Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Naruto Dragon Champion ❯ The Invasion begins ( Chapter 14 )

Naruto - The Twin Swords

 

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to Naruto, either the manga and the anime

 

Chapter 14

 

The Invasion begins

 

( ): Thoughts

 

((“ ”)): Holy Talon's voice

 

(((“ ”))): Death Fang's voice…

 

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`Never think that a battle is easily won even when you manage to catch you're foe off guard…for there is a truth in the words…'

 

`No plan will survive a direct battle with the enemy.'

 

`And when a plan is ripe…it can no longer be hidden from it's enemies…plan ahead and pray for the best…'

 

`That is all that matters once the battle is joined.'

 

Teachings of a General of Dagern…

 

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Konoha…

 

Naruto looked at the ring as he and the other people waited for the next match…he was also looking at none other than Gaara who was waiting patiently for his match. The fallout of his previous match was still fresh on the Dragon Champion's mind.

 

----------

 

Flashback…

 

The crowds were cheering as Naruto moved around and hammed it up without any problems to the situation, the cheers lasted for as long as the crowds were there and he enjoyed it immensely. As he walked back to the resting area for the rest of the competitors he was looked at by a lot by the spectators, namely of the female kind, his enhanced hearing picked up quite a few comments from the said spectators.

 

“Wow…that was the most awesome fight I have ever seen!”

 

“Yeah…he's on the track to be the very best he can be.”

 

“Wow…how did he get so strong?”

 

“He's really different from before…and a lot cuter too!”

 

As he walked there, he was greeted by Shikamaru and Shino and he smiled at them as they congratulated him for an unexpected victory over Neji of all people…even without Holy Talon besides him, he still won. He even got a smile from Temari when he came to the waiting area. Gaara on the other hand was looking at him with eager eyes…and Naruto looked right back at him with that same eager for battle expression.

 

(It must really piss off Gaara that he's not going to fight me of all people.)

 

----------

 

End of Flashback…

 

He had to admit that he was a bit disappointed when the match between Shino and Kankurou was not able to happen since Kankurou forfeited and that was something that troubled him, Holy Talon mentioned to him that something in Kankurou's thoughts was off. He agreed since having seen Kankurou take out Tsugiri before told him that Kankurou certainly had skill as a ninja and if he had withdrawn before the match even started…something was up with the situation and he didn't like the feeling.

 

He however got to see the battle of the brains and wits when it was Temari and Shikamaru's turn for their fight and of course Temari was eager for a fight and rode down her fan to the match arena and afterwards, Shikamaru was called in…and Naruto wanted to see this match so he gave a `gentle' nudge for Shikamaru to get into the ring…he had no doubt he was going to get a lot of flak from the lazy ninja, but there was nothing he could do at the moment.

 

The crowds were throwing garbage at Shikamaru…no doubt showing their disinterest in the match between him and Temari…but Naruto paid them no mind as he and Holy Talon were interested in seeing just how skilled these two ninja were.

 

The fight proved to be worth looking at in his mind as he saw some pretty interesting tactical moves by both Temari and Shikamaru as the lazy ninja decided to fight after Temari struck first to goad him into the fight… as he evaded the strike, he made the comment that while he was not interested in becoming Chuunin in the first place he was a man and a man was certainly not going to let himself lose to a woman as well…naturally Temari was far from pleased with that remark and vowed to pound his lazy former classmate into ground meat.

 

What followed was a very interesting fight as Shikamaru kept to the shadows and analyzed Temari's attack style…which Temari showed to be a real blast of air…literally as she used her massive fan to unleash powerful gusts of wind that had enough force to rip rocks off the ground and sent debris right at him.

 

Apparently Temari was more than looks and power as she revealed her own smarts as well, she knew fully well that if she decided to follow Shikamaru into the trees and into the shadows, then his Shadow Jutsu would be able to restrain her very effectively and she was not in the mood to do just that when she had the advantage in ranged combat…And Shikamaru knew that to be true as he decided to find a way to beat Temari, Naruto was interested to see just how Shikamaru would handle this mess, as he was more of the close combat type and Temari was the long range fighter…there was no way Shikamaru could use any shuriken or kunai since Temari could easily knock those aside with one swipe of her fan…evidenced by how easily she defeated Neji and Lee's team mate Tenten without breaking a sweat in the Preliminaries.

 

Shikamaru had used quite a number of tricks that he had to give the guy credit for and while had been able to finally corner Temari with the holes he had made in the fight with Neji, and have Temari at his mercy…he relented and called it quits…at first he was pissed that Shikamaru had thrown in the towel…but Holy Talon reminded him of the chakra limits ninja had and Naruto quickly realized that Shikamaru couldn't hold Temari any longer than he already could, and hearing that while he had planned 200 possible moves to beat Temari while they had been fighting…made Naruto smirk.

 

----------

 

As the audience looked on, the Jonin in the stands were busy talking about the events that had taken place in the arena before…the topics of the said discussions were the previous matches…the battle between Naruto and Neji gained a lot of attention as they all knew about Naruto's history as a ninja before the sword he had with him came to his possession. Now it seemed that Naruto had reached a level that none of them had known about…namely with the amazingly light armor...jutsus…and that Dragon he had under his command…most of them thought Dragons were mere fairy tales…but not only did one appear before them with Naruto…but it OBEYED Naruto as if the blonde ninja was it's master!

 

“Since when did he have that level of power?”

 

Azuma took a good pull from his cigarette and spoke to Kurenai who was busy looking at the blonde ninja who was looking on patiently for the next match.

 

“I am not sure…but it does have much to do with that sword I believe…if what my team told me was true…that is no ordinary sword Naruto has with him.”

 

Kurenai nodded in agreement…however she had other things to think about as she recalled seeing the fable Kyuubi's chakra…the blood red chakra of the Kyuubi come out of Naruto and much to her surprise…the blonde had NOT been consumed by the chakra of the Kyuubi and turned into a monster.

 

“I'm even more amazed that Naruto was actually able to harness the chakra of the Kyuubi without losing himself to the corrupt power of the Kyuubi itself…that much chakra was truly strong despite being in a small amount.”

 

“Yeah…just about everyone here in Konoha was not expecting that…I can bet the Hokage is wondering how it happened as well.”

 

“Shikamaru did very well…he might have given up…but his ability to plan ahead was impressive…if it had been a battle for real…his team would have been able to take over and help him win the fight effectively…he might not have the same talent and ability as either Neji or Naruto…but he has calmness…patience, clarity and strategy. He might not be serious about being Chuunin, but he has the potential to be one.”

 

“True…but I have a feeling Naruto has other talents to show us Kurenai…he just needs the chance to show it to us.”

 

The other Jonin commented on Shikamaru's performance as well and thought about his skills…he might not have the talent…but when it came to strategy and leadership…her certainly had a better amount than others in the Genin…qualities that were good as Chuunin.

 

----------

 

Elsewhere…

 

Neji looked through the window of the medical facility…his wounds and bruises still hurt him…but they hardly mattered to the young Hyuuga…he had other things to deal with…namely with what he had learned about his father's true fate.

 

He recalled being told by the medics about his injuries that he would be fine as he had only exhausted his chakra and given time…the bruises and wounds would mend…he nodded to them and said nothing…but deep in his own mind he was in a maelstrom of questions…how he was defeated and why was it Naruto would say such things.

 

However, he was then greeted by his uncle Hiashi who then asked for the medics to leave him and Neji in peace. Neji looked at his uncle with disgust and wondered if he had come here to make things for him even worse. He recalled then what he learned at that very same moment.

 

Flashback…

 

“What do you want Master Hiashi?”

 

Hiashi looked at his nephew and sighed…he knew that this was not going to be easy for either of them…not after all the years Neji and his father had been through as members of the Branch Family. But ever since Neji showed his potential as a Hyuuga and his defeat by Naruto's hands…he felt that it was time that the truth of what happened that day came out to the light.

 

“I'm here to talk about what you said about you're father in the arena.”

 

“What for? I told the truth about what happened…no matter what Naruto-kun said about fate and destiny…it can't change the fact my father died as was his fate as a Branch member of the Hyuuga clan.”

 

“There was a lot more to what had happened that day…things that I never had the chance to talk to you about due to the past.”

 

“What do you mean by that?”

 

“While it was true that Lighting Country and Konoha was at severe terms after Hinata was kidnapped and I killed the head ninja of Hidden Cloud to save her. The…situation on that day was different…I have something to hand over to you…it was from your father before he was sent to face the Hidden Cloud ninja delegation that came for him.”

 

Hiashi took out a scroll and offered it before Neji…who looked at it with contempt and replied.

