Chapter 15

The silence was deafening as everything began to settle. The ninja began to pull themselves up from the blast that knocked them off their feet or uncover their faces that helped protect them from the flying rock and debris. All began to survey their surroundings. The smoke made it difficult to see as both sides began engaging once more. Belva was left coughing trying to find her student.

From the wreckage, Obito pulled himself free, teeth clenched from the pain that shot through an arm from the blast. It hadn't been destroyed, but it was burned and cut up in a few areas. Observing the field something else caught the young man's attention, head snapping down to stare at his palms. They were shaking. And not from the adrenaline, the enemy realized. For the first time in his life since being a young boy, Obito felt fear.

"Ridiculous," he grumbled, clenching his hands tightly to make them stop.

The young man refused to feel such a thing. And towards someone who was younger and less experienced in this world than himself. Through the haze he began to see a silhouette, but not standing against him. Obito could investigate, to end it all permanently. However, based on what he could make out there was nothing for him to worry about. That fear had been for nothing. There was something more important he had to do, returning to the side of his own creation after collecting the tailed beasts – the Juubi, also known as the Ten-Tails – as it continued to brutally eliminate the Shinobi Army.

"Enough of this," he growled.

The Ten-Tails released a Wood Jutsu that had massive spikes covering the surrounding area. Impaling those already dead, ninja already injured and unable to run away or protect themselves. Even struck down a few of his own comrades left standing, unable to counter such a brutal attack. The death toll was mounting by the minute as the beast paused for a moment.

"I thought you said you would not allow me to kill another one of your comrades, Naruto," Obito mocked, arms spreading wide to take in the scene. "Well look around you! Death is everywhere. Or were you only muttering that to yourself? A false promise that you hoped would make you feel better about your situation? The body count will continue to rise despite your empty principles. This is reality. And now let me ask, what is left here for you? You have no father or mother, master, and your comrades will fall one by one. In the end no one will acknowledge your existence."

When all hope seemed lost as the ground became further stained red and littered with corpses, Naruto's mind began to falter. For a moment. When Hinata appeared by his side it brought him back from a dark place as an orb of energy began to form at the Ten-Tail's mouth, growing by the second. This would end it all, as its radius would completely wipe them out. None would survive.

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Orochimaru lead Team Taka to the Uzumaki Clan's Noh Mask Hall on the outskirts of Konoha. Surprisingly, the man agreed to assist the Uchiha to seek the all-knowing without trying to claim his body as a host. The building was half destroyed, having not been rebuilt after Pein's assault on the Village and left to decay. They climbed over the destruction inside to find a wall covered in different ninja masks.

"Which one?" Sasuke wondered.

"Hmm, let's see," Orochimaru mused.

His arm transformed into a snake, its tongue flicking out as it slithered closer to locate what they sought. Finally, it circled one in particular, pulling it from the wall.

"There we go."

"This place gives me the creeps," Suigetsu said. "If you've found it, can we please get outta here?"

"Yes, let's go to where all the secrets sleep."

They made their way through the streets of Konoha undetected. Keeping their hoods up in place so none recognized them in passing. Finally, they reached their destination, the Naka Shrine. The birthplace of the Uchiha Clan. It was in a similar state as the Uzumaki grounds. Uncovering a hidden underground room, they traveled deep below. Orochimaru put on the mask, warning,

"It's best if you stand back."

His chakra flared, producing the Death God himself as it manifested from the mask. It was the only way to perform what was written on the scroll. From there, the Death God would slice open his abdomen, thus sacrificing Orochimaru in the process. However, it would allow him to regain his arms from inside the belly. Regaining the power needed to perform Edo Tensei himself.

From Sasuke's body, clones of the White Zetsu appeared forcefully due to Juugo's involvement in sharing a part of his own curse mark Sage power. The danger it presented caused them to appear. Ones placed by Tobi to watch Sasuke and protect him. They were used as vessels to summon four individuals. Juugo killed the fifth, while the last one became a new vessel for Orochimaru, having him recover from the harrowing ordeal.

"They who are all-knowing," Orochimaru grinned.

Before them stood the four previous Hokage's in a resurrected state. The very ones depicted on the scroll.

"That's the First Hokage?" Suigetsu questioned. "The real Hashirama who's been touted as a god of Shinobi?"

"It's that shinobi Orochimaru again," the Second Hokage glared.

"What's going on?" the First questioned.

