A/N: Remember! Each character has a unique background and complex... so don't go judging a book by its cover... or a ninja by what they do when they're peeved! Note Over~ Enjoy the story~
Chapter six: Fight me!
Naruto charged in head first, with a spinning kick aimed at the snake's nose. The giant reptile shook it off, but then Naruto used its snout as a spring board to leap at the ninja with a kunai in his hand. Don't attack the jutsu, attack the wielder.
The snake person was surprised, and sent the snake in the direction of Sasuke and Ichigo. Naruto stopped trying to stab his opponent and slammed feet first into the branch his friends were standing on, using his body to stop the snake's attack.
"You dare attack my friends!? I'LL KILL YOU!" He bellowed and leaped at the shinobi again. Naruto's eyes had changed to a blood red color with cat-like slits, similar to a vampire's, and the whisker like marks on his cheeks became more predominant. The shinobi's eyes widened at the sight.
"So whenever you're angered some of the Fox's chakra slips out. Let's fix that why don't we!" The ninja appeared in front of Naruto as the blond held the giant snake at bay. The shinobi's fingers began to glow a strange violet color as they were slammed into Naruto's stomach, right where the Kyuubi's seal was. Naruto's eyes returned to normal and he fell unconscious. The ninja threw Naruto's limp body far away, so he would fall down the fifty foot drop.
"Naruto!" Ichigo yelled out and flashed away to catch his little brother before he fell to his death. "You idiot! You know better than to rush in head first! Idiot!" Ichigo was crying and he forced back the worst of his tears. It would do no good to cry, but holding his brother's limp body in his arms he couldn't help it. Ichi dashed over to the girls and handed Naruto over to Tsuki. "Take care of him. I'll burn this bastard to a crisp."
Ichigo never cursed, so Tsuki knew he was damn serious. You can't hurt a Doragon without the wrath of the whole clan coming down on your head, and right now Ichigo was all they had. Sasuke watched the entire scene unfold with wide eyes. He could've sworn he saw Naruto's eyes change. Was that a trick of the light?
Ichigo rushed at the snake person, with a plan already formulating in his mind. He mind linked with Sakura and Sasuke before making the proper hand signs for his next jutsu. "Summoning Jutsu: Demon Sakura!" He shouted, and just like with Aisu a small black Sakura blossom bloomed on the snake person's chest, feeding off the host's chakra.
Ichigo then threw several kunai that had wires attached to them. The wires slammed the snake person back against the huge trunk of a tree, tying said person in place. "Dragon Style: Flame Breath Jutsu!" A bright burst of orange flame burst forth from Ichigo's mouth as he literally spit a huge spurt of fire at his opponent.
"Well, that wasn't too nice, but skilled none the less. However, you're not the one I'm after. I want Uchiha Sasuke!" The person broke through the wires, stepping forward to reveal his face was a fake. Ichigo's eyes widened as he jumped to stand by Sasuke. The raven haired boy was still in shock, but managed to yell at the imposter.
"Who are you?! And what do you want with me?!" Sasuke shouted, clearly alarmed. The male imposter had revealed his headband to be of the Sound ninja. The village of Sound was a new village that had just sprung up recently and little was known about it.
"Me? Well I'm Orochimaru, but we'll wait to discuss what I want with you another time." He held up the heaven scroll he stole from Sasuke. Sakura rushed forward to find that Sasuke had used a ninja wire to capture the scroll back before Orochimaru burned it. As the raven haired boy jumped away, the newly revealed Sound ninja preformed a neck stretching jutsu. He then sunk his fangs into the boy's neck, his venom producing a curse mark.
"Sasuke!" Sakura shouted and ran to his aid. Tsuki carried Naruto over and barred a kunai at the enemy. Orochimaru simply laughed and vanished. "Where is Kabuki? Sasuke are you okay? What happened? What about Naruto?" The green eyed pinkette began to ramble.
"Sakura! Sasuke! There was this huge snake and it ate me!" Kabuki appeared out of nowhere, covered in snake guts. Sasuke started writhing around in pain as the curse mark set in and began altering his chakra.
