A/N: Yes, yes, me again. Lol, last chap seemed to be a bang! Whew, glad that you guys liked it. Abilities for Naruto's Shikai would soon be revealed. Be ready for some major ass kicking now.
No, Rukia's still in the harem, only she'll be sort of……inactive at the moment. You'll see. And again, ignore the time difference, or aging or whatever. It's too confusing.
Now, let's begin. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Never ever eva owned Naruto and/or Bleach. Enough said.
I Live On
Chapter 7: Will of Fire
"Did I do the right thing? I honestly hope I did." Mumbled Naruto as he stared up at the dark sky once again, basking in the glow of the stars.
Tsukiyomi gazed at him for a while, before replying softly, "It all depends on you. I've said before. The road before you is tough; obstacles, pain, sadness, and all the other aspects of death will be common. Are you willing to accept them?"
Naruto chuckled bitterly, before sighing, "I have to. To protect them, I will. Which is why I need you Tsukiyomi."
The lady merely smiled, before whispering, "Good choice."
And he was sent back into reality.
He groaned as his eyes tried to adjust themselves to the brightness of the room. It seemed to be in the morning. He slowly flexed his arms, before attempting to move his legs. They seemed fine. He gave a loud yawn, before staring at the lump on his bed.
"Miyu?"
Said girl merely snuggled deeper into her 'pillow', "Hmm, ni-chan……five more minutes……"
He gently stroked her hair, before giving a small smile. The blow, both physical and emotional, dealt by Rukia hurt. A lot. He took in a deep breath and did what he did best. He hid behind his mask, only this time……the mask would be a lot different from the one before.
At that moment, the door was flung open and a blue blur pulled him straight into a hug, "Oh Kami, Naruto-kun I thought we had lost you!"
He raised an eyebrow, before clearly identifying the porcelain skin and those beautiful amber eyes. "Haku? I'm fine. Look, I'm alright."
She sniffed before hugging him tighter, "Baka! You've been out for a week!"
His eyes widened in disbelief, "One WEEK?!"
"Naruto, please refrain from yelling. You've just recovered you know."
"Unohana-san……"
The worry was clear in her eyes. Indeed, for one whole week, the whole fourth division felt down and miserable. They somehow concluded that it was their fault that this tragedy happened. Had they been a bit faster……
Naruto gently caressed Haku's cheek, before giving her a small kiss on the lips, "I'm fine. Really." He sighed before looking back at Isane and Unohana, "So……what happened?"
Unohana took a seat, before cuddling him in her arms as well, "Are you sure you're up to it?"
"Hai……I am."
"Well, the Shiba clan……has cut its ties to Seireitei. Ukitake-taichou has given a full report as to the events that occurred and the actions you took. It was decided that you were to receive an award for being selfless in battle……"
It took all Naruto had to not just blow up there, "What do you mean?! AWARD?! I killed him!"
Unohana sighed, "I know……but the Council 46 feels that you've merely killed a hollow and saved the Shinigami from hurting more of our own. It was a service."
Naruto gritted his teeth and smashed his fist into the wall, "Damn it! Did they think I wanted to do that?! DID THEY THINK I ENJOYED IT?!" His pupils dilated, before slowly becoming a tad crimson.
"Ni…Ni-chan?" A small hesitant voice spoke up beside him.
He held in his anger and turned to her, "Miyu-chan……did you sleep well?"
Miyu ignored that question and her beautiful golden orbs gazed at Naruto, "Ni-chan……Don't be like that……Miyu-chan is scared……Miyu doesn't want Ni-chan to be so angry……"
Naruto bit his lips before scooping her up in a warm embrace, "I'm sorry Miyu……I'm really sorry……"
Haku shook her head, "There's nothing that you should be sorry for."
"……So……Rukia……"
The whole room tensed immediately, with Isane mumbling something.
Naruto laughed bitterly, "She hates me huh……well, that's nothing new……"
Unohana applied some medical reiatsu onto Naruto's head, easing the throbbing headache he's been experiencing for awhile.
Flashbacks, memories, pain, sorrow engulfed his mind, before his eyes lit up, a quiet whisper was all they heard, "Not again……no more………"
He suddenly leapt out of bed, before grabbing his zanpakutos. He strapped them to his waist, and leapt from the window of his room down onto yard at the entrance to the fourth division.
Gasps were heard as Naruto glanced back at Unohana, who had just shunpo-ed into the lobby, before looking at him tenderly, "Naruto-kun, take it easy."
Shinigamis from many divisions have all heard of the Rookie Star Uzumaki Naruto fight in a death match against a hollow-possessed Vice-captain. They knew of the situation and admired Naruto for his courage.
They were preparing to see for themselves what was so great about this guy. Some even wanted to show him who's boss. But now……seeing this six foot guy standing tall, completely emotionless, speaking with a Taichou as though it was common stuff……and the fact that crimson reiatsu was slowly beginning to leak out from him was more than a tad impressive.
