Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Eyes piercing the darkness ❯ A race against time: Bitter feelings unleashed ( Chapter 25 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Once again I’m jumping into this chapter with very little reserve, and I’ve also started a new story while I was at it, but I won’t get into that right now, it’s reaching the endgame that this story so desperately has been trying to reach and I’m going to end it in a bang, but before all that it’s time for the exposition and some final development before the final battle. Let’s go!
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    &n bsp;             ;            &n bsp;      A race against time: Bitter feelings unleashed


JJJ leaned back in the stinging hot water he had drawn only moments before, staring into the ceiling as if it could help ease his forlorn thoughts. However, no matter how much he tried his mind was stoned on the single moment only days ago. Reflecting on those thoughts he drew his mind into a cycle.

(Two days ago)

Tsunade: And that’s the gist of it.
Kurenai: Kiba, are you sure that this girl’s words could be trusted?
Kiba: I have no reason to disbelieve it, besides doesn’t this sound like something Orochimaru would do?
Shino: What I don’t understand is why he didn’t do this in the first place?
JJ: Even with those commodities he’s come into in the last few months, trying to tame Itachi wouldn’t exactly be the easiest thing to do.
Sasuke: So this is just him backed into a corner, he has no other choice?
Naruto: I wouldn’t say that, it’s more like, he doesn’t want to waste anymore time.
Kakashi: If he’s desperate than that means he’s going to come at him with full force, how do we fight against that?
Yubiki: I’m going to be taking part in this mission so you don’t have to worry about that.
JJ: That’s not necessarily true, we’ve never seen the Orochi and Orochimaru fight as one, we don’t know how powerful they can become together.
Yubiki: Tch, and if they unite they’ll be able to use fox demon powers, even against me.
Raizen: Then there’s also the fact that Itachi is going to be there.
Ishi: And Isane.
Neji: This isn’t going to be easy, we’ll have a three-way war if the Akatsuki decides to send more people in for them.
JJ: That won’t be pretty either, the Akatsuki are people specifically gathered to be able to fight Jinchuuriki, then again we also have a new alliance with one of them and his nation, if we could enlist the sand’s help then we could eliminate both threats at once.
Shikamaru: But that alliance is still fresh, we don’t know if we can count on them to join us in a war so soon.
JJ: Then we simply ask Gaara, he’ll come for sure, and that’s one more powerhouse on our side, especially if he and Mika work together. At the very least we’ll add another man that’s worth one hundred. In fact, I don’t even think that it’d be required to make it into a war if we can somehow limit it down to just those who are special, if we could hold a defensive line and somehow engage Orochimaru in battle while simultaneously weeding out the rest with those who couldn’t face him then we’d be able to stop him from reaching Itachi.

He said holding his chin with his eyes closed in contemplation, completely missing all of the stares falling on him, Tsunade had been quiet throughout the entire talk, she had been observing and waiting for everyone else to notice something, which they finally did. Opening his eyes JJ asked out to the blonde woman in front of the crowd.
JJ: So what do we do Tsunade-sama?
Tsunade: I don’t know, that’s your call.
JJ: Huh?
Tsunade: I had already decided this before you all arrived, but I now know for sure that it was the right decision. Norugi, you will be in charge of leading this mission.
JJ: What!?
Tsunade: You are the only one here you has faced the Orochi in battle and held your own besides Yubiki and she already informed me that she will be staying with Naruto on this. Also, you’ve already exhibited leadership qualities simply in this short conversation. As well as the quick thinking one would require of a leader.
JJ: But there are plenty of people here more qualified than me.
Tsunade: Maybe so, but do you realize your own potential? I read through the report on the invasion numerous times, and your name appeared more frequently than anyone else’s.
JJ: I’ve been through the report, but-
Tsunade: You battled the Orochi, defeated one of them, protected straggling villager’s fought off an entire Armada in a blind rush, took immediate control over the leaf forces at the beginning of the attack, and moved the entire village’s population into battle, and that’s not only including our shinobi. Do you know what that says for a shinobi born of another village, you are a much respected person here, and a lot of people adore and admire you here. If you need any proof, have you heard anyone complain about my decision yet?

Her question brought JJ’s attention to the other’s who now stood at attention facing him, even the more veteran shinobi, his peers, all stood willing to follow his lead.
JJ: You all, accept me?
Neji: Do you really need to ask that?
Gai: So what is the plan o’ youthful one?

JJ closed his eyes and smiled.
JJ: Shikamaru, Asuma, you’re with me, we’ll discuss the strategy, Raizen, I want you to head to Arukechi and survey the area, make me the most detailed map you’ve ever seen and once you return we’ll all converge for a plan, until then I want everyone else on standby, waiting for the day to come. Until then, dismissed!

With a smile all saluted and departed from the room leaving JJ, Shikamaru, and Asuma to think along with Tsunade.

(present day)

JJ frowned and gazed to the water in front him.
JJ: I’m responsible for so many lives.

He said barely above an audible whisper.
JJ: Yeah I’m going to put you in charge of the entire militia to lead them into the final battle with one of our worst enemies, no pressure.

He said sarcastically as he leaned further back into the tub.
JJ: I don’t really know if I can handle it.

As JJ thought two people walked through the village gates, dressed as normal travelers, yet something about them had caught the attention of the village’s most seasoned shinobi. Kakashi silently tailed them on their way into the village, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were aware of his presence, tossing aside caution, he discarded the attempt to follow them and instead tried to approach them directly, however before he could question them, they had reached their destination. Dropping various chain swords from their clothing they aimed their sights at a single house, showing blatant disregard for the fact that the ninja of the village were closing in on them.
Shira: I guess this really will be a one way trip.
Temo: Yeah, let’s make this quick.

(Music cue: Freestyler by-Boomfunk MC)
Lifting his arm the man of the two waved his blade through the air, slamming it through the building’s side just barely missing JJ who had long since dressed himself after sensing the presences outside. Leaping from the window to the outside JJ faced the two warriors holding his hand back to his allies, halting their advance he smiled at the people sending enormous amounts of killing intent his way. The village’s shinobi slowly backed away, allowing JJ to handle the two sword wielding enemies in front of him, as he smilingly dodged their attacks. JJ then pulled his own sword, bringing caution to the two before him, but never once did he try to attack them, instead he seemed to be waiting for something and then with the same smile he threw the sword into the air, bringing attention to the person whose presence had been unfelt until just that moment. Ino grabbed onto the sword as she dived down to the ground and slammed it against Shira’s sword and then across Temo’s knocking both back.
JJ: Took you long enough.
Ino: I had to make myself pretty for the fight.

JJ smiled and shook his head as the two hunters surrounded them. Ino and JJ stood back to back and the smiling blonde reached slammed the sword into the ground and whispered something back that was only audible to JJ, gaining a small nod in response. JJ stared ahead at Shira and then stretched turning back to Ino and slapping his hand against hers as if to tag her in and in the moment she rushed forward at an untraceable speed. When Ino reappeared in front of Shira she launched her left elbow into her stomach, knocking her body forward, immediately following with an open palm thrust up into her chin.  After forcing her into a stumble Ino jumped forward, punching into the woman’s chest and opened her right palm, slamming into her face, just at that moment Temo moved in only to have JJ send a powerful back kick into his stomach. Ino lined herself up with JJ and both launched lightning fast punches into the man’s chest simultaneously until finally finishing with a thrusting punch that sent him rolling back along the ground. Shira leapt forward, slashing downward for the two shinobi, only to be blocked by JJ’s blade which Ino had skillfully grabbed from the ground just before she moved in. JJ, with his back facing toward the girl kicked back into Shira’s chest, knocking her away from his partner, Ino leaned back, lying her back and JJ’s while simultaneously slamming the sword into the sheath resting on JJ’s back as he shot up, flipping Ino over Temo’s head before he could reach them. Confused by the move, he was unable to notice that both upon landing had closed in on him, slamming the fists into each side of him, before finally kicking him to the side.
Shira: Dammit!

She shouted moving in with her sword once again in its serpent form, swinging it around trying her best to slash them as in perfect sync both Ino and JJ flipped away from it. JJ flipped back once and spread his legs, leaving an opening for Ino to move in, filling Shira’s opening with a solid uppercut. JJ landed to the ground, thrusting his back into Temo’s front, knocking him back along the ground before turning back to Ino allowing her to run up his body and flip into the air after Shira, latching her leg onto the woman’s neck she spun down toward the ground and slammed her head first into the cement. This would have been enough to lay out any opponent, but the contrapment on the warrior’s arms seemed to heal every wound they came into. Seeing this, Ino flipped back towards JJ and switched sides with him, both facing the others opponent. With a single glance back JJ was able to ascertain the reason behind the twosome’s quick regeneration.
JJ: Follow my lead
Ino: You got it.

JJ punched downward into Temo’s face, allowing Ino to hit him full force with a flipping back kick, slamming down her heel into Shira’s face on her way down, whereas JJ spun back with a fierce backhand into the woman’s chest. Ino pressed her back against JJ’s once again and both lifted the opposite hand, slapping them against one another, locking their fingers.
JJ: Let’s go.

Both turned to each other pulled forward, using the force from the other to propel their attacks, both launched the knees forward into the stomachs of their opponents and then pulled back again, this time JJ used more force and spun Ino into a spin kick that slammed into the faces of both. JJ released Ino and she slid to the ground, amazed at the resilience of her already recovered enemy, and she ran back to JJ, running away from Temo as he gave chase, but as she reached her pact-holder she ran up his body and flipped over Temo’s head, distracting him from the fierce headbutt JJ was about to deliver and on impact the man was sent straight into the girl’s spinning back kick. Ino landed to the ground in a crouch and smiled as both opponents seemed to figure her as the first kill, closing in on her with intent to kill. JJ turned his back to her and closed his eyes, leaving the illusion that he had abandoned her, but it too was a part of their strategy. Ino danced through the sloppy attacks her enemies threw at her, but they believed her to be cornered, that is until she flipped back, back a punch sent her way by Shira and using it to close in with JJ. With the delusion that they had the advantage they rushed after her, but Ino just smiled and spread her arms, landing directly onto JJ’s back and with the feeling in an instant, he spun around, switching spots with her blocking and dodging both’s attacks as he was slowly pushed back, with Ino walking forward behind him with her left hand on her hip. JJ locked both his arms around one each opponent’s and slammed their heads together, then rounding both with a single punch.
JJ: Heh

As he two warriors recovered from the attack, JJ smiled, stuffing his hands in his pocket as Ino grabbed tightly onto the collar of his jacket, pulling him away from the incoming attack, but instead of letting her pull him back, he kept his feet planted, leaning his upper half back and held himself in a backwards crab position, shocking both his pursuers. Ino flipped onto JJ’s chest and kicked over into Temo’s face, crushing his jaw in a single move, then rounded over to another kick into Shira’s chest, cycling through both in a dance before finally twisting into a spinning kick to Temo’s side, leaving JJ enough room to lift himself into an overwhelming headbutt down into Shira’s forehead, knocking her down into the ground. Once again the glowing on her wrist returned her body to normal and she rose from the ground with her blade drawn. Anticipating the attack before it could land JJ flipped back grabbing onto Ino during his flip he moved her back away from the wildly swinging woman and ripped out his sword, clashing with her and pushed back.
Ino: Link.
JJ: Link.

