A.N – Hey all, was away for the last 2 weeks and only got back yesterday. It was hectic trying to get this chapter out so in penance I doubled the word count. Hopefully it will still be up to standard. Again all your comments, likes and reviews are appreciated and I want to say thanks again to all who gave ideas for Jutsus for the story.
As usual, this is a work of fiction, I don't get paid….yada yada…and so forth…and done.
Seriously though, this aint mine and I'm broke so don't sue me cuz that would be kicking on poor people.
Enjoy.
As they neared Tanzaku Quarters, Jiraiya couldn't help feel somewhat relieved. Less than two weeks into their Journey and Naruto had made more progress on the Rasengan than he ever did in six months.
It was uncanny how quickly he took to the technique, dismantling and breaking it down until he understood its innermost workings. He had breezed through the first stage and just as quickly through the second, popping the much harder rubber ball in record time.
Jiraiya glanced backwards, watching has Naruto manipulated his chakra for the Rasengan, working hard on the final step. This step was the most difficult and what made the technique so powerful, Jiraiya was secretly relieved that Naruto wasn't finding it as easy as the initial stages.
In between the Rasengan training Naruto had gone through the scroll Jiraiya gave him and began pulling the those apart as well. Jiraiya was really beginning to see what Sarutobi and Kakashi meant about his student's work ethic and drive, but somehow he also got the feeling that there was a frantic element to his student's pursuit of knowledge and skill.
Perhaps in time he would get a proper reading on his student, once they began their training in earnest. For now though….
"Here we are, Tanzaku Quarters" Jiraiya called out as they stepped into the town. As they moved further in however they realised something was amiss.
As Jiraiya conversed with a local, Naruto's chakra pulsed and he extended his sensory range, trying to map the town and determine a baseline. Two signatures however sung out to Naruto, he quickly connected a chakra string to Jiraiya and passed on the sensation and the last time he felt the chakra. Jiraiya's chakra pulsed lightly, allowing Naruto to relax and continue scanning the town for more signatures.
Before long Jiraiya had them moving, taking in more of the sights. Feeling the query in the Sannin's chakra Naruto elected to communicate via his chakra strings.
Naruto – Orochimaru's chakra is mostly over the eastern part of town. It moves on and then stops at where the castle stood. I can pick up traces of his summons as well.
Jiraiya – And the second signature with him? You recognised it.
Naruto – From the genin exam. Yakushi Kabuto. He's like a chameleon, didn't get much from him. His teammates however gave his game away. Their signatures made me take another look.
Jiraiya – if they came all this way then they have an idea where Tsunade is. Sensei disabled Orochimaru; he would need someone of her skill to undo the damage.
Naruto – their chakra lingers around the debris, along with two signatures I'm unfamiliar with. One is quite strong, jonin level. The other is one a different level….interesting.
Jiraiya glanced at his student as he felt himself come under scrutiny, their conversation tapering off. After several minutes his chakra pulsed in curiosity, drawing Naruto out of his reverie.
"Apologies Jiraiya-Sama, I was caught up thought" Naruto's tone was still distracted; however he shook it off and continued. "The two unknown chakras are further in the town. My guess would be Tsunade-Sama and her travelling companion; there is a smaller signature with them, animal so probably a pet or something."
"If Tsunade met up with Orochimaru and things went south it would explain the broken castle, she always did have a violent temper. She'd then stop at the bar furthest from her conflict, as if to put distance from it. We should move."
Tsunade ignored the subtle reproach she could feel coming off Shizune. Her encounter with Orochimaru and the feelings and memories it brought up had left her in a mess, she just wanted to drink until all thoughts faded.
Her luck however seemed to be going strong, the doors opened and in stepped another familiar face.
"Jiraiya!" she stood gapping at the third Sannin. "What are you doing here?!"
Jiraiya meanwhile looked wary but relieved. He signalled the bar for more sake and with Naruto sat at Tsunade's table.
Naruto meanwhile was trying to reconcile what his eyes were seeing and his perception was telling him. He knew it wasn't genjutsu; however the complexity of her jutsu and the subtle movement in her chakra left him reeling. The mechanics were proving to be as impressive as the results, yet as he looked her over he couldn't help feel somewhat…disappointed.
Her eyes…that is not the eyes of a Sannin.
"I've been having a strange day so far, full of nostalgia and Déjà vu. And now there is you." Tsunade broke the silence that had developed, snapping Naruto out of his contemplations. The air around them grew solemn, Naruto could pick up varying emotions and currents in the surrounding chakra and quickly honed in on Tsunade's companion.
"Orochimaru" Naruto picked up sudden agitation in Shizune's chakra. As he observed her he felt the worry and hope? Filter into resignation at a sharp burst from Tsunade. He turned his focus to the female Sannin however she wasn't giving much away, her chakra smooth and clear.
Naruto discretely connected his strings to Jiraiya, passing on the sensation from Shizune. The Sannin gave no indication as he continued to chat idly with Tsunade.
"The truth is Tsunade, the village and Daimyo have requested you become the Fifth Hokage"
The words slammed into Naruto will the force of a raging Biju. Jiraiya sent him a sharp look as he broadcast his emotions through the strings, before the Sannin sent a burst of chakra to disable the connection. Naruto however, his thoughts were running wild as he tried to process the news. At most two weeks since Saru-Ji had been laid to rest, and yet it seemed the world wasn't slowing down. Konoha couldn't afford to be leaderless and as such a new Hokage was desperately required.
