The next chapter of Son of The Serpent. Akatsuki prods its spear deeper into the land as Naruto comes face to face with a foe thought to have been dead.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
Naruto slept quietly in his bedroom, laying in his bed on his back. The fifteen year old Sound Ninja asleep as he laid covered by blankets. His breath come steadily as he laid there, the boy at peace as he slept and dreamed.
A pair of golden eyes silently watched over him as they looked on as the boy slept. Orochimaru stood in the room watching on as his son slept through the night. Looking on and watching his chest raise and fall.
Orochimaru listened to the sound of his breathing as he watched on. His son asleep and peaceful with nothing bothering him. The Otokage looking on at his blood. His sole family left. He walked over to Naruto and stroked his face softly combing his hair out of his face, Naruto didn't react as he continued to sleep.
Looking on at his son, Orochimaru watched for a long moment. His child, his heir, his and Kushina the only woman he had ever loved in his life's legacy.
Almost sixteen years ago, The Snake Sannin had been little more than a demon. A cruel merciless monster who had done unspeakable acts and experiments on people. Actions that one day he would have to pay for. When he crossed over to the next realm, he knew no doubt he would be sent to Hell for his actions.
But ever since Naruto had been born, something had changed over him. He no longer did things to harm others or for the benefit of himself. Everything he had done had been for the benefit of his son.
Leaning down, Orochimaru softly pressed his lips against his sons' forehead kissing it gently.
"As long as there is life inside my body, I will protect you." He promised his son.
Two days later…
"Shodaime Otokage, welcome to The Land of This! We are honored that you would come and visit during our greatest festival." The Daimyo to The Land of This said grandly to Orochimaru who was dressed in Kage Robes. With him was his son and Tayuya. As always with him was Kimimaro serving as The Otokage's bodyguard.
Naruto looked around at The sight of The Land of This a small country located between The Land of Fire and Rivers. They had gone all out as this was their biggest event of the year the annual cooking and eating contest.
"I trust that you shall be well accommodated during your stay here and have whatever you desire." The Daimyo said to Orochimaru as he bowed his head in respect to The Kage. "If there is anything you require simply say the word and I shall have it done. With both Oto and Konoha here, the whole world shall know the quality of our food and services!"
"Great, the Leaf are here as well?" Tayuya mumbled and looking on sure enough she spotted the representatives easily enough.
Naruto looked on and saw Team 7: Kakashi, Sakura, Sai, and…Sasuke. For the first time in years the two were within viewing distance of one another. Naruto stared ahead looking on at him and as if sensing him Sasuke turned his head and the two made eye contact The Uzumaki and Uchihas' eyes on one another. Staring into his ice blue eyes that contrasted his own Naruto looked on at his former teammate who stared back at him.
(Well no point in delaying the inevitable Naruto,) He thought to himself. (Might as well put up with it.) He said privately to himself and he thought he heard Kyuubi snicker in the back of his mind.
Naruto and his father were being escorted by one of The Daimyo' men who was their guide for the event.
"I am Tatewaki, I serve as The Daimyos' bodyguard and instructor to his children." The Samurai said to them.
"Your accent and posture, you're from Iron aren't you?" Orochimaru noted looking on at him as he recognized it.
"Yes, I once called The Land of Iron my home but left becoming a Ronin and had served under Mifune-sama, but now I call This my home and serve the country." He responded to him. "My duty is to protect and serve The Daimyo and his family." He said and Naruto looking on saw two kids seated that were younger than him.
"Princess Chiyo, The This Daimyo's daughter. Said to be skilled with The Naginata." Naruto said looking on at the girl who sat looking on the festival. With her was a boy as well, but he seemed to be having a false smile on his face.
"Shu, The Prince of The Land of That." Kakashi noted walking up to join them looking on at the boy who sat beside The Daimyo along with his daughter.
