Finally finished and I have to say rewatching the end of this arc to help me rewrite it and had my feels go into overload the Hokages death and Furneral always gets to me.
SHOUTOUT
DemonKing23 - thank you
Tonlor - Thank you very much
I.C.2014 - Yea Im working on a schedule to help get my writing on in good time check my AN at the bottom
YamiChaos27 - Yea that was a random thing I just popped up and wrote then I thought about and was like wait a minute lol
crashriot- Then I hope you enjoy this my friend
THE BLAZING FOX EMERGES, THIRD HOKAGE FOREVER
As the battles across Konoha rage on, the Third Hokage's clones prepare to use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal. Hiruzen continued to block attacks from his former teachers.
"Such nonsense in the grand scheme of time you're just a trivial foot note in the history of a cluster of huts called Konoha" Orochimaru's voice cut through the infinite darkness surrounding him as he took a couple of hits before going on his guard.
Hiruzen growled "Hmph you've never understood that it's far more than a mere cluster of huts…" Sarutobi retorted thinking of all the past and future shinobi "…It is a place where every year shinobi are born, raised, grow old, fight and die to protect their home…" he paused and he continued to block incoming strikes "…these people are precious to me, we share a home, we share a life and thought we may not share ties of blood they are precious to me they are my family!…" he finished panting
"Kukuku The village pillar…a pillar full of termites and rot, I don't have to knock you down you're already falling" the Hebi-nin replied
"And If I do fall you will still fail I am only 1 of a long line, I carry this title in trust for those Hokage who came before and those who will come after…I am the 3rd Hokage, you can't stop it by destroying me a new and stronger Hokage will take my place becoming the pillar roof and walls…NOW OROCHIMARU GET READY AS I PERFORM A JUTSU EVEN YOU HAVENT SEEN BEFORE FUINJUTSU: SHIKI FUJIN (Sealing Jutsu: Reaper Death Seal)!"
In the Arena
The Konoha-nin at the arena continue to hold off the incoming Oto and Suna-nin. Ino is fighting more Oto-nin and aside from a couple scrapes is holding her own quite nicely, then she sees Kabuto still in that Anbu outfit dodge and attack from Kakashi and jump down to the area floor. She turns to Sakura who just sent an Oto-nin through a deadly genjutsu, she nods an unspoken question and switches to attack mode. She quickly jumps down to join Takeru in the Arena.
"Huh Ino-chan…what are you doing here, are you hurt?" Takeru asked as he felt his girlfriend land beside him
"I'm fine Take-kun…but there is something you should know…" she glared at that Anbu who stood beside the Suna-nin "You see that Anbu over there with the enemy…Naruto identified him as Kabuto…the one who killed Hayate"
He eyes widened "It's you…you son of a bitch I'm going to kill you Kabuto for what you did to Gekko Hayate" Takeru tried to grab his sword and stand up but couldn't move due to how low he chakra was, Ino saw this and begin healing him. Takeru silently vows revenge for the death of Hayate, while Ino had a scowl on her face staring at the men who caused so much pain in her boyfriend's life.
"Hmph you can barely move kid and beside it wasn't just me who had a hand in your sensei's death, Baki over here did most of the work…I just finished him off"
Baki simply stood there with a deadpanned look on the half of his face that was shown. Genma glared at the two enemies before him. "Bastards…you won't get away with this" Genma said as he prepared to attack them
"And who will stop us certainly not you alone, unless you want to end up like your fellow shinobi" Kabuto taunted
This caused Takeru to growl and he was ready to pounce despite the pain he felt until he saw a shunshin appear next to Genma in between him and the enemy and he smiled 'Ka-san'
"Neither of you will leave this place…this is promise" a female voice was heard Takeru looked up and saw an Anbu with long purple hair and smiled
In the Village
The battle between Konoha, Suna and Oto shinobi raged on. The Giant snakes continued to rampage through the village until…
"KUCHIYOSE: YATAI KUZUSHI NO JUTSU (NINJA ART SUMMONING: BRING DOWN THE HOUSE JUTSU)"
Suddenly a large Toad appeared on the back of one of the snakes rampaging.
Ibiki covered his face to block the dust "But that jutsu…"
"Long time no see Ibiki…my my what have they been feeding you, you used to be such a little squirt"
"Ji…Jiraiya-sama" Ibiki looked on in awe
'So that Hebi-teme has begun his attack…don't die on us old man'
In the Forest
Meanwhile, Team 7 again catches up with Temari and Gaara.
"Damn it they're all coming again d…did they kill Kankuro…" Temari wonders she then looks to her younger brother she only hoped he had enough time to recover
She kept pushing forward a few more miles before she felt her brother began to stir.