Intellectually Naruto knew all this; however his heart lurched at the thought of someone else filling the seat of Sarutobi. He bit his lip but kept his silence, Konoha needed a Hokage, one to protect and defe-
"No thanks, the title of Hokage is a joke"
What?!
Naruto blinked, he wasn't sure if he misheard. The chakra of Jiraiya remained unruffled however a subtle determination creeped in. Shizune's chakra shifted rapidly from stunned to disappointed. Tsunade however-
"Become Hokage; gamble my life for the village. Utterly absurd." Tsunade scoffed her chakra turned sour in Naruto's mind. "Anyone looking to risk their life on such a thing is a fool. My grandfather and uncle, Sarutobi, the Fourth. All of them wasted their lives chasing a fantasy, and they all paid for it, the pursuit of Hokage is death and only fools court it.
Jiraiya's arm snapped out and clamped tight on Naruto, at the same moment the pressure in the air spiked sharply as chakra surged. The civilians even felt it as fingers on their spine and many flinched. Just as quickly a subtle wave swept passed, gently urging them into ignorance and to continue as normal.
Naruto hadn't moved from his seat. Both his eyes however were wide open and glaring hard at Tsunade. His chakra swept around, weaving subtle illusions to redirect the curious, however any shinobi worth their salt would have felt the initial burst, if the grip from Jiraiya was any indication.
Naruto dropped his head and chuckled, his tone sinister.
"Konoha was born from a dream. The dream of one man to his best friend. He was willing to give his own life for the sake of that dream. Many have fought and bled for that dream…until finally the dream became reality."
"His brother carried that dream and then passed it on to a boy, who grew to an old man. The old man bore that dream, cherishing his inheritance until he could find someone worthy to carry it."
"The fourth believed in the dream, what it represented. He believed in it that he gave his life for the village…so that someone else could live to see the dream remain reality."
Naruto's voice remained low; however a new menace crept into his tones, one that had both Sannin's on edge.
"You say they dream is unworthy of you, I say you are unworthy of it. Unworthy of the title you spit on, unworthy of the teammate that supports you, the sensei who lamented on his mistakes regards you. You are unworthy of the name you carry and the hopes of the woman beside you. You would ruin her just to sate your miserable existence." Naruto stood abruptly, completely uncaring of the difference between his skill and the Sannin's experience.
"Konoha's has no need of the likes of you, a coward whose only goal in existence is to infect and undermine the hopes and will that keeps her alive. They are the worst sort of scum, because they play on our fears to justify their hollow existence. You are not a Sannin; you're not even a Senju."
"And to think I admired your jutsu, I can see it for what it is now. A thin veneer, a false face, to hide the simple truth. You Tsunade are a relic, a wasted reference to the past who could not live up to the hopes of those who loved her. Take heart, at least they can't see the truth of you now-."
The rapid displacement of air was the only real warning Naruto had. He blinked several times as he took in the new surroundings.
From the looks of things they were moved close to the edge of the town, at speeds he could barely comprehend. Seconds later he sensed Shizune chakra as she joined up with them, tracing the path he could also sense the shock and apprehension of civilians, probably from the bar.
He turned his gaze to Tsunade and did everything possible to remain steady.
How in the sage's grace did I miss this!
Maybe his anger had gotten the complete best of him, but the fact that he missed the tower or rage spoiling in the female Sannin's chakra was at best insane, at worst sloppy.
Naruto hated sloppy, however it seemed to be the flavour of the week so far.
Still despite his apprehension his own temper still boiled over, and with Kyuubi lurking on the edge of his consciousness it wasn't subsiding anytime soon.
"Boy, you certainly have a pair on you." Jiraiya's tone was deceptively light however his chakra was tense, Naruto could feel activity on the Sannin's palms and he spotted several scripts running down the hand guard.
"I can think of only one other time where Tsunade completely lost control like that, like mentor like apprentice"
Shizune seemed to be trying to calm her mistress with very little success. While Tsunade's chakra had calmed some, it was clear she was still out for blood.
"You talk a big game, calling out a Sannin as you did. I wonder if you have the skill to back it up."
Naruto stepped out from behind Jiraiya a frown on his face.
"Beating me proves nothing; still you don't get to speak of Saru-Oji like that. And if by Kami I somehow win against you, it would only serve to show how far from grace you have fallen."
Tsunade merely smirked and stretched out a finger, inviting the challenge.
Naruto went through his options as he retrieved his scrolls. His Shiryu, once again, had been badly damaged. As Kisame broke through the bindings the sheer amount of chakra used and sever backlash rendered much of the scripts unstable or completely inert. The speed at which they had been covering ground also meant Naruto hadn't had enough time to really analyse and repair the damage.
Still, there were other options and could make due.
Naruto's chakra pulsed sharply. His fingers snapped out a released several shurikens, following closed behind he ran through several handseals
Kage Shuriken no Jutsu
The few shurikens quickly became several dozen. Naruto's chakra pulsed once more as he swung his arm, releasing a crescent of wind. The crescent caught up with the shurikens, instantly doubling their speed.
Tsunade however remained unfazed. She let the wind wash over her as she moved through the thrown weapons. She stepped forwards sharply, catching the charging Naruto off guard. With a single finger she landed a blow to his head, removing his hitaite in the process-
Only to blink in shock as Naruto dissipated.
