CHAPTER 10: Stars around the Moon
A/N: Another chapter. I hope you forgive me for jumping over some of those 'known' parts. See ya!
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CHAPTER BEGIN
Gokudera lost. Naruto accepted it when he saw him wobbling towards them. The Storm battle had raged like a real storm. The prince had seemed to be dominating the match most of the time but Gokudera was never too far behind and in the end, it seemed that he would pull it off but the genius of Varia wasn't that easy. Even with his last bits of strength, unconscious and going like crazy, he fought. But Gokudera wasn't going to give up either. He was willing to die for Tsuna. That was until Tsuna had stopped him. "What have we been fighting for!" He had yelled and listed their adventures. Their normal adventures like watching fireworks after summer festival. Going to the beach. Having fun among friends.
Tsunas voice finally reached Gokudera. And he gave up. The time would have ended and the whole floor would have exploded if the ring wasn't whole before time run out. And Gokudera had given his half to Belphegor.
"It's on you!" He barked at Yamamoto, crabbing his collar while he hurried to support him. "You must win!" Then he glared at Naruto who had gone to support him from the other side. "And don't you dare lose either!"
"You can count on us!" Yamamoto laughed and nodded firmly.
Then, one of Levis henchmen appeared quickly, reporting that there was a disturbance. Namimori middles own guardian, Hibari had entered the building and was making his way through the henchmen to others.
As soon as he appeared, Naruto felt like everything was going from bad to worse. He simply couldn't believe, he would ever just 'group up' with anyone. He, after all, had more experience than anyone present of Hibari and what it feels like to be caught in his eyes. And when he almost sliced his head off without warning using his tonfas, he had his confirmation.
"Naruto-kun!" Tsuna screamed but he had managed to avoid it when Yamamoto stepped in and grabbed his tonfa before it managed to hit Naruto. That, of course only made him angrier than before.
When he was about to go berserk, Naruto recalled something. "What about Mukuro?" He said suddenly and Hibari locked his eyes on him. Naruto started to think, if he could use Gokudera as a shield if he accidentally broke a fuse. "If you play nice for now, we can guarantee a rematch between you two."
Hibaris… match with Mukuro was very fresh in his memory. As a man who didn't accept defeat under any circumstances in any way, he needed to finish his enemy or it would remain unresolved forever. So he stood down, for now.
To Tsunas sides, it was relief when the disaster was prevented and the tomorrows match would be Rain and the night was over. Everyone returned to their respective homes. The morning came and Naruto found breakfast table set ready even if the hostess wasn't anymore in the house. There was a note saying that she had gone to the clinic to check on Lambo.
Naruto sat down in the table quietly and waited for others to wake up. First was Bianchi as expected. Then Fuuta with sleepy eyes. I-pin came third, fully wake, but clearly less enthusiastically than normally. Reborn visited downstairs briefly to go over some details with Naruto.
"So, what are you going to do today?" He asked. "Training?"
"Nope." Naruto shook his head and smirked. "I have few friends coming in today."
"Like that 'Dog Hunter' you met yesterday?" Reborn asked and left the room. "Be careful of people you choose to surround yourself with. You never know what might happen."
Naruto didn't comment on that but did put the warning behind his ear. While he finished eating, he heard Reborn saying; "Let's go train, No-good-Tsuna." And dragged his boss out.
((A))
"He should be around here somewhere." He muttered to himself as he walked around the Namimori Shrine. He was looking for one of his new recruits and knowing him, he was enjoying his free time somewhere with a nice view. Then, at top of the stairs he found a pale skinned Chinese boy, painting an ink drawing, facing Namimori. "Having a nice day?" He asked politely but the boy didn't bother to raise his head to acknowledge him.
"This place has a great view." He only mumbled back uncaringly and continued his work.
Naruto glanced over his shoulder to see what he was working with. "Nice… I guess… I don't really understand art." He looked between the picture and the scenery but couldn't find anything similar. He quickly shook his head. "Are you up to this? We are going against Varia, you know that right?"
"I know." He answered back. "Shouldn't we be asking that from you? You are part of Vongola."
"As you are part of my Root, so are you." Naruto shifted his schoolbag on his shoulders. "And I have no problem going forward for Boss." He said firmly and looked his ringless finger on his hand. "Everything you do, do it with a DON." He said slowly and started walking down the stairs. "Stay under the radar until I call you."
Sai, the pale painter didn't bother to answer. Just kept pulling his brush up and down the paper with graceful moves.
((A))
Naruto met with Gokudera and Ryohei on their way to school where Yamamoto would face his match. He had to admit that their little convoy must have been quite humorous sight with one guy only with one working arm yet still screaming 'extreme' all the time. He himself in his traditional kyodo armor and then the walking mummy they were dragging behind them that let out some low level muffles.
They stepped inside the school gates and met up with Tsuna, Reborn, and very eager Yamamoto holding a shinai. Dino and Basil were there too and also Varia.
((A))
"YAMAMOTO! FIGHT!" Ryohei screamed loudly as everyone huddled.
"OOH!" Others joined in his scream.
"I'm all pumped up!" Yamamoto laughed loudly and placed the Shigure Gintoki over his shoulder. "Thanks guys."
"You better not loose!" Gokudera barked angrily.
"Go forward with extreme!" Ryohei screamed loudly.
Naruto smiled confidently. "Believe it!"
Tsuna nodded. "Be safe, Yamamoto."
Spectators on both sides gathered front of a large screen as the rules were introduced.
The warehouse would slowly fill with water until at certain level, dangerous sea beasts would be released.
Finally, the match began and they were forced to witness the fight from outside.
((A))
"Amazing." Naruto whispered as he saw the final slash that brought down the legendary Superbi Squalo. "Our family might actually pull this off."
"Baseball idiot!" Gokudera cheered excitedly.
"Yamamoto!" Tsuna sighed relieved.
