“Ao, please check to see it the Hokage’s powers aren’t currently in use,” the samurai guard spoke.

Ao shook his head. “He’s not using it now.”

“Don’t worry,” Danzou said somewhat annoyed, “it’s not something I can use multiple times a day.”

“I’ll be the judge of that,” Ao said, “you can’t be trusted.”

“I had no idea there was another Byakugan out there,” Danzou said, “we should have killed that traitor Hyuuga sooner.”

An icy silence crept through the room. Ao chuckled softly. “You’re probably planning to kill me now. But you won’t do so easily.”

“Hokage,” Mifune interrupted, “all jutsu are forbidden here. You didn’t have enough faith. I would have chosen you anyway.”

“Maybe,” Danzou mused, “but I couldn’t take that risk. I will do whatever it takes to protect the ninja world. This world must become one. Just as the First Hokage, Hashirama, gathered the clans to created a village, now we must gather the villages to make the ninja world one. That will never happen through discussion. Taking the time to do it morally won’t change a thing. Eventually Akatsuki will destroy the ninja world.”

“It takes time to make ideals onto reality,” the Tsuchikage countered, “if you’re hastily, you’ll lose sight of everything else and make mistakes. Just like now. Not that your ideas are realistic anyway. You may think you’re doing good, but the results breed mistrust, ill feeling and hatred. I can’t trust anything you say.”

“Whether you trust me or not, we need results,” Danzou said.

Gaara’s expression was thoughtful. “If that’s what this world and humans are… there is no future,” he said, “understanding and faith… if you take that away, all that’s left is fear. I can’t accept your lack of moral and how quick you are to give up.”

“Easy for you to say,” the Tsuchikage said, “you know nothing about running a village, boy. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask. We’ll give you advise. Hahaha.”

Kankuro flew up. “What was that old man?!” he growled.

“Calm down, Kankuro,” Temari hissed, “he is still the leader of his village.”

“I do have a question for you,” Gaara said calmly.

“Alright boy,” the Tsuchikage smirked, “I’ll answer every question you have. Go ahead.”

Gaara’s expression didn’t change and he looked at the Kage calmly. “When did you rise above yourselves?” he asked.

“What?!” the Tsuchikage gasped.

The Mizukage smirked to herself. ‘Such innocence,’ she smiled.

“Heh,” Kankuro smirked.

Temari looked at her younger brother. “What should we do, Gaara? We aided Konoha trying to rescue Uchiha Sasuke, but now he’s part of Akatsuki.”

“Sasuke huh,” Gaara mused. ‘If Sasuke is here, then maybe…’ “Let’s go,” he said.

Danzou’s guardsman Fu leaned towards the Hokage. “Danzou, let one of us go down to get the Sharingan.”

“You stay here, Konoha,” Ao called, “the Raikage told me to keep an eye on you.”

“Fu, Torune, stand down,” Danzou said to his bodyguards, “we don’t want a fight.”

Fu, who could feel chakra from a distance, leaned towards Danzou again. “They have a sensor with them,” he muttered, “they might make it here eventually. What do you suggest?”

“The girl,” Danzou answered, “is she with them as well?”

“I haven’t sensed Taryn Desertstorm yet,” Fu said, “but she has always been good in hiding her presence.”

Danzou gave a curt nod. “We’ll stay here. If they show up we can use the resulting confusion to escape.”

He wasn’t going to take the risk of either of them coming near him.

***

Finding Sasuke proved to be not hard at all. All she had to do was follow the sounds of lightning striking. The Raikage and Sasuke were in a fierce battle. What she really should be worrying about was not getting caught in the crossfire.

Sasuke’s chidori she could handle. She could perform it herself and probably better, but she didn’t want to measure her skills against the Raikage. She had no quarrel with him. And the last thing she needed right now was any further mistrust between the nations.

Taryn ran through the halls downstairs to locate the fighters. They had left behind a path of destruction. Pillars lay crumbled and there were massive holes in the walls.

On some places, the floor had come up.

She entered the hallway on her left. She was getting closer.