"T…Temari put…me down" he ordered weakly
"Are you sure you're strong enough?" she asked as they landed on a large tree trunk
Gaara began to wail again due to the pain, Temari saw that he wound was still bleeding. "If we don't keep moving the whole plan will fail" she said pulling out some medicine
"Your plan has already failed Temari so why don't you just give up"
Temari gasped as she turned around to see Team 7 closing in on them. As they got closer they all jumped off the foxes as they disappeared
Hinata quick with the draw aimed 3 arrows at the two Suna shinobi "You are surrounded, please give up"
"You fools don't know what you're dealing with do you" Temari replied
"Hng…shut up Temari…go away…" Gaara said slowly turning around to face Team 7 "…you're nothing but a nuisance" standing up he back handed Temari away into a tree knocking the wind out of her
"Aw man what the hell that was your teammate" Naruto growled out
"I don't need her…I don't need anybody" Gaara yelled out as parts of his face started to crack "Uzumaki Naruto…we are the same…but you believe that your friends give you strength and purpose…but I will show you my purpose is stronger…only by killing you will I know what it means to truly be alive"
Naruto smirked "I won't be going down so easily Gaara Team 7 get ready"
"Hai" both of his teammates nodded
All three genin activated their respective dojutsu's and get into attack mode
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh Uzumaki…Narutooooo youuuu…yoouuu aarree mmy…ahhhhhh" Gaara screamed as the transformation started
"So what's the new plan Naruto I don't think she'll be getting up anytime soon" Sasuke asked
Naruto looked over at Temari she was out cold "We focus all our attention on Gaara while Hinata keeps an eye on her and…"
"MYYYY PREEEYY YOOUU ARREEE MMYYYY PREY!" he then enters his initial jinchūriki form to overwhelm them. He quickly shot himself towards Team 7 causing this to scatter in different directions.
Gaara set his eyes on Hinata and redirected his attack towards her. She fired her arrows only for him to knock them away reach his large clawed hand for her. In the blink of an eye she felt herself be scooped up and moved out of the way.
"Naruto-kun" she gasped as Naruto holding her bridal style protected her
"Don't worry I've got cha" he smiled a foxy smiled
"UZUMAKI oof!" Gaara growled but then was sent flying by a kick from Sasuke.
Naruto landed on a tree trunk and set Hinata down. "Hey Hinata you know the plan right, play point and hang back while we engage the enemy."
"Hai Naruto-kun" she nodded
Sasuke landed beside them "Naruto…you ready"
"Right let's go" Naruto yelled as both boys charged the crazed Gaara
Back at the Arena
Hiruzen panted heavily as the darkness surrounding him receded to confirm that he had indeed caught the two previous Hokage. The Shinigami had made contact and he put his plan in motion sorrowfully drawing the souls of his teachers into oblivion.
"Forgive us Sarutobi"
"We made your life difficult"
"...and please forgive me 1st Hokage-dono 2nd Hokage-dono...now seal!" he commanded as he dragged the souls of his teachers within himself the same seal on Naruto's stomach appearing on Sarutobi's
The God of Shinobi was appalled at what he saw next. As the bodies of the reanimated corpses fell apart he saw that Orochimaru's cruelty knew no limits, he had used his own Oto-nins as the sacrifices. Remembering his teacher's words to him as young lad.
"You were meant to guide them, lead them...not toy with them like dolls" he wept slightly
Orochimaru sneered "Are done sensei, have we had enough of this nonsense yet"
"The people put their faith in you...Enma come" he yelled as the staff came to him and he went on the attack
In quick movement he finally grabs hold to Orochimaru. "Now to finish it" he says as the Shinigami sticks its hand to grasp the soul of Orochimaru and the Third begins to seal it as well. "What is this feeling...this is bad" with brief movement the snake makes his Kusanagi stabs Sarutobi in the back, which Enma trapped in a Shadow Striking Snake trap fails to prevent from happening.
"Old man why didn't you dodge it" the Hebi-nin wondered as he could feel something being pulled from him
Panting Hiruzen looked his student dead in the eyes "There was no need...hng...the one who cast the jutsu in order to send his enemy's soul to oblivion must sacrifice his own life for it to work...hng it's a jutsu with a heavy price"
Orochimaru tries to cast a jutsu to escape but he simply could not.
"My fate is sealed, it is a jutsu of the great hero who saved this village once the seal is complete I will die...but I'll die knowing that I've taken you with me!"
'M...my body I can't move it' Orochimaru thought as he could finally see the reaper yanking at his soul. "You old fool you came prepared to die but I am not"
At this statement even with the pain in his body Hiruzen chuckled slightly "Oh foolish student of mine...we were prepared for this invasion...right now your forces which I assume include Suna-nin are being decimated by Konoha-shinobi...If I am to sacrifice my life so that they live on...then so be it"
Staying alive through sheer will alone, he begins to have flashbacks to the month before this final exam.
