The Pantheon of Nine
By: Finn Mertenz
A/N: Tenellis - I'm sorry.
biginferno - I actually have a joke about that, but I don't want to spoil it.
Narudevilfan - I think Kishimoto's greatest aspect is his ability to write a villain, he's really good at humanizing them. Madara, Obito, Nagato, Orochimaru and Kabuto were all twisted, but they were still pure in their childhood.
I value Kabuto (in Part 1) because he's very unique to the overall story, he's a threat because of his intellect. Orochimaru is smart, but that's overshadowed by his snake-like demeanor and his insane power level.
This complaint also applies to the Akatsuki, they never outsmart the enemy, or use strategy to win. Instead, the new villain is just automatically given a bigger dick than the previous villain.
Every plot-driven battle in canon Naruto always devolved into a battle of power levels, never a battle of wits. (Insert meme about Dosu VS Shikamaru.)
Akaliwolf - The main problem with Hinata is the same problem with every single female in Naruto. They're all females, so they all have vagina's, and Kishimoto is just really terrible with strong female characters.
The strongest female we get is Tsunade, a supped up granny with back-problems and a blood phobia. A phobia that makes no sense, because Tsunade bleeds once a month.
I can understand why Gaara is afraid of blood, but, as a woman, Tsunade should honestly be used to it. Even if I ignore my meme-like sense of humor, that doesn't excuse the poor cast of female characters we get in Naruto.
Almost every single girl in the entire series depends on a boy to save them, including Hinata. Canon Hinata is just a cock-sleeve to motivate Naruto, her biggest contribution was getting stabbed in front of him.
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO. I DO NOT CLAIM TO OWN NARUTO
Chapter 102: What Happened To You, Kabuto? The Apprentice: Part 3.
Thursday 8:58am, October 12th 43SSP.
The smell of burnt flesh and charred wood permeated the air, drawing attention to the fiery ruins of a small village. This depiction was a harsh consequence from the 3rd Shinobi War, a war between nations.
This village was surrounded by scorched trees and dry sand, nestled between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rivers. The Land of Rivers was once a peaceful and neutral nation, trading with their neighbors.
However, the recent outbreak of war brought a chaotic reality to the Land of Rivers, scarring their nation. Because of this, the Land of Rivers was a war-torn country, a battlefield for the great nations.
Suddenly, the bloody silhouette of a 4 year old Kabuto came into view, panting against a burnt tree. Despite his young age, Kabuto was covered with cuts and bruises, staining his face and outfit with blood.
Kabuto had shoulder-length grey hair, hanging across both ears and the bruises on his face. Also, Kabuto wore a tattered black shirt, matching his black shorts but contrasting his ragged sandals.
"I bet he's from that village over there." A 7 year old boy spoke out, known as Urushi.
Similar to Kabuto, Urushi was covered with a dense layer of mud and dirt, but his bruises were completely healed. This brought attention to Urushi's outfit, a torn blue shirt and black shorts, matching his shoes.
"I heard Konoha and Suna fought over that town, I'm surprised he's still alive." After speaking, Urushi scratched the bridge of his nose.
As Urushi spoke, he stood up, revealing the hooded outline of a petite woman. Also, a small crowd of children came into view, hiding behind the hooded lady.
"His injuries aren't that bad... He'll survive." A 20 year old voice could be heard.
This voice belonged to Nonō Yakushi, a fabled nun that traveled across the war-torn nations, healing the injured. True to her name, Nonō's outfit consisted of an ankle-length black gown, topped with a white apron across her flat chest.
Underneath her attire, Nonō had pale skin and shoulder-length blond hair, partially dry and devoid of color. This brought attention to the white coif around her head, contrasting the mud-stained sandals that she wore.
Nonō's most prominent feature were her emerald green eyes, unleashing a faint aura of green light. However, these eyes were partially obscured by a pair of circular glasses, draped across Nonō's face.
After speaking, Nonō reached out with both hands, gently grabbing Kabuto's bloody skull. Creating a bright aura of green chakra that erupted into existence, spread across Nonō's hands.
Suddenly, Kabuto began to grumble and moan, drawing attention to his twitching eyes, struggling to open them. After several seconds, Kabuto was finally able to open his eyes, staring at the blurry silhouette of Nonō.
