(Chapter 13: Sounding Off)
It was about a few weeks later as Saeko and Naruto had been on a warpath of destroying Orochimaru's men and any experiments they came across, as thanks to Guren's information they'd been able to pre-emptively strike out at Orochimaru's encampments with ease. With the duo going at it with ease as they were soon closing in on the snake sannin's base of operations within Iron Country, for the both of them were excited at this since it meant that they were one step closer to putting the screws to this whole Orochimaru nonsense.
With the duo ready to squash this for the simple fact that they were to put an end to this, with Naruto more doing it for the fact that he'd be able to enjoy his vacation more easily and Saeko so that she could help her grandfather return things back to their more peaceful state.
(Iron Country, March 4th 997 S.E, 2:10 Pm)
It was a partly cloudy March afternoon as the duo stood at the entrance to the base after having butchered the guards posted their; with impunity as it was easy to tell that Orochimaru went with quantity over quality with his guards.
"Well Naruto are you ready for this?" Saeko asked flicking the blood off her sword
"Of course I am, as this shit right here ends now, because I'm gonna enjoy my vacation in peace damn it," Naruto answered back with Carnifex at the ready
"Then what are we waiting for, let's do this," Saeko spoke before sheathing her sword
"Well ladies first Saeko," Naruto said gesturing for her to go forth
"Don't be a smartass Naruto, as get to stepping already," Saeko responded unamused by the show of false politeness from the Rinnegan user
"Can't help but do it for old times sake," Naruto answered back with a chuckle as they ventured forth
That in mind the two traveled into the depths of Orochimaru's base that was lit by artificial light; with them following the map of it from what they took from Guren; before they soon heard the voice of Orochimaru on the intercom.
"Well, well if this isn't a grand treat. One of the only Rinnegan users in existence and one of the most skilled kenjutsu users in Iron Country next to Mifune myself. To what do I owe this immense pleasure?" Orochimaru's slick voice echoed through the halls getting both of their attention
"I didn't expect for you to be here. Because if you're here then could you do me the favor of having me run my blade through your neck. Since that would make things so much easier for me." Saeko spoke having her sword out and ready
"Oh no I've left already, I just figured I'd just leave you a little message and tell you that in here you'll be facing what I'd like to think is the next stage in my testing of the Curse Mark. So enjoy." Orochimaru's voice echoed as the recording cut off
"I may not be able to slay me a snake, but at least I'll get to slice up his pet project as a close second." Saeko said as her hand rested upon her sword
"That's if I don't get to it first Saeko." Naruto replied as they headed down the corridor
With that the two headed down the corridor their senses and guard on high alert for anything the treacherous serpent for a sannin had instored for them as they traveled into the depths of the base, with Naruto's Rinnegan scanning the area for any oncoming chakra signatures. For the tension was damned near palpable with each footstep taken and any sound that wasn't there own giving the oddly brightly lit place a sense of an unease as both had their hands on their weapons ready for anything experiment that would jump at the chance to tear them to pieces.
With minutes passing as they traveled further and further down the levels, having taken out any unassuming guards with ease as Saeko's blade had their heads rolling off their shoulders before they could even draw breath. But despite their being able to pass through the guards on the first set of levels it didn't ease the tension whatsoever, if anything only added to it considering that since this was Orochimaru's last base in Iron Country that he'd want it do be better protected and yet the guards and security measures so far were minimal at best.
For it was only after minutes of traveling throughout the almost maze like base of Orochimaru's did they eventually wind up in a room where the caged monstrosities, that stared at them with maddened and semi feral eyes. With the door slamming shut behind them as they soon saw the rows of cage like cells open up as the abominations roared and soon came towards them, as both of them took out their respective weapons for the ensuing mayhem.
"Anything to say before we get started?" Naruto asked bringing out Carnifex
"Yeah and try to keep up." Saeko answered with a wide grin
"Whatever." Naruto responded
With the maddened abominations glaring at them with maddened golden yellow eyes before multiple roars erupted and soon enough began to swarm upon the duo like furious hornets, with Naruto using Shinra Tensei to repulse them back yet not with enough strength to cause the place to collapse. After that they soon went to work on carving a swath of carnage through the curse marked monstrosities, as the two made sure that their opposition as limbs were carved off and blades burying themselves in warped and mutated flesh.
With Naruto having used a Monkey Sage's Anvil to clear out a small score of them, while Saeko used a Phantom Revolver to drill her way through several before beheading 2 more as they seemingly kept coming one after the other. With it being minutes as they slashed and carved their way through the abominations until soon enough they'd dismembered and eviscerated the curse marked mutations, with them being a bit out of a breath from having to kill off the small horde. As the duo waded through the corpse pile of limbs, shredded and burned guts, and dismembered bodies Naruto soon made 2 shadow clones and had them both dash out of the bloodbath of a room with great haste.
"So why did you make those shadow clones?" Saeko questioned as to why Naruto made those shadow clones just now
"Well I figured that after we destroy this place that we could use a quick getaway. Which is why I had them run back around to the surface, so that once we're done bringing this place further to the ground then I'll have them flare their chakra to their max output. Which will then allow me to use Quantumleaper and make for a quick getaway." Naruto explained considering that once they made sure this place was a complete and other shithole they'd need an escape
"Huh, that's actually a pretty good plan." Saeko spoke finding that their escape plan was quite a good one
"Thank you now let's get going, since I'd rather not stick around to see what else Orochimaru has in this workshop of horrors. But more importantly that upgraded version of that curse mark he's been working on has got to be eliminated." Naruto replied as he wanted nothing of Orochimaru's base to be left standing
"I'm way ahead of you Naruto, as I will not allow anything that treacherous serpent to remain so long as I live." Saeko said as she refused to let that serpent or anything associated with him live
That in mind they continued to travel throughout the base and slaying any abomination that that tried to ambush them and slaughtering as well as destroying any of Orochimaru's research or belongings, as they were going to make sure that nothing of the serpentine sannin would ever make it into the light of day. With them soon traveling down further and further through the almost maze like base of Orochimaru until they reached what an extremely potent version of the experiments that Guren would capture for Orochimaru, with the area being vey much wide like an arena with faint slash marks across the glossy floors and walls.