Flashback
After telling his jonin about the death of Hayate Sarutobi told all Jonin with Genin squads to remain. (Go back to Ch. 20 to get a refresher if needed)
"The reason I asked you all to remain is that I know that those with Genin fighting in the final exams will be training your students during this month. I also ask that those who's Genin are not fighting also continued to train. We will need them during the time of the invasion."
"Hokage-sama are you truly sure there will be an invasion?" Gai asked
Hiruzen paused for a moment to consider what he was asking of his shinobi. "Knowing my old student his ambition is great and he will stop at nothing to attain whatever it is he has come for...yes I do believe he will attack us soon and when that day comes you and your squads must be ready to do what must be done"
"Understood Hokage-sama" all of the remaining Jonin replied
Fast-forward another week
Hiruzen sat in his office doing paper work his dreaded enemy. He had his shinobi prepare for the inevitable invasion in secret to not attract any extra attention. While in the middle of filling out more documents he door burst open and he knew exactly who it was.
"Good evening Naruto-kun what can I do for you today"
Naruto walked into the office with his hands behind his head in a calm manner. "Hi Jiji I was just coming to see if you wanted to catch a bite of ramen with me"
Hiruzen chuckled "That would indeed be nice Naruto-kun but alas I am busy with this paper work and besides aren't you supposed to be training with Jiraiya-kun."
Naruto made a sour face at hearing that name "Ero-sennin ended our session early to go do his research or whatever"
"That sounds like him" Hiruzen chuckled
"Come on Jiji please come with me!" Naruto begged
Sarutobi sighed "Not today Naruto-kun but how about this tomorrow you, me and even Konohamaru-kun will go and eat as much Ramen as you can eat...on me"
The look on Naruto's face could have lit the darkest of nights forever; he was beaming with joy at the thought of so much Ramen. "Alright Jiji you've got a deal DATTEBAYO!" with the largest foxy grin plastered on his face Naruto practically skipped home.
"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into sensei, that kid could burn through the entire Villages earnings the way he eats Ramen."
Hiruzen smiled at the voice he heard coming from his right side. "Can you never use a door Jiraiya-kun?"
"Nope it's not my style" the old hermit said as he entered the room through the window.
"Anbu..." Hiruzen called out as the Anbu in the room all appeared in front of his desk "Leave us please"
"Hai Hokage-sama" the captain said and all 5 Anbu disappeared from the room
Once sure that he couldn't feel their chakra signatures he turned to Jiraiya and asked "Would you do the honors"
The toad sage nodded and made quick hand seals and made a silence seal around the room.
Now with privacy Hiruzen sighed "Tell me how is his training coming?"
"Surprisingly well although he has not used that dojutsu that you mentioned, if I were to gauge his skill level without his so called dojutsu and his level of taijutsu and wind style ninjutsu he is at mid chunin level already...with the added power of the Kyubi he would be at low jonin level maybe higher and it will only keep growing"
"Hmmmm interesting and the seal remains intact?" Hiruzen asked stroking his beard
"Yes it is through all our training session he has not once called upon the fox's chakra it's all been his own natural power...I'm actually quite proud of him for it" Jiraiya smiled thinking of his former students son
Hiruzen smiled at this "Yes as am I Jiraiya-kun he has shown tremendous promise as a shinobi even dealing with all he has had to go through as a youth...I know that one day he'll surpass us all"
Jiraiya could hear the pride in his master's voice but could also hear something else...sadness. "What's going on with you sensei, all the questions about Naruto and then taking him and your grandson out...what gives, what are you planning?"
Sarutobi sighed "We both know Orochimaru will attack us on the day of the final exam...his nature demands that he use such a time to try to destroy us...when that day comes I will do what I should have done years ago...I'm going to kill him...by any means necessary." he said with the coldest of stares "Until then...I plan to spend time with my grandson and someone who I also see as a grandson to see them smile and enjoy their company one last time.
"Sensei what are saying?"
"I struck a bargain with Kakashi during Naruto's 7 birthday...that if the boy was able to obtain the rank chunin then I would reveal his heritage to him and bestow to him what is rightfully his. I did not do this on a whim or thought this is what Minato-kun wanted as stated in his will. From what you have told me and what I have seen on my own I have no doubt he will make attain that level...although if I live to see it will depend on how that day goes..." he paused and opened a drawer and gathered 3 scrolls out and set them on the table "I am prepared to give my life to end Orochimaru's...if it should come to that Jiraiya-kun I want you to follow the instructions in these scrolls...is that understood, please promise me you'll do this for me"
Jiraiya heart was hurting bad if only he had been the one to kill that Hebi-teme so long ago then they wouldn't be dealing with these problems now. He wanted to protest to offer to join him on the day of the battle, but deep down he knew nothing he could say would sway his teacher. He walked up to the desk and grabbed the scroll that were different color and had numbers on them indicating that he was to open #1 first and so on. "I promise sensei"
Hiruzen smiled and the too sat in his office for the remainder of the night and thought of the past and the good times.