"Kage Bunshin?" Tsunade's eyes widened at the implications and she quickly spun around, just in time to see one of the thrown shuriken transform back into the blond, his chakra flaring strong.
Futon: Shinkuha
Another wind crescent rang out, this time much faster and with greater force. Tsunade noted the much sharper and deadlier edge to the jutsu. Again with ease she bent backwards, allowing the wind attack to pass just over her.
Naruto smirked and pulsed his chakra again, hard.
The area around Tsunade lit up with fuinjutsu, Jiraiya whistled impressed as he counted three layers of bindings, clearly Naruto was holding very little back. Tsunade also it seemed recognised the clear danger of the bindings because her chakra spiked and with a yell her fist crashed into the ground.
To Naruto it was akin to an earthquake. The ground beneath Tsunade immediately buckled, shattering under her immense strength. The shockwave swept passed, roads distorting and buildings partially sinking to the ground. The seals gave out, the anchor completely destabilised and the chakra sputtered out.
Naruto knew he was gaping like an idiot, but honestly it was one thing to hear stories of Tsunade and how her fists could topple mountains. Seeing her in action first hand was something quite different.
And this is her drunk and not even trying….
Naruto's heartbeat fluttered slightly, and his blood pressure rose. He needed to be careful.
"Well look at that, it seems the little boy does have some fangs to go with his mouth." Tsunade tone contemplative as it was mocking. "Still, your intelligence leaves much to be desired" in that instant she disappeared from view.
Naruto took on step left, his senses screaming at him as Tsunade appeared behind him. Her arm shot out with intent to incapacitate-
Only to smack hard into a floating hexagonal plate, with chakra running through the scripts lining the edges. Before she could take stock her instincts took over. Leaping backwards she avoided one, then another set of sharp teeth. The ground beneath her sizzled and then exploded into pale smoke before she could even act.
"Tsunade-Sama" Shizune cried out in alarm. Naruto's face however remained grim and he summoned more hex plates. They took up position, winding around him like a snake, connected to the puppet arm holding the shirasaya. Chakra threads streamed from his fingers, pulsing from his vibrant blue to a violent red. His wolf puppets responded immediately to the change, gears whirled as the launchers primed, waiting for the Sannin to make her move.
Suddenly she was in his face, fist flaring with chakra. With a thought the plates moved, intercepting the blow. Another quick pulse and both wolves fired, raining senbons at short range. Tsunade paid them little attention. She stumped hard on the ground, dislodging the earth and forming makeshift barriers. Naruto however remained aggressive, the plates slithered around rapidly and the Shirasaya rang out, only to be deflected.
The pace was incredible, however it was very clear that Naruto was completely out matched, even with the his wolves, his shields, the puppet arm with blade or the Kyuubi's chakra that was flooding his system, Tsunade was leagues ahead of him.
But he was putting up an impressive fight, and she had slowed down some, something she was well aware of. Her fist slammed into another plate shield, this time pushing him backwards a fair distance.
"I'd have never thought someone from Konoha would be interested in a Suna art, much less be any good at it." Tsunade commented as they paused. "Much less the Kyuubi Jinchuriki." Silence met her statement.
"I am also impressed with your choice of agent. Suxamethonium chloride I believe or at least a variant." Naruto's fingers twitched and Tsunade's grin grew larger. Naruto's senses picked up an increase in her chakra activity as it worked to counter the drug's effects.
Suddenly her chakra shifted, Naruto couldn't really make heads or tails of the conflicting feelings coming from her. It almost felt as if the fight was drained from her.
"Hokage means that much to you? Your tactics, skill and execution are exceptional for a genin. Your seals are impressive and knowledge even more so. That tells me you are smart enough to be aware of the difference between you and me." Tsunade's voice trailed through the air.
Naruto took his time before he answered.
"The difference between us is that I haven't let the death of my loved ones conquer the dreams we shared. The hopes we had. Saru-Oji may not be my real grandfather, but I named him as such, for an orphan it means the world to me to create a family. The woman I called an aunt and her husband died in Orochimaru's war against Konoha, as did Saru-Oji. Yet their dreams live on in me, their hopes they entrusted to me. And I will face death first before I give up on that, when I move on, I will have no regrets as long as I know I chased that dream."
Tsunade's eyes glazed slightly, it was as if she were seeing ghost, figures surrounding the blond Uzumaki.
Nawaki, Dan…Sensei….. Hashirama-Oji, Tobirama-Oji
To Tsunade it seemed the ghosts of her past orbited around Naruto, the same fire, same desires fuelling him.
"To become Hokage, to protect everyone, to keep the will of fire alive. That is my dream" Even as Naruto spoke the words they seemed to echo from the unspeaking ghosts, that strength of conviction.
"Sarutobi-Ojisama left his dreams to me, and I will make them my reality as he did. Can you say the same?"
Dreams…
"Shizune, we are heading for the hotel. I'm done here." Naruto blinked at the sudden change. He took a step forward, however as he did his eyeballs rolled and his vision shifted.
"I don't think you really appreciate what it means to face a Sannin. That you stayed awake this long speaks of ridiculous stamina and a strong constitution. Even with that chakra I doubt you'll feel much of anything tomorrow as you recover" Tsunade snorted as she glanced over her shoulder.
"Shizune look after him for a bit. I've change my mind, I'm going to get stone drunk."
Jiraiya perked at the statement.
