World's Strongest Team Part 4 of 5. Kurama awakens
The young woman took in the smell of her own burnt flesh which singed her nose as she raced out of the Hokage tower. Her body refused to let her move from the location the masked man left her and Hokage Sarutobi's wife Biwako for dead initially. Fortunately she had planned out the possibility of that event happening and partially activated her seal of one hundred which saved her. And it allowed her the time she needed to save the Sandaime's (Third's) wife. But her self healing mode was not fully activated in time, so it took her a little extra time to become composed again after seeing and smelling The blood stained walls that absorbed and amplified the already horrific carnage already presented. Sakura braced herself for other even more brutal scenes she was sure to see. She took a soldier pill of her own design which would lessen the effect of the kickback after it wore off.
She made her way outside, looked to the left and saw where Sasuke and Hokage Namikaze likely were battling as she recognized the massive beast that was the Kyuubi no Yoko. Sakura could only hope the beast could be kept at bay long enough for Naruto to return.
Sakura left Biwako in Hiashi's capable hands, and rushed to the ever boiling frying pan that was Kurama. His very presence chilled the very atmosphere. As Sakura arrived, she was shooed off by members of the Uchiha clan, led by their clan head Fugaku until his wife Mikoto who had been outside the hokage tower speaking with Hiashi about Kushina's security waved her by. Fugaku wasn't happy that his wife countermanded his order, but as a fellow Elite Jonin there had to be a valid reason why.
Fugaku noted the pinkette's hair and attire and nodded in understanding. She was meant to join in the battle with the monstrous beast that was the Kyuubi. He looked downcast for a moment in silent prayer for the bright haired girl's success.
Having leapt from rooftop to rooftop for nearly fifteen minutes, Sakura finally reached the second battlefield where the Kyuubi battled viciously raged against the Konoha nin. Sakura realized that Kushina was dying if they were already at this point, and it really was up to her. Only she had the skills needed to cover Hokage Namikaze and keep Kushina alive long enough for Naruto to return.
Sasuke stood directly in front of the masked man as his left hand rested on the hilt of his Katana blade. His sharingan oscillated to it's three tomoe form as he spoke, "Hey 'Madara-kun,' how about we see who's Sharingan is truly more powerful?"
The added 'kun' annoyed the masked man. He was even more surprised at the young man's use of the name he'd chosen to adopt as his own despite not having revealed it.
Sasuke wasn't done. He then said, "Or should I call you by your birth name. Obito – kun? I'm sure Kakashi-kun would love to see his friend and teammate again."
Minato took the small distraction and teleported Kushina and Baby Naruto who he'd recovered to safety thanks to Sasuke's interference.
Obito enraged began attacking Sasuke who matched him nearly move for move as Obito hadn't forged his skills his older self had yet.
Obito who still commanded the power of Kurama teleported to the top of his head and commanded, "Destroy them all!"
Sasuke's eyes oscillated further to reveal his own as he taunted, "Let's see how your power fares against someone with a fully activated sharingan in both eyes little Obito kun."
"O..Obito.." A newly arrived Kakashi said.
"Hello Kakashi..." Obito said with an edge to his voice. "I believe you have something of mine. I've come to reclaim it.
"I think not," as he remembered that that fateful day.
"Shit...Kakashi. Get out of here. You can't take him right now. I am well aware of what Minato-sama told you. I will do whatever I can to save your friend, but if you get in my way I will have no choice but to treat you as an enemy shinobi. I won't repeat myself," Sasuke warned as nervous sweat now dripped down his face.
Kakashi remembered his sensei's warnings but found it hard to believe he could not take Obito as Obito was close to dead last in their graduating class from the academy.
"I suppose I will have to speed up my plans considerably then," Obito said as Kurama release his massive Bijuudama (Tailed Beast Bomb) toward Sasuke, and Kakashi's location.
Sasuke was prepared for this. He initiated his most powerful move as he jumped back on top of the rooftop nearest him, lifted his hand skyward and called out his most formidable offensive lightning based Jutsu, all while ignoring the cuts and bruises already sustained.
Sasuke's hand enveloped in lightning roared to life as he whispered, "Rain down with the thunderclap: Kirin."