Both uttered quietly as their enemies closed in on both sides. JJ threw his elbow back, at the same moment Ino flowed under his body and slammed directly into Shira’s stomach with her fist. Ino grabbed back onto JJ’s arm and flipped around, slamming her foot down into Temo’s head and then JJ punched forward into Shira’s chest, dragging back Ino who flowed with the momentum, slamming her knee into the woman’s face and in retort JJ flipped forward, kicking upward into Temo’s face, knocking him to the side. JJ lifted his sword and placed his back to Ino’s once again, slashing against his left palm he chanted.
JJ: Through this blood.

Tossing he blade into the air for Ino to catch he smiled at his enemy as the girl did the same.
Ino: Through this blood.

She chanted as she slammed the sword into the ground and allowed the blood on it to meld together on the blade. Both closed their eyes and chanted together holding up their torn hands, slowly healing as if nothing had happened.
JJ/Ino: I swear loyalty in my pact.

When their eyes opened both showed distinct draconic features in their pupils. Ino reached down to the sword at her side and lifted it quickly from the ground, forming a soaring black dragon that rushed toward Shira, who barely managed to avoid taking it full force, but failed to notice that Ino had moved directly under her. Slamming up her sword against the woman above her, Ino jumped up, kicking into Shira’s chest with uncanny strength, sending her rolling at least forty feet from where she originally stood. JJ swiped away Temo’s sword and kicked to the side, sending him skidding into the far wall, and then slammed his knee into his stomach.
JJ: You picked the wrong day; I was trying to find a way to relieve some stress.

He said shortly before grabbing onto Temo’s shirt and slamming him into the ground. With a strong pull JJ lifted him from the ground and tossed Temo down the street right where Ino was. Without looking back Ino lowered herself into a phoenix stance and spun herself under Temo’s body and launched her palm, into his stomach with a fierce dragon’s fist appearing right over her attack, knocking both warriors together. Ino smiled and placed both of her hands on the ground, sticking her legs right between the two in front of her and with unbelievable grace she split her legs apart, tripping both of them into each other and lifting her legs into the air above her, allowing room for JJ who dropped from the sky with both palms open, slamming them down into the back of the warriors’ heads. JJ landed to the ground before Ino and dropped his head down, allowing her to finish their attack with a graceful spin kick that leveled both into the far wall. Ino threw herself to her feet and stared at their fallen enemies with a smile.
JJ: Man that went better than I thought.
Ino: Those things on their arms should we remove them?
JJ: Yeah or else they might just stand up and start fighting again.

He said walking over to Ino and allowing her to place his sword back in its sheath as he began to inspect the two fallen adversaries never once staring back to the people who had been gazing at them, silently wondering as to the nature of their relationship.
Ibiki: I will take care of them from here.
JJ: No need my violent friend, I know why they’re here.

He said tossing over the gauntlet the girl had been wearing to Ibiki.
Ibiki: What is this?
JJ: It’s a Harmonizer. Long ago there existed a species of creature called Akrid, they survived by absorbing thermal energy, and they did so at an alarming rate, needless to say, they were a problem that needed to be taken care of. The people back then had technology far more advanced than it is now, and to combat the menace, they developed a device that would allow them to absorb thermal energy themselves, however the device allowed them to drastically heal their wounds by doing so.

Those words sent Ibiki and half of the people standing around with him stare at the strange apparatus with interest.
JJ: In other words, that thing is instant demon vitality.
Shira: Yeah, now give it back!
JJ: Oh you’re awake?
Ibiki: Where did you find these!?

He shouted down at the girl, who shrieked under his venomous glare.
Temo: Hey, stop scaring my sister!
Ibiki: Tell me or don’t either way, we’ll get it out of you.
Temo: Eep.
JJ: That won’t be necessary. I know where these things are found and I can tell you that there aren’t many more.
Ino: So why do they have them?
Naki: And why come here to use them?
JJ: Easy, because they came to kill me.

It was at that moment that all in front of them grew angry, at that moment Shira became sure that they were going to die.
Ibiki: Why you?
JJ: That special gauntlet is used to absorb heat from a dragon’s fire breath and their blades are coated with the pollen of the infamous black lily. It’s dragon’s bane. Any guess as to why people would walk around with stuff like that.
Naki: They’re dragonslayers?
JJ: Precisely. That’s exactly why I don’t intend to kill them.
Ibiki: I see, you’re far too kind for your own good.
Temo: I don’t understand how you can look at a monster like that and actually talk to it.
Ino: Shut up!
Mika: So, what exactly is this all about anyway?
JJ: Dragonslayers became active about four-hundred years ago, and they managed to slay a good amount of my kin, but if you remember the Orochi’s story.
Ino: It lines up with the time the dragon king Omaki was possessed by the Orochi’s essence and went on a rampage.
Ibiki: In other words, the hatred these people feel towards dragons is sound, but founded on a grave misunderstanding.

He said hanging his head low.
JJ: Can you tell me where your leader is?
Shira: Why would I tell you something like that?
JJ: Ishi can I borrow you for a second?
Ishi: Sure.

Said the girl as she happily trotted over to the bound hunters and placed her hands on their heads.
Ishi: They’re about seven hundred miles west of here, hidden in the mountains of Kusuni, are you planning to head there alone?
Shira: What did you just do?
JJ: Nah, I’m going to need some people to come with me on this one. Mika you don’t mind coming along do you?
Mika: Whatever.

She practically growled walking away from the gathered crowd, leaving JJ staring curiously at her disappearing back.
JJ: Did she sound mad to you?
Ibiki: Don’t ask me, I’m no expert on women.
JJ: Well, Ino, can you go find Naruto for me, I’ll go get Claire-sensei and then we’ll all set out.
Ino: Sure.
Temo: Wait you’re going to kill our families aren’t you, do you think I’ll let that happen?
JJ: Dude just sit down and chill, I don’t plan to kill your people.
Temo: Liar!
JJ: And then JJ saw the futility of explaining. I’ll see you guys later, and can you look after them for me Ibiki, show them around the village or something. Anything they want will be on me.
Ibiki: You got it.

Temo cursed under his breath and tried his best to break his bonds, but soon after he found them slightly less constricting then before.
Shira: You’re letting us go?
Ibiki: No, but I’m not keeping you prisoner.
Temo: What kind of trick is this?
Naki: You know, here we don’t think of him as a monster. That boy has protected and fought for us more times than I can count. He’d lay his life on the line for us humans. In fact he just spared your life. You have nothing to worry about, he’s not a bad kid, trust us.
Shira: How can you have faith in that thing?
Ishi: If you see it that way, how can you have faith in anything? Trust is earned, and he’s more than earned ours.
Ibiki: And now, though I’m not particularly fond of the idea, I’ll be watching over you until he gets back.

He said down to the hunters staring to the side in doubt.
Temo: Can we at least have our harmonizers back?
Ibiki: No.

He stated flatly. After meeting with Tsunade and gaining official permission to disembark JJ waited at the gates for his team to assemble, and only four minutes later they had all arrived.
JJ: Ino, catch.
Ino: Huh?

She uttered in confusion as JJ tossed her his sword.
JJ: You hold on to that, I won’t be needing it.
Claire: Are you sure about that? We’re going to be heading into hostile territory.
JJ: I’m not going there to pick a fight, I’m going to talk.
Naruto: Yeah, if we walk in there armed to the teeth they won’t even listen to a single thing we say.
Mika: Heh, with your luck they’ll strike you down anyway. So, we leaving or are we going to sit here bullshitting all day?
Naruto:….Are you mad or something?
Mika: I’m fine, let’s go alright.

She said walking ahead of the others who stared at her back questioningly.
Claire: Have you done something to offend her?
JJ: I didn’t do anything, she’s just being weird. Maybe she’s in a bad mood or something, either way, there’s no one I’d trust more while traveling on mountains so she has to come along, do you think I was being selfish or something.
Claire: Nevermind, we should get going.

Ino stared at Mika, walking ahead of the pack with silent anger.
Ino: Do you know where we’re going?

With that question Mika froze, blushing bashfully at her own irrationality.
Ino: Didn’t think so.
Claire: Follow me okay.

Claire said moving to the head of the pack without casting judgmental eyes on Mika who silently adjusted to following behind the older woman. For hours they walked, the girls moving in quiet as JJ and Naruto made conversation about something the women found themselves unwilling to listen to. It hadn’t been long since setting out that night fell and JJ found himself staring down into the campfire by himself, once again contemplating the coming events. Facing off against people that wanted to wipe out his entire species was nothing compared to having to deal with Orochimaru and the Orochi. Poking at the fire with a grimace he looked toward the sky with resolve.
JJ: This is just the first step.

He whispered into the sky. Before he knew it dawn had come and he hadn’t even slept a wink. Deciding the optimize the time they had left JJ went into Mika’s tent and gently nudged her, but no sooner she realized it was him, she lashed out, slapping across his face ferociously .
Mika: Don’t touch me.
JJ:….Sorry.

He whispered, surprised to the sudden attack JJ lifted himself and walked out of her tent, confused, and the stinging in his face didn’t help much, it had been a while since he had been slapped that hard. Mika lowered her hand, staring emptily into her stinging palm she cursed herself for acting so rashly, but in her semi-awakened state, her body acted sub-consciously. Now back on the beaten path all returned to their journey into the mountains.
Naruto: Hey man, what happened to your face?
JJ: Oh, I dosed off watching the fire and fell. Just think if I had fallen in the fire. I might’ve been scarred for at least two hours.
Naruto: Dude you need to be more careful.
JJ Yeah I guess so.

