Naruto Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ A Strange New World ❯ The Search For the Third Sannin ( Chapter 13 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Hiei Jaganshi Urameshi 
The search for Tsunade
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Martial Arts / Adventure / Action | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 10.29.2006 | Pages: 3 | Words: 6.7K | Visits: 402 | Status: Work In Progress
The search for Tsunade
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Martial Arts / Adventure / Action | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 10.29.2006 | Pages: 3 | Words: 6.7K | Visits: 402 | Status: Work In Progress
The Search For the Third Sannin
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Three days before the events in Chapter 11
Once more the Third Hokage's eyes opened, and he saw one of his advisors near by. He recognized him as Namiashi Raido. "Raido-kun, get one of my advisors." The Hokage croaked. "Hurry, because I don't know how long I'll be awake." Raido nodded and left, returning a moment later with three of the Hokage's advisors. "The next Hokage should be Jiraiya or Tsunade." He said before he passed out once more. The three advisors called a meeting, and started talking about the revelation that the Sandaime had chosen his successor, or rather for them to have a choice of two. They only had to decide which one they would rather have as the fifth Hokage.
After some debate, they decided on the Sannin that was closest to them. So they sent one of the advisors to speak with Jiraiya, who had been seen inside the village. It didn't take long to find the Sannin, he was where he had been suspected of being; the ladies bathes. "Uh, Jiraiya-sama," The Adviser said. "The Hokage has named you as one of the possible candidates to succeed him. For the good of Konoha, will you accept the position?" Jiraiya shook his head. "Why not?"
"There is a much better candidate, and with your permission, I shall search for Tsunade." He said with a smile. "She would make a much better Hokage than I ever would, when she is found and convinced that is." The adviser could only stare at him. "Trust me I will have her here as soon as humanly possible.
"We shall send an ANBU unit with you..." The adviser started to say before he was cut off.
"No, nobody is to come with me unless I ask them to." Jiraiya said as he started walking away from the bathes, he knew exactly who he wanted to accompany him, and he needed to speak to their Jounin instructors.
It didn't take long to find Iruka's apartment, he was guided there by the sound of the young Jounin's voice. 'Something bad must have happened.' Jiraiya thought, and then it suddenly got quiet. Fearing the worst (that Iruka had 'done away' with his boyfriend) Jiraiya entered the apartment, in time to see Kakashi release Iruka from a kiss. "Feeling a bit better?" Kakashi asked, holding his dolphin close, Iruka nodding.
"Mind telling me why Konoha got to hear your little argument?" Jiraiya asked, enjoying the sight as the two men leaped into the air. "I always thought that personal thoughts and feelings should never be broadcasted." Iruka blushed, almost hiding behind Kakashi. "Mind telling me what this was all about?"
"I neglected to tell Iruka about something." Kakashi said. "He took it rather bad when I did tell him half an hour ago." He pulled Iruka against him. "The Hokage knew about Iruka's temper and told me not to tell him until after things had come to be." Jiraiya nodded, he had heard about the young man's temper, and had now experienced it first hand. "What can we do for you, Jiraiya-sama?"
"I wanted to know if I could bother you to ask to borrow a Genin from each of you, Urameshi Yusuke from you, Iruka-san, and Uzumaki Naruto from you, Kakashi-san." Both Jounin were surprised. "I am going to look for Tsunade, and I thought that they would be good company for me." With that explanation, the pair nodded. To have the two boys follow Jiraiya would be beneficial for them. "I thank you, I shall collect my pair as soon as I can find them. The sooner we leave, the sooner I can catch up with her. Once Orochimaru knows that she is named as the next Hokage, he will chase after her too." With a cheery good bye, Jiraiya headed off to collect the Genin and shortly after that he left the village, heading north to the nearest gambling town.
Kakashi and Iruka walked to the meeting place, where the three Genin were waiting for them. "I am sure that you are wondering where Naruto and Yusuke are, they are currently with Jiraiya-sama." Iruka said. "They are on a secret mission that can't be divulged to you, any of you." He said forcefully when he saw Sasuke and Hiei about to complain. "Now you have a day of private study ahead. We will be testing you on Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, and your defense against them." The three groaned. "Off with you." They left quietly, the three talking about where they would study. "Now, we have out own job to do." Iruka said as they headed to where they were to meet up with Yuhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma. They had heard the rumors that Uchiha Itachi was back, and the last person that needed to hear that was Uchiha Sasuke.
"You're here, finally!" Kurenai said as she saw the pair approach them. "What took you so long?" Kakashi pulled Iruka against his body suggestively, making the other Jounins squirm. "I don't think we want to know." She said. "Very well, let's do our sweep." The four Jounin moved out.
Starting at the Hokage heads, they worked their way around, and before too long they reached the lake. However there were two suspicious strangers waking along the bank. "Excuse me, state your business in Konoha." Kakashi said, suspiciously. They were dressed as though they were from the land of the waves, but why would they be wearing such outfits here.
"Oh, I'm sorry." The shortest of the pair said. "We are looking for Uzumaki Naruto. Do you know where we can find him?" Kakashi recognized the voice immediately, and growled 'Uchiha Itachi.' "It seems that you remember me, Hatake Kakashi." Itachi said as he removed the hat that he had been wearing, revealing his face to the others. His companion was recognized as Hoshigaki Kisame, a missing-nin from Kirigakure.
"Why do you want Naruto? Is it because of the Kyubi?" Iruka asked, determined to get the answer. He remembered hearing about an organization that had, until recently, stood by and watched the world pass without doing anything. "You are both members from Akatsuki, aren't you?" Kurenai and Asuma stared at each other before rushing in to attack, however Itachi’s companion knocked Asuma back, while Kurenai's Genjutsu was reversed on her, before she was knocked onto the surface of the lake, Itachi following her. Iruka, seeing Kakashi's nod, followed him. He had never told Kakashi, but he had been trying to create his own jutsu, and also trying to modify some that Kakashi had taught him from the battle he had with Zabuza all that time ago. His hands moved through the seals, aware of Itachi's ability in copying them, as any Uchiha could. "Nizunami no Jutsu!" Iruka said as his palm came in contact with the water, surprising Itachi with the violent water. He had improved on the technique, however. The water became strangely calm where his foot moved. Kakashi had shown him where the flaws of the jutsu lay, and he had modified it accordingly.
Kakashi was aware of Iruka's improved skill. He also knew that it would take more than choppy water to defeat Itachi's Sharingan eyes. A moment later and Kisame disappeared, and Kakashi followed him, appearing at Iruka's side the moment that Kisame appeared at Itachi's, and revealed his Sharingan. Iruka knew that the fight would become slightly more troublesome, and then suddenly Iruka whispered something in Kakashi's ear, his hand covering his lips so that Itachi couldn't get what he was saying. Iruka's right hand met Kakashi's left hand. "Ready?" He asked Kakashi, who nodded his reply. Together their hands moved through the seals. Kisame's eyes opened wider, knowing the seal that they were doing, and his hands moved to counteract the attack, a moment too late. "Suiton: Hidora no Jutsu!" Iruka said as a two-headed dragon, made of water appeared, launching itself at the two Akatsuki members, Itachi countered one part with a fireball, while Kisame's dragon took the other side. Kakashi could hear Asuma and Kurenai approach them, and stay back a respectful distance.
"I should finish this now." Itachi said as he closed his eyes, before slowly opening them. Kakashi was worried about why he did that and immediately told the others that only he could look into Itachi's eyes. The others closed their eyes, and Kakashi closed his right eye. "It is true that one able to use the Sharingan can fight against the influence of the Mangekyo Sharingan." Itachi said. "However, how long can you survive?" He activated Tsukuyomi, dragging Kakashi into a powerful Genjutsu. Kakashi was tied to a cross. "Here, in the world created by Tsukuyomi, I control everything that happens." Itachi said, his voice echoing in the strange world. He raised the sword in his hand and slowly pushed it into Kakashi's body. "I think 72 hours will do." He said as the pain happened over and over again.
