The Pantheon of Nine
By: Finn Mertenz
A/N: Ishimaru Taiki - Thank you, that means a lot to me.
Fuyuriku - You made a really good point and I've taken the time to fix the paragraph you pointed out to me. I will keep your review in mind for future writing, I promise.
naes151 - Danzo is a very controversial character, many people hate him because every single bad event inside the show (Uchiha Massacre, the death of the true Akatsuki, the birth of Pain, the Konoha Crush or killing Naruto's frog and etc etc) is all his fault.
But everything Danzo did is what he genuinely believed was in the best interest of Konoha, all he is guilty of is being a proud nationalist who loved his country.
While it's true that every single problem in Naruto is his fault, he isn't a villain, he is just trying to do the right thing but it has consequences that he could never see. Because of this aspect I argue Danzo is the most human/realistic character in the entire show.
Danzo is just trying to ensure the future of his country but a large portion of the Naruto community judge him by his actions or mistakes, instead of his ideals. I love Danzo and I love the ideals he represents.
Danzo was the Hokage we needed but not the one we deserved and his death was easily one of the top 5 hardest times I've ever cried watching Naruto. At the same time, Danzo is also one of my top 10 Naruto characters.
Danzo is a tragic hero. He always did what he thought was best for Konoha and even if you don't agree with his ways he always did what he thought was right.
I know a lot of people will be like "Oh Danzo? Fuck him! He killed the Frog/ took Shisui's eye/ planned to assassinate Hiruzen multiple times and etc etc". I understand that but none of those things make Danzo a villain, he is just trying to do the right thing from his perspective.
As I have stated before, life is full of different perspectives and when you truly understand someone's perspective you understand them as a person. Once you see the Shinobi world through Danzo's perspective I think he becomes quite heroic, that's why I call him a tragic hero.
In terms of who was a better end villain between Madara or Kaguya. Madara had 7 years of hype and build-up, he was firmly placed as a key figure in the lore back during the part 1 Valley of the End fight.
From a narrative perspective it's a subjective fact that Madara was a far superior villain than Kaguya. Kaguya added no plot-development to the story and didn't enhance the narrative, all she did was create an excuse for Boruto.
Instead of upgrading from Madara to a more intense villain, Kishimoto decided to downgrade into Kaguya. Not even mentioning the fact that she's an Alien.
I could easily write over 2,000 words detailing why Kaguya is terrible in so many ways if you want to PM me but I'll just cut it short here. Personally, I don't really care for Madara but I can still admit that he was a decent end villain, better than Kaguya.
I should note that Madara will not be the last villain in this story.
Cloves - I have no problems with the love or drama, that's what I was going for since this Naruto is supposed to Nagato-like.
However your review did make me think about a serious flaw I made, the scene where Naruto cries at the very beginning of this story after failing to bring back the Kunai.
Originally, Naruto was supposed to be timid and quiet after the 6yr time skip (which is why I started this story so earlier) but even then that doesn't excuse that scene. Because at that point in the story Naruto was still his canon 6yr old self.
The canon 6yr old Naruto would NEVER cry, never, absolutely never. Which is why I removed that scene. I have no problem with Naruto crying about Iruka's death or after Iruka's death but he shouldn't be crying over a Kunai.
Finally, what specifics answers to Naruto's questions 'make no sense."? Was it Iruka telling Naruto about how he needs to grow up? Was it Iruka explaining to Naruto how everyone in the village sees him differently? Or was it about Iruka explaining pain to Naruto?
What specific line of dialogue are you referring to? I'll gladly fix it if you can point it out but from what I've reread I didn't see anything too crazy.
Life is full of mistakes, I am not perfect nor do I claim to be. If I make a mistake I will acknowledge it and correct that mistake, which is what I did about Naruto crying.
However, what specific line of dialogue are you talking about?
kamui5 - While Naruto will do some dark and sadistic shit in the future (all of which will be realistic) I do personally consider him to be a dark hero. Since I know how this story will end.
I don't want to get all preachy about philosophy and the concept of good and evil but that's why I love Darth Revan so much. Is he a hero or a villain? A savior or a defiler? A conqueror or a liberator? A Sith Lord or a Jedi Master?!
I apply many of these concepts to Naruto so really you can interpret him anyway you want, that's how I'm trying to write him.
tenellis - Rest assured, I will never write out a major battle of Naruto just footstomping someone important, that's lazy writing.
A fight needs tension, it needs a threat and a terrible result if someone fails, a fight needs to grab the readers attention and take them for an unexpected spin. Or at-the-very-least advance the plot.