"Call him what he really is, a political prisoner." Orochimaru said dryly as that's what the boy was. His father had sent him here as a means to keep peace as if the two countries came to blows they would lose. He could not do anything against This without risking his sons' life. "Little more than a hostage." He noted.
"I would ask you not to speak of Prince Shu in that manner." Tatewaki replied to him. "Prince Shu is an honored guest in This."
"Then why is always being followed with an extra shadow?" Orochimaru asked. Tatewaki frowned at him over his remarks but did not say anything. The smirking Sannin turned to look at his son. "Naruto, Tayuya, go enjoy, have fun, enjoy yourself and take what you can from here. Although a small country This could have much to offer to you." He said and the two bowed and went on their way. "Kimimaro go," He ordered mentioning to the Kaguya as well, silently although with reluctance Kimimaro left as well.
Naruto was walking around with Tayuya taking in the sights of The Land of This. The two venturing around and exploring the sights and sounds of the place. "See, told you this was worth going to." Naruto said with a smile to her as they sampled the wares.
"Yeah, yeah I guess going here after all was freakin' worth it." Tayuya replied to him grouchily but he knew she was enjoying herself and the time between them.
The two went on and walked down a street chatting with one another when Naruto saw somebody standing before them in front of them. He stopped and looked ahead at who it was standing there.
Sasuke was calmly eating a tomato biscuit standing before the two. Eating it with interest as he stood preventing them from going ahead.
"Yo duck ass! Move it you're blocking the road." Tayuya called out to him but Sasuke didn't respond as he finished his snack his eyes on Naruto.
"Naruto, it's been a while. You've met and talked with Sakura and Kakashi yet you never once stop to say hi to me? You didn't even want me on your team to save Gaara…I'm hurt." Sasuke said not moving his eyes off of Naruto who stared back at him.
"Sasuke, you know we're anything but friends." Naruto replied to him "Aside from our brief time in Team 7 we've never had anything to do with one another."
Sasuke made a scoffing noise in return. "You've gotten strong since last we saw one another after the end of The Fourth War. Did everywhere you go people call you The Hero of it?"
"Why, you jealous?" Naruto asked with a smirk. "I didn't think you'd so envious of me Sasuke." He told him and Sasuke glared at him.
"You're still the same fool I saw back at The Academy."
"And you still got an ego bigger than your head." Naruto replied to him. "A fool can best a king, or did you not pay attention to that lesson when Iruka-san taught us that?" He said to Sasuke and his eyes for a brief moment turned into his Sharingan eyes. "I'd like to know why Otousan is training you." Naruto said to him. "Isn't it enough you got Kakashi training you?"
"The reasons he is training me are my own and his own as well. Take it up with him if you want. Your father has trained me these past three years, care to see which one of us has learned more from him?" Sasuke asked and his hand traced near one of his twin swords. Naruto narrowed his eyes slowly at him. "But fighting you now would be a waste, you aren't important to me now." Sasuke said removing his hands to his side. "One day after I finally slay Itachi I'll show you a power that you can't ever hope to surpass. Until then, try not to do something stupid…dobe." He said and turned and walked away.
"What a prick…" Tayuya muttered
Naruto watched him leave knowing fully well next time likely won't be so pleasant
While that was happening Orochimaru was at the place they would be staying while there for The Festival. Removing his hat and robes he set them aside and glanced at them for a long moment.
Suddenly without changing his expression he pulled a hidden kunai out of the hat and effortlessly flung it behind him.
"Sheesh! What kind of hi is that?!" A voice protested and he slowly turned around and saw to his surprise a white haired figure with the kunai embedded into the wall next to him.
"Jiraiya, what are you doing here?" Orochimaru asked as he looked on at his once best friend who pulled it out of the wall and tossed it back to him which Orochimaru caught without missing a beat and put it away.
"Can't a guy visit a neighboring country without arousing suspicion? Or getting nearly impaled?" Jiraiya asked with a smirk to him. "Was in the neighborhood and after hearing you was nearby thought I'd stop and visit."