Naruto wasn’t as naïve as he seemed and JJ knew that, the words he had given to his little brother figure had a hidden meaning, “I’ll tell you later when everyone else isn’t listening.” And Naruto’s words meant, “Okay.” After all, men could say things to each other without having to say it; a single nod could speak paragraphs. However for a woman, understanding what a man had just said was a simple thing, but men are simple and even the strongest code could be deciphered by female intuition.
Ino: So how much farther is this place?
Claire: Only a little ways off, we’ll be there soon like in about two more days walk.
Ino: What!?

She screamed, not surprising, she had just been told that their hike was going to be a two day walk, of course anyone who tended to pride themselves in beauty over combat would shutter at those words. Despite being a shinobi, Ino was a girl, and she wasn’t exactly the type to take mile hikes for fun.
JJ: Well if things get bad enough, maybe I could fly a little bit I guess.
Ino: Really?
JJ: Sure, I can’t do it when we’re close though.
Ino: Of course, it’d be like running around a battlefield asking to get attacked.
Naruto: I’m fast enough on a normal to keep up so why don’t we do that now, it’s not like we really have the luxury of time.
Claire: Alright, you guys start and I’ll match your pace.

JJ closed his eyes and morphed into his Kaiser form, allowing Ino to climb on his back, and with a smile he reached back to Mika, glaring at him with the furious eyes of a jilted lover. Turning away from the boy’s hand she formed the dirt under her feet and shot off into the distance, leading the others to quickly do the same, however JJ for his part was once again totally confused. In only ten minutes they had managed to cover three quarters of the way and solidly decided to do this rest on foot. Naruto had joined JJ at the campfire that night as the women of their group slept to discuss the events of the previous morning.
Naruto: She slapped you?
JJ: Yeah, damnedest thing you know. I was shocked; maybe she’s mad at me for something.
Naruto: Did you do something perverted again?
JJ: No, and even when I do she never gets “mad” mad at me. She just kind of blushes and tried to hit me.
Naruto: Yeah, it kind of gives you the impression that she doesn’t really hate it. Then did you say anything careless to her, like about her gaining weight? I did that once and I’ll never do it again. Damn that was a lonely week.
JJ: No, I’m not that dumb. No offense.
Naruto: None taken. Hey there was that thing you know when you were talking with Ino.
JJ: Hey, she did start acting weird after we fought together.
Naruto: Then when you threw her the sword.
JJ/ Naruto: You don’t think she’s jealous do you?

They asked each other at the same time and then eked out a long silence, staring into each other before laughing and dismissing it all together.
JJ/Naruto: Nah.

After resolving that that definitely wasn’t the case, the boys resumed their perplexing conversation only to realize the next morning that understanding women was way harder than it sounded. Once the girls had woken up, bitter that despite being up all night the two guys seemed to be extremely well rested while they felt like they had been sleeping on rocks. Hell, they probably were. Not to mention that Ino felt like Mika’s glare was on her every time she looked away.
JJ: It’s not far now, we’ll be there in a short while, so if you want to rest a while we won’t lose any time.

He said once again mostly to Ino, the most delicate one of the five, yet this time she simply shook it off, declining his kindness.
Ino: I’ll be fine, we don’t have much time to waste right?
Mika: We don’t so let’s get this over with.

She said pushing past JJ on her way up, never once did she notice the glancing eyes coming from almost every direction on the mountain. JJ finally growing tired of the games ran after Mika, never once paying any mind to the wooden bridge they had found themselves on.
JJ: Mika, did I do something to make you mad?
Claire: Come on, have your awkward couple fights some other time!

Naruto chuckled at Claire’s words and followed her and Ino to the front of the bridge. Mika audibly growled, pulling away from JJ once again as she had done so many times on the trip.
JJ: How am I supposed to apologize if I don’t know what I did?

He asked, completely sure that whatever she was mad about was all his fault, Mika turned up to him with the most “are you stupid” face he had ever seen in his life. It was only through her kindness that she had agreed to come along on the trip, but was growing tired of his inconsiderateness.
Mika: Don’t touch me.

She shouted again, once again slapping him across the face in a resounding boom that echoed throughout the ridge they stood over. This time however JJ didn’t drop his face as he had done before, he seemed kind of sad. Mika turned away from him and Naruto’s group cursed once again for being caught in such an awkward moment, but the sound of clanging metal caught JJ’s ear and in a quick motion he pushed Mika away, locking himself in the dancing sword’s path trying his best to avoid it’s edges as all quickly closed in. JJ cursed to himself, he could have noticed if it weren’t for his stupid prodding at Mika. Ino throw the ryu-o-jinn into the spiraling blade and knocked it’s course away from JJ, but the boy barely moved. A lone man stepped from the brush and smiled, cutting the connecting foundation to the bridge. Realizing the plan the man had, all abandoned the falling bridge, all except JJ, who fell toward the deep with it. Without even the slightest regard for herself, Ino leapt from the bridge and grasping the situation, all followed. Naruto was the fastest and thanks to the many clones he made on the way down he was able to stop JJ before he could plunge into the jagged rocks below. After catching all of the remaining base-jumpers Naruto stared up with rage in his eyes at the man above them, walking slowly away as if he had all the time in the world.
Mika: Why didn’t he stop himself?

She asked in a panic, gaining a glare from Ino to rival the one she had given JJ earlier. Fueled by this glare she had noticed the mark on JJ’s face, he had been cut, and judging from the heavy wheezing coming from him and the high fever he had, he was poisoned and it was running through his body faster than Raizen on LSD.
Claire: We need to find him somewhere to rest quick!

She shouted in a hurried tone and this time thanks to Mika’s panicking they were able to find the refuge they needed. Claire, hurriedly laid JJ down, holding her hands over his body in a panic, trying her best to focus on pushing the poison away from his heart, but it wasn’t doing any good.
Naruto: Can you remove it?
Claire: No, this is called dragon’s bane for a reason, it spreads through the body at an almost unstoppable rate and multiples repeatedly until it spreads to the heart, if not treated with an antidote, it will kill him.
Naruto: Do you have an antidote?
Claire: No, it’s not so easy to find a black lily specimen in our village. Someone has to either make it back to the village and receive some of it more the dragon hunters in our village, or go further into the mountains and get some from the indigenous people. You know, the one’s who poisoned him in the first place.
Mika: Is there a way to stall it? Can’t you use your bond to slow it Ino?
Ino: Even if I did, it’d only delay it for about ten minutes, that’s not enough time.

Claire frowned and turned to Naruto who seemed to be nothing more than a ball of panic, and it made her realize something.
Claire: So that’s why, JJ knew this was going to happen.
Mika: Wha?
Claire: Dammit, Naruto, I need you to pump as much of your chakra as you can into him, if you release it in a solid stream you can stall it from reaching his heart.
Naruto: Got it.

He shouted, placing his hands over JJ’s chest, pumping as much chakra as he could into prolong the poison from killing him. It wasn’t a permanent solution, but with Naruto’s nearly endless supply of chakra he could easily hold this for a good long while.
Naruto: I’ll hold out as long as I can.
Claire: And since I can’t leave this cave and go myself I’m counting on you two to decide the best course of action. Either go home, or push forward, it’s up to you, assuming you can get over yourself long enough to do it.

She said with a glare aimed at Mika, one that quickly rounded over everyone, making it clear, this was her fault. Feeling the guilt to her core, she lowered her head and tried to squeeze out an apology, but the look on Claire’s face told her that there wasn’t any time to waste. With a sullen nod Mika walked from the cave, gazing back to JJ several times on her way out as Ino quickly charged out behind her. Despite the feelings she had for Ino Mika was able to choke it down in the severity of the situation. Creating a foot hold for them was easy and so was shooting them both up and out of the cliff’s crevice, but deciding which venture would be easiest was the hard part, but not for Ino, her path was clear and without even the slightest thought she charged further into the mountains, the fastest way to find a cure. Realizing that there wasn’t much choice Mika followed behind her, rushing in head first for enemy territory.
????: They’re coming in closer, just like you thought they would, but why, that dragon should be long dead by now.

He spoke to the man standing high on the mountain, holding the same sword that had poisoned JJ.
????: That girl is bonded with him, can’t you tell. That’s a dragon blade on her back, if she continues to come for us, then that means the dragon isn’t dead yet. Let’s be sure to greet them warmly.

He said turning his back to his bowed subordinate, and with a nod, his master’s will be done. Lifting himself from the ground with an exhale he swung his arm to the side and ordered a drop on those below. However, in the massively focused state they were in, the two girls quickly noticed the people coming for them. Lifting her hands to the side, Mika caused an upheaval of the ground around them, slamming into all interlopers before them, allowing for Ino to advance further by propelling her over the new trench she had created, turning back for a moment, Ino waited for signs of Mika appearing from the outer walls and with a forceful shove, she pushed through and lined herself with the eager to move on girl accompanying her. It wasn’t a surprise that there were many of the new warriors coming down on them, but that had to be ignored at the moment, none of them were wielding swords, and even when they did have weapons they didn’t have the same purplish color of the poison that they were looking for. Mika jumped in front of Ino as a hail of arrows flew down at them and forced the ground up in front of them, creating tunnel under the ground, she motioned for them to go under, leaving no where for the quickly approaching enemies to come after them.
????: Heh, I have to admit, that’s rather impressive.

After Ino entered into the hole, Mika closed it off and created holes in the surrounding area to allowing air in, as they continued their trek through the new tunnel Mika had created.
????: What do you want us to master Magaki?
Magaki: We’ll prepared to meet them in the town, they’re more than likely to come there looking for antidote. When they get there, we’ll be waiting for them.

He said turning his back, calling his forces to attention, ordering them to follow him back to the village. Meanwhile Mika navigated the cave with Ino following close behind.
Ino: Are you sure this is the right way?
Mika: I was able to feel the tremors in the ground resonating with their footsteps, I know where they were coming from. Besides that I was able to see the village of theirs when I launched us up I know where I’m going.

She said holding her head to the ground, making it more than obvious that she didn’t really want to talk to Ino, who quickly caught on and was more than happy to end the conversation there. Mika turned through the many twists and turns in the cavern, tracing the tremors of the retreating army above to confirm her thoughts before and as sure as she was, she was right.
Mika: Can you still feel Norugi?

She asked back to the blonde with the fierce look in her eyes.
Ino: He’s holding out, most likely due to Naruto’s help. He told me that Naruto will be able to hold out for at least another day.
Mika: So you can speak to him too?
Ino: Yeah, we have a psychic link to one another through the pact.