I have no problem with Naruto footstomping fodder people like Bandits or other non-important characters but when it comes to the big names, they deserve to have a satisfying climax.
GunBlade2019 - Thank you, I'm glad you noticed.
Danzo has a warped perspective, he does want all the power for himself but that's only so he can unite the entire world. Which in theory would end all war but yes Danzo want's all the power, all of it. But it's like Lelouch (Code Geass) said, "you cannot change the world without getting your hands dirty."
ShadowDeathSkull - I'm glad.
crimson arsenal - Yes, it was.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO. I DO NOT CLAIM TO OWN NARUTO.
Chapter 51: I Am... Justice! A Moment Of Love.
"RAUuaah!" Baku roared while his elephantine jaw unhinged before he began inhaling a staggering breathe of air.
This inhalation was so powerful that a dense vortex of wind engulfed everything nearby into Baku's mouth. As this large elephant continued to breathe in, several portions of the surrounding earth and numerous dead Anbu corpses were sucked into his mouth.
While boulders and chunks of earth flew through the air, streams of sand gripped each of Naruto's ankles as the torrent of wind increased in power. During this, Danzo began running parallel to this attack as a distant Gaara became distracted by numerous Anbu.
Soon, the force of Baku's wind was enough to uproot Naruto before various streams of sand lashed around his upper torso and waist, pulling him back down. Afterwards, Naruto barely noticed when Danzo appeared barely a few feet behind him, moving at Kage-level speed.
With Baku distracting him, this child can't move. Danzo concluded before weaving both hands through the Rat, Snake, Horse, Snake and Dog Seals, moving at speeds far beyond Jonin-level.
After preforming these Seals, Danzo inhaled enough air for each of his cheeks to puff out while slowly sliding towards Naruto. Even though Danzo summoned Baku the elderly Shinobi was still affected by his powerful inhalation.
I'll utilize Baku's suction power and increase it with my own. After these thoughts finished, Danzo exhaled several blades of wind at different angles while moving his head in various directions.
"Wind Style: Vacuum Blast Barrage!" As he spoke, chakra-filled blades of wind continued to shoot from his mouth, slicing through the air.
Upon impact, these blades of wind managed to dissolve multiple streams of sand while forcing Naruto to slide forward. During this, Danzo began charging at Naruto's back, using Baku's wind to increase his run speed.
While his feet continued to slide across the ground, Naruto clapped both hands together before weaving through the Snake, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse and Tiger Seals. After preforming these Seals, Naruto began inhaling a significant amount of air.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!" Naruto exhaled as a current of flames shot out from his mouth before growing into a chakra-filled fireball.
Because of Baku's intense suction, Naruto's technique was quickly sucked into the large elephants mouth, severely burning it. The heat from this technique forced Baku to close his flame-filled mouth while partially roaring with pain, ending his powerful suction.
Afterwards, Naruto turned around just in notice to notice Danzo's right hand reaching for his violet eyes. As Danzo's hand extended out, his entire body was gripped by some unseen forced before being hurled back.
The power of this unseen forced caused Danzo to flip, roll and twist across the ground while the sound of bones snapping filled the air. During this, the nearby Baku continued his pain-filled roars as Naruto's fire slowly spread across his trunk before the large elephant plummeted to the ground.
Baku then erupted into smoke upon impact while a distant Danzo was sprawled across the ground in a limp and stiff fashion. Danzo's lifeless corpse then continued to lay there before one of the 3-tomoe Sharingan on his right arm slowly began to close.
After closing, Danzo's previously broken or snapped limbs quickly phased back to their normal and healthy positions, as if nothing ever happened. Danzo then began to slowly stand up while the right sleeve of his Kimono continued to hang loose by his side.
Without a moment of delay, Danzo quietly pressed both hands together before weaving through the Rat, Rabbit, Dog and Boar Seals. Afterwards, Danzo crouched down while slamming both palms against the ground below.
"Wood Style: Roots From The Underground Jutsu!" Danzo declared as several wooden roots shot out from the ground before rushing towards Naruto.
Since Naruto was unable to funnel chakra into his eyes, he was forced to leap back while dodging multiple roots. However, Danzo's high-level technique was too powerful to avoid, causing a single root to pierce Naruto's left shoulder before slamming him to the ground.
Suddenly, several dozen roots then shot down at Naruto from various directions while each of his Rinnegan eyes bulged. This action managed to deflect and break each of the attacking roots while the nearby ground cracked.
Naruto then stood up on 1-knee while using his right hand to break-off the root that was impaling him before tossing it to the ground. During this, numerous drops of blood stained both Naruto's robe and the root.
