Naruto: The Leaves have Shadows
I do not own Naruto
Chapter 14
Red Sun territory (formerly The land of Snow/Spring)
Standing on a raised platform Sago looked down at the people of this country he had just taken over. Though small, the land of Spring boasted considerable resources and technology. The people were robust and unafraid of hard work. Their military was tiny compared to the great nations, but wielded some of the finest tools he'd ever seen. However, in any hostile takeover there were bound to be…feelings of doubt and fear. Feelings, if left to their own devices, could lead to rebellion. It was best pto nip that in the bud.
"People of spring country, I will be blunt and honest. Your former leader is dead. I, Sago will be taking over from here on out," here he paused as the murmurings grew. Continuing he laced his voice with a bit of killing intent, "Make no mistake, I and by extension the Order of the Red Sun is your best chance of survival. This change in leadership was necessary. Though loved, your former leader was content with being a weak nation, playing second fiddle to the other nations. Here you sit on vast resources of iron, coal and powerful technology. And what have you done with it?" Again he paused as he sensed some of the people being turned to his side. When he continued he affected the image of a war weary ninja, fed up with the ills of the world.
"Listen, the shinobi world is rough and cruel. I know this, and you know this, but out of hard choices greatness can come about. I chose this land because I have seen the heart and will of its people. Many of you know me because we have exchanged stories over drinks and food. I have heard your desire to become an even greater nation. I simply ask that you walk with me through the coming darkness towards the dawn. In the coming days a great many changes will occur. One as you've no doubt noticed is traffic to the outside has been suspended. This is only a temporary measure to ensure our safety and integrity. In the next few days all will be isubject to loyalty tests conducted by the sensor corp. I do not suffer traitors! In addition we will continue the enlarging of the military by bolstering its former forces with my own. Again, there will be no room for insubordination and rebellion…from either side. We are one people now. I do not expect for any bad blood to simply cease, but cease it will eventually. I have great plans for this land…I simply wish to see us prosper and be the nation we were meant to be." It was here he stopped and gauged his audience. Many nodded their heads; no doubt these were the ones who were tired of not growing and taking part in the world's stage. There were some who showed no reaction, neutral they seemed. These, Sago would watch, often the quiet unassuming ones were the ones to do the most harm. Then there were the ones who showed open anger. He could read it in their tense body language, clenching of the fists, narrowing of the eyes…that type of thing. They would not pass the first purges, but they would make excellent sacrifices.
"Please return to your homes and be at peace. In the coming days you shall know more; you shall be more," he concluded and left via a body flicker. Watching the people disperse were his trusted generals: Kenpachi, Lady Yui, Lady Rei and Lady Yuki. They looked for any enemy shinobi acting as spies or rebels. They would not fail their leader, they simply refused.
Sago having arrived in an underground bunker greeted the latest additions to the Order of the sun. These powerful ninja left their respective villages shortly after the Great War not quite sold on this new era of cooperation. For a while now they felt dissatisfaction in their former villages. Some because they felt they were being held back in terms of becoming more powerful either in combat strength or political power. Others simply did not trust the villages that gave rise to the people who caused the near catastrophe known as the Jubi. Whatever their reasons, they were here now.
First we have Kira, formerly of the Hidden sand village, a taijutsu and weapon specialist. Lightning fast and utterly deadly with his trench knives. Like many Suna ninjas he dabbled in the art of poison making his attacks that much more deadly. Although he specialized in the art of fists he can and did use ninjutsu to devastating effects.
Next we have a man simply known as Kageoni or the Shadow Demon. Rumored to be an ex hunter killer ninja from the hidden mist, he has never confirmed nor denied it, but his mastery of water jutsu and the silent killing lend credence to the claim. Blessed with incredible stealth and considerable stamina he is said to have never failed on a contract. His sword skills are on par with the legendary 7 swordsmen and his tracking is comparable to the Inuzuka clan.
Now we move onto Kimiko Yuhi, originally hailing from the hidden leaf and cousin to Kurenai Yuhi, jonin of Hidden leaf. Sometime before the Great Ninja war she abandoned the village under mysterious circumstances. Much like her cousin she prefers genjutsu to dispatch her foes from a distance. Rounding out her skills she is very adept with a sword and wields a fair amount of ninjutsu.
Finally rounding out the bunch we have the only living family member of Kakuzu, the infamous Akatsuki member. His name was Takeda and he possessed the same jutsu as his father (albeit he only possessed three hearts at the moment). Essentially immortal he was a dangerous foe, capable sustaining massive amounts of damage. In terms of weapons he favored whips made of that mysterious black material. His ninjutsu repertoire was rather vast, having access to his father's secret library, as well as a considerable amount of cash. Much like his father his primary concern was in amassing a fortune and having a good fight.
Addressing his new members Sago felt something akin to excitement. Soon, he could have his revenge on the man who slaughtered his comrades by killing his son. Once that desire, that urge was sated he could move on to bigger and better things.
"Gentlemen and Lady I welcome you all to the Order of the Red sun. Our paths in the past were so very different yet so similar. The past though important is just a stepping stone for what is to be a glorious future," he greeted them.
Speaking up Takeda sought to cut right to the heart of the matter, "Promises are all well and good but what exactly is the goal here? On that note I was promised fortune and power."
