AN - As I stated here is the next chapter and the start of the Sand/Sound invasion.
Here is the twenty-first chapter for 'Ascension of the Kitsune'.
***NOTE: this chapter has a song attached to it if you want to listen to it while the scene is going on: 'Meteor by TM revolution', you can download it or listen to it on youtube. I'll warn you when to start and stop the song in the chapter.***
Naruto - Normal/Human speech
Naruto - Human thinking speech
Naruto - Demon, Summon, Pissed off jinchuuriki normal speech & Jutsu Casting
Naruto - Demon, Summoning thinking speech
Chapter 20: Invasion!
Arena,
"Chidori!" Sasuke yelled as he plunged his electrified hand into Gaara's chest cavity.
Most of the audience gasped at the sight, while others cheered on the Uchiha prodigy...that is until Gaara exploded in a cloud of sand.
"Tsh...that sand is starting to piss me off" Sasuke muttered under his breathe while looking for his opponent's location.
Unfortunately for him he found him...right after Gaara encased his body except for his head in sand.
"Uchiha Sasuke...this match is over...if you care to look around you, you'd notice that the audience is completely silent..." Gaara spoke motionlessly, as Sasuke looked around the stadium, indeed seeing that many of the audience were not only silent...but oddly enough sleeping. "...the reason for this is that Oto secretly planned to start an invasion and the eventual destruction of Konoha during our battle...and it has just begun" He explained.
"WHAT!?" Sasuke shouted in shock, now trying to struggle to get free, however finding it useless just glared at the redhead. "How exactly did you know about it?"
"That is simple..." Gaara retorted, his sand loosening it's grip slightly. "...up until a few hours ago Suna was planning on helping Oto in said invasion. However some 'evidence' has come to our attention that made us withdraw our help, transferring our allegiance back to Konoha." He finished, finally releasing his sand, though keeping it ready in defense in case Sasuke did anything rash.
"Well I certainly don't have the facts, nor the authority to dispute your claim. However if I find out what you told me is a lie, not even the land of wind will stop me from hunting you down."
"That Uchiha Sasuke is none of my concern at the moment...so I suggest we make haste in dealing with Oto." Gaara retorted, shrugging at Sasuke's threat before he 'shunshin'ed away in a swirl of sand.
"Well lets see if Oto has any worthy shinobi" Sasuke thought, before disappearing in a swirl of leaves...and soon after a large explosion rocked the Chuunin stadium giving the signal that the invasion had truly started.
Stands,
"Yosh...it seems that Uzumaki Naruto's information about the invasion was accurate!" Gai shouted to Kakashi only a few yards away after slamming a Oto Jounin into the stadium wall.
Kakashi didn't respond to his self-appointed 'rival's words, at the mention of Naruto, thanks to still having the foul taste that their last conversation was comprised of playing in his consciousness. Fortunately for the slightly solemn Jounin a welcomed distraction made itself known in the form of Sasuke 'shunshin'ing next to him weapons already brandished.
"Ah good Sasuke you're here, this'll make my job easier..." He started, after just ending the life of another Oto shinobi. "...if you haven't been filled in already...Oto is invading, meaning the exams are canceled. However this is now a REAL fight...so leave no notions of mercy in your mind from this point on."
"I know that Kakashi...I may be a Genin but I'm also an Uchiha which means I know what it takes to be a REAL shinobi so don't baby me like you would Sakura." He retorted after launching a kunai at a distracted Oto shinobi who died from the weapon lodging itself into the side of his neck.
"Good...then I have no reason to keep you here. Sasuke your new mission is to release your Genin comrades from this Genjutsu, and to have all of them including you escort the civilians in the arena to the safe-houses in the village, understand?"
"Hai...but what about after my mission is done?"
"Defend the village." He ordered bluntly
"Heh...just the answer I wanted to hear" Sasuke answered back with a smirk, his Sharingan swirling violently with anticipation.
Sasuke finished off the enemy attacking him before jumping into the stands and released his comrades before giving them the new mission, then bounded off to release the civilians from the sleep genjutsu.
Fighter's Box,
"What do you think Natsumi-san?" Haku questioned after hearing Kakashi talk to Sasuke.
"I suppose we should help them evacuate...though I won't be doing that personally..." She responded with a sneer, making her feelings about what could happen to the people of Konoha clear. "...Haku-chan, Hana-san I'll leave it to you...since you are both 'Konoha' shinobi at the moment."
"And after?" Haku questioned again.
"Hana has her own job being a Chuunin of his village. You however have no true allegiance to Konoha, nor will I force an obligation on you since you are traveling with Naru-kun and I of your own free-will. So in that sense you may do what you wish, whether it be defend this place, or go back to the compound and wait with Yugito and her Kaa-san."
"I understand"
"What about us?" Kankuro questioned.
"What about you? Your alliance with Konoha still stands thanks to the evidence we've found. Simply join the fray and help out." She answered amused that the boy asked such an obvious question.
"What about you Natsumi-san?" Temari asked.
"Oh me?" She questioned feigning ignorance, before a menacing smirk crossed her lips. "I'm going to have some...fun...before Naru-kun gets here and we take care of Orochimaru." She continued, her voice cold, and filled with almost an insatiable bloodlust. "Now I suggest we get to it...the more we wait the more people will die. Granted I don't care, but the people my mate cares about does, and that is enough for me." She finished before disappearing in a burst of red flames.
The remaining four were still slightly on edge from Natsumi's final words and tone, but quickly shrugged it off and 'shunshin'ed to their respective 'missions'.
