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Uchiha Naruto: The Firestorm

Chapter 8: Acts of War

~ Few Days Later ~

It didn't take more than three days to get back to Kirigakure no Sato. Yagura was quite happy with the overall report of the successful mission in Haru no Kuni followed by the offering for an alliance with them...

But,

The fact that the Sandaime Tsuchikage had had the balls to go as far as to make direct contact with a man like Doto was troubling. It meant that the other Four Great Nations were starting to take the first steps towards what was the most common and logical direction...

War.

It wasn't really a surprise to see the oldest of the Five Kages taking such move as to acquire and claim the now-Haru no Kuni for themselves. It was common knowledge that Iwagakure was ways behind everyone else when It came to technology, with Sunagakure being on the top of the food's chain but just because they were obligated to as they weren't rich on important daily basis resources such as water, milk and the likes compared to their rivals. This made them invest, develop and create many useful machines so they could survive. The Kugutsu Arts being one of those creations.

Though, this had its cons. Iwagakure, although technological weaker, was on pair with Kumogakure when It comes to military power, maybe the latter being a little superior because of the last war and the consequences It brought to the Stone Village. Konohagakure following after, mainly because of their quality that was said to trump quantity. Sunagakure was the worst of the Five, with the necessity to invest so much money on technology, they had fall behind everyone else when the topic turns to one's Power.

They started to get predictable after the First and Second War, they weren't able to get past the mastery over Wind, Poison and Puppet Arts with the exception of a few Kekkei Genkais here and there and became stagnant. Contrary to the likes of Kumo or Iwa that had the policy of treating their soldiers like weapons, in Sunagakure they weren't like that aslosing One was like the other villages losing Fifty or a Hundred soldiers.

When producing a Shinobi meant that there was an investment coming from the Council of each village, time wasting with the education, weapons to train... This, of course, required money. With the few trade deals Sunagakure had, It just wasn't enough to support the entire village and so, they had to invest huge amounts of money with their technology to overcome this weakness. Thus, the academic funds were severely lacking compared to the other Nations.

Seeing this, the Kaze's Daimyō, in an act of weakness and maybe greedy,had made the worst decision of sending what was a good, necessary and proper income to Sunagakure to the other villages: Missions.

Thus, leading to the Suna's betrayal when they partnered up with Otogakure and invaded Konoha.

Finally, we have Kirigakure.

Yagura adapted both ideologies from Konoha and Kumo. Quality and Quantity.

As days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, Kiri was starting to build up enough man power to go toe to toe against the likes of Iwa. The difference being the quality of her Shinobis. The quality of them was something that made even Konoha somewhat jealous.

The reforming of the Shinobigatana Shichinin Shū (Seven Ninja Swordsmen) was almost completed. The returning of big, famous and feared names such as Hoshigaki Kisame and Momochi Zabuza had been a boost in both moral and military power, the former being an extremely important piece of the chest as there were just a few in the world who could go toe to toe against the Tailess Beast and with him, the Samehada.

With them, the next generation had a role model they could base upon and for him, Yagura, that was the most important thing that a proper Village should have in their mist if they want to be successful in the long run.

Putting those thoughts to the side, another one immediately took its place...

Uchiha Naruto.

He had seen the tensing form even if he was trying to conceal it under that stoic face since the former Team 9 had arrived. He wasn't a Kage for nothing and he had instantly noticed the slight random twitches of his fingers, the prolonged breaths and sometimes a glazed look in his eyes as if his mind was somewhere else.

And, unknown to him, he was right. Very right.

Temuri's Compound

Naruto entered his home after that tiresome mission. He had been exhausted after battling against a Bijū in his completed form even if he had hid it well when he was with his teammates and Sensei.

The prolonged use of his Mangekyō Sharingan had made him reach a point, stamina wise, that he didn't since his training trip with his fat-

"You must not let anyone or anything define your limits. Your only limit is your soul!"

Steeling his green eyes, he took a step forward towards the kitchen, where he had already sensed the most precious person he had in his life.

"Kaa-chan, It's time..."

A lighter shade of the same Naruto's green eyes gazed at him, an amused expression all over her face as she took a closer look at his son after those words were said.