As Naruto sat in this kneeling position, it became apparent that the hole through his left shoulder cut through muscles and tendons. Ignoring this almost fatal blow, Naruto quickly tore his left sleeve off, revealing streams of blood that ran down his arm.
Soon, steam started to rise from Naruto's wound while his skin began to grow back before merging together. After several seconds, Naruto's once dangerous injury managed to perfectly heal itself, allowing him to survive an attack that would cripple any average Shinobi.
At this moment, various Anbu appeared around Naruto in all directions while a distant Danzo began weaving through numerous Hand Seals. Moving with speed far beyond Jonin-level, a Bear-masked Anbu behind Naruto threw an explosive tagged Kunai towards the blond.
At the same time, a Deer-masked Anbu infront of Naruto swung his short-sword down in a horizontal fashion. Because of his increased perception granted by the Rinnegan Naruto managed to side-step this attack, allowing him to notice the tagged Kunai soaring through the air.
Each of Naruto's Rinnegan suddenly bulged as Deer was dragged through the air, causing Bear's Kunai to pierce his fellow Anbu. Afterwards, the explosive tag began to glow with a bright light before Naruto kicked Deer forward, knocking him back against Bear.
Before Bear could push Bear off the explosive tag erupted into a pillar of fire, completely engulfing both Anbu with flames and smoke. Without delay, a Crab-masked Anbu lunged towards Naruto while thrusting his short-sword out.
Unable to deflect this attack with his eyes, Naruto grabbed Crab's right wrist before snapping the his elbow up, breaking the Anbu's arm. During this, a Ferret-masked Anbu sliced his short-sword down in a vertical slash at Naruto's back.
In response to this, Naruto quickly threw Crab into the approaching attack, causing blood to splatter across his whiskered-face. Crab's corpse easily encumbered Ferret, forcing him to drop his own short-sword before Naruto grabbed him by the throat.
"Water Style: Liquid Bullets!" Numerous Anbu yelled in unison while exhaling bullets of water at a distant Gaara.
Suddenly, Gaara was gripped by some unseen force before being pulled through the air towards Naruto. At the same time, Gaara's previous location was hit by a constant barrage of chakra-infused water, breaking large portions of the ground.
"Fire Style: Exploding Flame Formation." A distant Danzo proclaimed while once again slamming both palms against the ground.
This technique forced the surrounding earth around Naruto to morph into several dozen explosive tags that quickly wrapped around his feet and ankles. Unable to create a Flying Thunder God Seal in time while the nearby sand was too slow to react, Naruto quickly threw Gaara behind him.
At this moment, the tags around Naruto erupted into a series of explosions, filling the air with dust and smoke. As this smoke continued to fill the air numerous streams of sand began wrapping around Danzo's legs and torso.
As this sand continued to engulf Danzo, he managed to pull his right arm out before reaching into the air. This sand then crushed down on Danzo in an extremely brutal and violent fashion, severing his right arm while blood filled the air.
While this arm flew through the air, the distant cloud of smoke and debris covering Naruto finally dissipated. This revealed a large portion of Naruto's lower legs and feet were severely burnt, completely burning through both sandals while his skin was covered in 3rd-degree burns.
The extent of these burns were so severe that even parts of Naruto's robe and hands were partially burnt. Soon, the sound of Naruto groaning in agony could be heard while a 3-tomoe Sharingan on Danzo's severed arm slowly began to close.
Suddenly, the burnt portions of Naruto's skin began to flak and peel before falling off entirely. During this, steam poured from his injuries as multiple sections of new flesh bubbled into existence.
After several moments, every section of Naruto's previously burnt skin peeled off, leaving his pale-white feet and ankles in full-view. At the same time, his shoulders rose and fell multiple times as he took heavy gasps of air.
"For the good of Konoha, just give up." Danzo encouraged as he appeared barely 10ft infront of Naruto.
While Naruto was partially exhausted Danzo barely had a scratch on him, a testament to the elderly Shinobi's power. Although Naruto's chakra-reserves were Kage-level he was beginning to push himself too far.
As Naruto continued to heavily gasp for air, a Cow-masked Anbu appeared beside him with his sword raised in the air, ready to strike. Cow was then instantly paralyzed as a pair of Rinnegan eyes pierced his mind before Naruto grabbed him by the throat.
Soon, Cow began to gag as Naruto squeezed down tightly on his throat, disarming the veteran Anbu in the process. During this, Naruto used his power granted by the Rinnegan to absorb large portions of Cow's chakra.
