Chapter Seventeen: The Attack Begins
It was the morning of the finals and Ren was getting everything situated. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't nervous about what was to come. A lot was riding on today's events. The main objective was mainly to save Konoha from suffering as much damage as possible. While Konoha was now aware of the impending attack. Which would certainly help in minimizing the damage. The fact was they were still dealing with Orochimaru and nothing was ever certain with him. The jonin council had convened yesterday to discuss things but what was ever said. Wasn't shared with him by Inoichi or anyone else. Whatever they were planning was kept pretty-tight-lipped. Understandable, they had to keep the secrecy of things at a maximum when it came to the traitorous snake.
Ren situated the last of his gear, he had another large scroll of red water strapped to his lower back. With KubiKiribocho resting over it, he had a medium-sized scroll in his inner vest pockets. With the last of his gear in place, he prepared to head out. Ren, Naruto, and Fū were going to be meeting Jiraiya before heading to the arena. As he left his room, he noticed his mother in the hallway, seemingly waiting for him. He couldn't help but notice a certain difference in her appearance.
"You changed up your hairstyle?" Ren Inquired his mother.
"Yes, I felt the need to change it a bit." Kairi replied. She had changed her hairstyle from the usual high ponytail. That was popular in the Yamanaka clan. To a loose ponytail that she had slung over her right shoulder.
"It looks nice on you." Ren replied, which it did. The style certainly seemed to bring out the caring and loving persona. That pretty much defined his mother and suited her well. If he had to equate it to something from his past life. It gave his mother an air similar to that of Trisha Elric from FMA.
"I wanted to make sure to catch you before you left." Kairi said. "With the huge influx of foreign guests for the finals, I have to work the flower shop. So I won't be able to come to watch you as you compete."
"Good, she won't be at the stadium." Ren mused mentally. "The flower shop is also located on the opposite side of the village. Where the giant snakes are meant to break through the walls. The shop will be the safest place for her." "Don't worry about it mom, I understand." Ren chimed. "Besides, you would probably get far too anxious and nervous watching me fight."
"True enough, even if I can't be there in person to watch you. I want you to know that I'll be rooting for your success none the less. You, Naruto, and the others." Kairi said before her face took a somewhat somber look. As she then walked over and pulled her son into a motherly embrace. "I know you have your issues with the Hyuga boy. For what he did to Ino, just don't let your emotions cloud your better thinking. And please try to keep safe as much as possible, you're the most important thing in the world to me."
"I know mom, I'll do my best for your sake."
"I know you will." Kairi replied as she planted a tender kiss on her sons' forehead. "Just remember, no matter what happens. I love you, now and always."
"I love you too mom."
"Well, I'd best not hold you up any further." Kairi chimed as she let go of her son. "I need to get going to the shop myself after all. I'll see you tonight."
"Yeah, I'll see you tonight mom." Ren replied as he walked away.
It was around noon now and the stadium for the finals had begun to fill up for the impending tournament. Those participating in the finals matches were gathered in their designated waiting zone. That looked over the battle arena as they waited for the cue to gather in the battle arena itself. For the opening ceremony.
The general crowds were filling in and so were the VIP boxes for various lords and clan heads. Then there was the viewing area, that was designated for the Kage in attendance. Hiruzen and Mei were already there waiting for the finals to begin. Then at last the final of the Kage to be at the exams arrived. Well, rather it was Orochimaru in disguise as the Kazekage.
Hiruzen kept a straight face as saw his former student in disguise approach. In a way, only one with his many years of experience could pull off. "Lord Kazekage, how good of you to arrive. I hope your travel here was pleasant?"
"It was fine Lord Hokage." Spoke Orochimaru in disguise. "It is good to see you once more."
"Lord Kazekage, how nice to see." Spoke a female voice, drawing the snake sannin's attention. "May I say it is a pleasure to meet you at last."
"Lady Mizukage, I was not aware that you would be here?" Replied Orochimaru as he eyed the female Kage before him. "Mei Terumi, she could become a problem when the time arrives to initiate my plans. No matter, she can be dealt with if the need arises."
"I arrived a few days ago to finalize some trade agreements between Kiri and Konoha. Plus, Kiri has a genin participating in the finals. So, I've been staying in Konoha since in anticipation. For the chunin exams finals. By the way, Lord Kazekage, once the finals are all said and done. I would like to discuss some arrangements between Kiri and Suna." Seemingly unaware of who she was actually speaking to.
"I will see what can be done." Orochimaru spoke.
Tayuya was in the participant waiting area, looking at the arena as it began to fill up. Her eyes darted to where the Kage sat and saw Orochimaru in disguise as the Kazekage. With Kimimaro, Jirobo, Kidomaru, Sakon, and Ukon in disguise. As a pair of Suna jonin acting as bodyguards. The plan was supposed to be that once the invasion began. Orochimaru would take the Hokage to the rooftop of the building the Kage viewing box was in. While they would erect a barrier trapping the two inside. Tayuya's role would have simply been to once the chaos began, get the drop on Ren. Knock him unconscious and simply watch over him until the invasion was finished and then drag him to Oto. Obviously, she wasn't going to do that anymore.
She looked around the participant area to see who else was already here. she saw the two Hyuga's. Hinata seemed focused, she seemed to notice Tayuya looking at her and gave a brief friendly smile. Next to her was her cousin Neji, who looked like a stoic, smug prick, like he always did. Tayuya honestly couldn't wait to see Ren fight him. Whatever ass beating that pillow biter was going to get, compliments of Ren. The bastard had it coming to him for all his shit in the exams he had pulled thus far.
She saw Haku was already there with her, keeping quiet and focused from behind her mask. She noticed the girl from Kiri in the corner inspecting her sword to pass time. The puppet user from Suna was also off in the corner doing his own thing. She noticed pretty much everyone was here, except Ren, Naruto, and Fū. Just where the hell were they at?
