Naruto Invoke Overdrive

chpt.49: Eight Faced 3 – Yamata no Orochi

"Take this" shouts Tsunade as she sends her fist slamming into the chest of a Brute, the force of the impact leaving a deep crater in the body of the Hybrid. He creature coughs up blood as its body spasm's violently, then collapses onto the ground.

A roar of a Feral from behind her has her spinning around, but the beast is faster as it aims to take her down before she can get react to defend herself. "Lightning Blade" comes Kakashi before bursting forward, a blur of motion as his hands crackles with chakra, slicing into the body of the Feral and cutting it in half.

Kakashi then targets several other Feral that other shinobi are facing and take them out, thinning the numbers. Tsunade then sees another Brute coming at her, its fist raised to crush her. She replies by catching his attack, then smirking while saying "Let me show you how its down." She then leaps up, and smash's her fist down, crushing the Brutes skull from the power of her blow.

"Tsunade, Kakashi, how are things going here?" comes Sarutobi as he comes down from higher up to join them.

"We've killed about a dozen of the four legged ones and eight of the humanoid ones. We haven't seen any of the fliers yet though" says Tsunade.

"Probably due to how dense the trees are around here" adds Kakashi as he finishes off the last of the Feral.

"Very well then. Let's keep the momentum up and go help the other groups" orders Sarutobi, getting a cheer from the other present shinobi who scatter outwards to look for others in need. "Wait" says Sarutobi suddenly, stopping Tsunade and Kakashi from heading out either.

"What is it, lord Hokage?" asked Kakashi.

"Tsunade, you can feel it too?" asked Sarutobi as he turns his attention to eleven o'clock.

"Yeah, he's here" said Tsunade as she also looks in the same direction.

"I see you both still can sense when I'm close. I'm touched" says Orochimaru as he steps out into the open.

Tsunade glares up at him, then says "So, you finally decided to show yourself."

"I figured why make any of you wait. After all, anticipation can be such a bitch" notes Orochimaru.

"Your orders, lord Hokage?" asked Kakashi.

"Trust your instincts and don't let your guard down" was the reply.

"Now, if we only had Jiraiya here with us. Then this reunion would be complete" says Orochimaru.

"He'll just have to deal then" says Sarutobi before making a hand sign, then unleashes a fire ball at Orochimaru, who jumps clear of the flame.

Tsunade then slams her fist into the ground, forcing a massive rock to burst upwards, which she then punches, turning it into a projectile that goes flying at the airborne Orochimaru. Meanwhile, Sarutobi uses a water jutsu to put out the flames created by his fire ball to keep the trees from catching fire.

"So predictable" says Orochimaru, spiting out a liquidic acid, melting a large hole for him to safely pass through.

"Exactly" says Sarutobi as Kakashi meets Orochimaru mid way through his hole and plants a Lightning Blade right into his gut.

"Did we get him?" wonders Tsunade.

Puff; Orochimaru burst into smoke. "A Shadow Clone" says Kakashi as he begins to descend back to the ground. Twisting his body around, his eyes catches sight of something. "Lord Hokage, behind you."

Sarutobi spins around just as the ground behind him burst open and Orochimaru comes flying out and wraps Sarutobi into a fierce hug before propelling the both of them forward.

"Damn you" shouts Tsunade as she chases after Orochimaru.

But another figure, draped in a red cloak and a snake mask appears before her, delivering a strong kick to throws Tsunade back. Kakashi just barely manages to catch her before she can slam into the ground.

"Sorry, but lord Orochimaru wishes to have a private moment with his former sensei. But worry not, lady Tsunade. He'll make time for both you and master Jiraiya soon enough" says Kabuto behind the mask.

"Get out of our way" orders Tsunade.

"Make me" retorts Kabuto. He had always wanted to take on a Sanin and it looks like he was finally getting his chance.

(elsewhere)

"That makes five" says Ino proudly as she looks at the Raptor she had just downed. She then looks over at Sakura and ask "So, how many do you have?"

"CHA!" shouts Sakura, having dodged an attack by a Feral, then slamming her fist into its back, shattering its back bone. Though her attacks were a long way off from being on par with Tsunade's, she was still pretty devastating with her attacks.

