Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Inner Secrets ❯ Chapter 17

Disclaimer: I do not own the Naruto series.

 

Pairings: Kakashi/Iruka, Itachi/Naruto, Shikamaru/Neji, Sasuke/Gaara

 

Warnings: Violence, gore, language, sexual content, messed up plots and much more.

 

A/N: Woot! Those reviews just keep on pouring in! ^^ Now some of you people were sitting there after last chapter wondering why I choose Kimimaro, and the answer isn't anything deep, it's just… HE'S UBER PRETTY! And NO PRETTY BOYS SHOULD DIE! Yup, that's my reasoning; you are all free to doubt my sanity now. ^^ And on another note, someone was wondering if I would make this a threesome involving Naruto/Itachi/Kimimaro, and my answer is no. Itachi is possessive, meaning he'd have issues sharing our dear blond. Also, for those who were wondering, I do indeed create those never seen in manga or anime Jutsu. Anyways, thanks for all the wondrous words, they make me smile like an idiot as I look them over, causing the people in my History/French classes to look at me like I'm nutters. Which I am… But enough of this long-winded pre-chapter ramblings, on with the seventeenth chapter, as short as it may be,!!! XD

 

Previously:

“No, I just could feel the electricity in the air.” The young man explained with an uncaring shrug. “But we ought get out of this before it worsens our conditions.” He said before he turned to the side. “You may come out now.” He ordered, causing Naruto to blink as the darkly cloaked figure of Uchiha Itachi emerged from the trees, not even a drop of water on his person.

 

“Itachi-kun…” Naruto whispered as an image of his nightmare flickered over his eyes.

 

“Naruto-kun.” The Uchiha heir greeted with a slight nod of his head before crimson eyes met emerald. “Kaguya-san.” He nodded towards the silver haired man.

 

“Uchiha-san.” Kimimaro said with a nod of his head. “It has been quite some time since last we met.” The young man admitted as the crimson eyed young man approached them, the rain finally drenching him.

 

“Circumstances have likely improved much since then.” Itachi responded before he looked at Naruto and frowned. “You have gotten careless.” He said with a sigh as he pulled his black cloak, which had the distinct crimson clouds on it, from his shoulders and gently draped it around the shivering and pale blond who was far smaller then he.

 

“Sorry.” Naruto said softly as he allowed the taller and older Uchiha to secure his cloak around his cold frame. Blue eyes regarded the simply dressed attire of Itachi as the lightning illuminated him. He wore simple black linen pants and a tight black shirt. It was simply, but it suited him.

 

“It's alright. You shouldn't apologize for things beyond your control.” The man advised quietly as he turned his back to Naruto and knelt down, holding his arms out behind him in an indication for the blond to climb on. And clamber on he did, and once he was held securely, Itachi stood gracefully, not in the least bit phased by the slight weight of the blond on his back. “Kimimaro-san, I trust you know the best place to escape the storm in these parts?” He stated more then asked, cool crimson meeting equally cool emerald.

 

“Your presumption is correct as ever Itachi-san.” The silver haired teen responded as he took to the trees, Itachi following suite while Naruto simply placed his head upon Itachi's shoulder, allowing himself to relaxed, eyes closed, until he fell into a peaceful slumber, feeling secured in the arms of Itachi and under the watchful eye of his newest friend, Kimimaro.

 

Chapter 17

 

Lightning forked like a serpent's tongue through the blackened sky, illuminating the billions of falling rain droplets and outlining the drenched trees in a glowing sketch before darkness enshrouded the area once again as the sky unleashed a loud cracking boom that blared violently through the forest. The storm was a wrathful one. But the ruckus and rain did not phase the two tall and strong figures known as Uchiha Itachi and Kaguya Kimimaro.

 

“Kaguya-san… What are you hoping to gain from helping Naruto-kun?” Itachi inquired through the silence that was lurking thickly over their heads while Naruto slumbered on innocently, oblivious to the surroundings as he slept comfortably where he had been laid, next to a roaring fire deep within their securely placed cave.

