Yugito Akkipuden Episode 39: The Great Ninja Gathering
WARNING: All Jutsu are in Japanese with the English Version in parenthesis.
Author's Note: While Yugito is training with Bee #2 and Midori to control her new Bijū Mode, she is unaware that there is a war about to take place. The Akatsuki have their battle plan together, how will the Allied Shinobi Forces deal with another war nearly 3 weeks after ending one between each other?!
Kazekage Utada and Tsuchikage Ōtatsuchi were running in front of the Iwagakure troops and Sunagakure troops, respectively, and were leading them through a valley. They were leading every available Shinobi from both the Sunagakure and the Iwagakure to the Land of Lightning. Ōtatsuchi looked over at Utada.
Ōtatsuchi: Kazekage, you look uneasy.
Utada: It's my first time leading this many people into battle. And I'm the Regimental Commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces. I'm responsible for every soldier in this war. Can you blame me for being slightly nervous?
Ōtatsuchi: You're a Kage now. Any doubt, or worry you have must be left elsewhere. There is no time for such feelings on the battlefield. You, along with me and the other Kage have to stay focused and be ready to defend the ninja world with our lives. We cannot allow the Akatsuki to win this war. We stopped them the last time, and we can definitely do it again.
Utada looked at Ōtatsuchi with a smile and nodded to her; she nodded back. They both looked forward again and continued running.
~Island Turtle, Tailed Beast Ruins
Yugito had stacked the blocks up perfectly and was balancing upside down by her index finger on the top block. She had her eyes closed and was completely still. Midori was convinced she was ready to move on.
Midori: Come on down, Yugito-chan. You're ready to continue with the Bijū training.
She opened her eyes and hopped down from top block.
Yugito: What's next on the list?
Midori: This little thing called a Bijūdama (Tailed Beast Ball).
Yugito: A Bijūdama?
Bee: Ayoo! That Bijūdama is no joke!
Yugito thought back to when the Kirigakure invaded the Konohagakure when she was 12 years old. Right after her Chūnin Exams were interrupted, and Naruto was about to make the trip to the Sunagakure with Sakura and Shikamaru, enemy reinforcements were approaching the village gates and Naruto clad himself in a full Kurama cloak and fired a small scale Bijūdama, killing all of the reinforcements immediately.
Yugito: Hey, I know what that is! A few years ago, my Dad used it against Kirigakure reinforcements when they were trying to invade the village.
Midori: Hmph! Then you should be at least a little familiar with it… But I still don't expect you to learn how to do it right away. It does take some time.
Yugito: How hard can it be?
Midori and Bee looked at one another.
Midori: It's not an easy technique to master. Bee-sama even told us it took your father a while to even learn it, and even longer to master it. So, I think it's best to teach you the same way that Bee-sama taught your father. Follow me.
Midori lead Yugito to the Gyūki head mounted on the wall. She hit the switch on the inside and it slid open like a screen door. They both step inside and Bee follows closely behind.
Midori: This is the area we need to be in to start this training. First, you've gotta gather both positive and negative chakra and shape it into a sphere. You've really gotta concentrate.
Yugito: Positive and negative chakra? I don't know how to do that.
Midori: If you concentrate, you'll be able to since you're in a Bijū Chakra State. The positive black chakra and negative white chakra needs to be balanced at an 8:2 ratio, or it won't work.
Yugito: Alrighty… Here goes.
She sat with her legs crossed Indian style and used her two arms as well as two extra chakra arms in attempt to create the Bijūdama. She placed her hands in front of her as if holding a ball and began focusing. White and black chakra began to swirl around her hands.
Yugito: Whoa! The chakra!
The white and black chakra disappeared.
Yugito: Damn!
Bee: You gotta be completely focused when attemptin' the Ball. If not, you'll never get to use this powerhouse in a brawl!
Yugito: Sorry… I was just surprised is all.
Yugito went back to concentrating.
Midori (thinking): This could take a while.
