Witchblade Sakura

by Kanius

Haruno Sakura is told of an ancient artifact by Chiyo. This mysterious item, called the Witchblade, seeks a new wielder: Sakura. It's up to her to use it in the battles against the Akatsuki, the Cloneblades, and the Darkness. Indefinite hiatus.

35. Guren, Crystal Jutsu! Itachi vs Sakura!

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: Back with another edition for April. That makes it three updates this month. I'm on a roll. I'm also aiming to post a chapter (hopefully, real life aside) by May 10th. What makes that day significant is because it'll be the one year anniversary since Witchblade: Sakura was first posted. By then, the 36th chapter should be up.

I'm making wonderful progress. With this story and the Iron Demon story, I've prioritized this fic series above my others (Though, I need to get on the ball with the Taiyoukai Awakening final 2 chapters. Yes, for you fans of the YuYuGiDigiMoon series, I've written up to the last two chapters. My beta is working on the chapters I've given him and we should be getting those up soon through the summer).

Anyhow, time to get back into the story! Here's lots of action coming your way!

xxxxx

Chapter 35

Arc IV: Cloneblades

Part II: The Isaribi Arc

Guren, the Practitioner of Crystal Jutsu; Itachi and Sakura Face-off!

xxxxx

Main Facility/Cloneblade Factory/Mother Island/Land of Sea

As 'she' was being led through a narrow corridor, Naruko was taken alongside the two hooded figures. Looking up to her captors, Naruko furrowed her brows and shifted her blue eyes ahead to where a beam of light penetrated out through the entrance way. She closed her eyes, the lights beamed through and quickly blinded her.

Once they passed through the end of the corridor, the hooked figures took Naruko near a set of prison cells. The cells were near an unoccupied laboratory, as if someone was actually working in it a while ago. There was a fresh, revolting stench of sulfur mixed with other gases, which caused Naruko to close her mouth and keep herself from regurgitating after almost inhaling obnoxious gas fumes.

"In you go," one of the hooded figures hissed as he threw Naruko into a cell.

As Naruko was thrown onto the floor, he was not along. Across the other side of the cell was a brunette girl wearing nothing but tattered rags. She sat down in a fetal position, her face covered in dirt and her eyes still and lifeless. Naruko got off the floor, shaking her head as she looked toward her cellmate.

"Don't worry. You won't become an experiment for a while... so enjoy your time while it lasts," the other hooded figure chortled darkly, slamming the door behind Naruko.

Naruko gritted her teeth, turning her head as she watched the two figures walking away from the cell.

"Damn... you could've thrown me a little more gently," Naruko muttered, cursing the two figures that walked off. Veering back on her cellmate, Naruko cleared her throat. "Hi... um... how long have you been in here?"

"..." The girl said nothing.

"Um? Hello?" Naruko tried asking again. "Well, you're no help, but being in here probably took a lot out of you."

"...six months. I've been in here for six months..."

Naruko gasped. "Six months?!" She repeated. "Listen, I'm going to get you and the rest of these girls out of here."

This caused the girl to raise her head, hearing the mention of 'escape' leave Naruko's mouth. "..."

"I don't know how yet, but I'm going to. I'm not exactly what I seem, but I'm only in disguise."

"How do you intend to... free us? Escape is impossible in this facility..."

"Nothing's impossible. I'll have something figured out..."

"Well, it seems you two have finally outdid yourselves!" Amachi's voice exclaimed in the background.

Overhearing the demented researcher's voice, Naruko quickly hid in the back with the girl and curled up in the same fetal position.

"Never mind that. Let's keep quiet," Naruko whispered to the girl, pulling up the orange cloth over her nude body.

Amachi entered his laboratory with the two hooded men walking behind him. The researcher walked toward the cell where Naruko and the girl were in, tracing his fingers along the cell bars and smiled a sickening grin. Naruko focused her sights on Amachi, attempting to restrain herself from undoing her henge form and bust down the cell door. Suddenly, Naruko noticed the girl sitting beside her shivered. The girl's eyes widened as if she had seen a monster right before her eyes, her entire body quivered violently. Looking back and forth, Naruko figured out that the man with the mad scientist disposition was the one responsible for kidnapping the local women.

Naruko snarled as she shifted her eyes at Amachi. He must be the one who's directly responsible for what's going on.

"Hmmm, this one looks like a fine specimen," Amachi, like the sick man that he was, scanned Naruko from the distance the two were positioned. "Delicate features, but she'll make a nice Cloneblade experiment. Still, the other one is due for the experimentation."

Upon hearing this, the girl next to Naruko froze completely still. She quickly broke out of her silent state and began shouting out, grabbing the bars next to her.

"No... NO!! I WON'T!! YOU WON'T MAKE ME!!" The girl shouted, shaking the bars madly while attempting to break out... but it was all in vain and to no avail. No matter what she said, her fate was set to be changed. "DON'T LET THEM TAKE ME!!"

Naruko grimaced intensely as he rushed over by the girl's side and yanked her off the cell bars. She set the girl down, shaking her shoulders to try and calm her down.

"Oh, you're an ecstatic one, aren't you? My dear?" Amachi snickered, staring a hole through both Naruko and the girl. "Seems like you're ready to jump at this opportunity and become renewed. You'll serve Orochimaru-sama well and help him eliminate the Witchblade."

"Bastard..." Naruko muttered to herself while holding the crying girl. I've got to do something and fast. Anko-sensei, I don't think I can hold this form for too long. You guys better get here quick... if this creep keeps pushing it, I'm going to let him have it!

'THEN, WHY DON'T YOU JUST CALL FOR ME AND I'LL HAVE THESE VERMIN ERADICATED.'

Butt out, fox. I can't just flip out and let you take control. I have to play my part just as Anko-sensei and Yamato-taicho instructed me.

'WHY LISTEN TO THEM? HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ESCAPE WITHOUT ME?'

Simple. I won't. Just watch how I'm going to handle things from here on out, fox. I'll have this Cloneblade factory shut down in no time!

Amachi walked alongside the other cells, peering into each prison to glare at each kidnapped woman and young girl from the local village. Many of them have tattered clothing and pale skin, mostly from the lack of sunlight exposure and proper nutrition. There were at least thirty women locked in these cells. All of which were taken against their will. When Kabuto and Orochimaru required only women for the recent Cloneblade experiments, all male captives were utilized for other forms of experimentation.

"Yoroi. Misumi. Thank you two for bringing another live specimen," the scientist showed his gratitude as he directed his attention toward the two hooded figures.

Once both figures removed their hoods, they were both revealed as males. Although, they seemed unrecognizable from the first glance, but they were apart of Kabuto's team during the Chunin Exams three years ago. Since then, they have served as Amachi's top researchers and bodyguards.

Misumi was a young man wearing a pair of glasses, but the left half of his face was covered in scales. His left eye looked reptilian, yellow with black thin irises like a snake's.

Yoroi looked much older with more defined facial features since the cloth that covered his lower face removed. His hair was much long and shaggier than it was before. Like his partner Misumi, half of his left face was mutated. But, it was covered with wet amphibious skin rather than reptilian.

These two men voluntarily took active part in Amachi's Chimera experiments, changing their appearances and undergoing profound changes in their physical attributes and appearances. Their genetics were intertwined with other species of animal. Most of them were of the reptilian, avian, and amphibious kind. This became a more practical use for the male specimens while the women were now being utilized specifically for the Cloneblade Project.

"We humbly serve you and hope to find potential specimens to complete Orochimaru-sama's new Cloneblade army," Yoroi stated, bowing his head to the top scientist.

Misumi nodded in agreement. "I hope this one we've captured will become a perfect weapon."

"I hope so. We've had quite a few failures recently and I've almost given up hope, but with Kabuto's recent discovery about the Cloneblade's imperfection to their designs... we can correct these flaws and produce more advanced weapons."

Overhearing their conversation, Naruko made quick note of the details. Failed experiments? So, they're trying to make better Cloneblades? Damn it! This isn't good! If they can manage to do that... damn it all!

"Of course, we know all what happens once an experiment fails," Amachi's frown arched into a sick grin. He shifted his eyes back toward the cell where Naruko and the girl were watching. "Let's hope you two won't up as failures... or else. We can't afford anymore failures!"

As the girl quivered out of fear, Naruko held her tightly while keeping her from making eye contact with the scientist.

"We have to make this quick. Kabuto has sent Kira and Kisa to collect the new upgraded weapons. They'll be here in a day. So, by tomorrow night, we need to have at most ten women wearing perfect Cloneblades."

"Yes, Amachi-sama," the two men replied in unison.

"Oh, and be sure Isaribi is here. She should've arrived here almost an hour ago."

As soon as the man mentioned that girl's name, Naruko froze in shock and almost bewildered.

Isaribi?! Don't tell... this freak knows Isaribi! What relation does she have with these freaks?! Naruko couldn't believe what he was hearing. He looked at the three men as they started walking out of the room. As Naruko leaned back, she let the girl free out of her arms. "Please, try and calm down. Listen, I'll convince them to let them use me instead."

The imprisoned girl nodded reluctantly. "...no... it's too late. I've been locked up here longer than you. I've realized... there's nothing left for me outside this facility."

"No, that's ridiculous."

"Not if my only purpose is to serve as one of Orochimaru's weapons..." The girl cried, putting her face into her hands.

"Tell me. Do you know Isaribi?"

She replied. "Yeah. She's the only... one of us who's been able to freely move out of this facility. For as long as she's served Amachi, she's... she's done her job to ensure that more of us get captured."

Naruko gasped as she crawled up to the girl. "No! Isaribi wouldn't do that!"

"How do you know Isaribi? You act like you know her well...?" The girl looked up at Naruko, befuddled by her sudden outburst. "I didn't think Isaribi had any friends."

"We recently just met, but I refuse to believe she has anything to do with these kidnappings!"

The brunette-haired girl shook her head. "I'm sorry to say... you're in for a disappointment, I'm afraid."

"How?"

"Just wait and see for yourself when she arrives... but, here's something you should know."

"What?"

"She's the only one to have been a product of both the Kaima Chimera experimentation and the Cloneblade project," the girl added. "She's both a Chimera and a Clonebla-"

Naruko gaped in shock, taken back by the other shocking revelation. "She's a Cloneblade...? You... you can't mean..." Then, where was her bracelet? Isn't she supposed to be wearing a bracelet like Sasame-chan and those other two? This doesn't add up at all. "...that explains why she's in league with these guys, but she's probably used against her will."

"I don't know her full story, but she was one of the first taken by Amachi years ago. She was indeed from my village on the mainland. She's changed..."

Naruko sighed as she stood up and put her hands against the wall. "Well, I guess I'm going to have a talk with her once she gets here."

"...there's no reasoning with her. She won't listen to you."

"We'll see, but I think I can manage."

As the girl watched Naruko, she wondered what the blonde-haired vixen had in mind. "My name is Asagi. Just so you know."

