Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto Dragon Champion ❯ Swords Clash Kusanagi VS Holy Talon Part 1 ( Chapter 7 )

Naruto - The Twin Swords

 

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Naruto, or the characters involved in the series.

 

Chapter 7

 

Part 1

 

Swords Clash… Kusanagi VS Holy Talon

 

( ): Thoughts

 

((“ “)): Holy Talon's voice

 

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`Words are useful, but only for politicians, diplomats, and pacifists…I am none of those things. I am a warrior and a Dragon Champion who faces you're kind to stop you're madness and desires for power…words are not for you or me….'

 

`Whatever you wish to say, say it with you're swords…and I shall answer with mine!'

 

Words of a Holy Dragon Champion before attacking an army of Chaos Dragon followers and warriors…

 

----------

 

The outer area of the Forest of Death…

 

Naruto looked on at the massive battle-ground and had to admit the place was certainly far from peaceful. There were giant centipedes all over the place and sure enough he spotted a bird that landed there…and was soon eaten by a massive snake. The other Genin also saw that and they were far from comfortable.

 

“Man…this forest is really starting to creep me out.”

 

Sakura said while Sasuke looked on.

 

((“The place certainly deserves it's name…I can feel the aura of death all over the place Master Naruto…it reminds me of the many battle-grounds I've been in when I was still in my world, and the numbers of people from the races who died there…this is not a place for the unwary.”))

 

Naruto didn't reply and Anko took the time to speak.

 

“Well, this is the Forest of Death, and soon enough, you're going to find out why.”

 

Naruto however, snorted and replied.

 

“I am not going to let that scare me…no way have I come this far to be scared of whatever's inside that place. I nearly got cut in half by Zabuza's sword and I'm still alive, so I can handle whatever's in there!”

 

Anko gave a smile at that.

 

(So what I heard as a rumor was true…he's the one who fought Zabuza, I guess those traders who came in here were not pulling my leg. So we have a tough guy here eh?)

 

“Oh…really now? You're a tough guy aren't you?”

 

Naruto stood there as Anko took out a kunai and threw it right at him, the weapon his Naruto on the cheek and struck the ground and hit the clothes of one of the other Genin, this one had the forehead protector of the Hidden Grass Village.

 

Anko then appeared behind Naruto and spoke in her playful tone, though a bit darker and more seductive.

 

“You're a real tough guy huh? Well then, are you tough enough to handle this? You're not afraid huh? Tough guys like you usually end up donating their blood to this forest, unwilling or not.”

 

Anko then took her hands on Naruto's blood, but Naruto didn't panic and merely turned and glared…making Anko curious…she got her answer as the blonde ninja faded and turned into a log…surprising her a bit.

 

(A replacement jutsu?)

 

 

“Then I guess the forest will have to wait, because I'm not in the mood to donate my blood to it for any reason, and no way am I planning to die today, or any day for that matter…and if you wanted to find out if I'm a tough guy, you could have asked.”

 

Anko looked and found herself with Holy Talon's released blade right below her chin, and Naruto held Holy Talon in his left hand in a reverse grip. Anko then noted that her kunai had indeed hit Naruto as he had the same cut on his face when she struck him with the kunai and it was still bleeding a bit. She smiled a bit at that and gave Naruto a smile.

 

“Well…it seems Ibiki was right about you…you are different.”

 

Naruto grinned slightly and removed the Holy Talon and then moved it behind him and took the weapon in his right hand and then with a quick move, placed back the sword into his sheath. He fingered the gash on his cheek and shook his head as he looked at Anko who smiled back right at him. Anko then turned around with a new kunai in her hand and both she and Naruto saw the Grass Genin using his tongue like a second hand…much to the surprise of the others…and their looks of being scared by the whole event.

 

Anko gave a smile at the Grass Genin and she spoke to the person.

 

“You know…it's considered very bad manners to just sneak up on a person like that.”

 

The Grass Genin smiled back and replied, despite the fact his tongue was very much out of the mouth and by normal terms the person would not be able to talk, but the Grass Genin did and with no apparent difficulty.

 

“I apologize…I was just returning you're kunai back to you.”

 

“Why thank you.”

 

Naruto looked on in shock and wondered just who the new one was. Holy Talon however glowed faintly as it sensed the aura of the person behind Anko. It was an aura of an evil and corrupt being…more than human at least….the evil the sword felt was near the level of a high ranking Chaos Dragon worshipper…this man or whatever he was…he was a threat.

 

((“Master Naruto…that one behind the female ninja named Anko, I can sense pure evil coming from him. We should be very cautious…I have a feeling it won't be long before we might end up fighting him. He might be after something”))

 

(Could he be after you?)

 

((“Possibly…but I doubt he's aware my…reaction to being held by someone of his nature. In either case…we will need to be careful.”))

 

As soon as things settled down a bit, though Sakura was really surprised by everything, Anko then described the rules and their objectives and when they found out that they were to be given consent forms just in case they were to die in the Forest of Death, they were even more concerned. They had to get one of two different scrolls, one was the Heaven Scroll, and the other was the Earth Scroll…they had at least five days to do it, and anything goes…meaning that they would have to fight the other half of the teams to get the scroll to complement their own…meaning that they would have to get the scroll anyway they could, and if they lost a team-mate or had an recoverable team-mate then they were out of the Chuunin Exam and if they were to open the scrolls while not in the tower, then they were going to be kicked out of the Chuunin Exams. Ino was surprised that they would have to survive there for five days and naturally Chouji was stunned on what they could find to eat. Anko then explained that this test is about how reliable you are to the team in your own fashion and to show to you're team-mates that they can rely on you when things get very difficult, as soon as Anko was finished her speaking of the objectives and of the rules, she then gave the consent forms to Naruto to pass along, and as the teams moved about with the consent forms in hand, she decided to grab Naruto for a bit and drag him away, Naruto was about to reach for Holy Talon when Anko spoke to him.