This era's Kurama released his blast as Sasuke did the same. A dragon made of electricity escaped Sasuke's grip and rushed forward and took the beast blast head on. The collision sent back shock waves which tore rooftops off the less sturdily built buildings.
Sasuke himself was thrown back several feet as was Obito. Kurama as even moved back a short distance.
Obito suitably impressed said, "Whoever you are, you are well deserving of the title of one of Konoha's strongest."
"Hn," was his reply as Sasuke smirked as he quickly recovered and was again face to face with the his adversaries.
"HEAVEN KICK OF PAIN!" was heard next as a pink blur appeared above Obito and Kurama. Obito managed to use his Sharingan's Kumui teleport and vanished, only to appear at a building slightly behind Kurama.
Obito didn't recognize the pink haired figure, but wisely knew to move before said move could impact. Even he knew of the legendary sanin Tsunade's monstrous strength, and if she passed that on, this mission would be much more difficult.
As Sakura's kick impacted Kurama, his eyes lost the madness Obito bestowed upon him momentarily as his head was physically rattled from the pain. That was all Sasuke needed. He used his mangekyo to free Kurama, and block Obito's mental and verbal commands.
Kurama's anger and hatred still filled his eyes. He tried to leave, but could not. He was now semi-bound to another Uchiha who seemed less abusive of his powers.
"Kurama – sama. Please hear me!" Sakura pleaded.
Kurama, who was extremely surprised to hear a mere mortal know, much less speak his name so respectfully turned with the little control he had and looked at the pink haired Jonin carefully.
"Thank you for your great patience Kurama – sama. I am Sakura Haruno and I apologize for attacking you. You might not believe this, but I have known you through a friend of mine Uzumaki Naruto for over ten years. I am from the future. I know what has befallen you. Even now, my former sensei's old teammate tried to use your power for his own. I am asking you, not as a Konoha shinobi, but as a fellow life in our world to please forgive us. My family is here. My friends. I know that you may miss your family and friends like we do. We are not all monsters. Please Kurama – sama. Please stop any potential senseless bloodshed. I have seen the medical reports. Only three people have been shown as fatalities. The first estimate of thirty was made to inflame the village. If you stop now we might be able to to explain the two deaths as accidents due to that masked baka controlling you.
Kurama, angry as he was couldn't help that he found the little pink haired 'thing' amusing.
"Fight with Konoha willingly Kurama -sama. Konoha could be the first village to openly welcome bijuu rather than trying to subjugate you.
Kurama exhaled a long sigh and looked at the young woman and wisely asked, "HOW CAN I KNOW YOUR WORDS TO BE TRUE. EVEN NOW I AM NOT COMPLETELY FREE TO ROAM AS I SEE FIT. I AM STILL UNDER THE POWER OF A DAMNABLE SHARINGAN, IF ONE THAT IS NOT SO OPPRESSIVE."
To Sasuke, Sakura ordered, "Release him. But keep him protected from Obito."
Sasuke's brow raised. He wondered if his teammate had officially lost her mind. The other shinobi stopped the attacks, but lividly voiced their concerns. One dark and hardened glare from Sakura silenced the naysayers quickly.
Obito who had been silent tried continuously and failed to regain control of Kurama.
Sasuke reluctantly released his hold on the great beast who then spoke, "HEAR ME KONOHA SHINOBI. I HAVE NO ILL WILL TOWARDS YOU. IF YOU WILL ALLOW ME TO TAKE OUT THIS GARBAGE, I WILL LEAVE IN PEACE. ANY OTHER OPTIONS ARE POSSIBLE, BUT NOT PROBABLE," HE SAID AS HE FOCUSED ON UCHIHA OBITO.
Minato returned after following Naruto and Sakura's earlier instructions to get to Hinata or Tsunade in case Kurama was extracted to perform a suspended animation medical jutsu to keep Kushina alive long enough to save her life.
Obito, furious at what occurred prepared for another assault in an attempt to recapture the Kyuubi no Yoko: Kurama, but alas; it wasn't meant to be as a huge blue flash appeared before them. Naruto, Jiraiya, Deva Pein, Nagato, Yahiko, and the rest of the original Akatsuki had arrived.