Naruto sighed, as Haku, Isane and Miyu all came running, not sure what he was doing. He gazed at Unohana once more……before speaking in a clear voice, "Unohana-taichou……if those old codgers from Council Forty-Six dares utter another word about me getting an award for killing one of my most respected friends……"
The reiatsu was incredible, "Tell them to stuff it their asses and grovel shit like they always do!" His killing intent was out as well, his anger and rage in full force. Renji, Kira, Rangiku and Hinamori looked on in awe. No one defies the Council Forty-six……yet here he was, declaring war against them……in front of all these audience……
Unohana chuckled lightly, much to everyone's amazement, before replying, "Anything else?"
Naruto gave a wry smirk, before disappearing with a Shunpo, "I'm off to do something I should have done a long time ago……"
Haku gasped, "Don't tell me! He……"
Miyu tilted her head, "Nani, nani? What is Ni-chan going to do?"
Renji thought for a moment, before exclaiming, "NO WAY! You're telling me that……"
In the Second Division……
"Whoa! Watch where you're going kid! Don't think you're some big shot just because you……" Marejirosaburo gulped as Naruto pointed his zanpakuto at him.
His aura was menacing as he snarled, "I did what I had to and I'm not proud of it. Utter one more useless word and I'll destroy you. My job was a shinobi, and I have no problems with killing. Try me."
He looked around, finding awed looks directed at him from each corner, before he raised his voice, "Everyone, I'm sure you all agree when I say that this pig here and his brother do more harm than good to our division in terms of quality."
Small cheers of joy were heard from everywhere, but almost everyone nodded their heads. Naruto held in his reiatsu, before he shunpo-ed straight over to the Captain's office.
Soifon raised an eyebrow curiously as Uzumaki Naruto entered the room, his gaze determined, "What's the matter?"
Naruto bowed deeply, which surprised the captain, before he spoke something even more shocking, "Soifon-taichou, I hereby challenge Omaeda Marechiyo for the vice-captaincy in our division."
She eyed him closely, before sighing, "Uzumaki……you've just been released from the fourth division. Are you sure?"
Naruto's eyes were glowing slightly, as though trying to gaze right into her soul, to show him how serious his is, "Hai, taichou."
Soifon closed her eyes, and for awhile, she remained silent. "When?"
"Two hours later, at the training fields." His head was bowed, but his tone left no room for hesitation. He would not let the tragedy repeat itself. Never again.
The navy-haired woman considered it for a moment, before she nodded, "So granted."
Two hours later……
The news had spread across Seireitei like wildfire. Captains were all very amused at the fact that Naruto just stood up against the Council Forty-six. Their decisions……were mostly to aid their own well-beings and are at times, pathetic, to say the least. Here was another clear example. Get someone to divert the focus from their uselessness in monitoring hollows and send him into the spotlight in their place, congratulating him, then manipulating him.
In the past, it's always worked before. But apparently, they didn't know Uzumaki Naruto. Yamamoto chuckled as he looked at the pride-filled face of his fuku-taichou, before settling in his seat, "Ma, ma, Sarutobi-kun, it seems that he does have the Will of Fire, doesn't he?"
Sarutobi sighed, "Indeed, I was hoping for him to carry it on. It's an immense pity that his life ended so soon. This……shall be a battle to remember. If I know Naruto……he's the most unpredictable guy ever to exist……" That proud smile returned.
Kurotsuchi gave a sneer, "Really? I bet that kid stands no chance whatsoever against a fuku-taichou." His lieutenant, however, merely stood as she always did, silently, by his side.
Zaraki laughed, "I knew the kid would love to fight! Come on, show me some good stuff."
Almost all the shinigami that could come had arrived here at the biggest training field in Seireitei. All wanted to see how the rookie star would do against a lieutenant. Of course, most of them had already betted against him. They refused to acknowledge the fact that a mere unseated newbie could even withstand the power of a lieutenant.
The five noble houses were there, including the Shiba clan. Shiba Kukaku was present, her face stony. A few thought she was here to seek revenge, whilst most of the others thought she wanted to see Naruto fail. Little did they know, it was the exact opposite.
Flashback……
"Ne-chan……a…vice-captain from the first division is here to see you……" Ganju told her, albeit quite reluctantly. Due to the incident, many hated shinigamis for the loss of their brother. Especially a certain blond-haired punk.
Kukaku growled as she smashed her fist onto the ground, "I thought I told them NOT to come here!"
"Indeed you did, honorable lady, but I felt that this little excursion of mine is necessary. Please, all I need, is a little bit of your time."
Her eyes widened as she stared at the old man at her door.
"Ah, where are my manners, Sarutobi Akira, just an old shinobi."
Kukaku didn't know how to explain it, but the old man had a calming aura around him, not just authority, but literally an adult figure. Just like her father……
She gave a slight nod, before motioning for him to have a seat.