Flashback 2 days Before the Chunin Exam Festival
Everything was in motion and the strength of Konoha's shinobi would be put to the test in the coming days. Hiruzen smiled at this as he sat at his daughter's house visiting his grandson. Konohamaru was in the yard running around with Udon and Moegi had been spending more time with his family as of late and they really paid it no mind and thought it was just nice visits. Hiruzen had even spent some time with his son; although the two hadn't spoken to each other in a while he was not going to leave this world without making sure his oldest child knew how proud of him he was and how much he loved him.
As the day came to a close and his friends left his house Konohamaru went to sit with his grandfather.
"Thanks for coming to visit Jiji" the young boy stated
Hiruzen smiled "Of course I love visiting my favorite grandson" he said rubbing the boy's head
Kono smiled and chuckled "I'm your only grandson Jiji"
"This is true to an extent by blood you are my only true grandson but as Hokage I consider the entire village to be my family...just like you consider Naruto-kun to be your big brother"
"Yea Naruto-niisan is so cool he plays with me sometimes but he's been too busy cause he's training for the Chunin Exams" Kono said with a bit of a sad smile
"Don't hold it against him Konohamaru-kun that just means he's one step closer to reaching his dream..." Sarutobi smiled thinking about the blond headed boy "...a dream I believe you two share am I correct?"
"Hai Jiji...but boss is so strong he's way ahead of me"
"Hmmm did you know that Naruto can summon?"
"Really that's so cool ah man now he's even more ahead of me"
"Would you like to be able to summon once you finish the academy"
The boy's eye went wide, him being able to summon "Hai Hai Hai Jiji I'd like that very much"
Hiruzen got up and reached in his robe and produced a scroll. Unrolling it he showed Konohamaru the steps to sign the contract and made him promise not to try using it until he at least became a genin. The boy promised and signed the Monkey Contract he was so happy and thankful to his grandfather.
'This is my last gift to you Konohamaru-kun use it wisely and become a splendid shinobi' Hiruzen thought as he thought about another splendid shinobi in training 'Naruto-kun'
Elsewhere late into the night Naruto and Jiraiya were deep within a spar, the Toad sage kicked at the boy but he evaded and cocked his fist back and...
Present Day
"...FUTON: SENPUKEN" Naruto called out firing his whirlwind fist aimed at an equal timed fireball jutsu. The wind jutsu combined with the fire style jutsu made the flame bigger and it was headed straight for the monstrous Gaara. The Suna-nin simply lept towards the powerful attack and curled up in a ball and went right thru it.
"Damn it this level of jutsu is useless against him" Sasuke seethed seeing the attack have no effect "Huh Naruto watch out"
Naruto saw on coming ball of sand coming for him at high speeds and braced himself. Taking the brunt of the hit he is knocked back into a tree hard knocking the wind out of him.
"Uzumaki Naruto is that all you've got" Gaara said uncurling himself and launching himself again towards and unmoving Naruto.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata leaps from her spot and fires an explosive arrow at her target in midair once landed in front of Naruto she made hand seals "KAGE YAJI NO JUTSU (Shadow Arrow Jutsu)" (A variation of the Shadow Shuriken Jutsu). The single arrow multiplied into 10 arrows and all hit Gaara causing a massive explosion that rocked the surrounding area.
The attack actually doing major damage to Gaara sand arm the sand began to form around his other arm. Seeing Hinata's determination to protect Naruto, Gaara remembers his childhood with his uncle Yashamaru. They talked about pain and shared a bond, the one night an assassin attacked him from behind. Gaara's sand protected him as always and he attacked the assassin. When Gaara went on to check the person behind the mask, he was shocked to see it was Yashamaru who then attempted a suicide bombing. Although he was able to survive the blast, Gaara lost the only person who ever cared for him. From that point on, Gaara came to love, and care about only himself and starting living off of killing others. In the present day his arm is repaired enraged at being hurt by such a pathetic worm he roared and raced to kill the little bug. He saw Sasuke headed for him and tossed several sand shuriken to delay him.
Hinata really wished Naruto would get up, she could hear him stirring trying to move and turned to check on him until she heard Gaara coming for her.
"DIE UZUMAKI NARUTO!" he roared
Sasuke who had evaded the shuriken landed and looked on in horror even with his speed he wouldn't make it in time he was too close to her "Hinata don't be stupid move!"
She fixed her arrow aimed directly at Gaara's head the kunoichi would stand her ground and protect the one she loved. "I will not run you will not get to Naruto-kun"
"Move it" Gaara yells just as he makes his sand claw push her back into a tree, in the briefs of moment before being touched by the claw she fired her arrow and at close range managed to graze the Shukaku cover half of Gaara's face. With a hard slam Gaara had Hinata pinned to a tree trunk knocking her out.