"Don't worry, I may not look the part... But I know quite a lot about Medical Ninjutsu." As Nonō spoke, she smiled down upon Kabuto.
Despite her innocent appearance, Nonō was actually a secret member for the Root Foundation. Infact, Nonō was personally praised and hand-picked by Danzo himself, displaying great faith in her abilities.
Even in a war-torn nation, Nonō was confident enough to travel by herself, adopting any orphan that she found. This rampant display of empathy earned a nickname for Nonō, The Wandering Nun.
"Where are your parents? What's your name?" While speaking, Nonō had a wide smile across her face.
Instead of responding with words, Kabuto downcast his face, starring at the dirt-covered ground with blurry vision. This created an awkward silence before Nonō lowered both arms, releasing a slight giggle.
"Man... Don't you understand anything?" Urushi cut in, crouching beside Kabuto.
After Urushi spoke, he wrapped one arm around Kabuto before helping him standing up. Kabuto and Urushi then glanced at Nonō in unison, the only light in a land of darkness.
"You sure are lucky, kid." As Urushi spoke, he had no idea that Kabuto would soon change his entire life, forever.
This moment was Kabuto's oldest memory, a collection of ancient and suppressed thoughts from his childhood. Kabuto was a nobody, he had nothing from the very start, nothing at all.
Kabuto didn't know his parents, he didn't even know his true name, it was all a blur to him, too obscured to see. This was the beginning of Kabuto's life, polluted by the sad reality of war.
One week later.
Rays of sparkling sunlight could be seen, radiating through the air before shining down upon Konoha. Soon, the cheerful sound of chirping birds could be heard, perched atop a nearby tree branch.
Despite the peaceful appearance, Konoha was embroiled in the 3rd Shinobi War, at the height of its zenith. This was a global conflict between the Five Great Nations, throwing barely grown children into the flames of war.
Suddenly, the bandaged face of Kabuto came into view, seated inside the wooden lodge of Konoha's orphanage. At the same time, Nonō was crouched beside him, tending to his wounds with motherly affection.
"You're healing quite nicely... You'll make a full recovery." Nonō exclaimed, earning a blank glance from Kabuto.
"Hey! You could at least say thank you! Don't you have any manners?" Urushi cut in, walking into view.
As he approached, Urushi held an ornate samurai helmet with both hands, a souvenir from the 3rd Shinobi War. This helmet once belonged to a samurai from the Land of Tea, but he fell in combat.
"We don't want anything else to happen too you, so put this on!" As he spoke, Urushi placed the samurai helmet atop Kabuto's skull.
"Man... You don't know your manners, your parents or your name! That's a first, even for me." While speaking, Urushi leaned against Kabuto's shoulder.
After hearing these words, Nonō reached out with her left hand, brushing against Kabuto's pale face. This display of kindness struck a deep cord inside Kabuto, forcing his mouth to fall open.
"Starting now, you'll be living here... With us." Nonō proclaimed, drawing attention to her radiant smile.
"So... I'll be your mother from now on. I'll help you with anything you need." As Nonō spoke, Kabuto rubbed his blurry eyes.
After speaking, Nonō was interrupted by a innocent cough from Urushi, grabbing Kabuto's shoulder. While this occurred, rays of sunlight pierced the nearby window, illuminating the entire room.
"But... It's totally weird that he doesn't have a name." Urushi muttered, wrinkling his nose.
This statement earned a cheerful hum from Nonō, pressing several fingers against her slim face. After briefly hesitating, Nonō glanced at Kabuto and the samurai helmet he wore.
"You're right... We have to call him something." Nonō remarked.
As she spoke, a wide smile was stretched across Nonō's face, raising her left hand into the air. During this, a small crowd of orphans came into view, poking their heads through a distant door.
"We'll just call him Kabuto. Like the Kanji for helmet." As Nonō spoke, her words forced a dozen orphans to faceplant the ground.
"Tha-... That's so simple." A 7 year old girl spoke out.
"At least I can remember it." A 9 year old boy could be heard.
Ignoring the conversation around him, Kabuto sunk deep into thought after hearing Nonō's words. As this occurred, Urushi casually lowered his face, glancing into Kabuto's blank eyes.
