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 and NejiTen.
A/N: You know the drill. The Dark Star arc continues. More action and drama coming your way. Kira and Kisa face Naruto and the Konoha team. The fates of Sakura and Tenten hang into balance! Oh, the tension. And there'll be another Witchblade Encyclopedia segment at the end of this chapter. Hosted by Gin from Bleach. What mayhem will occur in the omake?! You tell me.
Time to see how everything plays out in this arc. At this rate, I can safely say there'll be 2 or 3 chapters left before this arc is done.
Nothing else to say.
On with the chapter, enjoy.
xxxxx
Chapter 42
Arc IV: Cloneblades
Part III: The Dark Star Arc
The Hoshikage's Fall; Otogakure's Guile!
xxxxx
Poison Gas Crevice/Near Bear Country's Border/Hoshigakure/Bear Country
"Aww, they fell into the pit. Too bad. I hope they enjoy their fall!" Kira giggled like the depraved psychopath she was.
Like her sister, Kisa shared an evil laugh. "Oh, but let's not be hasty. We should go down there and at least get the Witchblade. Kabuto demands for it."
"Eh, might as w-"
POW!!
Kira's head snapped back as an overwhelming force clean clocked her.
"Kira!!" Kisa cried out.
But, just like twin sister, that same overpowering force blasted Kisa in the back.
Kisa plummeted to the ground as Excalibur Naruto ran up to her. The Excalibur-wielder roared out with fury as he snatched Kisa's right arm and threw her twenty feet across.
"You take the other one, Lee!" Naruto called out as he dashed toward Kisa with sword in hand.
Before Kira had a chance to recover, she saw Rock Lee running up to her at super sonic speed. He landed a right punch at Kira, who doubled over from Lee's stiff shot and was sent ten feet across.
"THIS ONE IS FOR TENTEN!" Lee shouted at the top of his lungs. He crouched over and vanished in a blur.
Lee released the first two gates: the Gates of Opening and Healing.
Before Kira even hit the ground, Lee ran under her body and landed a swift kick with his left foot.
"SHIT!!" The Twin Blade cursed as Lee's kick knocked her twenty feet into the air.
"And that one... WAS FOR SAKURA-SAN!!"
As Naruto and Lee engaged the Twin Blades, Neji quickly reached the edge of the crevice and activated his Byakugan. He immediately spotted Sakura and Tenten by carried off by a winged figure. He zoomed his vision in and got a closer look at the aerial figure.
"Can it be?" Neji whispered. "That woman just saved Sakura and Tenten."
"You're wasting your time... fool..." Akahoshi coughed as he steadied himself upright. "Your friends and that witch, Natsuhi, are in the after life."
The Hyuuga clan member pivoted his head and smirked. "Afraid not, Akahoshi. The woman survived and she saved our two friends. Big miscalculation on your part." He released a big sigh of relief, knowing his two friends were saved from a disastrous fall into the abyss. Thank goodness you two are fine. Tenten. Sakura.
"You're lying!" Akahoshi snapped, completely in denial.
Neji grimaced, insulted by Akahoshi's accusation. "My eyes don't lie. Akahoshi, I think it's about time you pay for your crimes." With that, he paced toward the frightened Hoshikage.
"Please... no... get back!" Akahoshi pleaded as he backpedaled. He tripped over a rock and fell back. "I... I didn't mean... to collaborate with Oto!"
"So you say, but I'm not convinced, Akahoshi," Neji firmly stated as he walked toward Akahoshi. "We already know you're planning to share the meteors with them. Don't you realize your own people are suffering thanks to exposure to the meteors? There's a deadly source of energy that's been detrimental to those students."
Akahoshi gaped as he moved back. "Get back... please! I don't know what you're... the meteors are supposed to augment their chakra."
"But, in the process, overexposure to the stars will kill them. You're only experimenting with them."
"A risk I'm willing to take.... If they can't handle it, they're not worthy."
Neji gritted his teeth as he tightened his fists. "You monster..."
"And I say to you, Konoha-nin... this mission is over! Your services are no longer required!" Akahoshi shouted. "The thief has already been taken care of, but... not by your hands."
Suddenly, Akahoshi gasped as he spotted a figure gliding out of the crevice. This winged figure flew up with Witchblade Sakura and Tenten in tow, under her arms. Natsuhi pierced an angry glare directly at Akahoshi's direction, whom froze with terror. Neji quickly turned and noticed Natsuhi holding his two Konoha-nin friends.
"Tenten! Sakura!" Neji exclaimed as he raced over to get a closer view.
Excalibur Naruto kicked Kisa back after trading blade strikes with her. He whirled around and saw Natsuhi holding his two friends.
"Sakura..." The Excalibur-wielding Jinchuuriki muttered, relieved to see both his girlfriend and Tenten saved. But, to his surprise, the savior was Natsuhi. "That's the thief? A woman? She actually saved them!"
As Lee jumped back from Kira's reach, he called out. "Tenten! Sakura-san! Thank goodness... that woman saved them both!"
Suddenly, Kira surprised Lee with a spinning back kick. Lee sidestepped Kira's attack and spun around her. He swiftly kicked Kira into the air, sprang up with tremendous force, and shot upward. Once he reached Kira, he hovered and rotated around her. Kira tried to maneuver out of Lee's reach, but Gai's student managed to restrain her. Applying a firm grip, Lee folded his arms around Kira and piledrove her downward into the earth below.
"TAKE THIS!! Omote Renge!!" Lee howled as he piledrove the Cloneblade straight into the ground.
BOOM!!
As Kira was laying unconscious on the ground, Rock Lee slowly rose up and tilted his head to see Natsuhi flying off with his two friends.
"Naruto! Look!" Lee roared out.
As Excalibur Naruto saw Natsuhi flying off with Sakura and Tenten, he jumped upward and tailed right after Sumaru's mother.
"Naruto, wait!" Neji called out.
"I can't let her get away with taking Sakura and Tenten!" Excalibur Naruto exclaimed as he flew far into the distance. "Gamakichi, finish it up over there!" These were the last words the Excalibur-wielder said before he was too far in the distance for anyone to hear.
"Wha...?!" Gamakichi cried out as he rolled out of Kamariki's reach, completely avoiding her deadly arms. He opened his mouth and spewed a scorching stream of fire at the mantis. "Katon: Endan!!"
As the fire poured out and repelled Kamariki, the mantis screeched and stepped away from the ensuing flames. She quickly turned as Kisa raced over to pick Kira off the ground.
"YOU TWO... IT'S BEST IF WE LEAVE NOW!"
Kisa nodded as she carried her twin sister. "For now, but this tactical retreat will be temporary." With that, she exerted enough energy to glide over to Akahoshi and pierced her right-arm blade through his shirt. "We're leaving. Our leader is here and wishes to have a word with you."
"Wait... HOLD ON! PUT ME DOWN!!" Akahoshi screamed as Kisa carried both the man and Kira into the air.
"Don't think this is the last time you'll see us! We'll be back to finish you off!" Kisa vowed as she warned Neji and Lee. "Then, we'll hunt down the wielders and that woman who possesses the meteors!"
Once Kisa flew off into the distance, Kamariki vanished into a puff of smoke. Gamakichi hopped back on all fours as he noticed Neji and Lee were the only Konoha-nin within the area.
"Gamakichi, are you going to follow Naruto?" Lee asked Gamabunta's son. "He went that way."
"Well, I can't follow his scent, cause I ain't a dog!" Gamakichi replied, stubbornly sitting down. "I'm outta here until he needs me again! Ciao!" With that, the toad also vanished behind a giant smoke screen.
"Lee!" Neji called out as he hurried over to his teammate. "Naruto will be sure to find them."
Lee concurred. "As long as Sakura holds the Witchblade, I'm sure Naruto will use his Excalibur to locate her, Tenten, and the thief."
"More importantly, he may in fact take the meteors from that woman," the Hyuuga clan member stated. He faced the direction Naruto and the others took and activated his Kekkei Genkai. "Byakugan." His keen eyes scanned the distance between himself and Lee with the others. "They're already 3 kilometers ahead."
"We can still manage to catch up..."
"Take it easy, lee. You've just used up two of your gates..."
Lee stubbornly retorted. "I can keep on going, Neji."
"Well, I was going to suggest we find Kakashi-sensei and Yamato-taicho..."
"Find us? More like we've found you," the disembodied voice of the Copy Ninja spoke out.
As Team Gai's two members turned, they saw Kakashi and Yamato jumping down behind them. Kou, too, hopped behind the two Jounin. The trio scanned the area where a battle had raged on not too long ago.
"We just engaged those two Oto-nin a minute ago," Neji promptly stated as he deactivated his Byakugan. "They made off with Akahoshi. The real thief took Sakura and Tenten away, but..."
"Naruto went after her!" Lee finished.
"What? Where are they now?" Yamato asked directly.
"That way," the Hyuuga Jounin pointed behind him. He then shifted his finger northward behind Kakashi, Yamato, and Kou. "The Oto-nin went off that direction with Akahoshi."
"That's within the outskirts of our village's borders," Kou replied.
"I suspect they couldn't afford to go back to the village so as long as we'll be there," the prudent Kakashi inferred. "Still, we can't be too careless. Those Oto-nin will no doubt return. If they're anything like Sakura and Naruto in their wielder states, they'll recover quick."
Neji nodded. "As I analyzed the two Cloneblades, their fighting styles were no different from either Sakura or Naruto in their respective Witchblade and Excalibur states. Lee could only keep up after unlocking two of his gates."
"And I cannot be sure whether I damaged that Cloneblade enough," the thick-browed teen added.
"By the way, did you find Sumaru?" Neji inquired directly to the older Jounin.
The silver-haired Copy Ninja confirmed with a nod. "We did. We took him back to the resting quarters with the others. Sai is over there keeping guard with Hokuto."
"We should go after Naruto, Sakura, and Tenten in the meantime," Yamato suggested.
"Actually, I believe we might not have to," Lee said. "Naruto can manage to find Sakura as long as they wear their artifacts, correct?"
"Well, their bond is even stronger with the artifacts," Kakashi affirmed while adjusting his hitai-ate. "If he can just manage save those two and take the meteors..."
"Somehow, I doubt the thief can stop Naruto when he's in Excalibur form," Yamato stated.
"That thief was a woman," Lee added.
"It has to be Natsuhi. No doubt about it," Kou verified. "Somehow, I knew she didn't die. She's Sumaru's mother."
"Tell us more on what you know about her," Yamato said.
"Very well, but all I need to tell you is that she took the meteors away... to save our village and the students. I believe she knows what happens to those who are overexposed to the meteors' effects," the medic-nin said as he walked across and stared off at the forest. Isn't that right, Natsuhi?
xxxxx
Outside a Cavern/13 kilometers away from Hoshigakure/Bear Country
It was already morning.
