As the smoke from the explosion clears, Sasuke stood there with a smirk and was already thinking of victory as he saw Musica lay down there motionless. He looked around for a while and he took a step but he remained still as he suspected something wrong. He looks at the west side of the forest to see that his other rogue ninjas working under him appeared.
"Bring back that girl, her strange jutsu has caught someone's attention and wants her to be captured alive... " Sasuke said as he turns to look at his rogue ninja. "I will make sure that the konoha dog there is dead..." Sasuke said as he walks towards the motionless Musica when suddenly Musica who was laying there dissapeared in a puff and Sasuke turned around and activated his Sharingan while Musica smirk while swinging his staff.
"Fuuton : Vacuum Edge" Musica shouted as a large wind blade was charging towards Sasuke. Sasuke managed to take out his katana and block the attack but he was thrown backwards instantly. Sasuke fell down on his knees and he realised he has a cut on his arms and his katana dropped on the ground.
"Compliments to my best comrade Naruto for the Kage bunshiin Jutsu" Musica said with a large smirk.
"That is one strong Jutsu you got there Musica, well you are not Takanome's number one apperentice for no reason. I can see that so many of my ninja's are afraid to face you Musica." Sasuke said emotionless
"I can see that you are different now Sasuke... the last time I saw you, those eyes of yours are not fillled with darkness..." Musica said with a sad expression
"Hn.. you and that idiot will never understand. During the chunnin exams... I already had this hatred and what do you know... ? "Sasuke said with anger building up
"I was there with my team, I watched you and thought you are one of the only hope Uchiha has for Konoha... I wanted to fight you but I went into the chunnin exams one year before you and I wished i would face you one day but not this way." Musica said
"Well, I will grant you death wish today..." Sasuke said as he activates his Sharingan while Musica took his scarf and ties it around his eyes while activating the sensor jutsu.
"This is a familiar sight..." Sasuke said
"The difference is Sasuke... is that Im more good in wind techniques than Shishou because she was never bothered with any element jutsu since she has that demons of hers." Musica said with a smirk
Sasuke charged with his katana filled with lightning and Musica charged with wind chakra on his staff and when they both clashed the whole area gave a strong shockwave that some small trees broke apart.
"They are both this strong..? and that Konoha ninja is blinfolded. I cant believe he is on par with Sasuke-sama" one of the rogue ninjas said
The Taijutsu battle of Sasuke and Musica were so fast that all the other ninjas could hear was the sound of weapons clashing and some small explosion but they could not see a thing and they finally saw both Sasuke and Musica in the air and Sasuke doing handseals.
"Katon: Gokakyuu No jutsu" Sasuke shouted as he breathes out a big fireball which was heading towards Musica. Musica made a handsign and created a Kage Bunshin which threw Musica away from the fireball and before disappearing threw a barrage of kunais right in front of Musica.
"Fuuton : Vacuum Blast" Musica shouted as he points his staff towards Sasuke and just as the Kunais fell right in front of Musica, the staff created a supersonic wave which made the Kunais in front of him to launch towards Sasuke in a very fast speed. Sasuke tried to dodge but he was hit by 3 kunais on his legs and torso. Sasuke fell on one knee feeling a little of pain while Musica landed on his feet panting.
"Sasuke... we could have been friends and even Naruto sees that in you but what are you doing now...? What are your motives?" Musica said while facing Sasuke who is also panting and in pain
"I have no motives... all i want is the destruction of the place where hatred is born. Do you think all this while the peace you enjoy is not because of the sacrifice of many lives. Konoha is trash just like you and Naruto. We all live in this Shinobi world where war is inevitable. Give it up Musica, you are battling in a fruitless battle." Sasuke said softly
"Sasuke... i was born without a family and just like Naruto said before... we cant understand your pain but all i can say is that this person fighting for Konoha no matter how much people hate him or despise him, no matter what happens... Naruto... someone I look up to as a comrade and as a friend. If you are wondering why I became strong is because of this.
Sasuke suddenly smirked and gave a soft long laughter which shocked Musica.
"Comrades? Friends? Not in my dictionary...now or ever... Hatred makes me stronger.." Sasuke said as he expression changed which even his rogue ninjas watching from far could feel darkness and evil. Musica twitched a bit when he felt the killer intent Sasuke has and Musica went into his stance.