"We'll need to set up camp for the night, no worries about us taking your scroll, since we both have heaven scrolls." Ichigo lifted Naruto while Tsuki and Sakura both lifted the spazzing and screaming Sasuke. Kabuki followed behind the group wondering just what the Hell he had missed.
The group of six made camp about two miles inward toward the tower, they figured it was best to protect their friends that way. Sakura managed to point out a cave type area between two trees, the way the branches were naturally intertwined would make a perfect cover. Ichigo just hoped no one else would think so. Once the two unconscious boys were laid down to rest Ichigo decided to come up with a plan.
"Ichi-nii, is Naru-chan going to be okay? What happened anyway?" Tsuki was supporting the blond boy's head with her lap. Ichigo had already tried to heal everyone's wounds, but the boys' conditions were not improving. Sasuke had developed a fever while Naruto was growing cold. At least both of their hearts were still beating strong.
"Naruto will pull through, he always does. I think That Orochimaru guy messed up their chakra and that's why they're like this. Unfortunately, that means there is nothing I can do to help." Ichigo sighed; he wasn't up to that level yet. Sure he knew a few healing jutsus and could even use his own chakra to heal, but he didn't know how to balance another person's chakra. He was supposed to be learning that when he got back to Yokai!
"Look, we need to hurry up and each get an earth scroll so we can hurry up and get these guys some medical attention. We have no idea just what we're doing here." Kabuki's signature smile was gone for once, and his face instead held a sober worried expression. Tsuki brushed a piece of blond hair out of Naruto's face. She had already cleaned up his features after Ichigo healed his wounds.
"He's right. We need to hurry. Ichi, how about we send a team to go search for scrolls and a team to guard the boys. Two each." Tsuki agreed with the useless kid. Ichigo sighed and looked over his current teammates.
"Fine, Kabuki will come with me and hunt for scrolls. Sakura is protective of Sasuke, so we know she won't let anything happen to him. Tsuki, I want you to stay and guard Naruto. If anyone attacks DON'T you DARE hold back!" The fiery pinkette jammed a finger in the young girl's face. He was not about to lose his little brother because of Tsuki's stupid fear of her own strength. "Crush the enemy, kill them if you have to, but don't you dare let them touch him!" Tsuki nodded vigorously as the two conscious boys vanished, leaving her and Sakura to tend to the unconscious boys.
Ichigo was growing restless with the endless waiting, so he did something he hadn't done in the longest of times. 'Gekkei Genkai: Kitsune Art: Four Legged Jutsu!' He whispered in his thoughts while making the proper hand signs. Ichigo's form then changed into that of a huge pale pink fox. On all fours he was about the size of a large dog, and his tail was lit at the tip with a violet flame. The same flame danced around his ankles as well.
In his new form all of his senses were heightened far beyond that of the 'predator jutsu'. "Let's hurry; I don't want to leave the girls in charge for too long." Ichigo turned his triangular head towards a stunned Kabuki. The raven haired boy nodded as well and performed a jutsu of his own.
"Transformation Jutsu!" Okay, so it was an academy level jutsu, but at least he put it to good use. Kabuki turned into a raven and flew fast to keep up with Ichigo as he zipped through the trees. "That's a terrible camouflage, they'll know you're not a real fox." Kabuki chided, having not seen the hand signs Ichigo used since said boy had turned his back to his current partner before preforming the jutsu.
"Oh shut up. Just help me find a useless team so we can make this quic- look over there!" Ichigo suddenly stopped and made a pointed indication with his body, much like a hunting dog will do when tracking prey. Kabuki flew down and landed on the pink fox's head, much too said fox's irritation. "Get off and fly down to get a closer look. Find out which scroll they have. If it's an earth scroll then signal me over."
At Ichigo's word, Kabuki flew down, hopping from branch to branch much like a curious bird would do. He pretended to be looking for food, which caused the sole female of the group to offer him a piece of bread. He quickly took it and flew over to land on her backpack. While eating his snack he listened in on the conversation.
"-still need to hurry up and find a heaven scroll. Madarame, don't waste our food by feeding a stupid crow." One of the guys threw a rock at Kabuki's disguised form, which caused the bird-boy to squawk and attack the abuser. Ichigo took this as the sign and leaped down from his perch off a branch twenty feet high.
