The Pantheon of Nine
By: Finn Mertenz
A/N: Biginferno - I appreciate you.
Thor94 - Chapter 102 will be the last chapter of this arc, and season two as a whole. I don't want to rush this arc because all of season two has led to this moment, Kabuto's climax.
Ever since Orochimaru's soul was absorbed, I thrust Kabuto into the spot light to take his place. So now, I have to write a satisfying end to Kabuto's tale, while explaining his backstory.
In Naruto Part 1, Kabuto was my favorite antagonist, so I really want to respect him in this story. I understand he's just some introvert that manipulates people, but that's exactly why I love him.
If Kabuto fought the main character, Naruto would easily annihilate him, and he knows that. So, instead of losing to Naruto in a fight, Kabuto just manipulates him, and I love that.
kobakohl - I plan to rewrite and incorporate each of the Naruto movies into this story. The only one I don't like is The Lost Tower, because it involves time traveling ninja.
I also want to incorporate a majority of the filler and side nations, because Kishimoto completely forgot about them. I never understood why only the Five Great Nations had a "Kage".
The Land of Waterfalls had a Shinobi Village, but for some strange reason, they didn't have a Kage. Outside of Shibuki's filler, the Land of Waterfalls got zero development, so Kakuzu's backstory suffered as a result.
In regards to Oto, Dosu is the 4th Dokage and he's the strongest member of Oto as a whole. That's why Naruto brought him from Konoha, to leave him in Oto as their new leader.
As I've said before, the main purpose of season two is to add more Kage for the Kage-summit. Dosu is one of those Kage and he represents the Land of Sound.
The Pantheon of Nine will eventually have a home, but that won't happen until they ascend to Godhood. So far, three jinchūriki are traveling together, but I need all nine.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO. I DO NOT CLAIM TO OWN NARUTO.
Chapter 101: Stronger, Better, Faster! The Apprentice: Part 2.
Monday 8:11am, February 2nd 53SSP.
In the shinobi world, there is something more important than promotions, or fancy titles... The voice of Ibiki could be heard.
Until you understand what that is... You're not ready. As Ibiki spoke, a cloudless sky came into view, exposing the blue horizon.
This voice was a deep memory that continued to echo through Idate's mind, drawing attention to his dirty outfit. This fabric was completely stained with mud, dirt and poorly dried blood.
Idate was 11 years old, a homeless orphan without any friends, family or a home, a heavy realization for the young boy. However, Idate still clung to the memory of his brother, focused on his scarred face.
After walking for several moments, Idate's stomach began to rumble, begging for food and water. But Idate had no money, he had no one, so he was forced to fend for himself.
Suddenly, the repetitive sound of foot steps pierced the morning air, causing Idate to hide under a nearby bridge. Idate then crouched down, obscuring his spiky hair and his dirty outfit from view.
Idate didn't know it, but he just entered the Land of Tea, an isolated and neutral nation that bordered the Land of Fire. This country was positioned on a narrow peninsula, dependent on the Land of Fire but surrounded by the Land of Water.
Despite this precarious situation, the Land of Tea was extremely rich from trade and exports, a credit to their tea farms. Because of this, the Land of Tea could essentially buy peace, paying off both the Land of Fire and the Land of Water.
The silhouette of Aiden and Lord Jirōchō then walked into view, strolling across the wooden bridge at a leisure pace. Each of these men were adorned with an ankle-length brown Kimono, matching the color and tone of tea leaves.
Aiden's most prominent feature was the wakizashi strapped to his waist, an iconic weapon for all samurai. Also, Aiden's hair was longer than usual, tied into a short ponytail in the back.
As these adults walked overhead, Idate pulled a small kunai from his pocket, raising it to his chest. Afterwards, Idate rushed up the embankment, blockading the narrow bridge.
"Give me all of your food and money! Now!" Idate shouted out.
This declaration earned a quick response from Aiden, tightly gripping the hilt of his wakizashi, and his sheath. But Jirōchō didn't even move, instead, he crossed both arms in front of his elderly chest.
"How dare you! You're speaking to Lord Jirōchō Wasabi, brother to Lord Kuni himself!" Aiden remarked.
After speaking, Aiden unsheathed his short blade, but Jirōchō stopped him at the last moment, releasing a stern glare. As this occurred, Idate spread his dirty feet across the bridge.
