Naruto: Different Path

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Both Tailed Beasts were completely suppressed by Naruto. The Leaf ninja, witnessing this, experienced a surge in morale. 

However, neither Jinchūriki was to be underestimated. 

While Naruto had Sage Mode to enhance his abilities, his mastery of Wood Style was still incomplete. 

Despite gaining the upper hand, he couldn't take them down quickly. This left him unable to assist other Leaf ninjas in the ongoing battle.

The fight between the two sides grew bloodier with each passing moment. 

Their overall strength was evenly matched, making a decisive victory for either side nearly impossible. 

Even if one side emerged victorious, it would undoubtedly be a costly and devastating win. 

Yet, neither could afford to retreat; doing so would result in devastating losses from a relentless pursuit by the enemy.

Tsunade, while engaged in combat, remained observant of the broader battlefield. Her concern grew as the battle dragged on. 

A moment of distraction left her open to an attack from the Raikage, who landed a powerful kick. 

Fortunately, her extraordinary regenerative abilities prevented serious injury, though she was temporarily at a disadvantage.

Meanwhile, Naruto continued to suppress the two Jinchūriki while replenishing his Sage Chakra. 

The intensity of the battle made it impossible for other ninjas to approach. This level of combat was far beyond their capabilities. 

Through Sage Mode, Naruto's sensory abilities remained sharp, allowing him to detect a significant development.

With a slight smile, he muttered, "Finally, they've arrived. Now, victory belongs to the Leaf."

At that moment, Jiraiya appeared, his long white hair flowing behind him. Accompanying him were Kakashi, Guy, and other formidable Leaf ninjas. 

Seeing Tsunade locked in battle with the Raikage, Jiraiya immediately rushed to her aid. 

With a massive Rasengan, he targeted the Raikage. The Raikage, relying on his sharp instincts, sensed the threat and evaded it with his incredible speed.

Jiraiya joined Tsunade, standing by her side. "This is the first time I've seen you so worn out since becoming Hokage. Looks like the Raikage is quite formidable. Let's go all out," he said.

The Raikage, fully aware of the legendary status of the "Three Legendary Sannin," grew more cautious. 

Though he had managed to hold his own against Tsunade, adding Jiraiya into the mix created a significant disadvantage. 

He knew the two would have effective team tactics after fighting together for years. 

To counter this, he activated his Lightning Release Chakra Mode to its maximum output, enhancing both his offence and defence at the cost of significant chakra.

Jiraiya and Tsunade summoned their iconic allies, Gamabunta and Katsuyu, respectively, while the Raikage launched rapid, lightning-infused attacks. 

Despite their synchronized efforts, breaking through the Raikage's formidable defence proved challenging.

The arrival of reinforcements from the Leaf turned the tide. 

With elite ninja-like Kakashi joining the fray, the Cloud forces quickly found themselves outmatched. 

The Cloud's top fighters were preoccupied, leaving their regular troops vulnerable to the overwhelming strength of the Leaf elites. 

Many Cloud ninjas were swiftly defeated, and the disparity in strength only widened as the battle progressed.

Jiraiya's arrival completely disrupted the balance, causing the Cloud forces to crumble. 

Observing the battlefield's deteriorating state, the Raikage decided it was time to retreat. He issued a swift command: "All units, retreat immediately!"

One of his subordinates asked, "Raikage-sama, who will cover the retreat?"

The Raikage broke away from his battle with Tsunade and Jiraiya, moving toward Naruto with incredible speed. His surprise manoeuvre left the Sannin unable to stop him. 

Naruto attempted to block the Raikage using Wood Style, but with most of his chakra focused on suppressing the Jinchūriki, the defences were insufficient.

The Raikage easily tore through the wooden branches and launched his most powerful Lariat at Naruto.

Naruto was forced to use Flying Raijin to evade, which interrupted his control over the Wood Style. This allowed Killer Bee and Yugito to break free. 

