Chapter 72

The Nine-Tails, teetering on the edge of a rampage, collided with the tailed beast form of Killer B.

The sheer force of their clash shook the earth, ripping apart the terrain. The ground beneath them cracked and crumbled, leaving destruction in their wake.

"Go!"

Naruto, still in his tailed beast form, forced out the word. Even with his consciousness fading, he knew his priority was to protect his comrades and ensure their escape.

Tsunade and the others didn't hesitate. They quickly dealt with the remaining ink clones Killer B had created, clearing the way.

Meanwhile, the two tailed beasts continued their fierce battle. Killer B's tentacles lashed out, attempting to strangle Naruto's Nine-Tails form. In response, Naruto unleashed a Tailed Beast Bomb, firing it directly at the Eight-Tails.

Killer B retaliated with his own Tailed Beast Bomb, the two attacks colliding in a deafening explosion that sent shockwaves across the battlefield.

"Move! Don't waste Naruto's efforts!" Kakashi urged as he dragged the sealed Might Guy away.

"I'm staying!" Neji declared, his Byakugan active as he watched the battle. "I won't abandon Naruto!"

The sight of Neji standing his ground seemed to spark something in Naruto. Despite the weakening flames of his Nine-Tails chakra, he fought with renewed vigor, unleashing another Tailed Beast Bomb at Killer B.

The Eight-Tails roared in frustration, momentarily disoriented by the relentless onslaught.

Seizing the moment, the Nine-Tails—still conscious of its host's bond with Uzumaki Chito—used its massive tails to scoop Naruto and fling him toward Neji.

"Take this brat and leave!" the Nine-Tails growled, its voice reverberating in Neji's mind. "If it weren't for his blood ties to Uzumaki Chito, I wouldn't bother saving him."

Neji nodded solemnly. "Thank you,." Without hesitation, he carried the unconscious Naruto on his back and retreated.

Killer B, shaking off the effects of the battle, lifted his head and let out a roar of frustration. A signal flare shot into the sky, lighting up the darkened battlefield.

In Kumogakure, Raikage A noticed the flare almost immediately.

"That's Killer B's location," he said grimly, already moving. "Something's gone wrong with the supply route. Prepare to mobilize!"

Halfway to the battlefield, he saw the flare's message and halted.

"Supplies stolen…" Raikage clenched his fists. "Lock down every port and border crossing! I want the thieves caught!"

He pushed forward, arriving at the scene of the battle to find Killer B sitting amidst the wreckage. The ground was scarred with massive craters, evidence of the devastating exchange of Tailed Beast Bombs.

"B, are you alright?" Raikage asked.

Killer B nodded, though frustration was evident in his tone. "I'm fine, brother. But the supplies… they're gone. It was Shin-Konoha. I fought the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."

Raikage's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. "They dared… to challenge us? No one steals from Kumogakure and lives to tell the tale. We'll hunt them down and crush them!"

The news of Shin-Konoha's daring raid spread rapidly across the ninja world.

In Konoha, Jiraiya read the report and couldn't suppress a laugh. "Shin-Konoha really has a death wish, going after the Land of Lightning. Kumogakure won't let this slide."

Beside him, Hiruzen Sarutobi smirked, pleased at the potential fallout. "It's only a matter of time before Shin-Konoha is destroyed. They've bitten off more than they can chew."

Shimura Danzo, tending to his garden, merely shook his head. "Don't underestimate Uzumaki Chito. With him involved, the Land of Lightning might find itself on the losing side."

In a small town near the Land of Lightning's coast, the Shin-Konoha team regrouped. The stolen supplies were hidden in a cave, its entrance destroyed to prevent discovery.

"The port's locked down," Kakashi reported after scouting the area. "Cloud ninjas are patrolling every possible escape route."

"We'll be found soon," Might Guy added, glancing out the window. "This entire town is under surveillance."

Though he had broken free of the sealing technique using the Eight Gates, Guy still bore signs of exhaustion.

"What about Naruto?" Guy asked, looking at his unconscious comrade.

"He's still out," Tsunade replied, her expression tight with concern. "His consciousness is trapped, likely due to the Nine-Tails' chakra. Only he can pull himself out of it."

"But the talisman hasn't activated," she added, trying to reassure the group. "That means he's not in mortal danger."

Though worried, the team respected Naruto even more. His decision to stay behind and hold off Killer B had bought them enough time to secure the supplies.

"Everyone, restore your chakra," Tsunade commanded. "We'll likely face another fight soon."

In the depths of his unconscious mind, Naruto found himself in a realm of total darkness.

A colossal nine-tailed fox loomed before him, its fiery orange fur glowing faintly. Its eyes, massive and luminous like twin suns, stared at him.

"So, you've finally come," the Nine-Tails growled.

Naruto tilted his head, trying to steady his nerves. "Are you… the Nine-Tails?"

The fox's lips curled into a sly grin, its fangs glinting in the dim light. "Indeed, brat. And it's time we had a little chat."

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