Dojo flew through the air as fast as he could while his passengers admired the view. There was a mix of excitement and tension in the air. Each of them was wondering what would happen when they found the Wu and worried about what kind of trouble they would come across along the way.
"This is just so awesome! We've got to find a way to create a jutsu that mimics this! Wouldn't that be great if we could fly everywhere we needed to be?" Naruto asked excitedly.
"You're being troublesome again. You should quiet down and focus on the mission," Shikamaru pointed out lazily.
"I agree with Shikamaru-kun. We have no idea where the Shen Gong Wu is and even if we find it things could get ugly fast. Somehow I don't think mission authorization or diplomatic skills will help us much," Auara stated calmly.
"Auara's right we might be forced to take action to keep ourselves alive. An action that could change our lives forever," Crystal whispered.
"Huh I don't understand what you're getting at. I mean if we run into trouble I can save the day with my skills. You don't have to worry about killing someone."
"But we do my friend and I don't know if we can handle it. I mean when we were split into two halves our Heylin halves were taught how to extremely deadly, but they never actually killed anyone. The Heylin side is what you call a refined evil. It finds killing to be beneath them and they only do it if absolutely necessary," Raimundo tried to explain, but with little luck.
"E.. excuse me Chakra-sama. I'm confused about something. Your Xiaolin Code forbids you from killing except in self-defense. Yet you were an assassin for a time. How is that possible?" Hinata asked curiously. She glanced over to Naruto noticing his confused expression as well. Ever since they started going out on small dates she had really gained some confidence.
Chakra gave Kakashi a look. He shrugged her shoulders telling her to go head and explain her reasons. It wasn't like they had anything better to do then enjoy this nauseating flight. Shaking her head she opened her mouth and spoke up.
"Your right Hinata-san. Our code, unlike your principles, forbids the taking of a life unless in self-defense. It was designed to prevent us from becoming cold and emotionless inside. The side benefit is we don't have to deal with psychiatric problems. You see in order to end someone's existence you have to break through a barrier set up in every person's mind. A barrier that exists in our minds to prevent the slaughter of your fellow humans. It takes extraordinary circumstances to break that barrier and taking another life. As I told Kakashi-kun I took my first life when I was twenty-eight. The men who attacked me wanted to defile me and I reacted to safe my life. It was the most horrible moment in my life. It took me months to recover."
"You did and became stronger because of it. Over the centuries it must have become easier and less traumatic. Otherwise why would the Order make you an assassin?" Kakashi asked curiously. Her Order of Concordia sounded a bit like the ANBU, but there were some things that confused him.
"I didn't start out as an assassin. I started off rescuing kidnapped victims and restoring stolen property. I took down smuggling rings and protected important people. It was only later I was assigned to take out people who couldn't be captured or rehabilitated. So to answer your questions young ninja I try to avoid killing because it damages our soles every time we do it, but on the bright side at least I know I'm alive inside."
"You should listen to Chakra she's got the right attitude. Trust me I've been around for nearly sixteen hundred years. I'm approaching middle age for a dragon so I've seen a lot. The world is a wonderful place filled with opportunities and life, but there are a few things no one should have to experience," Dojo spoke up for the first time. Everyone closed their eyes and contemplated his words.
Suddenly Dojo began shaking violently causing everyone to jerk about it. They nearly all fell off and it was only luck that they didn't. The shaking started almost as soon as it began. They gave Dojo the evil eye.
"Dojo what was that all about?" Auara demanded.
"Sorry, but I just felt a strong chi pulse indicating we have finally entered the country where our Wu is hidden. We should arrive in less then half an hour."
Everyone brightened up about that until they took stock where they happened to be. After that they all let out a collective groan. Well everyone except Naruto who didn't see what the problem was.
"What? Why is everyone so unhappy? Where are we exactly?"
"You really are a dobe aren't you?" Shikamaru asked.
"We're in Earth Country Naruto," Crystal remarked unhappily.
"You know home of the Hidden Village of Stone? Your village's worst enemy from the last great ninja war? The one that hates blondes?" Raimundo said sarcastically.
"Whose diplomatic relationships are nearly non existent?" Auara added.
"Oh if that's true then why did your Dashi hide it here?"
"I I'm sure that the world was very different a millennium and half ago."
"Hinata-san is right. Dashi may have been a bit of prankster, but he wouldn't deliberately put anyone in danger. We're just going to have to hope we don't run into any Rock ninja," Chakra said.
"And if we do we have to be ready for them. Let's make this as quick as possible," Kakashi advised. The sooner they got this mission over with the sooner they could get back home.
