Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Witchblade. Naruto is a manga property of Masashi Kishimoto. Witchblade is a comic property of Top Cow Productions.
Summary: The beginning of an original storyline: the Cloneblade arc. This will be a long saga consisting of a few smaller arcs. All of them will entail the Cloneblades. Events will diverge from their originally intended path. Dark Sakura theme. Couplings: Officially NaruSaku. Possible ShikaTem.
A/N: The holidays are just around the corner. Before we end the year, I'm going to kick-off this story with a new saga: the Cloneblade arc. I'm not sure how long this saga will turn out, but it will include several arcs. They will all cover each Cloneblade. Sasame and Isaribi will have their own arcs based off their respective filler sagas. Keep in mind, I am following the main manga storyline.
Fury Cutter - By incorporating Sasame and Isaribi in this story, I will use their filler stories and tweak them to fit the storyline. These two are also a few years older than they were in the Pre-Time Skip filler sagas. To put it bluntly, Naruto hasn't met THIS Isaribi yet. He and Sakura haven't met THIS Sasame yet. He won't meet them until this Cloneblade saga. The overall basis of Witchblade: Sakura plot is based off the main manga storyline. Actually, this is an alternate timeline for Naruto: Shippuden (the Post-Time Skip). It's a AU/Crossover essentially.
I'm adding anime/movie-exclusive characters (i.e. Sasame, Isaribi, and Shion) in this AU. I'm doing this to avoid falling back on too many OCs. However, at this point, the story will deviate from the original manga story more gradually in this arc (Sasuke's escape, his meeting with Suigetsu, and battles with Deidara & Itachi will still occur. However, I won't be covering much of Sasuke's story except through tidbits).
REMEMBER: Sasuke's arc and the Cloneblade arc are taking place simultaneously. Both will occur through a period of a few months (probably at most four and I'm only basing this off the amount of time during Kurenai's pregnancy period. In the manga, after Madara revealed himself to Sasuke, it was depicted that Kurenai's belly enlarged when she talked to Naruto and Shikamaru. I can't say how long it's been since she's been carrying the unborn child).
How this will affect Karin's, Tayuya's, and the other Cloneblade girls' roles… remains to be seen. Just wait and see.
Anyway, onto a new saga! The Cloneblade arc begins!
xxxxx
Slums/Southwest of Otogakure/Sound Country
Beyond the Sound Country were numerous slums that scattered across the once unoccupied lands. In these vast and underprivileged territories, the people relied on thievery and deceit to make a living. As the populations exploded, there weren't enough homes to suit the growing numbers. Many of these homeless people were recruited, or rather taken in by Orochimaru's Sound-nin, to become part of his sick experiments.
Many of which became experiments to his Cursed Seal. Others were trained to become Sound-nin themselves. Meanwhile, many others became guinea pigs of Orochimaru's other sick experiments - mostly those that involved forbidden jutsus.
However, a few notable young kunoichi were taken in to become part of Kabuto's newest project: the Cloneblade Project.
xxxxx
Southwest of Otogakure lied the slums of Konshu.
This heavily-populated vicinity was home to many wanted criminals, including Missing-nin, rapists, murderers, and thieves. The lowest of the low stationed here in this sector. It was certainly not one place any sane person would ever want to visit. Although, Orochimaru, Kabuto, and their Sound-nin have frequently visited these parts to recruit new members to the Sound Clan.
However, since the encounter with the Witchblade, Orochimaru had been inactive for sometime. His body had not yet recovered, but his deteriorating health prevented any chance from getting out of his bedridden state.
Kabuto was left in charge and using a shard of the Witchblade (extracted from out of Sasuke's wound after being stabbed by Sakura's blade) to produce a collection of cloned gauntlets. He had given five (six if you count the twin) of the cloned gauntlets to five kunoichi.
As part of their training regime, Kabuto sent the five kunoichi to take care of some unsettled business with a group of thugs. There was some debt to be collected that these thugs hadn't paid up to Orochimaru.
BOOM!!!
A massive explosion erupted from within a closed factory facility. Fire emerged from out of the windows as loud chorus of blood-curling screams echoed. These screamed filled the air as the obnoxious smoke polluted the air.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY?!"
"I DON'T KNOW!! RUN!! RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!"
"ARE THEY DEMONS?! OH HELL... HERE THEY COME- GAAAAH!!"
"OKUBO-SAMA!! NO!!"
Swish!!
"AUUUGH!! GAAAH!!"
From within the factory, bodies started to fall. All of them were middle-aged men. All of them were corrupt business men looking to bail out of paying debt to Otogakure's most feared figurehead.
And they paid dearly with their lives.
One man fell back in terror as he reached for the nearest exit door. He looked middle-aged, approximately 46 years old, and was bald. His eyes gaped in horror as he gazed at four figures that walked through the fire. All of them possessed shiny-looking armors and their eyes glowed intensely; each of them wore colorful, shiny body armor (which covered their whole bodies).
"Ple-please! Implore you! Spare my life! I've only worked for my boss for three months! I... I'll help pay the debt! Ple-please! I'll do it!"
Before he could even turn the knob, a long blue blade protruded and stabbed the man's hand. He howled out in pain as the blade receded back to its user's hand. The man looked gaped at the hole in his hand and backed against the door. He quickly picked himself off the floor and opened the door using his other hand.
"Get away from me... YOU MONSTERS!!"
The one who stabbed the man remained standing. It looked feminine in physique and appearance, but the darkness of the room concealed her most of her body and face. Though, her armor was shown to be dark blue and her eyes gleamed a beautiful, neon green flare.
The blue-armored figure giggled a psychotic chuckle and licked the blood off her blade. Her tongue lapped up the blood like a cat drank its milk. "Mmmm, so delicious. The taste really TURNS me on. I need more."
"That's enough of that, Flute Diva," a girl's voice interjected. "We only came here to exterminate all those who are affiliated with Okubo. Are we clear?"
As she stopped licking, the blue-armored female sighed in irritation. "Yes, Lady."
"That man won't get away. I can assure you that. Not with our giant insurance policy waiting outside," the voice approached closer. Her figure was barely unveiled behind the blanket of darkness. What was shown were a pair of glowing, yellow eyes and a white-purplish armor.
"She better get him."
"She will."
Behind them were two other feminine, armored figures. Though, they remained hidden as only their eyes pierced out of the dark corner.
xxxxx
"Monsters... they're monsters!" The man hurried out of the factory. He grabbed his bleeding hand as he frantically looked around. "They killed them... those monsters killed them! Did Orochimaru really send them to kill us?!"
Suddenly, the man froze as his ears picked up on a pair of thunderous sounds. The ground trembled where he stood. His heart raced faster than ever before. Layers of heavy perspiration dampened his face while the breath in his voice went shallow. He closed his eyes and slowly turned around.
Once the man recollected his thoughts, he uttered a prayer and... opened his eyes.
What he saw were a large pair of red, soulless eyes gazing at him. He felt as if he were looking into the face of a demon waiting to drag him to the pits of the Underworld.
"Mercy..." The pathetic man murmured, almost breathless.