"Yo, Haku, and Tayuya." Sasuke spoke as he approached the two with Sakura in tow.
"I'm surprised to see you here on time." Haku mused. "I would have thought Kakashi's penchant for being late. Would have made you the last one to arrive."
"He probably would have." Sasuke replied. "But training went smoother than expected and Kakashi got a message that required him to return. To the village ASAP, for whatever reason."
"Good to see you to Sakura. How are you holding up, all things considered?" Tayuya asked.
Sakura put a hand to her curse mark. "I'm doing fine, this thing doesn't give much trouble as long as I'm careful. My training with Ebisu-sensei went really well. Looks like just about everyone is here. You know where Ren, Naruto and Fū are?"
Both girls shook their heads. "Not a clue." Tayuya said. "All three left this morning before we did. They better show up on time."
"I wonder where Ren and the others are?" Kakashi mused from his place in the arena.
"There you are Kakashi!" A voice called out. Kakashi looked to see Gai, Lee, and Tenten approaching him.
"Hello, you three, excited to watch the finals I imagine?" Mused the copy ninja.
"Yes, I am very excited to see the passionate youth all the finals competitors will bring!" Lee exclaimed much to Tentens' annoyance.
"Indeed!" Gai agreed with his protégé. "The finals are always an exciting time to witness. I'm sure all the competitors have trained well in preparation. Young Ren and Neji are set to be the first match if I recall correctly?"
"I hope things don't get out of control between those two." Tenten said with concern. "Ren was pretty set on killing Neji for what happened to Ino in the preliminaries. From what I heard."
"Now, now I wouldn't be concerned about that." Kakashi cut in, trying to calm the young kunoichi. "That was more of a heat in the moment reaction on Ren's part. Understandable I dare say, the Yamanaka are very protective and caring towards their family and friends. Ren has had a lot of time to process what happened since that day. I'm sure he won't kill Neji, beat him within an inch of his life. A strong possibility but he won't kill him I'm sure." "I think at least." Kakashi added mentally.
"I've heard young Ino is recovering well, but the damage done by Neji. Caused enough damage that she won't be able to continue her shinobi career. Is that true?" Gai inquired.
"Unfortunately so, in fact, since she can longer be a shinobi. She was deemed no longer suitable to be clan heir. After all the Yamanaka are first and foremost a ninja clan. Rumor has it that Ren was unanimously voted to take her place as the next heir to the clan. Seeing it as the most logical choice."
Gai, Lee, and Tenten looked stunned by that news. To the point where none of them could find words to react with.
More time passed and the stadium had essentially filled up all the way now. The opening ceremony was about to begin. The participants that were present had gathered down in the arena.
"Just where the fuck are those three?" Growled an annoyed Tayuya.
"They're cutting it all very close it would seem." Mused the ice user.
Suddenly a huge burst of smoke was had on one of the rooftops in the arena, drawing everyone's attention.
"Fear not good people!" A loud boisterous voice called out dramatically. Hiruzen had to resist a groan, upon recognizing who it belonged to. "I am known well throughout all the lands! My prowess in the ways of words, women, and more! Unmatched by any others! Yes, it is I! The toad sage of Mount Myoboku! The one, the only Jiraiya of the sannin! And I have brought my newest students here for their roles in these exams!"
The smoke then cleared to reveal Jiraiya standing on top of a large-sized toad, in a dramatic pose. Naruto was standing to the right of the toad, arms crossed over his chest with a foxy smirk on his face. Fū was to the left of the toad using her red container as a makeshift seat. One leg crossed over the other as she looked on with a smile. Ren was in front of the toad, down on a knee, with an arm resting on his other one. A look of amusement, shining in his eyes.
"Now go my pupils and show them what you have learned!" Exclaimed Jiraiya as he and the toad disappeared in a puff of smoke. Nowhere to be seen or where they even went. All three genin made a quick body flicker down the arena floor to all the others. It was then Ren made an unusual discovery when he saw who the proctor was.
"Hayate is still here?" Ren thought inquisitively to himself. "How though? By all accounts, he should be dead after spying on Kabuto and Baki. Or rather Pakura in this timeline, so why is he still around? Something isn't adding up here at all. I suddenly get the feeling Lord Hokage might know more about the invasion. Then he let on, during Tayuya's confession but how? I wonder, just what did Itachi do after I sent him that message? All those months ago."
"You guys nearly showed up late for a flashy entrance?" Sasuke questioned.
"A flashy entrance with Jiraiya of the sannin, thank you very much" Ren retorted. "Not like that sort of opportunity comes across every day you know." Ren and his fellow jinchuriki then took their place with the other participants.
"We were getting concerned, that something may have happened to you three." Haku spoke.
"Sorry about that, with that has been going on lately. Doing something a little fun sounded nice is all."
"I'm kicking your ass later." Tayuya snarked.
"Well, I'm just glad to see you care."
Soon enough the opening ceremony was had, and the first match of the finals was announced.
Ren Yamanaka vs Neji Hyuga.
A murmur spread through the whole arena. This was arguably the most anticipated match of the entire finals. It wasn't hard to see why either. Both were considered prodigies. Both had been at the top of their respective classes. Both came from highly respected clans. Which the seemingly growing rivalry between the two had started to become common knowledge. Not to mention, what Neji did to Ino had gotten around. So, there was certainly some bad blood between both sides. This match seemed to have every possible thing going for it.
Ren for his part was undecided if he really should kill Neji. It probably wouldn't be the smartest move in the world. He would feel better if he did though, considering what he did to his cousin. He'd figure it out during the match, at the very least. He would probably go about seriously fucking him up.