With Hana & Haku,
"Alright everyone please try to stay calm and follow us...we'll do our best to lead you safely to the closest safe house!" Hana requested after she and Haku gathered any of the stragglers within the arena that Sasuke and the other Genin didn't get.
The little over two dozen civilians hesitantly nodded to Hana's request, they found it smarter then to argue with a shinobi in this kind of situation. Their understandable fear was suppressed...if only for a little while after she spoke. With Hana in the front of the group leading and Haku in the back, making sure no ambush appeared. The group flowed through the streets of the chaotic village hoping against hope that they could get to their destination with little but better yet no resistance from the invaders. Fortunately for them it seemed that the Oto shinobi had their hands full with the leaf and the now understood allied sand shinobi, keeping them otherwise incapacitated to try to attack. Unfortunately as the group crossed one of the larger streets in the market district, their luck finally ran out.
"Oh? What do we have here boys?" A gruff voice called out before a man, who was obviously an Oto shinobi as indicated by his headband appeared in front of Hana blocking her path to the alleyway they were heading towards.
"Seems we found some stragglers Taichou...lucky us" Another voice called out behind the group, and as they looked around they noticed they were now surrounded by about twenty Oto shinobi.
"Seems so...I suppose we could call this the 'spoils of war'...well at least the women anyway" The man designated as the captain said with an almost sickening smirk, as he eyed some of the more 'bustier' women in the group.
"You won't lay a hand on them while I'm here!" Hana shouted, a kunai ready to strike in both her hands.
"Oh so we have a volunteer...ok I'll respect your request. Boys you know what to do...but leave her alive...she isn't bad looking for a leaf."
"Unfortunately...we don't have time for your games..." Haku finally spoke up as she popped the top of a large animal-skin canteen that she had prepared in case of just such an occasion during the invasion. "...Hana-san get these people out of here..." She commanded coldly before letting the water inside the canteen into the air. "Hyoton: Sensatsu Suishou (Ice Style: Death by a Thousand Flying Water Needles)!"
The minute the attack began to rain upon the Oto shinobi, they were forced to dodge the frozen senbon needles. Hana gathered the frightened civilians and herded them into the alleyway they were originally running towards. The sound of battle soon began to quiet down the more they ran until it could be heard no more. Personally Hana was worried about Haku the longer they ran, whether she was helped by Naruto or no...20-vs-1 was never good odds even for an ANBU. Though as they continued to run with Hana's directions, her worry was destroyed when Haku jumped down from one of the rooftops and got in stride with the groups speed.
"Gomen I was only able to incapacitate six of them before they regained their composure. And they are still after us, we have about a thirty second lead if that." the teen spoke though slightly haggard breathe.
"Don't apologize, you did well to do that much damage with only yourself and the limited water you had with you." Hana consoled her partner, noticing the few gashes she had across her body, no doubt from the stronger of the Oto shinobi.
Hana looked back and easily made out the remaining Oto shinobi running after them, she bit her lip in concentration trying to think of a way out of the seemingly hopeless situation. And to make matters worse it seems that luck wasn't on her side today because the civilians that were now in the front basically leading the rest were so frightened by the chase that they took a wrong turn and ran right into a dead end, with everyone following their lead. Neither Hana nor Haku had enough time to make up the mistake and were forced to follow everyone.
"Gomennasai!" The man who was leading them screamed while pounding the side of the building, realizing his mistake and the unintentional situation he put them all in...fear can be a powerful to tool to the enemy after all.
"Its not your fault" Hana tried to console the man, before the remaining fourteen shinobi caught up to them, with both bloodthirsty and lecherous grins on their faces.
"Seems the mice finally gave up" The captain leered.
"Any ideas Haku-san?" Hana whispered.
Haku frowned. "Only one, but it will only buy us time...nothing else, and it'll use up the last of my water."
Hana clenched her teeth in frustration and nodded. "Do it...we'll just have to think of something on our feet while you give us that."
"Hai"
Haku quickly reached behind her back and grabbed another animal-skin canteen, ripped off the top and splashed the water on the ground in a straight line between them and the Oto shinobi.
"Stop the bitch from using her Hyoton again, those senbon were a pain in the ass!" The captain ordered right after noticing what Haku did.
"Too late..." Haku responded before hand sealing and slammed her hands on the ground in front of the soaked ground. "...Hyoton: Hyourou no Jutsu (Ice Style: Ice Prison Technique)!"
The Oto shinobi were already on their way to stop Haku, but as she stated it was already too late to stop her, and the moment she shouted her jutsu the water on the ground froze, before a large wall of thick ice jutted from the ground. The ice wall grew to about fifteen feet before it began to curve towards Haku and the others, and then stopped when it smashed into the side of the building behind them. The dome now gave them 45 degrees of protection with the Oto shinobi only able reach them by going THROUGH the ice wall itself...thusly buying the group what little time it could.
Hana just stared and whistled in astonishment. "Damn..." She said impressed...if Haku could create something like that with only that little bit of water...it was no wonder why Naruto wanted her as an ally.
"I really hope you don't think that this little prison of yours will hold us back." The captain taunted before hand sealing and let out a Katon jutsu...which did nothing but slightly melt the ice barrier. "...alright I'll give you that its impressive...but it will crumble eventually." He finished evenly.
"He's right...its only a matter of time before they break through..." Hana agreed before looking at the building behind them. "...damn...and I don't have enough space to safely use 'Tsuuga' on the wall, if it crumbles we'll be crushed."
