In a swirling vortex, the Akatsuki members disappeared with Naruto, leaving behind a chamber of "devastated" Kage and their guards.
Pain and others reappeared in the Akatsuki's hideout, Naruto's unconscious form in their grasp.
In the dimly lit cave of the Akatsuki hideout, as the members gathered to take their positions for the sealing ritual, Pain's Deva Path turned to Black Zetsu.
"Something troubles me," Pain stated, his Rinnegan eyes fixed on the unconscious form of Naruto. "The capture of the jinchūriki... it was too easy. Even the Eight-Tails, despite wounding Itachi severely, fell into our hands without much resistance from Kumo."
Black Zetsu emerged partially from the wall, his yellow eye gleaming. "Are you suggesting a trap, Pain?"
"My Rinnegan senses something... different about this Nine-Tails," Pain continued, his voice measured. "Yet I can detect no deception. More concerning is the lack of response from the Five Nations. After our attacks, not a single spy has been detected in Amegakure."
Konan, standing beside Pain, added, "It is unusual. Typically, the villages would have made some attempt at reconnaissance."
Kisame chuckled darkly, Samehada twitching on his back. "Maybe they've finally learned their lesson about messing with the Akatsuki."
"Or perhaps they're planning something bigger," Itachi spoke softly from his position, his form noticeably weakened from his "battle" with the Eight-Tails.
Obito, still maintaining his Tobi persona, bounced excitedly. "Aw, you guys worry too much! We've got all the jinchūriki now! Let's just get started with the sealing!"
Hidan twirled his scythe impatiently. "For once, I agree with the idiot. All this talking is boring as hell!"
"Patience," Kakuzu growled. "If Pain senses something amiss, we should consider it carefully."
Zetsu's white half spoke up, "I've been monitoring all five villages. There's been no unusual movement, no gathering of forces. If anything, they seem more disorganized than ever after the Summit's disruption."
"And yet..." Pain's eyes narrowed as he studied Naruto's form. "Something feels wrong. This capture was too clean, too perfect."
"What do your eyes tell you, Pain?" Obito asked, dropping his playful act momentarily.
"The chakra network is intact, the seal is genuine, and the Nine-Tails' presence is unmistakable," Pain replied. "By all measures, this is the real jinchūriki. And yet..."
"We can't afford to wait," Konan interjected. "If we delay too long, we risk losing our window of opportunity."
Obito nodded. "Konan is right. Even if there is some deception at play, we have all nine Tailed Beasts within our grasp. The Moon's Eye Plan must proceed."
"Very well," Pain conceded, though his Rinnegan continued to study Naruto's form intently. "Let us begin the sealing. But remain alert. If this is indeed a trap, we must be ready."
The Akatsuki members took their positions on the massive statue's fingers, preparing to begin the final extraction. As their chakra began to flow, none of them noticed the slight twitch of Black Zetsu's mouth, forming what might have been a smile.
The sealing ritual began, the cave filling with the ominous sound of nine voices chanting in unison, while Pain's suspicions lingered in the back of his mind.
As the sealing ritual began, no one initially noticed the subtle smile on Itachi's holographic form. Suddenly, blood began pouring from his eyes, nose, and mouth - the apparent result of his "wounds" from the Eight-Tails battle combined with his terminal illness.
Before anyone could react, Itachi's hologram turned towards Kisame's position. "Forgive me... partner..." he whispered, and unleashed Amaterasu.
Kisame's hologram let out a startled cry as the black flames engulfed him. "Itachi, you-!" His voice cut off abruptly.
Immediately after, Itachi's hologram collapsed, appearing to succumb to his wounds. The remaining Akatsuki members watched in shock as two of their strongest members seemingly perished in seconds.
"What the hell just happened?!" Hidan shouted, breaking the stunned silence.
