Chapter 5

Birth of the Shinobi Alliance!

Konoha

While the attack from Sasuke happened in Iron Country, in Konoha several things have been happening. One of the things is Danzo has decided to move his base of operations out of Konoha so he could start biding his time until Naruto's inevitable failure at the Summit. For now, Danzo would leave Konoha in the young Hokage's untested hands, knowing that the Daimyo would make the right decision in the future. The journey to the new base would take several days due to it covering the roughest terrain in Fire Country, but it would be worth it. Little did he know he was being watched, and not by a Konoha shinobi.

Madara will be very interested in this development... Zetsu's black half thought, poking out of a tree, using his Kagerō (Mayfly) ability to keep watch over the ROOT leader. Better tell him soon...

At the same time, Sakura was helping Shizune in taking care of Tsunade. She was remembering what she did two days ago after things had settled down between those two Kumo Ninja and herself, Sai, and Hinata.

Was it right...to tell those Kumo ninja about Sasuke...shouldn't I have asked for more information myself...? Sakura thought, dabbing a wet cloth on Tsunade's wrinkled forehead.

On the former Hokage's forehead, a purple diamond outline had appeared and was slowly being filled in by more purple color, at the very bottom of it. This was a good sign, it would mean that she was gathering chakra to her forehead again in the Ying Seal, for the Sōzō Saisei (Creation Rebirth). Once the seal was filled, Shizune presumed that Tsunade would reawaken.

She breathed out as the flap of the tent opened, revealing Shikamaru. "Shikamaru?"

"Hey Sakura, gathering the rest of the group...all of us need to talk."

Sakura blinked. "Alright, where?"

"At the lumber piles where the dango shop used to be," Shikamaru said and Sakura nodded.

"Alright," Sakura said, following him.

Shortly, they had gathered with the other Rookies and Team Gai. Sai was also invited to come and Hinata looked over to Shikamaru, who took a deep breath through his nose.

"I'm sure you've all heard the little skirmish that Sakura, Hinata, and Sai had with two of the Kumo Ninja that had entered the village," Shikamaru started and everyone nodded slowly. "Then you know what they were asking about, correct?"

"Information about Sasuke-kun, correct?" Ino asked and Shikamaru nodded. "Why were they asking about that?"

"Sasuke's became an international criminal now, that's why," Shikamaru said, breathing out. "He invaded the Land of Lightning's borders and attacked one of their best shinobi. Not only that...he's part of Akatsuki now."

"What? That doesn't make any sense!" Kiba yelled, and Akamaru, his large white ninja dog barked in agreement. "Why the hell would that idiot join the same organization that his brother was in?"

"Maybe someone influenced Sasuke to join after he killed Itachi," Shino said calmly, pushing up his dark glasses. "It is still troublesome."

"W-We did fight that Tobi Akatsuki Member...maybe he had something to do with Sasuke's joining of Akatsuki," Hinata said and the genius Nara nodded.

"Whatever the reason...his crimes cannot be ignored anymore," Shikamaru said, looking at his friends and teammates. "Due to Pain's invasion of Konoha, the village would never accept an Akatsuki back into its ranks. Not only that, if Konoha doesn't do anything...it could lead to war with Kumogakure."

"Shikamaru...what are you saying?" Tenten asked, shifting so the weapon scroll on her back wasn't pressing into her back.

"We have to take responsibility," Shikamaru said, closing his eyes. "Sasuke...we're going to have to hunt him down and kill him."

Ino's and Sakura's eyes widened. "S-Shikamaru, you can't be serious! You're joking right?" Ino asked, her eyes wide.

"Ino...I think you know perfectly by now when Shikamaru is serious," Choji said, the large Akimichi closing his eyes. "...I agree."

"I do as well," Shino said, looking at the others. "Sasuke has crossed the line in which there is no coming back."

Sakura breathed in as the rest of her friends began agreeing about how to deal with Sasuke. After the conversation, they all looked at her. She gave a small gulp when they focused on her.

"...yes...?"

"Sakura...what do you think? Sasuke was your teammate..." Ino asked, being one of the few who wasn't agreeing with the decision.

Sakura took a deep breath. "...if we reached Sasuke before he fought Itachi...I'd agree...but now...?" she closed her eyes, hoping she'd make the right decision. "...I agree...Sasuke's threatening the peace of the World...he has to be stopped."

Shikamaru nodded. "I see..." he closed his eyes. "Naruto's Hokage now...he has other things to worry about than Sasuke. We have to deal with him, he's our responsibility."

The other members of the Konoha 11 all nodded in agreement, and Sakura breathed out. She hoped they were doing the right thing about this...

"...when Naruto returns...I'll tell him. He's my friend and teammate," Sakura said and Shikamaru nodded.

"Got it, Sakura," Shikamaru said and Sakura took a deep breath, and Hinata looked to her.

Iron Country, Fortress of the Kage Summit

Right in front of all five Kages and their bodyguards was the shadow leader of Akatsuki, Uchiha Madara, who founded the organization with Nagato. In the opening of the spiral mask he was wearing was a single glowing Sharingan eye. He glanced down at Sasuke, and the other members of his team. Then he looked at Naruto, and behind his mask he smirked.