"And you shall receive it my friend. As for what the goal is, well, I am not the one who will be explaining that. Please, direct your attention here," he said as extended his hand towards steps leading to a large vertical circle with various symbols etched on it. In front of the circle there stood a waist high pedestal with what looked to be a summoning seal inscribed. Walking towards it he channeled an absurd amount of chakra into his gauntlets and flashed through a long sequence of hand seals before finally placing his hands on the seal.
"Grand summoning jutsu: Kenro-Ji-Jin!" 'God of the earth?' Kimiko thought. Suddenly the circle began to spin wildly and light up with a plethora of colors. When the stopped spinning a face with glowing green eyes could be made out. It was brown and wise looking. Power simply emanated from the circle. So much so that these harden shinobi could barely stand. Even Sago found it hard to breath under the intense feeling of strength. No mouth could be discerned yet it communicated clearly, as if speaking directly to their minds.
"Sago... It appears the time has come for the next phase, yes?" it spoke jolting the shinobi out of their thoughts.
"Yes Kenro-sama. I have assembled all who are needed to be the guardians of the new world. All that is left is for them to receive the knowledge that you have given to me. I thought it best if they truly understood by hearing it directly from you."
"Excellent, you have done well as our vanguard. Very well I will educate them." With that the chamber was flooded with energy and all the ninja felt them transported to a world that looked like an ancient version of their own.
"Let's start at the beginning shall we? Before the so called sage of 6 paths and his accursed tailed pets, there were us, The Elementals. To be clear we are not chakra, we are nature given form and intelligence. Earth, Wind, Water, Lightning, and Fire are what we represent. To us there is no good nor evil only order. We roamed doing as we pleased. We watched as the planet gave rise to all manner of creatures, including you humans. All was well, all was peace." Here the scene shifted from regular armies to showing the Sage of 6 paths and his brother doing battle with their mother and consequently the 10 tails.
"Then mankind became fearsome. They "tamed" our lesser manifestations, the natural elements. Then you raised armies. After some time chakra was discovered giving rise to more pain. After some time the accursed sage established Ninshu order and peace prevailed…for a time. We co-existed with you all, even granting favors to that dammed clan of the Ostuki. Then we were deemed too powerful to be allowed our freedom. The so called Sage of Six paths and his brother relatively fresh off their victory of the Ten Tails sought to seal part of our essence and banished the rest." He paused allowing the images from the decade long battles to wash over them.
"The seals begin to grow weak and my brethren are eager to return this world to its proper order. But for that we need generals. We need ones willing to keep everyone in line. Of course such positions do come with benefits."
"Such as?" Takede chimed in looking unimpressed thus far.
"We have no need for worldly riches, as such, they are yours to divvy up and use as you see fit. Also when we take over and crush the system currently in place you all will be installed as our eyes, hands and ears…rulers in your own right. In short you will have access to the power and materials needed for all your dreams to come through," he finished. One by one the ninja assembled nodded signaling their consent. "Excellent, Sago here will fill you in on all the details of how the Return will commence. The gist of it is this, there are certain areas rife with power that when connected form a grid that opens a massive portal. We need an enormous amount of regular chakra as well as elemental chakra to activate it. Nature energy works as well, but as I understand it not many in this world know that art. In addition your body shall be upgraded in order to be a more perfect ninja. Upon completion of certain tests 1 or possibly two of my kin will choose you to host us in a limited capacity." Taking in that information all the shinobi gathered once again nodded their consent.
Gradually the images faded and they found themselves back inside the chamber. "Sago, fill them in and commence. We will be watching," the powerful being said in parting as its presence faded. Turning to his new member Sago had a dark look in his eyes.
"Well then, let's get to it."
Leaf Village: Old Uchiha District/Uzumaki Compound
Kentaro was bored. It had been close to 10 days since he infiltrated to keep tabs on Naruto.
Flashback- Fire Country just outside of the Leaf Village:
Since the most recent destruction of the Hidden Leaf stringent steps were taken to make sure that infiltration did not happen again. According to his sources (his father via coded scrolls) a new barrier system has been set up. Instead of only keeping people out it relied on sensors (from the Yamanaka clan, and root forces) and seals designed by Naruto Uzumaki to measure and categorize the chakra levels of everyone entering the village. Understanding that, Kentaro designed two seals: One, to regulate his chakra out to the barest minimum needed to pull off his Ninpo: Shadow world and the second to essentially make him a civilian in the eyes of most sensors. Of course these seals work in conjunction with the barrier team codes (provided by his father) so that he can do his work in relative safety.
Taking out his merchant credentials (complete with false name, address and bank accounts) he literally walked inside of the hidden leaf village. For the briefest of moments the barrier team registered a slight anomaly on new merchant Kaito Nakamura. However taking in the fact that his information stated that he came from a family of Samurai, his slightly higher than average chakra levels fell within acceptable range so they let it go. Also he forgo the usual tactic of a transformation jutsu and opted to change his hair color and style from the distinct black of the Nara and Uchiha clans to a longer more samurai themed style. He also changed the color of his eyes to a very light brown. According to his intel after the Leaf's destruction by Pein and the following ninja war, when the village was rebuilt a concerted effort was made to bring both ninja and civilian closer. As of a result the new clan compounds had designated shopping and mixed living districts. Training areas were kept separate and clan only areas still existed to be sure, but the overall feel was of a more unified village.