At this moment, Danzo quietly pressed both hands together before weaving through various Seals until Naruto threw the limp corpse of Cow at him. This corpse partially distracted Danzo before Naruto appeared behind him, using a text-book perfect body-flicker technique.
Danzo managed to turn around just in time to backhand Naruto across the face before he was impaled by the blonds chakra-rod. This action caused blood to splatter across Naruto's face before Danzo gripped his throat with both hands.
As this occurred, one of the 3-tomoe Sharingan on Danzo's right arm slowly began to close before he completely disappeared, as if he was never there. At the same time, the blood across Naruto's face and chakra-rod begun to slowly fade away, as if they weren't even real.
"You're so stubborn." Danzo's mumbled while a distant Gaara fought off numerous Anbu.
This statement forced a disgusted snarl to bloom across Naruto's face while slamming his right palm into the ground. Afterwards, a circle of Black Kanji sprawled into existence below Naruto's hand.
"Summoning Jutsu!" Naruto's voice echoed across the Foundation hideout before a pillar of smoke erupted into existence, concealing him from view.
"RAAUH!" The sound of a rabid dog growled while charging out from the cloud of smoke, causing the ground to shake with each footstep.
This beast was a large 2-headed brown dog with wings, one of the most iconic summoning's Naruto had revealed so far. While charging, Danzo began weaving through various Hand Seals until the attacking dog forced him to jump up over 10ft.
While hovering in the air Danzo continued preforming numerous Hand Seals before the jawline of Naruto's dog snapped down, eating him whole. The sound of bones snapping could then be heard as this dog began chewing Danzo's body.
Danzo's corpse then disappeared as if it was never there, forcing the large dog to chew on nothing but air. After several moments, Danzo appeared over 20ft away from this twin-headed dog while staring down at the last 3-tomoe Sharingan in his right arm.
"For the good of Konoha? You're nothing but a disease on this village, something I will remove." Naruto mocked the elderly Shinobi while his twin-headed dog began to growl numerous times.
"You cannot judge me, I am justice itself." Danzo remarked, causing a disgusted expression to bloom across Naruto's face.
Instead of replying with words, each of Naruto's Rinnegan bulged before Danzo was gripped by some unseen force that pulled him through the air. During this, a Black chakra-rod phased out from Naruto's right palm before directing this weapon towards Danzo.
Only one eye left... It seems I have no choice. Danzo concluded as portions of his right arm protruded out infront of his torso before turning into wood.
Although Danzo was unable to move, the cells in his right arm managed to create a 10ft tall tree in between him and Naruto. This tree cancelled out the unseen force that restricted Danzo, allowing him to jump back.
"Hu... Hu... Hu... Huh..." The elderly Shinobi began gasping for air as his right arm slowly shifted back into a humanoid-shape.
"I know what you've done, Danzo. Don't you dare speak about justice, you have no right." Naruto argued, using the memories of Orochimaru to fuel his knowledge.
"All I have done, all I am guilty of - is protecting Konoha!" Danzo protested, spewing drops of spit from his mouth with each word.
At this moment, the ground underneath Danzo shifted to sand before partially engulfing half of his body. During this, Gaara hovered over the elderly Shinobi on top of a cloud of sand as the remaining Root Anbu were killed off.
In response to this, Danzo quickly clapped both hands into the Rat Seal before multiple streams of sand wrapped around each of his arms. At the last moment, several vertical planks of wood shot out from the surrounding sand before interlocking together, protecting Danzo.
Dozens of tiny trees then began sprouting out from Danzo's wooden dome, restricting the nearby sand. Afterwards, the interlocking planks of wood dislodged themselves before Danzo jumped over 20ft into the air, moving at Kage-level speed.
While hovering through the air, Danzo pressed both hands together before weaving from the Rat, Dog, Snake and Boar Seals. The elderly Shinobi then pulled a Kunai loose with his right hand before playing chakra-infused wind into the object.
This was the result of Wind Style: Bursting Compressed Air, a reversed version of Danzo's Wind Style: Vacuum Blade. Soon, Danzo began to descend back down to the ground, dodging numerous sand streams in the process.
After landing, Danzo quickly hurled his chakra-infused Kunai at Naruto before dodging multiple streams of sand. Although Naruto could clearly see the chakra infused inside this weapon, he didn't consider it to be a real threat.
Because of this realization, both of Naruto's Rinnegan bulged before Danzo's Kunai was deflected barely 10in away from his face. Suddenly, Danzo's Kunai exploded into several hundred shards of chakra-infused metal, something Naruto could barely even react too.
In response to this unexpected explosion, Naruto closed both Rinnegan while holding each of his arms infront of his face in a 'X' fashion. Dozens of chakra-infused metal shards then pierced and puncture his body in various locations.