Once she reached her destination, Natsuhi descended near a cavern where she made her home. She set both Sakura, now already out of Witchblade form, and Tenten on the ground. The woman felt weak in her knees as she collapsed from exhaustion after expending her chakra and carrying two kunoichi.
Tenten slowly came to as she opened her eyes. "Uh..."
Natsuhi quickly turned and jumped back in alarm. She watched as Tenten sat up and rubbing her head.
"Where... am I?" Tenten wondered as she narrowed her eyes, clearing her blurry vision. From a first-person perspective, she couldn't tell where was and how she managed to survive the fall. "Last thing I remember..." She immediately remembered being blasted by the Twin Blades' attack and knocked into a pit. "...those two blasted me and Sakura dove in to save me. We both fell..."
"And I rescued you two from your fall."
Tenten whirled around and saw Natsuhi sitting twenty feet behind her. The weapons mistress angrily frowned at the woman, showing distrust toward her.
"You rescued us?"
"I did."
"Why? We're both after the same thing. Those meteors... why would you rescue us?"
Natsuhi answered bluntly. "I need your help. You see... my former home village remains in danger. Even without the stars, the toxins that originated from the objects have already spread. There's a dark presence that plagues the village."
"Dark plague? You mean... the Darkness," Tenten said.
"I don't know what it is, but my son, Sumaru, and his friends... they'll die if they remain in the village. The people, too, will die."
"But, that man... Akahoshi has your son! Sumaru is still back in that village!" Tenten chided the woman. "Are you just going to make off with the meteors and abandon your son?!"
"I was already planning to return to make the trade. As much as it pains to me do it..." The exiled Hoshi-nin admitted, putting her pride aside for the sake of her son. "I won't let any harm come to my Sumaru."
Tenten sighed, expressing some remorse for the woman. "Akahoshi really made us believe you were some greedy thief, but to find out you were doing this to save your village. Kou told me everything about the harmful influences those meteors have caused."
"Kou... my dear friend. He hasn't given up hope that I would return," Natsuhi said as a smile adorned her face.
"What is your name?"
"Natsuhi. Yours?"
The brunette with the 'buns' hairstyle formally asserted. "Tenten."
"And I'm Haruno Sakura."
Just then, Tenten and Natsuhi were abruptly taken back by Sakura, whom they believed was still unconscious.
"You're awake?!" The befuddled Hoshi-nin woman watched Sakura sitting up.
"Let's go back, Natsuhi-san." She sat up and rubbed the head of her head. "Ow! Luckily, my injuries can heal quickly as long as I'm wearing the Witchblade."
"Sakura! Are you okay?" Tenten asked as she crawled over to the wielder.
The pink-haired kunoichi nodded as she winced a little from the sore spot on her head. "I'll manage. I can heal myself you know."
"Yeah, how could I forget? You're the medic-nin of your team," she replied.
Sakura shifted her attention toward Natsuhi and addressed to the woman. "Sumaru's back in the village. If you ever want to see him again, you'll need to give the meteors back to Akahoshi, Natsuhi-san."
"I am, but I can't simply... let that horrible man have them."
"Not to worry. You can hand them to us once you and Akahoshi make the trade," the pink-haired girl offered a solution. "Right, Tenten?"
"That's good in theory, but he still has those Cloneblades protecting him. Those two pose a bigger threat than Akahoshi."
Natsuhi concurred with Tenten. "Your friend is right. Those two are dangerous and managed to ambush me. I would've had a better chance if my focus wasn't solely on defeating Akahoshi. Akahoshi can't fully utilize the enhanced chakra as adeptly as I can."
Sakura tried to come up with an alternative solution. "The only other way is if you let me and Tenten fight those two Cloneblades. Meanwhile, that leaves just you and Akahoshi. You should be able to save your son and preserve those meteors."
"That's an even better idea, but please don't me asking... why do you need the stars? You can't be possibly need them for your village?" Natsuhi asked with concern, unaware of the Konoha-nin's reason for acquiring the two meteors.
"We don't need them for any secret training. You see... one of those two meteors is the shell which an ancient force called the Darkness was once sealed," Sakura implied as she displayed her Witchblade bracelet to Natsuhi. "This piece of jewelry I'm wearing is called the Witchblade, an offspring of the Darkness. You witnessed me and my friend transform during our exchange with those two Cloneblades."
"Cloneblades? Are they those two kunoichi who paralyzed me with lightning chakra?"
Tenten confirmed. "That's right."
"And you transformed while wearing a revealing type of armor," Natsuhi recalled. "My chakra was acting very erratic the moment I saved you and your friend from your fall."
"The armor is actually a living sentient the Witchblade bestows its wielders. I'll admit the cleavage the armor grants me is questionable, but it's not too bad now. Just so long as it can augment my strength to fight enemies like Cloneblades," Sakura clarified as she quickly changed the subject at that moment. "How long have you been exposed to the second meteor?"
"Not too long. I just took it yesterday," Natsuhi confessed. "But, I did sense my chakra absorbed a little of that second meteor's energy and I felt lightheaded. I had to take a nap to relieve of the pain in my body."
Sakura's suspicions were confirmed. She thought. So, she's been exposed to the remnants of the Darkness energy.
"Now, my chakra has been more enhanced than it's ever been. I wondered why I was easily able to overpower Akahoshi earlier. Normally, our confrontations would end up in a standstill until I would take advantage. But, this time... I dominated that man like he were nothing."
"The Darkness energy has just enhanced the energy you already let your body take in from the first meteor," Sakura speculated. "It's making you stronger, but any more overexposure will be toxic."
"It's a risk I'm willing to take if I must save my son..."
"Then, let's go save him," a low disembodied voice spoke out of nowhere and garnered the attention of the three kunoichi.
They turned and saw Excalibur Naruto sitting atop of a stone pedestal. Natsuhi was taken back by the wielder's slightly intimidating presence. Sakura stood up and slyly smirked towards the Excalibur wielder. Tenten, too, noticed Naruto glaring over them and was surprised by Naruto's entrance at the scene.
"How did you find us?" Tenten asked.
Naruto chuckled. "As long as Sakura and I wear these artifacts, we're bonded. We can find each other even across the ends of the world."
"You... you're the boy I fought earlier when you and Sumaru tried to take the stars from me."
"Your son is back in the village. But, if you want to see him alive again, you're going to have to give the stars back. But, I do like Sakura's idea. But, leave the Cloneblades with Sakura and I. Tenten, you and Natsuhi-san can create a diversion. You two can hand the meteors over while we wait in the wings. Hopefully, those two Cloneblade twins don't spot us first."
The Witchblade wielder concurred with Naruto. "We can't make any mistake, Natsuhi-san. That cavern behind you. Is that where you're keeping them?"
"Yes, and this is my home. Allow me to go and get them. Follow me, you three," the woman gingerly stood up and headed toward the cavern situated near them. "I have them hidden in my late-husband's tomb."
"Tomb, you say?" Tenten inquired.
Sakura replied. "Show us and we'll carefully implement our plan."
"In order to save my Sumaru, I will."
Excalibur Naruto added. "Well, we'll need to be exceedingly careful. Those two Cloneblades aren't going to be stupid enough to leave Akahoshi by himself. They'll be with him."
As they approached a flat, parallel stone, Natsuhi pushed the lid slightly open and uncovered a skeletal hand. Inside were the now skeleton remains of her late-husband and within the skeletal remains were the two meteors. Both rocks glowed profusely, imbued by a black aura that filled the tomb. Natsuhi pulled the two meteors out and held them in her hands.
"Sorry, my love, but I hope you'll understand," Natsuhi whispered as she muttered a prayer to her deceased lover. "Our son must be ensured his survival."
Excalibur Naruto and Sakura both felt at unease being near the second meteor, which gave off a subtle hint of the Darkness' presence. Naruto growled under his breath as he turned away from the meteor. Sakura watched as her bracelet twitched and let it's red gem burn with glowing fury.
"What's going on with your artifacts?" Tenten asked her two fellow Konoha-nin.
"Natsuhi-san, could you put those in a bag or something?" Sakura highly suggested to the woman. "You see. My Witchblade… it gets antsy when it's near a source of the Darkness."
"Is that upsetting to your artifacts?" Natsuhi asked as she did exactly as Sakura proposed and walked over to her bed in the fairly-lit cavern room. She set the meteors down, opened a cabinet shelf situated near her bed, and pulled out a large bag made out of a hide of a bull. She placed the meteors in the bag and sealed it up with a rope tied around it.
Excalibur Naruto sighed with relief, at the exact same time the Excalibur suppressed its overwhelming anxiety. He turned toward Sakura and saw her Witchblade bracelet stopped twitching anxiously.
"We can relax now," Sakura said as she pivoted her head and watched Natsuhi carrying the bags with the meteors.
"Ok, so, what are we waiting for?" Tenten said, placing her back against the cavern wall beside her. "Time to put this plan into motion."
Excalibur Naruto faced Sakura and smirked. "Let's do this."
"Right. Natsuhi-san, you'll need to follow closely as we say," Sakura said to the woman. "We'll need to send a message. Do you have any messenger birds?"
"Yes, right here," Natsuhi said as she walked over by a bird cage sitting next to her bed. As she opened the cage, she released a black and red feathered pigeon. The domesticated bird flew out and landed on Natsuhi's right hand. "She's fast enough to reach the village in no time."
The pink-haired kunoichi offered. "Ok, then. Write a message to Akahoshi and tell him that you're ready to return the meteors. Tell him to bring Sumaru…"
"Wait, something just occurred to me," Excalibur Naruto recalled collectively about last night. "Didn't Kakashi-sensei and Yamato-taicho say they'd be out to get Sumaru?"
"But, that was before we raced off to fight those Cloneblades. We're not even sure if they got Sumaru out of captivity. We haven't even seen those two since they left us behind," Sakura said.
Just then, Natsuhi garnered the trio's attention and spoke up. "Maybe we won't need to. Perhaps we can send a letter to your friends…"
"Wait, our friends?" Sakura suddenly came up with another idea in mind. "I've got it! Tenten, you're our trump card."
"Huh? Come on… again?" Tenten blinked with confusion.
xxxxx
Resting Quarters/Hoshigakure/Bear Country
Back at the quarters in the meteor impact site, the sun was already fully up. It was noon in Hoshigakure.
Kakashi and Yamato stood outside on guard of the quarters. From within, Kou assisted Hokuto by looking over Sumaru and the other students. Neji, Rock Lee, and Sai stood quietly in a corner while observing the medic-nin from afar.
"Sumaru? Can you hear me?" Kou asked as he lifted the boy's right arm. He checked the teen's pulse and managed to a response.
"Kou-san…?" Sumaru muttered listlessly while opening his eyes.
Hokuto put a wet towel over the boy's forehead. "Don't get up, Sumaru. Rest, okay?"