Leaf Village- Old Uchiha District/Uzumaki Compound
From his shop selling the finest metals and exotic weapons and supplies he watched as Naruto directed scores of Uzumaki and Yoba clan members to their new homes. The villagers gawked at the loud expressive nature of the Uzumaki and contradictory reserved nature of the Yoba clan. For the last 5 days it was nonstop action as the Uzumaki and Yoba scrambled to meet fresh faces. Children laughed and played with so much passion Kentaro longed to be a child again.
Although he hid it well Kentaro could tell something was off about Naruto. He wasn't acting in accordance to the stories spread about him. Sure he was happy, friendly and loud, but underneath there was a great deal of stress. He held himself in the manner of a man holding a great secret. For his safety and the rest of the world he'd better figure out what it is, and quickly. Thinking back to that mission in Spring Country he knew just the way to approach.
Naruto, his daily clan interaction finished for the day headed back to the house left to him by his parents. Being actually outside of the village proper it was spared in Pein's assault. Modest; yet stylish the 4th Hokage's home was amongst the most secure locations in the leaf village. Outfitted with various security measures Naruto found himself wondering how life could have been if his parents were still alive. 'Man it would have been awesome if they and Pervy-sage were still here.' However these days when not thinking about the problem his Hokage laid at his feet Naruto was very happy, the reason for that being the pale eyed beauty currently in his study.
Looking up as Naruto flashed into the room Hinata smiled. "Naruto-kun, I'm glad you've made it back so soon. I thought your meetings would have gone on longer."
Smiling back at her he responded, "Ah yeah, everyone is settling in pretty quickly in the village. Some members aren't two happy about the ANBU guards, but once the probation period is over they will feel more at home."
Coming over to hug and kiss Naruto, Hinata felt at peace. Her injuries though severe, from the battles with Yuki and then Hanabi were healed thanks to Sakura who returned to the village a day after the conflict. "So, how are you coming along with the mission Hokage-sama assigned you?" At this Naruto briefly flashed a frustrated look.
"Well I have 2 members, not including myself, confirmed and a third picked out already."
"Oh really? That's great Naruto-kun! I wish you could tell me, but I understand you can't since it is classified," she said with a sad expression on her face. At this Naruto simply shook his head and smiled.
"Well that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about. You see I want you to be the third member," he said sheepishly causing Hinata to smile broadly.
"Really? I'm glad that you want me to be on the team, but what if I'm not strong enough-"she never got to finish her sentence because Naruto kissed her passionately effectively silencing her speech.
"Hinata, you are one of the strongest, smartest ninja I know. You've already faced two of them in solo combat to a standstill. You can do this, I know it dattebayo!"
Laying her head on his chest she said softly, "Thank you Naruto. I'll do my best." Looking up into his intense blue eyes she asked him, " But…who are the other members?"
"Yeah, about that… funny story actually," he laughed as he remembered.
Hokage's personal training grounds- 3 days ago
The sounds of flesh hitting flesh, metal hitting metal and cries of exertion could be heard coming from the Hokage's training area. An errant lighting jutsu impacted the ground and exploded with a deafening thunderclap. Appearing upside down on a tree branch Naruto taunted the sliver haired Kage.
"Come on Kakashi-sensei if you're going to aim like that you might as well hand over the hat right now dattebayo!" To which Kakashi simply tilted his head and made a hand seal. Sensing the buildup of chakra Naruto vanished, a split second before a tag exploded destroying the branch. Activating his lightning Jutsu Kakashi was able to track the buildup of chakra simply appearing a second after Naruto teleported to one of the many tri-pronged kunai strewn across the training ground.
'So fast,' Naruto thought as he leaned back from his teachers strike to his chest. Parrying another blow he created a shadow clone 3 feet above his head. In an instant a rasengan was in its hand. Kakashi, jumping backwards narrowly missed being drilled by the spiraling sphere. As the debris from the resulting explosion peppered the two Kakashi created a lightning clone and sunk into the ground. The clone, taking out twin kunai rushed at Naruto and the two engaged in a ferocious bout of hand to hand combat.
The training ground began to suffer greatly as their feet dug into the earth, ripping up clots of earth as they shifted positions. The ANBU guarding the two were left speechless at the speed and power of the Leaf's Hokage and his student. Silently they all agreed to increase the intensity of their own training. At one point Naruto slipped past Kakashi's strikes and charged up a palm strike with wind chakra then lashed out. Thinking quickly Kakashi ducked and countered with a cross slice aiming at his exposed stomach. Naruto, seeing the danger summoned the 9 tails cloak in the form of a tail to block the strikes. Teleporting to a nearby kunai Naruto created a shadow clone, threw his shuriken then teleported to a another kunai stuck into a tree, all in a rapid sequence. The clone left behind performed two jutsu in quick succession, the kage shuriken jutsu followed by a gale palm pushing the projectiles faster. From his position in the tree he fired off another wind jutsu, this time forming a cyclone. As Kakashi jumped to the side the cyclone grabbed the projectiles allowing Naruto to manipulate the spinning weapons freely. 'Hmm now where could he be?" the Kakashi clone thought as he dodged frantically. Finally spotting the glint of a blade in the treetops Kakashi struck back.
"Raition: Bird of prey!" he intoned softly calling forth a great bird of lightning that soared towards the tree forcing Naruto to jump down. As he landed he was forced to block a strike from a rushing Kakashi. Just then a clone he had gathering nature dispersed sending him into Sage mode. It was at that time the Hokage sprung his trap. The lighting clone dispersed just as Kakashi rose from the ground and fired of a massive water dragon, borrowing power from the lake. Naruto, with his back turned to the river created a seal less shadow clone while his real body pulsed with wind/nature chakra negating the lightning clone. His own shadow clone prepared a jutsu.