An awkward staring contest then erupted between Urushi and Kabuto, but the latter didn't even notice. Instead, a tiny smile abruptly spread across Kabuto's face, allowing his eyes to sparkle with hope.
"Hey! Check it out! He just smiled!" Urushi cut in, earning a divine giggle from Nonō.
Despite the unknown circumstances of his birth, Kabuto soon found a home inside Konoha, nurtured by Nonō. However, in war, even the young innocence of children was thrown aside.
Seven hours later.
The distinct sound of croaking frogs and screeching owls could be heard, radiating through the night sky. Afterwards, the rustic outline of Konoha's orphanage came into view.
Soon, dozens of sleeping children could be seen, spread across an assortment of beds and blankets on the floor. This brought attention to Kabuto, the only child who was still awake.
Ignoring his hazy vision, Kabuto was seated atop a soft blanket, glancing around the dark room. Kabuto then focused on a nearby samurai helmet, resting against the end of his bed.
You could at least say thank you! Don't you have any manners? The memory of Urushi could be heard, polluting Kabuto's mind.
These words inspired Kabuto to stand up before walking towards the distant door, tripping over several blankets. However, Kabuto quickly pushed himself up, beginning his long journey through the orphanage.
Five minutes later.
"We can't just take in every single child, Nonō." The elderly voice of a man could be heard.
This voice belonged to Kanpu, a 48 year old caretaker and the financial advisor of the orphanage. Because of his extreme age, Kanpu was old enough to remember the 1st and 2nd Hokage.
Kanpu had sunbaked skin and well-combed grey hair, matching his bushy moustache and spiky beard. Also, Kanpu wore a pair of rectangular glasses, obscuring his narrow black eyes.
Similar to Nonō, Kanpu's attire consisted of an ankle-length black kimono, topped with a white apron. This brought attention to his white-trimmed sandals, contrasting the wooden floor.
"He's right..." The timid voice of Keiri spoke out.
Keiri was a 36 year old obese woman with pale skin and spiky black hair, partially hidden behind her white coif. This coif perfectly matched Keiri's apron, draped across her ankle-length black gown.
As this conversation progressed, Kabuto was hiding behind the nearby door, bowing his head with shame. Before long, Nonō lowered her own face, pushing her glasses up with one hand.
"I understand... Leave it to me, I'll talk too the 3rd Hokage." Nonō exclaimed.
After hearing these words, Kabuto tried to sneak away, but he quickly tripped over his own feet. This created a heavy thud that echoed through the hallway, followed by the discrete mumbles of Kabuto.
This abrupt noise quickly captured the attention of Keiri, rushing out the door before glaring at Kabuto. After several moments, Nonō and Kanpu walked up behind her, allowing all three of them to focus on Kabuto.
"What are you doing out of bed?! Don't you know what time is it!" Keiri shrieked, pointing at a nearby clock.
Filled with embarrassment, Kabuto glanced at the clock, completely distorted by his hazy and blurred vision. Because of this, an awkward silence filled the hallway as Kabuto struggled to see.
"This boy is just too young. We can't expect him to learn this stuff in one week." Kanpu remarked.
While these caretakers continued their discussion, Nonō downcast her face before glancing at Kabuto's eyes. Kabuto was squinting his entire face as he glared at the clock, unable to see.
"It's 10 o'clock." Kabuto muttered, shocking Keiri and Kanpu.
This statement inspired Kanpu and Keiri to glance down in unison, revealing a pair of circular glasses across Kabuto's face. These glasses personally belonged to Nonō, but she gave them to Kabuto as a gift.
"Yes, that's correct." Nonō beamed with joy, smiling from ear-to-ear.
This declaration earned a hearty laugh from Kanpu, causing his elderly voice to bounce off the nearby walls. At the same time, a sheepish grin slowly infected Keiri's face.
"I guess I was wrong! He just needed some glasses." Kanpu chuckled.
Suddenly, Kabuto turned around before glaring at Nonō with improved vision, finally able to discern her pale face. For the first time in his life, Kabuto found someone that genuinely loved him, he found a home.
Four months later.
A sand-filled breeze blew in from the west, surging across a barren plain, littered with rocks and corpses. Soon, a large medical tent came into view, polluted with dozens of wounded shinobi.