"EXTREME! EXTREME!" Ryohei screamed and high-fived with Naruto who shared his excitement.
But it was not over. The shark was already released and fighters were in danger. Cervello promised to save Yamamoto but Squalo was going to be left on his own.
It all ended with Squalo choosing the warriors death and pushing Yamamoto away, reminding him that he should become a great swordsman and abandon his naivety.
They had won, but it didn't feel like it.
Cervello announced that the next match would be over the Moon Ring. That would take a victory away from their opponents or loose again.
((A))
That night Tsuna came down to the kitchen for some water and found the light was on. "Naruto-kun?" He asked as he found his latest freeloader using their kitchen table for something weird. "What are you doing?"
"Boss?" Naruto asked as he raised his eyes from his work. "Just preparing some smoke bombs for tomorrow. Just to be cautious."
"I see…" Tsuna asked. "How have you been feeling now?"
"Not much different than any normal night." He answered and carefully mixed the gunpowder. It was required to trigger the bomb and create enough smoke.
"But your fight is tomorrow." He pointed out, trying to make his case. "You have seen what these people can do! Aren't least a bit worried?"
Naruto closed his eyes and tilted his head, trying to think. "To be honest, I'm not sure. Part of me is always worried but that's what happens when you grow up. But I also know one more thing." He smiled suddenly. "That if I fail, my family will suffer from it."
"Again with that Mafia…" Tsuna whispered.
"No." Naruto answered suddenly and he looked at his boss… his friend into eyes. "I haven't told this to anyone but… when I was ten, my mom got really ill." Tsunas eyes widened in shock and Naruto quickly lowered his eyes into his work and tried to continue. "My dad… not wanting to go into any details, wasn't there. She was my only family and I had to take care of her." He smiled sadly. "To be honest, it was because of her that I value my bow so much." He glanced at the ceremonial bow in the corner. "That's her bow from her school days. She had won several tournaments in her youth and was one of the best ever." He gulped suddenly. "I remember… I remember when I was a kid, my mom would take me to a park and try to teach me how to use the bow. It was fun…" He was quiet.
Tsuna was in utter shock. He had known Naruto for some time and had seen many sides of him. Happy-go-lucky, confident, scared, panicking and sneaky. But never sad or depressed. These emotions were completely new to him. He didn't know what to say or do.
"But then she got ill. We were broke and as a man of the house, it was up to me to take care of her so I tried my best but… she died year later. I was all alone ever since and before I noticed, I drove people away by acting like a delinquent, getting into fights and so forth. That was… until some idiot brought some brat into school and created this something I called 'Mafia club' and forced itself into my life with couple badly aimed dynamites and fake tryout into my club." He looked Tsuna into eyes and fought back the tears that were breaking through. "When I went to face those delinquents alone, you came after me and you helped." He smiled. "You were the second person ever to risk their life for me. Then, time went on and I 'joined' into your 'family' but it was fun. The pole-knocking, or the time Dino kidnapped you to test our loyalty and we busted a loyal yakuza, or the time we got lost in the mountains, or the time we were having the snowball fight and everything went so wrong." He started laughing and Tsuna couldn't help but relax. Naruto was really a person who could smile in the darkest situations. "I just remembered when we tried 'power up Gokudera with that new hairstyle! He was such an idiot!" He laughed and Tsuna joined him a bit awkwardly at first but then whole heartedly he listened as Naruto listed many of their adventures. Like meeting with Fuuta, brawling with Hibari.
"And then we went on and defeated that Mukuro and his gang!" The sadness was gone from his voice and his eyes were clear once more. "It was so fun! Like real heroes who went to fought against evil and won! But…" His voice changed again once more. "that also opened my eyes. This wasn't a game of children anymore. This wasn't even the world of 'adults'. This was world of Mafia and I had become part of it. But when I was asked, if I was serious about this, I didn't hesitate. I had decided to become part of your family."
"But I don't want to become a Mafioso!" Tsuna screamed suddenly, trying to make it clear that he didn't want to be part of this world. "I'm only fighting so we can live!" And to his surprise, Naruto smiled to him.
"When I said I'd be part of your family, I didn't mean Vongola." He said happily.
"Eh?"
"I meant the family where you, me, Yamamoto, Gokudera eat on the roof, fight among ourselves, quarreling about something trivial, where that Ryohei bust the scene with his endless energy and then Hibari shows up and decides to bite us all death just because we grouped up front of him. Where Reborn comes and tries to toughen you up. Where Kyoko and Haru make appearances and mix it up. Where Lambo and I-pin and Fuuta play with among themselves while we try to watch over them but just get caught up in it and Bianchi tries to poison someone and then your Mama does something does her delicious food and everything settles down." Suddenly, a moonlight shine through the window and colored Naruto with its silvery glow. "Just like you said to Gokudera, we are not fighting for some Mafia, but we are fighting so those days would return to us." He smiled. "If I concentrate on those thoughts. On those memories and knowing that I can help everyone by giving my best shot at this, I will have no fear in my body or regret in my heart. So don't worry Tsuna, I will beat that guy up and then, there's one less thing to worry about. Okay?"
Tsuna didn't know what to say. He had never realize how much it meant for Naruto but somehow, thanks to this moment they shared, he felt like he actually knew Naruto now. Better than ever before. "Okay, Naruto-kun, I will trust you." He stood up when he realized that he was still thirsty.
"I know why it can be a little hard." He smiled to Tsuna over his shoulder as he was waiting his glass to fill. "I'm not passionate as Royhei or lucky like Lambo. I lack the conviction like Gokudera or skill like Yamamoto. Nor am I fighting maniac like Hibari or cunning like… our Mist guy." He added under his breath. "But one thing I am." Tsuna turned to look at him. "I know how to survive, so don't worry. Uzumaki Naruto, won't die until he sees you the best boss you can be."