~Kumogakure
The citizens were wandering around, doing their everyday duties and Dī was among them. He was carrying a handful of flowers in his hand. Two kids ran by while playing tag and it warmed his heart seeing that the kids were still behaving normally. He came across the Kumogakure Cemetery and walked in. It was a large field that had a countless number tombstones in the grass. He was on a straight path to a certain grave. He went to a tombstone that was slightly larger than the others. It had the kanji for the name "Namai" etched on it. Dī knelt down to one knee in front of the tombstone and laid the flowers down.
Dī: Hey, Mom. I know it's been a while since I've talked to you… It's not that I've forgotten, it's just that… You know, I've been busy lately. With the upcoming war and missions Dad's been sending me on. He's acknowledged my skills as a leader and decided to make me the Commander of the Third Division. And I don't know if I'm ready for such a job… Before I go, I just want you to know that I love you and Tarui and I miss you. We miss the way you always could make us laugh when we were down and how you would always be there for us if we needed anything. Dad's trying his best, but he's the Raikage and he's gotta think about more than just his kids. He's got an entire village to look after.
He lowered his head for a brief moment then looked to the stone again.
Dī: I love you, Mom. Please watch over us. I'm gonna go see Bee-sama before the other Kage arrive.
He went towards the center of the cemetery where a very large tombstone laid. On the tombstone was the kanji for the phrase "The One and Only Killer Bee". Once again, he got on one knee.
Dī: What's going on, Bee-sama? I just talked to Mom and I wanted to talk to both of you before I went off to war again. Dad appointed me as the Commander of the Third Division. I don't think I'm ready to be responsible for that many lives at once… But if Dad thinks I'm ready, I won't disappoint him. I know if you were here, you'd hit me with a nice rap to make me feel better…
He sighed and looked to the ground.
Dī: We miss you Bee-sama… I asked Mom to, but could you please watch over us as well? I'd feel better if all my loved ones watched over us and guided us to victory. Know what I mean?
He chuckled and closed his eyes. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked back to see is sister, Tarui. Behind her were Omoi and Karui.
Dī: Omoi-sama! Karui-sama!
Omoi: It's time to go, Dī. The other Kage have arrived.
Dī: Yes, sir!
Tarui: I know you miss her… I miss her too.
Dī looked to Tarui who had a tear in her eye. He stood up and hugged his sister.
Dī (whispering to Tarui): It'll be okay, sis. I know Mom will watch over us in this war, just like the last.
The two made eye contact and smiled.
Tarui: *sniffles* Let's get going, Commander. It'll look bad if you're late to the gathering.
Dī: Right.
Dī grasped her hand for a second and let go. He darted out of the cemetery and went on to meet the other Division Leaders and the Gokage.
Once Dī arrived at the Allied Shinobi Headquarters, he went to the "War Room", the nickname given to the room where all the battle strategies and such happen (a room similar to the room Raikage Ei, Ōnoki and Tsunade were in before they joined the battlefield). In the center of the room was a bronze colored platform on the floor and in the center of the platform was a large ball of water floating in place. There were four ninja sitting around it, Shī, Karin (Sasuke Uchiha's old accomplice), Kamui (Raikage Darui's niece) and an unnamed Shinobi from the Kirigakure, all evenly sitting around it in a perfect square formation. They were sitting Indian style with their hands aimed at the sphere, their heads lowered and their eyes closed.
Ino Yamanaka was sitting in front of a large device known as the "Long-Range Communication Device" or LRCD for short. She was wearing a helmet that had a bunch of thick wires running from the back of it into the LRCD behind her. In front of the Sensory Division's Sensing System Technique (the large ball of water in the center of the room) was the Gokage. They were sitting around a white, rectangular table and Shikamaru Nara was standing close by. Sai, the Sealing Team Captain, Anami, the Logistical Support and Medical Unit Captain, and Samui, the Teleportation Team Captain was also in the room. Lastly, the five Commanders of the regiments were there. Dī went and stood with the other Division Commanders.
Darui: Alright, now that we're all here, I've got some things to go over. First, the Gokage have decided to put together a Teleportation Team and we've chosen Samui as the Team's Captain. Ino Yamanaka was handpicked by the Hokage and the Gokage have agreed that she is the perfect candidate to be the Captain of the Intelligence Division. Shikamaru Nara was selected to be the Chief Strategist of the Allied Shinobi Forces due to his incredible strategic prowess. As for our Sensory Division Captain, we've chosen Shī. His prowess in Sensory Ninjutsu are so great, he's even achieved a unique ability known as Telekinesis which allows him to speak directly into the mind of anyone he chooses. And due to the Sensing System Jutsu, he can communicate with anyone, anywhere, at anytime.