"What happened? The thief… where did the thief go?"
Kou answered bluntly. "Gone, but the thief is not our enemy. Akahoshi is."
Upon hearing this, Sumaru was silent in disbelief. He couldn't believe what he heard through Kou's own mouth. The boy slowly rose up and grabbed Kou's collar.
"You're lying…"
"Why would I lie?! It was your mother that tried to save you. She's been deliberately been trying to steal the meteors to prevent you and the others from persevering any further with the meteor training! Your mother is the thief, Sumaru!"
Once again, Sumaru was deeply astonished as he profoundly tried contemplating this notion. However, the mere thought of his own mother being alive was surreal for the teen to believe. Even Hokuto was stunned to hear this revelation.
"How can that be?! Sumaru's parents died!" Hokuto exclaimed.
"They were exiled from the village," Kou confessed, revealing the very truth behind Natsuhi and her husband's 'disappearance.' "Sumaru, listen to me well."
"Go on."
"Your parents, Natsuhi and Hotarubi, had once taken part in the original meteor training. They both completed the star training in little time, but they started to recognize how dangerous this method would be. Very soon they noticed the terrible side effects the star would have on each student and villager who's been near the first meteor."
"How does this explain their long disappearance?" Hokuto asked.
"They didn't die as Akahoshi claimed," Kou continued, briskly going into the details about the couples' desertion. "One night, Natsuhi and Hotarubi stole the star. They didn't make it out far and were caught by the Third Hoshikage's men. The Third Hoshikage banished them from the village. So, you see, Sumaru… your parents never died protecting the star. They quickly made a negotiation with the Third Hoshikage. In exchange of their exile from the village, they asked the Third Hoshikage to effectively stop the meteor training."
Sumaru was profoundly trying to comprehend what Kou proclaimed.
"And then?" The Hoshi-nin girl said.
The medic-nin promptly concluded. "The Third Hoshikage agreed. Since then, my good friends… Natsuhi and Hotarubi… they were banished from the village." He lowered his chin and sighed. "The meteor training was suspended until the Third Hoshikage passed away. Then, as you know, the second meteor landed and this gave Akahoshi enough reason to revive the deadly training. You see, Sumaru. I knew your parents very well. I was their friend."
Sumaru shook his head. "That can't be true. My mother… but what about my father?"
"Now you see why I never attempted to pursue the masked thief?" Kou proclaimed. "I could tell from the thief's adept utilization of the Kujaku. Only a shinobi like your mother and father could use effectively well."
"You never told me about my father… if my mother is the thief."
"He died, Sumaru. With as much poisonous energy he absorbed from the first meteor, he wouldn't have survived for too long," Kou declared as he put his hands on Sumaru's shoulders. "Your mother may not have much time left herself… do you understand? Just how hazardous this training is? You can't go on like this. Your mother took the meteors away to ensure that you, Hokuto, Mizura, and the other students are no longer exposed to the deadly effects! Your young bodies cannot consume too much of it! To make matters worse, the second meteor contains a dangerous entity whose energy is a thousand times more potent! Sumaru, please, heed my warning!"
"Stop it…" Sumaru gritted his teeth. "That's enough!" The teen yelled out.
"Sumaru! He's telling you the truth! Akahoshi was just using us!" Hokuto cried out. "We're just guinea pigs!"
"And to think he was going to negotiate with the terrible people of Otogakure," Kou scowled angrily.
"My mother was the thief and tried to save us? You mean to tell me… we've been trying to attack my mother this whole time?!" Sumaru exclaimed as he quickly threw his cover off. "No, that can't be true!"
"But, it is. We saw the thief unmasked," Neji claimed as he raised his voice toward Sumaru, garnering the Hoshi-nin boy's attention. "The thief was revealed to be a woman with long reddish hair."
"And I believe I saw her hitai-ate with your village's own star symbol emblazoned on it!" Lee quickly added to the description Neji indicated.
Sumaru's eyes widened in shock. "That… that fits my mother's description. From what I remember and the photo I have of her. It's her… it's really her."
Just then, Kakashi and Yamato hurried inside the quarters. The collective group turned as Yamato carried a letter in his hand.
"I've just gotten a message from Naruto, Sakura, Tenten, and the masked shinobi," the Mokuton user announced to everyone awake in the quarters. "They're okay."
Sai nodded. "That's good to hear. What else does it say?"
"YES! I knew Naruto-kun and Sakura-san would survive!" Lee pumped up his right hand and howled with joy. "Neji, we should never doubt those two to die on us!"
Neji acknowledged his teammate's reaction. "Never underestimate two wielders. But, I'm glad to hear Tenten is doing well."
"The masked shinobi… that's my mother!" Sumaru cried out.
"There's a Natsuhi indicated at the end of the message," Kakashi pointed to the message letter in Yamato's possession.
"That's her! She is alive!" The boy exclaimed as he turned toward Kou and apologized humbly. "I'm sorry for ever doubting you, Kou-san."
"It's okay, Sumaru. But, I feel you should've known the truth now more than never," the dark-haired medic-nin replied as he smiled toward Sumaru.
"That's not all. They're on their way here and just unveiled a plan for us to utilize. But, we have to make sure Akahoshi is not in this village first," Yamato said while scanning the detailed contents from within the letter.
Kou plainly answered. "Last time I rechecked the village, I saw no signs of him anywhere. However, we'll need to fan out again."
"I've already dispatched my Mokuton clones to scan out the entire village and the outside vicinities near the forests."
The silver-haired Copy Ninja asserted. "Then, one of your clones will find out when and if those Cloneblades will return with Akahoshi." He eyed each and every able person awake in the room. "Listen well. Sakura, Naruto, and Tenten have set a diagram of what to do. We're all going to play a part in this."
With that, Kakashi decoded what the trio had written in the message and explained the particulars for the strategic plan.
xxxxx
Forest Vicinity/20 Miles from Hoshigakure/Bear Country
Within an enclosed area near a deep undergrowth in the forest, Akahoshi was laying on the ground as he bowed his head. Kisa sat on the floor of the forest canopy and tended to Kira's wounds, feeding her a medical drug pill to heal her recover her injuries quicker.
"Well, are we in agreement, Hoshikage?" A disembodied voice came out of a hooded figure that stood over the frightened man. "We must have the meteors back in our possession if we are to make any needs for a negotiation."
As Akahoshi raised his head, he stared at the pale complexion of a slightly disfigured man's face. The man shuddered with fright as one golden eye shot a terrifying stare at him. That same eye had a narrow, snake-like iris widening and contracting in the manner (exactly like a snake).
"Who… who… what are you?" Akahoshi trembled with fright.
Kisa giggled while rubbing her sister's back. "He's our new leader now. He's part Orochimaru-sama."
"Correction. Orochimaru-sama lives on as part of me," the man unveiled his hooded. "I'm glad we could be in agreement, dear Akahoshi. I, Yakushi Kabuto, am looking forward to making this collaborative arrangement. Now, go and retrieve our meteors."
"Yes… as you wish…" Akahoshi nodded, sounding intimidated in his pathetic-like state.
Kabuto turned toward the twins. "Kira. Kisa. This is our last chance. You can't make any mistake. Take the meteors, but don't forget about the Witchblade and the shard. Tonight, we will begin by rebuilding a stronger Otogakure. The likes of which will revive Orochimaru-sama's wishes to wipe Konoha off the map. Once we have all of these necessities in our grasp, the Cloneblade Project will be revitalized."
The twin exchanged devilish smiles and giggled to themselves.
"Ah, how I wish I could laugh at the image of Konoha destroyed by a new Cloneblade army, but… that's something a clichéd villain would do. There's no time to waste," Kabuto declared as he pushed Akahoshi toward Kira and Kisa, who both apprehended the man. "Go now. I'll be observing you closely, but out of sight."
"Right!" Kira and Kisa answered as they transformed into their Cloneblade forms and flew off with the man in tow.
As he watched the twins leave with the Hoshikage, Kabuto threw his hood over his head and paced right through the undergrowth.
Little did he, Akahoshi, and the twins know, they were all being detected by a sinister presence behind the dense, dark corner of the forest canopy. Numerous yellow eyes burned with intensity as a few scattered, devilish giggles squeaked out.
"Fools."
"Yes, I agree. They don't have ANY idea of who or what they're tampering with. Typical mortals… no one in this world has the resolve to tame our master."
"Heh, don't worry, my brothers. Tonight, there will be blood shed in this wretched land."
xxxxx
Isolated Room/Hoshikage's Office/Hoshigakure/Bear Country
Later in the late afternoon, the male nurse returned to check on Sumaru. As soon as he arrived, he closed the door behind him and saw…
Sumaru still fast asleep and bedridden in the same spot.
The nurse walked over as he read the heart rate monitor.
xxxxx
Kakashi and Yamato both sat outside of the administration building. They turned away from the window and sighed with relief.
"That was close," Yamato said. "Luckily, Naruto, Sakura, Tenten, and that woman arrived here in time."
Kakashi nodded. "We'll need to hurry back to the others."
"He should be fine in there. I hope until Akahoshi returns…"
The Copy Ninja replied. "So, far, all is going well. Naruto, Sakura, and Tenten planned out a very effective strategy. Let's see if this'll work."
xxxxx
Later in the evening, the Cloneblades arrived outside Akahoshi's office and set him at the front doors. Akahoshi dusted his shoulders and scoffed irritably.
"You could've dropped me off a little more gently, you know!" The Hoshikage angrily retorted.
However, this act of aggression prompted the Twin Blades to shoot out tendrils directly at Akahoshi. Akahoshi cried out in horror and closed his eyes. He reopened them to see the deadly tendrils barely five inches from impaling his face and skewering his entire body like a wet tissue paper.
"Auh… you…wouldn't…"
Kira hissed like a cat. "Make any kind of quip and we'll kill you. Are we clear, Akahoshi?!" She withdrew let her finger tendrils recoil back into her hands.
Kisa pushed Akahoshi forward. "Open the door already! Quit stalling!"
"Then, stop harassing me! Akahoshi snapped as he turned away and frowned. Stupid whores. Once I have the meteors, you'll regret pushing me around!
Just as Akahoshi advanced toward the door, a kunai flung out of nowhere and struck the door. This alarmed Akahoshi as he screamed out of fright. Kira and Kisa immediately whirled around to scan their surroundings.
"There's a note?" Akahoshi noticed the paper hanging by a string, which was attached to the kunai. He yanked the kunai off the door and opened the note. As his eyes scanned the letter, he gasped. "So, that ungrateful woman has finally conceded,"
"What's going on?" Kira inquired.
The conniving Hoshikage smiled evilly and crushed the letter in hand. "She's ready to make a trade. She has the meteors and I have her dear Sumaru. Yes, it appears our work won't be as complicated as I thought it'd be. Kabuto and I will be making a deal sooner than he or I could imagine."