With a young man of above average height and fair skin standing there with vivid green eyes, shoulder length stark white hair divided evenly on either side while two scarlet dots rest upon his stoic face that had highly angular facial features like it was sharply and professionally carved from marble; as his features were only marred by the 1st stage of his curse mark in effect. With him wearing a long sleeved and loose fitting lavender colored shirt, mid calf length black pants with medical tape wrapped around his ankles and black opened toed sandals upon his feet while wrapped around his waist was a dark amethyst rope like belt.
"If it isn't one of the last Kaguya, isn't this a surprise. After all you've got a nice bounty on you." Naruto spoke as the curse marked Kaguya merely raised his hands towards the two as hardened white bone protruded from his fingers
"Yes and my master Orochimaru, has seen it fit for me to eliminate the two of you for interfering in his great work. With him even blessing me in the next stage of one of his gifts." Kimimaro responded as he launched the bullet like bones from his fingertips that were expertly sliced apart by Saeko
"And your master is going to pay for his crimes against my home, so while I can't behead him like he rightfully deserves. Then you will make a fitting substitute considering that I'd always wanted to see if I could cut through the bones of a Kaguya." Saeko said as she drew her sword
"Because after what your master has done, I can't wait to do it." Saeko spoke getting in her stance
"Enough talk, as I will deliver your corpses to Lord Orochimaru." Kimimaro stated coldy before gripping both forearms and pulling out short swords made of bone and proceeding to dash with all his might
"Well if he wants to come to his immediate death then I'll gladly let him, Bansho Tenin." Naruto said as he let forth a strong gravitational pulse that soon wrenched the Kaguya violently towards them
That in mind Saeko rushed forward towards the rapidly propelled Kimimaro landing a trio of slashes at his chest, before slashing upwards in an attempt to split his head clean in half, only for him to use one of his bone swords to block the strike and then use his secondary one to stab her in her throat. Only for Naruto to leap into the fray and block the blow with Carnifex and grab the Kaguya by the face and toss him across the room like a softball with him managing to roughly land on the ground, with Naruto soon activating his Asura path and sending fire chakra through it.
That in mind he let loose a high intensity stream of searing flames out at Kimimaro whom managed to dodge out of the way from the torrent of flames although he suffered some burns and the right sleeve of his shirt being incinerated he was otherwise fine. Yet that only served as necessary cover for Saeko to quickly rush up and launch a series of attacks at Kimimaro, with the Kaguya struggling even in hs curse marked enhanced state to defend against the rapid fire onslaught which was made even more difficult with each strike actually whittling down his bone swords.
With Naruto using their battle to quickly charge up a Rasengan and immediately teleport behind above Kimimaro and drive it into his back, with the Kaguya having to forcibly harden his ribcage enough so it wouldn't be shredded by the sphere of deadly chakra. Although a large fist sized chunk of his back was now missing he was still able to stand as he tried to do one of his dances to even the odds, yet the moment he tried Saeko thrust into his abdomen forcing him to weave and jump out of the way as it barely missed piercing his liver.
For Kimimaro had tried to do the Dance of the Willow and impale them but Naruto had intercepted him before any of his bones could sprout forth via teleportation and struck him across the chest with a Strike of the Fire Giant. With the strike having enough power to crack his sternum and rib on either side as he was sent careening as his breath had momentarily hitched from the blow, as he tried to put more power into the Curse Mark to advance it into the 2nd stage only for a Shinra Tensei to embed him into a wall.
"As though I'll let you get to your final form that easy." Naruto spoke as Kimimaro peeled himself out of the wall
"I must admit that was an impressive display of strength, but I will not allow for you to interfere in Lord Orochimaru…"Kimimaro tried to say yet was blasted back by another Shinra Tensei
"Shut up about him, since I'd be worry about yourself first." Naruto retorted as Kimaro struggled to gather power for the other stages of the curse mark
"Besides I'd also worry about Saeko." Naruto told him as he used Quantumleaper to teleport Saeko infront of him
"Now let's see how those bones hold up!" Saeko exclaimed as she proceeded to thrust her sword into him
That in mind Kimimaro used a great deal of his speed to enact his Dance of the Larch and used the hardened bone spikes to block the blade from piercing his lungs, with him struggling as she tried to force her blade through the first layers of skin. With the brief stalemate giving him enough time to quickly force himself into the 2nd form of his Curse Mark, with him taking on an almost dinosaur like appearance with dark brown skin, the sextet of bone spines protruding out of his back and long bone spiked tail that whipped forth.
With his tail glancing out the try and fracture her skull only to be stopped by Naruto having teleported in time and grabbing the prehensile limb, as he quickly caught in a death grip and then swung down with Carnifex with as much force as he could put behind it and causing a deep gash that nearly split it down the middle. For Kimimaro soon staggered back in pain as his tail had a 5 inch long gash that went through muscle and bone like it was nothing, before he was blasted back once more by a Shinra Tensei that sent him flying like a human sized frisbee.