"So what does your belief in fate have to say about this Neji?" Ren asked staring down his opponent.
Neji scoffed. "Simple I will win, fate decided that you would lose this match. The moment you were paired against me."
Ren rolled his eyes at that. "I'm going to really enjoy tearing down that ideology of yours."
"I declare the first match of the chunin exam finals, to begin!" Hayate announced.
Neji activated Byakugan, while Ren activated his Ketsuryūgan. Ren shot forward grabbing his blade, making a swing horizontally across as he did. While the Hyuga may have been a close combat specialist. KubiKiribocho gave Ren an impressive amount of reach over Neji. Knowing even the most minor blow from such a blade could mean bad news. Neji quickly moved back to avoid the strike as the blade swung past him. Neji quickly readjusted his feet and shot forward aim to land his palm strikes. Ren quickly twisted around bringing a foot up as and landed it squarely in the side of Neji's head. The Hyuga prodigy was sent sprawling across the ground from the strike but quickly recovered and readied himself once more.
"What's wrong Neji? Surely you can do better than that?" Ren jabbed.
Neji scowled at that. "Don't think one hit indicates you will win this Yamanaka."
"Oh believe me I am well aware of that." Ren replied as he narrowed his eyes. "I have every intention of kicking your sorry ass for what you did to Ino. Because of you, she can't even be a shinobi anymore. She had to even give up her position as clan heiress because of it. Three guesses as to who they picked to be her replacement."
Neji paused for a moment before anger flashed across his face. "No…" he growled out before he launched himself at the blond. Neji attacked with a flurry of palm strikes hoping to catch Ren. Ren dodged and weaved Neji's strikes. Counter striking with his blade in return. Showing a display of grace and skill, that many would not expect for one his age to possess. Ren brought his blade straight down towards Neji who jumped back and allowed it slam into the ground. Neji took a moment to catch his breath. While Ren calmly lifted KubiKiribocho back up and rested the spine of the blade on a shoulder.
"You know Neji, judging from how you reacted to figuring out I'm now clan heir. My cousin was right you are jealous, though I can't imagine why?" Ren said accusingly.
"Why?...why you ask!?" Neji spat in anger before calming himself. "I will show you why." He then reached up and removed his headband revealing the seal on his head. "This is my mark, the mark that defines me as a member of the branch family. It defines my position in this world, that I cannot rise above. No matter how hard I wish to. I am forever fated to be a bird in a cage. This mark was branded onto me by my own uncle no less. Damning me to an existence of servitude to the Hyuga clan main branch." He finished and put his headband back on.
"I know a thing or two about being branded Neji." Retorted the blond.
"Oh really?" Scoffed the Hyuga. "I highly doubt that besides it does little to change the fact. My father was murdered to protect the main branch. Because of people like you."
"Oh for fuck's sake." Ren drawled. "Just because half my heritage comes from lightning country. Doesn't change the fact I was born and raised in Konoha. Hell, my father wasn't even a shinobi he was just a businessman. Your misplaced hatred towards me is foolish at best and petty at the worst. Besides, while I can sympathize with the circumstances that led to your fathers' unfortunate end. At least he died not just protecting his family. But by extension and more importantly Konoha."
"And how would you possibly understand that?" Neji spat. "Like you could possibly understand something like that?"
"Because my father was killed too!" Ren barked, causing Neji to look surprised. "My father was killed too but my father didn't die doing something like sacrificing himself for the sake of his family and home. He was murdered by a corrupt business tycoon who didn't like competition. You want to know the worst part? He was killed months before I was supposed to be born, so I never even had the opportunity to know my father. Unlike you, you at the very least were able to actually know your father."
A look of contemplation seemed to cross the Hyuga's face. "I see then." The Hyuga prodigy spoke. "It would seem such unsavory ends were fated for our fathers."
"Not everything in life is dictated by fate Neji, somethings maybe I'm willing to concede." The mocha-skinned blond replied. "Every last little detail of one's life isn't carved in stone. And even if it was, a good enough shinobi could just break that stone. The results of things in our lives are more or less forged and molded by our own hands."
Neji took a stance. "If that is true, prove it to me then!" He challenged.
"I certainly will." Ren muttered as he took off at the Hyuga prodigy.
Ren swung with his blade at Neji's midsection. The Hyuga dodged back to avoid the blade and then shot forward. Neji made a strike towards one of Ren's arms to try and disable it. Ren let go of his sword with the arm Neji was targeting and moved to the side to avoid. He used the arm that still held onto the blade and swung it back around aiming high. Neji ducked as the blade approached but was surprised when Ren voluntarily let go of the blade letting it fly away. The slight surprise was enough to cause Neji to not see the knee that was coming up and slammed him in the chin. As Neji was knocked back Ren followed up with a hand strike to the Hyuga's chest. Unknown to Neji, Ren and used that strike to place his Hiraishin tag on him.
"Shadow Clone jutsu!" Ren called out and in a poof, there were now six of the Yamanaka facing down Neji. "Lightning Release: Lightning Beast Tracking Fang!" All the Ren's called out launching half a dozen lightning hounds at Neji.
"Kaiten!" Yelled Neji as he spun and surrounded himself in a dome of chakra. As the lightning hounds slammed into the dome they were repelled and exploded. Causing a cloud of dirt and dust to blanket the area. Neji deciding to use the impromptu concealment to his advantage. He charged forward at the Yamanaka and his clones. While couldn't decipher the real Ren from the clones due to the even chakra dividing between them all. He knew that within the dust cloud he had the advantage enough to take them all out.
Neji lunged forward and prepared to strike as he neared the first clone. Only to have to suddenly dodge a high kick from his target and then another from a different clone, much to his surprise. "How!?" Wonder the Hyuga as he dodged and countered strikes from the clones. "Does your Ketsuryūgan allow you to see like Byakugan!?"