"Naruko," the blonde stated her 'henge' name. Damn, you guys better get her fast! Looks like they're really going to rush through these Cloneblade experiments! But, why the hell is Isaribi in league with these guys?! The blonde-haired vixen stopped processing her thoughts and whispered under her breath. "Yeah, I'm going to get to the bottom of all of this. Isaribi, are we really going to have to fight each other now?"

xxxxx

Underground Lake/Cloneblade Factory/Mother Island/Land of Sea

Emerging through an underwater lake below the facility, a green-skinned figure stood still as water dripped from all sides of its body. The figure had a fin-like protrusion extending from its head all the way down its back. A long pair of floppy appendages hung down the sides of its face. The skin of this individual was reptilian in nature, scaly from top to bottom. From a close-up view, the individual wore the same article of clothing as Isaribi.

Then, as the figure's green reptilian skin faded, it became replaced by normal human skin.

The reptilian Chimera was revealed to be Isaribi.

"Ah, there you are, Isaribi," Amachi's voice called out from out of another direction.

Isaribi slowly turned her head, directly facing Amachi's direction. The man strode through a tunnel with his two Chimera cohorts following him. Standing her ground, Isaribi watched as Amachi approached her.

"You almost had me worried. What took you so long?"

"...I had to ward off another boat of sailors," Isaribi replied, her cold and lifeless eyes narrowed.

"Ah, good. We can't have any nuisance getting the way out of progress. Am I right, Isaribi."

"Yes... Amachi, I have a concern that needs to be addressed."

Amachi raised his left brow, piqued by Isaribi's sudden inquiry. "Concern? What about?"

"My cure..." She answered bluntly. "When will I return to normal? Like you said, I... I..." She distanced eye contact with Amachi, diverting her eyes to the side. "You deliberately said... that if I become one of the Cloneblade Five and sprang those recent attacks near the local villages and seaports... So..."

"What are you trying to say?" Amachi slightly grimaced upon hearing Isaribi stammering between her words. "You can't possibly have forgotten your role in the grand scheme in Orochimaru-sama's plans. You were selected to take active part in this Cloneblade experiment as one of the first volunteers. You should feel honored. This was one of the conditions of the promise. Don't worry. It'll soon be over. Though, even if I remove the Kaima genes from your body, you're required to still use the Cloneblade. So, I'll keep my promise..."

"...I..." Isaribi was about to say something until she was abruptly interrupted.

"...as long as I don't change my mind, that is. Are we clear?"

The bandaged girl nodded almost reluctantly. "Yes."

"If that's the case, then prove yourself by going to the lab and start leading ten women out. You'll come to know that we've captured a new addition to the Cloneblade Project."

"Yes." Isaribi paced forward, walking past Amachi and the two Chimera Sound-nin.

As Isaribi disappeared toward the tunnel, Amachi and the men turned to watch the girl from the corner of their eyes.

"Heh, you've got her doing your bidding," Yoroi smirked, watching the bandaged girl fully disappear through the tunnel.

"You're cruel. Very cruel," Misumi remarked, nonetheless he smiled evilly.

Amachi added. "What can I say? I've been so good to her. You two have no idea."

"Amachi-sama," Yoroi addressed to the man, changing the subject immediately. "That new specimen that we captured. She's probably one of the Konoha-nin that we've confirmed to have discovered earlier. There were four in a boat."

Misumi spoke up. "Yes, that's right, but we can't confirm if she really is from Konoha. She wears no hitai-ate with the Konoha symbol."

"It doesn't matter," Orochimaru's former top researcher said. "She'll soon serve as one of Orochimaru-sama's prized Cloneblade weapons in due time. Heh, and soon the ones who butchered our lord will perish against these new advanced Cloneblade models."

"That's not even including the current Cloneblade Four," Yoroi said.

"Correct, but it'll truly be worth a sight to see Konoha fall. Then, the one who possesses the Witchblade will die," Amachi snickered, his smile widened into a sadistic evil grin. "But, first things first... we have those three other Konoha-nin near this island. No doubt Guren has already engaged them as we speak. How quickly things are turning out right in my favor."

xxxxx

Southern Shoreline/Mother Island/Land of Sea

Back outside the Cloneblade factory island, the ongoing battle between the three Konoha-nin and Guren was escalating into a near island shaking war. Yamato, Shino, and Anko found themselves in an extremely tight predicament with the rare, crystal jutsu-user. Almost anything they utilized was countered by Guren's crystallized defensive barriers and projectiles.

Yamato and his two cohorts raced around the waters while Guren implemented her next series of attacks. The Sound kunoichi unleashed a vast amount of crystal shuriken, this time summoning them into a bigger swarm.

Guren called out, summoning the crystallized shuriken. "Kesshō: Rokkaku Shuriken: Ranbu!!"

The spinning shurikens turned into more like discs, while resembling the movements of Frisbees. The Konoha-nin took cover as they hid behind a giant rock. However, the spinning crystal shurikens sliced through the rock, cutting through the stone like a hot knife through butter. The Konoha-nin sighed with relief as the discs barely passed right by them, coming close to getting skewered into pieces.

"Humph. Hiding are we?!" Guren exclaimed as she hopped off her dragon's head and landed on the water's surface, firmly planting her feet down. "You can't take cover for long. I'll drive you out." With that, the crystal jutsu user clasped her hands together while partles of light swirled around her body like cherry blossom petals, which turned into crystallized particles.

As these particles hardened, they condensed into sharp needles. Guren finished her jutsu, quickly unleashing her crystal needles into a giant swarm that blasted the encompassing area, including the area where the Konoha-nin trio hid.

"MOVE!!" Yamato bellowed as he, Anko, and Shino raced across the water, escaping Guren's fray.

"You won't get away!" Guren roared as she snapped her fingers, summoning for her crystal dragon. Quickly implementing the necessary hand seals, Guren summoned two more crystal dragons to accompany her single one. "Shōton: Hashō Kōryū!!"

Three crystal dragons moved alongside the surface of the lake, pursuing the three Konoha-nin. Guren chased off after her dragons, springing herself off the water and back on the middle dragon's head (the one that transported her earlier).

"Got any ideas, Yamato?!" Anko exclaimed, not taking the chance of glancing over her shoulders.

"Suiton: Hahonryū!!" Completing the necessary hand seals, Yamato summoned a rapid wave of water and added the lake water to complement his water jutsu. As a result, an even bigger wave washed down over the three crystallized dragons, including Guren herself.

However, the kunoichi rebounded by casting a crystallized wall after forging a wave of chakra. The giant water torrent hit Guren's crystallized wall, blasting it with tremendous force. Unfortunately, the powerful water wave didn't provide enough force to shatter the crystal.

"Damn it," Yamato cursed.

During the course of the battle, Shino noticed that his insects were acting rather irrational. He soon deduced that his insects hadn't evolved any type of resistance to the crystal jutsu. Since this is the first time he's faced a crystal jutsu-user, he didn't realize his insects would be rendered useless.

"Hmmm?" Shino noticed his insects crawling back inside his coat. He noticed the tiny bugs wore developed chakra coats, which surrounded their miniature bodies. "Did you guys just protect yourselves by forming chakra cloaks?" Perhaps, this was their method of protecting themselves from being crystallized. Well, then, maybe I can build up enough chakra for you, my friends. "Yamato-taicho. Anko-sensei. I think I may have figured out a way to penetrate through her crystals."

"How?" Anko inquired as she and the other two still ran across the water.

The Aburame clan member replied. "I've made a discovery. I believe my insects will serve as the key to stopping her crystal jutsus."

"How did you figure this out?" asked Yamato.

"When my friends tried to probe Guren, the expose to the crystal were beginning to crystallize them upon contact. However, now, they've discovered a method to defend themselves from being completely crystallized. They've exerted more chakra, shielding themselves with chakra coats. If they can do that, then I can possibly exert my own chakra to my insects."

Anko blinked in astonishment. "So, they've already evolved a defensive method. Well, color me surprised. Of course, these bugs are unique only to the Aburame clan."

"There's a small island ahead of us," Shino pointed ahead. "Much like the one we occupied earlier. Allow me to take refuge there to build up my chakra."

"Go on then. You leave this one with us," the female Jounin stated as she and Yamato spun around to face off Guren's dragons.

While Shino hurried over toward the nearest isle, Yamato and Anko were left to deal with Guren and her crystal dragons. This would provide Shino with substantial time to gather enough chakra for his insects to utilize. According to Shino, he may have possibly found a way through Guren's powerful crystallized jutsu.

Wasting no time, Anko sprang to action and slammed her hand down. "Summoning no Jutsu!!" The Jounin shouted as she summoned a giant blue snake before Guren's eyes. Anko knelt on top of her giant snake's head and gave a devilish smirk. "I've got something that'll match your dragons."

Guren frowned. "We'll see! Go, my dragons!" Upon hearing their mistress's command, the two crystallized dragons flew out to attack Anko and her giant snake head on.

"Go get them!" Anko cried out as the giant snake moved across quickly, taking its summoner along for the ride.

As the two crystal dragons sprang up, they went for an aerial attack. They came down on top of the giant snake. Anko's snake lashed out, whipping his giant tail across and slapped the two dragons aside. The serpent hissed as he launched its tail across once again, quickly coiling its tail around its neck and slammed it down into the water.

"Got one!" Anko announced as her serpent lashed its tail at the other crystal dragon.

"Not so fast!" Guren countered, completing several hand seals. "Shōton: Suishōheki Hachi no Jin!!"

Once completing her jutsu, the encompassing area around Anko and the giant snake was buried under crystal pillars. Large pink crystals jutted from underneath the snake, trapping and binding it in place. Anko quickly leapt off the top of her snake and swiftly landed back near Yamato's side.

"She even got my summon trapped by those damn crystals!" Anko exclaimed.

Guren scoffed while her crystals completely subdued the massive serpent. "I've expected much more from Orochimaru-sama's former and favored student. What's wrong? Were you too weak to keep him satisfied? Perhaps, that's why he abandoned you."

As Guren brought this to Anko's attention, the Jounin growled and felt a stabbing pain in her right shoulder. The Cursed Seal began pulsating, which gripped Anko in a threshold of pain.

"…what the hell do you know about me and that bastard?" Anko demanded, gripping her right shoulder.

"Wasn't near these islands where Orochimaru-sama branded you with that Cursed Seal?" The crystal user said, reminding Anko of a dark and horrible experience that she endured during her last days being Orochimaru's favored student. "Before there was Uchiha Sasuke, you were his favorite student…"

"…why is this suddenly new to me?"

"Oh, that's right. Didn't he also erase most of your memory in regards to how you got you Cursed Seal? That must be why you came here. To find some answers? Am I right?"

Anko gritted her teeth, attempting to cope with the aggravating and pulsating pain. But, Guren taunting her only added to the torture.

"It was here that he abandoned you. He came to the realization that you were just a failure who couldn't handle the full power of the Cursed Seal. That is why someone like Uchiha Sasuke was chosen to be Orochimaru-sama's new vessel. You… yes, you wouldn't even be enough to fulfill his needs for a new body."

"Don't listen to her, Anko. Focus," Yamato muttered.

"I'm not… this bitch isn't even going to break me with her words."

The crystal user chortled to herself. "Face it. To Orochimaru-sama, you're expendable. He threw you away when you were no longer of any use to him."

"You're starting to annoy me…" Anko grimaced as the pain in her shoulder subsided. With quick reflexes, she punched her arms forward and ejected snakes from out of her sleeves. "Sen'eijashu!!" Her snakes flew toward Guren, gaping their fanged mouths open.

