I don't think I have anything to say this time other than 'Thank you so much for your everlasting patience!' I couldn't have done it without all of you screaming and yelling at me. And those still adding the Naruto remake to their favorites...why?...
(c) Masashi Kishimoto
Song: B. A. P: No mercy
A shinobi must always put the mission first… no matter what the cost…
"…No matter what happens." Ryoko said in a hoarse voice, sprinting through the endless ocean of debris, scanning the area for any trace of danger. Buildings and barely standing structures entered her vision, a good sign that meant she was nearing to the Hokage's Tower. Thank goodness that not all of the buildings were destroyed, seeing the Hokage Tower still standing was like a beacon of hope.
"Konohamaru!"
The sudden yell caused her to screech into a halt in alarm. "Konohamaru…" she mumbled and ran to the source of the yell.
"Run, Konohamaru!" shouted Ebisu, stepping in front to defend the boy. The orange-haired man charged. Kunais and shurikens bared, Ebisu braced himself for his death. A single kick sent him into a pile of rubble. Groaning and coughing, he failed to notice the enemy approach and Pein grabbed him by the neck.
"Sensei!" Konohamaru yelled in panic, gawking helplessly as his mentor writhed stubbornly from under the tight grip.
"Where is Uzumaki Naruto? Tell me."
Ebisu swallowed thickly and his gaze darted towards Konohamaru, sending a silent order, Run. He looked back at his captor, glaring at him weakly from behind the dark glasses.
"I…I don't know."
Pein's eyes narrowed. "Then you will die." Before the threat was completely delivered, blood spraying out of his mouth and on Ebisu's horrified face. The hold on his neck loosened until the man's hand fell down, along with the rest of his limp body collapsing before the jounin. Dark crimson liquid surrounded him. His insides coiled at the reek of the corpse.
"Are you alright, Ebisu-sensei?"
Startled, the teacher jerked his head up at his savior, squinting to in disbelief. "R-Ryoko?"
It took a couple of stunned seconds before a second reaction ignited, starting with Konohamaru choking a gasp and running to hug her. "Ryoko!" he sobbed, tears of relief soaking the brunette's torn clothes.
Ryoko used the hand that wasn't covered with blood and gently pat his head. "I'm sorry you had to see that…" She pulled back and kneeled, examining his face for any injuries. "Konohamaru", she said, wiping the boy's tear-stained cheeks, "I want you to go help Ebisu find a medic. Then head to a safe place, alright?"
He nodded still looking a bit shaken. "What about you?"
"I'll be fine." She assured.
Ebisu frowned. "Are you sure? You look sort of pale." She faced him and narrowed her eyes and he suppressed a shudder as best he could.
Ryoko didn't bother to reply to his question. Leaving Konohamaru to support the limping jounin, she ran through the wreckage, jumping on fallen buildings to hasten her pace. Not long after, she dashed on the walls of the Hokage tower and reached the roof top. "Lady Tsunade! I—" Words were suddenly stuck in her throat as she stared straight.
The Hokage turned back, eyes widening at the sight of her. "Ryoko, what are you doing here?" The question went unrecognized. All she took in was the image of the orange-haired man floating in the air, declaring about pain, hatred and war.
"Lady Tsunade, I'm here to report about two of Pein's identity. One has five piercings on his face and six on top of his head. His head and arms can multiply into three and has a saw-like tail. He has the ability to shoot missiles from his back. The second one had seven piercings on his face, three on each ear. Both are dead."
Tsunade gave a nod. "Good work. But I fear we have been a little too late." Grimly, she looked up at Pein's airborne form.
Eyes following her gaze, Ryoko instinctively went into a battle stance.
"I want you to feel pain…to know pain and accept pain." Pein stated from above.
The ANBU guards took a step forward, muscles tense in alarm.
"Ryoko, get out of here." Tsunade ordered before turning back to Pein, "Pein!" Tsunade yelled head thrust upwards as she tried to get his attention.
Ryoko's eyes narrowed in suspicion, mouth set on a thin line. What is he planning?
There was something in the way he raised his arms, looking down on Konoha like a god delivering judgment. It brought a nauseating feeling of danger, a strong urge to run and hide.
"I will give the world more pain…"
"Shinra—"Eyes flew open, gears in their head turning in comprehension. He was going to destroy Konoha.
"—Tensei."
"NO!"
A blinding light flashed in every direction, the rumbling sound of destruction reaching their ears. Buildings collapsed, walls caved in. The shattering of glass combined with terrified screams all at once were almost too much to bear. Violent gusts of wind carried off broken chunks of bricks and the earth trembled under their feet, its surface cracking and breaking apart in sharp jagged rocks. Dust mixed with the air, fogging over the place as the shaking of the ground ceased.