"Well it happened sooner than I expected, but you two did end up fighting," Madara said, reaching down and lifting Sasuke's prone, unconscious form over his shoulder. The Uchiha's hand was bleeding a lot from the wounds inflicted by the Futon: Rasengan. "Tsk Sasuke, you got too overconfident."

"Get your hands off Sasuke you snake!" Naruto snarled, entering Sage Mode again almost instantly as the A's Raiton no Yoroi flared to life.

"I've worked a hard time to get Sasuke on my side, Naruto, so I think not," Madara said as he activated his jutsu, and Sasuke was sucked into his eye. "So close yet again, weren't you Naruto...?"

Naruto bore his teeth angrily, Kyubi chakra beginning to leek into his system. His whisker-marks became frayed as his eyes turned red, and a cat-like vertical slit appeared in the middle of the block-like toad eye that he had.

"Shut the hell up!" Naruto roared, leaping at Madara at a speed he didn't expect. He created a red-colored Rasengan, the size of a basketball, and slammed it through the shadow leader's body...but he passed right through. The second he did though he turned, and delivered a roundhouse kick to Madara's face.

Madara raised his arm to block, but it wasn't fast enough and the flat top of Naruto's foot smashed into the shadow leader's mask, making him fly back. Suddenly a massive of white appeared on the wall...it was Zetsu's white half, which cushioned the blow.

"You okay boss?" Zetsu asked as a crack vertically appeared on Madara's mask.

"Yes, yes Zetsu, I'm fine," Madara said. Behind his mask, his nose bleeding white blood though as did his mouth. "Naruto, Naruto, Naruto, you again show me why you messed up my plans. I'm beginning to see why Nagato sided with you in the end."

Naruto bore his teeth as hundreds of white Zetsu's began to drop from the ceiling and the floor like drops of water. They landed with a 'splash' then formed into their humanoid forms.

"So much for the greatness of the Kages," Zetsu said as white began to bubble up from Onoki's, Akatsuchi's, Mei's, Ao's, and Chojuro's bodies. It also tried to get through Gaara's shield, but was crushed by his sand. Neji was able to destroy the Zetsu forming on his back with a Chou Kaiten, and the ones forming on A were electrocuted by the Raiton no Yoroi. The one appearing on Naruto just turned to stone.

Madara walked over to Karin, who was being helped up by a weakened Jugo and Karin. "You three, take good care of Sasuke please," he said, sucking them into his dimension as his mask continued to crack. He then took a seat. "Shall we talk? I'm holding all the cards here."

Naruto growled as Kakashi, who had dealt with the Zetsu on him before he could be completely chakra drained walked over and put his hand on his shoulder. "Calm down, Naruto. He's baiting you."

Naruto nodded, taking a deep breath. "What did you do to Sasuke? What was all that crap he was spouting?"

"I'm just maturing the dark seed that Itachi planted in him," Madara said with a grin behind his mask. "All that hatred, its easy to manipulate. Orochimaru knew that too, the instant he corrupted Sasuke was the instant he'd become my subordinate. Orochimaru nurtured that festering hatred that Itachi planted, and I matured it and directed it to suit my own needs."

"So you lied to him to get him on your side?" Neji asked, keeping his Byakugan on Madara. He could see the man's face...it was very wrinkled around his eyes, both of his Sharingan eyes seemed to be permanently activated.

"Mixing a bunch of half-trues and lies is easy for me," Madara said with a grin. "Like the truth that the Uchiha were killed by Itachi to save Konoha and the rest of the world."

"What are you..."

"The Uchiha were going to start a civil war in Konoha, starting with several bombings since they saw themselves being 'denied' power," Madara said with a grin. "I had a hand in that. Like his youngest son, Fugaku was easy to manipulate." He folded his hands. "To make a long story short, Itachi was forced to chose between his clan and the Village. He chose the Village and took the Uchiha's sin onto himself to be clensed."

Onoki chuckled. "This is all very fascinating, Madara, if that's who you really are." The white Zetsu on his back turned to stone. "If you really are who you say you are, why are you going to these lengths. With your power, you should be able to do anything you want, bar invade a village."

"A yes, Onoki. I see you're still alive," Madara said. "The injuries that Hashirama gave me, as well as those that Namikaze Minato inflicted have practically crippled me. And my favorite pet is beyond my grasp at the moment."

Akatsuki's shadow leader looked at Naruto at that, who just narrowed his eyes at him. Madara smirked as his Zetsu army stood on guard, waiting for his command.

"The Five Great Nations of the world, give your Jinchuuriki to me. The Hachibi and the Kyubi are the only two I lack," Madara stated and A blinked.

"I thought you already had Killer Bee!"

"He escaped. Your brother is quite the remarkable ninja," Madara replied, crossing his arms. "Now, as I was saying, turn the Hachibi and Kyubi over to me, and we'll have no conflict."

"Why do you need the Bijuu anyway?" Mei demanded as she melted the Zetsu on her.