"I suspect he undid the Reaper Death Seal that has been keeping us sealed away," the Third Hokage stated. "And then performed the Edo Tensei.

"No way," the Fourth spoke. "You solved how to undo that Sealing Jutsu? How?"

"You underestimate me, Minato," Orochimaru said.

"Lord First, it appears we've been recalled into the world of the living."

After a bit of back and forth, and hostile words towards Orochimaru's involvement, the stage was set for Sasuke to address the former leaders of Konoha.

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha," he said. "I have questions that need answers."

The Third Hokage was surprised to see the teen, "Is that really you, Sasuke?"

The Uchiha name seemed to displease the Second Hokage greatly.

"Third Hokage, why'd you make Itachi do what he did?"

His expression grew grave. "I see... so you've learned of what happened."

"I killed Itachi to avenge the Uchiha Clan. Afterwards, I learned the truth from Tobi and Danzo... and leaned towards swearing vengeance against Konoha. However, I want to hear it straight from your mouth. Everything regarding Itachi."

The Third Hokage confessed to it all. Not only did he have Itachi murder his Clan and allowed him to bear the false charge as a traitor, the older Uchiha also kept tabs on the Akatuski too. Itachi studied the teachings and signs of their predecessors better than anyone else. Which was why he didn't fall into the trappings of the Clan. It allowed him to think about the future of shinobi. If things had been different, maybe he could've been a Hokage. Everything was left in Itachi's hands and he executed every mission flawlessly. He slaughtered the Clan, stopped a revolt, prevented a coming war all by himself, and infiltrated the Akatsuki as a spy to protect the Village. On the condition that the Third Hokage protect Sasuke within the Village.

"So... it's all true..." Sasuke said.

"This is just part of the Uchiha's cursed fate," the Second Hokage said. "I can't believe they're on the brink of extinction. So they even plotted a coup. I'd envisioned that it might come to something like that. The rebellious elements bearing Madara's will had been smoldering."

"But you're the one who drove the Uchiha to it, Second Hokage," Orochimaru said. "It could be said that the seeds got sown with the Uchiha Police Force that you created."

Those that cracked down on crime were usually never seen in a good life. By shoving the Uchiha Clan to the margins of the Village, that helped foster the Madara adherents. This enraged the First Hokage, who told his brother constantly before his death to not slight the Uchiha.

"But I gave them positions that they were eminently qualified for," the Second protested. "And I believed that even if another Madara were to emerge, he could be dealt with right away. As you well know, elder brother, the Uchiha are a Clan possessed by evil."

"What is it about the Uchiha Clan that makes you hate them so?" Sasuke wondered. "What do you know?"

"The Uchiha Clan and our Senju Clan have a long history of battling each other. In fact, the two Clans originally were enemies."

"I know that, but what do you mean about them being possessed by evil?"

"There used to be a thought that in contrast to the Senju Clan, who based their strength in love as opposed to jutsu, the basis of the Uchiha Clan's strength was the power of their jutsu. However, the truth is actually different. There is no Clan that feels deeper love than the Uchiha. And that is why the Uchiha have suppressed and sealed it away."

Once an Uchiha knew love, all checked emotions seem to be released. That awaken love and power exceeded even the Senju Clan. Instead of this being seen as a good thing, the great power possessed a possibility of going out of control.

"When an Uchiha who has known love then loses that deep love, it is replaced by an even stronger hate that changes them."

This phenomenon is when the Sharingan is born. Eyes that reflect the heart. Tapping into the power of the person's heart rapidly increases strength alongside that hate. During the Second Hokage's life, nearly all who were exposed to strong emotions were taken by darkness and fell to evil. The deeper the darkness, the stronger the power. With this knowledge, Sasuke wondered,

"First Hokage, I ask you this, what does it mean to be a Village? And what does it mean to be a shinobi? Itachi, my brother, despite having been used by Konoha, defended the Village with his life. He died a proud Konoha shinobi. So what exactly is this Village that one strives to protect even if it means killing one's family. Even if it means their own death. And what are shinobi who've created such circumstance and consider them acceptable? I'll listen to your words and find out the truth. Then I'll make my decision. Vengeance against Konoha or..."

The threat brought on a reaction by the Second Hokage. Who was willing to end the Uchiha right then and there to protect Konoha.

"Tobirama," the First Hokage threatened. His chakra levels fighting against his brother's. It halted his killer instincts for the time being. "Sasuke, you had a good older brother, a shinobi even greater than I. I don't mind telling you, but it will take some time."