Sakura: Since this is a war to protect the Jinchūriki, we have them guarded and on the Island Turtle. In the war nearly three decades ago, Killer Bee and Naruto Uzumaki joined the battlefield as a last resort. We're trying to avoid that at all cost as Naruto nearly lost his life. So we have to defend them with our lives. Am I understood?
Batsuchi, Hanabi, Dī, Utada, and Tōrei: Yes, ma'am!
Darui: Good. Now, Kazekage. It's time.
Utada nodded to Darui.
Utada and the other Division Commanders went outside of the HQ and stood on a ledge that overlooked an open field. The sun was beaming down and a breeze was flowing through the air. They stood in a straight line while the troops on the ground stood in five large columns; all troops were grouped together by the Division they were placed in. Utada looked out over the troops as the murmured to themselves. Someone pointed out that Utada was standing there and everyone began getting quiet. Once everyone was quiet, Utada began his speech.
Utada: I'll start off by saying this: I'm aware that we just ended a war between our nations, but that's behind us. There will be no hard feelings between us whatsoever. It was due to the actions of the past Tsuchikage and Mizukage that brought about the war. We can't and won't blame the Iwa or Kiri Shinobi for being loyal to their respective villages. It has only been 3 weeks since the war ended and our villages were just beginning to recover. But this recurring threat, the Akatsuki, must be dealt with once and for all. The Akatsuki have taken the lives of many loved ones, both in the past and in the present… including my father and my older brother, Kai, the Ichibi Jinchūriki.
Hayate (thinking): He's speaking from the heart… He's just like his Dad.
Utada: I've earned the title of "Kage", so I'll do whatever I have to in order to defend this ninja alliance and everyone inside of it along with all of the villages' civilians. I'll put my life on the line if needed.
Rise (thinking): He's very empowering… I see why the village elders selected you, Utada. You and Gaara-sama are the same in every way… Including your determination to defend everyone that's important to you.
Utada: I've been named Regimental Commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces. I am responsible for each and every one of you. I can't promise that everyone here will make it home alive… But I can promise you that we will stop the Akatsuki threat FOREVER!
Hikomaru: Alright, Kazekage-sama! WOO!
Just after Hikomaru yelled that, everyone began cheering for Utada and chanting his name. His face lit up with a smile.
Hanabi (thinking): Hmph. For someone so young, he's quite inspirational.
Batsuchi (thinking): Not too bad coming from someone so inexperienced. I was about his age when Gaara gave his speech before the Fourth Great Ninja War…
Dī (thinking): Very nice. I get why the Kage chose you now, Utada.
Utada: Alright! Now let's go!
Utada created a sand platform for himself and the other four Division Commanders and guided them to the ground in front of each of their regiments. The Commanders then began running in front of their respective regiments, leading them into battle.
Inside the HQ, the Sensory Unit could sense that they were beginning to move out.
Karin: Sir! The regiments are on the move!
Darui: Good. Mizukage, get with your Surprise Attack Unit and get on the move.
Mandō: I'm on it.
He quickly ran for the door.
Darui: Hokage, Tsuchikage, we need to remain vigilant and ready to respond to the course of the war at any time.
Ōtatsuchi: Whatever happens on the battlefield will be dealt with properly, even if I have to step in and help.
Sakura: That goes for me too.
Darui: Let's hope that this war will be handled in a timely manner so there won't be so many casualties as the last two wars.
Sakura: Right.
~Outside of the Akatsuki Hideout
Itachi was standing before Pazuzū, Nikushimi, Shiromaro, Zangeki, Kūkyo and Seiji.
Itachi: Alright. This is the last time you will hear from me for a while, so listen carefully. Like I said, this could turn out to be a rather lengthy war seeing as how the Allied Shinobi Forces have proved to be quite stubborn. I expect all of you to fight without hesitation and none of you are to retreat. You will be reprimanded by me, personally. I hope I make myself clear about that.
