This is Ryu Kotei with the winners of the poll...Minato and Kushina!
Minato: That kind of enthusiasm is a bit anticlimactic since my wife and I have been resurrected to fight our own son.
I know, but my fans have been waiting for this chapter as I had to make it longer than normal for the fight.
Kushina: Still, fighting my little baby boy...
What can I say? This is Orochimaru we're talking about. Anyway...
Minato & Kushina: Ryu Kotei does not own Naruto or the Persona series.
"Persona!" normal speech
"Persona!" thought/mind speak
"Persona!" demon/Shadow/Persona speak
Chapter 37: Confronting Family
*Inaba; Hospital*
Sasuke was sitting in one of the chairs near one of the rooms of the hospital and his stomach was doing flips. You've faced powerful jonin-level ninja, been trapped in Itachi's Tsukuyomi twice, and even Shadow versions of both yourself AND Naruto, Sasuke thought as he tapped his fingers on his knees, Hell, you've even tried to live through Naruto's life so this shouldn't be a problem…right? Sasuke could feel his heart speed up as his imagination began to go wild.
"They're ready for you, Mr. Uchiha," said the nurse as she walked out of the room. Can't back down now, Sasuke thought to himself as he knew that Naruto wouldn't forgive him if he chickened out now. "Th-thank you," the Uchiha said nervously as he entered the room where Nanako was laying in her bed with Ryotaro next to the bed in his wheelchair.
"Hello," said Ryotaro with authority in his voice as he greeted the teen, "Sasuke Uchiha. I'm glad you could join us." Sasuke nodded as he swallowed some of his unsettled nerves and said, "G-greetings, Dojima-san. I take it you didn't want me to just visit…did you?" The detective nodded as he said, "Right. I wanted you here to talk to Nanako about the last time you saw…Naruto before his banishment."
Seeing the confusion on the teen's face, Ryotaro continued, "You see, Jiraiya and Naruto had told us about the little scrap you boys had and Chisato and I thought it might be best if Nanako didn't learn about it until her older brother was ready to tell her. We have never thought that his world would come here though as we thought that Konoha or the Akatsuki wouldn't go after Naruto if he left the Elemental Countries." Sasuke froze has Naruto's adoptive father wanted him to tell Nanako about that fight…the last fight he had with the former blonde. "Are you sure you want me to tell your nine-year-old daughter about a fight Na…Kurama and I had?" Sasuke asked before getting a nod from Ryotaro, bringing dread to the Uchiha.
Sasuke sat in one of the chairs after moving it next to Nanako's bed with nervous tension in his heart. "Hey…uh…Nanako-chan," Sasuke said with a nervous smile to try and ease the tension, "How…How are you doing?" Nanako smiled as she showed the Uchiha the book Kurama had gotten for her. "Nii-san got me a book as he knew I'd get bored," Nanako said cheerfully, "He even told me that he and Rise-nee are going to get married soon; I get to have Risette as my Nee-chan!" Sasuke chuckled as he can imagine how grand the wedding will be and wondered if it might be possible for him to be best man. Get back on WHY you're here, Uchiha! Sasuke mentally reminded himself as he said, "That's great, Nanako-chan…"
The little girl saw the pained look on Sasuke's face before the teen let out a sigh. "Nanako," Sasuke started as he knew he had to get through with this, "I…I need to tell you about a really bad fight your Nii-san and I had a few years ago."
"You two had a bad fight?" Nanako asked as all joy had left the room. "Yeah," said the Uchiha as he knew there was no backing down now, "a really really bad fight…in fact…I had almost killed him." Sasuke saw Nanako's eyes widen in shock as he continued, "It…it all started during a really important exam that was going on in Konoha, where your Nii-san's originally from, and the two of us were on a three-man team with Sakura as the third person. We had met a very dangerous man…that is IF you could call it that…named Orochimaru and he did something to me." Sasuke pulled the collar of his shirt to show three commas bunched together at the back-left side of his neck that was surrounded by other intricate markings.
"Those three commas you see," said Sasuke as he moved a bit to let Ryotaro get a view, "are a mark that Orochimaru had placed on me: the Cursed Seal of Heaven. This seal…did things to my mind so that I would go to Orochimaru for more power." Sasuke readjusted his shirt, believing the two Dojimas had saw enough of that mark as he then said, "I eventually ran away, causing a team that included your Nii-san, to chase after me before it was eventually me and…me and Naruto."