"Ohh, it's been awhile myself, drinking with company is always so much nicer that staying sober." Shizune sighed depreciatingly as both Sannin's drifted off, bickering the entire way.
Jiraiya paid careful attention to his teammate as they sat down for drinks. Times had changed her and in some ways it was difficult to see what she had been reduced to. He had kept discreet tabs whenever possible, for his and Sarutobi's sake. He had also dissuaded some of the more belligerent conmen and gambling houses that she owned money to, settling some of the debts himself.
Naruto's words, though harsh were true and very necessary, particularly so because he could never say them and that went doubly for their sensei.
Still….
"So, when can we expect the pleasure of Orochimaru?" Tsunade barely flinch, however Jiraiya had been her teammate for decades and knew her very well.
"Shizune is not as subtle as she thinks, neither are you actually. So much so that a genin could read between the lines on both of you." Jiraiya's tone was light; however his eyes betrayed his growing seriousness. His next words reverberated, showing he was no longer playing games.
"The past Hokage's gave the up their lives for that village, our home. In times of trouble they were a shield, in times of plenty they were a guide. For them it grew from a simple dream to their reality; make Konoha safe so its people can prosper."
"I believe in that dream, even though I am not fit for Hokage I do my part to support it and carry it to the next generation. There was a time when all three of us believed in that dream….you more than any of us are the greatest tribute to that dream."
Tsunade was hunched over herself, unwilling to speak. She took a quick glance sideways and met Jiraiya's rigid stare. The air between them was tense, electric.
"Out of respect for our fallen, our families, I will say only this. Don't go to Orochimaru. Don't do anything to jeopardise Konoha….for your sake and as much as mine."
Tsunade closed her eyes and sighed.
"That place has nothing to do with me anymore" she said dismissively.
"Say it enough and maybe one day you'll actually believe it. And it would be a sad day indeed should it ever come."
Jiraiya's gaze softened and his tone lowered "Don't give up on Konoha Tsunade-Hime, it has given up on you, and it never will…."
"Now enough of the heavy talk" like that the mood turned jovial. Jiraiya's cheeks lightened, showing signs of intoxication. "Despite the fact I know your fifty-something and a miserable old bat, I have to admit your jutsu does work wonders" Tsunade's eyebrow twitched hard at the blatant leering from her teammate. Ignoring him for a moment she indicated for more sake as the other Sannin leaned backwards for a deep laugh.
Tsunade's hand quickly ghosted over his saucer, before skilfully manoeuvring it to his reach.
"O-oh-oh, do you remember that infiltration mission? Somewhere on the borders of grass? Or was it tea- never mind. That was good times, we were married, on our honeymoon and I got to have a-"Without warning Jiraiya's head slammed hard on the table, rattling the dishes.
"Moron" Tsunade muttered into her saucer, as Jiraiya moaned about his face and broken nose.
Several days of abject misery passed before Naruto was declared well enough to leave the bed. His sneaky uses of Kage Bunshin hadn't endeared him much to Shizune but the lack of stimuli was like thumbscrews to the Jinchuriki…. speaking to the Kyuubi would have been preferable.
Except he didn't really know how, or what to say. And come to think on it all conversations were initiated by the Biju, and only during periods of great stress and chakra volatility.
No matter, he was out of bed and could begin work in earnest.
Grabbing his things from the room he shushined to a clearing his clones had discovered earlier. Private yet close enough to the town should things go array. He pulled out his notes and sketch pad and quickly caught himself up. His clones had written extensively on the damage to the Shiryu and Naruto could hold back his cursed mutterings on the state of affairs. Two of the arms were definitely gone; no amount of work would fix the seals or repair the damaged segments. The other two were somewhat salvageable.
Kage Bunshin no Jutsu
The clearing filled with twenty clones. Five immediately moved for the scroll containing the Shiryu, while the others waited for more instructions. Naruto meanwhile moved on to Jiraiya's scroll, again much of the Sannin's neat script was covered with Naruto's additions.
The two earth techniques written; Doton: Doryuheki and Doton: Ryuujin were quite good and versatile, despite his misgivings in ninjutsu. Both had similar enough handseals and offer much by way of defensive options and offensive support or even attack.
His clones however had other ideas regarding the two jutsu, specifically the fact that they were two separate jutsus. Much like the water dragon Zabuza had used, Ryuujin created an earth type dragon that rumbled over everything in its path.
Naruto was sure he could combine both jutsu, utilising his chakra to keep the fluid, dynamic nature of the Ryuujin in one moment, before switching its composition to a hardened barrier of the earth wall then next. This would mean he didn't need to separate jutsus each time, just the one with many uses.
The thought of a dragon rumbling through the earth, supporting Byakuya with surprise attacks, its hardened shell to ward of damage or even obstructions to conceal Byakuya's movements…..
His sketch pad showed various scenarios which appealed to him greatly, but only if he could get the jutsu to work as he intended. For now it was the standard jutsus.
The jutsus that caught most of his attention however were two of Jiraiya's own original techniques. The first was the Sannin's Hari Jizo, which effectively hardened the hair and offered both offensive and defensive capabilities. It had been strange, observing how his chakra interacted with his hair, increasing the volume and density. Jiraiya had left more notes that Naruto was determined to follow up at a later date, the possible applications gearing him up in excitement.
The real gem however was one of the earliest jutsus made by the Sannin, right from when he was a genin under Sarutobi's tutelage.