Saeko soon rushed following after him as she let him have it via an Revolver Phantom to his stomach that despite the toughened hide of his advanced Curse Mark form the attack drilled through his flesh in a small twister of gore leaving a gaping wound in his abdomen. With him soon being further assaulted as Naruto teleported above him and drove a Rasengan into his right arm that shredded it to a bloody pulp and another into his face, with Kimimaro having to use the power of his curse mark and his bloodline to reinforce his skull from being ground and shredded into a gory mess.
"Well then time we finish this and brought the place down to the ground." Naruto spoke as Saeko came towards him
"No I will not fail you Lord Orochimaru, as it is time I used the next stage of the power you've gifted me." Kimimaro thought as no matter what he refused to fail as dark purple bordering on black chakra pulsated out of him
"Hey Naruto I'm no scientist but I don't think he's supposed to do that after a Rasengan to the face." Saeko spoke as the two soon were forced to back away as the thick mass of vile chakra grew and expanded
"Well I guess he's ready for round 3 then." Naruto surmised as both heard the sound of bones cracking and flesh tearing as the transformation continued
Once it subsided a further transformed Kimimaro stood now larger doubled in muscle mass with his skin having turned a mix of reddish brown and grey while becoming more reptilian in look with facial features like a Utahraptor, with his tail having healed and become bulkier and similar to an Ankylosaurus, while the 6 bone spikes on his back wrapped around his back and upper torso like an armored carapace. His left arm having become a armored claw of fused bone and flesh ,with the portion of his face that was shredded by Naruto's Rasengan having formed a helmet of bone that wrapped around it and across his jaw; while two golden eyes leered at them as his white hair had hardened and fused to his collarbone and neck as thin yet flexible stands of hardened bones.
That in mind the armored and mutated form of Kimimaro lashed out at them with a swipe of his club-like tail that swung with such force the floor shattered like cheaply made glass, with Saeko soon after getting out of the way from the bludgeonous attack began to engage him. While Kimimaro was noticeably slower as he was unable to parry and agily dodge against her attacks as quickly as he could before, his new more armored and monstrous appearance allowed a greater physical defense as her attacks merely made cracks upon his armored form.
With her having luckily having been backwards to avoid a swipe from his armored hand that made 4 claws marks that took chunks out of her chestplate, making her note to avoid it as he went in for a swing of his armored tail only for Naruto to intercept via teleporting to her and catching it. With him quickly shifting to his Asura path as the extra sets of mechanized arms appeared and proceeded to launch an assault of heavy handed blows to him, with multiple cracks forming in his bone like carapace as he was sent flying back from them.
With Kimimaro soon rising up as the potent chakra pulsed briefly and healed over some of the cracks made by Saeko and Naruto's recent attacks, as he got back up with stalwart focus that was further focused by the 3rd stage of his Curse Mark.
"Well this makes things more difficult." Saeko cursed at the fact that the damage made had been partially erased
"You got that right, not to mention that with how far underground we are I can't afford to use any of my big guns otherwise I'd risk us getting buried under who knows how much debris while we're fighting him." Naruto agreed considering that if he used any of his more powerful attacks in here then they'd risk the whole place collapsing in on them
"At least I can really let him have it, as a consolation." Saeko spoke gripping her sword with two hands
That in mind Naruto launched out a Fire Release: Napalm Stream in keeping the attack going as Kimimaro due to his reduced speed was forced to endure the incendiary stream that caught him ablaze, with the advanced stage of the cursed seal allowing him to charge through it. With Naruto then using his Asura Path and turning his hands into cannons and focusing water chakra through them and turning them into high powered fire hoses, with the pressurized bursts of water stopping him in his tracks as the pressure and subsequent temperature difference caused his armor to cool and partially crack.
With Saeko rushing in and using all of her speed to launch a quick flurry of slashes with her sword that had cracked away with the sheer speed and force of her attacks, before in a underhanded slash with as much force as she could not only slashed through the jaw plate and severing through muscle and tendons as well. But also managing to split the Kaguya's right eye like it was nothing and partially blinded him as a result, with Naruto rushing in for a Strike of the Fire Giant that broke apart the back plating of Kimimaro's carapace; yet he countered this by using Dance of the Larch to counter and shred his opposition.
With both of their chestplate's and abdomens slashed at and shredded by the the counterattack, with Naruto angrily retaliating with quickly made Oodama Rasengan's into his back with the twin spheres of chakra grinding viciously through the bone carapace and into his flesh. The attacks forcing him into the ground as Naruto then followed it up by unleashing a powered up Strike of the Fire Giant that not only broke two of his ribs but melted his flesh down to the soft muscle as Naruto soon grabbed Saeko and teleported away with a plan of action in mind.
"Saeko I've got an idea to take him out of the fight and bring this place down, as its something I've been working on since my fight with Itachi." Naruto told her as he began making shadow clones
"But I thought you said that most of your big stuff is too dangerous?" Saeko spoke as she soon felt a gravitational pull
"Trust me Saeko it'll do what we need it to do, just be ready for me to teleport us out of us here." Naruto told her as she nodded
That in Saeko charged forwards in a blur of motion as Kimimaro soon used Dance of the Clematis: Vine as he tried to use it to reel her in for the follow up of his dance, but she quickly used her sword to slash apart the whip made of his spinal cord. Before using a Revolver Phantom with as much as chakra she could put into it and drove it through the upper abdomen and lower ribcage of Kimimaro who felt it tear through the bone carapace and his toughened flesh as a sizable hole was made that bled out crimson.