 

“I have no personal gain left to achieve. My end is near, but I wish to protect his eyes. I don't want to see them grow dark and twisted.” The silver haired teen answered in all honesty as his green eyes regarded the outside weather impassively. “Why is it you care so much for him?” The young man countered after a moment of silence, causing the dark member of the Akatsuki to frown faintly.

 

“He is powerful… and will only continue to grow powerful. I wish to see his full potential…” The Uchiha answered uncaringly, earning an outlandish chuckle from the other conscious being.

 

“You don't sound so certain of that. Perhaps that isn't the only reason; maybe it is only a small part of a much larger picture. Ice can read Ice, and you and I are the same. I can see into your mind as you could likely see into mine. We are similar, meaning our thought process is likely to be as well. Had I been the one in your position I think it's because you have developed an attachment to him.” Kaguya Kimimaro said quietly, his words emphasized by a sudden bolt of lightning and thunder that shook the ground mightily.

 

Itachi regarded the green eyed teen thoughtfully, looking at him as though he had never before encountered the figure that stood so relaxed before him. “An attachment…” Itachi quietly tasted the words upon his lips before he moved over to the sleeping blond and sat down at his side. “Perhaps you are right, but there are so many meanings for that word. Are you able to tell which one it is that I hold?” The Uchiha heir inquired softly, causing the other to turn and observe him contemplatively.

 

“That… is something you need find for yourself. But know this; my life is Naruto-kun's. Should you or any other be a threat to him, I will eliminate you.” Kimimaro warned dangerously as a sudden flurry of wind whipped into the small cave they sat within, causing the flames to flicker and die under the damp force.

 

- - - - - - - - -

 

The five ninja from Konoha raced through the trees, each moving at a pace that was nigh invisible to the naked eye. They moved with not a sound, though even had they made a sound it wasn't likely that they would be heard over the bustling winds, pounding rain, and roaring thunder. It was turning into the worse storm any of them had ever before witnessed, perhaps it was an omen, but even if it was, they weren't ready to let it intimidate them. They had a mission, and it was a very important mission, especially to a certain Nara and Hyuuga.

 

The two aforementioned individuals came to a sudden halt, the other three following without a question and before them, standing on a branch some feet over them and several meters before them stood four individuals. The smallest of them was the only female in the group; the largest was a man that would be on par with the members of the Akimichi family, while a sickly looking one and a six armed one ranged between the sizes of their companions.

 

“It took you bastards long enough to get here.” Tayuya muttered in annoyance as she glared angrily at the assembled ninja from Konoha. “You do realize that if we wanted to, your friend would have been long dead before you assholes showed up?” She snapped mockingly, so as to emphasis how long the four of them had been waiting.

 

“Tch…” Shikamaru muttered in annoyance. He really hated the female population's tempers and behaviors, it was so irritating. “Where's Naruto-kun?” He demanded lazily as he tucked his hands in his pockets and stood slouching before them, looking as uninterested in the whole affair as would one who was watching old paint peel.

 

“Like hell we'd tell you that!” The female snapped earning sighs from her companions who didn't feel up with dealing with their fiery friend. “You pricks wanna know, then you'll have to beat us and find him.” She said with a smirk. “But you brats are weak, and you don't stand a snowball's chance in hell against us!” She concluded cockily as she flipped them off.

 

“Such youth!” Lee exclaimed sharply, his eyes focused on the girl. “I would be honored to clash fists with such a fiery soul!” Lee announced boldly as he struck a good guy pose and offered a shiny smile alongside his thumbs up. “We shall fight long and hard!” He said causing everyone to look at him as if he were somewhat touched in the head… which he probably was, judging by that green jumpsuit that he still wore, not to mention the hair and eyebrows…

 

“Kumoshibari!” The six-armed man shouted prior to spitting out a massive gob of spider webs that flung out and ensnared the five Shinobi with ease, holding them firmly and unmoving in their places, and despite their struggles, it wouldn't budge nor break.

 

“It is pointless to even try and escape.” Kidoumaru said with a twisted grin as he regarded the prey within his massive web. “No one has ever broken my threads let alone escaped them.” The man said with a cackle.

