Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Twilight ❯ A Ring of Endless Light ( Chapter 26 )
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: Haru Mclean Namikaze 
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.19.2009 | Pages: 8 | Words: 8.7K | Visits: 287 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Naruto Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy / Romance | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 12.19.2009 | Pages: 8 | Words: 8.7K | Visits: 287 | Status: Completed
Chapter 20: A Ring of Endless LightÊ
ÊIt was a hazy, silent morning in Konoha. The sky was starting to lighten up, but the residents of this large city has about an hour and a half still of sleep to enjoy before dawn cracks and wakes them up for the day.
Not for ninjas, though.
In the center of the empty Konoha square stood a solitary figure, who appeared to be scanning the vicinity for anything out of the ordinary. White unruly hair shone in the lasting moonlight, and the sound of a book snapping shut was heard echoing through the square and the empty streets in the ungodly morning hour.
Then there was a loud chorus of a poof that made several birds fly away from a tree, and white, billowing smoke dispersed slowly to reveal a lady with long blonde hair in pigtails and insanely huge boobs, another girl wearing a black and white yukata and carrying a dressed pink pig, a guy wearing a green spandex suit with hair looking like aÉ well, coconut husk, another guy smoking a cigarette, another lady wearing a short, skimpy red outfit and black hair flowing down her back.
Kakashi sighed. ÒYouÕre late,Ó he stated simply.
ÒWell, well, well, what a surprise,Ó Tsunade drawled.
ÒYou took your sweet time getting here, didnÕt ya?Ó Kakashi growled.
ÒWell, yes, we did,Ó Kurenai muttered, flipping her black hair back. ÒAssuming that youÕd arrive about an hour late even though itÕs a top priority call, we stopped over at AsumaÕs for a little breakfast.Ó
ÒDamn,Ó Kakashi muttered beneath his mask, stuffing his book into his Jounin vest pocket. ÒShoulda eaten at Ichiraku first, thenÉ theyÕre 24 hours open now.Ó
ÒShoot. Naruto would be delighted to hear that,Ó Shizune giggled. Tonton seemingly nodded.
ÒSpeaking of which, I assume you already are aware that the war has begun in the mountains, eih, Kakashi?Ó Tsunade said.
ÒOf course I am,Ó Kakashi said, sounding offended. ÒI have reliable sources, thank you very much.Ó
ÒAnd IÕm not interested in those sources of yours,Ó sniffed Tsunade. ÒWho knows, it might just be Jiraiya, that insane perv. Imagine, he sneaked into my hot spring last night! GrrrÉ the nerve of thatÑÒ
Then there was another loud poof. ÒSomeÕn call me name?Ó JiraiyaÕs voice floated through the smoke. ÒKakashi, IÕd like to inform you that Orochimaru has just engaged battle with Sasuke and Naruto. And their brothers.Ó
ÒTheir brothers?Ó Asuma said, raising a brow.
ÒYes, their brothers. Including Naruto, yes. Maybe later youÕll find out. Shall we proceed now?Ó Jiraiya nodded.
Tsunade growled lethally. ÒWait a second. YouÕre not comingÉ are you?Ó
ÒWhy, of course I am, Tsunade. IÕm not about to let an opportunity to stretch some bones pass, am I?Ó snorted Jiraiya. ÒDonÕt worry, IÕll make sure those pictures of yours make front page in Icha Icha magazineÕs next issue. And try sunbathing naked, Tsunade, your chest skin tones arenÕt smoothly even,Ó he snickered. Tsunade yelled and punched Jiraiya in the face. Kakashi went starry eyed.
ÒOooooÉÓ Kakashi muttered, floating off into hentai-land.
Kurenai walked over and gave him a slap in the back of the head.
ÒBoys. When will they learn?Ó sighed Kurenai, with a sound approval from Tsunade and Shizune.
Orochimaru smirked as his puppets arose.
ÒKuchiyose: Edotensei!Ó (a/n: Summoning Technique: Impure World Ressurection.)
ÒYou wonÕt stand a chance against themÉÓ cackled Orochimaru as he collapsed on his butt, nursing his ankle wound. He was having a hard time remaining in a standing position. ÒYou wonÕt manage to defeat them!Ó
Naruto growled. ÒWatch me.Ó
The puppets faced their respective opponents and the battle started.
Sasuke gritted his teeth as he continued to evade powerful Katon attacks from his fatherÉ er, his fatherÕs clone. He had to admit, Orochimaru did a very good job of copying the physical appearance and chakra signatures. They were almost identical. If you werenÕt as trained as Sasuke was in reading chakra, or if you didnÕt possess level 2 Sharingan, you would think that they were identical. Unmistakably identical.
Sasuke could even see the wrinkles and age lines on his fatherÕs cloneÕs face, those lines that he always saw back when he was still a mere kid. The only flaw in the clone was the eyes. The eyes held no emotions. No spark of life. And thatÕs what reminded him that it was a mere puppet.
(a/n: Bunshin and Replication Techniques copy the exact appearance of a person, but there are huge probabilities that there could be mistakes, because the appearance will be according to what the performer of the technique thinks. If youÕll recall the episode inside the Forest of Death, an enemy impersonated Naruto, but wasnÕt successful, because there was a mistake with the kunai holster being on the left side, whilst the real Naruto was right-handed. FreakyÕs clones copy everything about the person he wants to impersonate; even the chakra signatures will be copied and techniques will be forged. Even if the person to be copied is dead.)
ÒArgh!Ó Sasuke snapped as the heat of the Katon technique scorched his skin. He was just a tad bit too near. Sasuke stepped back and growled, performing quick seals. He stepped into the rapids flowing out of a small crevice in the mountain wall and cascading down in an elegant waterfall at the edge of the plateau. The angry, turbulent waters churned under his feet as he masterfully concentrated chakra on his soles. He stood levelly on the water despite the rapid current forcing his chakra to disperse in a jiffy.
ÒSuiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu!Ó (a/n: Water Release: Water Dragon Blast Technique!)
A raging water dragon emerged from the rapids, quickly extinguishing the fire made by the advanced Katon technique his father never got to teach him. He frowned. He assumed that Itachi knew that technique, but Sasuke didnÕt. The water dragon directly attacked the puppet, throwing him backwards with a rush of force equal to a pummeling 10-ton truck.
Sasuke smirked. ÒMy turn, father. You never really asked, but I always wanted to beat you. You were the next strongest to Itachi back then, I knewÉÓ
Sorry, Freaky, but your clones donÕt have an effect on me. I forgot about the murder of the clan already. IÕm over it. ItÕs finished. You seem to have forgotten that I have a steel-plated heart. And now, IÕm gonna kick your freaky, stinkinÕ butt!
Neji frowned as he watched from the sidelines. It appeared that apart from Sasuke, the others were all having a hard time with the clones. He knew about this technique. He had heard Hiashi mentioning it before. And he knew he had read about this technique.EdotenseiÉ edotenseiÉ
(a/n: You guys remember the battle between the Sandaime and Orochimaru? Freaky resurrected the Ichidaime and Nidaime to fight against the Sandaime, didnÕt he? Remember? The freaky puppets?)
As if reading NejiÕs mind, Hinata muttered simple reply to his thinking. ÒEdotensei is a dangerous, forbidden jutsu in the five countries. It resurrects the dead and violates the souls of both the dead and the living. It is very dangerous, for ordinary attacks cannot destroy these bodies. They have their own chakra and their bodies regenerate from wounds. The only way to defeat them is to deliver a killing technique that will finish them in a single blow. A technique that can reduce them to dust. WhatÕs more, they wonÕt stop fighting even if the summoner is killed.Ó
NejiÕs expression remained neutral. ÒWonÕt stop fighting, yes. Now I remember. They wonÕt stop fighting even if the summoner is killed, but they will weaken,Ó he said. Then his head suddenly swiveled to Hinata. He gave her a meaningful look.
ÒWhat? No! I canÕtÑÒ
ÒYes. You CAN. And you WILL. Do you want Naruto to die?Ó Neji hissed furiously at the timid girl, who was shaking her head.
ÒButÉÓ
ÒNo buts, Hinata. You can do it. I know you can.Ó
ÒBut whoÕll take care of you?Ó
ÒIÕll do the work, Hinata, just go ahead and kick some Freakish butt!Ó grinned Sakura, making a peace sign. Neji and Hinata sweat dropped.
I swear I almost heard those teeth go ÔPINGÕ.
ÒFineÉ butÉ donÕtÉ tell Father that I did it, okay?Ó
ÒOk.Ó
ÒPromise?Ó
ÒPromise.Ó
Hinata nodded and stood up, sparing them one look before she walked slowly towards the battle zone. Neji smirked as he pulled out his good hand. Sakura snickered as she saw NejiÕs crossed fingers.
ÒYeah, right, I wonÕt tell Hiashi-sama that you didnÕt perform the technique!Ó snickered Neji. There was a small swoosh of air behind them and they both looked behind them to a portal that opened. There emerged Tsunade, Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, Shizune, Jiraiya, Gai, Hiashi and other members of the Hyuuga clan who were obviously eager to help out.
Neji respectfully, yet painfully managed a deep bow to Hiashi and Tsunade from his position. Hiashi nodded back and Tsunade immediately kneeled down beside Sakura to help tend to NejiÕs wounds.
Eyes immediately scanned the vicinity, and JiraiyaÕs eyes narrowed as he caught sight of Orochimaru cackling madly while tending to his ankle wound, watching the proceeds of the puppet fight before him. Then all eyes turned to Hinata.
But Hinata was already out of earshot and nearing Orochimaru. She tentatively and soundlessly approached the preoccupied freak. She was a good few meters away from him, and stepping even closer. This was dangerous. If Freaky caught wind of her, it would be impossible to perform the technique perfectly.
But he didnÕt.
Hinata approached a little more. One more stepÉ just one more step, thatÕll do itÉ
There!
Freaky was now in the perfect range, 30 degrees East of her on a circle.
Here goes nothingÉ
She assumed a stance with her arms spread, one arm pointing 45 degrees upward and the other 45 degrees downward, her knees bent and her body turned sideways.
ÒHakke Rokujuu Yonshou no Jutsu!Ó snapped Hinata. (a/n: Sixty Four Hands of the Eight Divinations Technique. Bloodline Limit Taijutsu. For the Hyuuga family onlyÉ or rather, for the Byakugan users only.)
Hiashi and the other Hyuuga heirs were shocked as Orochimaru whipped around only to face HinataÕs all-out attacks.
ÒCounting!Ó Hinata giggled in an almost sing-song voice. ÒOne! Two! Three! Four!Ó
She delivered the first four hits on OrochimaruÕs solar plexus, making him cough up blood. Hinata acted as if it was just too easy for her. ÒFive! Six! Seven! Eight, Nine and Ten!Ó Five attacks with deadly precision were delivered to his spinal cord as he was flipped around by the force of chakra buffeting his helpless body.
