Naruto: Ryu, how long do you need?

Ryu: That's the thing, I have no clue. Usually I'd at least be able to give an estimate of how much of a break I need, but I've basically been reborn. I have no idea what my limit, or time to recover is.

Sasuke: Then we'll just buy you time. Stay somewhere where you'll be able to get Chakra back.

Karma: Azure and I will go with you. Regular Ninjutsu and Genjutsu don't work, so you'll have to go at him with Taijutsu only, or Sage Jutsu.

Naruto: But only Kira and I can use Sage Jutsu, and the Pervy Sage isn't on the front lines with us!

Kira: Sasuke, you already know how to use Senjutsu from the Curse Mark. Your Susanoo can adapt if that's the case.

Ryu: All of you be careful. I'll be back as soon as I can.

Azure and Karma placed their hands on him, as he used the Flying Raijin to get away from the area. Once they got to a secluded location not too far away from the battle field, Ryu began to do hand signs.

Ryu: When the next aura is down, you'll know when I'm ready to come out. If things get to dire, then don't hesitate to bring me out.

Azure: Yeah yeah, just hurry up 6th Hokage.

Ryu placed his hands on the ground, as a dome of earth appeared around him, while a white aura, likely from Yang Release had covered it. Ryu sat down, before he began to focus.

Ryu: 'Shojo, do you think you could help to with this?'

Shojo: 'I'll try, but I've never actually had to restore my own Chakra, let alone someone else's.'

Ryu closed his eyes, trying to block out all the noise from the battle. He glowed, as his chakra seemed to replenish slowly.

Azure: Hopefully he doesn't take too much time.

Karma: Let it go. He'd definitely make the wait worth it.

Azure: I mean that if he doesn't recover fast enough and someone comes over here trying to start a fight, we'll be pretty much fucked.

Explosion went off many times after that. At one point, the ground rumbled hard, as tree roots went towards the three.

Azure: Tch.

Azure weaved a few hand signs, before lightning struck, ripping the roots that came for them. As he did, Karma's eyes widened, with Azure feeling a disturbance.

Karma: H-How?

Azure: I'm not nearly as Chakra sensitive as you, but I felt that.

Karma: Azure... So many people just died. That tree was the cause.

Azure: ... *Sigh* Talk about reaping what you sow. We've killed plenty of people, but not like this.

Karma: For the first time I really just how stupid we were all this time. I wish I could go to fight too.

Azure: Neither of us are really proficient in Sage Jutsu, and it's not like Taijutsu is a safe bet against monsters like that now. We just have to bide our time for now.

Azure sat down against the earth dome Ryu was inside of.

Karma: ... You're hiding something aren't you?

Azure: I don't know what you mean.

Karma: I know your mannerisms idiot. You've still got one last crazy ace in the hole but just don't wanna show it, don't you?

Azure: Not the time for this Karma.

Karma: It may be the LAST time for it! Come on, anything you've got could be useful!

Azure: ... Argh, fine. I admit, there's something I've been trying to keep secret.

He clenched his fist.

Azure: A while ago I figured out how to become so powerful, that not even Ryu as he is now could beat me.

Karma: So? How big could the cost be if you use it?

Azure: ... If I activate that power, there's no doubt I'll become much stronger... But Shisa will cease to exist.

Karma hearing this was shocked.

Karma: W-What?

Azure: I accidentally stumbled upon it one day. I never fully used it, but I just knew the power was there after a long time of meditation. And I instantly knew the drawbacks made it a worse case scenario move.

Karma: Y-You wouldn't actually do it would you?

Azure: Of course not. We might not be as close as you and Kitsune, but I'm not just gonna plunge him into nothingness if I can help it.

He looked at the direction of the battle.

Azure: It's just... I've got a feeling that I might not have a choice.

Inside the earth dome, Ryu tried to regain the chakra he lost, but at the same time did his best to distract himself from everything that went on outside.

Ryu: 'Grrr, you know this is one hell of a time to not know my own strength anymore.'

???: Tell me about it.