Naruto looked up at Kurama and knew what happened immediately as he asked Sasuke who was closest to him, "Where's my mom?"
"Your dad is back, and calm, so I'd say in part b of our plan."
Naruto sighed in relief as he looked to his 'old friend' who looked at him as well and said, "Hello old friend."
Kurama nodded and asked, "IS ANYONE FROM THIS TIME PERIOD? WELL, YOUR PINK HAIRED FRIEND SEEMS TO THINK WE ALL CAN BE FRIENDS, BUT THAT MUST BE A LIE AS WELL. SEEING AS I AM TRAPPED INSIDE OF YOU," he growled angrily.
"We didn't get along well at first. That's true. As a matter of fact, were are just now starting to consider each other even remotely friends. But I hope that bond can transcend me and the Kurama within myself to me, and you as well. I have no intention of enslaving you, are you willing to know our story? That goes for you too Obito. You were made a Konoha shinobi again by me as my tenure as Hokage, though through an unapproved third party's assistance."
Kakashi who was now by his sensei's side allowed a small smile knowing that Obito was not completely lost.
Kurama looked to Naruto and said, "TOUCH MY CLAW."
The command was simple, and his inner Kurama said it would be fine. Within seconds of Naruto's fist bumping his claw, Kurama knew what must be done. He saw how Naruto was treated as a child, and how the villagers thought of Naruto as the Nine Tailed demon beast. And how it was 'his' fault for Naruto's bearing of that hatred. Kurama looked to Minato and said, "Take me to the red haired brat and do what you need. But only half of my yin half. The other half of my yin, Minato will use to help protect this village. yang in Baby Naruto. Raise and protect him right. I will also protect the child of prophesy. As the beast known by my nine tails and my word as Kurama. Guardian beast of this world. That shaLL BE mY NINDO. MY SHINOBI WAY."
"You honor me Kurama of the Bijuu," Naruto said with a bow.
That annoyed his own Kurama who flared his little remaining chakra for a moment.
Naruto looked to Obito and said, "It's time to come home. Your Moon's Eye Infinite Tsukoyomi plan is doomed to fail as it has in every incarnation of time. Controlling the populace with a massive genjutsu is not real. It doesn't bring your friend Rin back."
Obito's normally stoic demeanor was nearly lost at the mention of Rin.
"We have bigger things to deal with than that. We have the Olympians who are set to be released in nearly twenty years. You tried to face them and failed. Your Kamui was useless as they could literally rip you out of your side dimension. They are immune to the sharingan, and most likely the Rinnegan as well. It took bringing your recruit, my best friend Sasuke back to the side of the leaf to stop three of kami knows how many. Leave now. If you choose to return to he leaf, I will vouch for you as I know you can be redeemed. Should you attack the leaf again however, I will show you no mercy. Also. If my mom dies because I didn't make It back in time...," Naruto stopped for a moment. His depleted chakra reserves somehow revitalized fully activated his and Kurama's Bijuu mode. He then said, "Just hope for your life, and the life of anyone you possibly hold dear in the future...that she lives."
Obito hadn't felt fear like that for a long time. He didn't answer. He vanished.
Sakura joined Kakashi and Minato who jumped upon Kurama's orange physical manifested form, and teleported to Kushina's location.
Naruto turned to Deva Pein and Konan and asked, "You all did this for me?" having noted his returned bought of strength.
Konan simply nodded with a small smile and said humbly, "You brought back our Yahiko. You saved his life. We will forever be in your debt Hokage Uzumaki."
Naruto's face reddened a bit with the praise as he powered down and then remembered, "What about your other path's of Pein?"
Deva path shook his head and stated, "I didn't really need to. Somehow, someone was able to destroy all five of them. But there are five new powerhouse energies on the scene and it is unlike anything I have seen before. A group of quite possibly the most powerful group I have ever encountered. They are laying waste to my akatsuki, but not killing them off," He finished off surprised.
"Damn. Please be alright Hinata," Naruto whispered as he powered back up to his Bijuu mode and lightning quick made his way to the next battlefield.