Zangeki: I assure you, you don't have to worry about any of us returning uninvited.
Itachi: Good.
Just then, the Edo Tensei support that Kabuto created came out of the cave entrance to the hideout. They all had bright white eyes with black sclera, signifying that Kabuto was fully controlling them.
Itachi: Ah. As if on cue.
Nikushimi looked back and saw her uncle, Gari. Shiromaro looked to see a man with two red dots on his forehead.
Shiromaro (thinking): So you must be Kimimaro…
All of the previous Akatsuki members were dressed in a red cloak with white lining, stirrups and sandals, even Nagato who was lastly reincarnated barefoot. The red cloak was about the same length as the standard Akatsuki cloak, but had a hood instead of a chin-high collar.
Itachi: I see that a few of you recognize some of the reanimated Shinobi standing behind you. Don't get too attached as they will only be around for a short while.
A black face emerged from the ground near Itachi's feet.
Mysterious Face: Itachi-dono! The Allied Shinobi Forces are on the move!
Itachi: Excellent. Let the war begin.
The current Akatsuki members dashed passed Itachi and their Edo Tensei support followed. As they were running, the ground began shaking. All of the White Zetsu that Kabuto created began running from the cave entrance and around the cave itself and followed the Akatsuki onto the battlefield. The White Zetsu were running around Itachi, who was simply standing in place. Itachi then began walking back to the cave with a smile on his face.
Once back in the hideout, went to his room were Aijō greeted him.
Itachi: The Allied Forces are on the move. Are you rested?
Aijō: Yes. If she enters the battlefield, I will personally kill her.
Itachi: Excellent. That's one less Kage to worry about.
Aijō: Are you sure Kabuto is dependable?
Itachi: He'll do whatever I want as long as I have what he wants.
Aijō: What if you have to enter the battlefield?
Itachi: I'll do whatever it takes to win this war, even if I have to sacrifice the others in the process. You and I will rule this world.
As the Akatsuki ran through the forest with their Edo Tensei Reinforcements and the army of White Zetsu trailing behind them, the five began talking.
Pazuzū: Alright ladies and gents, you heard the boss. The faster we wrap this up, the faster we go home.
Zangeki: It won't be easy, but failure isn't an option.
Shiromaro: Why are you four willingly doing this?
Kūkyo, Nikushimi, Pazuzū and Zangeki all looked at him at once.
Shiromaro: You're all capable of doing much better things than being in a terrorist organization and working under some guy that only views you as pawns!
Pazuzū (chuckles): I think you're mistaken. I understand you joined the Akatsuki against your will, but do us all a favor and shut up. We don't care what you think nor about how you feel about us. Either do your job, or I'll kill you right here and now. Then I'll go and kill your entire village, one by one.
Shiromaro: I'd love to see you try.
Pazuzū shot him a very irritated look. He put his hands together and did the "Ram" hand seal. Kūkyo grabbed his right forearm, stopping him. She shook her head "no" and released his arm. Pazuzū looked at Shiromaro with a disgusted look.
Zangeki: Knock it off.
Pazuzū: Hmph. You're not even worth the time.
Nikushimi: Let's just get onto the battlefield, find the Jinchūriki, and return home. There's no way we can win if we are fighting amongst ourselves.
Zangeki: She's right. Soon enough, you two won't even be anywhere close to each other. So until then, just ignore one another.
Shiromaro: Hmph.
Pazuzū: Yeah, yeah. Whatever…
The five with their Edo Tensei support and their army behind them continued through the forest. After jumping several more trees, Zangeki spotted light in front of them through the trees.
Zangeki: The battlefield is near. We split up now.
Kūkyo nodded and jumped away with Seiji and a portion of the White Zetsu followed her. Pazuzū jumped away with Kisame and Konan and his portion of White Zetsu followed him.
Pazuzū: Good luck, ladies.
Zangeki nodded to him.
Zangeki: Alright. Looks like the rest of us are going the same way for now.
Nikushimi nodded to him and Shiromaro didn't answer.
Zangeki: Good. Let's go!
~EP. 39 / END
Author's Note: And the war begins! In the Next chapter, the sparks will fly and lives will be lost! The war to defend the remaining Jinchūriki as well as the ninja world as we know it has now begun!