Naruto awakens to see his girlfriend bravely defending them; he saw Hinata being restrained with a claw made of sand and slowly squeezes her. Damn his body hurt it was healing but it hurt to move. He looked at Gaara holding Hinata and his rage grew.
Taking advantage of Gaara thinking about his past Sasuke used his Chidori to slice Gaara's arm off that was holding Hinata captive only for the sand to still be holding her against the tree.
Coming back to his senses Gaara squared off with the last Uchiha. Sasuke could only evade he had used the Chidori twice in one day...and to use another would be fatal as per his training with Kakashi taught him. But his friends needed him; he would not see his comrade's fall before him...not again. Sasuke was forced to use his cursed seal so that he could attack Gaara with another Chidori. Again this failed to stop Gaara, and Sasuke collapsed due to the use of the Cursed Seal.
Finally able to move Naruto gets up to see Sasuke and Hinata out cold he knew he had to save them at all costs. He looks Gaara dead in the eyes with a scowl.
'Those eyes...' he thought '...I know the pain and loneliness behind those eyes all too well but I will not allow him to keep hurting my friends'
"What's the matter are you done napping Uzumaki" Gaara taunted the blond boy
Naruto growled at him but then heard the faintest voice "Naru...to-kun...Sasuke...san" he turned to hear Hinata giving ragged breathes as the sand claw slowly crushes her
Sasuke curses himself as the curse mark renders him unable to move and help his friends.
"Who are they to you Uzumaki" Gaara growled out
Naruto growls and begins molding chakra. His eyes begin to glow a dark red. "Who are they to me...they are my friends, my family...my loved ones and if you so much as lay another finger on either of them...I'm goinG TO BURY YOU!" he growled out in a demonic voice
'Kit what are you prepared to do' Kurama called out to his student in the mindscape
'Whatever it takes...wait what is this feeling Kurama-sensei feeling stronger'
'You've unlocked the 2nd stage of the Kitsunemengan your speed and strength have been increased also your body is healing at a faster rate'
'It feels incredible...I know what I need to do now'
'Go for it KIT' Kurama yelled actually rooting for his jailer
Gaara is angry with Naruto since he isn't giving him the challenge he wanted from someone who would protect his friends so much he enters in partial form with most of the Shukaku sand covering his upper body. He then makes the sand squeeze tighter causing Hinata to gasp in pain, angered, Naruto attacks in rapid speed making shadow clones to help get him close to the base of Gaara's tail, and performs the One Thousand Years of Death with a kunai and paper bomb after seeing Hinata's arrow have a similar effect. After knocking Naruto away the bomb detonates, damaging Gaara's form once again. In a brief moment remembering what Haku said to him in the Land of Waves. Naruto realizes that Gaara is exactly like him, carrying the same hatred and loneliness he had to before living with the Yoto's, training with Sasuke and Kakashi and becoming close to Hinata someone who loves his despite what's inside of him. He looks to his girlfriend whiles Gaara's sand slowly reform.
Realizing a massive amount of red chakra he prepares for another attack. "No matter what happens...Ill swear I'm going to protect you" A large smoke cloud appears and he summons 1000 shadow clones, to Sasuke's amazement. Temari had woken up in time to see a massive hoard of Naruto's. "What the hell did I miss?"
While watching Naruto, Sasuke asks if he is the same person. The thousands of clones all attack Gaara at the same time, performing a new Combo. "NA. RU. TO. 2K..." kicking the still broken sand body of Gaara high in the air with his clones two Naruto's above him toss the original at high speeds at the rising Gaara something blue swirling in his right hand. "...RASEN BARRAGE" he yelled pushing the Rasengan into the sand body sending it on a downward spiral into the ground below.
'This kid where did he get so much power' Gaara thought lying in the crater created in the impact. 'Not to him...' "ABSOLUTELY NO WAY IM GONNA LOSE TO A GUY LIKE HIM!"
Gaara yelled refusing to lose to Naruto and transforms into his full Shukaku form popping several clones and knocking Naruto back. Gaara than states he never thought Naruto would bring out the demon in him, and uses his Sand Coffin on Naruto.
"Oh no Naruto!" Sasuke tries to go save his friend but his body simply won't move due to the effects of the curse mark
'KIT THIS IS BAD QUICKLY YOU HAVE TO SUMMON ME TO BATTLE SHUKAKU' Kurama bellows out
'But the time limit...we haven't trained to perfect it yet'
'IT'S OF NO MATTER NOW IF YOU DO NOT YOU, ME, YOUR FRIEND AND YOUR MATE ARE ALL AS GOOD AS DEAD'
'Fine alright...' the boy said trying to concentrate and slowly made the hand seals and yelled out "KUCHIYOSE NO JUTSU"
In a split second before Gaara could kill his enemy the sand coffin erupted in a large poof smoke and when it cleared everyone in the surrounding area was stunned.