"We may not have to wait that long...it seems they figured out a way to get through." Haku said, making Hana look back to see what she meant.
Hana saw that six of the Oto shinobi were gathered closely while hand sealing a jutsu she was very familiar with. But thats not what surprised her, it was the fact they were apparently going to combine it into a single jutsu.
"This is the end of the game mice" The captain said with a sadistic grin.
"Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu (Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique)!" The six men shouted , letting streams of flames shoot from their mouths, before combining into a giant fireball that screamed right that the ice barrier.
The fire jutsu didn't take long to smash into the barrier and in only a few seconds, large cracks could be seen in the impact area. Both Haku and Hana knew there was nothing left they could really do. They narrowed their eyes sternly at the still smirking shinobi on the other side of the barrier, and just waited for the fireball to come. They wouldn't die like sniveling cowards...they were shinobi, they would die with some dignity and honor at the very least.
The fireball finally cracked through the barrier sending large chunks of ice flying though the air, with the searing heat blasting through the enclosed area, seeming to be the prelude feeling of their deaths. In the last moments Hana closed her eyes as a tear fell down her cheek at her final thoughts.
"Naru-kun..."
"I DON'T WANT TO DIE!" A female voice shouted from the civilian group, making everyone close their eyes cringe at the fear and helplessness in her voice that everyone felt at that moment.
Everyone waited for the inevitable feeling of the flames licking their skin, as their bodies burned down to the bone. And yet after a few moments the feeling never came, instead a cool breeze shot past them making a few shiver at the pleasant reprieve from the heat. Hana and Haku quickly opened their eyes after feeling the heat leave the area and gasped at what they saw.
[Begin Playing: Meteor By: T.M Revolution]
A red hilted Katana was lodged in the ground in front of them, but what made them gasp was the fact that the large fireball that was heading towards them seemed to be cleanly sliced in two and transversely canceled, by what seemed to be when the sword had descended. Only a moment later did the question that plagued the minds of both them and the Oto shinobi who witnessed this as well finally get answered when a man landed next to the sword before grabbing it from the ground his back to Haku and Hana. the man seemed to be his own fashion designer by wearing cloths that weren't official for any nation. He wore a pair of loose flowing black pants. He also had a dark orange flak jacket, a black headband across his brow that was quite long the two bands actually reaching down to the back of his knees. The last 'odd' garb he wore were the white ankle socks along with the black sandals that wrapped around his toes and heel.
"And who the hell are you!?" The captain shouted.
"Naruto-kun" Hana said disbelievingly, before the man finally turned slightly so the Hana's group to see his profile...one in which he was smiling.
"Yo...Hana-chan, Haku-chan...seems I just made it ne?" Naruto joked, before turning back to the Oto shinobi his smile gone. "I'm glad I was...but I'm afraid now isn't the time for our reunion. You still have a mission to these people to complete. I'll cover you, take this time to get them to safety." He ordered the happiness in his voice a moment ago now gone.
"Naruto-kun...we can't, this building is behind us and those shinobi are in front. We have no jutsu concentrated enough to get through either without jeopardizing the safety of these people!" Hana countered, after getting over the shock that Naruto had showed up.
"Understood..." Naruto said, before flicking his thumb across the blade of his katana. "...Hakkei: Shinku Kaijin (Release: Crimson Ash)!"
The blade turned into it's new fiery form while Naruto pointed the hilt towards the wall behind the civilians, before the fire extended towards the building. Luckily Hana remembered what that sword could do and made everyone move out of the way. The fire quickly burned through the multiple walls of the building before returning to the hilt and turning back into a blade.
A perfect circle was now burned completely through the building allow for an escape. Everyone on both sides but Hana and Haku were awed at what Naruto had just done. But their surprised was stopped when they saw him move his free hand. He bit his thumb and extended his arm, before he summoned 'Souten Kaze' now duel wielding.
"Now get them to safety...IKE(go)!" Naruto ordered though in no angry or spiteful fashion, before he disappeared from where he stood only a small dust cloud now there.
The group had wanted to leave, but it seemed that Naruto's quite bloody battle had captivated them into motionless onlookers. Naruto moved through the remaining Oto shinobi with a vicious grace that seemed to call for the utmost respect from both allies and enemies alike. And despite ganging up on him with multiple weapons and numbers, Naruto just seemed to weave in and out of any attack like water would against a rock, while dispatching the offenders in various gruesome ways. The last one being in half across the torso with the slash so strong that the upper portion was launched landing in a sickening crunch against one of the remaining buildings, leaving a blood stain where it hit.
By now only two remaining Oto shinobi were left after he just finished dispatching anther, the two who also seemed to be the strongest. They both jumped at either side of him their kunai fighting for dominance against his blades.
"Hana-chan, Haku-chan...hurry and get out of here...IKE!" Naruto ordered once more, while keeping the two shinobi at bay.
The group seemed to snap out of their daze and quickly rushed through the building, while slightly whispering about how glad they were to have such a strong shinobi on their side...if only they knew the truth. Hana was the last to leave the scene, still standing in the hole he made for them watching Naruto.
"Damn we need to get them...after everyone died its the least we owe them" The Oto captain growled out while struggling against Naruto.
"You two aren't going anywhere..." Naruto retorted while slicing his fingers across his blades. "...Hakkei: Shinku Kaijin, Souten Kaze (Release: Crimson Ash, Azure Breeze)!" He yelled, before his swords took their true forms, and blasted the two shinobi through the air and right up against the walls of the opposing buildings in a blaze of fire and torrent of wind.