 

“Byakugan!” Neji muttered to himself as he observed the threads with his all seeing white eyes, the enemy unaware of his actions. A smirk graced his pale features as he expelled chakra from certain points on his body causing the spider threads to crack and fall from his form, leaving him free.

 

“How?” The man asked in shock as he saw his threads crumble around the white eyed teen, his words causing the rest to all look at the now free Hyuuga.

 

“You control the thread and their strength by the chakra you drive through them.” Neji surmised, earning him a slight smile from the Nara as the two shared an unnoticed look of understanding. “Meaning: that if I were to simply touch these threads I'd render them useless.” The Hyuuga lied as he touched the nearest in tact thread and channeled his chakra through the line, causing it to shatter and release his companions.

 

“So you are a master with chakra then?” The spider-man inquired with a glare as he eyed the dark haired young prodigy.

 

“I am that which I am, and my skills and abilities need not be confirmed with you.” The Hyuuga said with a smirk. “But I do suppose that your plan of picking us off while we were unable to fight back has just been destroyed. I'll be your opponent!” Neji concluded as he slipped into the Hyuuga Taijutsu stance with ease despite it having been a long time since last he walked those steps.

 

“Shino-san, I want you to remain as back up in these battles, to interfere should someone need assistance.” Shikamaru whispered quietly to the bug-user, earning a nod of understanding from the young man. “Sasuke-san, I want you to fight the large one, and I'll cover the sickly looking one.” The Nara instructed, earning nods from the others before he cast a sideways glance at his long time friend. `Neji-kun… stay strong…' He thought silently, knowing that his friend was far below par.

 

Shino took a step backwards and faded into a flood of bugs that flew off in all directions, leaving it to be four standing against four. “There goes your advantage in numbers. The coward fled!” Ukon said with a smirk as he looked at the lazy one that was regarding him. “I suppose you are my opponent.” He commented. “But you can't beat us!” The man said, his words causing the Nara genius to frown slightly.

 

Lightning divided the blackened sky and rain began to fall even more ruthlessly then before as the storm progressively worsened. The Konoha ninja stared down their opponents with unreadable expressions, while the Sound four merely looked agitated beyond belief over the circumstances.

 

Neji was the first to move, he slowly moved closer to his opponent, drawing all enemy and ally eyes to himself as he moved until he stood but five meters away from his opponent. He stood with ease on the large branch as he raised his left hand in a flat position. “You are within my divination.” Neji said quietly his words causing the others to all move forward to engage their foe.

 

With an unseen move, Neji launched himself forward, seemingly disappearing from the sight of all, causing everyone save Shikamaru to feel shock. “Hakke Hyakunijuuhachishou!” Neji's voice rang out coldly as he reappeared before Kidoumaru and looking like a beam of ever moving light he struck out at the six armed man and hit all points with precision before stepping back not a second after it began, just in time to watch the other soar backwards and crash firmly into a tree, while blood dripped from his mouth.

 

Everyone blinked in shock. That was their Hyuuga Neji, the guy that wasn't too tough as he lost to Naruto. “It is futile, no matter what you do.” Neji stated calmly as he regarded his foe slowly move to his feet.

 

“Fast prey, aren't you?” The spider-man asked as he wiped the blood away. The man went to open his mouth and froze as he suddenly began to hack up mass amounts of blood. “What the hell??!!” The man hissed between coughing fits.

 

“All your major organs have sustained mortal damage, and all of your chakra points have been sealed off to my will.” Neji explained calmly as the other growled and raged as he unleashed the first next level of his curse seal.

 

Kidoumaru morphed, his skin darkened, his muscles bulged as he skipped over the level one of his curse mark, moving directly to the second stage of it. All scratches and scrapes vanished from his form as he slowly pushed himself to his feet with a devilish grin marring his face. “You think you can win with just one pansy move?” The spider-man asked rhetorically, his voice filled with mocking scorn as he regarded his foe ruthlessly.