"That's number six. I'm winning" says Sakura as she looks at Ino and gives her the V for victory. This makes Ino fume with jealousy.

"Now, now, girls. This isn't a competition. We need to be serious here" points out Kurenai.

"We know, we know" they both say together.

"Besides, I'm at nine myself" adds Kurenai, unable to repress a smirk.

"And you're scolding us" both Ino and Sakura shout together.

Before Kurenai can respond, the sound of music fills the air. "What is that?" ask Sakura as she look around. "It sounds like a flute" points out Ino.

After a moment, the scenery around them begins to shift and distort. "Girls, be careful. It's a genjutsu" says Kurenai. "Hold on; I'll dispel it" she adds as she starts to make some hand signs.

""I'll do it" says Sakura as she makes her own set of hand signs, then shouts "Release."

Immediately, the area returns to normal as Kurenai looks at Sakura with surprise and wonder. "That was pretty impressive."

"Lady Tsunade told me I have excellent chakra control. Something like casting or dispelling genjutsu is cake walk for me" boast Sakura proudly. 'Although, my chakra levels leave a lot to be desired' she mentally adds.

Sakura then looks at Ino, seeing her surprised reaction and says "Better watch out or I might steal your sensei away from you." She was joking, of course. But still, the rivalry she felt with Ino demanded her to say that.

"Don't count on it. I just so happen to be a sensory type, so I know you're chakra levels are below average. Besides, why would Kurenai-sensei want to train a forehead like you for, anyways?" retorts Ino.

"How do you...?" Sakura starts to say, but then realizes Ino had brought up her one personal issue with herself. "Who do you think you are, making fun of my forehead. It's just how I style my hair, nothing more...Ino-pig."

"What did you call me?" shouts Ino. Before Kurenai can react, the two girls are butting heads and apparently, have forgotten about the situation at hand.

"What a touching scene" comes a voice above them. The three females look up to see Tayuya looking back down at them. "I can tell you two will become the best of friends one day. Or, you would become best friends if you weren't going to die this day. To bad, huh?"

"And you are?" asked Kurenai as she pulls out a kunai.

"My name isn't important. All you need to know is that I am a loyal servant to lord Orochimaru and I won't stop till I've killed all you Konoha dogs, as is his order" says Tayuya. She then looks at Sakura and says "By the way, congrats on breaking my audio based genjutsu. Not an easy feet, I assure you."

"Be on your guard, girls. She's stronger than she looks" orders Kurenai.

"I'm not worried. After all, if all she has is genjutsu, then you'll be able to handle her, sensei" says Ino.

"Hey, what about me?" ask Sakura.

"Obviously, genjutsu won't work here" says Tayuya, getting their attention. "But I have other uses for my flute than just genjutsu. Observe." She then produces two scrolls, which she allows to roll open. Immediately, the seal on both scrolls activate, creating two massive beast like creature to appear.

"Behold, my twin Golems. The green one is Troll. And the blue one is Ogre. I believe they will provide you with a more suitable challenge than simple genjutsu" says Tayuya before resuming her playing on the flute. The sound of the music causes the eyes of the two Golems to light up and the flex their muscles and roar.

"Be ready, you two. This is about to get ugly" orders Kurenai as the Golems jump down at them.

(another location)

"Miss Shizune, just what is that guy?" asked Shikamaru as Jirobo slowly advances towards them. So far, any kunai and shuriken thrown at him had bounced off his body.

"I'd say he was wearing some kind of body armor. But I highly doubt it. More than likely, he's an earth style user and is using some jutsu to make his skin harder" says Shizune.

"Got any ideas, then?" asked Shikamaru.

"A few. What about you? I hear you're pretty smart" says Shizune.

"Yeah, but I'm gonna need a diversion for my idea to work" says Shikamaru.

"Then I'll take care of that" says Shizune before stepping forward, then making a hand sign.

Jirobo comes to a stop as Shizune intakes a deep breath of air. 'What could she be up to?' he wondered.

Once she was done inhaling, Shizune then breaks into several hand signs, then mentally commands 'Poison Fog' as she exhales and release a dense blast of purple colored air.