[ End Song ]
Hana just gasped at the aftermath of when the blue wind and red fire receded back into their blade forms. The only thing remaining of the two Oto shinobi were large bloody streaks across the walls. Naruto cleaned his blades with a swiping motion before letting them puff out of existence, as he himself did the same.
"You know, I don't mind it when women make their own choices...but when it happens to be MY women I'd like it if they'd listen to me every once in a while..." Naruto's voice cooed in Hana's ear, her face wide in surprise...one moment he was in front of her, the next he has his arms wrapped around her tenderly while whispering hotly in her ear. "...unfortunately as I said before Hana-chan, our reunion will have to wait this. Village needs your protection a lot more then I do, so until this is over take care and be safe ne?" He finished, before nibbling her ear for good luck, making her slightly whimper.
Naruto let her go, and pushed her in the direction Haku went, not allowing her to stay with him. She hesitated for a moment while looking back towards him, but knew he was much safer then anyone else in the village, so she turned and ran to catch up to Haku. Naruto just smiled and shook his head in jest, before he completely dropped his genjutsu his tails swaying back and forth, while his ears twitched.
"Now if I want to find Natsu-chan...I should probably head towards where the majority of the fighting is." He thought out loud, before disappearing in a burst of purple flames.
Arena,
Chaos...bloody chaos...those was the best way to describe the current scene in the Chuunin exam arena. The entire stadium looked as if it went through a war-zone...which ironically it was at the time. There was massive amounts of blood streaming from everywhere, puddles of the scarlet liquid actually starting to drip down from the upper levels. The corpses of shinobi on both sides were strewn about as well, providing any onlooker with the smallest inkling to what a shinobi war was really like.
The ground itself was upraised and destroyed in many places, surely the aftermath of jutsu being thrown by both sides to finish off the other. For those who believed in the afterlife but more importantly hell, if they looked at the arena now would swear they were already there. However to most veteran shinobi this was a commonplace, especially if you were old enough to have witnessed, or participated in the third great shinobi war. Those were the types of shinobi that were currently still fighting in the arena stands, many of whom were Jounin on both sides.
"Kakashi we have to finish them off and help Hokage-sama!" Gai yelled, right after sending yet another Oto shinobi through the stadium wall.
"I know but we have to deal with the shinobi down here first. Besides he is our Hokage, he'll be fine on his own until we can help him..." Kakashi retorted while slicing the throat of his opponent, before looking down at the arena floor. "...right now I'm more concerned about that woman." He finished, making Gai look down where he gaze landed.
"What do you mean my eternal rival? Her flames of youth are burning brightly by the looks of things...whoever she is."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed at his words. "Thats the problem. I've been watching her since she first appeared and although she has our headband on, I don't know who she is. Apparently you don't either, not only that but her fighting style is one I've never seen before. And to make matters worse, the Sharingan can only keep up with her but can't copy or identify the style she is using. I just don't like having 'allies' I don't know about Gai, especially ones who are THAT powerful. I mean she has dispatched almost twice as many as we have and we started fighting BEFORE her." He explained.
"I can understand your sentiments my eternal rival, but if she is on our side we shouldn't worry about the specifics of who she is. If she proves to be disloyal or a spy we'll simply have to deal with her."
"I also think you're slightly annoyed you can't copy such a devastating style for yourself. Though I can't blame you I suppose I wouldn't mind learning it myself." Gai thought, not being naive enough to think that those with the Sharingan wouldn't try to wrap their claws around a powerful taijutsu style like her's...the perfect example being Lee and Sasuke.
"I suppose you're right Gai...lets just leave her be for the time being, but I still don't like it."
"Not only that but her appearance also bothers me...its like she is the mother or sister of Natsumi. I mean aside from this woman being an obvious adult she looks exactly like Natsumi, right down to the hair and eye color, and even clothing style. And what is with that strange ripple, is it a genjutsu of some kind?" Kakashi thought, his mind racing around to try to find any plausible answers to the questions in his head.
With Natsumi,
"Ah this is so fun!" Natsumi squealed out, after gutting another Oto shinobi with her bloodied hands, easily feeling the blood, and organs squish between her fingers.
Natsumi, quickly looked around for more prey but unfortunately found no one left, making her pout rather cutely if not for the fact that she was completely drenched in the blood of her enemies. Many of whom were lying around where she stood disemboweled with many of their organs slipping out of their corpses. Dismembered and beheaded with their arms, legs, and heads lying all around the battlefield. Or simply had too many holes in their bodies to live any longer, basically becoming a human version of swiss cheese.
"Bah...guys can't even let a girl have any fun." She huffed in disappointment, before she sensed someone appear behind her and without missing a beat sent her right elbow sailing back.
The assailant she noted didn't move an inch from their spot, and right before she felt she was about to make contact, felt her elbow get stopped by an offending hand. This surprised her considering she put enough force behind the swing to make the Oto shinobi she had just finished off sail in the air. When she tried to get her arm free, the person quickly maneuvered her arm, so it was now behind her back in a submission hold.
By now however she got the scent of the person who she attacked and just smirked to see what they would do next. To her contentment the person wrapped their free arm around her shoulders, above her chest, before pulling her against them with their face so close to her head she could feel their breathe on her neck.
"You know...if you wanted to mix it up and try it 'rough' all you had to do was ask." A husky voice whispered against her neck making her shiver.
"Perhaps after this is over" She whispered back, the hint of lust in her voice not escaping her 'kidnapper''s hearing.
The two would have continued with their little 'game', but unfortunately several unwelcome players entered the scene.