Toton no Jutsu
The jutsu was designed to mute the users' presence and render them completely invisible to the naked eye. Compared to standard camouflage jutsus, Jiraiya's was leagues ahead in terms of practical usage and chakra draw. So much so that Sarutobi persuaded his student to include it the village registry, under special applications and infiltration operations.
Besides the Rasengan this was the jutsu Naruto had focused his attentions on. If he could fully master it, he would be completely invisible to the world whilst being able to use his sensory perception to control his puppets at any range with almost no reprisal.
Momochi Zabuza…..
Orochimaru….
Hoshigaki Kisame, Uchiha Itachi….
Since becoming genin his opposition had only grown in strength and numbers. He had encounters with an A-ranked and three S-ranked missing-Nins, and he wasn't really into his second year as a shinobi.
"You are not weak….but you are not strong either"
Those words echoed as he begged Jiraiya for aid in his training. The Kyuubi's presence had been growing stronger as of late, or more realistically, his awareness of the Biju had increased as his challenges warranted supplemental help, one the Kyuubi's chakra could easily provide.
Naruto bit his cheek and tasted blood.
He was Konoha's Kugutsutsukai. He wasn't a drunken brawler, he fought smart. He had wanted to prove his puppets worth and he had in spades. It was time to reflect and redefine his combat tactics, his opposition were content to play with him but not for long, he needed to use the time given to grow.
His single eye flashed with chakra and a small smirk appeared on his face.
"I love a good challenge"
The week seemed to fly fairly quickly. Tsunade and Jiraiya frequented the local bars and casinos, they kept the conversations light but few could deny the underlying tension.
Orochimaru's deadline…
Naruto had quietly informed the Sannin that the snake was close by, Naruto picked up a fresh trail but the snake was proving elusive to pin down. Another chakra lingered around which they attributed to Kabuto, considering his allegiances and skill it made the most sense.
The Sannin gave assurances that he would be fine and could keep a close eye on his teammate and the traitor-
This was why Naruto was valiantly trying to stave of the growing headache, as Shizune attempted to assist the compromised pervert.
"I wasn't expecting her to poison me" Jiraiya defended as strength slowly returned to his limbs.
"That is exactly what I would have done, and it would not have been so benign" Naruto retorted blandly eyeing the Sannin's condition. With a sigh he pulled out an epi-pen and non-too gently jabbed the Sannin.
"There, that should help some with Shizu-nee's efforts. Whatever Tsunade-Sama did got you really good, I would love to see a sample, or even talk to her about its chemical composition, not to mention its speed an-"
"Alright, we get it, you're a fan" Jiraiya interrupted with a huff. Getting to his feet he flexed his arms and pulsed his chakra, while not great it moved more easily now and responded well enough, he could work around it.
"Do have a lock on her" Naruto's expression shifted to neutral and he nodded
"From the moment she left the town walls. I've got eyes in the sky as well, but they moved too far out of range. Last I could tell she was holding her own."
"We need to hurry, if Orochimaru decides to stop humouring her..." Shizune trailed of in worry as they sped through the rooftops. Jiraiya gave a sharp glance.
"She still hasn't recovered?" he growled as Shizune shook her head helplessly and immediately moved faster, forcing his companions to pick up the pace.
"Naruto, you and Shizune focus on the Kabuto kid, or whoever Orochimaru has with him, I'll deal with the snake myself. With any luck Tsunade should be alright"
Naruto looked questioningly at the Sannin but made no comment. The wind flew by as they quickly closed the distance, desperate to aid Tsunade.
"I had hoped you would be reasonable Tsunade" Orochimaru called out into the smoke and debris. "After all I offer you so much and I ask for very little. Is it not a fair trade; life in my arms for the lives of your loved ones?"
Beside Orochimaru Kabuto stood at the ready, waiting for further signs of aggression. When they had spotted Tsunade it had seemed they would get what they wanted, however Kabuto was quick to discern the hostile nature of her chakra and prevented her from doing more damage to the snake Sannin. Since then it had been a game of tag, evading the rampaging blond until they had cleared the town wall and left the city behind.
"I thought so too" Tsunade called out from the settling dust, causing Kabuto to tense. "But then someone reminded me of the promises they had, the dreams we shared. If I help you I would truly forsake everything I loved about them…and give up what they cherished in me. That is something I will never allow."
Tsunade's chakra spike suddenly and she disappeared from view, seconds later she was above them leg raised for an axe kick.
"It ends here Orochimaru!" Orochimaru and Kabuto split as she brought her foot down, shattering the earth below. Orochimaru watched on in relish.
"It occurs to me this would be the first time we have crossed blows Tsunade, it would be entertaining if nothing else" Kabuto threw the snake Sannin a deadpan stare; however the glint in his eyes belied his growing excitement.
"That would be difficult for you, considering I am the one who will have to fight her." Kabuto turned to focus on the female Sannin, his chakra spiking as he prepared to engage her.
Chakura no Mesu
Kabuto's hands pulsed with energy, as the chakra formed sharp blades, scalpels. Tsunade paid little heed as she charge forwards fist flaring with chakra, she struck the ground again throwing up debris and boulders. Tsunade growled, irritated that she missed and quickly scanned her surroundings.
Then, a presence filter through and she glanced sharply to the ground on her left. A split second later she was airborne just as a pulsing arm broke through and tried to grab her leg. Tsunade quickly repositioned, crashing down with the fury of an avenging kami, further reshaping the landscape. A figure darted through the dust and boulders and she gave pursuit. Just as she caught up her ninja senses screamed out to her and she stopped abruptly.