"Naruto had tried talking me out of going to Orochimaru," Sasuke continued as he can still remember the whole fight thanks to his Sharingan imprinting it in his mind, "but I wouldn't listen. We eventually began to fight until…I used a powerful and dangerous attack on Naruto…creating that scar he has on his chest." Nanako hid a gasp as she remembers see that scar along with Kurama saying how sensitive it was; Sasuke caused that?! "Did Kurama-jiji help Nii-san?" Nanako asked, getting a confused look from Sasuke. "She means the Nine-Tailed Fox," Ryotaro added as he knew the Uchiha wouldn't know the demon fox's name.
"Y-Yeah," Sasuke said as he still remembers that insane aura of power during the fight, "The fight continued until I used the second form of the Cursed Mark and the two of us used our most strongest attacks. I soon woke up in the hospital to only learn that Naruto was banished." The Uchiha leaned back as he stared at the ceiling and said, "Thanks to Master Jiraiya, he created a powerful seal over the Cursed Mark to allow me to use it however I see fit without any form of backlash…but…I also had time to lament."
Sasuke stood up and walked to where Nanako and Ryotaro could see him and said, "What I'm about to show you…is the monster I realized that I was slowly turning into." Both Dojimas watched as black flames covered Sasuke's body before turning his skin and hair ash grey with a four-pointed star appearing on the bridge of his nose. The sound of tearing cloth was heard as webbed, clawed hand appeared from Sasuke's back and moved around like wings. "This is what I look like when I used that mark," said Sasuke before he let out a sigh, "This is actually the second time I did this since Naruto's banishment and honestly…I'm not proud of what I've become…of how far I've fallen."
Sasuke returned to normal before he then said, "Throughout the rest of the time, I've spent it trying to redeem myself by trying to go through what Naruto had to go through…heh…I couldn't even last a month without thinking of taking my own life where Naruto had gone a whole thirteen years." The Uchiha swallowed a lump in his throat as he continued, "When we heard of where Naruto was, I was excited because I wanted him to forgive me for everything that I had done to him. I've called him a coward without knowing of the true horrors he faced, insulted his skills without even thinking that his education was sabotaged, and worst of all…I had even enjoyed calling him a loser because I felt so superior as I had everything while he had nothing." Tears soon began to roll off Sasuke's face as it burned him that he was like that; how could he be like that to someone who was actually as much as a brother to him in all but blood?!
"It's okay," Sasuke heard Nanako say, much to his shock as he looked at the girl. "Wha…What are you talking about? I almost killed your brother!" Sasuke said in pure disbelief. "Nii-san already told me about how he got those scars," Nanako said, "He never told me who he was fighting when he got those scars as he only told me that he got them from someone who was lost and desperate. He forgives you as you were just confused and wasn't thinking right because of that mark. People make mistakes." Sasuke wasn't sure about what to say or how to feel as this little girl had practically forgave him for almost killing her older brother.
"While Naruto and Nanako forgive you," said Ryotaro as he turned his char to face the Uchiha, "I am disappointed that you would do something like that to such a person just for more power. I remember a line from a movie my son and I had watched some time ago: With great power comes great responsibility. You had such power at a young age, but you ended letting yourself be controlled by not just that mark, but your own lust for power as well. By exercising that control of that power, you also learn of what that power can do if put into the wrong hands." The older Dojima leaned back as he then said, "I am willing to let this slide, but I want you to understand that ALL actions, good or bad, have consequences that you will have to face sooner or later in the future. So be careful on what you do with that power." Sasuke nodded as he let Ryotaro's words echo in his skull before her said, "I'll ensure that I do use the power I was given correctly, Ryotaro-san. Thank you."
Sasuke smiled as he knew Ryotaro was right as Sasuke did admit that he had potential beyond his own belief and with the right guidance, the Uchiha will rise again under a new ideal. Thank you, Dojima-san, Sasuke thought as he said his goodbyes as he left the hospital, and thank you, Naruto, for helping me find my new path in life.
*Shadow World; Magatsu Mandala*
Kurama stared in pure horror as from the two coffins beside Kabuto walked out Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze…his parents. "Lord Orochimaru thought that it might be…appropriate for Naruto to have a little family reunion," said Kabuto with a dark chuckle. That bastard, Yosuke thought as he stared at Kurama's once dead parents, Raising a guy's dead parents is an all-time low! Kurama felt his blood boil in complete rage at the thought alone of Orochimaru raising his parents from the dead like that…it was sickening.
