Naruto: The Tale of an Otsutsuki

The establishment of the Ninja United Army unfolded much like the memories in Kirito's mind. The forces were divided into five divisions based on combat methods and ninja specialties, with the captains being: Darui, Kitsuchi, Kakashi, Gaara, and Mifune.

When news spread that the Five Great Ninja Villages were forming an alliance against the Akatsuki, the neutral Land of Iron stepped forward and volunteered to join the cause.

The Land of Iron's samurai were not ninjas, but they could channel chakra skillfully, making them valuable combatants. Recognizing their strength, Tsunade approved their participation.

Beyond the frontline divisions, the coalition formed specialized "support forces" as well: the Daimyo Guards, Perception Forces, Medical Logistics Teams, and others.

Kirito was placed in the Infiltration Reconnaissance Team, tasked with locating Akatsuki's secret base and eliminating Kabuto and the masked man. The team, already operating in advance under Anko, had begun reconnaissance. Kirito remained temporarily at the newly constructed fortress to assist in building the military base.

As Gaara stepped onto the balcony overlooking the vast assembly of shinobi, murmurs and distrust rippled through the crowd. Seeing such a young leader made many uneasy, and tensions grew as former enemies from different villages began to argue.

Conflicts broke out in small pockets of the crowd until Gaara intervened. Controlling his sand, he disrupted the skirmishes, drawing all eyes to him.

Standing firm, Gaara's voice echoed across the assembly:

"In the name of gain and profit for one's nation and village, shinobi have hated and hurt each other for many years. From the first to the third Great Ninja wars and the conflicts in between

All of that hatred cried out for power, thus I was born. In the past I was hatred, and power, and a Jinchuriki. I hated this world and all it's people, and thought about destroying both. That's exactly what the Akatsuki is trying to do now

But then, a single shinobi from the Hidden Leaf Village stopped me. He cried for me. I was his enemy, yet he cried for me. Then he called me his friend even though we had battled. He saved me. We were on different sides but we were both Jinchuriki. Between those who have experienced the same pain, there can be no hate. There are no enemies here now, because each one of us bares the pain of having been hurt by the Akatsuki

The Sand, The Stone, The Leaf, The Mist, and The Cloud are no more. Now there are only SHINOBI. And if you are still unable to forgive, then you can come back and face me after this war is over.

The friend I spoke of who saved me is the target of our enemy. If he falls into their hands, our world is finished. I want to protect my friend and I want to protect this entire world. I am too young and inexperienced to do that, so i ask you, all of you, please lend me your strength for this fight"

A hushed silence followed, then a wave of cheers erupted across the crowd:

"For Gaara! For the Alliance!"

"We're with you, Kazekage-sama!"

The once-fractured coalition now stood united, their spirits reignited by Gaara's words.

Kirito, watching the scene unfold from a distance, smirked silently. "Well, he really learned the art of talk-no-jutsu from Naruto."

Moments later, Kirito was summoned to the Command Room.

The room was bustling with activity. A massive map of the Land of Fire hung on the wall, littered with arrows and markers. A red cross was drawn near the northern Fire Country, close to the Land of Iron, marking the reconnaissance team's last known location.

In one corner, several perception and reconnaissance ninjas were fine-tuning a chakra detection device, its water-based monitor pulsing with faint blue light.

Tsunade turned to Kirito as he entered. "We've lost contact with Anko's team. I want you to locate them and continue searching for Kabuto and the masked man's base."

The Reanimation Jutsu posed a major threat to the coalition. The undead shinobi were immortal, possessed limitless chakra, and could only be defeated by sealing techniques. The only real solution was to force Kabuto to release the jutsu himself.

"Understood. Where was their last known location?" Kirito asked.

Shikaku pointed to the red cross on the map. "Here, in the northern region of the Land of Fire."

Kirito stared at the spot, a sense of familiarity gnawing at him. "This place… I've been here before," he thought.

"Is there a problem?" Tsunade asked, noticing his hesitation.

"No, just a coincidence. I'll head there immediately."

"Good. If we eliminate Kabuto early, we can save countless lives," Tsunade said firmly.

Kirito left the command room and found a secluded spot. Stretching out his hand, he activated his space-time ninjutsu. A swirling portal appeared, and from the other side, he pulled a struggling Little Leopard, who twisted in protest.

"Get up. Time to work," Kirito muttered, setting the reluctant Little Leopard on his head like a hat.

Opening another portal, Kirito stepped through and emerged on the outskirts of the northern Fire Country, where he and TenTen had once traveled.

The battlefield was quiet, but the air was heavy with tension. Kirito adjusted his grip on Little Leopard, his expression serious. "Let's see if we can find Anko and put an end to Kabuto's game."

(End of this chapter)