"Again with that Mafia thing…" Tsuna whispered quietly.
Outside the kitchen, Reborn was listening with a satisfied smile.
((A))
The day of the Moon Ring Battle. He woke up like any other day, all possible doubts gone thanks to his little chat with his friend.
On his way out of Tsunas room he still occupied, he almost crushed with I-pin who wanted to go to see Lambo and then with Bianchi who came out of the bathroom brushing her teeth, on her way to wake up Fuuta. Just like any other morning he heard Reborn dragging Tsuna into training. Then went to school like any other day, realizing that everyone else, expect Hibari who was doing his rounds, was either recovering or training but it was cool. He needed some time alone and school was perfect for it.
He might have just imagined it but people were actually acknowledging him now as they passed by, some smiled politely and even couple kouhais from kyodo club if he was going to show up today. He shrugged to them and continued his stroll. After school he took a quick look of Mukuro and his people. He had a little polite insult contest with him before taking his girlfriend for some quiet time alone.
Then, he needed to meet up with the last two of his contacts from his journey. One was Lancia. And the other… well, out of his newly founded Root, this one was the least trustworthy. Which meant lot.
He met Lancia in a lobby of a small inn, enjoying a late lunch. "It has been a while." He said quietly as Naruto sat in the other chair. "Uzumaki."
Naruto smiled politely as he refused the menu from the waitress. "A week or so." He pointed out. "I'm glad you decided to accept my invitation."
"Don't get me wrong." Lancia glared up to him. "I have no intension of becoming one with you or Vongola. I will pay my dept to him and that's it."
"I understand." Naruto nodded. "Even that is enough. I'm glad. I just wished to confirm that we can count on you."
"Sure, but why do you need me for? Can't your family deal these things on their own?"
"We could… but if its Varia were facing, I would rather be safe than sorry." He leaned into his chair.
"So, what do you need me to do?"
"Nothing for now. Just keep an eye on them and stay low." He left the inn with that and started heading towards the 'rougher side' of Namimori. It wasn't exactly anything criminal but nothing that a normal person would be proud off to be associated with.
He stood front of a sign that 'Leather Pleasure' and pointed downstairs. His last contact had issues (or just crazy) to go into a place like this but he couldn't complain, as long as she didn't suddenly start dominating him. He wasn't into that kind of thing. Seriously.
But without further ado, he entered the club and discreetly searched for his last recruit. He was a minor so he just couldn't ask for directions and he was forced to do some old school recon, meaning he peeked inside every room on the way. And every time he wished he hadn't. Let's just say that for a middle schooler like him, who had seen people been chopped into bits right front of him, blown up, stabbed, shot, strangled and almost every other possible form of physical confrontation, even he did have some innocence left in him, until now. And to keep this story fit for teenagers, we will not concentrate on the fact that Naruto was walking through a bondage club where people were doing it all around him.
Finally, at the exact end of the hallways, the last room to be checked, he found the person he was looking for. A woman in very erotic lingerie was sitting on a heart shaped bed while drinking some water. The scent in Narutos nose told it might have been a good time that he had waited. When he closed the door behind him, the woman stopped drinking and looked at him. "Yo, boy!"
"I see you're enjoying yourself, Anko, crazy lady." He added under his breath.
"This is what I've always loved about Japan!" She smiled widely and she nodded into the corner where Naruto saw many, many instruments he didn't even dare to dream asking what they were for. "You people aren't shamed to go to the next level when it comes to things that happen inside your bedroom. Always thinking. The rest of the world are such puritans, both out and inside their bedrooms. "She sighed happily as she lay down on her bed. "I could really get used to this." Then she glanced at very blushing Naruto who fought not to look inexperienced. He was, after all, this woman's superior. Not the other way around. "Wanna have a test drive, my great bossman."
"No thanks. I'm not a pervert like you are." He said quickly and hardened his glare. Thanks to certain female in his life, just nakedness wasn't that big of deal anymore. And after the miserable humiliation during the Kukyo incident, he had braced himself by multiplying the amount of… magazines and videos he watched. Just so he wouldn't fall unconscious out of blood loss front of the next person who would come and drop their pants front of him. NOT because he was a pervert too. "Anyway, I'm just here to confirm that you're with us soon."
Anko rolled to her stomach and leaned into her hand. "Don't know." She smirked. "I might. If… I gain something from this." Then she purred and winked.
"I… don't think my girlfriend would like if she found out that… 'another bitch was peeing on her turf' so to speak."
"Then bring that cutie butt with you. I won't mind."
For couple seconds, he was actually considering it. Then he remembered that he was a minor and… well, he didn't have any other good arguments but that had to do. "Maybe in a few years. Or after she dumps me." He waved his hand.
"Then, I don't feel like raising my finger for you." She smirked and stretched loudly.
Naruto tightened his jaw involuntarily. The infamous Snake Mistress, Mitarashi Anko was a strength he couldn't afford to let go, especially when she was the strongest in his team. But he wouldn't let himself be jerked around like this. Letting Tenten do it was enough.
"You will, because I saved your life." He referred to their first meeting.
"By accident." She pointed out annoyed.
"But you wouldn't be alive, had I not thrown that soda can into the trash when those goons were about to get you." He argued. "And you said that, and I quote: 'I owed you one, kid' before running away."
Anko gasped frustrated. "So what, you think that because of something I said back then I would suddenly start obeying you like a doll? Tell you what kid, I don't take orders. I give them!"
"If that were the case, you wouldn't have shown up in Namimori." He turned towards the door. "I'll send you a word when the time is ready." He stepped out, leaving the perverted woman to mull things over by herself.
((A))
Naruto arrived to the school well before sunset and the set time. He needed some time to prepare himself at the practice range. He took his mothers old ceremonial bow and began the traditional art of Kyodo. It was here where it had begun. He smiled. It was a long road he had taken from there but it was… right. He hadn't left any regrets behind. He was a man, standing front of his enemy for the sake of his friends. He really hoped his mom in heaven would be proud of him.