This attack stained the entirety of Naruto's outfit with crimson liquid as drops of blood began dripping atop the ground below. After several moments, steam began rising from each of these wounds before the shards of metal were slowly pushed out as Naruto grew new skin.
Before Naruto could lower his arms, the right hand of Danzo abruptly gripped him by the throat before lifting him into the air. This caused Naruto to gag while drops of his spit splattered across Danzo's face.
Suddenly, the nearby ground began to shake violently before a monstrous dog-mouth bit down on Danzo. This severed Danzo's entire body while his right arm was left gripping Naruto who quickly fell to the ground.
In a matter of seconds Danzo's right arm disappeared before the elderly Shinobi appeared over 20ft away, completely unharmed. Naruto then saw the last 3-tomoe Sharingan on Danzo's right arm slowly close.
Without a moments delay, Naruto's twin-headed dog summoning began to charge forward as foam dripped from each of it's mouths. During this, Naruto began to slowly stand up while rubbing his throat.
As the ground quaked underneath this rampaging dog, Danzo looked down as his bare and empty right arm. While observing his arm, a grimace formed across Danzo's face as the image of Hiruzen floated through his mind.
At this moment, Danzo clapped both hands together before weaving through the Tiger, Ram and Snakes Seals with Kage-level speed. Afterwards, Danzo slammed his right palm against the ground with such force that his skin began to merge with the earth.
After several moments the nearby earth began to bulge and crack as numerous tree roots sprouted up. At the same time, Danzo's right arm suddenly broke off like some piece of wood before the surrounding earth ruptured multiple times.
Danzo then stood up before struggling to walk away while panting heavily with each breathe. As Danzo retreated, Naruto's summoning was barely 5ft behind him before numerous chakra-filled trees shot out from the ground in several directions and angles.
Although the twin-headed dog summoning couldn't be killed Danzo's chakra-infused trees managed to completely restrain the beast. While this occurred, an injured Danzo escaped into this newly created forest as the face of Hiruzen continued to float through his mind.
This forest was the result of Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence, a technique so powerful that it cost Danzo his entire right arm just to use it once. Also, this technique used up vast amounts of his chakra, causing each gasp of air to grow more intense.
As Danzo continued to limp away, the pathway infront of him morphed into a brightly lit forest, one of many that surrounded Konoha. While limping, Danzo began to hear the young child-hood laughter of Hiruzen as a transparent form of the 3rd Hokage began running infront of him.
Hiruzen... You were always running ahead of me. No matter how far I ran, I could never catch up to you. Danzo thought as the transparent form of Hiruzen completely outran him.
You were always a better Shinobi than me, Hiruzen. You were a better person and even a better man, that's why I dreamed of walking ahead of you, of finally stepping out from your shadow. As these thoughts progressed, the transparent form of Hiruzen completely disappeared into the sunset in Danzo's mind.
Hiruzen... You were a tree leaf bathing in the sun... While I was a root that grew in darkness. Danzo's limping then began to slow down, too exhausted from using up so much chakra.
"You speak of sacrifice, yet you run from death?" Gaara asked the elderly Shinobi as he stood barely 5ft behind Danzo.
"Enough of this, it's time to collect Shisui's eye." Naruto proclaimed before licking his lips as he stood atop a nearby treebranch.
This statement caused a disgusted scowl to bloom across Danzo's face while using his left arm to grip to collar of his Kimono. During this, the elderly Shinobi grinded his teeth together while the face of Hiruzen floated through his mind.
"For the sake of the Shinobi world and for the good of Konoha...! I cannot allow either of you to live!" Danzo screamed before pulling the collar of his Kimono down, revealing 5 Black Kanji rectangles that appeared across his torso.
"Uh...?! The Reverse Tetragram Sealing Jutsu?!" Naruto panicked, his advanced knowledge of Fūinjutsu allowing him to recognize the danger of this technique.
Suddenly, Gaara was knocked back over 10ft by some unseen force before getting caught in a wave of sand. While this occurred, Naruto managed to teleport towards a previously created Thunder God Seal on Cow's corpse.
A fountain of ink-like Black liquid then began spewing out from each of the Kanji on Danzo's chest, staining the nearby earth. Soon, this liquid evolved into a jet-like stream that shot out in various directions as numerous Kanji symbols appeared in the surrounding air.
Hiruzen... it's my turn now... Just as you gave your life to protect this village so too shall I give mine, for the good of Konoha. Danzo concluded while glaring at a distant Naruto through the trees.