WARNING: All Jutsu are in Japanese with the English Version in parenthesis.
Author's Note: While Yugito is training with Bee #2 and Midori to control her new Bijū Mode, she is unaware that there is a war about to take place. The Akatsuki have their battle plan together, how will the Allied Shinobi Forces deal with another war nearly 3 weeks after ending one between each other?!
Kazekage Utada and Tsuchikage Ōtatsuchi were running in front of the Iwagakure troops and Sunagakure troops, respectively, and were leading them through a valley. They were leading every available Shinobi from both the Sunagakure and the Iwagakure to the Land of Lightning. Ōtatsuchi looked over at Utada.
Ōtatsuchi: Kazekage, you look uneasy.
Utada: It's my first time leading this many people into battle. And I'm the Regimental Commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces. I'm responsible for every soldier in this war. Can you blame me for being slightly nervous?
Ōtatsuchi: You're a Kage now. Any doubt, or worry you have must be left elsewhere. There is no time for such feelings on the battlefield. You, along with me and the other Kage have to stay focused and be ready to defend the ninja world with our lives. We cannot allow the Akatsuki to win this war. We stopped them the last time, and we can definitely do it again.
Utada looked at Ōtatsuchi with a smile and nodded to her; she nodded back. They both looked forward again and continued running.
~Island Turtle, Tailed Beast Ruins
Yugito had stacked the blocks up perfectly and was balancing upside down by her index finger on the top block. She had her eyes closed and was completely still. Midori was convinced she was ready to move on.
Midori: Come on down, Yugito-chan. You're ready to continue with the Bijū training.
She opened her eyes and hopped down from top block.
Yugito: What's next on the list?
Midori: This little thing called a Bijūdama (Tailed Beast Ball).
Yugito: A Bijūdama?
Bee: Ayoo! That Bijūdama is no joke!
Yugito thought back to when the Kirigakure invaded the Konohagakure when she was 12 years old. Right after her Chūnin Exams were interrupted, and Naruto was about to make the trip to the Sunagakure with Sakura and Shikamaru, enemy reinforcements were approaching the village gates and Naruto clad himself in a full Kurama cloak and fired a small scale Bijūdama, killing all of the reinforcements immediately.
Yugito: Hey, I know what that is! A few years ago, my Dad used it against Kirigakure reinforcements when they were trying to invade the village.
Midori: Hmph! Then you should be at least a little familiar with it… But I still don't expect you to learn how to do it right away. It does take some time.
Yugito: How hard can it be?
Midori and Bee looked at one another.
Midori: It's not an easy technique to master. Bee-sama even told us it took your father a while to even learn it, and even longer to master it. So, I think it's best to teach you the same way that Bee-sama taught your father. Follow me.
Midori lead Yugito to the Gyūki head mounted on the wall. She hit the switch on the inside and it slid open like a screen door. They both step inside and Bee follows closely behind.
Midori: This is the area we need to be in to start this training. First, you've gotta gather both positive and negative chakra and shape it into a sphere. You've really gotta concentrate.
Yugito: Positive and negative chakra? I don't know how to do that.
Midori: If you concentrate, you'll be able to since you're in a Bijū Chakra State. The positive black chakra and negative white chakra needs to be balanced at an 8:2 ratio, or it won't work.
Yugito: Alrighty… Here goes.
She sat with her legs crossed Indian style and used her two arms as well as two extra chakra arms in attempt to create the Bijūdama. She placed her hands in front of her as if holding a ball and began focusing. White and black chakra began to swirl around her hands.
Yugito: Whoa! The chakra!
The white and black chakra disappeared.
Yugito: Damn!
Bee: You gotta be completely focused when attemptin' the Ball. If not, you'll never get to use this powerhouse in a brawl!
Yugito: Sorry… I was just surprised is all.
Yugito went back to concentrating.
Midori (thinking): This could take a while.
~Kumogakure
The citizens were wandering around, doing their everyday duties and Dī was among them. He was carrying a handful of flowers in his hand. Two kids ran by while playing tag and it warmed his heart seeing that the kids were still behaving normally. He came across the Kumogakure Cemetery and walked in. It was a large field that had a countless number tombstones in the grass. He was on a straight path to a certain grave. He went to a tombstone that was slightly larger than the others. It had the kanji for the name "Namai" etched on it. Dī knelt down to one knee in front of the tombstone and laid the flowers down.