"Minato-kun," Kushina said with a heavy heart as she knew that she and her husband were raised from the dead. "I know Kushina," said Minato as he felt something go inside of him while he saw Kabuto pushed a kunai with a seal attached to it inside Kushina, "but it appears we have no choice in the matter as Kabuto had reinforced the seal to gain better control over us." Kushina sadly nodded as she drew her sword while Minato got out his tri-pronged kunai knife. "Get ready," Minato said as he looked at the Investigation Team, "for the fight of your life!"
*Shadow World; Magatsu Inaba*
"Wow," said Adachi as Orochimaru had just told him who were in the coffins, "Using a kid's own parents to fight him…that is sickening, but I do have a question." The corrupt cop faced the Snake Sannin and asked, "You said that Minato Namikaze used a jutsu that sacrificed his soul for the Shinigami to devour. How did you get Minato's soul?"
"Well you see, Tohru-san," Orochimaru began with a smile, "the Uzumaki Clan had a temple that had many masks stored inside…one of them being a mask that allows one to control the Shinigami. A had a volunteer don the mask before cutting his stomach open, making the Shinigami cutting his own stomach and releasing the souls inside." The Snake Sannin chuckled as he then said, "I could have brought back Jiraiya or Sarutobi-sensei, but why not give the boy a nice family reunion with his mother and father instead?" Again, Adachi thought as he was glad he was on this guy's side, crazy psychopath, but he sure made this much more interesting.
A growl was heard from inside Adachi's mind as the corrupt cop thought, Soon, my friend…just be patient…
*Shadow World; Magatsu Mandala*
The Inaba Investigation Team prepared themselves as Minato and Kushina charged towards them, unable to free themselves from Kabuto's control. Minato flew towards Yu with a tri-pronged kunai in his hand and was about to slash when Izanagi appeared and blocked him. "He doesn't have full control over us," Minato said as he and the Persona were in a pushing battle, "one of the drawbacks of this jutsu is that Kushina and I can still talk to you so we'll try and help however we can!" Yu nodded as Izanagi successfully won the clash before smacking Minato away.
"Sorry about this, Kushina-san," said Yukiko as she summoned Amaterasu, "Agidyne!" Kushina was blasted by a large wave of fire and when the fire and ash cleared, half of her upper body was burned away before her damaged body was reconstructed back to normal. "I'm afraid that our resurrected bodies will not be destroyed that easily," said Kushina as she tried to cut Yukiko with her sword before being intercepted by Suzuka-Gongen, "The best way to defeat us would be to set us free or defeat Kabuto."
"Oh no you don't!" Kabuto roared, "Kushina! Minato! Protect me!" The two resurrected souls jumped back and stood as shields in front of the man. "Eat this, you coward!" said Yosuke as he summoned Susano-O, "Magarudyne!" The Persona swung both arms forward as powerful gusts of wind rushed towards the three ninja. The winds slammed into them harshly as Kushina and Kabuto were pushed back some while Minato stood strong. "Sorry, Yosuke-kun," said Minato as he was unfazed by the gust of wind, "it appears that my Wind nature protects me from such an attack." Kabuto began to laugh as he said, "Don't even bother with water attacks as Kushina's nature is Water and since these two are examples of the strongest Konoha has to offer, you brats couldn't even touch me if you tried!"
If Minato is strong against wind, Yu thought as he switched out Izanagi for Thor, let's see if he can handle a little shock. "Thor!" Yu shouted as the Norse God Persona appeared, "Ziodyne!" Thor raised his mallet into the sky as a giant bolt of lightning fell and struck Minato with a mighty crash. The resurrected man faltered a bit, but he remained strong with the only exception of electricity sparking around his body. "I can't move," said Minato as his body struggled with the voltage, "keep it up!"
"Sorry, Mom," said Kurama as he summoned Inari, "Garudyne!" The golden fox blew a large gust of air from its mouth as the gust hit Kushina hard. "It's okay, souchi," Kushina said as some of her body had healed itself, "I know you mean well, so please don't worry about it." Kabuto looked to see that Minato wasn't going to be moving anytime soon and said, "Kushina! Attack: Target the girl in red!" with a regretful nod, the Uzumaki woman rushed towards Yukiko with her sword drawn while Kabut remained behind the paralyzed Minato. "Forgive me," said Kushina as she used her kenjutsu skill and slashed Yukiko, causing cuts to form on her body. "Kamui!" Teddie called as his Persona appeared, "Bufudyne!"