"Ah yes...the Bijuu. I am just going to combine all nine and recreate the Jyubi, the Ten Tailed Demon Beast that the Rikudou Sennin defeated nearly 3000 years ago," Madara said with a grin. "Its all a plan to become 'complete', if you will."

"Jyubi, Rikudou Sennin, those are just myths! Everyone knows that," Onoki said and he looked at Madara. "What is your real objective."

"I assure you, Tsuchikage, the Jyubi and Rikudou Sennin were quite real. The Rikudou Sennin...the strongest being to ever live on this planet, master of the Rinnegan," Madara said. "He left a tablet that could only be read, in the order of the stronger eyes, the Sharingan, Mangekyo Sharingan, and finally the Rinnegan could fully decode it." As his mask continued to crack, he looked at Onoki. "Fully decoded, I was able to finally start the Eye of the Moon Plan...with myself as the new Jyubi Jinchuuriki...I will cast an eternal Tsukuyomi over the planet and end all conflict, bringing peace..."

"And destroying free will in the process," Gaara snarled.

"Small price to..."

"Don't bullshit us," Naruto snarled. "You don't want peace, you just want domination Madara."

"Heh, true, true," Madara said and he folded his arms. "I have seven Bijuu under my control, as well as favors of many minor countries to pull on. If you refuse, this'll mean war."

"You won't get what you want, bastard," Naruto snarled, and the other Kages nodded in agreement.

"Very well then, then I declare the Fourth Shinobi World War! When we next meet, my honored Kages, it will be on the battlefield," Madara said and half his mask fell...showing the face of an old man...and then a huge spiral appeared and he vanished, and the white Zetsus were pulled away with him.

The Five Kages and their bodyguards stood there for a few minutes, digesting what happened. "We can't let Madara get away at what he wants," A said calmly, standing up fully as his Raiton no Yoroi faded.

"I hate to say it, but you're right Raikage-dono," Onoki said, crossing his arms. "Though what can be done about it?"

"I suggest we finalize the plans to make the alliance," Mifune's voice interjected as he walked down. "Madara made his plans clear, if any of the nations ever hope to survive, we need to ally."

The Kages nodded in agreement and Onoki then asked. "Then who should lead us?"

"Konoha," Mifune said without any hesitation. "As well as Hokage-dono. He's proven himself to me fully."

"I agree with Mifune-san's assessment," Mei said and Gaara nodded.

"Second," Gaara said and A looked at Naruto.

"I agree as well," A said and Naruto breathed out, closing his eyes.

"I...I'll do my best then...though I can't do it alone," Naruto said as Onoki harumphed.

"Youth these days...this Alliance won't last without people with experience in fighting Madara," Onoki said, and he looked at the young Hokage. "Let me make this clear, Hokage-dono, I don't like nor trust you. But you have experience fighting Akatsuki, as does your village being veterans in fighting them already. That said...I'll stand with you as will Iwagakure."

Naruto nodded, breathing out. "Very well...I swear then, I won't fail you then..." he then put his hands to his stomach. I need to master the Kyuubi then for my next battle with Sasuke...as well as to beat Madara. Time to master 'that Jutsu'...

-

-

Iron Country Forests

As the meeting of the Five Kages concluded, deep in the snow covered forests of Iron Country, the sound of deep singing was heard. As well as the sound of a growling bear. A third voice, which spoke in rhymes was also heard. In a clearing, there stood Kumogakure's remaining Jinchuuriki, brother of the Raikage, Killer Bee. He was writing notes into a notebook as he listened to his teacher, an middle age man who wore his hair in a large puffy top knot, and wore a white hamaka over a mesh shirt, and black pants.

"Enka is about passion! You must have passion in every word you make, Killer Bee!"

"Right, Sabu-sensei!"

"Now, give it a try!"

Killer Bee took a deep breath, trying to find a beat. "...Give a caalllll to the waalll...beat the heat with this seat..."

"No, no all wrong! You don't need to rhyme these out," Sabu said as Ponta began growling. The large Tanuki's ears fluttered and he sniffed the air, and he sat up, his large black with white striped tail wiggling. "Ponta, what's bothering ya...?"

Killer Bee looked up as a light blue colored, shark-like man, with six gills on his face and strange beady eyes arrived. He had a Kirigakure headband on his forehead, keeping his aqua blue hair up. He was carrying a large sword, wrapped up with bandages.

"Hm, didn't expect the Hachibi to be here of all places, but my Samehada likes its chakra..." the man said, showing sharp teeth to Killer Bee and Sabu. Killer Bee looked and saw the robe he was wearing...it was an Akatsuki robe.

Ponta growled, charging the shark-man who grinned. The massive tanuki rose his paw, and went to swipe the man with its claws. He grabbed its paw with ease, and then slammed his sword into the giant tanuki's jaw, making him crash down, stunned. The blow was so great, the bandages wrapped around the sword ripped, revealing scales.

"For such a big bear, you go down easy," the shark-man said with a grin. "Name's Hoshigaki Kisame, I'm taking you in, Hachibi."

