Author's Note: Hey everyone! So as most of you should know, especially being on social media or reading the Boruto manga, that Naruto hasn't died but "Kurama did". I think this is incredibly heartbreaking. I'm honestly going to miss that smart alack fox. Even though he was evil at first, Naruto Shippuden gave us a chance to get to know him and see the friendship between Naruto and him. However, when Naruto is reunited with Kurama again, later in the series (because you know they will be), it will definitely get the tears flowing. I just hope you guys are going to be ok as my story progresses and Kurama will remain alive. It's alright if it does affect you though. I know it does me somewhat. Anyway, let's honor this memory and watch him kick major ass here.
#RIPKURAMA
"Memories are what we miss, not the people gone from us,"
-Badbutt94
Chapter 73: War Arch: Reunion with a Vengeful Friend
Normal P.O.V.
As the last rays of the burning sun sets under the horizon, and the dark of night casts its shadow, the intense heartbeats from everyone on the battlefield rings in their ears. As Obito grips his weapon, beads of water drip from his wrists, hands, and forehead.
"What is this?" he says while standing up and looking around. Confused as to what is happening, everyone stands ready without taking their eyes off him. The masked feline looks up towards the sky to see rain clouds gathering. As more rain pours upon them, Obito lets out a hearty laugh, "It's just rain. How foolish of me to think that any of you weaklings could ever make me sweat!"They continue to watch as Obito insanely laughs, nervous as to what awaits them next, "Now than, let's get started, shall we," Obito makes his hand signs and focuses. The Ten Tailed Beast monster from behind him starts screaming while holding its head, as if it is in pain, "Cower in fear and feel it through your skin, the true power of the Ten Tails!"
"This isn't good," Naruto says while swallowing a lump in his throat, "What are we going to do?"
"Naruto switch with me," Kurama commands from inside of his conscious.
"Huh?"
"Just do it. I will give an explanation about the Ten Tails while you listen from inside. It'll be easier and safer this way," Naruto nods his head before closing his eyes. Once he opens them from the outside, everyone can tell that it's Kurama controlling Naruto's body, "Everyone! If you want to survive, then listen to what I have to say,"
"The Nine Tails can take control over Naruto's body? Should we be worried?" Guy-sensei asks.
"Do not spend the few brain cells you have left worrying about my intentions. If I had wanted to destroy or kill anyone of you, I would have, you idiot green cheetah,"
"He's not wrong. Aniki has always had a bad temper and does not hesitate when in one of his murderous moods,"
"Yes, and unless you want me to go into one of those moods, I suggest you all shut up and pay attention. When the Ten Tails absorbed the other Tailed-Beasts, it managed to absorbed some of Gyūki and my chakra too. This can be either a good or bad thing. When the Ten-Tails absorbs chakra from one of us, no matter how small, its shape will change based off the amount absorbed. However, if it were to absorb more of our chakra, then it will fully revive itself and destroy the world as we know it,"
"Is the power of the Ten-Tails truly that terrifying?" Kakashi gulps.
"In its time, the Ten-Tails drank oceans and level mountains. The old man even said that it was this world's creator,"
"That is correct. That is why the Ten-Tails' power had to be divided into the nine of you. Unfortunate for your side, even if the Ten-Tails is incomplete, it still can be revived, and the Infinite Tsukuyomi Jutsu can still be achieved! This world's reality will end and an everlasting one will begin!" Obito manically laughs.
"Well, that's just not going to work for me," Naruto says, having switched back, "Ever since I was little, my dream is to be Hokage and protect everyone within my village. With my parents' spirit inside of me and the teachings from Pervy Sage, I have always had the motivation to keep pressing forward without hesitation. I don't know about you personally, Obito Uchiha, but I too seek a world of peace where everyone can achieve their dreams without the threat of war or violence stopping them. I cannot allow you to carry out your plan. I will achieve my dream and become the greatest Hokage! I will destroy anyone who stands in my way!"
Naruto activates his Nine-Tails Sage, forms a Rasengan, and charges towards the statue. As he got closer and releases his attack, Obito uses his fan weapon to deflect it.
"You will NOT touch the statue!"
Not deterred by Obito, Naruto summons a clone and uses it to form another attack, "Super Mini Tailed Beast Bomb!"
As Naruto rushes towards his opponent and the statue, everyone else except Kakashi and Gyūki follow behind him.
"Lord Gyūki, can you please lift me up?"