She said pushing past Mika who stopped in her tracks, holding her eyes down to the ground.
Mika: Is that so?
Ino: Yeah.

She said bringing herself to a stop after deciphering the tone of Mika’s voice.
Ino: You wanna make something of it?

She asked in a voice, leaking with venom, she had felt it all through the trip, and it wasn’t exactly the most comforting thing to take with you on a journey.
Mika: No, I don’t care anymore.
Ino: Look, I get that you don’t like me, it’s clear and I understand, but that’s not important now.
Mika: Right and once we do this; you two can do whatever you want. And I won’t have to put up with either of you anymore.

Ino shook, trying her best to keep calm, but she was failing to, and after a few seconds, all reason had flown from her. She charged into Mika and pinned her against the wall of the cave, growling with the rage of the dragon clan in her eyes. Mika calmly stared into those eyes, even Ino knew that Mika was stronger than her, she had innate physical strength, but at the moment she didn’t care.
Ino: You know what you incredibly insensitive bitch, I’ve tried to keep my cool this whole time, but you’re starting to grate on my nerves.
Mika: Take your hands off me or I’ll kill you.

She said in such a calm voice that it would’ve sent shivers through anyone, but Ino felt no fear from her words.
Ino: I’d love to see you try. What is your fucking problem!?
Mika: Nothing, I don’t care what you and he do, I don’t care if you hang out, fuck, whatever, it’s not my problem anymore, now let me go.

Ino stared in Mika’s eyes with pure shock, and then came a dry laughter, that managed to piss off Mika to no end.
Ino: You are so stupid, you’re such an unbelievable bitch. I thought Sakura was bad, but your insecurity level is far beyond the scope of comprehension.
Mika: You’re starting to piss me off.
Ino: All this time, you’ve just been jealous. I thought that’s what it was, but I kept giving you the benefit of the doubt.
Mika: Keeping talking and I’ll off you.

She said in a rumble, causing the walls around them to creak in anger befitting her mood.
Ino: You think there’s something going on between us. Well then I’ll tell you a story, it happened about month ago.
------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
JJ: Com’ you have to swing faster than that.

He said to Ino as he effortlessly knocked away her wooden sword. In order to use his sword he needed to teach her to swordfight, and for her it wasn’t the easiest thing in the world to grasp, but JJ could see great progress in her swing, and even in it he could she the grace of her original fighting style, each swing was as a dance step, however she had never even come close to landing a blow on her teacher. Ino fell to the ground, breathing heavily as JJ leaned out a hand for her which she happily accepted.
JJ: Alright, what do you say we take a rest?

Ino stared into his eyes and smiled, then with a heartbeat running a marathon she clutched tighter to his hand. He was going to be going back to his village in a week, it wasn’t going to be a long visit, but it’d be a while before she saw him again, and seeing how Sakura had lost Raizen so long ago, she felt strong resolve.
Ino: Norugi-kun, can I……

She stumbled as JJ slowly turned back.
JJ: Sure you can call me that if you want.

He said with a smile, which radiated in the sunlight. Ino smiled back and lowered her head.
Ino: Norugi-kun.
JJ: Yeah?

He responded with a toothy smile that caused Ino’s heartbeat to speed up even faster.
JJ: Alright, what do you say we go get something to eat?
Ino: Wait, um Norugi-kun, I……um.

She said stumbling over her words, this wasn’t her, she had never had to react this way, she was normally more straightforward than this, but something felt overwhelming about this moment and it was only at that moment that JJ began to understand what was happening.
Ino: I love you, and I-I want to be with you.

With smile of a maiden she looked into his eyes, sad, guilt filled eyes and gripped tighter onto his hand.
Ino: I-
JJ: I’m sorry. I don’t want to hurt Mika. I love her and, she needs me. I’m so sorry.

He said with tormented eyes as Ino smiled, slowly releasing his hand. She had expected that.
Ino: I know.

She said slightly muffling a sob.
Ino: I knew that, but…

She trailed off wiping the tears from her eyes as continued to sob.
Ino: I just couldn’t…..

JJ reached out, pulling Ino closer, holding her in his arms continuously apologizing to her as she sobbed in his chest. After letting out everything she sat down next to him and listened to him talk as with swollen eyes he continued to comfort her. However, even though she had been turned down, Ino never once blamed JJ, or felt bad, because he was sweet enough to stay with her, despite what had happened.
------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
Ino: Happy now, is your over inflated ego satisfied now!?
Mika: Stop.
Ino: He chose you! And do you know that he sometimes wonders if you went out with him because he confessed to you! He doesn’t even know if you love him back.
Mika: Stop.
Ino: He never once thought you were jealous because he reaffirms the fact that he loves you so much that he didn’t think you doubted it enough to get jealous you selfish bitch. He has trauma too, he had suffered too, but he’s never once done anything to hurt you. And now he’s slowly dying from that poison in his system because you couldn’t fucking get over yourself!
Mika: Please stop.

She begged, sobbing against the wall behind her, shivering wildly in her tears, finally getting through to Ino.
Ino: He doesn’t know if you love him back, but apparently if you can get jealous for him, then you must feel something. If you’re so jealous tell him that!

She said pushing Mika back and walking further down the path, no doubt to release tears of her own as Mika slid down, sobbing into her arms.

------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------


Claire walked to Naruto, gazing at the sweat on his brow. She placed her hand on his shoulder and said.
Claire: I’ll take it from here.

Naruto looked up, shaking his head furiously as he focused even further than before; he wasn’t going to back down from this one. In his focus, his eyes began to change and soon his Mugen had become activate. In shock he stared down at his friend and smiled.

---------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------


Mika woke up in a start, she should’ve fallen to sleep, but she hadn’t slept well on the trip, and in her distraught state she must have relaxed too much. Pushing herself away from the rock wall she walked deeper into the cave, finding Ino sitting with her back aimed to Mika. Without turning she stated.
Ino: I’m sorry I yelled at you.

In a furious tone that shouted that she only apologized because she felt bad, but not because she was sorry. Mika wiped her eyes and walked closer.
Mika: I’m sorry about the things I said too.
Ino: Don’t be, I would’ve stolen him from you if I could’ve. Not like you deserve him.

She said bluntly, however this time she didn’t shake Mika.
Mika: You’re right. I’m just still not used to expressing myself, it’s not that I don’t care about him, I’m just scared that if I said it aloud he’d turn on me. It’s how I was raised, it’s inbred into me, in my bones. But when I thought that he was going to be taken from me, I got frightened and I snapped.
Ino: Do you love him?
Mika: Yes.

She admitted for the first time.
Mika: I’m sorry.
Ino: Don’t turn into a softy on me. We still have to go.
Mika: How long was I sleeping?
Ino: About an hour. Come on, we can still make it.

Mika stood to tall and opened a path in at the top of the tunnel.
Ino: What are you doing, I thought we were going through the tunnel?
Mika: Well, I’m done wasting time, I’m going straight to them, besides I only did it because they were above me, unless they have the patience of a sniper they’re probably gone by now. Are you coming?

She asked, holding her hand to Ino, who sighed and reached out in return.
Ino: Heh, yeah, let’s go.

Magaki waited at the front of his fort with the guard on high alert, but after waiting an hour for the shinobi haunting his mountain to arrive in vain he sighed and stood to his feet. However not long after turning away from the gates they burst open, jetting the doors off their hinges to soar past his head. Smiling Magaki stood welcoming the two girls into his fortress.
Magaki: You girls kept me waiting. Where have you been?
Mika: We need that sword of yours.
Magaki: I’m sorry, but I don’t intend to give it to you. Right now, the ilk of the black lily coated on this blade is doing what it was intended to do, and I am fully intent on watching every one of those foul beast fall.
Mika: Do you realize what you have done? The person you just poisoned is the dragon king, if he dies because of something you did, this village will be gone within days.
Magaki: Then it seems I’ve dealt a more powerful blow then I imagined.

He said with a smile, unfazed by the girl’s threat, in fact he seemed to like the idea.
Ino: Give me that blade!
Magaki: You want it?

He asked, motioning for his army to move in, awaiting the order.
Magaki: Take it from me.

With a single gesture he ordered the troops behind him to descend on the girls. Mika lowered her head, if she killed any of the villagers JJ would never forgive her, Ino knew this too, so into battle they stepped, reluctant to go any further than a stunning blow, Magaki, a seasoned warrior, could see this in there eyes, he could tell, and he would take advantage of it. Mika was the first to move, lifting her hand to the crowd storming at them, creating a wall of the earth before her, she pushed against it, breaking through the ranks of the soldiers, but it wasn’t enough to stop them all, some leapt from the rooftops, coming down at the girls in a rush, this was Ino’s turn. Stepping in front of Mika she sent her foot into the stomach of the closest one to the ground and slashed in a crescent, shattering the blades of the others. As the men warriors grew closer Mika charged forward, they didn’t have time to waste with the cannon fodder. However Magaki had expected this, detaching his sword from it’s lock, he returned it to it’s serpent blade form and sent it flying between the formation of his people and right toward Ino, who deflected it with the sword in her hand, a big mistake. The ryu-o-jinn cried out in distress, pained by the poison on the blade it had collided with, more the worse, Ino could feel it. Dropping to one knee she stared across the way and tried to force herself to her feet before the blade could drive into her, but Mika’s quick action allowed her to move the blonde kunoichi out of the way.
Mika: What just happened?
Ino: The ryu-o-jinn, was yielded to the poison.
Magaki: So that was a dragon blade after all, I wasn’t exactly sure to be honest.

He said walking closer to the pair as Ino growled at him with fangs Mika had only now noticed.
Magaki: Girl, are you a dragon as well?

He asked to Ino, their weapons had the ability to sense a dragon, but the young girl didn’t start a reaction from it. Sensing the situation moving from her favor Mika stood in front of Ino and held up her stance.
Magaki: Why do you intend to take this sword?

He asked, motioning for his people to close in on him.
Mika: Because the boy you hurt is important to me.
Magaki: It didn’t seem that way from what I saw.

He said hinting to his presence before finally striking.
Magaki: You seemed rather disgusted by his presence; I figured I’d be doing you a favor.
Mika: Things aren’t that simple, if you truly thought that you wouldn’t have been so ready to attack us.
Magaki: True. I don’t really care either way, those abominations are nothing more than a nuisance and I feel no remorse for striking one of them down. And I don’t mind dirtying my hands with human blood either.