Genjustsu!
The shade wavered then disappeared, leaving behind several explosive tags. Tsunade back flipped, moving out of range, only to be caught out by Kabuto. The Oto spy's hands moved decisively over her leg and arm, just as Tsunade landed a punishing blow to his side. The blow left him gasping as he flew several feet away and smacked into an upturned boulder.
Tsunade landed hard as well. She tried to stand and that was when she understood.
Chakra scalpels? My arm and left leg. Unreal, this level of ability was beyond me at my prime.
Kabuto smirked as his hands pulsed once again. Tsunade's eyes sharpened at the display.
"You could have gone for my arteries, but you didn't. Why?"
"If I was trying to kill you, then yes. Even so in the middle of battle it is difficult to maintain a scalpel long and fine enough for that level of damage. Still…" Kabuto hunched over and charged Tsunade
"With you disabled I can do substantially more!" Tsunade's arm pulsed as she tried to defend herself, however Kabuto broke through her defence and struck hard on her chest. She dropped to her knees in pain; glaring as the other Nin smirked and stepped backwards.
"I expected more from the legendary Med-Nin. I guess such skill is now ancient his-"Kabuto gasped as Tsunade blitzed passed him and struck the base of his neck. The Sannin stumbled due to pain but she pushed through, her fist flared with chakra as she spun round, with a yell she landed a solid blow to Kabuto's face. A minor shockwave formed, Kabuto for a moment blacked out as momentum carried him off, tumbling end over end until finally he stopped.
Tsunade panted and cursed under her breath. Kabuto had been much better than she anticipated, even as she managed to lower the intensity of his blow to her chest he had done considerable damage, a lesser Med-Nin would have had no chance.
Her chakra pulsed much softer as she ran a warm hand over her chest, slowly healing the damage done. As she did this she turned towards Orochimaru.
"You are next." Despite her hard tone Orochimaru remained amused.
"Ohh, your current opponent seems to disagree" Tsunade's glare widened as she looked backwards. Then she froze, her pupils shrinking until they seemed to disappear, violent shakes erupting from her frame as she went deathly pale.
Kabuto had pulled himself to his feet and was slowly making his way to the Sannin. Cuts and bruises covered his frame but most were superficial. His jaw and head pounded from Tsunade's blow but that too was fading, thanks to judicious use of medical chakra. However due to his tumble and numerous cuts, he was covered in blood.
Blood!
In the blink of an eye the air shifted, Kabuto stopped at a loss to what was going on. Orochimaru's chuckles then filled the air.
"So, you still have that with you? This is turning out to be a strange day." Kabuto looked on enquiringly, Orochimaru smiled before elaborated.
"Haemophobia, fear of blood." Kabuto snapped back towards the female Sannin incredulous at the statement, his eyes quickly scanning and cataloguing the symptoms.
"Such a waste" Orochimaru's tone seemed wistful. "Kabuto…" The Oto-Nin needed no further prodding, with a casual gait he moved towards the shaking Sannin and raised his hand, ready to deal the blow-
Two shadows leapt out. Kabuto jerked backwards, rapidly putting distance between himself and Tsunade. Senbons trailed after him, he reached into his pouch and pulled out a kunai deflecting them as they reached his range. He finally came to a stop right beside Orochimaru, his face hiding much of his irritation.
Tsunade looked up from her prone position on the floor and gasped. Prowling and pawing the ground before her very eyes were the two puppet wolves. The around her displaced again.
"Good work Naruto" Jiraiya's called out. Shizune and Naruto stood to his left. Naruto' hex shield were already out and orbiting him in lazy patterns, the arm and Shirasaya took place firmly on his right, his chakra flowed like a leashed animal, ready to strike at the slightest word.
Jiraiya too looked tense as he eyed his former teammate. He had spent years tracing the snake Sannin's movements and foiling his attempts were possible, still it had been quite some time they stood face to face.
"Out of my way!" Tsunade snarled as she pushed passed the trio. She charged headlong into Orochimaru went Kabuto intercepted with a smirk. In a flash his hand was cut and his blood splattered out, covering Tsunade's hands and face. She flinched hard and stopped, completely paralyzed and unable to act.
"It would be difficult facing two of the legendary Sannin, as well as the extras, but taking one out should even up the odds" Kabuto remarked in relish. Shifting sideways he foot snapped out, only for a hexagonal plate to intercept the blow. The plate moved diagonally, redirecting the kick and sending Kabuto off balance, soon more plates linked up and moving at high speed, the arm holding the Shirasaya trailing at the end for a massive broadside. Kabuto cursed as he was forced to move awkwardly and dodge the sword blow. Twisting around he drew several shuriken and flung them at Tsunade, only for more plates to intercept. With some breathing room Kabuto broke of the engagement and moved back to Orochimaru's side.
Tsunade it seemed could no longer keep to her feet in fear, her knees buckled and she would have hit the ground. Quickly the hex shields wrapped around and under her, providing support. Much like a snake they moved her, bringing her to the waiting Shizune.
With Tsunade secure with Shizune Naruto turned his focus back towards Orochimaru and Kabuto. With a pulse of chakra the hex shields were back in orbit and the puppet wolves pawed the ground aggressively, their sharp blades scrapping the earth.