"I'm not sure who you are, but I suggest you let her go. And if you didn't already know, demons aren't exactly welcome here." Kakashi's voice commanded, after him and several Konoha Jounin 'shunshin'ed onto the scene, and while not completely recognizing the man, easily saw the multiple tails and ears he had...which made them come to current conclusion
"Seems our little game with have to wait." The man sighed out in annoyance, before quickly sucking on Natsumi's neck for a few seconds and then let go, though not before smirking in satisfaction at hearing the almost inaudible moan that escaped her throat.
The man completely let go of her, before the pair turned around to face the Jounin who while not in fighting stances, still had weapons brandished just in case things went south.
"Why does he look like Hana-chan's boyfriend?" Several of them thought slightly shocked and confused, noting the similarities in hair and eye color as well as clothing style.
"You know Kakashi, its rather hard to 'role play' with my mate when people come out of nowhere, and start demanding things of me and call me a demon on top of that. Oh and to answer you, hai I'm QUITE aware of the collective mindset this village has, considering I've never been welcome here since the day I was born" He retorted in obvious annoyance.
"Well you'll have to forgive me for wanting to protect a shinobi of the leaf from a Kitsune demon. And what do you mean born here? I think I'd recognize something that looks like you being born here."
The man snorted in amusement. "I have no wish to explain my origins to you, nor do I wish to forgive you especially after you threw the chance away when you tried to order me to show Uchiha Sasuke my 'Shiroi Renge no Ryuu' so he could steal it." He answered with a smirk.
Many of the Jounin were surprised by the man's words, most from hearing that Kakashi would do something like that (Though in truth not being truly surprised with the Sharingan involved) to help a single student. And Kakashi himself because the only person that knew about that conversation was a twelve year old Naruto.
His eyes narrowed at the man's insinuation. "WHO exactly are you?" Kakashi almost growled out the question, slipping into a fighting stance, which made the man sigh.
The man hand sealed and a puff of smoke engulfed him, before it disappeared, and left a twelve year old Naruto in his place.
"Does this answer your question?"
"I don't understand" Kurenai stated, after her mind couldn't come up with a good enough explanation.
Naruto shrugged. "Its fairly simply...this isn't the real me. The man you saw with the tails and ears is what I REALLY look like now. But there were things I had to do in this village and your own actions towards my real form should answer any questions on why I took up this appearance when I returned. And no I won't answer any questions on what happened to me."
the Jounin couldn't argue with that, even though they wanted to. "I see...but you MUST answer me this...are you a threat to this village? If I sense you're lying don't expect to leave here alive." Kakashi said, while lifting his headband.
His eyes widened at what he saw. "What the...there is some kind of chakra cord connecting Naruto and the woman together, and its originating from his seal." He thought, his eyes darkening at the possible implications.
Naruto released his genjutsu, and returned to his real form, before shrugging.
"Relax Kakashi, if I REALLY wanted this village destroyed it already would be. Besides I'M the one who told the Hokage about Orochimaru's invasion in the first place remember? Why waste my breath trying to protect this place if I wanted it destroyed." He answered as if it was obvious.
Kakashi conceded to Naruto's points, and stood up though still on edge.
"So...is she the same? She looks exactly like Natsumi just a lot older, is that a genjutsu as well?" He questioned.
To answer his question, Natsumi dropped the rest of her genjutsu to reveal her own tails and ears.
"Any more questions?" Natsumi asked, getting bored from the interrogation.
"Does Hana know?" Kurenai questioned, her face full of concern for her younger friend, as well as a scowl in case Naruto was just playing with her emotions the whole time.
"Hai...she and Kaa-san er...Tsume-san, were the second pair of people I told after I returned. She knows about my 'situation' as well as my relationship with Natsu-chan here. At first she was understandably upset, but she has accepted it and seems to be more then willing to be with me even so."
"Lucky bastard" Most of the men present cursed mentally.
"Is she a jinchuuriki as well?" Gai questioned.
"No...although she is is like me in the fact that her life hasn't been the best, and has been betrayed just like I have. Among other things that is one of the reasons why we are together."
"I find what you just said ironically funny, and I also find it disgusting and sad that you are 'sleeping' with the enemy of this village Naruto. The very enemy that destroyed over 2/3s of the village. Forced your Tou-san to sacrifice his life. Made your Kaa-san, your clan, and the rest of the village despise you and vilify you, making your life a living hell in the village. Isn't that right...Kyuubi no Kitsune?" Kakashi accused, making the rest of the Jounin looked shocked at the implications.
"You aren't hailed as a genius for nothing Kakashi..." Natsumi retorted after catching the kunai that Kakashi threw at her between her fingers once she confessed. "...however there is SO MUCH that this village is ignorant of when it comes to my past with this place, and the life Naruto and I have shared since my sealing into him twelve years ago. So before you go and try seeking vengeance, you should go talk to Sarutobi-san. HE knows about Naruto and I, and has given us full discretion on our actions if someone from this village attacks us. Especially when our actions up to this point have been nothing but in it's best interests. As my mate has already stated neither he nor I have returned to this place to destroy it. And to be perfectly honest I'd have much rather NEVER come back here after we left. But Naruto has people that are important to him here that he wanted to protect from Orochimaru. Thats why we are here...nothing more, nothing less."
"Kakashi do not raise your weapons against her again. Just because we're here to protect Konoha doesn't mean I'll take any disrespect from this place like I used to when I was a boy. Leave us be so we all can do what we must to protect this place." Naruto suggested, after walking in front of Natsumi to act as a shield...not that she needed it.