Dī: Hey, Mom. I know it's been a while since I've talked to you… It's not that I've forgotten, it's just that… You know, I've been busy lately. With the upcoming war and missions Dad's been sending me on. He's acknowledged my skills as a leader and decided to make me the Commander of the Third Division. And I don't know if I'm ready for such a job… Before I go, I just want you to know that I love you and Tarui and I miss you. We miss the way you always could make us laugh when we were down and how you would always be there for us if we needed anything. Dad's trying his best, but he's the Raikage and he's gotta think about more than just his kids. He's got an entire village to look after.
He lowered his head for a brief moment then looked to the stone again.
Dī: I love you, Mom. Please watch over us. I'm gonna go see Bee-sama before the other Kage arrive.
He went towards the center of the cemetery where a very large tombstone laid. On the tombstone was the kanji for the phrase "The One and Only Killer Bee". Once again, he got on one knee.
Dī: What's going on, Bee-sama? I just talked to Mom and I wanted to talk to both of you before I went off to war again. Dad appointed me as the Commander of the Third Division. I don't think I'm ready to be responsible for that many lives at once… But if Dad thinks I'm ready, I won't disappoint him. I know if you were here, you'd hit me with a nice rap to make me feel better…
He sighed and looked to the ground.
Dī: We miss you Bee-sama… I asked Mom to, but could you please watch over us as well? I'd feel better if all my loved ones watched over us and guided us to victory. Know what I mean?
He chuckled and closed his eyes. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked back to see is sister, Tarui. Behind her were Omoi and Karui.
Dī: Omoi-sama! Karui-sama!
Omoi: It's time to go, Dī. The other Kage have arrived.
Dī: Yes, sir!
Tarui: I know you miss her… I miss her too.
Dī looked to Tarui who had a tear in her eye. He stood up and hugged his sister.
Dī (whispering to Tarui): It'll be okay, sis. I know Mom will watch over us in this war, just like the last.
The two made eye contact and smiled.
Tarui: *sniffles* Let's get going, Commander. It'll look bad if you're late to the gathering.
Dī: Right.
Dī grasped her hand for a second and let go. He darted out of the cemetery and went on to meet the other Division Leaders and the Gokage.
Once Dī arrived at the Allied Shinobi Headquarters, he went to the "War Room", the nickname given to the room where all the battle strategies and such happen (a room similar to the room Raikage Ei, Ōnoki and Tsunade were in before they joined the battlefield). In the center of the room was a bronze colored platform on the floor and in the center of the platform was a large ball of water floating in place. There were four ninja sitting around it, Shī, Karin (Sasuke Uchiha's old accomplice), Kamui (Raikage Darui's niece) and an unnamed Shinobi from the Kirigakure, all evenly sitting around it in a perfect square formation. They were sitting Indian style with their hands aimed at the sphere, their heads lowered and their eyes closed.
Ino Yamanaka was sitting in front of a large device known as the "Long-Range Communication Device" or LRCD for short. She was wearing a helmet that had a bunch of thick wires running from the back of it into the LRCD behind her. In front of the Sensory Division's Sensing System Technique (the large ball of water in the center of the room) was the Gokage. They were sitting around a white, rectangular table and Shikamaru Nara was standing close by. Sai, the Sealing Team Captain, Anami, the Logistical Support and Medical Unit Captain, and Samui, the Teleportation Team Captain was also in the room. Lastly, the five Commanders of the regiments were there. Dī went and stood with the other Division Commanders.
Darui: Alright, now that we're all here, I've got some things to go over. First, the Gokage have decided to put together a Teleportation Team and we've chosen Samui as the Team's Captain. Ino Yamanaka was handpicked by the Hokage and the Gokage have agreed that she is the perfect candidate to be the Captain of the Intelligence Division. Shikamaru Nara was selected to be the Chief Strategist of the Allied Shinobi Forces due to his incredible strategic prowess. As for our Sensory Division Captain, we've chosen Shī. His prowess in Sensory Ninjutsu are so great, he's even achieved a unique ability known as Telekinesis which allows him to speak directly into the mind of anyone he chooses. And due to the Sensing System Jutsu, he can communicate with anyone, anywhere, at anytime.
