Rosuto Rakuen (Lost Paradise)
XXI. Make Haste to Konoha
By: Datenshi No Uzumaki (aka Kat Lee V)
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They're hiding something, and Naruto knows it. He silently watched forward, as the foliage scenery passed him. In his arms was the small pup form of Sasuke, as they rode on the big animal form of Itachi. Close by was Sakura on Hinata's dragon form, and at the other side was Gaara riding on Neji's dragon form too. Ino and Chouji rode on the big deer that was Shikamaru, as Tenten, Shino, and Kiba all fit on the suddenly grown dog, Akamaru. They were all behind. Sai was in his small animal form of a black kitten, while Gaara carried the stubborn little turtle, Lee. They were all racing through the thick forests towards Konoha. At the crack of dawn, everyone was quiet, speaking lightly, and they all hurriedly headed towards their home.
The blonde frowned, unconsciously pressing the black puppy close to his chest. 'What's wrong, Naruto?' The boy looked down at his Shugorei. "Nothing… I'm just edgy, because of Yami-sama's warnings." He said softly. Sasuke looked up at his master, into his big blue eyes. He knew that something else was also bothering the blonde. 'Don't worry, we'll protect you from what ever it is.' Naruto smiled softly, and gave a soft squeeze to the pup.
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There was a small flicker from the small flame that dimly lighted the room. A golden eye glowed in the darkness, staring at four shadows that stood before it. "Bring him to me." Said a voice. Then the four shadows disappeared.
A figure stepped forward, next to the shadowed figure with the golden eyes. The person stood beside the flame. "Time is wearing thin."
The man beside the flame turned his head. "I've checked on his condition, master, and it is not improving very well."
"Just send him to help with the others. I'm sure that the boy is not entirely defenseless, now that he found his other Shugorei." Growled the voice. The man bowed, and left his master's side. The shadowed man smirked, his golden eyes glinting with the flame. "You'll soon be mine, Naruto-kun."
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The blonde shivered, and Sasuke looked up at his master in worry. 'Are you sure you're okay? Should we stop to rest?'
"No, I'm okay. Just had a little chill. It passed though. No worries." He chirped, giving his Guardian a smile. Sasuke wasn't convinced, but kept on staring into the boy's eyes. Naruto blinked his eyes, and grinned sloppily. "I'm really okay, Sasuke. I just want to return to Konoha as soon as possible."
'Just leave Naruto-kun alone, and be attentive of our surroundings in case something tries to attack us.' Sasuke heard his brother in his mind. The younger Uchiha sighed and turned his head still concerned over his master.
Suddenly there was an explosion to their side, throwing all the teens apart and to the ground. The blonde groaned, and felt a heavy weight over him. Naruto looked up and found himself in the protective arms of his younger Guardian. "Sasuke…"
The dark haired boy looked down at the smaller boy. "Are you alright?" Naruto meekly nodded.
"What happened?" questioned the blonde as they sat up. Naruto looked over at his other Guardian, who returned back to his normal form. "Are you okay, Itachi?" The older Uchiha nodded.
The blonde turned his head to where the explosion was set of, and widened his eyes realizing it was very near his sister. "Neechan!" He ran to where his fallen sister and her Guardians were.
"Neechan. Are you okay?" Naruto questioned, as he knelt down his rousing sister.
Sakura sat up and groaned a bit. "Yes." She turned to her Shugorei. "Are you guys okay?" The two were nodding, back also in their human forms. "Where did that come from?"
Gaara came running up to his siblings, with his guardians in tow. The rest of the teens in the large group gathered around, looking around. The red head Namikaze frowned deeply. "This isn't good." He said lowly, narrowing his eyes. Out of nowhere, something shot at them, pushing the red head on to a tree. The group gasped and turned their heads, only for something to be shot at them again, three times. This time it was Ino, Hinata, and Lee. It all happened too quickly.
The others looked at the four that were now stuck on to the trees, covered in a strange white substance. Ino was complain in disgust. "What the heck is this?" Shikamaru was by his Senmin's side, with Chouji at the other. The boy frowned, and picked at the stuff covering his mistress.
"What is it, Shikamaru?" question Chouji. He was tugging at the sticky stuff, freeing his Senmin.
The older boy furrowed his brows. "Spider's web?"
"Earth Element: Clay Barrier!"