Ryoko pushed off the heavy boulder that lay on top of her, coughing harshly as dust irritated her lungs. Her head and body ached something awful. Her eyelids were shut close, feeling too heavy and tired to lift them up. A headache found its way to her brain, mercilessly pounding in her head. The impact of the jutsu left her body with a tingling ache. Have to…get up…I promised Naruto…
A wisp of cold air blew across her face. Her eyes flew open and she rolled reflexively just as a metal rod was brought down to where she was before. She jumped away to a safe distance, her breath heavy and ragged. Pein had his eyes on her, staring coldly. "You just keep avoiding death, don't you?" he asked, charging towards her.
Quickly wrenching out her kunai, Ryoko blocked and sidestepped, staggering as she tried to fend him off.
'Distance…I need to get away from him.'
With a hasty punch throw to his direction, Pein broke their locked weapons and took a step back. The girl took the opportunity to move farther from him, soothing her tense muscles with the momentary break. The man straightened, opening his mouth to speak, "The sooner you surrender, the sooner your pain will end."
"No", answered Ryoko, out of breath and heaving, "I will fight with everything I have…for Konoha."
"For Konoha?" echoed Pein in question, looking at her blankly. "Look around." Though doubtful about the order, she scanned the leveled area…one that was previously known as Konoha. No buildings were in vicinity, no houses or stores left standing. She could literally see the other side of the village from where she currently stood.
Even with her mouth slightly parted, no sound came out. Eyes were wide as they took in everything, from the mountains of ruin to the cracks in the ground. Her form shook, face horror-stricken; Tears prickled her orbs as they stared out at the empty clearing, agonizing anguish squeezing her chest. Everything…was gone. "N-No…T-This c-can't be…"
"That's right. Your little village is gone. Painful, isn't it? To have something so important to you…" he glanced down at a crumbling rock, crushing it with his foot. "…be taken away for good."
Ryoko's moist eyes narrowed, her face turning tight. Losing the temporarily acquired muteness, the crease in her forehead deepened, rage taking over her. "You." She said, fisting her broken knuckles shakily. It was one word, but it held more emotion than one could express. Hatred churned restlessly in the pit of her stomach. "You…bastard."
Pain lunged for her.
"You bastard!" Powerful chakra exploded throughout the expanse, blowing away everything near her. The orange-haired Akatsuki member stopped short, digging his feet onto the ground to not get carried off. Wisps of chakra surrounded her as she rushed towards him, canines bared and hands balled in fists. "My home! My friends and comrades! Kakashi-sensei…You took them all away!" She punched and clawed, screaming incoherent words. "I'll kick your ass!" she rained down attacks on Pein, not once dodging the stabs or blows he gave back. Consumed by the loathing in her heart, there was nothing more she wanted than to defeat Pein…kill Pein for all the agony he gave her and everyone she knew.
A sudden explosion caused the two of them to break apart. A sliver of reality hit her fuzzy mind through the fury that confused it and she shook her head. She took in a sharp intake of breath, letting it out as a ragged gasp. Ryoko stared at the three gigantic toads that came out of nowhere, eyes trailing upward and to the person standing on the head of the red frog. She squinted, disbelieving. "Naruto?" Her voice was scratchy, coming out of a parched throat.
The blonde atop spun at the mention of his name, searching pointlessly until he looked down. His red-ringed eyes widened at the sight of her. "Ryoko…"
"Well, this certainly saves us the time we need to look for you."
Hearing the voice, Ryoko's enraged expression returned again. She ran around the frogs, stood her ground in front of them and glowered at Pein. He was battered and bruised, long scratches covering him as a result of their fight. He wiped blood off the side of his mouth with his shredded sleeve. The five other Pein appeared by his side, each one possessing the same pair of violet orbs.
"Lord Hokage!"
Tsunade descended down in front of Ryoko, her feet landing smoothly on the dirt. The two teens turned to her in surprise. "Lord Hokage!" called out an ANBU guard that ran after her, jumping down to pull her away from the battlefield.
The blonde Sannin ignored him, gaze fixed angrily at the middle Pein. "I am the fifth Hokage and I will never forgive you for crushing the dreams and hopes of those who ruled before me! As Hokage, I will put a stop to you right now!"
"It's good to see that you finally understand a little of my pain. But I have no use for you. The one I want…" Ryoko barely caught a flicker of movement from the side as he trailed off. Without hesitation, she took hold of Tsunade's wrist and yanked her back, switching their positions as one of the Pein dove for her.
There was a loud crash as Naruto smashed the Akatsuki member flat on the ground with one hit. "…Is me, right?" He finished for Pain, glancing up, challenging him.