Sarutobi sighed, before gazing at her, "I'm here……to tell you the history……of Uzumaki Naruto."
Her eyes instantly flashed in anger and she was all about to roar in hatred when his eyes bore into her soul, as though ordering her to sit. She stiffened as she felt the sadness and regret in his voice, "I assure you……it's nothing like what you think it is."
"Hmph, the guy probably worked hard. I'll give him that much. But if he thinks that he should be arrogant and just take one's life like that……" Kukaku gritted her teeth in frustration……
Sarutobi closed his eyes, "We were shinobi……when we were alive."
Kukaku raised an eyebrow, "Really……figures. Killing must seem so easy……"
She was cut off however, when Sarutobi's eyes flew open once again, the truth evident in his eyes, "Do you understand the pain?"
She gulped unconsciously, wondering why the heck this old man was able to have such an effect on her.
"Can you begin to feel the pain of having to take another's life because of mere orders? Can you withstand the hurt if it was one of your own that got killed? Can you withhold the hatred within you and continue living with a mask on your face everyday? Can you even begin to imagine living a life, where killing is all you can do?"
Kukaku's eyes narrowed, "So what? He just proved he could handle it! If you can, surely he can as well! What's the big idea?"
The old man sighed, as though tired by the whole ordeal, before his voice, strangely and unnervingly cold, "Once upon a time……a monstrous beast roamed the lands. It took the form of a fox and had nine flaming tails, signifying it's superiority to the other tailed beasts."
"What the hell are you……"
"It attacked a village, called Konoha, killing shinobis like swatting flies. It raged on, and not even a thousand man army could fell it. It was strong beyond imagination and the malice it held was unbelievable."
"It all came down to one man, our Yondaime Hokage, whose duty is to protect the village at all costs, even with his life, and therefore……he stepped up to the occasion. He used the Shiki Fuijin no jutsu."
Kukaku's eyes widened in realization, "That contract the General signed……"
"In exchange for his soul, he sealed the Kyuubi, a manifestation of evil life force, into a baby……his own son. He could only hope, for the village to treat his son as a hero, for a baby, was the only suitable being to withhold the menacing power of the Kyuubi."
She gasped at the cruelty of it. To let one's own son……
"The ritual succeeded and Konoha was left almost in ruins due to the attack. Hundreds have lost their loved ones, and out of all those that died on the battlefield, only a small child lay in its wake."
"The Sandaime Hokage announced that the kid was the prison for the monster and had hoped against hope that it would be as the Yondaime said, where the village would treat the boy as a hero. However, it was not to be so."
"Once the villagers learned that the child was used in the sealing, they lashed out in rage. Most roared in disapproval, wanting to kill the child, so that the Kyuubi would never live again. Others were convinced that the child was being manipulated by the monster and refused to have anything to do with him."
"The child's mother died at childbirth, his father as a sacrifice to protect the village he so loved. Yet of all the things he could have expected, the hatred and anger he overlooked. The Yondaime had a feeling this might happen but could ask anyone else's child to be sacrificed. And it was with a deep heart……that he sealed the fate of his child. The Sandaime, upon seeing their reactions had no choice, but to instill a new law, stating that no one was to mention of the monster's presence to the child. The consequence……is death."
Kukaku was beyond shocked. She couldn't believe this……at this rate……no, no way, it can't be possible.
"The child was deprived of a family since birth and was given to an orphanage. The matron hated him, and gave him constant beatings whilst others isolated him and jeered at him whenever they could. Older children would bully him and take away any possessions he had."
"He was underfed and poisoned numerous times. For reasons he didn't even know, he was on the constant end of insults, abuse, hatred and anger. He had to scrape leftovers from the rubbish bins every day in order to survive. He would be beaten to an inch within his life and even the hospital would deny him entrance. If it weren't for his tenant, he would have perished……"
"As he grew, the beatings became more frequent, and assassinations occurred. At first, it was once a month……then once a week……and for a period, as it neared the month of October……where it became once a day. The kid was tortured, mentally and physically by the lack of friends and family, no warmth, only the cold, harsh reality that surrounded him."
"Then that day came, at the age of five. He was surrounded by a mob. It included twenty villagers, armed with pikes, shovels, clubs, and butcher knives." The growing horror was apparent on Kukaku's face as Sarutobi continued to list them, "Twelve Chuunins, that is, middle-skilled shinobi, and even five elite jounins, the top-class shinobis."
"They pummeled him to the ground, slashing across his body without doubt, crushing his bones without pity, destroying his soul without hesitation. It was only half an hour later, when a group of Anbu did their best to restrain the mob that it finally ended. The sight that greeted a horror-filled Sandaime……was a bloody blob of flesh, with the bones totally destroyed within the limbs, third-degree burns all over his body, lungs punctured, and even part of the skull was fractured."
Kukaku cringed as a mental picture formed within her mind. It was…….just……
"He hung onto life as his tenant did its best to heal him, and for a whole month, he was in a coma. It was a miracle that he even survived. But that day……he was broken……completely and entirely. He didn't even know the reason why he was attacked."