"So, this is where you were?" A voice whispered and he stiffened slightly.
"What brings you here, Itachi-sensei." He asked quietly when he returned to his practice. "After my head?"
"No." Itachi said quietly. "But I could've. What were you thinking?"
"Nothing." He sidestepped the question quickly. "So, what brings my all-mighty master into Japan?"
Itachi snorted. "Do you seriously think that I wouldn't find out what was going here? My only student taking on Varia. And not just anyone, that person. Not even I would want to face that head on."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "So, you found out who my opponent was?"
"And you didn't!" Itachi asked, loosing his cool for a second, which was a lot for him. "Have I taught you nothing? Never face an unknown opponent. Never! Absolutely never!"
"But you also said that improvising is mother of survival."
Itachi closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I don't know if I should tell you this… but youare the only pupil I will ever have and it would be shame if you would just die."
"No need." Naruto said suddenly and smirked. "I got it covered."
"What?" Itachi asked narrowed his eyes. "What's going on?"
He smiled. "I will wing it."
"Huh?" Itachi felt like dumbstruck. "Did… did you hit your head after I left? Or… what happened?"
"I did but that's not the point." He sighed comfortably. "All I have to do is win. And at this point, no planning is going to have any affect. I think on my feet better anyway so." He released another arrow. "Wanna watch?"
"Of your impeding death?" Itachi shook his head and started walking away. But suddenly turned around and threw something from under his cape. "Keep this. It's gift. You might as well get it."
Naruto turned just in time to catch the sack that flew across the air. He felt something inside and quickly opened it. "I suppose this is where I say, thanks."
((A))
The time for the Moon Battle was upon them and Guardians of Sadawa Tsunayoshi gathered one by one. First to arrive was Ryohei, his arm still in bandages. When he arrived, he saw a blimp that was hovering over the school. It was anchored to the ground by a one line. "That's extreme." He muttered awed of the nights battling ground. But the blimp seemed somewhat weird even to his eyes.
"Seriously!" He turned around and saw Gokudera standing there. "Furface doesn't stand a chance in a place like that!"
"Gokudera! You came!"
"Turftop! Are you the first one?"
"I suppose." He nodded. "But what's with that blimp? Are they really fighting there?"
"I hope they wouldn't." Gokudera said worriedly. "I was too relax and I forgot about him! He hasn't had any training at all!"
"I remembered that too." Ryohei nodded. "And these guys are tough. I wonder what kind of guy he will face."
"Naruto will come through!" Yamamoto joined with his comforting laugh. "He always does with his own sneaky way, right?"
"Ooh! Yamamoto! Are you okay?" Ryohei asked. "How's your eye?"
"It's fine. Don't worry about it." Yamamoto dismissed worries with a laugh. "But isn't there something weird about that blimp?"
Gokudera narrowed his eyes and looked into the sky. "You're right. Normally a blimp has one basket or control room but that thing has several smaller ones. It's like a whole bunch."
"Everyone!" Tsuna, Basil and Reborn arrived to the school gate. "Naruto-kun isn't here yet?"
"No, we've been waiting for him." Gokudera answered. "I'm worried this guy is over his head! Look at that blimp!"
But everyone's surprise, Tsuna didn't seem that worried. "It… it will be alright."
"That's right, Tsuna." Reborn smiled and looked at the people in the school yard. "Trusting your man like a true mafia boss. You all need to trust him like he has trusted in you so far." He turned to look at the warehouse where a figure was approaching. Naruto, in his ceremonial Kyodo armor, carrying his bow, arrows and a sack across his back came into view. "Yo." He bowed slightly and looked into the sky. "That's some arena, huh?"
"Better not fall!" Yamamoto laughed and nudged his side and Naruto laughed back.
"Don't worry. I'll be throwing my opponent down before that." He bowed slightly to Tsuna. "I'll be going then. I'm not dying or anything. Just a quick trip to upstairs and I'll be back before you know it."
"As a wet spot in the ground." Gokudera muttered.
"Fighters have arrived." Sakura and her twin landed on to the roof near them. "Tonight's battle will be held high above the ground on the blimp you see. The balloon is holding several small platforms where the actual fight will take place. Platforms have been trigged in a way that they will fall randomly during the fight."
"What!" Basil screamed.
"Interesting." Naruto smiled calmly. "Trying to force us into staying on the move."
"The time limit until the last platform falls is eight minutes."
"Eight minutes!" Tsuna screamed. "Are you serious? That's less that Gokudera-kun had!"
"You can give up if you wish." Sakura said quickly and turned to face Varias side who didn't seem that faced. "Everyone ready? Viewers will be watching from the last nights monitor."
"Let's do the huddle!" Ryohei screamed loudly and everyone gathered around Naruto. Tsuna on his left side and Yamamoto on the right. "Naruto! FIGHT! ! !"
"OOOH! ! !" Everyone joined in the yell.
"Better watch it." Gokudera huffed as he passed them.
"Go to the extreme!"
"We will be waiting." Yamamoto nodded.
"Good luck, Uzumaki-dono." Basil nodded.
"Naruto-kun…" Tsuna began before closing his mouth. "Don't die."
Naruto moved around and raised his thump to everyone to see. "I won't lose!"
He walked past them to Sakura who gave him a rope that suddenly pulled him high into the air. The rope stopped right before the first platform where he took his stance. His opponent, the man in cloaks was standing at the opposite end. There was a good distance between them, and if his opponent wasn't a long ranged fighter like himself, this would be a piece of cake. But he shouldn't let his guard down yet.
Everyone else, gathered around the monitor that was projected at the gym wall. "So the battle over the Moon Ring, the one who secretly illuminates the family with enchanting glow, so protecting it from the shadows, will begin."