When suddenly a flash of lightning flitted across the room, she could barely dodge it in time. When she looked up she saw both Sasuke’s team and the Raikage on opposite sides of the room. Both seemed battered and the room was completely trashed.

Darui had put up a lightning shield to ward off Sasuke’s last attack.

Sasuke’s eyes were narrowed and Taryn saw the Mangekyo in his eyes. Around his hands lightning appeared and slowly it formed into a lightning blade.

Taryn quickly took out a dagger and sent a wind attack at him to block out the blade.

Sasuke whipped around and glared at her. “You again?”

“Stop this,” Taryn warned him.

“Get out of my way,” Sasuke growled.

Taryn shook her head. “This is not the way.” ”I spared you last time,” Sasuke said, “because it was not your fight. I won’t do so a second time.”

“Arrogant brat,” Taryn hissed at him, “just because you killed Itachi doesn’t mean you can take me on.”

Sasuke’s eyes turned angry now. He formed a few seals to prepare a chidori.

From all sides, samurai suddenly rushed in and surrounded Sasuke.

“Taryn Desertstorm,” the Raikage said, “you’re here too? You’re with Uchiha?”

“No,” Taryn growled, “but I’d like a word with him.”

“Don’t we all,” the Raikage answered sarcastically.

Sasuke had prepared his next attack and was now storming at Taryn. As soon as he had reached her, Taryn grabbed his fist that was aimed at her stomach, and kicked him across the room.

He flew against a wall and landed on the ground. Immediately he crawled up and closed his eyes.

Taryn recognized the seals he made and gritted her teeth. There was no way she could counter Amaterasu. Not even with her Ryoki.

But his eyes weren’t focused on her. They rested on one of the samurai that had come too close.

The man screamed as the black flames licked his armor. Before he could die however, the armor was pulled off him with chakra strings.

Taryn turned around. ‘Kankuro.’

Sasuke fell to his knees and grabbed for his eyes as if he we in pain.

Taryn stared at it puzzled. ‘There’s a backlash on his Mangekyo.’

The Raikage used the opportunity of Sasuke’s moment of distraction to place an attack on him. He charged at Sasuke, but sand blocked his way, chasing the two apart.

“Gaara of the Desert,” Sasuke growled. He stood up and flung a lightning attack towards him.

Taryn jumped to block it with a wind attack, but the force of it knocked her off her feet and made her slam into Kankuro. Both crashed to the floor.

“Hello Taryn,” Gaara said without looking at her, “glad you could join us.”

Taryn muttered something under her breath while untangling herself from Kankuro.

She crawled to her feet and stood next to Gaara.

“Why did you interrupt?” the Raikage growled.

Gaara turned to him calmly. “If you had continued to attack, the black flames would have caused great destruction. Besides, I wanted to talk to Uchiha Sasuke.”

He returned his attention to Sasuke. ”Your eyes are still the same,” he said, “eyes that long for power. Eyes filled with hatred and murderous intend. You are like I was once, itching to kill those that drove you to this hell called loneliness. I’ve realized that living for revenge doesn’t solve anything. It’s not too late for you. Don’t escape into your own little world, possessed by hatred. You won’t be able to return.”

Sasuke smirked. “So?” he asked, “if I come back… what’s there for me?”

He glanced at Taryn for a moment, but she kept silent.

“Heh,” Sasuke scoffed.

“Don’t bother Gaara,” Kankuro muttered, “you can’t convince him. He’s a criminal now, a member of Akatsuki. He’s not like you.”

“Besides,” Temari cut in, “the Raikage and those harmed by Akatsuki won’t stand by and do nothing. By attacking the Kages he’ll be an internationally wanted criminal. He has no future.”

Gaara didn’t respond, but kept his attention on Sasuke. “We’re alike you and I,” he said, “we have walked through the darkness of this world. That’s why we are able to see even a sliver of light. Both back then and even now.”

“I have long since closed my eyes,” Sasuke replied, “my only goal is in the darkness,”

Kankuro glanced at his brother. “Don’t make this personal, Gaara… you’re the Kazekage.”