He said lashing out his word for Mika, failing to land it on her with through the wall she had created in front of her, but quickly it swung around the wall and prepared to impale her from behind. Thinking quickly, Mika swing under the sword and lifted her arm, knocking away the blade with another slab of stone. Smiling Magaki pulled back on the sword, altering it’s path to Ino, who blocked with the ryu-o-jinn once again, unable to dodge, however the wailing of the sword in her hands brought her once again to her knees, weakening her in the process. Ino panted, lowing her stance even further than before, staring into the cold eyes of the man in front of her.
Ino: Dammit.

She uttered trying to stand tall, she wouldn’t fall in such an easy way, holding her blade study she exhaled, trying her best not to waver under the pressure, however in a single moment she could feel the blade closing in on her again, but before it could reach a solid dome of stone closed around her and shot away from the blade’s path. Mika winced, the awakening power inside of her once again began to strike her, begging to completely overflow, yet she held it under staring back at Magaki as Ino screamed for her to remove the dome and allow her to fight. Mika ignored it, she didn’t want to explain in to JJ later. However before she could move in the strike the blade slammed into her back from the ground, stabbing right through her shoulder. Mika didn’t even wince, she numbed the sting in her mind and ripped the blade from her body. However, though she could ignore the pain in her thoughts, her body could not ignore the pain, and soon she fell to her knees.
Magaki: You have skill, but you’re rushing things. You’re too unfocused to face someone like me, and if you intend to defend a foul creature like the one I injured, then you are no more than monsters yourself.

He said, ordering the wave of warriors above him to close in.
Naruto: Rasengan!!!!!!!!

Mika’s eyes shot wide at the shot of her younger teammate, barreling through the opposition like a tractor. Suddenly realizing what exactly that meant she called out to him.
Mika: Naruto! What are you doing here, what happened with Norugi-kun?

Naruto didn’t answer, instead he smiled and turned back, gazing at the stone barrier Mika had made for Ino, and who was standing next to it. With a single barreling fist, JJ crushed the rock wall and freed Ino from the confines as she smiled and turned to Mika who stood in reverence. JJ wore no undershirt, only the jacket he was known for, draped off his shoulders yet still held in place by his arms, resting in the sleeves. JJ walked closer, his normally spiky hair covering his face.
JJ: I’ll take it from here.

He said as he walked closer to Mika sending her a smile as he strode toward Magaki.
Magaki: How are you still alive?

JJ smiled up at him and cracked his fingers into a clawed shape.
JJ: You hurt my girl. So I’m not going to hold back.

He said dropping into the “Tiger” stance, his best fighting style and one he barely used at all.
JJ: You seem pretty good at sneak attacks; think you can handle me while I’m right in front of you?

He asked out gesturing for the man to come closer, urging him to pursue the battle he had started, and with a smile he threw a punch, but JJ quickly swiped away his hand and slammed his open palm into his chest, closing his hands to grip onto the hem off his shirt he pulled him down, throwing him off balance and leaving him open for the downward swipe he sent for his face before kicking upward, throwing himself into a flip with his foot. The kick connected, knocking Magaki into the air with a single blow and shortly after landing JJ thrust his elbow into Magaki’s stomach, sending him flying into the far wall. The explosive boom coming from the impact was all that needed be heard to judge how crushing the blow was, but Magaki still stood up, pressing a single button on the apparatus latched to his hand, that however meant nothing, one moment later JJ was once again in his face.
Magaki: What the hell?
JJ: You do know that in your line of work an enemy isn’t bound by common sense. So why are you so shocked?

He asked as he intercepted Magaki’s blade on the way down and with a chuckle, he slammed his fist into the flat of the blade, shattering it into pieces. Magaki stared at the scattering shards of metal in surprise, but was quickly brought back to his senses in the form of a headbutt from JJ. Magaki’s entire head went white, leaving him completely open for what was coming. JJ lifted his right arm and leg while holding his left palm open, waiting at his abdomen, and in one burst, he slammed the bottom of his fist into his waiting palm and his foot into the ground, and then, in almost godly speed, the fists started flying. So fast were they that even the harmonizer couldn’t heal them in time, and after what felt like an eternity, JJ sent a straight punch forward, blasting Magaki through the stone wall and through four other houses before he finally rolled to a stop. Barely being able to move, Magaki held onto the button before quickly running out of thermal energy just short of being able to sit.
Magaki: I’ve never fought a dragon that used martial arts.

He said pointing out the rarity of JJ’s situation.
JJ: Yea, many of my people are still stuck in the old ways, believing that the only way to strike fear into humans is by showing what we are. Not knowing that what humans fear most come from their own means.

He said stepping through the shattered buildings with flowing blonde hair hanging over his face. Magaki looked at him once and he could feel the overwhelming power coming from him.
JJ: But being what I am is still scary as hell.
Magaki: Kill me, like you killed my siblings.

He said looking to the ground, suddenly eyeing the woman and child to the side trying their best not to run to the fallen man.
JJ: Is that your family.
Magaki: You leave them alone! I will not allow a foul beast to harm them.
JJ: Well, you know what. You attacked me at my home, poisoned me, and news flash jackass, you stabbed my girlfriend!

He shouted pointing to Mika.
JJ: That’s enough to kill everyone here.

He spoke in venom, angered by the man’s arrogance.
JJ: But I didn’t come here for that.
Magaki: What?
JJ: I didn’t kill your siblings either, right now they should probably be having fun in the village. I simply came here to talk to you and ask that you pick them up personally and assure that the leaf will not be seeing anymore attacks like that.
Magaki: What’s the catch?
JJ: Why would I need one?

He asked walking away from Magaki, flipping his jacket back onto his back.
JJ: When the massacre happened so long ago, the dragon king had been possessed by the spirit of a foul demon. Right now, that demon is a threat to us all. It’s name is Orochi, under it’s influence no creature can resist the urge to kill. That is your true enemy, one we share in common, whether you choose to believe me or not, I intend you no harm. That is on my honor as the heralded king of the dragon clan.

JJ bowed to Magaki and snapped his fingers, summoning several dragons from who knows where.
JJ: Stand down, this village is not to come under harm, is that clear?

With a united growled, the dragons dispersed and left the village in peace.
Magaki: How long were they there?
JJ: They have been in hiding for a while, waiting to destroy your village. After all, you’ve killed a few of us. Take this as a show of good will.

With a final smile that threw the entire village for a loop JJ departed walking at the side of his teammates.
JJ: You okay Mika?
Mika: Yeah.

She said silently with her head aimed toward the ground.
Mika: How did you fight off the poison?
JJ: I owe that one to Naruto.
Naruto: Using my new Mugen, I was able to see every single vein in his body. Every single drop of flowing blood and every once of poison in him, and before I knew it, the chakra I was pumping became focused and thin. So using my chakra, I was able to push the poison toward his sweat glands.
Mika: So you were sweating out the poison as you fought?
JJ: Yep.
Ino: No wonder your shirt was off.

JJ and Naruto chuckled as Claire simply exhaled in relief. Mika held her head toward the ground again, hiding her shame from the three traveling companions; that is until resolve came to her in the form of a slap to the back by Ino.
Mika: Wha?
Ino: Hm.

She said aiming her head at JJ, and with a sigh she stopped walking.
Mika: Norugi-kun.
JJ: Yeah? Oh right you were mad at me right, I’m really sorry for making you mad-
Mika: No, it was my fault, I…I was jealous…I thought that you and Ino were-

It was at that point that Mika noticed the extremely wide eyes of Naruto and JJ at that moment.
Naruto: You were jealous….Of this guy?

He asked incredulously, pointing at JJ.
Mika: …..Yes.
Naruto: The guy who pretty much confesses to you for a greeting, that guy?
Mika: I know, I was being stupid okay. Whenever someone pretended to care about me, they always hurt me. So I do believe you, but part of me still has doubts, and whenever I saw you with Ino I thought you’d turn your back on me.
Claire: Wow, that’s a pretty normal fear for the unfeeling monster of the stone.

She said with a chuckle, leading Naruto and Ino away.
JJ: I’d never cheat on you, especially not with Ino. She, you, and Claire-sensei are the most important women in my life, but I know a guy I’d never be able to look in the eye again if I did that. Even if not, my heart is yours, just try to believe that okay.

JJ reached out his hand to the blushing girl with a smile, which she happily returned as she took his hand and walked slowly with him at a brisk pace, far behind the group they had traveled with. Shortly after reaching back to the village JJ passed out on his bed in bliss, not waking up until the following morning. Raising his head from the pillow he gazed into the large closet to his left and promptly got dressed, realizing on that trip, coming so close to death, exactly what he was fighting for, something he needed to remember.
JJ: Alright.

He said to himself, smacking his face aggressively before stepping out into the world, keeping sight of the crowd at Konoha’s mighty gates.
Shira: Onii-chan!
Magaki: Shira, I was so worried about you.

He said happily returning the hug to his younger sister as Temo bashfully scratched his cheek.
Magaki: I’m so sorry, I knew this would happen but-
Temo: Don’t worry, they treated us well, we actually had fun. They told us stories too.
Magaki: Is that so?
Shira: Um, Onii-chan, I may be being naïve, but these people seem to trust the dragon, and I don’t think he’s such a bad guy.
Magaki: Yeah, you’ve been brain-washed.

He said with a smile patting his sister’s head.
Magaki: Then again, so have I.

Magaki gazed over to Ibiki and bowed his head.
Magaki: I thank you again for sparing my siblings and I promise that this will never happen again.
Ibiki: Don’t thank me, thank the kid, he’s the one who stood up for them, but no problem I guess.

He said with a gruff smile, feeling a strange sense of respect for the man before him. Shira gazed back once again and moved away from her brother, standing in front of Ibiki, weaving her foot through the dirt.
Shira: Um, is it alright if I come back some time? You know, just so that I can hang out and stuff?
Ibiki: As long as you don’t start trouble again, I don’t think it’ll be a problem.
Shira: And I’m still not familiar with the village, so do you think you could show me around?

She asked, sporting a deep blush that sent a violent shock through her brothers. Ibiki shyly looking away from the young woman before him, scratched his cheek, trying to preserve his masculine image.
Ibiki: If I’m not busy on that day.
Shira: Ehehe, Thank you Ibiki-san.