"I can have some rice wine brought up if you require refreshments." Orochimaru mentioned to him.
"If you're offering I'm drinking." Jiraiya replied with a smile. "Its been what since The end of The Fourth War against The Jashinists that we've seen one another?"
"Indeed, since you took my son out from under my nose and on a trip that I could've done myself." Orochimaru replied to him
Jiraiya chuckled at his accusation. "He came willingly, I've taught the boy a lot the past three years in our time together. Went to a lot of different places and learned different styles. You know as well as I that he needed to become stronger and soon." Jiraiya said to him.
"Akatsuki no doubt." Orochimaru replied and Jiraiya nodded. "Sasori is dead, but no doubt they'll go after the others soon enough. You know as well as I that Kumo houses The Eight Tailed Ox."
"There is also another matter I wish to discuss with you, that's why I'm here." Jiraiya said to him. "Involving Naruto as well."
"My son has grown into a fine man, a perfect heir to lead Oto and become The Nidaime Otokage." Orochimaru stated to him.
"Indeed, but there are those who believe him a threat." Jiraiya said and Orochimaru started to frown at him.
"I believe Danzo is interested in your son. He has been spying on him recently. He sent one of his own men to spy on Naruto gauging him and his abilities when he went to Suna." Jiraiya
The scowl grew over The Snake Sannins' face at his words.
"You know how paranoid he is, believing every shadow hides an assassin. I'm sure it has nothing to do with it-"
"It has everything to do with it, Danzo is a dog," Orochimaru said with a growl. "A dog and a coward just like Minato!" He spat with disgust. "And now he will try to risk my sons' life over some petty grudges? How long have you known about this?"
"Only recently, I discovered him via my toads." Jiraiya informed him. He had seen that look many times in Orochimaru's eyes and knew nothing good was going to happen when he had it. He would go on the warpath against Danzo and Konoha.
Orochimaru was silently steaming for a long moment
"You don't know what its like to be a father." Orochimaru told him quietly but cold fury in his voice. "To watch your son sleep, to kiss his hair and see him grow before your eyes. To hold him in your arms knowing you'll do anything to make him happy and destroy anyone who would dare to threaten him!"
Jiraiya looked on and regret appeared in his eyes. "Yes, fatherhood is indeed a blessing. One I unfortunately never got the chance to see and experience myself." He said softly.
"Jiraiya, at one point in time we were brothers and I could not have asked for a better friend." He told his former teammate. "But if Danzo or anyone is endangering my son than they become my enemy, and so shall anyone who dares to stand in my way from reaching him." Orochimaru said the threat clear in his voice.
"I will do my best to quell him, for I treasure your son. As I once treasured you." Jiraiya replied and turned and left leaving The Kage alone in the room.
"What great vastness of idiotic foolishness…" A voice said from inside a building looking on at the spectacle. "Unaware of what is about to happen during their esteemed festival. The Land of This shall remember this day for what's left of its history." The figure said looking on.
He turned and looked over at the fifty figures inside the building with him. Each one he had brought with him on this task. Mercenaries and employed soldiers under Akatsuki that served as their private force.
"You had best not fail this. Fail and all your heads shall be taken." A female voice said and Muta turned and saw a blue haired woman standing there in the room having appeared.
"Konan," Muta said and with bowed his head and brought his hands up bringing his fist over his palm. "We are honored that you would come to see us yourself." He said and Konan either ignored his tone or didn't pay attention to it.
"You know your role in this. What must be done." She said to him.
"Its simple, at the height of their festival is when we attack. Pein at last is becoming more ambitious."
"Pein-sama," Konan said glaring at him that he didn't use the proper title. "The rest of the land will just think this a mere terrorist attack by one of The Countrys' rivals or perhaps an attack near The Land of Fire will make others fight themselves. Throwing things into chaos and mistrust between them all. With their eyes all on each other they would never expect Akatsuki is the true force behind what is happening."
"Deidara's new partner has been selected has he not?"