Kabuto just passed his 5th birthday, and now, he was studying Medical Ninjutsu under Nonō, healing the injured. Despite his young age, the 3rd Shinobi War was a global conflict, no one was safe.
Determined to impress his mother, Kabuto was crouched in front of a white-skinned shinobi, healing his arm. While this occurred, Urushi walked through the foreground, carrying a stack of bandages.
As Kabuto worked, the pale face of Nonō came into view, healing a blood-covered shinobi in the background. Nonō then briefly glanced over her left shoulder, staring at the back of Kabuto's head.
Similar to Kanpu, Kabuto wore an ankle-length black kimono with white trimmings, matching his apron. Also, Kabuto now wore a pair of blue shinobi shoes, a true ninja of Konoha.
"Whew..." Kabuto panted, brushing a hand across his sweaty face.
"I should be done. How does it feel?" After Kabuto spoke, he glanced at the yellow eyes of Orochimaru.
Hearing these words, Orochimaru raised his right arm into the air, occasionally clenching his fist. At the same time, Orochimaru narrowed each of his snake-like eyes, intently focused on Kabuto.
"You have a lot of talent for your age, boy." Orochimaru muttered.
"Thanks! Mother taught me everything I know!" Kabuto exclaimed.
Ignoring this cheerful voice, a hazy expression quickly polluted Orochimaru's eyes, sinking deep into thought. Afterwards, Orochimaru casually stood up, towering over the young silhouette of Kabuto.
"Kabuto... That's your name, isn't it?" Orochimaru whispered with a downcast face.
"You want to be a shinobi? You'll become very powerful, I'm sure of it." As Orochimaru spoke, his hair partially obscured both eyes.
"No... I'd be terrible, but thanks for the confidence." Kabuto chuckled.
"I'm just trying to make some money, for the orphanage... Mother has done so much for me." While speaking, Kabuto briefly glanced at Nonō.
"I wonder, are you happy?" Orochimaru spoke out, completely changing the conversation.
This question created an awkward silence between both shinobi, inspiring Kabuto to gasp with confusion. Through his short life, Kabuto never even thought about happiness, it was a strange concept to him.
Instead of waiting for a response, Orochimaru turned around before walking away, hypnotizing the young Kabuto. Because of this, Kabuto soon became mesmerized by deep thoughts, thinking about happiness.
One month later.
"So, The Wondering Nun has devolved into a babysitter?" The 49 year old voice of Danzo Shimura could be heard.
Danzo wore an ankle-length black overcoat, held in place by several buttons across his chest and waist. This brought attention to Danzo's right arm, completely wrapped in linen bandages.
Danzo also had various bandages wrapped against the right side of his face, concealing his right eye. However, these bandages were partially obscured by Danzo's spiky black hair, jutting out in all directions.
"Hiruzen and I have already reached an agreement... We can't continue to fund this orphanage." As Danzo spoke, he held his chin with one hand.
"The war is draining our treasury, we simply don't have the funds." While speaking, Danzo was seated in front of a wooden table.
Suddenly, the hooded outline of Orochimaru and Tatsuma Aburame came into view, standing behind Danzo. These shinobi were the elite bodyguards of Danzo, following him everywhere.
"But Lord Danzo, we need that funding! We can't feed the children without it!" Nonō protested, sitting across the table from Danzo.
As Nonō spoke, she was flanked by Keiri and Kanpu, illuminated by a faint light from the ceiling. This crowd of adults were gathered in a small wooden room, nestled inside the Konoha Orphanage.
"That's not all." Orochimaru chuckled, licking his lips.
"I need one of your orphans, as a gift to the Foundation." Danzo declared, holding his chin.
"Nonsense! This is extortion!" Kanpu cut in, slamming his fists against the table.
"Enough! Leave at once! Or I'll inform the 3rd Hokage!" Keiri shrieked.
Instead of responding with words, Danzo leisurely glanced at Kanpu, allowing their elderly eyes to meet. Also, Orochimaru was giggling in the background, drawing attention to his Konoha Headband.
"We're at war." Danzo spat out.
"We need all the shinobi we can get. Either give us a child, or we'll take one." These words created a tense silence.
At this moment, the nearby door was abruptly opened before a 5 year old Kabuto rushed into the room. This young boy rushing forward before crouching down beside Danzo, bowing his head with respect.
