"Mom," Ino shouted upon entering into her family's shop from the greenhouse where she had attending to the flowers.
"What is it Ino?" her mother questioned from where she stood behind the counter.
"You need to get to the shelters. The Village is about to be attacked," Ino warned as she ran to the exit.
"What? How do you…"
"Just promise me you're going," Ino said cutting her mom off. "I need to find Lady Tsunade."
Her mother nodded having not seen her daughter so serious so Ino took off alerting the people she encountered out front before leaping to the rooftops. Alone for the moment she thought, "You're absolutely sure about this. Otherwise I'm going to look insane if nothing happens."
"I'm sure," Kiyomi replied mentally.
"Okay, so then why contact me and not Tsunade directly?"
"I would if I could," Kiyomi replied. "However, my telepathic abilities are rather limited. I'm able to communicate with my sisters because we all started our existence as a single being. Sort of like how twins are said to be able to sense one another. The reason I'm able to communicate with you like this is because your clan has honed their abilities to communicate mentally for generations."
"Alright then what do you want me to do once I reach Tsunade?"
"Just put me in touch with her and then link us to everyone else. We need to plan accordingly. Out of curiosity did you notice anything strange before I contacted you?"
Ino thought for a moment recalling how as she watered the flowers she had a sudden sense of foreboding as she thought she heard a pained scream. Relaying as much to Kiyomi, she was surprised as the Bijuu replied, "That was Shukaku. It seems that you've been honing your skills while you've been away."
Ino frowned at the surprised tone Kiyomi had used since it implied the Bijuu thought that without Naruto being a part of her life she would let her skills wane. Still she did concede that a reason she had been working so hard to improve her abilities was because it helped alleviate the loneliness she had felt. Therefore she simply replied, "I had a lot of free time on my hands."
Despite the seriousness of the situation she felt a small smile threaten to appear as Kiyomi replied, "I bet you did."
Reaching the Hokage Mansion, Ino made her way to the Clan Council Chambers where she barged in before the guards at the door could react. The shinobi present went on guard at her rude appearance with her father being the first to give voice to it as he said, "Ino, what do you think you are doing?"
"I'm sorry Daddy," she replied quickly, "But I believe we're about to come under attack."
"What do you base this off of?" Tsunade asked concerned knowing full well the information could have come from other sources.
Ino wasn't sure how to respond at first since she hadn't considered how to explain the situation without revealing her source. But looking to her father had a sudden inspiration as she said, "Dad, did you feel a sort of psychic scream a little while ago."
Her father frowned making Ino fear that he hadn't since a part of the Yamanaka training did consist of blocking such stray psychic pressure. But after a moment he nodded as he said, "I did feel something a short time ago. But as you know such things happen from time to…"
"I know," Ino said urgently. Knowing that she would need to stretch the truth a little she said, "I…I've heard it before in my dreams…during the Sound Invasion several years ago. At the time I just passed it off as a side-effect of the genjutsu I was under that compelled me to sleep. It would only be after talking to Temari during my time with the Training Force that I realized the dream I had was connected to the Shukaku that Gaara released."
Homura frowned as he scoffed while saying, "Are you telling us this scream you claim to have heard just now is the Shukaku? My dear I don't think I need to remind you that Akatsuki has…"
Ino wanted to smirk as it dawned on the elder that was exactly what she was implying. Tsunade snapped to her feet shouting at the guards, "Have all our outposts check in immediately."
The chunin that had been guarding the door both snapped to attention before running to complete their orders. Tsunade directed her attention to the councilors, "Everyone man your posts. We will treat this as the real thing until we receive proof otherwise. If it is a false alarm we can simply claim it as a surprise drill."
The Councilors nodded in agreement before leaving the room. Ino's father favored her with a warm smile before following Shikaku to the command center where they would direct Konoha's forces should an actual battle take place. Ino followed after Tsunade as Yuugao and Koharu did likewise.
Once they were alone Tsunade was about to ask how the Yamanaka had truly learned her information, but stopped as Ino placed a hand on her back and using the mark that connected Naruto's lovers used that as a means to link her and the other women of his Harem that were in or near the village. "Well done Ino," Kiyomi said over the mental link. "Tsunade, as Ino already informed you Shukaku is nearby. Unfortunately it is not responding to my mental calls. But I believe Akatsuki plans to use Shukaku in an attack on the village."
"Why would they go through the trouble of releasing the one tails?" Tsunade questioned.
"Perhaps as a means of forcing a confrontation between Naruto and it," Temari said from her tent in the Training Force camp. "Naruto was the one to beat Gaara when Suna tried to use Shukaku in a similar matter."
"No," Konan said from the Den's medical bay, "Nagato has positioned himself as a god. Therefore if he is going to destroy the Leaf Village it has to be seen as his victory. I'm not sure why they would let it free of the statue, but we do not need fear Shukaku running amok in the village at least not in the beginning. Should things turn against him though, I would not be capable of guaranteeing that."
"I could handle it," Fu said over the link.
"Fu, don't forget you are likely a target as well," Tsunade said, "Do not get overly reckless."
"Fu understands," the former jinchuriki replied a hint of nervousness appearing in her mental voice.
"What about Naruto?" Hinata asked from her room in the Hyuuga compound.
However, before Tsunade could respond a large explosion sounded in the middle of the village. The Hokage and the others stopped at a window as they saw the cloud of dust rise over the village followed by several others that appeared in different points of the village. Despite wanting nothing more than to hide her lover away she said, "We alert him that it appears Pain is attacking the village."
Tsunade felt Ino stiffen behind her at her statement. She half expected the young Yamanaka to raise her voice in protest of the decision. When no such protest came, she proceeded to lead the women to her office and the messenger toad Fukasaku had left. However, upon reaching her office there was no sign of the toad that had made the room its home. "Where the hell did he go?" Tsunade said angrily.
"Homura," Koharu said her own voice taking on a dark tone.
"What makes you believe he or one of his followers was here?" Yuugao asked although she knew the Elder had been revealed by Komachi's presence under his home as the man that was now in charge of Root.
"It has to be him," Koharu replied bitterly, "He can't take the chance that Tsunade would summon Naruto back to the village. Even if Ino's warning had turned out to be false he could have likely pinned it on remnants of Root."
Koharu turned to leave the office prompting Tsunade to ask, "Where are you going?"
"To deal with Root," Koharu replied her response carrying over the mental link thanks to Ino, "Homura will likely keep most of his remaining forces close to him during this invasion. He can't take the chance of being weakened even further. Therefore this attack also presents us with the unique chance to be rid of Root once and for all."