"Jiraiya" Orochimaru called after a moment of silence. Jiraiya remain silent as he kept his gaze fixed firmly on the snake.
"Shizune! Look after Tsunade, Naruto and I will take care this problem. Understand Naruto, do not let them get passed to her." Naruto's chakra levels rose at the statement.
"Understood"
Kabuto straightened as he glance appraisingly at the puppeteer.
"I will give you credit. You are very good Naruto-Kun, and have strong talent as a shinobi. However you are way in over your head. As it stands you cannot hold a candle to my skill. Let's face it of all of us here at this moment, you stand out as the least. Give up and maybe you can keep your life."
Naruto remained silent and then slowly brought his hands together. His chakra rose significantly as his jutsu took hold.
A wind blew passed lightly, Kabuto frowned as a chill filled the air and a mist descended around them.
Kirigakurei no Jutsu? At this level and this time of year? Impossible for a genin…!
Kabuto looked round in disbelief as the mist levelled a blanket all around them. A growl was the only warning he got, when suddenly one of the wolf puppets surged for his face. Kabuto dropped low and to the side, evading the attack but the wolf quickly disappeared once again.
Kabuto rose to his feet warily and sure enough his caution was warranted, rhythmic tapping of rapid moving feet had him tense, when the wolf burst through the mist again. Kabuto drifted sideways, this time however the wolf remained visible, its feet scraped the ground as it landed and one of the rear mounted launchers focused on Kabuto. His eyes widened as several darts were fired move almost silently for him. His kunai lashed out, deflecting many before he moved again out of the flight path, only to fall into the jaws of the second wolf puppet.
Kabuto grimaced as the sharp bladed feet raked through his top, leaving gashes behind on his chest. His arm was also caught in the puppets mouth, he quickly pulled it free before it could clamp down on his limb, wincing as the blade teeth tore strips from his arm. He lashed out with a kick, knocking the wolf away. The wolf righted itself in mid-air, landing on all four feet and gave a low mechanical growl, just as the mist rolled in concealing it from Kabuto's gaze. A quick glance around confirmed the other wolf was similarly hidden in the chilling mist.
I see, he's using the mist as cover, concealing his attack and location. With his sensory ability he can still easily track me and guide his puppets with accuracy.
Kabuto ran a pulsing hand over his wounded arm, the gashes healing as his chakra went to work. He need to find a way out of the mist, and regain control of the fight.
This child is growing up to be troublesome.
Orochimaru took a brief moment to glance over where Kabuto and Naruto were fighting. Kabuto as usual had been right in his report on the Jinchuriki's skills and while it had been interesting at first it was now becoming more of an issue, a future threat.
Orochimaru had expected the Jinchuriki to put up some fight, before swiftly being demolished by Kabuto. Instead the boy somehow confounded his spy's senses and was steamrolling over him. Granted Kabuto was better than average and still holding out well, but the fact he was struggling at all was unexpected, and frankly Orochimaru could only see thing getting worse in the long run. He had faced skilled puppeteers before, and worked with one not too long ago, one with near unparalleled skill. Naruto couldn't be allowed to reach such levels.
Orochimaru picked up movement and immediately evaded. His focus returned to a grim faced Jiraiya and he grimaced. Despite the unexpected boon via Tsunade's poison Jiraiya was still not an opponent one could dismiss easily.
Still….
Orochimaru smiled sinisterly as his chakra pulsed, a small snake slipped free from his clothes and quickly darted towards his spy. If Kabuto couldn't free himself from the genjutsu, then Orochimaru would do it for him.
He had just enough time to smirk in satisfaction, before Jiraiya's fist found his face…
Kabuto snarled as he rolled violently over the floor. He ended in a half crouch and his eyes desperately scanned around, trying to track the wolves and a way through the mist. The temperature and been dropping slowly for a while and it was subtly getting to him, coupled with the constant guerrilla tactics of the puppets. At one point he thought the mist was thinning in an area and made a quick bid to exit, it turned out to be a trap and his outfit bore testament to Naruto's planning.
Still, something about the mist wasn't right, he just couldn't work out what it was and Naruto's tempo wasn't giving him time to analyse things properly.
Suddenly the ground beside him cracked, something quickly leapt out and wrapped tight around his arm before fangs sunk deep. Kabuto started but then immediately felt his head clear, the mist also vanished and the cold sensations died down.
Genjutsu!
Naruto cursed under his breath as he felt Kabuto's chakra break free from the genjutsu. His hex shield spun lazy circles around him as he reassessed the battle, the advantage from the genjutsu was completely lost and with Kabuto skills he couldn't afford to keep a prolonged fight. Naruto's chakra surged, his fingers twitching and flexing, seconds later both puppets blitzed towards the Oto-spy.
Kabuto snapped to life, his anger burning to blind rage. His chakra spiked dramatically and his hand thrummed with volatile energy. Suddenly he darted forwards, intercepting the first puppet, and with a wide slash he tore into the wooden frame, damaging much of the mechanisms. Kabuto then evaded the second puppet, bringing his arm up again, however as he landed the blow his chakra tapered out, scoring only a long gash to the frame
Kabuto hissed as he felt his jutsu give out, for a brief moment he had pushed his chakra scalpel beyond his current limits. Still one of the annoying puppets was now scrap, if he kept a clear head he could win the fight.