"Ponta's not a bear, he's a tanuki!" Sabu yelled, yanking off his axe and he put the back of the blade on his back. "Prepare to feel my passion!"

Kisame gave a viscous smirk as the Enka Ninja charged him, and slashed his heavy axe at the former Seven Swordsman. The Akatsuki slammed his sword into the ground to block it, and as he was about to retaliate, Killer Bee charged up his pencil with Raiton Chakra, and threw it right at Kisame's head. The swordsman's eye widened, seeing the supercharged pencil flying at him and he dodged, throwing his head down as he leaped into the air and smashed his heel into Sabu's jaw, sending the Enka Ninja crashing into Ponta. Both the enka ninja and his tanuki were sent crashing through the forest, knocked out cold.

Kisame yanked out his Samehada to block a double slash from above from Killer Bee. The sound of clashing metal was heard through the forest as the two engaged in an intense sword duel. The Hachibi Jinchuuriki had switched to two sword style since he lacked his other five swords. Kisame gave a laugh, blocking and dodging each of Killer Bee's slashes and stabs.

This guys good and his strength's incredible! Killer Bee thought as he landed and crossed his swords to block an overhead slash from Samehada, and the ground cracked underneath his feet. But I'm better, motherfucka!

Letting Samehada's weight win, Bee skid back before spinning around and slamming his foot into Kisame's face, sending the Seven Swordsman skidding back. Lightning chakra charged into Killer Bee's Stinger Swords, and he leapt into the air, spinning like a buzz saw, his entire body being covered in the Raiton no Yoroi like his brother's.

"Raiton no Yoroi: Raiton Bazu Nokogiri (Lightning Release Armor: Lightning Buzz Saw)!" Bee yelled, closing in on Kisame.

The Seven Swordsman grinned, and before the attacks hit, he performed a horizontal slash...and Killer Bee's Raiton no Yoroi faded, as did the lightning around his swords. The Stingers still dug into his shoulders, but they were shallow wounds. Bee blinked when that happened, wondering what was up.

"Heh, pretty impressive attack Hachibi," Kisame said with a grin, Samehada quivering in delight at the chakra it just fed on.

Did he eat my chakra? Killer Bee thought and his brown eyes glanced at Samehada. Or did that...one way to test...

Red chakra bubbled around Bee's body, forming four tails around him. The chakra was as hard as iron, and formed a shield similar to that what Naruto could make in his Jinchuuriki states. Around his head formed ethereal bull horns, as sharp as the sharpest sword.

"Headbutto (Headbutt)!" Bee yelled, throwing his head forward at insane speeds.

Kisame grinned maliciously, his sharp teeth showing in a feral grin as he moved his head to meet Bee's headbutt. Samehada then began eating the Hachibi's cloak around Killer Bee's body, taking the power out of his attack. So much chakra went into the chakra eating sword, it swelled and the exposed scales shivered and it sounded lie it went 'Gigigigi'...like it had a mouth.

"Strange sword, it must have been bored, eating Number Eight's chakra will give it a belly ache and then I'll gut you straight! Ya big stupid shark!"

"You definitely are smarter than you look, I see why you escaped Itachi's little brother. Samehada very much enjoys that calamari flavored chakra of yours," Kisame said with a polite grin. "I rarely see him get so excited over a meal, yes, you are worth shaving down to the bone."

"So the scary shark man treats his sword all sweet! Too bad you're both about to get beat!" Bee said in a wrap, leaping back and Kisame gave a wide grin, showing his extremely sharp teeth. "Check it, huh...?"

Samehada began shaking, and all of its scales slashed through the bandages wrapped around it. The massive amount of sharp scales kept quivering and the 'Gigigigigi' continued...and right at the top of the mouth. The mouth opened, and showed several sharp teeth and showing its tongue.

"I'll say it again, Hoshigaki Kisame's the name, remember it," Kisame said with a grin.

Bee gave a smirk, and he did two seals. "Raiton Bushin no Jutsu," he said with a grin, and in a few bolts of lightning, there were now several Killer Bee's in the forest. All of the Raiton Bushins grinned. Suddenly red chakra bubbled up all around them forming four tails. The real Killer Bee gave a smirk, sending another burst of Hachibi chakra into his own body, forming another four tails.

"Hohoho..." Kisame said with a grin. "Looks like Samehada's going to eat well today..."

-

Iron Country, Kage Summit Building

After the attack and the declaration of War, all five Kages and their bodyguards were now sitting down to finalize things in the Alliance. Naruto had reluctantly assumed the station of Commander in Chief, but he insisted that A, the Raikage, be his Second in Command due to him having more experience with this. The Kages were discussing who was most likely to join Akatsuki, as well as the remaining members.

"...he is called Zetsu, we saw one of his abilities during the attack," Kakashi stated, talking before the Kages. "He is Akatsuki's primary scout and Hunter Ninja."

"He also was assigned to take down Han, the Jinchuuriki of the Gobi," Onoki added, leaning forward.

