Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Inner Secrets ❯ Chapter 14

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

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Warnings: Same as ever

Pairings: Same as always

A/N: O.o What a long wait for such a short chapter. Sorry guys. ^.^; I'm working really hard on this, and I've met someone, someone I like beyond a lot, and he distracts me very well, not to mention the story block I have on this fic... >.<; But here is the long awaited chapter.

Chapter 14

Three weeks had passed with the trio of Konoha ninja, training diligently under Jiraiya's tutelage. They were constantly drilled with intellectual and strategic questions, forced through various intense circuits and given scroll upon scroll of new techniques to be learnt. And learn they did.

But that rigorous training regimen lasted naught but three weeks, a total of twenty-one days. And on the twenty-second day of their training, the trio found themselves alone in their hotel room, the fourth bed empty and neatly folded. Jiraiya was gone. Leaving in his wake a simply note.

`Gone off for research, keep traveling, keep training,
Jiraiya.'

“Finally.” Naruto sighed as he crumpled the note and tossed it over his shoulder, while his two dearest friends watched the crumpled white paper soar from the blond and land perfectly in the waster paper basket. “I thought that he wouldn't leave at the rate things were going.” He admitted with a lopsided grin as he turned to look at Hyuuga Neji and Nara Shikamaru.

“But now that he is gone… We are free to do as we will.” Neji said softly, white eyes gazing out the window with a soft smile. He felt so free.

“Are we returning to the tower?” Shikamaru asked in a lethargic manner, his shoulders slouched, and his eyes half closed, making it look like all his effort was in just sitting up and looking at them.

“Yes. After all, we were ordered out to become stronger, and with Jiraiya training us, we wouldn't reach the level we could reach on our own. And it also makes being who I am all the more difficult.” Naruto whispered in agreement as he grabbed his bag and withdrew the disguise he always wore whilst he roamed as the Kage-Gesshoku.

“Do you think,” Neji began, eyes drifting over to the blond demon vessel, “that we could join the Kage-Gesshoku?” He questioned softly, his words causing several moments of contemplative silence to fall upon the trio. The only movement was Shikamaru opening his eyes to regard the obvious leader of their group, Uzumaki Naruto.

“Sure. We can be the Kage Sanningumi!” Naruto concluded with a fox like grin. “But before we can do that, we'll need not only a new disguise, but also separate names for you two. We should all have an element and a battle style name. I am the Kage-Gesshoku, The Shadow Assailant. So, as a trio of justice, we will need similar names to that.” The blond said thoughtfully while absently tapping his chin.

“If you hadn't been of the shadows, Shikamaru would have been able to use that, but we can't have two Kage.” Neji interjected quietly. “I suppose I could be of the Light, as they would, to us, symbolize my Byakugan; the all seeing white eyes.” Neji added.

“Awai Shinnyuusha?” Naruto asked. “Light Raider?” He frowned. “No… That wouldn't work…” He muttered as he moved over to his bedroll and flopped down on it. “Maybe we could do something like the White Avenger?” He asked quietly, earning a small smile and a nod from the Hyuuga prodigy. “So mote it be.” The blond said with a flick of his wrist.

“That would leave us with Shika-kun.” Neji motioned towards the slouching young man with amusement. “Perhaps he should be the Black Plague?” He suggested, before shaking his head, causing luscious dark hair to slip down his shoulder in a wave of silk that glimmered in the early morning sunlight that drifted in through the open window.

“Tch…” Shikamaru sighed. “That makes me sound like the bad guy.” He muttered, inwardly rolling his eyes. “And I can't be black as that is Naruto's color, and white is your own. Dark green is a nice color.” He concluded, earning him several amused glances from his friends.

“Green Rose?” Naruto asked teasingly, earning a half-hearted glare from the Nara, one that obviously meant `no'. “Or not…” Naruto said with a sheepish expression on his angelic features.

“We could just leave me nameless. Let the people call me what they will. It's too troublesome coming up with names.” Shikamaru said with a yawn.

Three beings raced forwards, the first, the one in the garbs of the infamous Kage-Gesshoku, leading the other two like the alpha would lead his pack. They moved in a triangle formation, the dark cloaked individual in the lead, followed on equal ground by a ninja dressed in a white cloak and another dressed in a deep green one.

They moved like bullets, slicing through the air so fast, that to any ordinary person and most ninja, they were invisible. But that was all one could expect after the trio had trained under a special Jutsu they discovered in the tower; one that tipped all things in their favor, and had only taken one month to achieve. One month, and that had been accomplished over two and a half years ago.