Immediately, Jirobo raises his hands up to guard himself, unable to breath in before he's bombarded by the attack. 'Damn wench' he growls mentally before making a hand signs and unleashes the only wind style jutsu he had learned, creating a funnel of wind to blast out around him, freeing him from the fog.

"Sorry, but no luck, lady" he says to Shizune. He then realizes the kid with her was missing and he goes to look around, but finds his body unresponsive.

"What is this?" he shouts as he struggles to move.

"Sorry, but you been caught in my Shadow Possession jutsu. You won't be able to move unless it's by my actions" says Shikamaru from behind him and unable to repress a smirk.

"Good work, Shikamaru" says one of the ninja present.

"OK men, attack and take him out" orders Shizune.

The six ninja gather around Jirobo and launch various kunai and shuriken at him. Jirobo's body jerks as its hit by each attack, ultimately collapsing onto his knees from the assault.

"Now, you'll tell us where your boss is" says Shikamaru.

"Why, when I'm still able to fight" comes a voice from behind Shikamaru.

Shikamaru spins around, only to meet a stone fist slam into him; sending him flying. Shizune leaps up and catches him, helping him safely back onto the ground. Meanwhile, several on the other ninja try to attack Jirobo who quickly take them out.

"But how? I thought we got him" wonders Shikamaru as he looks at the downed Jirobo.

Just then, the first Jirobo cracks and breaks apart, turning into dirt and rock. "An earth clone. Pretty convincing one, too" notes Shizune.

Shikamaru sighs, then says "What a drag. I knew this wasn't going to be so easy. So, any ideas now?"

"Find a way to beat him...somehow" says Shizune as she charges at Jirobo with Shikamaru right behind her.

(with Sarutobi and Orochimaru)

Seconds after Orochimaru had grabbed him, Sarutobi found the both of them leaving Senhana, moving across the lake and into the surrounding forest. For a second, all he sees is the blurred motion of trees. But then, they emerge into a large, circular clearing and Orochimaru pushes him into the center before leaping back to stand before the closest tree.

As he gets back onto his feet, Sarutobi sees a flash of light in the distance, followed by a wall of chakra rising up into a dome shape, completely sealing them off from any outside interference. Sarutobi then looks back at Orochimaru who is giving him an almost giddy smirk.

"If you really wanted me to come to a more secluded spot so we could catch up on old times, you should have just asked" says Sarutobi as he makes sure he was still able to move without pain or soreness.

"I suppose so. But this seemed to be the more fun approach, Sarutobi-sensei. After all, I'm sure you feel the same as I; we both want to settle old accounts once and for all. And the best way to do this is through battle" was Orochimaru's reply.

"Why, Orochimaru? Why have you come back now? Why do you want to destroy Konoha? It's your home. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"

"Because the time was right. Because I wish to break away from old bonds; bonds that will hold me back. And yes, it means a lot to me. All the more reason to bring about its destruction."

"You'll fail. Even if you manage to kill me, Konoha will survive and grow stronger from this experience" says Sarutobi.

Orochimaru laughs, then says "Don't tell me you still preach that old belief? The Will of Fire? Such an old and outdated concept has no place in today's world."

"Once upon a time, you believed it yourself. You were such a good child, always eager to help those in need, always ready to do the right thing. What happened to have changed you so?" asked Sarutobi.

"I learned things about myself. Things about my parents. My experiences during the second war. So many things have contributed to helping me become the man I am today."

"And what did you learn?" asked Sarutobi. He already had a good idea what the triggers from the second war were. But the other triggers were a mystery to him. Especially his comment about his parents and himself. What had he learned was making him rather curious as Orochimaru's parents had been very secretive and rarely spoke to anyone about their work.

"That doesn't matter. What matters now is our battle. It's time, Sarutobi-sensei. Time to see which of us is truly the stronger warrior."

Sarutobi nods as he takes up his famous battle stance, then says "I'll let you make the first move."

Orochimaru chuckles, then says "I was thinking the same thing." He then snaps his fingers, causing a rustling sound to come from the tree branches.

For a second, there was nothing. Then blurs shoot clear from the trees and come to land by Orochimaru. Sarutobi takes a step back, then says "What is this, Orochimaru? I thought this was going to be a battle between me and you."

"So I did. Now see that I was not lying" replied Orochimaru as the newly arrived figures reach up and throw back their hoods, revealing their faces.