"We don't have much time," Orochimaru said. "We're in the middle of a war. Madara Uchiha has been revived and apparently intends to erase all of the shinobi of this world."

This information alarmed the Hokages greatly.

It was decided. The First Hokage revealed his history with Madara. Before Konoha was even a Village, the two Clans were always at war. Hashirama and Madara were nearly friends as children, until it became clear that they were on two different sides and would be forced to fight one another. Year passed. Both became leaders of their Clans. Until the First Hokage offered up a chance to stop the senseless fighting. For the two Clans to unite and become a powerful force that none could stand against. To end the horrible conflicts.

The Uchiha was apprehensive to this offer. He didn't accept then and there. And after a great battle between the Clan leaders ending with Madara defeated, Hashirama offered the deal again. Eventually, the two came to an agreement. There were no longer mass casualties. No more deaths of countless innocent children. The Senju and Uchiha worked together and developed Konoha. Hashirama offered that Madara become the First Hokage, leader and protector over its inhabitants. Unfortunately, the decision was made democratically and the Senju became the First Hokage over the Uchiha.

Madara wished for his Clan to leave the Village with him, as it seemed they would never be given a fair chance now that the Senju were in power. No one wished to follow him. In the end, he chose to leave himself. With the promise that they would see each other again on the battlefield when he achieved his true dream. In the end, Hashirama killed his former friend. He refused to tolerate anyone who sought to harm the Village, be they friend, brother, or even his own child. Protecting the people of Konoha was the only thing that mattered. The long history between the two individuals ended there.

"I do not know how Madara returned to life now, but I definitely killed my friend," the First Hokage said. "For the sake of the Village. So yes, the Village is what Madara and I envisioned in the beginning. It's something that joined one Clan to another. An invaluable cornerstone that created order out of chaos and then maintained it. It protected the children, averted pointless conflict, and made peace a reality. However, it also gave rise to darkness, such as that borne by your older brother, Itachi.

"Perhaps what Madara said was correct after all... Maybe he had foreseen this very state of affairs. I am the shinobi who created these circumstances. Furthermore, I am also the one who considered them acceptable. And I believe that shinobi are those who endue for a purpose. But depending on what that purpose is, a shinobi can change. Just as both Madara and I did."

Sasuke was silent for a moment, taking it all in.

"It seems that Itachi inherited your will without you ever having directly exchanged words," the Uchiha said. "He endured longer and harder than you and died stating he was proud to be a Konoha shinobi. Isn't it ironic that the shinobi who understood you most was a member of the Uchiha Clan?"

"Your brother wasn't the only one," the Second Hokage spoke up. "One of my subordinates was Kagami Uchiha, a man a lot like your brother."

"I thought you hated the Uchiha?"

"That's not entirely true. I simply treated any who posed a danger to the Village, no matter what Clan they belonged to, with extreme caution. The Uchiha just happened to be a Clan particularly disposed to be considered such. However, it is also because they could feel such deep love that there were quite a few over the years like Kagami and Itachi. They could transcend the framework of the Clan and devote themselves to the Village. It was my role as Second Hokage to mediate between naïveté and dangerousness to protect the Village and fortify it."

"Kagami's descendant was Shisui Uchiha," the Third Hokage said. "The man who was your brother's friend. There were many, including myself, who inherited Lord First's Will of Fire. Perhaps I was the most naïve shinobi of them all. I could not maintain Lord Second's Village-building well. Which is how I ended up burdening Danzo with the Village's darkness."

"I killed Danzo in vengeance," Sasuke said. "To the very end he professed that he would protect the Village, no matter what dirty means were required."

"It seems I erred time after time as Hokage..."

"It is not your fault, Lord Third," the Fourth said. "You devoted yourself to the Village wholly and respectfully. I'm the one who went down during the Nine-Tail attack. You had such high expectations of me, which I did not fulfill. Perhaps if I hadn't died, I would've been able to stop the Uchiha coup plans a lot earlier."

"What will you do now, Sasuke?" Orochimaru inquired. "Shall you crush the Village, or...?"

Sasuke thought hard on the question. Now was the moment to make the decision that would determine his next course in life.