"Then, go get the brat and let's head out!" Kisa exclaimed as she pushed the door open. "Go! You're wasting time!"
"I'm on it!" Akahoshi shouted as he raced into his office.
Once the man entered through the back door in his office, Kira and Kisa exchanged devilish smirks.
"You know what to do once this is over. Right, Kisa?"
Kisa licked her sharp clawed fingers and giggled. "Oh, yes. I do, dearest sister."
xxxxx
As Akahoshi reached Sumaru's bedside, he turned off the heart rate monitor and shook the boy. He shook Sumaru enough to awaken him. Sumaru groaned as he slowly opened his eyes and glared up to see Akahoshi's face hanging over him.
"Hoshikage...?"
The sneaky man chuckled amusingly as he threw the sheet off Sumaru's body. "It appears the thief is willing to make a negotiation."
"What?" He asked, befuddled by the man's statement.
"In exchange for the meteors, I'm giving you to the thief."
"But, why... I've been training to... protect the meteors from the masked shinobi. Give me another... chance."
Akahoshi frowned as he yanked Sumaru out of his bed and threw him to the floor. "I don't have time to waste answering your meaningless questions. There's no time. The masked shinobi is waiting for us near the impact site."
As Sumaru pushed the sheet off him, he pulled himself off the floor and grabbed the shirt he had worn from the bed. He put on the article of clothing and followed Akahoshi toward the door, which took them straight into the meeting room. They finally walked through the front doors where Kira and Kisa awaited them.
"Oh, I forgot to mention this to you, Sumaru," Akahoshi promptly stated as he shifted a cold gaze at the teenage boy. A wicked smile curled on the man's face, giving Sumaru the distinct feeling he was up to no good. "You'll be surprised to know the identity of the masked shinobi. Its Natsuhi, your dear mother. She's the one who's been trying to steal the meteors. Well, how does that sound? A warm, receptive mother and son reunion."
Sumaru frowned as he clenched his fists. "You don't mean... she's willing to hand the meteors to you in exchange for me?"
"I think it's a fair trade. Don't you two agree?" Akahoshi turned as he asked the Twin Blades' opinions on the matter.
Kira and Kisa exchanged smiles and answered in unison. "Oh, yes. Very fair, Hoshikage!" The pair giggled devilishly as Kira grabbed Sumaru's left arm and yanked him forward.
"Ugh!" Sumaru winced as the Cloneblade tugged hard on him.
"It's time, Sumaru. Your mother is awaiting for us," the man chuckled deeply as he paced forward. "We can't keep her waiting too long. I'm sure you're anxious to see the woman who abandoned you."
Kira taunted the boy while maintaining her grip around the boy's arm. "Awww, poor thing. You must miss your mommy. Ha, just be glad we won't have to skewer the bitch."
"Awww, can't I at least cut off her pretty face?" Kisa licked her lips like the depraved sociopath she truly was.
As he focused his view forward, Sumaru kept to himself and didn't let the twins' taunts vex him. Now, all he could think of was finally confronting the woman who left him and the village. Realizing the truth behind his mother's disappearance, Sumaru was prepared to confront and face her. However, this time their reunion would be ensured as a tradeoff would be settled.
Mother. Sumaru thought as he lowered his head and pressed onward behind Akahoshi.
Akahoshi clasped his hands and snickered. At long last, the meteors are back in MY possession. Once I have them, they'll regret the day they crossed Akahoshi the Hoshikage!
xxxxx
Near the Training Center and Resting Quarters/Hoshigakure/Bear Country
Natsuhi stood firmly behind the edge of the meteor crater. She dropped the bag containing the two meteors and watched as four individuals came treading towards the crater. The woman narrowed her eyes as an angry scowl escaped her lips. She didn't take her eyes off Akahoshi, a man she's grown to despise. Then, she shifted her attention toward Sumaru while her expression softened.
"Sumaru," she whispered. Then, she spotted the Twin Blades walking behind her son. "Those two again." Don't worry, Sumaru. This is all going to end. I swear on Hotarubi's grave that this village's long period of suffering will end.
As Akahoshi stopped his pace, he stared at the bag on the ground. He and Natsuhi exchanged scornful looks before the man spoke.
"Do you have them?"
"I do and I see you brought Sumaru," Natsuhi firmly stated.
"Yes, now hand me the meteors."
"Give Sumaru to me first."
Akahoshi sighed. "You're making this harder than it really should be."
Natsuhi scooped the bag off the ground and walked forward. "Let's do this. We'll make the exchange simultaneously."
The Hoshikage yanked Sumaru away from Kira and paced toward Natsuhi.
The two quickly made the exchange at once. Akahoshi grabbed the bag while Natsuhi snatched Sumaru away. Just as Akahoshi opened the bag, his eyes and mouth gaped in disbelief.
Before Akahoshi realized it, he felt a kunai being pressed against his throat. The alarmed man dropped the bag and shifted his eyes to see Sumaru restraining him.
"Sumaru, what's the meaning of this?!" Akahoshi exclaimed.
Kira and Kisa quickly moved in as they picked the bag up. Even to their surprise, they didn't find anything but two large stones instead. The meteors were not inside the bag, which prompted the Twin Blades to discard the bag.
"We've been had!" Kira shouted.
Poof!
A cloud of smoke covered Sumaru and taking his place was Tenten. The weapon mistress pulled Akahoshi back and apprehended him.
"YOU!!" Kira and Kisa exclaimed in unison.
Natsuhi sighed with relief. "I can't believe it worked.
"You.. tricked me! Where are the meteors, you cursed woman!" Akahoshi yelled, demanding an immediate response from Natsuhi.
Tenten growled as she pulled Akahoshi back. "You think we're going to let you get away with what you've done?! Wait until we report you to the Hokage."
Akahoshi roared out, enraged at Natsuhi and Tenten. "You haven't answered my question… where are the meteors?! And where's Sumaru?!"
"OVER HERE!"
Suddenly, Naruto, Sakura, Sai, Neji, Rock Lee, Kakashi, and Yamato sprang out of the crater behind Natsuhi and Tenten. Kou slowly emerged with Sumaru by his side. Akahoshi gaped in shock at the overwhelming numbers advantage the Konoha-nin had over just him and the Twin Blades. He was more irate at the fact Sumaru was with the Konoha-nin and Natsuhi. He had let himself fall for Konoha's trap.
"I can't believe this… you all planned this out!" Akahoshi snarled as he gritted his teeth. He angrily turned toward the Twin Blades. "You two! Don't just stand there! HELP ME!!"
Kira scoffed. "All of them against us? What are our chances, Kisa?"
The twin smirked. "I don't think it's fair… for them."
"What was that?!" Naruto snarled as he clenched his right hand, letting the Excalibur energy seep through his body. "Let's take those two down, Sakura-chan!"
Sakura nodded and raised her right-arm bracelet. "Time to put our training to good use!"
With that, the wielders transformed into their Witchblade and Excalibur forms. They rushed in to engage the Twin Blades in battle. Meanwhile, Neji, Rock Lee, Sai, Kakashi, and Yamato moved in to help Tenten apprehend Akahoshi. The man struggled to break out of Tenten's hold, kicking his feet up.
"A little hand here!" Tenten cried out.
"I've got him!" Neji jumped right onto Akahoshi's back and pinned the man to the ground.
"Nice job, Neji! Let me assist Naruto-kun and Sakura-san!" Rock Lee headed off to support Excalibur Naruto and Witchblade Sakura with the Twin Blades. "Heads up! Here I come!" The thick-browed youth roared out a battle cry and kicked Kira right into Naruto.
Following Lee's kick, Kira's stumbled back as Excalibur Naruto punched her in the stomach. Kira doubled over as Lee came up in front of Kira. He quickly landed a punch, delivering an uppercut and sending Kira into mid-air. Kira managed to stop herself in mid-air flight and retaliated by launching a network of long tentacle spears at the duo. Excalibur Naruto batted the tendrils swinging his sword around. Lee simply evaded the forthcoming tendrils, timing each tendril as they came.
As Sai entered the fray, he drew out a giant lion out of his scroll. "Chōjū Giga!!"
Once he summoned the beast, Kira turned around and launched tentacles at the beast. The tentacle spears impaled and ripped the lion to shreds, reducing its form into a puddle of ink. Sai threw kunais at Kira, who dispelled them using tendrils (which came out of her fingernails).
Excalibur Naruto quickly came up behind Kira and elbowed her in the back. The Cloneblade grunted following Naruto's vicious shot and fell back. Rock Lee seized the opportunity and unlocked his first gate. He sprang up and kicked Kira in the face. Lee's stiff kick landed, sending Kira into the air. Excalibur Naruto came down, grabbed Kira, and bodyslammed her straight into the ground.
Witchblade Sakura came head to head with Kisa. The blade-wielders exchanged strikes. Kisa attempted deliver a right-armed thrust, which Sakura sidestepped. Then, the pink-haired wielder seized Kisa's right arm and landed a spinning sidekick to the Cloneblade's face. Kisa stumbled back, but Sakura didn't waste time as she dropped down and delivered a swift, vertical kick to Kisa's under jaw. The vigorous blow sent Kisa into the air. Sakura sprang up and flew over Kisa. The pink-haired wielder rotated around and dropped her right foot, smashing it over Kisa's chest. The Twin Blade's mouth was agape as she plummeted following the impact blow. Kisa landed in a heap on the ground. Sakura dropped down on all fours away from Kisa and smiled evilly.
"How's that? Did you enjoy the fall?" Sakura purred like a cat.
Kisa struggled to move her body. She slowly sat up, still reeling from Sakura's impact kick.
"All that training was worth it. Thanks Lee and Gai-sensei," Witchblade Sakura muttered as she sprinted toward Kisa and jumped across, attempting a flying kick.
The Twin Blade barely evaded Sakura's kick and unleashed deadly, tendrils that ensnared the Witchblade wielder. Sakura snarled while struggling to cut through Kisa's tentacles.
"Luckily for me, I can neutralize your Taijutsu with these."
Sakura snorted. "Two can play it… that way." With that, the pink-haired kunoichi released red-and-pink tentacles out of her hair. Sakura's own tendrils forced Kisa to pry an opening to allow Sakura to slip through. "Look at that! You'll have to do better than that!" She proclaimed and unsheathed the right-armed blade.
As she retracted her tendrils, Kisa bumrushed Sakura and unsheathed two blades in her arms. She lunged right at Sakura and collided with the Witchblade wielder. Sakura was overwhelmed as Kisa slashed at her adversary with two blades.
"HOLD ON!!" Natsuhi called out as chakra feathers formed out of her back. "Kujaku Myōhō: Zan!!" She guided her wings forward as they battered Kisa from behind.
Witchblade Sakura lunged at Kisa and kicked her in the stomach. "Thanks, Natsuhi-san!"
