Naruto: Spiral Into The Darkness

Pain's voice echoed through the dimly lit hideout, his words dripping with an air of detachment. "The Eight-Tails' jinchuriki is from the Village Hidden in the Cloud, one of the 5 great nations." His gaze turned to Zetsu, his eyes narrowing slightly. "According to Intel by Zetsu, the jinchuriki lives in a secluded location from the rest of the village, but still within its borders. Tread with caution."

Kisame's excitement was palpable as he grinned, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Leave it to me, after all, what could go wrong?" He nodded towards Naruto, who stood silently, his eyes fixed on some point ahead. "I have the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki with me."

Pain's expression remained impassive, but a hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes. "Now, you two get going."

With a swift motion, Kisame and Naruto disappeared into the forest, leaving the hideout behind. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the trees, a rhythmic beat that seemed to match the pounding of Naruto's heart. The forest air was crisp and clean, filled with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh greenery.

Meanwhile, back in the Hidden Leaf Village, the aftermath of Pain's destruction still lingered. The village was in shambles, with rebuilding efforts underway. The loss of notable shinobi, including Kakashi Hatake, Lady Shizune, and Master Fukasaku from Mount Myoboku, weighed heavily on the village's morale. Hinata's injury had sent shockwaves through the community, and the Anbu had been tasked with retrieving Naruto, believing him to be captured.

In the medical tent, Neji Hyuga sat beside his sister's bedside, his eyes fixed on Hinata's pale face. Sakura led the medical team, their hands moving swiftly and surely as they worked to stabilize Hinata's condition. The scent of antiseptic and medication hung in the air, a stark contrast to the tranquility of the forest.

Back in the forest, Naruto and Kisame ran in silence, their footsteps pounding out a steady rhythm. The sun beat down on them, casting dappled shadows across the forest floor. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh greenery.

Kisame broke the silence, his voice low and smooth. "So, Naruto, is it?" Naruto just stared ahead, his expression unreadable. Kisame chuckled, the sound low and menacing. "You remind me of Itachi, all brooding and silent. I wonder, is it just the ones who went rogue that share that similarity?" He continued, despite Naruto's silence. "Don't tell me you're still chasing after Sasuke Uchiha, considering he's been working in cooperation with the Akatsuki."

Naruto's response was curt, his voice devoid of emotion. "I don't care about Sasuke anymore. My goals are clear: I'll bring peace to the shinobi world, and the Akatsuki shares that goal. It's that simple."

Kisame's grin widened, his eyes glinting with excitement. "I see. You're quite interesting, kid. Well, it's going to take us at least a day or two to get to the Hidden Cloud. We could stop and rest?"

Naruto's response was laced with sarcasm. "You go ahead and do that. I'll go on ahead. Make sure to catch up."

Kisame's laughter echoed through the forest, the sound sending shivers down Naruto's spine. "I admire the determination, kid. Now, I just can't wait to see you in battle. Better not disappoint me."

With that, the two disappeared into the distance, the forest swallowing them whole.

40 hours had passed since Naruto and Kisame left the hideout, traversing through a vast expanse of rugged terrain surrounded by majestic canyons, reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. The air was thick with the scent of dry earth and rocky outcroppings. As they navigated the winding paths, the sound of dripping water echoed through the canyons, a stark contrast to the arid landscape.

Up ahead, in the distance, a breathtaking waterfall cascaded down a rocky face, creating a misty veil that rose into the air. However, the serene atmosphere was marred by a fence with hazardous signs, surrounding the area like a foreboding warning.

Naruto's eyes narrowed as he took in the scene. "That must be the area. They've made it too obvious, or maybe they have faith in the Shinobi guarding it."

The Samehada on Kisame's back shook, as if sensing the proximity of the Eight-Tails. Kisame's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Oh, would you look at that? Samehada can sense it too. We better hurry up, so he can feast on some Tail Beast chakra. It's been a while."

With renewed urgency, they sprinted towards the fenced area, their footsteps echoing off the canyon walls. However, as they approached, they were met with a contingent of Hidden Cloud Shinobi, surrounding the area like a formidable phalanx.

Kisame's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, look. The whole place is swarmed with delicate-looking Shinobi from Hidden Cloud. Perhaps it's time Samehada had a taste of the action."

He unwrapped the Samehada, its bandages torn apart by the sword's razor-sharp teeth. The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation as Kisame prepared for battle.

Naruto stood still for a moment, his eyes fixed intently on the scene before him. Then, in a burst of speed, he underwent the transformation into Sage Mode. His eyes turned yellow, and his physical form became more defined, as if infused with the power of nature.

Just as Kisame was about to charge into the fray, Naruto beat him to it, appearing in front of the entrance with 10 guards. The Hidden Cloud Shinobi were taken aback by Naruto's sudden arrival, their eyes widening in alarm.

Hidden Cloud Ninja 1 shouted, "The Akatsuki are here!"

Hidden Cloud Ninja 2 yelled, "We have to buy time! One of you should report this to Lord Raikage!"

Hidden Cloud Ninja 3 growled, "We'll try to hold him off!"

Naruto's gaze swept across the Shinobi, his eyes blazing with determination. "Where's the Eight-Tails?"

Hidden Cloud Ninja 4 noticed Naruto's headband, his eyes narrowing. "You're from the Hidden Leaf."

Naruto's response was immediate, his voice firm. "Have it your way."

With a swift motion, he activated the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, creating 1000 clones of himself. The clones surrounded the area, blocking off the other Shinobi who were sent to report to Lord Raikage.

The air was electric with tension as Naruto prepared for battle. Suddenly, a screeching sound pierced the air as Naruto threw his Rasenshuriken. The attack expanded like a razor-sharp hurricane, destroying the surrounding area and sending some of the Shinobi flying.