The rest of the trip was done in silence. Everyone was checking their weapons or securing their Wu on their person. Hinata kept scanning for trouble, but didn't spot any. Kakashi didn't sense any chakra signatures either. Finally the group started descending into a valley of sorts. There was sheer rocky cliff to one side and wide river to the other. To the north was a cluster of boulders and rocky outcropping with a small dense wooded area to the south. The Wu was hidden somewhere in this valley.
Everyone jumped off as Dojo shrank to his normal size. "Okay kiddies we're here. I still can't tell exactly where the Wu is hidden because all the chakra in the air is messing up my sense of smell."
"Your certain though its in this valley?" Kakashi questioned. The little dragon nodded his head. "Hinata, can you see it with your Byakugan?"
Hinata activated her Byakugan and took a look around. She didn't see the Hiatai of Taijustu anywhere. On the bright side though she didn't detect any other chakra signatures, but their own in the valley. Deactivating her eyes she replied, "I.. I can't find it Kakashi-sensei. The Wu is made of solidified chi and I'm still not good at detecting that. I might be able to see it more clearly if I get closer to it."
"I suggest we pair off and do a grid search. It's the fastest way to cover this much ground. If one pair finds the Wu we can contact the others," Shikamaru recommended.
"He's right. Raimundo, Naruto go check out the cliff face. Hinata, you and Crystal check out the woods. Shikamaru and Auara the outcroppings. Dojo, Kakashi and I will check out the river. Stick close to one another and watch each other's backs. Be careful," Chakra commanded as she passed out Detecto-bots to help them find the Wu. With a nod everyone was off.
Auara held the device in her hand and pointed it at the rocks. It lit up temporarily, but quickly fizzled. She smacked the device and it came back online. "According to Jack's Detecto-bot the Wu isn't in these outcroppings. Its more towards the west."
"Great this was less troublesome then I thought. I can't believe that you do this for a living."
"Well Shikamaru-kun I don't believe that as a chunnin you still complain. In my country the more responsibility one has the greater honor for both the individual and family. I'll call the others," she said flipping open her Xiaolin Phone. "Crystal come in. Have you and Hinata found anything at your end?"
"Negative on my end. I don't think it's in the woods. Master Chakra, Raimundo have either of you found it?"
"Dojo doesn't detect it by the river and we've searched pretty far."
"We found it! It's in hole about halfway up the cliff face. We're moving to retrieve it. Get here ASAP!" Raimundo replied.
"Right," three voices said. Everyone was about to head off to the cliff face when out of the ground popped trouble. Each pair was surrounded by a couple of rock ninja. There were at least a few Jonin and Chunnin mixed with some Genin. This mission had just gone from bad to worse.
"Well well well, we come out here to do some basic training and who do we run into trespassing, but stinking Leaf ninja. And not just any leaf ninja but the great Kakashi Hatake himself. This certainly is a pleasure," the Jonin in front of Chakra and Kakashi said. He had long brown hair, green eyes and a bad goatee
"We don't want any trouble. We'll be happy to leave your territory and you all alive once we've completed our mission," Kakashi stated tensely.
"What mission would that be? Stealing possessions that belong to Stone," a Chunnin called out. This guy was pretty muscular with squinty brown eyes and a topknot. Next to him the two Genin snickered.
"My students and I hired the Leaf Ninja to help us recover some lost property. One of our student pairs has found it. If you kindly allow us to complete our mission we'll get out of your territory and you can keep your lives," Chakra told them calmly. Dojo, who was quivering around her neck, notice her going for her shrunkens.
"I don't know who you are, but any property of yours you lost here now belongs to us. Now tell us what it is and maybe we won't haul you back to Iwa and turn you in for crimes against stone," the Jonin Haru (yes I'm using earthbender names from Avatar. Deal with it!), chuckled.
"Not interested. Xiaolin Dragons, Leaf Ninja defend yourself and complete the mission!" Chakra shouted into her phone before shoving the device in her pocket. Faster then anyone could react she tossed several shrunkens high into the air. Snapping her finger she sent sparks of fire shooting into the air. They struck the shrunkens setting them ablaze and spinning through the air aiming for the enemies bodies. The Rock Ninja managed to dodge most, but one flaming shrunken managed to lodge itself into one genin shoulder blade. Poor kid was frantically trying to remove it and dose the flames to no avail. All over the valley fights broke out as the mission turned into a fight of survival.
