up with him consistently and not faulter. But it was also rather concerning. There was nothing about having any sort of skills in kenjutsu in his entry in the Bingo Book. Perhaps it was an untapped hidden talent. But to be this good was extremely odd. There had to be something more.

Darui landed a powerful kick that launched Naruto straight up into the air. Knowing it would be extremely difficult to dodge mid-air, Darui channeled wind chakra into his sword and swung it to create a destructive wave of wind.

'He can use Fūton techniques too?!' Naruto didn't have time to dwell on this new development. Channeling his own chakra through Tojin, Naruto created a crescent wave of energy to counter the wind. The two forces clashed and rocked the valley. Naruto landed back on the surface of the water.

Now, Darui was positive that sword was something else. That was not normal energy that countered his wind attack. "What kind of sword is that? I've never seen anything like it."

Naruto retook his stance. "And it's something you'll never see again. If I'm dying, then I'll be taking you with me."

Darui had to be cautious from now on. He didn't know the extent of this sword's power. 'Looks like I'm gonna have to start getting serious.'

Sasuke's eyes widened as Darui's chakra began to spike, and he could see something beginning to zap around him. It moved and sounded like lightning, but it wasn't normal lightning, it was black in color and it carried far more chakra than normal lightning. 'Is that Black lightning?! What kind of technique is this?' "Naruto! Be careful!"

"Captain Darui's resorted to using his Kuroi Kaminari (Black Lightning) technique?" A Kumo shinobi questioned in slight disbelief. "I didn't think he'd get this serious fighting a kid."

"How serious is this technique?" An Iwa shinobi asked.

"This is a form of nintajutsu, a fighting style that is a combination of ninjutsu and taijutsu that was developed by our Third Raikage when he created his Lightning Chakra Mode. Captain Darui's Black Lightning is a similar technique, passed down from the Third, it's just not as strong. Darui's speed, strength, durability, and reflexes are now increased tenfold. This jinchūriki doesn't stand a chance now."

Naruto watched the black lightning manifest around Darui and tried to analyze the technique for a possible weakness, but this was unlike anything he had ever seen. But there was no time. Darui had vanished from sight. Darui's speed had increased so greatly that Naruto was completely unaware that Darui had appeared behind him.

Darui thrusted his sword forward for the killing blow…

…But no such thing happened. Blocking Darui's cleaver sword were two glowing red featureless replicas of Tojin. The two red swords were suspended in the air by their own accord. Naruto looked over his shoulder to see what had happened and was as shocked as everyone watching.

"Well, that's new…"

Darui instantly jumped back to a safe distance and deactivated his Kuroi Kaminari as to preserve his chakra. He watched carefully as the two glowing red swords vibrated with a harmonic hum before disappearing. Even his opponent seemed surprised by what had just happened.

'That sword is definitely something else entirely. I'm not sure how or why but that has to be the source of his power. If I separate him from the sword then I'll strike with my full speed.' Darui noticed that Naruto seemed to be talking to the sword. 'Is he crazy? Is he actually talking to a sword right now?'

Tojin harmonically responded to Naruto's question.

"You've always been able to do that? I can't believe how strong you are, Tojin."

"Look alive, Kit! Your enemy is attacking again!"

Thanks to the Kyūbi's warning, Naruto was able to block Darui's wild swinging attack. The pair dueled across the water again. But they were moving at higher speeds this time.

High block.

Naruto was just barely able to raise Tojin up in time to block Darui's strike.

Left jab. Escape with roll.

Naruto rolled out of the incoming attack but Darui was right there to strike again.

Low block sword. Right side block kick.

Naruto held Tojin low to block Darui's sword and brought his arm in close to stop Darui's kick. Naruto was able to block both attacks but was stuck in a crouched position, giving total advantage to Darui.

'He's too fast! I can't keep up even with Tojin helping me!'