Black Zetsu's voice cut through the chaos. "It seems Itachi was a spy for Konoha all along. He was terminally ill with a rare disease, and with his wounds from the Eight-Tails battle... he must have decided to take action before we could complete our plan."
Pain's Rinnegan eyes narrowed. "How much has this delayed us?"
"The loss of two chakra sources will slow the extraction," Zetsu calculated. "But only by about a day. We can still proceed, just at a slower pace."
Obito, maintaining his Tobi persona, wailed dramatically. "Waah! Itachi-senpai and Kisame-senpai are gone! How could this happen?"
"Quiet," Kakuzu growled. "We need to focus on the sealing."
Konan looked to Pain. "Should we continue?"
Pain nodded solemnly. "Yes. We've come too far to stop now. Even with this setback, we will complete our goal."
"To think Itachi was a traitor all along," Hidan spat. "Jashin will punish him in the afterlife!"
"Focus your chakra," Pain commanded. "We must compensate for the loss of Itachi and Kisame's power."
As the remaining members redirected their energy to the sealing, Black Zetsu's yellow eye gleamed with hidden knowledge. The ritual continued, now slower but still progressing.
Meanwhile, in a secluded location far from the Akatsuki hideout, Itachi and Kisame sat facing each other. The soft glow of a small fire illuminated their faces, casting dancing shadows on the cave walls around them.
"Why did you agree to work with us, Kisame?" Itachi asked quietly, his dark eyes studying his longtime partner. "You could have refused."
Kisame let out a low chuckle, Samehada resting beside him. "You know, I've been wondering that myself. All this time, I thought Madara's perfect dream world would finally show me what I was looking for - a world without lies, where I could find my true self."
He paused, his usually fierce expression turning contemplative. "But in the end, it was just another deception, wasn't it? Another pretty lie wrapped in grand promises."
"And if you had refused?" Itachi prompted, though there was a hint of knowing in his voice.
Kisame's sharp teeth gleamed as he grinned. "Let's not pretend, Itachi. We both know you would have used your genjutsu on me if I hadn't agreed willingly. You're not as subtle as you think."
"Perhaps," Itachi admitted with a slight smile. "Though I'm glad it didn't come to that. Your willing cooperation makes things much simpler."
"Ha! You're still as manipulative as ever," Kisame laughed, but there was no malice in his voice. "But you know what? This feels more real than any of Madara's promises. Fighting against actual gods from another world... now that's something worth seeing."
"And what about your pursuit of truth?" Itachi asked.
Kisame's expression grew serious. "Maybe the truth I've been looking for isn't in some perfect dream world. Maybe it's in choosing to fight for something real, even if it means working with former enemies."
"An interesting perspective from the Monster of the Hidden Mist," Itachi observed.
"Well," Kisame grinned again, "monsters can change their minds too, can't they? Besides, I want to see how this all plays out. The Five Nations united, the truth about the Ōtsutsuki... it's far more interesting than being trapped in some eternal dream."
Itachi nodded, a rare look of approval crossing his face. "Then let's make sure our 'deaths' buy enough time for the others to prepare. The real battle is still to come."
"Right," Kisame agreed, standing up and hefting Samehada. "Though I have to admit, it's strange being on the same side as Konoha. Never thought I'd see the day."
"Strange times make for strange allies," Itachi replied, rising as well. "We should move. There's still much to be done before the Ōtsutsuki arrive."
Meanwhile, Sasuke, Guy, Karin, and Shikamaru were traveling together when Karin broke the silence with a question.
"Hey, did Naruto always know how to teleport?" Karin asked, adjusting her glasses. "Why doesn't he use such a useful skill more often? It would save us a lot of time."
"YOSH! I was wondering the same thing!" Guy exclaimed enthusiastically.
Sasuke maintained his stoic expression, but his slight head tilt betrayed his curiosity.
Shikamaru sighed, "What a drag... It's the Flying Thunder God technique - the jutsu that made the Fourth Hokage famous. If other villages had known about this before the summit, they probably would have refused to participate, thinking it was a trap."