Auara ducked and weaved among the three genin ninjas trying to get in close and land a blow. These guys were tough and they had the advantage being surrounded by their element. As pillars of rock shot out of the ground she thanked her lucky stars that she had trained so much against Clay and his attacks.
"Your going to have to be better then that if you want to beat me!" she shouted. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw Shikamaru fighting against a Jonin and it seemed like he was in trouble. She needed to get over there and help him fast!
As she made her move to go help him she came under attack by a shower of kunai and shrunken. She leapt into the air and landed on the boulder above. Auara raced away only to have the rock crumble underneath her and she landed hard on the ground. She struggled to get to her feet, but couldn't and collapsed unconscious.
"What kind of ninja falls off a boulder?" laughed the girl genin.
"Probably a weak and pathetic one. I mean hello they teamed up with Leaf Ninja," her teammate pointed out.
"Yeah let's finish the job," the other male pointed. They all readied a kunai and moved in for the kill. This was turning into the best training trip for the Rock genin ever.
Right before the Rock genins could kill her Auara sprang into action and rolled out of the way. She kicked off the base of the boulder and slid underneath their feet. Before they could even turn around she had launched her attack. "Lantern Fold, Mulan Sunfans Light!" The razor sharp fans soared through the air and erupted into balls of light. The two balls merged into one and plowed straight into the girl genin knocking her several feet back and making a lasting impression in another boulder. Auara panted a bit and looked at the remaining two guys. "You never heard of acting before? If you're the best Stone has to offer I fear for it."
"Oh that's it! No one hurts Song and gets away with it! Come on Teo lets show this girl what we can do!" shouted the first boy whose name was Bumi shouted.
"Right! Charge!"
"I don't think so. Auara Beam Light!" Auara shouted as rainbow beam of light shot out of her right palm. It nailed Bumi right in the chest knocking him out. Teo jumped over his opponent and dive-bombed her with a kunai. She blocked him with her left arm, but wasn't fast enough to avoid the other kunai that went into her right shoulder. Ignoring the pain she used Strike of the Flying Serpent to disable her opponent.
"Ugh, these guys are tough. They'll be on their feet in minutes. Got to help Shikamaru now."
Shikamaru was struggling against his opponent. The Rock Jonin Dai Li was a tough opponent. His more powerful earth jutsus had nearly decapitated him a couple times. He was moving too much for him to get a lock on with his shadow. The only thing he had managed to do was land a couple of Kangaroo Punches thanks to Callie's training. "This is bad. He's moving too much for me to trap him and I can't get by his defenses. My chakra reserves are running low. What do I do?"
"Looks like the great intellect of the Nara is nothing more then propaganda. You can't even safe yourself. Earth Style Fiss ah!" Dai Li shouted as some kind of purple furred cat like creature with a split tail and gem on its forehead head-butted him. Said creature growled loudly and a blue aura surrounded it. Suddenly Dai Li found himself hurled a few feet away.
"What are you?" Shikamaru questioned as the creature gave him a flick of its tail and dissolved into a pink light. The light shot through the air and back into Auara's Soul Pendant. "You okay?"
"My shoulder's injured and I just use a lot of my life force to summon my Soul Beast to protect you. I managed to defeat the Genin, but their going to be back on their feet in minutes. We need to finish this fast."
"I know, but I can't think of a way to knock them all out. If only we weren't so weak. Huh hey are you thinking what I'm thinking," he asked as they saw all their opponents coming at them.
"Let's show these Rock Ninja what happens when you use opposites together! Give me a toss!" Auara shouted. Shikamaru picked her up and threw her up into the air. She landed perfectly on the boulder above and raised her Wu above her head. "Time for this star to shine. Sun Chi Lantern Light!"
The four Rock ninja stopped in their tracks as they felt part of their strength leave them and enter Auara who was revitalized. Switching tactics she launched the largest Shoku Solar Sun Light attack flooding the area with light and more importantly shadows.
Shikamaru sprang into action and used his Shadow Possession technique holding his prey in place. He then switched to Shadow Sweep Darkness injuring them greatly before using his Hypnosis Dreamcatcher to put them into la la land. A smart plan perfectly executed. "I think that did it. We should hurry over to Naruto and Raimundo's position to help them out and secure the Wu."
"Agreed let's go!"
In the woodland area Hinata and Crystal jumped and darted about trying their best to avoid being killed. While the trees and Hinata's Byakugan gave them some advantage they were still outnumber two to one by ninja with an elemental advantage. Add to fact they were long-range attackers and the girls were in a serious pinch.