Gai walked up to Kakashi and put a placating hand on his shoulder. "Kakashi, despite my not liking it, they are right. So far they have done nothing but help us in this invasion. therefore we have no current proof of of then unyouthfulness. And if Hokage-sama finds out about any attack we staged against them, it won't look good. For now lets leave them be, and if that their loyalties change, that is when we shall show them out power of youth, NOT before no matter how much we want to." He offered.
Kakashi stared daggers for a moment more before sighing in defeat. "Very well...but I want a full explanation on just what the hell is going on after all of this is over Naruto" He commanded, making the demon pair shrug.
"If I may suggest, there are multiple snake summonings within the village, and Tsunade and Jiraya can only take a few at a time." Naruto suggested, pointing in at least six different directions.
"YOSH!" Gai shouted before jumping off in one of the directions.
"Don't think you're completely off the hook...I want answers after all this is said and done" Kakashi reminded the demon pair, before disappearing in a swirl of leaves, with the rest of the Jounin following suit soon after.
"They love you" Naruto said sarcastically.
She snorted. "Hai, I feel all bubbly and warm inside..." She retorted with her own sarcasm dripping from her lips, before looking at the purple shield that was erected on the roof of the Kage box with Orochimaru and Hokage currently battling inside it. "...what should we do about that?"
He craned his neck to look. "Ah that...I have an idea, but I'll need you back in the seal to make it easier...if it works I'll let you out afterwards."
Natsumi nodded and walked in front of him before kissing him and quickly disappeared back into the seal. Naruto put Kaname's body into the red scroll, before grabbing one of the few remaining WHOLE Oto shinobi corpses, and disappeared in a burst of purple flames.
Rooftop,
"Taichou what can we do!?" A cloaked ANBU officer yelled to his commander as their unit could only watch helplessly as the Hokage and Orochimaru fought within the confines of the strange barrier.
"As you saw with 'bear' there is nothing we can do 'hawk'..." The designated captain answered while pointing his head in the direction of the dead ANBU officer who moments before tried to force his way through the barrier to only get burned to death after being thrown back. "...until this damned barrier lifts all we can do is prepare and wait."
"For being the personal bodyguard unit for the Hokage, you aren't doing a very good job by just giving up like this." A voice taunted behind the group of five remaining ANBU.
The men swung around already in fighting stances, but were confused as to who was standing in front of them.
"Who are you demon?" The captain asked, not hiding the venom in his voice.
Naruto just shrugged, getting slightly irritated at constantly being asked that same question whenever he appeared.
"Call me what you will, but right now what and who I am shouldn't really matter. Especially since I'm going to attempt to get in there and give some back up to Ojii-san."
"Unfortunately for you, there doesn't seem to be a way to get inside without getting burned alive, 'bear' already proved that." The captained countered while pointing to his downed subordinate. "Besides without identifying yourself, how are we to know that you are in fact here to help? Demons have never been known to help humans, especially not KITSUNE demons, and especially NOT in Konoha."
Naruto gave them a reassuring smile. "Well then its fortunate for you I'm fairly strong and am confident in my ability. As far as my loyalties, I'm wearing a Konoha forehead protector, and just finished dispatching a few Oto shinobi one of which I'm obviously holding. As far as being an 'evil' demon...I mean really think about it. If I was THAT evil would I even be talking to you civilly right now, and offering my help to save your leader? Or would I most likely be enjoying a cup of your blood using your emptied skulls as my glass?" He questioned, his sarcasm so rich you could cut it with a knife. "Now if you don't wish to try to get through the barrier thats fine by me, but I plan to at least attempt to." He finished jumping into the air before the ANBU were given a chance to stop him.
In mid-air Naruto threw the dead Oto Shinobi's corpse past him, and when he reach about 3/4s of the way up the erected barrier, used the corpse as a spring board to give himself another boost now easily clearing a good hundred yards above the top of the barrier.
"Taichou!?" 'Hawk' shouted.
"Calm down 'hawk', there isn't anything we can do and besides, the damn demon made a point. If he wanted to kill us we would have been dead before he even spoke his first word. For now we'll just have to see what he can do. Maybe he can bust through that barrier, and help Hokage-sama. If not...well then thats one less demon we'd have to deal with later anyway so its a win-win for us. Lets just wait and see how this plays out. Nonetheless get in formation 'Alpha' in case this barrier goes down. We'll need to strike hard and fast so Orochimaru has no chance of defending himself." He ordered, getting a shout of 'hai' from his subordinates.
"Good luck...whoever the hell you are..." The captain thought, while he watched Naruto descend towards the barrier before his eyes widened seeing his arm become encased in a swirling mass of chakra. "...don't tell me...this guy is him!? Shit I think I screwed up royally if thats the case! Kyuubi must have taken over, and is trying to take out the strongest of us first...DAMN HIM!" He raged in his head after recognizing the jutsu the man was about to perform...hell he had just witnessed the 'demon brat' use it not a good thirty minutes ago in his match against that cloud kunoichi.
Naruto was speeding towards the top of the barrier with a 'Fumetsuou no Rasenken (Swirling Fist of the Immortal King)' in his right arm, as he looked within the transparent barrier, and saw Orochimaru using a jutsu that seemed to be raising coffins out of the ground, at the moment the third and final one was slowly drawing forth.