 

“If this is a trick by you and the rest of the Hyuuga elders to make me feel better then it's worthless…”

 

Neji looked at Hiashi as the father of Hinata and Hanabi as he gave forward the scroll.

 

“It is no trick Neji…on that day…I was prepared to die…”

 

Neji recalled the day he ran into the room to find his father dead and this sparked a great deal of anger in the still injured young man. He glared and growled out his anger…the growl was not audible…but he had no doubts in his mind that his uncle heard it. And this time…since it was only between him and his uncle…he was not going to hide his anger.

 

“What are you talking about?! Don't you dare think to lie to me uncle!!! That day was the day my father was murdered by you and the Hyuuga elders to pose as you so you could protect the Byakugan!!! No amount of excuses can change the fact my father was killed for your sake!!! Get that…thing away from me!!!”

 

Hiashi didn't flinch at Neji's anger, contempt, and disgust…in fact…he knew he deserved it all for that day…but he knew that it was time for the truth to come out…no matter how painful it was for either him or Neji.

 

“This is no lie…the person you are now should be able to understand this message…”

 

Hiashi placed the scroll and stepped back…letting Neji decide if he wanted to open the scroll of his own free will.

 

Neji looked at the scroll and gave it a good looking through, but he was suddenly shocked as he saw the message on the scroll, it was indeed for him…and it was not in any Hyuuga member's hand writing, either Head or Branch family…but his father's own hand writing…he recognized it very well…

 

“This…is my father's writing style…”

 

The young man took the scroll, untied the bounding string and looked at the contents…and he saw that all of the words before him in the scroll were all in his father's distinct writing style. There was no doubt in his mind that all of the contents of the scroll were all made by his father. He then read the contents and found out a lot more than he bargained for.

 

He read from his father's message that while what he knew was the truth…that the head ninja of the Village of the Hidden Cloud the land of Lightning had been killed by Hiashi when he attempted to kidnap his cousin Hinata, and the demands of the Land and it's leaders were truly unreasonable…they truly demanded the life of his uncle as reparation for the death of their head ninja…but what he read in the message made him gasp in shock…

 

In the scroll of his father…his father actually chose to sacrifice himself for Hiashi's sake and not as a member of the Branch Family…but as his brother. He had not only consented to die…but to ensure that his brother, his brother's family, and his village would live…he read in the scroll that while his father's disgust and hatred for the Main family didn't die off…he did it as Hiashi's brother and that it was the very first time he had ever chosen to die by himself… rather than be forced into it by others. Hiashi had planned to give his life willingly…and even when the Hyuuga Elder tried to stop him, reminding him of his duty to protect the Byakugan, he replied that it was far better he would die than plunge the village into another brutal war that would serve no one, the Hokage himself was there to witness these same events…and that was when he read from his father's words how Hiashi was totally against his death and also his reasoning that the Hidden Cloud would be angry once they found out that they would no longer have the Byakugan in their hands…

 

He read that his father had always showed his ugly side to him, and now he finally chose to do what is best for himself…and that his father wanted Hiashi to tell him that he died to save his brother, his family, and his village…not as a Branch Family member. He chose death of his own free will and freedom.

 

Neji trembled as he read the last message of his father.

 

`Forge your own destiny my son…for fate is something that you can make with your own hands.'

 

As he finished reading the scroll, he looked at his uncle who looked sad…

 

“This is…”

 

“Yes…I wanted to give my life to prevent another war with the Land of Lightning…I argued that it was far better that my life would be lost to prevent another bloody war with Konoha and the Land of Lightning. When I heard the decision and Hizashi's consent I was against it…because he had you with him, I didn't want him to die in such a way, but I was not able to reason you're your father…He was able to knock me out and told me why he chose this fate, and all of that is in that scroll I handed to you…I, had long since kept the scroll ever since that day…part of me wanted to give it to you before…but I saw that you were truly consumed by hatred and anger towards us all…and I knew that until the time was right…I had to wait.”

 

Neji watched as his uncle went o his knees and spoke in shame.

 

“This is the truth of all that has happened since that day…and I am truly sorry for it.”

 

Neji watched as his uncle bowed and he couldn't help but feel that everything made sense now…and he spoke.

 

“Please Master Hiashi…don't bow to me like this.”

 

End of Flashback…

 

Neji looked at the clouds and wondered about it all as his tears flowed down his face. He thought to himself as he wondered about all that he had learned about his father's death and what had happened to him when he faced Naruto.

 

(Father…I am not sure if a person's destiny is like a cloud in the sky, moving on set currents…or is like a bird in the sky…riding whatever current it chooses. I don't know for sure what the truth is yet…maybe the destination is the same…yet someone comes along and chooses a path that allows that person to live life to the fullest and to have strength that rivals anything I have seen…I know that now at least…)

 

(Because I fought him in that battle…I fought Naruto who was once the weakest in all the graduates…who now stands proud and defiant. I make a promise that I will train harder to find that answer and to never be defeated ever again…I wish you were still alive to see the birds flying out there in the clouds…they have their freedom to find their way…and I will find my freedom too.)

 

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Naruto looked on as he decided to go take a breather and he left the area and chatted with Shikamaru…and like he thought, the lazy Genin chewed his ear off, but he took that in stride and praised Shikamaru's tactical genius. The lazy Genin grinned back, a bit unused to such praise coming from him of all people and bid him farewell as he went up to the waiting area.

 

He then heard some foot-steps and turned around as he looked to see who was heading towards him, and it his surprise…it was Kiba, Akamaru, Hinata, Sakura, Kin, and Ino. The small group smiled and patted him on the back with both Sakura and Hinata in the lead.

 

“You were great Naruto-kun! Those were some of the best moves I've seen yet!”

 

“Thanks Sakura-chan!”

 

“N-N-Naruto-kun…you were…incredible out there!”

 

“Thanks Hinata-san…are you feeling better now?”

 

“Yes…the doctors said my wounds are fully sealed and I'll be fine…t-t-t-thanks to you N-N-Naruto-kun.”

 

Kin turned and looked at Sakura and asked the question.

 

“Does she have a crush on Naruto-kun or something?”

 

Sakura sighed and replied.

 

“Ever since she laid eyes on him…before and after all this…”

 

The groups chatted for a while and soon, Jiraiya came on the scene and motioned to Naruto to come and talk to him at this very moment. Naruto moved away from the others and spoke to the Sannin

 

“What is it Pervy Sage?”

 

Jiraiya shook his head and quickly dragged Naruto aside and then placed him in a head lock and spoke to him out of both ear and eye shot of the others. The Sannin had a rather strange feeling about something while he had been with his old mentor and the Kazekage…he wasn't sure what it was…but it was certainly not something he liked…

 

“It seems I'll be involved in the plan concerning that old team-mate of mine…Orochimaru.”

 

Naruto managed to get himself loose from Jiraiya and looked at his somewhat teacher carefully and saw that he was not kidding and in that moment, Naruto placed aside his humor and cheerfulness and adopted a serious military and warrior mindset…he had learned much on how to know when he could afford to be cheerful, happy, and carefree…and when to drop those traits and be focused on the job and mission in hand…that much he learned from his Dragon Champion mentors.

 

“What do you mean by that?”

 

Jiraiya looked about and shook his head a bit and then spoke once more.

 

“Keep you're eyes open…something's going to happen soon enough…I'll be ready to take a stand once things get underway…in the meantime…I suggest you be in sight of the Hokage…my old teacher's going to feel much better if you happen to be in viewing range.”

 

With that, Jiraiya left the arena…Naruto likewise went back and spoke with the others as he went to the watching balcony and waited for Sasuke as they also went back to watching the arena for the arrival of the ones in question…despite the fact that the crowd were getting really impatient for the match they had been waiting for in a long time. He had no doubts on his mind that Sasuke and Kakashi were going to show.

 

((“You seem so certain of you're team-mate's return Master Naruto.”))

 

(Don't worry…Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke are going to be here…but knowing them…they're going to come in as fashionably late as ever.)

 

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Outside…

 

Gai and Lee were able to arrive at the arena and were told that most of the matches were already over…the only one left was the match with Gaara and Sasuke…Lee was surprised and so was Gai as the still recovering Genin asked the guards what happened to the match between Neji and Naruto…

 

Lee was stunned and awed to learn that Naruto had won the match in the most spectacular way and Neji had been beaten in what was once thought to be a quick match and had turned into a power house of a fight between him and Naruto.

 

Lee was proud of Naruto and Gai was happy that Lee was still strong in spirit despite his injuries.