"I really wish I paid more attention to those fights against Clay," Crystal jumped up into the trees to avoid being pulled underground. Taking a deep breath she focused her powers as her foes one chunnin and one genin came after her. "Ice Beam!" Her beam shot down towards her foes who swapped place with some logs. She only had a split second to move to avoid being stabbed.
"Nice try Snow Ninja, but this isn't the Land of Snow," laughed Suki the chunnin. Next to her Ling was laughing as well.
"I'm not a Snow Ninja and I'm not from the Land of Snow I'm from Iceland," Crystal joked weakly. If she wasn't careful she could fall and kill herself. She spied Hinata a couple trees away struggling with her opponent. "Do you mind if we wrap this up? I have an appointment to keep."
"I like it when weaklings try to avoid conflict. I'll show you how real konoichi fights! Ling stay back unless I need you," Suki laughed. The girl was very cocky and charged her opponent intent on smashing her face in.
Crystal waited and then jumped off the branch. Suki landed behind where she had been standing. Snagging the branch she swung up and kicked her in the face. Suki's eyes burned with anger and she came after her. Crystal blocked her using Xiaolin and did a Gentle Fist punch with the other. Suki was shocked. Only the Hyuuga clan knew that style of fighting.
"Who are you?!" Suki demanded as they continued their little catfight.
"I'm the Dragon of Ice and that's all you need to know. Now if you both excuse me my friend needs my help! Mirror Deflector, Shayera Mace Ice!" Crystal shouted spinning her mace. The sound waves gave Suki and Ling headaches and the ice froze them to the tree branch. "That should hold you two for awhile. See ya wouldn't want to be you!"
Hinata wasn't fairing as well as she hoped against the remaining Chunnin and Jonin. She had managed to land a few hits and had used the Xiaolin style of fighting to keep them at bay, but they weren't getting close enough for her to use Gentle Fist. "I won't pant give pant up!"
"You don't stand a chance Hyuuga as long as we stay out of range. Even with your eyes the advantages belongs to us," Xing retorted. He flashed through a couple handsigns creating earth doppelgangers to aid him and Li Po.
Hinata prepared herself for battle. She managed to destroy a couple clones and even landed a Mantis Kick to the head of Xing. She had almost completed her the Hyuuga's ultimate move when Li Po came up from behind intent on decapitating her. She had only a split second to react and used the Serpents Tail to turn intangible. As she became solid again she looked her foes. "I'm not afraid of you!"
"What did you just do? There's no jutsu in the world that can turn a person intangible like that!"
"Right it's not from this world! Sorry I'm late Hinata, but I got hung up back there. Why don't we give these nice gentlemen a demonstration of how to turn their advantage into a serious disadvantage?" Crystal asked as she landed beside her friend.
"Agreed! Let's ice them!"
"Bundle up boys a cold front's moving in. Horn of the Blizzard Ice!" Xing and Li Po had no protection as the icy storm filled the area freezing everything. They could no longer use the earth in their jutsus. The girls quickly slid across the ice and used their ice attacks to flash freeze the gentlemen. They would thaw out in about half an hour or so. Plenty of time to go help their friends and complete their mission. Grinning the two ice princess headed off to save the day.
Chakra was battling the Chunnin and the Genin while Kakashi handled Haru. Dojo had slithered off and was attempting to bite the feet of the enemy ninja as he struggled to call forth the essence of Dashi locked inside him.
Chakra had easily dispatched the Genin with the flaming shrunken in his shoulder. All she had to do was shove a kunai through hand and then with a few well placed blows she stopped his flow of chakra. A well timed rap to the head and he was out of it.
The other genin was a bit tougher to deal with. This girl was no push over. Knowing she was no match up close to a superior opponent she tried to weaken her from a distance. She used a jutsu to shoot pillars of earth towards Chakra. Chakra ducked and dodged out of the way. One pillar came within inches to her face and she to melt it with an Ember Blaze attack. "Impressive. I didn't expect someone of your rank to be so well versed in the use of Earth."
"You haven't seen anything yet lady," Jo Dee warned her. She was flashing through hand signs at rapid speed and focusing all her power on Chakra. Smirking she cast a genjustu that made her opponents believe they were being turned into stone. She smiled as she watched Chakra panic. "Heh guess I win."
"Not quite my dear," a voice whispered behind her. Before Jo Dee could react she felt a pain shooting through her legs. Glancing down she saw a tainto sticking through her right leg. The blade was pulled out and she sank to the ground. Standing behind her was Chakra.
"You might have had me if I didn't know a Mistress of Genjustu. Now why don't you take a rest," Chakra suggested hitting her in the back of the neck. The girl was out, but she had no time to celebrate as she locked weapons against the Chunnin from earlier.