"Na...Naruto just summoned...the Kyubi...what the hell is going on here" Sasuke wondered aloud
On top of the head of the Kyubi Naruto stood and looked at the large enemy before him. "Hina-hime...I swear I'll save you..." he whispered then looked at the Shukaku "LETS GO KURAMA!"
"RIGHT!" Kurama bellowed out happy to be out in the open even if it's for a short time
Back in Konoha moments before Kyubi is summoned
The village was in disarray buildings crumbled and burned due to all the battles going on throughout.
The Third Hokage and Orochimaru remained deadlocked, while Konoha shinobi finally began their counter-attack on the invading forces.
4 Suna jonin ran through the streets heading to the hospital until they came upon an old man using a cane to stand blocking their path.
"Out of our way old man before we kill you" a random jonin said
The old man stood his ground "I am Yoto Akoshi and you not take another step towards this Hospital"
"Foolish old man alright boys take him down"
Back at the Arena
Panting the Hokage looked Orochimaru dead in his eyes "You...should know better...than to underestimate the shinobi of this village"
Back at the Hospital
As the men prepared to kill the old man in their way, Akoshi simply lifted his cane up and stomped it back down "RAITON: JIBASHI (Lightning Release: Electromagnetic Murder)
Lighting chakra erupted from Akoshi hands and traveled from through the cane into the earth waves of lightning erupted through the street and electrocuting and killed every single Suna-nin facing him. "And that's how it's done" he smiled and looked towards the arena worried about his boys.
Oto and Suna-nin ran through the streets in the village, they were soon met with a heavy barrage of shuriken. The only one to survive looked up to see several Anbu.
"Not another step" the captain said as he shunshined beside the last Oto-nin then beheaded him.
Many Suna-nin rushed Hyuga Hiashi to no avail, he then found himself surrounded but dispatched them with a large Hakkesho Kaiten (Rotation) "Konoha's spirit is strong...you'd do well to remember that" he calmed himself and looked to the area outside the forest "Uzumaki Naruto...bring my daughter home alive...please"
Elsewhere in the village several Suna-nin were rendered motionless and then killed by Shikamaru's father Shikaku Nara. Choza expanded his entire body and begin sweeping and knocking the enemy around with his staff. Meanwhile Inochi used the Mind destruction jutsu to make two Suna-nin fight each other. All three met up.
"Reminds you of the good ole days doesn't it" Inochi said
Choza smiled "It sure does" he bellowed out
"The InoShikaCho trio is back" Shikaku finishes
Tsume and her daughter and their Nin-kins all rush and destroy as squad of enemies.
Hiruzen continued "No matter the odds the Konoha shinobi are up against, they'll lay down their lives for this village. How little you understand...mastering all the jutsu in the world will not give you unsurpassable strength..."
Shino lay on a tree branch the poison from the battle with Kankuro eating away at his body, but he had won...now he could feel something happening to his body.
"Try not to move Shino my parasites are taking care of the poison"
"Tou-san thank you"
"...it was one of my first lessons it's not until you've protected someone precious to you that the true strength of a shinobi can emerge!" Hiruzen finished
A sudden wave a demonic chakra spread over the village and most of the fighting had stopped to see what was the cause of the dreaded feeling. Many looked out of the village in horror as The 1 tailed Shukaku faced off against the 9 tailed Kyubi. Kakashi lept up to the top of the seating area and looked out with his Sharingan. 'Oh no the Kyubi has been freed...what happened to Naruto'
Hiashi dashed through the trees headed toward the Kyubi's chakra. 'I was a fool to believe that boy could control the fox's chakra now he puts not only the village in danger during war but my daughter is with him no telling what that foolish boy has done to her by now...I pray I'm not to late'
The shinobi back in the arena all froze and the Konoha-nin looked around trying to figure what happened. Using their distraction Kabuto and Baki vanished to the annoyance of Yugao and Takeru but they had bigger issues.
"Oh no...Naruto-kun" Yugao worried
"That's...the same feeling we felt in the forest only on a much bigger scale...Takeru what is Naruto doing?" Ino said
Takeru knew that if Naruto was going full power than he was fighting a grand scale battle, he knew he's brothers resolve when it came to protecting his precious people. Whatever was happening he trusted that Naruto was protecting all of Konoha "He's being a hero Ino-chan"
Back with Naruto
Surrounded by an erratic flow of red chakra Naruto stood atop Kurama's head and they both faced off against Shukaku.
"I'm going to protect EVERYONE!"
He watched as Gaara emerged from the sand tanuki's forehead and puts himself to sleep, awakening the personality of the One-Tailed Shukaku sealed within Gaara.