"Still you won't be able to handle them all by yourself," Tsunade protested.
"I'll lend her a hand," Seven said. "As fun as battling Akatsuki sounds, I was brought on board to aid in the removal of Root. It would be nice to see that task through to the end."
Despite the Bijuu agreeing to aid Koharu, Tsunade was still hesitant to give her blessing. But knowing she would need every available person to aid in the defense of the village nodded as she replied, "You two be careful."
Koharu smiled as she replied, "We will be. Besides, the third member of our party is already there."
Tsunade returned the smile as she realized Koharu was referring to Komachi. "Right how silly of me to forget." The smile disappeared as Koharu took off to settle her difference of opinion with her old teammate. Focusing on the smoke rising above her village, she moved to the window directly behind her desk where she smashed the glass with her fist. She then leapt through the shattered window to defend her village and lover's dream from the man threatening both.
*****************************
Temari stepped out of her tent as the link closed down. A great deal of the shinobi from the Training Force had already done so as more and more people noticed the smoke rising from the direction of the Leaf Village. She wasn't surprised to find Matsuri, Maki, or Pakura waiting for her to emerge or their sending her looks like they expected her to order them to Konoha. However before she could Asuma ran up to her saying, "Lady Temari, it looks like Akatsuki is making its move. I'll be taking the Leaf forces back to the village. It would probably be best if the Sand returns home. I know you had permission to aid us against Root, but this is an entirely different battle…"
"Lord Sarutobi," Temari said disappointedly, "Do you think so little of our alliance that you believe I need to run all the way back to Suna to ask for permission to aid our friends of the Leaf? This force was formed to defend both our homes from enemies that threatened them. I can think of no one more deserving to face our combined might then Akatsuki, can you?" Temari was proud to see that the resolve her words showed was also etched on many of the faces of her shinobi. Glad for the opportunity to repay the Leaf for its role in saving her brother, she said, "We're merely awaiting your order Lord Sarutobi."
Temari felt a measure of pride in the dream she had become a part of as Asuma was clearly relieved he could defend his home with the full might of the Training Force. Inclining his head to the younger woman he said, "Thank you." Turning to Sand and Leaf Shinobi he barked, "Well what are we waiting for? Let's get moving."
Almost as one the shinobi present took to the trees as they moved to aid the Leaf. The women in Temari's squad all shared the same thought as they wondered when their lover would make his presence known.
*****************************
Kurenai was bumped to the side as a man concerned with saving his own skin ran passed her. She watched him do likewise to several other civilians as they made their way to the shelter. She steadied herself as she restarted her trek to the shelters, but a moment later she learned the rude civilian had just been the vanguard of more as suddenly dozens of more people began to push her from behind. Trying to learn why, she looked behind her to see a large centipede racing down the street towards them. Kurenai was tossed about as more and more people became aware of the danger and began running to escape it.
Due to her pregnancy Kurenai struggled to keep up and seeing a small alley ducked into it to escape the throng of people. She winced at the scene left behind as the scared civilians moved on as several less fortunate people laid trampled in the street. She heard the sounds of exploding kunai hitting their target so peeked out to see a line of chunin doing what they could to distract the strange summons from the fleeing civilians. About to get moving, the Jounin noticed a small child crying having been separated from her parents.
The summons apparently also noticed as it easily smashed through the shinobi killing or incapacitating them, before moving to attack the young girl. Kurenai moved on instinct as she channeled chakra to her legs to help overcome her limits as a result of her pregnancy. She reached the girl and snatched her out of the way just as the centipede smashed its head into the spot she had been standing. Kurenai felt winded due to eight months of being unable to properly train.
She felt a measure of panic come over her as the centipede focused its gaze on her as she cursed her recklessness since it was no longer just her life of the line. As the centipede positioned itself to attack her, Kurenai caught sight of someone approaching from the direction the civilians had fled, recognizing the jinchuriki Fu. She watched as the young woman began to emit a golden chakra which surrounded her as it took the shape of an armored giant humanoid beetle. The chakra appeared to harden to a glossy black as it reached a height of several stories tall.
Fu upon reaching the centipede delivered a massive uppercut that rocked the centipede as it sent it flying down the street and away from Kurenai. However, before the jounin could even thank her rescuer though a tongue wrapped around the upper body of the shell surrounding Fu. The jinchuriki struggled to remain standing as a chameleon with a snake for a tail appeared on the side of a building behind Fu. It began pulling backwards in order to topple the golem like construct.
Kurenai felt guilty as a part of her screamed to get out of there in order to protect the civilian she had already saved and her unborn child. However, as a large multi-headed dog leapt on Fu to pry the woman out of the chitin surrounding her. Kurenai knew that the same instinct that had prevented her from letting an innocent civilian die in front of her would not allow her to turn her back on a fellow kunoichi. Telling the young girl to take shelter in the alley she had earlier, Kurenai darted to one of the shinobi the centipede had killed. Riffling in his pouch, she pulled several kunai that had exploding tags affixed to them. Taking aim at the chameleon, who was not allowing Fu to remain upright; she threw them and was pleased to see that her aim although shaky was still true as the blades impacted the tongue. A moment later they exploded causing the tongue to be amputated. The chameleon roared in pain as it disappeared blending into its surroundings.
Kurenai watched as now free of the appendage that was hindering her ability to defend herself, Fu easily grabbed the summons scrambling to remain perched on her and tossed it into a building. The jinchuriki followed up by smashing its fists into the bizarre dog beast. Yet just as Fu appeared to be gaining the upper hand, she was propelled backwards as the summons separated into several copies of its self.
Pushed backwards by the strange turn of events, Fu found herself facing three of the multi-headed canines. Far from being concerned Fu willed the faceplate of her armor to open revealing that the golden chakra was stilling surrounding her inside the shell. She then sent a concentrated blast of that chakra into one of the summons incinerating it completely. The other two summons realizing the peril they were in appeared to decide to retreat. Fu paused a moment to look back the way she had come and seeing the squad of shinobi she had been with approaching decided to give chase.
Kurenai watched relieved as Fu chased after the remaining summons. Seeing the approaching shinobi she waved at the young girl to join her. Yet, just as the civilian appeared from her hiding spot Kurenai's view of her was clouded as a giant dust cloud was kicked up by something heavy landing in the street. Kurenai searched for the threat, but just caught site of the shimmering outline of the chameleon summons she had wounded before its snake-headed tail slammed into her.