As Kisa recovered, she raced toward Kisa. The twins quickly took to the air and formulated their next maneuver against their adversaries. They looked ahead and noticed Akahoshi apprehended by the Konoha-nin.
"Damn. That fool!" Kira growled under he breath.
Using his last resort, Akahoshi pressed his hands together and shouted. "Kujaku Myōhō: Yoku!!" A pair of chakra feathers expanded out of his back, which knocked Neji and Tenten away. The man took to the air and shifted his gaze towards Kou and Sumaru. He noticed a bag in Kou's grasp. "There! You must be keeping the stars in that bag!"
"Kakashi-sempai!" Yamato called out as he pressed his hands to the ground.
Kakashi didn't waste time as he moved in to push Kou and Sumaru aside. Akahoshi dove downward toward his intended targets and eyed the bag in Kou's hand. Kakashi quickly intervened and jumped right in front of Akahoshi's path. The Copy Ninja prepared to unveil his Sharingan, but Akahoshi swayed around Kakashi and dove in to snatch the bag out of Kou's hands.
"I'VE GOT IT!" Akahoshi signaled to the Twin Blades. He ripped the bag open, revealing the two meteors. An evil grin widened on the man's face. "They're mine again!" Now, to get rid of everyone, including those two annoying twin brats!
"NO!" Kou roared out.
"You have to get them back! Hurry!" Sumaru called out to the Konoha-nin crew. "He's going to draw out power from both meteors!"
Witchblade Sakura and Excalibur Naruto both headed off to stop Akahoshi. Kira and Kisa took no chances as they flew off after the wielders. Managing to catch up to Sakura and Naruto, the Twin Blades dove right in front of the wielders and barricaded their path. Kira and Kisa grasped each other's hands as they danced around Naruto and Sakura. The two bewildered Konoha-nin twirled around, trying to keep up with the twins.
"Face it. You'll never have the experience like us sisters do!" Kisa proclaimed as Kira swung her across.
Kira served as a 'baseball bat' for Kisa and slammed against Sakura first. The pink-haired kunoichi grunted as she was sent plummeting to the ground.
"Saku-!"
Excalibur Naruto, too, was knocked aside... only this time Kira and Kisa switched places. Kira used Kisa as a 'baseball bat' to knocked Naruto across the battlefield.
Kira and Kisa giggled devilishly as they quickly dispatched of the wielders.
"You'll never defeat us, wielders. You're good, but we're FAR better in efficient teamwork. Right, Kira?"
Kira smirked. "For we are sisters bond by blood, dear Kisa. We'll finish them off after we've taken the meteors."
With that said, the Twin Blades proceeded to glide toward Akahoshi.
"Hakke Hasangeki!!" Neji shouted, firing a focused wave of chakra directly at the aerial Cloneblades.
The blast caught Kira and Kisa, knocking them both out of course. However, even that didn't deter them from continuing their intended direction toward Akahoshi.
"Damn! They're getting away!" Neji cried out as he hurried off in pursuit of the Twin Blades. "Lee! Tenten! Follow me!"
Neji's two teammates initially responded. "Right!"
"Feh, no matter," Akahoshi scoffed. "I have all I need here." With that, the obsessive man placed his hands over the meteors.
Suddenly, a giant bark of wood jutted out of the earth and snaked its way around the Hoshikage. Akahoshi evaded the bark of wood and glided upward out of Yamato's reach. Then, a giant ink bird summoned by Sai tried to ensnare him. Akahoshi flew around the ink bird, evading it completely by a hair's-breadth.
"Almost had him!" Sai shouted.
Yamato focused more chakra as he extended his wood barks' reach. "You're not getting away!"
Akahoshi bellowed out a haughty laugh. "I already have won! Now, to make myself stronger. Strong enough to destroy you all!" He shouted as he placed his hands over the meteors while siphoning off the collective, dark energy. "By the way, Natsuhi. Sumaru. Kou. I hope you're listening because I wish to unveil a revelation regarding the Third Hoshikage. I'm sure you've known for a long while that he had fallen 'ill' and passed on. This occurred following your departure from the village, Natsuhi!"
As the woman turned, she looked up at Akahoshi and scowled.
"Well, in truth, the Third Hoshikage's fate had fallen in my hands. In other words..."
"No, you didn't," Kou growled, aware of what the callous man was going to say.
"I murdered the Third Hoshikage, but not without help from my assistants..."
"You... you MONSTER!!" Natsuhi roared out as she was on the verge of gliding up and attacking Akahoshi.
Abruptly cutting off Natsuhi's chance at revenge, Kira interjected as she and Kisa flew over by Akahoshi. "Ah, you mean those two fools my sister and I skewered."
"That's besides the point..." Akahoshi lowered his voice as he shifted his attention to the Konoha-nin, Natsuhi, Sumaru, and Kou. "With the Third Hoshikage gone, I, Akahoshi, have ensured that this village gain strength through these meteors. But, no... I've changed my mind. These meteors are all but..."
Kisa quickly cut him off. "Ours!"
"Wait a moment! Not as long as I draw power from them!" Akahoshi snapped. "With you two and me together, we'll use these stars' powers to destroy these pitiful vermin. Better yet, why don't we round up the other villagers? I'll order them to help us eliminate yo-"
"That's not going to happen!" Hokuto's voice called out from out of the crater.
Everyone, including Akahoshi and the Twin Blades, whirled around and saw Hokuto holding Mizura by his side.
"We've told them all about the side effects of the star training!" Hokuto cried out.
Kakashi looked up at Akahoshi and frowned. "You're not going to weasel your way out of this one."
"That is right! Your treachery has been exposed," Lee declared. "These people have lost their faith in you."
Akahoshi's mouth was agaped as he glided back. He quickly shouted in denial. "No... NO! LIES! Don't believe a word from them! Kill them, villagers! They're deceiving you with fraudulent information! ALL FABRICATED LIES!!" The man roared out, exposing his paranoid and pitiful true state.
"No, they've already seen through your deceit, Akahoshi. We made sure to tell Kou, Sumaru, Hokuto, and Mizura to tell the villagers beforehand," Neji thoroughly explained.
Excalibur Naruto stood up while shaking off the twins' attack. "Not so tough are ya, Akahoshi?" An evil chuckle escaped his lips.
Witchblade Sakura stood up next to the Excalibur-wielding Jinchuuriki. "Now, practically the whole village wants your head. Or, wait, maybe I should do the honors?" With that, her right-arm blade jutted out further. She licked the tip and smiled evilly, relishing at the thought of severing Akahoshi and licking the man's blood off her blade.
"The adults are all against you now, Akahoshi. Now, you'll pay for what you've done," Sumaru declared as he angrily glared up at the man.
On the contrary, Akahoshi didn't let any of his own people's anger deter him. Placing both meteors in his left hand, he ripped off his shirt with his right hand and howled. "You will NOT deny me this chance of wielding ultimate power! For I am... THE FOURTH HOSHIKAGE!!" Just as he pressed both meteors against his chest, Akahoshi's gasped as his mouth was agape.
Shick!
Shick!
The Konoha-nin and the Hoshi-nin were stunned in silence as they witnessed another act of treachery being played out.
Growing irritated of Akahoshi's bragging, Kira and Kisa impaled Akahoshi with their double blades. Akahoshi lowered his chin as he saw the twins' double blades piercing through his chest and stomach. Blood spilled out from the deep wounds where the blades pierced through his flesh.
"What... have you two done...?" Akahoshi muttered as his eyes widened in disbelief. He stuttered, speaking rather incoherently while more blood spilled out of his wounds. "You... also defy me...? I thought... we were... collaborating... you'd go against our deal?"
Kira scoffed irritably. "As if, this was all just a temporary alliance. Kabuto never had any use of you or this pitiful village."
Kisa added while confiscating the meteors out of the man's hands. "Who says we're going to leave these two precious rocks to someone worthless like you?"
"I was... this close to ruling this village... and bringing about a new age... I was going to become a god..."
Kira and Kisa giggled evilly as they exchanged devilish grins.
"Oh, we can arrange that. Kisa, he wants to become a god?"
"We'll send him to many of them!"
With that, Kira lunged forward. She raised her hands forward as her fingers extended forward and viciously pierced through Akahoshi's throat. Then, with one successive twist, she utilized her tentacle fingers like cutting knives and cleanly decapitated the man. Akahoshi's body fell slump to the ground as his head plopped on the ground. Blood spilled out of the headless stump where his head used to be attached. The man's chakra feathers faded as his life expired at that moment. The Konoha-nin and the Hoshi-nin witnessed the act unfold while Natsuhi, Kou, Sumaru, and Hokuto faced Akahoshi's headless corpse.
Kira retracted her blood-covered tendrils and licked them. "Mmmm, not bad."
"Nice one, Kira. We have them."
"But, you're NOT getting away with them!" Tenten called out as she, Neji, and Lee sprang up to attack them Cloneblades.
The Twin Blades flew right through Lee and Neji. Their fingers extended toward at Tenten, ensnaring the weapons mistress and taking her hostage.
"NO!!" Tenten cried out.
Lee sprang off the ground and shouted. "TENTEN!!"
"Let's play with her a little longer, Kira."
"Heh. Sure, why not? We deserve a little fun with this bitch. She calls herself a weapons mistress? Let's show her how WE play!"
Suddenly, Naruto and Sakura flew right toward Kira and Kisa. The wielders blasted the Twin Blades with their own tentacle spears, cutting off their intended escape path. Kira and Kisa fell to the ground while releasing Tenten in the process. Excalibur Naruto landed on the ground and charged toward Kisa. Kisa tossed the meteors over to Kira, who caught them using tentacles to ensnare them. He raised his sword and landed a sword thrust, which slashed at Kisa's left side. The Twin Blade yanked the sword out of her side as strands of hair extended forward. Excalibur Naruto raised his guard, lifting his left hand to let Kisa's tentacles grab him. She yanked Kisa forward and tossed her around overhead. Then, he released Kisa and threw her across, sending her into the crater in the distance.
"Get the meteors, guys! I'll take care of that Cloneblade!" Naruto shouted as he sprinted off toward the crater.
Meanwhile, Kira held the meteors in her left hand while going blade to blade with Sakura. The Witchblade wielder tilted her right-armed blade and tried to vertically slash Kira. Kira countered by striking her blade against Sakura's. Kira and Sakura were both at a stand still until the pink-haired kunoichi dropped down and punched the ground under the Twin Blade. Kira jumped up into mid-air and fired tentacles out of her fingers. Sakura danced around the tendrils that came toward her, utilizing her superior evasive skills.
"Give it up! You'll never get these meteors!" Kira exclaimed.
"Doesn't mean I won't give up trying!" Witchblade Sakura retorted while evading the network of tendrils coming at her.
Neji and Lee raced over to Tenten, who was severely injured thanks to the the Twin Blades. One of their tentacles had punctured a small hole through her stomach as she lied on the ground bleeding.