"Bah! Is this the best you can do? Shōton: Suishō Tō!!" The woman laughed as she jumped off her dragon and formed a crystallized blue blade out of her arms. It looked similar to how a ninja would use something akin to a Tanto. She came down and batted each snake that came her direction. "Feh, c'mon! Is there more you can do?!"

Anko prepared to make her next move, but Yamato immediately stepped in.

"I'll take it from here," Yamato said as he bumrushed Guren and exchanged blows with her, from punches to kicks. Each one was well timed as Yamato punched and kicked at Guren's body.

Guren danced around and countered each blow, blocking his punches with her crystallized blades. Drawing out a kunai, Yamato tried to puncture a hole through the crystal blades. But, it immediately rebounded off Guren's blades. Guren turned and face Anko, taking her eyes off her opponent.

Suddenly, Anko felt something pulling on her legs. She looked down and saw hands grabbing her ankles, pulling her down into the bottom.

"Anko!" Yamato exclaimed.

"Where are you looking at?!" Guren shouted as she lunged forward and battered Yamato's face with her right-armed blade.

Fortunately, Yamato was only struck by the dull side of the blade. The sharp, pointed end didn't make contact with Yamato's head, much to the man's relief.

"Humph, even two of Konoha's Jounin weren't enough to stand a chance. I wonder how you're enjoying your swim, Mitarashi Anko."

xxxxx

Finding herself submerged near the bottom. Anko was being pulled by someone. Her eyes barely opened as she saw Guren behind her, cupping her mouth and nose.

Damn it! She had a clone waiting at the bottom of the sea?! Anko thought as she struggled to swim up, but the weight of Guren's clone was pulling her down. Can't breathe! If this goes on much longer, I'll lose oxygen and die… got to…wait, there is a way out of this!

While thrashing her arms across, snakes came slithering out of her sleeves and swarmed out to attack Guren's clone. As the snakes covered Guren, she was forced to release Anko. The clone shattered into crystallizes stone once the snake injected their venom into her.

Anko gasped and quickly swam up to the surface. Oh, god! That was close! Need air!

Finally reaching the surface, Anko pushed her head out and gasped. She drew in a few deep breaths, allowing the fresh air to fill her lungs.

"…Yamato… how are you holding up…?" Anko gasped as she saw Guren standing over Yamato. "Damn… even you got beat by this lady?"

Guren shifted her focus on Anko. "About time you came up to the surface. Oh ho ho, but did you forget about my two friends?" She pointed to the two giant crystallized dragons hovering behind her.

"Three against one…? Yeah, this is going to be fun… totally fun," Anko uttered a nervous chuckle, realizing the odds against her. Shino, are you almost done? Cause me and Yamato are getting thrased out here. Maybe I can still manage to hold her off… She quickly whipped out a kunai from out of her sleeve, holding her ground. "C'mon."

"Seriously? Did the loss of oxygen kill off any brain cells you had?" Guren blinked thrice, chortling at Anko's persistance.

Anko exchanged a chuckle with her enemy. "Perhaps, but you're in no position to mock me… I was Orochimaru's old student. He's taught me a few tricks even you couldn't comprehend."

"Care to show me?!" The woman snarled as she came forward… until something tugged and pulled on her right ankle. "What?!"

Wood coiled from out of Yamato's right arm, attempting to bind the woman down. Guren responded to this as she leapt out of Yamato's grasp and flipped back on top of her dragon's head. The other dragon launched toward Yamato and Anko, skidding across the lake as it tried to impale the two shinobi with its horns.

Suddenly, the crystallized pillars that trapped Anko's snake was starting to come snake gaped its massive mouth as it pushed its way slithered through. It quickly came to it's summoner's rescue, using its head as a battering ram to knock the second crystal dragon down.

"What?!" Guren gaped in shock.

"See? Told you not to overlook me," Anko smiled devilishly. "You okay, Yamato?"

"I'm fine now," the man added as he stood up on his own, fully regaining his composure.

"No matter. You two are looking winded. I'll finish you two here you stand," Guren smirked as she raised her hand. "…huh?!"

Yamato and Anko were taken back by surprise as they saw a swarm of insects surrounding Guren's right arm. They turned and saw Shino waving his arms in front of him, initially releasing a swarm of his insects toward Guren.

"Hijutsu: Mushidama." Shino cooly announced. "I've channeled enough of my own chakra for my little friends to provide them with stronger chakra coats. I've caught you when you had your guard down, crystal user."

"What?! No! Get them off!" Guren paled in horrifying fear as more bugs covered her body, as they swarmed and surrounded her from head to toe.

"My trump card has been played. Now, my friends have you surrounded and they're already feeding off your chakra… and you want to know what else they'll do?"

"…" Guren gritted her teeth, though one could no longer see what facial expressions the woman would show.

"…they're going to swallow you up completely. Plain and simple."

"Nicely done. Now, finish her," Anko smirked until she suddenly lost her composure and dropped to her left knee.

Yamato quickly came in and helped Anko up to her feet. "There. Are you okay?"

"Just fell a little gingerly there… I'll be fine."

Guren's last dragon was surrounded by the insect swarm. Effectively utilizing their teamwork, the insects forced the dragon into the water while the crystallized behemoth struggled to escape. The insect's new resistance to Guren's crystal chakra allowed them to immobilize and drag the summoned monster to the bottom.

Poof!

As Anko's chakra started to weaken, her summoning vanished in a thick puff of smoke. Yamato put an arm around Anko to hold her stance.

"It's over. Say goodbye," Shino announced to his adversary.

"Oh no…" Guren's chuckle turned into deep laughter.

Guren's body started to quiver underneath the layer of insects. Abruptly, Guren jumped right out of the insect swarm and landed on the water's surface. She heavily breathed, catching her breath as she had lost a substantial amount of chakra to Shino's insects.

Shino's keen eyes saw his insects covering a crystallized replica of the woman. "A substitution?"

"…you had me there, boy. But, I always have my own trump card," Guren chuckled, heavily breathing. I've got to go retreat and recover my chakra. I wasn't expecting this boy's insects to be more troublesome than they were worth.

"You won't stop us from reaching that island," Yamato interjected, cutting off the woman's train of thought.

"Heh, but we will meet again on that island. In your conditions, I doubt you'll make it out alive. Until then, let's postpone this fight until our rematch. Oh, and Mitarashi Anko… I'll show you why I'm Orochimaru-sama's strongest kunoichi. You will know your place." As soon as she finished, Guren formed a hand seal and disappeared into a puff of smoke.

Anko growled. "She's strong… even for the two of us. Yeah, now I see why Orochimaru picked her. Her crystal jutsu is… almost impenetrable."

"Until I utilized my insects," Shino added.

"We have to reach that island… but we'll need to recover our strength. Let's go," Yamato stated as he carried Anko along and lead Shino toward Mother Island. "We can't waste anytime since Naruto is there."

"Hopefully he's been able to find that factory…" Anko muttered while her eyes narrowed directly toward Mother Island and a neighboring isle near it. "Demon Island…" Maybe, there… I'll find something I've been meaning to look for.

"Anko?"

"It's nothing, Yamato… just talking to myself."

Shino muttered. "Don't worry, my friends. You did well. No doubt we'll run into that crystal jutsu woman again, but we must find Naruto. Luckily, I was able to plant a female beetle on him. You'll help track him, my friends. By finding the scent of the female beetle…"

xxxxx

"There is it, Konan-sama," Shigure pointed out to the mysterious island.

Riding on top of a giant origami crane, Konan and Shigure were closing in on Mother Island.

"Is that Mother Island?" Konan inquired, staring intently at the island.

"Yes, according to the local animals. Your origami tracker has lead us here."

Lifting her right hand, the tiny origami bird Konan released earlier returned. She stroked the back of the paper bird and set it down.

"Shigure, we're heading to an unfamiliar island. Let's be careful and find that Cloneblade factory."

"Yes, Konan-sama!"

xxxxx

Training Grounds/Konohagakure/Fire Country

It's been almost half a day since Sakura's third day of punishment training. Despite the grueling trials and muscle aching workouts, Sakura began to notice the good results that came out of her training. At the rate she was going, the extra weight training has properly built up the muscles in Sakura's body, improve her stamina, and increase her physical strength. At the sametime, she's properly focused on her chakra control.

Unfortunately, like always, she had the wear that dreadful green jumpsuit... as she was now officially branded as a new member of the Gai family - much to the poor girl's dismay.

However, today, her training regime would suddenly be interrupted by an unexpected arrival.

xxxxx

Sakura shouted as she thrusted her right fist across followed by her left fist. She quickly repeated the process, accurately delivering straight jabs. She quickly knelt on the ground, standing on all fours. Then, she sprang up into mid-air and kicked her right foot across, delivering five side kicks while in mid-air position. She landed back on all fours like a cat and did ten back flips.

Meanwhile, Gai and Rock Lee watched the pink-haired kunoichi training her butt off like never before. She was more focused and willing to train on her own. Lee was astounded by the girl's perseverance and dedication in improving herself as a kunoichi. It's been firmly established that she has the potential to become as strong as Tsunade, whom she has studied under during the past three years.

"Gai-sensei, I would never believe I would see Sakura-san so focused."

"Indeed, Lee. I can see the burning passion in her eyes. It's too bad she never became my official student, but this works out just fine. The Hokage-sama couldn't have picked out a better student to succeed her."

Lee watched Sakura continually training, smiling. I am so proud of you, Sakura-san. Whatever this Witchblade is, does not matter to me. You are strong and capable even without it. Still, I do wish to see you using this weapon in action sometime. "Sakura-san, don't let Neji and Tenten deter you from your training. I'm sure they don't mean what they said to you before. I..."

Suddenly, Sakura stopped as she felt the Witchblade pulsating and saw the red gem glowing under her green suit.

"What now?" Sakura wondered while unwrapping her bandages to see her bracelet reacting to something omnious nearby. Witchblade, what's the problem?

'I'm sensing something strange nearby, but it's no Cloneblade.'

What could it be?

'I don't know, but it's outside this village. I suggest we check it out.'

NOW?! Can't you see I'm in the middle of training? I can't leave the village without getting into trouble with Tsunade-sama!

'That'll have to wait. This presence has a dark feeling to it. Something similar to my father, but it's still human. C'mon, we have to go check this out... and you don't have a say in the matter either!'

With that said, the Witchblade bracelet gripped Sakura's right arm and forced an overwhelming pressure in her arm.

"Ok... I'll check this out... just stop..."

"Sakura-san?! Are you okay?!" Rock Lee sprang up, expressing concern for the girl. "Gai-sensei!"

Gai noticed something akin to a red glow in Sakura's right arm. Could that be where that Witchblade is? The Hokage-sama warned me about this. "Sakura, wait!"

The pink-haired kunoichi ran off from the training field as she headed out into the direction of the main village. She would then race straight for the northern entrance gate where that specific 'dark source' was located.

"She's getting away! Lee, we have to go after her!" Gai exclaimed as he took off after Sakura.