"RAAAAAAARR!!!!" The creature bellowed out (like Godzilla), loud enough to alarm those within the outskirts of the slums and certainly enough to the point where the earth shook around it.
The giant, crimson eyes closed as a widening gaping mouth filled with large, jagged teeth came toward the man. He screamed but not for long as the beast snatched him by his right arm. The man cried out in horror as the giant creature lifted itself upright, towering almost halfway over the factory.
As the man struggled with all his might, the beast opened its mouth and swallowed the man whole. Just like that, the man was rendered helpless like any prey would be for a hungry predator. In one gulp, the monster roared out and backed off as the four armored women emerged out of the burning factory.
"Awww, did you enjoy your meal? Too bad I couldn't lick anymore of his blood!" The 'Flute Diva' griped as she watched the towering giant hiding behind the darkness.
'Lady' merely nodded. "Yes, yes, but our work here is done. Cloneblade Five, let us return to Otogakure."
xxxxx
Chapter 26
Arc IV: The Cloneblades
Orochimaru's Newest Warriors! The Cloneblade Five Gather!
xxxxx
Orochimaru's Compound/Snake's Lair/Tayuya's Room/Grass Country
Tayuya quickly opened her eyes and shot up like a bullet from her bed. She heavily gasped while grasping her head. While recollecting her breath, the former Sound Four member felt the sweat covering her face. Wiping some sweat off her brows, Tayuya twirled around to find Karin holding out a tube.
"Ugh, damn... what a fucking dream I had. Karin, how long were you here for?"
The glass-wearing redhead added as she walked over beside Tayuya's bed. "For about fifteen minutes. I was waiting for you to wake up."
"Oh. Well, why couldn't you just wake me up?"
"And ruin your beauty sleep?" Karin said with a coy smile.
"Very funny, whore. I can tell from that damn smile you went and visited that Uchiha punk," Tayuya scoffed as she eyed Karin carefully.
"Wow, how did you ever guess? I've been assigned to treat you two."
"But, you give him more attention."
"Maybe that's because he puts more strain on his body than you do?"
The flute-player gripped her white blanket tightly while her hands quivered. Gritting her teeth, Tayuya pulled herself out of body. "And you don't think I put enough stress on my body?! My body was a complete mess when that Suna bitch took me out with that stupid fan of hers!" She snapped as she approached Karin, nearly grabbing the girl by her shirt. "Well?!"
Karin stood her ground and slapped Tayuya's hand away. "Calm down. You shouldn't be out of bed, Tay." She referred to Tayuya by her nickname.
"So, what? I've been in bed for a whole day! I need to get some training in today anyway."
"I reported our mission's success to Kabuto. He's quite pleased with how well the Cloneblades are working."
As Tayuya stood in front of a mirror wall, she stared straight at her own reflection. Her eyes still looked tired after just getting out of bed. As she turned on the sink, Tayuya splashed cold water on her face to wake herself up.
"Though, I'm very concerned about you, Tay. You collapse every time you let the Cloneblade's power influence you. You don't know how to properly focus and utilize its power, Tay. It's going to effect your mental and physical states."
Tayuya patted her face with a towel and threw it into the sink. "Well, gee, thanks for your concern, doctor. But, really I'm fine."
"Are you sure? Do you feel any side effects?"
"Nah, I should be good to go with my training. Are Sasame, Isaribi, and the twins going be available?"
"Perhaps, but I'm going to monitor you again."
"All right then," Tayuya replied, walking back over to her bed and began to fold up her blanket sheets.
"Before we get to training, Kabuto has summoned for all of us. You, me, Sasame-chan, Isaribi, and Kira are to go to the laboratory. We've obtained some new recruits. If all goes well, we could possibly bolster our numbers."
"Heh, and Miss Witchblade won't even stand a chance against all of us," Tayuya smiled evilly as she picked up her flute. "What are we waiting for?"
"For you to get dressed," Karin coughed as she walked behind the door. "You better hurry."
"Right." With that, Tayuya proceeded to pick up her clothing and changed from her white, hospital gown. As her eyes stared at her Cloneblade bracelet, the blue gem glowed, which triggered a reaction out of Tayuya. She uttered a tiny, psychotic giggle and whispered to herself. "It's okay, baby. We're going to play later, okay? Just be good... be very good. Kukuku."
Karin noted her colleague's peculiar behavior. Tay, that Cloneblade's changed you. What am I going to do with you? I need to discover what's triggering this deviant behavior. Have I not picked up on any flaws to her Cloneblade? She lifted her glasses up and watched Tayuya finish putting on her get-up. "Ready, Tay?"
Tayuya nodded. "Let's do it."
xxxxx
Snake's Lair/Laboratory/Grass Country
Later, the Cloneblade Five arrived in their collective group within Kabuto's laboratory. They turned as the silver-haired man emerged from out of an entrance, where he was attending to the bedridden Orochimaru down another corridor. He noticed all five kunoichi just arrived.
"Glad you all could come, Cloneblade Five," he acknowledged the girls. He turned toward Sasame. "Codename: Spider." He shifted his eyes on Isaribi and smiled. "Codename: Sea Beast." Kabuto turned and faced Kira. "Codename: Twin Blade." He looked over to his far left side and spotted Tayuya. "Codename: Flute Diva." Finally, his eyes turned as he looked toward Karin. "Codename: Lady. Remember your designated names, Cloneblade sisters."
Karin walked forward as she handed him a manuscript containing disclosed information. "Here's the report you wanted."
"Good, I'll have a look at this later."
Tayuya scoffed as she scanned the laboratory. "Look. What did you need us for anyway, you fucking four-eyed freak."
"Now, now, Tayuya. You really need to watch that dirty mouth," Kabuto coolly smirked, shrugging off the potty-mouthed girl's insults.
"Fuck you," she retorted and folded her arms.
"Anyway, yes, I summoned you all here because our fellow Sound-nin has collected a few subjects from the Land of Sea. Amachi was successfully able to clone more gauntlets and applied them to a few kunoichi."
"So, that piece of the Witchblade we gave him was beneficial. That's wonderful news to hear," Karin added as she approved of the thrilling news.
On the contrary, Isaribi turned away as the mere mention of 'Amachi' caused her to shudder a bit. Sasame noticed her colleague showing distress and attempted to console her. Kira quickly put a stop to that as she put an arm out, barricading Sasame from Isaribi.
"You better pay attention," Kira snorted arrogantly as she pointed toward Kabuto.
Sasame simply nodded and backed off. "Y-yes, Kira." She quickly turned and whispered, "I'm sorry," toward Isaribi's direction.
"So far, one new Cloneblade warrior has arrived. Two more will be coming to us and others are still being manufactured by Amachi as we speak. That's just the good news."
The glass-wearing redhead became weary and inquired. "There's bad news?"
"Unfortunately," Kabuto sighed as he pressed a button behind him, which turned on a monitor screen. A clear picture was displayed of the training room. Kabuto stepped aside as he allowed the Cloneblade Five to observe the on-going developments occurring in the disclosed arena. "One of the test subjects that Amachi recruited was a woman, a leader of the Kamizuru Clan."