 

“Ah…no need for that today kid, I only want to talk to you.”

 

Naruto was not entirely convinced at that as he recalled how she had thrown the kunai at him.

 

Anko could see that and merely smiled even more.

 

“Don't be like that, after all, you said you were tough right? You can handle a simple cut like that one can't you?”

 

“I'm fine…so what is it you want to talk about?”

 

“I am very curious about that weapon of yours…it seems, I don't know….different. You mind letting me hold that sword of yours?”

 

Naruto was surprised and looked right at Anko and was wondering how this was going to turn out and took out the sword and let her hold it.

 

Anko held the sword and then to her shock, the sword suddenly seemed to weigh like a mountain and was sent crashing to the ground with a loud clang and startled her and some of the other teams, including the nearby Grass Genin team. As Anko recovered from the shock of the sudden change, the female Jonin grabbed the sword once more and tried to lift it….but the sword didn't even move a millimeter of the ground while the Jonin was using her full strength. Anko kept it up for a few minutes and then gave up and looked at Naruto.

 

“This sword's really stubborn, how are you even able to carry it in that sheath on you're back, let alone use it?”

 

Naruto grinned and picked up the sword and Anko saw that the sword was easily lifted by the blonde teen and she smiled at that.

 

(So he's really strong, I should have known with all those muscles in the right places he has…he's definitely tasty and the blood he has tastes…nice, a mix of hot and slight cold, but it's sweet, unlike anything I've tried before. Heheheh, I wonder how else he tastes… I'll enjoy this day a lot)

 

“Okay then kid, that's enough fooling around for you and me, better get ready and meet up with you're team, the time's running out.”

 

Naruto nodded and went back to his group, Sasuke was busy figuring out all the details and getting an understanding of what was awaiting them, while Ino and Sakura were in the middle of another argument, while Chouji and Shikamaru watched, still trying to figure out the two former friends in their childhood days. However in this case, Ino was not happy with Sakura now being with two hot guys, while Sakura, despite still being unsure on how she should act with Naruto now, decided to use Ino's jealousy to her advantage and tease her rival once more.

 

Hinata was busy reading her own consent form and was in her own frame of thoughts when Naruto walked over to her.

 

“Hey Hinata, what are you doing there?”

 

The Hyuuga heiress looked and blushed at her crush as she faced him.

 

“I…I was…just…thinking about…um…”

 

Naruto shook his head and wondered if he should ask Hinata what seemed to be bothering her, but decided against it as Hinata then spotted the cut on his cheek from Anko's attack before and she reached for a pack of healing ointment…as soon as she found it she was about to offer it to Naruto, but Naruto spotted that his team was now getting ready to get the scrolls. To ensure that the scrolls were not seen along with the team that had a particular scroll, the stalls were covered by shutters.

 

Naruto spoke to Hinata as she was about to give him the ointment.

 

“Sorry Hinata, but it's time to begin, I wish you good luck and be safe, okay?”

 

Hinata wordlessly nodded as Naruto left and looked at the container of healing ointment she had, she made sure to pack more than one if she and the others needed it, and she knew she could always spare one for her crush…but it seemed that she would have to wait for a better time to give it to her crush.

 

(I'll just hold onto this until we meet again, Naruto-kun…and be careful.)

 

As the various teams were each handed the scrolls of either Earth or Heaven, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were then handed the Earth Scroll. The other teams were also ready, Kiba was very much ready as he gloated about them being the best in survival training, while Shino was silent the whole time, Kiba then told Hinata to be strong, which the shy girl replied back as best she could, Ino was ready as she didn't plan to lose to Sakura just yet, while Shikamaru commented that they should try taking the scroll they need from any of the weaker teams except Naruto, Chouji wasn't very concerned with such matters as he was busy checking the rations he had been able to have with him, Tenten was smiling as she got her weapon scrolls ready, lee promised his idol and squad Leader Gai that he would make him proud, while Neji was calm and ready to get things started. Dosu, Zaku, and Kin were also ready to do what they came to do, they had an objective to accomplish and they were more than ready to do it, Temari, Kankurou, and Gaara were ready as well, though Kankurou was not happy with not only working with those younger than him, but being close to his mentally unstable brother, Temari kept the peace as best she could between Gaara and Kankurou and knew that things were going to be long. Kabuto was also with his two team-mates as well and they were more than ready for fight.

 

The Grass ninja, including the one with the very flexible tongue then spoke to her two comrades that they would only need to focus on one team in particular.

 

“They are the ones we should take out first, they shouldn't be any trouble…even with that blonde with the sword.”

 

“I agree there…they will be easy for us to deal with.”

 

“Their scroll is the only one we need to concern ourselves with at the very moment, wait until we have a clean shot at them.”

 

As soon as Anko saw that the time was right on the dot for the second half of the Chuunin Exams to begin, she gave the order to have the chains removed and their padlocks opened and then she shouted for the teams to begin the second half of the Chuunin Exams. The teams moved into the Forrest of Death and since there were large numbers of gates that were around the walls that surrounded the Forrest. The other teams rushed in, while Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura moved in on their own pace.

 

The second half of the Chuunin Selection Exams were now underway as Anko looked at the Forrest and wondered how things were going on in there.

 

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Kiba, Shino, and Hinata were already making their traps as fast as they possibly could so as to trap any of the Genin teams, once they were done they decided to lure in their first catch of the day. Before they did so, Hinata used her Byakugan to do the scanning and find their targets, once she saw a few heading their way, they went quickly to work in setting up a trap… and they didn't have to wait very long as nearby, a Rain Genin team was getting ready to ambush the trio…despite the fact that they were already walking right into one themselves.