And in that time the Trio had been dubbed the Ryoku no Kami, the Gods of Power, for they seemingly had no bounds, and this, their final undercover mission before their inevitable return home, was to be the ultimate test for them. All their work, all their hopes, all their dreams were to be recognized should they accomplish this mission. They were determined.

They ran, leapt and bounded over rocky terrain, the ground type that was natural to Stone Country, the Land of one of Konoha's many enemies. Their mission was to hunt down the three illusive men that led the Kenryoku Shihaisha; Kyoretsu Sekinin, Dokaku Utsurikawaru, and Riku Hogosha. The very men they had been hunting for the better part of their two years away from Konoha.

And finally they had tracked them to Stone Country, to the men's last standing place where they would confront the final three of the diminished organization, and do battle with the experts of their own fields. Their pace slowed greatly as they drew nearer to the village, and upon arriving hidden upon the city's out-skirts, they changed from their legendary cloaks to the garbs of mere travelers.

“Remember, you are Kato,” Neji said as he looked at Shikamaru, though you couldn't really tell with the white eyes, “and you are Kintaro,” he added as he looked at the blond and leader of the group, “and I am Shintaru.” He concluded with a small smirk as the trio moved to approach the guards that stood before the gates into the simply Stone Village.

“Passports please.” One woman asked in a bored tone, and they happily supplied her with the false identity pieces. “Alright, everything is in order, go on in.” She said after a few moments of scrutiny, looking as bored as ever.

“Thank you.” The trio said simultaneously, before bowing shortly and entering into the village. They walked along the cobbled stone path, blue, white and brown, sharp yet unnoticed, while they acted like tourists, looking at all the boulder-shaped homes that lined the street they were on, and all the mini-shops that they passed.

“Excuse me?” A male voice reached their ears, causing them to turn. “I apologize for bothering you, but I need to know something.” A white haired man said kindly, looking strong and well groomed for one of a higher age. “Could I by chance invite you three to tea so that I might ask this without the prying eyes and ears watching and listening in on us like hawks to their prey?” He offered softly, his eyes, as blue as Naruto's, peering pleadingly into their eyes.

The three exchanged a look before nodding. “Sure thing.” Naruto said with a shrug.

“We'd be most pleased to join you for tea.” Neji said politely, while Shikamaru merely tucked his hands into his pocket and followed the old man, walking half a pace behind his closest friends.

They twisted down several streets before coming upon a lavish home, one that would be the expected home of a feudal lord. “This is my home.” The man said by means of explanation as he lead the teens up the cobble path through his front gardens, nodding at his guards before leading them into the tea room.

Tea was served to them the moment they all took their seats around a small table. “Now I do suppose you three are curious as to what I wished to ask.” He stated, earning three nods. “Well, I had best introduce myself first then.” He said before taking a sip of his tea. “My name is Heero Amadare.”

“The former feudal lord of Fire Country.” Shikamaru muttered with a frown.

“I recognize your name for more than that.” Naruto said suddenly. “I was told a tale, one that involved your daughter Hana Amadare if memory serves me correctly.” He concluded calmly, though inwardly he felt nervous.

“So you know about me. But what do you know of my daughter?” He asked.

“She was said to be a beauty, one beyond compare, and had married at age twenty. He married a lesser lord of Tea Country, and a month after her wedding she vanished, leaving all titles, fortune and whatever else to her husband.” Naruto explained, blue eyes not blinking as they bore into familiar eyes. “It was speculated that she was kidnapped and killed, but that is not the case.”

“What? Tell me, what do you know of my daughter's disappearance?!” The man half demanded and half asked, great hope lingering in his sagely face.

“Her husband was a callous man, and he beat her, raped her, until she could handle no more and fled. She went to the one person she trusted most. Konoha's Yondaime.” Naruto concluded quietly.

“Then she lives on?” Lord Amadare inquired with a soft smile.

“No.” No said, wiping clean the other's smile. “She died in child-birth, giving birth to her husband's son, one conceived through rape.”

“And what of this grandson of mine? Are you him?” He asked softly as he peered closely at the young blonde's face.

“Yes.” Naruto answered with a soft nod. “Though I've never known either of my parents. Nor have I known the cousin my mother held dear, grand father.” Naruto concluded before he stood up, and raced around the table and into the open arms of his long lost grandfather, while Neji and Shikamaru blinked and exchanged a confused look.

“You must have suffered much.” The elderly ex-lord said softly as he rested his chin on Naruto's golden locks. “Tell me grandson, what is your name, and the names of your two friends here.”