"Not at all Neji, while my dojutsu does grant me heightened visual perception. It can't see things like the Byakugan can. The truth is I'm trained in the 'silent killing technique' you see. I can accurately pinpoint and strike my enemies even within heavy concealment thanks to it. Simply by the tiniest bits of sound alone my opponents make." The Yamanaka explained. A fact that sent a fair amount of surprise through the spectators.
"How does he know that technique I wonder?" Mei wondered from her seat. "That technique is generally Kiri exclusive. Not to mention his mastery of it is quite impressive. Usually only Kiri tracking ninja, the seven swordsman, and their apprentices. Have such skill with it."
Similar thoughts were shared by those in the rest of the arena.
Kasumi was smiling with her teeth on full display with a laugh at the revelation. "This guy just keeps getting more and more amusing to see in action. I wonder if it's possible to get him to visit Kiri for a while?"
"The training in that since our team formed is really paying off. Eh Haku?" Tayuya muttered. "If one didn't know better, you'd think he was a Kiri ninja."
Haku simply smiled from behind her mask, proud of how well Ren had come along with the technique. Since she had begun instructing him in it.
"Kakashi, you were once his teacher. Do you know how he came by that technique?" Gai questioned. "I've always known the silent killing technique to be one of Kiri's more guarded secrets."
"You can thank Haku for that I'm sure." Replied the silver-haired jonin. "Before coming to Konoha. Haku had been an apprentice and personal assistant of sorts. To Zabuza Momochi of the seven swordsmen of the mist and previous wielder of the blade. That Ren now carries, the KubiKiribocho."
Gai nodded his head in understanding and continued to watch the match.
Neji hadn't anticipated his opponent to have such a skill at his disposal. He had figured he could use the dust cloud to shroud him and give the opening he needed. To land a decisive attack on the Yamanaka. He continued to dodge, weave, and attempt to counter the clones that kept him busy. He quickly found out that while Ren's clones weren't skilled enough in taijutsu. To break his defenses, they were skilled enough. To be able to put up a strong enough effort to keep things in a stalemate at the moment. The clones weren't leaving him enough breathing room. To use any of his clan's palms techniques and the worst part. He knew the real Ren was hanging back and letting his clones wear him out as much as they could. It was frustrating, to say the least, but he had to admit. It was a sound strategy on the Yamanaka's part.
Neji kept up his vigilance and then one of the clones made the simple mistake. Of leading on the wrong foot, leaving a small opening. It wasn't much but it was all Neji needed. Neji shot himself at the clone's weak side, the clone tried to re-adjust but it wasn't fast enough. Neji slammed a decisive palm strike into the clone to dispel it. Having enough breathing room, at last, Neji quickly took advantage of it.
"Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms!" Neji cried out as he assaulted the clones. They never had a chance against the technique. "Two-palms, four palms, eight palms, sixteen palms, thirty-two palms!" The last of the clones finally dispelled from the attack.
"Wind Release: Gale Palm!" Neji heard Ren cry out as a gust of wind blew the dust away. Neji was panting a bit as he prepared himself, noticing Ren was standing a good distance away. He had retrieved his sword while his clones had been keeping Neji busy.
"It's time to end this Neji." Ren spoke.
"Just how will you do that?" Neji questioned.
"I'll show you."
Ren felt it was time to show the technique he had self-taught himself during the training period. "Monkey, Dragon, Rat, Bird, Ox, Snake, Dog, Tiger, Monkey." Ren muttered as he quickly went through hand signs. He then stuck his right hand out and down in front of him. A ball of lightning chakra built up more and more as it was building. It was making a noise similar to the chirping of a thousand birds.
"How did he learn that!?" Thought Sasuke in complete shock.
"Kakashi isn't that your technique?" Gai inquired.
"It is but I don't know how he learned it, I never taught it to him!" Kakashi answered, stunned by what he was seeing. "Maybe he really is going to kill him?"
"Oh, how magnificent he is!" Thought Orochimaru in delight.
"I'm going to end things with this Neji!" Ren yelled. "Lightning Release: Chidori!"
Neji readied himself for the coming strike but then something happened he never would have expected. He saw Ren disappear in a flash, faster than even his eyes could track. The next thing he knew the Yamanaka was only a foot or so in front of him, seemingly from nowhere. The Hyuga prodigy was so caught off guard, he never had a chance to defend himself. Ren thrust his arm forward and the sound of flesh being pierced and torn apart could be heard.
"AAAAAHHHHHH!" Neji cried out in agonizing pain as Ren used Chidori to pierce clean through his left shoulder. Rendering it and the respective arm completely useless. Not to mention all the blood that splashed on his jacket. As well as Ren's arm and some even managed to splash onto the blonde's mask. As Neji looked at the Yamanaka, he saw the glaring blood-red eyes. Practically stabbing into the deepest core of his being. The blood that had splashed on the snarling jaws carved into the mask. Giving the impression of a beast that just ripped apart its prey. For a moment, Neji could have sworn he was staring directly at a demon.
Ren pulled his arm out, eliciting another cry of pain from the Hyuga. Neji gripped his injured shoulder as he fell to his knees from the pain of it all. Ren deactivated Chidori and looked down at the Hyuga.
"You know Neji, I wasn't lying earlier when I said I knew what it was like to be branded." Ren then turned his head to show his curse mark, much to Neji's surprise.
"What…what is…that?" He asked through his pain.
"A curse mark given to me against my will by Orochimaru. Who forced it upon me, hoping I'll become one of his little slaves." The mocha-skinned blond explained.
Neji's eyes widened slightly in realization. "You…You really….do understand." Neji huffed out.