Sarutobi's eyes go wide with shock as he sees the faces of the cloaked warriors. "Wha...what madness is this? There are...eight of you?"

Sort of; the seven cloaked figures had similar physical features as Orochimaru. Chalky white skin, the skin around their eyes was a shade of purple, the pupils of their eyes resembled the eyes of a snake. But other than that, like their hair styles and other little detail, was completely different. One of them was clearly a female.

Orochimaru burst out laughing. "You should see the look on your face, Sarutobi-sensei. The look I was hoping you'd make; priceless."

"Are they Shadow Clones?" asked Sarutobi.

Orochimaru shakes his head, then says "Oh no, no, no. They aren't Shadow Clones. They are as real and as powerful as I am."

"Then what are they?" demands Sarutobi.

"They are me; the Order of the White Snake. Together, we are the eight faces of Orochimaru. The eight aspects of his being given physical form."

"What are you talking about?" shouts Sarutobi. "Just what did you do to yourself?"

"I guess an explanation is in order" says Orochimaru. After a moment of silence, he says "One day, while on a mission. I discovered a hidden lab built by my parents. Within were documents; detailed notes that spoke of their greatest project. That project was me. They desired to create a humanoid Biju and they decided to use their unborn child to realize their hopes and dreams. Of course, they died shortly after my birth, thus preventing them from continuing with their plans. This also explains why my appearance was so different from others."

"I began going through their research, fascinated by what I was reading. When I was done, I knew I had to continue their work. Not so their hopes and dreams could be realized. But because I wanted to obtain the kind of power that would come from becoming this humanoid Biju. Obviously, I've made many changes and improvements since then."

"And what do they have to do with it?" asked Sarutobi, his gaze shifting to look at each of the other Orochimaru.

"All part of my ascension. I created a forbidden jutsu that allowed me to split myself into eight individual parts. Each containing all my knowledge and having the same level of power as the original. I myself am simply one of the eight born from this act. But perhaps I should introduce my other halves first."

Orochimaru points to the figure furthest to his left; a figure who was thin, almost bony. His face had rat like characteristics to it. His hair was short and raised up and spiky. "He is my greed; my drive to have everything personified in physical form. If you wish, you may call him Orochi-Averice."

Next to Orochi-Averice was the sole female Orochimaru in the bunch. Her hair was long, nearly knee length and her lips were as purple as the skin around her eyes. Her chest was rather well developed she could actually be considered attractive. "She is my desire for power; Orochi-Lust."

Next to her was a muscular looking man, his face contorted into an angry scowl. His teeth were clenched together, as if he was fighting back an unbearable rage. He was also bald headed. "My hatred. Truly a frightening thing, huh? Behold my hate in all its glory, Orochi-Wrath."

Next to him was a man who's hair was short in back, yet long along one side of his face, covering an eye. His one exposed eye had a dulled look to it, almost as if he was bored or maybe half awake. He was also slouching forward a bit. "What can I say about him other than his name; Orochi-Sloth."

Orochimaru then looks to his right, looking at a fat, if not obese looking figure. He had drool trickling from his mouth and had a look that screamed I'm hungry. He was sporting a buzz cut hair style. "My hunger, truly a repulsive sight isn't it? I call him Orochi-Gluttony."

Before Orochimaru can speak on the next one, standing by Orochi-Gluttony, the figure with shoulder length hair steps forward and says "I can introduce myself. I am Orochi-Envy. And I want what all others have that I don't. And I will have it all too."

"He's always been the most outspoken of us eight" notes Orochimaru.

"And now, last but not least, I give you my self importance, my strong belief in myself. My Orochi-Pride." Orochi-Pride, who has a neat hair cut, a monocle over his right eye, and very British like facial features, if not almost snobbish.

"And there you have it, Sarutobi-sensei. You stand before the eight faces of Orochimaru. You should be honored as you will be the first to face all eight of us at once."

"Wait a minute. What about you? If you're also a split from the true Orochimaru, then why do you look exactly like him? What title do you give yourself?" ask Sarutobi.

"I wonder? As for my title? Perhaps this battle will answer your question." Orochimaru then extends his arm forward, pointing at Sarutobi. "I have made my first move. Now, I'll allow you to make yours. I am curious as to what you'll do to counter this unexpected predicament you find yourself in."