ÒI didnÕt know she could do that!Ó Hanabi muttered from behind Neji. She was dispatched from her team by Shikamaru to ensure Hiashi and TsunadeÕs safe arrival in the battle zone.
ÒShe developed her skills while we were in Tasogare. She had improved greatly, and thereÕs nothing you can say when you see her full prowess,Ó Sakura smiled. ÒAnd that should remain as is, because I had a hard time convincing her and bringing her out of that shy shell sheÕd built!Ó
Neji observed her attacks with the Byakugan. ÒPerfect. Utterly perfect. Every attack is carefully measured and placed on target within millimeters of accuracy. The chakra release is just enough to shatter the bones and make the chakra tunnels implode. Perfect.Ó
All the while they were talking, Hinata was still counting. ÒTwenty-one, Twenty-two, Twenty-threeÉ hey, I like this!Ó
Sakura giggled at HinataÕs antics. Orochimaru was smirking, though.
ÒEven if you kill me, my Edotensei will continue plaguing you.Ó
ÒThey will, but at least theyÕll weaken. When that happens, itÕll be childÕs play getting rid of them,Ó replied Hinata. ÒTwenty-nine, Thirty!Ó
Orochimaru was taking the brunt of HinataÕs attacks as he started coughing out more blood and more black and blue bruises started to appear, telltale signs of hemorrhaging spotting his body.
Orochimaru forced his hands together and started making rapid seals, even through HinataÕs attacks.
ÒDoton: Doryuudan no Jutsu!Ó (a/n: Earth Release: Earth Dragon Missile Technique!)
A massive dragon mouth emerged from the ground and started spitting out massive balls of earth traveling at top speed towards Hinata, acting like missiles. Several hit Hinata and she rebounded, backing away, not able to finish the whole 64 combo. She grunted as she skidded to a halt just in front of Neji.
ÒGood job, Hinata, you managed to weaken him after all,Ó Neji muttered, smirking. Hinata nodded and sank to the ground slowly, sighing in exhaustion. White, gentle chakra enveloped her frame, regenerating her body, healing her wounds and replenishing her chakra supply. She sighed in relief as her bones and joints crackled as they were put back into place and tension eased from her shoulders. She rolled her head around.
ÒCare to replace me, Sakura? IÕm a bit tired,Ó Hinata muttered.
ÒSure!Ó
Sakura stood up and dusted off herself, before walking over to a now standing Orochimaru.
ÒHi, Freaky!Ó she giggled, raising a hand in recognition. ÒWeÕve met before, havenÕt we? When you placed Sasuke-kun with that stupid seal? Damn, you should know, itÕs just too damned easy to remove!Ó
ÒAhhÉ little girlÉ yes, you were the helpless little damsel in distress back then, werenÕt you? CouldnÕt do anything to help dear Sasuke-kun, eih?Ó
ÒShut UP!Ó Sakura growled, her eyes turning a pale pink.
This time, though, Orochimaru did not let her get to it first. He attacked full force, raining spider shuriken at her, and ones that had both poison and explosives.
ÒPathetic.Ó
ÒHakkeshou Kaiten!Ó Sakura shrieked, and whirl of chakra formed a dome around her body, shielding her from any kind of attack. (a/n: Eight Divinations Palm Heavenly Spin.)
ÒWHAT the FUCK!Ó Neji exclaimed, shocked.
ÒNeji! Language!Ó Tsunade reprimanded, but she went ignored.
ÒWHERE THE FUCK DID YOU GET THAT, HARUNO! THATÕS A HYUUGA CLAN TECHNIQUE!Ó
ÒI donÕt remember, Neji-sanÉÓ Sakura muttered, posing as if she was thinking. ÒLemme seeÉ I think it was when I was in TasogareÉ I dunno, I forgot alreadyÉ IÕve learned more than a thousand techniques now, you know, so donÕt ask me everything coz I wonÕt remember ALL of it.Ó
ÒSuiton: Suikoudan no Jutsu!Ó (a/n: Water Release: Water Shark Blast Technique.)
A huge shark made up of water emerged from the puddles created by SasukeÕs previous Suiton attack. It charged towards Sakura, who grunted as she went airborne. She went in a perfectly measured ark and landed flawlessly on the muddy ground, before taking off towards the water shark.
ÒKonoha Senpuu!Ó yelled Sakura. (a/n: Leaf Spinning Wind. Rock LeeÕs original technique.)
The shark received three roundhouse kicks on the torso and two on the head. It exploded in a blast of water as the chakra was dispersed.
But there was a surprise.
ÒWhat theÉ?Ó Sakura muttered, as little balls of frozen ice with swirling water inside emerged from the collapsed shark and made a beeline for her. She immediately made moves to dodge. Several balls hit the ground and they exploded, encasing the mud in ice.
ÒPleased with my little trick, cherry blossom?Ó Orochimaru smirked, as Sakura eliminated the persistent balls one by one. ÒIf you listened in your physics classes in Konoha Academy, you would know how I made these little goodies.Ó
ÒOf course,Ó muttered Neji. ÒWhen you enclose pressurized water in frozen ice, the water inside cools to below zero and then explodes from the temperature and pressure, creating a coating of ice that will cover whatever it hit. Brilliant.Ó
Sakura managed to dispose of the last of the water balls, just as Jiraiya and Tsunade pitched in for the battle.
ÒSakura, dear, leave this to us, will you? ItÕs just a reunion, a battle that shouldÕve been finished long ago,Ó Tsunade said in a gentle voice, stepping in front of the pink-haired girl, who was removing a coat of ice around her arm. Sakura nodded and limped her way towards Neji and Hinata to watch the battle, all the while struggling with her arm.
ÒThe cold is starting to burn my skinÉ Hinata, do something, pleaseÉÓ whimpered Sakura, eyeing her skin, which was turning redder underneath the cold ice. (a/n: Too much coldness can burn the skin. Try holding ice for a period of time. It burns. ThatÕs why the mountaineers who climb up mountains like the Everest has their skin reddish-brown and burned.)
Naruto dodged the SandaimeÕs attack one by one, leaping from crumbling tree to crumbling tree. He gritted his teeth, trying to make the wheels inside his brains work. He knew it wasnÕt that easy to defeat a Hokage on rampage, but still, heÕs got to.
He took a glance at the others as he heard a roaring from the rapids area.
ÒGrrÉ teme, you prick, you stole my glory again!Ó he growled, as he sighted a giant water dragon blast away the clone of SasukeÕs father. He saw Sasuke immediately charge after the clone, raining down numerous taijutsu hits with his special art.
Naruto turned his eyes back to the Sandaime. Just in time, too. He leapt away from the SandaimeÕs earth release technique, raining kunai upon the old man to stall his seal making. To his dismay, though, he figured out that the body was healing itself from any kind of injury.
Well, not all kinds of injuries. If I manage to crush him to bits in one blowÉ
Naruto stopped in his tracks.
Crush the Sandaime in one blow? The Sandaime? Old man Hokage?
Naruto stood rooted to his spot, oblivious that the Sandaime clone was preparing another attack. All the memories of the old man who had helped him through all the tough times in his life and acted as if he was his father came rushing back to him, and he stood immobilized at the thought that he had to kill and crush the Sandaime.
Can I do thatÉ to the old man?
Naruto choked as he reminisced all the times he joked around the old man, all the times the old man had shown his loyalty and faith towards the little boy shunned by the entire village.
Who am I kidding, damn it! I canÕt even lay a finger on him!
Naruto stared blankly into space, oblivious to the fact that he was gonna die if he didnÕt move soon.
ÒKaton: Karyuu Endan!Ó (a/n: Fire Release: Fire Dragon Napalm. Third Hokage and Uchiha Technique.)
No. I canÕt. I CANÕT!
----------------------
Kouji moved to the left as his father delivered sharp attacks. He reminded himself constantly that he had to be strong, even if it was his fatherÕs face on the body of this abominable creature Orochimaru had made. It was only a face. Only a face.
ÒKaton: Karyuudan!Ó (a/n: Fire Release: Fire Dragon Missile Technique. Similar to Doton: Doryuudan.)
Kouji leapt away from the fire missiles erupting from the mouth of his ÔfatherÕ. He made several flips away from the image of the man he most revered.
Long ago I was afraid of you, fatherÉ because you were so strong, stern and independentÉ unfazed by anythingÉ but nowÉ thatÕs gone.
ÒYou made a mistake Orochimaru! To ensure my win is to let me fight against the very person I have learned all my techniques from, the very person I have memorized!Ó he yelled. ÒBe proud, father! I have mastered the technique youÕve taught me! Suiton: Suishouha!Ó (a/n: Water Release: Water Colliding Wave.)
The waterfall near Kouji wavered for a second, before rising up and forming a huge tidal wave that came crashing down on the clone of the Yondaime.
ÒYou are not my father!Ó
Itachi gritted his teeth.Just a little moreÉ
He leapt away in quick succession, luring the image of Uchiha Shisui around the trees.
A little moreÉ thatÕs it, Shisui, come hereÉ
Then, just as suddenly, he stopped jumping around, skidding to a halt on the muddy ground just behind his younger brother.
ÒAniki, what the hell are you doing!Ó yelled Sasuke, fending off the rejuvenating Shisui.
ÒWatch and learn, otoutoÉÓ
As Shisui stepped on back on the muddy ground, his foot pulled on an almost invisible string, triggering a chain of hastily prepared and placed but perfect traps that soon entangled him in a web of unbreakable, special ninja nylon string.
ÒYou were never really smart, Shisui,Ó Itachi smirked. ÒI was always smarter. ThatÕs why I was called genius.Ó
ItachiÕs head snapped to the side, though, as he sensed KoujiÕs technique.
ÒGoddamit, Kouji, direct your technique elsewhere!Ó yelled Itachi.
ÒWhere am I supposed to take it, idiot? This is a plateau, in case you havenÕt noticed!Ó Kouji yelled back. He grunted as he swept his otouto away from the waves. Apparently, Naruto was having a hard time accepting the fact that he was fighting a complete replica of the Sandaime.
Kouji stared at his little brotherÕs frozen face as he landed upon the high ledge Sasuke and Itachi were cramming in. Musta been a close friend of his, Sandaime-samaÉ
ÒDamn, Kouji-nii-san, thatÕs a whoppinÕ techniqueÉÓ muttered Sasuke, as they watched the wave sweep up the clones against the mountain face and recede. The waves simply brushed beneath the large limbs of Gamabunta, who was summoned by Jiraiya, Katsuyu the giant slug, who was summoned by Tsunade, and OrochimaruÕs giant snake. ÒWhereÕd you learn it?Ó
ÒMy real father taught me,Ó Kouji smirked.
ÒCan you teach?Ó
ÒAsk Itachi, he can teach you. He knows it.Ó
ÒYou do?Ó
ÒYep. Maybe when we get to this Tasogare country of yours, I can teach you,Ó nodded Itachi, ruffling his brotherÕs hair affectionately. He smiled at his little brother genuinely for the first time in eight years. Sasuke just smiled back.