Kushina was struck by a large block of ice, but despite the force of the impact she remained strong. "It appears that my Water nature does provide some protection," said Kushina as there was frost in her red hair, "Do any of you know any Earth Jutsus?" We don't know any jutsus, Yu thought bitterly as he could tell that Minato was slowly gaining some mobility. "Rise!" Yu called out to the girl, "See if you can find any weaknesses!" Rise nodded as she focused her attention on the three opponents before she got the information. "Kushina is strong against Physical, Ice, Light, and Dark attacks; Minato is strong against Wind, Light, and Dark attacks but he's weak to Fire attacks; Kabuto is strong against Ice, Light, and Dark attacks but he's weak to Wind attacks!"
"You're not the only ones who have a Sensor!" said Kabuto as Minato finally regained fully mobility, "Minato! Use your skills and target those who are weak to you!" With a slight grunt, Minato focused his abilities before his eyes were set on Yu as he weaved his hands into a few seals. "Brace yourself, Yu!" said Minato before he launched a palm forward with a huge gust of wind flying towards the teen, "Wind Style: Great Breakthrough Jutsu!" Yu didn't have enough time as he was violently launched by the gust of wind before Minato rushed towards Yu with a kick to the stomach. "Inari!" said Kurama as he rushed towards his resurrected father, "Agidyne!" Inari took a swing from the gourd label 'grain' before letting out a huge stream of fire aimed towards Minato. The Namikaze was launched to the ground with scorch marks and burns on his body as he said, "Did that fox just drink grain alcohol? Do you drink, son?"
"I have tried it before," said Kurama as he helped Yu onto his feet, "Hated the taste." Kurama then tightened his fists as he said, "Masukukaja!" Inari's eyes glowed a brilliant green light as the Investigation Team's bodies felt lighter. Teddie smirked as he summoned Kamui and said, "Matarukaja!" The Persona waved its claws in the air as the Investigation Team felt stronger as Chie and Yosuke rushed in towards Kabuto.
"God's Hand!"
"Brave Blade!"
Kabuto couldn't defend himself in time as both Personas had struck him hard, launching him a good few meters. "Damn it," Kabuto said as he pushed himself onto his feet, "It appears that you brats are more stubborn than I thought. Kushina! Trap those two with your chains!" Kushina sadly nodded as golden chains flew from her back and twisted tightly around Yosuke, Chie, and their Personas. "Hey let us go!" Yosuke said as he struggled against the chains, "These chains are really chaffing into me!" Yu looked at his trapped friends and said, "Kurama! Yukiko! Try and get Yosuke and Chie free!"
"Rasengan!" said Minato as he charged towards Yu, but missed when the teen jumped to the side. "White Rider!" the teen called out as Thor vanished as a cloaked skeleton wielding a bow and riding a white horse appeared, "Agidyne!" White Rider pulled the drawstring of the bow back as an arrow made of fire appeared before launching the attack towards Minato. The Namikaze vanished in a blink of light and reappeared before he said, "Never in my life would I have ever thought of fighting another form of the Shinigami. You are indeed quite skilled with your gift, Yu Narukami." Yu sneered as he knew that Minato wasn't going to be an easy opponent with him jumping around the area.
Kurama and Yukiko rushed towards Chie and Yosuke before being intercepted by Kushina. "If you want to set your friends free," Kushina said as she had her sword drawn, "then you have to use your best attacks on either them or me." Yukiko looked at Kurama and said, "Sorry, Kurama-kun. Agidyne!" Amaterasu launched a powerful fireball towards Kushina while Kurama had Inari launch a stream of fire alongside. Both attacked connected as the chains' luster began to fade, but they were still strong as Kushina shook the dust and soot off of herself. "Please forgive me," said Kushina as she landed multiple attacks on Kurama and Yukiko, causing cuts to form on them. Yukiko quickly had her Persona heal her and Kurama while Inari spewed a gust of wind from its mouth. "Chie! Yosuke!" Kurama called out, "Can you break free?"
"No, not yet," said Chie as she had Suzuka-Gongen use all her might, "These are some tough chains." Kushina was hit by the gust as the chains' luster faded some more, but it still wasn't enough. Yukiko managed to avoid an attack from Kushina and was able to have Amaterasu blast the woman in the back with a fireball, finally making the chains break. "Alright, we're back in the game!" Yosuke cheered as he and Chie lightly massaged their shoulders, "Susano-O! Brave Blade!"