Sarutobi knew he was in trouble here. At his current age, fighting Orochimaru was going to be difficult on his own. But having to fight eight of them; impossible. He just didn't have the speed or swift reflexes needed for such an endeavor anymore. There was only one option left open to him now.

Concentrating his chakra into his hands, he then makes fifteen different hand signs, maintaining the fifteenth sign for five seconds as he feels a burst of chakra rush through him. Then, to Orochimaru's surprise, he then makes another set of fifteen hand signs and hold the fifteenth for a few moments.

Sarutobi does this three more times; five total. Then, as he makes the fifteenth sign in the fifth set, a swelling of chakra begins to form around him. "What is this?" wonders Orochimaru. He had never seen or heard of a jutsu that required so many hand signs before and was curious as to what kind of jutsu this was.

As the spiral of chakra intensifies around him, becoming brighter than the sun, Sarutobi says "You wanted me to make my move and here it is. Since you used a forbidden jutsu to do this to yourself, I shall do no less. Forbidden jutsu; Re-generator."

The moment he says the name, the chakra spiraling around him explodes outward, forcing the eight Orochimaru to cover their eyes to protect themselves from going blind. Then, just as quickly as it had began, the intense, blinding light fades away as they feel a strong gust of wind hit against them.

Orochimaru is the first to open his eyes, the first to see what the jutsu Sarutobi had used had done to him. "What...what did you do, old man?" he asked in an astonished tone.

Sarutobi stood before them, no longer an old man, but young and full of life. His gray hair having returned to its natural brown color and his bald spot had new hair covering it and the age spots and wrinkles were no where to be seen.

"I never thought I would ever use this jutsu. I hoped I'd never have to use it" said Sarutobi. "I developed it years ago, after you went rouge. It was based on a jutsu used by members of the Uzumaki Clan; the older members that tapped into their clans blood line to make themselves younger for short periods of time. It took me seven years, but I finally created a version of their jutsu that anyone could use. That is what I activated; Re-generator. A jutsu that returns the user to the point in their life when they were at their strongest. Both physically, mentally, and chakra levels."

"Interesting" says Orochimaru, licking his lips. "Very interesting, indeed. I should have known you'd create something like this, Sarutobi-sensei. But you also called it a forbidden jutsu. Does that mean that you are taking a risk in using it? I'd like to not what you're risking by using it."

"I'm sure you would. But that doesn't mean I'll tell you" said Sarutobi.

There was a risk, a very dangerous one. The risk was the from the moment the jutsu is activated, it was start siphoning off the users chakra and once your chakra runs out, you'll revert to your true state. Furthermore, the price you'll pay after returning to normal is that all your strength will be forever lost. You will spend the rest of your days bed ridden, unable to move; dependent on being cared for for everything like eating, bathing, and even going to the bathroom. And finally, the users remaining time to live will be lowered to a year at best. And Sarutobi was accepting all this just to defeat Orochimaru.

"Very well, I guess its my move now" says Orochimaru as he tilts his head upwards, then makes gurgling sounds as his throat bulges. Sarutobi looks away in disgust. The hilt of a sword extends out of Orochimaru's mouth. He reaches up and grabs the hilt, pulling the blade free and aiming it at his opponent.

"That sword...?"

"Correct, Sarutobi-sensei. This blade is one of the sacred treasures from the ancient world. Kusanagi; the Grass Long Sword. I can't tell you the trouble I went through in order to obtain it" says Orochimaru.

Then, the other seven Orochi also follow suit, each pulling an identical sword from their mouths. Seeing the look of shock on Sarutobi's face, Orochimaru' says "With a lot of time, effort, and experimentation, I managed to create seven replicas of Kusanagi. Though not quite as perfect or indestructible as the original, they can still do the job needed. Now, do you have any other tricks up your sleeves, Sarutobi-sensei?"

"Just one. Seeing as you're using a sacred treasure, so to shall I. Summoning jutsu" shouts Sarutobi as he makes his hand signs, then presses his hand to the ground.

From the seal and smoke emerges the large, white furred ape. He quickly kneels down, his back to Orochimaru and says as he opens his eyes "You summoned me, Saru...young?"