"I don't have time for this! Give me your food!" Idate proclaimed, charging across the wooden surface.
As Idate approached, Aiden abruptly twitched before Jirōchō waved his right hand through the air. After seeing this hand, Aiden knelt down on one knee, displaying great respect for his lord.
Jirōchō then casually deflected Idate's attack with one hand, knocking the young boy to the ground. Because of this, Idate accidently dropped his kunai, causing the blade to slide off the bridge.
Undaunted by this counterattack, Idate quickly stood up before hurling his left fist through the air, easily caught by Jirōchō. The elderly man then twisted Idate's arm behind his back, once again shoving him to the ground.
"Such an ungrateful child... Did you think I was weak? Old? Defenseless?" Jirōchō spoke out.
"I fought in the last shinobi war, I've seen more jutsu than you even know." As Jirōchō spoke, he concealed both arms within the sleeves of his Kimono.
Instead of responding with words, Idate's stomach began to rumble, forcing Jirōchō to narrow his eyes. Afterwards, Idate grabbed his stomach with both hands before groaning, starving to death.
At this moment, Jirōchō pulled an apple from his Kimono before tossing it in front of Idate, rolling across the bridge. This ripe fruit was quickly noticed by the starving Morino, crawling forward before snagging it.
Idate then torn into this fresh apple like a savage animal, eating the stem, seeds and the core. During this, Aiden's mouth fell open with shock, he never saw a child this hungry before.
"Go home, boy." While speaking, Jirōchō glared down at Idate.
After hearing this statement, Idate's stomach grumbled in response, begging for more food. At the same time, Idate slowly glanced up, exposing his young and innocent eyes.
An extended period of silence then filled the air, pierced only by the sound of Idate's roaring stomach. After several seconds, Jirōchō crossed both of his arms together, using his sleeves to conceal them.
"I see... You don't have a home." After Jirōchō spoke, he took several steps forward.
Jirōchō then crouched down before grabbing Idate's left shoulder, allowing each of their eyes to meet. While this occurred, Aiden was standing in the background, a loyal bodyguard for Lord Jirōchō.
"I used too..." Idate mumbled with a downcast face.
"Life can be a difficult place without a home... Without a family." Jirōchō replied, glancing up at the blue sky.
"But, together... A family can do amazing things." After speaking, Jirōchō slowly stood up.
Jirōchō then leisurely grasped the top of Idate's head, combing through his spiky hair with one hand. This brought attention to a distant tea farm in the background, filled with hard working farmers.
"Remember this, boy... Family, nothing is more important." These words inspired the young Idate.
During his childhood, Idate never knew his mom or dad, Ibiki was the only type of family that he had. But soon, Idate would finally understand the true meaning of family, the bond that Ibiki always talked about.
Five years later.
"Pathetic, just like I thought." Aoi spat out, muffled by the electric sound of his sword.
As Aoi spoke, he stood over the unconscious body of Idate, illuminated by the Sword of the Thunder God. This sacred weapon occasionally arched with lightning, deeply contrasting the cloudy skyline.
Aoi's electric blade was then struck by various rain drops, creating a distinct hiss that permeated the air. This harsh sound of static could be heard for several minutes, polluting the afternoon sky.
"Such a disappointment... I guess you aren't a Morino." After speaking, Aoi turned around, glaring at Jirōchō's manor.
The elite Jounin then slowly walked forward, strolling past Jirōchō's pond before walking up his steps. At the same time, Aiden was sprawled across the nearby grass, pulling various senbon from his body with a painful groan.
"Prince! My prince! Are you okay!?" Aiden panicked, crawling across the ground.
Ignoring these words, Aoi casually walked into Jirōchō's manor before closing his umbrella, stained with rain. However, Aiden continued to crawl towards his prince, using a damaged arm to pull himself forward.
In the shinobi world, there is something more important than promotions, or fancy titles. Ibiki's voice could be heard, piercing Idate's dreams.
After hearing these thoughts, Idate's right hand abruptly twitched, dragging across several blades of grass. Afterwards, the stern face of Ibiki could be seen, drifting through Idate's mind.
Until you understand what that is... You're not ready. As Ibiki spoke, Idate's hand continued to twitch.
Yea, that's right. I was trying to understand. I was trying to learn. Idate answered.
As these thoughts progressed, Idate's closed eyes began to tremble, straining to open them. While this occurred, Aiden continued to crawl through the background, dripping with blood.