 

“Thought? Nope, I had merely hoped.” Neji said with a shrug as he stepped back a step, his left eye twitching slightly at the chill that ran up his spin, but that little twitch did not go unnoticed by the spider man.

 

A smirk twisted onto the man's face. “You're hurt aren't you?” He asked with a smug expression. “How delicious…Kumonenkin!” He called before forcing a spear of golden substance to shoot out of his mouth, pitching through the watery air, towards the Hyuuga.

 

White eyes widened slightly as he left to the side, the spear grazing his left thigh and drawing blood.

 

Neji winced as he landed, his leg throbbing in pain as warm and wet blood seeped from the wound and down his leg. `Damn, my reaction time is down lower than I anticipated.' The teen silently cursed as he grew colder. `I've already lost too much blood, if I do not finish this soon, this wound will get the best of me.' He thought with all seriousness, white eyes hardening.

 

“You're a quick one.” The man commented as he licked his lips in anticipation. “I love when prey decides to try and fight back. Kumonenkin!” He called again before releasing a barrage of golden spears from his mouth, one after the other, each one flying its own path towards Neji.

 

White eyes narrowed slightly as Neji took a deep breath. “Hakkeshou Kaiten!” He called before suddenly spinning like a top, moving so fast he was a blur or white light that deflected each and every spear that came his way, sending the solid golden metal rods flying. They impaled the ground and trees around him ruthlessly, cutting through everything like a hot knife through butter.

 

Neji slowly slowed to a stop, a light sheen of cold sweat upon his features, his breathing slightly labored. “I told you, it is futile, no matter what you do.” He said upon an even breath, sounding unfazed by his current condition. “Give into your destiny.” He said quietly, enjoying his old spiel of his, one that he loved using to make his opponent uneasy.

 

Kidoumaru began chuckling before it turned into full blown laughter. “You think you can beat me? Do you think I'm too blind to even see your weakened state?” The spider man asked mockingly as he launched out thousands of tiny webs that latched onto the Hyuuga, burying the teen in a white and sticky cocoon. “You are the one that can't win. You may have been able to destroy my webs, but this cocoon is impenetrable. Nothing can get in, and nothing can get out.”

 

“Hakkeshou Kaiten!” Neji's voice rang out from the cocoon before in exploded in a wave of goop, leaving not a hint of the sticky white substance on his person. “Nothing is impossible.” The Hyuuga prodigy advised breathlessly as he dropped to one knee, his vision faded on the edges.

 

- - - - - - - - -

 

Shikamaru leapt backwards as he dodged a barrage of kunai knives that dug deep into the tree branch he had just moved from. “Tch…” He muttered as he glared at his silver haired adversary who was launching continuous barrages of shurriken and kunai at him, all the while holding a smug and superior look.

 

The genius teen dodged another wave by ducking behind a tree, his hands moving through a simple and familiar seal, ending only when he barrel rolled out of his hiding spot, moving into a crouched position with his hands clasped in a well known technique. “Kage Mane no Jutsu!” Through the darkness of their surroundings, his shadow easily shot out in a blink of the eye, easily snatching onto Sakon's own.

 

“What the?” The young man asked as his body froze, not responding to his mind or will. “How does a pipsqueak like you know the body freeze technique?! That's Anbu level!” He asked as he tried to move his hand, though his attempt was futile.

 

“I'm not using that move.” Shikamaru said darkly just as thunder boomed ragingly around them. “This is a different move.” He said by way of explanation as he moved his neck to the side, cause the silver haired Sound ninja to mimic him. “Kage Kubi Shibari no Jutsu!” He added, causing a shadowy hand to rise up upon Sakon's body, moving steadily until the hand was firmly gripping the pale neck. And it squeezed, slowly trying to crush the captive's windpipe.

 

Choking sounds erupted from the pale man's mouth as the shadow's grip grew stronger and stronger, before the chocking gasps turned into smothered cackles. “What a devastating technique.” A voice, eerily similar to the chocking young man's, rose up as a face appeared behind Sakon, one that looked the same as the Sound ninja. Hands then pulled out of the man's shoulders, allowing Shikamaru to notice that the face he saw was attached by the neck to the other man's body.