He continued, "The less our enemies know about Naruto's true capabilities, the better. Guy-sensei was only allowed to see this skill because of his position and loyalty. No offense, Karin, but your loyalty is still somewhat questionable."
"Is it okay to tell me all this then?" Karin asked skeptically.
Suddenly, the kunai in Shikamaru's possession began to glow. He quickly tossed it away, and in a flash of yellow light, it transformed into a Naruto clone.
The clone grinned brightly at Karin. "Don't worry, Karin-chan! I believe in you, dattebayo!"
Karin blushed slightly at the clone's words, while Sasuke rolled his eyes at his friend's typical behavior. Guy gave a thumbs up and his signature smile, teeth gleaming in the sunlight.
Shikamaru frowned at the clone, "Oi, why did you transform back? We need to conserve chakra for emergency teleportation."
The Naruto clone's expression turned serious. "Something's happened. The Akatsuki started extracting the Nine-Tails earlier than we anticipated. I need to teleport you all to the secret base now - Sasuke and I need to perform the eye exchange."
"Eye exchange?" Karin asked, adjusting her glasses.
"The original me has already sent messenger frogs to Itachi's location to bring him there too," the clone continued. "We don't have much time. According to the intel we received, Kaguya's return will happen in three to five days."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "So we need to awaken the Rinnegan before then."
"Exactly," the clone nodded. "By exchanging our eyes, combining the power of Indra and Ashura's chakra, we should be able to awaken it. It's our best chance against Kaguya."
"YOSH! The power of youth knows no bounds!" Guy exclaimed, though his voice was more subdued than usual, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Shikamaru rubbed his temples. "What a drag... but I guess we don't have a choice. The timing is troublesome, but we need to move fast."
"Everyone, gather around," the clone instructed, pulling out another marked kunai. "We'll teleport directly to the base. Sakura and Tsunade are already there, preparing for the procedure."
As they gathered around the clone, Karin spoke up, "Wait, isn't this kind of procedure extremely dangerous?"
"That's why we need both Sakura and Tsunade," the clone explained. ", Plus, your healing bloodline ability will plus during the procedure, Karin-chan. That's another reason why you're here."
Sasuke remained silent, but his determination was evident in his eyes. The time had finally come to gain the power needed to protect the world from the coming threat.
"Ready?" the clone asked. Everyone nodded, and in a flash of yellow light, they disappeared from the forest.
At the secret base, where they materialize in a flash of yellow light. The facility is well-lit and sterile, clearly prepared for a medical procedure.
Tsunade and Sakura are already there, arranging medical equipment on pristine steel tables. They look up as the group appears.
"You're here," Tsunade acknowledges, her expression serious. "Everything's prepared."
Sakura approaches Sasuke and Naruto's clone. "We've set up two operating tables. Once the original Naruto and Itachi arrive, we can begin immediately."
As Itachi and Kisame made their way through the forest, a medium-sized toad suddenly appeared in their path.
"Yo!" Gamakichi greeted them, his webbed hand raised in a casual wave. "Found you guys just in time."
In a puff of smoke, a Naruto clone appeared beside the toad. "Itachi, Kisame - we need to move faster than planned. The Akatsuki has already started the extraction process."
"The others are already at the base," the clone explained quickly. "Grab onto my arm - I'll teleport us there directly. We need to perform the eye exchange immediately."
Itachi nodded, stepping forward. "Very well. Time is of the essence."
"Never thought I'd be holding hands with the Nine-Tails jinchūriki," Kisame chuckled, placing his hand on the clone's shoulder while adjusting Samehada on his back.
"Thanks, Gamakichi," the clone said to the toad. "You can head back now."
"Good luck, Naruto!" Gamakichi called out before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
The clone formed the necessary hand seal. "Hold on tight." In a flash of yellow light, they vanished from the forest, heading toward the secret base where the others awaited.