"As far as we know, Hoshigaki Kisame is also alive, former partner to Uchiha Itachi," Naruto said, looking at Terumi Mei, the Mizukage. "Do you have any information or weaknesses that Kisame may have?"

"I don't, but Chojuro might," Mei said, looking over to the young swordsman. Chojuro gulped, but pushed his glasses up.

"My sensei would often talk about Hoshigaki Kisame and his sword, Samehada. Kisame was the strongest of all Seven Swordsmen of the Hidden Mist, and his chakra levels could be comparable to the Sanbi, thus getting him the name of the Biju Without A Tail," Chojuro said, gripping his Hirameki. "Of all the swords, Samehada is the most...evil, all the swords have unique properties and they all chose their wielder, even Mamochi Zabuza's Decapitating Carving Knife has some sense of self. It makes Kisame virtually invincible, he can use it to slash visible chakra to add to his own reserves, sometimes even taking out jutsus. The only weakness I can think of is not using visible chakra in jutsus..."

"...when I was still a genin, three years ago, I experienced that ability myself," Naruto said, breathing in. "I tried to summon Kyuubi's chakra to help out Sasuke when he was my teammate at the time, but Kisame just dropped his sword...and the chakra was gone."

They all nodded and the Kages looked to Onoki. "Do you have any information of Madara that we can use?"

"Anything I can tell you youngin's is in the history books. I have no experience with the ability he's using now," Onoki said, leaning back.

"If that's it for current members of Akatsuki, we should discuss potential members so we can eliminate them before they can even join Akatsuki," Mei said, folding her hands. "I'll start, two months ago, one of our strongest Jonin betrayed us. His name is Tokia Jinchu. He's known as the Butcher of the Shadows, and is known for his Darkness Ninjutsu where he can literally blend with any shadow and strike from there."

The other Kages nodded and Gaara leaned forward. "In the confusion of my kidnapping, there was a jailbreak in our primary prison. We recaptured most of the prisoners except for one, Haido the Vampire. When I was six years old, he was arrested by my father personally after murdering two of our ANBU Captains and their entire squads after he had used his kekki genkai on three of Sunagakure's Councilors. His technique...he merely needs to touch you to pull all the water out of your body. He then uses that water to use Suitons, even in the dryness of the desert, and he's a master of Futon Ninjutsu."

"For Iwagakure, we have two likely candidates for Akatsuki," Onoki said. "The twins, Uma and Teru. They have the unique two unique Kekki Genkais, one which links their minds, similar to the Yamanaka Clan techniques. What one twin sees, the other see's. They used their abilities well in service for Iwa, until they decided they wanted more power. They used their second Kekki Genkai to turn Iwa's head Jonin into stone, similar to my Dust Release, and then killed three ANBU squads before escaping. No one could lay their hands on them."

A took a deep sigh. "One of our best Shinobi, from the Hikoro Clan had escaped from Kumogakure shortly after I called this meeting. His name is Hikoro Hiro, and I was grooming him to be my successor. I didn't know what his true nature was until it was too late. He...raped two kunoichi who were pursuing them and...gutted them. By time time the ANBU arrived on the scene...he was gone and all we had was his handiwork. His brother, Kuro, had no idea he was capable of this, and his girlfriend, Biri, chose not to betray Kumo and nearly lost her life," he closed his eyes. "With my brother's capture, I neglected to follow up on Hiro's trail..."

"We'll correct that oversight, Raikage-dono," Gaara said. "I propose we unify our Intelligence Corps so we can send a unified front against these missing ninja. With luck we'll either capture or execute them before they join Akatsuki if that's their plan."

"I second the proposal," Naruto said and Mei nodded.

"Thirded," Mei said, looking at Ao. "This is Ao's area of expertise, I propose we make him leader of the unified intelligence corp."

"Agreed," A said, looking at Ao. "He is the best man for the job."

"...for the final part of business," Naruto started, getting everyone's attention. "Being one of the remaining two Jinchuuriki, I feel like I need to be hidden...at least until the time I can control the Kyubi's power. I'm more of a liability without the Kyubi being under my control."

"When we find Killer Bee, Hokage-dono, we'll send you both to the island where Bee learned to master the Hachibi...after I give him a stern lecture and my Iron Claw, that is," A said and Naruto nodded.

"Thank you. Contact Konoha after Killer Bee is found so we can finalize the plans," Naruto said and the Raikage nodded. "If there's no more business, I declare this meeting adjourned so we can all prepare our villages for War."

The Kages all gave a firm nod at that, and got up to disperse. As soon as Naruto got out of the main hall, he began breathing rapidly as he attempted to calm himself. He closed his eyes, breathing in through his nose.

"Are you alright, Naruto?" Kakashi asked and Naruto nodded, breathing out.

"Just trying to deal with my anxiety..." Naruto said, and he closed his eyes, putting his hand to his stomach. "...I'm ready to control this power...I'll need it to beat Sasuke the second time and Madara..." As well as complete that jutsu, dad...

Kakashi nodded as Neji walked over. "Are you ready to leave, Hokage-sama?"

"Yeah, Neji. Lets get going, got some preparations to make," Naruto said as the three Konoha Ninja walked to the exit.