Iruka wanted to look at Kakashi when he heard his scream in agony. He wanted to hold Kakashi close, when he felt him drop to his knees, and instead he kneeled beside his lover and held him close. Itachi seeing this, ended the vision, and Kisame moved forward to end things, when instead water was flung into his face as Gai kicked him back to Itachi. "You three open your eyes." He said. "Keep your eyes on his feet and used that to guide what you do." Slowly the three did as Gai told them. "I called for three units of ANBU to come." When Kisame started forward to take on the five Konoha ninjas, Itachi stopped him.
"We did not come here to leave injured. We came for the Kyubi vessel, and it looks like he is not in the village." Itachi said. "We should withdraw and locate him as soon as possible." With that the Akatsuki members disappeared.
Iruka and the others carried, the now unconscious, Kakashi to the hospital, where not even the medic-nins, could revive him. The four quietly spoke amongst themselves, with Kurenai saying that they should send ANBU after Naruto if he had Itachi after them. Iruka seeing Sasuke at the door, tried to stop her, but it was too late. He knew that Sasuke had heard her, and it wasn't just Sasuke either. He heard Hiei's footsteps as he followed Sasuke. "Please, look after Kakashi! I'll make sure that they stay safe." Iruka said as he ran to catch up with the pair. "You can't leave Konoha without someone with you, unless you want to be classed as missing-nins, like Itachi himself." He said. "Do you even know where to go?" The pair shook their heads. "I thought not. However I think I know where they will head first." He started heading north, the two Genin following him.
They soon reached the same town as Jiraiya and the other two were. "He is here." Sasuke said as he thought he caught a quick glance of his brother as they passed through the crowds. "Iruka-sensei, we need to get to them soon!" They tried five hotels before they found the right one, even then they knew that Itachi had beaten them there, the receptionist telling them that the young blond seemed to have a lot of people asking about him. They ran up the stairs to the room.
Yusuke and Naruto were busy playing poker in their room when they heard a knock on the door. Yusuke walked over to it, and opened the door, the sight before him shocked him. For a moment he thought Sasuke had grown over night, before he realized that there was one key difference, this guy had the Sharingan out freely, Sasuke kept it hidden until it was needed. "Who re you?" Yusuke demanded, staring into Itachi's eyes. "What to fuck do you want?" His right hand moved behind his back, focusing his spirit energy into it.
"Our business is not with you. Our business is with Naruto-kun." Itachi said. "We will not leave until we have him." Yusuke didn't move. "I do not want to have to kill you, but I will if I have no other choice." Suddenly he stopped speaking, and spared a glance up the corridor. "It has been a long time, Sasuke." Yusuke looked up the corridor and saw Sasuke, Hiei and Iruka, and sighed in relief, help had arrived.
"Uchiha Itachi." Sasuke said, hatefully. "Today will be your last!" He made the seals for Chidori and ran towards Itachi, who deflected the attack, gripping Sasuke's wrist, and snapped it, making Sasuke cry in pain. Just as the others moved in to help, Jiraiya appeared, bringing the total number to eight, nine if you included the unconscious girl he carried.
"You do not know me very well." Jiraiya said as he lowered the woman to the floor. I am better at seducing than being seduced." He heard Naruto shouting 'Eros Sennen!' from inside the room. "Don't call me that in front of people!" He turned his attention back to Itachi. "I'll finish you two here."
"Don't interfere." They heard Sasuke say as he picked himself up. Yusuke could see that something wasn't right, there was something... different about Hiei, and Iruka was holding him back. With care, Sasuke set his broken wrist. "That wasn't very nice, Aniki." Sasuke said as he attacked Itachi, punches and kicks being blocked. He knew that Yusuke knew something was up. Suddenly he felt Itachi's knee connecting with his stomach and doubled over in pain, before flying through the air and his back connecting with the wall, winding him.
Slowly, deliberately so, Itachi walked over to his brother. "Very well, we shall fight, if you so desire." He said as he reached down and picked Sasuke up by his collar and punched his stomach, making Sasuke cough up blood, before he pinned him to the wall, activating the Mangekyo Sharingan. However Sasuke didn't scream in mental torment, like he hoped, instead he stared coldly into Itachi's eyes, gripping both of Itachi's arms and changing his energy into heat, burning Itachi's arms.
"Sasuke, he's all yours." Hiei said as he changed back to his true form. Itachi dropped Hiei to the ground, and looked over at his real brother, who was preparing Chidori. Unknown to him, Hiei wasn't just sitting still. He had learned a few things from working with Kurama for as long as he had, the most important was to never underestimate his opponent. Using the limited talent that he had from his mother, he bound Itachi's feet to the floor with ice. The effort he needed to exert, however, was much greater than he had to use for fire. Not only that, but his body was also trying to mend the broken wrist as quickly as it could. At times like this he was glad that he was a demon.
Sasuke could see that Hiei was holding Itachi in place and ran forward, however, as with Hiei's Chidori, Itachi diverted the attack, aiming it, instead, at Hiei. It forced Hiei to leap out of the way, and it also broke Hiei's control over the ice around Itachi's ankles. Itachi then turned his Mangekyo Sharingan on Sasuke, causing a horrific attack on his younger brother. "Oroka ototo." Itachi said as Sasuke fell unconscious. "You have a long way to go before you can defeat me." He turned to Kisame. "Kisame, we're getting out of here." Itachi said, however they had forgotten about Yusuke, Jiraiya and Naruto. Jiraiya quickly made seals and soon the walls were covered in flesh, the flesh of a toad's stomach.
"I won't let you escape." Jiraiya said, however it didn't stop the Akatsuki members from running. The others were following behind, however the Akatsuki members had managed to escape by using a strange attack, leaving black fire in its trail. Hiei was the first to reach the flame and touched it before Jiraiya could stop him. Then Hiei put his left hand into the black flame, the black flame licked at his broken wrist, healing it as quicker than his energy had been. Jiraiya couldn't help but stare as the fire seemed to caress Hiei, and Hiei seemed to enjoy it. "What are you doing?"
"Healing myself." Hiei said as the fire soaked through his body. He looked at Jiraiya. "My name is Uchiha Hiei." He said, knowing that it was quite unlikely that Jiraiya knew of him." He could see Iruka's eye twitching. "Sasuke adopted me into his family, so it was only fair that I took his family name, as he provided it for me." He pulled his hand free, and moved it around experimentally, he felt energized by the flame, more so than he had been. 'It feels just like the Darkness Flame attacks.' He thought, smiling to himself. 'Uchiha Itachi can't use this on me.' He looked at Iruka. "Iruka-sensei, we need to get Sasuke back to Konoha, don't we?" Iruka nodded. Hiei walked back to Yusuke, kissing him soundly, before whispering. "Come back to me, and make sure you have Naruto in one piece. Sasuke would never forgive you if something happened to him." Yusuke nodded as Hiei picked up Sasuke and he and Iruka left, heading back to Konoha."
Timeline meets
Kurama moved in his bed. He had a restless night, mostly due to the impatience of what was going to happen that day. However a disturbing memory kept resurfacing; a stomach-turning one at that.
FLASHBACK
"What is the matter, Orochimaru?" Kurama asked, entering Orochimaru's chambers. He had received urgent summons from Orochimaru a moment before, and had left his bed to see what the problem was. Orochimaru motioned for Kurama to approach him. Seeing nowhere else to sit, Kurama stood until Orochimaru told him to sit down. That he didn't want a sore neck having to look up at him. Kurama knelt at his side.
"I have been having a problem sleeping." Orochimaru said. "I want you to help me with that problem." Orochimaru said as his hand reached out, caressing Kurama's hair.
"I shall make you a sleeping draught." Kurama said as he stood up to leave the room, when he suddenly felt Orochimaru's tongue wrap around his body, pulling Kurama back to him, depositing the kitsune on his lap, Kurama sitting still when Orochimaru wrapped his arms around his body, removing the tongue.
"Come now, Kurama." Orochimaru said, his hot breath brushing against the delicate-looking neck. "Why go to such trouble? Your body can do as good a job." He licked the neck, draping Kurama's hair over his other shoulder.