"I always lied to you, telling you to forgive me," Itachi's words echoed in his mind. "I used these hands to keep you far, far away from me. I did not want you to get involved. But now I think maybe you... as well as Mai could have changed Father and Mother... changed the Uchiha. If I would have faced you from the start, stood at the same viewpoint as you, and spoke to you about the truth. But I failed. And speaking to you now like this isn't going to penetrate and sink in. That's why, I wanted to show you the truth, even just a little. Because then you will understand everything and can help Mai find some closure in my absence. There is no time for me to find her. It's up to you. You two never have to forgive me. No matter what happens to you both from here on out, I will always love you."

Finally, Sasuke had his answer, "I'm going to head to the battlefield. I won't let the Village and Itachi become nothing."

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In a last-ditch effort, Shikamaru made a plan for every ninja to put their strength into a massive blockade that would hopefully buy them enough time for Killer B's beast to change the trajectory. Naruto's chakra began to feed more off the Nine-Tail Beast, causing him to glow a golden color brighter than before. It was restoring his strength, chakra, and resolve as he held Hinata's hand in his. The raging chakra transferred to the Hyuuga, replenishing her chakra levels too. The blonde split into clones, all of them sharing the Nine-Tail's chakra to strengthen the Shinobi Army in order to face their foe.

Ten-Tail's power was great, pressing against the raw energy before it disappeared in an instant as an inscribed kunai was only left behind. None knew what had happened, only then realizing a yellow flash racing across the field before standing with their back to Naruto and Sakura, picking up the discarded weapon. The Genin saw a sight he would not soon forget.

"Am I late?" the Fourth Hokage questioned.

Naruto smirked, "Right on time, Dad."

The man grinned back, "You two may want to hold on."

And the blast that had been meant for them went off along the coastline further away. The black lash reached their position and produced a roaring wind.

"I redirected the Juubi's attack into the ocean."

Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage of the Leaf, Naruto's father had come to their rescue. And he wasn't alone as a new set of high-level chakras entered the fold. They appeared out of nowhere, surprising the army greatly. Every Hokage that lived stood before the army in Edo Tensei, but somehow on their side. The former leaders weren't alone, Sasuke at the front with Jugo, Suigetsu, and Karin, who escaped her prison in Konoha before their departure. Then there was Orochimaru with his snake-like smirk that offered little comfort as to why the Sage was alive again in the first place.

"We must take care of the Juubi quickly," the First Hokage stated.

The Hokages split among four points of the battlefield, creating a successful barrier to keep the Ten-Tail contained.

"Sasuke!" Sakura exclaimed. He was here. He actually showed up. And was an ally. But why...? What changed?

"Oi! Keep your distance!" Shikamaru stated, upon noticing that Ino was about to make a run for him in greeting. "He's still the enemy!"

"Boisterous as ever..." the Uchiha mumbled.

"You bastard!" Kiba growled. "You have some nerve showing your face here!"

"Why... are you here, Sasuke?" Sakura dared to ask.

It weighed heavily on everyone's mind. Their enemy was only feet before them, completely open. An ally of the Akatsuki. Someone who had tried to kill them at every turn. Now would be the perfect opportunity to end him.

"A lot has happened," Sasuke stated. "But in the end... I've decided to protect Konoha."

"So, this is your decision then?" a voice questioned.

Their heads turned, watching Obito stand atop a high rock face, glaring at the younger Uchiha. This wasn't going according to plan whatsoever. Sasuke didn't bother giving an answer, his actions said enough. Instead, the teen's eyes scanned his surroundings spotting familiar faces still alive. One was missing though.

"Where's Mai?" Sasuke asked.

Obito chuckled. "Isn't it obvious? Your precious Be Fong is lying among the corpses of your fallen comrades."

Those from the Leaf instantly tensed at the information, horror seizing them. Mai had fallen? How? Impossible! This had to be a trick of his.

"Pity. She showed so much progress, but in the end chose to go against me and failed."

"You lie," the rogue's brows narrowed.

"I'm sure you all sensed that swell of chakra in the air only moments ago. Felt that blast. I was the only one to walk away from it."

Their eyes widened.

"I must admit she was a formidable foe. But still no match for my power."

Sasuke's hands clenched into fists, a newfound rage sparking in the teammates.

"Still, I must commend her for immobilizing Madara for as long as she did. Truly she was one of a kind."

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The smell of blood and death was suffocating. That was the first thing that came to mind upon reaching consciousness once more. It nearly made her retch. She was hunched over a pile of corpses struggling to regain movement. Anything to shift her nose far away from the awful stench. The clash left her dazed, but not confused as to who the enemy still was. Where was Obito? That son of a bitch. She'd rip him apart for everything he'd done. A cry of utter rage and agony from injuries escaped her lips, falling on deaf ears. The teen didn't expect anybody to come. It was merely frustration to let out.