"Yes, the one known as Tobi has taken the deceased Sasoris' position in the group."
"Little more than a buffoon. Better if he was just sent on a suicide mission and rid of him." Muta replied disdainfully.
"The matter doesn't concern you, be grateful you are being given this chance. Fail and know that no crevice, no country, no rock will hide you from us." She said warningly to him.
Konan turned and walked out of the building. Wings made of paper formed around and sprouted out of her back. Looking on she saw what looked like Naruto Uzumaki seated by himself on a nearby bench watching. The boy watching with fascination and curiosity at what was happening as this was a new world.
"Let's go. We need to head back. Your training in controlling the power inside you shall resume when we do." She said and kneeled downwards behind him and he nodded and wrapped his arms around her neck tightly hanging on. Konan flapped her wings lightly and ascended into the air and flew away.
"All preparations are made correct?" Muta asked his men who nodded and each revealed a small bomb. "Good you all know what to do now go. Kill any who get in your way and burn this place to the ground." He ordered and they departed to set the plan into motion.
Muta suddenly felt something coming from his Nodachi. Reaching towards its hilt he slowly pulled it out and his eyes widened when he saw that it was glowing blue. The enchanted weapon only glowed blue when it sensed the presence of a Bijuu.
"He is here…" He said a smile on his face as he pulled it out.
"Sakura, if I may, can I ask you something?" The ninja said to her as they looked on at the festivities. Sakura currently sampling some jam that only came from here which she found delicious. Choji Akimichi no doubt would think he was in heaven right now with all the food that was being shown. Sakura looked on over at Sai, over the past three years since he was put apart of their team replacing Naruto she had known him for the bluntness of his questions. At times coming out and saying the truth rather brutally and bluntly due to the upbringing and training he had which had left him little room for realizing how harsh he sounded. More than once Sakura had to restrain herself from slugging him when he unknowingly said something stupid that ticked her off.
"Sakura, do you love him? Sai asked her. "Do you love Sasuke?"
Sakura was quiet for a very long moment her head down not responding to him. Sai looked on at her as she was silent.
"No, I don't," Sakura responded at last and raised her head. "I don't love him. I don't love Sasuke. I…I haven't felt anything towards him in years." She said and looking on at her eyes Sai could see there was no lie in them.
"It was said you had a massive crush on him for a long time."
"That's all it was, just a foolish crush. Sasuke, he's like ice. Cold, unfeeling. There's no warmth in him. Maybe in another time I could have loved him but I don't now. I feel something dark coming from him anymore. I can't love a person like that. That's not what I want to be in love with." Sakura said as she had felt the emotions she had once felt as a naïve Genin towards him had disappeared. She no longer felt that way towards him.
"I don't care the person I choose to spend the rest of my life with is a powerful man, a village leader, a butcher, poor or rich. Just so long as he'll love me and treat me kindly." She said to Sai who nodded his head in understanding.
A man came by passing them carrying a tray of cupcakes coated with pink frosting and a big cherry in the middle on them.
"Ooh, those look tasty!" One citizen said drooling and went to take one. To his surprise his hand was smacked away. "Hey!"
"Not for you." The waiter said with a glare to him. "These are for important guests." He told him.
"Most likely meant for The Daimyo and his family." Sai said looking on.
"C'mon let's go, Kakashi and them will be waiting for us soon."
As they left they were unaware of the man carrying the tray exiting the crowd and coming to a building. He kneeled and placed the tray down on it carefully and nodded as they were set and looked on what supposedly was desserts.
Smirking he pressed down on the cherry on it and it suddenly began to light up. Blinking and glowing, he quietly left as his work was done.
"And now, the final contest shall begin!" The This Daimyo announced standing up from his table he was at. "Who shall it be that wins this years festival?" He said giving a grand speech to all the onlookers who watched and cheered. Naruto and the others seated looked on as well
An explosion went off suddenly much to the surprise of all looking on. "What?! Who dares set off fireworks while I'm giving a speech!" The Daimyo shouted in anger at what had happened.