I wanted to be like you. I wanted everyone to look up too me, to respect me. While thinking these thoughts, Idate slowly opened both eyes.
Suddenly, Idate dug his nails into a patch of grass, struggling to push himself up off the ground. Because of this, Aoi froze mid-step, glancing over his shoulder before focusing on Idate.
W-... What?! Impossible! Aoi declared, dramatically turning around.
He was unconscious! He was out! I felt it! As these thoughts raced, Aoi clenched his teeth.
Soon, Idate pushed himself onto both knees, shocking the bloodied silhouette of Aiden in the background. This exposed Idate's face, partially stained with rain and mud, obscuring his brown eyes.
At this moment, Idate's eyes violently bulged, fueled by the iconic voice of Jirōchō Wasabi and Ibiki Morino. These voices allowed Idate to finally understand the most important thing for any shinobi, family.
This realization forced each of Idate's wet hands to tremble, stuck in the past and filled with regret. But after hesitating for several moments, Idate clenched both of his fists before punching the earth.
That's why you did it. That's why you told me to run. Idate recognized.
Because you were trying to save me. Because you wanted to give me a second chance. These thoughts revolved around the memory of Ibiki.
Suddenly, Idate raised his left foot before stomping it against the muddy ground, straining to stand up. At the same time, Idate reached out with his right hand, grabbing Jirōchō's katana before lifting it into the air.
While staring at his former student, Aoi's mouth fell open with shock, drawing attention to his saucer-like eyes. Also, Aoi accidently dropped his umbrella to the floor, overwhelmed by Idate's facial expression.
Despite his young age, Idate was adorned with the expression of a veteran warrior, magnified by his dirty face. Idate resembled a virtuous samurai with vengeful rage, irradiated by the sparkling edge of his sword.
"But I'm not going to run. Not anymore." Idate spoke out, engulfing his blade with an aura of green chakra.
This chakra quickly radiated through the air, causing Idate's spiky hair to violently rustle in the breeze. While this occurred, Aiden was left completely speechless, staring at his prince with wide eyes.
What's going on?! This isn't the Idate I know! This isn't the Idate I trained! Aoi panicked.
As Idate stood before his former sensei, he radiated pure confidence through the air, muffled by rainfall. However, this abrupt change in Idate was fueled by a specific phrase, echoing through his mind.
Sacrifice, Idate. Remember the sacrifices that brought you here. Ibiki's memory spoke out.
After losing his home, his childhood, his village and his former nation, Idate still clung to his big brother. Now, after years of resentment, Idate finally found his chance to redeem himself, and his family name.
Meanwhile.
A pair of rotten barrels came into view, poorly stacked in a narrow alleyway, polluted by trash and rats. After several moments, these rats scurried from view, startled by the hollow foot steps of Tayuya.
This red-haired kunoichi occasionally poked and examined various barrels, searching for her flute. Ignoring her dirt-filled surroundings, Tayuya was distracted by Naruto's memory, enraged by his disappearance.
"Whatever, It's not like I care. He isn't even that cute." Tayuya mumbled aloud, making sure no one heard her.
Suddenly, a distinct twinkle erupted into view, forcing Tayuya to charge towards a nearby pile of trash. Afterwards, Tayuya casually dug through this filth before locating her flute, partially stained with food and dirt.
"That little bitch. If he broke this, he owes me a new one." While speaking, Tayuya raised her flute into the air.
Soon, the faint silhouette of the setting sun came into view, sprawled across the distant horizon. This outline was a divine mixture of red, orange and purple, pressed against the clouds like a painting.
After briefly glancing at this sunset, Tayuya's stomach erupted into a rumble of hunger. This call for food caused Tayuya tor downcast her face, disappointed that Naruto didn't feed her.
The distinct sound of foot steps then echoed through the alleyway, forcing Tayuya's eyes to narrow. At the same time, Tayuya quickly grabbed a clump of garbage, squeezing it with one hand.
"Nice try, moron!" As Tayuya spat these words, she hurled a ball of garbage through the air.
This projectile of trash then collided against Jūgo's pale-skinned face, creating an awkward silence. The red-hair of Gaara then came into view, walking into the narrow alley before glancing at the sunset.
"Are you alright? There was an alarm." Gaara exclaimed.