A hand touched a shoulder, causing her body to spasm, coiling for an attack. But then the teen realized that this was not a threat. And honestly it was a face she was not expecting to see.

"You need to get up," Sai stated.

There was blood leaking out of the corners of his mouth, traveling down the chin, and he looked worse for wear. At least the Root Ninja was alive.

"I know you're tired. Angry. But you need to keep fighting."

Flipping over the Be Fong, she was grateful to be rid of the smell. Yet a groan escaped her lips feeling a pinch in the chest.

"You're pretty torn up."

Just barely managing to pick her head up a deep cut ran from the middle of the breasts and over the left side of the collarbone. Normally she'd allow the strings to mend the wound, but Sai was already working at it. Naruto blanketing them in his chakra had replaced his depleted levels to be of assistance.

"When... did you learn medical...?" she managed out.

"I've been watching Sakura."

She was glad for that having used too much chakra in a short period of time. "What's happening?"

A new party had entered the war, noticing the swelling chakra levels.

"Naruto is facing against Obito," Sai said.

"Who else?"

"I'm not sure. I have yet to rejoin the others. I've been looking for you."

Still, there was something more sinister. Its levels were off the charts.

"What else is out there?" Mai wondered.

Sai's expression grew grave. "The Ten-Tail, known as the Juubi, has been awakened."

The Ten-Tails? Then that meant... The Be Fong's heart began to race faster at the thought that the enemy managed to swallow up the Eight and Nine-Tails.

"Naruto..."

"He's just fine, as is Killer B," the Root Ninja reassured. "Somehow Obito managed to grab a handful of their chakra and not their whole being, but it's not stable... still... it's causing its fair share of havoc."

That wasn't all, spotting the look in his eyes.

"What happened?" She couldn't have been unconscious for that long, had she? How much time had passed since–?

"It wiped out HQ," Sai said.

Mai nearly stopped breathing, searching his face for any form of a lie behind those words. It wasn't there, her teeth clenching, hands balling into fists.

"That bastard," the teen choked out.

"Which is why we need you."

Her head shook. "I honestly don't understand why you would need me that much after I faired so poorly here."

"You're an idiot, aren't you?"

The voice made their heads turn, spotting a worse for wear Belva. The woman was very thankful to find the Be Fong alive and conscious once more.

"Everyone needs each other in times of war. What Obito claims how friendships, bonds should not exist is false. Without hope, ties, what else do we have to live for as human beings? It's what molds us into the people we are today. Your presence on the battlefield is enough to rally forces, much like Naruto, Kakashi, Sakura, and the Kages presences. They offer that to comrades."

Sai nodded in agreement.

"Though I don't believe you made a fine example of yourself by rushing an opponent head on like that and nearly destroying the area around you."

"I don't know how he survived..." Mai muttered.

"He didn't get away easily," the woman relayed. "He looks terrible, but recovered somewhat. And as much as I'd love to send you back to the medical teams for evaluation... there's no time for that. You're needed. Just try not to get yourself killed in the process."

"Madara­–"

"I will deal with that bastard," she interrupted. "Follow Sai back to the front line. That knucklehead, Naruto, tried to protect everyone and can't do it alone."

"But that's Naruto for you."

"His life is not only his own to protect. We protect each other, even if that means sacrificing yourself in order to help another survive. Someone who will make a difference to end this war. It's not lost yet. There are also two others who are looking forward to seeing you again."

Sai's hands pulled away, helping the Be Fong sit up. The wound was healed for the most part. Enough so that the teen could fight.

"Let's go," Sai stated.

He held out a hand. One that the Be Fong greatly took to be helped to her feet. Turning in the direction of the fight, there was some distance to make up.

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"Say what you want about Mai," Naruto growled. "But she would never go down so easily."

"Think what you'd like," Obito said. "You can go searching for her corpse when you retreat."

"Like hell that's gonna happen," the blonde grumbled. "Let's go, Sasuke."

As the two went to face Obito and the Ten-Tails head on they were joined by the Medical Ninja, "Did you really think I'd just sit back and play the damsel in distress? Tsunade trains her disciples as ferociously as the other Sannin. I'm still a member of Team 7."

Naruto grinned. "So we're finally reunited, huh?"

"No," Sasuke answered. "One of us is still missing."

"She'll catch up, don't you worry. And then we'll be whole again. Even better than ever."