"He just sat there, totally innocent, staring at the Sandaime, asking, "Why? Why? Was I a bad boy?" It was heart wrenching and it took all of the Hokage's will to not break down right then and there. The Hokage eventually bought the kid an apartment, letting him live by himself, allowing him some freedom from the bullies at the orphanage."
"But once again……on his seventh birthday, the mob appeared, though lesser this time, what they did was far worse. They all but destroyed his apartment, took every single possession he had, beaten him to within an inch of his life, and vandalized his apartment. It was his birthday……"
Unshed tears filled Kukaku's eyes, she couldn't help it. No one, no matter what he is, should suffer that way, much less a seven-year old child.
"He had no friends, everyone stir clear of him because of their parents telling them that the kid was a menace, a demon. Shops would overcharge him three times the normal price, restaurants would deny him entrance, and wherever he went, glares would follow. It was unbearable."
"And then, finally, as he reached the age of nine, he joined the academy. He heard from the Hokage that in order to protect everyone precious to him, he would have to become strong, and so he had his new goal, to become a hokage. It was good to finally see a sign of life within the child, yet it didn't continue for very long."
"The academy teachers hated him, and did their best to mark him down. He would not get any advice on homework, not even a textbook was issued to him whilst everyone else had one. No teacher would care to explain his questions further. They all dismissed him with an icy glare. His tests, even if they were perfect, got thirty percent as his final score. His practicals would always be sabotaged, where the teachers would teach him incorrect stances just to make sure he failed."
"Moreover, his control of chakra, life essence, was a mess, seeing how his tenant's chakra clashed with his own, disrupting it, making him seem incapable of performing simple techniques. So he had to do the only thing to gain attention. Be a prankster and be the class clown."
"He never gave up, he kept trying and trying, and finally, after three years, in a run-in with a traitorous sensei, he finally found out why he was hated. Imagine the shock……on a twelve-year old……when told that the reason he was hated……was something he had no control over. The loneliness, pain, sadness, disappointment all those emotions, caused by an exterior reason."
"Luckily, one of the academy teachers fully understood his pain as an orphan, and had shown that he treated Naruto as an equal, a shinobi of Konoha, not as the Kyuubi brat as others dubbed him. He treated Naruto like his own brother, guiding him and doing his best to help. The joy when he was told that he can become a ninja finally was astounding. Finally, after all those years of hardship, he had gotten somewhere."
Sarutobi took a deep breath, "And from there, he witnessed the harshness of the duties of shinobi, learnt to face his fears and grew up. He slowly gained friends, precious people to him, and gradually became a force to be reckoned with. Sadly, the Sandaime was not there to see it."
Kukaku's throat was dry as a feeling of desperation coursed through her body, "You…you……"
Sarutobi gave a solemn nod, before looking her straight in the eye, "That old man, was me, Sandaime Hokage of Konohagakure……"
She knew the answer, she didn't want to know it, but she had to confirm her fears, "The boy……he……"
Sarutobi's eyes hardened, "He has spiky blond hair and a pair of cerulean orbs that light up even the darkest parts of human life. His name……is Uzumaki Naruto!"
Flashback end……
That had totally changed her views. She knew it was true, for she had went to the Information sections in the twelfth division to see for herself the info of the blond. The worst thing was……that apparently, the blond's best friend……had betrayed him and the village at its most crucial moment, thereby causing the death of him.
She knew that Kaien and Naruto were friends given the conversations she had overheard her brother and his wife. In fact, the blond had treated Kaien with high respect. And the fact that he was the one to kill him……she shuddered as she read the report of his final battle with one Uchiha Sasuke.
And at that moment, she hated herself. She always forgot what her parents told her, that there were billions of other people that had lives far worse than hers. Just because she lost an arm doesn't mean the end of the world. Even in death, life goes on.
She remembered the hurt and pain behind those sky-blue orbs that day and that further confirmed her beliefs. Kuchiki was his close friend……and when she had called him a monster……she could only imagine the pain he must have been going through.
It seems that all the captains knew of his past and weren't the least bit surprised that he asked for this battle, except for a few fools. She knew he would win. For she knew now, why he fought, for whom he fought. Sarutobi Akira had answered that question.
He fights to protect, he fights for his precious people! He fights for his family and friends! That……is his everything……
So here she was, along with the captains, vice-captains and representatives from the other noble clans to witness the fight for vice-captaincy. Usually, a nomination from the captain or recommendations from another captain was all that was needed. But Naruto chose to fight.
Kukaku knew why. He didn't want everything handed to him on a silver platter. That has never happened, not in his life, definitely not in his death. She watched as the Omaeda representative, namely, Marenoshin, Marechiyo's father, and acting Clan head, staring at Naruto haughtily, as if daring him to go against a noble like him.