*clash!*
The Persona's saw blade was blocked by Kushina's sword, putting them into a pushing deadlock. "We'll take it from here!" said Chie as Suzuka-Gongen's muscles pulsed with raw power, "You guys take care of the creep!" Susano-O was pushed back by Kushina as the woman landed several cuts onto his body, cutting Yosuke up as well. "God's Hand!" Chie roared as Suzuka-Gongen landed a powerful haymaker on Kushina, launching her into a pile of rubble. "I think we're getting through," said Yosuke as he could still feel the cuts on his body as Kushina was lying on the ground with a part of her body collapsed inside of itself. "You've only stunned me," said Kushina as her body was slowly being restore, "Unless you set us free or defeat Kabuto, I will rise and fight again."
"No use beating a dead body," said Yosuke as he watched Kushina's body restore itself, "Looks like it'll be a while before Kushina can get up. Let's help the others for as long as we can." Chie took another look as Kushina and said, "Right. You help Yu and Teddie while I give Kurama and Yukiko a hand." The two rushed towards the two groups as Kushina smiled and said, "Stay strong."
Kabuto was avoiding the barrage of attacks from Kurama and Yukiko when Chie entered the fray with a kick to the man's jaw. "I see you've stopped Kushina," Kabuto said as he massaged his jaw back into place, "no matter, even without the Nine-Tailed Fox's previous jinchuriki I can still beat you!" Bringing out a hidden scalpel, Kabuto began to go on the offense as he slashed at the trio with the medical knife. "Garudyne!" said Kurama as Inari let out a gust of air at point blank range of Kabuto. The attack sent the man flying while Suzuka-Gongen let out a barrage of attacks before jumping away before Kabuto could retaliate.
"You really think you can keep protecting Naruto?" Kabuto asked as he slowly got to his feet, "There are more than just Lord Orochimaru after him you know; the Akatsuki will show you no mercy and just kill you right where you stand to get the jinchuriki." I doubt that they would know of my location, Kurama thought as he steeled his nerves, but then again…NO! Aside from Konoha, the info about my whereabouts died with Jiraiya, so I'm still safe. "We'll fight even harder to keep our friend safe from monsters like you!" Chie said with a sharp glare in her eyes, gaining a smile from the jinchuriki. Thanks Chie, Kurama thought as he knew that his friends wouldn't abandon him.
"I see," said Kabuto as he pulled out a small pill, "I guess I could save them the trouble of killing you MYSELF!" The man hurled the pill towards the fallen Kushina, the pill quickly zipping by the group, and melding into her body. A flash of light shone before Kushina jumped onto her feet as her body was now fully restored. "I must fight again," Kushina said as she held her sword out, "Forgive me." Kurama growled until he saw Chie and Yukiko rush towards Kushina with their Personas following. "You deal with Kabuto," said Chie as she and Yukiko fused with their Personas, "We'll deal with your mother!" Yosuke saw Chie and Yukiko in their fused forms and said, "Yu, go and help Kurama; we can handle Minato!"
"You sure?" Yu asked as he dodged an attack from the Namikaze. Yosuke and Teddie fused with their Personas as the two of them said, "Of course, now go!"
"Right," said Yu as he was able to dash by Minato with the help of his friends. "Kushina! Minato!" Kabuto roared as he saw Kurama and Yu charge towards him, "The time for holding back is over!" The two reanimated couple nodded regretfully as their faces hardened with determination. "We believe in you, Naruto-kun!" Kushina called out as nine golden chains formed from her back, "Stop Kabuto so that your father and I can rest in peace!" Minato looked behind his shoulder and said, "Naruto! Never give up as I knew that if anyone could hold the power of the Kyuubi, it would be you and always remember that we are proud of you son!" Thank you, Kurama thought, hiding a smile as he and Yu began to fight Kabuto, Mom…Dad.
Minato jumped into the sky and began throwing a hailstorm of tri-pronged knives, but the Investigation Team noted how none of the knives had hit them. "Brace yourselves!" Minato yelled towards the group, "Kabuto's having me use my famous Flying Thunder God Jutsu!" Yosuke/Susano-O dashed in for a kick, but missed as the Namikaze vanished in a yellow flash before reappearing as he delivered a kick to the teen's back. "What the…" Yosuke/Susano-O asked in shock, "How did you do that?" Minato held up a tri-pronged kunai and said, "My famous jutsu allows me to teleport to any of my specially marked kunai knives as this jutsu had given me my famous name…The Yellow Flash."