The group looked around them as a wall of the earth rose, surrounding the Namikaze Twins, Ino and their Shugorei, and enclosed as a dome. Naruto widened his eyes and cried out to them. "Neechan! Niisan!" Then more webs were shot, sticking everyone but the blonde to the trees. Naruto looked around, his heart beating fast. 'This can't be happening!' He ran to Sasuke, hurriedly pulling away the web to free his Guardian. "Sasuke…"
When the younger Uchiha was freed, he quickly grabbed the blonde and leaped away from his spot, only for it to explode. Sasuke looked up at the trees, and glared hard. "Why don't you cowards show yourselves?" He shouted, his arms tightly keeping the blonde close to him. He could feel him shaking. 'Naruto… you need to calm down. Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you.'
"Sasuke…"
Four figures appeared, standing close together, near the earth made dome. There was a dark pink haired girl, a pale guy with someone being carried behind him, and a guy with six arms. The bulky person was keeping up the dome, while the other three looked at the blonde and the younger Uchiha. They were standing close to Itachi, Kiba, Tenten and Shino, who were still stuck to the tree. Kiba and Akamaru were growling, struggling to get free, the others were calm. They were worried about the others stuck in the earth technique.
Sasuke frowned deeply. "Who are you? What do you want?" He hissed, pushing the blonde behind him, to free the others.
The silver haired male that was carrying something on his back gave an eerie smile. "How rude of us to not introduce ourselves. I am Sakon. These are my partners, Jiroubou, Tayuya, and Kidoumaru. We are the special Oto Four." Naruto widened his eyes, and then suddenly winced in pain. His hand shot to his left arm, clutching it. 'Orochimaru…' Sasuke growled in his mind.
"All we want is to bring Naruto-kun with us to our master, of course." Said Tayuya, eying said blonde. "We don't want any trouble, so please come with us, Naruto-kun, and no body will get hurt." The only female out stretched her arm towards the boy. Naruto looked at them warily. 'If they would not hurt anyone…' He took a step forward, gritting his teeth.
"Baka! Don't you dare give yourself up to them that easily." Sasuke shouted at the blonde, making him freeze in place. Naruto stared at his Guardian with wide eyes. 'But…'
Itachi was now standing in front of his Senmin, and an out to the side to prevent the boy to go any further. "Let us handle them, Naruto-kun. Just give us your strength, and we will not let them harm the others." He said in a soft voice, that only Naruto and Sasuke heard. The blonde bit his lip, and clutched his hand to his chest.
"Hey! Hey!" Kiba jumped up beside the younger Uchiha, glaring at the enemies. "You're not the only ones that can fight."
Tenten was next to Itachi, with Shino beside her. "Yeah. We'll help protect Naruto." The bun haired girl said, raising her knives as she took a stance.
The blonde frowned. 'But…'
"Naruto was told by the Gods to get to Konoha, because he'll be safe there." Naruto looked up at the voice of Shino, who finally spoke. "Let us take care of them, and free the others, while you get there." Kiba and Tenten turned their heads and nodded.
"That's right. If you get to Konoha, you'll be safer there, that is why the Gods told you to hurry there… There is only four of them, and there are many soldiers in Konoha that can help protect you as well." Said Kiba, with Akamaru barking in agreement.
Sasuke and Itachi glanced at each other, and turned away from the four Oto Soldiers. They ran past the three Heisei, and Sasuke picked up Naruto as Itachi changed to his wolf form. "But-!" The Younger Uchiha hopped on to the dark gray wolf's back with Naruto.
"You're brother and sister will be fine. They have strong Shugorei, and Heisei are stronger than you think. They can distract them as we get to Konoha." Said Sasuke as Itachi dashed through the forest in top speed. The Senmin-Shugorei team disappeared through the thick foliage.
The four Oto Soldiers frowned, as their target was gone. Kidoumaru took a step and looked at Tayuya and Sakon. "Go after them. We'll handle these kids." The two nodded and ran off at the direction Naruto and his Shugorei headed.
"Oh no you don't!" Tenten hurled her knives at the two soldiers, but other knives intercepted them. Then Kidoumaru spat out his web that surrounded the area, preventing them from going after them. Tenten growled.
"Your opponent is I." Kidoumaru said. "I can easily take down you three week Heisei." Kiba and Tenten growled at being called weak.
Shino placed out his arms to the side, blocking his partners. "Don't do anything rash. Our opponent is different than all the others." Kiba and Tenten looked up at the eldest boy. "Our main priority is getting the others out."
