Rising Shadows: Uchiha's Wrath

The battlefield had shifted dramatically since Killer Bee entered the fray. Kumogakure's forces, bolstered by the Eight-Tails' devastating power, had turned the tide against Konoha. Jiraiya, despite his immense strength in Sage Mode, found himself overwhelmed by the combined might of Killer Bee and the Fourth Raikage. The two had strategically split the battlefield, forcing Jiraiya to divide his attention. Even with Shadow Clones, he couldn't replicate Sage Mode, leaving him at a disadvantage against the perfect Jinchūriki. The toads, Fukasaku and Shima, were his only hope for maintaining Sage Mode, but even their assistance wasn't enough to turn the tide.

Meanwhile, Konoha's other elite shinobi were locked in combat with Kumogakure's finest. The Eight-Tails had become a relentless force, grinding through Konoha's ranks. Hundreds of shinobi fell in a single battle, and the situation grew dire. If this continued, Konoha would lose the hard-fought advantage Jiraiya had secured.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, knew drastic measures were needed. He made the difficult decision to send Naruto, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, to the front lines. Naruto, though only eight years old, had begun to harness the Nine-Tails' power. Reluctantly, Hiruzen gave the order, knowing the risks involved.

Naruto was terrified. He was just a child, and the thought of facing the Eight-Tails was overwhelming. But the village's survival was at stake, and he had no choice but to obey.

Hiruzen, however, didn't place all his hopes on Naruto alone. He also dispatched Danzo to the battlefield. Along the way, Danzo attempted to manipulate Naruto with genjutsu, hoping to control him using his Sharingan. But without the Mangekyō Sharingan, Danzo's efforts were futile. The Nine-Tails' power was beyond his reach, and he returned empty-handed. This incident only deepened Naruto's distrust of Konoha's leadership, planting seeds of resentment that would grow in the years to come.

With Naruto and Danzo joining the fight, the battlefield reached a precarious balance. The conflict against Kumogakure once again descended into a stalemate.

Meanwhile, Sunagakure and Iwagakure watched from the sidelines, unwilling to intervene. The scars of the Third Great Shinobi War were still fresh, and neither village was ready to face Konoha, even in its weakened state.

But this is a story for another time. Kaito, having left the chaos behind, was already on the move.

The Land of Waterfalls

Kaito's journey took him through the Land of Rice Fields and the Land of Iron. Orochimaru had yet to establish Otogakure, so the Land of Rice Fields held little interest for him. The Land of Iron, home to the last bastion of the samurai, was equally unappealing. After a brief stay, Kaito continued on his way.

Eventually, he arrived in the Land of Waterfalls, the home of the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Utakata. There, Kaito encountered the leader of the Anbu team tasked with monitoring Utakata—Jūzō, the captain of the Anbu Pursuit Squad and an elite jōnin.

"Lord Mizukage," Jūzō reported, "we've tracked Utakata to a small wooden hut he built about five miles from here. He hasn't attempted to flee further."

Kaito nodded. "Has he shown any unusual behavior?"

"No," Jūzō replied. "We haven't provoked him, so he's ignored us."

"Good," Kaito said. "Take me to him. The Six-Tails belongs to the village, and it's not right for him to remain outside for so long."

"Yes, sir," Jūzō acknowledged, and together they set off toward Utakata's location.

By the Waterfall

By the cascading waterfall, a young man with brown hair and a calm demeanor stood quietly, his blue feathered robe fluttering gently in the breeze. This was Utakata, the Six-Tails Jinchūriki. He gazed at the waterfall, his expression serene but tinged with melancholy.

"You seem to have been expecting me," Kaito's voice broke the silence as he emerged from the shadows, standing a few meters behind Utakata.

Utakata didn't turn around immediately. "The Anbu team chased me before, but they would attack without reason. This time is different. The team has changed, and they didn't force anything upon seeing me. That's not Yagura's style. So, I guessed something must have changed in Kirigakure, and a significant figure must be coming to meet me."

"You're quite perceptive," Kaito said with a faint smile. "You guessed correctly."

Utakata finally turned to face Kaito, his expression calm but guarded. "I grew up in Kirigakure, but I don't recall ever seeing you."

"I'm the Fifth Mizukage," Kaito replied. "My name is Uchiha Kaito."

"Uchiha… Kaito," Utakata repeated, his eyes narrowing slightly. He had heard the name before—the man who single-handedly brought Konoha to its knees. "So, after the Uchiha disappeared, you went to the Land of Water to take control of Kirigakure?"

"Not control," Kaito corrected. "The previous Mizukage was manipulated by a rogue Uchiha using the Sharingan. I went to Kirigakure to cooperate with Terumi Mei. But after I defeated Yagura and the three thousand shinobi under his command, Terumi Mei and the elders insisted that I become Mizukage."

Utakata chuckled softly, though there was no humor in it. "Sounds more like coercion to me. But it doesn't matter. I have no attachment to Kirigakure. Do as you please."

"You misunderstand," Kaito said, his tone calm but firm. "As the Mizukage, the Six-Tails is the village's asset. I can't allow you to roam freely in the shinobi world."

Utakata's expression grew somber. "I won't go back with you willingly. Kirigakure has done nothing but bring me pain. I've found peace here, away from the village's politics and bloodshed."

Kaito studied him for a moment. "I understand your reluctance. But the Six-Tails' power is too dangerous to leave unchecked. If you won't come willingly, I'll have to bring you back by force."

Utakata sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I don't want to fight you. But if you insist, I'll defend myself." He raised his bubble-blowing device, his movements deliberate and unhurried.

Kaito nodded. "Very well. Let's see if you can back up your words."

Utakata blew a series of bubbles, which floated toward Kaito with an almost hypnotic grace. "Water Release: Bubble Jutsu."

Kaito formed a single hand seal. "Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu."

A massive fireball erupted from Kaito's mouth, colliding with the bubbles and causing a series of explosions. The force of the blast sent water cascading from the waterfall, creating a mist that hung in the air.

When the mist cleared, Utakata stood on the other side of the waterfall, his expression calm but resolute. "I won't use the Six-Tails' power unless I have no other choice. But if you push me, I will."

Kaito's gaze was steady. "Do what you must. But know this—I won't hold back."

The two shinobi stood facing each other, the tension palpable. The calm before the storm.