"I volunteer! Just leave mother alone." Kabuto exclaimed.
This declaration forced Keiri, Kanpu and Nonō to all gasp with shock, left utterly speechless by Kabuto. While this occurred, Danzo narrowed his visible eye, focused on Kabuto.
Before Danzo could reply, Orochimaru quickly walked up to Kabuto, staring down at the young boy. Orochimaru then reached out before gently grabbing Kabuto's hair, combing it with one hand.
"Congratulations, boy. You just found your destiny." Orochimaru mumbled.
"But, Kabuto! Why?!" Nonō interrupted.
This question earned a genuine smile from Kabuto, the same smile that Nonō always expressed. Because of this, Nonō's mouth fell open, paralyzed by Kabuto's rare display of emotion.
"Don't worry, mother! Next time you see me, I'll be a great ninja. Just like you!" Kabuto remarked.
Through his short life inside Konoha, Kabuto developed a deep bond with the village and several friends. Infact, Kabuto spent every single day with Urushi, talking about their dreams, and sharing them.
But now, Kabuto's devotion would soon be pushed to its limit, overwhelmed by the reality of war.
Five years later.
Even during an era of peace, the life of shinobi was still a brutal and agonizing existence. Kabuto focused on this realization as he ran, dashing across a rock-covered plain.
Over four years ago, the 3rd Shinobi War finally ended, but Kabuto's life as a shinobi had only just begun. For over half a decade, Kabuto traveled the shinobi world as a spy, gaining secret knowledge for Danzo.
However, Kabuto was now fleeing for his life, chased by a lethal collection of Jounin from Iwa. As these shinobi advanced, various rays of moonlight pierced the night sky, illuminating Kabuto's outfit.
Kabuto wore a full-bodied crimson outfit with sleeves that were too long, the iconic attire for all Iwa shinobi. Over this, Kabuto wore a tan flak jacket, matching the dirt-brown sandals that he wore.
Kabuto's most prominent feature was the Iwa Headband around his forehead, held in place by crimson fabric. This fabric deeply contrasted Kabuto's circular glasses, the same glasses that Nonō gave him.
Suddenly, a strike of thunder ruptured across the night sky, revealing several bruises on Kabuto. At the same time, a bolt of lightning struck a nearby cliffside, creating a massive avalanche of boulders.
This gave Kabuto the perfect diversion, allowing him to slip into a narrow crevasse, hiding from sight. Afterwards, a group of shadowy figures rushed pass him, disappearing under the night sky.
This revelation filled Kabuto with a brief sense of relief, quickly polluted by a dark shadow from above. This shadow originated from a large rock, left over from the previous avalanche.
As this boulder approached, Kabuto was abruptly pushed out of the way, knocked to the ground. The sound of shattered glass then echoed through the air, crushed by stone.
Ignoring this sound, Kabuto's vision was hazy and distorted, struggling to find his glass. Soon, a light drizzle of rain brushed through the air, staining Kabuto's hair.
"My glasses... I can't see anything without my glasses." Kabuto muttered, reaching across the ground.
Instead of touching his glasses, Kabuto brushed against a cold hand, causing him to stagger backwards. After briefly hesitating, Kabuto stumbled upon his glasses before throwing them on.
An expression of anxious horror and trepidation instantly polluted Kabuto's face, fueled by the silhouette of Nonō, crushed under a boulder. Similar to Kabuto, this kunoichi was dispatched on an undercover mission to Iwa.
However, in secret, Nonō arranged this assignment from the shadows, watching over Kabuto for five solid years. Nonō had finally reached her breaking point, brought down by her motherly love for Kabuto.
"Mother!" Kabuto shrieked, echoing across the distant plain.
"Don't worry, I can fix this!" As Kabuto spoke, he charged forward, trying to move the boulder.
Despite his best efforts, Kabuto wasn't strong enough, he was still just a child and he didn't have the strength. Instead, Kabuto crouched down before pressing both hands against Nonō's chest, engulfed with green chakra.
"Over here! I heard something!" A Jounin from Iwa spoke out.
"Those glasses look so nice on you." Nonō coughed out, partially obscured by a large boulder.
After she spoke, Nonō reached out before grazing Kabuto's cheek, staining it with blood. This cold touch forced Kabuto to trip over his own feet, falling to the ground.