"What is that!?" The other guy yelped and drew a kunai to defend himself. "Is that supposed to be a fox?" After he got over his initial shock he began to laugh and pointed at the pink fox mockingly. "What kind of sad transformation is that? Foxes are smaller, more red, and aren't on fire!"
"Who ever said I was a fox? I'm a Kitsune." Ichigo growled out, and then leaped at the mocking ninja. Unlike Kabuki, Ichigo did not change back into his human form, and instead he bit into the ninja's throat. "You shouldn't have mocked me. I'm already in a foul mood." It was true that Ichigo was the sweetest of team scorch, but he was also the most murderous when it came to his family. Without even giving it a second thought he snapped the Genin's neck and turned towards the dead student's teammates.
"Ichigo... what are you doing?" Kabuki's voice was full of alarm when Ichigo turned to him with blood dripping from his muzzle. He would grieve his first kill later, but for now he still had a taste for blood. The Kitsune turned back towards the guy that had thrown a rock at Kabuki, and began stalking him in a circle. Genin weren't always taught how to defend against wild animals, and since this one was from the land of Rain he probably had no idea at all.
"Hold the girl, after I'm done with this one we'll search for the scroll. They have earth, right?" Ichigo's voice came out both thick and raspy at the same time, like he had something in his throat that was rubbing it raw. In truth it was his bloodlust, which he kept trying to swallow.
The Genin boy who wasn't dead froze, staring blankly at the backpack next to the girl. The girl followed his eye line and clutched at the bag tightly. It was obvious she was the holder of the scroll.
"Just give it to them! Zabu is dead so we can't pass anyway! Give it to them Tsubaki!" The boy pleaded with the girl, clearly fearing for his life. He had never thought a Genin could kill in such cold blood before. What had set off this guy so bad that he was willing to kill for a stupid scroll?
The girl held the scroll out to Kabuki, right as Ichigo snipped at the boy's hand. The boy had attempted to make a run for it while his attention was diverted. How unfortunate for him. Now he would forever have to carry around a reminder of his almost killer in the shape of a bite on the wrist.
The girl, Tsubaki, gave Kabuki the scroll and quickly curled into a ball, making it harder to attack her vital signs if Ichigo was to turn on her next. He didn't. There was no need to harm someone who was kind enough to feed a defenseless animal with what little food she had. Ichigo trotted up to the frightened girl and sniffed at her hand.
"Misunderstood Flower, take this to heart. You would be better off as a medical ninja. Trust me." Ichigo relented in a voice softer than earlier. It held a more sober tone, and his eyes were becoming glassy from the sadness shining within. "Raven, let's go." Ichigo grabbed the scroll between his maws and dashed off into the underbrush with it.
Kabuki chased after Ichigo before turning back into a raven and flying high to keep a look out. "We have one scroll, now we should head back and check on the others, I have a bad feeling. I hope the girls haven't gotten into any trouble." The bloody pinkette grumbled around the scroll in his mouth.
"Are you always so cold hearted, or is killing the norm in Yokai?" Kabuki shot down to his current partner. 'This kid is more ruthless than Sasuke.' He gasped in his thoughts. The kid had literally ripped someone's throat out, didn't even seem the least bothered by it, in fact he seemed to enjoy it! Just what kind of ninja do they raise in Yokai?
"Have you ever heard of the 'Land of Demons'?" Ichigo asked softly as they stopped by a stream. He dipped his body in to rinse off the blood before it dried, drinking some fresh water before jumping out to join Kabuki on the river bank.
"Yeah, that land where things like vampires, werewolves, and other monsters exist, right?" Kabuki took the scroll from Ichigo and placed it in his pouch since it was obvious Ichigo wasn't about to revert back.
"The real name of this land is Yokai. So you can be the judge if we are really monsters or not." Ichigo spat at Kabuki, the color red painting the ground as he did so. "I don't care what you call me, but if you insult my family I'll kill you too." Ichigo's eyes were no longer their usual warm purple, they were a deep blood red, and that scared Kabuki.