Naruto looked on as confusion was rampant through the crowd. He looked and suddenly saw a figure on top of a building holding a small orb which he then threw.
It exploded in the air and took the shape of a cloud…A Red Cloud.
"Akatsuki!" Naruto shouted recognizing it and so did Orochimaru.
"Attack…" Muta ordered drawing his blade out as the signal had been given.
The tray filled with ''cupcakes'' blinked more rapidly and faster until all of them began to do so at once.
Another explosion went off this one louder and it destroyed the building. Panic and Chaos began to grip The inhabitants of This hearts as it was actually a bomb that had been setup.
"W-What is the meaning of this!" The Daimyo shouted. "Chiyo, Shu get to safety!" He ordered the children trying to regain control of the chaos.
As many panicked they were unaware of the fifty men appearing each armed with weapons and explosives and attacked the surroundings, laying waste to the Country.
A man with double serrated blades charged through a building holding his weapons out beside him as he ran.
His blades cut through the beams of the building as if they were paper cutting the support and causing the building to collapse and fall as he leapt out and went into another one and did the same thing carving through them and destroying them from the inside as they attacked.
Another with a pair of flamethrowers attached to his arms let loose with flames setting shops and homes ablaze.
Kakashi saw that The Daimyo was flustered and unable to regain control as he was not used to situations like this. "Get them out! Get them all out!" He ordered giving commands to This Soldiers. "Any civilians you see help them! Until they are gone do not engage the enemy! I repeat do not engage!" He shouted and they nodded in understanding. "Sakura, aid any people who are in need of medical assistance! Sasuke, Sai, with me!" He said when another explosion went off and debris started to fall. Thinking quickly he performed a Dome made out of Earth and it harmlessly fell off them.
"Kimimaro, go." Orochimaru said and The Kaguya nodded and pulled out a bone sword and leapt away as he was being unleashed. "Naruto, Tayuya go make sure things don't turn into outright chaos."
"What about you?" Naruto asked.
"I've got some rabble to deal with." Orochimaru said venomously and tossing aside his robes and hat summoned a snake which spat out Kusanagi.
"Itachi! Where are you!" Sasuke shouted having drawn his blades having recognized the cloud as the one on Itachi's cloak. The Kiba Blades sparked furiously as if channeling his anger. A hand grasped his shoulder and he turned and saw Naruto stopping him. "Let go Naruto." He said threateningly to him.
"The people are our priority now, we need to get them out of here." Naruto told Sasuke who scoffed at him. "Their lives are more important than your crusade." He said to Sasuke. "Itachi's not here, you think this is your brothers' style?" He asked him. When Sasuke didn't say anything Naruto forget about it and went to help out.
The soldiers under employed by This tried to fight back led by Tatewaki but Muta had taken only the finest mercenaries employed by Akatsuki for the attack. They cut down The soldiers with little difficulty as most were sent to escort the civilians out leaving them underhanded.
One prepared to kill a man when a boulder was thrown onto him crushing him.
"You bastards! This was suppose to be my damn vacation!" Tayuya shouted at them and summoned her Doki via her flute. "Get them!" She commanded and they attacked swinging their weapons. Fighting beside her was Naruto the two working together as chaos and panic had engulfed the Country
"Destroy everything, except for one." Muta ordered as he stroked his glowing blade. "That one I'll kill myself." He promised.
Sakura was with Kakashi as they lead a group of civilians out. "Get going and don't look back, we'll hold them off!" She shouted as they made it to safety.
Kakashi dodged a Sniper Archer on a rooftop who narrowly missed him and pulled out a giant shuriken and leapt and threw it at him the same time he fired at him. The whirling ninja star cut through the arrow and struck the archer right in the chest and Kakashi smirked underneath his mask as he got him. However in his last moments he pulled out a small bomb and dropped it and it exploded.