As everyone gathered at the base, Itachi and Sasuke entered the operating room to find Naruto already lying on one of the tables, orange pigmentation around his eyes indicating he was in Sage Mode.
"Why are you using Sage Mode?" Sasuke asked, his brow furrowed.
Tsunade stepped forward, adjusting her medical gloves. "It's a precaution. We're not entirely sure how the Rinnegan will manifest in Naruto, since he's the first reincarnation of Ashura to attempt this. The natural energy might help stabilize the process."
"The sage chakra should also help your body adapt to the changes, Sasuke," Sakura added, organizing the surgical tools.
"Alright, Sasuke, take your position on the other table," Tsunade instructed. "We'll start with you and Naruto first. Then, once you're stabilized, we'll proceed with the exchange between you and Itachi. I'll need to heal some of Itachi's condition before we attempt his procedure."
As Sasuke lay down on the table beside Naruto, his childhood friend turned to him with that characteristic grin, despite the gravity of the situation.
"Hey, teme," Naruto said softly. "I'm glad you came back."
Sasuke's expression remained neutral, but there was a hint of warmth in his voice as he replied, "Hn. Someone has to keep you from messing this up, dobe."
"Alright, enough talking," Tsunade interrupted, her hands beginning to glow with medical chakra. "Karin, stand between them. We'll need your healing abilities in an emergency. Sakura, begin the anesthesia."
The atmosphere in the room grew tense as they prepared to begin the delicate operation that could determine the fate of their world.
In the operating room, as Tsunade carefully transplanted Sasuke's eyes into Naruto, she watched the procedure with intense concentration. "Naruto, do you feel any different?"
Suddenly, both Naruto and Sasuke's heartbeats began to slow dramatically. Tsunade's eyes widened in alarm. "Their vitals are dropping!"
"No!" Karin rushed forward, extending both arms. "Bite me, quickly!"
Despite both Naruto and Sasuke biting into Karin's arms, their heartbeats continued to decline. The monitors beeped ominously as both shinobi slipped into unconsciousness.
In Sasuke's mindscape:
A figure materialized before him - an elderly man with horn-like protrusions and ringed eyes. Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
"So you are real," Sasuke's lips curved into a slight smirk. "The legendary Sage of Six Paths himself."
"You doubted my existence, yet here you are, offering your eyes - your very legacy," Hagoromo observed, his ringed eyes studying Sasuke carefully.
Sasuke's expression softened slightly, unusual for the typically stoic Uchiha. "I owe that idiot a debt I can never repay. He saved me from darkness, saved what remained of my brother's legacy... I thought I could at least humor his request, but..." He paused, his brow furrowing. "What's happening exactly?"
Hagoromo's expression carried a hint of warmth. "Your friend, Naruto, is refusing to merge with your eyes. However, your Uchiha eyes, true to their nature, are forcing the merger using your life force. They sense a worthy vessel and refuse to be denied."
Meanwhile, in Naruto's mindscape:
"Old man Six Paths..." Naruto faced Hagoromo, his expression troubled.
"So you indeed know of me," Hagoromo's voice echoed with ancient wisdom. "Uzumaki Naruto, why do you refuse this merger when you know what's coming? What fills your heart with such fear?"
Hagoromo continued, his ringed eyes gazing at Naruto with warmth. "The Rinnegan's power doesn't corrupt - it amplifies what already exists within the wielder's heart. Madara's desire for control, his belief in his superiority, these existed long before he awakened these eyes."
Naruto looked up, surprise evident on his face.
"Your fear of losing your connection to others, your desire to protect rather than rule - these are what make you different," Hagoromo explained. "The eyes will amplify these qualities, not diminish them. Your ability to see people as equals, to understand their pain - the Rinnegan will enhance this understanding, not destroy it."
"But the power..." Naruto started.