"Senpo: Katon, Burning sphere jutsu!" Molding all its chakra into fire the clone created a sphere of fire to shield the original from Kakashi's attack. As the two jutsu clashed a large volume of mist was created. Taking advantage of his sage mode Naruto threw a kunai towards Kakashi and teleported directly in front of him, nature energy at the ready. However, the Hokage had his acceleration jutsu active so he was able to side step into a counter. Their movements too fast for most to comprehend, Naruto substituted himself with a clone that dispersed upon contact then re-teleported at Kakashi's back. The older warrior's senses caused his body to turn before he knew it, kunai in hand ready to stab the young ninja, only to stop his hand a split second before contact. Noticing another Naruto clone with a blade at his exposed back he tilted his head to the side and declared it a draw. 'Naruto you are truly strong. I have no doubt that if this were a real battle you could indeed best me.'
"Good match Naruto. Let's say we call it a day and grab a bite to eat"
"Sure sensei, my treat this time. One day I'm going to totally beat you, you know that right?"
"Mah mah Naruto, I know you're not my cute little genin any longer but you're still a ways away from besting me. After all, I am the Hokage." Like magic an image of Kakashi in his pristine Hokage garb could be seen along with a dramatic blowing wind causing the ANBU guards to sweat drop.
"Kakashi-sensei, enough with the genjutsu," Naruto deadpanned causing Kakashi to chuckle and release it. As they walked each man reflected on how peaceful the current Ninja world was and the storm on the horizon. Reaching their destination, an underground chamber in the bowels of the Hokage tower, they changed into fresh clothing. Turing to Naruto the Hokage brought up his second piece of business with his solider. "Naruto, I've decided to help you out in regards to picking your team. Though not S-ranked in terms of raw power, the person I'm assigning to your squad is quite capable in the brains department." Turning to the shadows in the corner he gestured vaguely, signaling to someone. From seemingly within the shadows Shikamaru stepped forth dropping his jutsu, a bored look on his lazy face.
"What a drag. Our Hokage has asked me to be your strategist to your team Naruto. Just accept it, because it would be more than troublesome to have to convince you this is the best move," he said as he slouched against the wall, hands in his pockets. Shikamaru's appearance hadn't changed all that much. His hair, still up in a spiky ponytail, was longer and bushier. He still wore the standard Kohona flakjack, but his pants and shirt were now black.
Pondering that Naruto scratched his chin then asked, "But Shikamaru, aren't you commander of the Allied forces? I would think there is a conflict there right?"
"No not really. As commander I can assign instant support as well as receive semi real time reports from the only real snafus that might occur is if the Kage or Jonin commander from that village overrides me. Between my access to personal and mission data and your teleportation and shadow clones we can hit them anytime anywhere."
Considering this, Naruto nodded his head vigorously, his eyes shining with excitement. "Yosh! Ok then you got a deal! "
Then he looked a bit more serious, more Kage like causing Shikamaru to grimace as he sensed a load of work headed his way. "My first order of business then Shikamaru is this, I need you to send a formal request to Killer B. I understand that he is the Cloud village Jinchuriki but he is one of the strongest ninja around. Now that we are in relative peace and cooperation the Raikage shouldn't be too opposed to it." Choosing not to say anything but very proud of his student's decision and reasoning Kakashi bid farewell, leaving the two to plot and plan.
End Flashback
"Yeah, and I just got word that Killer B has agreed to join the team. So we are growing but not at the pace I would like. I'm just not really sure who would be strong enough to face those guys head to head," he said frustration evident. Walking over to him Hinata wrapped her arms around him and suggested something that may just change the course of the world.
"Naruto, how about you ask some former ANBU members? Also I'm sure some members of the Uzumaki clan and Yoba clans may qualify. It may give them a chance to procure favor from the villagers and higher ups" Like magic Naruto's spirit brighten. Already he thought of one or two former members of Kohona's ANBU as well as a few new friends from the war and the seal.
"I love you Hinata. Thank you so much, "he said as they kissed again. Deciding that Leaf business could wait a bit they both caught up on lost time, in the best way possible.
Earth Country
Kurotsuchi, granddaughter of the current Tsuchikage, was not happy. Yet again her grandfather refused to cede the position of Kage to her, claiming she was still too inexperienced. 'Stubborn old coot, how much more experienced does he want me to be? I've already mastered his weight based Doton techinques and I am well on the way to mastering the dust release, what more can I do?,' she pondered as she went on her way to a special summons from the Allied forces commonder Shakiamaru Nara. Apparntly this was so secerect that not even the messenger bird had the full message just the cooridnates and orders to come alone. That was enough to put her on edge a bit; relations were good but in the ninja world you just never knew. Besides, just last week a squad of genin and their jonin sensei were ambushed just 8 miles outside of the main village. Early reports indicate that a group of bandits and a genjutsu expert were the culprits; the team sans one were lucky to escape with thier lives.
Close to 2 miles away from the rendezvous Kurotsuchi felt something was off. It was too silent for daytime hours. The normal critters that populated this area were all but gone. The winds that usually bufferted this part of rock country ceased howling. Furthermore the back of her neck started to tingle, a sure sign that meant a combination of things: someone had cast a genjutsu and was watching her.