"Damn he is already using the 'Edo Tensei'..." He thought after remembering the description of that jutsu Kaname had told the demon pair before she died. "...I see, he is trying to resurrect THEM..." He continued on after concentrating his vision on the symbols on the coffin lids, noticing they stood for 'First', 'Second' and 'Forth', the last one making his eyes widen in realization. "...I see." He concluded, while reaching the last few yards between him and the barrier while cocking his fist back.
Barrier,
"I have to stop this last one...NO MATTER WHAT!" Sarutobi mentally screamed.
"Ninpou: Shuriken Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Ninja Art: Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique)!" Sarutobi called out, after he had released a shuriken from his pouch.
The lone shuriken multiplied into a few dozen in number all heading towards the final coffin which was already half way out of the ground. But their battle was interrupted when Naruto appeared in between the shuriken and the coffin. Not only that but that he had 'Shinku Kaijin' in his hand and when the shuriken were in range deflected them all, apparently in protection of the final coffin's resurrection.
Both Sarutobi and Orochimaru were surprised at the intruder, Sarutobi in the fact that Naruto had just stopped him from preventing the snake sannin from finish his jutsu. While Orochimaru was both happy that the intruder stopped Sarutobi, but annoyed and confused as to who this person was, as well as how he was able to bypass the one of his most powerful barrier jutsu.
"Naruto...why did you allow him to finish that jutsu!? Do you know what you have just done!?" Sarutobi shouted in anger and apprehension, knowing exactly what was behind those coffin lids.
"Hai I know what I did...and I stopped you because I wanted to have a little chat with him." Naruto said, knowing that the Hokage would know exactly what he was talking about.
"While this is all very fascinating, I'm afraid I don't know how you are. But I thank you for your assistance, so as a reward I'll allow you to become one of my experiments." Orochimaru hissed out with that infamous smirk in his lips.
"No thanks...and don't get me wrong either. I didn't stop them for you...I did it so I could have a few words with my...Tou-san."
Now Orochimaru wasn't hailed as the genius of the sannin for nothing so with the few sentences the...Kitsune spoke, most of the puzzle pieces in this situation fit together. Once it all clicked the snake-like man couldn't help but laugh loudly at the sheer irony.
"I see...so this is your true from ne...Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto? So it seems that you went through your sosei while you were gone for those six years. And to have gained control of five of Kyuubi's tails...I'm slightly impressed. Not only that but you stopped the Hokage from preventing your own Tou-san to be resurrected as my own personal weapon to destroy the very village that he sacrificed his life and your humanity for. Kami, this irony is so delicious that it has just GOT to be fattening!" he retorted while laughing in his dark manner.
"Orochimaru...don't take my actions as helping you...once I finish talking to him I plan on killing him..." Naruto said emotionlessly, making Sarutobi look wide-eyed and Orochimaru to stop laughing. "...besides, its not like I'm leaving Ojii-san all alone to fight the Shodaime, and Nidaime." He finished before grabbing the red scroll, sliding his nipped finger across the seal before a puff of smoke appeared.
Orochimaru looked on in morbid curiosity...you didn't get the ambition to learn EVERY jutsu in the world and not allow someone else to show you one. Unfortunately it would have been in his best interests to do so in this case because once the smoke left, there stood Natsumi in all her four tailed glory.
"Kon Suikomu (Soul Inhale)..." Orochimaru said almost dreamily, remembering when that old jutsu was being developed in one of his laboratories. "...so Kaname-chan survived did she? And even taught you her prized...well at least to her...jutsu? If thats the case I can assume that that pretty little thing is the Kyuubi no Kitsune? I certainly never imagined the most powerful bijuu to exist to be female, though I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."
Natsumi snorted angrily. "Fortunately she did, although she IS dead now...but we owe our current lives to her. And in respect we promised her we'd kill you, and we plan on making good on that promise before this invasion of yours is over." She growled.
"I see...well if thats the case I suppose I can't change you're feelings on the matter. So we might as well get started ne?" The pale man questioned in a sickeningly sweet done, that just made your teeth rot from hearing it.
Both Naruto and Natsumi jumped back landing next to the Hokage.
"I suppose I don't have to tell you how foolish this plan of yours is" Sarutobi grumbled.
"Nope, but don't worry you'll have Natsu-chan here as your back up, and you already know how strong she can be."
"And what about you and Minato-kun? He wasn't said to be the most powerful shinobi that ever resided in Fire country for nothing you know. Saying you'll kill him...again...so nonchalantly will get YOU killed instead."
"I never knew how strong my Tou-san was, so I can't and won't say I'm stronger then him. But I'm still confident with my strength and skills. No matter what though I'll have to kill him, if for nothing else then so he isn't forced to destroyed his beloved village with his own hands while his mind screams in pain over being controlled to do so."
"I suppose there is nothing more to say then." Sarutobi relented with a sigh of frustration.
Three distinct 'thud's were heard which brought the two talking males back to the present situation. The trio looked on, as they watched the three previous Hokages limp out of their coffins.
"Oh...little Sarutobi...is that you?" The Nidaime asked, his voice gruff from not being used after so many years.
Sarutobi himself couldn't help but let tears flow from his eyes at seeing his mentors and friends back in this realm. He knew they weren't in control, but it was still wonderful to see them again even in these circumstances.
"Who are those with you Sarutobi-kun? I don't recognize them." The Shodaime questioned.
"Prior Hokages, I'd like you to meet Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto...the sochi of the Yondaime Hokage of Konoha...my sochi." Minato spoke up with a proud smile, making everyone but Orochimaru look on shocked.
"H...how did you know?" Naruto asked rather surprised that Minato could so easily recognize him in his true form when people who've seen him ALIVE couldn't.