Kurenai was sent flying by the blow and only stopped upon hitting a wall which she slid down. Kurenai blacked out for a moment, but came to seconds later to see the summons being driven off by the approaching shinobi. Dazed from the blow, she didn't really understand what was going on as two members of the medical core hovered over her. Able to hear them though she listened as one of them said, "Her wounds aren't too severe…but there's only one heartbeat."
The other one took a second to look down at her obvious pregnant stomach to ask, "Are you sure?"
A slight nod was all the confirmation the man gave, but it was enough to cut through the fog surrounding Kurenai. The jounin turned her focus inwards and was unable to feel the life that she had been nurturing for the past eight months. Feeling an overwhelming amount of grief she let out a bloodcurdling scream of, "No!" which after her throat went dry she began to repeat over and over again as she tried to deny reality while the medics began to carry her to the hospital.
*****************************
Nagato watched dispassionately through his Animal Path from the roof of a nearby building as the Konoha reinforcements drove off his summons. Having heard the woman's scream, he felt it as a reaffirmation of his belief that only through excruciating pain would the world begin to seek out peace. Turning his back on the shinobi as they secured the pregnant woman and civilian he directed his dog summons to lead the Seven-Tail jinchuriki on a chase until his Deva path could deal with the annoyance it faced.
Nagato knew that he should probably use the jutsu that had been his reason for releasing the One-Tails. But rather than crush the village quickly he wanted the despair of the attack to sink in. Especially since he had lived with his hatred of Konoha for decades so didn't wish to rush through his snuffing out of their much vaunted "Will of Fire." Nagato was aware that if he wasn't careful, he could in turn be creating the next generation of those who would resist him in the future. Therefore he needed to extinguish all hope and the best way to do that was a long drawn out siege that would slowly crush their spirits. If it lured out the nine-tails as it apparently had the seven then so much the better.
Nagato stopped as one of the dogs that had splintered off from the two that Fu was chasing suddenly picked up a familiar scent. Recognizing it as the woman that had rescued Konan, he directed the summons to follow the trial even as he moved his Animal Path to the same location.
****************************
Konan could feel the earth vibrate as large explosions went off nearby. Despite her body protesting her decision she pulled herself out of the bed. She quickly dressed as she made her way out of the Den. Aware of how frightening powerful Nagato truly was. She needed to be ready in case he decided to really cut loose. Knowing that at the moment Nagato was simply toying with the Leaf, she needed to observe how he had arraigned himself through the village so she could choose the opportune moment to strike.
****************************
Kiyomi watched as her home battled against Pain. She felt hemmed in by her role as a civilian as she longed for the freedom that both Yoruichi and Seven were displaying. She also wished she could simply teleport to her lover, but since she used the fox mark located on Naruto's lovers to travel could not locate him due to his presence being blocked by the atmosphere of the Toad's home. She had been surprised to learn that it was apparently a handicapped that didn't extend to him. But she reasoned that it was because the Hiraishin was reliant on the seals built into the fox marks or on his kunai, not the sense of presence the marks gave off.
Aware that she wasn't alone she asked, "Can I help you two?"
Miya Asama shrugged as she replied, "Not really. I'm simply watching the fireworks, same as you."
Kiyomi frowned at the woman's words, but wasn't surprised by them as she had made it quite well known she had no desire to protect the village. Not that Kiyomi could blame her considering the Leaf had locked her up for over a decade. But looking at the woman standing next to the purple haired woman, she could see her other house guest wasn't so unconcerned. Finally, Mikoto broke as she said, "Let me do something to help. I can't just sit back and do nothing."
"Oh, isn't the sight of the village locked in battle the very thing your clan wanted to bring about."
Kiyomi took some satisfaction in seeing Mikoto wince from her words, but it was short lived as the Uchiha replied, "I…I can't deny what you say is correct. But, to stop such a thing from happening is the very reason why I alerted the Third to my husband's plot. He failed to understand that even if we won…we wouldn't erase the cold stares that we received. We'd only solidify the villagers mistrust and fear of us."
Kiyomi hearing that didn't trust Mikoto any more than she had before, but decided that at the very least it would be a chance to see where the Uchiha stood. Releasing the seal that bound the woman to her property the Bijuu said, "Then go. But upon our defeating Pain, I expect you to return."
Mikoto nodded, before darting out of the room. Miya watched as Kiyomi turned back to the window and asked, "Do you truly believe she will?"
Kiyomi shrugged as she answered, "Honestly it doesn't matter. If she comes back she at least proves she can be trusted. If not, then she'll go in search of her son. I trust that her friendship with Naruto's mother will be enough to keep her silent about the secrets she has uncovered. If not then I'm sure her son will insure that she takes them to the grave."
"Remind me to never get on your bad side," Miya said finding the Bijuu would make a dangerous enemy.
Kiyomi smiled back at the woman over her shoulder before saying, "If you'll excuse me. I have a guest."
Miya watched as the Bijuu slowly walked out of the room. Making her way to the window she saw what appeared to be a young woman with orange hair. Guessing her to be this Pain, she had heard mentioned by the women of the house she settled in to watch wondering if she should aid the Bijuu to gain some insight on where Kisame was hiding. However, as the Bijuu appeared out of the entrance of the mansion Miya doubted the Bijuu wanted or needed any such aid.
*****************************
Soifon watched as the smaller dogs that had separated from the larger one her squad had ambushed finished killing the rest of her team. She killed the emotions she felt as one beast removed its fangs from around the throat of her sensei while staring at her. Having recently been promoted to a chunin in the Suna Chunin Exams, the fifteen year old kunoichi waited for the remaining beasts to take notice of her. Willing to trade her life so long as she could incapacitate them, she had set up a Barrier Encampment with herself as the bait that would lure the summons into the killzone.
"Come on you pieces of shit," the chunin said defiantly. "I'm not going anywhere."
The summons all snarled before leaping at her, and as they approached Soifon smiled as the exploding tags she had set around her began to smoke, before erupting in flame. Just before being engulfed she closed her eyes and was surprised that dying felt a little bit like flying.
Feeling like she was being held around her waist while suspended in the air. She opened her eyes to find herself being held by a dark-skinned woman on top of a roof. Upon seeing the kunoichi she had rescued staring up at her the woman said, "Whew that was a close one. If I had been a little slower we both would be extra crispy right now."