Gasping for air, the two Jinchūriki regained their composure, their chakra reserves dangerously low after the prolonged battle.

The Raikage, having freed his allies, commanded, "Everyone, retreat now! I'll cover the rear!"

One Cloud ninja hesitated. "Raikage-sama, how could we let you handle this alone? Let me stay behind instead!"

While relentlessly attacking Naruto, the Raikage barked, "Follow my orders and retreat immediately! If you don't, we'll lose any chance we have left!"

Reluctantly, the Cloud forces obeyed and began withdrawing. The Leaf ninja, however, pursued them without hesitation. 

Despite being exhausted, Killer Bee mustered the last remnants of his chakra to form a Tailed Beast Bomb, aiming it at the pursuing Leaf forces.

Recognizing the threat, Tsunade ordered, "Everyone, scatter immediately!" 

The Leaf Ninja dispersed, but the Tailed Beast Bomb still claimed several lives, leaving only charred remains. 

This display of destructive power momentarily stunned the Leaf forces, slowing their pursuit and giving the Cloud forces a chance to retreat further.

The Raikage, ignoring Naruto's attacks, dashed into the midst of the Leaf formation, unleashing waves of lightning that created chaos. 

Regular Leaf ninja were no match for his overwhelming strength, and the disarray hindered their ability to chase the retreating Cloud forces.

Tsunade threw a powerful punch at the Raikage, forcing him to dodge. 

Though her strength caused significant destruction, it wasn't enough to incapacitate him. 

Naruto and Jiraiya quickly joined her, but Tsunade raised her hand and ordered, "Naruto, stand down." 

"Everyone, stop the pursuit. I have something to discuss with the Raikage."

At Tsunade's command, the Leaf forces halted. The Raikage, seeing that his remaining forces had safely withdrawn, also stopped fighting.

Facing the Raikage directly, Tsunade said, "Raikage, let's end this here. Both sides have already lost too many lives." 

"I don't want to see more of my comrades die. You know as well as I do that you have no chance of victory if this continues."

Surrounded and outnumbered, the Raikage remained fearless. 

He glanced around and replied, "Hokage, even with the Three Sannins here, this outcome wouldn't have been so dire." 

"The one who turned the tide is your prodigy, the White Flash—Naruto Uzumaki. I never thought a single ninja could decide the fate of a battle."

He then turned his gaze to Naruto, his expression a mix of respect and determination.

Tsunade said, "Raikage, regardless of what happened, I don't want our villages to harbour a deep hatred for one another. I hope this war can end here. This time, I plan to let you go. I hope you'll put an end to this conflict."

An ANBU member questioned, "Lady Hokage, it's one thing to let those Hidden Cloud shinobi escape earlier, but Raikage killed so many of our comrades. Why...?"

Tsunade sternly replied, "I have my reasons for this decision!"

The crowd fell silent, unable to press further, though many cast puzzled looks at Tsunade. Only Jiraiya nodded in understanding, signalling his support for her choice.

Raikage, however, didn't leave immediately. He looked at Tsunade and said, "Hokage, if you let me go now, I'll inevitably become a stronger threat to the Leaf Village in the future. Are you sure you won't regret this?"

Hearing these words, Naruto couldn't help but admire the Raikage's courage. Even in a moment of life and death, he spoke so openly and boldly.

Tsunade's expression became complex. After a moment of internal struggle, she closed her eyes and said, "I made this decision for the sake of peace in the ninja world."

"Whether it will have any real meaning, I don't know yet. But you may leave."

With a wave of her hand, Tsunade signalled the Leaf ninjas to stand down and clear a path. Without further hesitation, Raikage disappeared from their sight.

The doubts about Tsunade's decision didn't linger for long. Despite the sacrifices, the Leaf Village had emerged victorious. 

This victory, however, was largely thanks to one individual. It was Naruto who infiltrated the Hidden Cloud alone, significantly reducing their forces. 