Darui, with seemingly little effort, pulled up on his cleaver sword and launched Tojin straight up into the air, leaving Naruto completely defenseless. Kuroi Kaminari ignited like a storm around Darui as he thrusted his weapon into Naruto's body.

"Now I have you!"

It was in slow motion for Sasuke to watch what was happening. Darui was thrusting his massive cleaver sword through Naruto's abdomen. Even the sickening sound of flesh being ripped around seemed to be slowed down for him. He watched the blood splatter of his former teammate into the water for the second time that day. But this time it wasn't by him.

This was what he wanted, right?

It was a slow building ambition to leave the village and gain the power to defeat his elder brother. And Orochimaru provided that opportunity. That's why Sasuke gave into the influence of the Curse Mark. It gave him the power he wanted. The power he felt like he deserved to avenge his clan. But not like this.

This is what he wanted to happen, right?

"No…"

This should not be happening.

They should not be here.

This was all wrong.

Darui gripped Naruto's collar and held him in place as he slowly extracted the sword. Using seemingly little strength, Darui tossed Naruto's body over to the rocky shore at the feet of the Hashirama construct. The body landed with simple thud and laid there completely motionless, blood slowly spreading on the stone.

"That takes care of that." Darui stated as he dipped his sword in the water to clean off Naruto's blood. "A tad disappointing, though. I was hoping he'd put up more of a fight. I guess my expectations were too high from training with Lord Bee." Darui sheathed his sword on his back and walked up to Sasuke, who had his head down and face hidden under his bangs. "Now, what do we do with you?"

"Take him in as our prisoner?" An Iwa shinobi suggested. "We can interrogate him for information then use him as leverage against Konoha."

"What would kind of leverage would we get on for a chūnin?" A Kumo shinobi asked. "This kid doesn't seem that important if he's trying to defect."

"You don't realize who this is. This is an Uchiha. You can tell by his eyes. That's the Sharingan. And he's the last Uchiha in Konoha."

Darui looked at the shinobi curiously. "How do you know so much this?"

"Researching and studying dōjutsu have always been an interest of mine. My father once told me about how he fought against the Sharingan during the Third Shinobi War and how he barely escaped with his life. Ever since then I've been fascinated with ocular powers."

Darui looked back at Sasuke. The legendary Uchiha clan. From what Darui knew about the Uchiha clan was that they were one of the oldest clans in existence, dating back all the way to the beginning of the Warring States Period and beyond. And the Uchiha had the potential to become insanely powerful, evident by the massive statue of arguably the strongest Uchiha to ever live, Madara Uchiha. Darui didn't know much about the Sharingan. And he didn't need to.

Darui roughly grabbed a handful of Sasuke's onyx black hair and slowly lifted up. "I can only imagine what Konoha will do get back their last loyal Uchi-"

The words escaped Darui's mouth as he looked in shock at what was happening. Black markings quickly spread across Sasuke's face and body, turning his skin a sickly grey and his hair grew to the small of his back and turn a bluish grey.

A massive burst of chakra broke Sasuke from the paralysis jutsu and forced Darui back. 'What the hell is this chakra?! I've never felt any like it!' Sasuke had regained his mobility. "Restrain him now!" Darui ordered.

One Iwa and one Kumo shinobi jumped in and came at Sasuke from behind, but they were blown away by two wings that sprouted out of Sasuke's back. The enraged Uchiha prodigy quickly turned to face the group of shinobi, executing a series of hand seals.

"Katon: Ryūka no Jutsu!" (Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu)

True its name, Sasuke spit flames from his mouth that quickly traveled straight as his enemies. Most of the shinobi were able to jump out of the way without getting burned, the few that were hit with the flames dropped into the water to limit their injuries.

Using his newfound ability of flight, Sasuke flew to his airborne enemies. His nails had grown sharp and claw-like. The shinobi were helpless as Sasuke slashed their throats with his claw-like nails. He killed four shinobi in a matter of seconds.