 

As Anko heard the screams she smiled at that and made her enjoyment known at the proceedings, it was not that he loved needless death, but only when she knew that they were now aware of how serious a ninja had to be when facing the enemy to accomplish a mission.

 

“Well now…it seems the fun's started after all.”

 

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Naruto and his group were moving about and when they head the screaming, Sakura was getting worried.

 

“This place is really freaking me out, I just we can find a team with the Heaven scroll and then find out where the Tower is, the sooner we're out of here, the better off we'll be.”

 

Sasuke said nothing, but Naruto was wary…Holy Talon wasn't kidding as even he could sense the aura of death in this place, but that was not going to frighten him, oh no….he was here and now, no sense trying to back away from this. He then sensed something weird following them.

 

“Guys…we're being watched.”

 

Sasuke and Sakura took out their kunai and sure enough, several kunai came right at them…but amazingly enough, they were aimed at Naruto, the blonde blocked the incoming weapons with Holy Talon, but it was then that there were several explosive tags on the kunai, the group had to scramble in different directions, and Naruto accidentally found himself falling into an underground cavern…while Sasuke and Sakura were in another part.

 

Sasuke shook his head clear and then spotted a Grass ninja facing them…the very same one that had handed Anko her kunai. The two Genin got ready to fight with their kunai, but the Grass ninja seemed unconcerned and smiled at Sasuke.

 

“Hello Sasuke-kun, I had been wondering when I'd meet you face to face.”

 

“Who the heck are you?”

 

“Wouldn't you like to know…I will tell you my name when I think you are ready, but before that. I would like to see just how strong you really are…especially when I do this!”

 

The Grass ninja swallowed his scroll and then looked right at the two Genin with a very sadistic smile.

 

Sasuke and Sakura were suddenly thrown into a strange state of mind and then…

 

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In the cavern…

 

Naruto got up and tried to find his way out of the cavern, Holy Talon then glowed simple shade of soft green light to illuminate the cavern. Naruto knew that now was no time to relax, for all he knew, his companions would already be under attack by whoever found them. He knew Sasuke could handle himself well enough, it was Sakura that concerned him the most right now since he knew that she was not that skilled in other ninja skills, including Taijutsu. He had to find a way out and fast.

 

((“Master! We're not alone!”))

 

Sure enough, Naruto turned and managed to avoid the mouth of the largest snake he had ever seen in his entire life! It was even bigger than the one he had seen before outside the Forest of Death.

 

“You've got to be kidding me!!!”

 

The snake continued to pursue Naruto as he tried to keep away from winding up like the bird before. Holy Talon scanned the snake and realized something.

 

((“Master Naruto…that snake was summoned here, it's not a real snake!”))

 

(What?!)

 

((“I can sense another presence…but it's…no, that aura I sense is that of the same person we saw before…”))

 

(The one with the weird tongue?)

 

((“Yes…he's with Sasuke and Sakura…they are in danger!”))

 

Naruto turned and managed to slash the snake's lip with Holy Talon, drawing blood from it and forcing the snake to back away from him, though only for a moment. It was then that Naruto decided to kill this thing before things got really out of hand.

 

He attacked the snake and it opened it's mouth and was about to swallow him, but he allowed it to do so as he ran up and jammed his sword right through the roof of it's mouth. The Holy Talon sliced through the creature like it was merely made of paper and the creature faded away into a large explosion of smoke. He wasted no time and managed to locate a rise of ground with earth and stone that allowed him to leave the cavern, though his explorations and battle with the summoned snake had sent him too far away to reach them in time.

 

He rushed back to Sasuke and Sakura and managed to spot them, but they were being pursued by the same Grass ninja he had seen before and this time he was riding yet another massive snake. Naruto didn't waste any time and rushed in.

 

The Grass ninja stopped his snake summon as Naruto then pointed Holy Talon at him, the weapon was then released, but instead of falling to the ground as most normal swords did, Holy Talon remained afloat and then Naruto made some gestures and the blade spun and was soon turned into a spinning blade of death that Naruto sent right at the Grass ninja, the weapon was evaded, but the weapon sliced through several trees with no problem and then with the keenness of a boomerang, the weapon returned to Naruto and he caught it at the handle and faced his new foe.

 

----------

 

Several ninjas were busy doing routine examinations, but they then discovered something very sickening near the Forest of Death and called the nearest senior Jonin on sight as they examined the bodies of what appeared to be three individuals.

 

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In the Forest of Death…

 

Naruto took a deep breath as he stood with Holy Talon in a two handed grip and was in a defensive posture before the Grass Ninja who smiled warmly at him and his team in a VERY creepy fashion that was beginning to make him sick for some reason. This guy was now on top of the largest snake summon he had ever seen…even bigger than either natural ones he had see, or the one that tried to make a meal out of him in the cavern earlier. The Grass ninja then spoke to them.

 

“I must admit Naruto-kun, you certainly are different from what I've heard…does that have something to do with that beautiful sword you recovered from Wave Country?”

 

“What do you want from us you snake summoning freak? I know for a fact that if you were here for our scroll, you would have already gotten it and left…but you're still here, so what is it you want?”

 

The Grass ninja laughed and replied.

 

“My, my, such language…if you want to know why I am here…then it's very simple…I want Sasuke-kun…and you're precious Holy Talon.”

 

Naruto roared in anger at that and lashed out with an energy attack with a swipe of Holy Talon as the sword glowed briefly and the energy was released.

 

“Over my rotting body are you getting either my team-mate or Holy Talon you freak!! DRAGON WAVE!!!”