His audience stared at him, eyes wide and incredulous. For him to finish off that guy in one hit…He must have gotten insanely strong…
"Don't bother with these guys, Granny." Naruto said as he rose, studying his enemies before him. "Why don't you go and drink tea or something close to it?" With a snap of his fingers, he called, "Gamakichi!" A large toad, slightly smaller than the previous three, jumped down behind them. "Take Granny to a safe place." The frog gave a croaky 'gotcha' at the request. "Granny, let me handle this. Tell the others not to interfere. It'll be hard to fight while protecting them at the same time."
Though reluctant, the older woman nodded. "Alright. But take Katsuyu with you", she said, holding out a small slug, "she knows a bit about the enemy."
Ryoko accepted the slug from Tsunade's outstretched hand, placing the white and blue creature on Naruto's shoulder.
When Naruto spoke again, his voice held uncertainty. "This…may not be the best time to ask but I can feel everyone's chakra here—my senses are sharp due to the natural chakra flowing inside me." Again, he paused and the hesitant edge increased. He took a deep breath before talking again, "Is Kakashi-sensei away on a mission?" As soon as the words rolled off his tongue, Ryoko stiffened reflexively. The shadow around her grew dark once more, moisture stinging her eyes as she fought down a grimace.
Tsunade made no answer. All she could do was glance at the young kunoichi apologetically before looking down.
"Do you know where he is, Ryoko?" asked Naruto. Refusing to acknowledge the Sannin, Ryoko swallowed hard and forced the obscuring darkness behind a calm facade. Fisted hands flexed and dropped by her sides. "He's dead, Naruto." The statement hit her hard, like a blow in the gut. "He got into a fight with Pein…I'm sorry I couldn't…"
Naruto's shoulders tensed visibly. "I see." His voice was hollow this time, losing its peacefulness.
Ryoko cursed inwardly. She just had to discourage him even more so. "I'm sorry…"
"It's okay." He craned his head slightly looking at her from the corner of his eye. The brunette withdrew, taken aback. There was no anger with the way he looked at her or disappointment. All she saw was worry. "I'm sorry."
Ryoko's eyes snapped up in surprise, startled by the arms that pulled her into an embrace. Her body tensed reflexively. The blonde boy rested his head on her shoulder, heaving a deep breath. "I'm sorry that you had to go through this…I didn't mean to cause this much trouble." His voice was sincere, erasing any doubtful thoughts in her mind. Naruto gave her a gentle squeeze. "It's okay, Ryoko…" Slowly, she relaxed under his touch, bringing her hands up hug him back. Ryoko could feel her anger melting away, the flames of hate inside her dying out, leaving only grief.
"It's not your fault, Naruto…I was the one who couldn't do anything to prevent this…"
"That's not true. You did everything you could."
She released a sigh, "Apparently it wasn't enough…"
Naruto pulled back and fixed his yellow amphibian-like eyes on her. "Now it's my turn. You should rest." When it looked like she was going to protest he added, "Please, Ryoko."
Ryoko shook her head with a snort, "You always did hog the spotlight, didn't you, Naruto?" 'I hate that we have to rely on him to finish this guy off…' "We're counting on you…"
Amusement flashed the blonde's face before he turned his back against her.
"Gamakichi, take Ryoko with you and get going." A large, specked hand grabbed her torso, lifting her up easily. With an enormous leap, they escaped the battlefield just in time before Pein launched a head-on assault. The frog landed neatly on a mountain of rubble with both women in hand. He set them down on the pile of broken rocks. "M'lady!" Turning to the direction of the voice, Ryoko saw Sakura running towards them. She glanced at the blonde woman by her side. Tsunade looked weary, her young face becoming wrinkled. Strands of gray hair mixed with her yellow locks.
Sakura kneeled in front of her mentor and held her hand. "It's alright now, Sakura…" murmured the old woman weakly, beads of sweat running down her face.
"Yes, M'lady. Everything's going to be fine." Sakura said sadly holding Tsunade. The older woman closed her eyelids, hand dropping down. Sakura sighed, adjusting her master's form on the ground. She looked up at the brunette, smiling sadly. "It's good to see you alive."
Snapping out of a daze, Ryoko's look on Sakura softened. "I'm glad you are, too." Glancing around, Ryoko stood up, wincing as she started to feel her wounds. Arms and legs feeling like lead, she wobbled with the first few steps. "Come on, Sakura. The others need help."
The cherry-haired girl nodded. "Right."
Three forms huddled close together in a small ground, large debris surrounding them. A large explosion sounded from a distance and Shikamaru's head snapped up. "What's happening over there?" he asked in alarm, clutching his injured leg.
"It's Naruto." Gurgled Katsuyu from behind him.