Old Hokage Mansion
He worried about his mother, but knew his village needed to come first and he hated himself for it. He landed in the middle of he field with a mighty roaring shock. He saw Hinata with a few of her clan mates who were unable to stay out of the battle. His relief obvious, he focused on the matter at hand. He looked to the Akatsuki and said, "Pein is on his way back here. This battle is over."
"Bullshit brat. Our mission is absolute. There's no way a little fucker like you convinced Pein otherwise," Hidan called as he used the brief interruption to get away from Shikamaru and his sensei.
"Dammit Naruto. I almost had this SOB for a third time. This guy's more trouble than he's worth," Shikamaru complained.
"Who are the new guys on the other side of the field," Naruto asked as he dodged Hidan's scythe.
Shikamaru attempted another Kage Mane no Jutsu, but to no avail as his 'prey' against escaped his grasp as he said, "Of all the... Troublesome. From what I've gathered, they are from the scrolls we were studying. They helped defeat Madara Uchiha in his first attempt to ransact the village, but those records were sealed. They also repelled thirty Olympians as a team. I'd really hate to piss these guys off. They are trained shinobi, but are also able to use other odd techniques."
Naruto nodded as he commanded, "Any Konoha shinobi still on the field, get to the sidelines. Now!"
Team Zero-Zero-One looked at the newcomer and his Jacket and understood his importance.
Gildarts made the call. "Team Fairy Tail. Move back, and let's see what our village's youngest Hokage's made of!"
Naruto only smirked. He narrowed his eyes, powered back up to Bijuu mode, and called out, "You wanted Bijuu in the past Akatsuki. That mission is now officially over. But since you don't believe me-I guess I will have to keep you entertained until Nagato, and Konan get here with Jiraiya – shishou."
Naruto touched the seal on his stomach, and instinctively knew how to weaken the eight trigrams seal. He then made a single seal which produced two bijuu mode kage bushin who ran forward into battle as Naruto roared, "LET'S GO KURAMA!"
A golden, majestic version of Kurama materialized behind Naruto. Naruto leaped back, and flipped onto his partner's head. A Konoha Hitai-ite formed on Kurama's brow. A wicked grin on the multi-tailed beast raced into battle.
Fairy Tail's ACE wizard Gildarts looked on impressed and said, "Kid's got talent. But just how good is he?"
"I could take him!" The pink haired mage Natsu boldly proclaimed.
"Not likely Natsu. I can feel the power radiating off of him as if I were facing off against Erza," Gray reluctantly admitted.
Natsu nearly wet his pants at that bit of information and made a mental note not to piss Hokage Naruto off.
Kakuzu raised all of his faces toward Naruto as he called out, "Multi-Element: Torrential Storm no Jutsu! (original).
Naruto and Kurama called out simultaniously, "Bijuudama: TAILED BEAST BOMB!"
The four element jutsu combined, and nearly struck Naruto and Kurama, but their attack formed in Kurama's mouth, folded in on itself, and then fired at the oncoming assault. The two attacks dissapated and both parties were left standing.
"Kakazu. I can and have beat you in the future. I can end you in one move, but I am trying to give you a chance," Naruto warned.
"How noble," Kakuzu mocked as he fired off an attack in Hinata's direction.
Naruto was by Hinata's side in an instant. He rushed forward and with his hand, sliced through the energy beam, sending it off harmlessly to the side.
Naruto glared at Kakuzu with cold detached eyes and said, "Chance gone. Wrong one. Right day. You're fucked."
Naruto raised his right hand to the sky and a massive spiraling bladed ball of energy was produced as Naruto called, "Wind Style: Big Ball: Rasenshuriken!"
Naruto released his new, most vicious attack. The gathered Akatsuki either tried to scatter, or combining their most powerful attacks to stop the unstoppable force.
But before Naruto's attack could decimate Kakuzu and the rest, a thunderous voice called out, "Shinra Tensei: Almighty Push!"
An invisible force surrounded the akatsuki, but did not completely stop the violent force from Naruto's attack. But it was enough to leave the Akatsuki stupefied.
"This battle is over," Nagato said with finality. Naruto, still enraged over Hinata almost being killed prepared to move forward, but forty Konoha shinobi including Hinata stepped in to stop him.