With a burst of power Kurotsuchi dispelled the genjutsu and immediately detected 10 bandits lurking about. 'Fucking amateurs, ' she thought. Not waiting she flew to the offensive. Quickly forming hand seals she struck hard. "Doton: Earth spears!" With a grunt of effort she slammed her hands on the hard earth willing it to mold itself into jagged spears that took out 3 who too slow to recognize the danger.
Instead of panicking like most bandits they reacted like a proper sqaud. 3 leapt towards her to engage her in close quarters hoping to stop her from weaving signs. The other 4 prepared long ranged support in the form of flame tipped arrows and kunai thrown at her blindside. Jumping over the projectiles she lashed out with kunai that were blocked to her surprise. Jumping up and away once more,she got that tingle part of her mind swiftly catalouged the genjutsu and appreciated the timing and skill needed to pull it off. 'The false surrounding technique huh? That's a hidden leaf jutsu if I 'm not mistaken.' Before she landed she once again broke the genjutsu revealing a hole below her projected landing point, her eyes widening as spied countless paper tag bombs. Thinking quickly she summoned her yoton kekei genkai as she fell inside the hole. Using the ash like substance she formed a sphere around herself and allowed it to harden a few seconds before a tremendous explosion rocked the land. All was still for a few moments before whoops of joy came from the rouges. Rushing towards the area they all expressed thier gratitude to thier captain.
Standing by the hole the remaining 7 were so busy congratulating themselves that the missed the slight rumbling beneath thier feet. Suddenly a womans voice rang out, "Get back you fools!" Dashing to the immediate area she was too late as multiple stone hands burst forth from the ground grabbing and crushing her team. Skitting to a stop she observed the rock shinobi.
'Hmm she's taller than me, so that reach may be a problem,' Kimiko Yuhi thought. With her distinctive red eyes and coal black hair Kimiko looked every bit the fierce warrior. Dressed in a very loose fitting deep black and purple robe, her eyes glowed eerily from the depths of her hood. Smaller in stature than Kurotsuchi, she looked to be extremely quick. 'Looks like a genjutsu user, and not your average hand to hand fighter either judging by that stance,' Kurotsuchi thought. Extending her awareness through the earth she was able to barely detect another presence. Filing that information away she focused on that task at hand.
"Well, I suppose Jiji will be happy when I bring your head back on a pike. It's obvious to me that you're to blame for the injuries to the team of shinobi recently, " she said as focused her energy preparing an illusion technique. "What do you want here?"
At this Kimiko laughed loudly, "You couldn't begin to comprehend what my aim is. Run back home under your grandfather's wing girl." Kurotsuchi's anger threatened to reach a boiling pointas she flared her chakra and activated a seal less genjutsu. Kimiko's eyes widened as a tremendous wind kicked up a copious amount of dust.
Reaching out with her chakra, Kimiko found a disturbance in her inner energy flow. 'Genjutsu huh? Very good but alas, not nearly enough.' Within a second the offending technique was broken and she found herself alone. Eyes narrowed she focused. Almost immediately the world shifted and she saw differently. She saw the dying embers of her men as the chakra in thier bodies ceased flowing. She saw the animals scurrying about on the edge of this conflict. Finally she spotted it. A rock that glowed sofly, that felt and tasted of ash. 'Got you now,' she thought.
"Katon: Fire bomb barrage!"she shouted mentally as she unleashed 3 medium but densely packed fireballs at Kurotsuchi's position. Countering Kurotsuchi launched a large amount of an ash like substance that devoured the fireballs. No soon than the flames were smothered did a lance made of the same material shot towards Kimiko forcing her to dodge all the while weaving seals for her next attack.
Her illusion shattered Kurotsuchi went on the attack. Using the body flicker she appeared close to Kimiko. Using her taller frame she lashed out with a side kick that almost connected, forcing Kimiko to jump backwards. She quickly followed up with 3 shuriken aimed at her chest arms and head. As quick as lighting Kimiko produced a wicked looking dagger from her robes and deflected them away from her body. She immediately ducked a punch from the side and swiped upwards hoping to catch Kurotsuchi's body. Steel on steel rang out as her slash was met with a kunai.
Forcing Kimiko backwards Kurotsuchi was relentless but the smaller girl was just too fast. Eventually the Iwa ninja overextended herself and caught a dagger to the ribs…only to melt into mud. Her eyes widening Kimiko jumped backwards and narrowly evaded Kurotsuchi's hands erupting from the earth. Smiling slightly she picked herself out of the hole she made and sauntered towards the young warrior.
"You sure got some nice moves girly. Who do you work for?"
"Wouldn't you like to know? Listen, if your serious, our organization could always use a few more powerful fighters. Think about the power and prestige you could attain. You could finally be in a position of power instead of grandpa's little girl," Kimiko said each word laced with a powerful hypnotic genjutsu. As she spoke Kurotsuchi had the sensation of being filed with peace, and happiness. Thoughts of ultimate power at her fingertips filled heart until the point where she felt compelled to accept. Then the anti-genjutsu seal she placed on the back of her neck shot a small amount of chakra throughout her system breaking the genjutsu. Kimiko looked shocked as she was brought to her knee from the backlash,
"Nice try bitch, but you are not in my league, let alone the same planet. "Doton: Mover of Heaven jutsu!" Pouring chakra into the earth the rock shinobi flew through the hand seals then stomped on the ground causing a giant hand to form and sweep towards the vulnerable Kimiko. Using her grandfather's techniques she first decreased the gravity of the hand, speeding it up significantly leaving no room for counter. Then as it was about to impact she revered the gravity causing it become super heavy as it bore down on Kimiko. 'You're done bitch!' she thought vindictively. Suddenly the presence she briefly felt was there shattering the hand in one stoke!