'He looks so much like Madara-kun with that determination written all over his face... His eyes albeit not charcoal, possess the same fire just like that time... when he had explained that even if he was dying, he first wanted to leave his legacy to Naruto and, only then, would he allow Shinigami to take his soul.'

"The surgery will take overall one week and maybe another to full recovery and give the eyes time to properly adjust, get ready... as of tomorrow, you'll be receiving his final gift!" She didn't realize the tear that escaped her eyes as she turned around to continue with the dinner, a faraway look in those green orbs as her thoughts turned to her deceased husband, missing the sad smile of her son.

Konohagakure no Sato

Likewise, the Team that had received the mission to kidnap the Nanabi Jinchūriki arrived atKonoha as well without any delays apart from Jiraya who had stayed behind to help Takigakure with the search over their Jinchūriki, who went missing.

Though, in a week time, they would curse themselves for underestimating Shibuki's intelligence. Thus, leading to what the history books would tell, few years later from now on, to the next generation: Konoha's First Act of War.

Nevertheless, Yondaime Hokage, Minato Namikaze was looking over Fū, the container of the Seventh Bijū, with an analytical gaze while at his sides stood Uzumaki Kushina and Hatake Kakashi.

The redhead had an emotionless face as her mind was working in overdrive and for whatever she was worth, she couldn't phantom the idea that she had just contributed in the kidnap of her indirect brethren.

Her ancestor, Uzumaki Mito, would probably kill her right there and then. She could just imagine the look of total disappointment all over her face gazing at her that made her heart clench to unimaginable levels. But, what made her clench her fists, almost enough to draw blood, was the thought of a specific Uchiha get the knowledge of such mission. What would he think of her? After all the talks they had in private about family, she had done the exact opposite... She didn't know why she did care so much about his opinion in the matter as they had made sure that the little affair they had was just that... an affair.

A love affair, nonetheless.

~ Flashback ~

They were relaxing under the shade of a tree after a gruesome spar between them, though Kushina was quite proud of herself. She was getting close to the level she once was, the fact that they were at a standstill even if they were holding back a lot of their own techniques, It was still something to be proud of.

Mostly because she could see the respect running through her temporarily student's eyes whenever he looked directly at her.

It has been almost a month since they have started with the training's regime and, in a few days, the Chunnin Exam's finals would finally start but that feeling when they had first look into each other's eyes, when they met in the Ichiraku's stand, had never left...

"I wished there were more people like you, a person who puts her family above all else... The world would be... different."

Kushina heard his words clearly, they were just inches apart resting with their backs against the tree. She added her cent.

"Uh-huh, we need to be optimists. I have no doubt that in the next few years, everyone will come to understand one another... Have a little faith in the humankind, Naruto-kun."

"I guess..." Naruto murmured, even if he didn't really believe that. There was too much darkness plaguing the world, he was more inclined to believe that a war would be breaking out... not peace. The first sign was actually these exams.

Kushina must have sensed his doubts, as she continued her train of thoughts "Maybe war could be the stepping stone towards peace, we never know the day of tomorrow. We just need to believe it... The power to believe, -ttebane!"

This time, Naruto shifted his gaze from the ground to her unique purple eyes, she had a small smile of understanding. The sun was now starting to fall, and It was the sign that their training was about to end and Shisui would be taking her place but none of that mattered as they kept looking into each other's eyes, the window to their souls...

And they inched closer...

They smashed their lips against each other, forgetting everything around them, forgetting their own problems, forgetting about the harsh world they lived in...

Losing themselves in the pleasure of each other's warm embrace, a slice of heaven, even if It was just for a small amount of time...

Hoping that tomorrow would be a better day.

Flashback End

It wasn't to be. At least, not so soon. Maybe she was right and if war breaks out, It might really be the steppin' stone to achieve what her ancestors fought valiantly for.

What didn't sit well with her, was the fact that she was one of the contributors for this to happen. She had watched her son execute the mission without any troubles or second thoughts and that made her inwardly disappointed in him.

Her beliefs that she had tried to pass onto her son were all but forgotten.

Her husb-... Minato was a different person altogether from what she could remember ever since he took the mantle of Hokage from Sarutobi. She couldn't and wouldn't call Minato her husband if he kept that mindset and the worst thing was that their son, Menma, was following his steps.