"Naruto?" he turned to slug with an incredulous look, "He's back?"
"Yes. He mastered the sage techniques and is fighting Pein alone. No one is to interfere." The boy clicked his tongue against his teeth in frustration. "Why's he trying to act cool? The village is already a mess! If he fights alone—"
"No." Shikamaru gave his father a confused glance. "If it's true that he mastered the sage techniques then he's strong enough to fight someone like Pein. The best thing we can do now is lay low and wait."
"Not entirely, Commander."
Both males turned to see a pair of kunoichi heading their way. Shikaku's grim face lit up. "Why, if it isn't Sakura and Ryoko!" he said with a relieved smile.
Sakura bowed to him in respect before approaching Shikamaru. Ryoko bowed as well and followed suit. She crouched down beside the medic and another woman, who were busy examining Shikamaru's leg. "What happened?" she asked, turning to him. The younger Nara had a frown on his face. "Broke my leg when Pein destroyed the village." He huffed irritably.
"Ouch."
Shikamaru grunted, rolling his eyes as he hid a smirk. "Oh please. This is nothing compared to how you look."
"Not going to deny it." she said and shrugged.
Shikamaru used the back of his hand to wipe off the dirt on his cheek. "It was awful." He muttered. Ryoko made no comment about it. Silence stretched on the group for a minute, until Sakura raised her head to face them. "It seems like a minor fracture." She told them. "Unfortunately, I don't think I have enough chakra left to mend it, Shikamaru. With my chakra level right now the best I can do is heal a few cuts and bruises." The boy sighed, hands shooting up to cover his face. Sakura managed a weak 'sorry' and placed her hands on top of him. Her palms emitted a pale glow of green and immediately small wounds on his exposed skin vanished one-by-one.
Ryoko watched with concern as her friend concentrated. Droplets of sweat ran down her face, eyes narrowing in determination. She struggled with her breathing, strained exhales escaping her mouth. Finally, the light from her hands gave out. Sakura flinched. "Damn it!" she hissed lowly, brushing away pink strands of hair that clung to her sweaty forehead. She inhaled deeply and made an effort to make the glow return. It sparked dimly for a few times before dying out again. The girl's scowl became prominent and was about to try for a third time when a hand clamped down on her shoulder. She whipped her head back.
"That's enough, Sakura." Said Ryoko firmly, stopping her.
She replied with a disgruntled sigh. "I just can't do anything right!"
Hearing the pink-haired girl berate herself, Shikamaru lowered his arms, somewhat guilty. "I'm feeling better now, really. Thank you."
Sakura shook her head in defeat, unconvinced. Shifting comfortably in her place, Ryoko's expression suddenly livened up when an idea came to mind. She cleared her throat reluctantly, "Say, Sakura…"
"Hm?" The somber kunoichi inquired slightly gazing up at her.
Ryoko reached into her back pouch and pulled out her little bottle and tossed it to the pinkette, "Drink up."
Knowing better than to question her Sakura removed the cork and tossed back the drink, taking it in gulps. It was actually refreshing, like drinking water. When she finished the drink she felt her chakra return ten-fold. Sakura positioned her hands above his injured limb and healed it.
"Try to walking, Shikamaru." Sakura said standing up and helping him to his feet.
"O-Oi!" The genius tensed when she let go of him but took slow, hesitant steps. When he didn't crumple down on the ground like he expected, he walked a few more steps, exerting more weight on his feet. "It's like I wasn't even injured." He murmured in amazement and smiled at the two. "Thanks."
"Lord Hokge taught you well, Sakura." Praised Shikaku.
The apprentice flushed proudly at the comment but interjected, "If it weren't for Ryoko's potion I wouldn't have been able to perform the jutsu anyway."
"Of course", agreed the jounin commander completely, "you too, Ryoko. I thank you both for helping my son."
"It's no problem, sir." Ryoko said, picking herself up from the ground. "Speaking of chakra, I've still got half of it left. We have to help the others, Sakura." The other girl shook her head in agreement and proceeded to follow Ryoko down the gravel road. She inclined her head back. "Are you going to be alright, sir?" The older man waved off the inquiry with his hand. "Don't worry about us. We'll be fine. We'll try to search for other medics to help you!"
A series of loud explosions echoed throughout the ruins as Naruto's battle with Pein intensified. Shinobi surrounded the battlefield, anxiously watching and praying for Naruto's victory. Every clash or clatter, every bang that was heard ignited a reaction from the onlookers. The tension in the air was thick; fear radiated from almost everyone. Ryoko skimmed the crowd thoroughly. Majority of them were badly hurt and chakra depleted, worn-out from the previous fight. Others lay unconscious on the ground, still recovering but there were a few people who, unfortunately, failed to survive at all. She and Sakura have been running back and forth for quite a while now, tending injured shinobi and guiding civilians to the underground passage. This isn't going to work, she thought glumly with eyebrows knotted together, If Naruto doesn't end the fight soon, Konoha won't be able to hold much longer.