 

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The arena

 

And sure enough…Naruto's predictions were right on the money as Genma was about to call it in…a massive swirl of leaves came into the arena and sure enough…Kakashi and Sasuke appeared in the leaves. The crowds became ecstatic and so were the rest of the feudal lords and dignitaries as well. Kakashi talked with Genma while Sasuke had changed into an all black outfit…much to Naruto's annoyance…

 

(Darn showoff…coming in late as usual.)

 

((“At least he showed up Master Naruto…now we can see the next match…and be ready…if there's a chance the plan of Orochimaru will come to action…now is the time for it.”))

 

Naruto leaped off the balcony and landed on the ground and walked over to Sasuke and Kakashi and called out to the two of them.

 

“Do you guys always have to show up at the last moment?”

 

Kakashi looked at Naruto and for a brief moment didn't recognize him with all that armor on, but quickly recognized him and complimented his student on his looks.

 

“You look good Naruto…though I'm not quite sure what to make of you in all that metal on you…you sure you're not weighed down or anything?”

 

“Not in the least Kakashi-sensei.”

 

Sasuke looked at Naruto and wondered if this was indeed the very same block head he dealt with every day…he had to admit…Naruto certainly looked different indeed.

 

“So what's with the wardrobe change dead last? Trying to act cool?”

 

“Heh…this armor works Sasuke so don't blame me if I look good in this.”

 

“So did you win you're match Naruto?”

 

“Oh yeah…you had better not lose to Gaara if you want to take me on next time!”

 

“Count on it.”

 

Lee looked at both Naruto and Sasuke as they talked to one another and the Genin could only look on in envy at both his fellow Leaf Genin and thought about the implications of what was about to happen, along with what he had heard from the guards outside of the arena.

 

(Sasuke-san and Naruto-san…they are both amazing…Sasuke's fighting Gaara…the one I couldn't beat and nearly lost my life to…and now Naruto-san has beaten Neji-san…who I have wanted to defeat for a long time…they did all that…)

 

(And I…I'm just here on the sidelines doing nothing…it's so frustrating.)

 

Gai looked at Lee and felt sympathy for his student…but Lee's downcast look didn't last long as Sakura came and greeted him.

 

“Lee-san! How are you?”

 

Lee smiled warmly at Sakura and his sadness and frustration vanished as Sakura helped him a bit and even handed him a small biscuit.

 

“Thank you Sakura-chan…is it true that Naruto-san defeated Neji-san?”

 

“Yeah…it was awesome Lee…he fought Neji to an even draw and used a Kage Bushin to fool Neji…it was amazing…”

 

Lee nodded and saw Naruto who turned around and smiled at him and the blonde ninja saluted Lee…which Lee replied back with his own thumbs up sign…mimicking his sensei Gai…much to Gai's joy and appreciation.

 

Naruto turned and spotted Gaara as he entered the ring…he could smell blood in the air and wondered just what the heck Gaara had done…and when he arrived, Shikamaru looked at a certain place in the stadium hall.

 

“What happened?”

 

“That guy Gaara killed two Grass ninja who tried to have him forfeit the match…and he used that sand of his…I was lucky he had other things on his mind…namely that match with Sasuke…otherwise…”

 

“Easy Shikamaru…let's just go and see what's going to happen on the next match.”

 

Shikamaru nodded as the two of them went back to the balcony and got ready to see just what sort of match was going to take place between Gaara and Sasuke. Naruto was worried about his team-mate as Gaara…while still not using his full power was a very deadly foe to face…he knew that for a certainty.

 

The crowd got ready and waited for the signal for the match to begin between the last of the Uchiha Clan and Gaara of the Desert…

 

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Sakura watched as Kakashi walked up to her and knew that she had to ask on how Sasuke was doing at the moment.

 

“Is Sasuke-kun going to be okay Kakashi-sensei/”

 

“He'll be all right…so who won the bout between Naruto and Neji?”

 

Sakura smiled at that question and answered.

 

“Naruto won…he pulled out some amazing moves on Neji…even I never knew those moves were with him before…he was really training hard for this round in the Chuunin Exams…who knows…he might make a proper Chuunin candidate yet…I can't wait for that!”

 

“Really? Naruto defeated Neji eh? I guess I'll have to make sure to teach Naruto a technique to even things for him…form what I've heard from you Sakura…this will certainly be worth looking at.”

 

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On the ground…

 

Gaara was not in the best of moods…while he admitted that Sasuke Uchiha was talented he had no interest in the Uchiha lad as he was interested in fighting only Naruto…who had further shown his ability and tenacity to the young man and that made him even more interested in slaying Naruto in combat. He then felt some pain to his head and held it as he spoke to himself.

 

“Mother…I'm sorry for…feeding you bad blood…but this fresh batch should make up for it…”

 

“Hey…come on…are you ready to fight in the last match?”

 

Genma asked as he saw the actions Gaara made…both Temari and Kankurou were worried and hoped that their youngest brother would be able to hold on to his emotional outbursts since coming to Konoha and focus on the tasks at hand before he was lost.

 

Gaara nodded and Genma then gave the order for the match to commence.

 

Sasuke knew that Gaara was no ordinary opponent and focused himself as he got some distance from him and attacked with several shuriken but Gaara was not going to fall like that as his sand created a replica of him to catch the shuriken and toss them aside.

 

Naruto looked on and wondered just what would happen now between Sasuke and Gaara and he soon got his answer as Sasuke took it up a notch and to the surprise of both Gai and lee…Sasuke used Lee's own Taijutsu skills to land a hit right on Gaara…the crowds were stunned at that and they cheered on Sasuke as Sasuke moved with high speed on his side.

 

(How is it possible that Sasuke-san has the same level of speed as I do…how did he manage to get to that level of speed in merely a month?)

 

The crowd watched as Gaara was forced to focus his sand shield to be even faster to match Sasuke who was upping up the ante on the terms of speed as he used his stamina to power up himself to even up the odds as he used the speed to evade Gaara's sand shield and to land a few more blows in…but he knew that he was playing for time…after all…he knew that lee's Taijutsu alone was not going to be enough to score a decisive victory against Gaara.

 

Both Gaara and Gai knew that too…as well as Lee.

 

(He's using that one's Taijutsu…why? He should know that my Sand Armor and Sand Shield are more than enough to counter that style of attack…what are you playing at Sasuke Uchiha?)

 

(Sasuke-san is using my Taijutsu skills…he might not be around to see my fight with Gaara-san himself…but I know that even at full power…my Taijutsu was not enough to defeat Gaara…what is Sasuke-san doing?)

 

(Lee's Taijutsu was not effective on Gaara before…and using it will not work a second time…but I wonder what Sasuke will do now? He must know that Taijutsu will not play the winning hand in this match. What are you planning Sasuke?)

 

Gaara had enough and quickly created a cocoon of sand around him in the shape of a sphere and as Sasuke tried to attack it with his fists and kicks…spikes of razor sharp sand came from the sphere…forcing Sasuke back from Gaara as a massive floating eye appeared above the sand sphere shield to observe Sasuke.

 

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Naruto looked on and wondered just how Sasuke was going to get out of this one…he had seen how deadly Gaara's sand was in battle and Sasuke had not seen it…however...as much as he was tempted to tell Kakashi to withdraw Sasuke from the match…he decided to let Sasuke fight…it meant much to his team-mate and interfering was not a good idea at the very moment…so despite his dislike for the situation…he waited it out and decided to see just what the outcome was going to be at this very moment and what Sasuke would do to beat Gaara.

 

Kakashi had confidence that Sasuke could win this fight and he knew that sooner or later…he would use his newly learned technique to his advantage. Despite Sasuke's futile attacks at Gaara's cocoon…things were now going to Sasuke's way as there was one flaw in Gaara's technique…it forced him to stand still.

 

----------

 

Sasuke realized that now was the right time and began to focus his chakra into his arm as he was on the wall as soon as he was able to master the control of enough chakra into his arm, he unleashed a barrage of Lightning chakra into his arm and quickly used his Sharingan and then ran as he Lightning covered hand tore through the wall and then the ground as he rushed in and evaded the sand spikes despite some close calls and slammed the Lightning chakra enhanced arm right through the sand shield.

 

Sakura gasped and Ino was impressed…even Kin was as well. Kakashi then explained that it was the basic form of his original technique Raikiri, it was known as Chidori since it was able to allow a ninja to move so fast it was like a thousand birds chirping all at once. The move had allowed Kakashi to cut Lightning in half once…and it was there as well that he created Raikiri…there was no known defense with the technique…so Lee and Shikamaru were envious of the move…

 

Naruto however had a very bad feeling…as he heard something…almost like a scream of disbelief…and then he felt something in the air…evil…blood lust and rage…

 

(This is bad…)

 

And sure enough…

 

“AAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!!! BLOOD!!! MY BLOOD!!!!”