"Kamizuru Suzumebachi," Karin noted as she pulled up a file from the nearest examination tables. "She actually volunteered to use one of our Cloneblades after we, the Cloneblade Five, formed. So, are you telling me that she ended up as a failed test subject?"
"Look at the screen, Karin," he advised her.
As Karin and the others watched the screen, they saw a short-haired, redhead woman garbed in a black cloak. They noticed the same Cloneblade artifact strapped around her right wrist. To their surprise, Suzumebachi roared out a blood-curling scream, which echoed throughout the arena. As the Cloneblade activated, Suzumebachi's body was quickly covered by a black and gold layer of armor, which covered her from head to toe. Protruding out of her back were four pairs of insect wings. A long tail came out of her back with a stinger jutting out at the tail's tip. Her face took on an almost insect like form with large, red bug eyes and a pair of antennae sticking out of her head. Suzumebachi collapsed to her knees as she screamed out in agony.
As three Sound-nin came running in to restrain Suzumebachi, the Cloneblade warrior's bloodlust was awakened as she lashed her long tail out. She stabbed one Sound-nin, piercing his chest with her stinger. As the other two tried to hold her down, Suzumebachi summoned enough strength to smash both men's heads together, crushing both of their skulls.
Sasame watched as she covered her mouth. "Oh.. my... god..."
"Pfft, please! Don't act surprised. You killed a few people just two days ago," Kira scoffed as she eyed Sasame. "Depending on the user, the Cloneblade brings out the monster within you to the surface."
"No... how could you... this thing make me kill?!" Sasame cried out as she tried to deny any allegations of killing another person (let alone several).
Kira chuckled as she tilted her head, allowing Kisa to poke her head out and speak. "Those men were corrupt and they outlived their usefulness to Orochimaru-sama. You did the right thing. They were planning to escape without paying their debt." "Kisa is right, sweetie. You eliminated the wicked and made sure injustice did not go unpunished." As the twins giggled wickedly, their laughter sent chills down Sasame's back.
"So, her Cloneblade gauntlet made her go off the deep end? What's so special about that? I killed thirty of those fuckers," Tayuya had an unimpressed look on her face. Her face contorted, expressing pleasure as she watched Suzumebachi licked the blood from her hands. "Want me to go and deal with this reject?"
Kabuto gazed at Tayuya and nodded. "That won't be necessary. I'll leave that to Kira and Kisa. Won't you two see to it that our failed subject is subdued and taken care of?" He shifted his focus on the evil twins.
"Leave it to us!" Kira and Kisa responded simultaneously.
As the Kira walked out of the room, Kabuto left the monitor on for all to witness what was going to happen next. Karin approached Kabuto as she whispered into his ear.
"There's something I have to talk to you about, Kabuto."
"We'll discuss it later, Karin. Okay? Just make sure you monitor the girls during their training," the silver-haired man instructed. "I have to attend to Orochimaru-sama."
"How is his recovery coming along?" Karin inquired, her curiosity piqued as she wondered how far the wicked Sannin recovered from his altercation with Witchblade Sakura.
Kabuto couldn't give her a straight answer. He simply put it bluntly. "His old body is giving out. He's going to need a new one soon."
"So, he still intends to take Sasuke's body. I see..." Karin sounded slightly if just a bit apprehensive.
Taking notice of Karin's troubled state, Kabuto quickly addressed to her. "Are you okay? You don't seem enthused."
Tayuya scoffed as she walked in front of Kabuto. "Hey, back off. Maybe she doesn't want to talk about it, four-eyes."
"I told you not to call me that," his face contorted as he sneered directly at Tayuya. "You're all dismissed. You may go and start your training. You'll need it if you hope to carry out Orochimaru's will and defeat Haruno Sakura's Witchblade. Karin, come see me when you're done." With that, he slowly headed out the backdoor leading out to a hallway where Orochimaru was resting.
As Kabuto left, Tayuya flipped the 'bird,' showing how she really feels about him.
"Thanks, but I could have stood up for myself..."
"No way. I had to put that jackass in his place," the flute user replied as she faced the redhead. "He isn't all that. All he does best is suck up to Orochimaru-sama."
"Yet, you actually defended me..."
"I wasn't intending to defend you. Heh, don't flatter yourself, whore. I'm only owing you my debt since you've nursed me back to health. I wouldn't be back on my feet thanks to you."
Karin smirked. "I guess we're even then. And you owe A LOT to me."
As Tayuya looked behind Tayuya, she saw Sasame and Isaribi standing together. A devious grin curled on the flute user's face. Sasame shuddered a little as she walked back, taking Isaribi's right hand.
"Don't scare Sasame-chan like that, Tayuya. C'mon, now," Karin turned as she placed a hand behind Tayuya's back. "Down, girl."
"I ain't a fucking dog, Karin."
"No, but I have to keep you in line. I'm the only one who can really put a leash on you."
"Listen... I... I'm ready for some training, Tayuya-san," Sasame spoke up, her voice sounding meek while being intimidated by Tayuya's presence. "I don't plan on... holding back. I..."
"So, you're finally going to grow some backbone? I tell you. There's a good reason why I prefer you in your Cloneblade form. You're a pretty vicious bitch when you transform, Sasame."
"I... I don't think I can go and train today," Isaribi bowed. "I'm so-sorry."
"Feh, what's with you? If you don't train, you can't get any stronger!" The former Sound Four member snapped as she turned, facing Isaribi.
"Tayuya, settle down. I've got this," Karin said as she approached the two girls. "Listen you two. I know Tayuya is being harsh toward you, but she's right. You two need to toughen up. The training is going to get more difficult. You two, like Tayuya, haven't fully mastered your instincts as Cloneblade warriors. Especially, you two. You have to keep your mind focused and free of any dark desires you might have. These Cloneblades can and will feed off your emotions, altering your way of thinking and dispositions. Don't let the Cloneblade's corrupt power consume you. I've come to discover that emotions, desires, and a lust for power is what fuels the Cloneblade. The same might hold truth for the Witchblade. Do I make myself clear, Isaribi? Sasame-chan?"
"Yes, Karin-san," Sasame responded.
Isaribi promptly added. "But, why haven't you suffered any negative effects from your Cloneblade?"
"That's something I'm trying to figure out myself."
"Because she hardly has any desires or anything shit like that the Cloneblade might try to corrupt. Right?" Tayuya replied.
"I suppose, but I'm going to examine myself."
Sasame nodded. "Well, I'm ready. Tayuya-san, I want to get strong like you!"
"Oh yeah? Well, don't cry when I kick your ass."
"I won't."
Karin looked toward Isaribi and smiled. "Let's go and join them, Isaribi."
"Oh... yes! I'm coming!" Isaribi answered as she followed her fellow Cloneblade sisters toward the training arena.
Once they left, the monitor screen was still left on as it displayed Kira and Kisa standing over a pile of crystallized dust remains. The remains were all that was left of Suzumebachi after the Cloneblade twins disposed of her. The twins quickly swept up the dust from the arena floor as their other Cloneblade sisters were about to enter the training facility.
xxxxx
Snake's Lair/Orochimaru's Room/Grass Country
"You gave that shard of the Witchblade to my old accomplice... Amachi?"