In distance, on top of some building, Tenten was fidgeting as she too was watching it with her Lala. "How long do you think he will hold, pyon? Before he dies?"
"Na will not lose." She whispered. "Na will not lose."
"We shall see." Rokudo Mukuro chuckled with Chromes voice. He too wanted to witness this fight. "Now then, 'vice-boss' how do you think you will win?"
"Ten's husband will come through!" She snapped angrily but didn't take her eye off the sight.
"He better." Kiba muttered as he raised his binoculars. "Or I came fo nuthing."
"If he is half as good fighter as he is talker, this shouldn't be a problem." Sai pointed out next to him with a quiet smile.
"Let's wait and see." Anko muttered. "I want to see that brat getting his ass whipped."
Root and Kukyo gang watched together as Naruto took his bow, prepared one arrow and quickly launched it.
MINUTE 1
After his arrow flew towards his opponent, Naruto stood there, ready with another arrow, waiting for his opponents move. There was a moment of pause and he waited. Keeping his eyes on the target, the cloaked figure that stood there, motionless. Ten meters and he didn't move. Seven. Six. Five. Four. Three. Two. One. Then, just before it would continue right through him, he avoided it with a simple sidestep and then returned back to his original place.
"What?" Naruto gasped. His opponent had moved so fast that it had almost looked like the arrow had just gone through him.
Back on the ground, Mammon snorted. "Naïve. Like he could win with just one arrow."
"Like he had any chances at all!" Belbhegor laughed.
"What just happened?" Tsuna asked.
"Narutos opponent made a masterful sidestep and returned to his place." Reborn explained. "He is good."
"Who do you think he is, maggot?" Colonello who had joined to watch the fight, asked. "I heard that he was last minute replacement after the old one died."
"Neither have I. That worries me." Reborn muttered. There aren't many guys with skill who he didn't know of.
Back on the screen, things started happening. Naruto was on the move again. Everyone saw how he suddenly fired another arrow. "Eagle Wind!" He quickly launched three arrows horizontally in one line. But he didn't stop there. He fired another four arrows on both sides. Like an eagle with its wings spread, the line of arrows approached their target.
"What is that random shooting?" Gokudera asked.
"It's not random. It's a test." Reborn explained, realizing the plan immediately. "He wants to measure his opponents speed by forcing him to move. But I wonder if it's such a good idea to waste arrows like that."
"Naïve." Mammon snorted when they saw the figure simply ducked under and the line and if flew right over him. "This match won't last long."
Suddenly a platform fell between the commandants, leaving a hole in the middle.
MINUTE 2
Naruto saw how his opponent sprung into action, almost vanishing on his place. His eyes widened when he realized that and not a moment too soon he lowered his head when something flew right past it. He felt his hair being brushed aside by something. He felt the air pressure when Varias Moon Guardian had tried to kick his head off with a swift high kick. He saw something glittering in the light. He was wearing leg braces! And they had sharp edges that would slice his head right off!
Naruto jumped back but another kick landed right on his side, definitely breaking one of his ribs. The force of the kick send him flying distance until he smashed his other side into the railing that surrounded the arena. "And that's two." He whispered painfully as he tried to stand up while reloading his bow but his opponent appeared front of him again and landed another painful kick, this time, into his chest with his knee. "You will die, slowly." The voice whispered. "Just like Xanxus-sama wished."
Naruto narrowed his eyes and tried to avoid another kick but it was useless. He was being pounded by his enemy little by little.
MINUTE 3
"This is bad! This is bad!" Tsuna kept repeating the words at they witnessed their friend's slaughter. "That guy is dangerous!"
"Furface has no chances of winning!" Gokudera agreed. "Varias guy is simply too fast for him to catch a glimpse of him, leave alone, to counterattack."
"This bad!" Tsuna screamed when they saw how a platform fell, almost right beneath Naruto when he tried to stand up. He slipped slightly and by luck managed to pull his back upwards enough to stand up. He didn't seem much faced of the fact that he had almost died and kept on trying to use his bow.
"What a fool!" Belbhegor laughed. "Trying to beat our guy with just his bow! Ooy! Brats over there! Are you ready for his funeral!"
"Teme!" Ryohei yelled and raised his one good fist.
"Stop it, maggot." Colonello said quickly.
"But master they-"
"Wait. There is something strange going on." He looked up to the sky. "Or is it just me, Reborn, maggot."
"You're right." Reborn whispered as he saw another painful looking kick landing on Narutos side that sent him flying across the arena that was full of holes now. "There is something strange about this."
MINUTE 4
Naruto felt himself falling from a hole into the empty night sky. A platform right under him had suddenly fallen and he was going down. Fast. He saw the eyes behind those cloaks when he started falling and they were empty. "I guess this is it." He whispered and suddenly spread his hands. The sleeves of his haori were flapping in the wind. This was what he had been waiting for and he pointed his arms upwards, towards the blimp. "Phase one, complete."
MINUTE 4 SECOND 3
"He is falling!" Tsuna screamed as he followed the white haori and dark kimono pants falling in the wind with the chest armor. "I have to sa-" He screamed but Reborn smirked and hadn't pulled out his gun yet. "Reborn! I need to-" He needed his Dying Will Mode but he couldn't do it without Reborn!
"As expected." Levi laughed.
((A))
"Na!" Ten screamed as she tried to follow the white haori when it came crashing down.
"Is that for real?" Kiba screamed.
"Interesting." Mukuro smirked. "He is really an interesting fellow." Everyone turned to face him. "Just wait and see."
((A))
Narutos haori crashed in the middle of the school yard and everyone rushed to him. "Naruto! He is…"
"Not here!" Ryohei yelled. "What's going on, to the extreme!"
Yamamoto picked up the haori and armor. "This is the uniform he was wearing." He said. "And his bow and arrow holster too."