"Unforgivable..." Kushina muttered, gaining confused looks from Minato and Kakashi who didn't heard her clearly as they were focused on getting to know their new Jinchūriki, Fū. The boost in power that Konoha was oh-so desperately looking for.

These next few weeks would be used for shaping her mind to Konoha's benefits, or as Danzō would call it: molding it into Konoha's perfect weapon.

Kushina watched as the Yondaime Hokage went into deep thought, raising many alarms inside of her as a feeling of dread suddenly washed all over her. The next commanding words that left his lips made her eye the blond-haired in disbelief, shock and disappointment but, by now, she was starting to expect everything.

"Kakashi-kun, I want you to gather your former ANBU Team, head towards Nami no Kumi and stealthily destroy the bridge that was built as to form an alliance with Kirigakure, being directly linked to Mizu no Kuni. It's imperative that you don't get caught, in any circumstances. Hopefully, we can get an alliance out of this as Kirigakure can't afford to waste its resources to save a minor country.

"Hai, Hokage-sama!" Was his quick answer, before Kakashi left with a swirl of leaves.

It never occurred to him that Kirigakure might have already created a base of operations nearby Nami. The fact that the same island is directly linked to Mizu no Kuni makes It an important strategic location to Kiri but, due to a rare moment of rashness, and maybe cockiness due to the previous successful mission, he didn't even considered consulting his Jounin Commander, Nara Shikaku, or his personal advisor, Hiruzen Sarutobi, this little detail was overlooked.

Thus, leading to what would be later considered as the Konoha's Second Act of War.

Which would finally make the other Kages mobilize their armies.

~ A Week and Three days Later ~

Kirigakure no Sato

His mind was working hundreds of miles per minute as the man in front of him finished telling his tale. Of course, he already knew that the first signs of war would be following soon after the end of the Chūnin's Exam but...

'Something of this dimension... To go as far as kidnapping a Jinchūriki...'

It could be a trap to lure them if this man was lying as Takigakure was known to have a non-aggression pact with Konoha. The gift, as in the third strongest Bijū, they received from Konoha was proof of that.

Though, with his experienced analytical eyes, plus with a knowledgeable Bijū inside of him, he couldn't detect any deceive coming from the man's words. Quite the opposite, the man was very tense, desperate even...

"I've sent a convoy to each Great Nation... I know this could be the catalyst to the starting of the Fourth Great Ninja World War... But this can't be overlooked and, the most important reason is that Fū... w-was like a little s-sister for me! Just thinking was she might be going through, makes my blood boil! I WANT OH SO BAD TO CRUSH THEM! But... Takigakure stands no chance against someone like Konoha alone as hard as It is for me to admit that."

Yagura kept looking directly into this boy's eyes, Shibuki, he called himself, while hearing, what he could guess, the hatred going through his heart, the expression of pure, unultery rage was visible from miles away. His next statement actually made the Sanbi's Jinchūriki widen his eyes quite a bit.

"I came here personally to propose you an alliance between Taki and Kiri. If you accept, I'm willing to share the secrets of the Eiyu no Mizu (Hero Water) at the end of the war, the only condition is that I ask, no, I beg you that you retrieve my sister-"

"Deal."

"Look I kno-... What?"

Yondaime Mizukage watched in amusement Shibuki's face contort into one of disbelief, the desperation was running so high that he guessed that the leader of Takigakure had to reboot his brains if his expression was any indicator. Nevertheless, he continued.

"I sure agree that the kidnapping of something like a Bijū shouldn't and can't be overlooked... The other Kages might not do anything about it since they too possess at least two Jinchūrikis, though, they will be even more guarded than before. Here, in Kirigakure, we see those type of things differently. You should thanks one of my Shinobis, Uchiha Naruto, for changing my views in this matter. Was it 3 years ago, I would have declined..."

'Uchiha.. Naruto, huh?' Shibuki's mind was trying to remember where he heard that name before, but he soon put it to the side as his eyes widened at the next statement.

"... Plus, whoever tries to harm by brethen, should be punished!" Mizukage's voice darkened at the end as killing intent washed over the entire room making Shibuki's hair behind his neck stand, sweat already forming around his forehead from the potent feeling of bloodlust.