Soifon felt her cheeks begin to color as the woman stared down at the kunoichi she was easily holding with just one arm. "W-who…"
"Hold that thought," Yoruichi said as she leapt backwards causing Soifon's stomach to lurch as she was held around the waist by her savior's arm. The unease also stemmed as several of the summons she thought her trap had killed smashed into the area looking burnt but otherwise unharmed.
Upon Yoruichi's landing one of the dogs growled at her before leaping to attack. However, the Bijuu simply raised her leg straight up in the air before smashing it down on the summon's head driving it through the roof until it landed in the basement. Once the dust cleared, Soifon could see that from just the one blow the animal would not be getting up anytime soon although she could see several new heads sprouting from the beast.
"I tell you," Yoruichi said, "It always bothers me when people let their mutts run loose off of their leashes. Well I guess the owner won't be able to raise too much of a fuss about me putting them down, although he's welcome to try."
Soifon was about to point out that physical attacks only seemed to make the summons stronger, but before she could the woman tossed her behind her as the dog she had sent through the roof leapt from the hole. The summons smashed its paw where the woman was standing prompting Soifon to charge forward in anger at the beast killing someone else. However she stopped as the dust cleared and revealed the purple-haired woman easily holding the paw it had tried to smash her with.
Yoruichi smirked into the summons Rinnegan eye as she said, "Aw, you want to shake." Pushing it backwards she quipped, "Now play dead." She then breathed a ball of black fire into the beast's chest that caused it to burst into flames. The flames grew stronger before taking the shape of several large black flaming cats. Yoruichi walked among the jutsu composed of her blaze element as she said, "Opps, I don't think its playing. Oh well let's see if the rest of these flea bags can do any better."
The cats leapt away from her as they smashed into the summons setting them ablaze. Soifon watched amazed as within moments the woman's jutsu reduced the pack of dogs into so much ash. Stretching her arms over her head, Yoruichi moved to the end of the roof looking for another area of trouble. Spotting a dust cloud she was about to leapt away but stopped as the kunoichi she had save asked, "Who are you?"
"Yoruichi," the Bijuu replied and then leapt away.
Soifon watched the woman as she moved to attack a giant crab that easily towered over her. Despite the chaos still going on around her Soifon whispered reverently, "Lady Yoruichi." Her attention was pulled from the angel that had saved her by the cries for help of people nearby. Having to complete her duty to the Leaf, Soifon leapt away to render what aid she could. But once the village was secured promised she would learn everything she could about the woman that now captivated her world.
*****************************
Sakura directed several less severely wounded civilians towards a waiting are where they would be treated in due time. She paused as her eyes landed on Kurenai, who still stared off into space while simply repeating the word no. Her heart broke for the woman especially as her hands absentmindedly rubbed her stomach despite her deceased child having been removed. Tearing her gaze away, she saw her teacher moving down a hall as if to leave the hospital. Quickly closing with him, she said, "Where do you think you're going?"
"Sakura, I have a duty to perform. I'm healed enough…"
"When did you become a doctor, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said sternly cutting her teacher off, "Your wounds barely healed. Now get back to your room before I forget myself and do something you'll regret."
Kakashi well aware that in his current condition, his student's threat was more along the lines of a promise, sighed in defeat as he followed her instructions. Sakura spared a moment to make sure her teacher did as she said, before moving to help a gravely injured shinobi. As she set about the task of trying to repair the damage she sent a silent prayer out to her lover that he would arrive in time to save the village.
****************************
Tsunade channeled chakra to her feet as the Deva path tried to pull her towards it. Resisting the pull until it stopped, she then charged forward hoping to reach the Deva path before it could use its jutsu again. Tsunade managed to succeed, but it was pushed out of the way by the Path that appeared capable of absorbing chakra. Tsunade's fist connected with its face in place of the Deva's path causing it to go flying off where it smashed into an apartment building. In the back of her mind Tsunade realized that the apartment her human projectile had just ruined had been Naruto's.
Turning to the Deva path that was recovering from the rough push it had received she raised her foot intent on crushing it. However, she was blown back as it raised its hand sending Tsunade off to slam through a building herself. Glowering at the path as it stood, she threw off the broken pieces of furniture covering her as she got to her feet as well. Staring down at it from the hole of the second floor apartment she had crashed into, she shouted, "Give it up you bastard. This village is not something someone like you can crush."
The Deva Path stared up unintimidated as it replied, "An ant can rage all it wants at a descending boot heel. But in the end the result is still the same."
Tsunade growled as she ran down the face of the building intent on showing Pain that he had picked a fight with the wrong ant.
****************************
Komachi remained in the cell that had been her home for over a month still as naked as the day she entered it. Despite Monkey apparently deciding to spare her, it showed that he in no way trusted her. She could understand his reluctance to do so since even were she still loyal, her upcoming mission to kill Naruto would have had only one outcome for her, death. With the possibility she would be tortured before being killed she doubted Monkey would want her revealing any pertinent information she would learn about his operation if she were free to move as she pleased.
Komachi frowned as she heard the sounds of large scale combat taking place overhead. Despite her chakra being sealed she could still vaguely sense the other women connected to her via the mark she bore, but had been unable to communicate with them. Suspecting the battle was directed at the village as opposed to removing the remnants of Root, she wondered who the enemy was.
Her thoughts turned to her personal safety though as her cell began to shake violently making her believe that on top of a battle the village was suffering an earthquake. But her fears proved groundless as a large stone beetle smashed through the back wall of her cell. It shattered into pieces a moment later to reveal the still henged Koharu and Seven.
Both women appeared shocked to find Komachi completely nude with Seven saying, "Um, sorry…we only brought you some weapons."
Komachi took them wordlessly as she strapped the pouch to her waist and the sword to her back while Koharu removed the chakra restraining seal. She had just finished situating them when the door to her cell burst open. Komachi pulled her blade as she leapt the distance and slashed one of the men across the throat. The second Root member managed to swing at her, but she parried the blade as she dug a kunai from her pouch and buried it in his masked eye socket.
Turning to the two women, Komachi said unashamed of her nakedness, "They are enough."
"Then let's go," Koharu said taking the lead as she went in search of Root's current master and her old colleague.
The three women encountered relatively light resistance since it was apparent that Root had not expected their attack. The three kunoichi learned the other reason was because most of the remaining Root members had gathered in a large assembly hall. Upon their stepping into it Monkey said, "So, it appears my first instinct about you was correct Komachi. I should have simply eliminated you."
Komachi felt no need to respond but Koharu did as she said, "Homura…how could you fall so low?"