"KIT THIS IS BAD HOLD ON TIGHT" Kurama bellowed out prepared for what his brother will do
"HAHAHAHA IM FINALLY FREE HERE I COME BABY" The wild free sand tanuki's bellowed glad to be free
Now freed from the restraints imposed upon it by Gaara's consciousness, Shukaku is able to use its more devastating abilities, each of which Kurama is ready to counter. Because of his natural weapons such as his fangs or claws, Kurama tells Naruto they need to get in close to wake Gaara up. Shukaku fires off some devastating wind bullets but Kurama easily evades them and goes in for the kill, biting and tearing at Shukaku he has him locked.
'NARUTO GO!'
"Let's do it!" Naruto leaps from Kurama's head to that of Shukaku, punching Gaara and waking him up, forcing Shukaku back into submission.
"GIMME A BREAK I JUST GOT HERE" Shukaku bellowed out as he felt himself going back under
With Gaara awake again, his first priority becomes protecting himself from Naruto. As Gaara's sand tries to again encase Naruto, Kurama still latched on uses one of his tails to shield Naruto. Naruto determined to now defeat Gaara and save a Hinata who is running out of time, prepares for one more attack.
"Get ready Gaara here I come!"
"DIE!" Gaara cries out making the Tiger hand seal
With a burst of speed Naruto charges at Gaara, who manages to use his sand to restrain Naruto's hands and legs.
"Damn it I won't lose I've had it with you!"
Using the only weapon he has left, Naruto puts all of his energy into a head-butt. Naruto's last desperate attack being right on the mark, Gaara's strength is sapped and the giant tanuki beings to disintegrate.
Hiashi stopped on a branch still abit away from the battle but with his dojutsu active…he saw it all. 'The boy and the fox working together to protect the village…its unreal' he stood there in shock for a moment.
Sasuke and Temari watched in awe. This was battle unlike any either of them had seen.
Kurama knowing his time limit is almost up prepares to go back into the seal, though not before complementing his student's crazy but outstanding fighting abilities the kid continues to surprise him. He was almost drained and was sure Naruto was as well, he finally poofed away. As the two Genin fall through the air, the large poof blows them away although each manages to land on neighboring treetops. Panting heavily each prepares for what will be their last exchange of blows.
"Damn it I can't go any further I used up all my chakra and from the looks of it…so have you. You and I are a lot alike more than you know…we shouldn't be doing this…but I will keep going if it means protecting my friends and my village"
Once each is ready, the two leap at one another, their destinies about to be decided
At the site of the Third Hokage's battle with Orochimaru, the Third realizes that he doesn't have enough strength left to fully seal Orochimaru's wretched soul.
"Alright then you and I both know I haven't the strength left to rip all of your soul from its sell…" he pauses coughing up blood "…you and I both know that…and yet your ambition ends here and now!"
Orochimaru sneers "This isn't over there is no stopping my ambition"
"…yours is an obsession, this need to drown yourself in jutsu and for this transgression you shall be punished…I shall take away of the jutsu you hold so dear"
"What did you say!" fear laced in the Hebi-nin's voice
The Shinigami pulled the soul out as much as he could and sliced it at the arms. "The seal is set" Hiruzen yelled as he sealed his former pupil's arms successfully to make Orochimaru unable to use any ninjutsu.
"My…my arms" Orochimaru winced as he felt his arms become so numb and at the same time felt them burning in agonizing pain
"They are useless to you now and without them you'll never form another hand sign ever again, ninjutsu is forever out of your reach your loathsome dream of crushing this village dies here"
"You feeble old man give me back my arms" Orochimaru yelled out enraged at his loss
Hiruzen's eyes felt heavy he didn't have to fight it any more "My only regret is that I couldn't take you with me farewell disciple may we meet again in the next world"
"You foolish old man how dare you…how dare you take my jutsu from me!"
Sarutobi's eyes begin to close as he sees he student as a young boy one last time. The Third's eyes finally close and he recites one last proverb.
Back with Naruto
Seeing they are both equally ready Naruto and Gaara leap at each other
'When the tree leaves dance, one shall find flames…'
Naruto succeeds in delivering the winning blow a clean right hook to Gaara's jaw.
'…The fire's shadow will illuminate the village…'
Both boys plummet down to the forest floor beaten and bruised
'…and once again, tree leaves shall bud anew'
Orochimaru yells and watches as his old master falls over and finally dies with a smile on his face.
Enma reaches out and removes the blade feeling his time is almost up. 'A fitting end for one who mastered the way of the shinobi' with that last thought he poofs away.
Critically damaged, Orochimaru calls off the invasion and flees the village with his forces.
Back in the forest
Temari find Kankurō and helps him up. Meanwhile the sand that had been holding Hinata in place began to fade away and she would have fallen to her death if Sasuke hadn't caught her. Holding her bridal style he begins his search for Naruto.