I cannot allow these children to take Shisui's eye... But, it looks like I'll never become Hokage, Hiruzen. I'll never become as great as you. As these thoughts raced, the fountain of liquid spewing from Danzo grew in velocity and range.
Did you think of me in your final moments, Hiruzen? While pondering this thought, Danzo's technique expanded over 20ft in radius forcing Gaara and Naruto to retreat.
You could've banished me decades ago, or ordered my execution for plotting against you... Yet, you allowed me to live. Why, Hiruzen? As these thoughts progressed, Danzo now stood in a puddle of Black liquid.
Hiruzen... What did you think of me? Of Someone like me? What was I too you, Hiruzen? After these thoughts finished, Danzo's entire body became atomized as everything in a 30ft radius was pulled into his Reverse Tetragram Seal.
In the very end, I'd like would to know... What were we, Hiruzen? Danzo's last coherent thought echoed while the memory of his child-hood with Hiruzen pierced his mind.
In a matter of seconds, Danzo's technique finally stabilized before revealing a massive crater inside the earth. Afterwards, a dust covered Gaara and Naruto slowly approached the cliff of this new crater before glancing down.
As time continued to stretch on Naruto felt like minutes began to past while an odd mixture of pain and happiness filled his heart. Despite the hatred Naruto felt for Danzo the loving memories of Tobirama forced him to actually pity the elderly Shinobi.
"You placed a Seal on Shisui's eye, just so you can keep it?" Naruto spoke while a sad expression covered his face.
"The world is a difficult place, Danzo. Sometimes you think you're doing the right thing... But it has consequences that you could never see." As he spoke Naruto slightly bowed his face.
After showing this brief display of respect towards Danzo, Naruto quickly turned around before walking away. During this, a nearby Gaara observed his friend for several moments before quickly following Naruto.
"Gaara, could you grab me some new cloths?" After speaking, his red-haired friend quickly nodded in response before using sand to steal cloths off dead Anbu.
The pair of Jinchūriki then slowly approached a twin-set of metal-doors on the farside of the stone wall. Soon, this set of large metal-doors were both unhinged before being knocked to the ground as Naruto and Gaara each walked over them.
Afterwards, the pair of Jinchūriki entered a narrow hallway as the sound of Gaara's sandals stepping across stone echoed through the air. It then felt like minutes past as the pair of friends continued walking through the dimly-lit hallway before Naruto's right root froze in midair.
Both of Naruto's Rinnegan bulged as the young blond crouched down before picking up several strands of Red hair with his right hand. Each of his Rinnegan then glanced further down the hallway, allowing him to notice a trail of Red hair across the ground.
Naruto then quickly stood up before following the trail of hair while crouching down to pick up each strand as he walked. During this, a quiet Gaara silently observed Naruto while following him, happy to finally have a friend too walk beside.
Meanwhile, inside the Western outskirts of Konoha.
"Excuse me, Ma'ma?" A polite yet quiet voice spoke out from a cloaked and hooded individual.
This boy was confronting an old lady that was walking alongside the same empty street as him. While dark, this street was partially lit by numerous lightposts that lined the dirt road.
"What!? Take that hood off! I can't stand kids these days!" An elderly gray-haired women barked out in response, causing the nearby boy to remove his hood.
He was roughly 13yrs old while his hair was short, straight and Black with dark Brown eyes that greatly contrasted his pale white-skin. His outfit consisted of the iconic Root Anbu Black robes with a large satchel tied to the back of his waist.
Similar to Torune, this boy wore dark Black gloves that matched the rest of his outfit while he no Anbu-mask was in sight. Although he was so young, the elderly women infront of him could identify a Shinobi when she saw one.
"Could you help me with something?" The unnamed boy asked in a kind voice.
"What is it?! I worked a long day at the store and I'm ready to head home." The old lady complained before scratching her nose.
She was easily over 60 years old with shoulder-length white hair and a large mole on the left side of her nose. Also, her attire was just an old leaf-green dress that ran down to the green civilian sandals she wore on her feet.
"Is there a Seal on my tongue?" The boy asked before extending his tongue out while pointing at it.
"A Seal on your tongue?! What kinda question is that!? Kids these days!" The old lady remarked before quickly turning around and walking away.
This action left the unnamed Anbu completely alone on the dimly-lit road as his mind raced through dozens of thoughts. Afterwards, the young Anbu glanced to the North while Danzo's face drifted through his mind.
At this moment, the unmasked-Anbu disappeared in a text-book perfect Body Flicker Technique before racing towards the Foundation Hideout. As this Anbu surged across multiple rooftops he was fully aware what the missing Seal on his tongue meant, Danzo was dead.
