Great chapter. Considering how you only planned for it to be, what? 15,000 words? To see that more than doubled, with an additional 20,000 words on top of that, was nice, and completely worth the wait.
After last chapter, it was clear that Ino's rejoining of the Harem was a foregone conclusion considering her calling for Naruto's return during the invasion (like Sakura did in canon). Nice to see them reconcile and rekindle their relationship.
Kurenai's suicide attempt was at first a surprise, but is, in hindsight, completely understandable. Also, the little backstory with Anko was a nice touch, and her musings on her place with Naruto in comparison with other kunoichi (how she doesn't have the red chakra that signifies the love of a woman towards the man she is bound to) was good as well. Could you also provide similar insight into the thought processes of other Harem members, like Yuugao (who, despite joining Naruto pretty early on, still has green colored chakra)? Or is that for their respective 'Limelight' chapters?
Glad to see Harem members outside of Konoha getting featured a little bit as well, like Haku in her pursuit of Suigetsu, who had Zabuza's blade (what will happen with Suigetsu? He seemed to want to part ways with Sasuke); Mabui, accompanying Team Samui to Konoha; and Yugito, with her surprising prowess regarding the wielding of the chakra left behind by Yoruichi. She was awesome, kicking Kisame's ass. And despite the relative seriousness of this chapter, a light-hearted moment like when Killer Bee pulled off his tentacle switcharoo was welcome. To be honest, I at first didn't anticipate that, considering Kisame's involvement, but am glad that he managed to avoid the extraction ritual. The fact that they can use the Zetsu as substitutes for the ritual is a bit disconcerting, but not unexpected, considering you've made the Akatsuki a more worthy foe (in terms of power, intellect, and resourcefulness).
It was really nice to see Naruto head off thoughts and rumblings of vengeance against Amegakure by having him have Konan speak with a considerable amount of Konoha's residents. Alone, it would have sufficed, but Ino's interjection towards the end, to rebuff Chouji, of all people, solidified their newfound alliance with Ame. Using Naruto's upbringing as a rallying point was astute. It's not often mentioned how easily Naruto could have taken the dark path, and, as Hero of the Leaf, he is an appropriate role model when it comes to enduring hatred.
Shukaku... you'd think it would be more resistant to Kiyomi, Yoruichi, and Seven's extension of an olive branch, but the allure of freedom after decades of captivity was too great, I suppose.
And Sasuke, wow. He is now, beyond a doubt, irredeemable. His attempt on Mikoto's life, though, was completely necessary. In my eyes, there was no way Naruto would have resolved to kill Sasuke without that happening. As for the fight itself (specifically, the outcome), the assumption that he used Izanagi, as some may think, is incorrect. First of all, he doesn't even know the technique, and secondly, he doesn't have the mixture of Senju and Uchiha DNA that is necessary to pull off the kinjutsu. He survived the Senjutsu-enhanced Rasenshuriken, albeit with grievous injuries, thanks to his Susanoo. Would his Susanoo, after attaining the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, be able to withstand a high-powered Rasenshuriken like that?
Again, great chapter. An uplifting victory for Naruto and his allies against their greatest enemy, who, despite suffering a resounding loss, seek to regroup and return stronger than ever. It will be interesting to see how Naruto's presence alters Konan's sacrificial last stand against Tobi. I also look forward to Iwa's involvement in future events. Can't wait to see what you've got planned.
Thanks for updating, it is much appreciated.