Meanwhile Naruto soon held the Rasensora in hand yet it was different as it was now the size of a softball and held a slight conical shape with the weight being heavy enough that it made Naruto sag yet Naruto knew that it would be enough to accomplish what they needed. That in mind Naruto began rushing towards Kimimaro while Saeko continued to fight him off, as he wasted no time in soon thrusting the sphere of gravitational force into the hole in Kimimaro's body.
"Alright Rasensora: Silent Night should be a success." Naruto thought to himself as he grabbed Saeko
"Saeko let's go now!" Naruto spoke as soon enough Kimimaro began to be weighed down by a sudden increase in gravity
"W-Why can't I move." Kimimaro thought as he tried to move but felt as though an elephant was stomping on his neck
"And as for you...may you rot in hell." Naruto spoke as he held out his hand
With that he formed a partial fist and pressed his thumb down like he was doing so with a detonator to an explosive before they soon teleported away, the result was an explosion of gravitation force that turned into a potent singularity that began to suck everything in and crush Kimimaro from the inside out. For Saeko and Naruto soon teleported to where Naruto's clones were above ground and saw that the ground was shaking from the singularity of the Rasensora: Silent Night as snow and rock began to be pulled and warped.
As luckily they got away from the crumbling debris of the base that soon enough was nothing more than compressed snow and debris, with the two smiling in good spirits at the fact that their mission in destroying the final base of Orochimaru's in Iron Country.
"Well at least we can tell gramps that we've officially ran that treacherous snake out of our home." Saeko said with a cheerful smile as the Animal Path summoned forth a 4 winged falcon for them to fly away on
"Agreed as once we get back and get all rested up, we're gonna celebrate this." Naruto told her in knowing that this was much needed cause for celebration
"I can't argue with that and by the way, what was that you used to bring that place down? As it was like what you used on Itachi, but different." Saeko questioned as Naruto grinned at that
"Easy Saeko. That was a variant to it that I call Rasensora: Silent Night, which allows me to use it as I always would but instead of it dealing direct damage it instead allows me to place it inside a wound of the target. From there on I can maintain an amount of concentration on it and have it build up in power before having it detonate like a bomb and implode on the enemy. But the caveat is that I have to consistently keep chakra fed into it like a fuse to a bomb or otherwise it can backfire on me and have me get caught in the blast." Naruto explained as the Silent Night version of Rasensora acted like a remote bomb, but like with all bombs if he didn't keep a fuse tethered to it, then he'd risk getting caught in the blast
"Never thought I'd see you come up with something as complex as that." Saeko spoke in surprise that Naruto was able to come up with something that complex of a technique
"Well that's the thing Saeko, I'm full of surprises." Naruto said with a smirk at his variant to Rasensora being a complete success
(3 days later, March 7th, 2997 S.E, Iron Country, 4:32 pm)
It was a few days later as Mifune had made a celebration for the fact that the wretched Snake Sannin had been driven out of his country, with everyone across the land in good spirits thanks to the work of Saeko and Naruto.
"Well Naruto thanks to you my country is now safe from that snake," Mifune spoke as Naruto sat outside watching the snow fall
"It's no problem old man, after all, I was happy to do this for you. Not to mention I got to test out a new technique as an added bonus as well." Naruto replied as he was honestly happy to have helped Mifune in ridding Iron Country of the scourge that was Orochimaru
"Something of which you have my eternal gratitude for doing, as I honestly expected you to ask for payment for ridding us Orochimaru's vile presence," Mifune said with a small chuckle
"I'd never do that you old man, as you're the rare few that I'd never ask any money or charge to do anything for. Because there are very few people who I will go over and above for in this world and you as well as Saeko are in that very select few of people." Naruto replied as while he may be an avaricious bastard he would never charge or ask money of Mifune
"So everything I'd do for you both in these past few months and going forwards whenever you need my help is because I do genuinely care about you guys," Naruto added as whenever Mifune and Iron Country needed him to help them out he'd do so out of what goodness there was in his heart
Because despite his avaricious and generally pugnacious attitude he did care about a small group of people enough to where he would put aside his greed and help them out of what goodness there was in his heart.