"Move!" Kakashi shouted as debris fell onto him and others. He leapt over to the side just narrowly avoiding being crushed by it. He looked and saw that most of them were alright except for a few bruises.
"Sakura?" Kakashi said looking around but didn't see her. "Sakura? SAKURA!" He shouted looking for her but he didn't see her anywhere as she wasn't with them.
Sakura dizzily opened her eyes and coughed as dust covered the area. She winced as she felt her leg was in pain. She was on her back and could see the damage and rubble from the blast. She had been knocked back and separated from them. "C'mon, get up." She told herself but found her body had been rocked by it and she couldn't move.
Sakura tried to move but her leg was caught under rubble buried underneath it. She struggled but found herself unable to pull it out from it.
"What have we got here?" A voice said and her eyes widened and she saw emerging from the dust three men looking on at her.
"Looks like we can have some fun." The men said each having the same dark thoughts. "Hold her down and undress her." One of the group said and the other two went to grab her. Sakura struggled against them as they grabbed her trying to fight them off but to no avail. "This one has some fire in her." The man said with a laugh.
Sakura thrashed about fighting like an animal trying to get them off her. "No!" She shouted in rage as she fought back against them. One went to remove her shirt and she bit him on the side of his head biting off part of his ear and he screamed in pain and struck her across the face hard.
"You bitch!"
"Let's cut out her tongue so we don't have to listen to her squeal!" His partner shouted and he nodded in agreement.
Grinning darkly at what the others were doing the leader of the trio was unaware of the figure behind him until a hand clamped around his throat and he was hoisted up into the air. He tried to cry out but only a gurgle sound was heard a blade pierced through his chest from behind. His companions looked in surprise as he was dropped and revealing Kimimaro behind him.
The one who's Sakura had bitten off his ear lunged at him but Kimimaro caught him by the throat and hoisted him up and stabbed him through his stomach letting his innards fall out as he gutted him and was tossed aside. The last panicked and tried to dash past him but Kimimaro got him from behind and not even listening to his pleas tranquilly snapped his neck twisting it sideways and dropped the body.
Not regarding the corpses he walked over to Sakura. "You're alright now little flower." He said softly towards her as she finally managed to get her leg free.
Sakura looked on at her rescuer and pulled herself up attempting to stand up. "Ahh!" She cried out in pain and winced biting down on her tongue as her leg was hurt likely sprained. She could just barely put weight on it. "Don't worry a-about me I'll be fine." She said with a hiss as she tried to walk but only get a step before she started to fall but was stopped by him.
Kimimaro without a word hoisted her over his shoulder and carried Sakura taking her back to the others.
Kakashi saw him and was relieved to see Sakura alive. Kimimaro set her down as she was now able to put some weight on it and walk with a limp. "You have my thanks." He told Kimimaro.
"I didn't do it for you." He told him and sprouted a pair of bone swords and went back to protect his lord.
The Land of This had become a battlefield with dead piling the streets. What had began the day as one of their greatest festivities had become a nightmare. Naruto and The This forces lead by Tatewaki fought on against them and were beating them back by much of the country was being destroyed and set aflame. Naruto and Kakashi combated The Flames using Wind Jutsus and Tayuya had her Doki throw dust onto them to snuff them out but the damage was severe
Another building had been cut down from the inside and collapsed falling apart as a mercenary landed and look for another building to destroy. He stopped when he sensed a presence and turned and saw Orochimaru staring at him his gold eyes on him.
"I'll cut you to ribbons!" The man shouted twirling his serrated blades in both hands. Orochimaru stood before him not moving. "C'mon what are you waiting for. Let's fight!" He shouted and rushed Orochimaru looking to carve him apart. Orochimaru didn't move whatsoever as he stared coldly at him as he charged at him and swung at him.
Orochimaru in the blink of an eye pulled out his Kusanagi and passed at him delivering a deep cut across his chest. The man cried out as he felt the blade go in and turned and lashed at The Sannin with his weapons. "DIE!"