“Right! Totally forgot about my name!” Naruto exclaimed with a grin, feeling somewhat embarrassed. “I'm Uzumaki Naruto, named by the Yondaime himself!” He began before pulling out of his grandfather's arms and looking back at his friends. “This is Nara Shikamaru.” He said while motioning towards the lazy genius. “And Hyuuga Neji.” He concluded.

“A Nara and a Hyuuga.” The man whispered with a touch of awe in his voice. “You seem to have made friends of powerful families. But tell me, why are citizens of Konoha-gakure here in enemy lands?”

“Well… I suppose it'll do no harm to tell you.” Naruto muttered contemplatively as he looked up at the ceiling. “We are ninja.” He said simply.

Heero sucked in a sharp breath. “You've become a ninja.” The man said sadly. “Konoha must have become quite desperate in its war against Sound and Stone if they are sending such hatchlings in. You must be Genin still?”

“Nah, we haven't been Genin for ages.” Naruto admitted.

“He is correct.” Neji piped in. “We aren't Chuunin either. We are Jounin level ninja, as we passed that exam just less then a year ago.”

“Konoha didn't send us either. We've been on the road, traveling and training. The Hokage-sama gave us permission to go off training for three years and pretty soon that time will be up and we must be back at the village.” Naruto added on while Shikamaru just looked bored.

“Impressive. But that still does not explain why you are in enemy territory at such a vital part of this war.” Heero whispered with a small grin.

“True, we have a self appointed mission here.” Shikamaru spoke up finally. “But the details are top-secret, and as such we can not reveal them to you.” He concluded.

“Well that is alright.” Amadare admitted with a nod as Naruto resumed his spot. “But I wish to return to Konoha with you three. I was unable to be there for my daughter in her time of need, and I won't allow that to happen to my grandson. My only grandson. In the mean time, this home is your home so long as you three are here for your mission.”

The Konoha trio exchanged a look before nodding. “Thanks grandfather.” Naruto said before the three Jounin stood. “But we must hasten to complete our mission.” Naruto said with a smile. “We'll be back at latest dawn on the morrow.”

Without waiting for a response the three of them vanished from the room, leaving an old man sipping his tea, deep in thought. “Hana… your son is a gem.” He muttered before downing the last of his tea and standing. “A gem just as you were and I won't let him down as I let you down.” He promised softly.

“Are you sure that's the right place?” Neji inquired with a frown as he regarded a run down stone castle, just on the city's outskirts. “It looks rather ghetto.” He admitted with a wry grin.

Shikamaru rolled his eyes. “Yes, they are in there.” He muttered in annoyance, his tone earning him a sharp glare from the Hyuuga prodigy.

“I was just asking. You don't need to be rude.” He said coldly, his lips moving to form a thin line.

“Will you two stop acting like an old married couple already?” Naruto muttered with a sigh as he childishly tugged on the sleeves of their cloaks. “It's boring just standing here.” He whined with a pout.

Neji smacked the cloaked blond upside the head.

“Oww!” Naruto whined as he reached up and cradled his head in his hands. “You're a bully!” Naruto complained while sticking his tongue out.

“Did you give him coffee?” Shikamaru questioned with a sigh. “He's hyper.”

“Well, let's put that energy to good use, we are on a mission after all.” Neji concluded softly as all three turned to look at the beaten old castle.

“Dibs on the strongest!” Naruto called before he vanished from view and made his way towards the castle. Neji and Shikamaru sighed before they too vanished in a blur and they raced after their comrade.

They raced forward, swept up the cracked steps, not disturbing even a spec of dust as they clambered between wooden doors that were slightly ajar.

It was dark inside, dust lingered thickly and the putrid scent of rotting things assaulted their noses. “It doesn't look like anyone has been here in a long time.” Shikamaru commented thoughtfully as he squatted down and poked the thick dust.

Neji activated his all seeing white eyes, and he glanced around. “This castle hovers like a dark shadow over the people.” He commented lightly as Shikamaru stood. “But alas with time, the darkness will vanish on the route ahead, and the light will catch up with the times.” He said, sounding much like a mad man.

As he finished speaking, Naruto and Shikamaru vanished from sight, leaving Neji standing in the room alone. “Are you coming down?” Neji inquired as he looked up, white eyes meeting brown, as he regarded the man lurking in the rafters above. “Unless I frighten you Kyoretsu Sekinin.”

The man smirked before he dropped down from the rafters and landed several meters in front of Neji, his feet not disturbing the dust. “Frighten me?” The man chuckled. “No, you don't frighten me, White Avenger, no, only that demonic counter-part of yours frightens me. The Kage-Gesshoku is a nightmare beyond compare.”

Neji smirked. “I suppose he does make little children quake in their boots.” He said mockingly, earning a glare from the leath man before him. “But I should warn you, he isn't the only nightmare from our team.” He finished ominously.