 

The energy attack struck forward and the Grass ninja merely moved aside on his snake summon, but he looked as a nearby tree, about the width of the tower in the middle of the Forrest of Death was hit by the wave and was blown cleanly into splinters as the wave didn't dissipate like the one Naruto had used before. The Grass ninja raised his eye-brows at that and then attacked with his snake summon, while he spoke to Sasuke and Sakura.

 

“I shall be with you two shortly…I wish to see just what else you're comrade is capable of.”

 

With that, Naruto was being pursued by the snake summon and the destruction was getting way out of hand. Naruto leaped, flipped and evaded the snake as the thing was smashing through the place like a boulder running down the side of a mountain in a rock slide. Naruto managed to flip backwards as the snake smashed into a tree with mouth wide open and fangs aimed right at him. The blonde ninja then dived downward, with Holy Talon in a reverse grip and intending to stab the guy right on the top. However the Grass ninja moved aside as the blonde ninja drove the sword right into the skull of the snake summon.

 

The snake trashed about wildly and Naruto was forced to hang on for dear life on Holy Talon and when the snake reached it's death throes, it tossed Naruto aside and the blonde ninja landed feet first and skidded a bit back his team mates. He got up and then summoned the same silver-green flame that he used to heal Sasuke before in Wave Country and was able to rejuvenate himself back into the fight. He then spared a quick glance to Sakura and Sasuke and was not liking what he saw in their eyes.

 

“Run Naruto! There's no way we could take this guy head on!”

 

Naruto was stunned at the utter fear Sasuke had in his eyes and voice…and he was getting annoyed.

 

“Since when have I ever run from a fight Sasuke?! Stop spouting nonsense and get you're act together and start getting ready to fight!!!”

 

“You idiot! That's no normal Genin from Hidden Grass we're fighting!!! He's not in our league…you can't possibly beat him…we should just give him the scroll…it will be…”

 

SMACK!!!

 

Naruto looked as he punched Sasuke in the cheek and knocked the Uchiha back to the ground. The Uchiha was stunned by that blow and looked at Naruto, who growled back at Sasuke.

 

“Who the heck are you?! The Sasuke I know would never act like this and give up now…I don't give up and neither does he…and what makes you think that bastard's going to let us walk away alive once he has our scroll?! For all we know, he could very well kill us the minute he gets it!”

 

“You shouldn't bother with Sasuke-kun for the time being Naruto-kun…you should deal with me.”

 

Naruto turned and got into his defensive posture as the Grass ninja came out once more from the rubble and dust the dying snake summon had sent out. To the surprise of Sasuke and Naruto the man opened his mouth and a snake once more appeared out from that snake came a glowing blade with a cyan color and the blade was long and soon came out with a hand guard and handle that were in reptile like design. The guy took the sword into his hands and then got to face Naruto.

 

“I want to see how good you really are Naruto-kun…come on.”

 

“You arrogant bastard…I don't know what you did with Sasuke and Sakura-chan while you sent that damned snake at me before to eat me…but I am going to make sure you regret every second of it.”

 

Naruto suddenly glowed a haze of light and the Holy Talon glowed with pure golden flame and the jewel like eye in the hand guard opened once more and Naruto's own eyes glowed brightly with a mix of sapphire blue and shining silver light and when that happened, Naruto unleashed a massive wave of pure chakra and mystical energy all over the place like a shock-wave.

 

The Grass ninja was smiling widely at the amounts of power coming out from Naruto's Holy Talon, and despite the fact that he was nervously twitching at the power, he was ecstatic as well as he sensed the power.

 

(Such power…such raw, untamed power…it's beautiful!!!!! I must have it!!!!! I will have both the Sharingan of Sasuke-kun and the power of Holy Talon!!! With both…I shall be truly unstoppable!!!!)

 

The intense chakra energy that Naruto was unleashing along with the mystic essences of Holy Talon got the attention of just about every Genin Team in the area as they felt the tsunami of power coming from where Naruto's team and the Grass Genin were fighting.

 

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Gai's team…

 

Neji and his team of Tenten and Lee were suddenly stopped in their tracks as they felt the chakra waves moving through the Forrest. Both Tenten and Lee were nearly knocked down by it and when Neji used his Byakugan to try and locate the source of the chakra…he had to shut off his Byakugan because the sheer power was enough to nearly blind him.

 

“Where is that coming from?! I've never felt that much chakra before in my whole life?!”

 

“I agree…even I can feel it….it makes my skin tingle and my muscles twitch, Neji, can you find the source?”

 

“I can't…the sheer power of that chakra wave nearly blinded my Byakugan…but we can sense it at least…it's there on that side of the Forrest, we had better get moving and find out what it was.”

 

The three senior Genin made their way to where the source was.

 

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Kurenai's team…

 

“You sense that?”

 

Hinata said as she covered her eyes as she tried to recover from nearly being blinded when she accidentally looked at the direction of the charka explosion. She had been using her Byakugan to seek out any Genin teams that could be after them, and when she saw the chakra wave with her Byakugan she was stunned and thankfully was able to deactivate her Byakugan since the immense chakra wave would have blinded her considerably.

 

“Yes…whatever source that chakra is coming from…it is massive.”

 

Shino replied as his Destruction bugs were telling him how disturbed they were when they were able to sense the massive waves of chakra that came spilling out towards them. He then decided to send out a few of his bugs to try and locate the source of the immense chakra.

 

“We'd better check it out…but we have to be careful, I don't know what that source is…but it must be very powerful have that much energy in it.”

 

Shino and Hinata nodded as they all made a beeline to where the massive amount of chakra had just suddenly came from.

 

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Asuma's team…

 

“Did you guys feel that?”