"Let me show you the power of hatred.." Sasuke said as his Mangekyo Sharingan was activated and Musica suddenly took a step back.
"Oh dammit..." Musica cursed as Sasuke formed Susano'o
"Now die Musica...! "Sasuke shouted when suddenly Susano'o shot a big arrow towards Musica and it caused an explosion.
In Sunagakure
Both Naruto and Gaara sat down in the meeting hall with all of the elders and advisors around them.
"Gaara-sama, the reports shown from this attack is that we have not lost many men. Sakura-san from Konoha medical also report that the injuries caused by the attack is minimal." Baki said
"Gaara, I really have a bad feeling that something is not right... I was expecting more from Iwa and although im glad that the casualties are low but i can't help but feel that something is not right somewhere." Naruto said
"Naruto, I have to agree with you... there is something wrong somewhere... but for now, lets monitor the situation for another day before we conclude. Baki, get me a few capable ninja scouts to sweep around the village for around 20 km radius for anymore enemy ninjas and traps while I will discuss with Naruto again. This meeting is dismissed." Gaara ordered.
Shikamaru and Sakura finally get to seat after helping the patients in the hospital. They managed to find a small space in the hospital to rest while Shikamaru looking tired.
"Shikamaru, where is Naruto?" Sakura asked
"He is a meeting with Kazekage and the advisors" Shikamaru answered lazily
"Lazy idiot...shouldnt you at least be in there? " Sakura asked angrily
"This is too troublesome and we got Naruto in there...the meeting should be about post mortem and i can already guessed what it is all about... " Shikamaru said
"Naruto?" Sakura said
"Yes Sakura, and you have noticed it too havn't you that Naruto has changed a lot, he thinks a lot and does not do stupid things anymore... well the idiot we know is no longer that idiot. He is more than a person to me... he will make a good hokage someday... and the burden of the village is what he has been holding on his shoulders since he defeated pain." Shikamaru said as Sakura looks down in sadness
"Shikamaru... Naruto has been keeping his promise and I know how much I am a burden to him..." Sakura said sadly
"Sakura, well there is one more thing i have noticed... somewhat the way you look at him sometimes... well i kinda thought it was just admiration on how much he has grown but i think its something else... "Shikamaru said winking and Sakura blushing
"Ermm... its not what you think... I mean... he has grown to be quite handsome and all but..." Sakura stuttered while Shikamaru laughed hard only to be hit on the head by Sakura.
"Owww... ok... i stop laughing..." Shikamaru said while still laughing
"Naruto..." Sakura said smiling
"I heard my name... haha... Sakura-chan did u miss me already? " Naruto said while smiling
"Naruto... ermm nothing... I was asking Shikamaru where you were and ermm..." Sakura said already blushing as Naruto walked towards Sakura and looks straight into Sakura's eyes
"Im fine thank you Sakura-chan" Naruto said softly to Sakura as he walks towards Shikamaru and Sakura face was already red and stood there frozen
"Shikamaru, lets go and have something to eat...Im starving..." Naruto said while waling off with Shikamaru
"Thats very suave of you Naruto" Shikamaru said as Naruto just smiled
"Sakura-chan, are you coming"Naruto said as he turned and look at Sakura with a smile and Sakura just stared at him for a while and nodded while following the both of them with a big smile.
In the Forest
"Well its not really hard to know that you managed to dodge that strike..." Sasuke said laughing
"Oh shit... Susano'o... This is almost impossible... I am not sure how to break that defense.." Musica thought to himself while he lands on one knee panting.
"That is pathetic Musica, I am sure this is going to be so much fun" Sasuke said while laughing and Susano'o kept shooting arrows and Musica kept dodging it. Musica knows that he is almost at his limit and he needs to really find a good strategy to break Sasuke but dodging the arrows are already a pain and Sasuke kept casting Amaterasu on Musica which makes things worst.
"Musica... just give up and I will kill you quickly but if you resist... I will definitely kill you real slow..." Sasuke said with a smirk
"Sasuke... Im not stupid enough to die now and there are many people who needs me now and I dun intend to die in your hands...at least not now..." Musica said panting
"Hahaha... Musica... as you can see...i have the ultimate defense and you cant hurt me now..." Sasuke said laughing
"The one thing i learn from Naruto is that... there is no such thing as ultimate defense..." Musica said as he did a handseal with the shape of a diamond and smiled.