"Bow?" Tsuna quickly took Narutos important weapon into his hands. If he was willing to let it fall down… what was going on!
"But there is no body anywhere." Gokudera said as he looked around.
"When you kids stop loitering, you should better get back here before you miss something important." Reborn yelled and they quickly rushed back to the screen which displayed Varias fighter looking down equally confused.
MINUTE 5
Narutos opponent had been waiting that his victory would be announced but when it never came, he got suspicious. What had happened? He was about to turn around when a dart flew past him, making him jump over the hole, onto another platform. "It's not wise to keep your back turned for such a long time." He snatched three kunai knives that almost hit him.
((A))
"Naruto-kun!" Tsuna screamed relieved. "He is… alive." But he was wearing something very weird. "What is that?" It was something like a dark, patted suit.
"A body armor." Reborn explained satisfied and others turned to look at him. "He was wearing it under his loose kyodo armor to fool his opponent to think that he was getting damage when his armor absorbed most of the attacks. That guy is crafty as ever."
"But why would he do that?" Tsuna asked. "It was hugely risky."
"To gain information about his opponent." He answered. "After following all your fights so far he knew better than just jumping straight in. He is after all, the one worthy calling himself Moon Guardian."
They saw how Naruto unfastened straps of his armor and let them fall over the edge. "It's about time I start my counterattack." He removed last of his armor and raised his hand behind his back, to the sack he was carrying. Then he pulled a new weapon, a hunting bow. With few more items, he was set.
"That idiot," They heard Belbhegor laughing. "He gets a lucky break and he uses it on his idiocy!"
"What is he planning?" Tsuna asked worriedly from Reborn when another platform fell right next to where Naruto was standing.
((A))
"Shall we continue?" Naruto asked, smiling happily and that was it. The Varias guy launched itself across the arena, appeared behind him and prepared to stab him with a needle in his hand when Naruto suddenly dodged it and kneed him into his arm. Then he jumped over a hole, onto another platform and fired his bow three times so fast that it was almost simultaneously. "Stork peck!" Varias guy dodged them and charged forward, trying from another ankle but Naruto managed to kick his hand away again and this time Naruto managed to deliver his first blow into enemy leg that made him fall. Naruto didn't waste any time and raised his leg high and started bringing it down hard to deliver a kick on his heel. Varias guy raised his arms to protect his head right when the platform right under them started to fall but neither did seem to care.
((A))
"They are falling!" Anko whistled when they watched from distance. "That guy is now going to die."
"I wonder about that." Mukuro smirked.
No one had a chance to ask anything when fighters suddenly stopped in the middle of air and it seemed like they were pulled away from each other.
((A))
"What's going on?" Ryohei asked. "They can fly!"
"Threads." Reborn answered. "Naruto used threads to get back up last time and he used the same trick again. And it seems that his opponent was prepared for that too."
They saw how two fighters arced back and Naruto reloaded his bow. Varias guy seemed beaten as he was obviously a closed ranged fighter until he pulled out something from behind his back and threw it.
Naruto had to change his target and aim at the object coming closer. It shattered right in the middle. Then, he tucked his bow onto his back and started climbing back up the thread quickly and his opponent did the same.
MINUTE 6
Naruto panted as he finally pulled himself onto the platform and cut his threads. Coming up and down was really tiring. He should work out more. But he didn't have much time to wait as another platform fell right next to him. Only small part of the arena was still intact. It was only partial panels, floating in the air. Time was really running out. He felt something coming closer and he quickly dodged when a razor sharp disk landed on his feet, going through floor and disappeared into night before it came back, arcing and almost cut his head off. It continued back to is owner who grabbed it in the middle of the flight. "You're good." He said quietly behind his cloak. It was amazing that he hadn't removed it for all this time. "Better than I had expected by far. For that reason, I will now take your seriously." His hand took a hold of his robe and he gave it a quick pull. "But Xanxus-sama has declared your death and it is my duty to deliver! For I am his tool!"
Naruto was taken aback by his words. "You're that… Haku!"
"Good of you to remember." He said quietly and raised hands full of those disks. "Then you may die knowing who killed you." He charged in so much faster than before that Naruto didn't even have time to curse his decision to take off his armor. He needed to jump onto another platform, trying to keep distance between him and his opponent. Not only that, he needed to avoid sudden holes in the arena that kept increasing. It was like some 'whack the mole' game or something but it was getting loosing time as he had to dodge another disk.
((A))
"What kind of weapons is that guy using?" Gokudera asked. "It looks like a… cd or something."
"They are very sharp steel disks that Haku throws around with frightening accuracy." Reborn explained. They watched Haku suddenly stopped following and pulled out seven disks and threw them all at once. The arced and circled Naruto who tried to dodge and counter at the same time until they all returned to his opponents extended hand. "This is bad." He muttered.
((A))
"It's over." Haku said quietly as Naruto had managed to shoot out two of the disk at the same time. He was running out of arrows and his fingers were bleeding. He could hardly pull them together anymore and hold the string of his bow. "Accept your fate."
"You know, that would be bad." He panted and threw away his bow, letting it slide over the edge. "Time to change a weapon!" He pulled out a crossbow and fired it instantly. Haku simply dodged it.
"You have many weapons which is why you don't have any real talent in any of them."
"Shut up!" He yelled back. "It's because we are fighting up here, in place obviously designed for you. Were we back on ground level, I would kick your ass from here to Monday!" 'He is faster, more agile, better fighter and he has weapon better suited for this situation. I could try to fight it off with my kunai and other ninja tools I have but I don't think I can do that.' "I guess there really is no choice." He muttered under his breath and started pulling something out of his sack again.
"Just give up!" Haku screamed and suddenly threw eight disks at him. Naruto bit his lip and raised his arm, using his sleeve-bow to take out the disk. One. Two. Three. Four. F- "ARGH! ! !"