“Yeah,” Gaara said while lifting sand from his gourd, ”I know.”

The sand flew towards Sasuke, who quickly raised a barrier around him. He smirked. “I can’t believe I had to defend myself like that. And I see your absolute defense is still alive as well.”

“Are you done yet, Shi?” the Raikage asked his guard who was healing him.

“Almost,” Shi muttered.

Darui flexed his muscles. “Let me,” he said, “I’ll go first and then the rest of you can attack.”

Lightning formed around him.

Across the room, te others prepared for an attack as well. There was a large explosion as every attack collided at the same time.

A soft squeal escaped Taryn’s lips a second before the collision. She had seen the flicker in Sasuke’s Sharingan.

When the smoke cleared, she saw she had been right. Sasuke stood there uninjured and around him was a ghostly shield that protected him.

“Gaara,” Sasuke said, “my defense is even more absolute than yours.”

“Susanoo,” Taryn whispered.

Gaara glanced at her momentarily, but withheld from any comment.

Taryn however was eyeing Sasuke’s teammates. Both Suigetsu and Juugo were injured and looked at Sasuke concerned. But it was Karin that caught her eye. The girl seemed downright frightened.

‘This chakra…,’ Karin thought, ‘it’s not the same Sasuke. It’s so… cold.’

From the sideline, the Raikage and Shi eyed this new development with concern.

“Darui, Suna!” Shi called, “retreat!”

Susanoo pulled out a ghost sword.

Taryn gasped and pushed Gaara aside.

“The pillars!” the samurai gasped, “the roof won’t hold much longer!” And indeed, a few seconds later the roof started to collapse.

“Out of the way!” Kankuro warned and pulled Taryn back.

From the other side of the barricade that was now blocking them from Sasuke came a few shocked gasps. Then it was silent.

Sasuke glanced back at Karin emotionless. “Have you located Danzou?” he asked.

“Yeah,” Karin said softly.

“Lead me to him,” Sasuke said.

Karin gasped. “What about Juugo and Suigetsu? Their chakra is still…”

“Leave them,” Sasuke cut her off, “my business is with Danzou. Nothing else.”

Karin looked at him startled. He would leave his comrades? Just like that? ‘What happened to you?’

“Hurry up an lead me to him,” Sasuke growled.

“Alright,” Karin said and stood up.

“Looks like Sasuke took the opportunity to escape,” Kankuro commented.

“He’ll go back up,” Taryn said and turned to the exit, “we can cut him off there.”

“Taryn!” Gaara’s voice stopped her. She kept her back towards him and waited. He slowly made his way over and kept his voice low. “I know you like doing things on your own and I’m okay with that because I trust you. But you are not the one in charge here. You will do as I say. Is that clear?

“Taryn nodded. “Yes, Kazekage-sama.”

“Don’t do that ,” Gaara warned coldly.

“Taryn sighed. “Sorry,

“I don’t know what links you to Uchiha Sasuke,” Gaara continued, “and I’m not sure I want to know, but you will tell me what he’s after.”

“I can’t…” Taryn said softly, “I’ve sworn it.”

“Gaara considered this for a moment and then sighed. “You were tracking him.”

Taryn nodded.

“Will you find him and bring him to justice? Gaara asked.

“I’ll do what is necessary,” Taryn answered.

“That will do,” Gaara said, “let’s go.”

The hurried up the stairs towards the conference room

***

Naruto stared out over the village and sighed sadly. His mind was still on the story Madara had told them.

“Sasuke chose this himself.”

Naruto sighed. “I guess… I’ll just have to ask him myself.”

“Naruto,” Kakashi’s voice said behind him, “We’re leaving.”

Naruto nodded and slowly stood up. “Sensei?” he asked softly, “do you think it’s true what that Madara guy said? About Sasuke… and Itachi?” Kakashi was silent for a moment, but then he nodded sadly. “Yes. Yes, I think it’s the truth.”

“About Taryn too?”

“I don’t know. When it came to Itachi, Taryn has always been defensive. And she never wanted to talk about him with me. If she knew… she kept his secrets well.”