"I see someone!" An Iwa kunoichi could be heard.
Filled with panic, and overwhelmed by dread, Kabuto took off into the darkness, running as fast as he could. As he ran, Kabuto started to cry for the first time in his life, and the last time.
Thirty minutes later.
Kabuto's blood-stained sandals accidently tripped over a puddle of mud, knocking him to the ground. Unable to motivate himself, Kabuto fell completely still for several moments, lacking any purpose in life.
While laying on the ground, Kabuto stared into a shallow puddle, focused on his own reflection. This reflection was partially stained with dirt and Nonō's blood, a blemish on Kabuto's pale skin.
Without mother... What am I? Kabuto asked himself.
As these thoughts raced, a pair of feet stomped into view, disturbing the puddle in front of Kabuto. This forced the young shinobi to grind his teeth, waiting for his final moment.
"You don't seem very happy, boy." Orochimaru groaned, capturing Kabuto's attention.
Much had changed in the past five years, following the 4th Hokage's coronation and his early death. Including the recent betrayal of Orochimaru, abandoning the village of Konoha, and his friends.
This declaration earned a dramatic gasp from Kabuto, causing both of his eyes to twitch and tremble. At the same time, Kabuto dragged his nails across the muddy ground, distracted by Orochimaru's words.
"You know, I used to be just like you. Before I finally understood what true happiness was." As Orochimaru spoke, he glanced up at the bright moon.
For his entire life, Kabuto always felt lost in the void, he was unable to find his true identity. The reflections in his eyes had no meaning, without mother, Kabuto's life had no meaning.
When Kabuto arrived at that thought, he found something extraordinary, a revolutionary idea. Creating a genuine smile across Kabuto's face, the same smile that Nonō always gave him.
"Actually. I'm really happy." Kabuto chuckled, pushing his glasses up with one hand.
"Because now, I don't have anything to lose - so I'm finally happy." As he spoke, Kabuto's eyes sparkled with fanatic vigor.
These words earned a maniacal laugh from Orochimaru, taking several steps in front of Kabuto. As this occurred, rumbling thunder could be heard in the distant, muffled by rain.
"You're starting to understand, boy." Orochimaru groaned.
In his youth, Kabuto always searched for his purpose in life, a greater meaning that would complete his existence. But now, Kabuto finally understood the harsh reality of life, he was nothing, just like Nonō.
Ten years later.
The hostile groan of Tayuya could be heard, rolling across a soft blanket on the wooden floor. This brought attention to Tayuya's red hair, spread across the floor in all directions.
"That was a good nap." Tayuya exclaimed, rubbing both eyes.
After she spoke, Tayuya scratched her stomach, brushing against a harden piece of coral. This realization caused Tayuya to sit up, throwing the covers off her body, enshrouding Karin with fabric.
Ignoring Karin, Tayuya stood up before glancing at her own stomach, partially covered with red coral, as hard as stone. Even though she wasn't wearing a shirt, Tayuya didn't even notice, she was too distracted.
"You could at least say thank you." Karin muttered, poking out from the covers.
Karin was surrounded by various notebooks, pens and microscopes, staring at multiple tablets of blood. But instead of responding with words, Tayuya simply scoffed, poking the coral on her stomach.
"What is this? What did you do?" Tayuya question, picking at the coral.
"I didn't do anything. That's all you." Karin remarked, rolling her eyes.
As Karin spoke, Tayuya casually ripped off a small piece of coral, revealing her freshly healed stomach. Tayuya then squealed like a school girl while jumping for joy, a rare display of emotion.
"This is so cool! When I was a kid, I used to pick my scabs all the time!" Tayuya proclaimed.
"That's disgusting." Karin replied, visibly gagging.
Before she could respond, Tayuya noticed several wires and a blood-bag, protruding out from her right arm. These wires led to Karin's work-station, completely surrounded by strange machines.
Instead of asking for an explanation, Tayuya ripped each of these wires loose, tossing them to the ground. Tayuya's pillow was then abruptly thrown through the air, hitting Karin and knocking her glasses off.
"I got some of my blood." Jūgo declared, walking into the room.
After hearing these words, Karin quickly sat up before putting her glasses on, grabbing the blood from Jūgo. This blood was then poured onto a glass tab, placed inside of Karin's microscope.