"Will be great, yes," Hagoromo nodded. "But remember, Naruto - you've already faced immense power with the Nine-Tails, and you chose to befriend rather than dominate. You've consistently chosen connection over control. These eyes will not change who you are at your core."
Naruto's expression slowly shifted from uncertainty to determination. "So... the eyes will become what I make of them?"
"Exactly," Hagoromo smiled. "Just as you transformed the Nine-Tails' hatred into friendship, you can transform these eyes' power into a force for protection and understanding. The question is not whether you'll become like Madara - it's whether you'll remain true to who you are."
In Naruto's mindscape:
"Thank you, Old Man, Six Paths," Naruto said, his signature grin returning. "I think I understand now."
Hagoromo raised his hand, a warm light emanating from it. "Before you go, Naruto, I have something else to give you. A portion of my power - not just the eyes, but my strength. You'll need it to face what's coming."
"Eh? Really?" Naruto's eyes widened.
"My mother, Kaguya, is not someone you can defeat with the Rinnegan alone. This power will help ensure you have the means to seal her, should things go wrong." The light from Hagoromo's hand flowed into Naruto, filling him with ancient chakra.
Meanwhile, in Sasuke's mindscape:
Sasuke scoffed, his arms crossed. "So I'm going to die because that idiot can't get over his insecurities?"
Hagoromo chuckled, the sound echoing through the void. "No need to worry. It seems we've resolved that particular issue. Your friend has accepted the eyes."
"Hn." Sasuke's expression remained neutral, but there was visible relief in his posture.
"However, Uchiha Sasuke," Hagoromo continued, raising his hand as he had done with Naruto, "I have something for you as well. A portion of my power - it will serve as a failsafe against my mother."
"Kaguya" Sasuke's eyes narrowed.
"Yes. Kaguya's power exceeds anything you can imagine. This strength will give you the ability to help seal her, should the worst come to pass." The same warm light that had entered Naruto now flowed into Sasuke.
"Use it wisely," Hagoromo said to both of them in their respective mindscapes. "The future of this world may depend on how you wield these gifts."
In the operation room:
Karin suddenly tensed, her unique sensory abilities picking up dramatic changes. "Wait... Naruto's chakra... it's transforming! And Sasuke's too - it's becoming something I've never felt before!"
They watched as Naruto's eyes fluttered open, the transplanted Sharingan morphing into the distinctive ripple pattern of the Rinnegan. Sasuke, still without eyes, shifted slightly on his bed, clearly sensing the changes occurring within his body.
"What happened?" Sakura asked, her medical training making her both fascinated and concerned. "How did your chakras change so drastically?"
"We saw the old man Six Paths," Naruto explained, his voice still a bit weak but carrying a note of excitement.
"Because of this idiot, we almost died," Sasuke added dryly from his bed. "Though it seems things worked out."
Tsunade stepped forward, her experienced eyes examining Naruto carefully. "Are you feeling any adverse effects? Any discomfort or strain?"
"Nah, I'm okay, Granny Tsunade," Naruto replied with his characteristic grin. "We can start the next operation. Sasuke needs his eyes back, ya know!"
"Don't be so hasty," Tsunade warned, though she couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "We need to make sure everything's stable first."
The medical team began preparing for the next phase, while both Sakura and Karin continued monitoring the unusual chakra signatures emanating from both shinobi.
As Tsunade confirmed both patients were stable, she turned to Naruto. "Could you call Itachi in? We need to proceed with the next phase."
Naruto nodded and walked out of the operation room. The moment he stepped into the hallway where Kisame, Shikamaru, and Itachi were waiting, all three shinobi immediately tensed at the sight of his new Rinnegan eye.
The air grew heavy with an inexplicable pressure, but simultaneously, they felt an unusual warmth washing over them. It wasn't threatening - rather, it felt protective and peaceful, like being bathed in sunlight.
"What a troublesome power you've got there," Shikamaru commented, managing a small smile despite the overwhelming presence.