"Low," Homura replied removing the mask he wore. Tossing it aside, where it landed next to a jar containing the missing and unconscious messenger toad, he began moving through the ranks of his Root members as he explained, "How is it low of me to do the things that you and the rest of these weak willed fools find distasteful. You see our rebellion as us being disloyal when it is us simply and finally making the village recognize the horrible things that must be done to keep the other villages from snuffing out our Will of Fire? Forget your romantic view of what it means to be shinobi. We try to dress it up, but in the end we are no more than the various Daimyo garbage men."
"How can you say that?" Koharu said sadly, "Sensei taught us to be proud shinobi."
"And how did Sensei die?" Homura replied coldly. "Like a cornered dog as the rest of us raced back to the village clinging to our pitiful lives. Our ideals for peace were used against us to lure us into that trap. Peace is an illusion which cannot become a reality so long as the other shinobi villages exist. But from that experience in Lightning Country, I learned the only true peace we can hope for so long as the current shinobi world exists is the one found in the grave."
"Then why don't you go hurry up and die then," Seven replied. "In case it's escaped your notice your home is being flattened by Akatsuki and yet here you bastards sit huddled together."
"Akatsuki is simply a wildfire that has spun out of control," Homura replied calmly as he came to the head of his forces. "We were aware of them as they fought to establish peace in Ame during the Third Shinobi War. Such a naïve idea of peace had no place in this world which is why we joined with Hanzo in eliminating them. However, it appears we underestimated this Nagato. But looking at what he's become is all the proof one needs to see just how weak his ideals of peace were."
"Don't you see though," Koharu tried to reason, "Your actions then are why our village is suffering now."
"As I said," Homura replied unperturbed, "It was a wildfire that has spun out of control, but one I can use to reforge this village into what it needs to become in order to survive in this world of shinobi. Once Pain has finished in his rampage, we will emerge to lead the survivors forged through the painful reality of this world against him. Maybe after they've had a taste of what awaits them outside the safety of Konoha's walls, they'll be more willing to take the steps necessary to ensure such a thing never happens again? This time there will be no soft hearted Hokage to hold us back like Sarutobi or Tsunade."
Koharu frowned as she said angrily, "You're the one that helped to appoint Tsunade once Jiraiya suggested her."
Homura chuckled as he replied, "True, but I fully expect her to be a colossal failure as Hokage. Little did I imagine the woman that was cheating her creditors and drinking her life away would prove to be such a formidable opponent. She was supposed to be a wreck that Danzou and I could influence or discredit thereby allowing him to rise to the position."
Koharu stared at the ground sadly as she said, "I see…so this is a path you've been on for a considerable amount of time."
"Indeed," Homura replied, "But don't kid yourself Koharu. It's a path you've been on as well. When Itachi came to us with his plan to eliminate his clan, you may have raised the greatest fuss about it. But you still agreed with us in the end. But it was because it took so much convincing to bring you on board that Danzou and I refused to let you in on our greater plans."
Koharu pulled her gaze from the floor as she met her old teammate's cold glare with a steely one of her own as she said, "For that I thank you then. By not pulling me into the darkness you two had surrounded yourselves with it has allowed me to find my true self."
Homura shrugged as he tossed the robe he had been wearing away to reveal his old shinobi armor. Pulling the scroll strapped to his chest down he called forth a sickle and chain. Spinning the weighted end of the chain he said, "In a clash between two ideals only one can remain standing. Let's see if your true self can stand against mine."
Koharu dropped her henge showing off her youthful appearance as she replied, "I'm afraid now that you've seen it, none of you are leaving this room alive."
Homura recovered from his surprise quickly before charging his fellow elder as his Root members followed in his wake. Pulling a kunai she let it fly but wasn't surprised as Homura battered is aside with the weighted chain. Pulling another to parry Homura's sickle, she smiled in his face despite his saying, "You're a fool Koharu. Do you honestly believe the three of you can stand against Root?"
"What can I say Homura," Koharu said as she struggled against her oldest living friend, "We're another wildfire that you've lost control of. Let's see how calm you can remain now that your true home is caught up in it."
****************************
Nagato watched through the Animal Path's eyes as the woman that had saved Konan calmly strolled out of the mansion that he assumed was her home. Despite his usual confidence he found her calmness both in the chaos going on in the village and his ability to find her disturbing. Commenting on it he said in the female Animal Path's voice, "You don't seem surprised that I found you."
"What makes you think I was hiding in the first place?" The woman replied condescendingly.
Pain turned his Path's head to where a fireball had erupted due to his Asura Path's battle against a purple-haired Anbu and the squad she was leading. "Perhaps from your remaining here instead of helping this village defend itself."
Nagato found the predatory smile the woman gave him as a result of his words unnerving. She spoke with a finality that caused him to question not only whether or not the woman was human, but his own chances of defeating Konoha. "Take it from one who knows. This village will not be done in by this."
Nagato got over his bout of nerves as he recalled his ace in the hole the member of Akatsuki said, "I'll keep that in mind. Tell me, did Konan survive her wounds?"
"Who can say," Kiyomi replied with a shrug, "Don't tell me you've begun to regret your attacking her."
"I merely wish to ascertain if she still remains a threat to my goal to create peace in the Shinobi World. But no matter, if she's still alive I'll find her in due time. Now I believe you said, there was someone that would determine my fate. Where would this person be so I can show him the futility of challenging a god?"
Kiyomi held back the frown she felt since without her ability to feel him via her foxmark she could not teleport to Naruto's location as her technique worked separately then his. Plus since Homura apparently had captured or killed the messenger toad that had been left to summon the jinchuriki they couldn't summon him that way either. Despite her not wanting to interfere with Naruto's confrontation with Pain, the Bijuu had her own goals in regards to him so said, "I'm afraid he's rather indisposed at the moment. You should have told us you were coming as I'm quite positive he was very eager to meet you. But in the meantime let us do our best to entertain each other."
Nagato had his Animal Path react immediately as it crouched to place its hands on the ground. It summoned two of the creatures that it had yet to set loose in the village. The first was a massive Ox which towered over the woman as it was as tall as her three story mansion. The second creature let out a loud screech as the strange three winged and legged bird flew out of the cloud that had sprung into existence upon its being summoned with the Animal Path riding on its body.
Kiyomi frowned at Pain's choice of summons as the last thing she wanted was to attract attention to their fight. Therefore in order to ensure that they remained alone she placed her hands upon the ground causing a massive red barrier to spring into existence around her property.