"This is something I have always been told not to use... but i guess i have no choice..." Musica said with a Smirk.
Musica stood up and put his staff back on the holder and suddenly his left hand was already covered with Lightning chakra and his right hand formed a wind blade. Susano'o released the arrow but before it even gets near Musica, Musica dodges in a speed even Sasuke couldnt match and Musica appears behind Susano'o and threw the wind blade towards Susano'o and it penetrated Susano'o only to break some of the bones but it regenerated. Sasuke couldnt catch up with Musica and his eyes went wide opened while Musica continues this attack repeatedly. Sasuke saw where Musica went and cast Amaterasu but Musica swinged his left arm which made a big lightning shield and protected Musica.
"He uses this technique of his to block Amaterasu..." Sasuke said shocked
Even as Musica kept throwing wind blades at Susano'o, Susano'o kept regenerating and Sasuke was already almost at his limits for using Susano'o and Amaterasu. Musica already found the weak spot of Sasuke's ultimate defense and he smirked.
"Sasuke...there is definitely no such thing as an ultimate defense..." Musica said while Musica threw his wind blade which penetrated Susano'o again but this time Musica took out his staff and pointed it at the spot where the wind blade penetrated Susano'o
"This is it... Fuuton: Vacuum blast...!" Musica shouted as a large supersonic waves directed towards Sasuke which caused an explosion which made him thrown off the ground and Susano'o was deactivated. Musica landed and immediately fell on his knees.
"That is my limit... this time... at least Sasuke is down..." Musica said but he suddenly felt a sharp pain on his right side of his stomach and he realised Sasuke managed to stand up and stab him with his katana...
"Did you even think that pathetic excuse of a jutsu can hurt me..." Sasuke said while he took out the blade from Musica's stomach and Musica fell on the ground.
"You look terrible Sasuke... How...did you managed to break that explosion..." Musica asked weakly
"Idiot...Im stronger than you think I am...but I have to applaud you for hurting my left arm so bad i can't move it...Now ready to die?" Sasuke said with a smirk
"Sasuke...even if you kill me... Konoha will still stand as long as Naruto is still alive... even though you kill me... I still believe that one day... he will bring you back..." Musica said when he got kicked hard on his head by Sasuke.
"Shut up...! you have no right saying all that when you are lying on the ground..." Sasuke shouted
"I keep saying and believing because that is what Naruto believes in..." Musica said and Sasuke kicked Musica head again..
"If you mention Naruto again...I will make sure you will regret...now if you want to live... say... Naruto is an idiot..." Sasuke said laughing
"Naruto is our hope..." Musica said and Sasuke kicked Musica's head repeatedly in anger and Musica was already bleeding.
Sana suddenly regained conciousness and saw Musica being kicked on his head repeatedly and she almost fell into tears and was about to shout when she felt someone covering her mouth with his hands. Sana looked into the person eyes and then her eyes widen.
At Sunagakure
Naruto knocked on the door and waited outside of the door while waiting for the door to open
"Naruto? what are you doing here?" Sakura asked
"Sakura-chan... I have received reports from baa-chan asking us the status of the whole invasion but I forgot to take the reports from you just now... " Naruto said while smiling
"Naruto... you are always forgetful.." Sakura said smiling and taking the reports and give it to Naruto.
"Errmmm... Sakura-chan... do you want to go grab a bite? " Naruto asked nervously and suddenly Sakura remained silent but she was already blushing.
"Naruto... are you asking me out on a date again? Sakura asked while folding her arms.
"Well...you can call it a victory dinner if you like...and..." Naruto said but he got interrupted
"Its a date... but we will go when we get back to Konoha... good night Naruto..." Sakura said as she closes the door and gave Naruto a last wink
Naruto was shocked but happy as he kept staring at the door for a few minutes before walking off but he was startled by a voice calling him.
"Naruto-sama... Gaara-sama is looking for you..." Baki said and Naruto nodded and disappeared.
In the forest
"Stop it Sasuke..." Said a woman's voice when suddenly Sasuke was kicked and thrown into the nearest tree and Sasuke stood up slowly confused.