In the forest, Naruto and Gaara both lay on the ground, devoid of chakra. He continues to inch toward Gaara using his chin to move. Both thinking about their similar pasts, Naruto sympathizes with Gaara for his childhood,
Feeling something he's never felt fear Gaara weakly calls out "No…no stay away"
"It's almost unbearable isn't it the feeling of being all alone…I know that feeling I've been there in that lonely dark place…now there are others, other people who mean a lot to me…" he paused trying to move his leg "…I care about them more than I do myself and I won't let anyone hurt them…that's why I won't ever give up" his normal blue eyes changed slightly having a animalistic slit in them." I will stop you even if I have to kill you
"But why…would you do this for anyone but yourself"
"Because they saved me from myself they recused me from my loneliness" Naruto said still inching his way he began to think about Takeru and his family taking him in, Iruka and Hiruzen always being there for him, being placed on Team 7 with Sasuke and Kakashi, his friends having his back, and having Hinata's loyalty and undying love "they were the first to accept me for who I am, they're my friends"
Gaara looks to the sky and thinks about Yashamaru's kind words "Love…is that what makes him so strong"
As Naruto tries to get to Gaara he hears a familiar voice. "Naruto…that's enough look Hinata's gonna be alright" he said as the blond boy saw his girlfriend's chest move up and down slowly
Happy that she's alive he finally allows himself to rest "Ahh that's a relief" he passes out just as Kankuro and Temari appear.
"That's enough it's over" Gaara said stunning his brother and sister. Kankuro helps his little brother up and the three head home.
Realizing that Naruto's strength came from the desire to protect others, Gaara begins to reshape his view of the world as his siblings take him home, and apologizes to Temari and Kankurō, much to the two's surprise.
Sasuke wonders how he will get the two of his friend back to the village he barely has enough strength to keep holding Hinata. Suddenly Hiashi appears.
"Hi…Hiashi-sama what are you doing here" Sasuke wonders
"I came to help stop the Kyubi's rampage but it seems the fight is over" he looks down at the blond boy as he goes over to Sasuke to pick his daughter up. "Lets us return to the village and tell what exactly happened along the way"
Picking up Naruto by his arm Sasuke nods and the two four head off, with the Uchiha explaining everything that happened.
In the arena all the Shinobi in the area stood over The Third Hokage's body…The God of Shinobi has passed.
THE NEXT DAY
The ninja of Konoha mourn the deaths of those who died during the invasion, especially the Third Hokage. At the funeral it begins to rain.
"It's raining" Kurenai states looking to Asuma she could tell he was going through something even though he hid his emotions well
Asuma looked to the sky and then back to the picture of his father "Even the heavens weep"
Yuago bring flowers to Hayate's grave and passes the memorial stone along the way finding Kakashi paying his respects to some old friends.
'Obito, Rin, Kushina, Minato-sensei, Third Hokage-sama please continue to watch over this village and the new generation' Kakashi thought to himself as he heard Yuago approaching.
"Are those for Hayate?" he asked without even turning around she walked up to him as he finished "better make it quick The Hokages Funeral has already begun"
"And you Kakashi, paying respects to Obito…instead of all invented new lies to make up for you being late why don't you simply come earlier"
"I did…I've been here since dawn…" he looked at the stone "…this place makes me think of the mistakes I've made in the past and I've made so many of them…"
Over by the three training logs Jiraiya watched the two as he thought about his sensei.
The rain stops as Naruto stands next to a crying Konohamaru and rubs his back to comfort him, he wonders why people sacrifice themselves for others, and Iruka says that it leaves behind a legacy to others, and they are remembered forever.
"Bye Iruka-sensei see ya later" Naruto said as he ran off to be with his teammates and brother
Iruka smiled 'Do you see it Hokage-sama The Will of Fire is stronger than ever, the spark you left behind have kindled the flame among the young leaves of the next generation…a mighty flame Hokage-sama…' he watched as Naruto met up with his team bumping fist with his brother and giving Hinata a kiss on the cheek causing her to blush
'…it will burn brightly and it will shine its light upon our village and keep it warm and safe for many years to come…and someday out of that new flame, will come a new Hokage.' he finished his thought as the sun shined brightly upon the Hokage Stone Faces
Just outside of the village at the same moment, two shinobi are standing atop the village wall in black cloaks with red clouds on them. One asks the other if he feels sorry for his old village. The other hesitates a little but eventually says "No", and moves his head up a little, revealing the eye of a Sharingan.
So the Konoha Crush Arc is finished Konoha is in ruin and has no Hokage what will happen next. (Has anybody really not scene this show already lol)
Forgive me for the delay but its Marvel Month on my youtube channel so I've been dealing with that and getting ready for graduation but finally 25 chapters half the freaking story is done can you guys believe it. I really wanna thank everyone who has stay with this story from the beginning those who comment and review and pm I really thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Bonds Forged by Fire ain't over yet and I've got some...interesting things coming in the next few chapters so please continue to read on. Thank you all again dattebayo! - SHADOKING