((A))
"Naruto-kun!" Tsuna screamed when four disks slashed his body like swords.
"This is bad!" Yamamoto yelled when those disks returned to their master.
"We have to stop this now!" Tsuna yelled to Reborn. "This has gone too long!"
"Wait." Everyone stiffened at the sound of the new voice and turned to look at the caped man standing on the wall. "It's not over yet, Vongola X."
"You are…" Gokudera whispered.
"Uchiha Itachi!" Tsuna yelled. "Why are you here?"
He ignored them and stepped closer to watch the screen. "That brat is an idiot. He could have ended it long ago had he done what I told him to."
"Wha-" Guardians all wondered but Reborn spoke before they had the chance.
"Why are you here?" He asked, looking up to his friend.
"Why do you think I am here?" Itachi asked and watched as Naruto fell to his knees, holding his wounds. Itachi sighed and quickly raised his hand and fired a shot into the air. Everyone saw Naruto raising his head like a dog.
"Uchiha Itachi?" Levi gasped. "What does that man think he is doing here?"
"What was that shot?" Sakura demanded and landed next to them. "If you try to intervene-"
"Don't worry." Itachi said quietly and pulled his hand inside his cape. "I already did all I could do."
((A))
"So you're here too." He muttered as he heard the shot. "You really think I would give up like that?" 'Remember, to win is to live. Win at all cost.' Itachi had said once and he sighed. He had already used his ceremonial bow, hunting bow, crossbow, sleeve-bows and his arrows. All he had left were couple mini-crossbows and the gift he had gotten just before the match.
'Why are you trying to get strong?' Haku had asked him when they had met for the first time. Naruto had gone little overboard on his training and fell asleep in the middle of the woods. Pretty girl had woken him up. Back then he had an obvious answer. For his friends who counted on him. For his family.
"I suppose there is no other choice." He sighed and with trouble stood up just to be severed by another disk that almost cut his head off but only slashed his collar badly. He could feel the blood on his neck but he was still breathing. Nothing important was cut.
"Give up." Haku said quietly for one more time. Naruto saw sadness in her… wait a minute! Was he a he or a she? He had no idea! He ignored those thoughts for now. He needed all his concentration for this trick to work. Slowly, he brought his hand behind his back where he carried his old ninpo bag. It was amazing that it was still intact. He found the items he was looking for and braced himself.
"Like hell I'm giving up!" Naruto yelled and went old school. He took a smoke bomb and blew it up on his feet. By the time the smoke cleared, he was gone, nowhere to be seen.
MINUTE 7
"Where is he!" Tsuna screamed and looked between the screen and the blimp. Nothing was falling down yet. "What happened?"
"Wait. And my student will show you what he can do." Itachi answered calmly.
"Your student?" Ryohei asked. "What are you talking about? I don't understand it to the extreme!"
"He didn't tell you?" Itachi asked. "While he was in Italy, we met up and one reason led to another and I saw interest in training him."
"What!" Tsuna screamed. "Seriously? What an earth happened while there?"
"You will have him tell you when he comes down." Itachi answered and turned to look at the screen as more smoke bombs started covering the area. "One way or the other."
((A))
Haku looked around the arena, or what was left of it. There were only four – three platforms left when another one fell. The one he was using, second in the left side and last one right next to it to the middle. There was nowhere else his opponent would show up so he raised his disks and prepared. Time was running out. Was he hoping to corner him at the last minute? Or ambush him? Would he coming from below? Above? Behind? Either side? No matter. He could wait. He would win this.
Right then smoke bombs went on, all over the space around him and he ducked. "Are you hoping to use a sneak attack on me? Futile." He closed his eyes, using his other senses to navigate. There was quiet sound of shoes falling on the platform as he had expected. "There!" He threw eight disks into the smoke, following them with only his ears. His disks flew and severed the air above the sound and he sighed. "It's over."
"Not yet!" Naruto yelled and another arrow flew through the smoke almost impelling him but he raised his arm, taking the small damage without risking the fall. He didn't even need to look as he pulled the small dart out of his hand. The smoke was clearing out already and he could see the dark figure standing, on top of the air?
((A))
"What's going on?" Tsuna asked as everyone concentrated on the dark figure inside the lingering smoke, above empty air. "How is that possible?"
((A))
"That guy… he doesn't run out of tricks, does he?" Kiba whistled.
MINUTE 7 SECOND 30
"I don't know how you cheat death all this time, but now it's time to end this!" He pulled all his hands inside his pockets and pulled sixteen disks out. "I will cover this whole arena with this attack! You have nowhere left to hide!"
Naruto didn't move inside the smoke and Haku acted, throwing all the disks at the same time. They arced back and forth, covering the whole arena space and finally, gathering around Narutos location. The figure inside the smoke quickly jumped backwards and avoided the first disk. He jumped out of the smoke, revealing himself. "It's time to settle this!" He yelled back and suddenly pulled his hands up. "That ring is mine!" There were sounds of loud bangs as he pulled the trigger of a gun.
Haku was shocked when his bullet went scrapping his side. Right then, the second last platform gave in, right under him. Using the momentum from the plating, he jumped to the railing. "I see. You were waiting for this, weren't you?" He said as he saw Naruto balancing on top of strings until a lone disk came and cut them and he too was forced to jump to the railing, right front of Haku.
((A))
"They have no footing and they are still fighting. Amazing!" Yamamoto yelled excited. "Go Naruto!"
"But… he hates guns?" Tsuna yelled. "He always said that he would never use them because they are… dirty."
"I told him to grow up." Itachi answered flatly, remembering the trouble they had in Italy. It had taken weeks to force the idiot to take a hold of the revolvers and start practicing with them and he would always throw them away unless he was there to watch him. "Besides, I want to see if he can inherit it. The technique passed down in the line of Uchiha."
"What?" Tsuna asked.
"You taught him that?" Reborn asked surprised.
"Taught him what?"