Ryu: '... Shojo please tell me that was you.'

Shojo: I could, but then I'd be a liar.

???: It's true. Even now she tends to try and be truthful to you.

Ryu: 'Are you someone from the Yamanaka clan? Cause if so, I'm gonna need you to NOT distract me at the moment! We're in the middle of a war and I need to recover my-'

???: Yeah no. I'm definitely not from any clan in the Leaf. Or any of the other lands actually.

This genuinely confused Ryu, as there was no deception in the voice of the mystery being.

???: Anyway, you have no idea how long I've been trying to reach you two. I thought you'd at least be able to hear me before you were 18, but a few hours before is cutting it too close for my liking.

Ryu: 'Okay so am I the only one here that has understood absolutely NOTHING so far?'

???: Pretty soon you'll end up dead, even AT your full power. That Madara guy is playing you all for fools.

Ryu: 'What are you talking about?'

???: That Obito guy is definitely about to get beat by Naruto and Sasuke. If Madara was able to ignore the undoing of the Reanimation Jutsu, what else do you think he could have planned?

Hearing this, Ryu began to think.

???: *Sigh* God even the genius young humans can take long to figure things out. Most Akatsuki members are dead right? Who are the two we haven't seen much from during this war?

Ryu: 'That'd have to be Kisame and... That Zetsu?'

???: Bingo. A double cross is coming pal. I shouldn't really make it this easy for you, but your story shouldn't end yet. There's a way Madara can become an even bigger threat.

Ryu: 'There is literally nothing he can do to become a bigger threat!! Save becoming the 10 Tails... !!!!'

Ryu nearly went mental hearing this, opening his eyes.

Ryu: 'I GOTTA GET THERE!!!'

???: Not so fast there jumpy. I've got a proposition to basically guarantee a win here. All you have to do is endure and wait a little longer.

Ryu: 'Why should I wait?! I don't even know if I can fully trust you!!'

Ryu finally noticed he was in a pitch black void, seeing Shojo beside him.

Ryu: O_O What?

Shojo: News to me too.

???: Azure can handle things on his own. That guy is still as tough as nails.

A crimson red flame with a purple center appeared in front of Ryu.

???: FINALLY!!! Now I can at least sorta stretch!

Ryu: J-Just who are you?

???: Simple,

The flame began to grow, and then take the form of a person.

When he did, Ryu couldn't believe his eyes.

Ryu: S-Shadow?

???: Nah, not quite. I'm the first you.

He gave a toothy grin.

???: Ryu Kaiser. Half Demon, and Dragon God.

Shojo looked on, confused. Little did she know however, tears began to fall down her eyes.

Kaiser: Shojo! Man you look great! You have no idea what a bore it's been being asleep in this grouch's consciousness!!

Shojo: D-Do we... Know each other?

Kaiser: Huh? Shit, did I fog up your memories in the process?! Argh, this is what I get for relying partially on Some Bullshit Magic!

He looked to the side.

Kaiser: Go read MY Story if you guys are confused about this. At least when that lazy prick Fang decides to update it.

Ryu: ..... Nope, I'm not gonna ask.

Kaiser: You don't have to. After this, you'll be more than crazy enough to understand.

Ryu: WHAT ARE YOU ABOUT TO DO?!!!

Kaiser: Like I said, something that'll guarantee that the Allied Shinobi Forces win this War.

Ryu: ...

Shojo: Ryu... Trust him.

Ryu: Shojo?

Shojo: I couldn't tell you why, but I think we'd be able to trust everything to him.

Ryu: ... Screw it, what do I do?

Kaiser: Now you're coming around.

He held out a hand, with a purple and yellow orb in it.

Kaiser: Now this is my first time doing this, so it'll take a while for the power to actually transfer.

Ryu: A power transfer?

Kaiser: Yup. I'm basically gonna be giving you core powers and abilities that I had in my past life. Giving you everything would be literally impossible, but what matters will be there.

He walked in front of Ryu.

Kaiser: Good thing you're a durable powerhouse. This would've been a whole lot tougher otherwise.