"Ryoko?" The voice cut through her grave contemplation, she looked up into worried jade green eyes. "You okay there?" Sakura asked, sitting beside her.
Shaking her head, she mustered up a temporary smile. "Yeah. Just tired, that's all."
Sakura rubbed a comforting hand on her back. "You must be. Good thing you have a large chakra reserve."
Ryoko hummed in response, glad that her friend was there, making an effort to cheer her up. She needed something to keep her mind straight while Naruto was fighting for all their lives.
"We've taken care of most of them", continued Sakura, "so a little break won't hurt us, right?" She turned to her, a teasing smile present in her dirt-stained face when she asked the question so casually, as if they weren't currently in a battlefield, surrounded by many wounded shinobi.
Ryoko stared at her in disbelief.
"What?" she asked innocently, but her expression clearly said she was joking. Ryoko found herself smiling back gratefully despite the situation at hand and slightly bumped Sakura's shoulder. Thank you.
Her grin widening, the pink-haired kunoichi let out an easy chuckle. She pursed her lips together. "I'm serious though. Rest."
The cat mistress pondered on the order, feeling the ache of her body and the blunt stinging of old wounds. Maybe the idea of rest isn't bad after all, she thought, sparing her sore and bruised hands a downward glimpse.
"What are you doing? Get out of here!"
Both kunoichi snapped their heads up in alarm at the panicked yell. Sakura's fists clenched as she glanced at the other one nervously. "Was that…Naruto?"
Fear bubbled from inside Ryoko again. She rose stiffly, turning to Sakura with another one of her forced smiles. "Looks like rest has to wait a little longer. Stay here with the patients and send back-up. I'll check it out." She said, jogging away.
Ryoko climbed up the rocky hill, grabbing on to piled up rocks to pull herself up. When the girl was perched safely on top, Ryoko swung her attention towards the fight, gaze immediately falling down on her immobilized blond friend, Pein and another figure that lay unmoving between them. She squinted. Catching sight of a purple sweater and long indigo-blue hair strands, her eyes widened. "That's—!"
"No! STOP!" Naruto shouted.
Before anyone could react, Pain brought the metal rod down on Hyuuga Hinata. Air rushed out of Ryoko's lungs in shock, but the girl was too distracted to care. Time seemed to stop, for at that moment, nobody moved. Nobody said anything, felt anything. The two teammates just stared, petrified, at the sight of their comrade helplessly sprawled on the ground, blood readily staining her jacket red. The orange-haired Akatsuki pulled the weapon out, wiping the blood away on a nearby rock. "This is like how my parents were killed." He droned out slowly, calmly, a serene plastered on his face. "Right before my very eyes. Love…breeds sacrifice...which breeds hatred and leads to war."
The moment Pein raised his head with his violet orbs glinting, Naruto's aura changed instantly. He let out a piercing ear-splitting shriek, red chakra bursting from within him. As the crimson shield around him crumbled down, Naruto's true form was revealed. The nine-tail's chakra clung to his body, ears elongating and canines appearing. Four tails were already visible when another one sprouted.
Shaken out of her stupor, dread crept up Ryoko's spine. "Oh No!"
Bellowing another deafening growl, the partially transformed jinchuuriki pounced on Pein. The solid ground under them cracked from the tremendous force. "Hinata!" shouted Ryoko, sprinting towards the clearing, she scooped up the dark-haired heiress and jumped off just in time before the collapsing floor could catch up to them. Landing on her feet, Ryoko gently laid the girl down. "Hinata…" she breathed out, unable to tear her gaze away from the bloody mess of her coat. Trembling fingers fumbled with the zipper, tugging it down and open. Gaping wounds stared back at her, blood flowing out alarmingly fast.
The glow of chakra sparked from her palms, slowly treating the deep cuts. A hurt whimper came out from the kunoichi below her. "Hinata?" she asked the panic in her voice distinct. Even with her face chalk-white and hooded eyes barely staying open, the meek girl managed to look regretful. "R-Ryoko …" she whispered hoarsely as crimson liquid trickled down from her lips while she spoke, "I-I'm…so s-sorry." She choked out, beads of tears forming on the corners of her lavender white orbs. If possible, Ryoko's heart sank lower. "I…t-tried to s-save him, I-I really d-did."