"I do and just between you and me. I think there's more to what happened with your father. Though I don't know for certain." Technically a lie but no one needed to know that but Ren himself. "Just a gut feeling I have on the matter, so you should ask your uncle. Though that's gonna have to wait until you wake back up." Then before Neji could begin to question anything. Ren delivered a swift kick to the side of his head. Knocking the Hyuga prodigy out cold.
"The winner of this match is Ren Yamanak!" Hayate announced and the crowd exploded in applause.
"He combined Hiraishin and Chidori." Hiruzen mused mentally. "Either jutsu in the right hands can be devastating enough on their own. To use them together, what a truly terrifying combination."
Ren returned to the participant waiting area, while the medics dragged Neji away.
Before anyone could begin to congratulate him. Kakashi appeared before Ren in a body flicker.
"First off, congrats on the match. Secondly, how do you know Chidori by chance?" Kakashi asked with his smile that was clearly a little forced.
"Simple, I studied up on the jutsu, figured out its functions, and taught myself." Ren replied without missing a beat.
"How so if I may ask?" Inquired the copy ninja.
"I was already aware of the jutsu from your usage of it during the wave mission. So, I did research in the mission archives and read up the reports that described the jutsu's usage. I figured out it actually functioned very similarly to the beast tracking fang technique. Both function by focusing on a high density of lightning chakra in their hand. The only real difference is that lightning blasts it outwards. While Chidori is condensed in place and holds form in ones' palm, before being thrust around by the user. I realized that when I first started teaching myself, the tunnel-vision it incurred was an issue. Thankfully my Ketsuryūgan nullified that problem. At that point, it was just a simple matter of drilling myself with it until I had more or less to a workable level." The Yamanaka explained.
Kakashi simply stood in surprise at his former student. What Ren explained made enough logical sense. He had invented the technique when he was younger than Ren. Ren for his part was only one of three known individuals and the youngest as well. To ever achieve the usage of the Hiraishin jutsu. So it was perfectly believable that he was smart enough to analyze, investigate, and recreate. A jutsu like Chidori on his own.
"I have to admit that is quite remarkable Ren." Chimed Kakashi. "You even worked it alongside Hiraishin I noticed."
"Well, I wanted a powerful strike move to combo alongside Hiraishin, Chidori seemed like a suitable choice."
"Fair enough, I'll leave you all be." Kakashi spoke before thinking to himself. "Honestly at this rate, he'll be named the next Hokage in no time." With that settled, Kakashi returned to his place in the stands.
"I feel like I should be more surprised but I honestly can't be considering it's you." Mused Sasuke with a smirk.
"I honestly thought you were going to kill him for a second there." Fū spoke.
"I could have easily done so and in all honestly I was on the fence about it." Ren replied. "Ultimately, I decided that doing would have caused too many problems then it would have been worth. So I just settled on maiming him instead."
"I'd say you thoroughly taught him a lesson he won't ever forget." Snarked Tayuya.
"I would certainly hope getting impaled by a Chidori would have that effect."
Then the next match was announced.
Kasumi Hoshigaki vs Hinata Hyuga
Kasumi grinned and made her way down to the arena floor. While Hinata seemed to take a moment to quell. Any last moment nerves and also made her way to the arena floor.
The next match was something, Hinata was no joke with her gentle fist style. However, Kasumi was from a weakling as well. If anything her skill with a sword possibly just as good, maybe better than Rens. The Yamanaka figured she had to be apprenticed. To the only remaining loyal member of the seven swordsmen, Chojuro. If the blue-haired person guarding the Mizukage was anything to go by.
The fight played out fairly similarly to Rens and Neji's. Both of them favored close combat so it was a manner who began landing strikes first. Hinata was strong at close range but was Kasumi. Both dodged and weaved around each other. In a dance of hands and steel, going about in seemingly every direction. The fight was fairly even until Kasumi pulled out what must have been her trump card of sorts. The shark-like kunoichi jumped back and pulled out a storage scroll. Which dumped out a huge amount of water when activated.
Much to almost everyone's surprise she then used 'Water Release: Great Shark Bullet Technique' on Hinata. The Hyuga heiress made the major mistake of trying to counter it using her 'Kaiten' move. Doing so she unknowingly made the water shark even more powerful. When it absorbed the chakra she used for 'Kaiten', right before slamming into her. While Hinata didn't seem to have been seriously hurt by it, she was knocked cleanout. The match was then called in a victory for Kasumi.
"Damn, she's good alright." Ren mused. "I'm gonna have to fight her next round too. Yay me."
Then it was time for the next match.
Sakura Haruno vs Haku Yuki
"It would seem that it's my turn." Spoke Haku.
"Show them what you can do ice queen." Tayuya mused.
"Good luck Haku." Ren added.
"Cha! I'm ready for this!" Sakura exclaimed.
Ren made a quick look around the arena and noted where Kakashi was, an idea popped into his head. "Yo, I'm gonna head over to where Kakashi and some of the others are. To watch the next match, anyone care join me?" Ren called out.
"Sure, I'll go with ya." Naruto answered. "There's no rule that says we have to stay here as we're waiting for our turn." Everyone else decided to stay, so both blonde's body flickered to Kakashi and co.
"How's it going?" Ren chimed.
"Why are you two here?" Kakashi questioned.
"Wanted to view this fight somewhere else." Naruto replied. "So, how do you think Sakura will fair?"
"Hard to say really. I didn't train her over the last month, though I can tell she's gotten much stronger. Granted she's fighting Haku and well. Haku is Haku and she's never been a slouch. Though if I had to make an honest choice. I'd probably lean a little towards Haku. Mainly for her ice release and being more experienced."
"I wonder what exactly she learned over the last month?" Ren wondered.
"I can answer that question for you." Spoke a voice that drew everyone's attention. They looked to see Ebisu approaching them.