"Hop on up here, my guy,"
As Gyūki lifts Kakashi up, the others begin their assault. Every attack that Sasuke, Naruto, or Guy tries to land phases through their opponent's body. Obito, using his ability to his advantage, delivers attacks of his own. On the other side of the battlefield, Kakashi adds chakra to his kunai and uses his Kamui attack to send it in Obito's direction. While the other three are continuing their attack, the kunai makes its appearance and creates a crack in Obito's mask. This causes the few rocks and everything around them to fall to the ground and shake it.
"What happened?" Naruto asks.
"Kakashi,"
"I saw Guy. It seems my theory was right after all,"
"What are you talking about, Kakashi?" Sasuke questions.
"His Kamui Jutsu and mine are linked. So instead of it being two different types of Teleportation Jutsus, it's just one,"
"But how is that possible?" Naruto gasps.
"It has to do with that eye you stole from me clansman, doesn't it?" Sasuke glares.
"I did not steal it… it was gifted to me by a friend I though long dead. But we can use this to our advantage. Guy and Sasuke, I need you to keep attacking him. Naruto, I need you to get closer to him with your Rasengan. I want to try something,"
"Right!" everyone yells at Kakashi's command.
"Lords B and Gyūki, get ready to launch us!"
"You got it, Kakashi dog. Everyone hop on," everyone jumps onto Gyūki's hand and hangs on tight as they're launched.
Just as Kakashi commands the three of them prepare their attacks, breaking through thick boulders as they get near Obito. Just like before, any attack they try to land phases through their opponent's body. Sasuke uses his sword to slice through Obito's body. As it phases through him, Obito kicks Sasuke out of the way just in time to dodge Guy's attacks with his Twin Fangs.
"I'll be taking these,"
As Obito tries to absorb them, Guy and Sasuke tries to land another attack until Naruto appears behind them. Both Sasuke and Guy jump out of the way to make room for Naruto and his Rasengan. As the Rasengan phases through Obito's body, Kakashi uses his Kamui attack to teleport it into Obito's shoulder. Naruto jumps out of the way to save himself from the explosion that sends Obito flying backwards towards the ground.
"Have you had enough?" Kakashi asks while the others regroup near him.
"It seems after all this time, you can still stay one attack ahead of me, Kakashi,"
"Kakashi, you know this menace?" Guy asks.
"Unfortunately, yes. He is who gave me his Sharingan; someone I once called my friend,"
It's too late for regrets, Kakashi. In fact, there is no more time for anything. I will do everyone a favor today and end their suffering. If nothing else in this world has taught me anything, it's that postponing dealing with problems and replacing them with "hope" only delays the suffering to come. Allow me to be your liberator and free you from this nightmare called life,"
"Naruto, tag me in. I wanna talk to this fuck head," Doing as he's told, Naruto allows Kurama to take over his body, "Sorry to put a damper on your "heroic" actions, but the Fourth Hokage, your sensei in fact, has trusted the protection of this boy and the Hidden Leaf to me. Being sealed inside of this brat has allowed me to finally find my purpose in this miserable life. And that purpose involves taking peons like you down! Naruto go!"
"Right!" Naruto reactivates his Nine-Tailed Sage Mode before racing off towards Obito. With his hand outstretched, Naruto forms a chakra hand extension and brings it down. Obito escapes by phasing out of it before moving to attack the boy. The two continue to battle it out, Obito landing more blows than Naruto, but the blond refuses to back down.
"Just give up! It is foolish to take me on alone!"
"But I'm not alone! I have Kurama, Sasuke, B, Gyūki, both Kakashi-sensei and Guy-sensei, Granny Tsunade, my parents, Pervy Sage, and all my friends. With them by my side, I'm never alone!"
"He's right. Let's go everyone!" Kakashi says before running into battle.
"That's the spirit my rival!" Guy cheers before following.
"Hn. About time we get things started," Sasuke smirks as he activates his Chidori.
"Ah shit man! B, I think it's time to show these guys who they're challenging!"
"Ah yeah! With Naruto Uzumaki leading the way, ain't no way things won't go our way,"
Another assault begins. Gyūki and B try to attack the statue, but Obito guards it with a fire barrier, effectively burning Gyūki's hand.
"Damn him!"
"Are you alright?" Naruto asks, rushing to Gyūki and B's aid.
"That joker ain't no joke, but I'll be alright,"
"We need to try and defeat him if we want to get to the statue. Gyūki, do you think you can shield me for a bit?"
"We got you, boy. Gone and do yo thing,"
Naruto summons another clone who forms a Rasengan while he summons a Tailed-Beast Bomb. Naruto and his clone mostly uses Gyūki's tails to dodge any attacks coming their way. Getting frustrated, Obito summons large, thick black rods to hail upon them. Most land within Gyūki's body, restricting him. The Naruto clone tries to get closer to Obito. Kakashi uses his Sharingan to make the Rasengan disappear before the clone is dispelled. However, as Kakashi uses his Kumari attack, he falls to the ground with blood spilling from his eye.