 

Sasuke heard Gaara's screams of pain and he too began to shout in pain as he felt his arm being held by a nearly crushing grip. Temari and Kankurou looked on and were afraid…there were very few that could scare the two siblings of Gaara…but this was enough to truly frighten them.

 

(Oh no…is Gaara hurt?!)

 

(This is bad…Gaara, what the heck is happening to you in there?!)

 

The crowd had been awed when Sasuke broke through Gaara's shield…but now they were stunned as the screams of Gaara filled the area…mad with pain, anger, and blood lust. Sasuke managed to use Chidori once more and managed to free his arm…but as he pulled away…a monstrous arm made of sand and colored and formed like a demonic claw followed him…reaching out eagerly to crush Sasuke to pulp.

 

Kakashi looked on in utter shock and so did everyone else in the arena.

 

“What is that?!”

 

Gai said as he saw the arm…and Lee was stunned as well.

 

Naruto and Holy Talon were tense and Naruto realized that things had just taken a turn for the worst.

 

(That arm…could that be the demon Shukaku Gaara was talking about? Is it awakening?!)

 

((“Seems like it Master Naruto…if that's true, we have to stop this match…Sharingan or not…Sasuke would stand no chance against an enraged demon!”))

 

Kankurou knew that arm well…he had not been able to eat for a week the day he saw the demon take over Gaara and he knew that both he and Temari were never the same after witnessing the demon take over their little brother.

 

Sasuke felt intense fear as he looked at the hole he made with Chidori…he saw the sand moving inside of it and then…a deep golden eye brimming with demonic hatred and rage appeared and gazed at him, and then a wave of air blasted him…not enough to knock him over. His sweat flowed down his face as he felt intense fear grip him.

 

(What is this…something's not right!)

 

The sand then fell away and Gaara was there before him…holding his bleeding shoulder and looking at him in a bloody and enraged look. Sasuke saw that this was not the same Gaara he fought with…this was not going to be good.

 

----------

 

Kabuto then made his move…disguised as an ANBU…he unleashed a Genjutsu that began to affect the crowd…several villagers fell asleep first…then more fell to the Genjutsu…however…not everyone was falling asleep as the Sound Spy had hoped…Kakashi, Gai, and the other Konoha ninja used the Release jutsu to free themselves from the Genjutsu's effects…and so does Sakura, along with a few other Genin.

 

Naruto nearly fell to the effects but Holy Talon however was not going to let that happen. As Naruto began to fall…the living sword glowed deep blue and violet and then the eye revealed itself and then Naruto recovered fully and was now standing up. The blonde ninja saw next the explosion of smoke in the Hokage viewing area and knew there and then that Orochimaru's plan was underway.

 

(So it's begun…)

 

Sasuke was caught off guard but then faced Genma who faced Baki, Temari, Gaara, and Kankurou…the Sand Jonin was not happy but knew that Gaara was not in the mood to fight and therefore ordered Temari and Kankurou to evacuate Gaara until he fully recovered. Baki tried to stop Sasuke but was held off by Genma and Sasuke went after the Sand sibling.

 

Naruto was surrounded by three Sound ninja who attacked him…but they paid with their lives as Naruto leaped over them and then as he landed he gave a powerful spinning heel kick that struck the first Sound ninja right in the ribs…the man gasped as the Dragon Champion and Konoha ninja sent him sprawling to the ground in intense pain.

 

This time however…Naruto was using the far more deadly form of Boundless State…he had used the weaker version when he fought Neji, so this version was the original taught to him by Khalen… and quickly blocked several kunai with his armored forearms and he grabbed the arm of the second Sound ninja and with some quick moves…threw the Sound ninja over his head and with a powerful open palm strike in mid throw… sent him crashing into his partner who was nursing his ribs…the two collapsed as the third took out a sword and planned to cut Naruto cleanly in half.

 

Naruto caught the sword in his armored forearms and then he moved the blade aside and grabbed it with his left hand and flipped sideways…smashing a powerful kick to the side of the head of the third Sound ninja and he landed on his feet and then tossed the sword as the two Sound ninja and they were impaled by the sword…killing them both as Naruto took out Holy Talon and cut down the last Sound ninja.

 

He saw that the Hokage was in danger and he was not going to stand by and do nothing as he leaped from the balcony and headed towards the other side of the arena through the grounds.

 

----------

 

Sarutobi was being held by the Kazekage after his aide was killed in the strike…as he tried to reason with his fellow Kage…he realized his mistake as the Kazekage called him Sarutobi-sensei…there were only three people who called him that…one was Jiraiya himself…the other was his only female student Tsunade…and the other was…

 

“Orochimaru…”

 

“Good to know you're mind still has some content Sarutobi-sensei…it's been a while old man.”

 

----------

 

However…the Sound and Sand were in for a surprise as the Konoha ninja in the village were already prepared and the battle lines were drawn. The planning made secret by Konoha had now bore fruit as the Konoha ninja who were informed of the plan came out in force and quickly got the drop on the first wave of invaders…but things were not going to be easy…even with them fully alert and ready…the Konoha ninja were still outnumbered and they had to also evacuate their civilians before the fighting got too fierce and their people would be lost

 

----------

 

The arena…

 

Naruto gritted his teeth as he was in the middle of the field and facing off with a band of Sound Ninja who had entered the arena, he tried to fight his way to the others and to aid the Hokage…but he was blocked by them as he looked on in anger.

 

“Now you die!!!”

 

The Sound ninja took out their kunai and charged right at him, but Naruto was not going to give up…with one quick pull of Holy Talon from the sheath and a quick reverse grip slash in one hand…was able to cut down the first three that tried to attack him. The others back away from a moment…but they never relented as they unleashed a barrage of shuriken at him…

 

Naruto got ready to defend himself…but suddenly another figure came behind him and was now in front of him. And he heard a technique called out and in a moment…he knew just who was before him.

 

“HAKKESHOU KAITEN!!!”

 

The sphere of chakra blocked the shuriken meant for him and like a revisit of previous events…Neji Hyuuga grabbed the deflected sound shuriken and then took out more of his own and then with a quick toss…sent the shuriken at the Sound ninja and was able to take down several of them. Naruto looked on at the one he had defeated only hours before in utter surprise.

 

“Neji?! What the heck are you doing?!”

 

Neji looked at Naruto and replied.

 

“Paying you back…you were right…I know the truth now…and fate can indeed be changed! Go! I'll deal with them!!!”

 

Several more Sound ninja and Sand began to surround the two as Neji got into combat position…he knew that what he was doing was a bad idea…as he was not yet recovered fully…but there was no way he was going to let himself stand by and let Konoha be taken by anyone. Naruto noted that quickly summoned the healing silver-green flame from Holy Talon and placed it on Neji's body…

 

The Hyuuga clan youth had seen this move done before and was feeling fully healed and invigorated as his injuries and wounds vanished and he faced Naruto and gave a smile.

 

“Thanks…I owe you.”

 

Naruto smirked and replied.

 

“You can pay me later…right now we've got to fight our way through them!”

 

The two Genin were back to back with one another as the Sound ninja attacked…Neji used the Byakugan to defend himself from them and shut down their chakra gateways with the same critical strikes…while Naruto ensured that the Sound would not attack him and Neji from behind as well…he blocked several strikes with Holy Talon and those that did get past his guard were blocked by his armor…and the Sand ninja were also badly beaten by both Leaf Genin as they fought their way…backs to one another.

 

As soon as they knocked the Sand and Sound ninja aside…they rushed to the audience area and reached their respective sensei. Gai and Kakashi were beating the tar out of the Sand and Sound ninja as the two arrived. Gai greeted Neji and smiled.

 

“You made it Neji!!! We're having a heck of a fight in our hands at the moment.”

 

Neji nodded and spotted lee on the floor…he was surprised to find his still injured team-mate here and was wondering what he was doing in such a situation.

 

“What's Lee doing here? He should be in bed in the hospital!”

 

“We came here to see how things have progressed in the finals we certainly were not expecting an attack at this stage of the match.”

 

Gai replied and knew that lee was in too vulnerable a position to be left lying on the floor…he quickly turned and spoke to Neji.

 

“Neji! I want you to wake Tenten from the jutsu and get Lee to safety!”

 

“I'm on it sensei!”

 

Neji wasted no time and used the Release jutsu to wake Tenten up. The bun haired teen shook the sleep from her eyes and looked to see her team-mate right next to her…she wondered what the heck was going on as several other people near her were also asleep.

 

“Neji-kun…what's going… whoa!!!”