"Yes, he has it. With it, he's been able to manufacture more Cloneblade gauntlets and we'll be receiving new warriors. It's truly astounding to know how many we've been able to conjure up with just one shard of Sakura's Witchblade, "Kabuto said as he stood over the Sannin's side. That artifact's power is incredible. Everything is going according as you wished, Orochimaru-sama."
Slowly pivoting his head, Orochimaru opened his eyes and coughed out blood. "Good. On another subject, Ka-Kabuto... I will require Sasuke-kun soon. This body is already decomposing. I cannot recover with this body anymore... skin regeneration is impossible at this point. The Cloneblade sisters are only... of use to me... when it regards that Konoha brat and her Witchblade... she must pay for the humiliation... SHE'S BROUGH FORTH TO ME... GACK! AUGH!!" The white-skinned snake coughed out a mouthful of blood and panted, almost wheezing. His breath was shallow for a short minute before he recollected his breath.
"Orochimaru-sama, don't strain yourself! Please-"
"Be silent, Kabuto! I... I will hold out for a little while longer. This body has at most a few weeks before I must transfer my soul to Sasuke-kun..."
"And you will have his body. The Sharingan will be yours."
"And I'll use it to kill that ungrateful girl first! Then, I'll go... after Uzumaki Naruto. Won't it be... glorious... to use Sasuke-kun's body to kill his two closest... most precious friends?"
Kabuto had a calm, collective disposition. "Indeed, it would, Orochimaru-sama. Of course, don't count out the Cloneblade sisters. One of them may very well end up killing Haruno Sakura and take her Witchblade."
"Th... that would be the next best thing... those five young kunoichi... they will help... carry out my revenge."
"And they will. Once they've been fully trained, they will be sent directly to hunt down Haruno Sakura. What happened to you will not go unpunished. I can rest assure you that and give you my word."
The pale-faced Sannin evilly smiled, if only trying hard not express any sign of weakness. "See to it... that you do, Kabuto. They are your responsibility."
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama," Kabuto said as he adjusted his glasses and calmly looked toward the door.
xxxxx
Snake's Lair/Training Facility/Grass Country
Tayuya and Sasame stood on opposite sides of the training arena. Both of them displayed their Cloneblade wrist-bracelets. Karin and Isaribi watched from the sidelines to observe the spar session.
"Just a question, Karin-san. Where's that Suzumebachi girl who was here earlier?" Isaribi suddenly noticed the abrupt absence of the aforementioned woman.
"We had to relieve her of her services. She was no longer needed," Karin answered as she turned toward the door behind her. Her eye caught Kira and Kisa both holding a bag of red crystallized dust - the remains of Suzumebachi.
Isaribi blinked thrice. "Really? I see. I hope Kira and Kisa didn't do anything horrible to her."
"I wish I knew..." Karin sighed. I can't believe those two went that far. They should have at least sent her to me, but... nothing more I can do for Suzumebachi at this point.
"So, ready to get started?! We'll start with dodging and testing your reflexes," Tayuya barked while pulling out her flute.
As she stood in a battle stance, Sasame readied herself. "Let's go!"
With that, Tayuya evilly smiled as she pulled a tune through her flute. While she played a unique melodic tune, three giant ogre-like demons appeared behind her. The one on the left had its entire head and upper body covered in bandages; the one in the center carried a large club over its right shoulder and had long, bushy hair covering its face; the third one on the right sat down in a crouched position with its eyes covered in bandages. These demons were Tayuya's summoning beasts: the Doki.
"Oh gosh! She's sending those three in already?!" Isaribi was shocked to see the demon trio.
Karin made no direct comment as she quietly surveyed the match.
Sasame stood her ground, despite feeling a little shaky in her knees. She pulled out a kunai and stepped back a few feet.
Tayuya stopped playing her tune and called out. "I'm going to send one at a time! You better fucking dodge with the first one!"
"Right. I'm ready!" The orange-haired girl responded as she gulped.
Playing another unique tune, she commanded the third Doki to attack Sasame. The giant with the club charged forward like an angry bull and smashed the club against the floor, uplifting the slabs of stone off the ground. Sasame pounced back as she landed on the side of a wall. The Doki pulled its club out of the floor and charged toward Sasame's position. It smashed its club against the wall, but completely missed Sasame. The girl bounced right off the wall and landed back at the center of the arena.
"Wow! So, Sasame-chan!" Isaribi cheered on the Fuuma clan member.
Tayuya played a different tune, this time controlling the first Doki on the far left. The giant, bandage-faced demon charged toward Sasame and bodyslammed itself onto the ground. Sasame bounced up high in mid-air, avoiding contact with the demon.
However, much to Sasame's dismay, the third Doki leapt right up in front of her. Sasame clasped her hands together and sprang threads right out of her hands. As her thin threads attached to the ceiling, Sasame pulled herself up and out of the demon's reach.
"Here I come!" Sasame cried out as she dropped down from the ceiling, performing numerous hand seals. As she inhaled a deep breath, she blew out a burst of fire. "Katon: Kasumi Enduno Jutsu!!"
As Tayuya watched the streaming fire aimed toward her, she cracked a smile. "You've got to be shitting me! Attacking me head-on?!" She jumped out of the way as the flames incinerated the floor.
Sasame landed on the floor as the threads were still attached to her fingers.
"An amateur move on your part! I thought we taught you better than that!" Suddenly, Tayuya felt her body suddenly stiffen. She stopped as she noticed threads tied around her ankles, which pinned her feet down. Even her arms were tied by threads. "What?! Threads?! Where... Ah, shit!" She glanced up and saw that the threads (which could barely be seen inside the near darkened room) extended from the ceiling and reached all the way to the bottom of the arena floor. So, she pulled her threads along as she came falling down and lured extra threads from under my blind spot?! "Son of a bitch. You got me."
The Fuuma clan member smiled as she charged forward. "Now, I've got you!"
"All right, Sasame-chan!" Isaribi exclaimed.
Suddenly, Tayuya cracked another evil smile. "Psyche!" With that, the flute user surprised Sasame as her Cloneblade bracelet's gem lit up. A blue glowing light enshrouded Tayuya completely.
Sasame stopped as the glowing blue light blinded her.
Tayuya cackled happily as her eyes turned black with her irises now a sky blue color. Her reddish-pink hair wavered out behind the flute user's back and changed into a beautiful, silver coloration. As she turned her head, intricately-designed upside down triangular shapes appeared on her cheeks. As her helmet went flying off, two fan-like protrusions jutted out of the girl's head. Her clothing was replaced by dark blue armor, which covered every section of her body - excluding her face, upper bosom, belly, the back side of the legs, and her rear end. The armor covering her cleavage pushed outward, granting Tayuya a more defined, feminine image - a stunning contrast to her rather brute, tomboyish appearance. Her right arm transformed into a two-bladed scythe-like instrument, which she brandished beautifully. The blue gem, which harnessed the core of the Cloneblade's power, imbued with an elaborate, brilliant glow. She walked forward on high-heel armored feet, which made her several inches taller. A thick blue aura outlined the imposing Cloneblade warrior, which made her armor shinier. With her strength rejuvenated, Tayuya broke out of Sasame's threads, causing them to snap loose to release the flute user.