"I did, Enma. I need your help."

"Sarutobi, you're younger. You didn't...you didn't use Re-generator did you?" asked Enma as he stands.

"I did, old friend. Now look behind you and you will see why" says Sarutobi.

Enma does so and hos eyes go even wider at the sight before him. "Orochimaru, eight of them? Just what is going on here?"

"He used a forbidden jutsu to rend his soul into eight halves. The purpose I still do not understand nor do I wish to. Furthermore, he has found the Kusanagi and has even created seven replica of it."

"I think I know why you summoned me now" says Enma as he looks back at Sarutobi.

"Then please, Enma. Summon the sacred ark and release the seal on it. It is the only chance I have here."

Enma nods as he makes the necessary hand signs, saying "Very well then, I'll do it. Sacred Summons."

A gold colored seal appears on the ground, beams of light shooting out as a large, rectangular box extends out from the seal. Orochimaru can tell that the wood making up this box was different from normal wood as it had a golden tint to it. It was sacred wood and any who were evil would burn if they touched it. The container also had many silver seals covering it as well as binding ropes colored a deep purple like velvet.

Enma then makes a new set of hand signs, then places his hands on the one gold colored seal, turning it one full turn clockwise. "Sacred seals, release" he orders. Immediately, a pulse of chakra races along the ropes to the other seals, causing them to release as well. Then the side of the container falls way.

Sarutobi steps forward and reaches into the container, then he pulls the object within free. Orochimaru can't help but chuckle deviously as Sarutobi spins the black and gold colored staff above himself before bringing it to the ready; for both attack and defense.

"Behold, the indestructible Nyoi-bo Staff" says Sarutobi.

"So, that is the legendary Nyoi Staff, also known as the Ruyi Jingu Bang. A sacred artifact from the time before the Age of Darkness which saw the rise of the devil beast Jubi and the great hero known as the Sage of the Six Paths. It's as impressive as the legends say."

After a moment, Orochimaru laughs as he brings the Kusanagi into a battle ready position, then says "Now, enough of the drama. Let's begin this fight that will finally end our feud once and for all, Sarutobi-sensei."

(Temple of Ama)

Tenten walked down the hall towards the large main room of the temple, her head still filled with confusion and question over what it is she should do in regards to the situation with her home. Naruto had been right, she just couldn't leave it as it was. But until she could find Han and get his insight on the matter, all she'd be able to do is stay here and keep to her duties as both a priestess and Slayer of Ama.

The sounds coming from the main hall catch her attention and bring her out of her melancholy state. As she enters the room, she can't help but smile at seeing a good number of the girls in the Order gathered around Naruto and Moegi...well, clone Naruto and Moegi.

Apparently, they were both quite popular.

As Tenten approached, she heard some of the girls talking with Moegi, probably trying to help her build her communication skills. Though Tenten had a feeling most where there because of Naruto seeing as boys being around was rare. Spotting Ai amongst the group, Tenten strolls over and pokes her shoulder.

"Oh, hey Tenten. Did you need something?" asked Ai as she looked over her shoulder.

"Nah, just stopping by to see you all gawking over our guest instead of doing your duties." Tenten then looks at Moegi and adds "Pretty cute, huh?"

"Yeah, he is" says Ai. She then realizes what she had said and blushes madly while Tenten can't help but smirk at her. "I mean, she's..."

"Uh huh, I know what you meant" says Tenten before leaning in. "Don't forget though. Hinata has first claim on this one. So if you want him, you may have to fight her for him. Not that I'm crazy enough to fight her with Naruto being the prize,"

"Speaking of which, where is Hinata?" asked Ai.

"Huh? What do you mean?" asked Tenten before looking around. Sure enough, there was no sign of Hinata anywhere in the room. Surely she wouldn't be training down in the lower levels now? Not with Naruto here and all. If anything, Hinata should be glued to Naruto's side.

"I just realized it. I haven't seen her since I got here; when all the girls started getting together" said Ai.

"She might have gone to her room to get something. I'll go check on her" said Tenten before walking off. As she makes her way to Hinata's room, she wonders if all the attention Naruto was getting from the other girls might have bummed Hinata out and she was in her room brooding? But that didn't seem like something Hinata would do.