"Shh. Y-You don't have apologize, Hinata. What you did was enough. Please…just rest now." She urged, increasing the chakra in her hands. She looked down. Blood still oozed out in a hasty pace and the wounds looked no better than they were before. Eyebrows tensed, she swallowed thickly, stubbornly forcing out her chakra when Hinata elicited another pained gasp. The brunette cringed. The girl's eyes were merely fluttering now, her sickly pale face drenched in cold sweat. With a frustrated click of tongue against teeth, Ryoko shook the chakra off and went through her pouch to pull out the last of her potions and lightly forced the heiress to drink them.
"R-Ryoko?" the Hyuuga questioned feebly, growing more colorless by every passing minute.
She reached down, clasping Hinata's hand tightly. "Help's going to be here soon." She whispered encouragingly. "I just need you to hang on for a few more seconds."
White byakugan orbs stared back hopefully. Hinata gave a faint smile. "Hmm." No sooner than when she said it, the sound of rushed footsteps reached their ears. "Ryoko! Hinata!" yelled the medic as she ran. Behind her, the other medic-nin strained to keep up. Sakura slowed to a jog as she neared and knelt down. The rest of the team took their positions and formed a circle around Hinata. They all locked hands, including Sakura and focused their chakra on the Hyuuga heiress.
"She's alright now!" Came the relieved declaration from one of the medics. "We've successfully stopped the bleeding." They released the jutsu and broke free of the hold. Worried whispers were exchanged between medics, trained fingers checking her pulse and temperature. Hinata laid unconscious, chest rising up and down in even breathing.
"GGRRRAAAAAAAH!"
The roar made everyone turned their heads to the open clearing. "I can see s-six tails! At this rate, he might fully transform! What are we going to do?" The others began to panic, nervously fidgeting in their place.
"Sakura!" The kunoichi whirled around, eyes widening at the newcomers. "Ah, Shikaku! Shikamaru!"
The jounin commander and his son stopped in front of them, expressions grim. "A good thing we found you." Muttered the head Nara and informed them, "There's been a change in plans. Everyone must head to the underground passage immediately. If Naruto continues to lose control, no one will be able to stop him."
Sakura bit her lip in hesitation, turning to look back at the jinchuuriki on the battlefield. Reluctantly, she nodded once. "Alright." They all stood, Shikamaru carried Hinata in his arms securely. "Come", said Shikaku, "we must hurry."
"Wait!"
He stopped, eyeing the younger girl in question. "Ryoko. Is something wrong?"
"Commander", she began, breath coming out in short pants, "what about the rest? Many of them are wounded and unconscious. They can't possibly reach the shelter in time!"
"The ANBU, my fellow jounin and I, would hold back Naruto while everyone escapes." Answered Shikaku.
Ryoko's face fell. The older man sighed. "I understand that you worry, Ryoko, but this is part of our job. In order to achieve the greater good, sacrifices must be made." Shikaku offered a small sile before turning his back on them, leading the way. The medical team followed him shortly.
The jounin's words echoed inside Ryoko's mind as she walked, thoughts circulating in her head. 'In order to achieve the greater good, sacrifices must be made…' She looked back at the clearing. Loud crashes and earsplitting screeches erupted in the midst of their battle. She halted, balling her fists. 'That's not what the Hokage or Naruto would do…'
"Ryoko?" came the confused inquiry from Sakura.
"I…I'm not leaving."
"What?" asked Shikamaru incredulously, hearing the murmured statement.
"I said I'm not leaving." repeated Ryoko, louder and clearer. "What happened to Hinata triggered this...maybe I can try to snap him out of it since Yamato-sensei isn't here."
Ushering his son to lead the group and proceed without them, Shikaku stalked towards the two kunoichi. "Ryoko, do you understand what you're asking me?" he asked doubtfully, studying her.
Ryoko stared back unwavering, face set in determination. "Yes."
"You must know, Ryoko, that I am one of the people who fought during the Kyuubi's attack on Konoha. Even with the shinobi and Hokage's powers combined, defeating it was certainly not an easy task. So tell me", Shikaku asked again, "how can you hold back Naruto on your own?"
"I—"
"You can't!" Intervened Sakura angrily, joining the conversation. "Ryoko, look at yourself! You're tired. You're injured and out of chakra, just like the others. Stop pushing yourself further!" The pink-haired kunoichi ended her scolding, eyes glued on Ryoko's unmoving form.
"Yeah", said Ryoko after a while, "you're right that I'm tired and chakra exhausted. But…would Naruto stop because he's injured and tired? Would he stop fighting to protect others important to him just because he's injured and tired?" Sakura opened her mouth, but Ryoko gave her no chance. "I bet even without the Jinchuriki Naruto would still fight to protect this village until his last breath." Sakura fell silent, dropping her gaze to her feet. Ryoko's tone softened. "I'm sorry Sakura, but I won't rest until I know everyone's safe. I already—" she stopped, swallowing back the lump in her throat, "a-already lost two precious people." Sasuke and Kakashi flashed in her mind, "I don't intend to lose another." She turned to Shikaku. "Commander?"