Tenten nodded. "Then, you two distract that weird guy, while I'll try to get that big guy to give up on that technique. I'd be careful of him, because of those creepy extra arms." The two boys nodded, and ran towards the six-armed man. The female Heisei ran the opposite way of the two boys, going around to get Jiroubou to let go of the earth technique.
Shino stopped at a distance and raised his arms forward, releasing his bugs at the Oto Soldier. Kidoumaru smirked and spat out some of his web in his hands, then started to form something. The Oto soldier threw it at the bugs, catching them all.
"Ha!" The man turned around and saw twin spinning swirls of wind aimed towards him. Kidoumaru jumped back to dodged and started to form something with his web, tossing it at the attack. It seemingly missed the canine like boy, but both he and Akamaru were stuck on the ground.
Kidoumaru laughed at the two boys. "You can't defeat me. Those webs I used before were nothing, but this time, I'll get serious." He spat out web towards Shino, with Kiba calling him to watch out.
"Fire Element: Ember Waves!" A burst of fire came directly towards the flying web. The two Heisei were shocked as the web passed through the technique and spread out to get Shino caught in it.
The Oto Soldier chuckled, walking up to the bug-user. "Just like pesky insects, they are always caught in the web." The sunglasses wearing boy frowned.
"Kidoumaru, there is still the other annoying insect!" called out Jiroubou. Seeing the bun haired girl running towards him. She jumped up, with a knife in her hand.
The six-armed man smirked, and spat a web at the girl. "Tenten, watch out!"
Suddenly there was an explosion from the dome, and a giant rolling ball came out in a fast speed. Tenten was able to dodge and land on the ground. She watched as three teams of Senmin-Shugorei came out. The earth dome crumbled with a not too please Jiroubou.
Sakura came running out, and looked around. "Where's Naruto?"
Tenten looked at the pink haired girl. "We told him and his Shugorei to run towards Konoha. It turns out that these people come from Otokagure and are after Naruto-kun." Both Namikaze twins widened their eyes.
Kiba turned to them. "You better hurry and catch up to him, because there is still those other two that went after him."
Kidoumaru smirked. "You can't. You're all trapped in here with my web barrier." The man threw his head up, and sprayed out his web into the air, and it came down like a fountain. They looked around, as the web rained down on them. Suddenly they were not able to move, stuck on their spots.
Gaara frowned deeply, and glared hard. "Byakugan."
"As if that will work." The spider-like man said. He turned to his ally. "There, I made things easy for you. You'll be able to kill them. I'll catch up with the others and take that Blondie to out master." Jiroubou just waved a hand, and Kidoumaru disappeared.
The big man looked at the teens, smirking. "Look at all the wonderful people I'm going to enjoy in feasting on." He licked his lips, taking slow steps towards them. Sakura and Ino freaked out, struggling to get free from the stick web that glued them to the ground.
"Wind Element: Tornado Storm."
A giant tornado came circling on one spot sucking everything towards it. The teens closed their eyes, not letting the debris and dust to get in them. "What's going on?" cried out Ino. When the attack stopped, the group opened their eyes to see that they were still at the same spot. They looked around to see that Jiroubou was gone.
There was a burst of energy, and they turned to see that Neji was free from the web. He went over to his master, and used his glowing hand to cut the red head free. Soon after everyone was out of the sticky web. Shikamaru eyed the red head Namikaze. "I see… in order to break free from this web, you used chakra, and only a Hyuuga can see the weak point, like that earth dome that we were in."
"Where did that big guy go anyways?" questioned Tenten.
Gaara turned away. "It doesn't matter." Then he ran off with his Shugorei closely following behind.
Sakura went to after her twin brother. "We need to get to Naruto before those Oto Soldiers do, and make sure he gets within the gates of Konoha." She said, before disappearing through the tress with her Shugorei. The last two teams glanced at each other, and ran off after them.
"I don't think so!" The ground shook below them, and the six teens lost balance, falling to the ground. They looked behind to see Jiroubou, standing up. He narrowed his eyes at them. "We're taking that Blondie, and you won't stop us."
Ino took in a deep breath, and stood up. Her Shugorei eyed her with question. The blonde girl turned around to face him, frowning. "Looks like it's our time to shine boys." The girl smirked, placing a hand on her hip.
"What the heck are you thinking, Ino?" Kiba furrowed his brows.
The girl looked over her shoulder and gave a small smile. "Go catch up to the others, we'll take care of this guy." Her Shugorei looked at her as if she was crazy. 'When did Ino grow a spine to be brave and considerate?'