 

Pale hands flew into seals and in a burst of smoke, the shadows held a wooden log, obviously taken from the environment. Shikamaru inwardly cursed as he released his techniques and leapt to the side just as a kunai struck the branch he had stood upon. The long haired Nara cursed silently to himself, inwardly wanting to be able to fight with his full potential, but with the clever minds and sharp eyes of Uchiha Sasuke and Aburame Shino watching him, he knew he couldn't lest he jeopardize all that he and his dear friends had done for the past few years.

 

Dark brown eyes darted to the side just as Neji kneeled down in a defeated position. “Shit.” Shikamaru said elegantly, inwardly knowing what he must do.

 

- - - - - - - - -

 

Crimson eyes swirled with black comas that span in a windmill of speed, seemingly blurring into a black circle within the iris. Their owner, dressed in clothes as black as night, seemingly blended into the stormy and dark air. His figure only illuminated by the flashing of lightning and the great flame attacks that he used often, just as many an Uchiha did before him. “Sharingan Soufuusha Sannatachi!” Sasuke's deep masculine voice called out as he released a windmill shurriken that shot out towards his heavy opponent.

 

Jiroubou dodged the shurriken with ease, but his narrow eyes widened as he saw the wires attached to that weapon seconds to late as they wrapped tightly around his frame in a deadly web that cut into flesh and help him in place. “Ryuuka no Jutsu!” Sasuke called through the wires he held in place with his teeth before he exhaled a mass breath of blue and white flames that speed across the metal heating it so fast that it melted into molten metal as the flame moved.

 

The intense flames hit Jiroubou burning the wires around him and much of his flesh, setting his clothing ablaze. “You can not withstand flame more hot then the magma of the earth.” Sasuke said cockily, a pleased smirk upon his lips before his hands flew through another seal. “Shunshin no Jutsu!” He muttered before he vanished in a swirl of wet leaves, only to reappear behind the naked enemy who was covered head to foot in severe burns. “You should have known not to play with fire.” Sasuke whispered in the man's ear, causing the man to tense with a visible cringe.

 

Before Sasuke could move, the man's skin started to bubble before healing itself at a rate he had only seen Naruto's wounds close at, but instead of returning to its old form, it grew dark and twisted as the man went to the second level of his curse seal, causing a jolt of pain to shoot from Sasuke's own curse mark, but it was steadily ignored.

 

“Rakanken Ryuu!” Jiroubou called out as he spun on spot. “HouShou!” He cried as he slammed his palm into the Uchiha's chest, sending the crimson eyed young man hurtling backwards through the arm, crashing through branches and trees alike, and yet before he came to a halt, the large Sound Ninja appeared beside him. “TokKen!” Was called before the man rammed his beefy shoulder into Sasuke, sending the handsome dark haired male soaring in another direction. “ShouShitsu!” Jiroubou yelled as he appeared below Sasuke and rammed his knee against the teen's back, before the Sound ninja vanished and appeared above Sasuke. “ShouGekiShou!” A palm connected with Sasuke's stomach, sending the Uchiha plummeting, but before Jiroubou could make his next move insects latched onto his person covering him from head to foot, leaving Shino to catch Sasuke in a rough landing.

 

Gently, the bug user set Sasuke down upon the ground, noting that the dark haired teen was still conscious, but was in no condition to continue fighting. It was his turn to step up to the plate.

 

- - - - - - - - -

 

“Konoha Senpuu!” Lee called as he did a running roundhouse kick towards Tayuya's head, one that the woman barely ducked under, causing the green jumpsuit wearing Taijutsu user to fly over her head, and land against a tree feet first for not even a second, before he spring-boarded himself of the tree, causing the tree to uproot itself and fall over with a boom that was lost to the thunder.

 

With twice the speed of his last attack, Lee launched himself forward, crashing his head against the woman's forehead, causing the girl to scream as she was propelled backwards, and a spray of blood leaving her forehead. “Bastard, she hissed as she skidded to a standing stop, the rain mingling with the blood, causing it to fall into her eyes and temporarily blind her.