ÒIÕll hold you up on that, then,Ó smirked Sasuke. ÒCome on, looks like our clones are wakinÕ up.Ó
Kouji rounded on his otouto and shook him awake. ÒOtouto. Otouto. Naruto! Snap out of it!Ó
ÒThis is how to do it,Ó Sasuke muttered, cracking a fist and planting it sharply on top of NarutoÕs head.
ÒOw!Ó Naruto howled, clutching his head, which was now sporting a very large, red bump. ÒYou did NOT have to do that, did you?Ó
ÒYes, I didÉÓ
ÒCome on Naruto, whatÕs taking you so long to defeat that clone? ItÕs just a clone, for crying out loud! I donÕt have a coward of a brother, do I?Ó Kouji snapped. ÒYou have to make father proud. I mean our real father. Come on. Snap out of it.Ó
ÒButÉ butÉÓ Naruto spluttered. ÒIÉ donÕt know how. I know I canÕt beat him. HeÕs justÉ too strong. I canÕt. I simply canÕt.Ó
ÒNarutoÉÓ sighed Sasuke. ÒYou are strong. You are unbeatable. You are legendary. You said those yourself! What happened to all the backbreaking training and sparring we did back in Tasogare! Damn, youÕre beaten by a clone? If I beat my clone opponent then that means IÕm stronger than you are, because you were beaten by a clone.Ó
ÒSasukeÉÓ
Sasuke poked NarutoÕs forehead. ÒWake up, dumbass. Stop dreaming. And think of it. If you beat Sandaime-sama, then that means youÕre fully qualified for HokageÕs position! IsnÕt that your lifeÕs dream?Ó
ÒBeforeÉ I am the Hikari leader, am I not?Ó
ÒStill. It stands reasonable, Naruto,Ó nodded Itachi in agreement with his otouto.
ÒI canÕt. I donÕt know how.Ó
ÒYou canÕt? But you have to. If youÕre beaten, you get killed. If you get killed, no more Hinata, no more ramen, no more sundae, no more horse-riding, no more picnics,Ó snapped Sasuke. ÒYou want that?Ó
ÒBut HOW, dammit!Ó
ÒThink of something that can beat the Sandaime-sama. Or even something that can distract him.Ó
ÒUhmÉ Haremu no Jutsu?Ó Naruto sheepishly grinned, his confidence slowly gaining back from SasukeÕs lectures. (a/n: Harem Technique. That technique Naruto does, just like Sexy no Jutsu, only, with this one, he combines the Kage Bunshin with the Sexy no Jutsu, and so resulting in a ÔharemÕ or a group of voluptuous, naked women to appear and render theÉ uhm, unlucky recipient a nosebleed. Tons of nosebleeds.)
Sasuke sweatdropped. ÒOther than that, Naruto. I donÕt want a nosebleed, please.Ó
ÒOh, you have nosebleeds? I thought you were gay, otoutoÉÓ
Sasuke tackled Itachi, growling. ÒI. Am. Not. GAY!Ó
Itachi just laughed.
Down below, the completely drenched onlookers snapped their heads toward the ledge the four were on. Neji frowned.
ÒWhatÕre they talking about? WhoÕs gay?Ó
ÒI dunno,Ó shrugged Sakura. ÒListen, Neji, I want you to get back to base and inform Shikamaru about the proceeds here personally. I want you to approach the other nins and get additional medication. Then eat and refresh yourself. And thenÉ take care of Tenten, please? She needs someone. And youÕre a friend of hers. Maybe itÕs a good idea to talk to her.Ó
Neji sighed but nodded nevertheless. ÒFine, fine. Okay.Ó He watched the lightening horizon, the creeping sunlight illuminating and shedding light upon the blood-splattered battlegrounds. The sunlight outlined the horizon as the sun continued itÕs ascent. ÒHave you had news on Fukai?Ó
ÒUhmÉ about that, NejiÉÓ Hinata silently added. ÒFukaiÕs been declaredÉ well, M.I.A. a few hours ago. The parameds sent for her were found dead by patrols a couple of kilometers away from your standpoint.Ó
ÒM.I.A? NotÉ?Ó Neji looked at her disbelievingly.
ÒYes, Neji. M.I.A,Ó muttered Hinata. ÒMissing In Action.Ó
ÒButÉÓ Neji spluttered. People who are declared MIA are almost alwaysÉ deadÉ
ÒNow, NejiÉ go,Ó Sakura whispered. ÒMaybe sheÕs found her way into the headquarters, or maybe some of the med nins found her, what do you know? Go, you need rest. Fukai would be mad at us if we didnÕt let you restÉÓ
Neji blankly stood up and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Sakura and Hinata looked at each other before sighing deeply.
ÒI hate to give him false hope but if we donÕt, he might breakdown, and thatÕs something we donÕt need right nowÉÓ
ÒI know, trust meÉ I know.Ó
ÒAHA!Ó a resounding shout from above the ledge resounded through the plateau.
Naruto whooped as he whispered something to Sasuke and Sasuke smirked, nodding. Itachi and Kouji both shrugged, before they proceeded with their own clone puppets first. Naruto and Sasuke seemed to be deep in discussion upon the ledge, with Naruto speaking in a hushed, yet evidently hurried tone.
Kouji and Itachi, meanwhile, managed to tie up their clones (with much effort).
Kouji started performing seals as ItachiÕs strings held the clones in place for a while. ÒSuiton: Kokuu no Jutsu!Ó (a/n: Water Release: Black Rain Technique.)
Just as suddenly, black, slimy drops of oil started raining down on the puppets, who both squirming to get out of the bind. The two best friends waited for the oil to soak through the puppets and their clothes, as well as the strings, before Itachi started performing simple, evidently worn and practiced seals.
ÒKaton: Goukakyou no Jutsu!Ó (a/n: Fire Release: Grand Fireball Technique.)
The fire and oil ignited and set the puppets on fire, as the grand fireball engulfed them in inextinguishable flames. The puppets soon disintegrated slowly into dust, as the acrid smell of burning flesh started wafting through the thick, oil-polluted air. Sparks ignited as the remaining oil in the air contacted with the fire, making the fireball even larger and larger. The fireball grew and grew. The two waited until the fireball ceased. When the fireball was entirely gone, all the oil on the ground and in the air was gone, leaving them with a dry and hot atmosphere. The puppets were now mere piles of dust.
ÒFeh,Ó smirked Itachi, scratching his nose. ÒWasnÕt worth a sweat.Ó
ÒTchÉ is that all you got, Freaky?Ó
Orochimaru just spat on the ground, as he was currently preoccupied with his own battle. He and his snake dodged the acid attack from Katsuyu and Tsunade, and dodged the oil and fire combination of Jiraiya and Gamabunta.
ÒYou made a mistake, you know,Ó Itachi muttered. ÒWhy did you face my off with Shisui? I killed him a long time ago, why should I not be able to kill him?Ó
ÒWhat?Ó snapped Sasuke from the ledge. ÒYou killed Shisui-nii-san? Bastard!Ó
ÒWhat?Ó said a shocked Orochimaru. ÒYou killed Shisui?Ó
ÒUchiha Shisui?Ó muttered Naruto. ÒIsnÕt he the one who committed suicide? Sandaime told me about him,Ó he said, making Sasuke look at him. ÒWhat?Ó
Itachi snorted. ÒHonestly, you guys, you havenÕt figured it out yet?Ó
Blank stares from all of them.
ÒEven you, Tsunade?Ó
Blank stares.
ÒYou mean you really donÕt know?Ó
ÒObviously, duhÉÓ muttered Jiraiya, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes.
ÒDamn, I swear, if you guys would go any slower, youÕd be going backwards,Ó snorted Itachi. ÒI made it look like suicide, get it? I killed him because he was planning to rat out my plans to the council. Get it?Ó
ÒOh,Ó Tsunade voiced, looking down on top of KatsuyuÕs head, thinking about what Itachi had said. ÒThat means another conviction for you. If you ever let me catch you, or if you ever get caught, or if you ever set foot on Konoha again, youÕre dead meat, Itachi.Ó
Itachi just laughed. ÒI know, no need to tell me. I ainÕt as slow as you guys.Ó
ÒWhoÕre ya callinÕ slow!Ó Naruto indignantly shouted from the ledge.
ÒYou have no right to be indignant, Naruto, it applies perfectly to you,Ó snorted Sasuke, bonking him on top of the head.
(a/n: Right nowÉ I can already close this off as a chapter and give you a cliffy, because itÕs already reached 5000 words.
But I promised this would be the last chapter!)
With a sudden, unexpected lunge, Orochimaru took the open opportunity to strike out at TsunadeÕs slug, the snake securing a sharp bite on the slugÕs neck. It screeched in pain and Tsunade immediately leapt off it, landing on top of Gamabunta, only to take off again and land a jaw-breaking punch on FreakyÕs face. Jiraiya and the others almost winced sympathetically at the loud cracking the punch made.
Gamabunta lunged forward and pulled out his overly large katana, impaling the snakeÕs head on the ground, just like the last battle. Katsuyu immediately dispersed into thousands of small scale slugs as large as a 10-year-old kid, separating ways, reuniting some distance away from the snake, and rejoining themselves to form one huge slug again.
Tsunade gave Orochimaru a sound roundhouse kick, slinging him up to the air. She leapt up herself, continuing with the barrage of punches that almost made Orochimaru belch out his insides from the force. Truly the display of sheer, brute force from Tsunade was amazing.
ÒAre you sure sheÕs a she?Ó muttered Asuma to Shizune.
ÒIÕm quite sure, yes,Ó nodded Shizune.
ÒYeah, she has to be, those tits look authentic,Ó Kakashi nodded knowingly.
She earned a punch from Sakura, just as strong as TsunadeÕs.
ÒThatÕs right, Sakura! I heard that, you perverted, masked, ugly slug!Ó Tsunade shouted from above.
Jiraiya snickered, taking out his camera. ÒMaybe itÕs time to shoot some shots, eih, Kakashi?Ó
ÒYeahÉ after all, it looks like weÕre not needed here. The kids can practically handle themselves.Ó
ÒAnother punch, another punch, old hag!Ó Kouji screamed from below, loving the show.
ÒDONÕT CALL ME OLD HAG!Ó
ÒIncoming, incoming!Ó laughed Itachi, as a roundhouse kick landed on OrochimaruÕs solar plexus.
ÒOuch, that had to be painful!Ó winced Kouji as a one-two combination threw Freaky to the ground.
But something made Tsunade stop in her tracks and Itachi and Kouji stop their laughing spree midway.
There was a surge of frighteningly dark chakra, immense and heavy, coating the vicinity. The chakraÕs flow upon the ground was almost visible, the black, blue and red hues mixing to form a darker shade of purplish black. The heavy chakra swirled dangerously, making everybody stop and turn towards the source.