The jounin closed his eyes wearily. "I don't suppose you can be with him in spirit instead? You're going to get killed getting in the middle of that." He jerked his head to the ball of earth floating in the sky with eight tails flailing around violently.
"I don't-"
"Mistress." A tiny voice purred at her feet. She had nearly forgotten some her cats were still around. She kneeled down before the kitten so the wounded cat wouldn't strain itself. "There's is a way to be with him."
"There is?" Ryoko questions.
"With a bit of my power I can bridge your mind to Naruto's mind." She shook with tiredness, "We have to find a stable location where I can link your mind to his through chakra."
Ryoko nodded and picked the kitten in her arms and sprinted away from the battle and into what little forest was left. She sat crossed legged on the dirt with the kitten in her lap. The kitten instructed her to face her body and mind towards where Naruto and to relax as much as possible. The kitten linked her chakra with Ryoko and together they pushed their chakra mentally towards Naruto.
Ryoko opened her eyes and immediately shut them when white light blinded her all around.
"R-Ryoko?!" Naruto exclaimed shocked to see her suddenly in his mind with him and his father.
Ryoko opened her eyes after they adjusted and looked at Naruto a smile forming on her face when she saw he was unharmed in his mind. She was sure that he would be a little more beastly since his outer form changed, "Naruto! You're ok!"
"What are you doing here?" Naruto asked her.
Her smile fell a bit, "I was hoping this way I could snap you out of your eight- tailed form."
The fourth Hokage smirked at the brave young girl. Yes he had seen her through Naruto's memories, "That's very brave of you, Ryoko."
Her eyes widen at the man standing before, "Y-y-y-y-you-" she pointed a shaking finger at him, "It- it." Her mouth began to resemble that of a fish, "You're the Fourth! Minato Namikaze! You're Legendary!" Her face grew flustered, "I can't believe this! It's an honor, sir!"
Naruto smirked and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, "And he's my pa!"
Ryoko blinked rapidly, "Eh?!" She looked between the two of them and just now realized the uncanny resemblance, "You could almost be twins. Wow…"
The fourth chuckled before turning serious, "I had a very good reason to seal the nine-tailed inside of my son. 16 years ago when the fox first attacked the village I learned something."
"What?"
"Someone was hiding in the shadows and controlling the nine-tail's every move, made it assault the village. Quite a formidable shinobi…no one could ever face him without a very unique set of abilities." His eyes narrowed, "I believe he will attack our village again."
The young teens lowered their heads depressed. Their home is already gone though… "Konoha is already destroyed…"
Minato nodded sadly as well, "Yes, I saw from inside your mind."
Naruto's head snapped back up, "You watched?!"
"I know about Master Jiraiya too."
"Was Pein the one who assaulted the before too, using nine-tails?" Naruto asked.
"No." Minato answered, "It wasn't him."
Naruto and Ryoko looked at each other confused. "Then who could've-?"
"Another of the Akatsuki." Minato answered Ryoko, "The masked one."
Naruto thought back to the members of Akatsuki that he has met and only one ever wore a mask. "Oh!"
"Back then he saw through all of my moves." Minato said, "He's no ordinary shinobi…in fact I think he's the one using Pein."
"You're wrong!" Naruto protested strongly, "Pein has his own grudge against the Leaf! He said the Leaf ruined his village long ago!"
Minato nodded, "That's right and that's what the master mind is using."
"So Pein is being used." Ryoko repeated trying to piece everything together, "By the masked Akatsuki…"
"Why is the Leaf always the target?!" Naruto questions.
Minato pointed his gaze downward, "So long as the current shinobi system remains in place, we may very well never have peace. Pein questioned you about peace…but finding the solution is difficult. War is born when one tries to protect something precious. So long as love exists, hate does as well. That hatred uses shinobi. While this system remains unchallenged that monstrous hatred will eventually give rise to new pains. Pein may have actually killed Master Jiraiya but if you think about it deeper, you could say that it was this disordered shinobi world that created Pein that killed Master. A battle against hatred, that's what shinobi are. And each and every one of us battle against that hatred." Minato moved his eyes to lock with Naruto's, "Master Jiraiya bequeathed to you the quest for the solution that would end this hatred."
Naruto's face twisted to that of pain and tortured as he remembers Jiraiya, "But I can't forgive Pein…I just can't!"
Ryoko pounded her fist into her open palm out of anger, "Neither can I…he may have been manipulated but it was still his power that obliterated Konoha and Kakashi-sensei!"
