Chapter 29: They Show Themselves: The Demons of the Five Deities


Here they are. The big baddies at last!
Kabuto's decision came at last.

"I'll help Konoha."

Naruto's eyes brightened and he rushed over to Kabuto.

"There's something you have to know. The Shadow Riders is being led by-"

Just as Naruto reached him, Kabuto's eyes suddenly got very wide and he sank to the ground. As he did, Naruto noticed two senbom in his neck. Naruto saw a Shadow Rider leap away through the trees. Naruto turned his attention to Kabuto. His breathing was shallow, so Naruto figured that the senbom were poisoned. He quickly put Kabuto over his shoulder and took off through the forest for help.


Kakashi and Kayume had come to it at last. The five figures in front of them were very silent. You couldn't really see anything behind their black cloaks. Then the middle figure said:

"You look into the face of death. We are-" and here the figures threw their cloaks off "-the Demons of the Five Deities!"

A small thing like taking off a cloak can really make a change. Kayume could now see what these five looked like. They all dressed similar to the Shadow Riders, but their masks, though all white, were different. One of them had a mask with red swirls and the picture of a flame at the top of the mask. Another had blue swirls and the picture of a wave at the top of the mask. Another had green swirls and the picture of swirling wind at the top of the mask. Another had dull yellow swirls and the picture of a rock on top. The last one, and obviously the leader, had black swirls and a curse mark on top. The mask also had strange markings all over it, like the ones shown on a person after a curse mark becomes active. The five stood staring them down. Kayume never expected this. But she said in a clear and firm voice:

"Call off the attack on Konoha or we will be forced to battle you to the death."

"So be it," said the leader.


Naruto hurried through the forest, desperately looking for Sakura or someone else who could heal Kabuto. Kabuto's face had gone very pale, his eyes glassy, and his breathing inconsistent and strained. Naruto knew that if he didn't get help soon...


Kayume studied the ominous figure and finally asked, "Why are you called the Demons of the Five Deities?"

The leader stepped forward and chuckled. "So you're interested in us now? We are known as the Demons of the Five Deities since we each possess immense knowledge in the forbidden jutsu of each element. In fact, there isn't a forbidden jutsu we don't know."

Now Kakashi and Kayume were very scared. Forbidden jutsu? Kayume knew it was the Protectors job to learn forbidden jutsu (in theory) so they knew how to defend against it, but she had never actually seen anyone use it. This was going to be a titanic clash.


Sakura leaned against a tree and panted. They had been fighting for hours with next to no break. She could see how exhausted Lee, Sasuke, and Hinata were. Even the Sound Ninja were panting. Thank God for them. If it wasn't for the Sound Ninja, they probably wouldn't have made it this far. Sakura sighed as Sasuke stood and motioned that they had to get moving. Always on the go...


Neji stood on the watch tower, watching with a heavy heart. He wished he could be near Tenten. He wondered if she was even alive. Tsunade watched him silently. She knew what he was going through.

"Go."

Neji looked at Tsunade. He knew he couldn't be hearing her right. Was she telling him to leave her?

"Go after your friends. I'll be fine. They need you."

Neji nodded and leaped from the watch tower. "Tenten, I'll be there soon."


Kakashi looked at Kayume and could see the worry in her face. He had rarely ever faced forbidden jutsu. Theses guys were experts. Even Orochimaru didn't come close, and he was a sannin! Kakashi held Kayume's hand and whispered, "We'll be alright, Kayume. I'll protect you with my life." Those words were so touching, but they also stung Kayume's heart. He had no idea of what she would have to do...


Ino sighed loudly in exasperation. She leaned against Shikamaru for support while watching the sky. Shikamaru close his eyes in thought.

"Did it really have to come to this? This is surely the end. They plan to wipe us out by morning."

He then felt like someone was watching him. He opened his eyes to see Ino studying him.

"What?"

She turned away. "Is something on your mind?" she asked.

"Yeah. I just realized that I'm not ready to die. There's so much I haven't experienced yet. I don't want this to be the end."

She never heard him open up his thoughts to anyone before. She moved slightly and wrapped his arms around her. She leaned her head on his shoulder and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"I'm not ready either, Shika. But if I have to go, at least I'm surrounded by the people I care about most."

Temari grunted at their display of affection and sat next to Tenten. Tenten stared at the ground as if nothing was happening around her.

"Hey, are you gonna be alright?" asked Temari.

Tenten didn't respond. She only whispered slightly, "Neji..."

"Temari's ears were sharp and she caught it. "The Hyuuga kid? Isn't that him now?"


Kayume stepped forward. "Enough talk. Let's do this."

The figure with the blue on the mask stepped forward. "Very well, let's begin."


Short chapter, I know. It was sort of an intro for the next chapters. My favorite part was the part with Ino and Shikamaru. I though it was so touching. sniff And if you don't, then you're seriously messed up. R&R please. Anyway, next chapter's going to be all action. Oh yeah!

Next chapter: Liquid Swords Duel: Kaest's Challenge