After recognizing her friends, Tayuya quickly scoffed before crossing both arms in front of her chest. While this occurred, Jūgo wiped the filth from his face, flinging it against a nearby wall.
"I'm alive." Tayuya grumbled.
"What's the deal? I don't need some rescue!" While shouting these words, Tayuya took several steps forward.
Tayuya then tried to poke Gaara's chest multiple times, but instead, she repetitively poked a wall of sand. During this, the violet-eyed silhouette of Shisui came into view, perched atop a distant building.
"We tracked Naruto here.. But I guess we're late." Jūgo cut in.
"No more playing around! We're going to find my nerd, and bring him back!" Tayuya declared, raising her right hand towards the sky.
"Well, there's only one disc left. So we know where he'll strike next." Gaara explained, creating a wide smile across Tayuya's face.
Without saying another word, Tayuya surged passed her friends before rushing down the street. Afterwards, Jūgo and Gaara quickly rushed after her, running back to Jirōchō's manor.
Meanwhile.
The iconic hum of static lightning could be heard, fueled by the heavy downpour of rain. This brought attention to Aoi, gripping the Sword of the Thunder God with both hands.
Despite the dark skyline and his shadowy surroundings, Aoi was completely illuminated by his sacred blade. However, this blade also irradiated the outline of Idate, holding Jirōchō's katana.
"I don't know what's happened to you... But nothing has changed, you're still a traitor." Aoi spoke with a laugh.
After hearing these words, Idate grinded his teeth together, muffled by the heavy sound of rain. Also, Idate's feet slowly spread across a puddle of mud, sinking into the wet earth.
Just keep moving, Idate. Ibiki's memory could be heard, inspiring his young brother.
Idate's mud-stained feet then quickly charged across the earth, surging towards Aoi with Chunin-level speed. This earned an abrupt laugh from Aoi, mocking his former student with a deep chuckle.
Suddenly, Aoi gripped the hilt of his ancient blade, slashing it against the wind like a crashing anvil. This created an eruption of lightning that arched across Aoi's blade, soaring through the air like a bolt of electricity.
As this chakra-filled projectile rushed into view, the harsh sound of sizzling static could be heard, fueled by the rain. While this occurred, Idate continued to charge forward, illuminated by the green chakra from his weapon.
At the last moment, Idate kicked a wave of mud into the air, overwhelming the bolt of lightning. Afterwards, Idate leapt forward before rolling across the ground, staining his hair with mud.
Idate's infused katana then briefly scrapped against Aoi's legendary blade, the weapon of Tobirama Senju himself. These war-torn blades then repetitively bombarded the other, spraying a collection of electric sparks.
After battling for several moments, Aoi reached out before grabbing Idate's wrist, stopping him mid-swing. At the same time, the panicked silhouette of Aiden was sprawled across the distant ground, gasping with shock.
"Stop acting all tough, I was your sensei. Without me, you're just some kid." While mocking his former student, Aoi smiled.
After speaking, Aoi quickly disarmed Idate before kicking him to the ground, staining him with mud. This earned a dramatic scream from Aiden, still impaled with senbon.
Aoi then towered over his former student, pressing his electric blade against Idate's pale throat. During this, an intense downpour of rain completely drenched Idate's hair, washing the filth from his face.
"And that's why Ibiki just couldn't do it. He couldn't let his little brother die." As Aoi spoke, his bandana was soaked with rain.
"Anyone else-... Except you." After hearing these words, Idate flew into a rage.
At this moment, Idate flung a handful of mud through the air, striking Aoi and blinding both of his eyes. Because of this, Aoi dropped his ancient blade before screaming, struggling to see.
"Arggh-... You idiot!" While screaming, Aoi dropped to his knees.
A barrage of laced senbon then flung into view, piercing the back of Aoi's neck, cutting through the fabric of his outfit. This elite Jounin then staggered with annoyance, crippled by mud and a deep sensation of pain.
Aoi's vision then became blurred before falling to the ground, face planting against the wet mud. As this occurred, Idate continued to sit in front of him, panting for breath before rubbing his eyes.
The ecstatic outline of Karin then skipped into view, grabbing Idate by his collar before dancing with him. This forced a distant Aiden to once again gasp, left speechless by Karin's strange personality.
"Do you know what this means!?" Karin shrieked, earning an awkward nod of disapproval from Idate.