Lee called out, following his teacher. "Right!" Sakura-san, what is happening? Something must be wrong for you to suddenly abandon training. Please, just tell me what is wrong!

xxxxx

Reaching the northern gate, Sakura quickly made a beeline toward the exit. The Witchblade armor slowly began covering up her right arm, probing the nearby dark source coming near the village. A new pique of curiosity had overtaken Sakura, who was suspicious of this approaching danger. As she ran past the border guards, she quickly headed out into the forest. The guards barely could make out Sakura wearing a green jumpsuit as one of them went to notify Tsunade.

xxxxx

As Sakura continued running across the forest, she reached an area where it ended near a giant cliff face. She took a deep breath, still a little winded from her prior training with Gai and Lee. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for the dark source the Witchblade was able to pick up.

"Are you sure it was here?" Sakura inquiringly raised an eyebrow, turning her head around and eyed her close surroundings.

'Yes, I can always detect anything with a dark presence. Whatever it could be... it was here. I know it.'

Sakura's eyes trailed back and forth. "Then, your senses must be off today, because I don't see anything."

'You're not trying hard enough. Focus. Search it and probe it.'

"Ok."

As Sakura raised her right hand, it was already covered in the armored gauntlet. The red gem glowed, probing for the whereabouts of that dark presence the Witchblade picked up on earlier. The gem glowed even more profusely as the artifact sensed that 'dark presence' again. This time even Sakura was able to probe it successfully, shifting herself around as she came face to face with...

Uchiha Itachi.

Sakura sprang back in surprise, quickly taking on a defensive fighting stance. "So, it was you! Uchiha Itachi." The girl frowned angrily, staring at the man who was the reason why Sasuke left the Konoha and the same man who tried to take Naruto away for the Akatsuki. Pure anger swelled inside of her body, but tried to suppress any overwhelming emotional outburst, which all it took was one push to awaken the Witchblade's full power

"Haruno Sakura. It's about time we finally come face-to-face."

"What do you want?" The tone in Sakura's voice dripped with venomous hate. "You do realize you're near our village. You didn't just come here to look at the scenery. You came here for a reason. Now, out with it!"

Itachi quietly stared at the pink-haired kunoichi, not letting the green jumpsuit distract him. However, his dark eyes caught sight of the Witchblade armored gauntlet present on her right arm. Could it be...? That armor is the Witchblade?

"Speak now or I'm going to attack. But, I won't be fighting without a little aid," she threatened, raising her right hand as the armor stretched out across parts of her body.

"Could that be what I've heard from my fellow Akatsuki? Is that the Witchblade?"

Sakura gasped in shock. "How did you know?"

"Leader-sama has already informed us through a source. Though, the two Akatsuki members you recently fought told us about you."

"You mean those two freaks? The immortal guy and the zombie."

"Hidan and Kakuzu, yes. But, they're gone thanks to you and your teammates," Itachi pointed toward Sakura's right arm. "Using the Witchblade, you were able to fight on even grounds and defeat two of our fellow Akatsuki. When this became knowledge to us, it became clear that you needed to be eliminated."

"So then, they've sent you to take me out."

"As long as you wield that Witchblade, you'll remain a great threat to our plans. Namely Leader-sama's."

Sakura scowled, feeling the Witchblade armor covering her back and sides. Her teal eyes slowly turned gold, signifying that her transformation was halfway complete. "Good. I'm glad to know I've gotten your organization's attention, because I became the Witchblade's host... namely for one reason."

"That reason being?"

"To destroy your organization and stop every last one of you! I know who your true leader is and the identity of this 'Leader-sama' you speak of. I've seen their faces."

Itachi was taken back, somewhat surprised what she was alluding. Could it be this power has granted her foresight? This Witchblade is something to be feared and respected... just as I suspected. He speculated to himself.

"It's your fault that you made Sasuke into what he is today. He's gone because you entered in his life again."

The Akatsuki member narrowed his eyes, listening to the girl clearly. "..."

"Heh, I've known Sasuke since we were in the academy. I was so naive then and such a fangirl of his... right now, looking back I wanted to puke. Still, I got to him better and understood his pain. I even tried to leave with him to help him gain power from that snake bastard Orochimaru," Sakura went on as her hair lengthened out, the armor covered various parts of her body. Her chest pushed out outward, granting her a perfectly endowed bust. "I was such a selfish girl then. I still am now, but I'm starting to improve myself as an overall kunoichi. Right now I've become aware of the world around me. Such a dark and corrupted world we live in. Becoming a wielder of the Witchblade has granted me some extraordinary powers... that it can rival a Bijuu's power. Being one with the Witchblade has allowed me to look into the past and future. Uchiha Itachi, I even saw images of the night of the massacre."

Itachi's eyes widened a bit in disbelief. "..."

"You're not as stoic as you try and act out to be. I can see right through your mask. I know the truth. The Witchblade has shown me what you and who you were working with that night," Sakura continued as her visage changed once the Witchblade had completely taken over. She was now in full Witchblade form, catching Itachi by surprise. "This is the form that your friends, Hidan and Kakuzu, saw when I humiliated them. Tell me, Uchiha Itachi. Do you still want to test me? Because I'm NOT the same girl that was teammates with your dear brother. In fact, I've already fought Sasuke and his blood tasted good. I wonder... does yours taste as good as Uchiha Sasuke's?!"

Itachi quickly stepped back, closing his eyes as he activated his Sharingan.

However, Witchblade Sakura's hair wavered out as some turned into tentacle spears. They jutted and coiled forward, attempting to stab and yank Itachi forward. The Uchiha easily dodged around the spears and jumped back, distancing himself from the Witchblade wielder. Sakura roared, charging forward as a long blade jutted out of her right arm.

"Don't think you can beat me with your Genjutsu! Sasuke tried and he failed to break the Witchblade's power!"

Itachi frowned as his eyes opened, activating the Sharingan's effects. "Tsukuyomi."

Suddenly, Sakura felt the everything around her erode with pitch darkness and time itself stop.

Everything, including herself and Itachi, became engulfed in pure blackness.

xxxxx

Sakura's Mind

Managing to infiltrate Haruno Sakura's mind, Itachi's form materialized from within the dimension. The entire room was pitch black with dimness to crimson shading. The floor was dripped with a watery substance as a reflection of a red full moon floated was seen. The skies were red like blood covering plain white sheets of paper. Black clouds covered various spots across the blood skies, many jumbled together into clusters.

Itachi reopened his eyes as she plainly saw Witchblade Sakura frozen in front of him. Both of which had figures of a grayscale inverted color.

Damn it all. Where am I? Sakura wondered as her eyes looked around. However, she couldn't even her whole body at all. I can't move! What's going on? This... this must be Itachi's genjutsu.

"You're trapped in the world of Tsukuyomi, Haruno Sakura. You can't move because you're under my law in this world. I control time and space. So, in effect, I've prevented you from attacking me."

"What do you plan to do to me?"

"Nothing now, but you will tell me what you know about that night."

Sakura gritted her teeth. "You're just afraid... I was going to attack you and draw first blood."

"Now, tell me what you know..."

"Ok, ok, I think that's enough right now," a slightly aristocratic and arrogant voice cut off Itachi by mid-sentence. "Sakura, you leave this bastard with me."

Sakura blinked thrice as she looked ahead and saw nothing.

However, Itachi did see a tall and dark-haired man materialize in front of him. This man was none other than the human form of the Witchblade. Itachi recognized the armor, which was what Sakura wore... except this man wore black instead of dark gray armor. Itachi even noticed the man's right arm contained the same gauntlet design and a red gem embedded in it.

"Who are you?"

The Witchblade smirked, with both arms folded. "Humph, really. Just like your brother. You go and barge into other people's minds without permission. How annoying. Really."

"Are you the Witchblade?"

"In the flesh, well, not really. I'm nothing here but a spirit. The source of the gauntlet's power lies within me and I'm the one to possess all the ancient energies. Sheesh, you really do look like that duckbutt-haired emo-brat! You're like the older image of that kid!"

"You fought with my brother Uchiha Sasuke?"

"Sure did and even drew blood out of him. I have to say that his blood was good enough to satisfy my tastes."

Like Sasuke before him, Itachi tried probing for a source of chakra inside the Witchblade. He sensed nothing.

"Yeah, nice try. I don't possess chakra like you or the girl I currently possess. That's why your annoying eye trick was able to work on her, but not me. Notice how I'm still moving your so-called 'universe'? Hmmm?"

"What are you really?"

"I am the balance. My name happens to be just the 'Balance,' but I chose the name 'Witchblade.' It had a better catch and unique feel to it than simply the 'balance.' As the balance, I am the offspring of darkness and light. The two entities of these two universal aspects are the Darkness and the Angelus. I am long existed before mankind and even life itself." The Witchblade slowly prodded toward Itachi, coming face to face with the young man. He put his fingers under Itachi's chin and smiled. "Yes, you're not too difficult to read, Uchiha Itachi. No different from your dear brother."

"What do you know about that night of the massacre?"

"When Sasuke entered my vessel's mind, I scanned his memories and found out for myself. But, the longer I've remained this world, I've come to understand how everything works. My power of foresight and hindsight has allowed me to witness every event that has happened or will happen in the future. The Uchiha Massacre was one of the darkest days of your village's history. Even your village's intel couldn't hide the truth from me. As an ancient one, mankind has nothing to hide from an entity such as myself." The Witchblade pulled his right hand away from Sasuke and chortled. "I know you were involved with Uchiha Madara. I even known what he looks like."

Taken back by bewilderment, Itachi was astounded by how much the entity knew. He twirled around, realizing that the Witchblade disappeared. As he turned around, the entity was back ten feet in front of him.

The dark-haired entity let an evil smile curl on his face while a low chuckle escaped his lips. "Is this proof enough that I can break your laws and manipulate them by my will as I see fit?"

"..."

"Oh, cut the ice prince cliché act. Face it. I know the truth. There's no use hiding it from me anymore," the Witchblade scoffed irritably. "I know about it and so does Sakura. I won't let you kill my vessel. I've grown quite fond of her and I would be severely disappointed if you took her away from me." He uncrossed his arms, letting a black aura outline his whole body. The aura glowed as it vibrated and pulsated like the sound of a beating heart. "And don't even try to use those scary, red eyes of yours. Like I said before, and I even told your brother, that your Sharingan will have no effect on me. It doesn't matter how far advanced yours is. It's all the same illusion crap to me."

Itachi said nothing.

"Well, I'll give you this. At least, you're not trying to attack me in a typical blind rage. You're definitely the smart one."

"Now that you know... do you intend to use Sakura to announce this publicly to the village?"

"No."

"No?"

"I have no reason to and neither should she have to do it. The truth will come out sooner or later on its own. It's best that way," the entity proclaimed. "But, let me give you a warning, Uchiha Itachi."

"What is it?" Itachi inquired.

"You're the main reason why Sasuke betrayed his village and left to join Orochimaru. Not only to gain knowledge and training from that snake, but to use all that he learned to kill you with. This never would've happened if you saw your brother again. He became driven with revenge once he saw you years following the massacre. It's no secret that he hates you and wishes you to die." The Witchblade went on as a throne materialized behind him. Sitting down on his seat, the ancient one comfortably put his right leg over the other and smiled devilishly. "He was doing just fine being Naruto and Sakura's friend until you returned into his life. Such a shame how one man can change their sibling. Right now there's a small chance to save Sasuke from falling into the hands of the darkness. However, it's really up to you if you want to save him or not. Somehow, I doubt you can do it. Naruto and Sakura are no doubt the ones who will need to rescue Sasuke from the darkness."