Naruto merely stood there on the field, waiting with a cool patience for his opponent to arrive.
Haku and Miyu, along with all of Naruto's friends were nervous, for they had rarely seen the blond so serious about anything. Rukia didn't come. She couldn't bring herself to meet Naruto, seeing how she had insulted him in the worst possible way. She knew his life, yet she still did it. She didn't dare face him, she couldn't face him.
Most of the shinigamis in the second division were worried for Naruto, though they knew his strength, they were still afraid that the political powers of the Omaedas might ruin his future career. Anyone who's been in Naruto's squad before can testify that he is a brilliant leader. He cares for his teammates and subordinates genuinely, unlike certain individuals, namely Omaeda Marechiyo.
But of course, most shinigamis from other divisions came here for the fun of it, thinking that this would be a joke. How can someone only with two years experience stand up to a vice-captain? Sure, the vice-captain was weak, but still, the gap should be there.
Soifon stared over at the Shihouin clan and scowled. Certain unpleasant memories surfaced, but she did her best to suppress them. It helped that the Shihouin clan head, Yura, the father of the infamous Shunshin, Shihouin Yoruichi, thought highly of Naruto's actions. Of course, it was due to Yamamoto's visit that allowed him some insight to the blond's life.
If anything, the Shihouin clan recognized bravery and courage. Just like the Kuchiki were quick to realize one's honor and pride. The fact that out of the five noble houses, two were openly supporting Naruto, one was openly against, two were neutral was saying something. And they didn't count the fact that Kukaku was actually supportive of Naruto, making it three.
She sighed as she shared a quick glance with Unohana, wanting to know her thoughts. A reassuring smile was sent her way and she gazed at the blond again. It was unnerving. Ever since she was told of his past, she had grown less arrogant, and far more reserved when he was around. She knew the pain of betrayal just like he did, but she could never understand the lonely childhood.
It wasn't exaggerating, but really, no one in Seireitei had a childhood that could even begin to rival Naruto's in terms of hardships. And whilst there were geniuses and prodigies, such as Hitsugaya, Ukitake and Kyoraku, they all grew up with lots of friends, with the support of family and basically, had all the conditions to do so. Naruto didn't. Sure, he made a few friends, but there was no way he would tell them……the real extent of the hardships he endured. Rukia had no idea that whatever he told her……was lightened one hundred times over.
Her eyes narrowed as she watched Marechiyo strut his fat ass slowly, as though mocking Naruto's very presence. She had never really liked her lieutenant, but the nobles just had to pressure Yamamoto. At least he had a Shikai and was somewhat useful. But really, in all honesty, she was hoping Naruto could win. For once, after so many years, she was acting on instinct, not orders.
Miyu bounced slightly on the balls of her feet, glancing worriedly at Naruto. She was seated along with the other fourth division shinigamis and Haku. They supported Naruto unconditionally, seeing how he was able to change the views of many other shinigamis on the value of having a medic to help you. And the way he treated their job with respect was very touching.
"He'll be alright." Muttered Haku quietly as she ruffled Miyu's hair, trying to calm her down. It seems as though she was assuring herself more than anything.
Miyu gave a small nod, before holding her hand tightly. She really hoped that her beloved Ni-chan would prevail. She knew he would. He always would.
Back on the training field……
The judge was Ise Nanao, vice-captain of the eighth division. She glanced at Naruto, to find him staring impassively at Marechiyo as said piece of blubber slowly made his way towards the centre of the field. She knew that Naruto was highly injured and was just released, meaning that obviously, he wasn't at his full capacity.
Marechiyo, while being thought of as a weakling among others, is actually quite formidable. He excelled in strength, giving up speed in the process. If ranked in power amongst the vice-captains, he might be around ninth place or so. He has a lot of experience and the backing of his clan, so his confidence is assured.
She bit her lips as she looked at Naruto. The ever so happy blond that used to drop into the eight division for a bit of fun with Kyoraku and some kido training with herself etched itself deeply into her mind. She grimaced as she eyed the bandages behind his shinigami uniform. Naruto had treated her with respect, and even chose to call her his ne-chan as well.
The fact that she was a bookworm didn't even faze him as he merely raised an amused eyebrow, before replying, "Well, that's a good thing right?" She had been pleasantly surprised to find that he too enjoyed reading every once in a while, though he admitted that he liked outdoor activities better.
She glanced up at the Captains, noting that Kyoraku and Ukitake taichou were looking serious again, with Kuchiki taichou looking on with subtle interest. Kurotsuchi merely sneered at Naruto, Komamura and Tosen seemed stony as always. Yamamoto was serious; Hitsugaya was eyeing Naruto closely, as though expecting a performance, judging from his smirk. Aizen seemed uninterested, whilst Zaraki was giving his bloodthirsty grin. Unohana merely smiled as usual, Soifon was a tad agitated; only a teeny bit.