“Would the Third really have had her killed?”

“He would… if she formed a threat. He would have done that to anyone. That doesn’t means he didn’t care about her. If anything, he’s always been the first to defend her.” He paused for a moment. “She did seem very concerned about Danzou finding her…”

“I wasn’t very nice to her,” Naruto muttered.

“She understands that,” Kakashi comforted him. He patted the boy’s shoulder. “It’ll work out. Come on. Let’s go back.”

***

“Danzou’s getting away!” Karin called towards Sasuke. She motioned towards the hole in the wall where through the Konoha delegation made their leave.

“After him!” Sasuke growled. He moved towards the exit, but found it blocked by an attack from the Mizukage.

She smiled at him. “Sorry, but I can’t let you leave.”

Sasuke turned to her with an angry look. “Don’t interfere,” he growled.

The Mizukage formed a few seals and breathed out a wave of mist towards Sasuke, who quickly pulled up a barrier.

“Chojiro!” the Mizukage yelled at her young companion.

The boy nodded and pulled out a large sword, one of the famous swords of Mist, and wiped it at Sasuke. The force of the blow threw Sasuke against the opposite wall, barrier and all.

Sasuke groaned and crawled to his knees. He was in pain and panted heavily. ‘All the cells in my body ache,’  he gasped, ‘is this the risk of using Susanoo? So this is what happens when I use it for long periods of time. I haven’t perfected it yet and I’m in much pain. What must it have been like for Itachi?’

The Mizukage smiled and formed a few hand seals.

Sasuke put up Susanoo again, but the blast made him fall backwards. At this rate he’d be out of chakra in no time. He gasped when he felt something burn on his flesh. ‘Acid Mist…’

‘He’s growing weaker.’ Karin thought stunned.

“Looks like the fight with the Raikage really wore you out,” the Mizukage said, “unfortunately I have no intention of going easy on you. I’m sorry, but you have to die.”

Taryn turned the corner and was about to run into the room when Gaara’s hand pulled her back. “Stop,” he said, “look, the floor is coved in acid.”

Taryn gasped and took a closer look and noticed he was right. A closer inspection of the room showed her the other Kages and their guards who were hanging from the ceiling by their feet, out of the acid’s range.

In the room stood the Mizukage and Chojiro, who were probably immune to the jutsu, and Sasuke who was holding on to his last bit of chakra.

Taryn stared at it for a moment, unsure of what to do. But the decision was made for her when she felt a new presence. She had no time to call out a warning. White Zetsu had multiplied and wrapped itself around the others to draw their chakra. Several gasps were heard as the Kages noticed it too. Then one Zetsu wrapped around Sasuke.

“What the… my chakra is being replenished,” he gasped surprised.

Sasuke, are you doing okay?” Karin called from her hiding place.

“My turn now,” the Tsuchikage growled and broke free from Zetsu’s grip.

Without warning he launched a massive cube at Sasuke. The boy gasped and was thrown backwards across the room.

Taryn held her breath.

“It’s gone,” she heard Karin’s trembling voice, “Sasuke’s chakra… it’s gone.”

“Impossible,” Taryn whispered.

“Kankuro,” Gaara called as he saw one of Zetsu’s minions move towards Chojiro.

“Got it,” Kankuro said and used his chakra strings to pull it away.

A chuckle made everyone look up.

At the far end of the room stood a figure clad in back and red, carrying an unconscious Sasuke over his shoulder. “It’s not over yet.”

“Madara,” Taryn whispered.

“Sasuke,” Karin gasped happily.

“My name is Uchiha Madara,” Madara said, “I’m here to explain something to you. I just want to make clear… I want to tell you about my goal, the Moon’s Eye Plan.”

The Raikage didn’t wait for an explanation and stormed at Madara.

Madara’s eye turned and suddenly Sasuke was sucked into it.

“Bring Sasuke back!” Raikage growled.

“The listen to me,” Madara said, “And depending on your answer, I might.”

“Calm down Raikage,” Tsuchikage said, “it won’t hurt to listen to him.”