“Well, I heard you were strong, but with the name `The White Avenger', just how strong can you be?” Sekinin asked as he pulled out a massive metal staff and held it with ease in one gloved hand.

“Is that a rhetorical question?” Neji inquired in amusement as his right hand moved through seals, seals that were hidden by his cloak, and with a burst of smoke at his side, came a great massive scythe. “Looks like I was paired against the right person.” He commented lightly as though merely observing drying paint.

“My staff versus your scythe, an interesting combination, but I will still win.” The man promised before he lunged forwards.

Naruto and Shikamaru raced on after having heard Neji's hidden message, and they swiftly moved away from the room, leaving the Hyuuga behind. “Now that we've lost him, how are we supposed to cheat and find the other two with no effort on our part?” Naruto asked softly as he leapt up a flight of missing stairs in a single bound.

“By using all the skills we've picked up through our travels and training.” Shikamaru answered with a shrug as he followed half a pace behind the darkly cloaked figure.

“But, in your own words, `that's so troublesome.'” Naruto grumbled as they came to a halt on the second level of the castle.

Shikamaru glared at him. “Everything is troublesome. This mission is more troublesome than even your whining though.” He added with a yawn. “But I think we should split up. Take the left hand corridor, and I'll take the right.” He said as he shooed the blond towards the door, while he went over to a painting of a sunny clearing. “Lucky bastard.” He muttered as he eyed the young boy in the painting, sleeping beneath the tree.

“I can give you your wish.” A female voice said from behind him.

“Making wishes is far too troublesome.” Shikamaru muttered as he peered over his shoulder at the only female of the group. “But women are more troublesome.” He added as he spun around to dodge the attack spurred by rage.

“Those two had best hope that the last person is the strongest of the three, otherwise I'll be beyond pissed off.” Naruto muttered darkly as he swept openly down the darkened corridor.

“You need to keep your emotions in check.” A voice from above him said.

“And you need to stop stalking me all the time Itachi-kun.” Naruto countered, not halting in his walk.

“Stalking? I am merely observing my target.” Itachi said calmly in defense.

“Right and I am a Squishachew.” Naruto countered under his breath.

“No, you are a human baring a demon.” Itachi said in all seriousness as he quirked an eyebrow at the cloaked blond as the two progressed down the darkened hall.

“I didn't anticipate seeing a member of the infamous Akatsuki gang here.” A masculine voice commented dryly from the opened and dark doorway that loomed ahead. “I had been expecting only one, and that one was the Kage Gesshoku.” The man said in annoyance. “Leave, for I do not need to fight the Akatsuki.” He ordered at Itachi.

“And I have no desire to step in; I was merely tormenting an old friend.” Itachi said icily before his crimson eyes regarded the blond at his side. “I will meet up with you later.” He said in farewell before vanishing from their midst.

“I don't think that was the wisest of moves.” Naruto commented with a smirk. “You just pissed him off, and Itachi is not one to mess with. You do realize that had you insulted him and you were not my opponent you'd be long dead?” He asked, earning a glare as he eyed the man hidden in the shadows.

“Itachi? The Uchiha Itachi?” The man asked, earning a nod from the cloaked Konoha ninja. “I heard he has gone soft.” He added dryly as he reached into his pocket and withdrew a black fingerless glove which he then slipped on his left hand.

“Ah, but my dear Utsurikawaru-san, that is a rumor, and rumor holds no fact, no truth, they are but illusions created by jealous or fearful individuals, used to make themselves look better.” Naruto said wisely, earning a frown from the crimson-eyed man that stood before him.

“You talk too much. It is a surprise that your enemies haven't struck you down before the fights, as you blather on needlessly.” Dokaku sneered haughtily.

“Ah, but what is a battle of physical strength without the battle of wits as its predecessor?” The demon vessel questioned softly, causing the man standing before him to look far more annoyed than he initially was.

“Talk is cheap, and time is money. You are wasting much profitable time. So now, you die!” Dokaku muttered as he pulled his gloved hand up in a single handed seal.

Kunai clashed in a wave of golden sparks before their owners leap back, landing on the ground and sliding backwards, neither fazed. Two crimson eyes stared into mismatched eyes momentarily before the two flung themselves forward, dust flying behind them as the raced back to the middle point between the two, kunai colliding once more in a fresh wave of sparks that took to the air.

They pushed back, but the crimson-eyed Uchiha leapt into the air, hands flying through familiar seals with rapid speed. “Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!” Sasuke muttered as he exhaled a great breath of flames which hit Kakashi where he stood. Flames torched the area, as Sasuke landed on a branch, eyes searching everywhere as he took to the air without a second's hesitation after hitting the branch.