As Sasame glanced at the imposing, blue-armored Tayuya, she fell back and gasped in shock.
"W-w-what?! No! Y-y-ou didn't say you'd t-t-t-transform!" Sasame stammered as she tried to crawl away.
"Whoa! That's going too far, Tayuya-san! You're going to really hurt Sasame-chan that way!" Isaribi shouted as she attempted to jump in.
Karin quickly stopped Isaribi as she put her arm out.
"Karin-san! Why?!"
"Relax. Sasame-chan is not helpless. She, too can transform. Just stand back and watch," the glass-wearing redhead stated as she carefully observed the match. So, what will you do now, Sasame-chan?
Tayuya smiled as she slashed the air with her double-bladed scythe. "Well, what the fuck are you waiting for, Sasame-chan? Transform! You, like me, are a Cloneblade! Activate it now before I come at you!"
As Sasame took a deep breath, she sucked it up and picked herself off the floor. She stared down at the Cloneblade bracelet around her right wrist. "Tayuya-san, you're right. I..."
"Yeah? What?"
The Fuuma clan member twirled around as she faced Tayuya. Her face no longer conveyed fear. She showed a determined glare as she raised her right arm, displaying her bracelet. "...I have to face... MY FEARS!!" She cried out as her eyes turned neon green.
Her skin complexion turned from normal peach tan to a lighter shade of orange. Layers of dark orange armor replaced the girl's clothing. This shiny, powerful armor covered all around different sections of Sasame's body, except around her neck collar, the face, the upper bosom area, her belly and around the center of the waistline, and around her hips. Sharp, razor-edged protrusions extended out of her shoulders and elbows. Four fan-like protrusions jutted out the sides of her head, adding more unique features to Sasame's Cloneblade armor. Embroidered on her knees, hips, and feet were green designs, which looked like large arrowheads. The Cloneblade's blue gem settled on her right wrist where the bracelet used to be. Her long hair all condensed nicely into a long Ahoge hairstyle (here, it's a long, lock of hair that sticks out from the top of the head), which went down from her head all the way down to her kneecaps.
As Sasame stepped forward, her high-heel armored feet (which made her taller by a few inches) made a clicking sound. The young Cloneblade warrior had a completely opposite demeanor than she did before. In her Cloneblade state, her personality made a complete 180 as she seemed much calmer and eager to fight. The girl had turned into a sexy, female warrior in seconds. All she could think about now was bringing the fight to Tayuya.
Speaking in a slightly deepened voice, Sasame chortled. "Well? Weren't you going to come at me?!" A new side of aggression came to surface, completely opposite of the gentler, softer Sasame. As she flexed her entire body, six, long armored tendrils came shooting out of her back, which looked like spider's legs. "The Spider's come to play, Flute Diva."
"About time you showed your true self, Spider! Here I come!" Tayuya roared as she charged forward.
Sasame giggled wickedly and raced ahead to meet Tayuya head-on.
Clank!
Tayuya came forward, bringing down her two-bladed scythe against Sasame's six armored tendrils. The two Cloneblade sisters pushed against each other, attempting to overpower one another. Tayuya headbutted Sasame, knocking her back a little. She seized the opportunity and bashed her two-bladed scythe across Sasame's face. Sasame collapsed, but quickly sprang up to her feet. The Fuuma clan member licked her lips and giggled.
"Well, well, Spider, you sure can take some punishment," Tayuya smirked as she complimented the orange-armored kunoichi. "Gotta hand it to ya. You're a tough bitch."
"I've got to be if I want to hang with you. I've learned from the best."
The flute user chuckled. "Hell yeah. I am the best. I will be the strongest of the Cloneblade sisters."
"Not unless I take you out first!" Sasame cried out as she launched out her six tendrils.
Tayuya timed Sasame's attacks as she raced forward, dodging around each tendril that came at her. The blue-armored kunoichi leapt up and came down hitting Sasame's right shoulder with her double-edged scythe hand weapon. Sasame winced as she grabbed Tayuya and punched her in the face. Tayuya's head snapped back as she immediately twirled around and smiled.
"Nice punch, Spider! But, you've got to do better than that!" Tayuya shouted as she grabbed Sasame by her waist, lifting her off the ground and throwing her up into the ceiling.
As Sasame was thrown toward the ceiling, the Spider used her tendrils to attach herself into the ceiling. As she cushioned herself against the ceiling, Sasame moved her eyes to where Tayuya was positioned.
"I'm not going to lose to you, Flute Diva!" Sasame declared as she threw several threads to the bottom and dropped down from the ceiling - almost in the fashion of a real spider. As she landed on her feet, Sasame positioned herself upright and closed her right hand. Four claws jutted out of her right hand (like Wolverine) as she dashed toward Tayuya. "Here I come!!"
The Flute Diva simply scoffed. "Don't announce when you're going to attack. Typical amateur." As she raised her scythe, Tayuya countered Sasame's claw strike and kicked her in the stomach.
Sasame doubled over as she was on the receiving end of more vicious kicks. This time... these kicks were aimed at her face. Tayuya grabbed Sasame by her neck and hoisted her up.
"Who's the top Cloneblade sister, Spider? Well?" Tayuya cracked an evil smile as she dangled Sasame in front of her. "Who's the top bitch around here?"
"I-I won't give up!"
Tayuya sighed with annoyance in her tone. "That's not the answer I'm looking for."
"That's enough, Tayuya! End it here!" Karin called out.
As Tayuya snapped back to her senses, she dropped Sasame and turned away. Sasame rubbed her neck as Isaribi came over to check on the Spider. Karin approached Tayuya and nodded approvingly.
"Nice to see you NOT snap for once, Tay," Karin remarked.
Tayuya gave no response as she walked over to Sasame and helped the orange-armored kunoichi back on her feet. "Nice fucking show, Spider. I think you might be ready to face Miss Witchblade."
Sasame whipped around in surprise. "You think so? Am I truly ready?"
"Hell yeah! I can sense the killer instinct in ya, Spider. I think she should be the one to face that Haruno Sakura bitch."
Isaribi turned toward Sasame. "Sasame-chan?"
As she gave this some thought, Karin folded her arms and walked over beside Sasame. "Well, the next best thing is to convince Kabuto. I was rather impressed with your showing out there, Sasame-chan."
"Thank you," the Spider smiled as she transformed back to her normal self. "But, I think I need a little more trai-"
"Screw that noise. I say you're ready. What do you say, Karin?"
Karin added, placing her hands against her hips. "Just give me some time to convince, Kabuto. Personally, I'd rather wait and let Sasame-chan continue training, but there's no time. Orochimaru-sama expects us to kill Haruno Sakura and take her Witchblade."
As Tayuya transformed back to her normal self, she interposed. "Yeah, that's right. Fighting Miss Witchblade is better than killing some weak shitheads. Let's get this show on the road."
"All right, it's settled then. Sasame-chan, come with me," the glass-wearing, redhead turned toward the Fuuma kunoichi.
Sasame responded as she followed Karin out of the room. "Coming, Karin-san!"