"I do plan on seeing Sasuke again. However, I intend to protect him in my own way."

"Yes, I know, especially from... that man... Uchiha Madara. But, there's a chance Sasuke may succumb to a more horrible fate. Keep him away from the darkness... before it's too late. Better yet, since you possess just as much darkness in your heart... you'd best watch yourself near dark corners. You two, especially Sasuke, would make perfect meat puppets for..."

"For who?"

The Witchblade nodded, his evil smile faded. "You'll know in due time, Uchiha Itachi. Just heed my warning."

Before long, the encompassing dimension turned back to normal as the red and black background faded. Itachi was still present within Sakura's mind as he and the Witchblade were silent.

"Well, I just cancelled your Tsukuyomi. You might be a god of your world, but I'm God in this realm and of this girl's body. I only let you take control of my vessel so you and I can chat. Now that our session is over, well... you can leave now."

"Leave... and if I don't?"

A smile returned to the Witchblade's face as he coiled a lock of his black hair in his finger. He replied. "Well, my roommate doesn't take too kindly to intruders and well... you happened to barge in without permission. So..." He turned and saw an approaching shadow behind Itachi. "Oh, hiiiii there, friend!"

As Itachi quickly twirled around, he saw that presence the Witchblade spoke of. A large shadow loomed over him as Inner Sakura towered over him with passionate and burning fire blazed in her eyes.

She roared out like a furious demon, sending a blood-curling scream that echoed throughout the entire dimension.

(Inner Sakura: 'OK, WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?! FIRST, SASUKE AND NOW YOU?! DON'T YOU FUCKING UCHIHAS HAVE ANY MANNERS?!')

For the first time, Itachi came face to face with the inner spiritual manifestation of Haruno Sakura. It was nothing he had seen before as his stoic look somewhat faded, his mouth gaped a little but not to the point of looking stupefied.

(Inner Sakura: 'I CAN BARELY PUT UP WITH THAT COCKY ASSHOLE ON THAT CHAIR! GAAAAGGH! IT'S OVERCROWDED AS IT IS! NOW, GET THE FUCK OUT!! NOOOOOW!!')

Clenching her right fist, Inner Sakura pumped it up and thrusted her closed hand forward.

Itachi quickly faded out of Inner Sakura's reach, escaping the girl's mind.

(Inner Sakura: 'SHIT! ALMOST HAD HIM! UCHIHAS ALWAYS HAVE TO RUN, DON'T THEY?!')

Clapping like a pleased audience member, the Witchblade enjoyed the little side show. "You never cease to amuse me, my friend. I really do hope that when Sakura does pass on, you can remain my roommate for all eternity."

(Inner Sakura: 'I'D RATHER DIE ALONG WITH HER! I CAN'T STAND THE IDEA OF SHARING SPACE WITH YOU!')

"Oh, you wound my heart. We can play games for all eternity."

The inner spirit gave that idea some thought as she finally gave in and nodded.

(Inner Sakura: 'FINE. YOU WIN, BUT I'M GONNA KICK YOUR ASS, BITCH!')

"Sure, sure..." the Witchblade paused as he noticed Witchblade Sakura still frozen in place. With a snap of his fingers, she faded from his realm and returned to the material world. "Ok, Sakura. Let's see how everything plays out. Sheesh, I do hope that stoic creep did heed my warning."

xxxxx

Forest/Outskirts of Konohagakure/Fire Country

Once Itachi and Witchblade Sakura returned to their world, they blinked and faced each other. Itachi drew out a kodachi while Witchblade Sakura brought her right-armed blade down.

Ching!!

Both of their blades rebounded off one another. The two shinobi distanced themselves. Itachi deactivated his Sharingan while Witchblade Sakura seemed fatigued as she fell down on both knees.

"...so, that's the Witchblade, eh?" Itachi murmured. He does know after all. There's no more use in hiding anything more around him or the girl. He thought while putting his kodachi back inside his cloak. "I came for what I was looking for. My Sharingan was still able to effect you rather than the Witchblade. I don't intend to kill you, Haruno Sakura. Because, you and Uzumaki Naruto are the only ones to bring Sasuke out of the darkness. Your role now is as vital as my own. But, now this... Leader-sama and Madara will be targeting you. With the Witchblade, you will be able to bring them down and end the organization... once and for all."

Witchblade Sakura huffed under her breath, her eyes felt drowsy as she saw Itachi staring her down. "Uchiha Itachi... don't you go anywhere..."

"I must leave now. You know what you have to do, Haruno Sa-"

Fwoom!!

Itachi's attention was diverted as he pivoted his head and burst of fire launched at his direction. The Uchiha dodged out of harm's way and saw a large man wearing a big, white mane, red and green robes, and a giant scroll case saddled on his back. The man's most prominent feature was the large, horned hitai-ate that adorned his forehead, which had giant, black and bolded kanji inscribed on it.

It was third member of the Legendary Sannin: Jiraiya the Toad Sennin.

Itachi hopped back and sprang on the nearest branch, distancing himself from the Sannin. It's Jiraiya. No... now I can't engage him after exhausting my chakra. Must conserve before my confrontation with Sasuke.

Jiraiya hopped down in front of Witchblade Sakura while intently staring down Itachi.

"Ji-Jiraiya-sama?" Sakura gasped, surprised by Jiraiya's unexpected entrance.

"Are you okay, Sakura?"

"Yes... but just a little dizzy. That's all."

"Understandable since you were caught in Itachi's genjutsu."

"Remember everything I told you, Haruno Sakura," Itachi warned the kunoichi as his body wavered and dispersed into a flock of crows. All flapped their wings, scattering off into the skies.

Witchblade Sakura gripped the ground with her hands, digging her claws into the ground. She gritted her teeth, cursing to herself. "I... I shouldn't have let him get the best of me."

"Uchiha Itachi is a monster on a whole different level than the other Akatsuki you and Naruto fought recently," the Toad Sannin firmly stated as he turned and knelt down in front of Sakura. His face contorted with bewilderment, taken back by Sakura's new appearance. "I didn't think this Witchblade would change your looks, Sakura! My... you look..." His cheeks flushed a bit. "...well different."

"How did you know? About the Witchblade?"

"Tsunade told me all about it. I've heard you've been giving her a big headache lately. No wonder she's been moody."

"I put her through so much grief. I... I even went against orders... AGAIN!"

"Well, don't worry. Luckily, I returned to the village to give Tsunade some vital information... and Tsunade learned you ditched training. She went out to look for you, but I assured her that I'd find you myself."

Sakura sighed, casting her eyes on the ground. "I'm sorry about all this."

"I watched your conversation with Itachi for the last few moments."

"What do you know?"

Jiraiya scratched his head. "More than enough to know that you're using the Witchblade to destroy the Akatsuki organization and more. But, I suggest we head back to the village."

"Yeah, so I can get chewed out by Tsunade-sama again."

"No, I doubt it. She'll just tell you to get back to your training. Besides, you can tell her whatever Itachi said to you. I'm sure she'll want to hear all about it."

Nodding her head, Sakura replied. "I guess so. You're right... I have to get back to my punishment training."

"Good. Then, everything's settled," Jiraiya grinned like his usual goofy self. "By the way..." The older man's cheeks flushed red again as he looked up and down Witchblade Sakura's half nude, armored figure. "So, is it true? That... that once you don your Witchblade warrior form... you wear nothing, but a semi-nude armored get-up? Right?! I mean... LOOK AT YOU!"

BAM!!

Witchblade Sakura quickly responded with an uppercut that sent Jiraiya flying across the skies. "SHUT IT, ERO-SENNIN!!" She quickly covered her half nude, armored body and blushed around her cheeks in embarrassment.

'Great, another strong guy turns out to be a complete goofball. Sheesh, and this one is just as perverted as I am! Argh, looks like I've got competition with a dirty old man!' The Witchblade whined inside Sakura's mind.

xxxxx

After feeling Sakura's mighty (Falcon) punch, Jiraiya was laying inside a hot spring as a group of girls screamed in horror and ran out.

"EEEEK!! A PERVERT!!"

"GET HIM OUT OF THE TUB!!"

As the girls fled, Jiraiya groaned in defeat with his jaw almost shattered.

"...yeah, she's definitely... a second Tsunade in the making." At least, I have a new idea for my next book. The pain was worth it... ehehe.

xxxxx

Underground Lab Facility/Cloneblade Factory/Mother Island/Land of Sea

There was a sudden creak from across the lab as Naruko was awakened. She opened her eyes, getting a better view of who entered the laboratory. To Naruko's apparent shock, she saw Isaribi entering the lab. Scrambling up to her feet, Naruko ran up to the cell bars and followed Isaribi's movements. She turned and watched Isaribi opening the door of a cell. Five women slowly stepped out, each one facing Isaribi.

"Isaribi. It's you," Naruko whispered as she put her arm through a bar and waved out to get her attention.

Asagi spoke out. "She's here to collect the next set of test experiments. Looks like Amachi is likely going to assemble new Cloneblades for Orochimaru."

"I'll take your place. So, you won't need to go," Naruko reassured his cellmate.

"Easier said than done. My time of having a free will of my own will be over..."

"Not if I have anything to say about it."

Suddenly, Isaribi walked in front of Naruko and Asagi's cell and opened the door.

"Come one, you two. It's time," Isaribi announced as she shot her almost lifeless eyes to the cellmates. As she eyes met those with Naruko, she felt as if she had seen someone recently. The blonde hair and the blue eyes were a dead giveaway. "Have I seen you before?"

Naruko stepped out, shaking her head. "Don't believe I have."

"I see then. You and Asagi can follow me," Isaribi ordered as she walked over to open another cell containing three prisoners. As the ten young women assembled, Isaribi lined them up accordingly.

"Wait..." Naruko spoke up, catching Isaribi's attention. "Asagi. She doesn't feel up to it."

Asagi gasped as she tugged on Naruko's right arm. She whispered, almost pleading to him. "Don't, Naruko. I've decided this for myself-"

"I think nine should be enough. There's no need to bring Asagi along..."

Isaribi frowned. "Sorry, but Amachi-sama can't make any exceptions. Every women in these prison cells are fated to become Cloneblade experiments."

Furrowing her eyes, Naruko tried to contain her frustrations. Isaribi, what the hells are you doing working for a guy like this Amachi? If he's anything like that snake bastard... This can't be really Isaribi.

"Asagi realizes she has no choice in the matter and has always been willing to go along with this procedure. Right, Asagi?"

The brunette nodded in response. "Yes... just as everyone else here agrees."

Naruko scowled angrily, still managing to maintain the Sexy no Jutsu for so long. "Sorry, Asagi..." Now, all I can do is count on Isaribi to take us to wherever they make those Cloneblades. Then, I can shut it down before these girls get experimented on!

"Now, follow me everyone. I hope that there are no further objections?" asked Isaribi as she led the ten women (technically nine since Naruko is REALLY a male in female form!) through the door and into a hallway.

While the young women went ahead, Naruko and Asagi were the last ones in the back.

"I'm still gonna get us out of here, Asagi."

"How?"

"Until we get to this Cloneblade lab."

Asagi sighed in defeat. "Don't even try. Amachi and his men will stop you."