“Kanashibari no Jutsu!” A voice behind him called, causing Sasuke's body to go numb and plummet to the ground, landing in a small crater as Kakashi landed in a crouched position by the whole, just in time to view the Sasuke in the hole transform into a log.

Metal wires shot out from the burning trees to Kakashi's back and tightly wrapped around him, dragging him backwards against a tree branch. “Katon: Ryuuka no Jutsu!” Sasuke's voice called out mere seconds before fire tore down the metal line, incinerating the tree and the being held captive. Kakashi burst into a puff of smoke, leaving burning timber and loose wires which Sasuke hastily released.

“Kuchiyose no Jutsu!” Kakashi's voice rang out as several hounds appeared in a burst of smoke. “Pakkun, lead the pack!” Kakashi's voice ordered, causing Sasuke to whip around just in time to dodge a snarling hound that leapt at him from behind.

With a growl, Sasuke took to the air, jumping over a second hound. “Shunshin no Jutsu!” Sasuke called as he vanished in a swirl of burning leaves, only to reappear behind one of the hounds, which he hurriedly struck down with a kunai, sending it off in a burst of grey smoke before he vanished again in a second swirl of burning leaves.

The sound of lightening rose up behind Sasuke as he destroyed a fourth hound, causing him to whisk around. “Raikiri!” Kakashi shouted as he appeared behind Sasuke, bringing his glowing blue hand forwards.

“Chidori!” Sasuke yelled in counter, the sound of a thousand birds melding ominously with the noise of a raging thunder storm. The two attacks clashed, and the burning forest was engulfed in blue light before an explosion hit, causing debris and smoke to shoot in all directions.

The dust slowly cleared, revealing a deep crater in the forest that no longer burned. At the massive hole's center stood four figures. The first was Sasuke, standing with his blade to the neck of Kakashi, his personal trainer, while the second was Kakashi himself with his blade likewise to the neck of his student. The other two were shadow clones of Kakashi, and they too held weapons to Sasuke's vital parts.

“Looks like I win.” Kakashi said, dropping his serious look to place his cheerful face on as his clones vanished in smoke and his kunai returned to his pouch before he slid his ninja band back over his Sharingan eye. “You've gotten better.” He admitted with a smile that was hidden behind his mask, while Sasuke glowered as he slipped his kunai back into his weapons pouch.

“Such a beauteous and fire-filled matched! So much fire of the springtime of youth!” Gai shouted as he appeared before the duo. “My how fast you've both grown! Come let us celebrate this awesome achievement by running one thousand laps around Konoha!” He announced before racing off in a trail of dust.

“Some people never change.” Kakashi said with a sigh and a sweat drop, before his only visible eye flickered over to his pupil who was staring off in the difference.

“Do you think… that Naruto-dobe has changed?” Sasuke asked quietly, his now onyx eyes flickering back to his sensei.

“I think he has.” Kakashi said thoughtfully after a silent moment of contemplation. “Whether it is for better or for worse we will see soon enough. They will be home soon after all, and we will need their help.” Kakashi said with a shrug before he whipped out his little orange book.

Neji ducked under the mighty swing of Kyoretsu Sekinin's staff, dodging by only a hair's width, the air rush causing his hood to fall down revealing his face to the enemy. His pale, uncloaked face rose to meet the man before him with steeled ice. How his features made the man shiver, he felt much ice form within his very veins. “You're a monster…” The man breathed lightly his eyes widening in horror as he took several shaky steps back from the squatted young man before him.

“A demon with evil eyes…” The man added as he continued to back away, moving further and further away from penetrating white stare, backing tiny steps away at a time, moving until his back met up with a ragged statue that still stood tall in the run-down castle. “You are evil…”

“I am no monster, no demon, nor am I evil.” Neji said calmly as he slowly moved to a fully standing position, a light smirk playing at his firm lips. “What I am, is a nightmare, one that you can not escape… alive.” Neji finished ominously as he slowly brought his free hand up to pull his hood back over his face, once more masking his features under a black shadow.

The man gulped before taking a deep breath, steeling his nerves now that those frightful eyes were no longer visible, even if he could still feel that piercing glance. “You are a monster.” Sekinin said with sharp resolve. “One that I intend to slay for the better of all; one that I will annihilate so that I might destroy the nightmare. I will bring forth the dream, banish the darkness, and destroy you, you demon.” The made vowed with renewed strength as he took large steps away from the statue.

“So you wish to play?” Neji requested softly, his voice a haunting melody to the ears of the now brave man.