Minato nodded, understanding the young teen's anger, "I know…"
Naruto looked at his dad helpless, "Please…tell me…what should I do?"
Minato looked away, "You have to find the answer yourself. I don't know either."
That flamed Naruto's frustration, "How am I supposed to figure out something that Pervy Sage and even you couldn't?!" He snapped angrily, "Stop lumping all this stuff on me! If you hadn't noticed I'm not smart! I'm not a great ninja! I-"
"Naruto!" Ryoko grabbed him by the shoulder. She knew…she was just as guilty as everyone else for placing that huge burden on his shoulders…and yet it's true…they had lumped it all on him because, "…you do amazing things that others can't…" She said looking at him in the eyes, "I'm sorry." She apologized, "It's just that…you…you're incredible Naruto. You don't have to be intelligent to be a great ninja. You're an incredible shinobi because you have the guts to do things that no one else does." She pointed to his exposed stomach as emphasis. "No one can ever do what you do…that's why we place faith and trust in you."
Minato smirked and placed his hand on his son's blond head, "I'm sure you'll find the answer to the question in no time." His smirk turned into a smile, "I believe in you."
Naruto's eyes widen a bit, his doubts slowly ebbing away, "You do…? You two really think I can…"
"Well. It is the duty of a parent to love unconditionally and believe in their child."
Ryoko smirked and hugged Naruto, "It's the duty of a best friend and comrade to always stand by their friends in times of peril."
Minato looked back and forth between the two, "I can see you're in good hands. My chakra is fading." He placed his five fingers on Naruto's seal on his stomach, "I will rebuild the seal…for the last time." With the flick of his wrist Naruto's seal turned back into its swirl form. Both teens looked at the fading fourth Hokage sadly as he said his final words, "The Leaf Village will grow again…I'm counting on you, Naruto." With that he disappeared from Naruto's mind.
Naruto rubbed his eyes with his sleeve before turning to Ryoko with those blue eyes of determination. "I'm ready."
Ryoko smiled, "Do your best Naruto." She felt her chakra draining as well. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to be pulled away out of his mind.
Heavy eyelids lifted open, light temporarily blinding her. As her eyes adjusted, Ryoko found herself being carried on someone's back. She scanned her surroundings. The vast wasteland was quiet for a change. There were no explosions or anything.
"Look over there! It's Naruto!"
Her attention perked up at the excited cheer. 'Naruto!' She let out a sigh of relief. 'Everything's alright.'
"About time you woke up."
Ryoko jerked her head back to get a good look at who was carrying her. "S-shiori!"
Shiori kept her eyes forward as she walked a few steps behind Kakashi who was carrying Naruto back to the crowd of villagers. "You've been unconscious for a while. I ran into Naruto and Kakashi a while ago when I returned from underground."
"T-then Naruto."
Shiori stared at Naruto's back, "Yes. Naruto did…although should I be surprised?"
When they reached the village and the village basically surrounded Naruto to give him hugs and gratitude did Shiori's previous statement sink in. "W-wait! You said you ran into Kakashi-sensei?!"
Said silver haired shinobi turned to face her. "Ah, Ryoko, awake I see."
"T-this can't be…H-How?" He was there. He was there! Alive and breathing! "It's kind of a long story." He explained while walking through the uneven road. "I know how you feel. I couldn't believe it at first, too." Sliding off Shiori's back she stumbled over to him and with trembling fingers, she reached out, "K-kakashi-sensei…" Her eyes turned white with rage and she punched him in the gut taking pleasure that he doubled over a bit, "You're supposed to be dead! I can't believe I cried over you and you're still acting like we didn't just fight for our stinkin' lives!"
Kakashi wimpered as he held his brusied torso, "I see you're okay…"
Mixed feelings and emotions rushed to her all at the same time, leaving her overwhelmed. Tears welled up from the corners of her eyes. She fisted his flak jacket, burying her face on his chest. She choked on her sobs, unable to stop the tears from falling down. "Y-You're alive! You're alive…" she gasped out between sniffles.
"Yeah." Said Kakashi, smiling in relief as the hysterical girl relaxed against him, "I'm here."
Shiori turned away fro the touching scene and watched as the villagers toss Naruto up and down like the champion that he is. A smile slowly formed on her face, "Not bad, Uzumaki…not bad…" She discretely placed the tips of her finger tips to her heart, "I'm glad you pulled through…you are a ray of sunshine for this village."
"Hurray for Naruto!"
Okay so I completely bs most of this...I do have volume 47 of Naruto but that's it. I stopped collecting the manga and I only have two volumes of the dvd. I know shame on me. But here it is, take it for what it is. Thanks everyone who has reviewed and favorited and alerted! And those still favoriting the other Naruto story...Stop it!