The staff wielder was about to continue, but he suddenly stiffened as if someone entered his mind. Soon enough, he relaxed as a voice broke him out of his thoughts.

"Mizukage-sama, our sensors reported four large and unknown chakra signatures heading towards the Nami's bridge. Orders?"

Shibuki noticed the slight shift in the Mizukage's eyes as they were narrowing to a certain degree, he wouldn't say anything as he didn't want to invoke the short man's wrath if the previous killing intent was any indicator of what he could do.

Yagura's mind was working in overdrive at this information, were they a threat? What were their intentions? If the sensor, that was with the squad who were guarding that controlling point, didn't recognize the signatures, there might be problems.

"Tell Ao-taichō that I will send Mei, Zabuza and Haku as backups as soon as possible. Don't engage them until they prove themselves to be a threat. Dismissed."

Feeling the link vanishing, he cursed himself for sending someone like Kisame away from the village to deal with some businesses as he would be the ideal man if that unknown group was a problem. He refocused his eyes at the man in front of him, before speaking.

"Shibuki-san, I'll contact you as soon as possible. For now, I have a problem at hands that takes priority..."

"Hai. I'll be waiting so we can finish to discuss the alliance, Mizukage-sama." Knowing the problem was kind of big as he had felt the anger, even if quite well hidden, rolling off of him, he left the Kage's office. While on the way out, he still heard the loud barks coming from the room, hearing some bits like 'Terumi', 'Nami' and 'threats".

Nami no Kuni

"Owl over here, the explosive tags are ready, over!"

"This is Tora, no enemies around the area, over!"

"Ryū, in position. Inu-taichō, orders?"

"Explod-"

The bushes behind him suddenly moved, his three tomoe'd Sharingan immediately picked up the a movement before three consecutive explosions where his teammates were located was felt by him but none of that mattered right now as he had to jump backwards whereas six senbons instantly plunged the tree where he was hiding at. His lone red eye narrowed at the object.

'These are... Shit, we need to regrou-'

His body shifted purely on instinct, gained over the years, as he ducked over a direct kick that he could see, with the aid of his Sharingan, was engulfed in pure chakra. He was about to retaliate, but suddenly his chest exploded in blood as a sword made completely of ice, was thrusted on his back, he could see the tip coming out of his front as his body temperature decreased several degrees, feeling all of his organs freezing by the second.

Shifting his eyes to the side, he was met with a familiar figure...

"H-Haku..."

Looking at the other figure, in front of him, he immediately recognized as his thoughts worked in overdrive.

"Ao, Captain of Kiri's H-Hunter-nin group..."

'How could they bypass Yugao's sensory abilities... Unless...'

With his Sharingan eye still gazing at his opponent, he could see the chakra being highly compressed over the Ao's hidden eye, and if those veins were any indicator...

'A Byakugan?! With that, he knew how to exactly evade a sensor, easily discovering her range limits and hid until the moment we let down our guards.'

They feigned in ignorance until Ao's Byakugan noticed the shift in Kakashi's chakra and immediately spoke to his comrade as he jumped away from the area.

"Haku, get away from there... That's a Bunsh-"

Trusting whole heartily on his captain's words, Haku immediately backflipped just in time as the body where she had impaled with her ice-made sword dispersed in a shower of eletricity which would have for sure immobilized her.

'Raiton: Kage Bunshin... He has gotten faster since Nami's mission.'

Haku didn't flinch at Ao's sudden appearance at her side as they watched their opponent emerge from the ground, revealing where he was hiding at all this time. The latter spoke.

"That chakra signature over your left eye... Your undoubtedly Sharingan no Kakashi. What's Konoha's ANBU doing here when you've no ties whatsoever with Nami no Kuni? To think you would directly attack this small village with just four little pests, back in my days..." Of course, he already had an idea of what It was about, if the explosive tags placed on the bridge were any indicator, but It never hurts confirming it.

The Dog summoner analyzed his opponents with a critical eye, he ignored the question knowing they had already put all the pieces together. The mission was already semi-jeopardized, he could sense three signatures (anbu that were previously with Ao) on the bridge probably trying to remove the explosive notes and his comrades engaging whoever came to their aid.

