Redemption In Your Eyes

Unending Rain

Arms raised high, Madara activated his mangekyou sharingan. The ground rumbled and the demonic statue's jaw dropped slowly. One by one, its eight eyes rolled open. The cave was lit up by a growing intensity of oranges, reds, blues, and purples. Clenching his fists, Madara roared as the chakra of the tailed beasts came forward. The chakra spiraled to a dull point and followed his command. Knees beginning to buckle, he stayed strong as his body absorbed the chakras. Wind howled around him and although dirt filled the air, his vision was unmarred. The chakra funneled into him and the statue groaned as its emptied.

Suddenly the ritual was over. Madara fell to one knee, bracing his opposite hand on the floor. Smoke swirled around him and the only light spilled in from behind him. Slowly he stood, stretching his shoulders. Flexing his hands, he felt the stolen power coursing through him.

Rubbing the child's back, Sakura urged him forward into the cavern. A few yards further inside, Shizune held a torch and waved the villagers deeper into the cave. Looking back, Sakura watched Shizune's tight, stern face. Only her pallor gave away her true feelings.

The entrance hidden atop the Hokage faces was conspicuous now with the line of civilians climbing towards it. From her vantage point, Sakura could see the village in ruins, encased in cocoon of forest. A crater spread from the near heart of the village. Buildings had been brought to their knees and swathes of rampant destruction ran across the canvas like brush strokes. Bodies dotted the dilapidated landscape. She did her best to keep young eyes on her and moving forward.

The sound of a harsh landing caught her attention and Sakura was temporarily distracted, ready to fight. Tsunade leapt down beside the line from above the caves. Her face was tight and she didn't speak as she surveyed the suddenly halted line.

"Keep moving," Tsunade barked. Glancing to Sakura and Shizune, she nodded. "Keep up the good fight. We need you here guarding th-"

Beneath their feet, the ground rumbled. A rip opened in the sky and a dark rainbow of chakras descended at the village gate. Eyes wide, they watched the procession of one from a distance. Trees fell in every direction and even the earth quaked in fear.

A woman stopped in the middle of the narrow path and gripped her child. "H-Hokage-sama... What is happening?"

A mix of trepidation and determination flitted over Tsunade. "Sakura, save as many as you can." Taking a step towards the thrashing and writhing chakra storm, she turned her back to the villagers. "Madara has arrived."

Clenching one fist and clasping it to her heart, the younger woman nodded. "Yes, Hokage-sama."

Gathering chakra in her legs and feet, Tsunade leapt from the cliffside and moved rapidly toward the lashing and rolling chakra storm. Sakura watched her disappear for a moment, wondering if she would see her mentor again. Her silhouette was only becoming smaller and it made Madara's entrance seem larger and larger.

"Hey!" Shizune called out. "Sakura- I know what you're thinking." The addressed turned. "She wouldn't want you to worry and neglect your duties. Stay focused."

Biting her lip, she sighed. "Yes, of course." Stretching out a hand to the nearest villager, she helped people climb, one by one, to what they hoped was safety.

The orange chakra bubbled around him and purples, blues, and green surged through. Tentacles reached out in all directions, demolishing nature and civilization. Empty houses and tall trees crumbled and crashed to the dirt. One tentacle swept in front of Madara, clearing a path of desolation before him. Suddenly a shadow came from the rooftops, cratering the abused earth.

"Well," Madara paused. "Is this all the greeting I get?"

Standing tall, the outline of woman was visible in the smoky air. "Shut up, you piece of shit."