"Your not bad I'll give you that, but I'm better!" whispered Kuei as he attempted to stab her. Chakra blocked with her Star of Fate. They struggled both determined to draw the first blood. Finally Kuei used a jutsu to make the ground shake causing Chakra lose her balance. Fast as lightning he cut a deep gash across her belly.
Not one to take that lying down Chakra countered with a fireball that grazed his chest. She did a flying kick to his head only to be tossed over. Using her momentum she righted herself and came after him again her hand in claw formation. She raked her nails over his face nearly taking his eyes out while the other punched him in the stomach.
"You b*****! You're going to pay for that!" Kuei shouted sending rockslide her way. He also tossed an explosive tagged kunai at her. Chakra managed to avoid most of the rocks, but still ended up bruised. The explosion nearly got her, but she managed to avoid it at the last minute by teleporting behind Kuei.
"I've wasted enough time with you. If you don't mind my friend needs me. Star of Fate!" she growled shoving the blade into his back. She avoided any part of the spine and instead struck muscle drawing his life force out. When he stopped screaming she pulled the blade out and sheathed it. Time to help the Copy Ninja.
Kakashi was battling his heart out against Haru. Even with the Sharingan and Dojo assisting him he was having a difficult time. His usual physiological tricks didn't seem to be working against Haru. He was also worried about using too much chakra and not having enough to assist Naruto and Raimundo in their struggle to get the Wu.
"What's the matter? Can't the great Kakashi Hatake handle one Rock Ninja or is your bingo book entry exaggerated?" Haru taunted. He couldn't match Kakashi in speed or ninjustu, but he could beat him with a clever strategy.
"Your taunts mean nothing to me Haru. Your future is still going to be death," Kakashi warned as he used his Water Bullet attack against Haru. The Rock Jonin just stood there and let it strike him down revealing a pile of mud. It had been a clone!
"Behind you!" Dojo shouted out.
Kakashi turned and blocked the kunai coming for his throat. He pushed back as hard as he could forcing the deadly knife from his throat. "Nice trick, but I don't fall for the same trick twice."
"Really then lets see how you like this one. Earth Style Rock Pillar!" Haru shouted. Huge pillars of rock jutted out the ground and went flying through the air. With the Sharingan Kakashi was able to dodge the attack and then send a copy of the attack right at Haru. Haru dodged the attack was about to counter when something bit down hard on his hand. It was Dojo!
"Stupid summoning!" Haru growled. He reached out with his other hand and started squeezing the life out of Dojo when he heard the sparks of electricity. Kakashi was coming after him with one of his lighting jutsus determined to end this fight. Ripping Dojo off his hand he attached a tag to the little dragon and hurled him at the incoming Kakashi.
Kakashi had only a split second to react. With his free hand he snatched Dojo and ripped the tag of tossing it away. Just then it exploded and both of them were caught in the blast. They took the brunt of the attack before Kakashi shushined them out of the way. He was to weak and injured to defend himself when Haru moved in to kill him by cutting his jugular vein.
Suddenly from out of nowhere his attack was blocked and he felt cold metal against his throat. He looked straight into the eyes of a pissed off Chakra who was pressing her katanas to his chest and throat. Her eyes were blazing with anger. "Back off!"
"So, the mighty Kakashi Hatake needs his girlfriend to rescue him from trouble. What a joke," Haru chuckled. He flashed one-handed signs sending earth whip at her. She countered with a fire blazing sword strike. Haru tossed several shrunkens at Chakra who used her katanas to deflect the stars back at Haru. He avoided impalement by the use of substitution.
Chakra jumped into the air to avoid being hit in the jaw by Haru who popped out of the ground. She flawlessly executed the Spiral Star Katana Cut that Lao Shi had taught her when she first joined the Order. The attack left Haru with a spiral star cuts all over his body and as they fell she managed to get her blades under his armpits and give a toss. She landed in front of Kakashi who was getting back on his feet and she sheathed her blades. "Are you going to leave us alone or do you have a death wish?"
"Arrogant Leaf Ninja! You're going to pay for that!" Haru shouted as he drew on his remaining chakra. With a mad look in his eye he sent a massive wave of earth towards the trio.
"Kakashi activate you Wu now and don't argue with me!" Chakra shouted as she started spinning. Kakashi activated the power of the Black Beetle just in time as the power of Chakra's Firestorm engulfed the trio and held back the force of the earth wave for the time being.