"Orochimaru, if you do not let me go this instant, then I will have to resort to desperate measures. You do not want to corner a fox." Kurama said, but still Orochimaru held him. Then, without further warning, Kurama used vines to pull Orochimaru's arms apart and bound them to the chair. "Try that again, and it won't be vines around your wrists that you will have to worry about." He knelt beside Orochimaru's side again and leaned forward to whisper into his ear. "Next time the vines will go where the sun doesn't shine, and emerge from your mouth, got it?" Orochimaru reluctantly nodded. Kurama, tauntingly, kissed Orochimaru's cheek and headed towards the door. "Once I am in my room, the vines will release you." Kurama said, looking back over his shoulder. "Oh, and just one more thing, I have been known to kill unwanted admirers. I would loath to do so to you." With a flick of silver hair, Kurama left.
END FLASHBACK
A moment later and there was a knock on the door. "Kurama-sama, you are requested to meet Orochimaru-sama in the dining hall. He says to prepare to leave once you have had a meal." The girl said. Kurama recognized the voice of the young Genin; her name was Hana if he remembered correctly.
"Thank you, I shall meet Orochimaru-san in a moment." Kurama said, as he made sure all the seeds were nestled in his hair. 'I wonder what he has to say for himself.' Kurama thought as he left the room, heading towards the dining area. Once there he saw Orochimaru and Kabuto were waiting for him. "Ohaiyo gozaimasu." Kurama said as he retrieved some food, his eye never leaving Orochimaru, who he knew had an equal gaze on him. He sat with the other pair and smiled as he raised the fruit to his lips. "When do we leave here, Orochimaru-sama?" The title said in a sarcastic tone.
"The moment that you are done eating." Orochimaru said as he sipped his coffee. He wanted to get to Tsunade before Jiraiya could, and he had an advantage. He already knew where she was heading, his spies had told him so. It didn't take long for Kurama to finish his breakfast, although he stored some fruit about his person just in case he did get hungry later on. He knew that there was a good chance that it would happen. Orochimaru led Kurama and Kabuto off in the direction of the town where Tsunade would be at by now.
It took them less than a day to get there at the speed that that they were traveling at. The city was still inside the Land of Fire, but it was close to the Land of Rice Fields, where Otogakure was situated. Tsunade was to be found in Tanzaku City, and more than likely at a slot machine, of that Orochimaru was sure. However, little did he know that Jiraiya was catching up fast.
Jiraiya had been trying to teach Yusuke and Naruto the attack that the Fourth Hokage had been developing before his untimely death, and Yusuke seemed to pick it up like a pro, Naruto having more trouble with the steps, however he was progressing faster with Yusuke helping him. By the time that they reached Tanzaku City, both Genin had cleared the second stage of the Rasengan, much to Jiraiya's surprise. "You have done this before, haven't you?" He asked Yusuke.
"No, but it was very similar." Yusuke said. "Instead of using chakra, it was with pure spirit energy. It is known as the Spirit Wave." He smiled remembering Genkai's face, missing her for the first time. He was sure that if she were here that she would teach Jiraiya a thing or two about 'intensive teaching'. To be honest, he wanted her there with him. "I miss Baa-san, even her horrifying training. You never know what you have until it is gone.” As if the memory called him to, he formed the Spirit Wave. It was now the only thing that he had to remind him of the woman he thought of as a grandmother. ‘Does she miss me at all?’ He thought, as the stared at the orb. He could see her face clearly in it, the sight causing some pain.
Naruto could see the change happening in Yusuke’s face as he looked into the orb. “Yusuke-kun?” Naruto asked quietly, looking into the orb and seeing nothing. “Yusuke-kun, what’s the matter?” Naruto asked, reaching out to touch Yusuke, but thrown back by an invisible force. “Yusuke-kun?”
“I’ll never see that old bag again, never.” Yusuke said monotonously. “We’re unable to go home, to return to our loved ones. Yukina, Shiori, Atsuko, Keiko, Shizuru, Genkai, all never knowing what happened to us” He picked a tree and threw the orb at it, the moment that the orb made contact, the tree was destroyed. Naruto and Jiraiya stared at this new Yusuke, at the changes that has taken over him. Then he turned and faced them fully. “Orochimaru is here, along with that traitor.” He said, his senses much keener than they had been. He also knew that now Kurama would be fully aware of him.
Kurama paused in mid-stride, facing towards the trees; a shiver ran up his back. “Yusuke.” He mumbled, making Orochimaru stare at him. “Orochimaru, we need to get to Tsunade quickly. You mentioned that Yusuke was traveling with Jiraiya and Naruto, well then they are here. I could never miss his scent, nor the feeling of the Spirit Wave when it is used.” As they traveled, he had told Kabuto and Orochimaru about his ‘friends’, about their strengths and weaknesses. “Please, let us speed this up.”
It didn’t take long to find Tsunade and her apprentice, Shizune. They were looking at Tanzaku Castle. The three jumped down to face them. “Hello, Tsunade.” Orochimaru said, as he looked her over. “You haven’t changed one bit since we last met, Tsunade-hime.” Shizune stood in front of Tsunade.
“Orochimaru, it has been a while, you’re still alive I see.” The blond woman said hostilely. “What do you want?” Orochimaru laughed as Kurama and Kabuto stood on either side of him, making Shizune get more nervous.
“I require your help, Tsunade.” Orochimaru said as he motioned to Kabuto to walk forward. “I have the last remaining Kaguya, but he is dying because of some illness that he has.” Kabuto offered a scroll to Tsunade, who accepted it warily. “That is a list of his symptoms.” Orochimaru said, watching as Tsunade opened the scroll. Slowly she read the contents. “Only you can help him.”
“I see. What will you do if I do heal him?” She asked as she closed the scroll. She had heard of the attack on Konoha by Orochimaru, or a person that looked like him. “Will you attack Konoha?”
“Yes.” Orochimaru said honestly. “However I shall reward your help. If you prepare two sacrifices, I shall bring back Nawaki and Dan.” Orochimaru said, seeing her eyes open. “I really need the Kaguya child to get better.” He smiled slightly. “I know that you will need some time to decide, so I shall give you a week.” Kabuto returned to Orochimaru’s side. “If you decide to help me, then prepare two sacrifices to receive your loved ones.” With that the three disappeared, allowing Shizune to relax.
“Please tell me you aren’t going to actually think about such an idea.” She said to Tsunade, who refused to answer. “Tsunade-sama, please, you can’t allow yourself to be deceived by him. He has already attacked Konoha once, and rumor has it that he has killed the Third Hokage. We can’t be seen… consorting with him.”
It didn’t take long for Jiraiya and his pair to meet up with Tsunade and Shizune either. “Well, well, I am getting popular.” Tsunade said as she raised her sake to her lips. “If it isn’t the other Sannin, Jiraiya. What do you want?” Again Shizune moved between Tsunade and Jiraiya and his group.
“It is nice to see you again.” Jiraiya said as he ordered a bottle of sake. “I guess we were a little late if Orochimaru has already seen you.” He poured some of the sake. “We came to ask you two things, both because of the Third Hokage.” He sipped the sake. “I guess that you heard about Sand and Sound attacking Konoha, and that Orochimaru was behind it, well the Third Hokage was struck by a poison that has left him passing in and out of consciousness. He has also asked you to take his place as the fifth Hokage. Although why, I have no idea.”
“There is nothing left in Konoha for me.” She said eventually, watching as Jiraiya picked himself off of the ground. “Who would be stupid enough to want to become the Hokage anyway?” With that Naruto exploded, screaming at her that he wanted to be the Hokage, and that it was an honor to be asked, that he would fight her if he had to, to prove himself. “Very well, if you want to fight me, then let us go outside. However I warn you, all I need to defeat you is one finger.” When Naruto attacked her, all Tsunade did was ping him on the forehead, and knocked him back. “As I said, only a fool would want to be Hokage.” She turned to walk away.
“I swear that I shall learn the Rasengan and show you differently.” Naruto said as he picked himself out of the ground. “I will learn the Rasengan and protect Konoha by myself if I have to!” Tsunade looked back at him. “I can already do the first two stages, all I need to do is the third stage!”
“If you can do the Rasengan in a week then I shall think about becoming the Hokage.” She said. “I shall even give you my necklace.” Shizune gasped. “However if you cannot do the Rasengan in the week, then you have to give up on your ridiculous dream.” Naruto said that he would agree with her, surprising Yusuke and Jiraiya.