Isaribi watched Sasame leave with Karin and smiled. I'm proud of you, Sasame-chan.
"Feh, if you ask me, I should be the one to fight Miss Witchblade first," Tayuya gritted her teeth as she called off her Doki summons.
xxxxx
Outside Konoha Library/Konohagakure/Fire Country
After spending half a morning in the local Konoha library doing medical research, Sakura walked out to took a break. She took a seat on a stone ledge as she stared toward the blue skies.
Her mind was in complete meditation. She tried to take her mind off the mess that occurred recently with her altercation with the other Konoha 11 crew. Understandably so, she was still upset with all of them, especially Shikamaru and Chouji. She never once had to raise her voice towards them until they accused her of possessing the Witchblade.
Even now, the remaining Konoha 11 avoided eye and verbal contact with Sakura. Although Rock Lee was the only one who attempted to speak with her, Neji advised against it.
Of the younger shinobi, only Naruto (and to some extent Sai) would approach her casually.
"I hope they'll get over it, but somehow I doubt it," Sakura sighed as she took a deep breath. "At least, there's someone I can count on. Right, Naruto?" Her eyes shifted backward as she spotted the blonde-haired Genin standing behind her. "What took you so long?" She directed a smile followed by eye contact toward Naruto. She was delighted to see her teammate/best friend/boyfriend.
"I had to go see Yamato-taicho. Glad I could find ya here, Sakura-chan."
Sakura stood up as she answered. "Yeah, I'm taking a break right now. I've been studying on how to better hone my medical jutsus. I can only get better if I study and practice."
"Why don't you go see Granny Tsunade? I thought she would help teach you some more?" Naruto wondered as he sat down beside Sakura.
The pink-haired kunoichi crossed her legs together. "Not happening anytime soon. She's still somewhat upset with me. Besides, she hasn't decided my punishment yet. Ugh, I can't even think about that now!"
"It'll be okay, Sakura-chan. Maybe she'll forget all about it?"
"HA! I doubt it. She seemed pretty convinced I was going to get punished really bad," Sakura faked a laugh as she turned to face Naruto. "Besides Rock Lee tried to talk to me, but Neji wouldn't let him. Ugh, sometimes, I wonder if wearing the Witchblade is worth it."
"What are you saying?! You helped me beat that freaky Akatsuki guy a week ago! We saved the village! Even Granny Tsunade was proud of us!" Naruto exclaimed as he tried his best to brighten Sakura's spirits. "The Witchblade kicked Inori's ass and now that freak!"
Sakura shook her head. "Yet Ino's in a coma and most of our friends pretend like I'm some kind of disease."
"Screw them. That's all I have to say."
"But, you told them what you were. You revealed about having the Kyuubi inside of you."
"That's right. Yet, they weren't even bothered with that fact. They still treat me like a friend, but they won't give you a chance? I call bullshit on that one if you ask me."
"Because, even with the Kyuubi inside you, you never once put any of our friends in danger or put them into comas. That's why they trust you! You weren't the one who put one of our comrades in a coma!"
Naruto frowned. "Quite frankly, I don't care if they want to be on friendly terms with me. As long as they continue treating you like crap, I'm not going to acknowledge them. That's what a true friend should do another, right?"
Taking this all in, Sakura stood up and extended her right arm out. "Got that right."
"Heh, I know I am," Naruto took her hand and grinned his usual fox smile.
"So, what were you about to do?"
"I'm going over to Asuma and Kurenai's place."
Sakura blinked twice. "Why there?"
"When I asked Kakashi-sensei about working on my wind-element jutsus, he told me to go over to their place. He thinks that Asuma-sensei might have a scroll on some neat wind jutsus I could really use."
"I see. You're planning to expand on your technique set?"
The Jinchuuriki nodded. "Yeah. I think it'll be better for me in the long run. Since Granny Tsunade forbade me from using that awesome Rasenshuriken! Humph, this really sucks!"
"Well, he is right. You'll only hurt yourself more if you keep using that move unless you find some solution to master it. I heard Yamato-taicho said your Rasengan isn't even halfway complete. Just keep what you do best, Naruto."
"Thanks, Sakura-chan. Well, I have to get going. I'll see you later, okay?"
Sakura smiled as she watched Naruto turn and run off. "Well, hopefully, you'll find what you're looking for."
'Desperate to expand his move set, eh? Well, at least we won't be using the Rasengan too much. That really expends a lot of his chakra, doesn't it?'
Yeah, but we'll see what new tricks Naruto will have up his sleeve. Knowing him, he'll create some off-the-wall jutsus.
'We'll just have to see, won't we?'
Sakura folded her arms and smiled, keeping an eye on Naruto in the background. "Yeah, no doubt."
xxxxx
Local Konoha Condos/Kurenai's Room/Konohagakure/Fire Country
As the Jinchuuriki arrived at the front door, he knocked on the door and waited for Kurenai to answer. Once the women opened, she was taken back by Naruto's sudden appearance.
"Naruto...?"
"Um, hi, Kurenai-sensei. I came to ask you something... it's about Asuma."
The woman shook her head as she opened the door. "I was about to go visit him by his bedside. What is it? Is there something you need to know?"
"I was going to ask if he keeps one of his important scrolls here. Kakashi-sensei told me I could find it here."
"He does keep a lot of belongings here and I keep watch over them."
"Does he have his scrolls?" Naruto inquired as he looked inside the room. "I'm really desperate on learning new wind-jutsus."
Kurenai overheard the mention of 'wind' and opened the door. "Asuma excels in wind jutsus. He told me that your affinity is wind based. Yes, he does have the scroll with the basic and advanced wind jutsus inscribed."
"Kurenai-sensei, if you could let me borrow it? I promise I will give it back. I really need it for my training."
"I see," the dark-haired woman looked over toward a flower vase on the dining table. As she looked back to Naruto, Kurenai smiled. "For Asuma, I'll give it to you. Wait here, Naruto."
"Yes!" Naruto replied as he smiled with excited glee. "Thanks, Kurenai-sensei!"
"It was you who gave Hinata the courage to continue improving herself. She, Kiba, and Shino have the highest regard for you. With that, I, too, hold the highest degree of respect for you, Naruto."
Upon hearing this, Naruto felt proud... at least somewhat. He still harbored hostility toward Kiba and company for mistreating Sakura.
Kurenai walked toward the dining table as she popped open the jar, releasing the soil and pulled out a long rolled up parchment. She grabbed the scroll and walked over to Naruto, offering the item to him. Naruto examined the object as his eyes read the Kanji inscribed on the front.
"I trust you will use it well, Naruto. Become an excellent wind user like Asuma. No, I believe you'll surpass even him."
"I should thank him, too, if and when he gets out of his coma."
Kurenai barely managed to smile. "I'm happy to know you believe Asuma will recover."
"He will, Kurenai-sensei. He and Ino will recover," Naruto reassured the woman as he tucked the scroll under his right arm and walked off. "Thanks and I'll bring it back when I'm done!"
As Kurenai walked out to watch Naruto leave, she waved and felt her spirits lifted. "Good luck, Naruto."
