Transcending Realities: A Journey to Reclaim Home

With their battles finally concluded, both Sasuke and Fugaku made their way back to the village, each carrying their defeated opponent as a testament to their victories. Sasuke carried Gaara carefully, ensuring the unconscious Suna shinobi was stable, while Fugaku held Danzo securely, his Sharingan still active to monitor any last tricks from his old adversary.

As they approached Konoha, they crossed paths just outside the village gates. Despite the intensity of their respective fights, both father and son exchanged a glance of mutual respect, silently acknowledging the strength and resolve each had displayed. Sasuke, carrying a shinobi from another village, and Fugaku, bearing the weight of one of Konoha's own, represented two sides of a struggle that was now reaching a resolution.

Fugaku and Sasuke made their way back to the village, each carrying their subdued opponent. Fugaku's cloak flared in the wind, the unconscious Danzo slung over his shoulder, bound tightly. Sasuke followed close behind, supporting Gaara, whose transformation had receded with his defeat.

They met at the edge of the village, both emerging from different directions but converging at the same point. Fugaku looked at Sasuke with a rare, approving nod, recognizing his son's resolve and strength in handling a Jinchuriki opponent. Sasuke, still catching his breath, returned his father's nod with a look of determination and pride.

"A worthy effort," Fugaku said quietly, acknowledging the intensity of both their battles. "Danzo's schemes will be brought to light, and Suna's plan has been halted. Konoha will stand strong."

Sasuke shifted his grip on Gaara. "And we have Naruto to thank for all of this," he remarked, glancing toward the village center. "He orchestrated this moment."

Fugaku smiled slightly. "Indeed. Let's not keep him waiting."

Together, they continued toward the heart of the village, the quiet weight of victory between them.

Inside the barrier

As Orochimaru and I clashed, each move calculated, neither one gaining the upper hand, I knew the fight was at a stalemate. Nearby, Rasa and the reanimated Hokages were locked in combat with Hiruzen and my clones, their struggle fierce yet evenly matched. It was clear that, despite all our efforts, no one was coming out ahead.

I took a brief pause to murmur to Orochimaru, "How's it looking outside?"

He replied with a smirk, "Both battles are over."

With a sigh, I lowered my weapon. "Then let's end this pointless fight. Release the Hokages."

Orochimaru, understanding the shift in our plans, called the reanimated Hokages back to his side and released his control over them. As his command echoed, the summoned Hokages ceased their attacks, their expressions turning neutral as they awaited further instructions.

Hiruzen and Rasa glanced at us, bewildered by our sudden withdrawal. I simply stood there, watching intently as the battlefield calmed, the dust settling around us. This wasn't the end, but it was the beginning of something even more significant.

Rasa's voice echoed with disbelief as he shouted, "Why did you take back the Hokages, Orochimaru?!"

I couldn't help but smirk at the confusion written across his face. "The battle is over, Uncle Rasa. Gaara, the One-Tail, lost his fight," I said, watching his eyes widen in shock.

He shook his head, unable to accept it. "Do you think I would believe you, kid? Even if he lost, we could still take out Hiruzen. That would benefit us."

I let out a loud laugh, stepping closer to him, the truth finally dawning on him. "I think you still don't understand what I'm implying," I said, savoring the moment of revelation.

I turned toward Orochimaru, who gave a subtle nod, confirming my words. "This was all part of our plan, right, Orochimaru?"

Orochimaru smirked in agreement, his voice cold as ever. "Yes."

The weight of my words hit Rasa like a hammer. "This was just a plan to lure you, Suna, Danzo, and even you, Jiji," I said, my grin widening as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The game was over, and they had walked straight into it.

Both Rasa and Hiruzen stood in stunned silence, their minds struggling to process the turn of events. Rasa's face was a mix of confusion and anger, unable to comprehend how everything had slipped through his grasp so easily. Hiruzen, on the other hand, wore an expression of disbelief—he had been involved in this conspiracy from the beginning, yet the pieces were only now coming together.

Rasa's voice trembled with frustration. "What is this? You've been playing us the entire time?"

I simply nodded, enjoying the moment. "Exactly. Everything you did, every step you took, was part of the plan—our plan."

Hiruzen, ever the strategist, took a deep breath. "So, it wasn't just the Suna invasion... It was all orchestrated to bring us here, to this moment?"

I met his gaze, my smile unwavering. "You're finally catching on, Jiji."

Rasa clenched his fists, realizing he had been outmaneuvered at every turn. "But why? Why go this far?"

"Why do you ask?" I said, my voice cold with anger, my glare piercing through him. "It's because catching Danzo and all his co-conspirators off guard was the plan. Suna was just a distraction to draw Konoha's attention away from what we were really doing. As we took down all the others, Danzo has already fallen. Your friends will follow soon enough. So, just go back and accept your punishment for everything you've done—from the annihilation of the Uzumaki clan to the Uchiha massacre."

I took a step closer, my words sharp and unwavering.

"And one more thing," I added, my voice darkening. "The Uchiha are alive."