"You sure? We'll take him on for you guys." Tenten said, knowing the stories about the weakest and laziest Senmin-Shugorei team of their generation. But then again, they did get promoted to Hamusha.
The girl didn't turn her head to look back at the Heisei girl. She waved a hand. "We'll be fine." The Heisei trio looked at one another, and hesitantly ran after the others. Shikamaru and Chouji got up from the ground, staring at the back of their mistress.
"I don't know what you're planning, Ino, but this is troublesome." The eldest boy muttered.
The blonde softened her eyes, as a gentle breeze blew past them. "The Gods… I know I didn't tell you earlier… but last night, when we slept within the confines of that old temple… they came to me, and told me… if we were not to fight and help out our friends… something terrible will happen… They told me that Naruto was special… and if he was captured by the darkness… this world… will be destroyed. We have to do everything we can to prevent that from happening, and to do so… we have to fight to prevent them from taking that Chibi." The girl gently smiled as she pictured the cute little boy. 'For the Gods to come to her… it must be very important if we do this… and for a boy that just appeared out of no where…' The two Shugorei looked at the annoyed man.
They walked in front of their Senmin, watching their opponent closely. "Shikamaru. Chouji. Let's fight our best. This is our chance to prove what we Senmin-Shugorei team can do. We'll totally take the title of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio from our dads!" Ino said, with her light blue eyes glittering with determination. The two nodded, and went in a stance, waiting on their mistress's command.
"Troublesome."
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Kidoumaru looked back and frowned. 'They caught up? I knew that fatass was weak. And to think I gave him a handicap.' The spider-like man stopped and turned around, a ball of web in his hands. When he saw the Konoha Soldiers, he threw the web at them.
Neji jumped in front of his master, with his hand glowing with blue chakra. He cut threw the webs, catching the Oto Soldier off guard. Gaara and Lee stood beside the Hyuuga. "This man is persistent in not letting us reach my brother." The red head growled.
"Then we must fight him in order to protect Naruto-kun." Lee said.
Neji narrowed his eyes, with the Byakugan activated. "I have to fight him alone. You're not able to cut through the webs this man creates." Lee bit his lip, knowing that his partner was correct.
"Gaara!" A female voice called out. The green-wearing Shugorei turned his head to see Sakura and her Shugorei coming towards them at a distance. The three landed at a nearby branch, seeing the same spider-like man from before.
"Sakura, you need to go on a head. You need to help Naruto and protect him." Said Gaara, not taking his narrowed teal eyes away from the Oto Soldier. "We will eliminate this minor distraction, and catch up later."
Lee turned to the pink haired girl. "The Hyuugas are the only ones that seem to be able to cut through this guy's web-like attacks. Let us handle things from here. Naruto-kun needs you." He looked at her with his big reassure grin.
The female Namikaze glanced at the back of her twin. "You better be okay. We have to protect our baby brother together. He will definitely need his big brother there to help him."
"Please come out of this safe…" Hinata said in her small voice, worry clearly etched into it. She looked at her twin, but saw in her brother's eyes that things will be okay. Hinata took in a deep breath and turned to her mistress. "Let's hurry."
"Hey! Wait for us!" They all turned their heads to see Kiba, Tenten and Shino.
Sakura smiled widely, but then looked around for Ino and her Shugorei. "Where did Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji go?"
Tenten frowned slightly. "They stayed behind to prevent that big guy from coming after us…"
Sai took Sakura's arm. "Come. We must not waste time, if we're to reach Naruto."
"He's right. Go now!" Gaara said in his deep voice. They took one last look at the red head with his Shugorei, and disappeared to the direction of Konoha, where hopefully the blonde Namikaze was heading.
"No one is going anywhere!" Kidoumaru spat a massive web at the boys, that tangled all around them. Some of the web shot out towards the running teens.
"Neji." The Hyuuga cut through the web with his hands, and it failed to reach the others. Gaara looked up with piercing cold eyes. The Oto Soldier slightly winced at the intensity of the glare. "I will not let any of you place a hand on my brother." He growled. "Neji!" The white-eyed Shugorei jumped from the branch towards the spider-like man.
Kidoumaru smirked, impressed. "Won't this be fun?"
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A hand shot towards his heart. The blonde looked up to the sky, frowning deeply. "I hate this."
Sasuke looked down at the boy in his arms. "Naruto?"