Sasuke and Naruto were both releasing unprecedented amounts of energy from their bodies.
Naruto was starting to transform, his cheek whiskers growing larger, longer and more pronounced, the monster inside him reawakening. His cheeks and eyes were beginning to be tinted red, and his fingers soon turned to sharp, pointed claws. He bared his teeth, fangs protruding and teeth growing sharper. He reared his head and crouched down like a fox would do.
Sasuke, meanwhile, was slowly engulfed in the black-blue aura he was emitting, and was not visible for about a couple of seconds, before the tight ball of chakra surrounding him suddenly receded to reveal his blood red Mangekyou eyes, navy blue scratch-like whiskers which, unlike NarutoÕs, were pointing upwards towards his eyes. Three sharp claws emerged from each of his fist joints. (a/n: Much like Wolverine, yes.) He growled gutturally, sounding more of an aggressive wolf than anything else, his fangs pronounced and protruding from the rows of his teeth.
ÒGoddamit, why didnÕt you say you were releasing them!Ó Sakura alarmingly shouted.
ÒSorry,Ó snorted Sasuke, his voice much deeper and hinted with a growling nature.
ÒAargh!Ó
Sakura wasnÕt able to hold on much longer, and the sealed monster inside her was released as well. Her hair started growing longer, her eyes turning the palest pink, a tattoo-like circle appearing on her forehead, and two more on both of her temples. Her teeth started growing fangs as well, and her nails started melding with her fingers, growing rapidly to form sharp, long and lethal-looking claws.
Hinata relaxed slightly, forcing herself to remain calm. Her Byakugan activated and her hair started growing longer as well. Two and white stripes adorned each of her cheeks and chin and her fingers turned into long, sharp claws just like SakuraÕs. She flexed them as she bore the pain of her canine fangs starting to grow longer and protrude.
ÒOh my GodÉÓ muttered Shizune, before fainting into KakashiÕs arms.
ÒWhat the fuck!Ó yelled Itachi and Kouji simultaneously.
ÒAnikiiii,Ó snickered Sasuke. ÒWatch your language.Ó
ÒShut up, Sasuke, older brothers donÕt take orders from younger ones.Ó
Sasuke stuck his tongue out at his older brother playfully, before charging forward and rearing his hand, slashing down the protruding claws down across his fatherÕs cloneÕs chest. The body crumpled down to the ground. Sasuke stepped on the cloneÕs head forcefully, shattering the skull. There was a disgusting squelch and the brain spurted out from the head. He leapt back and performed quick seals.
ÒMangekyou Sharingan: Amaterasu!Ó (a/n: Kaleidoscope Wheel Eye: Light of the Heavens. A doujutsu or eye technique that can only be done with the Mangekyou Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan. This produces a black, raging flame that can apparently burn through anything. Even illusions and barriers. Anything.)
Itachi raised an eyebrow and smirked as he saw his otouto perform his technique. The black flame devoured the body in seconds and dispersed into thin air. He nodded. ÒWell done, little brother, you have improved, I can see. Very well done. IÕm proud of you, very proud.Ó
Sasuke turned and smirked at Itachi. Itachi immediately activated his Mangekyou. Looking an activated Mangekyou Sharingan directly could mean instant death.
ÒBe more careful with that Sharingan of yours, though, if I didnÕt have that myself, I would have been killed,Ó muttered Itachi, walking over to him.
ÒThatÕs the point. You have it, and so you can counter it.Ó
ÒStop being a smartass. It doesnÕt fit you.Ó
ÒShut up.Ó
ÒDuh.Ó
Itachi just poked his little brother on the forehead and folded him into a tight, brotherly hug, which was gladly returned.
ÒAh, yeah, I kinda missed the affection and attention,Ó smiled Sasuke as they pulled away.
Naruto, meanwhile, was having fun shredding his opponent slowly to bits. ÒDamn! This is fun!Ó he yelled, delivering another measured blow to the Sandaime cloneÕs face. Apparently, he was prolonging the fun he was having. He ignored the resounding booms coming from the SanninsÕ fight behind him, continuing to beat up the poor clone.
ÒYouÕre just a clone, just a clone!Ó Naruto squealed in delight. ÒYouÕre so weak, so weak!Ó
ÒHave mercy on the clone, Naruto, donÕt prolong the sufferingÉÓ snorted Kouji, patting his brother on the back as the boy stopped for a while.
ÒAwtzÉ bummerÉÓ Naruto sighed. He called upon an enormous amount of chakra and wrapped it around the clone, tightly pressing on all sides until the clone was nothing more than a pile of goo and blood. ÒLike that? ThatÕs an improvised version of GaaraÕs Sabaku Sousou Technique.Ó
ÒI think your brotherÕs brutality has rubbed off on him,Ó Kouji muttered to Itachi, shaking his head. They watched as Sasuke performed the Amaterasu again, to get rid of the corpse.
Tsunade landed behind Itachi, panting slightly, her shoulder sporting a ghastly gash. Itachi looked at the wound. ÒBetter treat that, Hokage-sama,Ó muttered Itachi, prodding her shoulder and making her wince in pain. ÒItÕs completely lacerated.Ó
ÒThatÕs no matter, reallyÉÓ muttered Tsunade. ÒSouzou Saisei!Ó (a/n: Rebirth Genesis. Cell Duplication, meaning she'll heal any injuries, any injuries. Internal or external, no matter how large the extent. It's self-healing.)
The wound on her shoulder immediately healed from her cell duplication technique.
ÒYes, IÕve heard of that. But that shortens life-span, right? And soon, youÕll turn into an ugly old hag,Ó Kouji muttered. Tsunade fumed.
ÒWatch your words, young man!Ó
ÒWhat? Just tellinÕ the truthÉÓ
ÒOooo, IÕm gonna see TsunadeÕs ugly haggish face again!Ó snickered Naruto. ÒI still canÕt forget the last timeÉÓ
ÒCome on, Tsunade-sama, maybe you should rest for a while. WeÕll take care of him,Ó Sakura said, approaching them.
ÒAre you sure you can take him?Ó
ÒPositive.Ó
Tsunade hadnÕt even said yes, yet Naruto and Kouji immediately charged, binding Freaky by an adhesive, gooey substance that was much like spider thread. Itachi made his move and positioned himself in front of OrochimaruÕs eyes, while Sasuke held FreakyÕs head level.
ÒMangekyou Sharingan: Tsukiyomi.Ó (a/n: Kaleidoscope Wheel Eye: Moon Reader.)
Inside the illusion, Itachi mercilessly put Orochimaru under a 72-hour torture.
Hands cut off.
Ears ripped off painfully.
Chest pierced by sword.
Deep gashes and slashes that almost showed his insides.
Severed arms and legs.
Beheaded.
Eyes pulled out.
Heated needles plunged under the nails.
Blood poured.
It was absolute torture.
As the illusion ended, the four released the tortured freak, who collapsed. Blood poured out several new gashes in his body and he panted heavily, desperately trying to catch air through the punctured left lung he had. It was getting harder and harder for him to breathe.
He was already expecting death. This was not what he had planned. He hadnÕt imagined they were this strong. He had underestimated them. It was a huge mistake. A mistake that he often does. And now heÕs paid the price.
Fukai walked towards the center of the cave, limping heavily as her foot was still quite incapacitated.
In the center of the cave, there was a seal imprinted upon a meter-high obelisk made of sapphire. On the round and smooth cave walls were engravings of an ancient language, one that, miraculously, she managed to understand. Somehow. She could read them, but she could not comprehend what they meant.
It didnÕt matter though, she knew what she was meant to do. Even if it was a sacrifice, it was needed. For the safety of everyone, for peace, for the battle to stop.
She started performing runic seals slowly, as her hands werenÕt accustomed to performing them. She was more accustomed to the standard seals. The seal on the obelisk started to glow as she neared the finish of the line-up of runic seals.
She placed her hands upon the seal.
I love you, Neji-kunÉ
ÒObelisk of the mighty,
Hear my plea,
Release the jewelÕs power,
And ease the burden be;
Hear my silent prayer,
Accept this sacrificed slayer,
Take this one, almighty,
Cleanse us and erase the darker;
Bathe the moon and sun with bright pure light,
Once and for allÉ I wish for the end of this plight!Ó
Bright white light erupted from inside the mountain, and emanated all through the forest, bathing all of them in white, warm and comforting light. The light seemed to sweep away the darkness enveloping the war-ravaged place.
Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Hinata all were shocked as their monster seals receded even without their command. The summoned monsters of the three Sannin all disappeared in puffs of smoke, and Orochimaru vanished with an earsplitting, echoing screech of pain. It seemed that the light was cleansing the whole place of anything enveloped with darkness. The light apparently scorched Orochimaru and he disintegrated right before their eyes, turning into nothing more than dust that was blown away by the wind.
The light passed through Itachi and he cried out and fell.
ÒAniki!Ó Sasuke yelled, running towards Itachi, who was on the ground, panting. After seeing what happened to Orochimaru with that light, Sasuke grew nervous that it might take his brother too, seeing as he had killed and committed crimes as well. But it didnÕt. It just hurt Itachi. Sasuke knelt down beside his brother, who was struggling to sit up. ÒDaijoubu ka?Ó
ÒIÕmÉ fineÉ fine,Ó muttered Itachi. He tried to sit up straight, but the light seemed to have sucked all the energy out of his muscles. He withdrew the chakra from his eyes, the Mangekyou receding. He had to, or else he would die of chakra depletion. He then collapsed helplessly into his little brotherÕs welcoming arms. He just smirked. ÒGomen, otouto, I seem to have overworked myself. No need to worry thoughtÉ justÉ tiredÉÓ
Sasuke smirked back and nodded as he kept his arms around his older brother protectively, bearing his weight.
ÒThere, thatÕll teach you not to be naughty, Ita-kun,Ó snickered Kouji, who collapsed into a sitting position beside Itachi. Naruto fell flat on his back, his head landing on KoujiÕs lap. He grinned obnoxiously. Kouji grinned back, scratching NarutoÕs head.
ÒHeheheÉÓ Naruto grinned, closing his eyes and letting his elder brother scratch the top of his head gently.
The consequences of TsunadeÕs technique started taking effect, and Shizune and Sakura immediately rushed to her aid, while Jiraiya tried his best to keep in the insults brewing in his mind. Kakashi and the other onlookers were shocked with what happened to the normally youthful-looking Hokage they had.
ÒWeheheehÉ Ugly Old Hag is back!Ó
There was a puff of sudden smoke and Shikamaru, Neji, Tenten, and the rest of the gang appeared.
ÒWhat happened?Ó they all asked at the same time. Then they looked at Tsunade. ÒAnd who is she?Ó
Sakura and Hinata both burst out laughing as they tended to Jiraiya and TsunadeÕs wounds.
ÒSomething unbelievable,Ó smirked Sasuke.