"I developed the plot! I did it!" After screaming these words, Karin dropped Idate to the ground before cheering.
While Karin jumped for joy, the fluffy silhouette of Snowball came into view, poking her head out a nearby window. However, Karin's outfit soon became stained with mud and rain, a side-effect from Aoi's storm.
Twenty minutes later.
"This is bullshit!" Tayuya spat out, partially stuck in a pond of mud.
This red-haired kunoichi was standing outside of Jirōchō's manor, surrounded by Gaara and Jūgo on both sides. Also, the bloody outline of Aiden was seated nearby, resting on a flight of wooden stairs.
"It's not that bad, I kinda like it." Karin exclaimed, hovering over Aiden.
Despite her young age, Karin was well-trained with Medical Ninjutsu, a brief reminder of her tragic childhood. But, that time of her life was finally gone now, and Karin didn't want to think about it.
Soon, Karin grabbed a handful of senbon before pulling them Aiden, exposing his damaged and bloody outfit. At the same time, Idate was standing in the background, leaning against a wooden wall.
"I'm just trying to keep my sand dry." Gaara cut in, sitting on the dry floor.
As this conversation progressed, Jūgo was meditating outside, sitting by Jirōchō's pond with both legs crossed. Ignoring the harsh downpour of rain, Jūgo's orange hair was completely soaked, drenching his face and outfit.
Suddenly, Karin accidently cut her finger on one of Aoi's senbon, creating a fresh stream of blood. Because of this, Karin instinctively sucked on her finger, trying to make it feel better.
After several moments, Karin abruptly gagged, spitting blood on the floor before wiping her mouth. While this occurred, Tayuya finally entered Jirōchō's manor, kicking her muddy shoes off at the door.
"This is so disgusting! My blood shouldn't taste like this!" Karin gasped, pushing her glasses up.
"How do you know what blood tastes like?" Tayuya muttered, sitting on the floor.
After speaking, Tayuya pulled a blanket from the nearby counter before using it as a towel, drying her hair. Afterwards, Tayuya wiped the mud from her feet before stretching, popping several muscles.
"It's a delicacy of mine..." Karin giggled with a mischievous tone.
"But, that's not the point." While speaking, Karin's tone became rigid and stern.
Karin's right hand then gripped her pale chin with an inquisitive posture, releasing a deep hum while thinking. Instead of listening to her friend, Tayuya was distracted by her toe-nails, picking the dirt out.
"My blood is way too... Metallic." After Karin spoke, she licked her finger for a second time.
Karin then turned around before rushing upstairs, consumed by the thoughts of a detective, looking for glues. However, Tayuya didn't even notice, and Gaara was too distracted by Snowball.
"Ar-... Are you feeling better?" Idate spoke out, sitting down beside Aiden.
"Yes, my prince. Thanks to you, and your friends." Aiden replied, nodding with approval.
Aiden then glanced across the wide grove of mud and grass, briefly glancing at Jūgo and the animals around him. Tayuya then tossed her dirty blanket to the floor, jumping up onto both feet.
"Switching to important news. Where is the final disc?" Tayuya remarked, brushing her hair with one hand.
"Well, actually..." Aiden mumbled with a downcast face.
"The disc is upstairs, I kept it. For safety." Idate interrupted.
"That's good. That means Naruto will come to us." Gaara proclaimed.
After hearing these words, Tayuya scoffed before crossing both arms in front of her flat chest. Tayuya then hesitated for several seconds, daydreaming about Naruto's whiskered-face.
While dreaming, Tayuya completely ignored the unconscious body of Aoi, tied up against a wooden pillar. Also, the deactivated hilt of Tobirama's blade was resting on the nearby table, the Sword of the Thunder God.
"Well... Until then, I'm going to find some food." Tayuya muttered, turning around before walking into the kitchen.
Meanwhile.
"It's over here, down the hall." The sickly voice of Jirōchō spoke out, standing beside Karin.
Each of these figures were walking down a narrow hallway, lined with thin paper walls and sliding doors. This hall was lit only by a faint collection of candles, spread across the floor.
"I used to be quite the-... Nerd." While speaking, Jirōchō erupted into a harsh cough.
The distinct sound of electronic beeping then polluted the air, causing Karin to glance down the hall. Afterwards, the metallic outline of several computers and various control panels came into view.