A quick nod came from the man before him. “I will play with darkness, but as you are not fire, I will not be burned…” Sekinin admitted calmly as he brought his staff forward once more. “Let me be your executioner.”

“Let me be your judgment…” Neji called before the two simultaneously sprung forward, scythe meeting staff before the two flipped back, skidding to a halt several meters away from their clashing point. “Byakugan!” The ninja whispered, causing a palpable pulse wave of chakra to escape him, causing the man to freeze momentarily in shock. “Hakke Kuushou!” Neji muttered as he brought his glowing blue free hand forward, his hand, despite its speed, struck the staff of the man when his target had been the enemy's stomach, sending the other skidding back several feet.

Neji frowned as Sekinin rushed forward, thrusting his staff towards the Hyuuga, who was hard pressed to continuously dodge and evade the rapid-paced swipes made by his opponent. The staff moved in more then a blur, the man before him obviously skilled in his art, and far faster than Neji himself was. That would make the battle a challenge, but the teen was not a known prodigy for any apparent reason. “Hakkeshou Kaiten!” Neji called as he expelled a mass of white and blue chakra from all of his pressure points, shooting outwards in a glowing shield as he did a rapid spin, making himself a glowing whirlwind of chakra that effective caused his enemy to launch backwards with an air of shock about him, before he landed just as Neji came to a halt, looking unfazed as ever.

“Damn it… If you are a demon than the Kage-Gesshoku must be the devil himself. By the Gods, I hope my comrades live.” He prayed under his breath before he swung his staff, causing a wave of chakra to shoot out in an arc towards the `demon' before him.

Neji brought his scythe forward and swung down at the chakra arc, slicing it in two, letting it pass by him on either side, none fazed by the explosion they caused as they crashed violently into the wall behind him, sending the dust flying. “Kokuangyou no Jutsu.” Sekinin cried, causing complete blackness to shoot out, isolating Neji in pure blackness.

Neji turned his head left, then right before smirking as he stepped to the side, narrowly avoiding a strike from the man's staff. “Kyoretsu Sekinin, you hide behind a Genjutsu…” Neji said loudly as he stepped to the side once more, the staff grazing his left arm slightly, but enough that it would bruise where the welt had just risen. “But I can still see you.” He admitted with a smirk as he spun around and caught a kunai by its handle. “You can not hide from my eyes.” Neji said quietly as he rose his hand up. “Kai!” He called, relinquishing the jutsu's hold on him.

The time ravaged room rushed back to his normal eyes, bringing with it a stunned Sekinin who growled in frustration. “You speak, you dodge, but you do not strike! Am I not good enough to fight the Legendary White Avenger?” He snarled. “Well allow me to remove that illusion from your hidden eyes!” He roared. “Yomi Numa!” He yelled as he slammed the butt end of his staff to the stone floor, causing it to turn into a massive swamp.

Neji's eyes widened as he leapt up just before the swamp ensnared his feet, and landed on the wall, feet first while glaring at the man who now stood atop the statue he had previously backed into. “Tsuchi Sutairu: Kigen Ishi Poruu.” His enemy cried, causing hundreds of stone poles to rise from the murky and bubbling swamp below. “Why don't you join me; oh great demon?” The man asked with a smirk as he leapt from his statue and onto one of the many stone poles that stuck out from the swamp.

Neji smiled fractionally as he dramatically leapt down from his place on the grimy wall, and landed catlike on a pole before the enemy. “Meow.” He said mockingly, causing Sekinin to sweat.

“That proves you are a demon! A cat demon!” The man announced sharply, spurring Neji to raise his scythe-less hand and lick the back side just to further the false illusions the man was suffering from. “May the Gods punish your tormented soul!” He man cried before he formed simply hand seals, causing mere clones to appear on either side of him.

One clone leapt forward onto the pole in front of him, but his foot passed through the stone and the clone plunged down into the swamp vanishing as the illusion of him broke. “What the?” Sekinin whispered as he eyed the Hyuuga wearily.

“Well… since you edited the playing field without asking, I decided to lend my own personal touches.” Neji admitted lightly as he tossed his scythe up into the air, his hands flying through various hand seals. “Katon: Karyuu Endan!” he cried, before he blew from his mouth a breath of flames that took the form of a roaring dragon, that charged ruthlessly towards the dark eyed man before it.

Sekinin's eyes widened before he leapt up into air, watching in morbid fascination as a straight line of poles were turned to cinders, and his illusion-self vanished into nothingness. He flipped, and aimed for a pole to the side as the dragon dissipated into steaming air. As his foot hit the pole, it went through, and he flung his staff out, hitting a real poll, which then propelled him towards a real pole which he hastily chakra climbed.