 

Tenten backed away as another Sand ninja came at her…she was not armed and therefore Neji came to her rescue and defeated the attacker…Tenten managed to grab a kunai and several shuriken and got behind Neji as they faced any possible attackers…Tenten however was confused as to what the heck was going on.

 

“Neji-kun!!! What's going on here?!”

 

“We're under attack by the ninja forces of Sand and Sound!!!”

 

“What?! But we signed a treaty with Sand! Why the heck are they invading us along with Sound?!”

 

Naruto appeared as he was able to carry Lee with him…his Dragon Champion enhanced strength more than up for the challenge. The blonde spoke then to Tenten.

 

“Because they appear to be allied with Orochimaru…who's the head of the Sound village…that snake summoning bastard planned the whole thing the very second he was in the Forest of Death! He must have gotten the Kazekage to side with him and his forces, with both forces…we're severely outnumbered at the moment.”

 

Kakashi and Gai fought off several more ninja that tried to blind side them…Lee was helped by Neji and Tenten. Neji carried his team-mate while Tenten…given spare weapons by Naruto helped protect her comrades while they worked on getting Lee to safety as he was still under the effects of the Genjutsu. Naruto was behind them to protect them from sudden attacks…and as soon as he was able to be assured by Tenten that they both would be fine…he went back into the arena to deal with the ninja that were in the area…and help his sensei.

 

It was there that he was able to rush up to Sakura's side…the pink haired Kunoichi had some protecting to do of her own as Ino was out cold…while Kin was awake…shrugging off the Genjutsu and helping Sakura as both Kunoichi fought with backs to one another. Hinata was there as well as both she and Kiba, along with Akamaru were busy fighting for their lives, apparently they had been able to counter the Genjutsu at the last moment and were awake and fighting for their lives…Kiba was able to defeat three Sound ninja that tried to blind side him and Hinata…but Naruto came in and blocked several kunai that were thrown at the trio…saving them and he then took out the three Sound ninja that tried to attack…as he was now alongside them. Kiba growled as he got into his defensive mode with Akamaru beside him.

 

“Damn it! What the heck are the Sand ninja doing?! Attacking us like this with Sound?!”

 

“You guys okay?”

 

“We're all right…but why the heck is this happening?!”

 

Naruto blocked another Sand ninja's kunai attack…cutting the weapon like it was mere wood with Holy Talon and introducing a powerful fist to the ninja's face to send him flying into his fellows He then looked to see the Sound and told the others what he knew.

 

“This is what that blasted snake bastard had in mind…he must have allied with Sand to attack us during the Exams and wipe us out!”

 

Sakura joined the others and looked at Kin.

 

“This true?”

 

Kin nodded as she held her kunai with their bells already tied to them.

 

“Yeah…I'm not all that privy with the details…but Orochimaru had been able to ally with Sand so he could have the extra numbers to make a move on Konoha along with the other Sound ninja…but he's got another trick up his sleeve…there's supposed to be a summoning circle outside the walls of Konoha to launch some sort of attack at this very moment…I think they're going to try and summon a snake summon of some sort.”

 

“Great…”

 

“That's not all though…I think he's here to kill the Hokage.”

 

Sakura shook her head as she held the defensive position as they were able to get a break as some of the invading ninja came at them as they got together.

 

“There's no way he could get close enough to kill the Hokage…the Hokage is in a secure balcony on the arena and the only people allowed there are the chosen aides of the Hokage and the Hokage's chosen guests! There's only the Kazekage there and no doubt Hokage-sama is reasoning with him to stop this nonsense!”

 

Naruto thought it over and then realized something…

 

“Not if he was dressed and disguised as an aide…or…a fellow Kage…he must have also decided to be disguised as the Kazekage…which means…”

 

Hinata gasped as she realized what the implications were as she managed to fight off another Sand ninja on her own…as soon as she disabled the attacker she spoke to the others

 

“He must have taken the Kazekage's place!!!”

 

Naruto nodded at that idea as he looked and activated a spell…chanting in the Dagernian arcane tongue and summoned the energy and focused on the area where the Hokage area was…which was hidden in a massive and thick smoke screen…as soon as he summoned the energy from Holy Talon and finished the spell, he cast it…

 

“PIERCING SIGHT!!!”

 

Naruto's eyes became covered in glowing silver light and the others who were close to him at that same moment watched it as the light in Naruto's eyes burned like white flame… they were surprised as to what was happening to Naruto and they tried to figure it out.

 

Naruto however looked and his spell had allowed him to pierce through the smoke screen, along with his spell allowing him to see through the barrier that was there as well and sure enough…he spotted Sarutobi on the roof of the arena and facing the Kazekage…and in time for him to see the Kazekage rip his own face off…revealing none other than Orochimaru himself. Naruto swore as he broke the spell and his eyes returned to normal and he faced the others.

 

“Hinata-san's right! That's not the real Kazekage up there…but Orochimaru himself!!!”

 

The other Genin turned and managed to fight for their lives with Naruto in the lead…they were quickly able to get a reprieve and Kakashi arrived with Gai in tow…Sasuke was not with them at the moment and that made Naruto wonder just where the heck his team-mate had gone.

 

Kakashi answered quickly for Naruto…

 

“He went after Gaara, under Genma's orders Naruto…he's going to try and slow or defeat Gaara and his siblings as his first mission.”

 

Naruto's eyes widened and he shook his head at that as he knew that Gaara was NOT an ordinary ninja…even with the Sharingan…Sasuke was not going to be having an easy time with Gaara because of the fact that like him…Gaara had a demon in his body…only difference was…Gaara had been using that demon's power far longer than he did and knew just how to use it with absolute lethality. Naruto was torn on how to handle this situation as he knew that if he went after Sasuke…then things would be bad for the village…but if he stayed…then his village would be overrun.

 

“Kakashi-sensei…please send someone after Sasuke…I've got a bad feeling he's walking into a battle that's way over his head.”

 

Kakashi could tell that Naruto was dead serious about this and nodded as he turned to several of the Genin…namely Sakura, Shikamaru, Kin, and Naruto himself…

 

“I'll be sending you all after Sasuke…track him down but make sure to be careful…if what I saw is true…Gaara is already reaching breaking point and with those powers of his…he's too dangerous to attack recklessly. Shikamaru…you're in charge of this A-Rank mission…”

 

“Great…more work…”

 

But before things could get underway…a swarm of Sand and Sound ninja came on the scene and Naruto glared at them and decided to buy his village some time to rally themselves and get the civilians to safety. He rushed towards the ring and then stood before the swarm of ninja. Kakashi wondered just what is it that Naruto was going to do against so many ninja…while the other Genin looked on at Naruto in shock along with the other Genin…Asuma and Kurenai wondered just what was Naruto doing…however Kakashi had a sneaking suspicion he had an idea on what Naruto had in mind.

The Sound ninja taunted the blonde ninja, telling him to run before they killed him and fed him to the vultures and dogs who would soon feast on his fellow villagers…but Naruto didn't budge and spoke in the arcane tongue once more with his sword before him and as the ninja decided to finish him off Naruto spun Holy Talon in a single hand grip and then jammed the weapon into the ground and spoke.

“WARRIORS OF THE HOLY LIGHT!!! I SUMMON YOU TO MY SIDE!!!!”

A massive flash of light filled the arena…blinding everyone in the whole ring who saw it…and even the Hokage and Orochimaru, along with Orochimaru's forces on the roof looked down to see that flash of light…in a moment…massive numbers of pure light came from the sword, flew throughout the arena and took human form…in less than a few moments…the light faded and before the combined Sand and Sound forces…

Was a massive wall of warriors…all dressed in different forms of armor…a large portion of the armored soldiers were in the same manner of dress as Naruto was…covered head to toe in metal armor…others were dressed in lighter versions of the armor…and some were in leather and cloaks…all of them were armed with a vast array of weapons…from swords, axes, staff weapons, bows, crossbows…and more…all of them were ready and willing for a fight.

Kakashi looked on at Naruto with surprise…and then pride as he saw Naruto standing in front of all the Sound and Sand ninja with a defiant and strong expression. The Copy Cat Ninja of Konoha had seen Naruto use that technique before when they were in Wave Country…but never at this scale. He was right…Naruto would truly be a worthy ninja of Konoha someday and he felt great pride at that thought and the idea of Naruto being a Hokage to have that level of power was certainly worth seeing.

The other Jonin were stunned to suddenly see these soldiers appear from out of nowhere and all were summoned by Naruto of all people.

Gai was the only one who spoke at the moment.

“You're student Naruto has certainly upped the level this time Kakashi. He truly is a bonfire of youth!!!”