This revelation created pure joy across Karin's face, quickly rushing past Jirōchō before entering the room. Karin then clapped both hands together, squealing like a kid in a candy store.
"Is that a thermal compressor!? I've never seen one in person before!" Karin exclaimed, walking forward.
Instead of waiting for a response, Karin poked, touched and flipped multiple switches, turning on a large computer. Because of this, Karin jumped up-and-down with excitement.
"You even have a self-coolant system!?" After Karin spoke, Jirōchō chuckled with a sick cough.
Suddenly, Jirōchō reached out before flipping a hidden switch, turning the ceiling lights on. These lights illuminated Jirōchō's entire lab, an isolated workshop from his youth.
"Everything you could need. Anything you can think of." Jirōchō remarked, struggling to breath.
After hearing these words, Karin jumped for joy, skipping across the electronic lab, glancing from side-to-side. This created a wide smile across Jirōchō's face, entertained by Karin's innocence.
After walking for several moments, Karin picked up a nearby microscope, holding the advanced object with both hands. While this occurred, Snowball walked into the room, chasing after a ball of yawn.
"Could I use this? Just for a little bit." Karin mumbled, raising the microscope into view.
"Of course! Of course!" Jirōchō replied, waving his hand through the air.
"Any friend of Idate, is a friend of mine." After speaking, Jirōchō turned around before walking away, leaving Karin in his lab.
Meanwhile.
"I'm bored..." Tayuya complained.
This red-haired kunoichi was sitting outside Jirōchō's manor, holding both knees against her flat chest. Also, Tayuya completely ignored a large flock of nearby animals, surrounding Jūgo.
"I wonder what Naruto is doing." Gaara cut in, glancing up at the setting sun.
This question earned a quick scoff from Tayuya, standing up before brushing the dirt from her shorts. Afterwards, Tayuya walked inside before grabbing a blue marker, allowing her to draw on Aoi's unconscious face.
As the afternoon sun continued to set, various rays of sunlight sparkled down on Jūgo, illuminating several animals. These forest critters were crawling, sleeping and nuzzling against Jūgo, a common occurrence.
Soon, the stern face of Idate Morino strolled into view, walking outside before staring at the sun. This brought attention to Idate's face and hair, poorly washed and partially stained with mud.
Suddenly, the radiant sun abruptly morphed into the transparent image of Ibiki's face, shining down upon his younger brother. Because of this, Idate tightly clenched both of his fists, hypnotized by Ibiki.
I wish you could see me now, bro. A single thought rippled through Idate's mind.
Idate then downcast his face, staring at the poorly dried ground, polluted with mud and wet grass. During this, the purple-eyed silhouette of Shisui flew into view, perching atop Jūgo's left shoulder.
At this moment, the distant sound of gunfire could be heard, dispersing the animals next to Jūgo. Because of this, Tayuya quickly stood up, brushing her messy hair with one hand.
After a brief silence, several of these distant trees were uprooted from the ground, flung back by an unseen force. This created a dense cloud of dust and splinters, forcing Tayuya to cough while Jūgo finally stood up.
"That doesn't sound good." Jūgo exclaimed.
While Jūgo spoke, a pair of squirrels ran across the ground, retreating under his black robe. At the same time, Idate was standing in the background, holding both arms in front of his eyes, struggling to see.
"2nd squad! 4th squad! There's a perimeter breech!" An unnamed guard spoke out, rushing from Jirōchō's manor.
After this guard ran into view, he was quickly followed by a small group of soldiers, rushing into the thick smoke. As this occurred, Tayuya continued to cough, waiting for the dense cloud to finally dissipate.
Unhindered by this cloud, Gaara crossed both arms in front of his chest, draining the dust and sand from the air. This collection of fresh earth then funneled into Gaara's gourd, contained by a cork.
"What the fuck was that?" Tayuya muttered.
Before earning a response, the sound of gunfire once again polluted the air, concealed in the nearby forest. However, this distinct sound was quickly muffed by painful screams, forcing Idate to stagger backwards.
A horde of demonic hounds then surged out from the forest, dripping blood and foam from their mouths. These fierce creations were a living testament to Arashi, a mound of bubbling flesh and blood.
"Not again!" Idate panicked, tripping over his own feet.
After speaking, Idate crawled across the ground as a large hound surged towards him, growling with rage. But this lethal behemoth was blocked by Jūgo, restraining the beast with one arm.