Darui drew his sword again and charged in. He thrusted his sword forward but Sasuke's hand-like wings blocked the attack.

"What?!"

"Chidori!"

Lightning igniting in his left hand, Sasuke thrusted his jutsu straight for Darui's jugular. Kuroi Kaminari manifested instantly around Darui and he vanished from sight. But just as fast, Darui appeared at Sasuke's flank.

"Raiton: Kuropansa!" (Lightning Style: Black Panther)

The Kuroi Kaminari that was around Darui's body released in a form a giant panther and struck Sasuke with fury. A massive explosion followed upon impact and rocked the entire valley. Sasuke fell back into the water, he was somehow able to stay conscious and stay on the surface of the water. One of his wings had been completely evaporated and he was bloody and bruised.

Darui kept his sword drawn. "Now that's impressive. Your wings took the brute of my jutsu and you were still able to survive." He began to make his way towards Sasuke. "But you're going to wish you died from my jutsu, it would've been less painful." He used the tip of his sword to make Sasuke look up at him. "Any last words?"

"Fuck…you." Sasuke gasped in defiance.

The man shook his head. "Famous last words." Darui raised his sword for the killing blow.

"Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!" (Water Style: Water Dragon Jutsu)

A massive dragon manifested out of the water splashed down straight on Darui. The Kumo captain jumped away at the last second to save himself. A black cloaked man was now standing in front of Sasuke.

"Who are you?" Darui questioned.

A glowing hand reached out and touched Sasuke's forehead. The Uchiha suddenly fell unconscious and his body went limp, his features returning to normal. The man caught Sasuke's limp body before he fell into the water.

"You should consider yourself lucky it was me who came to our dear Sasuke's rescue instead of my master. He's not as forgiving as I am."

The man disappeared as just rain began to fall over the Final Valley.

Darui wasn't even sure what was happening but decided to just let it out. The Uchiha was never apart of their objective so he paid no mind to what just happened. Speaking of his mission objective, Naruto had not moved.

"Well, what should we do now, Captain?" A Kumo shinobi questioned.

"Katon: Haisekishō!" (Fire Style: Burning Ash)

An explosion of chakra-infused gunpowder echoed through the valley as Cee, Kurotsuchi, and a few remaining shinobi jumped onto the water, panting heavily from running all the way there.

"We need to go now!" Kurotsuchi yelled.

Darui couldn't even question what was happening because the Konoha QRF team entered the valley and saw the aftermath of what had taken place. Kakashi's eyes were fixated with the bloodied, motionless body of his student.

Darui glared at his second-in-command. "Why didn't you radio up that you were being followed?"

"They've been bombarding us the entire time." Cee panted. "Me, Kurotsuchi, and one other are the only ones left."

Darui looked at the team of enemy shinobi. "I can see why. That's Asuma Sarutobi, son of the late Third Hokage and former member of the Guardian Shinobi Twelve. And that's Might Gai, an unrivaled taijutsu master and he's also a master of the Eight Inner Gates. And Kakashi Hatake of the Sharingan, a man who needs no introduction." He moved towards the team, showing intent to fight.

"We should leave, Darui." Cee stated, gripping his leader's shoulder. "We've lost a lot of people. The mission is complete. Let's go."

Quickly and swiftly, the Kumogakure and Iwagakure shinobi left the valley. Darui remained back for a moment to get the final words in.

"I'll be seeing you all soon."

Darui vanished from sight.

"We need go after them!" Anko shouted, running after the enemy.

"Wait Anko!" Genma shouted back. "They went into the Land of Sound, not out jurisdiction. And it's pissing down rain, it'll be nearly impossible."

Kakashi slowly rolled his students body over to see Naruto's face. It looked so peaceful. Kurenai looked over the boy, placing her hand on his neck to check for a pulse.

"He's got a pulse, but it's extremely low. We need to get him back to the village time now."

Kakashi picked his student up in his arms and the entire team took off for Konoha.

'I'm sorry, Naruto…'