"I always knew you were a good man who had a good head screwed on his shoulders, even if you do act like an overconfident ass in public," Mifune spoke knowing that Naruto had a good heart in him even if he did act like a nass at times
"Well it's not overconfidence when you've got the skills to back it up, as I'd prefer it that I just take pride in what I do." Naruto countered in knowing that it wasn't being overconfident when you had the powers to back it up
"I am glad that you take pride in your work Naruto, as that is a rare thing that most people can say they have," Mifune spoke gladly that Naruto was able to do so
"Thank you, but if there's one thing I'm looking forward too it'll be when we go to Konoha. Since that's where I'll take what's rightfully mine." Naruto replied with a smile at what would be coming pretty soon
"Ah yes your plans to take the 9 tails and gain its power, I will say that its quite the ambitious plan you have." Mifune said as he had to admit that what Naruto was undertaking was quite ambitious to say the least
"I know as this is something that I can't help but getting excited about, as so much waiting and planning has come to my finally being able to acquire that power is soon within my reach." Naruto spoke as soon the immense power of the 9 tails would be his
"Although I do have to ask, what is the exact purpose for your wanting to gain the 9 tails? Since there must be a reason to why you'd go through all of this trouble beyond just wanting to acquire more power." Mifune questioned in wanting to know what was the reasoning as to why Naruto was dead-set on this
"Well more or less it's because I want to take away what made those brats special. Because without the power of that fox they would be nothing, as I can think of no better way to tear apart their being groomed for that precious prophecy of there's. Than by tearing away the power that they've been squandering away for years." Naruto spoke with an almost devious grin about himself
"But I assume it goes further than merely wanting to crush you're for siblings and destroy their hopes of being the children of the prophecy." Mifune spoke having known about the Hokage's children being the chosen ones of a prophecy from both Naruto and the Uchiha that prior visited with Kushina
"Yes as besides crushing their hopes as the children of the beloved prophecy and moreover tearing apart that bastard toad and my parents work of grooming the chosen ones to bring about a peace that is at best a child's dream. There's other reasons behind why I want that power." Naruto spoke as besides wanting to shatter all the work that Jiraiya and his parents put into grooming Akame and Hiruzen into the chosen ones there was another reason to it
"Really and what are these other reason as to why you desire the power of the 9 tailed fox?" Mifune questioned as the rippled eyed man continued to look out to the snowfall
"It's because of the fact that all they've done is squander all of that power they have. Because they fail to realize they've got something that can shatter mountains and cause tidal waves, and yet they reduce something of such majesty to a beast of burden. Something that sickens me at the fact that they treat the strongest of the 9 as such an simple creature, when it's something so much more." Naruto spoke disgusted at the fact that both of them failed to use and understand the power they truly wield
Because it did anger him that the two of them treated the 9 tails as some beast of burden to be used merely as a battery, since from Naruto's point of view something of such majesty and fantastic power should be treated with respect and something that you'd use not as a beast of burden but as a partner to fight alongside with.
"I didn't expect for you of all people to have that attitude towards the bijuu, as many would see them as creatures and tools of power that can only further their goals." Mifune spoke seeing as how many saw the 9 bijuu as tools of mass destruction
"Well that's the thing really, I never saw them in that capacity before and quite the opposite really. Since I don't see weapons of mass destruction when I look at them, but instead I see titans of immense power who were dealt the wrong hand in life and chained to those that are undeserving of their power. Or worse to worse abuse these titans and force them into subservience as lesser creatures, something of which makes me furious on the inside to see happen to them." Naruto replied considering that he held a good deal of respect for the bijuu as he saw them as they truly were which was as titans of almost immeasurable power
"Once again I'm surprised that you'd feel this way about them and commend you for actually thinking of these creatures as it is nice to see people have a much needed and different perspective on things." Mifune spoke a smile coming across his wrinkled face
"Thanks for the compliment...I guess." Naruto replied
"Now then what is the other reason as to why you want the power of the fox?" Mifune questioned him once more
"Now that's easy. Since I know full well that I could use its full power to its maximum potential unlike all of the others who have been its host before it, not to mention that I know I could put and work with it to far greater effect than what any of them could." Naruto answered back with full confidence that he could not only work with and put the fox to greater use but also be able to use its full power
"Really now? So tell me Naruto why do you think that you could be the one to do this where they've failed?" Mifune inquired as to why the Rinnegan wielder thought this
"Because unlike them I wouldn't merely use it as a creature of mass destruction to obliterate the world around them or use it as a massive power battery, but instead work with it and try to understand it as a partnership of sorts. Not to mention that unlike them I embrace my negative emotions and revel in them, as that's the weakness of all of them. They fail to just embrace the negative parts of themselves as they are, as they fail to recognize and embrace the rage, fury, avarice, selfishness, pride and all other things under the umbrella of negative emotions; just so they can sit upon their moral high ground." Naruto spoke as it wasn't just the fact that he would try to work with and understand the 9 tails but also the fact that unlike it's other hosts he fully embraced his negative emotions
"Since out there in the real world it doesn't matter if you have a moral high ground, because in reality trying to do so will get you killed. Because you and I both know that in all reality this world at its core is an amoral land full of selfish people that care only about their desires and nothing more, as sure they can hide under that veil of wanting to bring people together and make things a better place. But the reality is that underneath those caring smiles and facades of kindness and warmth, they're all just clamouring to get after what's there's and at the end of it will all stab you in the back to get what they want." Naruto told him considering that the reality of things was that at the end of it the world cared not if you held the moral high ground
Because the thing was that at the end of it all you could try and cling to your moral high ground all you want and try to be the lawful good hero like in the books and movies, but in the end the world will soon drag you down and force you to face reality that at the end of it all there's really no such thing as heroes.
"I can more than relate with that sentiment Naruto, because in becoming the leader of my country I've had to do things that would repulse others. Since I've ordered my men to slaughter villages and people in their beds and burn them down and salt the earth until not even the most worthless of weeds would grow back. With my doing all of that so I could make sure that my home was safe and order was preserved." Mifune responded in having to commit more than enough atrocities that made his only solaces were his country and his granddaughter
"Well old man I'd like to think that with everything all said and done that we've made a pretty good job of making it this far." Naruto spoke with a smile on his face
"Indeed we have Naruto, but enough serious talk for now. Since the two of us have a celebration to enjoy, so why don't the two of us get back to it." Mifune said rising to his feet
"Sounds great to me old man." Naruto replied as the two headed back inside
(1 week later, March 14th 997 S.E, Amegakure, 2:10 Pm)
It was a week later as Nagato had been continuing to fair better in his physical therapy, as well as the fact that upon taking inspiration from Naruto had begun to see what he could do further with his Rinnegan, as well as start delving into other ventures.
