Black Ops: Anbu Naruto

"I'm sorry for leaving without a word and worrying all of you," Kabuto said calmly. "But as you can see, Lord Orochimaru is no longer with us. I will assume full command… Is that understood?"

Kabuto's voice wasn't loud, but it carried such immense pressure that it seemed to freeze the air itself.

Several masked Otogakure ninja faltered under this overwhelming presence. Their legs buckled and they collapsed to the ground.

No one dared challenge Kabuto's authority. One by one, they dropped to one knee, in submission to their new leader.

"Good..." Kabuto nodded in satisfaction. Though he had seen similar scenes elsewhere before, a flicker of concern remained in his mind.

"Guren might bear a grudge for allowing Sasuke to kill Lord Orochimaru... But she won't pose much of a threat. She's still useful to my plans after all."

******

Meanwhile, in the Land of Water, a deceptively peaceful cottage harbored a brewing conspiracy.

"I knew you'd come eventually," Suigetsu said, lounging on the beach outside the cottage as Madara suddenly materialized before him. "So, what mission are we looking at this time?"

"Just a small matter," Madara replied, glancing toward Karin and Jugo as they emerged from the house. "By the way, how are you coming along with those three swords?"

"I've already obtained Samehada and the Saw Sword," Suigetsu grinned, revealing his shark-like teeth proudly. "Samehada isn't just any sword—it can't be wielded by just anyone. My training is progressing well—very well indeed."

"Good. It seems you're up for more challenging assignments," Madara replied briefly. He turned toward the endless expanse of the ocean ahead. "Good news—you can stay here until the war concludes."

"War? What war?" Karin looked confused, unable to see how war concerned them.

"A war that will involve everyone," Madara answered.

"Everyone? What does that mean?" Jugo asked, puzzled. "How could everyone be fighting?"

"That idiot Pain believes now is the perfect time for smaller oppressed ninja villages to rebel against the Five Great Countries," Madara said contemptuously. "Right now, he's already started wars with three of the four great nations. Only Iwagakure remains uninvolved. He thinks he's God. This ridiculous fantasy will destroy him sooner or later… Though not yet."

Madara understood clearly that this war contained enormous opportunities, ones he could use to achieve his own goals.

"What's our task?" Suigetsu asked, eyes gleaming with anticipation, caring only about the mission itself.

"It's simple—monitor this stretch of sea," Madara stated directly. "I need you to intercept any ships approaching from the Land of Water. Of course, I'll send people to assist you, but most of the work will fall on you three."

To relieve Suigetsu's concerns, Madara added:

"Consider this mission real battle training—an opportunity to sharpen your skills with new weapons and techniques."

Suigetsu was chomping at the bit for a chance to show off his skills. He couldn't wait to put his recent training to the test.

Jugo felt the same way. It had been far too long since his last kill—he needed to unleash the bloodlust clawing its way out from inside him.

"Your wish is my command," Suigetsu grinned, extending his finger like a barrel aimed at Madara.

A war that would shake the entire ninja world to its core was about to begin...

******

One day later, Naruto, Neji, Kiba Inuzuka, and his group arrived in the Land of Mist.

Akamaru was with them too, always alert to their surroundings.

The long journey had left the three young men brooding and quiet. They all knew danger lurked around every corner, so they stayed alert for any sudden enemy attacks.

Kiba had hoped to use this trip to scout Kirigakure and locate a hidden ninja stronghold, but Neji's relentless drive kept them moving forward. Thus, two Jonin, one Chunin, and a keen-nosed ninja dog continued their journey back home.

"Naruto," Kiba finally broke the silence. He knew even without making eye contact, Naruto could still hear him clearly. "That Pain who destroyed Sunagakure… do you really think you can beat him? I mean, I heard you want another fight with him. He already beat you once before. Do you really want to try again?"

Naruto walked ahead without looking back. "Of course I will. Ero-Sennin couldn't beat him—we saw that for ourselves—and now he's gone. If I don't step up, then who will? I can defeat him. I know I can. This time will be completely different. Way different."

"He destroyed an entire village, Naruto," Kiba said firmly. Akamaru whimpered softly, as if trying to grasp just how one man could wield such terrifying power. "How exactly are you planning to beat him?"

"But he didn't wipe everyone out, right?" Neji cut in, interrupting before Naruto could speak. "Not every Suna ninja was killed. And even those who fought against Pain weren't all wiped out. We still have a chance, Kiba."

Meanwhile, the enemy's strength only seemed to be growing.

Among Naruto's four most recent opponents:

Deidara had reduced a hidden village to rubble with his explosive artistry;

Itachi's black flames could reduce an entire forest to ash in seconds;

Sasuke could flatten a hill and shatter a fortress with a single bolt of lightning;

And Pain had annihilated an entire village—on his own.

But Naruto's strength shouldn't be underestimated either.

He had the Rasengan, capable of breaking through nearly any defense, and the devastating Rasenshuriken, which could grind anything to dust. Not to mention the power boost since mastering Sage Mode.

These were just a few of his many deadly techniques. That's why he was absolutely sure he'd win their rematch.

Especially now that he fully understood Pain's abilities, thanks to Jiraiya's insights. Jiraiya had managed to defeat one of Pain's Six Paths forms, which meant Pain's overall power had already diminished.

"There's a town up ahead."

"Neji's voice interrupted Naruto's thoughts, having been using his Byakugan to scan the surroundings.

'You don't think it's that hidden village from the Land of Rice, right?' Naruto asked, noticing the excitement on Kiba's face.

If it really was that village, he'd definitely find a way inside to check it out thoroughly.

Neji pulled out the map, verified their current location, and shook his head and said:"

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