Minato just chuckled at his son's question. "I can tell that you haven't had any kids yet my sochi, or else you'd know that NO parent will EVER be able to NOT recognize their own flesh and blood, no matter how different they may look." He responded with a smile that Natsumi herself realized is where Naruto inherited his own from. "And while I would like for someone to tell me who that attractive woman next to Sandaime-san is...I can tell I wasn't called back for a social visit."
"You are correct Yondaime-dono...it seems that HE has summoned us to aid him. Apparently to fight your sochi, Sarutobi-kun and that woman." Shodaime stated, making Minato turn and look wide-eyed at his summoner.
"Orochimaru! Ok someone better tell me just what is going on!?" Minato shouted, now completely confused...last he checked Orochimaru was a KONOHA shinobi!
"Much has changed after you died Tou-san. I'm afraid Orochimaru is now the mortal enemy of Konoha." Naruto answered.
"Quite so Naruto-kun...and while this is all fascinating considering this is the first time I've used the 'Edo Tensei' to summon such powerful souls, I must ask that we continue where Sarutobi-sensei and I left off. Though with a few more participants obviously." The pale man spoke, now brandishing three kunai with an odd talisman at the end of each.
"Matte Orochimaru! For someone who enjoys their sadistic lifestyle by either physically or emotionally torturing people until they want to kill themselves and then torturing them even more. I would think you'd enjoy leaving my Tou-san and I to talk. Especially since I had planned on telling him about my life." Naruto quickly responded, hoping that his little caressing of the snake man's ego would allow him to speak with Minato with his consciousness still his own.
"So...he wants to speak with Minato ne?" Orochimaru stopped his feet at Naruto's interesting words...and in truth his curiosity, sadistic, and vengeful sides slowly began to take over his thoughts on just the implications that Naruto spoke meant. "Oh, this will be just too delicious for words. The very man who STOLE the title of Hokage from me, who then sacrificed his life and his sochi for the sake of the village. The man who hoped that his faith in the villagers would would be proved right by them seeing the boy as a hero. Only to now have that same 'hero' tell him that his beloved village vilified, beat, and cursed his existence, after being abandoned by his Kaa-san. Kami! I must have been a VERY good boy to have gotten such a wonderful present so early before Christmas." He concluded while imagining the absolutely devastated, and betrayed expression of his rival after hearing his son's story. The thought making his lips stretch to their utmost limits in a sadistic smirk so grotesque, it would cause children to weep and grown men to piss themselves if they witnessed it.
"Very well Naruto-kun...I'll allow you're little talk. If for nothing else than to hear the anguished, and betrayed screams of Minato after you are done. However I'm ordering Minato to FIGHT and KILL you after your talk is over." He agreed, his tongue extending out to lick his lips in a hungry way barely holding back his glee, which made Minato himself quirk an eyebrow at both his summoner's words and actions.
"Understood...then if you don't mind I'd like some peace and quiet while I tell my tale." Naruto responded though it was with a tone that was silently asking permission, of which the snake sannin simply nodded.
"Don't go too far...I want to hear him."
"Hai hai...Natsu-chan, Ojii-san...I'll leave these three to you. I'll be back when I can." Naruto reassured them before moving towards the closest part of the barrier.
"Minato-kun...you understand your orders correct?" Orochimaru inquired...knowing full well that Minato had no choice in the matter, but just wanted the satisfaction of having the man SAY with his own voice he understood that his orders were to kill his own son.
"Hai..." Minato answered through clenched teeth, before running to catch up to his son.
His fists shook in rage knowing full well of Orochimaru's almost orgasmic enjoyment of seeing another's suffering. It was one of the factors that cost him the Hokage title in the first place. Naruto and Minato quickly made it to the barrier, before Naruto charged a 'Fumetsuou no Rasenken (Swirling Fist of the Immortal King)', which made Minato looked shocked and quite proud, never expecting his son to create an original variation to one of his own original signature jutsu.
The barrier quickly gave way with a hole slightly bigger then an adult body thanks to the power behind Naruto's jutsu. Now with the barrier slightly open, grabbed Minato's wrist, and 'shunshin'ed away in a burst of purple flames, as the barrier quickly regenerated before any ANBU had a chance to enter.
Seeing them gone, Orochimaru looked back at his sensei and demoness. "Now that they are gone we can begin..." Orochimaru stated, bringing everyone back from looking at the pair leave, before shoving the pair of kunai into the heads of the Shodaime, and Nidaime. "...KILL THEM!" He ordered.
The opposite pair got into their own fighting stances, readying themselves for a fight that wouldn't easily be won.
"Happen to have a plan?" Sarutobi whispered to his newly appointed partner.
"No...you know these two better then I do. But I will take the Nidaime...I'm sure you understand why." She answered, making him nod in understanding.
"She would have a great disadvantage against the Shodaime's Kekkei Genkai. She may look human...if only slightly...but her chakra is still demonic." He thought, his gaze now hardening towards his assigned opponent...one of the very founders of Konoha itself.
There was a short stare down between the two pair of shinobi while Orochimaru leered on with unrestrained glee on the sidelines, before all four disappeared leaving only broken roof-tiles where they once stood...the battle of some of the strongest warriors in Konoha finally began.
AN - Well there you have it chapter twenty-one, and the beginnings of the Chuunin exams, hope you enjoyed it. And yes Naruto and Natsumi FINALLY reveal their 'true' selves to Konoha.
Anyway review if you like with your thoughts and comments!