“That he has…”

Kurenai, Asuma and several other Jonin and Chuunin…including Izumo and Kotetsu who looked on at Naruto who was now head of a full fledged army of warriors ready and willing to fight with all that they had as the soldiers were everywhere behind Naruto…

 

The other Genin, including Sakura, Kin, Hinata, Kiba, Shino, and Shikamaru were looking on with absolute surprise at this sudden turn of events…for Sakura, it wasn't an entire surprise as Naruto had used this before…but she had never seen it done at this scale and level before.

 

The ninja forces of Sound and Sand were stock still…holding their weapons as Naruto glared at them and pointed Holy Talon right at them all. The warriors who were armed with a massive array of weapons

 

“You've got a ton of guts to be here and invade my home of Konoha…if you think you will win here…then you are sadly out of you're league!!! WARRIORS! WILL YOU FIGHT FOR ME?”

 

The once silent numbers of soldiers then shouted a powerful oath and brandished their weapons.

 

“WE FIGHT FOR YOU!!!!”

 

The ninja of both Sound and Sand found themselves in a serious bind as Naruto held Holy Talon in a two handed grip and he led his soldiers right at the ninja invasion force. The result was explosive as the ninja were forced back with considerable losses as many of them were cut down by either sword or axe…pierced and skewered by spear, halberd, pike and pole-arm, bashed to death by war hammer, mace, flail and chain mace…or were penetrated by arrows and crossbow bolts…Naruto was right in the front and was cutting down more of the enemy ninja as the area where the invasion force was in was now covered in blood.

 

Naruto turned and called out to his comrades.

 

“I'll buy the others time to rally the defenses and catch up with you all later…find and help Sasuke until I get there!”

 

Naruto then moved on to lead his army of summoned warriors and the sudden attack caught the invading Sound and Sand ninja with their proverbial pants down as their attempt to overwhelm the arena was turned around and pushed back as the summoned warriors under Naruto's personal command smashed hard into them like a proverbial tsunami on the beach. The arriving reinforcement forces found themselves being hit by their comrades…some of the ninja who attacked by the upper areas of the arena found themselves knocked down and riddled with arrows while others found themselves cut down and impaled by the weapons.

 

Naruto led the soldiers out of the arena and as soon as his soldiers were in the open, they swarmed all over the streets of Konoha and were commanded by Naruto seek and defeat the Sound and Sand ninja they ran into as he planned to help reinforce the ninjas of Konoha.

 

The soldiers were divided into several groups as they moved in the required formations and small detachments to engage their foes.

 

The first were the ones armed with various one handed swords and shields were known as the Sword Adepts of The Fire Blade Order, or merely named the Sword Adepts…they were highly trained infantry who's skill with sword and shield made them very respected in warfare…skilled in both defensive and offensive formations to make them skilled combatants…they have clashed with many enemies over the years and have earned a place as some of the most skilled swordsmen after the Dragon Champions of old…some were rumored to have been taught by Dragons who took human form as well. The Dragon Champions who wished to further defend themselves were known to have trained with the Sword Adepts as well when they wished to have a shield for protection.

 

The second who wielded the two handed type of swords were known as the Zealots of the Wind's Edge…warriors who were skilled in the use of their two handed gripped swords to a degree that they were known to able to slice through spells and arrows with the same level of skill as a man would write on a piece of paper with a pen. Years of experience flows in the way they moved their swords…while they had grandmasters among them…even half skilled adepts of the Zealots were respected and they were also skilled with the two handed axes as well, though not at the level of the Wild Forrest Warriors.

 

The third were the ones who carried two weapons in either of their hands, they were known as the War Blades of Dagern…they were skilled to the degree that carrying any weapon either hand and using them with such talent that it was like an art form to them…they could use either sword, axe, mace, flail, war hammer, dagger or short spear to a level that made them hard to match…though they lost skills in defense in exchange for this martial lethality.

 

The fourth group were the ones who wielded the long spears and pole weapons…and they were known as the Steel Lancers of the Rose…skilled with various pole arms and weapons that required skilled reach, the Steel Lancers were the bane of many forms of cavalry and were skilled in battles where reach was better than other arts…it took years to master their weapons and the Steel Lancers were the best at what they did with their weapons…either with pole arms that required both hands or with conjunction of a shield.

 

The fifth group were known as the Falcon Rangers, skilled in both combat with weapons for close battles and their bows made from wood, bone, and steel, they were highly skilled scouts and ambush specialists…they were named the Falcon Rangers due to their uncanny eye-sight and their skill at locating the most important and vital areas of an enemy soldier's armor and body…allowing them to kill their foes with lethal precision and power…many followers of the Chaos Dragons who were careless and arrogant have died by the arrows of this skilled woodsmen who are not afraid to wear armor and wield either spear, sword, and shield should the time come to take the fight directly into the enemy's face…another reason why they are named the Falcon Rangers was the technique of creating illusionary falcons of light that were used to blind their foes when in open battle to weaken them visually and then unleashing a storm of arrows into their ranks…cutting them down before they could fight effectively.

 

The sixth group was the Fire Heart Archers…men and women who were skilled with various bows…and crossbows and was known to be able to use their bows and crossbows with lethal precision despite wearing heavy armor for protection from battle. The Fire Hearts were skilled with swords for close defense…but were the best in ranged combat and were more than a match for the Falcon Rangers in a shooting match…but they were not skilled in wood craft and were better in open field engagements or on defending castles, forts, cities, and towns from invasion. They were skilled with bow and crossbow that they were comfortable using them even with so much armor on them and despite the armor…their ability to shoot with range and accuracy was uncanny and they were not afraid of attack from their foes.

 

The seventh and last group were the Wild Forrest Warriors…known for their use of axes, both either large two handed ones or those that worked with shields and even throwing axes…since their lands were filled with lush forests and they were skilled in the use of an axe at an early age for both survival and warfare, it is their traditional weapon of choice and their tool in survival…their skill with axes has matured into it's own art form and no one in the lands under the stewardship of the Holy Dragons contests their skill with such weapons, not even their close equals, the Sword Adepts.

 

These seven warrior groups who were summoned in their army state by Naruto were among the most well recognized soldiers in Dagern and were not easily dispatched by normal means…and since they obeyed Naruto as he was not just their commander and summoner …but the current Dragon Champion.

 

----------

 

Orochimaru looked at the floor of the arena in shock as the soldiers Naruto summoned were now beating back his Sound ninja and his expendable allies from the Hidden Sand Village. The First and Second Hokage…who were brought back to life looked on with surprise at what they were witnessing at that very moment as the ninjas of both Sound and sand were forced back and the fight was now taken to the streets of Konoha…

 

Sarutobi smiled as he was now in his uniform, he had expected Naruto to be a key player in the battles and he was right…despite being tired from facing some of Orochimaru's attacks…he was not giving up any time soon. He saw Orochimaru's surprise and he replied.

 

“It seemed you were not expecting Naruto to throw a monkey wrench into your plans Orochimaru. This plan of yours to destroy the village of Konoha will not happen…and as long as I live…you will fail.”

 

The S-ranked ninja smiled back and replied.

 

“Maybe…or maybe not…but make no mistake Sarutobi-sensei…I am far from finished…with the First and Second here…you will fall…a shame the Fourth won't be here…I would enjoy seeing you defeat Konoha's own Yellow Flash.”

 

Sarutobi growled and replied back.

 

“You may have desecrated the tombs and bodies of the dead and dishonored the two Hokages…but you're corrupt plans and evil desires will end here! I made a mistake once by letting you live when I should have killed you so long ago…and I have lived with that mistake for a long time. Now I intend to correct that mistake…even if I die…I will make sure to end you're evil here and now!”

 

“Bring it on old man!!!”

 

----------

 

In the streets of Konoha…

 

“First battalion! Maintain shield wall formation!!! Archers! FIRE!!!”

 

Naruto barked out a straight command as the summoned soldiers, both Sword Adepts and Steel Lancers heeded his every command as the Steel Lancers and Sword Adepts armed with tall shields formed a wall and the Steel Lancers aimed their spears forward, they held the line…the Sound and Sand ninja attempted to attack the wall on all sides…but they were quickly cut down by the arrows fired by the Fire Heart Archers behind the shield wall.

 

“Charge!!!”

 

Naruto called out as he led the attack as the shield wall broke aside in a crisp and orderly fashion and the young Konoha ninja and Dragon Champion led his summoned Sword Adepts and Steel Lancers into the fray. The ninja were suddenly attacked by a mass of men and women armed and armored to the teeth screaming war cries with their commander at the front. The carnage was further magnified with the arrival of the Zealots, the Wild Forrest Warriors, and the War Blades.