"This bad feeling… I hate it… and I feel so useless." The blonde murmured. 'You're not, or else Sasuke and I won't be able to fight, not without your strength.' Said Itachi in his mind. "But everything that is happening… it's all my fault, and all I can do is watch as everyone around me fall. I don't want this anymore… what ever it is that I am… I don't want to be it anymore. I just want to live a semi-normal life, like everyone does in this world."
"If you were just ordinary… then you wouldn't be who you are now. The friends you have made… they like you because you are you. You're unique. They feel that they have to protect you, because you've built a place within our hearts, Naruto. You're different, and I bet no one wants that to change." Sasuke said softly, pulling the blonde close to his chest.
Itachi's crimson eyes narrowed, looking from the corner of his eyes. He abruptly stopped in his dash, and bucked up, throwing the two off his back. With a puff of smoke, the older Uchiha was back in his original form, with his katana in hand. He turned around, and blocked all knives that came raining towards them. He frowned, and saw two Oto Soldiers standing at the distance.
Sasuke and Naruto both sat up, and looked up at Itachi's back. "Naruto-kun… you can't get away from us that easily." Said Sakon. "It's useless… and as we speak, those pathetic friends of yours are all dead." The blonde widened his blue eyes, shaking with dread. 'No…'
"There is a reason why were are called Oto's finest, for we are the chosen Guards for our dear master." Said Tayuya. "No one is able to defeat us… ever." She smirked.
Sasuke got up, glaring. "Don't listen to them Naruto. You need to believe in all of them. They will be fine." He knew the blonde's confidence was wearing thin. He knew that the biggest fear Naruto ever had was that those precious to him would die because of him, and he would not be able to something about it. Where had his blonde's confidence and determination gone?
"Ice Element: Blizzard Storm!" The two Oto Soldiers turned their heads, and dodged the ice attack.
"Vicious Ink Beasts!" Black forms came roaring and clawing their way towards the two Oto Soldiers. They dodged as they started to attack them. Sakon released powerful punches, making the black forms splatter into ink around the trees.
Naruto and the Uchiha Twins turned their heads to see Naruto's sister, with the others running towards them. Sai and Hinata appeared beside Itachi. "Naruto!" The pink haired girl rushed up to her little brother, and embraced him tightly. "You're okay!"
"Where's Niisan?" The blonde questioned, seeing that the group was missing people.
Sakura frowned. "Do not worry about him. We need to get to Konoha fast." She stood up and helped her brother up. "Hinata. Sai." The two nodded, and there was a big explosion of smoke. When the area cleared, there was a large mass of copies of the two Shugorei. They were found all around the area, but there was no sign of the blonde.
"Damn." Cursed Sakon.
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Itachi looked up at the sky, frowning as it darkened. That distraction that Sakura created allowed them to set a good distance from the last two Oto Soldiers. But Itachi knew that they wouldn't be able to come out of this chase that easily. He knew that they are strong, but he was determined to protect his master, after years of being apart from him. It was his promise to his mother.
"Ne, Itachi-kun?"
"Kaasan?"
"You'll watch over Sasuke-chan, won't you?"
"Of course. That foolish otouto can't look out for him self. He needs me there with him to save his back."
"Itachi-kun…"
"Also… please watch over your Senmin. Promise me that nothing will ever happen to Naruto-kun. It's important that you do this. I fear many terrible things will befall on him… only you and Sasuke-chan are able to protect him, because you were chosen to be his Guardian. That's all I ask…"
"But… he's gone…"
"Just promise me."
"Of course I will."
"Thank you, my son."
The group was having a short rest. Sakura hoped it would allow the ones behind to catch up to them. Kiba, Tenten and Shino appeared, after having gone through the forest in the darkening surroundings. "The traps are set. Hopefully it will hinder their pursuit, and allow us time to regroup and rest." Said the female Heisei. She turned to stare at the direction that their enemies were left behind.
Itachi bowed his head, and glanced at his silent master who sat beside his otouto. 'The reason they want to take Naruto must be because it's that time Orochimaru would transfer to a new body.' He frowned. 'If Naruto is taken, then so will Sasuke, so that he can use his body and have Naruto in his control. Because Sasuke and Naruto are connected as Senmin and Shugorei… Orochimaru will finally have his powerful Senmin, and he'll also be able to revive that dark power for his own use.'