"You... now thats a familiar face... I never thought you would once betray me..." Sasuke said with a smirk while the woman picked Musica head on her hands and wiped the blood of his face and noticed that Musica is already badly hurt and unconcious.
"Never thought you stooped so low Sasuke..." the woman said.
"You have grown to be less annoying... Karin..." Sasuke said while laughing
"This man whom you tried to kill has something you will never have Sasuke... and you will probably wont understand this... he has friends...!" Karin shouted at Sasuke as Sasuke activated his Mangekyo and glares at Karin over that statement.
"I don't need friends...! I have power...and hatred gives me power..." Sasuke said as Karin continues to stare at him. "Karin... i should have finished you off that time...well now... its time to die...!" Sasuke shouted while he cast Amaterasu at Karin... but was blocked by a strong lightning shield which looks different than a normal one.
"What? How did you..?" Sasuke wondered shocked.
"You are still a kid that is why...brat.." Said a man wearing a long Samurai kimono with a straw hat walking towards Karin and Musica.
"Who are you..!" Sasuke asked.
"Sensei... I shall bring him back... well... i dun have to worry about you..." Karin said as she carried Musica towards Sana and helped her up and then disappears.
"My name is Gama... you pathetic brat... I shall not waste pointless moments to actually stay and beat you." Gama said.
"Hahaha... I don't know who you are but you will not be alive after this..." Sasuke said laughing
"Tch..! another statement by a pathetic brat...!" Gama said while smiling as he threw his straw hat up and then took Musica's staff which was on the ground...
"This is awfully nostalgic... now let me show you the power of the bloodline limit of my clan..." Gama said when suddenly Musica's staff dispersed into steel dust and Gama seems to be controlling it and he split it into two portions on his both hands. Sasuke could only stared in amazement when Gama's lightning and wind elements reacts well with the steel dust.
"Steel Release : Steel storm" Gama said while smirking
"What is that? How did wind and lightning chakra compliments each other..." Sasuke asked
"Lesson for you brat... only shinobi's from my clan rare nature affinity is unique because we have Wind and Lightning chakra together... but... with our bloodline limit Steel release helps both of them compliments each other...and now i am amazed how that Musica boy has the same Nature affinity and also this staff... I have not seen it for ages..." Gama said while staring at Sasuke.
Sasuke suddenly activated Susano'o and shot arrows at Gama but he just moves his hands and the Lightning infused Steel dust blocked the arrows with ease and he jumps up and does hand seals.
"Ninpou : Steel storm whip lash" Gama shouted as the wind and lightning infused steel dust combined to become a long whip.
"Now feel the power of the Steel release..!" Gama shouted as he whips the Chakra infused steel whip towards Sasuke and Susano'o ultimate defense begins to break down as the whip hits Sasuke hard on his neck and he was thrown away from the power of Gama. Sasuke laid down unable to get up.
"Im defeated easily...? How?" Sasuke said weakly and almost falling unconcious
"You are just weak...your hatred made you weak!" Gama said
"Someone... a close friend of mine told me once as long as he is alive... If i ever meet you... I must never kill you brat... Tch... that pervert... but since he died from the hands of the Akatsuki... I shall kill you..." Gama continued as he swings his whip towards Sasuke but Sasuke disappeared in a vortex and then appeared on top of Tobi's shoulder.
"Well it took you long to get here..." Gama said with a smile while grabbing his straw hat on the ground and wearing it. "Knowing you... you are going to leave with the boy..." Gama continued
"Hmm... Gama... its been a while... I shall not fight you now and in my current state... I will die...but as you anticipated but let me tell you one thing... the world shall crumble just like your clan did..." Tobi said coldly as he disappeared
"Well... I know there is still hope somewhere out there..." Gama said while he puts up his hands and the steel dust returns and formed back into Musica's staff.
"This Musica is really interesting... and this staff... only one person could use it... I have to find out..." Gama said while he bit his thumb and did a few handseals "Kuchiyose no Jutsu" Gama shouted and a big owl was summoned.
"Lets go back to our hideout for now... Its time for us to get involved..." Gama said while patting the owl and got on his back and the owl flew off.
From a near distance, a figure appears to be looking at the whole scene and walked away laughing coldly.
"This is really interesting..." Said the cold voice