The sunlight crept upon the plateau, bathing them once more in warm, welcoming light, and painting a smile upon all of their faces.
ÒHey, do any of you guys happen to have brought ramen?Ó
END
ÊIt was a hazy, silent morning in Konoha. The sky was starting to lighten up, but the residents of this large city has about an hour and a half still of sleep to enjoy before dawn cracks and wakes them up for the day.
Not for ninjas, though.
In the center of the empty Konoha square stood a solitary figure, who appeared to be scanning the vicinity for anything out of the ordinary. White unruly hair shone in the lasting moonlight, and the sound of a book snapping shut was heard echoing through the square and the empty streets in the ungodly morning hour.
Then there was a loud chorus of a poof that made several birds fly away from a tree, and white, billowing smoke dispersed slowly to reveal a lady with long blonde hair in pigtails and insanely huge boobs, another girl wearing a black and white yukata and carrying a dressed pink pig, a guy wearing a green spandex suit with hair looking like aÉ well, coconut husk, another guy smoking a cigarette, another lady wearing a short, skimpy red outfit and black hair flowing down her back.
Kakashi sighed. ÒYouÕre late,Ó he stated simply.
ÒWell, well, well, what a surprise,Ó Tsunade drawled.
ÒYou took your sweet time getting here, didnÕt ya?Ó Kakashi growled.
ÒWell, yes, we did,Ó Kurenai muttered, flipping her black hair back. ÒAssuming that youÕd arrive about an hour late even though itÕs a top priority call, we stopped over at AsumaÕs for a little breakfast.Ó
ÒDamn,Ó Kakashi muttered beneath his mask, stuffing his book into his Jounin vest pocket. ÒShoulda eaten at Ichiraku first, thenÉ theyÕre 24 hours open now.Ó
ÒShoot. Naruto would be delighted to hear that,Ó Shizune giggled. Tonton seemingly nodded.
ÒSpeaking of which, I assume you already are aware that the war has begun in the mountains, eih, Kakashi?Ó Tsunade said.
ÒOf course I am,Ó Kakashi said, sounding offended. ÒI have reliable sources, thank you very much.Ó
ÒAnd IÕm not interested in those sources of yours,Ó sniffed Tsunade. ÒWho knows, it might just be Jiraiya, that insane perv. Imagine, he sneaked into my hot spring last night! GrrrÉ the nerve of thatÑÒ
Then there was another loud poof. ÒSomeÕn call me name?Ó JiraiyaÕs voice floated through the smoke. ÒKakashi, IÕd like to inform you that Orochimaru has just engaged battle with Sasuke and Naruto. And their brothers.Ó
ÒTheir brothers?Ó Asuma said, raising a brow.
ÒYes, their brothers. Including Naruto, yes. Maybe later youÕll find out. Shall we proceed now?Ó Jiraiya nodded.
Tsunade growled lethally. ÒWait a second. YouÕre not comingÉ are you?Ó
ÒWhy, of course I am, Tsunade. IÕm not about to let an opportunity to stretch some bones pass, am I?Ó snorted Jiraiya. ÒDonÕt worry, IÕll make sure those pictures of yours make front page in Icha Icha magazineÕs next issue. And try sunbathing naked, Tsunade, your chest skin tones arenÕt smoothly even,Ó he snickered. Tsunade yelled and punched Jiraiya in the face. Kakashi went starry eyed.
ÒOooooÉÓ Kakashi muttered, floating off into hentai-land.
Kurenai walked over and gave him a slap in the back of the head.
ÒBoys. When will they learn?Ó sighed Kurenai, with a sound approval from Tsunade and Shizune.
Orochimaru smirked as his puppets arose.
ÒKuchiyose: Edotensei!Ó (a/n: Summoning Technique: Impure World Ressurection.)
ÒYou wonÕt stand a chance against themÉÓ cackled Orochimaru as he collapsed on his butt, nursing his ankle wound. He was having a hard time remaining in a standing position. ÒYou wonÕt manage to defeat them!Ó
Naruto growled. ÒWatch me.Ó
The puppets faced their respective opponents and the battle started.
Sasuke gritted his teeth as he continued to evade powerful Katon attacks from his fatherÉ er, his fatherÕs clone. He had to admit, Orochimaru did a very good job of copying the physical appearance and chakra signatures. They were almost identical. If you werenÕt as trained as Sasuke was in reading chakra, or if you didnÕt possess level 2 Sharingan, you would think that they were identical. Unmistakably identical.
Sasuke could even see the wrinkles and age lines on his fatherÕs cloneÕs face, those lines that he always saw back when he was still a mere kid. The only flaw in the clone was the eyes. The eyes held no emotions. No spark of life. And thatÕs what reminded him that it was a mere puppet.
(a/n: Bunshin and Replication Techniques copy the exact appearance of a person, but there are huge probabilities that there could be mistakes, because the appearance will be according to what the performer of the technique thinks. If youÕll recall the episode inside the Forest of Death, an enemy impersonated Naruto, but wasnÕt successful, because there was a mistake with the kunai holster being on the left side, whilst the real Naruto was right-handed. FreakyÕs clones copy everything about the person he wants to impersonate; even the chakra signatures will be copied and techniques will be forged. Even if the person to be copied is dead.)
ÒArgh!Ó Sasuke snapped as the heat of the Katon technique scorched his skin. He was just a tad bit too near. Sasuke stepped back and growled, performing quick seals. He stepped into the rapids flowing out of a small crevice in the mountain wall and cascading down in an elegant waterfall at the edge of the plateau. The angry, turbulent waters churned under his feet as he masterfully concentrated chakra on his soles. He stood levelly on the water despite the rapid current forcing his chakra to disperse in a jiffy.
ÒSuiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu!Ó (a/n: Water Release: Water Dragon Blast Technique!)
A raging water dragon emerged from the rapids, quickly extinguishing the fire made by the advanced Katon technique his father never got to teach him. He frowned. He assumed that Itachi knew that technique, but Sasuke didnÕt. The water dragon directly attacked the puppet, throwing him backwards with a rush of force equal to a pummeling 10-ton truck.
Sasuke smirked. ÒMy turn, father. You never really asked, but I always wanted to beat you. You were the next strongest to Itachi back then, I knewÉÓ
Sorry, Freaky, but your clones donÕt have an effect on me. I forgot about the murder of the clan already. IÕm over it. ItÕs finished. You seem to have forgotten that I have a steel-plated heart. And now, IÕm gonna kick your freaky, stinkinÕ butt!
Neji frowned as he watched from the sidelines. It appeared that apart from Sasuke, the others were all having a hard time with the clones. He knew about this technique. He had heard Hiashi mentioning it before. And he knew he had read about this technique.EdotenseiÉ edotenseiÉ
(a/n: You guys remember the battle between the Sandaime and Orochimaru? Freaky resurrected the Ichidaime and Nidaime to fight against the Sandaime, didnÕt he? Remember? The freaky puppets?)
As if reading NejiÕs mind, Hinata muttered simple reply to his thinking. ÒEdotensei is a dangerous, forbidden jutsu in the five countries. It resurrects the dead and violates the souls of both the dead and the living. It is very dangerous, for ordinary attacks cannot destroy these bodies. They have their own chakra and their bodies regenerate from wounds. The only way to defeat them is to deliver a killing technique that will finish them in a single blow. A technique that can reduce them to dust. WhatÕs more, they wonÕt stop fighting even if the summoner is killed.Ó
NejiÕs expression remained neutral. ÒWonÕt stop fighting, yes. Now I remember. They wonÕt stop fighting even if the summoner is killed, but they will weaken,Ó he said. Then his head suddenly swiveled to Hinata. He gave her a meaningful look.
ÒWhat? No! I canÕtÑÒ
ÒYes. You CAN. And you WILL. Do you want Naruto to die?Ó Neji hissed furiously at the timid girl, who was shaking her head.
ÒButÉÓ
ÒNo buts, Hinata. You can do it. I know you can.Ó
ÒBut whoÕll take care of you?Ó
ÒIÕll do the work, Hinata, just go ahead and kick some Freakish butt!Ó grinned Sakura, making a peace sign. Neji and Hinata sweat dropped.
I swear I almost heard those teeth go ÔPINGÕ.
ÒFineÉ butÉ donÕtÉ tell Father that I did it, okay?Ó
ÒOk.Ó
ÒPromise?Ó
ÒPromise.Ó
Hinata nodded and stood up, sparing them one look before she walked slowly towards the battle zone. Neji smirked as he pulled out his good hand. Sakura snickered as she saw NejiÕs crossed fingers.
ÒYeah, right, I wonÕt tell Hiashi-sama that you didnÕt perform the technique!Ó snickered Neji. There was a small swoosh of air behind them and they both looked behind them to a portal that opened. There emerged Tsunade, Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, Shizune, Jiraiya, Gai, Hiashi and other members of the Hyuuga clan who were obviously eager to help out.
Neji respectfully, yet painfully managed a deep bow to Hiashi and Tsunade from his position. Hiashi nodded back and Tsunade immediately kneeled down beside Sakura to help tend to NejiÕs wounds.
Eyes immediately scanned the vicinity, and JiraiyaÕs eyes narrowed as he caught sight of Orochimaru cackling madly while tending to his ankle wound, watching the proceeds of the puppet fight before him. Then all eyes turned to Hinata.
But Hinata was already out of earshot and nearing Orochimaru. She tentatively and soundlessly approached the preoccupied freak. She was a good few meters away from him, and stepping even closer. This was dangerous. If Freaky caught wind of her, it would be impossible to perform the technique perfectly.
But he didnÕt.
Hinata approached a little more. One more stepÉ just one more step, thatÕll do itÉ
There!
Freaky was now in the perfect range, 30 degrees East of her on a circle.
Here goes nothingÉ
She assumed a stance with her arms spread, one arm pointing 45 degrees upward and the other 45 degrees downward, her knees bent and her body turned sideways.
ÒHakke Rokujuu Yonshou no Jutsu!Ó snapped Hinata. (a/n: Sixty Four Hands of the Eight Divinations Technique. Bloodline Limit Taijutsu. For the Hyuuga family onlyÉ or rather, for the Byakugan users only.)
Hiashi and the other Hyuuga heirs were shocked as Orochimaru whipped around only to face HinataÕs all-out attacks.
ÒCounting!Ó Hinata giggled in an almost sing-song voice. ÒOne! Two! Three! Four!Ó
She delivered the first four hits on OrochimaruÕs solar plexus, making him cough up blood. Hinata acted as if it was just too easy for her. ÒFive! Six! Seven! Eight, Nine and Ten!Ó Five attacks with deadly precision were delivered to his spinal cord as he was flipped around by the force of chakra buffeting his helpless body.
ÒI didnÕt know she could do that!Ó Hanabi muttered from behind Neji. She was dispatched from her team by Shikamaru to ensure Hiashi and TsunadeÕs safe arrival in the battle zone.