Little did Kurenai realize, one of her flowerpots on the balcony started to show a little less life. One petal started to slowly fell off the flower, allowing the wind blow it away. What this signified was ambiguous and could mean anything.
Anything bad that is.
xxxxx
Hospital Room #12/Konoha Hospital/Konohagakure/Fire Country
Akimichi Chouji watched Asuma in his bed as he came by to give his prayers, hoping that the Jounin/his sensei would recover from his coma. Since visitation hours were still active, Chouji decided to take a break from his training to see Asuma and Ino.
"Hope you'll recover soon, Asuma-sensei," Chouji sighed deeply as he turned away, focusing his sights on Ino. He walked over by his teammate's bed and pivoted his head, staring at Ino's serene and motionless face. "Ino."
As he recalled what he, Shikamaru, and the others said to Sakura, Chouji stopped to contemplate what he said. He remembered when Sakura mentioned how Ino was used as a human shield by Kakuzu. He had let his emotions get the better of him, forgetting all about the underhanded tactic Kakuzu pulled off.
"Why didn't I see it before?!" Chouji said as he gritted his teeth. "No! She was telling the truth, but I never even gave any second thought about what that masked freak did! I... We blamed it all on Sakura!" He took a moment to watch Ino and placed his hand over her forehead. "Ino, I wonder... what would you have said if you were there with us? Would you have blamed it on Sakura? Would you have blamed her or stuck up for her?"
And, obviously, there would be no immediate response. Ino remained motionless as she only exhaled a few shallow breaths through her breathing mask.
"Well, I'm not the type to hold grudges forever. Just for you and since Sakura is your best friend, I'm going to give Sakura another chance. I don't trust the Witchblade, but I will give Sakura one more chance. I want to see for myself if I can depend on her again." With that, he gave a prayer to Ino and walked out of the room.
As he closed the door behind him, Chouji took a deep breath and relaxed. "This one's for you, Ino."
xxxxx
Hyuuga Clan Estate/Konohagakure/Fire Country
As she watched her cousin sparring on the training fields outside of their mansion, Hyuuga Hinata sat down to think. She reflected back on the incident where the Konoha 11 severely accused Sakura of possessing the wicked artifact known as the Witchblade.
Hinata felt somewhat terrible for being one of those who watched and questioned Sakura's Witchblade. She looked up as Neji walked over to sit beside her.
"Is something troubling you, Hinata?" Neji asked his cousin.
"We-well, I was thinking about what we said to Sakura. All of those hurtful comments about her..."
"And that Witchblade. Listen, Hinata, what happened with Ino was unfortunate. However, what Sakura did was reckless. She deliberately went against the Fifth Hokage's orders."
"But, how could we accuse Sakura of hurting Ino if we weren't there?"
"Shikamaru and Chouji were witnesses. It's true we didn't witness the event unfold, but those two told a very accurate and concise side to their story. Perhaps I was too hard on Sakura... and maybe I should have listened to her story. Hers might have been slightly different, but we'll never know."
Hinata raised another point. "And N-Naruto-kun. He... Could you actually believe it? Do you think any less of him?"
"Of course not. Although, I was befuddled to say the least, but I don't think any less of him. I still view him as a valuable asset and a fellow Konoha-nin. It was because of him that my views changed. He's had a very profound and positive influence to each of us."
"I'm glad to hear this. I feel the same way, but don't you think we should treat Sakura fairly? What if it really was an accident?"
Neji took a moment to reflect on what he and the others said to Sakura. "One can't go living and holding grudges for the rest of their lives. Perhaps, if myself and my team were to go on a mission with Sakura, that'd be the only way to convince me to trust Sakura. However, I must see this Witchblade in action for myself."
"I'm curious to know myself," Hinata added.
"But, I will only do it out of respect for Naruto. I need to be proven wrong about the Witchblade's wicked nature."
Hearing this straight from her cousin made Hinata smile. On top of all that, she would be willing to place her trust in Sakura again only if she were to go on a mission with her to witness the Witchblade's power and out of respect to Uzumaki Naruto.
xxxxx
Orochimaru's Compound/Snake's Lair/Laboratory/Grass Country
Kabuto listened to Karin's request as he looked toward her and Sasame. The silver-haired man considered what Karin had offered him and that was Sasame willing to accept a mission to confront Haruno Sakura/the Witchblade.
"What do you think, Kabuto? Tayuya was the one who suggested this. Sasame has improved since we've been training her."
"Well, let me ask you, Karin. Do you feel comfortable about letting her go through with this?"
Karin bit down on her lip and faced the Fuuma clan member. "Sasame-chan, are you sure you want to do this? It's your choice. Don't feel pressured."
"I'm ready. I want to prove myself to you and Tayuya-san. And... I want to do this so I may see my cousin again," Sasame said as she shifted her focus on Kabuto. "You'll let me see my cousin, Arashi, again?"
"You have my word, Sasame. In fact, I think you should call for your other cousins. I've made sure that a few of your fellow clans members remained on guard over at the Land of Rice Fields. You do remember that one of our posts is stationed there."
Sasame nodded, answering Kabuto immediately. "Yes."
"I'll be sure to bring your cousin over there. After you've killed Haruno Sakura and retrieved the Witchblade, you can hand the artifact to me and I will allow to see your cousin."
"Then, I'm ready."
Kabuto smiled as he shifted his attention toward his lab associate. "Karin, I ask you and Tayuya accompany her. However, I want you to stay low and keep far away from where Sasame will be positioned. You two are the emergency reserves. If and when Sasame is in trouble, you two will mount your attack."
Karin interjected as she challenged Kabuto's plan. "You want me and Tayuya to remain low? Do you not trust in Sasame-chan's abilities?"
"I'm only doing this for her sake. You are all Cloneblade sisters. Orochimaru-sama and I couldn't even imagine losing one of you in battle."
Sasame gulped as she began to reconsider what she said earlier.
"Don't worry, Sasame-chan. Nothing is going to happen as long as you have your clans people to aid you. Don't forget that Tayuya and I will be waiting in the wings," Karin tried to reassure Sasame. "You're one of the Cloneblade Five. Just trust in your new power and you'll defeat Haruno Sakura."
The orange-haired girl barely managed to smile, her spirits lifted by Karin's words. "Thanks, Karin-san."
Karin turned around, facing Kabuto as she balled up her fists. What are you up to, Kabuto? You keep bringing up her cousin, but I'm out of the dark when it comes to this Arashi guy. Where are you really keeping him? Poor, Sasame-chan. I hope you know what you're getting yourself into.
"Hey, boss!" Kira called out as she entered the laboratory with the bag containing Suzumebachi's crystal dust remains. "Did you want this?"
"Yes. Please, set that over on that table," Kabuto requested as he pointed to an empty table desk.
As Kira strode along by carrying the bag, Karin carefully eyes the bag and looked back to Sasame. "So, how are you planning to lure Sakura and her friends, Sasame-chan?"
"Well, I-"
"Better yet. I have a better idea," she clarified.
xxxxx
Second Floor/Medical Research Section/Konoha Library/Konohagakure/Fire Country
Two days later, Sakura resumed her medical studies.