"Hello Ebisu." Remarked the Yamanaka.
"Hello Ren, congratulations are your victory." Ebisu replied. "Now as I was saying, as for what Sakura learned over the last month under my tutelage. You see it was quite simple, we focused on improving and increasing. The strength and variety of her chakra control."
"How so?"
"As you're well aware of Sakura has always possessed outstanding chakra control for her age. To such a degree, that she's been already able to use it to amplify her physical blows. My goal was to not only improve that but expand her arsenal of how she uses her chakra control on herself. Not only has she improved the strength of her strikes. She also now capable of increasing her speed, agility, and durability alongside her strength with her control."
"That's…..damn, that's good." Muttered Ren. "Though that has to eat a lot of chakra even with her control?"
"It does yes but she has such expert control that she can minimize a great deal. Though I should note she really hasn't had any issue with running low on chakra, for the most part. Which is surprising seeing how I taught her how to use Earth Release: Earth Spear Jutsu."
"Isn't that the jutsu that increases the durability of a person to an insane degree?" Ren questioned.
"Indeed, it is. what makes things really interesting is that she can even use this in tandem with her chakra durability enhancing."
"What!?" Naruto yelled. "She's practically incapable of being hurt at that point!"
"You're not wrong Naruto. However, doing both at once starts to put a strong drain on her chakra even with her control. Though she can keep it up for a surprising amount of time. It should also be noted that she continued her study of medical jutsu during the month as well." Ebisu spoke.
Ren took all of what Ebisu said into consideration. He furrowed his brows as stray thought crossed his mind. "When you took Sakura to train for the month, I imagine you were told about her particular condition?" He asked and Ebisu nodded in return.
"Kakashi explained it all to me, I made sure to keep a strong monitor of it during training. Nothing acted up with it."
"Well from what I understand about the seal that surrounds the mark. It runs on ones' active, conscious willingness to not use the mark correct?" Ren asked.
"That's correct, what are you thinking?" Kakashi wondered.
"I think she might be using the seal's power on a sub-conscious level unknowingly, on a small scale."
That statement got looks of surprise from the others. "How would that even be possible?" Inquired Ebisu.
"This is just theory, but the first clue is Sakura's chakra or rather her chakra levels, so to speak." Ren began. "While her reserves have never been small, they've been the highest either. For her to do everything that Ebisu claims to be able to do simultaneously. Would require access to chakra of greater proportion than she should have on her own at this point in time. Thus she must be pulling it from another source. Then there's her chakra control and the fact she always had a freakishly strong connection. To her chakra network and an ability to manipulate it to such a point. One could even consider it a borderline kekkei genkai, her chakra network has always seemed. Much more intertwined with her body than anyone else. To such a point, manipulating her chakra is probably more natural than breathing for her. Then we have the curse mark itself. After the initial implantation process run's its course. The curse's influence essentially will have embedded itself directly into one's chakra network and mind"
"While that's all true, what exactly are yo-" Kakashi's word died in his mouth as the realization hit him. "So that's what you mean then?"
"Exactly." Ren replied. "With the mark and it's influence fused into her chakra network. Then taking into account Sakura's unnaturally high control and connection with her network. She's using the chakra of the mark on a level too small to actively turn it on. But still enough to amp herself on a small scale without kicking up the seal. Since it was only designed to work against the mark if the mark was being knowingly activated. What makes this more concerning is the fact the corruptive portion of the mark is still present within it. Which steadily makes one more willing to draw upon the power of the mark and seek more of that power out."
"This's troubling news if true then." Muttered Ebisu. "The Hokage will need to know after the exams."
Down in the arena, Haku and Sakura both were getting ready to begin their fight.
Sakura stared down Haku with determination in her eyes. She had pushed herself more than ever before in the month-long training period. She was excited to show off just how much she had improved in the last month. Being trained by Ebisu had done wonders, she never felt so strong as she trained. She looked forward to getting even stronger.
Haku honestly wasn't sure what to expect from the pink-haired kunoichi in front of her. She could tell Sakura had grown a lot since wave and preliminaries. She had a feeling she was going to give a stronger fight than many would probably anticipate.
Both fighters looked at the other and shifted into position, waiting for the start to be given.
"Let the third match of the finals be-"
Before Hayate could finish speaking suddenly it seemed like a multitude of feathers fell all over the arena.
"Genjutsu, quick dispel it from around you!" Ren yelled as he, Naruto, and others dispelled the genjutsu trying to ensnare them. Though he noticed more than a few people all over the arena had fallen to it already.
*BOOM!*
An explosion went off drawing everyone's attention to it. It came from the Kage viewing area and was shrouded in a thick cloud of smoke.
"We need to help Lord Hokage!" Yelled Kakashi.
However, before they knew they were surrounded by a group of enemy ninja, sound ninja.
"We have to help Jiji, we don't have time waste on these guys!" Exclaimed Naruto in frustration.
Ren made another quick look at the Kage viewing booth and saw Orochimaru still in disguise had dragged lord Hokage to the roof. Mei had followed and stood back at a distance from the other two. Utakata and Chojuro were being held by a multitude of sound ninja currently. It looked like the Hokage's guards had been taken out at the start of the attack. A massive crash was heard out in the distance. Ren realized it must have been the giant snakes breaking through the walls of the village.
"Let the ANBU help Lord Hokage, we need to deal with the enemies in front of us." Spoke Kakashi as he, Ebisu, and Gai took up fighting stances.
Ren had other ideas on the matter. He quickly pulled one of Hiraishin kunai out of his tool pouch. He then threw with all the strength and accuracy he could muster.
Mei heard a 'thunk' sound from behind her, she made a quick glance and saw a three-pronged kunai with a seal on it.