Taking the perceived opportunity to strike that Nagato saw he willed the Ox forward to crush the impertinent woman as she established her barrier. To his surprise, she didn't even attempt to avoid the massive hoof as he brought it down on her. It hit the ground with full force kicking up a massive cloud which the Animal Path and bird it rode scoured looking for some sign of the woman. They need not have bothered as from beneath the hoof several red tendrils of energy wrapped themselves around the leg. The tendrils squeezed the leg in a grip that began to crush it, before they pushed the Ox backwards until it fell onto its back.
From the Animal Path's vantage point it could see the woman still crouched as she had been, but now covered in a red cloak looked like it was trying to take on a shape, yet couldn't due to the woman apparently preventing it from doing so. She stood in the hole that had been made as her chakra cloak prevented her from being crushed and began to scan the sky. When she spotted the Animal Path, Nagato saw a small smile appear on her face before she disappeared into flames.
Kiyomi reappeared behind the Animal Path on the bird it was riding as she could use her version of the Hiraishin to teleport to a location she could see. The Animal Path reacted immediately as it lashed out with a kick behind it that Kiyomi's chakra cloak easily blocked. She prevented it from taking its fox shape by cutting her chakra as soon as the threat was ended since she didn't want to supply Pain with too many clues as to what he was facing off against. She tried to retaliate with a chakra fist, but the female path leapt over it and her.
Kiyomi spun to face her opponent but watched as the Path appeared to miss the end of the bird and begin to fall towards the earth. Kiyomi frowned, but learned it was intentional as the bird at her feet disappeared into smoke. Before she could recover, the Ox charged her and rammed her as she was in midair. Hitting the center of its forehead she found herself pinned against it until the Ox smashed her into her home.
Finding herself in her study, Kiyomi's anger spiked and no longer caring if Pain learned what he was facing decided to show him the folly of making her angry. Pulling back her fist, she slammed it forward just as the Ox was beginning to back up in order to inspect its handiwork. A massive chakra claw sprung into existence catching the summons in the head and sent it skidding backwards.
Kiyomi walked slowly towards the hole that had been made and noticed a thick fog beginning to cover her property. Mentally thanking Miya, suspecting her due to her being a Kiri-nin, Kiyomi stepped from the hole. Yet instead of falling to the ground a red fox cloak sprung into being around her. Residing in the fox apparition's head, which was as large as the Ox summons, she watched as the Animal Path leapt atop it's summon's head.
Kiyomi smirked as the Animal Path taking notice of the nine-tails swinging about behind her chakra cloak asked, "What the hell are you?"
"What are your eyes telling you?"
"Do you honestly expect me to believe you are the Kyuubi?" The Animal Path questioned its tone filled with disbelief.
"Why not," Kiyomi replied in amusement, "You wish for me to believe you are a god. Let us see whose boasts appears to be closer to the mark." The Bijuu leapt at the Ox as it charged towards her while the Animal Path leapt away. The Ox hit Kiyomi's cloak in the chest, but its horns failed to penetrate as it was stopped almost immediately due to the heavy nature of the Bijuu's chakra. Kiyomi had the cloak's claws grab the Ox by the horns as it tried to twist the summons head clean off its shoulders. But just as Kiyomi was about to succeed, her cloak was hit from the side by the Bird that the Animal Path had re-summoned.
The drill like beak failed to penetrate as well, but the force of its collision caused Kiyomi's grip on the Ox to weaken enough for it to pull away. The bird scrambled back on the ground as it had been unable to remain airborne after the collision as Kiyomi turned her attention to it. Pulling back her arm which was mirrored by the Fox cloak she prepared to crush the skull of the bird summons. However, as she was bringing her cloak's fist down, something wrapped around its forearm. Searching for the new threat she spotted a shimmering distortion that appeared to resemble a bizarre chameleon of some sort. It revealed itself to show that the snake like tail of the summons was wrapped around her cloak's forearm.
Kiyomi willed her tails to deal with the nuisance as they wrapped around reptile as the Ox tried to rescue it by charging Kiyomi. The Bijuu turned the Fox Cloak's head towards the fast approaching summons. Kiyomi took a deep breath before expelling a fireball from her mouth that grew in power as it traveled through the fox cloak's throat. When it emerged from the Fox apparition's mouth her Hellfire fireball was easily as large as the Ox's head and when it hit caused the front half of the summons body to explode into charred flesh. The rear half collapsed to the ground as it skidded to a halt. Kiyomi then had her tails bring the chameleon in front of her where she grabbed it around its torso and squeezed the life out of it.
Dropping the broken husk to the ground she stepped on it for good measure, before scanning for the Animal Path in the fog. She caught sight of the female Path as it rode the airborne bird. The bird flew as high as the barrier would allow before diving towards Kiyomi. The Bijuu could tell the beak was aimed for where she resided within her fox cloak. However, just before it made contact Kiyomi dropped the cloak. She teleported before the beak could connect and appeared in front of the Animal Path.
Kiyomi struck first this time grabbing the path around the throat and refused to let go even as the summons beneath her feet was dispelled. Kiyomi was prepared so teleported with her prize and reappeared in front of her home as she easily held the shorter Animal Path off the ground.
The Animal Path struggled to speak due to the iron grip around it's throat as it said, "Do you truly believe you have won?"
"This round," Kiyomi replied pleased. "I thank you for your contribution to my plan for releasing my brethren from the husk of the Ten-Tails."
"What are you talking about?"
Kiyomi smirked as she replied, "As I thought…you're just a pathetic pawn in all this as well."
The Animal Path's eyes narrowed at the Bijuu as Nagato replied, "Know your place. If you truly are the Kyuubi, then you're nothing but a power source for the jutsu I'll use to change the world."
Kiyomi's eyes narrowed as well, but then a smile appeared on her face as she responded, "No, I'm afraid you're quite mistaken in that regard. But no matter, you're plans are falling apart even as we speak and you were even kind enough to deliver into my grasp the last element I needed to really muck up that masked bastards plot."
"And what would…."
The question cut off as Kiyomi began to channel her chakra into the Path. First she set about healing the damage that had been done to the body in order to make it suitable to be used as one of Nagato's paths. As a result the black chakra receivers began to be pushed out as the holes that had been created to house them as they closed. The black rods began falling to the ground as the more shallowly inserted ones healed first. Once the last rod came loose the Rinnegan faded from the Path's eyes as the female went slack.