 

Several Sound ninja were cut down by Naruto as Holy Talon effortlessly cut into them…their evil natures told him well enough that Holy Talon would kill them quickly in a heart beat…and that was correct as the men fell dead before him. Another ninja tried to blindside him…but got his throat pierced by the spear of one of the summoned troopers. The soldier pulled his spear out effortlessly and kicked the dead Sound ninja aside. The soldiers clashed with the combined ninja forces and were busy fighting at the moment.

 

Naruto held his own and barked out commands to his forces…Holy Talon flashed and cut down several more ninja attempting to ambush and kill Naruto as the battle raged on. Several parties of Naruto's summoned soldiers attacked the attacking Sand and Sound forces and since they were summons…for every one of them that were taken down by the ninjas…five more would be ready to fight back. The summoned warriors were held there by Holy Talon and could operate independently from Naruto…though they functioned better under a commander's direction.

 

“All soldiers move in step…clear them out from wherever they hide!”

 

Several Sound ninja were cut down by the various soldiers as they used their swords, spears, pole weapons, and axes to close the gap and take down the ninja forces with powerful slashes and well placed blows as several more Sand ninja were engaged by the soldiers of all seven groups…the soldiers under Holy Talon and Naruto's control were also well organized as while the close combat soldier such as the Sword Adepts, Zealots, War Blades, the Wild Forrest Warriors and Steel Lancers fought with the ninja…the Fire Heart Archers and the Falcon Rangers came on the scene and peppered the ninja with large numbers of shots that cut down numbers of them.

 

Several more Sound ninja moved on the roof but they were suddenly greeted by the rest of the summoned soldiers under Naruto's command, namely the Falcon Rangers…the ninja found themselves suddenly facing bands of robed and cloaked figures dressed in what appeared to be heard leather armor and aiming bows with arrows right at them…they managed to slow down and get ready to defend themselves…but the Falcon Rangers were suddenly glowing and images of glowing hawks appeared and charged right at the Sound ninja, the hawks exploded like dynamite…but didn't knock the ninja down…but as they looked at the strange soldiers…they found themselves with arrows in their chests. The men died as the robed Falcon Rangers began to move and fire arrows at the Sand and Sound ninja as they moved out with others like them who moved with swift military precision and lethality.

 

“Warriors!!! Push them back!!!”

 

“YES SIR!!!!”

 

Naruto fought on in the streets as the rest of his soldiers continued their deadly advance into the ranks of the Sound and Sand ninja. Cutting down the Sound and Sand ninja as he fought his best to meet up with the others of the team sent to back up Sasuke as soon as he helped the other ninja reinforce the line… he had separated from them to help stem the tide of the forces Orochimaru had sent to attack Konoha and reinforce the ninja on duty.

 

The blonde ninja was able to move and attack quickly…moving in and out of the attacks of kunai, shuriken, swords, kicks, and punches while his armor dealt with the attacks that he was not yet able to block fully with Holy Talon. Behind him were his soldiers who moved in and dealt death to those who were their commander's enemies. Several more battles occurred in which the soldiers came to the aid of the scattered and isolated Konoha ninja who were fighting with either Sand or Sound…the ninja of Konoha who were not present in the arena and were on guard duty were naturally stunned to see an armored force of warriors coming to their aid and in the lead was none other than Naruto who was still in his armor and wielding his sword.

 

As the fighting intensified…Naruto was still in the lead of the offensive strike to eliminate the enemy force…he then spotted none other than Teuchi and Ayame moving to safety when he spotted a band of Sand ninja getting ready to ambush the two…he quickly moved in, letting his soldiers form a defensive phalanx to block the other invading ninja from getting the drop on him.

 

Naruto leaped between the father and daughter pair and used several powerful slashed with Holy Talon to cut down the weapons the Sand ninja had with them and quickly took them down with several powerful kicks with the Boundless State. He turned and Teuchi and Ayame gaped at him for a second until Ayame recognized him.

 

“Naruto-kun?! Is that really you?!”

 

“Yeah…you and your dad had better leave quickly Ayame-san, I'll be fine!”

 

Teuchi nodded and so did Ayame as they moved out…Naruto hoped that his sensei Iruka had helped get the kids out of the area and into safety…Naruto then decided to get a bird's eye view of the fighting and knew that he would not have enough time on his hands as he needed to join up with the team to get to Sasuke and help him defeat Gaara…

 

He leaped into the air and landed on a nearby tower and called out his orders to his troopers…in full view of just about everyone in Konoha…the Konoha ninja looked on as the Sound and Sand ninja were being pushed back with heavy losses and this allowed them time to rally a stronger defense…the Konoha Jonin watched as Naruto shouted out commands that instead of being lost in the sounds of battle were heard loud and clear in a calm…authoritative voice that the summoned warriors obeyed in response and moved in to crush their opponents with absolute lethality and obedience…

 

Kakashi had to admit that the image of Naruto commanding his summoned army in the front lines and on the tower like a seasoned general was certainly something he was not going to forget anytime soon. The other Jonin were surprised indeed…they thought they had seen everything the blonde kid now had in his arsenal…but this was certainly unexpected…the villagers who were able to see what was happening were very much in the same boat.

 

To see the former clown commanding an unknown army with skill was something else entirely as the Konoha ninja were given a chance to gather their wounded for treatment and cement their position. The Sound and Sand found themselves being pushed back despite their numbers and that was enough get the Konoha forces organized as the attack had indeed caught them all off guard.

 

Konohamaru was ecstatic as he cheered his boss on…

 

“GO GET THEM BOSS!!!!”

 

Udon and Moegi were also looking on…along with Anko, Ayame, and Iruka who were able to see Naruto commanding his summoned forces well.

 

Naruto was in the lead of a detachment of Steel Lancers and Zealots and unleashed a powerful attack at the Sound ninja before him who tried to block his path and attack him as well so they could finish their mission of wiping out the Village of Konoha.

 

“DRAGON WAVE!!!!”

 

The screams of the Sound ninja filled the area as they were either cut apart or incinerated into charcoal. Naruto moved in while his troopers quickly finished off the Sound survivors with quick and precise attacks…the soldiers then swarmed out and engaged all of their foes in brutal hand to hand combat…the summoned warriors were the spirits of those who had fought and died against the followers of the Chaos Dragons, and were incased in a physical shell to fight for the Holy Dragon Champion and as such they were highly experienced fighters and since they were loyal only to the Holy Dragon Champion, they would obey his command without hesitation or fear.

 

Naruto commanded detachments to form up with a mix of different soldiers to ferret out any Sound and Sand Forces and engage them…along with supporting allied Konoha ninja and rescuing and escorting any Konoha villagers. Naruto then summoned another band of allies to further aide in the battles ahead.

 

He once more chanted the arcane tongue and summoned the silver green flame and called out another batch of allies.

 

“SERVANTS OF THE HOLY FIRE!!! COME FORTH!!!!”

 

Out from Holy Talon came another array of orbs of light and they also took form and from them came a large number of well armed male and female warriors, dressed in armor but seemed to be less heavily armed…along with them were warriors who appeared to be dressed only in robes and wielded staves with strange gemstones on them and their robes were elaborately designed, and the last were a band of female women…both human and elven who were beautiful beyond compare, who were also armed with staves and sword swords and light armor. Naruto quickly gave them all orders and the newly summoned warriors came to the aid of both their own summoned allies and the Konoha ninja…and revealed their true origins.

 

The newly summoned ones in armor were the militant healers of Dagern, known as the Hands of Cleansing Fire, or simply the Dragon Clerics…their knowledge of anatomy and healing made them valued allies for the armies who sided with the Holy Dragons and the Holy Dragon Champions…they didn't possess the same level of healing prowess of the Dragons or the Dragon Champions, yet their powers were more than worthy and the teachings of the Holy Dragons on healing, rejuvenation, restoration, and curative magic made them more than skilled in healing all but the most critical of wounds…restoring the vitality and bolstering the skills of their comrades in the front lines.

 

The Clerics were also trained soldiers though they rarely fought in front line battles…for the only reason these healers would fight is to protect the wounded and sick under their care…they fight with the same courage and skill as their more militant kin…but do so only if needed…their skills at destroying the undead creations of the flowers of the Chaos Dragons or banishing corruptive powers and curses however made them utterly valuable in battle…not just for their martial prowess and healing talents but also for their ability to inspire the soul. Their only equals who were not of the militant order where the Healers of the Silver Palm, who healed the sick and wounded but out of battle and were known to be skilled in making healing enchantments.