Kabuto smirked as he wove passed the remaining wolf puppet and closed the distance rapidly between himself and Naruto. His free hand snapped out, launching several shurikens in a spread, his other hand thrumming with chakra.
Naruto stood calmly as the shurikens sped for him, the hex shields spun deflecting the incoming projectiles and a small smile grew on his face.
Perfect
Kabuto instantly felt wary at the pleased look on Naruto's face, a ball suddenly dropped beside him and everything seemed to stop. Kabuto quickly glanced at the object, noting its fuinjutsu script on its surface.
Hikaridama
The sphere sparked, then went off in a sharp explosion. Kabuto flinched as the proximity deafened him and his eyes went blind from the brilliant flash. Split second later sharp pain tore through his arms and he felt himself be lifted up and slammed hard on the ground repeatedly.
While his ears still rang, his eyes cleared up and he could take stock of his situation. The pain in his arms were still present and now he knew why. Clamped tight to him were two chains, held tight in Naruto's hands. Naruto then fiddled with the chains and suddenly Kabuto could feel them grow taunt, the pain in his arms increased as the chains lifted first his arms and his whole body into the air. As his vision cleared he got to see what was holding him up; Naruto's hawk and owl puppets.
Tsunade couldn't believe her eyes. Somehow a genin had done what she struggled to accomplish. There was no logical reason for him have beaten Kabuto, by all rights he should have lost, dearly.
So how could he...? Nawaki, Dan….
She brought her hands together and held herself tight, her eyes focused hard on Naruto.
Kabuto was trying hard to hide his panic, he euphoria at fighting and nearly besting Tsunade had made him cocky, overly sure of his skill. At now he was paying for it. Worst of all his head was pounding and he was having difficulty breathing, nothing he couldn't work around or his immune system couldn't fight off but it was draining.
He had been completely outclassed, it was shameful.
Kabuto's eyes caught movement and he zeroed in on Naruto and his panic grew as he recognised the seal chain.
Karyu Endan
Kabuto paled as heat washed over him, his screams drowned out by a torrent of white fire…
Orochimaru was no longer amused. Nothing was going well at all, he and Kabuto had thoroughly underestimated the Jinchuriki and that could no longer stand. The boy was getting stronger with each opposition and would undermine everything he wanted to accomplish.
His eyes widened as he took in Kabuto's state and condition, he couldn't let this continue!
Orochimaru opened his mouth wide and his Kusanagi sword emerged. He slashed towards the approaching Jiraiya, forcing the other Sannin to abort his motions, then with blistering speed covered the distance between him and his spy. With snake like grace his sword snapped the first, then the second chain holding Kabuto in place before weaving around the hot flames. Without slowing Orochimaru launched himself forwards, his sword aimed directly for Naruto's heart.
Die!
Naruto cut the technique abruptly and leapt backwards. His chakra pulsed desperately and his fingers flexed. The hex shields converged in front of him, moving into a layered defence. Moments later the Kusanagi struck, Naruto immediately felt the first few layers lose integrity as the sword pierced through. For a brief moment the blade slowed, however the layers weren't enough and the Kusanagi pierced clean through, only to finally be deflected by Naruto's Shirasaya.
"You are more trouble than you're worth child" Orochimaru hissed out. He could feel Jiraiya storming his way over but with the time he had he could easily dispose of the genin. His eyes flashed with sinister intent and he swung his head, his blade poised to dissect Naruto.
Naruto's heart beat rapidly in his chest, the last time he face Orochimaru he lost an eye, and he still bore scars from the Sannin's blade. His chakra tensed as he desperately tried to intercept the blow, with any luck he could avoid a critical hit and regroup for another offensive.
All thought left both of them however, as a chakra enhanced fist slammed into Orochimaru's face, sending him flying a considerable distance.
"Kid, do you really believe the Hokage is worth it?" Naruto turned to look stunned at a lightly trembling Tsunade. He quickly glanced at Shizune only to see surprise on her face, Tsunade's action completely unexpected.
"Do you believe it is really worth it?" Naruto turned back to Tsunade, his senses picking up the honest query, and a hint of desperation and hope. His chakra slowed and settled, his single eye flashed with determination and firm conviction.
"Yes"
Tsunade's chakra fluttered and for a moment Naruto couldn't tell what she was feeling. She turned away abruptly from him and flashed through several handseals. At the final seal her trembling came to a complete stop and her jutsu took over.
Ninpo: Sozo Saisei
"Until you are ready, consider the Hokage held in trust." Naruto blinked at the statement while Tsunade walked off.
Jiraiya looked on at Orochimaru, as the snake Sannin rose slowly to his feet. Noting a presence coming up to him he gave a quick glance.
"It is good to have you back Tsunade." Both Sannin's faced their old teammate, soon the whole air was saturated with chakra.
"Orochimaru-Sama!" called out a wounded Kabuto. In a flash of speed Orochimaru was at his spy's side with his arm exposing a seal script.
"Hurry Kabuto" Orochimaru hissed out as blood was drawn over the seal. In tandem Jiraiya and Tsunade also drew blood and sped through handseals.
Kuchiyose no Jutsu
Smoke filled the area and chakra surged dramatically. Naruto gasped as he felt new signatures, each one vast and incredibly powerful. As the smoke cleared he got his first sights and his blood thrummed with excitement. Seeing the Sannin's, feeling the chakras flare and surge and their massive summons unleashed was a heady cocktail for Naruto.
One day, I too will walk among legends.
….We shall see.