Next, Kiyomi channeled her chakra to stimulating the organs of the soon to be former Animal Path. She could feel a pulse as the woman's heart began to beat and once it had a steady rhythm she ended her artificial stimulation of the organ. The former Animal Path suddenly took a deep gasping breath as its lungs began to function as well. The ex-Path's eyes began to come into focus and zeroed in on Kiyomi's face.
Kiyomi knew the woman would not be the one that she had been before her death, nor would she likely retain any memories of her time as a Path. Therefore, Kiyomi as she returned the body to the land of the living had applied the skills she had mastered through her tampering with the Taki-nin's psyche to give the woman the means she needed to function, but would also leave her as a blank slate.
Kiyomi was pleased as a questioning look appeared in the woman's blue eyes as she asked, "Who are you?"
Setting the woman down she replied, "I'm Kiyomi."
The woman processed the information and despite the confusion she was no doubt experiencing didn't let it show as she asked unemotionally, "Who am I?"
"Perhaps in time you'll be able to answer that," Kiyomi said proud of her work, "But for now how about I call you Sage?"
"Sage," the woman repeated still sounding unemotional. After a moment of thought though she added, "That is an acceptable name. What is my purpose?"
"In the future that will be your own decision to make," Kiyomi said turning towards her home. "Yet for the immediate future your purpose is to help me free my siblings."
"How?"
"All will be explained in good time," Kiyomi said as Sage began to follow her into the mansion. "For now though let's get you somewhere safe. I fear things will get worse before they get better."
****************************
Nagato tried to understand what had happened to cause him to lose contact with the Animal Path. He also began to wonder if the woman he had faced could have truly been the Kyuubi. However, he dismissed the idea as ludicrous since that would mean the Nine-tail Jinchuriki would have been dead. Still he couldn't deny the woman's power so decided it might be best to begin the preparations for deploying his trump card.
With a mere thought two of the lids for canisters housing his paths were sent flying as they were punched open. Nagato watched as the two new Paths stood and then ran out the cave's entrance to Konoha. With them on their way he turned his focus back to his Asura Path as it dealt with the Anbu that had been guarding the Hokage.
*****************************
Hinata ducked down as she performed the splits as one of Pain's dog summons passed above her. Before it cleared her, she jammed her hands up into the air with the chakra that coated them taking on the form of a lion's head. The jutsu hit the beast in the chest causing it to yelp as it was propelled upwards. The dog tried to right itself but was then hit in the side by an Eight Trigrams Vacuum Wall Palm as several Branch Family members, including Neji, attacked the summons once she was clear of it.
Her Byakugan showed her the animal, which had split off of a larger one sporting multiple heads, slamming into a wall which crumbled atop of it. Rolling back to her feet, she fought back a sigh as her bodyguard Ko said, "Lady Hinata that was far too reckless. You should return to the compound and leave the fighting to us."
"Ko, I know father has left you in charge of my wellbeing during his absence, but it is our duty as Hyuuga to defend this district. A duty I intend to see fulfilled," Hinata said aware of the pile of stones shifting behind her.
Ko more focused on his duty of protecting his charge by convincing her to return to the Hyuuga compound where the other Main Branch family members were residing, did not. Therefore he was surprised as said charge pushed him back as a sizably larger and three-head canine emerged from the rubble of the wall.
Hinata spun to face the renewed threat and began swinging her arms in front of her in an incredible display of speed in precision. The arc-shaped chakra blades formed a barrier in front of her which as the summons hit caused it to get sliced into cauterized cube shaped pieces. Hinata remained vigilant in case the strange creature somehow survived the damage, but when no new beast seemed to begin growing turned her attention away.
Sounding confident and in charge Hinata asked as she helped Ko back to his feet, "Neji, you're eyes are stronger than mine, are there any threats present?"
"None we currently need to deal with. Also, it appears that most of the villagers have been evacuated to the shelters. It'll probably be time for the counterattack soon enough."
Hinata nodded before ordering, "Good, we'll hold position here until it's time to begin."
She then leapt up to the top of a nearby tree as she directed her attention to the village as she tried to determine where her clansmen and she would likely be sent in order to drive Pain out of the village. Beneath her those clansmen looked on with respect as well as a few faces of worry since many of them hoped Hinata would assume leadership of the Hyuuga and did not wish for her to fall in battle.
None though was more concerned than the man charged with her safety, who as his charges cousin drew near whispered a little harshly, "Neji, how can you show so little concern for Lady Hinata's safety. I'm sure if you told her to return to the safety of the compound she'd listen."
Neji's face remained impassive as he replied, "Unfortunately there is only one person she would possibly listen to, and he's not in the village at present." From Ko's face Neji figured that they were thinking of two different people. Directing his gaze up to his cousin, he imagined that not only was she scanning for threats, but also for any sign of orange that would signal Naruto's return. Like most of the village Neji had no idea where Naruto was, only that he was receiving some sort of specialized training. Returning his focus to his clansmen he continued, "Therefore, it is our job to make sure no harm comes to Lady Hinata."
Ko nodded his head in agreement an action mirrored by the other Branch Family members present. Neji didn't smile since they were simply reaffirming their duty as Branch Clan members. But he did take pride in knowing that unlike with many who bore the Caged Bird seal, they weren't doing so due to their station in life. But because they genuinely wanted to serve the woman that many considered the only Main Family member that valued them.
****************************
Yuugao ducked behind the corner of a building and looked behind her to see if the remainder of her squad made it. She watched sadly as one of them didn't make it in time and took a direct hit from the projectile that the Path they faced had launched. The missile exploded, the flare of which forced Yuugao to turn away.
"Inoichi," Yuugao thought, "Where is Lady Tsunade?"
"She's still in battle with the Paths classified as Deva, Preta, and Naraka," Inoichi replied mentally.
"What!" Yuugao replied concerned, "Your last report stated she had knocked the Preta out of commission."
"It was an accurate report, but unfortunately it seems the Naraka path is the one capable of healing the others. We're not sure how, but that would appear to be the reason it does not engage in battle directly. However, the Hokage is managing to hold her own."
Before Yuugao could reply a new voice spoke up in her head as it said, "Yuugao, I know your first inclination is to rejoin the Hokage, but it would be unwise of you to do so." The only reason the Anbu Captain didn't argue was due to the voice being Shikaku Nara. Well aware the man had a reason for his statement she remained silently prompting him to explain, "As formidable as Pain seems to be due to his ability to channel his jutsu through six individuals, he's actually weakening himself by attacking the village in this manner. Breaking down the abilities we've seen thus far we can catergorize the Asura, Animal, and Deva as offensive in nature. The Preta would be defensive and the Naraka would be a support type."