"Kakashi! Are you alright?" Guy asks while helping the gray-haired wolf up.
"Yes, but it seems I am overusing my Sharingan. I don't know how many more of my teleportation jutsus I can use. I'm hoping this one will cause some major damage or else we're screwed,"
"Not yet we're not! Take this!" Naruto says as he shoots the bomb towards Obito.
As it comes closer, Obito teleports himself into another dimension. However, to his surprise, Naruto appears as well and slams his attack into his face, effectively destroying his mask. When the attack clears, both Naruto and Obito are thrown backwards. Obito hits the ground while Sasuke goes to catch Naruto.
"I got you,"
"Thanks babe," Naruto chuckles while panting.
Everyone stands together as they watch Obito slowly stand up and glare at them.
"So, you finally show your face, huh?" Kakashi glares.
"I don't believe my eyes. Is that really you, Obito Uchiha? I thought you died a long time again on that mission with Rin and Kakashi?" Guy asks in shock.
"You both can keep calling me that name if you want. However, neither of you mean anything to me, especially you, Kakashi Hatake, the Copycat Ninja,"
"But why? Why are you just now coming forward after all these years? Do you know how much pain knowing that you were possibly dead caused Rin and me?"
"SILENCE, YOU TEME! YOU DON'T DESERVE TO SAY HER NAME!" Obito screams, shocking everyone. Seeing he has everyone's attention, he takes a deep breath before continuing, "If you want an answer to your question, here it is. It's because you let Rin die," A deep cut hits Kakashi's chest, causing him to grab it and focus on breathing, "You remember, that mission we had in the cave, no? Do you remember, after I gave you my eye, what I requested of you?" Kakashi doesn't say anything; he can't say anything. All he can do is focus on his regulating his breathing, "What's wrong? Uchiha got your tongue? Fine then, I'll answer for you. While I was laying under that large boulder and after giving you my eye, all I asked from you was to protect and keep her safe. Hn. It's sad to see that you failed at it. Imagine my surprise when I see Kakashi Hatake, the top ninja in our class, kill one of his own teammates. But not just any teammate, but Rin. You don't get to say her name when you couldn't even protect her,"
Kakashi continues to try regulating his breathing while flashbacks of losing both his team members plays in his head, "You're right. I'm sorry, Obito. I'm sorry I couldn't save you or Rin. I live with that pain every single damned day of my life. Both of you were like my family after my father committed suicide. The only thing I wish could be different was that I had died instead of you two,"
"Spear me your speech. As I've said, it's too late for regrets,"
"Is this what this war is about? Condemning me for what happened to you and Rin?"
"What benefit would I have from condemning you. No, you are nothing more than a small fry on my world domination agenda. All those years we were in the Academy, I have always looked up to you as a friend and a rival. However, that is no longer the case. You are nothing to the likes of me and I have nothing more to talk to you about. Just know that your death will be a well-deserved one. Now, stay tied down to death and die! Bomb Blast Dance!"
Everyone gasps as a flame spiral comes towards them. Naruto jumps in front of everyone and uses his tail extensions to disperse the attack, "I've had enough of you!"
"So, have I, little fox,"
Just as another attack is about to be unleashed, a strong presence appears. As the dust clears, everyone's eyes widen when Madara Uchiha is standing next to Obito.
"Looks like you're having fun over here. Did I interrupt you?"
"No, I was just getting started actually,"
"Madara Uchiha?!"
"Hn?" Madara turns his head to see an angry Naruto called his name, "Ah, you must be Naruto Uzumaki. I see you and your little group here has been keeping Obito busy,"
"If you're here… where is everyone else?!" Naruto yells out. Madara does not say anything, fueling Naruto's rage. The angry blond lets out some of his alpha energy and chakra to intimidate his enemies and allows it to rage around him, "I SAID, WHAT HAPPENED TO EVERYONE ELSE?!"
"Everyone else, you say. Well, if I had to guess… I'd say they're not doing so well,"
…
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To Be Continued…
Second Author's Note: I would like to apologize for how long it took me to finally push this chapter out. I started this chapter almost a month ago and hit writer's block with lack of desire as soon as I started writing it. However, I'm glad I was able to finally finish it and get this story moving along. Please forgive me, but I'm trying to take it easy and not burn myself out from doing this. I just feel like I've taken on too much and have somewhat fallen out of love with this story. I can almost tell it in my writing. But I'm still trying and can't wait to see the finish project. That's why I have been getting out more and doing things that increase my moods to help me get back to loving writing. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward to my next update. Ciao!