Sakura: Since this is a war to protect the Jinchūriki, we have them guarded and on the Island Turtle. In the war nearly three decades ago, Killer Bee and Naruto Uzumaki joined the battlefield as a last resort. We're trying to avoid that at all cost as Naruto nearly lost his life. So we have to defend them with our lives. Am I understood?
Batsuchi, Hanabi, Dī, Utada, and Tōrei: Yes, ma'am!
Darui: Good. Now, Kazekage. It's time.
Utada nodded to Darui.
Utada and the other Division Commanders went outside of the HQ and stood on a ledge that overlooked an open field. The sun was beaming down and a breeze was flowing through the air. They stood in a straight line while the troops on the ground stood in five large columns; all troops were grouped together by the Division they were placed in. Utada looked out over the troops as the murmured to themselves. Someone pointed out that Utada was standing there and everyone began getting quiet. Once everyone was quiet, Utada began his speech.
Utada: I'll start off by saying this: I'm aware that we just ended a war between our nations, but that's behind us. There will be no hard feelings between us whatsoever. It was due to the actions of the past Tsuchikage and Mizukage that brought about the war. We can't and won't blame the Iwa or Kiri Shinobi for being loyal to their respective villages. It has only been 3 weeks since the war ended and our villages were just beginning to recover. But this recurring threat, the Akatsuki, must be dealt with once and for all. The Akatsuki have taken the lives of many loved ones, both in the past and in the present… including my father and my older brother, Kai, the Ichibi Jinchūriki.
Hayate (thinking): He's speaking from the heart… He's just like his Dad.
Utada: I've earned the title of "Kage", so I'll do whatever I have to in order to defend this ninja alliance and everyone inside of it along with all of the villages' civilians. I'll put my life on the line if needed.
Rise (thinking): He's very empowering… I see why the village elders selected you, Utada. You and Gaara-sama are the same in every way… Including your determination to defend everyone that's important to you.
Utada: I've been named Regimental Commander of the Allied Shinobi Forces. I am responsible for each and every one of you. I can't promise that everyone here will make it home alive… But I can promise you that we will stop the Akatsuki threat FOREVER!
Hikomaru: Alright, Kazekage-sama! WOO!
Just after Hikomaru yelled that, everyone began cheering for Utada and chanting his name. His face lit up with a smile.
Hanabi (thinking): Hmph. For someone so young, he's quite inspirational.
Batsuchi (thinking): Not too bad coming from someone so inexperienced. I was about his age when Gaara gave his speech before the Fourth Great Ninja War…
Dī (thinking): Very nice. I get why the Kage chose you now, Utada.
Utada: Alright! Now let's go!
Utada created a sand platform for himself and the other four Division Commanders and guided them to the ground in front of each of their regiments. The Commanders then began running in front of their respective regiments, leading them into battle.
Inside the HQ, the Sensory Unit could sense that they were beginning to move out.
Karin: Sir! The regiments are on the move!
Darui: Good. Mizukage, get with your Surprise Attack Unit and get on the move.
Mandō: I'm on it.
He quickly ran for the door.
Darui: Hokage, Tsuchikage, we need to remain vigilant and ready to respond to the course of the war at any time.
Ōtatsuchi: Whatever happens on the battlefield will be dealt with properly, even if I have to step in and help.
Sakura: That goes for me too.
Darui: Let's hope that this war will be handled in a timely manner so there won't be so many casualties as the last two wars.
Sakura: Right.
~Outside of the Akatsuki Hideout
Itachi was standing before Pazuzū, Nikushimi, Shiromaro, Zangeki, Kūkyo and Seiji.
Itachi: Alright. This is the last time you will hear from me for a while, so listen carefully. Like I said, this could turn out to be a rather lengthy war seeing as how the Allied Shinobi Forces have proved to be quite stubborn. I expect all of you to fight without hesitation and none of you are to retreat. You will be reprimanded by me, personally. I hope I make myself clear about that.
Zangeki: I assure you, you don't have to worry about any of us returning uninvited.