"No." Orochimaru said as he calmly blocked it and disarmed him and slashed him across the shoulder cutting through. The man dropped his other weapon wounded from the attacks.
"Its over." Orochimaru said and began channeling Chakra into his weapon as it began to glow purple. "Manda's Wrath!"
The Snake Boss Manda appeared in miniature form behind Orochimaru and the Snake spat out a Kusanagi of its own wielding it in its mouth and both attacked. The combined blades cut through him as blood spilled out of him.
Orochimaru turned not looking as Manda disappeared and sheathed his weapon as the man fell down dead. Sensing danger he turned and dodged a streak of flames sent at him as the flamethrower wielder had appeared. He let loose with flames again trying to pin Orochimaru down with them. Charging them at full power he let loose at him looking to incinerate him.
A wall of Mucus appeared in front of Orochimaru and it blocked and stopped the flames from reaching him. A Medium sized Toad appeared and spat out a kunai which hit the flamethrower's back causing his tanks to explode and consume him leaving him to die a agonizing death.
Orochimaru turned and saw Jiraiya standing on a rooftop nearby. Jiraiya nodded his head at him and Orochimaru returned and went to another place.
Jiraiya went to go when another bomb that had been placed on the building he was on went off catching him in it.
The blast sent Jiraiya flying and he landed on the other side of rooftop. "Ow, that's gonna leave a mark." He grumbled feeling his side. His instincts kicked in and he realized he wasn't alone and rolling narrowly dodged a bisento axe. A man wielding the axe chopped at him and he dodged again rolling out of harms' way. Jiraiya rolled but found he was out of room and nearly fell to the ground below but grabbed the ledge before he did. The man stomped on his hands but Jiraiya held on and he raised his bisento overhead ready to chop off his fingers.
A blade went through the man's throat much to Jiraiya's surprise and he fell off the roof dead. Looking on Jiraiya saw Sai standing there having saved him just now. Reaching his hand down he helped the Sannin up.
"Thanks kid, now then use some of your bird drawings to figure out if there's anymore of those bombs." He told Sai.
"Right," He said and opening his book released several small birds and they flew off.
Orochimaru stood ontop of a summoned snake and doing hand symbols created several clouds and they began to drop rain onto the ground and buildings, taking out the fires dousing them with water.
Naruto as the rain soaked the place looked on and nodded in appreciation of what his father had done stopping the fires.
A group of mercenaries were blown backwards hitting the ground. Their assaulter The Daimyo glared at them cold fury in his eyes over what they had done attacking his home and people as he had taken to the field himself.
Although he did not look it, he was more than capable of defending himself and his country. "Get out, and never return." He warned them and to make his point clear he fired another jutsu killing one. "As Daimyo of The Land of This I shall not tolerate such-"
He was cut off in the middle of his speech, as tends to happen when one in stabbed in the lungs from behind. Blood soaked his robes as he felt his life fading from him. "C-Chiyo…Shu." He said weakly before falling down passing on to the next world.
Muta pulled his sword away not bothering to look at the dead ruler. "Wipe out any in your path." He told his men. "If you find The Nine Tailed Vessel, I want him alive so I can kill him myself." He said to them and they went to fulfill his orders.
A slicing sound was heard and they all fell down suddenly deep cuts on them. Muta turned and saw the one who had slain them his katana in hand. "You're different from the rest, unlike the other rabble I sense strength coming from you. Someone who is actually worth killing." He told Tatewaki.
"You cur, prepare for the next journey!" Tatewaki shouted and charged him and Muta blocked his attack with Satsugaisha. The two attacked and parried each other expertly as they engaged one another. Tatewaki knew he might die, but he had learned long ago when he first took up his sword not to fear death.
They slashed and hacked at each other expertly countering and parrying with great skill. Muta aimed for his head only for him to spin and slash at his ribs which Muta avoided. Tatewaki lashed at him his eyes steel and unmoving as he fought with discipline. He performed a horizontal slash which Muta blocked as steel clashed against steel and they came to a deadlock.