Ryu: Hold on, before we do this, you mentioned Azure. Do you know him too?

Kaiser: Oh yeah. Him and I go WAY further back than the history you know. You'll know more once this settles in.

He placed the orb on Ryu's chest, as immediately once it began to enter him, the Shinobi felt a great amount of pain, shutting his eyes.

ELSEWHERE

Azure and Karma still guarded the area Ryu was in, put it became increasingly difficult when Chakra presences both appeared and disappeared.

Azure: ... Karma, stay here.

Karma: Why?

Azure: You know why.

Karma: Azure no.

Azure: This one isn't up for debate. It's more dangerous for everyone if I just say here.

He went forward, waving his hand.

Azure: Don't worry, I'm not just gonna throw my life away if that's what you're thinking.

With a body flicker, he disappeared.

Karma: ... You better not...

Azure moved in, running fast to where a battle was. Nearby, he saw Madara, completely different from before, and seemingly alive, throwing a Truth Seeking Orb at Might Guy. Quickly, he grabbed the Leaf Jonin to avoid the attack, then appearing beside Kakashi.

Azure: Didn't expect you to be going against him.

Kakashi: Azure?

Minato: That was so close.

Azure looked at Madara, now understanding what was going on.

Azure: So you absorbed the 10 Tails now? How the hell did I miss that?

Madara: If you came to save the day, you are far too weak to do so Azure Kaito. Your presence gives no other options.

Guy: Heh... If the current me is out of options... Then I just need to bring out the NEXT me.

Kakashi: What's he talking about?

Azure looked at Guy, before sending a tiny jolt of electricity through his body.

Guy: ARGH!

Lee: Guy Sensei!! What are you-

Azure: Don't even think about it yet. The 8th Gate isn't the best thing you could do at the moment.

Azure stood up, walking forward.

Azure: Leave this to me.

He held out one of his arms, with fiery yellow lightning around it.

Madara: Your lightning? You think that will be enough to defeat me?

Azure: I'm no fool, you old relic.

Azure smirked, with his eyes glowing.

Azure: It's time for you to witness the birth of the Lightning Tamer.

Azure slammed hand hand on his heart, as a bright flash of light went through the area.

Minato: Wait, is that young man a Beast Warrior?!

Kakashi: Why would that matter?!

Everything for Azure went black, as soon he found himself in a barren wasteland.

Azure: ... Come out Shisa, I know you've got a few choice words for me on this.

HIT THE MUSIC!!

Azure heard growling, turning around to see a lion.

Azure: ... You always take this form.

Shisa: It's the only one worth while. I wouldn't insult myself by vanishing in human form.

Azure: We're all disgusting to you huh?

Shisa: Most... You were just confusing most of the time.

Azure: ...

They both glowed, as Azure cracked his neck.

Shisa: Though most of the time it wasn't all bad. You at least weren't a coward. You fought.

Shisa began to slowly dissipate.

Shisa: For the rest of your existence, never lose that pride. Even if I do affect how you act now.

Azure: ... Promise.

The Lion then began to sit, before becoming nothing but light that vanished into Azure. In the real world, the light began to turn blue, while Azure was visible again.

Madara: Interesting. It looks like you want to dance as well.

Azure: ... Hmph. Play time is over Madara.

He took a single step, before everyone lost track of Azure. He appeared behind Madara in the air with a leg raised, before axe kicking the Jinchuriki, while also causing thunder to crash.

Guy: SO FAST!!!

When the smoke cleared, it was revealed that Madara used a Truth Seeking Orb to create a shield, but half of it was shattered, while in the inside, Madara was slightly darkened.

Madara: That Lightning... had Sage Jutsu?

Azure: Yup.

Without hesitation, Azure reached into the shield, before yanking Madara out and throwing him towards a wall at high speeds. Before Madara could connect to it though, Azure appeared in front of him, slamming both his fist into Madara to slam him down into the ground. Madara spat out blood after this, as while in the air, Azure rose his hand, creating a giant sword of lightning. He swung it down, as Madara had to dodge at full speed to not get hit.