"Oh hello Konan I wasn't expecting to see you today." Nagato spoke as he got up from his desk with assistance from a cane he used to help himself walk
"I came here to see how you've been doing lately, as you seen to be in better spirits than what I've seen in years." Konan replied seeing the red haired leader of the Akatsuki look in good spirits
"Yes as to be honest it was thanks to that other Rinnegan use we had met months ago….Naruto his name was if I remember correctly. He has left me inspired to do things differently than what I have been all this time." Nagato spoke as he had found himself thanks to Naruto endeavoring to want to be better
"He did leave if nothing else...a very impactful presence to say the least." Konan spoke finding the pugnacious and overtly confident Rinnegan user to be someone who made sure you wouldn't forget them anytime soon
"But mind you exactly how has he inspired you exactly?" Konan asked as to how he was inspired by him
"Easy enough really. He reminded me that I've been making a mockery out of the Akatsuki, because instead of something that was supposed to bring about peace like we were supposed to and had intended. I let it get corrupted by Madara into this warped and twisted thing I allowed to happen right under my nose. Yet not only that he also showed me that I let myself get lazy with my eyes in thinking that because I had the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths that I was a God among men, yet that can't be any further from the truth." Nagato answered having over these past few months in part to Naruto realized that he'd let himself slip away from his ideals
Because he honestly had to thank Naruto for giving him such an epiphany in realizing that he allowed for Madara to pervert his, Konan's and Yahiko's dream of the Akatsuki into something that he was now starting to take steps in rectifying. Yet not only that but also the fact that he'd grown slothful in allowing his eyes to let him believe he was a God, when in reality he was still a mortal man that was just now starting to get back up on his feet after years of letting his physical body atrophy into a near hollow shell.
"Since it's been through these months of my physical therapy where I've reflected upon my actions and realized that I've been man foolishly playing god; instead of someone doing the best he can to bring about actual peace." Nagato added as it took many a hard look in the mirror for him to realize his arrogance in believing he was a god
"After all this time it's nice to see you start shaking off that bothersome God complex Nagato, because it had grown rather irritating to constantly hear you proclaim yourself as an almighty god." Konan spoke as Nagato softly chuckled at
"Give me a break Konan as I couldn't help but want to have my head in the clouds after we pulled off something that not even Jiraiya-sensei could manage. That and I summoned a dragon that literally ate people's souls from that statue, which even you have to admit was pretty awesome at the time." Nagato countered semi childishly as at the time making Konan's usually serious demeanor crack with a small yet noticeable smile
"Ok I'll give you that it was pretty cool at the time." Konan conceded to the fact that the spectacle at the time was awesome
"That's what I thought." Nagato replied as he walked alongside Nagato
"Nevertheless one thing that's been a certainty is that alongside my physical therapy I've been taking some time to experiment with the powers of my Rinnegan and so far the results have been worthwhile to say the least." Nagato spoke with a small smile on his face
"How so in that regard?" Konan questioned as the red haired man's smile only widened
"Perhaps it's better if I show you, but as a fair warning you should probably take a good distance back as its still in the work in progress phase." Nagato answered back as Konan did so
That in mind Nagato used his Deva Path to create a sphere of gravitational force the size of a soccer ball before adding fire and lightning chakra to it and the result was it doubling in size and increasing in overall mass, as soon enough Nagato was holding an warbling facsimile to a miniaturized sun. With Nagato grinning like a madman as he held it suspended in mid-air while Konan could only stand in awe of what her friend managed to have manifest into existence.
"Nagato h-how are you doing this?" Konan said in shock as Nagato did show visible strain in containing the miniaturized sun
"Simple really Konan it's one of my pet projects that I've been working on, as granted it's still in its work in progress phase. But once I have it completed then I'll be well on my way to making sure that not even Madara can push me around as he think he can so easily do now." Nagato replied as he used his Preta Path to absorb the somewhat unstable miniature sun into himself
"Just how much have you been doing since then Nagato, as that was nothing short of impressive?" Konan wondered as even if it was incomplete she could still feel the sheer power from it that was like staring at a small star
"Like I told you from the start Konan, that I was going to start improving myself for the betterment of our dream as it should've been from the start. With part of that being that I progress not only mentally but physically as well, since I need to be prepared for whatever may come." Nagato replied as he knew that if he was going to accomplish things then he needed to sharpen both his mind and skills
"Well all I can say for you right now is that I'm proud of you for the changes your making Nagato, as I'm truly happy that my best friend has finally started to come back to me." Konan spoke happy that Nagato had finally started to come back to the man he was before Madara had infected everything like a cancerous plague
"As am I Konan, because for the first time in a long time I can say with full confidence that I've begun to truly start an upswing to our true goal." Nagato replied feeling for the first time in a long time that things were looking up for him
"Because once I've finally gotten the full use of my legs back and gotten the power of the Rinnegan to something that befits what I've been proclaiming myself as for years, then I move onto getting rid of the one thing that's been poisoning ours and Yahiko's dream." Nagato spoke as his face and demeanor now held an absolute resolve about them
"You're serious about this aren't you Nagato, as are you completely certain that you'll be wanting to do that?" Konan asked as she caught onto the intent behind his words
"Absolutely Konan, because within a few years time I'm going to do something that should've been done a long time ago. Because once were at full capacity I'm going to destroy Madara Uchiha, as he's something that can not be allowed to live if the Akatsuki are to continue as what they were originally meant for." Nagato answered back in a voice full of conviction
Because Nagato knew that whatever infernal plan Madara had wasn't in the best interests of the Akatsuki if it meant reviving something that the Sage of Six Paths had to nearly give his life against to win, therefore once he reached his full power he was going to eliminate the one eyed Uchiha and make sure he couldn't further poison the organization anymore than what he already had.