She took in a deep breath as Marechiyo finally reached them, before announcing in a clear voice, "Today, we're here to witness a battle between an unseated officer, Uzumaki Naruto and the second division's current vice-captain, Omaeda Marechiyo. May the best man win." And with a wave of her hand, "Hajime! (Begin!)"
Instantly, the mutters died down, as Marechiyo unsheathed his katana, before jeering at Naruto, "Give up kid. You won't stand a chance against me. My clan will make sure you are crushed if you go along with this."
His stance was tight, showing that he was serious this time. Naruto had to give him credit, he did deserve the title……pity he didn't carry out his duties enough.
Naruto unsheathed his zanpakutos as well, before eyeing Marechiyo coldly, "I'll take my chances."
Marechiyo gave a 'hmph', but inwardly he shivered. This brat was strong, if the first fight they had was any indication of his power. He let loose his own reiatsu, spicing it up, before he charged straight at Naruto, concentrating fully on the opponent before him. He wasn't like his brother, he didn't get to vice-captain just because of his family, contrary to popular belief, he worked quite hard for it.
Granted, his family helped him a lot and had 'persuaded' a few to not get the position, he still trained and honed his skills. Of course, his arrogance made others underestimate him and he used it to his advantage. But he wasn't sure if it was gonna work here. Ah heck, he's just a rookie……right?
Before he even took another step, Naruto released his reiatsu, basking in the crimson light that exploded around him. He was going all out this time. This isn't a game; it was a fight he had to win. He held the two zanpakutos behind him in a plus sign, "Nitoryu: Tora Gari! (Two Swords Style: Tiger Hunt)"
He dashed forward, and his katanas, brimming with energy sliced the air past Marechiyo as he appeared behind him in a second. The claw marks were visible on the ground as Naruto finished the attack, but Marechiyo knew it and blocked it, barely.
His zanpakuto was almost flung aside due to the sheer force and without thinking; he quickly brought it back up to defend against Naruto's attacks. It was a brilliant strategy. Naruto had totally off set Marechiyo's balance with the first attack and had begun his string of slices almost immediately.
Each slash was aimed at an opening, and luckily for him, his thick robes saved him on more than a few occasions. He fought back, determined the show the brat who's the boss and utilized his size to his full advantage. He was the vice-captain of the second division, specializing in strength. If the brat wanted to clash with him right on, so be it.
As expected, as soon as Marechiyo forced Naruto to hold weapon deadlocks with him, in Naruto's currently weakened state, Marechiyo held a slight advantage, but it was all that he needed as he guffawed in glee, sending Naruto flying into the walls once again.
He knew he wasn't playing fair, but hey, his pride was at stake. Gasps were heard from the fourth and second division and even other divisions. It seems that most really underestimated Marechiyo and that had given them a whole new opinion.
But nonetheless, the primary focus was on Naruto, who slowly rose from the rubble. He panted for breath at the constant use of Shunpo and the clashes. He took in a deep breath, before sheathing his zanpakutos, right now, he needed to see if the strongest attack he could manage was able to overpower Marechiyo.
"Nitoryu Iai……(Two Swords Style Unsheathing Cuts)" He crossed the zanpakutos in a familiar X pattern on his waist, before staring his opponent down. All of a sudden, his reiatsu flared to show his concentration in that attack, and Marechiyo wasn't about to let him have his chance.
He immediately charged, whilst yelling out, "Buttsubuse, Gegetsuburi! (Smash, Five-headed Rock)" and his zanpakuto transformed into the big spiked metal ball and chain. He mustered all of his strength and sent it flying straight at Naruto, "Shine! (Die!)"
Gasps of horror were heard as even Hitsugaya's eyes widened. Miyu cried out as the weapon was less than a metre from Naruto's face. Soifon's hands gripped her chairs so hard it was creaking. Even Unohana had a look of worry.
However, Renji, Rangiku, Kira, Hinamori and Haku knew it was not so. Naruto would have no problem. The small smiles of confidence was all Naruto needed to focus before unleashing his attack, "Rashoumon! (Hell Gates)"
The power of the shockwaves deflected the spiked ball out of the way, before pushing it slightly backwards. All in all, Naruto won the clash by a small amount. But still, to be able to withstand an all out strength attack from a vice-captain when you're only about seventy-five percent efficient was incredible.
Naruto sighed as he realized that he would have to take this up a notch. Normal attacks would just allow Marechiyo to force him into deadlocks. Concentrated attacks, like the Rashoumon took needed a lot of power to back it up, something Naruto doesn't have in abundance at the moment.
He held the blades in reverse grip, before crossing them in front of his chest, "So, you released yours eh? Well then……" His zanpakutos pulsed once before crimson reiatsu erupted from Naruto once again, "Seimei no en wo toushi te kaze ni tsuduki nasai! Tsukiyomi! (Follow the wind through the circle of life, Moon Goddess)"
And to everyone's amazement, even Soifon's, his zanpakutos transformed. The sturdy, jet-black nodaichi with the flaming fox in his right hand, the feathery-light aqua katana with the angel in his left. It was a magnificent sight.