With Kiri confirming that his village, Konoha, was the one orchestrating the attack, there would be many consequences. With his battlefield experience, he could tell that Haku and whoever was fighting his comrades were the backup, which made the responsive time from Kiri very impressive. The fact that Kirigakure had hid it well that there was someone with a stolen-Byakugan in their ranks played a huge factor in the failure of this mission.

But...

'Team Rō isn't just made of four members, but Five."

A pair of swirlin red eyes watched everything from afar, noticing the slight twitch of his Captain's fingers, he sprung to action as a hand-seal was made before pushing some chakra...

'Katsu...'

*BOOOOOOOM*

In the bridge, every single exploding note glowed for a brief second, which the three Kiri's ANBU members noticed but It was already too late...

The last thing they saw was the massive wide-area explosion, destroying the bridge completely before darkness claimed them.

The explosion was felt miles away, the ground trembled as Ao and Haku's eyes went wide with the implications settling in but they couldn't dwell more on it as a shadow loomed over them, making them snap their eyes upwards in time to watch a huge fireball threatening to burn them to crisp. Haku made her own hand-seals.

"Katon: Goukakyū no Jutsu"

"Suiton: Suijinheki!"

She pushed more chakra into the newly-made wall of water, which had withstood the fire, the advantage of being in a battlefield which had many sources of water playing in her favour. Soon, the water overpowered the fireball consequently making an huge amount of steam covering the whole area.

Ao's Byakugan immediately noticed the slight movement behind him before his body moved accordingly and sidestepped a hand covered with lightning chakra, getting eyes narrowed from the culprit.

"Chidori!"

The wielders of their respective single Doujutsu gazed at each other, Sharingan versus Byakugan, both inwardly ready to prove that their own ocular power, acquired during the Third Ninja World War, was better than the other. They moved... Ignoring the battle a few meters away which no one would want to miss as well...

Sharingan versus Hyoton.

In another area, a battle was already ensuing, both parties had ignored the explosion. One because he didn't really care as It was part of his nature and the other because It was part of the mission. Every single ANBU member from Team Rō knew that in case of failure, they had someone hidden in the shadows that would finish the job.

The both of them grabbed their respective hilts behind their backs as the first brought his massive knife-like sword upfront, the other bringing her magnificent midnight blue blade.

They gazed at each other for a second before grinning as if accepting a duel between swordsman.

A few miles away, a familiar Auburn-haired woman gazed at a man she had once met. They had already traded some blows here and there, but both knew their respective opponent was holding back.

Though, in those bouts, Mei was able to crack the ANBU's mask making her have some flashbacks of her mission in Nami, a few months ago.

"The Mokuton user, huh?

"..."

The emotionless face of the ANBU irked her quite a bit since she's used to whoever she fought against to flaunt her body and try to get into her skin.

'That's an ANBU for you, I guess.'

Unknown to her, Yamato was inwardly cursing himself, clearly remembering the mission in Nami no Kuni and getting his ass handled by Hoshigaki Kisame and if his instincts were not wrong, this woman was as strong or even stronger than the Samehada wielder.

He knew he had to be aggressive, trying to catch her off guard, make her do some mistake so he could capitalize on. She had more chakra and probably more stamina than him, so he had to be quick.

A stalling game wouldn't work. Based on this simple analyse, he made the respective hand-seals before stomping his feet on the water beneath him...

"Suiton: Suiryūdan (Water Release: Water Dragon)"

From the water below them, a massive amount of water sprung to life shaping itself into a huge dragon before It lunged towards the woman, its glowing yellow eyes making it the more intimidating apart from its size.

Mei didn't show any outward reaction towards the incoming technique, she had no reason to. There were Chūnins in her village that could use the same jutsu and make this one look like an ant. It seems her opponent didn't really focus to master his Suiton affinity, instead he choose to train the Mokuton.

She would make him pay for neglecting of his other abilities.

Slamming her hands on the water, pushing a huge amount of Doton chakra into the water, a massive wave of mud emerged, from mixing Earth with the Water below, dwarfing the size of the incoming dragon by at least two-times.