Itachi: Good.
Just then, the Edo Tensei support that Kabuto created came out of the cave entrance to the hideout. They all had bright white eyes with black sclera, signifying that Kabuto was fully controlling them.
Itachi: Ah. As if on cue.
Nikushimi looked back and saw her uncle, Gari. Shiromaro looked to see a man with two red dots on his forehead.
Shiromaro (thinking): So you must be Kimimaro…
All of the previous Akatsuki members were dressed in a red cloak with white lining, stirrups and sandals, even Nagato who was lastly reincarnated barefoot. The red cloak was about the same length as the standard Akatsuki cloak, but had a hood instead of a chin-high collar.
Itachi: I see that a few of you recognize some of the reanimated Shinobi standing behind you. Don't get too attached as they will only be around for a short while.
A black face emerged from the ground near Itachi's feet.
Mysterious Face: Itachi-dono! The Allied Shinobi Forces are on the move!
Itachi: Excellent. Let the war begin.
The current Akatsuki members dashed passed Itachi and their Edo Tensei support followed. As they were running, the ground began shaking. All of the White Zetsu that Kabuto created began running from the cave entrance and around the cave itself and followed the Akatsuki onto the battlefield. The White Zetsu were running around Itachi, who was simply standing in place. Itachi then began walking back to the cave with a smile on his face.
Once back in the hideout, went to his room were Aijō greeted him.
Itachi: The Allied Forces are on the move. Are you rested?
Aijō: Yes. If she enters the battlefield, I will personally kill her.
Itachi: Excellent. That's one less Kage to worry about.
Aijō: Are you sure Kabuto is dependable?
Itachi: He'll do whatever I want as long as I have what he wants.
Aijō: What if you have to enter the battlefield?
Itachi: I'll do whatever it takes to win this war, even if I have to sacrifice the others in the process. You and I will rule this world.
As the Akatsuki ran through the forest with their Edo Tensei Reinforcements and the army of White Zetsu trailing behind them, the five began talking.
Pazuzū: Alright ladies and gents, you heard the boss. The faster we wrap this up, the faster we go home.
Zangeki: It won't be easy, but failure isn't an option.
Shiromaro: Why are you four willingly doing this?
Kūkyo, Nikushimi, Pazuzū and Zangeki all looked at him at once.
Shiromaro: You're all capable of doing much better things than being in a terrorist organization and working under some guy that only views you as pawns!
Pazuzū (chuckles): I think you're mistaken. I understand you joined the Akatsuki against your will, but do us all a favor and shut up. We don't care what you think nor about how you feel about us. Either do your job, or I'll kill you right here and now. Then I'll go and kill your entire village, one by one.
Shiromaro: I'd love to see you try.
Pazuzū shot him a very irritated look. He put his hands together and did the "Ram" hand seal. Kūkyo grabbed his right forearm, stopping him. She shook her head "no" and released his arm. Pazuzū looked at Shiromaro with a disgusted look.
Zangeki: Knock it off.
Pazuzū: Hmph. You're not even worth the time.
Nikushimi: Let's just get onto the battlefield, find the Jinchūriki, and return home. There's no way we can win if we are fighting amongst ourselves.
Zangeki: She's right. Soon enough, you two won't even be anywhere close to each other. So until then, just ignore one another.
Shiromaro: Hmph.
Pazuzū: Yeah, yeah. Whatever…
The five with their Edo Tensei support and their army behind them continued through the forest. After jumping several more trees, Zangeki spotted light in front of them through the trees.
Zangeki: The battlefield is near. We split up now.
Kūkyo nodded and jumped away with Seiji and a portion of the White Zetsu followed her. Pazuzū jumped away with Kisame and Konan and his portion of White Zetsu followed him.
Pazuzū: Good luck, ladies.
Zangeki nodded to him.
Zangeki: Alright. Looks like the rest of us are going the same way for now.
Nikushimi nodded to him and Shiromaro didn't answer.
Zangeki: Good. Let's go!
~EP. 39 / END
Author's Note: And the war begins! In the Next chapter, the sparks will fly and lives will be lost! The war to defend the remaining Jinchūriki as well as the ninja world as we know it has now begun!