Yamamoto chortled as he saw the shikai, "Well, well, most unpredictable huh?"
Sarutobi smiled widely, "Indeed."
Soifon resisted the urge to whistle at the elegance present in Naruto's zanpakutos. It had a calming aura, with a huge amount of power behind it. Unohana's smile widened as she watched her 'son' achieve something that shouldn't be possible for a few more years.
Kukaku and Yura watched on in awe and disbelief at the blond before them. To think, that a mere rookie with just two years of experience, achieving Shikai and standing up to a vice-captain when in an impaired state, simply amazing.
The unseated shinigami however, had no need to restrain as they all cheered loudly, especially the second and fourth division at Naruto's show of power. Naruto's friends were awed, especially Haku, who found the blades to be more than just fitting. The fox and the maiden……she chuckled, Just like your personality Naruto-kun.
Miyu cheered along with the others, amazed that her brother showed such skill. She was so proud and she wouldn't stop yelling until her throat was hoarse. It was unbelievable!
Zaraki laughed at the display of power, deciding that he definitely needed to fight this guy. Yachiru giggled at his expression, happy that her Ken-chan finally had a new 'playmate'.
The Omaeda clan head looked on in irritation, it wouldn't do for Marechiyo if the kid had so much potential. Damn it, why must such a meddling brat show up? It just makes it so damn complicated. Now, he'll have to ruin him, as much as he hated to do to such potential. He sighed as he thought of what his wife and the elders would say.
Marechiyo openly gaped at him, "Wha…when…how……"
Naruto stared at him coolly, before replying, "You didn't think I would be able to take down Kaien-fukutaichou with my zanpakuto in an unsealed state did you?"
He smiled slightly as Tsukiyomi once again emerged to help him, "My, my, you are a very busy person aren't you?"
Naruto chuckled, "Hai, Tsuki-chan, I need your help. I need to end this quickly; my body cannot handle too much stress in its current condition. Please, use my reiatsu as you see fit, and in return, aid me in my cause with your strength."
Tsukiyomi gave a warm smile, before whispering in his ear, "Feel it……feel the call……nature……never lies."
And with that, he returned to reality. He felt his katana pulse, before he heard it. It was beautiful it was brilliant. A huge grin covered his face as he eyed Marechiyo, "You're going down."
And to everyone's astonishment, Naruto disappeared in a flash of red, only to reappear a second later beside Marechiyo, giving him a slash, which he barely blocked.
Before he could even retaliate, Naruto was gone again. Marechiyo tried not to panic and sent out his reiatsu to try and detect his presence, but he was too slow. Naruto clashed with him, again and again, gaining speed each time, even scoring a few slices on his torso.
Marechiyo gritted his teeth as his back was hit once again, he groaned as he yelled, "How can you do this? It's not even Shunpo!"
Naruto appeared inches away from his face before he muttered his reply, "The wind……never lies……" before disappearing again.
The slices were taking its toll on Marechiyo and slowly but surely, he was forced back to the centre of the field. It was unreal, just like a flash of red lightning dashing across the field at incredible speeds. Even the captains found it slightly difficult to follow his movements.
Finally, Naruto stopped the onslaught and pointed his black nodaichi at Marechiyo, "The flames of life……the fires of hell……feel its rage, hear its cry!" In a swift move, he held it in a reverse grip before stabbing it into the ground.
"Come forth, thy fiery wrath!" Naruto's eyes glowed slightly as he a blast of fire erupted from the ground and surrounded Marechiyo. Said vice-captain squeaked, yes, squeaked in horror as the fire captured him in a spherical crimson barrier. He tried to attack the force field, only to be burned rather harshly.
Naruto chuckled as he held up his blades, "You underestimate the power around you. This……will be the last attack." A cold aura was sent throughout the surroundings as the spherical barrier glowed before levitating slightly off the ground.
Naruto sent reiatsu to both blades, before bringing them together, combining them both to form a zanbato, only much slimmer in width. The black, red, blue and white mixed perfectly as reiatsu coursed through it.
He held it horizontally above his head, remembering the familiar forces working with him, feeling Tsukiyomi's approval in him, before he said in a deathly whisper, "Itoryu Ougi: Tsukikage Zankuken! (One Sword style Master Art: Moon Shadow Sky Divider)"
And with a quick slice, he brought his zanbato down diagonally, and the barrier resonated and as though reacting to the slice, it cleaved in half before exploding from within, blasting Marechiyo backwards in a fiery frenzy.
Marechiyo's zanpakuto was shattered as the spherical moon made from his fire-natured reiatsu overwhelmed him. He lay coughing up blood as second-degree burns covered his body, with slashes all over his torso.
Naruto panted for breath as the toll of the attacks took effect. His wounds opened once again, and add that to the fatigue and pain caused by Marechiyo's power deadlocks, it became very hard to bear.