"TENTEN!!" Lee exclaimed, gaping over his fallen friend horrified.
Neji grabbed Tenten's hand. "She's going into shock. We need Sakura..."
Suddenly, Tenten lifted her right hand and pointed up to where Kira was afloat in mid-air. The weapon mistress snapped her fingers and smiled, weakly muttering. "Boom."
KA-BOOM!!
"GAUGGHH!!" Kira screamed out as an explosive blast erupted from her back. It was a paperbomb was that planted earlier by Tenten during their previous exchange (right before the twins nearly took off with her). The blast sent her crashing into a heap on the ground. She cursed under her breath while rolling across the ground to put the fire out. "Damn it all!! DAMN IT!! WHO DID THIS TO ME?! IT BURNS!!"
Sakura quickly raced over to scoop the meteors off the ground, which Kira dropped as she fell. Witchblade Sakura turned as she noticed Tenten laying on the ground.
"Tenten!!" Sakura cried out as she raced over to Team Gai and sat down by Tenten's side. "Lee! Neji! Step aside. I'm going to heal her, but I have to make it fast." She turned and saw Natsuhi picking the bag that was used to carry the decoy stones. "Natsuhi-san! Put the meteors in that bag!"
Natsuhi nodded as she grabbed the bag and rushed over toward the meteors. She scooped them up and placed them in the bag.
As Sakura put her hands over Tenten, Kou walked over and knelt down to lower his hands over Tenten as well.
"Kou-san?" Sakura said, befuddled.
"It's okay. Let me help. After all, we're both medic-nin."
The pink-haired kunoichi smiled, her otherwise intimidating face softened. "Thank you, Kou-san."
Sumaru approached his mother and stopped halfway before tapping her. Natsuhi slightly turned and noticed her son was behind her. Before she embraced him, the teen collapsed on his knees and coughed.
"Sumaru?!" Natsuhi gasped, concerned as she knelt by her son's side. No, I can't lose you like Hotarubi! "Sumaru! Stay with me!"
"Sumaru!!" Hokuto cried out as she came long, carrying Mizura. She put her hand behind Sumaru's back and noticed a dark purple aura washing over his body. She jerked her hand back, quickly getting an uneasy feeling from being near her friend.
As Kira was slowly getting to her feet, Neji and Lee intervened as they barricaded around Sakura and the others. Kakashi and Yamato sprang right in front of Team Gai's two male shinobi, armed with kunais. Kira prowled on all fours as like an opportunistic predator, waiting for Sakura to emerge.
"Give me those meteors now!" Kira hissed demandingly at the Konoha-nin.
"You'll have to go through the four of us first," Yamato said.
"Are you willing to do that, hmmm?" The Copy Ninja said as he was about to uncover his Sharingan eye.
"Who would've thought she an the other Clonebalde would turn against Akahoshi," Neji stated, standing his ground firmly.
Lee added. "I am not surprised. These two seem like the type to backstab others. Even their own business partners."
While Sakura and Kou healed Tenten, the Witchblade gauntlet itself twitched on its own. The pink-haired kunoichi noticed the artifact giving off a subtle red aura, which garnered her attention. The others even noticed the glow the artifact was giving off. Sakura grasped her right arm, fingering the red gem embedded on the gauntlet.
Witchblade, what's the deal? I need to hurry and heal Tenten! That Cloneblade's ready to attack again!
The Witchblade quickly interjected. 'This girl. She claims she's a weapons expert. How I wish she could've been the chosen wielder. But, the old woman chose you instead. Then again, I can't complain. You've been a wonderful and worthy bearer.'
I don't get what you're trying to get at here.
'Sakura, it's probably not too late. But, if I can do what I did for Sara and Danielle, but perhaps... I can do it again. No, I must. If we are to beat those two hussies with the annoying hyena laughs!'
Sakura knew where this was leading and replied. You don't mean...
'I've decided. Sakura, you're going to have a third co-holder. This girl will get a better comprehension of the power that you wield. Tenten shall become a part of the Witchblade lineage, especially after she practically sacrificed her own body to remove those meteors from that Cloneblade's possession.'
But, can you do it? I mean, Naruto and I are sharing your power.
'Naruto only wields the piece that enables a male to wield my power. That is all but contained in a tiny shard, but Tenten will receive the full second half of me. Keep in mind, I was born from the Darkness and the Angelus. The aspects of Light and Darkness. You will wield the lighter half while Tenten will wield the dark half.'
Dark half, but you can't entrust Tenten with that. Let me...
The Witchblade grumbled. 'Don't argue with me, Sakura. There's no time. Tenten will know how it feels to be a wielder of my power.'
Though reluctant at the idea of someone sharing the Witchblade's power, Sakura realized that the Twin Blades would require more than what they have. She gave in and sighed. Fine, but let's make this fast. This better work.
'As much as I don't want to do this... since the last time two women shared my power... the end result didn't turn out as I wanted it to be. But, this is the only option I have. Naruto and the others will need as much help as they can get!'
Sakura scoffed irritably. Less talk, MORE ACTION!
'Right. Just concentrate, Sakura. Here we go.'
Before Sakura said anything more, the Witchblade started to come apart. Kou and the other Hoshi-nin witnessed this shocking phenomenon unfold before their eyes. Even Neji, Lee, Kakashi, and Yamato turned to watch Sakura's Witchblade splitting into two halves. One half of the artifact snaked its way over to Tenten's left arm. The armor covered up Tenten's entire left arm. Tenten winced as she felt an intense pain running up her entire arm, causing her to sit up. As she opened her eyes, Tenten saw her entire left arm covered in black armor, which was a darker shade of Sakura's lighter gray armor.
"What's happening...?!" Tenten gasped as she gawked at her arm and down at Sakura's. "Sakura, what did you do?!"
"Listen to me, Tenten. The Witchblade is offering half of it's own power with you. You and I are going to share this power... for who knows how long?"
"But, but... I can't... You're the one who's worthy of wielding it!"
Neji yelled out as he rushed over by Tenten's side. "Can't you remove it?"
"Tenten! What's going on here?!" Lee exclaimed in shock.
Witchblade Sakura nodded, indicating a 'no' in response. "The Witchblade is offering to let us be co-wielders. This isn't the first time for co-wielders to exist at once. The Witchblade has done it before... and now history repeats itself. Tenten, you should consider this an honor. Not very many women have the privilege to wield this ancient power. Will you accept the contract?" The kunoichi said as if the 'Witchblade' himself were speaking through her.
"Sakura?! You wouldn't?!" Neji seemed to disapprove of this action.
Yamato was shocked to witness this event unfold. He immediately reflected on the moment he first saw Sakura's first Witchblade transformation.
"You better decide right away! The Cloneblade's about to attack!" Kakashi advised the Witchblade wielder.
As she took the moment to notice Sakura and Tenten, her eyes widened as she noticed Tenten's armored left arm.
What the hell is going on here?! What's that bitch wearing armor like the Witchblade on her... could it be that she's a wielder, too?! No. Kira thought as she carefully analyzed Sakura and Tenten. Her eyes shifted right to Witchblade Sakura. She's the one to hold all of the Witchblade's power. Could it be that she's able to share parts of the artifact with other women? But, how does that explain the Kyuubi's vessel wielding the shard? Feh, doesn't matter. Kisa and I MUST kill them. We still have our mission to accomplish!
Not wasting any time, Kira glided toward the Konoha-nin and fired a beam out of her right hand. The Konoha group scattered around the area, throwing off Kira's sense of direction. Sakura threw herself in front of Tenten, allowing her armor to cover her completely. Kira's blast dissolved against Sakura's impenetrable armored 'shell.'
"Tenten, we don't have much time! What is your decision?!" Sakura barked as she braced herself against Kira's powerful blasts.
Tenten clenched her armored left arm and gritted her teeth. She responded with little hesitation. "I accept!"
With that said, the contract was forged.
Tenten felt her left arm throb painfully as a red gem formed in her palm. It protruded as trails of smoke emerged out of the gem. The white smoke swirled around Tenten in wave-like patterns, encircling the kunoichi's body. Then, a warm flow of alien energy filled the girl's entire body.
Like Sakura before her, Tenten let out a blood-curling scream. "AUGGHHHH!!!" Her screams filled the air, catching everyone's attention.
"TENTEN!!" Lee and Neji shouted as they raced over to help their teammate.
However, Sakura rushed in and cut off their path.
"Don't. This is her moment, guys."
Kira scoffed as she flew toward Tenten. "Screw that noise! I'm killing that bitch before I let her transform!"
Suddenly, a giant bark of wood emerged out of the earth and ensnared Kira.
"Nice work, Yamato, but that'll only stall her!" Kakashi said as he charged electrical chakra in his right hand. "Neji! Lee! Keep her busy!"
Witchblade Sakura assured both Lee and Neji. "Go, you two! Hold her off. Leave me with Tenten. I promise she'll be fine. In fact..." A wicked smile adorned Sakura's face. "She'll be good as new."
"Somehow, I can believe that. Let's go, Lee!" Neji said.
"Right!"
As Neji and Lee headed out to stall Kira, Witchblade Sakura turned as she watched Tenten's transformation unfold.
Tenten raised her head as red-lined streaks appeared, two slivered from below her chin and two more appeared above her forehead. Her dark brown hair changed into a darker shade of hot red. The girl's hair lengthened out, retaining the two 'buns' that didn't come loose. Her hair, on the other hand, lengthened as it reached down the middle of her back. The long red hair even stretched down past her collarbone. While opening her eyes, the pupil color changed from brown to a demonic golden with black shadow around it. To complete the eye, her tiny black irises were well-rounded than ever.
The entire on Tenten's left arm expanded as black armor spread all over her body. Her clothes seemingly 'ripped away' (not really) and were covered under layers of powerful, black armor. Her entire left arm was embellished with the second half of the Witchblade gauntlet. Like Sakura, Tenten's red gem settled at the center of her left hand. Her hand was equipped with sharp talons, proficient and deadly enough to tear through flesh and metal. Three blades protruded out of her left forearm; her shoulders was covered by heavy armored shoulder plates. Three blades jutted out on both sides of the shoulder armor.
Most of all Tenten's own features underwent drastic transformations, changing her from a teenager to almost looking like a 20-year-old adult. The girl's complexion was paler than before. Her once smaller bosom grew a few sizes and became well-endowed just like Sakura before her. Fortunately, there was enough black armor to cover up Tenten's now large bosom, which barely managed to hang out. While her chest, waist, and hips were covered, her belly wasn't. Her legs and feet were now encased within long, high-heeled armored boots (which started well below her quads and came all the way down to her feet). The heels was efficient enough to make Tenten taller than her normal stature. Her scary visage and messy hair made Tenten somewhat look like a punk goth with a mature woman's body. Like Sakura's outfit, it was an all-around delicate, armored bikini and provided her with a sexier figure.