"Ninpo: Reaper," the figure intoned softly. It took every ounce of speed and agility Kurotsuchi had not to lose her head and arm in that split second. One second he was there amidst the falling debris and the next it grew dark and he was beside her, his sword coming from three angles. Throwing a smoke bomb to escape she swore as her upper shoulder bled profusely from the tip of his sword.
'Damnit! Who the fuck is that guy!' she thought as she bounded away towards the meeting area. She knew her only hope was to head to the rendezvous and hope that it truly wasn't a set up. The village was too far away to go back to and her foes would cut her down. Fortunately she knew of a shortcut to the area that would pass by an allied outpost and Iwa patrols. If she timed it right she could receive assistance….if she didn't bleed out first.
Back at the site of battle Kimiko and her ally simply nodded to each other and went after the famed Iwa ninja. Kimiko, unlike her cousin was a profiecent sensor. It took no effort at all to pick up her trail. As they bounded along stalking thier prey, Kimiko picked up two powerful presences appearing suddenly.
"Kageoni, let's proceed carefully. I just picked up two massive chakra levels on the same course as us."
"Understood. This time we go in as a team. I'll lead." Seeing her nod they both suppressed thier energy as much as possible. A few moments later they spotted Kurotsuchi leaning against a rock, shoulder freshly bandaged. Wasting no time Kageoni dashed towards the injured ninja with incredible speed intending to cleave her head from her body. Mere moments before he reached, a tri-pronged kunai raced at his head causing him to bat it upwards. He found himself unable to move as Naruto appeared above his head, golden 9 tails cloak blazing , rasengan in a chakra arm. Shikamaru, shadow possession activated, and a Naruto clone were also on the scene.
Extending the golden arm Naruto sought to plunge his technique into the mysterious warrior's chest, only to be blown away by a massive wind jutsu. Vanishing, he reappeared next to Kimiko. His kyubi cloak compressed to a single point on his fist. Rolling to the side Kimiko fired off a quick wind jutsu at Shikamaru to disrupt his jutsu, which didn't work as he evaded it. She then had to block a kick from Naruto's clone from her left side. The original Naruto summoned two more clones, one to grab Kurotsuchi and teleport away and the other formed a Kyubi laced mini- rasenshuriken and tossed it at Kageoni.
"Ninpo: disruption". Using an advanced Yinyang manipulation, Kageoni flipped the polarity of his chakra signature, briefly nullifying the hold on his shadow. Free from his foe he dashed at high speed and cut down a Naruto clone about to launch a blindside attack on Kimiko. 'So he bled his chakra into his shadow, then flipped the polarity. What a smart bastard,' Shikamaru thought jumping back to land next to ñBFF fcNaruto who just disengaged from a trench knife versus dagger battle with Kimiko.
Without words the two ninja took off on the attack. Shikamaru activated his shadow possession jutsu seeking to hold the two ninjas in place while Naruto created two more clones and threw a hirashin kunai high into the sky. Teleporting to it he flew through his hand seals and started his jutsu as one clone stood guarding Shikamaru and the other started writing a combat fuinjustu seal on an empty scroll.
"Fuuton: Directional Skyhammer!" Suddenly a fierce wind picked up and a weight bore down on thier foes. Finding it difficult to move they were ensared, and crushed by a massive amount compressed air desending from the heavens. The two figures popped into smoke revealing themselves to be clones. A 80 foot wide crater apppeared along with a deafening boom. Naruto floated down next his comrade; both were searching for thier opponents. From the dust Kageoni emerged sword drawn lunging at Shikamaru. Turning, Naruto threw a shoulder strike into the man...only to pass right through him. 'Bushin?' He thought.
Sensing malicious intent one of the Naruto's activated the lion's mane jutsu and struck out near Shikamaru. Upon contact Kageoni's camouflage jutsu was disrupted. Parying the strange weapon then leaping over it he was death in motion. Impossibly fast he struck at Shikamaru who used his trench knifes attached to his shadows to keep him at bay for a moment. One shadow tendril dodged. Then another parried with his sword. Kageoni leaped forward and spun in midair allowing Shikamaru's jutsu to pass above and below him harmlessly. Landing and then rolling to his feet he pressed forward, slipping inside the tendrils of darkness he thrust at the lazy one's chest only to be turned away as Naruto intercepted him with his own trench knifes.
Kicking Naruto away he back flipped away from a net of chakra shot from the scroll of the Naruto clone. Taking out a small capsule he threw it towards the two Leaf Ninja and proceeded to detonate it, sending a cloud of needles and poison gas their way, dispering the clone. Thinking quickly Naruto teleported them away to a nearby kunai. Suddenly their vision swam as all was replaced by a massive landslide. As the two ninja dipped and dodged the boulders Shikamarus's mind sought to reconcile this new event. 'This sensation I feel.. Could it be?' "Naruto create a barrier right now!" he called out as he jumped over a boulder. Nodding he released a barrier from one of his scrolls and looked to Shikamaru.