Dammit, Yosuke thought as Minato kept disappearing and reappearing all around the fight while the blonde landed several attack on him and Teddie, He's too fast for me to even see…guess I have to go for it. Minato and Teddie/Kamui saw the large saw blade around Yosuke/Susano-O's body shrink down to half its size while the Persona-infused teen got to his feet. Teddie/Kamui blinked to only see Yosuke/Susano-O landing a punch on the Namikaze before vanishing again. Minato looked around to see Yosuke/Susano-O dashing around very quickly before the teen had kicked him in the stomach. He reminds me of the time I faced the Raikage, Minato thought as two more high speed punches had hit him, he's so fast!
Yosuke/Susano-O ran around Minato while landing a few good shots while feeling the slight strain on his body. Susano-O had warned me about this power, the teen thought as he saw that Minato was slowly getting the timing right with his blocks. Yosuke remembered talking to his Persona about this power…
Flashback
*Yosuke's Mindscape*
Yosuke had finished some mental training with his Persona as he noted that Susano-O was faster than before. "How are you so fast?" Yosuke groaned as he sat up, "I could barely see you." The Persona pointed to the orbiting saw blade and said, "My speed is mostly regulated by the size of my belt." That's a belt? Yosuke thought as Susano-O saw the confused look on his face. "You see Yosuke," Susano-O began as he slowly began to shift the saw blade's size, "my belt allows me to adjust my speed at a moment's notice. The tighter the belt, the faster I am, but the more loose the belt is, the slower my attacks will be." The teen looked at the saw blade and said, "Huh…all this time I thought it was a weapon."
"It is a weapon."
Talk about corporal punishment…
Flashback End
Yosuke/Susano-O were brought back into reality when Minato had landed a punch on his face. "It appears I'm getting the timing right, Yosuke-kun," said Minato as he flexed his fist before he and the teen when into a barrage of attacks and counterattacks. "Guess I have no choice," said Yosuke/Susano-O as the saw blade was now hugging his waist, "Nine Twisters!" The Persona-infused teen rushed towards Minato and to the man's shock, there were NINE Yosuke/Susano-Os rushing towards him. Before he could move, Minato was assaulted by a barrage of attacks that threw him all over the place as he felt like he was trapped inside the most violent twister in the world. Rise stared in paralyzing awe as she said, "Holy crap, Yosuke-senpai's incredibly fast! I can barely tell which Yosuke is the real Yosuke!" The barrage ended with Minato suspended in midair with all nine Yosuke/Susano-Os right above him. "Here's the finisher!" said the teens as they all gave the Namikaze a combined attack, sending the man flying down to the ground with an earthshaking crash.
The Persona-infused teens fell to the ground before eight of them vanished to reveal the real Yosuke/Susano-O on his knees, trying to hold himself up. "Dammit," said Yosuke/Susano-O as his body had felt like he had ran through multiple cheese graters, "my whole body is screaming in pain." The dust settled to reveal Minato on his feet with parts of his body caved in and his arms missing. "I must say that I'm very impressed," Minato said as his body was regenerating, "I never would have thought of actually meeting someone who was a lot faster than I was." He took that attack and he's still standing?! Yosuke thought as he pushed his now straining body to his feet, I'm nearly spent so you two better take care of that Kabuto freak.
Chie/Suzuka-Gongen kept clashing with Kushina while Yukiko/Amaterasu was providing support through her skills and healing. "The two of you fight well," said Kushina as she sent chains toward Yukiko/Amaterasu, only to miss as the teen flew to the side, "but unfortunately I'm one of the best kenjutsu masters in Konoha." Chie/Suzuka-Gongen tightened her grip before rushing towards the woman, but missed as Kushina jumped away and tying a chain around the teen's arm. "You may be the best," Chie/Suzuka-Gongen said as her muscles flexed with power running through them, "but I don't hold back in a fight!" Chie/Suzuka-Gongen twisted her body to lift the Uzumaki woman before pulling on the chain, causing Kushina to collide with a powerful fist to the face. "Chie, toss her over here!" said Yukiko/Amaterasu as her friend let go of the chain and sent Kushina flying into the air, "Agidyne!"