As her screams faded, Tenten clenched her left hand as a red glow imbued it with intense energy. Tenten's disposition changed altogether as a wicked smile formed on her face. Like Sakura during her initial transformation, Tenten felt rejuvenated and relaxed. Any restrains and doubt she had were dashed away. The Witchblade's intense energies filled the girl's body, causing her to shiver with erotic pleasure; also, the alien energies completely healed the wounds she received from the twins.
Witchblade Sakura gawked at the newly transformed Tenten. Even she couldn't believe how Tenten turned out after bonding with the Witchblade's second half. Are you kidding?! She looks almost like Masane's transformed state!
The Witchblade chimed in Sakura's mind. 'So, what do you think of Tenten's makeover? Impressed? I hope so. Like you, I had to give her the necessary boob job. Hey, at least they're not cosmetics!'
"Tenten?" Witchblade Sakura said as she attempted to get a response.
While Neji attacked Kira with a Jūken, Lee tried landing a punch to the kunoichi. The Cloneblade evaded the their attacks as she flew right out of their reach. As she turned, Kakashi lunged at her with his Raikiri. She pulled out her whip and countered Kakashi's lightning blade, channeling her own electrical chakra in the weapon. The two lightning attacks nullified each other as the two lightning users went past each other.
Yamato summoned spikes out of the earth and molding them from the rocks, launching them straight up at Kira. Kira lashed her whip around, shattering each rock spike that bombarded her path. Suddenly, Sai quickly rushed up behind Kira and attempted to behead her with his sword. The Cloneblade whirled around and summoned her double blades, crossing them into an 'X.' She stopped Sai's blade and backflipped away from his reach. She landed at the center of the battlefield, glaring at each Konoha-nin as they encircled her.
"Neji! Look!" Lee called out as he pointed toward Tenten.
Whirling around, Neji got a glimpse of the new Tenten. His eyes and mouth were agape, astonished. "Te-Tenten?!"
As Kira landed on the ground, she turned and snarled angrily. "Fuck, I'm too late?! No, I still have a chance. Two Witchblade wielders? Doesn't matter. I'll take you both."
Kou, Sumaru, Hokuto, and Natsuhi watched from the sidelines as they saw the Witchblade co-wielders facing each other.
Sakura calmly stood her ground and looked over Tenten's new outward appearance. She responded with a devilish, sexy smile. "Well, I must say, Tenten. You look good. No, even better than I imagined."
"Thank you, Sakura. I understand this is only for a one-time deal?"
"Just as the contract entailed. Even if this is just temporary, welcome to the Witchblade sisterhood, Tenten."
Tenten nodded in acknowledgement. "I won't let you down."
"She's... she's... wearing the same armor like Sakura-san!" Lee exclaimed, his mouth gaped in shock.
Neji gulped as he gawked at Tenten's new look. But, what I fear most... will she be able to control this half? I hope she doesn't turn out like Sakura just did.
"Well, Yamato?" Kakashi said.
Yamato simply added, analyzing the two wielders. "Is this even possible?"
"It's the Witchblade. You can't put logic and the Witchblade in the same sentence, my friend," the Copy Ninja simply put it in those exact words. "She can share this power with Naruto. Besides, this isn't the first time there have been more than one wielder. According to Sakura, two women shared the coveted Witchblade following a great crisis."
The wood jutsu user replied. "I just hope Tenten can control it. When Sakura initially transformed, let's just say... things didn't turn out like I wanted it."
"It's all on Tenten and how well she can control this radical power. Even if it's half of the artifact," Kakashi promptly stated as he and Yamato carefully monitored the co-wielders.
As Kira glared at the co-wielders, she angrily shouted at them. "If you two are sharing the Witchblade, then you've cut its power in half! I've proven I can handle a warrior wielding the full artifact on my own! Haruno Sakura, you've only weakened yourself by sacrif-"
"Oh shut up!" Sakura snapped as she clenched her right hand, which her gem was now blue instead. This was a clear indication that Sakura was wielding the Angelus/lighter half of the Witchblade. "Despite sharing my half, my overall strength hasn't left me. I'm still as strong as before! And Tenten is my equal now."
"That means. You're screwed, bitch," Witchblade Tenten's voice lowered in a seductive manner. She giggled while licking her left hand.
In response, Kira miffed at her two adversaries and the Konoha-nin around her. She formulated her next move, but then shifted her attention toward the crater in the distance.
"No, this isn't over. Even with three wielders, Kisa and I always plan ahead!" Kira gloated as she pressed her feet into the ground. Kisa, looks like that whiskered jackass is giving you trouble. Just wait a little bit. He'll be coming to our aid... hopefully right about... now.
xxxxx
Back in the crater, Excalibur Naruto and Kisa continued to exchange offensive attacks. Naruto swung his sword horizontally, attempting to slash Kisa in half. The Cloneblade jumped away from Naruto's blade and hopped on. She swiftly landed on top of the blade, balancing herself on it. She bent over and taunted the Jinchuuriki in his face.
"What's wrong? Can't get me, fox boy?" Kisa purred as she licked Naruto's nose.
This seductive act only managed to irritate Naruto, who swung Kisa off his sword. The kunoichi landed on her feet and extended cable-like tendrils through her fingers. Naruto batted away each tentacle with his sword. Then, he drew out the source of his chakra and Excalibur energy. A thick orange and red aura covered Naruto, whose strength became augmented as a result of combining these two attributes through his training. Excalibur Naruto gripped his sword in one hand and raced toward Kisa before she could react.
Before Kisa could even blink, Naruto reached the Cloneblade and executed a series of multiple sword strikes. Each successive strike battered Kisa, repeatedly pounding her against her chest.
"Shou'Rekkuugeki!!" Naruto shouted while continuing to sword strikes at Kisa. He immediately followed it up by slamming his sword at her, sending the Cloneblade flying into mid-air. He pounced followed Kisa up, rotating himself like a wheel upward. While he spun, his sword swung around like fan blades and struck Kisa repeatedly.
Kisa screamed as the blades slashed at her chest and chipped away at most of her body armor. Naruto's sword launched a powerful wind force that kicked Kisa up. The Cloneblade fell to the ground, landing on her stomach.
"Augh!" Kisa coughed while struggling to stand up.
The Excalibur wielder landed on the ground and laughed. "What's wrong? You aren't so tough without that annoying sister of yours. On your own, you can't take me!" He straightened his posture, still maintaining hold of his sword. Just then, his body frozen while he (in addition with the Kyuubi and the Excalibur) sensed an overwhelming surge of energy away from the crater site. "What's this I'm feeling? It's Sakura, but it feels like there's two Sakuras. No, wait. I sense two Witchblades."
Just then, the Excalibur chimed in at the right time. 'Heh, it seems my brotherly counterpart has split himself. As you should know, this isn't the first time.'
'I RECALL THERE WERE CO-WIELDERS BEFORE. THE PREVIOUS TWO HELD THE TWO HALVES OF THE WITCHBLADE.' The Kyuubi interjected as he alluded to Sara and Dani without mentioning their names.
Naruto gasped. "So, that's what it is. But, who did she share the Witchblade with?"
Excalibur answered bluntly to Naruto's inquiry. 'The girl with the Chun-Li hairstyle.'
"Chun-Li? Eh?"
The Kyuubi groaned as he raised his monstrous voice, much to Naruto's annoyance. 'I THINK HE MEANS THE GIRL WITH THE ODD HAIRSTYLE! THE ONE WITH THE BUNS, YOU MORONIC SACK OF-!'
"Ok, I get the point already. Sheesh," Naruto rolled his eyes. "One day if you ever come out, remind me to smack the crap out of you and turn you into my own throw rug when I become Hokage."
The demonic Bijuu growled in response. 'LIKE THAT'LL EVER HAPPEN.'
"I get it. Tenten now holds the other half? Wow, that's crazy. I wonder how different she looks," Naruto murmured as he turned and watched Kisa barely sitting up. "Ugh, these Cloneblades are too durable. This is getting annoying."
Kisa scowled while wiping blood from her bottom lip. "I hear that pitiful girl who claims to be some awesome weapons mistress is wielding half of the Witchblade? Feh, makes no difference. Even my sister and I can defeat three wielders. We're sisters bond by blood. We've been a team since childbirth. You and your other pitiful friends have nothing on that!" She cried out and summoned her double arm blades. "Don't get too carried away, Uzumaki Naruto. Because, Kira and I don't go without a backup plan. Right, Kabuto?"
As soon as Naruto heard Kabuto's name, the Excalibur-wielding Jinchuuriki gasped in shock. "Kabuto? Where?!"
"Here, Naruto-kun," a sinister voice whispered behind the Excalibur-wielder.
As Naruto whirled around, he came face to face with a hooded figure. A single yellow snake's eye burned with intense hatred inside the darkness within the hood.
"Orochimaru? You're dead! No... you're not him."
"Correct," the figure removed his hood, unveiling his true face. "Long time no see, Uzumaki Naruto."
Yakushi Kabuto greeted Naruto with a composed facade of a smile.
Excalibur Naruto looked at both sides. On one corner, Kisa was already starting to recover. On the opposite end, Kabuto stopped him dead in his tracks.
However, Naruto couldn't be anymore happier. He shot an incensed glare at Kabuto, enough to instill fear into the eyes of a normal man. But, not Kabuto. Kabuto remained as composed as ever.
"My, my, it's been a while and you still can't forgive me?" Kabuto chuckled. "Kisa, dear, would you allow me to have a nice hearty talk with Naruto. Go help your sister. You still need to retrieve the meteors and the Witchblade."
Kisa frowned in response. "You don't need any help?"
"That won't be necessary-"
Naruto growled intensely as he pointed his sword directly at Kabuto. "Finally, now I can avenge Sasame and Isaribi."
xxxxx
Inside the resting quarters, one of the teenagers sat up and convulsed. The teen collapsed right out of his bed and grasped his chest, which throbbed as if something were about to burst out.
"This pain... it hurts... it hurts!" The boy cried as black ooze spilled out of his mouth. As he tilted his head, he saw an assortment of burning red eyes glaring at him in a dark corner. "What are you...?"
The creatures of the night snickered amongst themselves in unison.
"We are the Darklings, child. You, your friends, and your villagers have all tasted our master's energy. Soon, you will become one with us. Embrace the darkness and consume the flesh to your heart's content!"
"No, get away...!!"
The shadow creatures, identified as Darklings, quickly scrambled toward the teen and pulled him into the dark corner. The boy's blood-curling cries were muffled as soon as he was consumed by the darkness of the corner. One by one, each child sat up as their eyes burned with crimson fury.