Ichigo then shook all the water from his body and began running off in the general direction of their camp, using his own scent to track his way back. Kabuki quickly recovered from the shock and followed after the Kitsune. He didn't bother transforming back into a raven; since they were heading back to camp it really didn't matter.
"What about Naruto, is he a monster too?" Kabuki asked softly as he ran side by side with the pink beast as its eyes slowly returned to a more purple color.
"No, he's different, but still family. You hurt him, and I'll kill everyone you care about before killing you. You NEVER mess with a Doragon's family." Ichigo glared back at Kabuki before reverting back to his human form and personality. Talk about bipolar.
"So, how long have you known Naruto?" Tsuki asked Sakura as she cradled said blond in her arms. Ever since the boys left she hadn't so much as released him from her grasp. She had sensed a foul presence nearby, but was content to leave it be unless provoked. Better safe than sorry though, so she refused to release Naruto.
"We went to the academy together, but Naruto never really had any friends because he was always pulling pranks and never took class serious." Sakura answered without even thinking. It was true after all. In hindsight she felt kind of bad for not being nicer to the idiot.
"I see. It'll be daybreak soon. I hope Ichigo gets back quickly." Tsuki sighed and hugged Naruto before finally setting the boy down. Sakura froze as she felt a chill run down her spine. Someone was watching them. "I see you noticed it too. Someone's watching us. I bet they'll attack at dawn. Rest while you can." Tsuki gave the crew a once over before nodding to herself. She was going to keep an eye out for enemies.
"Yeah, okay. I sure hope Kabuki and Ichigo hurry." Sakura was getting nervous just at the idea of having to fight by herself and defend Sasuke. She wasn't the strongest konoichi, and she knew it too. Tsuki glanced back and gave her a look of discuss.
"Don't be a coward. If you really love Sasuke like Naruto says you do than you should be willing to put your life on the line for him. Geeze, I don't see why Naruto likes you so much when all you do is depend on others. You know he's been in love with you right? Stupid blond would be better off with someone else though." Tsuki began grumbling to herself. She just couldn't understand just what about Sakura was so appealing. Sure she was cute, and smart, but that was about it.
"Naruto's in love with me?" Sakura's eyes went wide. Was that why he was always bothering her and trying to spend time with her? He was trying to ask her out! But she loved Sasuke, and he knew that. She had to find a way to turn him down or something. "Is that why he's always protecting me?" Naruto jumped in a fight that had nothing to do with him, for her sake. They weren't even on the same team anymore!
"Why else, Baka? In my opinion that Hinata girl is a much better choice. She was the only one to even realize he was gone earlier." Tsuki snapped. How could Naruto's own former teammates and classmates forget about him so easily? How dare they!
"Hinata? Now that I think about it, I think she's had a crush on him for the longest time." Sakura mumbled, but Tsuki managed to overhear her. So that girl liked Naruto? Well now it was time to play match maker!
"Really? Well then, since you're the girl who broke his heart you need to take responsibility. I want you to help me set Naruto and Hinata up!" Tsuki fist pumped the air. "But without telling them!" If she told them it would probably mess up everything. Naruto is a stubborn brat after all.
"Okay, deal. So, does this make us friends? Since we're teaming up and all..." Sakura's voice trailed off. She didn't know why, but she felt Tsuki would be a good friend to have. She could already tell the other pinkette was extremely loyal and would do anything to protect those she cared for.
"I suppose, but I don't want weak friends. I'm not like Naruto; I can't come saving you all the time. And you shouldn't expect him to either. If you want to be my friend you have to prove you have what it takes to be a real ninja. Got it?" Tsuki gave Sakura a warm smile to show she was open to the idea.
"Yeah! Let's become Chounin together, that way I can prove I have what it takes to be your friend. And we set those two up." Sakura winked at the last part, which caused Tsuki to roll her eyes in a playful gesture. Tsuki's eyes then trailed off towards the barely visible sky. Daybreak was not long away, not long at all.