"We must go now." Itachi spoke. "Based on calculations, we're about a day away from Konoha. If we are to head there nonstop, we'll be able to reach Konoha before sunset tomorrow." The ones that were sitting down all stood up and prepared to leave as quickly as possible. As they gathered their things, they sped through the forest once again.
The sun rose from the horizon after hours of running, but their determination to reach their destination quickly made the young soldiers wary because of their lack of sleep. Each Shugorei took turns carrying their Senmin and other partner, so that the other can rest, and continue with their run to Konoha. The Heisei were able to summon quick animals to help them on their haste.
"Metal Element: Bullet Rain!"
The group jumped apart from one another when the attack came down at them from above. They turned around, shocked that the two were able to catch up to them. Itachi frowned seeing the dark markings on the two Oto Soldier's body. 'They activated the curse seal that Orochimaru gave them. This will be more difficult than I thought.'
"It looks like that we have no other choice, but the fight them." Said Shino. His partners turned their heads to the silent bug-user.
Tenten bit her lip, but nodded. "He's right. While the rest of you head to Konoha, we'll take care of them, and make sure that they won't follow you any more."
Kiba grinned. "Plus, we made a pact that we would help with getting the Chibi home." There was a small bark from the boy's companion. Naruto bit his lip, slightly bowing his head.
"Sakura, take your brother and hurry back home. We'll be all right." Tenten said softly. The pink haired girl nodded to the older girl, and took her brother's hand. Then the two Senmin and their Shugorei disappeared, with Naruto looking back with his big blue eyes. 'Be safe…'
Shino didn't waste time, releasing his bugs at the two remaining Oto Soldiers. Tenten took out some knives, and smirked. Kiba went in a stance, ready to take on their opponent. "It's not like we can't handle this, right?" The younger boy smirked. Tenten had a matching smirk. Shino's sunglasses glinted as he raised his head.
"Metal Element: Metallic Bombs!"
"Double Piercing Fang!"
"Bug Eater Destruction."
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A strong gust of wind blew past them, followed by a loud sound of an explosion. Naruto looked back, his eyes glistening as he frowned. Sakura glanced at her brother, knowing how the blonde feels. She felt the same dreading feeling that he has. 'Gaara-nii… I hope you and the others are okay. You have to be, for the sake of Naruto. It's killing him, knowing that he has to run, while many stay behind, to fight for him.'
'Sakura… I think it's inevitable that we are to partake in battle as well.' The pink haired girl looked down at the black head of her Shugorei, Sai, in his large panther form. 'Everyone was left behind to stop those Soldiers. I sense that they are very strong, that is why the others are having a hard time in defeating them, even if they are in three men teams, against one. And you know this as well.' Sakura nodded, frowning. 'But there is one more left. Naruto would surely make it to Konoha in time.' Sai nodded.
"Someone is here." Said Hinata.
"Sai." Sakura said softly, and the big black panther stopped in his tracks. Naruto and his Shugorei turned to see them stop, and they too stopped.
"Neechan?" questioned Naruto.
The pink haired girl and the Hyuuga hoped off the black panther, with their backs facing them. Sai transformed back into his human form. "Sasuke, Itachi… Promise that nothing will happen to my brother." Sakura spoke in a tone that was less high pitched than before. The Uchiha twins stared at her back, but they agreed silently. "I'm sorry Otouto-chan, but we must fight. I know you don't like it, because you feel as though you're helpless… but you're not. We will be able to win this all, if you believe… have faith in us. Also… we'll all be together, if you make it back to Konoha safe and sound."
Sakura looked over her shoulder, and gave her brother a gentle smile. "Okay?"
That feeling was growing in his chest again. He felt the back of his eyes stinging. "Neechan…"
The girl narrowed her eyes. "Go now!" She shouted. Naruto nodded promising that he would make it to Konoha to meet with his brother and sister again. He turned his head away and told Itachi to continue their run to Konoha. Sakura closed her eyes, as Tayuya appeared.
The darker pink haired girl grunted. "Like you can stop me, little girl." She taunted.
Sakura opened her eyes, glaring at the female Oto Soldier. "I can, and I will." She replied in a low tone. "Hinata, Sai… we'll do everything in our power to stop them from pursuing my little brother. Are we ready?" The two nodded, taking on stances to fight against the enemy. 'Otouto-chan… this is for you.'
"Hinata! Sai!"
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They finally came out of the forest, and came upon open grassland. From the distance, they could see the tip of the Hokage Tower over the high mountains that surrounded the city. "We're almost there." Whispered Naruto.