*ker-BOOM!*
A massive fireball exploded with Kushina in the center, launching the woman further into the air before Chie/Suzuka-Gongen rushed up and tossed Kushina violently into the ground. "Better finish this quickly and help the guys," said Chie/Suzuka-Gongen as her armor evaporated into light, revealing Chie's face with long, snow-white hair, leaving the Persona-infused teen in a black bodysuit with boots and gloves. The teen raised both hand into the air as if she was raising a mighty sword and in a bright light, her armor reappeared above her to form a giant sword hilt and guard while a giant red beam extended from the formation into the shape of a sword. "Blade of Hephaestus!" roared Chie/Suzuka-Gongen as she swung the blade towards Kushina, not only slicing the woman in half, but leaving a giant gash in the ground from where the blade had hit.
"That was awesome, Chie!" Yukiko/Amaterasu cheered as the giant sword vanished while Chie/Suzuka-Gongen began to fall towards the ground. Yukiko/Amaterasu quickly flew towards the falling teen and caught her before gently floating down to the ground safely. "Guess I used a bit too much power," Chie/Suzuka-Gongen weakly said as she powered down, "My arms are screaming with pain." Seeing Kushina slowly recovering from the attack, Yukiko/Amaterasu held her arms towards Chie and began to heal her. "What are you doing Yukiko," Chie said as she silently winced at her arms healing, "I can't fight anymore as that last attack really tore my arms up and Kushina's still too powerful." Even though he glowing form hid her face, Yukiko/Amaterasu gave Chie a smile and said, "I know, but the time for me to be hiding behind my friends is about to end."
Teddie/Kamui watched Minato walk towards Yosuke/Susano-O with his body still slowly regenerating. I need to do something, Teddie thought as the look on the teen's form showed that Yosuke/Susano-O couldn't move as much due to the last attack, I need to save Yosuke-kun and Minato-san! Using the rocket attached to him, Teddie/Kamui launched himself towards Minato in an attempted to tackle him. Minato moved his still regenerating body and evaded the bear's attack as he said, "Even with my body temporarily injured like this, I can still avoid attacks like that." Teddie/Kamui crashed into a wall before rolling back onto his feet and thought, If I could just get him to hold still…then I can show him my REAL power!
Kurama and Yu were fighting Kabuto while avoiding the man's attacks. "It appears that you're already down two people," said Kabuto as he saw Chie and Yosuke's weakened state, "Even if you had an army of thousands, you're no match for the power of the Yondaime Hokage and his wife." Kabuto was able to land a crippling shot at Kurama's left arm, disabling the limb as the teen let out a yelp of pain. "Kurama! Gah!" said Yu as he felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his shoulders as his arms were now hanging limp. "Just give it up," said Kabuto with his hands glowing while Yu stumbled away from him, "The two of you are no match for me as I have perfected my skills over the years." Kurama chuckled as he countered, "What about the time I kicked your ass when Pedo-maru was fighting Baa-chan and Pervy Sage?" Kabuto scowled and said, "That was only because you got lucky and caught me by surprise with your father's jutsu." That and I wasn't expecting such power, the man mentally added as he remembered that day, but he doesn't need to know that. "But that's all in the past," said Kabuto as he slowly walked towards the two, "Today will be different after I kill your friends and hand you over to Lord Orochimaru…Naruto."
"Don't count on it, Teme," said Kurama as he fused with Inari, "Like me, my friends are too damn stubborn to let things end like this."
Yukiko/Amaterasu walked towards Kushina as her sword and wreath vanished before reforming into a large dome around both fighters. "Yukiko…" said Chie as she watched her friend's body glow brighter than before, "…I believe in you…Sis." The dome shrank as Yukiko/Amaterasu and Kushina got closer to each other. "Now it is my turn to show you the full power of the Sun Goddess," said Yukiko/Amaterasu as she then tackled Kushina into a tight hold.
Minato turned to face Teddie/Kamui when he felt something grab hold of him from behind. "Teddie!" Yosuke/Susano-O shouted as he not only struggled to hold Minato in place, but keeping his own power from giving out, "You only got one shot so make this count!" Teddie/Kamui nodded as he got into a wide sumo stance with the rocket blasting him. Now I have to make this count! Teddie thought as he kept himself from flying off too soon. "Hurry Ted!" Yosuke/Susano-O yelled as he still continued to struggle, "I'm not sure about how much longer I can hold him!"
"Kabuto," said Kurama/Inari as he held out a hand as a golden sphere formed above his palm, "you may have the power of my birth parents at your side, but there is one thing that will allow us to ever overpower them." Yu stepped away in awe at the power he felt from Kurama while Kabuto charged towards the Persona-infused teen with his hands glowing from the chakra. "I don't care about what Lord Orochimaru wants from you!" the man roared as he slammed his palm into Kurama's chest, "This is where you will die!" Unfazed, Kurama/Inari grabbed Kabuto and said, "The power that grants us our strength is not our Personas or the jinchuriki powers we have…It's the power of OUR HEARTS!"