 

Ino asked as she, Chouji, and Shikamaru were busy trying to locate a new scroll for them to add to their scroll to complete and then make their way to the tower, they had a bit of a problem when Chouji decided to eat and they had to avoid another Genin team that came at their direction. But they were also looking for a good target when they sensed the sudden chakra explosion.

 

Shikamaru nodded and Chouji did as well, though the pleasantly plump member of Asuma's team was still munching away, only this time, he was eating several slices of cake.

 

(Author's notes: How that guy's able to stuff cakes, chips, and whatever food he has into a pouch that size….I'll never figure it out.)

 

Ino then went on her way to check it out…whatever it was that she sensed, it got her attention big time. Shikamaru shouted for her to wait up as he went after her and Chouji followed along as well, for once, putting aside his food to follow his team-mates.

 

----------

 

Kabuto sensed the chakra explosion and decided to head over there and take a look, he had a feeling things were about to get very fiery in that side of the woods.

 

----------

 

Gaara. Kankurou, and Temari also sensed it, just as Temari managed to calm both her brothers after Gaara dispatched the three Waterfall Genin that tried to kill Gaara and take the scroll from them. Gaara was the first to sense it and quickly ignored Temari's pleading as he went ahead to find out that source of chakra and energy, leaving Temari and Kankurou little choice but to follow him.

 

----------

 

Dosu, Zaku, and Kin also sensed the chakra wave and headed in that very same direction.

 

----------

 

Back outside…

 

Anko was not happy as she was informed of the discovery of the three bodies, all brutally murdered, while death was not surprising to the Special Jonin, it was the manner of their deaths that concerned her. Their faces appeared to have been…melted right off of them. That sounded very familiar to her for some reason, though why she didn't know just yet.

 

As soon as she and the other Chuunin examined the bodies, they discovered that they were Chuunin Exam registrants from Hidden Grass, and when they saw just who the dead people were it all came back to Anko just who was in the Forest of Death.

 

(It's him…damn it!)

 

“He's here in the Forest of Death with the Genin…we don't have time, I want two squads of ANBU called in and ready to move into the Forest of Death and several of you inform Lord Hokage of this!!!”

 

She turned around and opened one of the gates while saying to the Chuunin that she was going to deal with the Grass ninja. It was at that point that she too felt the chakra explosion and she picked up the pace as she needed to know just what the hell was going on.

 

----------

 

Back in the battle-ground…

 

Naruto's massive chakra release was finished as he was now back to his normal self but his eyes were different as they were still glowing in the silver white and sapphire blue shade and the golden flame of Holy Talon faded as the sword was now free from the golden flame but the jewel-eye was still open as Naruto then raised the sword, placed his feet apart and held the sword to his side. The Grass ninja pulled the sword off the ground and smiled warmly and then flicked the sword in a salute.

 

The other Genin teams who were able to arrive there watched as the two looked at one another more and then the Grass ninja then charged at high speed, nearly fading from sight, stunning the others and then he appeared on Naruto's left with his glowing sword about to take Naruto's head off with a slash…Sakura screamed out towards Naruto seeing the danger her team-mate was in.

 

“NARUTO!!! LOOK OUT!!!”

 

Naruto then moved as fast as she had ever seen him move and blocked the attack and with the same speed that gave him the ability to match his foe's pace, moved and lashed out with a kick and slash combination that forced his attacker back, he took the fight to the Grass ninja with a forward leap and with both hands on his sword and over his head spun his sword around him, forcing the ninja to move back and as Naruto completed the first 360 spin, he moved to the right with the sword in a single hand grip, the Grass ninja blocked the attack with his own sword as Naruto used his left hand to stop moving on the ground and then got to his feet.

 

As soon as he was on his feet, Naruto unleashed several powerful and swift strikes with Holy Talon, a few slashes and then thrusts, the Grass ninja then blocked and retaliated with his own sword strikes, that were also in slashes and thrusts, which Naruto managed to bloc, dodge, and parry, but the Grass ninja was far from finished as he forced Naruto back and then opened his mouth and fired out a sword from his stomach, forcing Naruto move aside as the weapon sailed past him, but he watched as it became a snake and then it slithered back towards it's master and slithered into the Grass ninja's leg. That made Naruto sick and more angry as the Grass ninja charged with his sword and they were now trading blows with one another.

 

The sword the Grass ninja wielded was strong…very strong, but the Grass ninja was now being a bit careful as there appeared to cracks on the sword despite the glowing blade. The blonde ninja wasn't letting up as he attacked with a leaping slash to the neck that forced his foe back.

 

Naruto was using one of the sword fighter essences that Holy Talon stored inside of itself, and though it was not a high level essence, the spirit of the sword fighter was a formidable one as Naruto went back to his defensive posture. The Grass ninja also placed his sword in a defensive position and both looked at one another…Naruto gritted his teeth and glared darkly at his foe…while the Grass ninja smiled back.

 

The blonde ninja's concern was not just to beating this snake summoning ninja, but to protect his team-mates, recalling Haku's advice to protect those dear to him with all that he had. He hoped to meet Haku again someday and they could become friends…but he had never seen him since that day they met in the forest in wave Country.

 

He put that aside as he spared a glance towards Sasuke and Sakura, the two were now all right, but Sasuke was still out of it though his leg was no longer bleeding as Sakura managed to tend to it. He could see that Sakura had at least recovered her wits while still shaken, but his other team-mate was another matter entirely.

 

(What the hell did that bastard do to them?!)