“Remember your promise, Tsunade-baa-chan!” Naruto shouted after the women. “You better become the Hokage, because we need you!” He looked at Jiraiya. “You heard Tsunade-baa-chan!” He said. “I have to learn the Rasengan in a week!”
The evening of the sixth day came and Naruto lay exhausted in the forest. He still hadn’t completed the Rasengan, even with Jiraiya and Yusuke’s help. He looked down at the Konoha symbol on the palm of his hand. Yusuke had completed the training after the second day. He had found the other two stages difficult, but this was impossible. He knew that he had to do something to make the chakra go the way it was needed, and then he had an idea and summoned a clone. Once more he summoned chakra to his hand, and this time the clone helped him control the chakra, making it into a perfect sphere. Then Naruto pressed it against the tree. Seeing the results, he smiled before falling unconscious.
“Please, Tsunade-sama, you cannot agree to help Orochimaru.” Shizune said, trying to reason with Tsunade. “Look what he said that he’d do…” Tsunade silenced her by knocking her unconscious, and left, seeking out Orochimaru.
“Have you made up your mind, Tsunade?” A voice said behind her, and she looked, seeing the taller of the two boys that had accompanied Orochimaru. “I was asked to meet with you here, I never thought that you would be here so soon.”
“I refuse to speak to you, get Orochimaru.” She said, seeing Kurama’s smile, he disappeared. He returned shortly with Orochimaru.
“Have you decided what you will do, Tsunade?” Orochimaru asked. Tsunade nodded. “Will you come with me?”
Naruto remembered which hotel Tsunade was in and ran all the way there once he had regained consciousness. However when he entered the room, he saw Shizune pulling herself off of the floor. “Shizune-san!” Naruto shouted, “Where’s Tsunade-baa-chan?” Shizune shook her head.
“I think she has decided to join Orochimaru.” She said fearfully. A short time later and Jiraiya and Yusuke also met up with them. Shizune replying the same to them when they asked about Tsunade, and the others reacted by deciding that they had to go and find her.
“I have decided not to go with you.” Tsunade said as she attacked the three, the group leaping away from the irate Sannin. All Naruto and the others had to do to follow them was to follow the trail of destruction that Tsunade caused. It didn’t take them long to catch up with them. The three groups came to a stop, facing each other.
“Well, isn’t this a blast from the past?” Orochimaru said as he looked at Jiraiya and Tsunade. “A chapter taken out of the past, eh?” Kurama’s eyes locked with Yusuke’s as Naruto decided to take on Kabuto. “I am sure that we both have a good idea why the other is here.” Orochimaru said, nodding to Kurama and Kabuto to start the fight.
Kurama threw himself at Yusuke, and for a moment Yusuke thought that it was Shuichi, however that was soon changed. “I have always wanted to fight you.” Kurama said as he grinned manically. “The child of the great Toushin, Raizen.” Yusuke felt a shiver going up his back. “You don’t even have Hiei to hide behind now.” Both fighters’ energies flooded free of their bodies, crashing against the energy of the other. “Prepare to die!”
Kabuto, Naruto and Shizune separated themselves from their Sannin ‘masters’. “I am sorry that we had to meet today.” Kabuto said to Naruto. “I fear that today may be the last day you see.” He said, sounding regretful. “I wish that this could have been sorted amicably between our masters.” All three started doing seals.
While the others started their fights, already the three Sannin had summoned their beasts, Manda, the lord of the snakes, Gamabunta, lord of the Toads and Katsuyu, lady of the Slugs.
The battle between Naruto, Kabuto was vicious, but it ended up with both Naruto and Kabuto badly injured, the difference, however, was that Kabuto, being a medical ninja, had prepared his body for the destructive force of the Rasengan, where Naruto didn’t have that skill when Kabuto attacked, so his chakra blade had sliced through tissue easily. Tsunade, seeing the blood flowing from Naruto’s wound, was reminded of Dan’s fatal injuries, and froze. “Tsunade-sama, you need to help him!” Shizune shouted as she faced Kabuto alone. Tsunade was then forced into action, although her hemophobia slowed her actions considerably. Orochimaru, taking advantage of the situation, used his tongue to wrap around Jiraiya’s ankle and threw him against the ground, knocking him unconscious, before turning his attention to Tsunade.
“Step aside, Tsunade.” Orochimaru said as he summoned the Kusanagi from within his body, “Step aside and let me finish off what has happened.” His yellow eyes glittered in the light of the dawn. “Let the host of the Kyubi die.” Tsunade refused to move. “I am not afraid to kill you before I kill him.” He said as he licked the blade. Still she didn’t move. “Very well.” He said as he plunged the blade into Tsunade’s body before throwing her off. However before he could strike the fatal blow to Naruto, the blade struck Tsunade once more. “Why?”
“Because I believe that he will become the Hokage one day,” Tsunade said. “And because I am the Fifth Hokage.” Orochimaru removed the sword from her.
“Some Fifth Hokage, when you fell easier than the Third.” He said, before he heard her say ‘Ninpo Sozo Saisei’. All her wounds seemed to heal instantaneously, and it also seemed to boost her, already overpowering, strength. 'Oh shit' Orochimaru thought as he got a knuckle sandwich. He was forced on the defensive by Tsunade's strong strikes, until she ended up on top of Gamabunta's katana, which had just impaled Manda's mouth to the ground.
Orochimaru had taken the chance to attack, using his tongue, wrapping it around Tsunade's throat. However the Fifth Hokage unwrapped it and used it as a rope, which had her worst enemy physically attatched and used it to beat him up.
Yusuke and Kurama faced off against each other. He knew that Kurama had the advantage, knowing everything that he could do, and would more than likely have a plan to counteract it. He couldn't afford to lose either. "Kurama, why are you doing this?" He asked as he avoided a lash from Kurama's Rose Whip, not wanting to attack back, knowing that it could injure or even kill his friend. He got a kick in his stomach for his effort, coughing up blood.
"All these years and I have never fought you. I wish that you could see yourself now. You aren't that great. What did Hiei ever see in you?" The whiplash caught his leg, ripping muscle, just missing bone. "Don't worry, I don't intend to kill you quickly. You deserve a nice, slow, death." His vines tied Yusuke up, holding him tightly, keeping him off of the ground, as another rose turned into a sword. "Where to start? Maybe I should castrate you first? I always wanted to know what castrating another male would be like." However he was shouted at to stop by Orochimaru. "Orochimaru, I want my revenge on him!"
"Then we will leave you behind." Orochimaru said as a healing Kabuto stood next to him. Tsunade, glaring at them. "You will get more chances later, for now we need to retreat to heal."
"So you can lick your wounds you mean!" Kurama snarled, looking at Yusuke. "You have got a reprieve, Yusuke. Next time I'll have you at my mercy, and I will finish this." With that he joined Orochimaru, glaring at his 'boss'. as he cast a jutsu to make them disappear into their own shadows.
It took them three days to heal up, before they returned to Konoha, to great cheers of people. Three days from the shock of Orochimaru saving Yusuke's life. However it was three days too long for the Third, who had sadly died the day before they had managed to return.
~~~~
The funeral was held the next day, Tsunade leading the procession. The many ninjas under her following behind, each holding a single, white flower. One by one they walked forward, and lay their flower down, taking a moment to remember the Third Hokage, what he meant to them. Naruto looked down at Iruka, who was comforting Konohamaru. "Iruka-sensei, why do people risk their lives for others?"
"When a person dies...he disappears. Along with his past, current lifestyle, and his future. Many people die in missions and in wars. They die easily and in suprisingly simple ways. Hayate was one of them. Those who die have goals and dreams... but everyone has something as important as those. Parents, siblings, friends, lovers... people who are important to you. They trust and help each other. The bond between the people important to you ever since birth.... And the string that binds them becomes thicker and stronger as time goes by. It's beyond reason. Those bound to you by that string will do that. Because of their importance." Iruka replied.
Naruto thought for a moment. "I still don't understand, Iruka-sensei." He said eventually.
Iruka gave a watery smile, feeling Kakashi's hand on his shoulder. "Neither do I, Naruto-kun."
Author’s Note: Sorry about the length of the battle, I know that I could have made it longer.