"I tried."
"Tried what? I don't understand!"
"Just shut up and watch!" Reborn said firmly and looked at the screen. "This is your Moon Guardian."
Tsuna looked at Naruto of the screen. He had bad wounds on his sides and neck. He was tired obviously and worn out. He was wearing the undershirt of his kyodo armor and shorts or what was left of them. But they weren't the incredible things he was concentrating on. It were the four gun belts and revolvers stuck in them. Naruto was holding the one of guns in his hand and shot out the disks that were about to hit him with ease. "It's time for you to give up, Haku." He said quietly as he flipped his gun open and let the shells to fall. Then, one by one, replaced them with live bullets from his belt while the remaining the disks returned to their owner. "You can't win." The last platform fell. All that was left was the railing they were standing on.
MINUTE 8
"Why? Because you managed to wound me with that arrow and then with that bullet?" He stood up like nothing had happened. "I've had worse wounds when I train." He took his hand into his pockets. "But well done picking out five of those disks. Your eyes are far better than I had expected."
"Thank you." He smiled. "I'm pretty proud of my hard work and results of that training." He shook his wrist and the revolver snapped closed. Then he sheathed it and prepared.
"But even if you could take out all disks I threw you can fire only six shots with that gun. Twelve if you use two guns at the same time." He took his hand behind his back and pulled out the maximum amount of disk his hands could hold. "I can throw Twenty disk at one throw. This is where you die."
Naruto took a deep breath and placed his arms ready. "I'll use my best technique as well. This will decide, who wins. Draw!"
Haku threw every disk in his hands and twenty small hurricanes swirled around him like, cutting through air. Naruto kept his eyes locked with Hakus. This moment would decide everything. Every single moment counted. His palms were sweaty. 'I wonder if Tenten would go out with me after all this is over. We could go to that ramen stand nearby… I just love ramen.' He smiled happily the moment the disks were about to hit him. That was the moment when he acted.
Time… just like always during times like these, time was a relative concept. It got slower. Almost stopped. It seemed to take forever to move on. "For you guys down there." He whispered and then, in an instant, it was over. All twenty disks were shot into pieces before any of them could touch him.
"What!" Haku gasped but Naruto wasn't done as he fired four more bullets to the things that held the railing connected with the blimp. Haku realized this a moment too late as his footing gave in and he started falling down with it. Naruto managed to jump and grasp into the rope and he hoped that it would hold. Haku hadn't been that lucky but he wasn't done yet either, as an experienced assassin, he knew how to survive. So he took the cape he had been carrying until now and used it to soften his landing and then aimed at the top of the school building.
When he fell hard to the cold roof, where only couple nights before a fight between other guardians had taken place, he knew that he had failed his master and lost consciousness. It would be a miracle if he ever woke up again.
((A))
Everyone were stunned. The match had taken so many turns that it was incredible. But then, forced by the facts, Sakura stepped forward. "Varias Haku is unable to continue fighting. The winner is Sawada Tsunayoshis guardian, Uzumaki Naruto."
"Yeeah!" Ryohei yelled. "AN EXTREME VICTORY! ! !"
"He did it!" Gokudera punched the air.
"Good one!" Yamamoto agreed.
"Naruto-kun!" Tsuna sighed relieved.
"Get me down from here!" Narutos voice echoed in the night. He was still hanging from the blimp. "I can't hang in here forever!"
"Naruto-kun! Hold on!" Tsuna screamed the top of his lungs and started fussing over helping him and others joined him.
"I can't believe it, maggot." Colonello said quietly as they followed the blimp descending slowly. "He taught him that technique, maggot."
"I'm right here." Itachi whispered back.
"I know." Reborn agreed. "Quattro arma. Four guns. Legendary technique that allows it's user to fire four guns almost simultaneity, so taking out massive out of enemies. It's said to be a secret technique, not to be taught to outsiders of their family."
"I'm right here." He said again, this time a bit more forcefully.
"Well, I suppose he needs to pass it forward as he is last of his line, maggot!"
"I'm seriously getting ticket off right here." Itachi snapped and sighed. "One could say that he had potential being the gunman I needed him to be. And after my brother died… as you said, I suppose."
Finally, the great blimp had descended enough for Tsuna and others to take him out to realize that he was already unconscious. "Naruto-kun! Naruto-kun!" Tsuna screamed. "He needs help! Quick!"
"Don't worry, Tsuna." Reborn said suddenly. "He won't die that easily after all that. He is just sleep."
"That's good…" He sighed relieved when Sakura came forward again.
"As we agreed, Sawada Tsunayoshis side is granted with the Moon Ring." She gave it to them. "But remember, this rings point has been nullified so neither side carries points. The score is a tie on 2 for both sides. Tomorrow we will have battle over the Mist Ring. Good night." They retreated quickly and so did Varia.
On the rooftop far away, people also scattered everyone to their respective directions. Tenten watched sadly as they carried her boyfriend away who seemed to be in such a bad shape. But he had said that no matter what happened to him, she should make sure that Mukuro would show up tomorrow. So depressed but firmly, she packed her Lala and followed Kukyo gang.
The day was had been a success.
CHAPTER END
A/N: Okay, here it was the newest chapter. Sorry for the long wait, had many other projects on my plate and still do. I try my best to write this but… you know how it is. Anyway, I hope you people like Haku in this chapter. Whatever man or woman is yet to be decided. I will have a poll on my profile. Man or woman. You decide.
A/N: I hope you liked the fight scene and it worked for you. I tried my best there.
Until next time.
CHAPTER EPILOGUE
On the roof where Hakus body had left remaining, appeared movement as Sai landed in there. He too was under orders. His orders had been that in a situation like this, he would need to take care of Varias Guardian. He didn't really see any reason but orders were orders and it wasn't hard to throw the body over his shoulder and do as he was told. His chief had some weird ideas.