Madara jumped towards Karin. “Go heal Sasuke,” he growled and he used the same jutsu as before to suck her in too.

“That’s Madara’s power?” Kankuro questioned.

“He can manipulate the time-space continuum,” Temari stated.

Madara smirked. “It is rare for anyone to awaken Susanoo… I liked to stockpile good eyes. I wanted him to improve his skills in battle. That’s the only reason I sent him here… I also thought to weaken the Kages and take them hostage, but it looks like that’s still out of my reach.”

“Hostage?” Mizukage asked, “what for?”

“To make my Moon’s Eye Plan go more smoothly,” Madara answered.

“What are you plotting?” the Tsuchikage growled, “What is this Moon’s Eye Plan?”

“I want to take my time explaining,” Madara said, “please take a seat.”

“He asked what the plan was,” Kankuro growled.

Taryn placed a hand on his arm to calm him down. Madara smirked.

“Everything will become one, within me,” he said, “it will be a perfect union. I will be complete.”

Everyone stared at him dumbfounded. “One?” Tsuchikage asked, “what are you talking about?”

“An ancient tablet has been passed down through the Uchiha clan for generations,” Madara answered, “even now it lies beneath Konoha. Carved upon it are the secrets of the Rikudo Sage. Only those with the eye powers can read them.”

Taryn frowned. ‘The tablet…’ Could it be… But what had been on it? If only she had her notes wit her. But she had left them at home. ‘Focus Taryn…’

“The Rikudo sage is nothing but a fairy tale,” the Tsuchikage commented.

“He really did exist,” Madara said, “and he left behind this tablet.” He smiled. “Do you now why he became a legend and came to be worshipped as a god by ninja? He saved the world from a monster.”

“A monster?” Gaara asked.

“Gaara,” Madara said, “part of that monster was sealed in you. It is a fusion of all the tailed beasts and possesses the strongest chakra ever.”

Taryn closed her eyes as she now remembered exactly what had been written on that tablet. And she dreaded Madara’s next words.

“The ten tailed best,” Madara continued, “the Juubi.”

Everyone gasped. “There’s a beast with more tails than the Kyuubi?!” Temari yelled in shock.

“I just told you,” Madara said, “it’s a fusion of all the tailed beasts. The nine tailed beasts are nothing more than a division of the Juubi’s chakra. The Sage was the one who did that. But the Juubi’s chakra was so great the seal would break once the Sage died and it would once again wreak havoc on the land. Knowing that, on his deathbed, the Sage used the last of his strength to divide the Juubi’s chakra and disperse it throughout the land. Then the Juubi’s empty body was sealed away and sent into the sky where no one could reach it. There it became the moon.”

“I don’t like where this is heading,” Kankuro muttered, “is this why Akatsuki had been gathering the tailed beasts?”

“In order to protect the world from the Juubi, the Sage developed a new jutsu. The jutsu is still in use today as the host-sealing system. The Rikudo Sage was the Juubi’s host. He sealed the Juubi within his own body in order to control it.”

“I understand that you want to gather the beasts to gain their power,” Mifune said, “but what will you do with that power?”

“I will revive the Juubi and become its host,” Madara answered, “with its power I will strengthen my eyes. And I will be able to use a certain jutsu.”

“What kind of jutsu?” The Tsuchikage asked.

Taryn silently listened to Madara’s plan and shivered. She had a very bad feeling about this.

The words on the tablet flashed through her mind.

“It’s the most powerful illusion ever,” Madara explained, “the ability to project my eyes on the moon. Mugen Tsukuyomi. Then I will be able to cast an illusion over everyone on Earth. I will control everyone with my illusion and the world will become one. A world without ill will or strife. A world of peace. That’s my Moon’s Eye Plan.”

“Have you lost you mind?!” Taryn yelled, “you’re crazy.”

“Name calling isn’t nice, Taryn,” Madara said to her, “I would have used you too you know. But Itachi outsmarted me. He sent you away after Orochimaru before I could use your Byakugan. That was clever. And you never even realized it.”