Kisame gripped his Samehada tighter, the sword responding to the massive chakra presence. "Well, well... seems like you've gotten even more interesting, kid."
Itachi remained calm, though his eyes widened slightly at the familiar yet different power emanating from Naruto. "The Sage's power... I see."
"Ah, sorry about that," Naruto scratched his head sheepishly, realizing the effect his new power was having. "Still getting used to it. Anyway, Itachi, Tsunade needs you inside. It's time for your and Sasuke's operation."
As Itachi entered and lay down on the operating table, Sasuke spoke up, "Tsunade, we won't need Naruto's chakra for this part. The moment Itachi's eyes are transplanted, they'll transform into the Rinnegan through the Sage's power."
Tsunade nodded, still processing the revelation about how both Naruto and Sasuke had received power directly from the Sage of Six Paths. "Very well. Let's proceed with caution nonetheless."
She began the delicate process of healing Itachi's deteriorating condition first, her hands glowing with medical chakra as she worked to stabilize him. Once satisfied with his condition, she carefully removed his eyes, while Sakura simultaneously transplanted Fugaku's preserved eyes into Itachi's empty sockets.
As Tsunade prepared to transplant Itachi's eyes, Sasuke spoke up, "Wait. Do one eye first. I'll tell you when to do the other."
"Why?" Karin asked, adjusting her glasses curiously.
"You'll see," Sasuke replied cryptically.
Tsunade carefully transplanted the first eye, and immediately, Sasuke began channeling all of the Sage's power into it. The eye started to transform, but differently from Naruto's Rinnegan. The tomoe pattern shifted and merged with the ripple pattern, creating a unique Sharinnegan.
"What's happening?" Karin asked, surprised. "Naruto's transformation wasn't like this at all."
Sasuke's lips curved slightly. "The Sage of Six Paths told me that if I focus all the power into one eye, it would grant me more powerful abilities than splitting it between two. This way, I can also maintain the special abilities of my Mangekyo Sharingan in the other eye."
"Fascinating," Tsunade murmured. "Ready for the second eye?"
"Yes," Sasuke nodded. "Proceed."
After the second transplant was complete, Sasuke turned to Karin. "I need to heal quickly. Let me bite you."
Karin extended her arm without hesitation, and Sasuke bit down, his recovery accelerating dramatically thanks to her unique ability.
Once finished, Karin moved to Itachi's side. "You too. You've undergone two surgeries - you need to heal properly."
Itachi accepted her offer with a grateful nod, biting into her offered arm. As her healing chakra flowed through both brothers, the room filled with the powerful presence of their newly awakened visual powers.
As they exited the operation room, they were greeted by an unexpected sight: Naruto was hovering in the air, effortlessly dodging swings from Kisame's Samehada.
"Stay still, kid!" Kisame grinned, his sword thrashing eagerly. "I want to see just how much chakra those new eyes of yours have!"
"Hehe, pretty cool, right?" Naruto called down, testing his new ability to levitate. "I'm still getting used to it, but the Rinnegan's powers are amazing, dattebayo!"
Shikamaru watched from a safe distance, sighing. "What a drag... they couldn't wait even five minutes after surgery to start testing things out."
Sasuke activated his new Sharinnegan, observing Naruto's movements with interest. "Hn. Show-off."
"Fascinating," Itachi commented, watching how naturally Naruto seemed to control the Rinnegan's gravitational powers. "He's adapted to those eyes remarkably quickly."
Tsunade stepped forward, her medical authority evident in her voice. "That's enough! Both of you just underwent major surgery. You need rest, not sparring!"
"Ah, come on, Granny!" Naruto protested, still floating. "We need to test these powers before-"
His words were cut short as Sakura cracked her knuckles menacingly. "Naruto... are you disobeying medical orders?"
The threat in her voice was clear enough that Naruto immediately descended, scratching his head sheepishly. "Okay, okay! I'll rest... for now."