In an effort to generate more reviews and con-crit, I have decided that the person/people that have reviewed the most by the end of the fic will get either a YYH or Naruto yaoi fic written for them. So, your views could win you a fic, previous reviewers’ reviews are included for their count. No new reviews on previous chapters are included in the count, however.
Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Three days before the events in Chapter 11
Once more the Third Hokage's eyes opened, and he saw one of his advisors near by. He recognized him as Namiashi Raido. "Raido-kun, get one of my advisors." The Hokage croaked. "Hurry, because I don't know how long I'll be awake." Raido nodded and left, returning a moment later with three of the Hokage's advisors. "The next Hokage should be Jiraiya or Tsunade." He said before he passed out once more. The three advisors called a meeting, and started talking about the revelation that the Sandaime had chosen his successor, or rather for them to have a choice of two. They only had to decide which one they would rather have as the fifth Hokage.
After some debate, they decided on the Sannin that was closest to them. So they sent one of the advisors to speak with Jiraiya, who had been seen inside the village. It didn't take long to find the Sannin, he was where he had been suspected of being; the ladies bathes. "Uh, Jiraiya-sama," The Adviser said. "The Hokage has named you as one of the possible candidates to succeed him. For the good of Konoha, will you accept the position?" Jiraiya shook his head. "Why not?"
"There is a much better candidate, and with your permission, I shall search for Tsunade." He said with a smile. "She would make a much better Hokage than I ever would, when she is found and convinced that is." The adviser could only stare at him. "Trust me I will have her here as soon as humanly possible.
"We shall send an ANBU unit with you..." The adviser started to say before he was cut off.
"No, nobody is to come with me unless I ask them to." Jiraiya said as he started walking away from the bathes, he knew exactly who he wanted to accompany him, and he needed to speak to their Jounin instructors.
It didn't take long to find Iruka's apartment, he was guided there by the sound of the young Jounin's voice. 'Something bad must have happened.' Jiraiya thought, and then it suddenly got quiet. Fearing the worst (that Iruka had 'done away' with his boyfriend) Jiraiya entered the apartment, in time to see Kakashi release Iruka from a kiss. "Feeling a bit better?" Kakashi asked, holding his dolphin close, Iruka nodding.
"Mind telling me why Konoha got to hear your little argument?" Jiraiya asked, enjoying the sight as the two men leaped into the air. "I always thought that personal thoughts and feelings should never be broadcasted." Iruka blushed, almost hiding behind Kakashi. "Mind telling me what this was all about?"
"I neglected to tell Iruka about something." Kakashi said. "He took it rather bad when I did tell him half an hour ago." He pulled Iruka against him. "The Hokage knew about Iruka's temper and told me not to tell him until after things had come to be." Jiraiya nodded, he had heard about the young man's temper, and had now experienced it first hand. "What can we do for you, Jiraiya-sama?"
"I wanted to know if I could bother you to ask to borrow a Genin from each of you, Urameshi Yusuke from you, Iruka-san, and Uzumaki Naruto from you, Kakashi-san." Both Jounin were surprised. "I am going to look for Tsunade, and I thought that they would be good company for me." With that explanation, the pair nodded. To have the two boys follow Jiraiya would be beneficial for them. "I thank you, I shall collect my pair as soon as I can find them. The sooner we leave, the sooner I can catch up with her. Once Orochimaru knows that she is named as the next Hokage, he will chase after her too." With a cheery good bye, Jiraiya headed off to collect the Genin and shortly after that he left the village, heading north to the nearest gambling town.
Kakashi and Iruka walked to the meeting place, where the three Genin were waiting for them. "I am sure that you are wondering where Naruto and Yusuke are, they are currently with Jiraiya-sama." Iruka said. "They are on a secret mission that can't be divulged to you, any of you." He said forcefully when he saw Sasuke and Hiei about to complain. "Now you have a day of private study ahead. We will be testing you on Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, and your defense against them." The three groaned. "Off with you." They left quietly, the three talking about where they would study. "Now, we have out own job to do." Iruka said as they headed to where they were to meet up with Yuhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Asuma. They had heard the rumors that Uchiha Itachi was back, and the last person that needed to hear that was Uchiha Sasuke.
"You're here, finally!" Kurenai said as she saw the pair approach them. "What took you so long?" Kakashi pulled Iruka against his body suggestively, making the other Jounins squirm. "I don't think we want to know." She said. "Very well, let's do our sweep." The four Jounin moved out.
Starting at the Hokage heads, they worked their way around, and before too long they reached the lake. However there were two suspicious strangers waking along the bank. "Excuse me, state your business in Konoha." Kakashi said, suspiciously. They were dressed as though they were from the land of the waves, but why would they be wearing such outfits here.
"Oh, I'm sorry." The shortest of the pair said. "We are looking for Uzumaki Naruto. Do you know where we can find him?" Kakashi recognized the voice immediately, and growled 'Uchiha Itachi.' "It seems that you remember me, Hatake Kakashi." Itachi said as he removed the hat that he had been wearing, revealing his face to the others. His companion was recognized as Hoshigaki Kisame, a missing-nin from Kirigakure.
"Why do you want Naruto? Is it because of the Kyubi?" Iruka asked, determined to get the answer. He remembered hearing about an organization that had, until recently, stood by and watched the world pass without doing anything. "You are both members from Akatsuki, aren't you?" Kurenai and Asuma stared at each other before rushing in to attack, however Itachi’s companion knocked Asuma back, while Kurenai's Genjutsu was reversed on her, before she was knocked onto the surface of the lake, Itachi following her. Iruka, seeing Kakashi's nod, followed him. He had never told Kakashi, but he had been trying to create his own jutsu, and also trying to modify some that Kakashi had taught him from the battle he had with Zabuza all that time ago. His hands moved through the seals, aware of Itachi's ability in copying them, as any Uchiha could. "Nizunami no Jutsu!" Iruka said as his palm came in contact with the water, surprising Itachi with the violent water. He had improved on the technique, however. The water became strangely calm where his foot moved. Kakashi had shown him where the flaws of the jutsu lay, and he had modified it accordingly.
Kakashi was aware of Iruka's improved skill. He also knew that it would take more than choppy water to defeat Itachi's Sharingan eyes. A moment later and Kisame disappeared, and Kakashi followed him, appearing at Iruka's side the moment that Kisame appeared at Itachi's, and revealed his Sharingan. Iruka knew that the fight would become slightly more troublesome, and then suddenly Iruka whispered something in Kakashi's ear, his hand covering his lips so that Itachi couldn't get what he was saying. Iruka's right hand met Kakashi's left hand. "Ready?" He asked Kakashi, who nodded his reply. Together their hands moved through the seals. Kisame's eyes opened wider, knowing the seal that they were doing, and his hands moved to counteract the attack, a moment too late. "Suiton: Hidora no Jutsu!" Iruka said as a two-headed dragon, made of water appeared, launching itself at the two Akatsuki members, Itachi countered one part with a fireball, while Kisame's dragon took the other side. Kakashi could hear Asuma and Kurenai approach them, and stay back a respectful distance.
"I should finish this now." Itachi said as he closed his eyes, before slowly opening them. Kakashi was worried about why he did that and immediately told the others that only he could look into Itachi's eyes. The others closed their eyes, and Kakashi closed his right eye. "It is true that one able to use the Sharingan can fight against the influence of the Mangekyo Sharingan." Itachi said. "However, how long can you survive?" He activated Tsukuyomi, dragging Kakashi into a powerful Genjutsu. Kakashi was tied to a cross. "Here, in the world created by Tsukuyomi, I control everything that happens." Itachi said, his voice echoing in the strange world. He raised the sword in his hand and slowly pushed it into Kakashi's body. "I think 72 hours will do." He said as the pain happened over and over again.
Iruka wanted to look at Kakashi when he heard his scream in agony. He wanted to hold Kakashi close, when he felt him drop to his knees, and instead he kneeled beside his lover and held him close. Itachi seeing this, ended the vision, and Kisame moved forward to end things, when instead water was flung into his face as Gai kicked him back to Itachi. "You three open your eyes." He said. "Keep your eyes on his feet and used that to guide what you do." Slowly the three did as Gai told them. "I called for three units of ANBU to come." When Kisame started forward to take on the five Konoha ninjas, Itachi stopped him.