"I can't keep this up forever I'm already near my breaking point! We need to take him out with a combination of water and wind if we're going to stop him! Do you have enough chakra left for one last attack?"
"Enough to pull off a Water Dragon, but where are we going to get wind?"
"Dojo call on the essences of Dashi now!"
"It's not an automatic process Chakra! I just can't flip a switch and hey get that kunai away from me ah!" Dojo screamed as he was threatened. His eyes light up and his entire body started to glow as a mist escaped from his mouth. The mist grew and solidified into the shape of a tall bald man with yellowish skin wearing Chinese clothes. "Well it's been awhile since I've been called out. Oh hey Chakra how are you? Enjoying your date with your new boyfriend?"
"Dashi if you don't shut up and help clean up the mess you left in the Ninja World I'm going to kill you again! On the count of three you two ready? One, two, three!" Chakra shouted as she released her attack and dropped to the ground. The wall of earth came rushing forward ready to bury them.
"Water Style: Water Dragon!"
"Soaring Roc!"
The water dragon pulverized the wall of earth while the wind roc blew it all back and sent all the Rock Ninja into a spin. After being knocked around for several minutes they were dropped unceremoniously on the ground. They were broken and bleeding, but still alive.
"Glad I could help. When made that Wu and hid it here I didn't think it would cause this much trouble. It was nice to see you again Chakra my dear. Good luck on completing the mission," Dashi said before transforming back into mist and entering Dojo's body once more.
The little dragon shook his body and shivered. He never was going to get use to that. He noticed Kakashi clasping hands with Chakra as they both tried to stand. A faint glow could be seen outlining their bodies. "What do you think your doing? If you try to heal both of yourselves at the same time neither of you will be healed all the way."
"I know, but we need to get to Raimundo and Naruto ASAP. If that means were only at half strength so be it. You doing okay Kakashi-kun?"
"I've felt worse believe me. So was Dashi always like that?"
"Shut up and shushin us to the cliff face now."
Raimundo was panting hard as he shoved a Razor Wind disc into his foes chest. The close range attack tore about the guys' clothes and nearly ripped all the skin off his chest. He back elbowed the other genin before doing a spinning kick and bringing down his whole leg on the guy's head. When both of them struggled to their feet and came after him again he blocked their fists with some taijustu and used the Sword of the Storm to cut a deep crevice in the cliff base and having the two genin stumble into it. "Man these guys don't know when to quit. Hey Naruto what do you think your doing?"
"What does it look like I'm doing?" shouted one of the many clones of the boy. He was attempting to overwhelm the Chunnin and Jonin that he was fighting. None of his attacks seemed to be working. His opponents were just too strong.
"Well quit messing with them and go get the Wu! You're the only one who can walk up walls here! I'll deal with these two. Crest of the Condor, Blade of the Nebula Wind!" Raimundo shouted as sent a crescent shape wind at the two Rock Ninja. Some of the clones were destroyed and the Jonin Long Fang and the chunnin Kiyoshi had their attacks fall apart on top of them. "Would you just go already?!"
"Right!" Naruto shouted. He quickly began racing up the cliff face towards the small crevice, which contained the Hitai of Taijustu. If he could get that Wu maybe they could end this fight before someone died. "Don't worry Raimundo I won't let you down."
"You should worry more about yourself kid!" shouted an angry Long Fang. He had tunneled under Raimundo and up to the cliff face. He didn't know what this Fourth look alike was after, but he was going to make sure he didn't get away with it. "I'm going to bury you. Earth Style: Rock Tomb!"
"What the ahh!" Naruto screamed as pieces of the cliff wall jutted out and tried to entomb him. Putting as much chakra as he could into his legs he jumped out the way and continued to hop and skip up the wall towards the Shen Gong Wu.
"Get back here brat!"
"Like that's ever going to happen! I'm going to complete my mission and you can't stop me!"
"Will see about that!" The Jonin shouted as he raced after the brat. When he caught him he was going to bury him alive! He soon caught up to Naruto who was reaching down to pick up a ninja headband. That's what this was all about? Some stupid Hitai? Well it had to be something special if they went through so much trouble to get it. "Give me that!"
"No way ugly its mine!" Naruto snarled. He snatched up the Wu and started running back down when Long Fang tripped him. He was sent tumbling down the cliff face. He barely managed to connect to the wall before the Wu was almost snatched away. Both of them struggled for it not noticing the yellow glow until they were nearly blinded.
Raimundo had just polished off Kiyoshi when the others arrived to help. They all looked up and saw the glow instantly knowing what it meant. Out of the loud mouth mouth popped a challenge they hoped wouldn't happen. "Hey Ugly! I challenge you to a Xiaolin Showdown!"