It was Naruto who singlehandedly held off two powerful Jinchūriki. And it was Naruto who repeatedly fought and bested the Raikage, turning the tide of the battle.

On this battlefield, Naruto appeared as his true self. He was nothing like the Nine-Tails demon fox many in the Leaf once knew. 

Even though most of the Leaf ninjas present were Naruto's seniors, they couldn't deny his extraordinary strength.

Naruto had now become a hero of the Leaf Village, admired by many.

As Tsunade regrouped the remaining ninjas, she addressed the tired and battle-worn troops. 

Everyone was exhausted after such an intense fight. However, the top priority was to support Danzō. 

Although Danzō had been holding off the enemy, there was no telling how much longer he could last. If Danzō fell, the Leaf would be in grave danger.

Gathering the key leaders, Tsunade said, "We need to send reinforcements to Danzō immediately. 

However, our main forces require rest and reorganization. Only a small elite unit can be dispatched. Who do you think should go?"

The group exchanged glances, but no one volunteered. Tsunade noted that her forces were too drained from prolonged combat, and Jiraiya's group, having travelled far and fought upon arrival, was similarly exhausted.

As Tsunade deliberated, Naruto stepped forward and said, "I'll go. I can handle it alone."

Tsunade looked at Naruto. Despite his seemingly boundless energy, she was concerned. 

"Naruto, you've already used up a tremendous amount of chakra. No matter how strong you are, you need rest to perform at your best."

Naruto smiled confidently. "Even if I rest for ten hours, I'll still have plenty of time to get there." 

"My speed is far greater than anyone else's. Besides, I don't feel tired at all. This mission is perfect for me."

Realizing she had no better options, Tsunade reluctantly nodded. "All right, I'll entrust this mission to you. But I'll send reinforcements as soon as possible."

Naruto shook his head. "Sending reinforcements isn't necessary. Instead, you should bring the main forces back to the Leaf immediately."

"The village is currently defenceless. If an enemy attacks while we're gone, the consequences will be disastrous."

One ninja protested, "But returning to the village now seems like a waste. We've already defeated the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth." 

"The only enemy left is the Land of Water. How could anyone else pose a threat to us?"

Shikaku Nara interjected, "No, Naruto is right. Even though the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth have been defeated, they could regroup and strike again." 

"Moreover, smaller nations could take advantage of our weakened state. Leaving the Leaf defenceless for too long is a dangerous gamble. We should return as soon as possible."

Tsunade, trusting Shikaku's wisdom, sighed and said, "Naruto, it's all up to you now."

Jiraiya placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Tsunade, Naruto is my finest student. You've seen his strength. He can handle this." 

"Honestly, by the time reinforcements arrive, Naruto will likely have already finished the mission."

Naruto grinned. "See? Even Pervy Sage gets it. This is nothing for me."

Suddenly, Tsunade slammed a fist into Jiraiya's head, sending him flying into a crater. 

"Idiot! Naruto will be facing nearly all of the Hidden Mist's elites. No matter how strong he is, he must stay cautious. Got that?"

Naruto quickly responded, "Granny Tsunade, I'll be careful! I'll head out now to avoid any delays."

With a flash, Naruto disappeared, leaving the others speechless.

Shikaku approached Tsunade and said, "Lady Hokage, we should return to the village as soon as possible. The longer we delay, the greater the risk."

Dusting off her hands, Tsunade acted as though nothing had happened. 

"Send out the order: Everyone is to return to the Leaf at top speed. I don't care how they do it, but the priority is to get back as quickly as possible."

Shikaku efficiently managed the arrangements. 

Upon their return to the Leaf, each ninja would be rewarded based on their performance in battle, with promotions and honours for their bravery.

Although Naruto didn't return with them, his heroic deeds were recounted by those who had fought alongside him. 

Once viewed as the Nine-Tails demon, Naruto was now celebrated as the village's hero, and his reputation completely transformed.

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