Ise Nanao stared in amazement at the attack shown to her. Unbelievable, truly amazing. Even she couldn't achieve that level of damage with just one simple move. The captains were impressed, and Kyoraku was now seriously regretting now enlisting Naruto into his division. That move was such a fine piece of art, the deadly grace of the moon, fitting for the zanpakuto and the user. Beautiful.
Unohana sighed in exasperation as she saw Naruto's state. That baka……over extending himself.
The rest were just shocked to the core. Never would they have thought, that a mere rookie could be this strong. Prodigy, genius, whatever, it doesn't even come close to describing Uzumaki Naruto.
Luckily for Marechiyo, Naruto wasn't using the full power, so he was merely badly injured. He laid there spent as Naruto slowly walked towards him. He gulped as he tried to inch away but failed, "Get away from me!"
Naruto closed his eyes before he glared at Marechiyo, "Do you have any idea, how many unnecessary injuries were caused by you over the past decade?"
Marechiyo's mouth opened slightly, as though wanting to speak, but no sound came out. The field was quiet again, wanting to hear what Naruto has to say.
Said blond growled as he continued, "You have no idea of teamwork, forcing shinigamis in our division to work only for their own benefits, pitting them against one another, encouraging their faults and arrogance. Do you even know the damage caused?" His voice was furious and his eyes glared with an intensity that could have rivaled the sun.
"Do I even have to list the injuries caused because of you? Tate Yuuichi, Higurashi Mai, Minase Akane, Miro Raiga, Kunimitsu Ayu. And they are the ones currently with the worst injuries! Don't even get me started with the others. You have directly and indirectly harmed ninety-nine percent of the shinigamis in our division. Your mission success rate is pathetic and no doubt covered by the Omaeda clan."
He stared at Marechiyo, "I didn't care for this position before, because I wanted to see if things might change for the better after I beat you the first time. Apparently not. And after losing one of my respected senpais just a few days ago, I cannot let this continue. I will NOT let you ruin their futures."
He closed his eyes, "I know better than anyone, the fear of death, the despair of your weakness, the defiance against criticism, the need to be strong. I will continue the Will of the Fire, for I have sworn to protect those precious to me. Everyone in our division, has the potential to become the best of the best of the best. What are you doing with that potential? You're ruining it. You're snuffing out their hopes because it makes you feel good."
His eyes flashed open, before he reached down to Marechiyo's sleeve and tore off the lieutenant's badge, "Well guess what? Play time's over. It's time to grow up. Your clan won't be able to back you up when you're facing a life-death situation outside. I will ensure that doesn't happen……not again……never again……"
Silence ensued, before Yamamoto cleared his throat, a proud look on his face as his eyes gazed twinkling at Naruto.
Nanao took in a deep breath, before announcing with a huge smile, "Shousha! (Winner) Uzumaki Naruto!"
The crowd went wild at that declaration. The second division had never felt more proud when Naruto was able to state their exact displeasure in Marechiyo's ways. They were glad to have such a good replacement and all held their heads high, save for a few Marechiyo supporters.
The head of the Omaeda Clan watched on in disdain, before leaving in a huff. Shihouin Yura chuckled as Naruto ended his speech. Well said and he had no doubts that the kid would carry the tasks out well.
Naruto's friends quickly congratulated him with Haku examining him for any serious injuries whilst Marechiyo was carried off the field on a stretcher.
The captains were about to leave when a hushed silence swept through the crowd.
Standing before Uzumaki Naruto was Shiba Kukaku. Her face was solemn and her expression was one filled with respect. She bowed her head slightly, and said, much to everyone's amazement, "I'm very sorry about my actions that day. I'm ashamed that I acted on impulse. I know everything……from Sarutobi……"
Naruto's eyes widened before he sucked in deep breath to calm his nerves, "I…I am truly sorry……I beg for your forgiveness……"
Kukaku's eyes held unshed tears as she pulled the kid in for a hug, "You don't need it. You saved him. And I thank you for it."
Naruto bit his lips, trying to stifle his tears. The last time he had felt this way was when Tsunade hugged him.
Kukaku held him close, "Would it be too much……to let me……get to know you more? I……I really……want to know more about you……because in a way……I'm somewhat similar……though not to your extent. Please, consider it. The Shiba clan shall give you their support from now on."
Naruto smiled weakly, before giving a nod, and added quietly, "Arigato……Kukaku-ne-chan……"
Well, well, didn't expect that did ya? I hope you guys liked it. I spent a lot of time on the flashback. And the fighting scene. Damn this was long. XD
Come on, come on! Comments are always welcome. I swear I'll introduce some Naruto characters next chap. Questions will be answered and really, the aftermath will pretty much clear everything up.
That's that! Sorry for the late update. Lol. I hope you liked the Shikai's abilities. Lol, the wind is self-explanatory, but the fire's not completely shown yet. That's just one of the uses. XD
Well then, till next time. C'ya!