 

He had no time to figure it out as the Grass ninja attacked once more and he was forced to block the attack, the two then locked their swords and tried to push one another back, Naruto knew that he could hold it off, but it would be only resulting in a draw. He forced the ninja back and lunged right at him with a powerful slash, the Grass ninja used a replacement jutsu on him as he struck down a tree with one swipe…Holy Talon tore through the tree with a clean slice and little sound, Naruto turned around and the tree fell down behind him as he then spoke in the same archaic tongue as before…catching the Grass ninja off guard and that was enough as he brought the sword on a diagonal slash though he was far from his foe.

 

The Grass ninja was about to laugh and taunt him when a tongue of white flame lashed out from the sword in the shape of a Dragon's head with it's mouth open. The white flame moved like a snake striking at a foe and the snake summoning ninja was smiling at the power this unexpected attack had. The Dragon made of white flame smashed into a mess of trees, covering them in white flame when he was able to evade it, though barely as a part of his clothes were burned completely to cinders by the white flame. The trees were immediately burned and quickly reduced into ash. The snake ninja w\then attacked, but before h closed in, he unleashed several more snakes from his left hand that he aimed outward and the snakes then opened their own mouths and blades came out of them. Naruto moved aside and with one powerful slash…cut the snakes and then the man's arm off at the elbow. Naruto rolled away to the ground to avoid the slash that went overhead. He rolled to his feet and was now in the same posture he had used back in Room 301 against Dosu and his team.

 

The Grass ninja smiled and to the shock of Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, the man used snakes once more and somehow grew back his slashed arm.

 

((“This man's tough, I've seen regeneration techniques before in the many battles I have been in…and while that one's new…there's no doubt he is gifted with the skill of regeneration.”))

 

(Can we beat him?)

 

((“Yes we can Master Naruto, despite that ability, regeneration has limits, I have no doubt after tasting my edge, our foe has an idea what can happen if I struck him in a vital spot. Even that sword of his…while powerful in it's own right, will not stand up to me for too long.”))

 

It was true as despite his calm and amused face, the Grass ninja was impressed as it seemed to take a bit longer for him to heal and regenerate his wound and grow back a new arm. And the Holy Talon was proving to be a deadly weapon as he saw through the glow of his sword and saw the damages as they were now more serious.

 

(My sword, the Kusanagi is a legendary weapon…nothing can ever break it and it can slice many things…yet Holy Talon is able to not only withstand the cutting power of my sword…but it can damage it as well and show no damage on it's own…not even a scratch or nick…Naruto-kun…that weapon WILL be mine…even if I have to pry it loose from you're cold and dead hands!!!)

 

“You had enough yet Naruto-kun?”

 

“Never, you sick demented freak of a ninja!”

 

“Brave words indeed, perhaps you should know who I am before we continue…”

 

“I don't need to know you're name you bastard…the only thing I want to know is what have you done to my team-mates!”

 

“All right then…I merely used a Genjutsu to play on their fears…and as you can see…the trick worked nicely, though they have broken free, they are still affected by it.”

 

Naruto gritted his teeth and tightened his grip on Holy Talon.

 

“I'll make you pay for that…”

 

“Then come and get me Naruto-kun.”

 

The two ninja then fought once more with slashes and thrusts while the other Genin teams the two fight, Sasuke was still locked in fear while Sakura tried her best to snap him out of it. No matter how skilled Naruto was with Holy Talon, Sakura was still afraid for him, as despite his ability, the Grass ninja was no fool. They had to help him somehow, but she knew she couldn't go at it alone and tried her best to snap Sasuke out of his stupor.

 

Naruto blocked another slash to his face and moved in close as the two ninja were now back to back with one another, Naruto used his left arm to block any attack with the left arm of the ninja, while he used his right to prevent an attack with the right arm as well. The Grass ninja was enjoying this fight as he too tried to force Naruto back and keep him from making a strike…the two then moved away as Naruto rolled forward and then turned to fire several shuriken at the Grass ninja, the ninja sliced the shuriken with his sword and then fired out another band of snakes that launched forward and blades extended out from their mouths…and this timer there were hundreds of them.

 

Naruto placed his left hand on the blade and focused his chakra into Holy Talon and with then fired a slash that glowed dark blue and out of the light came several glowing blades that smashed into the wave of incoming snake summons.

 

“DRAGON FANGS!!!!”

 

The glowing blades struck the snake wave with explosive force and destroyed them, sending the snakes flying and being destroyed by the force. The Grass ninja was not disturbed by that and then tossed his sword right at Naruto, and forced him to flip backwards to avoid it, however, he was about to attack when Sakura shouted a warning.

 

“NARUTO!!! IT'S COMING BACK!!!!”

 

Naruto looked and saw the Kusanagi flying back at him and he was able to block the attack quickly, but the Grass ninja moved at that time and landed a kick to Naruto's side and then used a nerve strike to force Naruto to release Holy Talon. The blonde ninja was knocked aside as Holy Talon was now embedded into the ground.

 

The Grass ninja laughed deeply and then smiled at Naruto.

 

“Most impressive Naruto-kun…you are truly stronger than I thought you to be…but now you're sword, you're precious Holy Talon belongs to me. I am Orochimaru by the way…you may not want to know my name, but I want you to know it either way.”

 

The Genin teams gasped at that, they all heard about Orochimaru, the traitorous S-ranked ninja of their village. He had done horrible deeds while still in the village for which he was banished and was no longer welcomed in Konoha, but so skilled and powerful was he that no one today could hope to match up with him…yet Naruto was able to match him in kenjutsu, despite being caught off-guard.

 

As Orochimaru reached for Holy Talon after placing Kusanagi aside he eagerly reached for the handle to claim Naruto's sword, confident he could carry the weapon.

 

He had no idea just what fate awaited those who dared to hold the Holy Talon when they were of evil natures and hearts.