Iron Country, Kisame vs Killer Bee Battlefield

Kisame was grinning, holding Samehada horizontally to the ground as the sword's mouth opened, making the creeping 'Gigigigigi' noise. All the Killer Bee Raiton Clones had the Four Tailed Cloak over them, and were holding their swords up.

"As expected from a perfect Jinchuuriki," Kisame said with a grin, looking at all of the clones. "The Kyubi Kid is a Clone Master, but I guess he's not the only one..."

"Cut your talking so we can go walking! I'm gonna beat you down to the ground and bury you in a mound!" All the Killer Bee's said at the same time, and they all attacked at once.

Kisame grinned, running forward to meet the charge. He swung Samehada which first ate the Hachibi Cloaks over the nearest clones, before eating the Raiton Clones themselves. He dodged and ducked each Lariatto (Lariat), Headbutto (Headbutt), red chakra arms, all the while having Samehada eat the cloaks and clones.

Killer Bee himself jumped forward, 'horns' appearing on his bicep and shoulder. "LARIATTO (Lariat)!" he yelled, preparing to run Kisame through. Kisame grinned, sidestepping the attack and he smashed Samehada down, eating Killer Bee's cloak. However, he was left open for two heavy punches by Killer Bee's remaining clones, which sent him flying back while still holding his sword.

Samehada however acted as an anchor, and made its scales grow and impaled and ate all the chakra in the clones. Killer Bee jumped back, barely avoiding the now nearly engorged Samehada.

"Hungry little sword," Killer Bee said with a grin, looking at Kisame. "Looks like I'm gonna have to take it up a notch, those were my last clones..."

Kisame grinned. "Please do, this is getting fun..."

-

Land of Iron, Forests

Killer Bee gave a confident grin at Kisame, who hefted his enlarged sword up to prepare. He couldn't risk fully transforming just yet, it might give him away and he might hurt Sabu and Ponta where ever they landed. In his mind, the Hachibi looked at his mental form.

"So are you going to fully transform Bee? It might be smart..."

Nah, not yet. Going to use Version Two, so be ready Number Eight!

Killer Bee pushed his arms back as he gave a yell. Red bubbles then burst off his body, forming into seven tails and bull horns. And then the transparent chakra filled completely with a translucent red color with little red 'flames' of chakra wafting up the cloak. Killer Bee's face was covered by the red chakra, and there were two glowing white eyes and a mouth with jagged teeth on the chakra.

"OH YEAH! THIS FEELS GOOD IN THE HOOD!" Killer Bee said, the ground cracking under him as the snow evaporated all around him from the extreme heat that his new chakra cloak was generating.

Interesting...he's compressed the power of a Bijuu into human form... Kisame remembered reports Zetsu gathered from the battle between Orochimaru and Naruto nearly a year ago, as well as between Naruto and Pain. Unlike the Kyubi kid though, it seems like this guy can keep his mind...that makes him ten times dangerous... A toothy grin appeared on Kisame's face. "Perfect."

"Lets see how much your hungry little sword can take before I break it!" Killer Bee said, his own toothy grin appearing in the chakra cloak.

Kisame charged Killer Bee, who smashed his hands into the ground and ripped up a huge slab of earth and he swung it like a huge club at the Akatsuki Member. Kisame used Samehada to block, shattering the makeshift club as Killer Bee himself charged, launching a powerful punch at Kisame and making him fly back into and through several trees, further away from Sabu and Ponta. The Hachibi Jinchuuriki blurred, and then in vanished and its fists enlarged as he reappeared over the Akatsuki Member.

Bringing down the enlarged chakra hands in a hammer strike, Kisame used his enlarged Samehada to control his flight by smashing it into the ground like an anchor. He twisted, avoiding the fists as they struck the ground, causing a mini-earthquake and cratering the ground massively. Killer Bee's tails lashed out, acting like whips as they tried to strike the Akatsuki Member. Kisame gave a grin hefting Samehada up to drain each tail but the chakra acted on its own, barely avoiding the sword and smashing into Kisame's shoulder.

"Argh..." Kisame growled, being pushed back as Killer Bee made a flexing motion. Blood poured out of the swordsman's shoulder, but it began closing as he held onto Samehada.

A huge ox skull with two sharp horns appeared on Killer Bee's shoulder, as well as the spine. The ground cracked underneath him again as the snow evaporated all around him, creating the effect of a supercharged mist, filled completely with Hachibi Chakra. Kisame hefted his sword, seeing the ox skull through the wafting mist.

"Chou Lariatto (Super Lariat)!" Killer Bee yelled, taking off at Kisame at high speeds.

Kisame's eyes widened slightly and he brought Samehada up to block. The huge ox skull smashed into the sword, wrenching it from the Akatsuki Member's grasp and the rest of the skull smashed into his chest. Samehada managed to eat up most of the chakra, making Killer Bee revert to his first version state with only one tail. Kisame smashed into a nearby tree, and the tree collapsed as blood dripped out of his mouth.