"Once again Nagato I'm surprised by you, as it is nice to see that you've gotten your old spirit back and have decided to take back the Akatsuki into what it once was. For I will stand by you as I always have and in fact now more than ever since you want to get rid of that blight of a man." Konan told him with a small smile on her face
"Thank you Konan as I truly do have to thank that Naruto for having inspired me to make a change within myself, because thanks to him I can now see things far clearly than what I once had. Because there are going to be changes within it that I intend to make as it is time that I started to bring us out of this dreary rain and into the sunlight." Nagato replied as his smiled widened as he looked over the cloudy horizon
"Because get ready Madara, as from here on out your days are numbered." Nagato thought to himself as he and Konan looked over the rainy skies of Amegakure
(The next day, Iron Country, March 15th 997 S.E, 1:45 Pm)
It was soon a partly cloudy spring afternoon as Naruto soon watched as some of the heavy grey clouds began to lighten up as spring began to settle in over the harsh winters that had formerly overtaken Iron Country, as it to symbolize that Orochimaru's plague like hold on the place was finally over.
"So I can see that your taking advantage of the fact its no longer absolutely frigid out." Saeko surmised as Naruto sat on the porch of his house he was using during his stay here
"Of course after all now that it's no longer snowing so much that I could be buried under it in hours, then you can believe that I will do so." Naruto told her as he was wearing a woolen long sleeve orange shirt and black pants as well as black snow boots
"I can't argue with that, as I'm mainly just happy that after all this time we finally did it. Because after so long we finally gotten rid of that snake." Saeko spoke happily in the fact that Orochimaru's presence in Iron Country was finally gone
"Like I said Saeko, I'll always come through for you and the old man. Because you guys are like family to me and because of that I'll always be there ready to go to bat for you no matter what it is." Naruto replied as he was more than happy to have done this for this them
Since if there was one thing for certain about Naruto concerning Iron Country as his second home it was that he would be more than ready and happy to fight for them, as he would do what he could to make sure that Mifune and Saeko as well as those within were something he could come back to and therefore something he'd protect without hesitation.
"Something that I can't say thank you for enough Naruto. Seeing as how you've helped defend my home and make sure that my people are now safe once again...like the old man I've got nothing but gratefulness towards you." Saeko said as like her grandfather she was thankful for all that Naruto did in assisting them
"Ain't that nice Saeko here has grown a heart towards me...well aren't I special." Naruto said in a cheeky manner that got him a light punch in the arm
"Remember I can still kick your ass in a fight Naruto. Because without those fancy eyes of yours, I've got you dead to rights 9 times out of 10." Saeko replied in knowing full well she could beat the Rinnegan user in armed combat
"Yeah for now, but one day I'm gonna catch up to you and before you know I'll be the one standing on top of things." Naruto said with a confident smirk that gave her a chuckle
"You can say that all you want Naruto, but by the time you've caught up to me I'll have already surpassed you so far that even with those eyes I'll be able to beat you." Saeko said with a small yet smug grin of superiority in her skills with the sword
"Oh really well considering how I've beaten 2 tailed beasts and helped in aiding a rebellion, I'd say I've done pretty well for myself right about now." Naruto said with pure confidence in his voice as he puffed out his chest like a big shot
"Keep telling yourself that your a big shot now Naruto, as I'm sure someday it'll happen." Saeko said patting his shoulder with her voice full of sarcasm that made Naruto sulk
"You're never gonna let me have just one moment of feeling like I'm on top of the world are you?" Naruto questioned as Saeko began peeling herself a granny smith apple that she soon started eating
"Well someone has to bust your balls every now and again to make sure you don't get a big head. With that someone just so happening to be me." Saeko replied as she refused to let Naruto become an arrogant numbnuts if she could help it
"...Fine. I guess can't fault you for that." Naruto spoke as he couldn't fault her for wanting to make sure he didn't get a big head
"But what is it you've been thinking about?" Saeko questioned as to what he had his mind on
"Simple really. It's that with those Chunin Exams coming up it means I'll be headed back to Konoha to take what's mine, but also more than likely I'll be seeing some familiar faces there once again." Naruto answered back knowing that when he went there he'd probably see a good deal of faces there
"Not to mention that since you killed Kakashi Hatake that a lot of people are gonna be out to get you, seeing as how you killed a very well known and liked person in that village. For stuff like that doesn't go without some people wanting your head on a pike." Saeko told him knowing that a lot of people were gonna be out gunning for him since he killed Kakashi
"Oh I know. Since I'm not naive to think that what I did wouldn't go without some people wanting to get back at me, so I'm more than ready for whatever may come." Naruto replied knowing full well that when he stepped into Konoha's walls that there was gonna be at least one person out to get him
"Good to know but there's just one more that I gotta ask considering this master plan of yours?" Saeko asked of Naruto
"And tell me what would that be." Naruto responded
"After you accomplish what is possibly one of the most near impossible things I've ever heard of you trying to do, and that's saying something. What exactly do you have planned going forward once you get what you want?" Saeko questioned as in the event that Naruto managed to pull off this daunting task then what exactly would he do
"Well once I've taken the 9 tails and become its jinchuuriki I plan to go about mastering it's might and taking all of what I'm capable of to the next level. Because unlike them and the rest of my family, I refuse to squander a titan of that much power. Since they fail to see that the 9 tailed fox isn't a just an oversized chakra battery to be used and abused, but it's a majestic titan that should be worked alongside in order to achieve the maximum potential and output of both involved. Which is why once I've got it I'll go about in realizing the full power of my Rinnegan and the true power of a jinchuuriki of a 9 tails who knows what he's doing." Naruto replied as he had plans in becoming it's new jinchuuriki as he wanted to realize the full potential in both his Rinnegan and his working alongside a titan of such power
Because overtime that was one of the things he became disgusted about by his family and the prior jinchuuriki of the 9 tails, in that they all treated as some loathsome creature only made to be used as a massive power source when it was capable of far more. Which is why once Naruto became the jinchuuriki of the 9 tails he was going to take some much needed time in understanding the great fox, and working alongside it so that together they could work alongside each other to become greater than what either one would've be by themselves.