"I get it," Yuugao replied in thought, "by keeping the Asura after me you're saying I'm in fact lessening the danger the Hokage is facing."
"Precisely," Shikaku answered, "We still have no idea what the Human Path is capable of. Although from survivors of squads that have encountered it, we believe it is looking for information on where Naruto is. Since it appears Tsunade is the only one that knows that information if it begins moving towards her we'll need to take steps to stop it."
"Where is it currently?"
"Unknown, we've lost track of it. Also, despite it being obvious that the Animal Path is around, no one has been able to visually confirm that yet. We do not even know what it looks like so be extremely careful."
"Roger," Yuugao replied as she came to a stop. The rest of her squad did likewise so she ordered, "The rest of you are to loop around to aid Lady Tsunade. I will hold the Asura Path here."
Her squad new better than to question her so continued on as Yuugao scanned the area for signs of her opponent. She heard the sound of something being launched causing her to look up in time to see a flying fist approaching her. Leaping out of the way she avoided the projectile as it smashed into the ground where she had been standing. She watched as it flew out of the hole that it had made and tracked it as it returned to the Asura Path that was standing on top of a damaged building.
Yuugao threw several kunai at her target, but they were deflected by a large metal tail that sprung from the Asura Path's back causing its robe to rip apart. The makeshift barricade retracted as the Asura path dropped down from the building. It pulled its cloak away revealing that it had a total of six arms as it fell forward to rest on two of them. Yuugao watched as from its crouched position the top of its head opened revealing some strange circuitry. Yuugao's eyes grew wide as a beam of light began to coalesce in front of the path. Aware that if it connected there probably wouldn't be enough left of her to fill a matchbox; Yuugao threw down a smoke bomb to cover her movements as she dived through a nearby window. The beam fired tearing a path of destruction down the narrow street and gouging out a portion of the building she had leapt into.
Yuugao had already returned to her feet by the time the beam fired and rushed through the building in order to get closer to the Asura Path. She cursed under her breath as she heard the sounds of the battered building breaking apart due to the most recent damage. Still she was determined to reach her target so ignored them even as support beams began to snap. Spotting the Asura path she smashed through another window with her sword drawn as she swiped at it. Her blade just grazed the path as it managed to leap away.
The building behind her began to tumble down forcing Yuugao to concentrate of escaping from beneath the collapsing structure. Running from under the shadow, she leapt the final distance just barely managing to stay ahead of the wreckage. Scanning through the dust she silently hoped that the Asura path was buried under the building. Yet she highly doubted it, and a moment later was proven right as she sensed an attack from behind. Spinning towards the threat she raised her sword to deflect it and was able to push the blade away from the sure kill shot of her head. However, the tail continue passed her and the sharp metal edge cut into her right shoulder causing her to bite her lip in pain as she refused to scream.
The tail retracted causing her to yell despite her desire otherwise. The Asura Path left its tail hovering above its head, but angled it down so her blood would travel to the tip. "I will take you a piece at a time until you tell me where Naruto Uzumaki is," the Asura Path said confidently.
Yuugao adjusted her stance to accommodate her inability to user her right arm effectively as she replied defiantly, "You're welcome to try."
*****************************
Shikaku continued to monitor the situation as best he could from the various radio voices of the squads engaging the summons running amok around the village as well as those directly facing the Paths that had been accounted for. Forming a theory based on the reports he surmised, "Someone must have taken care of the Animal Path that is why the number of summons seems to be decreasing. It may have been that woman Yoruichi; she's been wreaking havoc on the summons capable of replicating itself after being attacked physically. Or it may be tied to the red barrier that sprang up around the Kiyomi residence there may be more going on there than meets the…"
"Shikaku," Inoichi called from where he was connected to the machinery that allowed him to communicate with the units mentally.
Shikaku preferred to use the radios to gather real-time intelligence and use his friend's mental abilities to communicate his orders. Guessing his friend's interruption was due to the orders he had recently sent he said, "Let me guess Yajirobee is uncomfortable with the orders I gave him."
"He says he wishes for you to clarify them," Inoichi replied with an amused smile.
Placing his hand on Inoichi's head he said mentally, "Yajirobee what about my orders were unclear?"
The mental aspect of their communication made the nervous stutter of the chunin all the more pronounced as he said, "I-I j-j-just wanted to make s-s-sure I heard it correctly. Y-you want my squad to engage directly with a Path. Y-you're aware I'm l-leading a bunch of unproven genin."
Shikaku from his years of practice was able to hold back his sigh lest the chunin hear his frustration. "Yes, I am well aware of that. However, you do not need to confront the Asura Path directly. Neko is currently fighting it alone as she sent the rest of her squad to aid the Hokage. Unfortunately that squad was in turn ambushed and wiped out by a pack of those dog summons. Neko is fighting valiantly, but is going to lose unless she receives help."
"B-but…"
Shikaku cut the man off as he said, "Lady Yakumo, I believe you understand what I'm saying."
"Yes sir," Yakumo replied, "Due to the battle Lord Jiraiya had with Pain, he uncovered that his Paths are susceptible to genjutsu. You want me to get close enough to place the Asura Path under one allowing Neko a chance to eliminate it."
"Exactly," Shikaku said impressed by the formerly bedridden young-woman. Directing his mental attention to the chunin in charge of the squad he said, "Yajirobee, if you have any further questions feel free to direct them to Lady Yakumo."
"Y-yes sir," the Chunin replied sounding chastised since he was aware that if he delayed any further he'd likely find himself taking orders from the genin next.
Shikaku confident that the squad was already moving turned his focus to trying to locate the missing Human Path as he found its disappearance more worrisome then the Animal Path's. Noticing a nearby squad had stopped reporting, he felt his eyes go wide as he prepared to alert those in the command post that located in the Jounin station when a large explosion destroyed much of the wall he was standing in front of. Blown off his feet, he tried to clear the bells ringing in his ears as a hand clamped around the top of his head. Shikaku felt unable to move as he felt a presence peering into his mind despite his best efforts to block it.
The Human Path yanked his hand away pulling Shikaku's soul out of his body as it said to itself believing everyone else had died in the explosion or simply posed no threat, "Interesting, so only the Hokage knows where Uzumaki is. Still, she is proving rather difficult to deal with; it may be prudent to locate this Ayame the boy is seeing." With a new target to locate the Human Path leapt out of the ruined command post leaving broken bodies and the dead behind.