I can't believe I reverted to this version...hungry little sword...

Kisame's entire chest had been blown away, exposing his ribs and collar bone. He chuckled, continuing to cough up blood as he put a hand to his wound and reached out.

"Heh...you got me Hachibi...but..." Kisame reached out, and Samehada flew into his hands. Despite being absolutely engorged by the Hachibi chakra, as well as its own injury, it still responded with speed to Kisame's commands. "This fight is just getting started..."

"What are you talking about, fool?" Killer Bee demanded as Kisame's mortal wound...began healing.

Fresh new blue flesh began covering Kisame's ribs as he regenerated from the Chou Lariatto. When he was fully healed, the Akatsuki Member gave a grin, and he slashed the air with his sword and rotated his shoulder. Giving Killer Bee a toothy grin, his face began to get more...shark-like.

"I'm the best Akatsuki member at taking their target alive," Kisame said with a wide grin, charging his chakra to his stomach to create a powerful Suiton. "My strength is equal to that of my opponent...and with Samehada I'll never lose stamina...thus making me the perfect weapon against your kind..."

Killer Bee frowned, and he entered Version 2 once more as Kisame's cheeks swelled. He's gonna use a Suiton...this guys chakra is so big he doesn't need a source!

"Suiton: Dai Bakusui Shoha (Water Release: Great Exploding Water Colliding Wave)!" Kisame yelled, and he spat out a massive amount of water which blew Killer Bee back. The waves buffeted Killer Bee's Version 2 form until he was completely submerged.

What the...why couldn't I... Killer Bee thought and he looked around as the massive amount of water...formed a huge dome!

He then shot to look at Kisame...who had now merged with Samehada. His neck had grown out a bit, and he now had six gills-three on each side. On his back was a large dorsal fin, and his elbows had grown flippers, and webbing was now connected his fingers and toes. Finally, he now had a tail, and looked incredibly more dangerous.

"What the...? Is he really half-shark now...?" Killer Bee asked aloud, having a bit trouble breathing while underwater. If he fully transformed, he would have the gills and the girth needed to survive here...but he couldn't risk it just yet. "I guess I'm in your turf now..."

"Here I come..." Kisame uttered, and in a massive amount of speed, he charged at Killer Bee in the water.

Killer Bee created another ox skull, and his tails burst backwards at the same time, propelling him at the same speed as Kisame. "Chou Lariatto (Super Lariat)!"

The two collided at insane speeds, the ox-skull smashing again into Kisame's body. However, this time, any wound that he got instantly regenerated and he drained Killer Bee's Version 2 cloak away and dove while the Jinchuuriki was caught in his elbow. He smashed Bee into the ground, drawing Killer Bee's blood for the first time when he spat out a copious amount.

In retaliation, Killer Bee's remaining tails turned into real tentacles, and he tossed Kisame away before assuming another Version 2 Cloak. The Jinchuuriki jumped up from the floor of the water prison, and fired a concentrated beam of chakra from his mouth. Kisame just swam around it, bobbing and weaving as Killer Bee continued to fire at him.

"Its useless Jinchuuriki!" Kisame yelled, avoiding the last chakra beam and he did several seals. "Suiton: Goshokuzame (Water Release: Five Feeding Sharks)!"

He extended his hand and several large sharks, made out of hardened and shaped water, swam at Killer Bee and sank their jaws into his chakra cloak. They dragged him down to the bottom of the prison and smashed him through several trees and then through a large rock. Killer Bee threw his arms out, smashing the water sharks apart...but they just reformed. Kisame then smashed his way through and slashed at the Jinchuuriki with his fins.

"GAAAH!" Killer Bee yelled, the air knocked out of his lungs again as his Version 2 cloak was eaten by Samehada which was in Kisame's body. "Damn it...this isn't getting no where! And I'm runnin' out of air!"

"Don't worry Hachibi, I won't kill you!" Kisame yelled, slamming into Killer Bee again and eating the remains of his chakra cloak before breaking off. "Though that doesn't mean I can't break a few of your bones!"

Killer Bee growled. "Okay...Number Eight, I think its time to come out!"

Its about time Bee! Hachibi yelled as a new chakra cloak burst from Killer Bee's body.

Kisame watched, and he blinked as the cloak receded as...Killer Bee's legs disappeared. Eight massive tentacles took its place as wave of bubbles came rising up, obscuring the Akatsuki Member's view. Kisame's jaw dropped as Killer Bee's chakra levels spiked, even though before they were almost completely drained, when the bubbles cleared...standing right before the Akatsuki Member was the Hachibi itself.

Now you've brought out the bull you massive tool! Killer Bee yelled, using the Hachibi's mouth. Gonna stomp you into dust and break that annoying little sword!

Crap... Kisame thought as the Hachibi's tails pulsed, and then sent it barreling forward at the Akatsuki Member. Fully transformed...I can't absorb his chakra like this! And that form gave him gills! Time to change tactics...