There was an explosion, and the three were thrown apart. The blonde groaned and weakly sat up. He saw Sasuke and Itachi sitting up, hearing them curse for their inability to sense that spontaneous attack. The boy stared at the crater created by the explosion. He widened his eyes, and turned his head to see a figure standing a few feet away from them. 'No… there is another one?'
Itachi frowned. 'This is unexpected… there is another Oto Soldier… but the other ones said that they were the Oto Four… there is a fifth one?' The older Uchiha turned to his brother. "Sasuke… I'm leaving Naruto-kun in your hands. Konoha isn't that far away… you'll be able to get him there if you move fast." He stood up, and dusted himself.
Sasuke stood up, frowning. "What about you? You can't fight him alone… not without Naruto there."
The older twin poked the younger one on the head. "Foolish otouto… you forgot why I was promoted as Kyougu by the age of seven." Sasuke went to protest. Itachi glared at his brother. "What are you still doing here?"
The younger Uchiha took the hand of the protesting blonde. "We can't go! Itachi needs me here to fight. We can't just leave him by himself!"
"Naruto…" Sasuke said deeply, tugging at the wrist of the blonde. When Naruto wouldn't budge, Sasuke picked the boy up, and ran with his own two legs to Konoha. Naruto cried out his protests loudly, before the boy's voice faded away as they were gone from a distance.
Itachi turned his attention at the white haired soldier that rushed to catch up to his master and brother. The Uchiha appeared in front of the Oto Soldier, with his katana in hand, and a short sword strapped to his hip. "I will not allow you to go any further." He said threateningly, his crimson eyes glaring.
"I must not let you to prevent me from delivering the boy to Orochimaru-sama." The Oto Soldier said without a sign of emotion.
'He's a Shugorei too… and it looks like he is not connected with a temporary Senmin either… Looks like this will be very interesting.' Itachi narrowed his eyes. "What is Orochimaru's purpose with Naruto?" He hissed.
The white haired soldier, who looked a little older than the Uchiha, just stared blankly at him. "The others failed in bringing him to Orochimaru-sama in time, for he has already transferred to another body. He grew impatient. He will use that boy's Shugorei's body and take the Senmin as his own. He cannot wait any longer, and it's my duty to accomplish my master's dreams and goals."
Itachi frowned. "I won't let you take Naruto-kun to that damn snake." He went in a stance, ready to fight this other Shugorei without a partner. "I'll destroy those who would harm my master, and will not stop until he is safe from pests like you."
The white haired young man brought out his sword, and took in a fighting stance. "We'll see if you are able to stop me. But first, I would like to know the name of my opponent."
"Uchiha Itachi." The raven haired teen answered curtly.
"Kaguya Kimimaru. I see that you are one of the last of your clan." He raised a brow.
Itachi smirked. "As if you're not the last of yours."
Kimimaru closed his eyes. "Let's end this quickly."
"You've read my mind." The Uchiha replied before going at the white haired teen with his katana. He swiftly took the first move, and then metal clashed.
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They made it within the mountain ranges, still making their way towards their destination: Konohagakure. Naruto stopped in trying to fight Sasuke, being silent as he let the older boy carrying him. All the blonde did was let his mind drift, as he burrowed his head against his Shugorei's shoulder. Then something clenched within his chest. The blonde pressed his hand over the slight pain.
"We're almost there… then we'll ask your Obasan to send out soldiers to help all our friends. Everything will be fine, Naruto. You promised Sakura that you'd keep your faith in them. Don't let that go." Sasuke said gently, in his deep and soothing tone. He felt Naruto nodded against his shoulder, burrowing his head against the juncture of his neck and shoulder.
Sasuke looked up with widened eyes as knives were thrown at their direction. The boy dodged it, but something caught his foot, causing him to trip with the blonde in his arms. The Uchiha hisses as he sat up. He shot up, standing close to his Senmin, looking around them. 'More of them?'
There was a sound from above, and he turned his head to see two tall figures in black cloaks with red cloud patterns. They stood at the ledge of the cliff side. Sasuke growled. 'Akatsuki members… this is not good… they are after Naruto also.'
Naruto stood up, and frowned upon seeing the cloaked figures with high collars. "Sasuke."
"There is only us now… It seems that we have no choice but to fight…" The Uchiha whispered. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to get you to Konoha without having to engage in any battles… But if we were to run from them… I don't think we'll be able to shake them off that easily."