Ren quickly grabbed Naruto. "Let's go, we're making sure the old man doesn't get killed." Then before anyone could do anything, Ren and Naruto disappeared in a flash and reappeared right by the Mizukage. Thankfully, the training on Hiraishin had allowed him to travel with a second person. While he couldn't go crazy far doing it just yet, it was a good start.
"That felt weird." Spoke the blond Uzumaki.
"You get used to it." The Yamanaka replied.
"How?" Mei wondered.
"Explain later, focus on helping the Hokage now." Ren chimed.
"Oh my, how nice it is to see you again Ren." Orochimaru called out, having shed the Kazekage's face already. "You brought the Kyubi boy too it seems. Though I wonder why Tayuya hasn't restrained you already?"
"She doesn't work for you anymore. Simple as that." Ren retorted.
If Orochimaru was bothered by that news he didn't show it. "I see then, she'll be dealt with when the time comes."
"You two need to leave now!" Yelled Hiruzen. "You cannot be involved with the battle about to happen here!"
"No need for that Sarutobi-sensei." Spoke Orochimaru. "This won't take very long after all."
Suddenly something happened no one saw coming, Orochimaru quickly moved back and let go of the Hokage. As he was forced to dodge a blast of sand that seemed to be made of gold.
"Wait, gold!? Does that mean what I think it means!" Ren thought in shock.
Now Orochimaru looked surprised.
"Not expecting me, Orochimaru?" A voice called out as a man appeared next to Mei, Ren, and Naruto.
He had auburn hair, dark eyes with a very stern look on his face. He wore a simple black jacket and pants with mesh armor underneath. He carried a large gourd on his back, where his gold dust emanated from. He also had dark markings that surrounded his eyes. It was Rasa the Fourth Kazekage.
"Itachi, you magnificent son of a bitch! I didn't think you would have somehow managed to keep Rasa alive! When I sent that crow to you all those months ago!" Ren thought in amazement.
"Lord Kazekage, It's good to see you are in fact alive. A surprise to be sure but a welcome one." Spoke Hiruzen.
"What?" Orochimaru questioned. "I killed you. How is this possible?"
"No." Retorted Rasa. "You killed a double, nothing more. Before your visit to Suna, I was tipped that you had plans to kill me. So, you could more easily control Suna for your own selfish ends. So I played it safe and secretly switched myself with an identical body double. When you showed your true colors and killed the double, I remained in hiding. Wanting to bide my time to crush and eliminate you and all your followers. When the time was right. Only Pakura was aware I was ever alive and even then. I ordered her to not tell anyone I actually was alive. Not to mention having everyone feign ignorance that Suna. Was unaware of your apparent assassination and impersonation of me."
"Well, this's quite a development I was unaware of?" Spoke Mei
"Apologize Lady Mizukage, secrecy was of the utmost importance in all respects." Replied Hiruzen. "The truth is Konoha has been aware of Orochimaru's intentions of destroying Konoha. Since right before the start of the exams."
A smile spread across Orochimaru's face. "It all matters little, If I must kill you three Kage then so be it. I have my ways after all and then Konoha shall be no more."
Suddenly four figures landed on the four corners of the rooftop.
One was a large and imposing young man, towering over the rest of his teammates. He had fair-skin and narrowed, slanted orange eyes, usually with a stern look on his face. He had three tufts of orange hair on his head: a mohawk of sorts that ran down the middle and two similar styled tufts of hair at the side.
His attire was a beige-colored, sleeveless tunic with the symbol of the Sound Four on the hem and a pair of black pants that stopped just below his knees. He wore black, arm-warmers, and a necklace that comprised of red circular pieces separating long, metallic pieces. He also wore traditional black shinobi sandals with mid-calf leg warmers covered by bandages, and a purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow around his waist. His name, Jirōbō.
Another was a dark-skinned shinobi with black, shaggy hair tied into a ponytail and black eyes. He was the second-tallest member of the team with a confident grin on his face. Uniquely, he also had six arms and on the front of his forehead Otogakure headband.
His attire was a black, sleeveless shirt under a sleeveless grey tunic that bore the symbol of the Sound Four on the hem, and black skin-tight shorts. He wore black arm-warmers, traditional black shinobi sandals with calf-length leg warmers covered by bandages, and a purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow around his waist. His name, Kidōmaru.
The next was odd due to the individual having two heads. The person had fair-skin and straight, light blue-grey colored hair with long bangs. That covered each different eye, their bangs were on opposite sides of the respective heads. They both wore a green shade of lipstick, and had dark markings around their eyes, giving them an androgynous appearance
Their attire was a black shirt under brown tunics with long sleeves and bore the symbol of the Sound Four on the hem, and black skin-tight shorts. Black arm-warmers, traditional black shinobi sandals with calf-length leg warmers covered by bandages, and a purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow around the waist. The person wore a dark-red beaded necklace around his neck and carried a giant scroll behind his back through one of the loops of his rope-like belt. The combined twins Sakon and Ukon.
The final one had pale skin, vivid green eyes, angular facial features, two scarlet dots on his forehead, and shoulder-length white hair, which he wore divided down the middle on his head. With two separate partings on either side of his face. He wore a specialized version of the traditional Oto-nin ensemble, consisting of light lavender, loose-fitting, long-sleeved, zip-up shirt, black pants cut off around mid-calf, bandages wrapped around his ankles, traditional shinobi sandals, and a purple, rope-like belt tied in an inverted bow around his waist. He also wore two red, tube-like hair ornaments; one on either side of his head, securing two locks of his silvery-white hair. Name, Kimimaro.
"We will not let down Lord Orochimaru, now prepare the barrier!" Kimimaro ordered, the others nodding in agreement. All four went through hand seals.