"We did not come here to leave injured. We came for the Kyubi vessel, and it looks like he is not in the village." Itachi said. "We should withdraw and locate him as soon as possible." With that the Akatsuki members disappeared.
Iruka and the others carried, the now unconscious, Kakashi to the hospital, where not even the medic-nins, could revive him. The four quietly spoke amongst themselves, with Kurenai saying that they should send ANBU after Naruto if he had Itachi after them. Iruka seeing Sasuke at the door, tried to stop her, but it was too late. He knew that Sasuke had heard her, and it wasn't just Sasuke either. He heard Hiei's footsteps as he followed Sasuke. "Please, look after Kakashi! I'll make sure that they stay safe." Iruka said as he ran to catch up with the pair. "You can't leave Konoha without someone with you, unless you want to be classed as missing-nins, like Itachi himself." He said. "Do you even know where to go?" The pair shook their heads. "I thought not. However I think I know where they will head first." He started heading north, the two Genin following him.
They soon reached the same town as Jiraiya and the other two were. "He is here." Sasuke said as he thought he caught a quick glance of his brother as they passed through the crowds. "Iruka-sensei, we need to get to them soon!" They tried five hotels before they found the right one, even then they knew that Itachi had beaten them there, the receptionist telling them that the young blond seemed to have a lot of people asking about him. They ran up the stairs to the room.
Yusuke and Naruto were busy playing poker in their room when they heard a knock on the door. Yusuke walked over to it, and opened the door, the sight before him shocked him. For a moment he thought Sasuke had grown over night, before he realized that there was one key difference, this guy had the Sharingan out freely, Sasuke kept it hidden until it was needed. "Who re you?" Yusuke demanded, staring into Itachi's eyes. "What to fuck do you want?" His right hand moved behind his back, focusing his spirit energy into it.
"Our business is not with you. Our business is with Naruto-kun." Itachi said. "We will not leave until we have him." Yusuke didn't move. "I do not want to have to kill you, but I will if I have no other choice." Suddenly he stopped speaking, and spared a glance up the corridor. "It has been a long time, Sasuke." Yusuke looked up the corridor and saw Sasuke, Hiei and Iruka, and sighed in relief, help had arrived.
"Uchiha Itachi." Sasuke said, hatefully. "Today will be your last!" He made the seals for Chidori and ran towards Itachi, who deflected the attack, gripping Sasuke's wrist, and snapped it, making Sasuke cry in pain. Just as the others moved in to help, Jiraiya appeared, bringing the total number to eight, nine if you included the unconscious girl he carried.
"You do not know me very well." Jiraiya said as he lowered the woman to the floor. I am better at seducing than being seduced." He heard Naruto shouting 'Eros Sennen!' from inside the room. "Don't call me that in front of people!" He turned his attention back to Itachi. "I'll finish you two here."
"Don't interfere." They heard Sasuke say as he picked himself up. Yusuke could see that something wasn't right, there was something... different about Hiei, and Iruka was holding him back. With care, Sasuke set his broken wrist. "That wasn't very nice, Aniki." Sasuke said as he attacked Itachi, punches and kicks being blocked. He knew that Yusuke knew something was up. Suddenly he felt Itachi's knee connecting with his stomach and doubled over in pain, before flying through the air and his back connecting with the wall, winding him.
Slowly, deliberately so, Itachi walked over to his brother. "Very well, we shall fight, if you so desire." He said as he reached down and picked Sasuke up by his collar and punched his stomach, making Sasuke cough up blood, before he pinned him to the wall, activating the Mangekyo Sharingan. However Sasuke didn't scream in mental torment, like he hoped, instead he stared coldly into Itachi's eyes, gripping both of Itachi's arms and changing his energy into heat, burning Itachi's arms.
"Sasuke, he's all yours." Hiei said as he changed back to his true form. Itachi dropped Hiei to the ground, and looked over at his real brother, who was preparing Chidori. Unknown to him, Hiei wasn't just sitting still. He had learned a few things from working with Kurama for as long as he had, the most important was to never underestimate his opponent. Using the limited talent that he had from his mother, he bound Itachi's feet to the floor with ice. The effort he needed to exert, however, was much greater than he had to use for fire. Not only that, but his body was also trying to mend the broken wrist as quickly as it could. At times like this he was glad that he was a demon.
Sasuke could see that Hiei was holding Itachi in place and ran forward, however, as with Hiei's Chidori, Itachi diverted the attack, aiming it, instead, at Hiei. It forced Hiei to leap out of the way, and it also broke Hiei's control over the ice around Itachi's ankles. Itachi then turned his Mangekyo Sharingan on Sasuke, causing a horrific attack on his younger brother. "Oroka ototo." Itachi said as Sasuke fell unconscious. "You have a long way to go before you can defeat me." He turned to Kisame. "Kisame, we're getting out of here." Itachi said, however they had forgotten about Yusuke, Jiraiya and Naruto. Jiraiya quickly made seals and soon the walls were covered in flesh, the flesh of a toad's stomach.
"I won't let you escape." Jiraiya said, however it didn't stop the Akatsuki members from running. The others were following behind, however the Akatsuki members had managed to escape by using a strange attack, leaving black fire in its trail. Hiei was the first to reach the flame and touched it before Jiraiya could stop him. Then Hiei put his left hand into the black flame, the black flame licked at his broken wrist, healing it as quicker than his energy had been. Jiraiya couldn't help but stare as the fire seemed to caress Hiei, and Hiei seemed to enjoy it. "What are you doing?"
"Healing myself." Hiei said as the fire soaked through his body. He looked at Jiraiya. "My name is Uchiha Hiei." He said, knowing that it was quite unlikely that Jiraiya knew of him." He could see Iruka's eye twitching. "Sasuke adopted me into his family, so it was only fair that I took his family name, as he provided it for me." He pulled his hand free, and moved it around experimentally, he felt energized by the flame, more so than he had been. 'It feels just like the Darkness Flame attacks.' He thought, smiling to himself. 'Uchiha Itachi can't use this on me.' He looked at Iruka. "Iruka-sensei, we need to get Sasuke back to Konoha, don't we?" Iruka nodded. Hiei walked back to Yusuke, kissing him soundly, before whispering. "Come back to me, and make sure you have Naruto in one piece. Sasuke would never forgive you if something happened to him." Yusuke nodded as Hiei picked up Sasuke and he and Iruka left, heading back to Konoha."
Timeline meets
Kurama moved in his bed. He had a restless night, mostly due to the impatience of what was going to happen that day. However a disturbing memory kept resurfacing; a stomach-turning one at that.
FLASHBACK
"What is the matter, Orochimaru?" Kurama asked, entering Orochimaru's chambers. He had received urgent summons from Orochimaru a moment before, and had left his bed to see what the problem was. Orochimaru motioned for Kurama to approach him. Seeing nowhere else to sit, Kurama stood until Orochimaru told him to sit down. That he didn't want a sore neck having to look up at him. Kurama knelt at his side.
"I have been having a problem sleeping." Orochimaru said. "I want you to help me with that problem." Orochimaru said as his hand reached out, caressing Kurama's hair.
"I shall make you a sleeping draught." Kurama said as he stood up to leave the room, when he suddenly felt Orochimaru's tongue wrap around his body, pulling Kurama back to him, depositing the kitsune on his lap, Kurama sitting still when Orochimaru wrapped his arms around his body, removing the tongue.
"Come now, Kurama." Orochimaru said, his hot breath brushing against the delicate-looking neck. "Why go to such trouble? Your body can do as good a job." He licked the neck, draping Kurama's hair over his other shoulder.
"Orochimaru, if you do not let me go this instant, then I will have to resort to desperate measures. You do not want to corner a fox." Kurama said, but still Orochimaru held him. Then, without further warning, Kurama used vines to pull Orochimaru's arms apart and bound them to the chair. "Try that again, and it won't be vines around your wrists that you will have to worry about." He knelt beside Orochimaru's side again and leaned forward to whisper into his ear. "Next time the vines will go where the sun doesn't shine, and emerge from your mouth, got it?" Orochimaru reluctantly nodded. Kurama, tauntingly, kissed Orochimaru's cheek and headed towards the door. "Once I am in my room, the vines will release you." Kurama said, looking back over his shoulder. "Oh, and just one more thing, I have been known to kill unwanted admirers. I would loath to do so to you." With a flick of silver hair, Kurama left.