Kakashi: That massive Jutsu was done without a name callout or any hand signs!!

Lee: H-He... He isn't just insanely powerful.

Guy: Only a true genius could ever hope to do something like that at his age.

Kakashi: Even hard work couldn't bring someone up that quickly... I doubt even Ryu is close to that mastery over Lightning Chakra.

Madara looked up, grinning as Azure dashed towards him again.

Madara: I don't know if I've ever been this excited to battle anyone!

Madara launched two orbs at Azure, as when they seemingly connected, it was revealed that was just an after image. Madara quickly turned around, shooting multiple purple lasers. Behind him, Azure moved his head out of the way multiple times, landing on the ground.

Azure: Too fucking slow.

He clenched his fist, stepping in, and then punching Madara right in the stomach, with lightning coming after, while air pressure also came, sending Madara backwards, rolling on the ground.

Guy: His physical prowess also also been increased! I think it rivals the Eight Inner Gates Formation... No, it's in fact much greater!!

Azure panted, clenching his fist.

Azure: 'Damn, I haven't had time to get used to this. I'm not sure how this can keep going.'

Madara got up, with blood on his mouth.

Madara: HAHAHAHAHAHA!! Fine, I shall admit it!! When it comes to speed, strength, and Mastery over your Nature Element, I have never fought a single person that surpasses you!!

Azure crouched down, with Thunder around him raging even more.

Madara: I MADARA DECLARE YOU THE STRONGEST OF THEM ALL!!!!

Azure's eyes glowed, as the lighting turned yellow.

Azure: 'There's no point in trying to draw this out. I'm gonna end this battle with this next strike.'

Madara shot purple lightning at Azure, but instead of damaging him, it stopped, before turning yellow and going into the air.

Madara: He's using my own Jutsu for himself?!

It began to rain, as now Madara began to be drenched.

Azure: I'm only gonna tell you all this once.

Azure looked back, with his pupils completely gone.

Azure: Get back.

Needing no more incentive, Minato threw a Kunai to teleport himself and the other three away. Lightning began to fall from the sky, and then hit Azure.

Azure: Supreme Lightning Beast...

Azure moved in going straight towards Madara, with speeds that he couldn't respond to.

Madara: 'IS THIS BECAUSE OF THE WATER?!!!'

Azure: HOWLING LION FANG!!!!

The silhouette of a massive lion appeared behind Azure, as with all his strength he kicked Madara. Madara cough up blood from this, as the two began to barrel through the ground, crashing through the pavement, and then up out of the cave.

Madara: GWOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!

They soon slammed into the giant tree, still going up, before eventually reaching the very top, with Azure finally stopping, tired as they both fell onto the ground. Azure landed on his feet, while the body of Madara crashed.

Azure: *Pant* *Pant* Are you *Pant* FUCKING KIDDING ME RIGHT NOW?!

Madara was still alive, laughing like a maniac. His entire left half was missing, as blood poured out while he tried to regenerate.

Madara: I thought I nearly died, you bastard!!

Azure nearly blew a gasket hearing this.

Azure: 'DAMNIT, I KNEW I SHOULD'VE PUT MORE INTO THAT!!!!'

Azure stood back up, still willing to fight.

Azure: I swear to whatever God is listening, I am not gonna die, and I WILL NOT LOSE against someone with undeserved power!!

Madara fully regenerated, wiping blood off of his mouth.

Madara: I wonder. Do you still have enough in you to ward off a Truth Seeking Orb? Before to touched it due to vast Chakra and Durability.

Azure: Just try it. You'll need someone faster than light to be able to-

Right then, they both heard an explosion nearby, and sensed a familiar Chakra.

Azure: ... What?

Another Chakra was nearby, as it was revealed to be Naruto, who now had different Sage Mode Eyes.

Naruto: ... Ryu?

Where Karma was, she was in complete awe at what she witnessed. Soon enough, she smiled.

Karma: ... I think we just won this war.

CHAPTER END!!