Kisame dodged the Hachibi's massive hand as it tried to grab him and the tentacles shot out at him. The Akatsuki member bobbed and weaved, attempting to avoid all of the Hachibi's strikes, but the tails were incredibly fast. One smashed into his back, and he pushed upwards, cutting the tip off but was met by the Hachibi's fist. It sent him flying back and Killer Bee pushed the Hachibi Form forward in pursuit.

Kisame caught himself, growling, only to have one of Hachibi's horns smashing into his stomach. He coughed up blood and was sent flying upwards when Killer Bee shook the form's head. Kisame's wound closed and then he saw a massive amount of chakra gathering at the Hachibi's mouth, one of the Biju's strongest attacks-the Menacing Ball.

This is a perfect chance as any...Samehada can absorb some of that, and it'll survive...time to go to plan B... Kisame thought as Hachibi gave a roar, and shot the massive blast right up at the Akatsuki Member.

The Menacing Ball crashed into Kisame as he cried out in pain, and then the projectile exploded, shattering the water prison and making it rain for kilometers around. The blast also cleared the clouds overhead which were bringing snow to the area. The Hachibi Form landed on the ground, creating a mini-earthquake as Killer Bee untransformed.

"Whew...that guy was tough..." Killer Bee said panting as Samehada spun in the air as it felt to the ground, landing blade first. "At least he's dead now...though I bet my chakra was detected...it was a fun vacation while it lasted..."

Samehada's hilt then reached out to him, and he blinked. It was making the same 'Gigigigigigi' sound it was before, and Killer Bee walked over as his brother, Shi, and Darui landed. The Raikage looked both relieved and angry at the same time. Killer Bee grasped the hilt...and his chakra was replenished.

"Hard to miss a blast like that," Darui said, looking at Shi. "Though you were right in the direction to go..."

"Thanks Darui," Shi said as Killer Bee lifted Samehada.

"Heh...guess it..." Killer Bee started as A stormed over to his younger brother.

"BEE! YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED I'VE BEEN?" A demanded, grasping his brother's head with his right hand. "I SHOULD GIVE YOU AN IRON CLAW FOR THIS!"

Killer Bee began shaking in fear at his brother's anger. E-E-Even his right hand is insanely strong!

Konohagakure, two days later

Naruto's team was returning home, entering through the gates. The young Hokage looked around as a massive crowd gathered around him. He blinked, seeing people holding up banners of 'Welcome home Naruto!' 'Great job!' and other things.

"Welcome home, Hokage-sama!" the crowd cheered in unison, and Naruto blinked.

"Uh...thanks..." Naruto said, rubbing the back of his head. He looked over the crowd to see that a small section of Konoha had been rebuilt-where the old downtown used to be. At the center of it...was a new Hokage Tower, right at the base of the Monument.

Yamato came walking forward. "Got the Tower all finished, Naruto. Its ready for your inspection..."

"Thanks Yamato-taicho," Naruto said as he walked through the crowd. Sakura was grinning at her teammate, but she was breathing nervously...

...I'll tell him when he gets settled... Sakura thought as she looked at Hinata, and then nudged her forward. "Go on...go talk to him. You've been waiting the longest out of all of us."

Hinata blushed. "T-Thanks Sakura-chan..."

She walked forward, looking at Naruto. She took several calming breaths, trying to get rid of her stammer. "Naruto-kun...uh...can I...uh accompany you to your office?"

Naruto smiled. "I'd...like that Hinata-chan, a lot."

Hinata nearly fainted at that and the crowd cheered again. Neji gave a smile at what his cousin did. Shikamaru glanced at Sakura, guessing she was going to use Hinata as a distraction so the issue about Sasuke wouldn't be pushed. He shook his head at that.

Shortly, Naruto was in his new office and he was looking around. Neji had gone to rest after the mission, but Kakashi and Hinata escorted him there. It was almost a carbon copy of Tsunade's and Hiruzen's old office, except well...new. There was even a similar desk there, as well as the same type of chair.

Kakashi smiled. "Well Naruto, you have time. Go on, its your chair now..."

"Thanks sensei," Naruto said, walking over to his new chair and he slowly pulled it out, before taking a seat behind the desk. "...wow...this is the first time...wow..."

"You...you look great there, Naruto-kun," Hinata said and Naruto smiled at her.

"Thanks..." he said, putting the Hokage hat down on the desk. "...alright...where to start first...?"

"I believe we have some financial reports to go over, as well as a message from the Daimyo arrived, and Tsunade-sama's medical status as well as others' statuses in the new hospital," Kakashi said after walking over to the desk and lifting up some of Naruto's new paperwork. "Hope you can handle this..."

"I think I'll need help, but I'll do my best!" Naruto said, punching his fists together. "Dattebayo, Time to start!"

Hinata smiled as she walked over. "I-I can give a little help if you want, Naruto-kun..."

"Thanks Hinata-chan!" Naruto said as Hinata came behind the desk and began helping.

Kakashi smiled, and he could almost see a mirror image of...Minato and Kushina at work where Naruto and Hinata were standing. His smiley eye grew, and he left the room. Even with the War declaration...the Copy Ninja didn't feel worried.

The next generation's time has truly come... Kakashi thought.