END FLASHBACK
A moment later and there was a knock on the door. "Kurama-sama, you are requested to meet Orochimaru-sama in the dining hall. He says to prepare to leave once you have had a meal." The girl said. Kurama recognized the voice of the young Genin; her name was Hana if he remembered correctly.
"Thank you, I shall meet Orochimaru-san in a moment." Kurama said, as he made sure all the seeds were nestled in his hair. 'I wonder what he has to say for himself.' Kurama thought as he left the room, heading towards the dining area. Once there he saw Orochimaru and Kabuto were waiting for him. "Ohaiyo gozaimasu." Kurama said as he retrieved some food, his eye never leaving Orochimaru, who he knew had an equal gaze on him. He sat with the other pair and smiled as he raised the fruit to his lips. "When do we leave here, Orochimaru-sama?" The title said in a sarcastic tone.
"The moment that you are done eating." Orochimaru said as he sipped his coffee. He wanted to get to Tsunade before Jiraiya could, and he had an advantage. He already knew where she was heading, his spies had told him so. It didn't take long for Kurama to finish his breakfast, although he stored some fruit about his person just in case he did get hungry later on. He knew that there was a good chance that it would happen. Orochimaru led Kurama and Kabuto off in the direction of the town where Tsunade would be at by now.
It took them less than a day to get there at the speed that that they were traveling at. The city was still inside the Land of Fire, but it was close to the Land of Rice Fields, where Otogakure was situated. Tsunade was to be found in Tanzaku City, and more than likely at a slot machine, of that Orochimaru was sure. However, little did he know that Jiraiya was catching up fast.
Jiraiya had been trying to teach Yusuke and Naruto the attack that the Fourth Hokage had been developing before his untimely death, and Yusuke seemed to pick it up like a pro, Naruto having more trouble with the steps, however he was progressing faster with Yusuke helping him. By the time that they reached Tanzaku City, both Genin had cleared the second stage of the Rasengan, much to Jiraiya's surprise. "You have done this before, haven't you?" He asked Yusuke.
"No, but it was very similar." Yusuke said. "Instead of using chakra, it was with pure spirit energy. It is known as the Spirit Wave." He smiled remembering Genkai's face, missing her for the first time. He was sure that if she were here that she would teach Jiraiya a thing or two about 'intensive teaching'. To be honest, he wanted her there with him. "I miss Baa-san, even her horrifying training. You never know what you have until it is gone.” As if the memory called him to, he formed the Spirit Wave. It was now the only thing that he had to remind him of the woman he thought of as a grandmother. ‘Does she miss me at all?’ He thought, as the stared at the orb. He could see her face clearly in it, the sight causing some pain.
Naruto could see the change happening in Yusuke’s face as he looked into the orb. “Yusuke-kun?” Naruto asked quietly, looking into the orb and seeing nothing. “Yusuke-kun, what’s the matter?” Naruto asked, reaching out to touch Yusuke, but thrown back by an invisible force. “Yusuke-kun?”
“I’ll never see that old bag again, never.” Yusuke said monotonously. “We’re unable to go home, to return to our loved ones. Yukina, Shiori, Atsuko, Keiko, Shizuru, Genkai, all never knowing what happened to us” He picked a tree and threw the orb at it, the moment that the orb made contact, the tree was destroyed. Naruto and Jiraiya stared at this new Yusuke, at the changes that has taken over him. Then he turned and faced them fully. “Orochimaru is here, along with that traitor.” He said, his senses much keener than they had been. He also knew that now Kurama would be fully aware of him.
Kurama paused in mid-stride, facing towards the trees; a shiver ran up his back. “Yusuke.” He mumbled, making Orochimaru stare at him. “Orochimaru, we need to get to Tsunade quickly. You mentioned that Yusuke was traveling with Jiraiya and Naruto, well then they are here. I could never miss his scent, nor the feeling of the Spirit Wave when it is used.” As they traveled, he had told Kabuto and Orochimaru about his ‘friends’, about their strengths and weaknesses. “Please, let us speed this up.”
It didn’t take long to find Tsunade and her apprentice, Shizune. They were looking at Tanzaku Castle. The three jumped down to face them. “Hello, Tsunade.” Orochimaru said, as he looked her over. “You haven’t changed one bit since we last met, Tsunade-hime.” Shizune stood in front of Tsunade.
“Orochimaru, it has been a while, you’re still alive I see.” The blond woman said hostilely. “What do you want?” Orochimaru laughed as Kurama and Kabuto stood on either side of him, making Shizune get more nervous.
“I require your help, Tsunade.” Orochimaru said as he motioned to Kabuto to walk forward. “I have the last remaining Kaguya, but he is dying because of some illness that he has.” Kabuto offered a scroll to Tsunade, who accepted it warily. “That is a list of his symptoms.” Orochimaru said, watching as Tsunade opened the scroll. Slowly she read the contents. “Only you can help him.”
“I see. What will you do if I do heal him?” She asked as she closed the scroll. She had heard of the attack on Konoha by Orochimaru, or a person that looked like him. “Will you attack Konoha?”
“Yes.” Orochimaru said honestly. “However I shall reward your help. If you prepare two sacrifices, I shall bring back Nawaki and Dan.” Orochimaru said, seeing her eyes open. “I really need the Kaguya child to get better.” He smiled slightly. “I know that you will need some time to decide, so I shall give you a week.” Kabuto returned to Orochimaru’s side. “If you decide to help me, then prepare two sacrifices to receive your loved ones.” With that the three disappeared, allowing Shizune to relax.
“Please tell me you aren’t going to actually think about such an idea.” She said to Tsunade, who refused to answer. “Tsunade-sama, please, you can’t allow yourself to be deceived by him. He has already attacked Konoha once, and rumor has it that he has killed the Third Hokage. We can’t be seen… consorting with him.”
It didn’t take long for Jiraiya and his pair to meet up with Tsunade and Shizune either. “Well, well, I am getting popular.” Tsunade said as she raised her sake to her lips. “If it isn’t the other Sannin, Jiraiya. What do you want?” Again Shizune moved between Tsunade and Jiraiya and his group.
“It is nice to see you again.” Jiraiya said as he ordered a bottle of sake. “I guess we were a little late if Orochimaru has already seen you.” He poured some of the sake. “We came to ask you two things, both because of the Third Hokage.” He sipped the sake. “I guess that you heard about Sand and Sound attacking Konoha, and that Orochimaru was behind it, well the Third Hokage was struck by a poison that has left him passing in and out of consciousness. He has also asked you to take his place as the fifth Hokage. Although why, I have no idea.”
“There is nothing left in Konoha for me.” She said eventually, watching as Jiraiya picked himself off of the ground. “Who would be stupid enough to want to become the Hokage anyway?” With that Naruto exploded, screaming at her that he wanted to be the Hokage, and that it was an honor to be asked, that he would fight her if he had to, to prove himself. “Very well, if you want to fight me, then let us go outside. However I warn you, all I need to defeat you is one finger.” When Naruto attacked her, all Tsunade did was ping him on the forehead, and knocked him back. “As I said, only a fool would want to be Hokage.” She turned to walk away.
“I swear that I shall learn the Rasengan and show you differently.” Naruto said as he picked himself out of the ground. “I will learn the Rasengan and protect Konoha by myself if I have to!” Tsunade looked back at him. “I can already do the first two stages, all I need to do is the third stage!”
“If you can do the Rasengan in a week then I shall think about becoming the Hokage.” She said. “I shall even give you my necklace.” Shizune gasped. “However if you cannot do the Rasengan in the week, then you have to give up on your ridiculous dream.” Naruto said that he would agree with her, surprising Yusuke and Jiraiya.
“Remember your promise, Tsunade-baa-chan!” Naruto shouted after the women. “You better become the Hokage, because we need you!” He looked at Jiraiya. “You heard Tsunade-baa-chan!” He said. “I have to learn the Rasengan in a week!”