"Ninja Art: Four Flames Formation!" They all called out, then a massive square, pule colored barrier. Erected across the whole roof, trapping everyone inside.
"Well, that's something." Muttered Naruto.
"Naruto! Ren!" Hiruzen barked getting the attention of both young men. "I want you two to keep as close to me as possible. For your safety." Then Hiruzen put his attention back on his former pupil. "This's foolish Orochimaru! Even if you somehow defeat us all in here. Your forces cannot hope to hold out against Konoha and Suna."
Orochimaru kept up his smile and laughed a bit. "Do you really think me of being such a fool? You think I was unaware that Suna might have somehow figured things out? That perhaps you might have known things because of Tayuya's possible wavering in loyalty to me?" That got a look of surprise from Ren. "Oh yes, I suspected she might have turned against me and said things. So I took the liberty of investing in some insurance, so to say." Orochimaru then pulled out a kunai and tossed it directly up into the air. It exploded in a massive cloud of red.
The next thing anyone knew, sounds of crashing was heard on the opposite end of the village. All looked to see massive boulders were falling into the village and breaking down the walls to the village on that side of it.
"Please tell me that doesn't mean what I think it does?" Ren asked as a feeling of unease took over him.
"Iwagakure!" Shouted Hiruzen.
"Indeed, they're still sore about the last war after all." Orochimaru replied with a smirk.
"You will regret this Orochimaru!" Hiruzen yelled in anger. "I shall correct the mistake I made years ago!"
"You can certainly try." The snake sannin replied in amusement.
"Awfully confident for someone facing down, three Kage and two jinchuriki." Naruto spat.
"True enough, allow me to even the odds." Retorted Orochimaru as he then went through hand signs. "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!" A massive whirlwind came barreling at Ren and the others. Before the Yamanaka and the whiskered blond could move, they found themselves being carried off to safety from the blast. Ren looked and saw it had been Hiruzen, he was no longer wearing his Hokage robes.
He was now wearing a black jumpsuit, mesh segments over the lower portions of his limbs, and a green gauntlet that covered much of his right arm. He also wore an armored hood with a bandanna-like forehead protector over this, tied with two long straps. Ren noticed Rasa and Mei both behind them. His attention was then drawn as he heard Orochimaru call out his next jutsu.
"Summoning Jutsu: Reanimation!" Spoke the snake sannin as the ground in front of him glowed and then four caskets rose up from it.
"Four!? Why are there four!? There should be only three at most!" Ren thought in alarm. He already knew who was going to be in the first two. He also knew that Minato should in the third one. Granted, while Minato's soul should still be in the possession of the Shinigami. Though considering what changes have already occurred. It wouldn't be too surprising if Orochimaru had figured a way around that before the fourth great war. It was the fourth casket however that made him deeply concerned. For the simple fact, he had zero idea who was supposed to be in that one.
"What is that Jutsu?" Mei questioned.
"It is a technique to raise the dead." Hiruzen replied grimly. "It was a technique made by the Second Hokage."
"To raise the dead and force them to fight. What a deplorable jutsu." Rasa remarked.
"It can't be that bad right?" Naruto muttered hopefully.
Then the lids on the first three caskets opened up and fell to the ground, revealing what was inside.
"Hey, Naruto." Ren said.
"Yeah?" The whiskered blond replied.
"Try not to choke on your fucking foot."
In the first casket was a tall man with tanned skin and dark eyes. He had waist-length black hair typically styled in a center-parted fringe that framed his face. He wore the standard shinobi dress of his era, consisting of dark red armor worn over a simple black suit with sandals. This armor was constructed from numerous metal plates, formed into multiple protective guards along his body; each collar of his shoulder guards bore the Senju symbol. Hashirama Senju the First Hokage.
The second casket was a fair-skinned man with silver, shaggy hair and red-colored eyes. He had three red markings on his face, one under each of his eyes and one on his chin. In combat, he wore blue armor with a distinctive white fur collar over a simple black suit. This armor was constructed from numerous metal plates, formed into multiple protective guards along his body. Beneath his shoulder armor, he wore two extra shoulder guards on each arm. This clothing was accompanied by sandals and a happuri in place of the more traditional forehead protector. Tobirama Senju the Second Hokage.
The third casket confirmed Ren's biggest concern. The person in it had blue eyes and spiky, blond hair. Jaw-length bangs framing either side of his face. His attire consisted of a standard Konoha uniform with two bands on both of his sleeves, a green flak jacket, a blue forehead protector, and blue sandals. He also wore a short-sleeved long white haori over his normal attire, closed in the front by a thin, orange rope. The haori was decorated by red flame-like motifs on the edges, with the kanji for Fourth Hokage written vertically down the back. It was Minato Namikaze.
Then the fourth casket opened up and revealed who was inside it. Ren practically choked on air when he saw who it was.
"In a way, I think that's somehow even worse than the previous three." Ren thought to himself.
In the fourth casket was a fair-skinned and slender woman of feminine build with violet eyes. She wore a high-collared, sleeveless blouse under a long, loose-fitting dress with a wristband on her left wrist and standard shinobi sandals. Her most striking feature was her red hair. Her hair was straight and reached her ankles with shoulder-length strands that framed both sides of her face and a black clip that parts her hair to the left.
It was Kushina Uzumaki.
A/N: Hello readers! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the story thus far. The Konoha crush has begun at last! Lots of surprises and interesting things have happened, and things are about to go off. Once all the real fighting and whatnot begins in the next chapter. I knew I wanted to do some interesting things with the crush. I hope you all like where I've taken this so far. Not much else to say, so stay tuned for more. In the meantime, please leave a review as they do help keep me motivated to write. Please like and fav if you have not already and stay safe, stay healthy. I'll see you next time. I'm out!