"The time has come. Our master is close to finding the one he seeks. Drink the blood of our enemies!"
xxxxx
Meanwhile, Kira summoned her double blades and stared down the Witchblade co-wielders. She also couldn't ignore the Konoha-nin within range of the battlefield. Even Natsuhi was ready to get back into the fight as her chakra feathers reformed out of her back.
"Heh, I'm sure Kamariki would like to come out to play with the rest of you," Kira smirked as she pointed at Sakura and Tenten. "That'll just leave me with you two!"
Sakura prepared to pace forward until Tenten stopped her.
"Tenten?"
"Sakura, let's show this bitch how we Witchblade sisters operate. Besides..." The weapons mistress clenched her hands as a pair of long blades jutted out of her wrists. She grabbed the long katanas and swung them adeptly like the weapons expert she truly exhibited herself to be. "Now that I share one half of the ultimate weapon, let me show you how a weapons mistress can properly wield it." She stood in a split-legged posture, holding the katanas overhead and licked one tip of a blade hanging over her face.
Witchblade Sakura smiled evilly. "Let's party."
xxxxx
To be continued...
Next time
Chapter 44: Sakura and Tenten vs. the Twin Blades; A Rumble in Hoshi!
xxxxx
Witchblade Sakura Omake by Kanius
Witchblade Encyclopedia Segment, Episode II
"Greetings and welcome back to the Witchblade Encyclopedia Segment, an anthology of educational omakes! It's me again, Ichimaru Gin, taking a break from my usual duties in Bleach," Gin proclaimed as he rubbed the cheek where Sakura punched him from the previous segment. "Ouch, that girl needs anger management. I'm just glad she wasn't in her fully Witchblade garb. Anyhow, today's episode will be about... you guessed it."
With that, Gin pointed to the big screen behind him.
In big bold print, a word appeared on the screen.
CLONEBLADES.
"We'll be discussing the basic details about the Cloneblades. Now for those of you who haven't been keeping up, allow me to explain what Cloneblades are," Gin stated as the screen switched to two split images. On the left side was a fully view of the Witchblade gauntlet; the opposite end, the other armed gauntlet was a lighter shade of gray with a blue gem. "As you can see, there are distinct visual differences that sets these two apart. While the Witchblade is much larger and more fully armored, the Cloneblade is significantly smaller and much more delicate."
The next images to be shown on the screen were scenes from the Witchblade anime. One image consisted of a blue-armored Cloneblade fighting Witchblade Masane.
"A Cloneblade is the biological copy of the original Witchblade. Prior to their production, the original 'blade was studied by an organization called the NSWF. With their research, they were able to create several copies. These Cloneblades possess the same powers as the original, but they're nothing more than cheap fabrications of the original. Just imitations. However, it was later proven that the potential of these Cloneblades allowed the users to become more powerful than the original... but, it was shown to be a double-edged sword. The Cloneblade user was shown to be prone to a quick breakdown point. Thus, it only gave the wielder a short time to live. Yes, it's too bad. But, in the end, we've had quite a few beautiful women pop up in the anime and wield these magnificent blades!"
He pointed to the screen as various images of teenage girls and young women appeared on the screen.
"These young ladies are genetically predisposed humans created to wield these Cloneblades. Thus, they were given the title and most appropriately I must add: Neogenes or "Cloneblade Sisters." They each wear unique armor and wield an extendable weapon or a blade type in various shapes. Like a Witchblade wielder, these sisters drew satisfaction through combat. All of them were created, utilizing the genetics of a father. Though, they can also be born from a superior woman or a previous generation Neogene. A few of the first generation Neogenes are considered 'mothers' of the next. Now, let's go over each Neogene."
The first pair of Neogene women to appear on screen were a busty, brunette and a more refined lavender-haired woman.
"Here are the first two Neogenes to appear in the series. The hot brunette whose boobs could compete with my Rangiku-chan is named Tsuzuki Shiori, nicknamed 'Diva.' Don't let her looks fool you. She's beautiful and dead sexy, but she's a complete nutcase! Hide your boyfriends from her! Oh, and this woman is actually the real biological mother of Masane's daughter, Rihoko. This one is named Soho Reina, aptly nicknamed 'Lady.' She was both a Cloneblade and a Neogene who worked in the NSWF's Forensics department. One thing that intrigues me about these two is... well Shiori's sexual infatuation with Reina. Makes sense in regards to Shiori's erratic character. They make quite an interesting couple!"
Next, another older and more refined woman with long, blonde hair appeared on the screen.
"This is Nora, also known as 'Spider.' She's one of the main Neogene subordinates who battled Masane."
Following Nora's image, a picture of three teenage girls appeared on screen.
"These three are the next generation of Neogenes. I give you Maria, Aoi, and Asagi. What else is there to say? They ended up wielding superior Cloneblade designs called Dual 'Blades. Although these three were not heavily as armored like the previous Neogenes, they were still efficient enough to surpass the previous sisters. Bar none, they became the superior generation. Whew, I'm going on and on. I hope you're keeping up!"
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.
Gin answered in a sing-a-long tone. "Come in!"
The doors pushed open as Tayuya, Karin, Kira, Kisa, Sasame, and Isaribi stormed right in.
"Whoa, aren't you girls supposed to be in the story?"
Tayuya scoffed. "I'm playing big sister with Inari. I haven't been involved with anything yet. When it is my fucking turn to fight Sakura and her friends?!" She let out a curse storm and kicked one of Gin's prop sets.
"Hey! Don't go wreck my props! This show's budget is not very high now with the economy in its current state-"
Kira and Kisa chided the 'fox-faced' man. "Why don't you talk about us?! We're the Cloneblade kunoichi."
Karin nodded. "We deserve our props being the main villains for this stupid arc!"
Gin scratched his head. "Well, what is there to say? The Witchblade's shard was taken out of Sasuke and used by Kabuto to manufacture new Cloneblades. Amachi helped to establish a Cloneblade factory and mass produced more for Orochimaru."
"Each one of us has at least wielded a Cloneblade," Karin promptly stated.
Sasame barely managed to chime in. "Please, guys. Let's not stir up trouble here."
Isaribi backed off, not wanting any involvement in the situation.
"As far as I'm concerned, we each deserve our own segment," Tayuya declared. "Dedicate a segment to each of us and actually invite each Neogene to see us. You know what I fucking want? I want to meet my idol... the girl I take after in this story! I want Shiori to show up!"
Karin added. "Likewise with me meeting Reina."
Kira and Kisa shouted in unison. "We want to see Maria!"
Sasame blushed. "I suppose... I'd like to meet Nora."
Isaribi spoke up. "Um... Godzilla?"
"GODZILLA?!" The other girls, minus Sasame, exclaimed as they blanched simultaneously.
The former chimera frowned. "Yes? What? My Cloneblade form was never based off any of the actual Cloneblades. And yes, my form looked like Godzilla. Space Godzilla to be exact."
"Eh, sure. Whatever," Tayuya shrugged.
Gin leapt in front of the camera's view and waved out to the audiences. "Well, time's up. Be sure to tune in next time. We'll have Sasame as our guest as we'll explain about her main role as the 'Spider' and we'll also have Nora at hand to greet her successor. Should be fun! See you in the next segment!"
Sitting in the crowd, Beavis and Butthead sat in silence like the dumbfounded teenage idiots they were.
Then, Beavis turned toward Butthead. "Eh heh heh. Those anime chicks had big boobs."
"You said boobs. Uh huh huh huh."
"Hey, Butthead. Show's over, change it."
"Uh, okay," Butthead complied as he pulled out a remote control and changed the channel.
Zzzt.
End of segment.
xxxxx
Translation Notes
Omote Renge/Front Lotus
Type: Kinjutsu. B-Rank. Offensive.
Range: Short Range (0-5m)
User(s): Maito Gai, Rock Lee, Hatake Kakashi (anime only)
Front Lotus requires the opening of the first of the Eight Chakra Gates, giving the user five times their normal strength. The user launches the opponent into the air and then uses Shadow of the Dancing Leaf. Now behind his opponent, the user restrains them and pildrives them into the ground headfirst. Because it uses one of the chakra gates, the user is left extremely fatigued, making this jutsu a "double-edged sword." Kakashi has been shown to be able to use this technique, but to a much lesser degree than Guy and Lee.
--
Katon: Endan/Fire Release: Flame Bullet
Type: C-Rank. Offensive.
Range: Short to Mid-range (0-10m)
User(s): Jiraiya, Gamakichi (anime only)
The Fire Release: Flame Bullet technique resembles the Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique; but it is more of a stream than a ball. The technique is executed by user gathering oil in their mouth, spits it out, and ignites it, sending a streaming fireball to the enemy.
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Kujaku Myōhō: Zan/Mysterious Peacock Method: Destroy
Type: Unknown. Offensive.
User(s): Hoshi-nin
After utilizing the Kujaku Myōhō,the user uses the chakra feathers to attack their opponent.
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Hakke Hasangeki/Eight Trigrams Mountain Crusher
Type: Kekkei Genkai. No Rank. Offensive.
Range: Short Range (0-5m)
User(s): Hyuuga Neji
As a focused variation of Hakkeshō Kaiten, this jutsu sends a wave of chakra directly towards an opponent, more than enough to shatter rock.
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Shou'Rekkuugeki/Soar Draw Sky Attack
This attack is utilized by Reid/Riddo Hasheru from Tales of Eternia/Tales of Destiny II. Used by Uzumaki Naruto while in his Excalibur stage. Credit goes to Gundamvid for providing me the YouTube video of this attack and big credit to Namco for creating the aforementioned RPG series.
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A/N: Finally, I finished this chapter. This one was by far the most difficult pieces I've ever written. I've practically had to rewrite some of the fight scenes. It was vexing, but luckily everything turned out as I wanted it to be.
Yes, this was even more difficult than the more lengthy chapters in the Isaribi and Sasame arcs.
Oh well. I did it.
In the chapter's biggest shocker, Tenten gains the second half of the Witchblade! Like Sara and Dani have done before, Sakura and Tenten will learn to use the two halves efficiently. Let's see how well the Team Gai's weapons mistress can handle it. This will be her only fight using a Witchblade co-wielder. She better make some good use of it to beat Kira and Kisa. By the looks of it, she's going to enjoy this. =)
Yes, Kabuto is back in the fray. Or, should I say... 'Kabutomaru?' Excalibur Naruto has a fight in his hands there.
Oh yes and the Darklings are closing in.
Next chapter is gonna be clocked with a whole bunch of fight scenes. Everyone's getting involved. When I mean everyone, I mean the whole Konoha gang and some of the Hoshi-nin. Kira, Kisa, 'Kabutomaru,' and some involvement from the Darklings will all happen next time. I can't wait.
Plus, more Witchblade Encyclopedia omakes hosted by Gin and more mayhem on the way! The Cloneblade segments begins next chapter with Sasame and Nora: The Spiders. =)
Leave me a review when you're done reading. Take care and stay gold!