She sat down in a table by herself as she flipped through a book based on utilizing chakra scalpels. Her eyes moved back and forth, scanning the contents written in the book. Suddenly, the girl's vision began to blur as she leaned her head back a bit.
"Ugh... c'mon, stay awake," Sakura grumbled as she shook her head. Why couldn't you have stayed quiet last night?
'I was having too much fun with my roommate. She makes for very good company when she's pissed. Ah, how I love to tick her off! She's too easy! Ahahaha!'
I couldn't get ANY sleep! Now, I can't even stay awake and study! Thanks a lot!
The Witchblade giggled like a little girl much to Sakura's irritation. 'Anytime, princess pink.'
Would you stop calling me th-
"Sakura," a voice whispered behind the kunoichi.
As Sakura twirled around, she noticed Yamato standing behind her. "Yamato-taicho? What brings you here?"
"The Fifth wants to see you."
Sakura knew where this was heading and gripped the edges of her seat. "Oh crap."
'Ah, so she's FINALLY decided what your punishment will be. Can't wait to see the drama unfold!'
The pink-haired kunoichi groaned as she almost wanted to facepalm herself. You don't have to sound so casual about it!
"Let's get going, Sakura," Yamato stated as he headed out.
Sakura stood up from her hair and sighed. "Hell training, here I come."
xxxxx
Hokage Office/Konohagakure/Fire Country
"Haruno Sakura. Despite you and Naruto defeating that Akatsuki member, I really hate to do this," Tsunade sighed as she looked across her office, staring toward Sakura.
Haruno Sakura and Yamato both stood at the center of the room. Shizune eyed Sakura as she shuddered to contemplate what grueling punishment the Fifth Hokage was going to enforce on the young medic-nin.
"I, Tsunade the Fifth Hokage, decree that starting tomorrow... you punishment will be-"
Suddenly, a pigeon came flying in through Tsunade's window as it landed on top of the Hokage's desk. Tsunade stopped and noticed the bird with a pouch strapped around its left side. She opened the pouch to open a letter.
"A message at this time?" Shizune was surprised.
Sakura stood still as she waited for Tsunade to finish scanning the message.
"It's from the Land of Rice Fields. There's been some recent killings and reported deaths. There's been a discovery of an orange-armored creature of some unknown origin... it was seen aggressively attacking villagers in the rice fields." Tsunade noted the armor word in the letter and looked straight toward Sakura.
"Is there something wrong, Tsunade-sama?" Sakura inquired.
The Fifth Hokage stood up from her chair and handed the letter to Sakura. As Sakura scanned through the letter, she gasped and looked straight at Tsunade.
"How could this be possible? Orange-armor? And with a blade equipped in its arm?" Sakura pointed out the most important details on this 'sighting.' "This... this doesn't make any sense! There can't be another Witchblade-user out there? Could it?!"
"I don't know, but... Sakura... I'm going to hold off on your punishment for a little while longer. I think it would make sense if you were to go investigate this sighting."
"Me?" Sakura pointed to herself.
"I want you to be accompanied by your team. That includes you, Uzumaki Naruto, Sai, Yamato, Hatake Kakashi, and another member to bolster the numbers. I'll hand select someone from one of the other squads."
"Why so many, Lady Hokage?" Yamato inquired.
"We can't take any chances with this enemy, especially with so little detail. That is why I am bolstering your numbers. Sakura, you and Yamato go find the others and report back here. You will all go immediately after that."
Sakura let out a deep sigh of relief. "Yes, Tsunade-sama!" She utterly and deeply relieved. Thank goodness. At least I'm okay for now. Am I this lucky or what? But, this orange-armored creature sighting intrigues me. And it's said to be equipped with a blade. Witchblade, what do you know about this?
'Yes, this feel so familiar. Sakura, do you remember when I mentioned to you about facing counterfeit Witchblades during Masane's time?'
Yeah? What about it?
'I don't know if this is some sort of coincidence, but it looks like we've got a Cloneblade at our hands.'
What, but I thought I was the only one who can wield you?! How did your power get replicated? And who would manufacture Cloneblades in MY world? Did someone from Masane's time slip through a dimension portal like you?
'I don't know, but we have to investigate. If this is true, then... it appears we have some very strong opponents. And that's VERY good for me! I've been craving for some tougher opponents!'
Sakura held the letter in her hand and frowned with determination. Whatever this means, we need to find out what it is and where it came from. But, I have to admit... some of Masane's memories are coming to the surface. These Cloneblades I'm seeing through her eyes look really strong.
'Mmhmm and that's why I am thrilled to face another Cloneblade. Aren't you at least curious?'
Kinda and it's definitely better than receiving my penalty from Tsunade-sama. I have to admit I'm kinda excited to fight one myself.
'And we're going to show this Cloneblade just what we're made of.'
HELL YEAH! Let's kick some Cloneblade ass!
xxxxx
To be continued...
Next time
Chapter 27: Mission to Land of Rice Fields! A Cloneblade Sighting!
xxxxx
Translation notes
Katon: Kasumi Endu no Jutsu/Fire Release: Mist Covering Technique
Type: C-Rank. Offensive.
Range: Short Range (0-5m)
After completing the necessary hand seals, the user inhales a deep breath, which utilizes a large quantity of flammable gas. It's power can be more destructive when close to fire. Used by Fuuma Kagero (disguised as Kabuto) in the true filler arc. Used by Fuuma Sasame exclusively for this story.
-
Doki/Angry Demons
The three demons summoned by Tayuya. She playes various melodies on her flute to control the trio, each melody causing them to function with different actions.
xxxxx
A/N: The Cloneblade Saga is about to get underway. The first part of this long arc will be the Sasame/Rice Fields arc. The basis of this arc will different, but similar to that filler arc. However, I plan to make it better, especially when I throw in the Witchblade and the Cloneblades. No, I don't plan to follow exactly like that filler story. This entire saga will serve as the on-going story that takes place concurrently as Sasuke's Revenge arc (from his escape to his battle with Itachi). How this will play out in the long run... you'll have to wait and see. Be patient.
I did base the Cloneblade designs off the ones from the actual Witchbladeanime. Tayuya is essentially wearing Shiori's armored colors and using half of her nickname 'Diva.' Henceforth, I'm calling Tayuya - 'Flute Diva.' (For her love of flutes!) Sasame's Cloneblade design is based off Nora's and she has taken Nora's nickname - 'Spider.' Karin takes Reina's nickname 'Lady' and her obvious Cloneblade armor design. Only Kira/Kisa and Isaribi have original code names, but the twins' Cloneblade designs are derived from... oops. Can't tell you right now!
By the way, yes, that woman - Suzumebachi - was also from the Naruto Part I fillers (the Bikochu arc). She is that hornet lady and she gets a brief appearance here... only to die. Hey, just wanted to show you guys what happens to the fate of a Cloneblade. It's not pretty I tell you.
Next time, Sakura and the others will arrive at the Land of Rice Fields. The first Cloneblade battle will be coming your way in the next couple of chapters!
If I don't update another chapter by X-Mas, I want to wish you all a Happy Holiday/Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Happy Kwanzaa/whatever! But, I should be able to update another chapter before the end of 2008. No guarantees though.
Later, and send a review!