ÒShe developed her skills while we were in Tasogare. She had improved greatly, and thereÕs nothing you can say when you see her full prowess,Ó Sakura smiled. ÒAnd that should remain as is, because I had a hard time convincing her and bringing her out of that shy shell sheÕd built!Ó
Neji observed her attacks with the Byakugan. ÒPerfect. Utterly perfect. Every attack is carefully measured and placed on target within millimeters of accuracy. The chakra release is just enough to shatter the bones and make the chakra tunnels implode. Perfect.Ó
All the while they were talking, Hinata was still counting. ÒTwenty-one, Twenty-two, Twenty-threeÉ hey, I like this!Ó
Sakura giggled at HinataÕs antics. Orochimaru was smirking, though.
ÒEven if you kill me, my Edotensei will continue plaguing you.Ó
ÒThey will, but at least theyÕll weaken. When that happens, itÕll be childÕs play getting rid of them,Ó replied Hinata. ÒTwenty-nine, Thirty!Ó
Orochimaru was taking the brunt of HinataÕs attacks as he started coughing out more blood and more black and blue bruises started to appear, telltale signs of hemorrhaging spotting his body.
Orochimaru forced his hands together and started making rapid seals, even through HinataÕs attacks.
ÒDoton: Doryuudan no Jutsu!Ó (a/n: Earth Release: Earth Dragon Missile Technique!)
A massive dragon mouth emerged from the ground and started spitting out massive balls of earth traveling at top speed towards Hinata, acting like missiles. Several hit Hinata and she rebounded, backing away, not able to finish the whole 64 combo. She grunted as she skidded to a halt just in front of Neji.
ÒGood job, Hinata, you managed to weaken him after all,Ó Neji muttered, smirking. Hinata nodded and sank to the ground slowly, sighing in exhaustion. White, gentle chakra enveloped her frame, regenerating her body, healing her wounds and replenishing her chakra supply. She sighed in relief as her bones and joints crackled as they were put back into place and tension eased from her shoulders. She rolled her head around.
ÒCare to replace me, Sakura? IÕm a bit tired,Ó Hinata muttered.
ÒSure!Ó
Sakura stood up and dusted off herself, before walking over to a now standing Orochimaru.
ÒHi, Freaky!Ó she giggled, raising a hand in recognition. ÒWeÕve met before, havenÕt we? When you placed Sasuke-kun with that stupid seal? Damn, you should know, itÕs just too damned easy to remove!Ó
ÒAhhÉ little girlÉ yes, you were the helpless little damsel in distress back then, werenÕt you? CouldnÕt do anything to help dear Sasuke-kun, eih?Ó
ÒShut UP!Ó Sakura growled, her eyes turning a pale pink.
This time, though, Orochimaru did not let her get to it first. He attacked full force, raining spider shuriken at her, and ones that had both poison and explosives.
ÒPathetic.Ó
ÒHakkeshou Kaiten!Ó Sakura shrieked, and whirl of chakra formed a dome around her body, shielding her from any kind of attack. (a/n: Eight Divinations Palm Heavenly Spin.)
ÒWHAT the FUCK!Ó Neji exclaimed, shocked.
ÒNeji! Language!Ó Tsunade reprimanded, but she went ignored.
ÒWHERE THE FUCK DID YOU GET THAT, HARUNO! THATÕS A HYUUGA CLAN TECHNIQUE!Ó
ÒI donÕt remember, Neji-sanÉÓ Sakura muttered, posing as if she was thinking. ÒLemme seeÉ I think it was when I was in TasogareÉ I dunno, I forgot alreadyÉ IÕve learned more than a thousand techniques now, you know, so donÕt ask me everything coz I wonÕt remember ALL of it.Ó
ÒSuiton: Suikoudan no Jutsu!Ó (a/n: Water Release: Water Shark Blast Technique.)
A huge shark made up of water emerged from the puddles created by SasukeÕs previous Suiton attack. It charged towards Sakura, who grunted as she went airborne. She went in a perfectly measured ark and landed flawlessly on the muddy ground, before taking off towards the water shark.
ÒKonoha Senpuu!Ó yelled Sakura. (a/n: Leaf Spinning Wind. Rock LeeÕs original technique.)
The shark received three roundhouse kicks on the torso and two on the head. It exploded in a blast of water as the chakra was dispersed.
But there was a surprise.
ÒWhat theÉ?Ó Sakura muttered, as little balls of frozen ice with swirling water inside emerged from the collapsed shark and made a beeline for her. She immediately made moves to dodge. Several balls hit the ground and they exploded, encasing the mud in ice.
ÒPleased with my little trick, cherry blossom?Ó Orochimaru smirked, as Sakura eliminated the persistent balls one by one. ÒIf you listened in your physics classes in Konoha Academy, you would know how I made these little goodies.Ó
ÒOf course,Ó muttered Neji. ÒWhen you enclose pressurized water in frozen ice, the water inside cools to below zero and then explodes from the temperature and pressure, creating a coating of ice that will cover whatever it hit. Brilliant.Ó
Sakura managed to dispose of the last of the water balls, just as Jiraiya and Tsunade pitched in for the battle.
ÒSakura, dear, leave this to us, will you? ItÕs just a reunion, a battle that shouldÕve been finished long ago,Ó Tsunade said in a gentle voice, stepping in front of the pink-haired girl, who was removing a coat of ice around her arm. Sakura nodded and limped her way towards Neji and Hinata to watch the battle, all the while struggling with her arm.
ÒThe cold is starting to burn my skinÉ Hinata, do something, pleaseÉÓ whimpered Sakura, eyeing her skin, which was turning redder underneath the cold ice. (a/n: Too much coldness can burn the skin. Try holding ice for a period of time. It burns. ThatÕs why the mountaineers who climb up mountains like the Everest has their skin reddish-brown and burned.)
Naruto dodged the SandaimeÕs attack one by one, leaping from crumbling tree to crumbling tree. He gritted his teeth, trying to make the wheels inside his brains work. He knew it wasnÕt that easy to defeat a Hokage on rampage, but still, heÕs got to.
He took a glance at the others as he heard a roaring from the rapids area.
ÒGrrÉ teme, you prick, you stole my glory again!Ó he growled, as he sighted a giant water dragon blast away the clone of SasukeÕs father. He saw Sasuke immediately charge after the clone, raining down numerous taijutsu hits with his special art.
Naruto turned his eyes back to the Sandaime. Just in time, too. He leapt away from the SandaimeÕs earth release technique, raining kunai upon the old man to stall his seal making. To his dismay, though, he figured out that the body was healing itself from any kind of injury.
Well, not all kinds of injuries. If I manage to crush him to bits in one blowÉ
Naruto stopped in his tracks.
Crush the Sandaime in one blow? The Sandaime? Old man Hokage?
Naruto stood rooted to his spot, oblivious that the Sandaime clone was preparing another attack. All the memories of the old man who had helped him through all the tough times in his life and acted as if he was his father came rushing back to him, and he stood immobilized at the thought that he had to kill and crush the Sandaime.
Can I do thatÉ to the old man?
Naruto choked as he reminisced all the times he joked around the old man, all the times the old man had shown his loyalty and faith towards the little boy shunned by the entire village.
Who am I kidding, damn it! I canÕt even lay a finger on him!
Naruto stared blankly into space, oblivious to the fact that he was gonna die if he didnÕt move soon.
ÒKaton: Karyuu Endan!Ó (a/n: Fire Release: Fire Dragon Napalm. Third Hokage and Uchiha Technique.)
No. I canÕt. I CANÕT!
----------------------
Kouji moved to the left as his father delivered sharp attacks. He reminded himself constantly that he had to be strong, even if it was his fatherÕs face on the body of this abominable creature Orochimaru had made. It was only a face. Only a face.
ÒKaton: Karyuudan!Ó (a/n: Fire Release: Fire Dragon Missile Technique. Similar to Doton: Doryuudan.)
Kouji leapt away from the fire missiles erupting from the mouth of his ÔfatherÕ. He made several flips away from the image of the man he most revered.
Long ago I was afraid of you, fatherÉ because you were so strong, stern and independentÉ unfazed by anythingÉ but nowÉ thatÕs gone.
ÒYou made a mistake Orochimaru! To ensure my win is to let me fight against the very person I have learned all my techniques from, the very person I have memorized!Ó he yelled. ÒBe proud, father! I have mastered the technique youÕve taught me! Suiton: Suishouha!Ó (a/n: Water Release: Water Colliding Wave.)
The waterfall near Kouji wavered for a second, before rising up and forming a huge tidal wave that came crashing down on the clone of the Yondaime.
ÒYou are not my father!Ó
Itachi gritted his teeth.Just a little moreÉ
He leapt away in quick succession, luring the image of Uchiha Shisui around the trees.
A little moreÉ thatÕs it, Shisui, come hereÉ
Then, just as suddenly, he stopped jumping around, skidding to a halt on the muddy ground just behind his younger brother.
ÒAniki, what the hell are you doing!Ó yelled Sasuke, fending off the rejuvenating Shisui.
ÒWatch and learn, otoutoÉÓ
As Shisui stepped on back on the muddy ground, his foot pulled on an almost invisible string, triggering a chain of hastily prepared and placed but perfect traps that soon entangled him in a web of unbreakable, special ninja nylon string.
ÒYou were never really smart, Shisui,Ó Itachi smirked. ÒI was always smarter. ThatÕs why I was called genius.Ó
ItachiÕs head snapped to the side, though, as he sensed KoujiÕs technique.
ÒGoddamit, Kouji, direct your technique elsewhere!Ó yelled Itachi.
ÒWhere am I supposed to take it, idiot? This is a plateau, in case you havenÕt noticed!Ó Kouji yelled back. He grunted as he swept his otouto away from the waves. Apparently, Naruto was having a hard time accepting the fact that he was fighting a complete replica of the Sandaime.
Kouji stared at his little brotherÕs frozen face as he landed upon the high ledge Sasuke and Itachi were cramming in. Musta been a close friend of his, Sandaime-samaÉ
ÒDamn, Kouji-nii-san, thatÕs a whoppinÕ techniqueÉÓ muttered Sasuke, as they watched the wave sweep up the clones against the mountain face and recede. The waves simply brushed beneath the large limbs of Gamabunta, who was summoned by Jiraiya, Katsuyu the giant slug, who was summoned by Tsunade, and OrochimaruÕs giant snake. ÒWhereÕd you learn it?Ó
ÒMy real father taught me,Ó Kouji smirked.
ÒCan you teach?Ó
ÒAsk Itachi, he can teach you. He knows it.Ó
ÒYou do?Ó
ÒYep. Maybe when we get to this Tasogare country of yours, I can teach you,Ó nodded Itachi, ruffling his brotherÕs hair affectionately. He smiled at his little brother genuinely for the first time in eight years. Sasuke just smiled back.