"Prepare. They'll attack soon." Tsuki whispered and grabbed a kunai from her weapons pouch. Sakura mimicked the move and crouched protectively over Sasuke. She wasn't about to let them lay a finger on him, not when his fever just broke.
A squirrel suddenly ran out from a bush, and Tsuki instantly threw a kunai at it. Sakura thought it was so the creature wouldn't disturb the trap they had set up, until the older girl pointed out the paper bomb on the squirrel's back.
"Very good. You must have quite an eye to spot that on such a tiny creature. Or does it have something to do with the poorly placed trap you have set up here. This type of grass doesn't grow naturally in this area, and this is the color of recently over turned dirt." A Sound ninja with a fuzzy... thing... on his back jumped out of the foliage.
His face was wrapped in bandages, and he had this odd clay cuff with holes in the top on his right forearm. Tsuki noted silently to keep a special eye on that arm, because it was probably some sort of Sound ninja tool. Sakura seemed to be thinking the same thing as she eyed the piece with worry.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Sakura aimed her kunai at the ninja while Tsuki prepared her own shuriken. Two more ninja stepped out from the bushes. One was a guy with messy brown hair and a weird headband. The way he held his arms was odd too, as if they were splinted somehow. The other was a girl with long black hair pulled into a low ponytail. This girl had confidence written all across her pail features, which just seemed to piss off the two pinkettes.
"I'm Dozu, and we came here for Sasuke. Now hand him over and no one has to get hurt." The mummy guy held out his hand as if he was talking about a scroll and not a person. Sakura's eyes took on a feral tone only seen on a human girl when you threatened her love, which is effectively what he just did.
"I'll never let you lay a hand on Sasuke! I'll defend him with my life!" The younger of the two pinkettes exclaimed. Just as she spoke so another ninja appeared, this one being from the Leaf Village. He was lanky, but strong, and he wore a tight green body suit with orange leg warmers. "Lee!" Sakura exclaimed at the new arrival.
"Yes! It is I Rock Lee, handsome devil of the Leaf Village! I have come to protect you Sakura, just as I have promised!" The kid with the bowler cut and bushy brows turned around and flashed Sakura a brilliant smile. The pinkette would've gagged, but she was too surprised to do anything but gape.
"You're here to protect me?" Sakura asked in shock. "But why? We aren't even on the same team. Right now we're supposed to be enemies." Man that girl was dense. Tsuki face palmed and gave Sakura a 'how stupid can you be?' look. Sakura raises her brow at the older girl then returned her attention to Lee.
"I promised to always protect you as a vow of love! I will never back down on a promise! Please allow me to protect you!" Lee had this determined look on his face and a weird sparkle in his doe black eyes. Tsuki honestly felt sorry for the poor kid. It looked like he would have to take a number. Maybe they could set him up with someone too? At least give him a chance at happiness.
"Sure... okay." Sakura deadpanned, really not knowing how to respond. She had shot him down when he first confessed to him. What was with this kid's determination? It was almost infectious in its own way. Tsuki sized up the other two and crouched down, ready to spring.
She chose to let Lee fight, if only to see what he could do. But if the Sound nin tried to pull a dirty move she would jump in and save him. She wouldn't allow him to take on more than one at a time.
The Dozu guy charged Lee and swung with his right arm. Lee reached into the ground and ripped up a huge tree root. The root blocked the oncoming blow and allowed Lee time to analyze the way his opponent attacks. Dozu ended up blowing up the root with some kind of sound vibration.
"Leaf Hurricane!" Lee attacked, his movements incredibly fast. He sent a barrage of kicks which ended up sending Dozu flying high into the air, then Lee wrapped the ends of his bandages around the mummy and began spinning fast in a downward motion. The impact of Dozu's head hitting the ground should have ended the fight, if the other male Sound ninja hadn't interfered.
"Dozu! Finish him!" The Sound nin yelled out to his teammate. Dozu then quickly turned on Lee and released a powerful sound wave attack that caused Lee's ears to bleed. Tsuki instantly realized Lee's ear drum had been busted.
This wasn't going well at all. Tsuki rushed forward to catch Lee before he hit the ground.
"You've done well Lee. Don't push yourself any further." She told the boy in a gentle tone.