"Solar Reflection!" said Yukiko/Amaterasu as beams of heat and light were launched from her body as she tightened her hug on Kushina with each beam bouncing off several mirrors and forming a glowing dome of pure heat and energy.
"Grizzly Rush!" Teddie/Kamui as he let the rocket launch him towards Minato and Yosuke/Susano-O. Teddie slammed harshly into the duo before Yosuke/Susano-O let go and fell to the side as he powered down. "Go wild…" Yosuke said weakly as Teddie/Kamui sandwiched Minato into a wall, "…Teddie."
Kurama/Inari smirked and said, "End of the line…traitor." The teen then slammed the golden sphere into Kabuto's chest and said, "Zen'no Rasengan!" Kabuto was blasted away by the attack as the sphere was launched from the teen's palm. The man let out a painful scream as he felt his body getting atomized by the attack from the inside out with the purest form of energy coursing wildly through his veins. Amazing, Yu thought as he had to shield his eyes from the brilliance, this power in incredible.
The dust settled to reveal Kabuto slamming into the ground, his glasses completely shattered and his body unmoving. Yukiko also appeared from the dust depowered as she carried Chie to the best of her own strength while Teddie, also depowered, wobbly walked with Yosuke resting on his head. Kurama had powered down as he turned to face his friends with a small smile. They had won.
"Ugh!" Kurama choked out as he fell down to the ground with shrunken pupils. "KURAMA!" Rise shrieked as she ran towards the fallen teen and examined him, "He's…he's not…moving…" Everyone looked in horror at their dead friend with shock and sadness…until his body began to glow. "You will not fall," said a mysterious voice as a figure of an elderly man wearing white robes appeared, "the Will of Fire will shine brightly…my grandson." The figure soon vanished as Kurama jolted upwards as he drew his breath and had gone into a small coughing fit. "Kurama-kun!" Rise cheered as she pulled her boyfriend into a hug and gave him a quick kiss, "You're alive! You're alive!"
"Will of Fire, Hime," Kurama said as he slowly sat up, "Will of Fire." The sound of footsteps alerted everyone as they turned to see Minato and Kushina walking towards them. "Dammit," said Yosuke as he was still feeling the strain on his body, "You said that if Kabuto was taken out, we wouldn't have to deal with you two!" The couple chuckled as Kushina said, "We are free, Yosuke-kun. Now that Kabuto is no longer controlling us, we can go back to the hereafter." Minato then walked towards Kurama and kneeled as he said, "I'm very proud of you, son. You and your friends have what it takes to carry the Will of Fire."
Minato saw the state everyone was in and said, "With some of the additional powers Kabuto had place inside of us, we can restore your bodies back into full condition…unfortunately it won't let us restore your energies." With a quick snap of his fingers, Minato summoned a blue aura that enveloped everyone's bodies and all of their injuries had suddenly been washed away. Yosuke slid onto his feet and stretched as his torn muscles were fixed and the strain was gone, but like the Namikaze had said, he was still very winded. "Orochimaru is still incredibly powerful," Minato as he then looked at Kurama, "That is why I'm going to unseal your chakra and give you the remaining half of Kurama's chakra." Minato weaved a few hand signs and with a vocal release, markings formed on Kurama's exposed skin before vanishing into mist. "I…" said Kurama as he could feel energy coursing through his veins as chakra swam through them once more, "I can feel my power." Inside the teen's mind, Fox Kurama drew in a breath as he too felt his full power returning to him and said, "I'm back in the game, baby!"
The couple's body soon began to fade away as Minato said, "Guess we have to return to the hereafter…at least I won't be going back inside the Shinigami's Stomach." Both Minato and Kushina looked as Kurama got to his feet with the teen seeing their smiling faces. "Thank you, Mom, Dad," said Kurama as his parents smiled back at him with pride, "I'll always remember you guys." The couple faded away as their voice echoed throughout the area, filling the hearts of the Investigation Team with love.
"We love you…Naruto Dojima."
Now that Naruto/Kurama can access their chakra and Fox Kurama having his full power back, what will happen when he faces Orochimaru and Adachi? Don't forget to rate and review!
Ja ne!