She said with an innocent smile that would have caused monks to dread their vow of celibacy. As she walked off waving back to the still stunned man her brothers tugged her back on the road, gaining an ear full that they didn’t care much for.
JJ: And there they go. I had no idea you were such a ladykiller.

He said, nudging his elbow into Ibiki’s side, making him even more uncomfortable amidst the prying eyes.
Ibiki: Does it matter, I may not be coming back after the mission anyway.

He said with a stern face, showing his belief to the young boy. Any shinobi who stepped onto the battlefield believing that his life was safe was a fool, and he would be stepping into battle as well. It was only at that moment that JJ realized the faces of the village’s people, his mood most have worn off on them, or maybe, they just felt the same way he did, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, uncles, aunt, cousins, lovers, all would stepping onto the battlefield with him, their lives would be in his hands. However, he now knew what was important, the pressure had been lifted with the poison in his veins.
Naruto: Hey, JJ.

Turning to the newly arrived young boy at his side he smiled softly.
JJ: Yeah?
Naruto: I got an idea.

He said looking at all of the gloomy faces in the crowd and after whispering them into the ear of his big brother a smile crossed both their faces.
JJ: I like it.

Later that evening a large sign appeared on the wall on green tea street, “Squad 14, accepting all challengers! Bring it on, if you have the grapes!.” And the aforementioned team waited on the vast training grounds, staring boldly with a single whistle among them at the crowd that appeared before them.

(Music cue: U can do it by Domino.)
As the three stood up, staring into the deep crowd a smile crossed their faces and in preparation they began to stretch readying themselves for the incoming horde, but JJ stopped in the middle, staring at Mika who had been leaning down, stretching her legs in short pulls. Noticing, Naruto laughed at him, which caused Mika to notice as well. Giving a small shove, Mika pushed JJ away as all laughed earnestly at the moment. Walking forward they smiled, dropping into stance awaiting the first team to step forward, team Gai. Lee stepped forward, thrusting his fist at Mika, who nimbly dodged it and the ones that followed it, and countered with a vicious high being easily avoided by Lee who spun out of the way, following with a flip kick that Mika blocked, spinning under it she kicked into the ground, sending a stone staff flying over Lee’s head and right into JJ’s hands, which he used to counter Tenten’s staff. Smiling he slammed it against hers, pushing her back slightly as she smiled sending the length of her staff for JJ who sidestepped it, spinning his staff down into it to knock it away. With a chuckle, JJ flipped forward sending his staff down into Tenten’s as she constantly spun hers forcing JJ into a retreat. Naruto flashed forward, byakugan flaring in his eyes as he blocked and evaded Neji’s strikes, sending back some of his own in the blink of an eye. Effortlessly rolling under the final strike Naruto kicked forward at Neji who caught Naruto’s foot with his hand and then the tip of a staff with the other, gazing to it questioningly he was caught off guard as JJ slammed the middle of it into Tenten’s stomach and Lee’s at the same time as his other two teammates put their feet on it and pushed back, sending themselves into a flip.

Team Kurenai quickly moved in, announcing their entry with a hail of water staves falling from the air, which the trio only managed to dodge by continuing their gymnast routine. After making it through the hail JJ ran through the staves and made his way to Hinata, throwing a hail of fists that she easily countered with her smooth movements and reprised with a single chakra filled palm which JJ leaned under, lowered himself close to the ground and then lower, ducking under the fang tornado and horde of insects coming his way. With a smile he flipped to the side, clashing his fist into a wall of insects as Mika locked fists with Kiba and Naruto slammed his sword into Hinata’s scythe. Mika lifted the stone from the ground, blocking the assault Kiba led alongside Akamaru, but even in the fang over fang they managed to swerve around the stone wall, and Mika leaned down as the two collided with one another. Smiling Mika spun on the ground, creating an earth tornado that forced both Kiba and his familiar to fall back at the same time Hinata spun her scythe, knocking away Naruto’s swords. JJ quickly backed away, exhaling fire to push back Shino’s bugs, but that only forced the boy to move in closer. At that moment all pairs clashed with one another not managing to gain any ground, but as Kiba was pushed back and Naruto and Hinata kissed and JJ smiled, he jumped back away from Shino and slammed his sword into the ground making way for the next team.

Team Asuma gave not even a warning. Ino simply dashed in, grabbed onto the ryu-o-jinn and swung in wide swipes, pushing back the entire team as they dance away from the attacks. After evading the four slashes, team Claire walked forward in a strut, closing in on their intended targets. Mika clashed fists with Chouji and despite being much smaller than him, her punch managed to stop his fist, however once it expanded was a different matter. As the massive fist came her way, Mika flipped upward, rolling on Chouji’s arm and then broke out into a sprint, lifting two side slabs from the ground she flipped over Chouji’s head aiming the two slabs just for that as well.  Realizing her intent Chouji blocked with both arms and smiled as the stones broke away and Mika landed on the ground in front of him smiling as she ran back into battle. JJ dodged each one of Ino’s slashes, and once he finally gained an opening he shifted free of his jacket and wrapped it around Ino’s arms, but before he could take advantage of it she rolled under his foot and threw the jacket into the air, then entered her right arm into the sleeve by stabbing perfectly through the opening and right at JJ who dodged with a smile oozing of respect. At his side Naruto pushed back Shikamaru who smooth leaned under his attacks in a lazed and laid back manner, but before throwing himself back he tossed two kunai that Naruto avoided by leaning to the side and then leaning low to dodge the shuriken that threw his way, but the smell of burning paper quickly brought a sense of urgency into him and with a smile he lifted himself up and used the force of the exploding tag to hurl himself at Shikamaru with his fist drawn back. As he swung at the boy Shikamaru leaned back under it and turned on his hand, kicking at Naruto three times, each being blocked, before throwing himself back and exiting the fray as Ino tossed JJ back his sword.

With a smile the trio turned back to team Kakashi, and in a flash of light Raizen charged in at JJ throwing as many punches as he could , but somehow the older boy managed to keep up with the speed of his hits, and soon after a flash of red came down on him, taking a step back he evaded the flying drop kick Sakura sent at him, and smoothly dodged the barrage of pink flashes that seemed to be coming from Sakura’s necklace as she held it tightly in her right fist. With a chuckle JJ slid back, dodging the giant fist of Sakura’s inner self as Raizen switch his attention to Mika, running circles around the earth user, his bane as if that weren’t so. With a smile Mika pushed back the dirt below his feet, sending him sprawling forward, but with the grace of a gazelle Raizen landed on his hand and tossed himself back to his feet closing the distance between them landing rapid fire punches into Mika’s stone wall, collapsing it in front of her and once he grew closer she shot the ground forth forcing him to dance around her attack and fall short of a fist to the face. Naruto chuckled flipping back away from Sasuke’s fox chakra blade and with sharingan blaring in both their eyes they clashed with one another slamming their blades together at lightning speed as with one final clash Sasuke flipped himself back and flew through the seals for his most famed jutsu, however after the fireball was launched and slashed through by Naruto he realized that team seven was no longer before them.

Temari walked calmly through the smoke, holding her closed fan at her side as she strode toward Mika, who dropped into stance waiting for the wind user to come closer and once she did, Mika’s fist shot forth, barely missing Temari as she swung around to Mika’s back and brought down her fan, which was caught by the girl beneath her as she counter by placing her foot on Temari’s stomach and pushing forth. Using the slide to her advantage Temari flipped back and opened her fan, swinging it at Mika, who brought up a wall to block the razor sharp wind and in retort she slammed her fist into the wall three times sending stones flying at mach speed toward the sand princess. No more than a chuckle came from Temari in response and with the grace of a goddess she closed her fan and turned it to the side slamming into all of the stones before they could reach her. Roaring loudly she came back to the ground slamming her fan down for Mika who countered with a stone-make club. Pushing up Mika gained ground on Temari and then quickly closed it by clashing her club into Temari’s fan until finally the reached a stand still, smiling Mika looked over to JJ.

JJ ducked under the many tools being launched by Crow and then spun under the bombs immediately bringing his foot up at Kankuro who blocked it and the four kicks that followed. It wasn’t hard to recognize the feeling of something approaching from behind and listening to this feeling he flipped back onto the top of black ant then into the air above the many explosions that came from Crow’s arsenal. JJ dived down from the air, both weaving through and knocking away the many weapons that flew up after him as he made his descent and then drew his blade leading Kankuro to release his false arm and revealed the blade inside. JJ slammed his sword into Kankuro’s and spun down, swinging the sword across his blade and pushed back, smiling to the side at Naruto.

Naruto threw four hooks, the last of which being the only one that landed and once it did Gaara’s side burst into sand and his body reformed to him holding firmly on Naruto’s fist. Gaara’s pushed back and rushed across the ground, throwing a punch for Naruto’s face that fell short as he leaned under it, spinning low to gain ground turning into a spin kick that Gaara smoothly dodged dragging up sand as he did. With each attack sand flew from behind it, giving Naruto more incentive to avoid his attacks and even as he hit back the sand only formed a wall to block him. Laughing Gaara pushed harder in his assault and leapt into the air sending a twisting heel kick at Naruto who flipped back away from it and the arc of sand that followed. Eyes now blazing red Naruto ran back for Gaara, each one’s hit mirroring the other. In a final climactic clash Naruto formed the Rasengan at the same time as Gaara summoned a sphere of sand to his hand, mimicking his friend’s attack and once they slammed into each other, both were sent flying back.

Naruto flipped back to JJ and braced himself for the incoming assault from the sand siblings. Kankuro charged ahead, breaking apart Crow’s body to glint the blades within at Naruto who leaned away as they rushed toward him and at that moment Mika gained control over Gaara’s sand and sent it back at him as he countered by doing the same, each one reversing the other in a non-stop fire fight that made JJ sweatdrop. Before he could focus himself Temari charged for him, leaping to his shoulders and from them while shifting open her fan. In a flash she swung it down at him, both sending down a rain of wind blades for JJ and sending herself further into the air. JJ stood under the barrage holding his arms above his head with a smile as the sickles were knocked away by his hard skin and then leapt in the air after Temari as swung her fan under her, using it to carry herself away from the now airborne boy, but the stone spike Mika made, was just big enough for him to land on, launching him at Temari and before collision could meet he  landed on the fan with her, engaging in a flurry of attacks that was either knocked away or blocked before she jumped back, grabbing onto the handle of the fan and flipping JJ from it, wiping her blood onto the mural as she swung down, creating a massive tornado that was soon joined by Gaara’s sand, and then disjointed Crow’s as explosives flew from every direction. With a loud roar Naruto dropped down from above, wielding his chakra coated blade, he slashed down the tornado, forcing it to burst in all directions. However once it disappeared what lied beyond the crumbling storm wasn’t the sand siblings, but the jounin captains of all four teams.