"What kind of stupid trick is this? Why should I accept any type of challenge from you?"
"Because you have no choice!" Chakra barked out. She glared at him and all of his companions. She wasn't happy about the situation, but they had no choice, but to follow through now. "That item you were so desperate to keep from us was created by my master with good intentions. In order to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands and causing untold amounts of destruction he put a fail safe inside it. If you don't accept the challenge and battle for the Shen Gong Wu the feedback pulse from the Hia Tai of Taijustu will level this entire place and likely kill you and all your companions. Somehow I don't think you're a kamikaze kind of person."
Long Fang growled and looked at his fellow comrades. He knew they could probably still take the Leaf ninja, but he had seen already first hand what these items could do. He also didn't want to risk killing himself if he could help it. He had no choice. "I'll agree to the challenge. What are the rules?"
"Dojo, what does the rulebook say about two ninja fighting over a Shen Gong Wu?" Raimundo asked. He was keeping a careful eye out incase of there was any trouble.
The little dragon quickly put on his reading glasses and pulled out the book from who knows where. He flipped through the pages until he found what he was looking for. "Here it is on page three hundred. Okay according to the rulebook the competing ninjas are allowed to use any taijustu, ninjustu, or genjustu in the competition as long as it can't kill or leave a person fatally wounded. Also they can only have one Shen Gong Wu and must use it at least once."
"Well I got a Wu, but what about Ugly here?"
"Shut up brat! I think this will do quite nicely don't you?" Long Fang asked holding up the Sword of the Storms. Raimundo freaked out not understanding how he got that Wu from his belt clip. He wanted to run over and pound the guy, but he couldn't.
"Ahem in addition the usual rules apply. You can shout words of encouragement and advice from the sidelines, but no actual interference. Also and this is very important after the showdown is complete everyone goes their separate ways and there is no retaliation from the losing village or report of the incident itself. Failure to do this results in the death of the loser and his/her team. So last, but not least the lower ranking ninja calls the challenge. This is done to ensure that there are no unfair advantages. So Naruto it's your call. What kind of game do you want to play?"
"Um give me a minute to think," Naruto said scratching his head. He was really trying to think of a challenge that would give him advantage, but nothing was coming to mind. He didn't think he could take Long Fang in all out combat and a ramen-eating contest wouldn't use their Shen Gong Wu. What type of game should he play? Suddenly a light bulb went off in his head and he snickered. "I challenge you to a race! My Fancy Feet for your Sword of the Storm winner takes all three Wu. We each have to race through town going through a serious of colored hoops scattered about. The first person to go through all the hoops and cross the finish line first wins! You ready for this Ugly? Let's go Xiaolin Showdown!"
Everyone screamed as the world around them shook and transformed before their eyes. They watched, as the world was metamorphous around them. This was no genjustu, but real magic transforming the valley until it resembled a video game version of the Kohana. All the ninja including the competitors found themselves in battle armor similar to the monks for their own protection.
"Whoa this is unexpected," Shikamaru commented.
"More then you think Shikamaru-kun. More then any of you think," Auara whispered as she glared angrily at Raimundo. He ignored her and concentrated at the starting line where Naruto and Long Fang were waiting for Dojo to start the race.
"Remember the rules! Failure to comply will mean automatic disqualification! Are you two ready? Gong Ye Tempi! That means go!" Dojo shouted as the two took off running.
They raced side-by-side following blinking lights to guide them towards their hoops. Naruto made it through the first hoop no problem and plowed through the next three without any trouble. "Eat my dust loser!" He ducked out of the way as Long Fang sent several pieces of building material his way with the Sword of the Storm hoping to trip if not injure the boy. "Hey no killing remember?"
"There's nothing in the rules against shutting your mouth permanently kid!"
"Go Long Fang! Beat the crap out that loudmouth Genin!" shouted his fellow ninja.
"Your Flash look alike is going to end up buried under a mountain once this ridiculous challenge is over. Then were going to bury you!" Kiyoshi shouted at them.
"Keep talking like that and you'll end up buried!" Chakra snarled. She was concerned about Naruto, but more concerned about the Showdown itself. How had Naruto come up with this concept for a showdown? It was too much like the video game to be coincidental. Apparently she wasn't the only one who was thinking that.
"Rai care to explain how Naruto knows about this bonus game?" Crystal asked.
"Yeah I thought we agreed to show them the stuff based on their world not let them play it!" Auara growled.
"What bonus game? What are you two talking about?" Shikamaru asked.