"As a Samurai you are bound by honor." Muta said as they were locked together. "Bound by your code which dictates you fight cleanly against your foes." He told Tatewaki as they fought for control. "I…am not!" He claimed and spewed out green mist hitting the Samurai right in the face. Tatewaki screamed in pain as it stung his eyes and blinded him preventing him from defending himself.
Muta then slashed and cut him deep from behind. Tatewaki gasped at the feeling of the blade going through his skin and knew he was dead before he fell to his knees and then to the ground. His last thoughts lamenting that he wasn't able to protect the ones he had sworn to do so.
"Akatsuki!" A voice shouted and he turned and saw a figure above leaping down at him sword in hand. He brought his blade up in the nick of time just blocking the strike and missing being cut in two and the attacker leapt away.
"A-Ah! What?! No!" Naruto shouted in disbelief as he got a look at the ninja standing before him. "It can't be! I killed you at Sekigahara!" He shouted shock in his eyes as he stared at his old enemy.
Muta smirked at him. "At long once we meet again Naruto." The swordsmen said to him as his Nodachi glowed fiercely. "When you go to kill someone, always make sure they are truly dead." He taunted him. "Otherwise they'll come back to kill you instead."
Naruto looked on at his hated enemy from years ago. Remembering their battles in The Chunin Exams and The Fourth Shinobi War. He never imagined that Muta Daidouji had lived after being blasted off by him at Sekigahara.
"Now you die!" Muta shouted and lashed at him Satsugaisha in hand looking to cut him down. Naruto dodged it and slashed at him with Kusanagi which he parried.
"Naruto!" A voice shouted and Tayuya was seen. Her eyes widened upon seeing him as she recognized him from before. With her was Kakashi and Kimimaro as well.
Muta seeing her and others backed away as he saw the group.
"Perhaps now is not the time." Muta said and left disappearing without a trace.
"You gotta be kidding me, that dudes' still alive?" Tayuya said in shock.
"Yeah…and he's gotten even stronger than before." Naruto said solemnly looking on at the destruction that had been wrought.
"Where is he?" Sasuke asked the downed man. "Where…is…Itachi!" He demanded his blades that sparked with electricity to his throat.
"I…don't-" The man started to say when Sasuke put him out of his pain with a quick stab to his throat.
"Sasuke!" A voice shouted and Kakashi appeared. "What have you done? We could have used him, he may have had information about Akatsuki and how we might be able to thwart their plans. Now we're in the dark." Kakashi said to him as he possibly killed their only lead to know what they were planning.
"If he didn't know where one of the strongest members was, I doubt he knew anything else that would've been use to us." Sasuke answered in response. Kakashi went to say something but Sasuke turned and walked away.
Later on, the survivors looked on at the destruction that had happened. Sakura her leg now better helped the wounded with Jiraiya taking a look at the dead bodies examining them. It had been a devastating attack, a blow from which This might never recover from.
"Report," Orochimaru said to Kimimaro as they looked on.
"The Daimyo is dead, Princess Chiyo and Prince Shu have successfully made it to That his home country. There are a number of casualties, most of them This inhabitants. A number of the attackers have been slain and the rest have fled."
"They already did the damage that they came to do." Orochimaru said as he looked on and saw his son and the others.
"Orochimaru," A voice said and he turned his head and saw Sasuke standing not far from him.
"I expect you to continue your training with me soon enough. Unless you want to have witness more of what happened today." The Uchiha told him and Orochimaru narrowed his eyes at him.
(I have to make my move soon, Akatsuki is getting more ambitious by the day)
Naruto with Tayuya beside him looked on at The Destruction that had happened, the deaths and chaos that had been done today. After three years a new enemy one that had a hated face apart of it had emerged from the shadows and they were even greater than The Jashinists and Keiji Sosano who he had barely defeated.
Things were going to get much more serious now…
A/N: That's it for this chapter. Review please