Taryn narrowed her eyes and charged at him. “Don’t talk about Itachi!”

Sand locked around her and gently pulled her back. “Don’t be foolish,” Gaara told her, “he has Uchiha Sasuke with him.”

“Damn,” Taryn muttered.

Madara chuckled, unaffected by her outburst. “Dear Taryn,” he mocked, “shouldn’t you be saving that anger for someone else?”

“I have enough for two,” Taryn growled.

“I had nothing to do with that,” Madara defended himself, “I know you know that. He told you, didn’t her?”

“He told me a lot of things.”

“But you don’t know everything.”

“I know that part you couldn’t read,” Taryn hissed through her teeth.

Madara gave her an angry look. “He showed you then.”

“You cannot do this!” Taryn shouted.

Madara laughed. “I’m already doing it.”

“You must be kidding!” the Raikage shouted, “I won’t just hand over the world to you!”

“Peace under an illusion is not true peace. It is only meaningful when the real world accomplishes it,” Gaara cut in.

Madara chuckled. “And what have the Kages accomplished so far? Give me the Eight Tails and the Nine Tails and cooperate with my plan. If not… it will be war.”

“War?! Have you lost it?!” Taryn asked.

“What do you mean the Eight Tails?” Raikage asked, “you’ve already captured Bee.”

“Unfortunately we failed to capture the Hachibi.”

“Say what?!” the Raikage exploded, “he just used this as an excuse to leave the village and take a vacation?! Wait till I get my hands on him!”

“I won’t let you take Uzumaki Naruto,” Gaara warned Madara.

“Nor will I,” Taryn growled.

The others nodded in agreement.

“I may not have any power myself,” Madara said, “but I have the powers of the tailed beasts I collected. You don’t stand a chance.”

“Wanna bet?” Taryn growled,

“We won’t give up,” Gaara said.

“Suit yourself then,” Madara said, “consider this a declaration of war. The Fourth Great Ninja War starts now.”

“Are you serious?” Tsuchikage gasped.

“I’m not a fool to say such things in jest,” Madara answered, “next time we meet will be on the battleground.” And he vanished.

Taryn gasped. ‘What the hell just happened?’

“We have no choice now,” Gaara said, “we must form a shinobi alliance. There is no way we can overpower seven tailed beasts otherwise.”

“What of Konoha?” the Tsuchikage asked, “the Hokage has fled.”

“The dark rumors surrounding Danzou are too great,” Raikage said, “after what he did here, he has lost all of our trust. And if Konoha learns of this, his position in the village will be strained. He will not last long.”

“Good,” Taryn muttered under he breath, “then no one will mind if I kill him.”

From the corner of her eye she caught Gaara’s look. Quickly she turned her head away.

“I will pass on the news of the alliance to a Konoha shinobi whom I trust,” Gaara said, “Hatake Kakashi of the Sharingan.”

This time it was Taryn’s turn to look at Gaara.

“The son of the White Fang?” the Tsuchikage questioned. He nodded in approval.

“Very well,” the Raikage agreed, “he seems more trustworthy than Danzou at the least.”

“Raikage-sama,” Shi said, “we must start making arrangements…”

Taryn turned to Gaara. “You don’t need me for this war council. Let me go after him.”

“What was that about reading part of the tablet?” Gaara asked her, “if you know anything that might help us, then tell me.”

Taryn shook her head. “It’s nothing useful. Just that… when he succeeds… let’s just say it’s a very, very bad thing. Humans aren’t meant to wield that kind of power.”

Around them instructions were being given to inform all the villages and gather shinobi. Gaara looked at his sister thoughtfully. “Who are you really after, Taryn? This Madara, or someone else?”

“Both,” Taryn sighed. She gave him a serious expression. “I will never betray you, but I have a promise to keep. Let me keep it and I swear I will come back.”

Gaara sighed.

“Please,” Taryn whispered.

“Go then,” Gaara said, “make sure you come back.”

Taryn nodded. “I will.” Quickly she vanished through the hole in the wall. In pursuit of Danzou.