"He wouldn't stop pestering me! I mean he had me dangling from the ceiling for hours until I consented. Its not like I let him play the main game! He can't get in trouble playing the bonus games can he?!"
" you mean Naruto-kun got the idea for this showdown from a video game based on him? That's quite clever isn't it? I mean he has an advantage doesn't he?" Hinata asked.
"It doesn't matter if he has an advantage he shouldn't have been playing that video game to begin with. We're lucky he didn't pick sparring against team mates or ramen runs for a challenge!"
"Coincidently did he win the bonus game when he played it?" Kakashi asked as he kept one eye on the action. Naruto was racing up walls, across rooftops, on top of rivers and all over the place. He was way ahead of Long Fang, but seemed to be slowing down and paying more attention to the lights. It was almost like he didn't know where to go next.
"Sort of. He made it halfway through the game before the power blew in his apartment. The game system was fried so we couldn't play it anymore even after the power was turned back on."
"Let's just hope he can pull a rabbit out of his hat and win this showdown. Go Naruto!"
Naruto was getting tired and saw Long Fang catching up as he frantically searched for the next hoop. He had never seen this part in the video game! He spotted the next hoop across the street. He prepared to jump when he felt something hit him in the leg. "Ahhhh!" he fell barely managing to stick to the side of the building. He pulled the kunai out of his leg and crawled to the top of the roof panting.
"Like that punk? I'm going to like doing the same to the other leg when I'm through with you," Long Fang shouted as he took the lead.
"Not going to happen. I'm going to win this Showdown and get that Wu for my friends like I promised!" Naruto shouted. He formed his favorite hand sign and created a dozens of clones. He nodded at them. "Go to it!"
"Right!" they shouted as they all darted off. Some attacked Long Fang, but the majority scouted out the course and place themselves in front of the hoops. The real Naruto gathered his power and focused.
"What's the gaki up to?"
"I.. it looks like has a plan to use his clones to win this race."
"Let's see if the greatest prankster can pull this trick off."
"Okay focus you have to focus. You can do this! Fancy Feet!" Naruto shouted as he took off running. The clones near the hoops also started running gaining speed. In a flash he swapped places with one of his clones and passed through the hoop. Dispelling the clone he gained more speed. He continued the process until he was brilliant flash!
"Amazing! He's using the clones to increase his speed and location! Looks like Kohana has new Yellow Flash," Kakashi smirked. He was pleased to see his sensei's son replicate his technique even if it was unorthodox.
"Long Fang the kids behind you! Get rid of him!" Kiyoshi shouted. No way was that kid going to win this game. The other Rock Ninja joined in and shouted at him telling him to use his jutsus.
Long Fang punched a shadow clone in the face before ripping a new one to the other attacking one. He noticed Naruto wince and faltered because of that one. He spotted the finish line just a few feet away. Screw the rules he was going to kill that punk! "Earth Style: Earth Explosion!"
Several clones tried to block the flying rocks and boulders, but were dispelled for their troubles. There was no way to block the attack and he couldn't use Ransagan to obliterate it. He had only one chance and he hoped it would work. Creating more clones he kept running but drew on his chi core. "Ready? Typhoon Boom Wind!"
Long Fang was nearly at the finish line when the combined might off the multiple Typhoon Booms blew him straight off the course and come crashing into his fellow Rock Ninja like a bowling ball knocking over the pins. The Leaf and Xiaolin were screaming like crazy as Naruto crossed the finish line winning the showdown and restoring everything to normal.
"Good job Naruto-kun! You won!"
"Hey not bad for a loud mouth idiot."
"Your first showdown and you really showed them what Leaf Ninja are capable off!"
"Those shadow clones really did come in handy huh?"
"At least you didn't go running off the course like last time!"
"Okay that's enough all of you. Congratulations Naruto, but we can celebrate your victory later. Right now we have to return home and secure the Wu properly. So we're cool right?" Chakra asked the Rock Ninja who were glaring daggers at the small group.
"My student won the challenge so you have to honor the agreement. I don't think you want to go back to Stone in pieces now would you?" Kakashi mentioned casually. He was prepared to fight again if things got out of hand.
"Your free to go. This incident will not be reported. Stone will not retaliate. Just don't come back anytime soon," Long Fang growled. He didn't know what he was going to tell his leader, but it had better be a good story.
The Leaf Ninja and Xiaolin Dragons hopped on top of Dojo and headed back home. They took care of their minor injuries and congratulated each other on a job well done. It was going to be an interesting tale to tell when they got back to Kohana.