Kakashi lunged forth, barely failing to catch JJ with a right hook, and then the following kick only barely missing JJ’s face, once both regained their stance Kakashi’s right hand became engulfed in blue lightning, resounding with the echo of birds crying and not to be outdone, JJ’s hand was eclipsed in a black mist and in whistle of wind they collided with one another. Mika jumped back, barely avoiding the passionate fist of Maito Gai and with a broad smile she struck back, having her fist knocking away in a strong flurry of youth. Stumbling back to her left foot both swung their leg at one another, colliding in the middle and then throwing themselves back to gain distance. Almost as if they had synchronized their motions both leapt into the air, striking at each other with a dynamic entry that clashed, yet never did any damage to the other person. Landing on the opposite side of each other Mika and Gai smiled at each other, flashing the good guy pose before returning to the fight slamming the fists together in and amazing clash. Naruto dodged back along the many pink petals falling down for him, dashing back along the ground with his kage-hochou, however one stay petal landed on him, launching him into a world of translucent light and surrounded by hundreds of Kurenai clones, closing in as he struggled on a tree, but with a smile his other persona flashed in slicing through the shadow Kurenai and the tree Naruto was bound, however Kurenai’s hand kept reaching for him. It was at that moment that JJ’s hand latched onto Kurenai’s and swung to the right, dispelling the genjutsu Naruto had been placed under. With a smile he spun around just in time to slam his fist against Asuma’s bladed knuckles, matching his speed as well as his stance he finished with an uppercut that Asuma countered with his own, swaying to the side the reveal the newest opponents for the team.

Konohamaru stepped forward proudly; leading his team of five others he pointed boldly at the three and then pointed his thumb toward the ground, announcing his plan for victory. However the older children were amused at the eager youngsters and with a smile they all removed a single piece of clothing, JJ’s being his muscle shirt, Mika’s being he vest, and Naruto’s being his black T-shirt. This action gained a slight blush from the children, but a single nod from Konohamaru brought their attention back to the battle at hand. Splitting into pairs the group charged after the three on their own. Moegi and Nami charged at the oldest member of the group, who stopped their attacks just short of reaching him, but despite this Nami took another swing, one JJ smoothly leaned away from it, lowering himself into a leg sweep that nearly caught the girl, but her quick movements allowed her to avoid it, leaving an opening for Moegi to move in, dropping for JJ with a with a flipping heel kick, one he easily rolled away from, however the relentless and synchronized movements the girls used to close in on him was a testament to their training under Naruto, because even as young as they were, they had managed to push him back, and with a smile displaying his pleasure, he lifted both forearms, blocking their hits in one quick stance. Mika got the shining stars, the two leaf clan girls, both of which moving as if their hearts beat as one, impressive, however as with Naruto, they couldn’t land a hit/ Hanabi’s strikes were precise and Yukari’s hits were smooth, but each attack was simply knocked away by the older girl as she moved forward knocking both’s attacks away as if they were nothing. Then in one quick movement she caught Hanabi’s strike and threw her foot back at Yukari, who caught it in her hand, and then she spun, throwing both girls to the side far away from her, but due to their infinite grace, they landed to the their feet and returned to the charge aimed at the smiling girl. Naruto’s opponent’s were far more troublesome though, as he stared down the two clones of Konohamaru rushing at him and quickly dispatched them with a spin kick, he had to lifted his arm to block the downward heel kick from Udon. Gazing to his front, he could see Konohamaru closing in on him with a punch that was aimed suspiciously low. Naruto flipped upward, spinning to Udon’s side and pushing away, from Konohamaru’s unborn child killing punch, and then blocked punches from both and then the other two at his side, he flipped away from all four of the children in front of him and waited for two of them to vanish before jumping in again, sending his foot down for Konohamaru’s head and back of Udon’s both missing their mark intentionally, but that leniency proved to be a mistake because the second he missed the two attack in perfectly aligned hits that forced Naruto avoid in a awkward way, but easily he managed to correct his posture. Naruto smiled and prepared for the next attack, but Konohamaru just shook his head pointing up into the sky, leading Naruto gaze at the shadow growing ever closer to him, and in shock he jumped back, avoiding the massive frog coming down at him with the force to shake the ground. Jiraiya smiled and Naruto returned it, sidestepping the toad’s tongue and zooming up to it’s head with his kage-hochou. Meeting with Jiraiya on the toad’s back they squared off, sending punches flying for one another at amazing speed however they could gain no ground on the other that is until the frog shot it’s head forward sending Naruto flying from its head where Jiraiya released a fireball jutsu, igniting and growing stronger from the frog oil the toad spewed, but Naruto’s quick thinking allowed him to change and slash through the fireball and it’s fuel before it could reach him. The diverted fireball landed right between Mika and Tsunade, the latter of which lifted a single finger, jamming it into the ground, causing a fierce seismic wave that shattered the ground around Mika and sent it flying around her, it was a challenge. Mika swung out her hands and “grabbed” onto the stones at her side and threw them at Tsunade who thumped them, shattering each one to pieces, but that only made it harder to dodge the girl’s attacks. JJ closed in on Claire, trying everything he could to avoid her many thin chakra wires, and after all the years of training under her he had become pretty good at doing it. Falling to his back and pulling his legs down under the wires he tossed himself back to his feet and slashed through Claire’s army of reanimated corpses, making his way to her last line of defense, besides she herself, he came face to face with X, and with his fist balled up he charged forth, ready to face the new challenger.

Naruto flipped back away from Jiraiya’s toad and then bumped into something. In shock Naruto looked up and saw very familiar eyes staring down at him. With a smile Naruto sent a straight right at Yubiki, followed by two high kicks, all of which missed gloriously, but the final one landed him in Yubiki’s grasp, tightly she held onto Naruto’s foot and then launched him into the air. About 100 hundred feet above the ground Naruto rebounded and prepared himself for his now complete monster form mother. Yubiki swung for Naruto with her massive arm, but Naruto’s control in the air allowed him to spin around it, dodging and slashing through the many mouths and fangs that came after him until he reached Yubiki’s head and pulled back his blades. Before he could reach Yubiki though she transformed back and formed a seven foot katana, clashing with Naruto in mid-air she pushed him back down toward the ground and he landed on his feet as if the distance he had fallen was nothing, and in an amazing feat of power he coated the chakra from his two blades on his hands and formed a seal, summoning a massive fireball, that could better be describe as a comet, and launched it at Yubiki who stopped it with a single hand and slashed through it with her blade, landing to the ground in front of Naruto she placed her sword on her shoulder and smiled, pointing at Naruto and his teammates, and then led all of their opponents and the new arrivals toward the trio. It was going to be a long day, but they had accomplished their goal, because at that moment, their fears and anxiety were as far from their minds as it could get.


         &n bsp;             ;            &n bsp;             ;        Chapter 15 end
---

Naruto: This is it.

He whispered to himself as moments from the last year began to flash before his eyes.
Naruto: Everything we’ve fought for, everything we’ve done or strove for comes to life in this one moment.

As Naruto spoke the images became more rapid and violent.
Naruto: This is where it all begins!

Next time on eyes piercing the darkness: Endgame part 1.
Naruto: And where it all ends.


Omake theater.

Canon omake #1: Talking to the king.

Ino had been in JJ’s mind many times, it helped her come to grips with JJ’s personality and of course doing so meant that she knew his secrets and where he came from, that much was something she could keep secret, besides, it really explained why he was so strong in the first place. Even on her visits she had met Fou-lu and different persona of JJ’s or as it seemed the true JJ. During the times she met him she learned that one day JJ would take on his form, and at some pointed they’d stop being separate persona and become completely one, when JJ grew strong enough. Right now she was staring down both of them and truly the differences between them were few.
JJ: Are you going to answer her?

He asked to Fou as he stared to the ground. Moments before Ino had asked him why he hated humans so much, and despite his deep rooted emotions he didn’t want to answer.
Fou-lu: Wilst thou ask another question?
Ino: I’m firm on this one.

She said folding her arms over her chest, standing in a posture that let the dragon king know that she wasn’t going to bend.
Fou-lu: As you wish.

He said dropping his old English speech. Ino laughed, JJ had rubbed off on him so much that he started speaking like him on occasion. English wasn’t something that Ino heard often, but inside his mind she could understand it, didn’t make it any less weird sounding though.
Fou-lu: Long ago dragons were worshipped with the gods because of our omnipotent power, we were thought as guides to the world and many even built statues in our names or churches. And one impovished country, destroyed by war begged one of the kings of the dragon clan to bless their land. I gave all of my power to save that city under the pretext that after I awoke from my slumber forced upon me due to exhaustion, I would assume the role of emperor of the land. The humans understood this, however centuries later when I awoke they had all but forgotten this promise, and upon my revival, they had sent assassins to slay me before my power could settle.
Ino: How horrible.
Fou-lu: If only that were all.
JJ: Fou tried to escape from his pursuers and was struck down, landing himself in a village and was recovered by a girl from it.
Fou-lu: Her name was Mami. She protected me and nursed me back to health. Watched over me, and pitied me.
JJ: She became his honey.

He said shortening Fou’s description.
Ino: Oh, so what happened?
JJ: They came and kidnapped her.
Ino: Huh?
JJ: Yeah it went like this.

He said producing an image in the background, a girl slowly backed away from a group of thugs and for some strange reason and old man about three feet tall. Once they closed in on her one of the thugs punched her in the stomach and heaved her unconscious body over his shoulder before walking off down the street, however only moments after their departure a garage door opened, revealing Fou-lu, dressed in a red vest and red jeans stepped out of it, accompanied by Ryu-o, dressed in a blue vest and jeans. Angrily they stepped from the garage and greeted the thugs awaiting them on the street. Ryu-o walked forward, punching three times into the face of one man and finished with an uppercut as Fou moved to his side grabbing onto the head of another and feeding his knee to the man’s face before giving him a shoulder toss onto his back. Returning to their trek up the street meeting many goons along the way and leveling them into the ground, but as soon as they crossed to the left side of a brick building the wall began to crumble and a heavily muscled man walked out into the opening.
JJ: And then-
Fou-lu: Please don’t sully my memories in such a way.
Ino: It didn’t happen like that?
JJ: No, but that’s the less depressing way to look at it.