"What's up Shikamaru? I'm not sure how long this will last, these are some pretty large boulders, dattabayo."
"Naruto we are under a very powerful genjutsu. The only thing keeping us alive is the fact that our instincts are allowing us to dodge whatever attacks are thrown in our direction," he bluntly answered the prospective kage.
"No way Shika! Kurama would of agitated my chakra."
Grimly Shikamaru shook his head and laid out his theory. It largely went over Naruto's head but he did manage to grasp the parts about how this is most likely a triple layered genjutsu that relies on matching the frequency of its targets perfectly. Based on what little information they had it made sense. The fact that they were able to track Kurotsuchi so effectively plus have foreknowledge of Naruto and Shikamaru being in the area all pointed to at least one of them being a sensor. By their very nature only a powerful sensor or a powerful dojutsu could pull off something like this. So in light of this information Naruto went still, beginning his transformation into Sage. Drawing from nature he could feel and see everything. All the formations of the rocks, the position of their foes, the incoming ninja were all laid bare to him. Opening his eyes after some time, he spoke. "Shikamaru when I drop the barrier, stich them up." Then he vanished.
Outside the barrier the two Red Sun operatives were at a loss. Not only could they not penetrate the barrier but they could not see inside of it. Never ones to waste a moment they each popped a solider pill and waited. Suddenly Kimiko exclaimed, "Oh shit! The genjutsu is broken and I can't feel the jinchuriki any longer."
"What? Why?" her partner asked. Unfortunately for them she couldn't give a response as the air became charged with electricity. 40 feet in the sky Naruto struck out with his newest jutsu.
"Senpo, Raition: Rasenbolt!" With incredible speed and power Naruto threw an elongated rasengan in the form of a lightning bolt, with lightning arcs all around it. Thinking quickly Kageoni grabbed Kimiko's hand and performed a extremely chakra intensive technique. It was the technique that made him a demon in the ninja world. "Ninpo: Shadow spirit," he said softly. Manipulating the frequency of his very essence with yin and yang chakra he was able to turn immaterial for a short while. By virtue of contact Kimiko felt the peculiar sensation of not being there yet still existing. All around them the world was on fire. The ground was gouged by great streams of lighting released by the jutsu.
Moving while his jutsu was active, Kageoni brought himself and Kimiko to where the blast radius ended then released it. Panting slightly he was slow to react as the barrier suddenly dropped and tendrils of shadows came streaking out seeking to implale them.
"Fuuton: torrent!" Blowing a powerful gust of wind towards the ground Kimiko stirred up a massive amount of dust negating the Nara's technique. After the dust settled the two Leaf shinobi stood side by side with grim expressions on thier faces. Silently all 4 warriors studied each other. Kageoni was the one to break the silence.
"Naruto Uzumaki, the 9 tailed jinchuriki. You definitely do not dissapoint. It will be an honor to end you," he said rather viciously. Clenching his fist the anger around Naruto was palatable as pressure of his aura grew stifling. The rocks shifted and the ground cracked a bit more around his feet.
"You bastard, where do you get off disturbing the peace of this land! What is it with you people? Haven't enough people died because of the selfish reasons of madmen? What can you possibly gain by killing me or my precious people?" Here Shikamaru placed a hand on Naruto's forearm warning him to calm down.
After sometime Kageoni spoke up, more to buy time to replenish a bit of his chakra, "I'd hoped you wouldn't be such a fool, but I suppose it can't be help. To be a shinobi is deal with death; to be a tool of war. The only things that matters are the side you choose and the role you play boy, " he said smirk clearly apparent though his face was covered.
Having just about enough Naruto just moved after communicating with Shikamaru via a subtle chakra transfer technique. To Kimiko it seemed like Naruto just vanished, then the next second he was there launching a kick that sent her flying. If it wasn't for extremely fast reaction time she would be dead, as it was she was sure she felt someting crack in her forearm. At the moment of contact Naruto created a shadow clone that attacked Kageoni forcing him on the defensive. 'No time to weave signs, the brat is much faster than before,' he thought as he fended off the clone.
As he pressed Kimiko, Naruto threw a hirashin kunai behind him with pinpoint accuarcy towards Kageoni , which the older man deflected away. In mid flight Shikamaru grabbed it with a shadow tendril adding it to 6 others, all off which had shurikens made of chakra conducting metal. Sending them flying towards thier enemies he attacked with precision, cutting off angles of escape and attacks as Naruto pressed forward with the power of nature.
Flipping over a side kick, Kimiko was send backwards again from an invisible force, her shins bruised and bleeding. Utilizing the space she countered with a powerful wind jutsu sending the deadly shurikens from Naruto's partner flying away. Naruto stood his ground and summoned chakra chains and used them to form an absorption barrier. "Right back at you! Fuin: redirect!" The barrier glowed red then one chain swung over Naruto's head sending the wind back towards her sharper and more powerful than before blowing her backwards.
Kageoni having dispatched one clone started to close in on Shikamaru doing his best to avoid those pesky shadows. 'Hmm, his techinque is based on shadows and yin yang manipulation. Normally that would be useless against me but I have less chakra than I would like. Also that kunai is dangerous,' he thought as he glanced at that hirashin kunai. Suddenly two of the shurikens came dangerously close to him forcing him to dodge. As he did the shadows on the two expanded snaring him before he could react. On cue Naruto appeared rasengan in hand plunging it into his back only to have Kageoni turn into a rock. 'Substitution jutsu, but it won't help you. I have your chakra signature pegged,' Naruto thought as he turned and fired off a rapid fire rasenshuriken at his new location.