Getting to her room, Tenten taps her fist against the door, then says "Hinata, are you in there?" No response. "Hinata?" she says again, louder. Becoming worried, Tenten checks the nob and finds it unlocked. So she opens the door and enters the room.

The room was empty, though Tenten quickly sees the window open and a gentle breeze flowing inside. 'Oh no, don't tell me she...' thinks Tenten before darting forward and opening Hinata's closet. All twelve of her priestess garments were present, so Tenten reaches in and presses the concealed button, making the inside swing around to reveal Hinata's Slayer equipment.

A quick check confirms her suspicions. One of Hinata's Slayer outfits was missing as was her three weapons. "Hinata, you damn idiot. When I get my hands on..."

"Is something wrong, Tenten?" comes a voice from behind her.

Tenten spins around and sees Setsuna, the Orders most skilled sensor. "Setsuna, can you sense Hinata's presence anywhere inside the temple?"

The black haired girl with the large side pony tail closes her eyes and checks. She then opens her eyes and says "Sorry, I don't."

"Aw man" groans Tenten as she smacks her hands against her face. "Hinata, I'm gonna kill you."

"Tenten, what's going on?"

"Never mind, forget I ask" says Tenten before moving past Setsuna and heading to her room.

Setsuna cocks her head, the shrugs it off as she heads back to doing her duties. But she freezes in mid step as she senses something powerful for just a split second. 'What was that? It felt like demonic energy...'

(Hinata)

Hinata's movements through the sea of trees is fast and precise. She was still amazed at just how far she had come in just a few months time. Taking a look at her tracker to make sure she was still heading in the right direction, she again finds herself feeling glad she stuck a Ama tracker on Naruto when she had hugged him earlier. For she was having a strong feeling a foreboding that wouldn't go away. Something was telling her that Naruto was in danger.

'Naruto, please be careful. I'll be there soon. Wait for me.'

(Naruto)

'Once I pass through this village, I'll be just fifteen minutes from getting back to Senhana' thinks Naruto as he passes under the entry arch. 'I just hope everyone's OK.'

Seeing a corner before him, Naruto quickly goes into the turn, only to go crashing into someone. "Ow, where did that come from?"

"Sorry, but I'm in a hurry" says Naruto as he starts to get up as both he and the person he had collided with had been knocked to the ground.

"Naruto, is that you?" comes the person who Naruto now realized sounds familiar.

"Hey, bushy brow...Lee, its you" says Naruto as he helps Lee back on his feet.

"What's the hurry, Naruto? You have the look of a man who has the devil at his back" says Might Guy, walking up to join them.

"Master Guy...sorry, no time to explain. I got to get back to the village at once" says Naruto before taking off, or at least tries to but is stopped by Guy grabbing his shoulder.

"Has something happened to Konoha?" asked Guy, concerned.

"Yeah, some guy called Orochimaru's planning on attacking at any time and I need to get back there and do my part in the defense" says Naruto.

"Then permit us to come along as well. Right Lee?"

"Of course, Guy-sensei. It would be an honor to aid you in defending your home."

"I appreciate the offer, but..."

Guy raises a finger up, stopping Naruto. "Don't forget what I told you when we met, Naruto, I used to be a shinobi of Konoha as well. I may no longer live in Konoha, but it will always be my home. And if anyone threatens my home, then I am duty bond to go to her aid and defend her with my life."

"And where ever Guy-sensei goes, I shall go as well" adds Lee giving Naruto the thumbs up.

Naruto stares at them for just a moment, then smiles and says "While I'm not sure if those two old fogies who advise the old man would improve; the fact remains we can use all the help we can get. Just follow me and try to keep up."

Naruto breaks into a run with Lee and Guy right behind him. "Don't you mean, you keep up with us?" asked Lee.

"Oh shut up" shouts Naruto, remembering his defeat during the little spar session he and Lee had when they had first met a few weeks prior.

As they disappear from sight, a figure emerges from a building; having overheard their talk. Giving the matter a quick moments thought, the figure breaks into a run, following after Naruto as well. It was time to fulfill an oath made many years before.

Next time: the battle joined...the beginning of a bond...MORTAL KOMBAT