10 minutes later, 1:57am June 16th 58SSP.
A partially wet breeze of wind blew in from the south before gently hitting Tayuya's face while her nose twitched slightly. Afterwards, each of her closed eyes began to tremble before a throbbing pain shot through her right shoulder and arm, causing her to groan with pain while rubbing her face against an unknown surface.
Soon, Tayuya recognized that this breeze of wind meant she was outside before finally noticing a pair of arms were holding her up bridal style. Tayuya then realized she was actually nuzzling her face into someone's chest, an action that greatly enraged her.
Suddenly, Tayuya opened each of her Brown eyes before glancing up only to be hypnotized by a pair of Rinnegan that hovered over her cradled body. These Violet, ripple-patterned eyes pulsated numerous times throughout Tayuya's mind as her body twitched.
After several moments of being paralyzed, Tayuya quickly remembered the last time she saw those eyes were inside the demonic creature Orochimaru was previously fighting. This realization fueled Tayuya's determined to see who was carrying her but the pair of Rinnegan pulsating through her mind made it difficult to look.
Tayuya then narrowed both eyes while struggling to lift her left hand but failing in each attempt as her vision became slightly blurred. After several seconds Tayuya's vision began to focus upon a whiskered-face before various rays of moonlight shot down from the clouds overhead.
This moonlight illuminated the whiskered-face of Naruto as he stared out across the stabilized village of Konoha, all the fires were gone while the rainfall from above stopped. During this, Tayuya's jawline fell open while each of her eyes bulged as she finally recognized the face of Naruto.
At this moment the previous breeze of wind grew in density, causing Naruto's spikey hair to rustle as Tayuya noticed several strands of her Red hair held in his left hand. Tayuya then noticed her hat and flute were missing, something that really annoyed her since both of those objects were the last thing from her childhood.
"Is that my... Hair?" Tayuya mumbled while struggling to ignore the numerous stab wounds that covered her arms and legs, the result of foundation torture.
Usually, all prisoners of the foundation would be given standard torture and questioned before being executed, but Tayuya received sadistic treatment because she was an suspected Uzumaki. This treatment was designed to test Tayuya's regeneration abilities but it appeared she didn't she to possess any, leaving her covered with blood stains.
"Yea, your hair is beautiful so I noticed it right away." Naruto answered, causing Tayuya to downcast her face in embarrassment before noticing she was held atop a massive maple tree, one of thousands that surrounded Konoha.
Soon, Tayuya once again raised her face before glancing into Naruto's Rinnegan which quickly enticed and hypnotized her. At the same time Tayuya was seduced by the bright violet of Naruto's eyes, her favorite color.
With her right arm broken and hanging limp by her side Tayuya finally managed to raise her left hand before brushing against it Naruto's whiskers. This action fully garnished Naruto's attention before looking down at Tayuya while she continued brushing his whiskers.
Tayuya couldn't tear her gaze away from Naruto's eyes, the last time she saw them she felt immobilized with fear but now she felt paralyzed with delight. Tayuya was so hypnotized that she didn't even notice her left hand grabbing Naruto by the chin before pulling him close.
"Hey, what are you two doing up there?" The voice of Dosu rang out as he and Gaara appeared beside the base of the tree.
This statement quickly brought Tayuya back to reality before noticing her nose was rubbing against Naruto's while each of their lips were barely inches apart. This realization caused Tayuya to drop Naruto's chin before sulking down, clearly embarrassed.
"I'm hungry." Tayuya complained before Naruto leapt down from the large maple tree, landing beside Gaara and Dosu.
"What's your deal? You've been staring at me for the past 15 minutes." Dosu remarked while glancing at Gaara.
"I've see you before, right?" Gaara asked in a humble tone.
"Yea, you tried to kill me." Dosu answered.
"Oh... I'm sorry." Gaara apologized.
"Don't worry about it, I tried to kill you too." Dosu remarked.
Dosu was covered in bruises and dirt while each of the bandages on his face were ragged and dirty. Also, the young Sound Shinobi possessed no stab wounds or internal injuries, suggesting Tayuya's level of torture was far more intense than his.
"Aren't you Lord Orochimaru's pet hamster? What's a weakling like you do here." Tayuya mocked the bandaged Shinobi, causing him to narrow his one visible eye.
"Orochimaru is dead, I killed him." Naruto declared, causing both Tayuya and Dosu to gasp in unison.
No-No way! There is no way this kid beat Lord Orochimaru...? Tayuya reassured herself while thinking about Naruto's violet eyes, allowing her to identify Naruto as the same creature that once fought her Lord.