"Suiton: water barrier." Clapping his hands together Kageoni summoned water from an underground river as well as the water molecules around him to make a rather dense dome of water that redirected Naruto's rasenshuriken some distance away. The resulting explosion shook everyone severely as off in the distance the column of light and sound grew enormous.
"Katon: Dragon flame jutsu!" Naruto countered even as Kageoni's dome took the shape of a water dragon aided by Kimiko's wind jutsu. As the two jutsu clashed Shikimaru sent the shadow tendrils complete with shuriken and hirashin kunai at their blind spot forcing them to break of the jutsu.
As Kimiko tried to weave signs for a genjutsu, Naruto using his unique abilities regarding the flying thundergod technique and the latent Shizengan struck…and struck hard. Homing in on his kunai some 10 feet away from Kimiko he disappeared then reappeared a few seconds later directly in front of her and struck her midsection . His hand held a devastating fuinjutsu technique known as the Seal of Despair. It was a curse mark of sorts that Naruto came across when he was inside the Uzumaki temple/seal. It worked very similar to the standard curse mark, restricting motion and limiting chakra access. However the main difference was that it was an anti-genjutsu seal. By turning a persons' chakra flow and intentions against them, they are trapped in whatever genjutsu they were casting. 'Damn it, teleporting directly to the marker is fine, almost instantaneous. But if the marker is the center, the further away from that point the longer it takes,' he mused as he completed the seal.
Dropping to her knees Kimiko gave strangled scream as the genjutsu backfired. 'What did he do to me?' were her last thoughts before succumbing to a hell she created. Recognizing the that tables have turned Kageoni desperately cast the a hidden mist jutsu pumping as much chakra as he dared to into the mist in order to mask their getaway. Naruto sensing this tensed as he was about to lock on to his position and mark him.
"Naruto, let them go. Remember what we talked about in the village right?"
"But Shikamaru I can finish them right now," he said unwilling to let it go.
"And then what? We have next to no actionable intel on these guys. Plus Kurotsuchi is hurt. We should go tend to her," Shikamaru argued.
Reluctantly Naruto agreed as his sage mode ran out. "Ok fine. We will stick with the plan. I just wish I could mark people with the Hirashin by touch like my dad. Although I guess I can track her through the seal I placed," he said panting a bit from the execution of so many high level jutsu. Nodding his head Shikamaru waited patiently for Naruto to finish musing and teleport them back the rendezvous point. After some time Naruto did just that.
Underground Allied Base
"That motherfucker! I will gut him like the pig he is for this!" Kurotsuchi scream in pain as her bandage was removed by the medical ninja stationed there. Designed as safe house, the underground base was equipped with jamming seals and enough suppiies for a month. A dark skinned man stood off into a corner chuckling at her language.
"Now, now Lady Kurotsuchi, I'm sure you will get your chance. In fact if you accept I can almost guarantee another shot," Kayin Yoba said as he sharped his kunai.
"Hey, knock it off with the lady crap. The name is just Kurotsuchi."
"As you wish…Kuro-chan," Kayin teased her causing the ninja in question to blush. As she was about to retort Naruto and Shikamaru popped back inside.
"Ah, Naruto and Shikamaru, I trust your hunt went well?"
"You could say that. It was more than a bit troublesome though," Shikamaru said as he slouched against the wall. He continued, "Naruto, I thought we agreed to engage them in full 9 tails mode for the duration, in order to overwhelm them totally. What happened?"
Sheepishly Naruto touched the back of his head, "Well, I just didn't want to them to really get a feel for the speed and power I get. Plus I wanted to test some things out in Sage mode," he answered honestly.
Groaning Shikamaru just shook his head and said, "We'll at least we got some Intel on them. Also they will definitely be more cautious now. You did a number on Kimiko. Man, Kurenai is not going to be happy her cousin joined up with the likes of them." Turning to Kurotsuchi he addressed her directly. "Hey sorry we couldn't prevent that. We honestly had no idea they would be in the area until we arrived. I'm glad you're ok though."
"It's fine Commander. The woman, Kimiko you said her name was?" Shikamaru nodded and she went on, " She was tough but I had her dead to rights until that…that freak came in. Whoever he is he is extremely powerful," she finished looking dejected at being wounded so severely.
"Hey, hey no need to feel like that. He was incredibly strong. In fact he survived a few of my most powerful attacks. He reminded of me of Obito, it was crazy," Naruto chimed in. "But anyway, I have an offer for you," he turned to her with a smile.
"I'm listening, " she said simply.
"How would you lie to join Operation: Repulsion and have a chance to take those bastards out?" he asked with a slightly feral look to his normally foxy grin.
Licking her lips the would be Kage grinned, "Not a problem, so long as I get to crush that mask wearing son of a bitch."
A/N: And that is a wrap. Sorry for the wait but the Naruto, Shikamaru vs Kageoni and Kimiko fight turned into something a lot more fun and longer than expected. (-_-) Hope you guys enjoyed it. Now, I've decided that this story will end soon…only to make way for the second portion: The War. So perhaps maybe 4 to 6 more chapters then the second part will drop. Until then please read aand review. Peace.
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