ÒIÕll hold you up on that, then,Ó smirked Sasuke. ÒCome on, looks like our clones are wakinÕ up.Ó
Kouji rounded on his otouto and shook him awake. ÒOtouto. Otouto. Naruto! Snap out of it!Ó
ÒThis is how to do it,Ó Sasuke muttered, cracking a fist and planting it sharply on top of NarutoÕs head.
ÒOw!Ó Naruto howled, clutching his head, which was now sporting a very large, red bump. ÒYou did NOT have to do that, did you?Ó
ÒYes, I didÉÓ
ÒCome on Naruto, whatÕs taking you so long to defeat that clone? ItÕs just a clone, for crying out loud! I donÕt have a coward of a brother, do I?Ó Kouji snapped. ÒYou have to make father proud. I mean our real father. Come on. Snap out of it.Ó
ÒButÉ butÉÓ Naruto spluttered. ÒIÉ donÕt know how. I know I canÕt beat him. HeÕs justÉ too strong. I canÕt. I simply canÕt.Ó
ÒNarutoÉÓ sighed Sasuke. ÒYou are strong. You are unbeatable. You are legendary. You said those yourself! What happened to all the backbreaking training and sparring we did back in Tasogare! Damn, youÕre beaten by a clone? If I beat my clone opponent then that means IÕm stronger than you are, because you were beaten by a clone.Ó
ÒSasukeÉÓ
Sasuke poked NarutoÕs forehead. ÒWake up, dumbass. Stop dreaming. And think of it. If you beat Sandaime-sama, then that means youÕre fully qualified for HokageÕs position! IsnÕt that your lifeÕs dream?Ó
ÒBeforeÉ I am the Hikari leader, am I not?Ó
ÒStill. It stands reasonable, Naruto,Ó nodded Itachi in agreement with his otouto.
ÒI canÕt. I donÕt know how.Ó
ÒYou canÕt? But you have to. If youÕre beaten, you get killed. If you get killed, no more Hinata, no more ramen, no more sundae, no more horse-riding, no more picnics,Ó snapped Sasuke. ÒYou want that?Ó
ÒBut HOW, dammit!Ó
ÒThink of something that can beat the Sandaime-sama. Or even something that can distract him.Ó
ÒUhmÉ Haremu no Jutsu?Ó Naruto sheepishly grinned, his confidence slowly gaining back from SasukeÕs lectures. (a/n: Harem Technique. That technique Naruto does, just like Sexy no Jutsu, only, with this one, he combines the Kage Bunshin with the Sexy no Jutsu, and so resulting in a ÔharemÕ or a group of voluptuous, naked women to appear and render theÉ uhm, unlucky recipient a nosebleed. Tons of nosebleeds.)
Sasuke sweatdropped. ÒOther than that, Naruto. I donÕt want a nosebleed, please.Ó
ÒOh, you have nosebleeds? I thought you were gay, otoutoÉÓ
Sasuke tackled Itachi, growling. ÒI. Am. Not. GAY!Ó
Itachi just laughed.
Down below, the completely drenched onlookers snapped their heads toward the ledge the four were on. Neji frowned.
ÒWhatÕre they talking about? WhoÕs gay?Ó
ÒI dunno,Ó shrugged Sakura. ÒListen, Neji, I want you to get back to base and inform Shikamaru about the proceeds here personally. I want you to approach the other nins and get additional medication. Then eat and refresh yourself. And thenÉ take care of Tenten, please? She needs someone. And youÕre a friend of hers. Maybe itÕs a good idea to talk to her.Ó
Neji sighed but nodded nevertheless. ÒFine, fine. Okay.Ó He watched the lightening horizon, the creeping sunlight illuminating and shedding light upon the blood-splattered battlegrounds. The sunlight outlined the horizon as the sun continued itÕs ascent. ÒHave you had news on Fukai?Ó
ÒUhmÉ about that, NejiÉÓ Hinata silently added. ÒFukaiÕs been declaredÉ well, M.I.A. a few hours ago. The parameds sent for her were found dead by patrols a couple of kilometers away from your standpoint.Ó
ÒM.I.A? NotÉ?Ó Neji looked at her disbelievingly.
ÒYes, Neji. M.I.A,Ó muttered Hinata. ÒMissing In Action.Ó
ÒButÉÓ Neji spluttered. People who are declared MIA are almost alwaysÉ deadÉ
ÒNow, NejiÉ go,Ó Sakura whispered. ÒMaybe sheÕs found her way into the headquarters, or maybe some of the med nins found her, what do you know? Go, you need rest. Fukai would be mad at us if we didnÕt let you restÉÓ
Neji blankly stood up and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Sakura and Hinata looked at each other before sighing deeply.
ÒI hate to give him false hope but if we donÕt, he might breakdown, and thatÕs something we donÕt need right nowÉÓ
ÒI know, trust meÉ I know.Ó
ÒAHA!Ó a resounding shout from above the ledge resounded through the plateau.
Naruto whooped as he whispered something to Sasuke and Sasuke smirked, nodding. Itachi and Kouji both shrugged, before they proceeded with their own clone puppets first. Naruto and Sasuke seemed to be deep in discussion upon the ledge, with Naruto speaking in a hushed, yet evidently hurried tone.
Kouji and Itachi, meanwhile, managed to tie up their clones (with much effort).
Kouji started performing seals as ItachiÕs strings held the clones in place for a while. ÒSuiton: Kokuu no Jutsu!Ó (a/n: Water Release: Black Rain Technique.)
Just as suddenly, black, slimy drops of oil started raining down on the puppets, who both squirming to get out of the bind. The two best friends waited for the oil to soak through the puppets and their clothes, as well as the strings, before Itachi started performing simple, evidently worn and practiced seals.
ÒKaton: Goukakyou no Jutsu!Ó (a/n: Fire Release: Grand Fireball Technique.)
The fire and oil ignited and set the puppets on fire, as the grand fireball engulfed them in inextinguishable flames. The puppets soon disintegrated slowly into dust, as the acrid smell of burning flesh started wafting through the thick, oil-polluted air. Sparks ignited as the remaining oil in the air contacted with the fire, making the fireball even larger and larger. The fireball grew and grew. The two waited until the fireball ceased. When the fireball was entirely gone, all the oil on the ground and in the air was gone, leaving them with a dry and hot atmosphere. The puppets were now mere piles of dust.
ÒFeh,Ó smirked Itachi, scratching his nose. ÒWasnÕt worth a sweat.Ó
ÒTchÉ is that all you got, Freaky?Ó
Orochimaru just spat on the ground, as he was currently preoccupied with his own battle. He and his snake dodged the acid attack from Katsuyu and Tsunade, and dodged the oil and fire combination of Jiraiya and Gamabunta.
ÒYou made a mistake, you know,Ó Itachi muttered. ÒWhy did you face my off with Shisui? I killed him a long time ago, why should I not be able to kill him?Ó
ÒWhat?Ó snapped Sasuke from the ledge. ÒYou killed Shisui-nii-san? Bastard!Ó
ÒWhat?Ó said a shocked Orochimaru. ÒYou killed Shisui?Ó
ÒUchiha Shisui?Ó muttered Naruto. ÒIsnÕt he the one who committed suicide? Sandaime told me about him,Ó he said, making Sasuke look at him. ÒWhat?Ó
Itachi snorted. ÒHonestly, you guys, you havenÕt figured it out yet?Ó
Blank stares from all of them.
ÒEven you, Tsunade?Ó
Blank stares.
ÒYou mean you really donÕt know?Ó
ÒObviously, duhÉÓ muttered Jiraiya, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes.
ÒDamn, I swear, if you guys would go any slower, youÕd be going backwards,Ó snorted Itachi. ÒI made it look like suicide, get it? I killed him because he was planning to rat out my plans to the council. Get it?Ó
ÒOh,Ó Tsunade voiced, looking down on top of KatsuyuÕs head, thinking about what Itachi had said. ÒThat means another conviction for you. If you ever let me catch you, or if you ever get caught, or if you ever set foot on Konoha again, youÕre dead meat, Itachi.Ó
Itachi just laughed. ÒI know, no need to tell me. I ainÕt as slow as you guys.Ó
ÒWhoÕre ya callinÕ slow!Ó Naruto indignantly shouted from the ledge.
ÒYou have no right to be indignant, Naruto, it applies perfectly to you,Ó snorted Sasuke, bonking him on top of the head.
(a/n: Right nowÉ I can already close this off as a chapter and give you a cliffy, because itÕs already reached 5000 words.
But I promised this would be the last chapter!)
With a sudden, unexpected lunge, Orochimaru took the open opportunity to strike out at TsunadeÕs slug, the snake securing a sharp bite on the slugÕs neck. It screeched in pain and Tsunade immediately leapt off it, landing on top of Gamabunta, only to take off again and land a jaw-breaking punch on FreakyÕs face. Jiraiya and the others almost winced sympathetically at the loud cracking the punch made.
Gamabunta lunged forward and pulled out his overly large katana, impaling the snakeÕs head on the ground, just like the last battle. Katsuyu immediately dispersed into thousands of small scale slugs as large as a 10-year-old kid, separating ways, reuniting some distance away from the snake, and rejoining themselves to form one huge slug again.
Tsunade gave Orochimaru a sound roundhouse kick, slinging him up to the air. She leapt up herself, continuing with the barrage of punches that almost made Orochimaru belch out his insides from the force. Truly the display of sheer, brute force from Tsunade was amazing.
ÒAre you sure sheÕs a she?Ó muttered Asuma to Shizune.
ÒIÕm quite sure, yes,Ó nodded Shizune.
ÒYeah, she has to be, those tits look authentic,Ó Kakashi nodded knowingly.
She earned a punch from Sakura, just as strong as TsunadeÕs.
ÒThatÕs right, Sakura! I heard that, you perverted, masked, ugly slug!Ó Tsunade shouted from above.
Jiraiya snickered, taking out his camera. ÒMaybe itÕs time to shoot some shots, eih, Kakashi?Ó
ÒYeahÉ after all, it looks like weÕre not needed here. The kids can practically handle themselves.Ó
ÒAnother punch, another punch, old hag!Ó Kouji screamed from below, loving the show.
ÒDONÕT CALL ME OLD HAG!Ó
ÒIncoming, incoming!Ó laughed Itachi, as a roundhouse kick landed on OrochimaruÕs solar plexus.
ÒOuch, that had to be painful!Ó winced Kouji as a one-two combination threw Freaky to the ground.
But something made Tsunade stop in her tracks and Itachi and Kouji stop their laughing spree midway.
There was a surge of frighteningly dark chakra, immense and heavy, coating the vicinity. The chakraÕs flow upon the ground was almost visible, the black, blue and red hues mixing to form a darker shade of purplish black. The heavy chakra swirled dangerously, making everybody stop and turn towards the source.
Sasuke and Naruto were both releasing unprecedented amounts of energy from their bodies.