"I left something inside the Sound Village, we need to go retrieve those things." After speaking, Naruto began his long journey North by walking past Gaara and Dosu.
"I don't take orders from some blond kid, don't think just because you saved me I'll do what you say." Dosu proclaimed, causing Gaara to glare at him with an oddly sadistic and twisted expression.
"Uhhh… I mean... Whatever." While mumbling, Dosu began following Naruto as Gaara walked behind him.
"This is so fucking gay I don't wanna get carried like a baby, let me go." Tayuya protested while pushing herself out from Naruto's arms before standing on her trembling legs.
"Where the hell are Sakon and Kidomaru? And what about fatass?" As she spoke, she began limping ahead of Naruto, attempting to ignore the pain in her legs.
Suddenly, Tayuya's legs began to buckle under the pressure before she fell back as several of her previously closed wounds reopened. During this, Tayuya began internally screaming in her mind as she cursed herself for being so weak.
Tayuya then found herself enveloped by Naruto as he wrapped both arms around her, one on her waist while the other reached across her chest and left shoulder. This hug allowed Tayuya to notice just how warm Naruto's body was, a fact that briefly paralyzed her while she stood there too soak up his heat.
"Neither of them are coming, lets go." Naruto remarked before attempting to pick up Tayuya only for her to swat his hands away.
"I hate all 3 of them but they're more important than mummy-face over here, why bring him and not the others?" Tayuya questioned as she continued to soak up heat from Naruto.
"Unlike Sakon and Kidomaru, Dosu has a place among us." Naruto answered, causing Tayuya to roll both eyes before flicking a bundle of her hair into his face.
"What about fatass?" Tayuya asked.
"The Anbu never found his body, you'd know that if you ever stopped talking." Dosu explained.
"Shut up you mummy bastard." Tayuya retorted while turning around halfway to glare at Dosu.
"I have some medical equipment at my lab in the Sound village, I can use those supplies on Tayuya before we continue." Naruto remarked, causing Gaara to nod in agreement while the other two grew looks of confusion and shock on their face.
His lab...? Dosu asked himself, focusing on Naruto's choice of words.
"Continue where?" Tayuya mumbled while rising her face before looking into Naruto's eyes.
"We're going to find the other tailed beast." Gaara replied, creating a brief period of silence that filled the air.
"Whatever, but I don't want to be carried like some fucking child. Carry me like a backpack, nerd." Tayuya ordered while tearing each of Naruto's arms off her body.
Content with his new nickname, Naruto walked infront of Tayuya before picking her up on his back, causing numerous strands of Red hair to fall in his face.. Afterwards, Tayuya wrapped her left arm around Naruto's throat while her right arm hung limp against his back.
During this, Tayuya rested her chin atop Naruto's left shoulder before struggling to ignore the wonderful smell that radiated out from his hair. At the same time Tayuya began pondering just how strong Naruto really was, causing her to obsess over the fact that he killed Orochimaru.
Tayuya wasn't one to care about love, friends or even family but she was always fascinated by the concept of great power, it was one of the earliest dreams she ever had as a child. This dream is why Tayuya was so mesmerized by Naruto, she couldn't understand how a 12yr old could possible defeat Orochimaru, how a 12yr old could be that powerful.
I guess this kid is the next best thing compared to Lord Orochimaru... I'll stick around him then, atleast for now. Tayuya told herself while ignoring the odd feeling she felt in her stomach, a feeling that she couldn't properly identify.
"Start walking. I'm hungry." After she spoke, Naruto began carrying her into the dark forest ahead while Gaara and Dosu followed.
While they walked, Tayuya's wounds continued to drip blood onto Naruto's cloths and the ground below causing her to shiver from blood loss. Soon, Tayuya used her left arm to cling against Naruto while she slid her body closer to him, absorbing the warm heat that he generated.
Tayuya didn't like being so close to Naruto but she was so overwhelmed by the heat that she didn't even bother complaining while resting her face against his neck. Tayuya then felt her iconic hat being placed atop her head, filling her with joy as she began to accidently nuzzle against Naruto.
"Thanks, Gaara." Naruto spoke out, thankful that his friend used sand to give Tayuya her favorite hat.
But Tayuya didn't even register Naruto's voice as each of her eyes became heavy while yawning into his ear. Because of the rampant torture that she endured, Tayuya was unable to get any decent amount of sleep while in foundation custody.
It only took a matter of seconds before Tayuya completely fell asleep inside Naruto's arms, causing drool to drip atop his neck and cloths as they disappeared into the late night horizon.