Fou-lu sighed and darkened his expression.
Fou-lu: After we spent some time together the empire found me, however I was still weakened and unable to fight them. Mami she helped me escape, however despite my wishes she stayed behind and they captured her. I thought she’d be safe if I weren’t there, but not long after I was attacked by a weapon called the carronade, a cannon that fires a life using pure malice to crush everything it hits. Even after years of it hitting it still layers the area in overwhelming malice. Before I lost consciousness, I caught sight of a ring, Mami’s ring. They used her to fire the weapon; they’d killed her to attack me once.
Ino: Oh god.
Fou-lu: Angered beyond reason I laughed into the sky and then I stormed the empire and destroyed it. Killing all who stood before me, until the one standing before me was my brother. It was he who returned me to my senses and after calming down, I returned to the throne and then to the void. I isolated myself from the human world for centuries  That is until it came to me, I never cared much for humans after that, however I pitied the child I found, ripped from life before he could experience it.
Ino: And you saved him, despite your prejudice.
Fou-lu: Yes.
JJ: And I am grateful.
Ino: Mami, was she beautiful?
Fou-lu: Yes, she-she looked like Mika.

He said with a sad smile. Ino smiled in response and said with reassurance.
Ino: Humanity heads down a path to nowhere real often, but we are making progress, please don’t give up on us Fou-lu-sama.

Fou smiled at Ino and brought his eyes to hers.
Fou-lu: I am aware.

Standing to his tallest he placed his hand on her head and once she closed her eyes she found herself outside of JJ’s mind once again.
Ino: What a rush.

She said to herself as she looked to the sky. JJ placed his hand on her shoulder and smiled.
JJ: What do you say we get something to eat?
Ino: Sure, your treat.
JJ: Of course, but let’s invite someone else too so that Mika doesn’t get mad at me again.
Ino: Yeah we can’t have that again can we?

She said playfully punching JJ’s arm, a moment of leisure that they may not be able to afford again anytime soon.

Canon Omake #2: Once upon a time.

The lights had been dim, only light enough to glow in the room where a proud mother lay, staring down at the baby in her arms, it had only been a moment ago that he was crying his eyes out and now he was sleeping peacefully.
Insuru: Man why is he so pink?
Yubiki: He was just born you jerk.

She said up to him with a frown bringing a sigh to him.
Insuru: I’m new to this and I’ve never really had to care for a newborn before.

Yubiki sighed cradling the baby in her arms and then she turned back up to his father, who seemed to be frowning grimly.
Yubiki: Is something wrong?
Insuru: Huh, no of course not, I just noticed that he didn’t have a trait from my clan. This curse is more powerful than I thought.
Yubiki: Oh, never mind that, he has your eyes though.
Insuru: And your hair.

He said leaning in to stroke the baby’s cheek.
Insuru: So have you decided what to name him?
Yubiki: You ask like you have no choice in the matter.
Insuru: Well it’s not like you were going to let me name him anyway.
Yubiki: I had a name but now that I see him don’t think it’d match him.
Insuru: Heh, then what do you want to call him?
????: Mew.

Both stared at each other in shock as the new sound caught their ear, the child in Yubiki’s arms coddled her repeating the silent snore.
Insuru: Did he just say Mew?
Yubiki: Neko.
Insuru: Huh?
Yubiki: That’ll be his name.
Insuru: Well there’s no use arguing with you.

He said, placing his hands over Neko and Yubiki’s with a smile, a disguise that he held well.

---
Yubiki: Even when he was older he still said mew when he snored. He was so adorable.

She said holding herself before Neko’s grave, as Naruto pray in front of it and Iruka stood at Yubiki’s side staring down at the grave of his childhood friend.
Iruka: It’s not fair. Betrayed by his own father in such a way, I can’t believe….
Naruto: It’s alright, once operation Endgame is over we’ll have killed the people responsible for it, and stopped Orochimaru from using the power he stole from my brother.

Naruto said strongly, standing to his feet and dropping a flower onto the grave before turning to his mother and stuffing his hands in his pockets.
Iruka: I promise, we’ll make sure to pay them back for what they did Neko.

He said sending a prayer up for his fallen friend and with Yubiki they departed from the area being watched carefully by the eyes of a translucent being that smiled with folded arms.
Neko: I don’t think any of that matters, so long as you’re all happy.

A strange gust over took the group and with a strong feeling they turned to the grave once more. By the time they turned, there was nothing back there and Naruto’s face turned to a smile and he bowed.
Naruto: We will.
Iruka: Huh?
Naruto: Don’t worry about it.

He said leading the two confused adults back on the path.
Naruto: If you don’t hurry we’ll be late for the briefing.

He said running off down the road, Naruto knew all to well, even if you defeat the person who brought you grief, if you’re unhappy afterwards, you always lose.

Omake theater closed.


JJ: Happy and welcome to another episode of

CHARACTER INTRODUCTION CORNER!!

The opening played on, even more well developed than before, now with it’s own theme song.
Sakura: Seriously where do you get all this money?
JJ: From the pictures of you in the shower.
Sakura: Com’n those jokes aren’t funny anymore.
JJ: …Jokes?
Sakura: Yeah those jokes!
JJ: …Yeah, jokes…..Anyway, time to introduce another OC, many may remember her as the tragic heroine of Raizen’s back story. Seriga Linami!
Seriga: Hey, how did I get here?
Sakura: Isn’t she dead?
Ino: I have to admit I pretty confused too.
JJ: It’s from my genjutsu called omnipotence. With that genjutsu I have the power to control the world in which we live.
Seriga: What kind of power is that?
JJ: It’s the power of the author; after all I am the novel shinobi.

He said with a devious smile.
JJ: Tell us your stats please.
Seriga: Um sure.

Strength: 10
Endurance: 13
Speed: 15
Chakra: 16
Ninjutsu: 17
Taijutsu: 16
Genjutsu: 7

Ino: Those were some pretty amazing stats.
Seriga: Well I was in ANBU you know so I’m shocked that you’re shocked. Speaking of shock, you’ve grown up well little Ino-chan.
Ino: Heh, thank you.
Sakura: What about me?
Seriga: Hmmmm, you could use a little more in the chest area.
Sakura: What?
Seriga: Raizen likes um big you know.

She said groping her ample chest.
JJ: …That’s really nice and all but we have more important things to do.
Seriga: Oh yeah.

She said releasing her breasts, which bounced like crazy before finally settling on her chest, putting Sakura into a slump.
JJ: What is you strongest jutsu?
Seriga: Well it was the fire runner, however Raizen was able to copy it and in my opinion make it better, so there’s not much to that.
JJ: What is your biggest regret?
Seriga: Not being able to keep my promise.

She said gazing to the side sadly.
Ino: What is the afterlife like?
Seriga: I can’t tell you that or else you’ll die.
Ino: I’ll pass then.
JJ: Now it’s time for a-

Fourth wall breaking moment~
Seriga: Awesome.
JJ: I know right.
Sakura: They’re big enough…..

She said to herself, kneading the ground with her index finger.
JJ: Seriga and Seria are the perfect examples of why I hate killing off heroes in my stories, because most of the time I come to love them and sending them away for good is a very hard decision to make. Because honestly by the time I had to kill off Seriga in Raizen’s story I was hesitant to write it, but it also showed how much emotion a death can bring to the story. One of the things I had planned to do was bring back Seria after a while, saying that she managed to survive the fall and in his panicked state Raizen couldn’t tell that she wasn’t dead, but I decided that would be cheesy and scrapped it. It was those two deaths that brought Raizen’s personality to a what it is, and bringing either one of them back would destroy that. I had even planned to do something special, During the story you’ll notice that Seriga never shows up while Raizen is with his friends, even though I scrapped this idea I left it like that. Seriga was originally a figment of Raizen’s shattered mind, and his friends, despite Raizen’s memory of her being around them, never knew who she was or ever saw her, because she didn’t exist. However I changed it and the reason she never makes appearance around his friends is because the most bonding moments Raizen had with her were ones of them being alone. Even with the changes Seriga was one character I wanted to keep and sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I didn’t kill her.
Seriga: You say that now, when you have me deader than a burger. Talk about hindsight.
Raizen: Seriga?

He called out with teary eyes, running to the woman and squeezing her tightly, lifting her four feet off the ground without her consent.
Sakura: When did you get here?
Seriga: Raizen, I can’t breathe.
Raizen: Sorry.

He uttered in apology, allowing the woman to stand on her own once again. Once on her feet she finally gazed at Raizen with a smile.
Seriga: You’ve grown as masculine as I always thought you would. You look so cool now Raizen.
Raizen: I try.

He said in a quiet voice that was anything but cool, more like strained. Seriga hugged him warmly and brought the warm fuzzy feeling to all those watching and once she pulled away finally getting a good look at Raizen she smiled.
Seriga: Since you turned out this cool I might just have to keep my promise.
Raizen: Promise?
Seriga: Don’t play dumb, you know what I mean don’t you?

Raizen held his chin and then shot a furious blush that made him look like a steamed crab, oh he remembered. It was Seriga’s promise to turn him into her ideal man, and at the moment, he was definitely on that path.
Seriga: You don’t mind do you?
Raizen: I, uh, um-
Sakura: Hey back off.

She shouted, throwing herself between him and Seriga.
Sakura: Keep your hands to yourself.
Seriga: Oh really?

She asked with a smirk.
Seriga: You’re so protective Sakura-chan, even though you broke his heart.
Sakura: Gah.
Seriga: Forgot all about him.
Sakura: Gah..
Seriga: Constantly compared him to the guy you wanted.
Sakura: Gah….
Seriga: And then kicked while he was down after I died.
Sakura: GAH!!!!

She shouted as the final arrow pierced her heart and she fell to the ground dramatically.
JJ: Flawless victory.
Ino: Yeah, that was merciless.
Sakura: I said I was sorry about all that.

She said weeping uncontrollably on the ground.
Raizen: Seriga does this mean you’re back for good?
Seriga: No, I have to go after this, but I’m always with you Raizen.

She said kissing him tenderly on the lips before whispering in his ear.
Seriga: I will never leave you.

Raizen smiled sadly and as everyone gathered around to watch Seriga depart JJ whispered silently.
JJ: And to all my friends and fans out there.
Seriga: Shine eternal.

Happily uttered, Seriga began to fade into mist leaving the four staring at her as the background faded to black.

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