Naruto was starting to transform, his cheek whiskers growing larger, longer and more pronounced, the monster inside him reawakening. His cheeks and eyes were beginning to be tinted red, and his fingers soon turned to sharp, pointed claws. He bared his teeth, fangs protruding and teeth growing sharper. He reared his head and crouched down like a fox would do.
Sasuke, meanwhile, was slowly engulfed in the black-blue aura he was emitting, and was not visible for about a couple of seconds, before the tight ball of chakra surrounding him suddenly receded to reveal his blood red Mangekyou eyes, navy blue scratch-like whiskers which, unlike NarutoÕs, were pointing upwards towards his eyes. Three sharp claws emerged from each of his fist joints. (a/n: Much like Wolverine, yes.) He growled gutturally, sounding more of an aggressive wolf than anything else, his fangs pronounced and protruding from the rows of his teeth.
ÒGoddamit, why didnÕt you say you were releasing them!Ó Sakura alarmingly shouted.
ÒSorry,Ó snorted Sasuke, his voice much deeper and hinted with a growling nature.
ÒAargh!Ó
Sakura wasnÕt able to hold on much longer, and the sealed monster inside her was released as well. Her hair started growing longer, her eyes turning the palest pink, a tattoo-like circle appearing on her forehead, and two more on both of her temples. Her teeth started growing fangs as well, and her nails started melding with her fingers, growing rapidly to form sharp, long and lethal-looking claws.
Hinata relaxed slightly, forcing herself to remain calm. Her Byakugan activated and her hair started growing longer as well. Two and white stripes adorned each of her cheeks and chin and her fingers turned into long, sharp claws just like SakuraÕs. She flexed them as she bore the pain of her canine fangs starting to grow longer and protrude.
ÒOh my GodÉÓ muttered Shizune, before fainting into KakashiÕs arms.
ÒWhat the fuck!Ó yelled Itachi and Kouji simultaneously.
ÒAnikiiii,Ó snickered Sasuke. ÒWatch your language.Ó
ÒShut up, Sasuke, older brothers donÕt take orders from younger ones.Ó
Sasuke stuck his tongue out at his older brother playfully, before charging forward and rearing his hand, slashing down the protruding claws down across his fatherÕs cloneÕs chest. The body crumpled down to the ground. Sasuke stepped on the cloneÕs head forcefully, shattering the skull. There was a disgusting squelch and the brain spurted out from the head. He leapt back and performed quick seals.
ÒMangekyou Sharingan: Amaterasu!Ó (a/n: Kaleidoscope Wheel Eye: Light of the Heavens. A doujutsu or eye technique that can only be done with the Mangekyou Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan. This produces a black, raging flame that can apparently burn through anything. Even illusions and barriers. Anything.)
Itachi raised an eyebrow and smirked as he saw his otouto perform his technique. The black flame devoured the body in seconds and dispersed into thin air. He nodded. ÒWell done, little brother, you have improved, I can see. Very well done. IÕm proud of you, very proud.Ó
Sasuke turned and smirked at Itachi. Itachi immediately activated his Mangekyou. Looking an activated Mangekyou Sharingan directly could mean instant death.
ÒBe more careful with that Sharingan of yours, though, if I didnÕt have that myself, I would have been killed,Ó muttered Itachi, walking over to him.
ÒThatÕs the point. You have it, and so you can counter it.Ó
ÒStop being a smartass. It doesnÕt fit you.Ó
ÒShut up.Ó
ÒDuh.Ó
Itachi just poked his little brother on the forehead and folded him into a tight, brotherly hug, which was gladly returned.
ÒAh, yeah, I kinda missed the affection and attention,Ó smiled Sasuke as they pulled away.
Naruto, meanwhile, was having fun shredding his opponent slowly to bits. ÒDamn! This is fun!Ó he yelled, delivering another measured blow to the Sandaime cloneÕs face. Apparently, he was prolonging the fun he was having. He ignored the resounding booms coming from the SanninsÕ fight behind him, continuing to beat up the poor clone.
ÒYouÕre just a clone, just a clone!Ó Naruto squealed in delight. ÒYouÕre so weak, so weak!Ó
ÒHave mercy on the clone, Naruto, donÕt prolong the sufferingÉÓ snorted Kouji, patting his brother on the back as the boy stopped for a while.
ÒAwtzÉ bummerÉÓ Naruto sighed. He called upon an enormous amount of chakra and wrapped it around the clone, tightly pressing on all sides until the clone was nothing more than a pile of goo and blood. ÒLike that? ThatÕs an improvised version of GaaraÕs Sabaku Sousou Technique.Ó
ÒI think your brotherÕs brutality has rubbed off on him,Ó Kouji muttered to Itachi, shaking his head. They watched as Sasuke performed the Amaterasu again, to get rid of the corpse.
Tsunade landed behind Itachi, panting slightly, her shoulder sporting a ghastly gash. Itachi looked at the wound. ÒBetter treat that, Hokage-sama,Ó muttered Itachi, prodding her shoulder and making her wince in pain. ÒItÕs completely lacerated.Ó
ÒThatÕs no matter, reallyÉÓ muttered Tsunade. ÒSouzou Saisei!Ó (a/n: Rebirth Genesis. Cell Duplication, meaning she'll heal any injuries, any injuries. Internal or external, no matter how large the extent. It's self-healing.)
The wound on her shoulder immediately healed from her cell duplication technique.
ÒYes, IÕve heard of that. But that shortens life-span, right? And soon, youÕll turn into an ugly old hag,Ó Kouji muttered. Tsunade fumed.
ÒWatch your words, young man!Ó
ÒWhat? Just tellinÕ the truthÉÓ
ÒOooo, IÕm gonna see TsunadeÕs ugly haggish face again!Ó snickered Naruto. ÒI still canÕt forget the last timeÉÓ
ÒCome on, Tsunade-sama, maybe you should rest for a while. WeÕll take care of him,Ó Sakura said, approaching them.
ÒAre you sure you can take him?Ó
ÒPositive.Ó
Tsunade hadnÕt even said yes, yet Naruto and Kouji immediately charged, binding Freaky by an adhesive, gooey substance that was much like spider thread. Itachi made his move and positioned himself in front of OrochimaruÕs eyes, while Sasuke held FreakyÕs head level.
ÒMangekyou Sharingan: Tsukiyomi.Ó (a/n: Kaleidoscope Wheel Eye: Moon Reader.)
Inside the illusion, Itachi mercilessly put Orochimaru under a 72-hour torture.
Hands cut off.
Ears ripped off painfully.
Chest pierced by sword.
Deep gashes and slashes that almost showed his insides.
Severed arms and legs.
Beheaded.
Eyes pulled out.
Heated needles plunged under the nails.
Blood poured.
It was absolute torture.
As the illusion ended, the four released the tortured freak, who collapsed. Blood poured out several new gashes in his body and he panted heavily, desperately trying to catch air through the punctured left lung he had. It was getting harder and harder for him to breathe.
He was already expecting death. This was not what he had planned. He hadnÕt imagined they were this strong. He had underestimated them. It was a huge mistake. A mistake that he often does. And now heÕs paid the price.
Fukai walked towards the center of the cave, limping heavily as her foot was still quite incapacitated.
In the center of the cave, there was a seal imprinted upon a meter-high obelisk made of sapphire. On the round and smooth cave walls were engravings of an ancient language, one that, miraculously, she managed to understand. Somehow. She could read them, but she could not comprehend what they meant.
It didnÕt matter though, she knew what she was meant to do. Even if it was a sacrifice, it was needed. For the safety of everyone, for peace, for the battle to stop.
She started performing runic seals slowly, as her hands werenÕt accustomed to performing them. She was more accustomed to the standard seals. The seal on the obelisk started to glow as she neared the finish of the line-up of runic seals.
She placed her hands upon the seal.
I love you, Neji-kunÉ
ÒObelisk of the mighty,
Hear my plea,
Release the jewelÕs power,
And ease the burden be;
Hear my silent prayer,
Accept this sacrificed slayer,
Take this one, almighty,
Cleanse us and erase the darker;
Bathe the moon and sun with bright pure light,
Once and for allÉ I wish for the end of this plight!Ó
Bright white light erupted from inside the mountain, and emanated all through the forest, bathing all of them in white, warm and comforting light. The light seemed to sweep away the darkness enveloping the war-ravaged place.
Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Hinata all were shocked as their monster seals receded even without their command. The summoned monsters of the three Sannin all disappeared in puffs of smoke, and Orochimaru vanished with an earsplitting, echoing screech of pain. It seemed that the light was cleansing the whole place of anything enveloped with darkness. The light apparently scorched Orochimaru and he disintegrated right before their eyes, turning into nothing more than dust that was blown away by the wind.
The light passed through Itachi and he cried out and fell.
ÒAniki!Ó Sasuke yelled, running towards Itachi, who was on the ground, panting. After seeing what happened to Orochimaru with that light, Sasuke grew nervous that it might take his brother too, seeing as he had killed and committed crimes as well. But it didnÕt. It just hurt Itachi. Sasuke knelt down beside his brother, who was struggling to sit up. ÒDaijoubu ka?Ó
ÒIÕmÉ fineÉ fine,Ó muttered Itachi. He tried to sit up straight, but the light seemed to have sucked all the energy out of his muscles. He withdrew the chakra from his eyes, the Mangekyou receding. He had to, or else he would die of chakra depletion. He then collapsed helplessly into his little brotherÕs welcoming arms. He just smirked. ÒGomen, otouto, I seem to have overworked myself. No need to worry thoughtÉ justÉ tiredÉÓ
Sasuke smirked back and nodded as he kept his arms around his older brother protectively, bearing his weight.
ÒThere, thatÕll teach you not to be naughty, Ita-kun,Ó snickered Kouji, who collapsed into a sitting position beside Itachi. Naruto fell flat on his back, his head landing on KoujiÕs lap. He grinned obnoxiously. Kouji grinned back, scratching NarutoÕs head.
ÒHeheheÉÓ Naruto grinned, closing his eyes and letting his elder brother scratch the top of his head gently.
The consequences of TsunadeÕs technique started taking effect, and Shizune and Sakura immediately rushed to her aid, while Jiraiya tried his best to keep in the insults brewing in his mind. Kakashi and the other onlookers were shocked with what happened to the normally youthful-looking Hokage they had.
ÒWeheheehÉ Ugly Old Hag is back!Ó
There was a puff of sudden smoke and Shikamaru, Neji, Tenten, and the rest of the gang appeared.
ÒWhat happened?Ó they all asked at the same time. Then they looked at Tsunade. ÒAnd who is she?Ó
Sakura and Hinata both burst out laughing as they tended to Jiraiya and TsunadeÕs wounds.
ÒSomething unbelievable,Ó smirked Sasuke.
The sunlight crept upon the plateau, bathing them once more in warm, welcoming light, and painting a smile upon all of their faces.
ÒHey, do any of you guys happen to have brought ramen?Ó
END