"I wouldn't count me out. Just wait and see," the blonde whispered as unbeknownst to her... Shino's female beetle latched itself on top of Naruko's right shoulder.

xxxxx

Outside the Cloneblade Factory/Mother Island/Land of Sea

"...we're here. The beetles are picking up the female's scent here," Shino confirmed as he, Yamato, and Anko stood outside a flight of stairs leading to an underground facility. "They went down here."

Yamato acknowledged this. "Good. We'll begin infiltrating the facility."

Taking on a seat on a stone, Anko wiped the sweat off her left brow and inhaled a deep breath. "That crystal kunoichi sure give us a run for our money. She warned us that she'd be ready for us on this island."

"Yes, and we must do our best to be careful once we enter," Shino said. "No doubt this place will be wired with traps."

"It's already past evening, but I can still see lights in there," Yamato said as he noticed flickering lights inside the facility. "As long as we follow the trail left by that female beetle, it should led us right to Naruto."

Shino walked down the flight of stairs as he lifted his right arm. "Ok, my friends. Let's get these doors unlocked... carefully and so we don't trigger any alarms." He instructed his insects, which they followed and did exactly as they were told.

"I hope that Naruto was able to find the exact location of where these Cloneblades are being manufactured. The sooner he finds them, we can have it shut down."

"Right now before we can even reach Naruto, we'll have to count on him, Anko."

The female Jounin rubbed the back of her right shoulder. "Most importantly if he's able to keep that Sexy no jutsu for a long time. Yeah, it's all on him for now..." And the sooner we get inside, I'll find an answer to my past here. "If Amachi is still here like I think he is, he's most likely the one helping in the production of these Cloneblades."

"My bugs were able to unlock the doors. We can enter," Shino announced.

"Let's get going, Anko," Yamato advised.

"Right." Standing up on her own power, Anko waited as the pain around her Cursed Seal mark subsided again. She followed behind the two male shinobi, managing to infiltrate the facility successfully.

xxxxx

Second Lab Facility/Cloneblade Factory/Mother Island/Land of Sea

Isaribi led the women into a second lab, which was located within a separate facility. Amongst them, Naruko and Asagi, noticed large cylinder tanks filled with liquid. Inside these tanks were freshly produced Cloneblade gauntlets. Each one looked like replicas of the Witchblade. Naruko was quickly able to recognize them, recalling the gauntlet Sasame wore when her body crumbled into crystal dust.

So, these are where the Cloneblades are being made. Naruko noted in thought as she scanned around the facility, which had a larger space as large tanks filled the room. Many of them contained Cloneblade gauntlets while others seemed to preserve live Chimeras. No doubt about it. This guy definitely would be working for someone like Orochimaru.

"Everyone listen to me," Isaribi instructed as she showed them prison cells behind her. "You are to occupy these until Amachi-sama arrives. By morning, you will all receive a cloned gauntlet and serve as Orochimaru's next generation of Cloneblades. Like me..." Isaribi ripped off the bandage off her right wrist and revealed her silver bracelet.

Naruko gasped as her eyes caught a glimpse of the object. "That's..."

"They may look like a piece of jewelry, but they will grant you powers like you can never imagine. What becomes of you will depend on your will to overcome the Cloneblade's corrupt power."

Asagi eyed the bracelet that was strapped around Isaribi's right arm. "I'll be something like that. Won't I?"

"Correct. Now, get inside your cells until everything has been prepared. Amachi-sama will be here soon."

With that, the women entered the cells. Five occupied one prison cell; three entered another; Naruko and Asagi were the last two as they once again shared the last cell. Isaribi locked their doors as she walked off out of the lab.

"Looks like it's only a matter of time, isn't it?" Asagi sighed, sitting down on the dust-covered floor. "We're all fated to serve Orochimaru in the end."

Shuddering at the thought of being Orochimaru's lapdog, Naruko disapproved of that notion.

"Well, do you still intend to get us out of here?"

"You bet."

"Well, you can try all you like. I tried to escape before and I realized how futile it was. They beat me up and didn't feed me for days." The girl shrugged, no longer showing any regard of her own well being. "I no longer care if my fate is sealed."

"That's a lie and I know it. You and the others are looking to escape," Naruko promptly made her point clear. "You and these girls do want to escape. I intend to get you all out, but I have to convince Isaribi first and foremost."

"Why her?"

"Because, I can tell... she's just like me."

Asagi was befuddled by this strange whiskered blonde's statement. "Care to clarify... how?"

"When she gets back, you'll know," the blonde said plainly. But, what I want to know is why she's cooperating with someone who's supposedly working with Orochimaru. I have to know her reason. Her hands tightly gripped the cell bars.

xxxxx

Underground Corridors/Cloneblade Factory/Mother Island/Land of Sea

Once they infiltrated inside the facility, the Team Konoha reached one end of a long, dark corridor that had very little light source. They turned and faced a door, which Shino opened as his bugs were following the female bug's scent. To their astonishment, they saw a row of tanks containing preserved test specimens. Many of which were creatures made from a fusion of different types of animals, but mostly of the marine and amphibious variety. These creatures were genetically engineered and lab grown Chimeras, created from the DNA of different varieties of marine and terrestrial species.

The Konoha trio scanned the room, observing the tanks with careful eyes. Shino approached a tank, which contained a marine reptilian creature of some type. The animal's looked akin to a bird of prey's beak and its back was covered in layers of fur. The creature was no doubt a Chimera, judging by the outward appearance of a reptilian hide, mammalian fur on its back, and an eagle's beak.

"Look at this," Shino said. "Looks to be some kind of Chimera, a fusion of different species of animal sharing the same body."

"That's not all," Anko added as she pointed to the other specimens in the tanks. "There are more of these things."

Yamato pressed his hands against the glass of a tank. "No doubt they've been preserved here for a long time."

"...yeah..." Anko gritted her teeth, suddenly reminiscing a scene from her past. Her eyes glanced forward as she saw herself as a child standing alongside Orochimaru. It's suddenly coming back to me. Yes, I remember being in one of these chambers.

Click.

Suddenly, the ground shifted under Yamato and Shino as a trap door opened. Yamato immediately let a bark of wood snake its way out of his right sleeve, which grabbed a hold of a piece of metal. He quickly grabbed Shino's right hand, pulling him up and preventing him from taking a plunge into the pit.

"Hang on, Shino!" Yamato exclaimed.

Before Anko could rush over to pull them up, her keen eyes narrowed and saw a shadowed figure lunge right in front of her. The purple-haired woman sidestepped the figure and rolled to her left side, pulling out a kunai in hand. She saw that her attacker was none other than Guren.

"Surprise," Guren let a cruel smirk cross her face.

"You again. I should've known you'd be hiding around here to ambush us," Anko growled, facing the crystal jutsu user.

Pulling out a crystallized shuriken, she threw it across. However, Anko utilized her quick reflexes to counter, raising her kunai to counter the shuriken.

This served as nothing, but a momentary distraction as Guren dashed right in front of Anko. The crystal jutsu user drove an elbow into Anko's solar plexus, pushing her back across the room. Anko's back hit the nearest tank, knocking it over and letting it shatter to the floor. Guren jumped right near Anko, pulling out a piece of crystal to stab her with. Anko rolled away as Guren stabbed the ground with her crystal blade. Kip-upping to her feet, Anko grabbed Guren and tried to disarm her. Guren drove an elbow, using her free arm, into Anko's face and shoved her back. Guren retaliated by roundhouse kicking Anko off her feet.

"Anko!" Yamato shouted as he struggled to hold a firm grip. "Shino, hold on... I can just manage..."

Just then, a pair of red eyes slowly crept under Shino as a pair of arms grabbed his ankles.

"Ugh! Something's got a hold of my feet!" Shino grunted as he felt something tugging and pulling him into the pit.

"Shino! Don't let go!" The Wood-affinity user exclaimed, pulling Shino up... but it was to no avail as Shino was pulled down below. "No! Shino!" The man turned as he saw Guren battering Anko on the surface. "Anko, can you manage to fight her...? Anko!"

"Don't worry about me! Go after Shino... you two find Naruto!" Anko's voice echoed from the upper level.

"Right then," Yamato acknowledged his partner's order and descended into the pit to follow Shino's trail.

Meanwhile, Anko was left on her own to deal with Guren. Orochimaru's former student stood on her own, shaking the cobwebs out of her head after her face was battered by Guren's blows.

"C'mon, is that all you've got?" Anko grinned like a she-devil, licking blood that trickled down her lips.

Guren scoffed as she forged her crystallized blue blade on her right arm. She charged forward and attacked, reaching out to slit Anko's throat. Anko jumped back, keeping herself out of Guren's reach and unleashed a barrage of snakes out of her sleeves.

"Sen'eijashu!!"

"Shōton: Suishō Tō!!"

Anko and Guren struggled to hold each other, finding themselves on even ground. The snakes coiled around Guren's crystal blade. However, Guren yanked her blade back, pulling the snakes and Anko herself forward. The blue-haired woman blasted Anko's chest, driving her left fist into the Jounin's stomach. Anko coughed, feeling the air being driven out of her body as she collapsed and grabbed her stomach.

"I'm disappointed and Orochimaru-sama once thought highly of you."

Straightening herself off the ground, Anko gripped her chest and gasped for breath. I'm still kinda winded and battered from the fight earlier. This lady... no doubt Orochimaru picked an elite kunoichi to add to his rankings.

"How about I finish this? You look really tired," Guren evilly smiled as she raised her right hand over Anko. "You'll look wonderful as a beautiful ornament for my crystal garden." As soon as she said this, particles of chakra scattered out of Guren's right hand and poured over Anko.

Anko noticed the particles pouring over her like snow and jumped back. Then, to her surprise, Anko saw her entire right leg encased in a layer of pink crystallized stone.

"What the hell?!" Anko cursed as she couldn't lift her right leg, which was anchored down and turned into crystal.

"Better yet. I think Amachi would love to use you as an experiment, since you were Orochimaru-sama's ex-student."

The Jounin retorted angrily. "Like hell I'd like you use me as a lab rat again!" She desperately reached for her kunai she had dropped.

Guren stepped over and placed her right foot on the kunai, kicking it out of Anko's reach. "Whoops, sorry. I really did mean to give it you."

"Bitch," Anko snorted as she dragged herself across the floor despite her leg turned into crystal.

"You can't escape," the crystal jutsu user raised her right hand over Anko. "Shōton: Suishō Rō no Jutsu!!"

With little time to react, Anko found herself completely encased inside a giant crystallized prison. She could no longer move as she was frozen stiff inside the solid object. Guren ran her hands across the crystallized Anko and purred with delight.

"Mmmm, you look quite lovely becoming my new ornament, but I'll soon deliver you to Amachi," Guren smirked with delight as she forged a large mirror in front of her, which was shaped like a green snowflake. Like the vain woman she was, Guren checked her face. "Well, I'll grant you this. You did leave a bruise on my face. For that, you paid for it dearly. Now, look at how pitiful you look." She pivoted around, facing the imprisoned Anko. "I'm sure Amachi and Orochimaru-sama would love to turn you into a Cloneblade. Then, you'll be of some great use to us. How does that sound?"

With that, the woman shouted a haughty laugh and walked out of the room to leave the crystallized Anko behind.

"I will return to collect you, but first I have to go and hunt down your teammates. Wait right here for me, won't you?" Guren winked as she let a coy smile curl across her lips. She quickly turned, dashing out of the room to take another route to the underground level.