Filled with curiosity, Tayuya rushed forward before shoving Karin to the floor, inspecting her microscope. This gave Tayuya a microscopic view of Jūgo's blood, polluted with thousands of mechanical parasites.
"What the fuck?! That weird stuff is inside you?" Tayuya stuttered, glaring at Jūgo.
"They're inside all of us, millions of them." Karin explained, creating an awkward silence.
"Ew!" Tayuya shrieked at the top of her lungs, shaking with disgust.
"I don't understand, where did they come from?" Jūgo asked.
This question was answered by an inquisitive hum from Karin, grabbing her chin with one hand. At the same time, Tayuya was gagging in the background, disturbed by Karin's revelation.
"Well... I tried to get some blood from Gaara, but his sand is a nightmare." Karin hummed.
"If all four of us has them... What about Naruto?" With each word, Karin scratched her chin.
This realization forced Karin to dramatically gasp, causing both eyes to bulge and widen. Before long, Karin was inspired to jump up, grabbing each of Tayuya's shoulders.
"Let go of me!" Tayuya spat out, struggling to break free.
"Don't you understand what this means!?" Karin exclaimed, shoving her face against Tayuya's.
This close display of affection forced Tayuya to stagger backwards, falling to the ground with a faint thud. Twisting his beak in multiple angles, the feathered-outline of Shisui came into view, perched atop a nearby window.
"If Kabuto put these things inside of us, he can make us do whatever he wants!" While speaking, Karin raised one finger into the air.
"Unless Naruto does what he says." Jūgo cut in.
These words were quickly met by a scoff of disbelief from Tayuya, crossing both arms in front of her flat chest. Before she could respond, Gaara rushed into the room, chased by the fierce silhouette of Snowball.
"Make her stop! Make her stop!" Gaara begged, terrified of cats.
Snorting in response, Tayuya picked Snowball up with one arm before petting her, flinging fur into the air. This fur partially obscured Karin's face before grabbing her microscope, getting back to work.
Meanwhile.
The sound of grinding metal and rotating pistons could be heard, spewing steam throughout a narrow warehouse. This corrosive sound was soon followed by a muffled hiss, drawing attention to Kabuto's snake-like face.
"Separating Naruto from his friends has almost made this... Too easy." Kabuto complained.
While he spoke, Kabuto held his slanted face with one hand, staring at a static-filled TV screen. After several moments, Kabuto sighed with boredom, pinching the bridge of his snow white nose.
Suddenly, Kabuto gasped before a gust of gravity crashed against him, tearing his stone chair from the ground. This force completely overwhelmed Kabuto, knocking him through various pillars before disappearing from view.
The pale feet of Naruto then came into view, kicking his sandals off against a clump of machinery. Without hesitation, Naruto grabbed the rope-like purple belt around his waist, pulling it loose.
"I've been waiting for this." Naruto spoke out, dropping his belt to the floor.
Naruto was soon met by a raspy chuckle before Kabuto stood up, raising a large pillar above his head with one hand. After licking his lips, Kabuto dropped this large pillar to the ground, creating a faint cloud of dust.
"Apprentice... That was deceptive, ruthless and ambitious... I'm so proud of you." Kabuto laughed.
"Stop calling me that. Without me, you'd be nothing." Naruto remarked, allowing the sleeves on his kimono to slide loose.
As this fabric draped across Naruto's pale shoulders, a devilish grin infected Kabuto's face. Also, the previous clump of machinery became clogged by a rusty pillar, polluting the air with sparks.
"Yes... I used to be curious about Orochimaru's fate, but I'm beyond that now." Kabuto replied.
"My curiosity has shifted, I've become more interested in those eyes you have. Just like the Akatsuki." After speaking, Kabuto pulled his hood down, revealing his scale-covered ears and neck.
Before Naruto could respond, a faint explosion of dust and debris filtered through the background. This eruption was followed by a pillar of smoke, pouring out from a broken control panel.
This revelation created a twisted smile across Kabuto's face, contrasting his snake-like yellow eyes. Because of this, Kabuto clapped both hands into the snake seal. partially obscured by smoke.
"But, don't forget, I can kill your friends with the flick of by hand." As Kabuto spoke, the smell of burnt iron permeated the air.