“Kirigakure no Jutsu!” Sekinin breathed as he made it to the top, using the well known technique of the land of the waves, causing mist to rise from the swamp, making it difficult to see anything with even the Byakugan. “Mizu no Muchi!” He called just as Neji recaptured his falling scythe, swinging the massive staff and blade around to block the water whip that cut through the air and wrapped itself around the blade of Neji's weapon.

“Chikyu Mihon: Daiyamondo Sekken!” Neji cried as he released his scythe while a diamond sarcophagus rose up from the murky and misty depths, moving faster then Sekinin himself, and it closed around him, barricading him within, all the while allowing Neji to see inside.

Sekinin growled before smirking and vanishing, leaving the statue in his place. “Mizu no Tatsumaki!” Sekinin's voice rang out, causing Neji to spin around, white eyes watching the murky colored swamp-water tornado plowing his way.

“Chikyu Mihon: Daiyamondo Tate!” Neji said in defense as he raised a body sized shield comprised of the finest diamond, effectively holding off the torrent of water as he allowed his last technique to dissolve, causing his captured scythe to plummet into the mist hidden swamp below. When the water tornado ran out, it revealed Neji still standing there, looking as unfazed as ever.

“Don't you know how to die?” The man grumbled as he eyed the White Avenger.

“Nope.” Neji answered back with a smirk as he released his Byakugan and closed his eyes.

Such a blatant disregard caused Sekinin to snarl as he raised his staff and moved in, his vision clouded by red rage. He moved faster then ever and drove the blunt tip of his staff into Neji's stomach. The sound of cracking bones echoed darkly through the mist as Neji was thrown backwards in a gasp of bloodied air. “Bastard!” Sekinin growled as he eyed the man who had just managed to land upon the wall once more.

“That'll teach me to close my eyes.” Neji muttered under his breath as he ran a hand over his already bruising stomach, knowing full well that he was to be the recipient of a certain lecture on carelessness from a certain lackadaisical blond. Neji moved to stand, and he inwardly winced, noting that the last blow had broken several ribs, and had likely caused some internal damage. That lecture was going to be a long one… “Jikoku Kakushigoto Jutsu: Go Kaiioe Hyouketsu!” He whispered causing all motion around him to cease.

This technique only allowed him five seconds, but that would be enough. Despite the pain in his stomach area, he raced forward, hands moving through a seal of a technique he had recently learned. “Furui Akuba: Hateshiganai Nemuri!” He cried as the time freeze ended just as he placed his palm on the hand of his opponent.

Brown eyes rolled back and the swamp vanished, the poles receded, and Neji stood towering over the sleeping form of his target. “Mission complete.” He murmured before he walked to the wall slowly and slid down it, working on using his chakra to ease the pain and slow the wounds progression.

The woman's fist soared over Shikamaru's head as the teen turned and tucked, causing her fist to collide painfully with the painting behind the Nara. “Why do I get stuck with fighting the women?” He asked dejectedly, obviously speaking about many instances where he had to be the one to fight the females.

“Bastard.” She hissed as she leapt backwards cradling her bleeding fist to her massive chest. “My eyes are up here!” She growled darkly, causing Shikamaru to look from the hand nestled between twin mounts of flesh, up to the eyes of red haired woman.

“You shouldn't have punched the wall.” Shikamaru said with a yawn as he checked to make sure his hood was firmly in place.

“And you shouldn't have come, Jaded Assailant.” Hogosha countered venomously. “Now die!” She roared before she leapt back, hands forming a seal. “Suiton: Suishouha!” She called out, causing a large amount of water to materialize out of thin air before it was launched at Shikamaru who frowned before bringing his hands up in a seal.

“Chakra no Tate!” He whispered as he pushed his hands, palm out, in front of him, just as the water struck his point, rushing violently past him as he skidded until he hit the wall behind him. Water just kept pouring, and soon the floor was becoming a rapidly filling pool of cool water, and it was making his cloak become really heavy as the material absorbed it like a sponge.

The water slowly began to slow, before just a sprinkle was still going at him, leaving him confident enough to drop the glowing shield he had up, allowing him to survey the room that was filled with water that reached well up to his waist, and he wasn't by any means short, especially since he had experienced a massive growth spurt that made him to be the tallest of the Ryoku no Kami.

With a sigh he reached up and removed his immensely heavy cloak, and allowed it to sink down to the floor, he would retrieve it later. “Well aren't you young?” The woman said with a click of her tongue.

“And aren't you old?” He retorted as he leveled a bored look at her.