Jūgo then tossed this rabid beast against a distant tree, shattering the dense wood on impact. Also, several other hounds were consumed by a wall of sand, dragging them below ground.
While these hounds rushed out from the forest, Aiden was expelled from Jirōchō's manor, thrown from the window. This revelation forced Idate to quickly glance up, focused on the spiky outline of Naruto.
"You!" Idate spat out, charging into Jirōchō's manor.
Even though Idate didn't notice, he was soon followed by Tayuya, hypnotized by Naruto's whiskers. This left Gaara and Jūgo outside, surrounded by demonic hounds from all angles.
Meanwhile.
"That doesn't make any sense..." Karin muttered, pressing her eyes against a microscope.
Karin was deep in study, ignoring the loud sounds from outside, and the quaking earth from below. Instead, Karin was focused on a tab of her own blood, freshly cut from her finger.
"What is that? That shouldn't be there." While speaking, Karin fumbled with her microscope.
Before Karin could continue, Naruto walked into the room, startling the red-haired kunoichi. Because of this, Karin accidently fell backwards, falling off her stool before landing with a minor thud.
This briefly captured Naruto's attention before he completely ignored Karin, passing her without a word. This allowed Karin to stand up before grabbing her microscope, retreating down the nearby hallway.
Naruto then reached out before grabbing an ornate control panel, ripping the door off with one hand. This revealed a hidden safe, containing secret papers, plans and a red-colored disc.
Without hesitating, Naruto grasped the unique disc with both hands, raising it in front of his face. After several moments, the sound of static could be heard, radiating out from Naruto's earpiece.
"Good work, apprentice." Kabuto's faint voice could be heard.
After speaking, Kabuto was interrupted by a barrage of shuriken, thrown from the panting outline of Idate. This young Morino was standing in front of the only exit, blocking the narrow hallway.
"Aoi was right about you. The entire village was right about you!" Idate spat out.
"The 3rd Hokage always made excuses! But everyone knows! The 4th Hokage is dead because of you!" While screaming, Idate gripped the hilt of his katana.
Instead of responding with words, Naruto casually strolled pass Idate, ignoring the enraged teenager. This realization caused both of Idate's eyes to twitch, raising his heir-loomed katana into the air.
As Idate advanced, he was bombarded by an unseen shockwave, flinging him through a paper-thin wall. At the same time, Naruto continued to walk, refusing to acknowledge the young Morino.
Suddenly, the red-hair of Tayuya erupted into view, charging at Naruto before tackling him into the floor. Afterwards, Tayuya quickly climbed on top of Naruto, trying to pin him against the floor.
"No more games, nerd! What the fuck is your problem!?" Tayuya muttered.
"You haven't fed me in over a day!" While complaining, Tayuya leaned her face against Naruto.
After talking, Tayuya quickly tore Naruto's goggles off, breathing a sigh of relief as she focused on his violet eyes. Tayuya then reached out before playing with Naruto's whiskers, a small habit that she developed.
However, as soon as Tayuya calmed down, Naruto shoved her away, pushing her against the wooden floor. This allowed Naruto to stand up before running down the hallway, disappearing from view.
Meanwhile.
The distinct smell of gunpowder permeated the air, drawing attention to a large crowd of soldiers. These loyal patriots were commanded by the injured silhouette of Aiden, struggling to move but unwilling to quit.
Soon, a wall of demonic corpses came into view, sprawled across the nearby ground. Each of these bodies were littered with bullet holes, resting next to several soldiers.
"Get inside! We'll hold them off!" Aiden exclaimed, earning a quick nod from Jūgo and Gaara.
As these friends ran inside, they noticed a large amount of dead soldiers, spread across the floor. Because of this, Jūgo and Gaara abruptly charged upstairs, rushing towards lord Jirōchō.
After arriving upstairs, the nearby wall was blown open by an unseen force, creating a hole outside. Afterwards, Naruto quickly surged by before rushing out of sight, jumping onto the roof.
"Don't let him get away!" Gaara spoke out.
After speaking, Jūgo and Gaara leapt through the wall, chasing Naruto onto the roof. They didn't notice yet, but these friends were soon followed by Tayuya and Idate, climbing the roof.
Ignoring their protests, Naruto easily outran his friends, reaching the edge of Jirōchō's manor with ease. However, a barrage of gunfire soon blocked Naruto's path, causing him to freeze mid-step.