"Doton: Tsuchi Nami no Jutsu (Earth Release: Mud Wave Technique)"

Yamato had his eyes widened a bit watching the wave of mud completely destroying his own technique, his hands moved into the respective hand-seals on instinct before releasing a good amount of earth from his mouth, while molding and shaping it into an hardened wall with the help of his chakra.

"Doton: Doryūheki!"

He couldn't release the breath he was holding, as his instincts gained from being an ANBU for many years kicked in, allowing him to block an incoming kick that was heading his skull, he retaliated by thrusting his own free hand onto the woman's chest which was promptly blocked.

They gazed into each other's eyes for a moment, but soon the Konoha's ANBU noticed the temperature around him increasing suddenly. His black eyes narrowed at the woman before widening as a lava-like armour engulfed the body of the Kirigakure's Jounin.

"Yoton: Yogan no Yoroi (Lava Release: Lava Armor)"

Mei had seen this same jutsu being used by the Yonbi's Jinchūriki during their battle. She had tried to recreate it, making use of her own Kekkei Genkai, and although It wasn't as strong as the Iwagakure's ninja, It was still effective and battle-ready.

With little time to react, Yamato gritted his teeth in pain at the burning hand before stomping the mud ground, created by the previous technique, making it flow like a river and effectively making Mei lose her balance and almost drawn in it.

"Doton: Doryū Taiga!"

Not losing the opportunity at hand, his hands blurred through hand-seals before clapping his hands, fingers intertwined with each other. The river immediately hardened and soon, branches upon branches encircled the form of the Yoton user, trapping her in a cage made out of wood.

"Mokuton: Shichūrō no Jutsu"

He was finally able to release the breath he was holding, not noticing the further increase in the atmosphere before It was too late.

The fact that his Mokuton paled in comparison with Hashirama played a big factor for Mei to be able to withstand the trappings and not lose control of her own armour technique. That being said, soon the prison around her melted under the hot temperatures and using the fact that her opponent let his guard down for even a second, she made him pay the price.

Moving at phenomenal speeds, Mei was upon his target, thrusting her hand covered in lava towards his chest. Yamato was only able to slightly shift his body, the shock of someone being able to escape his own trapping technique making his body too slow to react in time.

"ARRRGH!"

The battle was already hitting the twentieth minute, both parties unable to deal the lethal below, while using their own Doujutsus to the maximum.

"ARRRGH!"

Kakashi's ears picked up the pained cry of a familiar voice, his eye narrowed dangerously as he pushed even more chakra into his eye, which was noticed by Ao.

The three black tomoe'd eye swirled before forming a new pattern, making Ao's eyes widened, the latter moved, knowing that whatever technique his opponent unleashes It would be the end, his right-hand was instantly engulfed in chakra aiming it towards the Tenketsu nearby his opponent's heart.

"Kamui!"

But, his face contorted into one of pain as the area around him started to distort as a black void sucked his hand, followed by his arm. He withstood the unbearable pain, jumping out of that specific area, noting the same black void disappearing.

His mind was working in overdrive while holding part of his now missing arm. Half of his arm was cut off, sucked into the void.

'This is bad... At this rate...'

While trying to press his arm to hold the blood from coming out or he would certainly die from loss of blood, he missed or forgot the fact that he was dealing with a cunning opponent, famous for his exploits many years ago in ANBU.

An arm was thrusted, behind him, through his chest. The sound of thousands of chirping birds brought him out of his shock, looking over his shoulder, he idly noticed the poofing sound, of what he could guess a clone, meeting a still-narrowed red eye, no longer in the new pattern.

Urgh! "W-when... did... y-you...?"

Kakashi knew he had no time at all to waste at pity talks when his comrade was in danger, so he pushed even more chakra into his cackling hand, increasing the pressure and immediately killing his worthy opponent, not before he gave him a few partying and hurrying words.

"At the time you were so focused on the distortion... In those two secon- Nevermind, you lost... Raikiri!"

The former ANBU captain removed his hand from his now deceased opponent's chest while taking a few deep breaths, eating a chakra replenishing pill while ignoring the awful taste before vanishing towards the other battle.