The evening of the sixth day came and Naruto lay exhausted in the forest. He still hadn’t completed the Rasengan, even with Jiraiya and Yusuke’s help. He looked down at the Konoha symbol on the palm of his hand. Yusuke had completed the training after the second day. He had found the other two stages difficult, but this was impossible. He knew that he had to do something to make the chakra go the way it was needed, and then he had an idea and summoned a clone. Once more he summoned chakra to his hand, and this time the clone helped him control the chakra, making it into a perfect sphere. Then Naruto pressed it against the tree. Seeing the results, he smiled before falling unconscious.
“Please, Tsunade-sama, you cannot agree to help Orochimaru.” Shizune said, trying to reason with Tsunade. “Look what he said that he’d do…” Tsunade silenced her by knocking her unconscious, and left, seeking out Orochimaru.
“Have you made up your mind, Tsunade?” A voice said behind her, and she looked, seeing the taller of the two boys that had accompanied Orochimaru. “I was asked to meet with you here, I never thought that you would be here so soon.”
“I refuse to speak to you, get Orochimaru.” She said, seeing Kurama’s smile, he disappeared. He returned shortly with Orochimaru.
“Have you decided what you will do, Tsunade?” Orochimaru asked. Tsunade nodded. “Will you come with me?”
Naruto remembered which hotel Tsunade was in and ran all the way there once he had regained consciousness. However when he entered the room, he saw Shizune pulling herself off of the floor. “Shizune-san!” Naruto shouted, “Where’s Tsunade-baa-chan?” Shizune shook her head.
“I think she has decided to join Orochimaru.” She said fearfully. A short time later and Jiraiya and Yusuke also met up with them. Shizune replying the same to them when they asked about Tsunade, and the others reacted by deciding that they had to go and find her.
“I have decided not to go with you.” Tsunade said as she attacked the three, the group leaping away from the irate Sannin. All Naruto and the others had to do to follow them was to follow the trail of destruction that Tsunade caused. It didn’t take them long to catch up with them. The three groups came to a stop, facing each other.
“Well, isn’t this a blast from the past?” Orochimaru said as he looked at Jiraiya and Tsunade. “A chapter taken out of the past, eh?” Kurama’s eyes locked with Yusuke’s as Naruto decided to take on Kabuto. “I am sure that we both have a good idea why the other is here.” Orochimaru said, nodding to Kurama and Kabuto to start the fight.
Kurama threw himself at Yusuke, and for a moment Yusuke thought that it was Shuichi, however that was soon changed. “I have always wanted to fight you.” Kurama said as he grinned manically. “The child of the great Toushin, Raizen.” Yusuke felt a shiver going up his back. “You don’t even have Hiei to hide behind now.” Both fighters’ energies flooded free of their bodies, crashing against the energy of the other. “Prepare to die!”
Kabuto, Naruto and Shizune separated themselves from their Sannin ‘masters’. “I am sorry that we had to meet today.” Kabuto said to Naruto. “I fear that today may be the last day you see.” He said, sounding regretful. “I wish that this could have been sorted amicably between our masters.” All three started doing seals.
While the others started their fights, already the three Sannin had summoned their beasts, Manda, the lord of the snakes, Gamabunta, lord of the Toads and Katsuyu, lady of the Slugs.
The battle between Naruto, Kabuto was vicious, but it ended up with both Naruto and Kabuto badly injured, the difference, however, was that Kabuto, being a medical ninja, had prepared his body for the destructive force of the Rasengan, where Naruto didn’t have that skill when Kabuto attacked, so his chakra blade had sliced through tissue easily. Tsunade, seeing the blood flowing from Naruto’s wound, was reminded of Dan’s fatal injuries, and froze. “Tsunade-sama, you need to help him!” Shizune shouted as she faced Kabuto alone. Tsunade was then forced into action, although her hemophobia slowed her actions considerably. Orochimaru, taking advantage of the situation, used his tongue to wrap around Jiraiya’s ankle and threw him against the ground, knocking him unconscious, before turning his attention to Tsunade.
“Step aside, Tsunade.” Orochimaru said as he summoned the Kusanagi from within his body, “Step aside and let me finish off what has happened.” His yellow eyes glittered in the light of the dawn. “Let the host of the Kyubi die.” Tsunade refused to move. “I am not afraid to kill you before I kill him.” He said as he licked the blade. Still she didn’t move. “Very well.” He said as he plunged the blade into Tsunade’s body before throwing her off. However before he could strike the fatal blow to Naruto, the blade struck Tsunade once more. “Why?”
“Because I believe that he will become the Hokage one day,” Tsunade said. “And because I am the Fifth Hokage.” Orochimaru removed the sword from her.
“Some Fifth Hokage, when you fell easier than the Third.” He said, before he heard her say ‘Ninpo Sozo Saisei’. All her wounds seemed to heal instantaneously, and it also seemed to boost her, already overpowering, strength. 'Oh shit' Orochimaru thought as he got a knuckle sandwich. He was forced on the defensive by Tsunade's strong strikes, until she ended up on top of Gamabunta's katana, which had just impaled Manda's mouth to the ground.
Orochimaru had taken the chance to attack, using his tongue, wrapping it around Tsunade's throat. However the Fifth Hokage unwrapped it and used it as a rope, which had her worst enemy physically attatched and used it to beat him up.
Yusuke and Kurama faced off against each other. He knew that Kurama had the advantage, knowing everything that he could do, and would more than likely have a plan to counteract it. He couldn't afford to lose either. "Kurama, why are you doing this?" He asked as he avoided a lash from Kurama's Rose Whip, not wanting to attack back, knowing that it could injure or even kill his friend. He got a kick in his stomach for his effort, coughing up blood.
"All these years and I have never fought you. I wish that you could see yourself now. You aren't that great. What did Hiei ever see in you?" The whiplash caught his leg, ripping muscle, just missing bone. "Don't worry, I don't intend to kill you quickly. You deserve a nice, slow, death." His vines tied Yusuke up, holding him tightly, keeping him off of the ground, as another rose turned into a sword. "Where to start? Maybe I should castrate you first? I always wanted to know what castrating another male would be like." However he was shouted at to stop by Orochimaru. "Orochimaru, I want my revenge on him!"
"Then we will leave you behind." Orochimaru said as a healing Kabuto stood next to him. Tsunade, glaring at them. "You will get more chances later, for now we need to retreat to heal."
"So you can lick your wounds you mean!" Kurama snarled, looking at Yusuke. "You have got a reprieve, Yusuke. Next time I'll have you at my mercy, and I will finish this." With that he joined Orochimaru, glaring at his 'boss'. as he cast a jutsu to make them disappear into their own shadows.
It took them three days to heal up, before they returned to Konoha, to great cheers of people. Three days from the shock of Orochimaru saving Yusuke's life. However it was three days too long for the Third, who had sadly died the day before they had managed to return.
~~~~
The funeral was held the next day, Tsunade leading the procession. The many ninjas under her following behind, each holding a single, white flower. One by one they walked forward, and lay their flower down, taking a moment to remember the Third Hokage, what he meant to them. Naruto looked down at Iruka, who was comforting Konohamaru. "Iruka-sensei, why do people risk their lives for others?"
"When a person dies...he disappears. Along with his past, current lifestyle, and his future. Many people die in missions and in wars. They die easily and in suprisingly simple ways. Hayate was one of them. Those who die have goals and dreams... but everyone has something as important as those. Parents, siblings, friends, lovers... people who are important to you. They trust and help each other. The bond between the people important to you ever since birth.... And the string that binds them becomes thicker and stronger as time goes by. It's beyond reason. Those bound to you by that string will do that. Because of their importance." Iruka replied.
Naruto thought for a moment. "I still don't understand, Iruka-sensei." He said eventually.
Iruka gave a watery smile, feeling Kakashi's hand on his shoulder. "Neither do I, Naruto-kun."
Author’s Note: Sorry about the length of the battle, I know that I could have made it longer.
In an effort to generate more reviews and con-crit, I have decided that the person/people that have reviewed the most by the end of the fic will get either a YYH or Naruto yaoi fic written for them. So, your views could win you a fic, previous reviewers’ reviews are included for their count. No new reviews on previous chapters are included in the count, however.