Instead of responding, an unseen force quickly tore a gigantic pillar from the ground, hurling it at Kabuto. As this beam of steel approached, Kabuto's entire body began to bubble and dissolve.
Kabuto then morphed into hundreds of white snakes, slithering across the ground in all directions. This allowed Kabuto to effortlessly dodge the rusty pillar, soaring past him before crashing against a wall.
Glancing from side-to-side, Naruto's left ankle was constricted by a hissing snake, pulling him to the ground. Several other snakes also came into view, wrapping around Naruto's hands and torso.
Coiling like rope, these snakes sank their teeth into Naruto, causing his body to bubble into mud. This mud trapped the attacking snakes, withering and hissing in the dense puddle.
Spreading across the floor, this puddle of mud abruptly hardened, ensnaring each of the snakes in a layer of mud. The distorted outline of Kabuto then boiled into sight, a clump of white snakes that merged together.
As Kabuto's arms grew into place, Naruto was crouched atop a distant piece of machinery. Engulfed by a wave of fire and smoke from all sides, polluting the entire warehouse.
"That almost had me... Heh." While mumbling these words, Kabuto licked his own lips.
These words were answered by slates of collapsing metal, falling from the roof overhead. Sections of steel occasionally grinded together before hitting the ground, releasing a spray of sparks.
While the rust-covered roof continued to tumble, Naruto and Kabuto were forced to evade a handful of steal beams. Before long, Kabuto's right arm morphed into a snake, soaring through the air like a lasso.
Unhinging its jawline, this venomous snake launched forward, accidently biting down on a chakra rod. Sinking its teeth around this rod, Naruto was pulled through the air, overwhelmed by Kabuto's snake.
Losing his grip, Naruto was flung through several pillars of metal, covered in rust. Naruto then collided against a static-filled TV screen in the background, shattering on impact.
"All my power, all my trust, I gave too you... But all you care about is your worthless little friends." Before speaking, Kabuto strolled in front of Naruto.
After a brief laugh, Kabuto pressed both hands together, enshrouded with an aura of purple chakra. The gust from this chakra forced Kabuto's shoulder-length hair to rustle, diluted by harsh smoke.
Stained with a dense coating of rust and dirt, Naruto was concealed under a thin layer of shattered glass. But Kabuto's footsteps quickly garnished Naruto's attention, glancing up at the pale skinned shinobi.
"If they mean that much to you, maybe I should just kill them." These words forced Naruto to downcast his face.
"No... Don't, I'll do anything you ask." Naruto muttered.
"Good... Starting now, you can call me master." Kabuto chuckled in response.
At this moment, a wave of sand eroded out from the nearby floor, colliding against Kabuto. This revelation completely shocked the snake-like shinobi, buried in a cocoon of sand.
The orange hair of Jūgo then came into view, surrounded by Gaara, Karin and Tayuya, illuminated by distant flames. Recognizing his friends, Naruto dragged both hands across the floor.
"What are you doing!? Get out of here! You have no idea what he's capable of!" Naruto panicked.
"Shut up, nerd." Tayuya spat out, pulling a fluffy panda hat over her head.
"I'm smarter than I look, his little doodads are done!" Karin cut in, pointing with a dramatic finger.
"We don't have to run, not anymore." Jūgo interrupted, towering over his friends.
As these words progressed, Naruto's group of friends were surrounded by fiery waves of heat and flames. The smoke from this fire earned a chorus of harsh and rapid coughs from Naruto.
Multiple pillars of rust-covered steel then tumbled from the roof, crushed by poorly-aged rot. However, these collapsing beams were met by a stream of sand, surging out from Gaara's gourd.
"We can't stay here!" Gaara exclaimed, raising both arms towards the ceiling.
Suddenly, several snakes erupted from Kabuto's cocoon of sand, slithering across the shifting surface. But these snakes were smothered by falling metal, disappearing from sight.
Without hesitation, Jūgo picked Naruto up with one hand before rushing for the nearby door, engulfed with smoke. This massive shinobi was soon followed by Tayuya, Gaara and Karin, coughing in unison.
As these friends ran for safety, flicking embers and collapsing steel obscured everything from sight. The entire warehouse then abruptly caved in on itself, creating a geyser of flames over Dega.