"Slow down! We don't want to fight! We just want to talk." while speaking, Gaara took several steps forward.
Instead of responding with words, Naruto unleashed an unseen shockwave from his eyes, surging across the roof. This force completely overwhelmed Gaara and Jūgo, knocking both of them off the roof.
"Looks like there's nothing to talk about." Idate cut in, pulling his musket loose.
Idate then raised his musket against his chest, but he was quickly disarmed by an unseen force. This force pulled Idate's musket towards Naruto, allowing him to grab it with one hand.
"Don't move!" Tayuya proclaimed, pulling Kabuto's red disc into view.
This revelation shocked Naruto, shuffling through his outfit before realizing that Tayuya stole the disc. Tayuya then held this disc with both hands, bending the electronic device.
These words and actions forced Naruto to freeze, squinting both of his violet eyes, earning a scoff from Tayuya. After several seconds, the sound of static rippled out from Naruto's earpiece.
"Shoot her." Kabuto ordered, muffled by static.
This declaration forced Naruto to gasp while staggering backwards, clenching both fist. Idate then charged forward, but he was casually knocked back by Naruto, falling off the roof.
"I'll break it!" As she spoke, a snarl was spread across Tayuya's face.
"I thought I told you. Shoot her. Or I will." Kabuto exclaimed, hissing across the radio.
These words caused Naruto to bite his lower lip, raising Idate's musket into the air with both hands. But Tayuya continued to bend Kabuto's disc, threatening to shatter it.
As Naruto and Tayuya became embroiled in a fierce staring contesting, the distant sun finally set. Because of this, faint rays of moonlight could be seen, sparkling down from an early night sky.
Soon, Tayuya twitched as Naruto aimed his musket at her, fueled by the static orders of Kabuto. Afterwards, Tayuya's hands began to tremble, causing the elite kunoichi to downcast her face.
"Come on, nerd... You're the only person I don't hate, don't do this to me." Tayuya stuttered.
"You said home is where the heart is, and I wanna go home... Take me home..." While mumbling these words, Tayuya fell to her knees.
This rare display of emotion forced Naruto's mouth to fall open, dropping Idate's musket before rushing forward. Naruto then knelt down before grabbing each of Tayuya's shoulders, glancing at her.
"No, everything is fin-...?!" Naruto remarked, interrupted by an electric shock from his earpiece.
"Naruto!" Kabuto's static shriek could be heard, polluting the air.
This statement was followed by dozens of electric shocks, arching and zapping across Naruto's body. These shocks soon overwhelmed Naruto, falling to the ground while holding his earpiece.
"I gave you an order! If you don't attack, I will!" After speaking, Kabuto pressed both hands into the Snake Seal.
Suddenly, Tayuya was consumed by a thick aura of purple chakra, causing her to choke and gag. After several moments, this chakra was magnified by an intense surge of agony, rushing through Tayuya's body.
This pain forced Tayuya to scream with agony, falling to her stomach before rolling across the roof. As Tayuya screamed, Naruto crawled next to her, wrapping both arms around her.
"Stop! Please, stop!" Naruto pleaded through his earpiece, begging Kabuto for mercy.
"Attack, my apprentice. Don't hold anything back." Kabuto replied with a thick hiss.
"Annihilate her, or I'll do it myself." These words caused Naruto to stagger backwards, dropping Tayuya to the ground.
Naruto's feet then stumbled across Idate's musket, inspiring him to pick it up with hesitation. As this occurred, Kabuto continued to shout through Naruto's earpiece, encouraging his apprentice to stand up.
Because of this, Naruto once again raised Idate's musket into the air, aiming for Tayuya. At the same time, Shisui flew through the background, landing atop a distant tree branch.
"Do it..." After speaking, Kabuto licked his lips.
These words were soon followed by awkward silence, abruptly muffled by the distinct sound of gunfire. This brought attention to a narrow pillar of smoke, leaking from Idate's musket.
This cloud of smoke lingered through the air for several moments, obscuring Naruto's eyes from sight. Afterwards, Naruto knelt down before grabbing Kabuto's disc, pulling it from Tayuya's hand.
Without saying a word, Naruto stood up before running away, jumping off Jirōchō's manor and disappearing from view. However, Shisui quickly took his place, landing atop Tayuya's bloody stomach with a squawk.