As she was left behind, Anko was still imprisoned in her crystal prison.

That is until...

Poof!

Anko vanished into a puff of smoke inside the crystallized seal. Taking her place was a pile of dead snake skin.

"Whew... that was a close one..." A sly voice belonging to the real Anko gasped out from out of a corner.

The real Anko knelt down behind a stone pillar behind a row of Chimera tanks. She took a deep breath, holding a kunai in her right hand.

"Whatever that was... thankfully she didn't get the real me," Anko smiled devilishly. "I wasn't Orochimaru's ex-student for nothing." She stood up and stepped out of her hiding area. "I hope Yamato and Shino can find their way out of there. I have to go after that woman before she reaches them." This time... I've really got to be careful on how I approach her and avoid those crystal jutsus of hers. I think I've already adapted to her style now. Third time's a charm!

Wasting no time, Anko rushed out the same direction Guren took earlier.

xxxxx

Second Lab Facility/Cloneblade Factory/Mother Island/Land of Sea

"Good work, Isaribi. Have you brought ten here like I asked of you?"

She nodded in response. "Yes, I have."

"Good. Now, where to begin?" The cerulean-haired scientist let a maniacal grin cross his smarmy face. He paced slowly in front of the cells, eyeing each young woman selectively. He passed right by Naruko and Asagi's cell... his eyes stopped and glared intently at Naruko. This one... she must be one of those Konoha-nin Yoroi and Misumi spotted earlier in the day.

Naruko became tense as Amachi looked at her. Her hands tightened and loosened, almost feeling the urge to knock out. But, she quickly resisted that urge... not wanting to take a chance blow her cover. It wasn't the right time to undo her henge form.

"You..." Amachi muttered.

Before Naruko could point to herself, Asagi stood up.

"Asagi. You'll be the first."

Realizing her time had come, Asagi willfully gave in and nodded. "I'm ready."

"Asagi, don't..." Naruko tried talking her out of it.

"There's nothing left for me to do, Naruko," Asagi whispered as Isaribi unlocked the cell and let the girl step out of the prison.

"Isaribi, if you will be so kind as to escort Asagi," Amachi nodded in approval.

Seizing Asagi's right arm gently, Isaribi led her toward a tank. Isaribi pressed a switch, which released the water from out of the tank. Then, she grabbed what looked like an armored gray gauntlet and placed it over Asagi's right arm. Asagi's face contorted with shock as if she was already beginning to have second thoughts. The pale look on her face said it all.

"Relax. This will only sting a bit..." Isaribi whispered. "Forgive me."

Before long, long strands of blue tentacles emerged out of the gauntlet and grabbed Asagi's right arm. The girl screamed as the tendrils wrapped around her arm as the gauntlet fit through her hand like a glove. Asagi dropped down to her knees while the gauntlet shrank and turned into a tiny silver bracelet, which fit around her wrist.

But, that wasn't the end of the pain.

Asagi felt a stabbing pain in her right hand. She felt her arm feeling as if it were being electrocuted. Then, her arm began to throb violently while blue tentacles wiggled out of her bracelet's blue gem and began spreading all over the girl's arm, stretching across her body. Asagi screamed in horror as the blue tentacles raced all across her entire frame.

"GAAAAAUGH!!!!"

Naruko and the other woman watched in horror as Asagi was being fused with the Cloneblade. Green armor quickly ran across her body, replacing the article of clothing she wore. Numerous spiked jutted out of her back as a long, prehensile armored tail stuck out the end of her back. Asagi's hair wavered out behind her hair and turned into a darker shade of grass green. Her eyes turned black with tiny orange irises from within. Her hands opened and closed, tightening and popping as her fingers turned into lizard-like claws. Clear smoke emerged out of her armor as Asagi breathed heavily. She stood up on her high-heeled feet, which clicked as she stepped forward. Asagi gasped, taking a few deep breaths while examining her body.

"Wh-what happened to me?! What have you done?!" Asagi screamed, frantically looking all across her body. Her voice tone altered with a hissing sound to fit with her new form. "I... I look like a FREAK!!"

Amachi snickered as he clapped his hands. "How does it feel, dear? Do you feel the Cloneblade's power coursing through your young body? It feels... invigorating, doesn't it? You've always longed to wield great power and now you can use it serve Orochimaru-sama. With this power, you'll find and kill the girl with the Witchblade!"

Naruko trembled as sheer anger overwhelmed her. Her hands tightly gripped the cell bars. "Not on your life, you bastard! Get that thing off Asagi!"

"She made her choice I'm afraid. There's no turning back-" Amachi was cut off mid-sentence as he saw Asagi quickly charging toward him.

The bloodlust had quickly neutralized her rational human mind. The berserker of the Cloneblade had completely taken over, heightening the girl's aggressive, feral nature.

Asagi closed her right fist as a long blade jutted out of her arm. "YOU SON OF A BITCH!! YOU'RE GONNA PAY FOR THIS!!"

Isaribi attempted to intervene until Amachi pulled out a switch from his lab coat.

"FOR ALL THE PAIN AND FOR VIOLATING ME... HERE AND NOW DIE BY YOUR OWN EXPERIMENT!! RAAAG-!"

BOOM!!

Amachi had both eyes closed as he pressed an activation switch. He reopened them as he saw a cloud of green smoke billowing across the room. A sick grin slowly crept along the man's face as he stared at a pile of green crystallized dust. Amachi spat on remains of the former Cloneblade.

The women in the cells screamed in terror, realizing that this could be their fate.

Isaribi sighed regrettably. "..."

"You bitch! That's what you get!" Amachi snorted as he stomped the Asagi's remains, throwing a quick temper tantrum. "Again. Another failure! Kabuto is expecting perfect Cloneblade models! Ten of them! How can I expect to deliver ten perfect weapons by tomorrow morning!"

"YOU BASTARD!!" Naruko's screamed, which captured Amachi's attention and forced him to face her direction. "I WON'T LET YOU GET AWAY WITH THIS!"

Poof!

Uzumaki Naruto finally undid his henge form and quickly did his Kage Bushin no Jutsu. The Jinchuuriki summoned two clones, who already helped him create a Rasengan. The real Naruto lunged forward and slammed the spinning orb through the cell bars, blasting through them with overwhelming force.

"RASENGAN!!"

BOOM!!

Amachi cried out in horror as he tripped over and fell while trying to flee. Naruto stepped out of the demolished cell as his eyes turned blood red. The scientist looked at Naruto as if staring into the eyes of a demon that had busted through the gates of hell.

Isaribi quickly recognized him as she stepped back. "It's you!"

"You bastard! Toying with a girl's life like Asagi and disposing of her like trash?! Don't think you'll get away with turning anymore innocent girls into Cloneblades! Sakura-chan and I already have enough problems with other Cloneblades. We don't need to deal with a whole army of them!" Naruto growled, the intensity in his voice increased as he was ready to pulverize the scientist to a pulp. "All right, what's your story with that snake bastard?!"

"...how dare you address to Orochimaru-sama in such a derogatory manner! Boy, I've been warned that you and your Konoha colleagues would come here to destroy the Cloneblades I've worked hard on developing!"

"More like cloning and using them on innocent girls!" Naruto retorted. "I'm shutting this place down for good!"

Amachi bellowed with laughter. "Well, come and get me, boy! Just know that I have an insurance policy protecting my life..."

"Like I give a rats ass!" Naruto shouted while heading towards Amachi, clenching his right fist. "You're dead meat, you bas-"

Suddenly, Isaribi stepped out in front of Amachi and stood in between the two males. Naruto immediately stopped as his fist stopped several inches from Isaribi's face. The bandaged girls shot an attentively, concentrated glare into Naruto's eyes, which prompted him to back off. The fact that Isaribi was blocking Naruto from coming near Amachi astounded the teen.

"Isaribi, why...?" The Jinchuuriki said in disbelief.

"Very good, Isaribi. See, boy? I told you that I have an insurance policy and she's someone I can depend on," Amachi snickered manically.

Naruto grimaced as he pressed forward. "Out of the way, Isaribi!"

"No!"

"Do you see now, boy? The Cloneblade Project is simply the next step in my scientific research. These weapons... they're the next in line to become the new weapons for war. Shinobi nations can only depend on ninja for so long. Technology will one day replace the idealism of the old shinobi ways. The age you represent will be gone in the next few generations. What's the next best thing? Well, look around you..." Amachi threw his arms up as he spun around, entranced by the Cloneblade gauntlets sealed in numerous tanks within the laboratory. "Orochimaru-sama and myself hold the keys to a new type of military weapon. The Cloneblade models."

Naruto glared down Amachi, not taking his infuriated eyes off him.

"These weapons can only be wielded by women. It doesn't matter if they're kunoichi or not. I've just proved a minute ago that even a civilian girl can be turned into a deadly weapon consumed with sheer bloodlust. But, alas... there's still a few flaws I need to correct, but I'm making good progress. That's actually the first failed experiment I've had since Suzumebachi came to me and she was the last one to get the Cloneblade treatment."

"Shut up..." Naruto snarled.

"On top of the Cloneblade Project, I still devote my life on my Chimera experiments. As you can see, Isaribi is a Kaima Chimera-type. Notice the bandages she's wearing? She's hiding her skin... since it's sickening to look at. Does that make you feel sorry for her?"

Isaribi and Naruto stared at each other, not moving an inch from their places.

"Look at her. Thanks to the enhanced genetics of my Chimera experimentation, Isaribi has the physical ability to adapt to water. She combines the ability to breathe underwater and the muscle strength to move freely and quickly. Isaribi has allowed me to fulfill my dream to create a shinobi army best suited for underwater combat. This is just step one."

The blonde-haired Jinchuuriki trailed his eyes along, staring at Isaribi's Cloneblade bracelet.

"Oh, you just noticed?"

"So, you're one of the Cloneblade army, aren't you? Isaribi?" Naruto said.

"Yes, I am. I am one of the Cloneblade Five."

"Even so... why are you still protecting this scumbag? He's the one who made you this way!"

"Yes, but..." Isaribi lowered her face. "But, it can't be helped. The reason I chose to become a Cloneblade... was so he can turn my body back to normal! He's the only one who can do it! He promised... look and see for yourself." She untied the bandages around her face, showing the scaly green patches of reptilian skin on her left cheek.

"No, Isaribi..."

"People are judged based solely on their appearance. They don't even dare come near me just from being covered in these bandages. With these scales, I am a monster. I want to return to my former body! I want to be human again! For that reason, I decided to take part in the Cloneblade Project and become one of the first five to wield these weapons!"

"No!" Naruto snapped as he shouted at the girl. "You're a human even now, Isaribi!"

"...what did you say?"

"Yet, you join them and wield that Cloneblade! Sakura-chan and I have been fighting your Cloneblade friends! Sasame-chan died for trying to fight my friend! Don't you even think about trying to pick a fight with Sakura-chan! Isn't what you're doing far more like something a monster would do?!"

"Stop it... JUST SHUT UP!!" Isaribi screamed as her Cloneblade bracelet reacted in conjunction to her intense emotions.

"Isaribi, wait I..."