"I'm okay Naru-kun. It's alright."
Hearing his love's voice soothed the bloodthirsty instincts which commanded him to finish off Kakuzu and his allies.
"Hokage Uzumaki. You came to me in peace, as did your mate. I shall leave in peace, and know that Konoha is now, and forever under the protection of the Akatsuki. If you need us, call upon us. Also," to the older Itachi, "Be very glad that my fellow pupil is as convincing as he is, or I would have killed you for betraying me. As of now. All is forgiven."
Itachi, formerly of the Akatsuki merely gave a silent nod.
The Akatsuki hadn't technically killed anyone, not for lack of trying. And Hokage-Uzumaki being of the royal house pushed for them to be released without much hassle. They were escorted to the front gates of Konoha, and allowed to leave without incident.
Naruto meanwhile raced to the secret location number two of his mother and father. Outside of the building forty year old Kosuke Maruboshi stood guard as he is one of the most trusted Shinobi of the leaf despite only being a genin.
Naruto had enough. He stopped where Kosuke stood and said, "Your promoted to jonin effective immediately."
Before Koseke could again refuse promotion Naruto said, "Refusal is not an option. I have actually known you for ten years. I know your story and how a mistake you made lost you your team. You have trained under the Nidaime Hokage, and the Sandaime. Maybe even some under my dad the Yondaime. I don't know. But your skills are too valuable to allow you to stay a genin. And if you threaten to retire, I will mark you as a rogue nin so fast your head will spin. Power and responsibility isn't always something we want. Sometimes it's slammed down upon us. You were the only genin we had available when Itachi of the Akatsuki showed. If you were not here and he didn't recognize you as a genin, he would have fought on the Akatsuki's side which meant we would have had a lot more injured or dead. You are one of our best. Now I expect to see you in the hokage office first thing tomorrow morning. If you don't show, there will be severe consequences. Are we clear?" Naruto asked although it was definitely an order.
"H-hai Hokage Uzumaki-sama," Kosuke answered miserably.
"Good. Because believe it or not. You've earned it," Naruto smiled as he walked into the building after proper protocols were met.
Naruto walked down the hall until he reached the last room where he saw his mother holding his smaller self with a smile on her face. Sakura hugged Sasuke and he tried to wear a bored look, but failed miserably. Minato looked exhausted. Once everyone noticed Naruto's presence and his relaxed demeanor, they knew everything was okay. Konoha was safe. For now.
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked alongside his healed wife and guests he never thought he'd see again. He made his way to Kushina's room, and asked to see everyone but Kushina to let her rest.
Everyone stepped out of the room and he began.
"It is with the greatest honor that I introduce to you Erza Scarlett-sama. One of my Sensei along with Hashirama, and Tobirama -samas. Next is Natsu-sama. He is the reason my clan's fire jutsu rivals the Uchiha," he chuckled slightly at that.
Erza smiled, and Natsu smirked.
"Next is Lucy-sama who became one of our best teachers, and has some of the best chakra control any shinobi I've ever seen," which made Sakura huff slightly. "Next is Grey -sama who's water and Ice techniques who made the Nidaime furiously competitive and made him the great Hokage he eventually became. Happy-sama, our little exceed friend is one of our best carrier nin. His flight speed was surpassed by none. And the man whom Hashirama Senju, the Shodaime (first) Hokage himself said could have easily overpowered him and become hokage himself had he the ambition. Gidarts Clive-sama, and the Ace of Team Zero-Zero-One. Konoha's strongest ever team. He was one of Kakashi's father's teachers. The White Fang of Konoha whose legend spans further than the Sanin."
Naruto and the rest were dumbfounded at what they heard. They planned on learning any and everything they could to better protect the village hidden in the leaves and the rest of the world.
Natsu spoke up and asked, "So...Where's Master Mavis?"
The question stunned the rest of the Fairy Tail shinobi as Gildarts replied, "Hopefully back home."
To be continued.
While I worked very hard to bring you this chapter I may not update again for a while. I want to focus on my Naruto/Sailor Moon story Shinobi Senshi for a bit. Take it easy.
Sasuke is Over and Out! :)