 

- - - - - - - - -

 

A chilling air cut through the battlefield, causing everyone to suddenly look to the side. Upon a feeble looking branch stood three figures; though there was a fourth one in the arms of the one in the middle. The person to the left, was in a dark green cloak, the one to the white was in a white cloak, the one in the middle wore a black cloak, and within the middle one's arms, cradled gentle was a blond teen familiar to all those present.

 

“Oh shit!” Tayuya cursed with wide eyes as she realized who held the teen they had captured. “Ryoku no Kami!” She breathed in awe before exchanging a look with her comrades, earning nods from them all before the Sound four retreated, not wanting to anger legends.

 

Shikamaru blinked once, and then twice, not quite sure what to think of the whole picture upon the tree, before he flickered over to the Hyuuga's side, noting with great relief that the prodigy would be fine. “Thank you for rescuing Naruto-kun.” Shikamaru muttered as the trio flickered down to stand before him, the center one nodding in acknowledgment.

 

“We wish to have an audience with Hidden Leaf.” The Kage Gesshoku stated clearly, as Sasuke, Lee and Shino arrived behind the kneeling Shikamaru. “Will you take us?”

 

The Nara exchanged a look with the paler then normal Neji, before he nodded. “You rescued Naruto-kun, to grant you an audience would be the least we could do.” He answered, inwardly feeling this whole situation to be troublesome.

 

“I'll carry the dobe.” Sasuke said sharply, his hard eyes onyx once more as he stared down the most Legendary of all beings.

 

“As you wish, Uchiha Sasuke.” The Lord of all shadows muttered as he gently held the fragile blond out to the dark haired teen, who in turn took the blond with equal care…

 

- - - - - - - - -

The trek back to Konoha was quick and silent despite the resting Kyuubi host and the weak and wounded Hyuuga. The Ninja from leaf who knew not the identities of the real Ryoku no Kami were nervous and on edge, not knowing what to expect, while Neji and Shikamaru were curious to whether or not this was one of Orochimaru's twisted plots, or if it were the plan of their dear friend. The only way to know for sure would be to ask the blond, but he was still asleep and pale.

 

The great gates of Konoha loomed ahead, looking ominous to the black sky behind it. Thunder roared a greeting of their return, as they stepped within the village just as the storm raised its intensity. “To Konoha Hospital first!” Shikamaru ordered in a loud and firm voice that barely carried to the group over the wind, rain and thunder. Through empty streets they raced, dodging bolts of lightning that randomly struck the ground and buildings in a burst of flames that were doused not a second later.

 

They made it to the gloomy hospital with great speed, and they were met with Tsunade, Shizune and Heero, each looking as though they had anticipated their return at the time. “Place Naruto-kun on the stretcher.” The blond busty woman instructed sharply, inwardly withholding all shock and questions at the arrival of the three greatest legends of their age. “Shikamaru-kun, place Neji-kun on that stretcher.” She ordered, and both Sasuke and Shikamaru bowed to her will and did as she commanded before the two injured were carried off to rooms.

 

“Shizune and I will tend to them and once that is done we will all talk. Now go to my office, Heero-sama will accompany you.” Tsunade ordered before spinning off and speed walking in the direction her two newest patients were carted off in, leaving the rest standing in the entrance way of Konoha's hospital.

 

- - - - - - - - -

End of Chapter 17

Wow! Oh by the way, this thought just occurred to me. I received a complaint about having time skips, which is kind of an odd thing to hear criticisms about. So I'll just inform said individual that the time skips are placed for literary reasons. It provides mystery to things, and progresses the story through all the lackluster parts that are dry and trivial by every and all means; meaning that this story would be one hell of a long (not that it is short) bore. Frankly, I can't stand drawn out nothingness; I find it dull and non motivating. If you wish for one of those classroom tales, I advise you to look elsewhere as I will not provide torturous things such as that. I apologize if it seems rude, but you must understand that it is necessary to move the tale along.

Now that I'm done that rant, thanks for reading, and please review. (Oh and sorry for the shortness. -.-`)