"I don't want to hear it!!" She placed her hands against her head, felling her entire right arm throbbing. A bright aura of green light outlined her body, surrounding her completely. "Shut up... SHUT UP!!!" Her screams suddenly turned into demonic roars as her entire right arm was covered in green armor with a giant scimitar-shaped blade jutting out of her elbow. "STOP! YOU'RE BULLYING ME!! I'LL KILL YOU!!" As she dropped to her knees, her entire frame was covered by layers of silver and green armor. Then, her entire frame started to expand and grow in stature.

"Isaribi..." Naruto gaped in shock. His eyes widened in horrifying disbelief as he saw Isaribi's shadow grow from a humanoid size into the size of a behemoth. What's happening to her?! Is this really her Cloneblade transformation?!

'SHE'S ALREADY BIGGER THAN ALMOST THIS WHOLE ROOM. YOU MIGHT AS WELL BRING ME OUT AT FULL POWER TO RIP HER TO PIECES!'

"NO!" Naruto refused the Kyuubi's offer as he stepped back, intimidated by Isaribi's growth and transformation. "What... what he has done to you?!"

Cackling like the madman that he was, Amachi was entranced by the monstrosity that was his favored experiment. "Yes... yes... OH YES!! Show everyone here how we deal with hateful people like this boy! Do you see how he fears you?! How he loathes you?! He thinks you're nothing but a monster!"

Raising her head, Isaribi opened her eyes. They were now glowing, red and soulless like a demon from the Underworld. The behemoth stood at a staggering and towering twenty-five feet tall. Her entire body was massive, covered entirely by layers of green and silver metallic skin. Armed with long, sharp claws on her hands and feet, the giant lifted her head as she busted through the rooftop. A jagged row of large, silver spiked lined across the back from back to the very tip of the tail. Her belly was solely covered in an orange pigmentation of dry scaly skin. The creature's snout was lined with rows of sharp teeth, utilized for biting down and tearing into flesh. Long, scimitar-shaped blades jutted out of its shoulder blades as it slowly prodded through the lab.

"Wait, Isaribi! Stop! You can't attack in this lab! Stop!"

Now fully transformed into her Cloneblade form, Isaribi narrowed its red monstrous eyes down at Naruto.

"RAAAAAAAAR!!!!" The Cloneblade bellowed out, loud enough to cause the entire lab to almost shake it under its foundation.

"Is-Isaribi...? So, it was you who attacked our boat... and you're the sea demon," Naruto stammered as he gaped at the sight of the towering Cloneblade. I never would imagine she'd look like this... no, I didn't want to think Isaribi would be a Cloneblade!

The scientist cackled like the crazed lunatic that he was. "Uzumaki Naruto. Allow me to introduce you to... Isaribi, member of the Cloneblade Five. Her designated code name is Sea Beast."

"You did this to her! You're mine-" Naruto stopped as Isaribi stomped her right foot in front of him, cutting him off from reaching Amachi. "Isaribi! Stop! Listen to me!"

Isaribi's voice, though barely recognizable and more otherworldly in tone, came out of the monster. "UZUMAKI NARUTO. YOU MUST DIE!"

xxxxx

To be continued...

Next time

Chapter 36: A Pain in a Beast's Heart! Naruto Reaches Out to Isaribi!

xxxxx

Witchblade Sakura Omake Segment

Laughing... Itachi?!

Uchiha Itachi and Haruno Sakura faced off on opposite sides of the open forest. Sakura arrived still wearing the infamous green jumpsuit. Paying the suit no mind, Sakura readied her right-arm to activate the Witchblade's power.

There was a sudden awkward moment of silence.

More awkward silence.

Neither shinobi said anything.

They made no sudden movement.

There was a dramatic pause as a close-up pan shot of the two shinobi was shown.

....

....

Sakura growled, already expressing impatience as she waited for Itachi to move.

"C'mon! Do something!" Sakura snapped.

Itachi closed his eyes, preparing to activate his Sharingan.

But, he wasn't about to activate his Sharingan's power.

Rather, from his own twisted and unpredictable Uchiha mind...

Unbeknownst to Sakura, Itachi's Inner self popped out and laughed... with a HUGE maniacal smile.

(Inner Itachi: 'LOL!!! HAHAHAHA!! WTF?! ZOMG!!! IS SHE WEARING... THAT?! THE ONE WORN BY THAT MAN KISAME WANTS TO FIGHT?! ROTFL-COPTER!! HEY, GET A PICTURE OF THIS AND WE CAN SEND THIS TO THE AKATSUKI ON EMAIL!')

Itachi sighed as he walked off, giving Sakura the cold shoulder. "...get rid of that stupid suit. You look ridiculous."

Sakura blinked thrice as she blew up and berated him. "THEY MADE ME WEAR THIS! THEY DID! I HAD NO CHOICE!"

(Inner Itachi: 'THIS IS REALLY GOING TO BRING THE LULZ TO THE FANDOM! SAKURA IN THE JUMPSUIT! WHO'S NEXT... YOU, ITACHI?! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!')

(Inner Sakura: 'WHY DON'T YOU COME OVER HERE AND SAY IT IN MY FACE, BITCH?! HA, I DIDN'T THINK PRINCE STOIC HAD A DEMENTED, LOOSE CANNON OF AN ALTER EGO!')

(Inner Itachi: 'YOUR VESSEL LOOKS TOTALLY LIKE... ZOMG... NOT SO COOL!')

(Inner Sakura: 'GREAT, NOW YOU'RE SOUNDING LIKE A VALLEY GIRL. I GUESS THE ICE PRINCE ACT WAS A FACADE THIS WHOLE TIME. THIS IS YOUR TRUE SELF.')

(Inner Itachi: 'LIKE... LOL!! THIS IS TOTALLY THE LULZ!')

Overhearing the inner spirits exchanging words, the Witchblade leaned back in his throne. "Ah, I think I may have found another roommate. Hehehe."

xxxxx

Kisame turned as he saw Itachi return from his confrontation with Sakura.

"So, how did it go, Itachi?"

"Let's not speak of it, Kisame."

"Why?"

Itachi sighed. "..."

(Inner Itachi: 'BECAUSE I WAS TOTALLY LMAO!! I MEAN... SHE WAS WEARING THE SUIT!')

"Sounds like something really bothered you. Care to tell, Itachi?"

"It's far worse than you can imagine. My Sharingan... couldn't penetrate that monstrosity."

Kisame sweatdropped. "Ermm..."

"The green spandex raped my eyes, Kisame."

"You don't mean..."

"The dreaded suit. She wields something even more powerful than the Witchblade."

"..." Kisame sweatdropped again. "Damn. That sucks. No wonder green is your least favorite color."

(Inner Itachi: 'HEHEHEHAHAHA, MY PHYSICAL SELF SUCKS AT LIFE. AWWW, BUHAHAHA!')

xxxxx

Translation notes

(Filler) Kesshō: Rokkaku Shuriken: Ranbu/Crystal: Hexagonal Shuriken: Wild Dance

Type: No rank. Offensive.

Range: All ranges.

User: Guren

The user, Guren, throws a vast amount of crystal shuriken to her opponent. This specific shuriken used resemble more like discs. When thrown, they resemble more like Frisbees.

--

(Filler) Shōton: Hashō Kōryū/Crystal Release: Tearing Crystal Falling Dragon

Type: No rank. Offensive.

Range: All ranges

User: Guren

The user crystallizes a material in an area, and then turns it into a dragon. It can be used as a means to travel or to attack a target. Several dragons can also be made and manipulated at once.

--

Suiton: Hahonryū/Water Release: Destructive Rapid Torrents

Type: Unknown. Defensive.

Range: Mid-range (0-5m)

User: Yamato

This specific technique lets the user summon a rapid river of water to attack their opponent.

--

Shōton: Suishōheki Hachi no Jin/Crystal Release: Jade Crystal Wall Eighth Formation

Type: No rank. Offensive. Supplementary.

Range: All ranges.

User: Guren

This jutsu will crystallize a large area and everything within its encompassing range.

--

Sen'eijashu/Hidden Shadow Snake Hands

Type: C-Rank. Offensive.

Range: Short range (0-5m)

User(s): Orochimaru, Mitarashi Anko

This is a jutsu that allows the user to eject snakes from their wrist or sleeve, usually following a punching or thrusting motion. These snakes are primarily used to attack from a distance; they can inflict poisonous wounds on a victim's body or bind them in place.

--

Shōton: Suishō Tō/Crystal Release: Jade Crystal Blade

Type: No-rank. Offensive.

Range: Short range (0-5m)

User: Guren

Solely used by Guren. With it, she can quickly form a blade forged from crystal on her arm, and use it almost similar to how a ninja uses a Tanto (a smaller katana). Blades can be form on both arms if need be.

--

Hijutsu: Mushidama/Secret Technique: Insect Sphere

Type: Hidden. No-rank. Offensive.

Range: All ranges.

Users: The Aburame Clan

Utilizing the destruction bugs, members of the Aburame clan surround their opponent with thousands of insects. They form a globe of insects around the opponent before they completely trap them. Once trapped, the insects would then drain the chakra and swallow their victim. If a victims does escape this globe, the bugs follow them instantly. Can stop victim from escaping by means of a jutsu.

--

Tsukuyomi

Type: Kekkei Genkai. Supplementary.

Range: Short range (0-5m)

User: Uchiha Itachi

Named after the Shinto Moon God, the Tsukuyomi is one of the most powerful Genjutsu in existence. Unique only in the Uchiha Clan and can only be used by those with the Mangekyo Sharingan. Overall, very self explanatory.

--

Shōton: Suishō Rō no Jutsu/Crystal Release: Jade Crystal Prison

Type: No rank. Supplementary.

Range: Short range (0-5m)

User: Guren

Guren uses this technique to encase an opponent in a crystal. If the crystal is shattered, the victim disintegrates along with the crystal particles.

xxxxx

A/N: Whew. That has got to be one of the longest chapters in this series. I tried to cram as much action as I could as well as a fair balance of comedy and dramatic scenes. And I had to make room for an omake!

Well, who know Guren had so many Crystal jutsu techniques! I had her almost go all out here.

I hope everyone liked that Sakura and Itachi meeting. Not much of a battle (even for a little bit), but the meeting with the Witchblade was more important. Inner Itachi... ehehe. I got inspiration from the laughing Itachi picture from the manga (Chapter 386). Craziness I tell you. =)

Isaribi's Cloneblade form. What can I say? Partially part Godzilla and part Cloneblade. Naruto's going to need some bigger guns to tackle this giant, but we'll see if he can save her. Oh, and there's going to be more to Isaribi's reason for joining the Cloneblades. It's far darker than what's presented in the actual anime filler. Let's just say that you're going to hate Amachi more and wish for his head on a platter.

Ah, Asagi. We hardly knew ye. Only lasted one chapter and died. Well, I did give her a cool and original Cloneblade form. A chameleon-type. She only served to demonstrate the flaw of the Cloneblade design. She might've made a decent ally, but her part was always going to be minimal. =/

Well, next time, I can promise more action, drama, and a little more random comedy (thanks to the omakes!). We have Cloneblade Isaribi, Amachi, and Guren. Oh, let's not forget about Konan and Shigure. Oh, and expect a HUGE surprise by the end of Chapter 36. It'll be a moment you'll all be looking forward to, which involved Naruto. =)

Until then, leave me a review when you're done reading.

Take care and see you next time!