 

----------

 

Kakashi and the other Jonin were busy moving in the Hokage Tower when they spotted several Chuunin moving into the Hokage's private chambers. A few moments later, the Hokage came out with a look of utter seriousness and then called forth the Captain of the ANBU.

 

The ANBU leader listened and nodded as he and his subordinates moved to accomplish the Hokage's orders. Kakashi knew that things were not looking good and sure enough the Hokage looked out to a nearby window and gave a long sigh. The silver haired former ANBU walked over to the Hokage and asked.

 

“What's going on Lord Hokage?”

 

“An old enemy is back here in Konoha Kakashi…someone I thought I'd never see or hear from again.”

 

“What?”

 

“It's Orochimaru…he has infiltrated Konoha…and is in the Forest of Death as we speak.”

 

Kakashi's exposed eye widened at the revelation as he also knew just how powerful Orochimaru was as a legendary ninja and once had been a Hokage candidate but his desire and lust for power made him a poor choice, along with the horrible experiments he had done as well. But what would he be doing back here after so long…that is until Kakashi made a quick guess.

 

“He must be after the Genin!!!”

 

----------

 

Back in the Forest of Death…

 

The other Genin watched as Orochimaru got ready to hold Holy Talon. They were not liking this as things looked bad for Naruto and his group, Hinata was gasping and tried her best to not scream out, lest she would alert Orochimaru to her presence, the same could be said for the rest of the Rookie 9 since they knew that Orochimaru could easily slaughter them if he was so inclined to do so, the same could be said for Lee, Neji, and Tenten as they also knew just who Orochimaru was.

 

The Sand Siblings had actually arrived earlier and watched the fight from start to this point while the other Genin teams including the Rookie 9 had arrived at around half way of the fight. Gaara was as usual emotionless on the outside…but on the inside, he was very much impressed with the battle, and to think he would have missed it if he had followed Temari's advice and Kankurou's to the Tower. He had already acquired the other scroll by disposing of the weak Waterfall ninja that tried to fight him and he was about to hunt another team until Kankurou stopped him and got into a fight with his elder brother, only the advice of his elder sister stopped him.

 

Temari did not like the sight of this, and while she was feeling the urge to get involved, for some reason, she controlled herself as she might not be of much help in a fight like this. Kankurou wonder how this was going to turn out.

 

Naruto managed to recover himself, he countered the nerve strike the way Holy Talon had taught him and therefore, got some feeling back into his arm and looked at Orochimaru as the former Konoha ninja and traitor reached out to grasp Holy Talon.

 

As soon as Orochimaru touched the sword and gripped it in his hands, the still open eye glowed deep white and gold…and the entire sword was covered in gold and white flame the was seemingly alive and consumed the hand he had on him, and the flames spread rapidly, consuming Orochimaru's arm and then it spread rapidly through his body, consuming his right side with frightening speed and power.

 

The S-class ninja had no choice but to move away before the fires consumed him. As he did so, the flames continued to literally cook him as he managed to move away from the sword. The flames died as soon as he was able to escape, and unlike before when he was smiling, he now looked at his wounds in shock…the flesh appeared to be still burning and turning into glowing blue ash…and he looked at the Holy Talon as the jewel like eye in the hand guard seemed to GLARE right at him.

 

It was then that for the first time Holy Talon spoke to another apart from it's master, though it was still through telepathy. And unlike it's friendly, joking, slightly sarcastic, advisory, and trusting tone to Naruto…the voice that came to Orochimaru's mind was filled with absolute hatred, wrath, and power.

 

((“YOU DARE TOUCH ME?!?!?!? YOU ARROGANT WHELP!!!!!”))

 

Orochimaru's regenerative abilities began to kick in as his arm began to regenerate, but to his shock…at a very slow pace…the flesh of his body that had been saved showed deep signs of extreme burns and the smell was sickening…even for him. He looked at the surrounding and spoke.

 

“Where are you? Show yourself!”

 

((“I AM RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU, FOOLISH WRETCH!!!!”))

 

Orochimaru looked at his eyes widened as the Holy Talon was still bathed in flame and the voice he heard was indeed coming from the burning weapon. The snake summoning ninja watched as his wounds were now recovering at a much faster pace though not the same as the wounds he suffered from Holy Talon's defensive enchantments really weakened his healing gifts.

 

“How can a sword like you be alive?!”

 

((“I AM MORE THAN A MERE WEAPON FOOL!!!! AND YOU THINK I WILL SERVE ONE AS CORRUPT, EVIL, AND CONTEMPTOUS AS YOU?! NEVER!!! I SERVE ONLY MY CHOSEN WIELDER AND MASTER. AND THAT IS NARUTO UZUMAKI! I CHOSE HIM AND ONLY HE CAN USE ME IN BATTLE…YOU ARE A FOOLISH WHELP WHO THINKS HE DESERVES POWER…YOU ARE NOTHING TO ME…BUT ANOTHER FOE TO SLAY…YOU'RE KIND ARE NOTHING BUT EVIL STAINS THAT WILL BE DESTROYED, AND YOU THINK YOU ARE IMMORTAL?! I HARDLY THINK SO…TASTE MY FLAME AND MY EDGE AGAIN FOOL, AND WE SHALL SEE HOW IMMORTAL YOU REALLY ARE!!!”))

 

Naruto laughed and to Orochimaru's shock and that of the other Genin, including Sound and the sand Siblings the blonde ninja reached out with his right hand into the flames and held Holy Talon, the flames began to die down rapidly and when they did…Naruto was not harmed at all…even his clothes were not burned. The blonde ninja then spoke to Orochimaru…

 

“Hate to disappoint you snake bastard…but Holy Talon does NOT seem to like you and he won't obey you in the slightest…if you think you can take Holy Talon from me, then try it…with both hands this time.”