Mei was taking a few deep breaths as her lava-armour receded, her technique was still incomplete, the fact that It still required huge amounts of chakra to sustain It was a big weakness. The wood that had trapped her for a few seconds forced her to actually put even more chakra into it, risking to lose control and if that had happened, there was a probability that It would consume her.

The Yonbi Jinchūriki was immune to this thanks to its Bijū, she didn't have that advantage.

Nevertheless, her gamble had won her fight.

Her opponent's arm had a clean cut, the wound was already crusty without any possibilities to regrow, heal or implant in the future. It was one of the pros of her jutsu as It made any inflicted wounds permanent.

Meaning that this man would live with just an arm for the rest of his life...

That was the price for focusing only on his Kekkei Genkai, neglecting his other abilities...

That is if she did show mercy but at that moment her sensory abilities detected Ao's chakra fading dramatically.

Alarmed, she focused on her gained sensor ability, she was by no means a natural-sensor but over the years one would learn how to sense and pinpoint familiar chakra signatures... and what she found made her eyes widen in shock before narrowing it towards the injured man that was still trying to come to the reality for losing an arm.

"You'll... die..." It was a mere whisper, but Yamato heard her statement before his eyes widened as Mei was already upon him, her whole arm was engulfed in the sama lava-like chakra heading towards where his heart would be...

Her arm went all the way through the man's chest but her eyes widened seeing another familiar face on the way. Yamato felt someone grabbing him from behind, instantly feeling his surroundings blurring, the familiar feeling of the use of Shunshin.

"Ka-Kakashi-senpai..."

The man who had saved him ignored him, analysing the missing arm with his Sharingan. Seeing that there was nothing he could do, he shifted his eye towards his comrade's opponent, noticing the fury that went through her eyes after she had realized that It was a clone she had impaled.

Five seconds later, both his and her comrades appeared on their sides, gazing at one another. He idly noticed the tattered and bloody form of his fifth member, Uchiha Itachi, wondering how could the girl he had met few months ago improved so much to the point where she could give the Uchiha's prodigy more than a challenge. Yugao, too, arrived, worse for wear, was already looking over Yamato who would live, though, It was only thanks to from what had inflicted the wound.

The fact that the wound was already closed made the possibility of dying from blood loss null. It was both a gift and a curse as they wouldn't be able to properly heal nor there was a possibility to regrow either the use of his Mokuton. At least, he wouldn't die and he had just to adapt this new obstacle.

Mei didn't flinch at the sudden appearances, too lost in rage for losing a dear friend of her. She had seen Haku arriving with Ao's body and had seen the hole in his chest. Immediately putting two plus two together, her eyes narrowed towards the grey-haired man, the venom in her tone sending shivers to everyone in the clearing.

"Hatake Kakashi..." Those two words were said with such disgust that Kakashi's hair neck stood up almost instantly as a feeling of dread washed over him. "Next time we meet... prepare yourself!"

Zabuza, who was in the best state compared to everyone, closed his eyes, praying for his fallen comrade. A purplish aura engulfed his body, the visage of a demon gazed upon their forms while at his side, Haku's form was releasing whisps of white energy, the temperature around the clearing dropped several degrees at the cold energy. The killing Intent was unbearable as they gazed upon their enemies, talking in unison...

"Pray that we never meet in the battlefield again."

A thick mist rose up in the clearing for at least three-seconds, before, once again, dispersed like nothing... The ANBU squad immediately took notice that they were alone. The visions they had of their deaths were still playing and everyone had only one thought...

"We are doomed."

~ Meanwhile ~

Kirigakure no Sato

His fingers twitched at the voices outside his room...

"Mizukage-sama, Ao fell in battle."

His body shook at the information he just heard...

"He went up against Sharingan no Kakashi and-"

His fists were clenching by this point, enough to draw blood. He brought his hands over the bandages over his eyes, ripping it off without any care...

His eyes snapped open for the first time after the surgery... The familiar and unique pattern of the straight choku-tomoe gazed upon the window to his left as his right-hand clenched the bloodied bandages.

"No mercy against our enemies... Tou-san."

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And that's it for today!

As always, hope u enjoyed.

Next chapter: Reactions towards Ao's death and the attack on the bridge. Pakura whereabouts, Fū's new life in Konoha and much more.

Stay tuned for the next chapter in The Tempest!

PEACE!