 

(Author's Note: Leena is an elf Healer of the Silver Palm…forgot to mention that one)

 

The female warriors, both human elf who were newly summoned suddenly began to sing lovely songs in the fighting and for some amazing reason…the ninja of Konoha began to fight even more fiercely and with greater skill than before…while the Sound and Sand were seemingly losing their will to fight and some began to flee from the battle. The same happened to the summoned warriors under Naruto's command as they fought even more fiercely.

 

They were known as the Song Maidens of the Golden Voice…taught how to summon magic from the soul and the tone of their voices and how to shape the magic they summoned with their skill at music and song. They were known to be able to inspire their soldiers to fight with greater courage and skill and on occasion, have been known to turn the tide of a fight merely by singing their songs…which serve to inspire and bolster the souls of their comrades. They are poor warriors however and only have little skill…but such is their talent that soldiers of Dagern would die willingly to defend them. In exchange…the Song Maidens would help tend to their wounds…both in body and spirit…making them as welcome as their more militant kin.

 

Their voices had an opposing effect on their enemies however…despite the beauty of their voices, along with their own physical charms, the enemies of the Song Maidens suffer a breaking of their spirit when they sing and seem to be weakened by their songs…though this does not stop them from trying to silence the song of the Song Maidens.

 

The newly summoned soldiers with robes and decorated staves began to move and fire blasts of powerful Wind, lightning, Earth, Water, and Fire at the invading ninja. The Sound and Sand were getting their asses kicked by these new fighters who were not in the same league as either Sword Adepts, the Zealots, the War Blades, the Steel Lancers, the Falcon Eye Rangers, or the Fire Heart Archers.

 

They were the Silver Star Mages who were students of the arcane magicks and studied how to manipulate the arcane powers of the elements to support their troops…having devoted their lives to the pursuit of perfected elemental magic and magical combat…these intellectual mages were not the strongest fighters in the lands of Dagern…most were skilled only with staves, daggers, and bows…but their magical prowess in the battle field was certainly welcome…and while they were not the strongest physical fighters…their spells have certainly played a part in keeping the hopes alive of the soldiers who fight in the field…for even the most basic of their spells can be helpful in battle.

 

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The Sound ninja were not liking the news that they were getting and decided to speed up the process of summoning their siege weapon…they had planned to wait until all of Konoha's ninja forces were too isolated and broken to mount an effective attack so the snake summon could leisurely wipe them out and so could their allies and fellow ninja…but now with this unknown summoned army at the command of one Konoha ninja and the chance that they would be forced back…made them decide to summon the snake creature now.

 

This might help turn things around for them and finally accomplish Orochimaru-sama's plan for the utter annihilation of Konoha.

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Naruto was not giving up anytime soon as he continued to lead his soldiers and their supporting allies…the combined Sound and Sand ninja attempted to take him out so as to deprive the summoned army of their leader….but a large detachment of the summoned soldiers quickly surrounded Naruto on the tower and defended their commander with unmatched ferocity as the ninjas died trying to attack Naruto and should any attack manage to get past the defensive phalanx of soldiers…they were cut down by Naruto's own attacks.

 

The blonde quickly began to move out from the tower as his body guards followed him off the tower as he gave the orders to the Fire heart Archers and the Falcon Rangers to unleash a massive barrage of arrows on the incoming Sand and Sound ninja…some survived…the rest were not as lucky as they were cut down fast and hard. Naruto then ordered his Archers and Rangers to take defensive positions on the roofs of the buildings and the nearby walls, while they supported by the Dragon Clerics, the Song Maidens, and the Silver Star Mages. The Sword Adepts, the Steel Lancers, the Wild Forrest Warriors, and the Zealots were to attack from the front…while supported by the Dragon Clerics, the Song Maidens, and the Silver Star Mages as well.

 

As soon as he was sure that his summoned army could hold their own against the invading ninja, Naruto spoke to Holy Talon.

 

(I have to go and help the others…can I just leave the army like this?)

 

((“Do not worry Master Naruto…the army will continue to operate and fight even if you are not around at the moment. The only way for them to vanish if they are all `killed' or are summoned back into me…”))

 

(Do I have to leave you behind?)

 

((“No Master Naruto…they will be fine…as long as my energy reserves last…they will remain here until either defeated or sent to sleep by you. They can hold their own here until you have no need for them to remain.”))

 

With that known, Naruto gave some last minute commands to his soldiers and those were to hold the line and let Konoha recover their strength and then force the combined Sound and Sand forces out of the village…the soldiers all shouted their agreement with their leader's orders and Naruto left them to do their duties…the soldiers and their supporting allies showed how deadly they were as they all moved in concert with one another and many of the Sound and Sand ninja were slain.

 

This was enough for the evacuation to reach it's end and it was now time for the ninja of Konoha to fight back and force away the invaders to their village with the aid of Naruto's summoned warriors. On the roof of the buildings were the archers decked out in heavy armor and leather armor to bombard the enemy from the air and the ground troops with their various weapons cutting down the invaders…making the streets of Konoha run red with the blood of the invaders as Naruto quickly caught up with Sakura, Kin, Shikamaru, and Pakkun, Kakashi's dog summon who could talk, and amazingly enough…Shino himself was along for the ride.

 

The Genin team moved out in order to find Sasuke fast before he was placed in too deadly a situation…even for him.

 

The Snake Summon then arrived and quickly tore it's way into Konoha…but if it was expecting an easy run into the village and crushing it under the orders of it's master and it's summoners…it was mistaken as it was suddenly bombarded by arrows and crossbow bolts, along with throwing axes, and mystic arcane spells as well…the soldiers summoned by Naruto were more than ready to face the Snake Summon, alongside the Konoha ninja and the battle was getting more intense as the combined Dagern/Konoha forces clashed with the combined Sound/Sand forces.

 

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Unknown to them all, even Orochimaru…the events that were happening in Konoha were serving to awaken another power in the land..a power that was of pure evil and terror…the only power to rival the holy power of the Holy Dragon Sword….Holy Talon's only known equal was being awakened from it's own slumber…by the events that were now happening in Konoha…

 

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Far away from Konoha…a deep distance away from the battle…

 

(((“…war…”)))

 

Deep in a cave…near the mountains…buried deep in the stone and earth…

 

(((“The air…it's rank with it…It's beautiful”)))

 

In the deepest part of the cave…filled with fire as molten rock and glowing crystals that cast a blood red and golden glow in the area…the rivers of liquid stone further added fuel to the hostility of the place…

 

(((“I want to spill blood…I want to rend flesh…”)))

 

In the middle of the cave was a tall pillar of volcanic rock shaped in the form of a claw reaching up to the sky…and on it's middle was the shadowy form of a sword and it seemed to glow…almost blood red…

 

(((“Seek me out…my chosen one…seek me out…”)))

 

As if reacting to the voice…the lava in the cave suddenly began to grow more intense and boil even hotter…casting an even more sinister glow in the cave and resulted in the increase to the power of the sword as the weapon was now being covered in a more intense glow of blood red…and black shadow…

 

(((“And we shall conquer this wretched world and bathe it in blood!!!!”)))

 

In the middle of the hand guard of the shadowy sword…metal parts in the shape of an eye-lid suddenly opened and out came a blood red reptilian eye with a black slit…the eye pulsed as if it was alive and glowed with a dark red glowed…pure evil…

 

(((“I await you…MY Dragon Champion!”)))

 

Death Fang was awakened…

 

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To be continued…

 

Author's notes:

 

Sorry if some of the content's too thick or whatnot…but packing several Naruto episodes and adding your own work is not exactly easy to do…but I'm happy that it's finished.

 

If you desire any corrections to be done, then say so in the reviews and I'll make the needed changes to the story. I've been rather busy with so many ideas…both for my fanfics and real life so forgive me if it took me a while to get everything in the story fully organized and prepared.

 

It seems the invasion is underway and pardon me for the long time…because making an army from scratch is not exactly a simple matter and therefore I hope that the summoned army under Naruto's command is worth reading about…and it seems that we've hit a crucial point in the story…

 

Death Fang is awake…

 

The Chaos Dragon Sword will not yet be featured…but it's awakening will have reverberating effects in the Naruto world soon enough…and as to who will it choose to be it's master…THAT remains to be seen…so if you have ideas or suggestions…please say so…remember…only the most evil in the Naruto world may be able to command Death Fang.

 

There is also another interesting question that has to be answered…In the original series…Kin was sacrificed by Orochimaru to control one of the deceased Hokages…but in this story…she is not with Sound anymore but on the side of Konoha…su it begs to be asked…just who did Orochimaru use as a sacrifice in Kin's place…

 

Anyone here care to wager a guess?

 

That's all for now…I'll be out for a bit to get all my material worked out…so hang on and wait as I burn the midnight oil on this and my other works.