“Insolent male!” She hissed threateningly as she brought her hands up, looking down on him from where he stood in the water, while she stood a top it. ”Suiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu!” She shouted, causing the water to ripple unpromisingly before waves began to cascade violently through the room. At her back rose a great column of water, forming into the for of a water dragon.

“…troublesome…” He muttered as he channeled chakra in his hand and pressed it against the water, using his strength to propel himself into the air just as the water dragon surged forward, striking and dissolving where he sat but mere seconds ago.

With a sigh, Shikamaru launched a handful of shurriken at her, causing her to leapt to the side and avoid them before her hands took to another set of seals. “Mizukuri no Yaiba!” She called, causing water to rise and swirl around her right and bloodied hand before it took the form of a sword as Shikamaru landed several meters away, standing lazily on the water.

Hogosha leveled her blade with Shikamaru's heart before she charged forward, towards the yawning man who merely withdrew a kunai. Her water-blade met his kunai, before her mightier weapon pulled back and sliced across his abdomen.

Shikamaru looked shocked before bursting into a ball of smoke. “Kage Bunshin…” She whispered with narrowed eyes before she spun around and deflected several shurriken that had been launched at her back.

She looked around, heading moving each way cautiously as she looked for her opponent, yet she didn't see him, until she heard a drip, causing her head to shoot up, looking at the Nara who was standing upside down on the ceiling that loomed so high above her head. “Get down from there!” She Hogosha ordered waspishly as she glared daggers at the unmoving teen standing over head.

“Sounds too troublesome.” Shikamaru admitted allowed as he yawn, covering his mouth with his hand that carried the kunai. She opened her mouth to retort when she saw the metal wire attached to his kunai, before she leapt up just as a barrage of kunai sprung forward, each bearing exploding tags that exploded upon contact with the water. “Kage Mane no Jutsu!” His voice cut through just as she landed on the ceiling before him, immediately freezing and moving her into his stance. “Kage Kubi Shibari no Jutsu!” He said lazily, causing a shadow hand to stretch forward, loop up her unresponsive body before the hand circled her neck and began to squeeze.

“You're a shadow user!” She gasped, between pants as she struggled to gain control of her body and break from the hand.

“What gave it away?” Shikamaru questioned rhetorically as he strengthened his hold on the shadows, causing her vision to grow spotty.

“Bast…ard…” She panted, as her eyes began drifty shut. Her body went limp in his hold, yet Shikamaru didn't release his technique. He simply stood there, holding it until he was certain that she was dead, and with that he let her fall, tumble into the water below with a great splash before she sank down to the bottom.

“Women…” Shikamaru sighed before he flipped off the ceiling and landed smoothly on the water, allowing the blood that had rushed to his head time to return to the lower part of his body. With a yawn he bent down and reached his hand into the water and withdrew his soaking cloak, and he draped it over his shoulder before walking to the door he and Naruto had entered through and opened it, causing the water to rush out and down the stairs beyond.

Shikamaru sighed before he went with the flow, literally, and he followed the water as it sought low ground, ground that he and Naruto had left Neji upon. He walked slowly, too lazy to run, and he slowly arrived at the main entrance way. “You're as bad as women.” Shikamaru muttered as he eyed Neji sitting against the wall, he could tell by the slight flush to his normally pale friend's face, that he was injured.

“I may be troublesome but at least I'm not a drowned rat.” Neji muttered as he opened one eye to glare at the soaking Nara that squatted down in front of him, he made no move to stop, nor no words to protest when Shikamaru began removing the Hyuuga's cloak and shirt so as to get a look at the white-eyed teen's stomach.

“Troublesome may not be the accurate adverb…” Shikamaru muttered as he began binding and bandaging his companions severely bruised torso. “I'm taking you to the hospital.” He added as he fully removed the other's cloak, and dropped his own cloak beside it before he scooped Neji up bridal style and vanished from the castle, planning to return a soon as he could to check on Naruto.

- - - - - - - - - - -

End of Chapter

Hey guys, sorry its short, and that I've cut it out, and what not, but hey, at least its an update right? Well thanks for ready, please review!

Earth Style: Rise of Stone Poles - Tsuchi Sutairu: Kigen Ishi Poruu

Earth Style: Diamond Sarcophagus - Chikyu Mihon: Daiyamondo Sekken

Earth Type: Diamond Shield - Chikyu Mihon: Daiyamondo Tate

Time Secret Technique: 5 Second Freeze - Jikoku Kakushigoto Jutsu: Go Kaiioe Hyouketsu

Ancient Curse: Eternal Sleep - Furui Akuba: Hateshiganai Nemuri