Kisame shouldered Samehada, chuckling. "Well, this is going to be interesting. The Nine-Tails kid with the Rinnegan, and the Uchiha brothers with their new eyes... Kaguya won't know what hit her."
Tsunade cleared her throat. "We need to head back to the village. Orochimaru's research is complete, but it seems he needs some additional... persuasion to remain cooperative."
She turned to Naruto, who landed gracefully. "Are you ready?"
"You bet, Granny Tsunade!" Naruto grinned, his Rinnegan gleaming.
"As for you, Kisame," Tsunade continued, "you'll be returning with us, but you and Suigetsu will be assigned to the Hidden Mist. They could use your strength, especially now."
Kisame shouldered Samehada with a sharp-toothed smile. "Back to the Mist, huh? Should be interesting."
"Itachi and Sasuke will remain here to rest and adjust to their new powers," Tsunade instructed, then glanced at Guy who had been watching the sparring with barely contained excitement. "Guy, you'll stay with them as additional security."
"YOSH!" Guy gave his signature thumbs up. "I shall protect them with the POWER OF YOUTH!"
Shikamaru sighed, "What a drag... but I guess we should get moving. The sooner we deal with Orochimaru, the better."
As the group prepared to depart, Sakura stepped forward. "Tsunade-sama, I should stay here. As a medical ninja, I need to monitor Sasuke and Itachi's condition after such a complex surgery."
"No," Karin interjected immediately, adjusting her glasses. "I should be the one staying. My healing abilities would be more useful if complications arise."
The two kunoichi locked eyes, and everyone could practically see the sparks of rivalry flying between them. The tension in the air was palpable as they stared each other down, neither willing to back down.
Tsunade sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Both of you can stay," she said firmly, ending their silent confrontation. "But I expect you all to arrive at the village by tomorrow. No delays."
She then turned to Naruto, a calculating look in her eyes. "Naruto, teleport us to Orochimaru's base. Seeing you've mastered Minato's jutsu might... encourage him to be more cooperative."
Naruto grinned, understanding the psychological impact his father's technique would have on the Snake Sannin. "Got it, Granny! Everyone who's coming, gather around!"
As Kisame and Shikamaru moved closer to Naruto, Tsunade gave one last look at the others. "Remember - tomorrow. Don't make me come looking for you."
"YOSH! We shall ensure their safe and timely arrival!" Guy declared, striking his signature pose.
Sasuke merely "Hn'd" while Itachi nodded politely. Sakura and Karin were still eyeing each other warily, but both managed to nod in acknowledgment.
With a flash of yellow light, Naruto teleported away with his group, leaving the others to deal with their own subtle tensions.
In the Hokage's office in Konoha, Shikaku, Kakashi, and Shizune were surrounded by stacks of paperwork. The afternoon sun cast long shadows through the windows as they worked.
Kakashi looked up from a document, his visible eye showing his weariness. "Remind me again why we're doing all this paperwork when the Summit is over?"
Shikaku sighed, setting down his pen. "Because even though the Summit ended differently than planned, we still need to document everything that happened. Plus, we need to prepare for what's coming."
"The alliance paperwork needs to be properly filed," Shizune added, organizing another stack of documents. "And we need to document all the changes in village relationships, especially with former Akatsuki members now working with us."
"Not to mention," Shikaku continued, "we need to prepare contingency plans for when Kaguya arrives. The other villages are sending their own documentation about their military strength and resources."
Kakashi slouched further in his chair. "Maa, maa... I suppose even preventing the end of the world requires paperwork."
"Speaking of which," Shizune interjected, holding up a message scroll, "we just received word from Tsunade-sama. They're heading to Orochimaru's base now."
"Let's hope that goes well," Shikaku muttered, returning to his work. "The last thing we need is Orochimaru causing problems when we're trying to prepare for an otherworldly threat."