'We'll have to weaken them in order to make our escape… but fighting against them will be difficult. One is already a problem, but two is worse.' The blonde thought, eying the two.
"Jinchuriki of Kyuubi… you are to come with us." Said one of the Akatsuki members.
Sasuke glared at them. "He'll never go with any of you willingly. Not when I'm around." He hissed at them.
The other grunted, and jumped down in front of the two boys. "I'll warn you. I'm not like that weak fool, Uchiha Itachi." Both Naruto and Sasuke growled. "The Kyuubi container is coming with us, whether he likes it or not."
"Sharingan!" The Uchiha opened his now crimson eyes. Naruto blared with chakra and raised his left hand. "Dark Element: Drowning Abyss!"
A black hole appeared below the Akatsuki, and the man was suddenly being sucked into it. The blonde turned his head to the other that stood at the ledge, watching them. "Earth Element: Landslide!" Sasuke slammed his hands on to the cliff edgy, and the place shook. Then parts of the cliff from above broke off and came crashing down at the Akatsuki. The two took this opportunity to get as far away from the two strong Soldiers.
"I think Akatsuki following us is worst than those Oto Soldiers chasing after us." Said Naruto.
"I won't let them take you. I promise." Sasuke pulled the blonde to his chest, and jumped up high, out of the trenches. When they were high up the cliffs, with the sun shining upon them, Naruto widened his eyes seeing the two Akatsuki members appearing, running after them from a distance. They were fast, and nearly catching up to the two.
Suddenly, spikes of the earth came popping up to hinder Sasuke and Naruto from escaping. Sasuke dodged them, barely being hit by the attack. 'We need to push them back more.' Thought the older Uchiha, seeing the two from the corners of his eyes. They were getting closer. Naruto closed his eyes, and let out a blast of his powerful winds at the two. The blonde saw that it somewhat worked, giving a small distance from the Akatsuki.
Naruto looked over and saw a dozen of knives coming at them. "Sasuke behind!" The Uchiha leaped into the air, watching as the weapons passed under them.
"Fire Element: Fire Blast!"
Sasuke turned around and saw a giant ball of flame was aimed at them. He covered his Senmin with his own body, taking the hit of the flame attack. Sasuke cried out in pain, but didn't let go of the blonde. The impact threw them, and sending them off a cliff, into the dark and endless trenches.
Naruto saw with widened eyes as they fell. They were going further and further away from the light of the sun. 'No! I can't let it end this way! All my friends and my only family sacrificed themselves to protect me.' The boy tightly wrapped his arms around Sasuke. 'I promised…' He clenched his eyes closed, pressing his Shugorei close to him. 'I…'
He saw all the friendly and familiar faces flash before him. They were smiling at him. Tears formed in his eyes, but the boy stubbornly held them in. He desperately pressed himself closer to Sasuke. '…I…' He saw Sasuke's smiling face, and he then remembered the passionate kisses they shared. "I won't die!" He shouted.
There was a small spark of light from the dark trench. Then a big surge of light exploded out from it, throwing the two Akatsuki members back. When it died, the sky was covered with dark clouds. Suddenly there was a single glowing feather, slowly fluttering down to the ground. Soon more of these feathers came down like snow upon the lands.
The shorter cloaked man turned to the taller one. "This isn't good… I can't feel his chakra at all... He's gone…"
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((Woot! I'm done with this chapter. Sorry if it's late. I don't think this chapter was all that great. Also, I didn't get to check for grammar and spelling. So it's a little terrible right now. I think I seriously need a beta reader... I rushed it, as you can tell. Skipped out on the cool battles that happens, but would most likely show up in the side fics.
So there's my little twist on the Manga/Anime arc of the whole rescue Sasuke thing. Yeah, Naruto does seem all weak and all in this chapter, but you need to understand all the trauma and things that he goes through. Man, Naruto has a really messed up life. Poor Naru-chan!
What happened at the end? What does that Akatsuki guy mean by 'He's gone'? Did Naruto and Sasuke fall to their doom? But what was wit that light and snowing feathers? What about the others? Are they okay? So much questions, but it builds up the plot! Oh now, I've created a monster, and it's thickening!
Thanks so much for your support and reviews. Have questions or suggestions? Please do give them. I'm happy to reply to any interesting reviews. The next chapter will be really different. Why? I won't tell you, not until you give a review. Until next time, and Happy Holidays!))
EDIT 2013: Tried to find things that needed some corrections and revisions