 

Orochimaru managed to smile despite his pain as his wounds took longer to heal, and as soon as he recovered, he glared at Naruto and at Sakura and Sasuke.

 

“You are truly interesting Naruto-kun, and you also Sasuke-kun though I have yet to see you in action…but if I can't have Holy Talon…I can always go for the next best thing.”

 

With that, Orochimaru unleashed several massive snakes from his left arm at Naruto, who quickly cut them, but they were just to distract him as Orochimaru then recalled Kusanagi and sent it right at Naruto, who was still distracted. The sword flew right at Naruto and he was too distracted with the new snakes to notice…the weapon was aimed right at his stomach…where the Kyuubi Seal was.

 

“NARUTO!!!!”

 

Naruto turned and spotted Kusanagi aimed at him…and there was no time.

 

(DAMN IT!!!)

 

SLISH!!!!

 

----------

 

The Genin Teams, with the exception of Gaara, and Sound looked on in shock and horror…

 

Naruto was also in shock and so was Sasuke…and for good reason…

 

Sakura was in front of Naruto…with Kusanagi buried in her stomach. She had rushed and got in front of the blonde ninja and pushed him aside and she took the strike of the Kusanagi, she wanted to help her comrades and saw that Naruto was about to be hit by the sword so she did what she could to save her team-mate.

 

The pink haired Kunoichi could only look at where the sword had pierced her in shock as blood began to flow out of her mouth. Naruto looked at her with wide eyes and intense fear and horror at what he had seen.

 

As she fell to the ground in shock…Naruto felt his anger reach new heights as he looked at his team-mate with the Kusanagi in her stomach and protruding out of her back.

 

“SAKURA-CHAN!!!!!!”

 

Orochimaru looked on, amused at what happened as Naruto got up and removed the weapon with his hands and tossed the sword aside. The blonde ninja was in a panic as he tried to help his team-mate. Sasuke at that moment recovered fully after another mental battle and saw what happened to Sakura. Sasuke got angry and then took out a kunai from his pouch and charged right at Orochimaru, much to the growing amusement of the S-ranked ninja. The Uchiha began using a variety of moves that were developed by his clan and managed to keep Orochimaru back and forcing him to be on the defensive. He even used the Fire Element jutsu to further even up the odds though Orochimaru was able to evade them despite his wounded and still recovering state.

 

All that didn't matter to Naruto at the moment as he cradled Sakura's head in his hands, the pink haired Kunoichi opened her eyes and smiled at Naruto despite the blood coming from her mouth. Naruto was in tears at this.

 

“I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I…please don't die like this.”

 

Sakura spoke despite the pain she felt at the moment.

 

“I…I'll be fine…I think the blade missed my vital parts. Hey, at least I'm not the damsel in distress this time…I wanted to help you and Sasuke-kun.”

 

“By getting yourself killed?!”

 

“No…by saving you…so you could save us.”

 

Naruto then reached out for Holy Talon. The sword then spoke to it's master.

 

((“She can be saved Master Naruto…we have to hurry while she still has strength left!!!”))

 

Naruto didn't hesitate as he summoned the silver-green flame as before…but the colors were even darker now and more pronounced as he placed Holy Talon on Sakura's stomach, and like before, the flame covered Sakura, but didn't harm her in the slightest as her body was now being mended, the Holy Talon's magic detected poison in her blood, but forced it out as the mystical healing flames sealed her internal wounds. Naruto looked at her while doing this and pleaded to her.

 

“DON'T DIE HERE SAKURA!!!!”

 

The flames faded and then Naruto listened to Sakura's heart-beat as best he could…and found it stable. Sakura opened her eyes a bit and smiled at Naruto as he smiled back and she closed her eyes.

 

(Holy Talon…is she…?)

 

((“She'll live…but she's really drained of her strength right now. She needs to rest soon and regain her strength.”))

 

Naruto nodded…relieved that Sakura was going to make it…he then turned to face Orochimaru as the ninja moved away from Sasuke. And with a roar, Naruto charged and was now alongside Sasuke as the two of them faced off with Orochimaru. Sasuke looked at Naruto and spoke…

 

“I'm no longer under the Genjutsu's effects Naruto, I wished it would have been sooner…let's deal with this guy.”

 

“Right then Sasuke…for Sakura's sake and our own...let's take this bastard down.”

 

Naruto and Sasuke nodded at one another and they then glared at Orochimaru who looked back as the two of them with a taunting smile each spoke in turn.

 

“You tried to break my will and make me insane with fear…”

 

“…and you nearly killed Sakura-chan to get to me.”

 

Naruto and Sasuke then charged at Orochimaru with their weapons in hand…Sasuke with his kunai, and Naruto with his Holy Talon.

 

“YOU ARE A DEAD MAN!!!!!”

 

----------

 

To be continued…

 

----------

 

Author's notes:

 

Well that wraps this part for now, we will see how Sasuke and Naruto fare now that they were going to double team Orochimaru.

 

I hope that this scene with Sakura being stabbed by Kusanagi doesn't get me into trouble with anyone, but it was a scene I knew I had to add in to add more mood to the story. And will the other Genin come in to help them?

 

That will be answered in the second part so we shall see my fellow readers!

 

For those of you who are wondering if Naruto and Haku are still friends, then the answer is still yes, it's just that since Zabuza pulled out early from the battle in Wave Country that Naruto does not know that Haku is the one who wore the mask. However, they will not be part of the Invasion and therefore, they will only be here to observe and not fight.

 

When they do appear, they will be at their best, and you can bet things will be different this time around. So don't expect them to be villains forever in this story…I have NOT forgotten how things turned out for the two of them back at Wave Country.