"I didn't think I'd hear you sound so serious and have an actual game plan of what to do once you got it, as I honestly expected you to go power made and try and go all evil mastermind and take everything for yourself." Saeko said in surprise that Naruto wouldn't use all of that power to take the world by storm and in his avarice make everything his
"But what would be the fun in that Saeko. After all if I was to do that then there wouldn't be anything left for me to aspire towards going after and making life a boring mess that I want absolutely no part in." Naruto spoke considering that if he used all of this vast power he'd soon acquire to take everything all for himself then ther wouldn't really be anything left for him to desire making for a boring life
"But one thing I will do is make good on destroying them and that bastard toad, as I've committed a lot into my wanting to see them decimated. Which is why with the 9 tails as an added bonus since I'm pretty sure it would have a bone to pick with them as well that I'm going to crush them with both my power and its power." Naruto added as he knew that with how far he committed himself to his goal of going against his family that he'd be hypocrticial and cowardly to turn over a new leaf and go back to them like a lost puppy
"Well all I can say is that I'm happy that you've managed to find a game plan for all of this, because it'd be a real shame if my good friend lost it all because he was a reckless numbnuts." Saeko spoke causing Naruto to laugh a litle at the good natured jab
"Like I'd ever rush in without a game plan. Because I might be greedy, violent, somewhat selfish and prideful but recklessly charging in like a chicken with its head cut off is something I'm not." Naruto responded as he wasn't a dumbass to go into anything without a plan at the ready
"Well then I salute you in your endeavor Naruto, since you've got to be the most greedy and ambitious bastard I know to attempt something like this and have the stones to follow through and commit to it without a shadow of doubt." Saeko spoke as she had to give Naruto credit in comitting himself to his game plan of becoming the new jinchuuriki of the 9 tails
"Thanks as I can't wait for what's to come this late April, as by the end of it all I'm gonna be king of it all." Naruto spoke with a smug smile on his face that soon he'd have what was rightfully his
"Or be a bigger jackass who is now both more powerful and even more of a cocky numbnuts." Saeko spoke as Naruto sighed
"You just can't let me have one moment of trying to be awesome can you?" Naruto questioned the violet haired samurai
"What do you think Naruto?" Saeko countered
"Let's go get something to eat before you bust my balls even further." Naruto spoke as he got up from his seat
"Agreed as I could very much go for lunch right about now." Saeko replied as the two then headed off to get something to eat
So then with Orochimaru's prescence in Iron Country having been outted we get to see Naruto's motivations of why he wants the 9 tails for himself, as well as seeing that Nagato is about and about improving himself to one day get rid of Madara from the Akatsuki. So how will will everyone's plans of what's to come unfold, well you'll have to foind out next time in the new chapters of You'll never keep me Down.
Jutsu List
Rasensora: Silent Night (S-Rank, Close Range, Offensive): This variant to Rasensora differes from the original due to the fact that Naruto can have it semi phase through the opponent and once inserted can have a constant tether of chakra eeding into it. At this point while maintaining concentration on it can as he feeds more chakra into it remote detonate it into a singularity of increased destructive power that will implode, crush and shred anything in the vicinity. The drawback is that Naruto must constantly keep chakra fed into Rasensora: Silent Night or risk it imploding and himself getting caught in a feedback of gravitational force.
And cut as sorry for the long wait on this and my other stories but since I'm in school again working on getting a degree in legal studies, my updates are gonna be a bit spotty until further notice. But with that being said let's get down to it.
First up we've got Saeko and Naruto destroying Orochimaru's base and destroying Kimimaro which I hoped you guys liked since it was a really tough part of the chapter to write out. Not to mention I got to introduce something I've been toying around with for awhile and that being the Stage 3 of the Curse Mark seals of which Kimimaro was the first of those to use it and will make a reappearance within the story.
Following that we've got the bit between Mifune and Naruto which was something that I hoped y'all like seeing as how it gave Naruto's more deeper motivations for wanting the 9 tails beyond wanting to destroy his former family.
Next up is a moment between Nagato and Konan which was one of my favorite parts to have written considering that it shows Nagato's development in realizing that he's not the God of Ame he's proclaimed for so long and that he's making improvements in order to better himself for when he can truly reclaim the Akatsuki.
Lastly we've got a nice moment with Saeko and Naruto discussing things of what's to come and a bit of fluff via Saeko bustng Naruto's balls which i thought would be hilarious to do.
That being said thank you guys for all the support you've continued to give the story during it's inactivity which has been greatly appreciated and I honestly can't thak you enough for all the support you've given it, so please continue to favorite, follow, review and share this story as much as possible. Not to mention that flames will be ignored and criticism so long as its well thought out and actually reasonable is welcome.
That being said this is Nomadic Chaos using the power of said Chaos to give you guys good chapters to read as next chapter will be giving some focus to what's currently going on in Konoha and a bit more of Nagato and Konan. So stay tuned for all of that.
Part 1 Theme Song: Exile by Soilwork
Random End Song: Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine