This one's long, and about 70% action.
In Caring Arms
Chapter VI: Beyond the Hashira
Rokuro's shadow was… strange.
It felt strange, like being held, but also floating at the same time. It almost seemed to be alive as well, moving ever so slightly as its ethereal form remained wrapped around his torso.
Naruto sent a pulse of chakra out of his body, and the black apparition tremored in response, sensitized by the foreign energy flooding through its ghostly structure. After a moment, it settled, still keeping a firm grasp around him, despite the air rushing around them.
The demons were quick. They had already left the city's border and were now racing through the forest, intent on escaping before the sun began to rise. Even though morning was still far away, they made haste, rushing past bushes and trees, never slowing down for even a second.
"I say you attack them now."
Kurama's powerful voice boomed in his head.
Naruto considered that option, and considered it some more. But he came to the same conclusion as just minutes prior.
If I attack them right now, Yuichiro might end up dead.
"Then make it quick—restrain them, seal them."
Another option. It was a better one, but still risky, nonetheless.
These shadows seem to act autonomously. Even if I immobilize the one controlling them, Yuichiro and the other hostages could still be killed in an instant.
An exasperated growl left Kurama, and Naruto could almost feel his mindscape tremor with bone-rattling vibrations.
"I told you not to get involved with the humans here."
You did. Naruto could not deny this fact. But you know I can never turn my back on those in need.
"Yes, and it's one of your more annoying qualities—same with trying to reason with the enemy."
He'd done so with Haku, Gaara, Nagato, Obito, and even Kurama. Sometimes, talking with your foe could lead to better understanding them. Other times, it backfired. Terribly.
"It's because of that demon girl."
Susamaru?
"Yes," the biju intoned. "She managed to change her ways, and subconsciously, you felt the same was possible for these three. You were holding back."
That was a possibility. Because even before Susamaru, he had still talked to many of the demons that came after him, giving them an opportunity to change. But when they refused to listen, driven by a lust for his flesh, he did not hesitate to destroy them.
Even so, had he truly been holding back? All for the sake of seeing if he could repeat the same change that happened in Susamaru with these three demons?
Maybe, subconsciously.
However, that didn't matter anymore. Now that more innocent lives were on the line, he had no choice but to kill them. But first, he had to rescue Yuichiro, as well as the others held captive by the bearded demon in front of him.
Despite the speed at which they moved, the female demon—Mukago, he recalled—trailed just behind, sending subtle glances his way. She was looking at him hungrily, like Kamanue was, but also curiously as well.
Naruto could almost sense the tension around them. Their mission was done, yes. But from his point of view, it seemed that each one them wanted him all to themselves. As grisly as it sounded, they had most likely made a deal concerning how they would divide his… remains. And now, with their prize finally in front of them, that agreement seemed to be on shaky ground.
In time, a dispute would likely erupt, shattering the small alliance they had formed.
Naruto didn't care, though. They could argue over him all they wanted. His only focus was on finding and rescuing the hostages. Only then would he face them in combat for the last time.
After all he'd seen them do, this would be their last night alive.
He'd guarantee it.
"Y-you know…" Mukago began suddenly. "You remind me of someone."
Naruto glanced her way. She'd inched closer, running next him. Her silver hair fluttered in the wind, revealing two horns that sparked with electricity. Etched upon her cheeks were marks that almost resembled the ones he possessed while in Biju Mode. Her purple orbs also seemed to glow, a contrast to the red sclera of her eyes.
"How so?" he inquired, entertaining a conversation. He had nothing else to do, after all.
She looked away, unable to keep his gaze.
"I… I don't know."
Naruto hummed. "You don't know? Or you don't remember?"
"The latter," she said softly. "Maybe it's someone from my past. I'm not sure."
"How long have you been a demon?" he inquired.
Mukago found his gaze once more. "Thirty years… I think. You can never truly tell. Once you become a demon, time means nothing."
He regarded her with curious eyes—eyes devoid of fear, in spite of his situation.
She stilled at the sight of those calm blues. He was cornered, wasn't he? Rokuro had him in his grasp, pinned by unbreakable shadows. And not just that. Ahead, these same shadows were also wrapped around the hostages they had taken. All it would take was a single threat, a single questionable movement from Naruto, and Lower Rank Two would begin to kill all the people they had captured—even Naruto's precious student.
Then why? Why was he so calm?
Was he planning something?
Mukago did not know, but his very act of defiance made her want to understand this strange person more. At least, before she ate him.
He was a human, was he not? He certainly looked like one. Acted like one. Smelled like one, too. Yet the things she'd seen him do during his fight with Kamanue—some of them seemed more in line with the abilities of a demon.
"Time means nothing once you're a demon, huh?" Naruto echoed her words. "I have to admit. It would be interesting to live forever. But I can't see myself doing such a thing."
She tilted her head. "Why not?"
Despite the situation, Naruto chuckled. "I don't know. It's just how I feel. With so much time, I might become lazy and put off the things I want to do simply because I have the time to do it. Well, I'm pretty lazy myself so maybe that's why?"
"You don't seem lazy to me," Mukago said gently. He was a doctor, after all.
"My student would say otherwise," he supplied, eyes narrowing. "If he were here, that is."
The demon did not falter, but she did glance away. "He'll be safe. I promise that we will release him in time. As long as you continue to comply."
"Of course, of course." He nodded slowly. "It's just that I don't trust these two. Especially the one I beat into submission."
Kamanue stiffened, a growl escaping his lips. "You better shut up if you know what's good for you."
"Ignore him, Kamanue," Rokuro spoke for the first time. "Every human has their way of coping before death. He is no exception. These are just the last ramblings of someone about to die."
Naruto smirked in return, but said nothing. He noticed the forest becoming thicker and the clouds above them darkening. A rumble of thunder crackled across the sky, reaching his ears just after a flash of brilliant lightning.
By now, they were outside of the city, far away from any more civilians or potential causalities.
For a moment, he considered what Susamaru, Ozaki, and Murata were up to. Knowing them, they were likely worried, pacing about with trepidation at the situation that had just unfolded.
Naruto frowned. He'd have to apologize for worrying them later. After all, he had left in a haste—without uttering a single word of comfort.
The most important thing was that they were safe, and the two injured Demon Slayers would be protected by Susamaru while he was gone.
Yet, in that instant, a spark of doubt crossed his mind.
With him gone, would… would Susamaru revert back to her old ways and attack those two?
No.
He shook those thoughts from his mind. Susamaru was a changed person, and he had great trust in her, no matter how far apart they were.
Naruto brought his attention back to Mukago. "There's one more reason I wouldn't prefer to live forever," he continued. She faced him once again, horns sparking. "The ones I care for. Eventually, they would all die, leaving me behind. And even if I come to care for new people, the same would repeat, over and over and over again."
Interestingly, she seemed to mull over his words. "But what if you came to care for others like you—others that were also immortal? Wouldn't that be enough?"
"Maybe," he said, looking around. "Is that the case for you though?"
There was silence, and the tension between all three demons returned. Because his question had been aimed at the trio. Despite being immortal, despite being so similar, they did not seem to care for one another very much. In fact, this seemed to be the case for most demons he'd encountering—barring Tamayo and Yuchiro.
Mukago did not answer the question. Instead, she changed the subject. As they moved through the forest, she talked to him about many more things. Her eyes were wide and curious, her words hesitant, yet insightful. She asked him about Tokyo, about his thoughts on Demons, and about his work as a doctor.
After all the words they'd exchanged, Mukago smiled to herself—an accomplished look on her features.
"You really are an interesting human," she confessed, enthralled by their conversation. "I'm sure all the people you take care of will miss you when you're gone."
Naruto was not surprised. While she had willingly engaged him in a lengthy discussion, her intentions to eat him were still plain as day.
"Now that I've talked to you," Mukago continued, tears in her eyes, "I feel… a certain connection between us. And when I finally take your life, you will become part of me, existing within my being forever—just as all the others I have devoured do."
It was a strange, twisted philosophy. To her, she wasn't taking his life, but assimilating him into herself, where part of him would live on for many years after death.
Ahead, Rokuro let loose a bellow of laughter. He'd been listening to them, it seemed.
"And concerning that demon we saw with you," Rokuro jeered between laughs. "She hasn't truly changed, you foolish boy. She's only being patient, waiting for right moment to strike."
Naruto ignored his poor attempt at aggravating him. His mind was on something else.
Just in front of them, the forest began to thin out, and less than a hundred meters away was the opening of cave.
…
The cave was deep, much deeper than he'd thought, extending into the earth. Above, glittering stalactites hung from the ceiling, like the massive teeth of a monster's gaping maw. Likewise, a number of stalagmites also protruded from the ground, as sharp as they were large.
Even though they were below ground, strange crystals emitted a light bright enough for him to see most details of this cave. It must have been Kamanue's ability that was responsible.
They only moved a bit further until Naruto saw them. At least fifteen people. Men, women, children.
All eyes moved in their direction, a wave of fear flowing from those that had been captured. Just like him, they were wrapped in Rokuro's writhing shadows, strapped to a wall of the cave. Children cried, wailing as their parents tried to comfort them—which proved difficult when they were all immobilized and lacked control of their arms.
Naruto gazed at them, sharp eyes roaming each feature. He soon found him, Yuichiro, at the far left of the captured people, his entire torso bound by black shadows. A burst of relief flooded his veins, and Naruto relaxed, but only momentarily, because his temper quickly rose when he considered the fact that these three demons had actually threatened to kill someone he thought of as a younger brother.
He quickly calmed himself, locking eyes with Yuichiro. The younger teen met his gaze, and his features brightened at the sight of Naruto arriving with the demons. Yuichiro then noticed the compromised state he was in and seemed to become worried, but Naruto sent a smile and reassuring wink.
No words needed to be said, because Yuichiro knew that with Naruto here, he had nothing to fear.
"This is a tricky situation."
Naruto agreed.
Rokuro moved closer into the cave, the other two following behind him.
"Okay, I came here willingly," Naruto implored. "I kept my end of the deal. Now you keep yours."
A moment of silence passed, before both Rokuro and Kamanue erupted into fits of hysterical laughter.
Of course, Naruto thought, hardly surprised.
"You're even more foolish than I thought," Lower Rank Two intoned. "You think I'd ever make a deal with humans? Nonsense. You and the rest of these people will die here tonight."
"W-what?" Mukago's eyes widened. "That wasn't part of the plan, Rokuro."
"Oh Mukago." Rokuro smirked condescendingly. "You're always so sentimental when it comes to your food."
"But—"
"No," Kamanue interjected. "Both Rokuro and I agree with this. We're in a partnership right now, so majority rule. We're not letting a single one of them go."
For the first time, Naruto could see anger bubbling in Mukago. Her horns sparked dangerously. Despite her willingness to murder scores of innocent people, at least she still had some principles—Naruto would give her that.
Rokuro raised his hand, lifting Naruto up with his shadows. Then he made a pushing motion, which sent Naruto flying into the wall where the other hostages were, attaching him to the same place as the rest of the people.
The heated discussion between demons continued, while Naruto quickly got to work on what he was about to do.
He glanced at the people around him; they were held as though in cocoons, with only their heads exposed, and some of them were bruised and bleeding.
Above him was Yuichiro, his shorter hair slicked with sweat.
"How's it going?" Naruto asked the younger teen.
In the face of this tense situation, Yuichiro could still smile.
"You know, just hangin' around."
Naruto chuckled.
"Nice one."
A moment of silence slipped by, before he sighed.
"I'm really sorry about all of this, Yui."
"Don't apologize," the teen quickly said. "I knew the risks. I knew that demons attacked you more often than other people, but I came to work for you anyway." He craned his neck to look down at Naruto. "And as you know, this isn't the first time I've been attacked by demons. Really, I should be dead. Yet you saved me that day, and I have no reason to complain, even in this situation."
"Wow." Naruto sniffled playfully. "You're going to make me shed a tear."
Yuichiro shook his head, embarrassed. "Stop, please." But a tiny smile was still on his face. Then he looked around, mind returning to the issue at hand. "So… do you have a plan to get us out?"
"Yeah, but it's a gamble."
Yuichiro closed his eyes and relaxed. "I don't even want to hear about it." His smile was still present. "I trust you. Go ahead. Do what you have to do."
Naruto nodded firmly, just as a cocooned child began to cry—her mother doing everything she could to calm her down. They were next to him, not quite within his reach. So Naruto focused chakra in his lungs, blowing a controlled, yet powerful gust of air in their direction. The girl's hair was ruffled by the sudden breeze, the surprise of the action calming her down. She turned to him with wide, curious eyes.
"Don't worry," he soothed, whispering. "I'll get you out of here."
Naruto had plan, but it was a bit risky. And he would need incredible control over his and Kurama's chakra to accomplish.
On his own, he could easily break out of these shadows. But with the hostages being used as a threat, he was slightly limited in his options. All things considered, his best course of action would be to destroy all of Rokuro's shadows simultaneously, before the demon—or his shadows—could react.
Naruto was confident he could do it. However, the question remained: was he fast enough? If Rokuro noticed his intentions, he could easily crush the people he held hostage with a thought.
"These shadows seem to be an extension of himself, able to function even outside of his will. He wasn't bluffing," Kurama confirmed.
Then if I make any sudden moves, he really will kill them.
"Indeed." The fox thought for a moment. "So the key is to free all the humans at once."
Yeah. I can't be too slow about it, either.
A normal human's reaction time was 0.2 seconds. A demon's, however, must have been even faster. In other words, he had less that a fraction of a second to free Yuichiro and the others before the shadows could kill them.
Naruto counted all the hostages, sharp eyes roaming over those near him, as well as those furthest away. Fifteen in total, held in groups of three. So, five cocoons. But also, above, Yuichiro was held in his own individual prison of shadows. Then, it was sixteen.
The blond shinobi cracked his neck, gearing himself for the next few moments.
I'm gonna need some of your chakra for this, Kurama.
"How much?"
Only enough to make six tails.
"Fine. But remember the portal, Naruto. It's already difficult enough to sustain. Diverting my chakra will have consequences."
I know. We'll deal with it later.
A pause.
"Very well."
And then, Naruto began to glow.
…
"Are we actually going to release them?" Kamanue all but yelled.
Rokuro sat on a rock, eyes shifting between the two demons before him. He also glanced behind. A short distance away, all his prisoners were bound by his ability, unable to escape. It would only take one thought to kill all the humans behind him, only one thought to crush them into dust, but he refrained from doing so.
Demons liked their prey alive, at least, as alive as possible. Most never went for dead bodies, preferring the freshness and warmth of a living human to that of cold, lifeless corpse.
In his experience, devouring someone alive was more beneficial than any other alternative.
He also wanted to leave these few behind for Mukago and Kamanue—as a sort of parting gift for their trouble. Because he would be taking the real prize for himself in a few moments.
All he had to do was find a means to slip away with that blond human in tow.
"No, we won't be releasing them," declared Rokuro.
"We won't?" Mukago echoed, continuing their argument. "That… was part of the deal. We promised him."
"You can't be serious," Kamanue huffed.
"I… I am." Her horns sparked.
Rokuro frowned. "You've always had this strange propensity to become attached to your food. Always crying when you finally kill them."
Mukago's brows furrowed. "Because it's much better when you know them—when you form some sort of connection. Then, you not only devour their body, but also their mind and soul, granting you more strength."
"That's absolute nonsense," Rokuro replied.
"Is it?" she said sharply. "No wonder you've been rank 2 for so long while I've managed to climb the ranks in only one decade."
"What did you say?!" Rokuro growled, temper flaring.
Things were not going as planned, but he couldn't help the anger that burned within him.
Mukago did not waver. "You heard me."
Bolts of black lightning shot from her horns, striking the ground. And where each bolt struck, a new animal materialized from the ground. In total, four massive bears appeared before her.
"You utter coward!" Rokuro roared, losing his calm, controlled demeanor. "Always hiding behind these stupid animals, always letting them do your bidding. You don't have the spine or the strength to fight without these disgusting creatures."
Anger.
For the first time, fury erupt from within Mukago.
"You will not insult my animals!"
Shadows whipped around Rokuro, swirling high above him. Forget the plan, he thought. Forget trying to slip away stealthily. He was going to take that human whether she liked it or not.
Kamanue gritted his teeth. "Fuck this. I'm just going to start eating th—"
He was suddenly silenced by something… starling. A golden flash of light had erupted behind them—near the hostages. It lasted only a second, but by the time the radiant glow faded, all of Rokuro's shadows were destroyed, and all the hostages were free.
From the last vestiges of lingering light, Naruto emerged, ready to battle them one last time.
…
Now, Kurama.
In that moment, he felt it. A surge of power he hadn't used for a long time. It was warm, comforting, enveloping him a golden glow. He was like a flame of fire, clothes burning, hair flickering with embers of ancient, boundless energy.
Time seemed to slow down, his perception shifting. He conjured six tails before the demons could react, stretching them out to those held by Rokuro's shadows.
Only after his tails had wrapped around each cocoon did the black masses begin to react—intent on squeezing its victims to death. But it was too late. Naruto's ethereal tails were much, much faster.
Enveloped by golden limbs, the shadows began to burn away, vaporized by a pinpointed focus of biju chakra. The energy was immense, but only for an instant, long enough for each shadow to be disintegrated.
At last, everyone was free. Still wrapped safely in his tails, Naruto lowered all fifteen hostages—including Yuichiro—to the ground.
They all stared, enraptured by the sight of being that shined as brightly as the sun itself.
Even Yuichiro was surprised, for he had never seen such a form, despite knowing Naruto for so long.
That's all needed, Kurama. Thanks.
"Hm. Now, no holding back, brat. You're outside the city. Give 'em hell."
Roger that.
The glinting cloak of chakra dissipated, and Naruto brought his hands up to form his signature technique.
Three clones popped into existence, all with arms crossed. The first clone went to stand in front of the hostages, intent on protecting them from what was about to occur.
His other two clones flanked him. Then, in unison, they lifted a palm, and three rasengans began to form—one meant for each of the lower moons.
Fifty meters away, they all tensed, displaying a mixture of emotions.
Anger from Rokuro. Surprise from Mukago. And fear from Kamanue.
Because he knew this technique all too well, a shiver of trepidation shaking his entire body.
In spite of the conflict that had risen between them, they could swiftly put their differences aside for the time being, eyes focused on the human about to attack them.
They felt a spike of energy from the three copies. It wasn't the same as the one they'd felt earlier. But it was still alarming enough for them to take on a defensive stance.
Rokuro wrapped himself in layers and layers of shadows, forming a spherical mass of darkness that served to protect his body.
Mukago ordered her bears to stand in front of her, three of them, using their massive, bulging bodies as a shield.
And Kamanue erupted a massive crystal wall around himself, as thick and hard as he could make it.
The crack of a sonic boom filled the cave, Naruto and his clones shooting forward in an explosion of speed.
They cleared the distance between them in a blink, simultaneous thrusting three rasengans into their hastily improvised defenses.
Ten Kilometers away
It was raining.
The downpour began suddenly and without warning, soaking them to the bone. Still, the trio did not stop. They raced through the forest, running after Susamaru.
She led the way, following a trail invisible to normal people. The icy wind and rain against Murata's face caused him to shiver; the pain in his side slowly grew worse, sparks of agony cascading through his body. But he did not succumb, neither did he waver as they moved through the dark forest.
Ozaki was by his side. Her face was scrunched in pain, but she too pushed on.
However, it was clear that they were slowing the pace. Susamaru was getting further and further away.
She turned back, concerned, yet irritated.
"Go on ahead!" Murata called. "We'll be right behind you."
Susamaru nodded once, speeding forward. Every time she passed by a tree, she would rake a lengthy claw along its trunk, marking the way for them to follow. Even as she disappeared deeper into the forest, they knew exactly where to go.
They did the same as well, using their swords to cut shallow, yet noticeable marks on any trees or boulders they encountered. That way, their backup—if anyone was even coming—would know where to go as well.
Murata pushed forward, panting and heaving. In that moment, he lost his footing against the root of a tree, falling upon the forest floor, skidding to a halt as Ozaki turned back with concern.
He wanted to tell her to keep going, but she was already beside him, wrapping an arm around his chest and lifting him up.
"Are you okay?" she asked gently.
He gave a little smile. "No. Not at all."
"Then you need to stop. Your injuries are worse than mine," she asserted. "It's okay. I'll be fine."
"You won't, though," Murata reasoned. "I need to be there with you."
He struggled to his feet, pausing as he looked into those hazel-brown eyes. Rain trailed down her delicate features, illuminated by flashes of lightning. Despite the situation, he could not look away. Had she always been this beautiful? Murata wondered. Even with cuts and bruises, her face was as radiant as could be.
She too didn't look away—or couldn't—transfixed by his lingering gaze.
It was as though time had frozen.
They probably wouldn't survive to see tomorrow, anyway.
So why not…
Why not…
Ozaki inched closer, so close that their noses were almost touching.
"Yoo-hoo~"
A sound cut through the pounding rain, causing both of them to jolt away, scrambling to find the source of that sing-song voice.
Another bolt of lightning rippled through the sky. And once the flash ended, someone was suddenly standing before them.
Both Demon Slayers stiffened, surprised by the appearance of someone they immediately recognize.
Murata's eyes widened; relief coursed through his veins.
"L-Lady Kocho!"
Ozaki was also in a state of shock, bowing her head in respect. "Lady Kocho, y-you're here. Actually here." She almost felt like crying. A Hashira had arrived—just when they needed one the most.
"Yes, I am." Shinobu's voice was soft, calming, soothing all the worry that had built up inside of them for the past two days. "I heard your crow, and I rushed after you as soon as I could. So lift your heads. I'm here to help."
Her words alone were like rushing water, and all their tension began to flow away.
Seconds later, someone else arrived. Another Demon Slayer. Dressed in a skirt and white cloak, she descended from a tree, landing next to the Insect Hashira.
"Thank you," Murata said. "Really, thank you so much for coming after us. I… I can't begin to express how—"
Shinobu raised a single palm, a warm smile on her face. "Say no more. There's no reason to thank me, nor is there a reason to let your guards down, either." She moved closer, undisturbed by the pouring rain. She was small, but still so intimidating. "Once this mission is over, there will be time to relax. And time to… continue where you left off."
Both Ozaki and Murata glanced at each other, cheeks reddening with intense blushes.
Shinobu only continued to smile. "Now, explain the situation to me," she implored, her Tsuguko listening as well.
The Rasengan was different from the Chidori in many ways. For one, it did not need a nature transformation to achieve, but it was still just as difficult to master. It also took less chakra to create than its counterpart. And lastly, it was not a piercing technique.
The rasengan was akin to a powerful punch that damaged you both externally and internally.
So, while his attack didn't cut through the demons' defenses, it still managed to send them flying through the cave.
Mukago watched with horrified fascination as her bears were torn asunder, ground into flesh by this swirling, glowing orb. Her animals held fast for a time, absorbing most of the initial energy. But the second impact blasted her back with so much force that blood fountained up her chest, filling her mouth with that familiar metallic taste.
It hadn't been a direct hit, but the blast still managed to reach her—bypassing her bears in the process.
She skidded across the cave's jagged floor, crashing through sharp, painful stalagmites.
Reacting quickly, Mukago dug her clawed hands into the ground, slowing her momentum as her fingers left deep indentations in the earth. Dust had risen around her, obscuring many things from view. Still, she could see that Rokuro and Kamanue had shared the same fate, skidding to a halt next to her.
Rokuro's shadows had been partially destroyed, and he held unto his chest, teeth gritted. Kamanue, the weakest of them, fared worse, his face scrunched up in pain. Naruto had broken his crystal wall as though it were made of paper, and shards of glinting gems littered the cave's floor. However, the clones that stuck them were now gone, skewered by crystal spears and piercing shadows that protruded the moment of impact.
"Is he even human?" she heard Rokuro mutter. "How could he break out of my shadows?"
She wanted to say something, wanted to reach out to them and suggest they work together.
But she couldn't. Even before the dust had settled, a hail of projectiles were flying toward them. Dozens of kunai burst through the smog, glinting in the dim cave.
She summoned two more bears to take on a defensive stance. Even then, the projectiles tore through her animals. Mukago dodged as best as she could, but two kunai pierced her stomach, causing a burning sensation as they shredded her insides.
More blood bubbled up her throat. And though she instantly began to heal, another kunai punctured her body—coated in a strange, powerful energy.
After the barrage of kunai, Kamanue quickly reciprocated, sending a hail of his own. This time, however, toward the direction of the hostages.
Like earlier, Naruto breathed out a gust of air that threw each crystal spear off its trajectory.
Slowly but surely, the trio inched closer until they found themselves side by side.
More dust was starting to clear, and even without words, they knew that they had to work together.
A blur registered in her line of sight. Above, Naruto was descending, eyes narrowed as he shifted through hand signs.
Rokuro roared and sent his shadows to intercept the blond above. Black tendrils shot upward, tearing through the air, intent on skewering him. Yet Naruto did not falter. He exhaled once more, breathing out a compressed ball of wind that knocked the shadows away and came crashing down on the demons.
It was like being crushed.
Mukago grunted, the force of the air pressure like an angry giant's fist. She could not stand, pushed face first into the ground, cracking the earth beneath.
Before she could even recover, he was upon them, choosing to engage in close combat. She felt a blow to the face, a kick that bruised her ribs and her rolling across the ground.
Even then, she summoned her animals: wolves, dogs, bears, and birds. All of them. Everything she could muster. By the time she was finished, over thirty creatures had appeared, snarling and growling as they rushed to engage the blond.
She'd been wrong.
Terribly wrong.
Naruto wasn't as strong as a Hashira.
No.
He was beyond the Hashira.
Knowing this, she would not leave anything back. She'd never called forth this many animals, and she could feel her body trembling and her head throbbing painfully. But she didn't care. She'd put it all on the line. For the sake of survival.
No matter how strong he was, he had a limit. Naruto was still human. He would eventually tire, especially as he fought both Rokuro and Kamanue and tried to keep the civilians safe.
In time, she would have him.
…
The animals descended like a wave as they raced toward him.
Mukago, Naruto thought.
Beside him, Rokuro and Kamanue stood, powers on full display. Tendrils of shadows came careening toward him, intent on dealing a lethal blow. Naruto pulled out two kunai, channeling wind chakra down both blades.
He sliced each undulating tendril as though they were made of paper. Then, stretching out a palm, he sent a blast of compressed air toward Kamanue. The demon grunted, thrown back like he weighed nothing, crashing through giant stalagmites.
Naruto quickly turned his attention to Rokuro, blurring forward just as he put up his shadows—another attempt at defending himself. But Naruto didn't falter. Chakra flooded his arms and he punched right through the writhing black mass in front of him. It squirmed as though alive, reacting violently to the presence of his inner energy.
Naruto's fist made contact with Rokuro's throat, and a choked sound escaped his lips. That wasn't all, though. Naruto continued, punching past the shadows he tried to use to protect himself. Blow after blow after blow came the demon's way. He did not stop. His fists crashed into his trachea once more, into his stomach, into his chest, into his face, giving him little time to regenerate.
Next, Naruto pulled out a military knife, something slightly different from his kunai. Channeling a heavy amount of wind chakra through the blade, he severed all of Rokuro's limbs in a series of fluid motions.
Then, he drew back a palm. And again, a rasengan began to form.
Rokuro's eyes were wide, fear chilling him to the bone. Even then, he willed his shadows to come forth, forming one last shield. But nothing could stop the human in front of him.
Nothing, he realized.
Not even Muzan Kibutsuji could hope to stand against this… this monster in human flesh.
The rasengan tore through his shadows, banishing it from sight. And the orb of energy continued, careening into Rokuro's stomach.
A howl of agony escaped the demon's lips. Then, he was launched away, a boom of sound following his departure.
He smashed through brutal stalagmites, racing to where Kamanue was. Rokuro screamed, his body impacting against Lower Moon Six, sending both of them into the side of the cave. A cloud of dust rose high above, the walls cracking as both demons were buried under massive, falling rocks.
All this had occurred in moments, and finally, he turned to face the horde of animals racing toward him.
Brandishing two kunai, he flew through the stampede, a blur in the dimly lit cave.
He cut down everything that came his way, his blades stabbing and skewering these creatures as they moved.
However…
Shit!
Naruto turned back. A dozen or so creatures had made it past him, now engaging with his clone. A spark of panic filled his mind when he saw one lunge at Yuichiro.
But then, a familiar temari slammed into the creature, punching a hole through its side.
His eyes went wide.
At the entrance of the cave, Susamaru stood, soaked to the bone, a small smile on her lips.
They made eye contact for a second before she leapt over Naruto and his growling foes, intent on protecting the humans behind him.
Good. Now, he could focus.
He formed the necessary hand signs.
Vacuum Sphere
Naruto breathed out dozens of beam-like blasts of air, each one racing to skewer the remaining animals in front of him. His attack struck home, puncturing the eyes, throats, and limbs of all the creatures. Most of them collapsed, unable to stand, for he had deliberately targeted their weak points.
Based on his earlier observations, it seemed Mukago's animals took far longer to regenerate than normal demons, which would give him enough time.
Behind the wall of injured animals, he raced toward her, unhindered.
She caught his gaze, a flash of terror coloring her features. Mukago did not try to move, nor did she turn away. She couldn't. Her legs buckled, body suddenly drenched in sweat.
This was it.
She was going to die today. She just knew it.
A rasengan was forming in Naruto's palm as he raced toward her. There was no hesitation. No mercy when he finally arrived.
Mukago put up her hands in a futile attempt at protecting herself, to no avail.
Then she felt it. One of the most indescribable sensations of pain she had ever experienced.
The rasengan impacted her face, shredding her features into nothing.
A moment later, she was flying through the air, slamming into the merciless wall behind her. The pain was immense. Mukago felt as though she had shattered every bone in her body. And for the first time since becoming a demon, her vison blurred as a wave of blackness pulled her under.
The dust was still clearing when Naruto pulled Rokuro from the rubble. Taking him by the collar, he tossed the demon onto an open area in the cave.
Rokuro looked broken, utterly defeated. His arms were regenerating, but he didn't dare make a move against Naruto—because he knew the truth.
He was no match for this human.
Naruto loomed over him. There was no pity, nor was there hatred, in his sea-blue orbs. He was different from Demon Slayers, in that regard. He held no innate malice against them, but if pushed, he would stop at nothing to end their lives.
Too injured to move, Rokuro closed his eyes and accepted his fate.
Naruto pulled out something from his holster. A slip of paper. Written upon it was a language that few recognized and even fewer could utilize.
Fūinjutsu had many disciplines—just as Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, or Genjustu did. And of these many disciplines, creating seals that could immobilize enemies was not his greatest strength. That title would go to Jiraiya, in the same way spacetime techniques were a specialty of his father. But Naruto could still manage. While he wasn't the best at immobilization, he had enough knowledge to pull it off.
He put the slip of paper on Rokuro's chest, then placed his palm over it. He focused for a moment and sent a specific ratio of chakra through the slip, activating it. The seals glowed, and then, the ancient runes seemed to spill out from the paper. Black letters exploded outward like ropes, before wrapping themselves around the fallen demon—a hold even greater than that of his shadows.
Rokuro tried to move, but he couldn't.
"W-what did you do to me?"
"Since I can't kill you with normal means," Naruto explained, "I've restrained you. You won't be able to move for a few hours. By then, the sun should have already risen."
"I see…" whispered the demon, gazing upward. "Well done, boy. You bested us."
Naruto rubbed his spiky mane. "A part of me actually wanted to give you a chance, but… after all you did today, you sealed your fate."
A humorless chuckle escaped his lips. "Give us a chance? No normal person would ever consider such a thing. Are you even human, boy?"
Naruto shrugged. "I'm human. But… by this world's definition, who knows?"
Rokuro rose a brow, but said no more. He let out a sigh and closed his eyes once again, resigned to his fiery fate in the morning sun.
A distance away, Susamaru and his clone finished off the last remaining demon-animals. She paused, her temari disappearing. Then she looked at him, then at his clone, head tilted in utter confusion. He'd mentioned shadow clones to her before, but this was her first time actually seeing them. He only waved in return, smiling.
Wasn't she supposed to be watching Ozaki and Murata? He shrugged, figuring his clone would talk to her about it.
Naruto pulled out another slip of paper from his holster, intent on digging out Kamanue and sealing him as well.
Crack!
Naruto leapt back just in time. A wave of piercing crystal spikes erupted from the ground, forcing him to put some distance between him and the rubble.
An instant later, Kamanue burst from the rocks that had held him under. However, instead of attacking, the demon turned tail and ran, fear in his eyes as he sped away. He summoned more crystal spikes in an attempt to slow Naruto down—to no avail.
Naruto avoided them all, then tensed, ready to spring forward, a kunai in hand.
But before he moved to intercept the fleeing demon, a purple blur filled his vison.
Glinting steal. Multiple thrusts of a blade. And Kamanue was halted mid-escape.
Someone had arrived, seemingly from nowhere. Her katana, thin as a rapier, was plunged into the demon's skull. A rush of air followed her arrival, a testament to her impressive speed.
Huh.
Naruto abandoned the chase, observing the new arrival from afar.
Simply put, she was beautiful. Her skin was pale and unblemished, reflecting the dim light of the cave. Delicate features, pink lips, and a slender nose defined her striking visage. Then there were her eyes—a set of violet orbs that held no emotion. Likewise, her hair was black, the ends of her bangs tinted a vibrant purple hue. She was also small, tiny, barely tall enough to reach his chest. Yet, she did not falter as she faced the demon desperately trying escape.
Kamanue's face twisted with rage. He lifted his hands, forming two crystal swords.
"You bitc—"
He stiffened, stumbling back as the woman swiftly retracted her sword from his skull. Then she stabbed him again and again, multiple thrusts puncturing his chest. A moment later, Kamanue was on the floor, sputtering incoherently as dark, grotesque veins bulged along his body. His face and limbs swelled to twice their normal size, his eyes popping from their sockets.
He screamed, horrified and afraid, writhing in pain.
After a few seconds, his twitching came to an end, and he grew quiet and still, tears streaming down his face.
"Well, that was no fun," said the woman, an odd cheerfulness in her tone. She did not sheath her blade. Instead, she moved forward, stepping over the dying demon at her feet. She met Naruto's gaze, head tilted as she caught sight of the restrained Rokuro just behind him. "Hm? What's this?"
Still on the defense, she stopped just short of him. Like he thought, she was small. The woman gazed upward, features devoid of genuine emotion.
"Are you Naruto Uzumaki?"
"Yes?" he replied, curious. She was a Demon Slayer, judging by her attire. "And you are…?"
"Oh! Pardon me," the pretty woman chirped with a bright, fake smile. "I'm Shinobu Kocho, Insect Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. I received an urgent message from two other members concerning an attack on Tokyo."
"Ozaki and Murata sent for you," Naruto realized. He was saddened, yet somewhat touched that they had cared enough about him to call for help. He really, really needed to apologize.
"Yes, they did, and they're on their way here as we speak. I'm just much quicker," Shinobu said with a wink. Sword still drawn, she gazed upon the immobilized Rokuro. "I was under the impression that you needed to be saved—that you were being held captive."
Naruto rubbed his hair sheepishly. "Well, that was the case a few minutes ago."
Shinobu nodded slowly, enchantingly. She inched closer, so close that he could almost feel her against him. She gazed upward, past her drenched bangs, beautiful eyes locking with his own.
"And might I ask why there is an injured Demon behind you?"
He met her gaze calmly, even as she stood on the tips of her toes. Despite the proximity, he did not back away, nor was he intimidated by her presence.
"Him? I beat him into a bloody pulp, obviously. Especially after he threatened all those innocent people."
She glanced at the other hostages, who seemed to be in the care of someone that looked strangely similar to the blond in front of her. And for the first time, Shinobu's eyes widened a fraction. Then she backed down, stepping away.
"You beat a member of the Twelve Kizuki?" Shinobu inquired. She glanced from the fallen demon back to him. Then she took another look at the injured, twitching animals around the cave. "But you're not a Demon Slayer?"
"Nope." Naruto grinned. "Not just one of them, though." He pointed a thumb to the other side of the cave, where Mukago was. She was out cold. Behind her were cracks in the wall so large, that it was difficult to believe a normal, untrained human was capable of such a feat.
"Now this is unexpected," Shinobu murmured. Her momentary shock was quickly pushed aside, replaced by that oddly calm demeanor and blank, emotionless eyes.
"Did you kill him?" Naruto gazed at Kamanue's unmoving form.
"Yes!" she said cheerfully. "I made sure to use one of my stronger, quicker poisons. Of course, he also suffered in the process. But unfortunately, there was nothing I could do about that."
"Right." Naruto did not believe her for a second. Regardless, he couldn't blame her either. After all, he'd done the same to them just moments ago, utilizing techniques that were quite… painful. "So I don't have to wait for the sun to rise, then?" Shinobu nodded. "What a relief. In that case, I'm sure you can handle the rest."
Naruto stepped aside, and Rokuro began to tremble. He'd listened to their entire conversation. And even though he felt his death was inevitable, the fact that it was about to happen so soon still terrified him.
"Be careful," Naruto warned. "He uses shadows to attack. They're really, really annoying."
"Thank you for the information," Shinobu said warmly, sword in hand.
Just then, a black shadow shot forward, aimed at the female Demon Slayer. She didn't flinch, gracefully dodging the desperate attack, moving through the air like a butterfly.
Even without the use of his hands, Rokuro could still make somewhat complex structures; though, his control was severely lacking.
The shadows grew in size, taking on a protective shape around the fallen demon.
Even then, Shinobu did not relent; she immediately took notice of the fact that he still wasn't moving.
"What happened?" she asked. "Why is he just lying there?"
Naruto gripped his kunai, ready to assist at a moment's notice. "I used a technique to immobilize him."
Shinobu paused. She glanced back at him, perplexed. Her eyes narrowed, features still strangely calm.
"What sort of technique?"
"It's a family secret, passed down by my parents."
It wasn't a complete lie.
"Oh? A family secret," she echoed.
"Yeah," Naruto affirmed—her eyes narrowing some more.
Before she uttered another word, three figures came rushing into the cave. It was Ozaki and Murata, as well as a young girl he didn't recognize.
They'd finally arrived, soaked to the bone. Swords already drawn, they stopped just behind them, alarmed by the destruction that defined the cave.
Naruto turned, giving them a huge grin.
"Yo."
"Naruto!" yelled Murata.
"You're okay!" Ozaki exclaimed, relief in her voice.
"Come on. Of course I am," he shot back. "What, were you guys worried about me?"
"Yes!" they said simultaneously.
Naruto chuckled in return, looking upon them with a warm gaze. "Then I'm sorry for making you worry," he added gently. "And… and I'm glad that you came to help, even when you didn't need to. Thank you."
His sincerity froze them in place, and both Demon Slayers could only nod in reply.
They'd barely known him for a day, but even then, they were still so happy he was safe.
It really tugged at his heart.
"Susamaru's over there." Naruto pointed. "You can help get the injured out of here."
They heeded his words and went ahead, avoiding the dismembered animals around them. Kanao did not follow, however. Instead, the girl had her blade drawn, her eyes vigilant, scanning for any signs of danger in the cave.
Naruto's attention returned to Shinobu.
Rokuro was still on the floor, shadows whipping about in one last desperate act of survival.
Shinobu had entered a peculiar stance, sword held tightly in her hand. She took a breath, readying herself for another attack—an attack that was sure to hit home.
Naruto watched her closely, crossing his arms.
Something was different about her, he realized. The way she held herself. The confidence in her stance. And the calmness of her breaths.
By this alone, he could tell she was leagues above Ozaki and Murata.
He trusted she could handle this final act, so he set his sights on the unconscious Mukago.
The pain was the first thing she felt when she awoke.
Unrelenting and merciless, it radiated through every fiber of her being, pulling her from the darkness that held her close.
Her face hurt the most, even as she felt the healing process mending her wounds by the second. Instead of moving, she remained still for a time—just waiting, and waiting, until the pain settled into a dull, aching throb.
Finally, she opened her eyes, and fear immediately gripped her heart.
The cave was damaged, littered with debris. Kamanue's lifeless body was a distance away, and Rokuro was on the ground, surrounded by shadows as someone with a sword moved to finish him off.
Surely, she was next.
Naruto—her prize, her one chance at growing stronger—was also near. He turned to her, kunai in hand. His clothes were coated in blood, the blood of her animals. Even now, they struggled to stand, slowly healing from the damage dealt by the blond before her.
As he turned toward her, flashes of light filled her mind.
A vision suddenly befell her, one from a time she no longer remembered. There was fire, heat, smoke, all of it choking her. But someone else was there, holding her, carrying her through the flames.
She couldn't see his face, but his eyes were as blue as the sea—his arms strong and sturdy.
The world was turning black, the memory fading, but she could still see him smiling, whispering to her.
"Survive, Mukago."
Mukago opened her eyes, tears streaming down her face. She tilted her head and screamed to the heavens, her voice reverberating through the hollow cave.
Suddenly, she could see nothing. She could hear nothing. But she could feel everything. Everything that her animals felt.
Then the injured creatures around her began to move, drawn into the screaming demon. She was almost like a magnet, pulling every one of them into herself.
Mukago couldn't predict what would happen to her body after doing this, but she knew the consequences would be grave. Yet she didn't care.
She had to survive. That's all that mattered.
Naruto paused at the sight, brows rising. It occurred nearly instantly. One moment, these creatures were on the floor. Then the next, they were all sucked into the female demon—somehow merging with her body.
Her features became disfigured, misshapen. And she began to increase in size, taking on the form of multiple animals.
She grew and grew until her back touched the ceiling above, sending a shower of massive rocks upon all those that inhabited the cave. After several seconds, she had the appearance of giant, silver wolf, with multiple heads and multiple arms.
Mukago's eyes were blank, devoid of reason.
She reared her head and roared. It was a horrible sound. A sound that shook the very cave around them.
The creature raised a massive paw, bringing it down upon the first person she could find.
In caring Arms
…
..
.
Dust covered the cave like a veil, kicking up rocks in the process. Visibility was reduced to nearly zero, and Naruto could hear coughing in the distance, could hear the frightened screams of those still attempting to escape this situation—turned nightmare.
Mukago had become a monster, transforming into something that surprised even him.
He could see her silhouette within the smog. She thrashed about, slamming into the walls of the cave. With each erratic motion, the underground cavern shuddered, and massive stalactites would fall from the ceiling.
Naruto dodged each falling projectile, leaping back to where Shinobu was.
"What happened?" she inquired.
"I'm not sure," he supplied. "I think she merged with all the animals she normally controls. But this seems different… like a desperate act, a last resort."
"I see…" Shinobu sheathed her blade, a tint of frustration coloring her gaze. She hadn't gotten a chance to finish Rokuro off, and now, with the added dust and debris, the demon was nowhere to be found.
"Are things getting fun now?" he asked, referring to her earlier statement.
Unbidden, Shinobu actually laughed, a soft, genuine sound. Then she turned to the giant creature preparing to bring the whole cave down on their heads. "Maybe a bit too fun." She unsheathed her blade once more, having added more poison. "I can't behead that thing. But maybe with poison, I can kill it, or at least slow it down. There's no guarantee, though."
"It's worth a try," he agreed. "Still, for now, our number one priority is getting everyone out of here unharmed."
The creature continued to thrash about erratically, moving dangerously close to the hostages—which Susamaru, Ozaki, Murata, and his clone were protecting from falling rocks.
Looking at things now, it seemed that many of them were injured and would need to be carried out of the cave.
"And how do you suppose we do that?" Shinobu questioned.
Naruto said nothing, forming his signature hand sign. Inwardly, he grimaced. He'd already used far more chakra than he wanted to today, and he could feel the strain on his body. But he shoved that concern aside, drawing upon his internal energy for another offensive.
Six shadow clones popped into existence beside him, shocking Shinobu. Her normally calm demeanor was shaken as she looked on with a mixture of alarm and suspicion.
By now, the cave was beginning to tremble, and giant cracks formed along the walls, sending another shower of rocks tumbling from above.
Naruto and Shinobu dodged the hail of stone, deftly ducking and weaving between each obstacle.
Without a word, his clones moved forward, rushing past the unstable, senseless Mukago. Each clone grabbed two hostages, and everyone began to run, just as a large section of the cave collapsed, sending another cloud of dust their way.
Mukago turned in the direction of the fleeing people, senseless rage in her slitted eyes. Even though she was large, she moved quite quickly, clearing the distance between them in one bound.
Shinobu turned to her student, pinning her with a hard stare.
"Get away from here, Kanao!"
She raised her voice for the first time. And though her student hesitated for an instant, she quickly turned and fled, following after Naruto's clones as they carried the people to safety. Susamaru, Ozaki, and Murata also rushed past them, each of them carrying someone as well. They did not stop to look back, because they understood the situation, and they trusted that Naruto and Shinobu could handle this final foe.
With Mukago baring down on them, Naruto molded the chakra in his stomach, pouring it into his arms.
Shinobu watched as he held up both hands.
Gale Palm.
A titanic burst of air obeyed his command, erupting outward, striking the massive creature barreling toward them.
It slowed her down, but only for a moment, giving everyone time to escape.
This left Naruto and Shinobu alone.
Recovering from the concussive blast of air, Mukago brought down two massive paws, cratering the ground where both of them stood.
With superior speed, they avoided the blow, blurring away.
Insect Breathing
Shinobu leapt forward, shattering the ground beneath her feet. Haori fluttering in the wind, she extended her sword for her most powerful attack.
Dance of the Bee Sting: True Flutter
A single thrust. She impacted with Mukago's giant eye, pumping heavy amounts of poison into the demon's iris.
The effects were almost instant, dark veins bulging along her crimson sclera. But it wasn't nearly enough to kill a demon this large.
Mukago only howled in pain, and three smaller dog-like creatures erupted from her body as though molded from clay, swiping at Shinobu mid-air.
Sensing danger, she kicked off Mukago's eye, retrieving her sword and flipping away before the smaller creatures could shred her to pieces.
And like earlier, the animals returned, fusing back into Mukago's giant body.
Shinobu grimaced as she fell, wary of the stalagmites protruding below her.
It was sure to be a painful landing.
However, before she could hit the ground, Shinobu saw Naruto rush toward her position in the air; he leapt forward, grabbed her hand, and pulled her away from the spikes beneath.
Then he landed on a wall, literally sticking to the vertical surface.
Shinobu looked up; once more, she was alarmed by the strange abilities this human—was he even human—possessed.
Still, she gripped his hand tightly as both of them gazed at the creature that seemed to be losing its mind by the second, roaring and trashing about.
"I don't think it can control itself," Shinobu speculated.
"Yeah, seems that way." Naruto lowered his gaze. "What about your poison, is it working?"
Dangling by his hand, she shook her head. "I'm not sure. Normally it would, but I think its body's so large that I need gallons and gallons to actually kill it."
Is this really a Lower Moon? Shinobu thought, having seen the number present on her eye.
"Then we'll use a different strategy," Naruto said.
"Another one of your techniques?" pried Shinobu.
Naruto nodded once; he prepared his mind and body for his next move.
But then, his eyes widened, sharp gaze snapping to an area Mukago had already destroyed.
"Did you hear that?" he asked.
She arched a slender brow. "Hm? What?"
Just then, Mukago's paw came careening into the wall. Naruto quickly pulled Shinobu up, wrapping an arm around her waist. He tensed, shooting forward as a massive, clawed hand crashed into another section of the cave, destroying more and more of the ceiling.
Still soaring through the air, Naruto had aimed his jump toward the area the hostages had been held.
"Now I see," said Shinobu, realizing what he had been trying to tell her.
Finally, they landed, and Naruto released his hold around her.
In front of them was a crying child, his foot buried under rocks. He looked at them fearfully, glancing at the giant monster that was growling and ramming its head into the surrounding walls.
Naruto frowned. The kid must have been left behind, hidden by the thick dust around them while everyone else managed to escape.
"It's okay, sweetie," Shinobu cooed, getting on one knee. She smiled brightly, and this one actually seemed genuine. "You're safe now. We won't let anything happen to you."
"That's right, kid." Naruto tousled his dark hair, then stooped down and lifted the massive rock pinning him under.
The boy immediately latched onto Shinobu, burying his head in her shoulder. She held him tight, glancing at Naruto.
The blond looked forward, chakra already spiking. "Go on ahead. Get him to safety. I'll be right behind you."
Despite her growing suspicion of him and his strange, demon-like abilities, Shinobu still shook her head. Her features were calm, but the tiniest hint of a frown marred her pristine visage. "You know I can't just leave you. Let's both get out of here first, then I'll figure something out."
"Why, you worried about me?" he teased, smiling as her slight frown deepened. "I'll be fine, Miss Kocho. You have to take care of him. You've seen what I can do. If anyone can survive this, it's me."
More rocks began to fall from above. Shinobu felt the child in her arms shaking with terror. Naruto was right. The boy's safety was paramount. So she conceded.
"Fine." Muscles strengthened by the air around her, Shinobu readied herself to sprint away before the cave came crashing down. She turned to him once more, smirking. "You better be right behind me."
He only nodded, that same grin finding its way back to his handsome features.
Shinobu's legs tensed; she held the child closer.
"Close your eyes, little one."
The boy complied, shutting his eyes as she finally sped off—becoming a blur in the darkened cave. She escaped Mukago's hulking body before the demon could even react, crossing the hundred meters between them in a blink.
Shinobu could only hear the sound of wind as she ran, the world narrowing into a dark tunnel.
Behind her, Naruto stretched out his hand one more time.
He diverted some chakra from the clones still at the clinic—just for a few seconds.
The rasengan swelled to life above his palm, growing, and growing, and growing until it was large enough to illuminate a darkened portion of the cave.
"The portal, Naruto," Kurama warned.
I know, I know.
Mukago turned to him, transfixed on the giant orb he held.
Naruto leapt forward.
He tore through the air, Odama Rasengan in hand.
Time seemed to slow down.
And just before he made contact with her, something emerged from Mukago's body, bursting forward like a rocket.
Another animal, a smaller wolf. It soared toward him, jaws open.
Already in the air, he could do little to change his trajectory, and the creature sailed just below him, sharp teeth sinking into Naruto leg before letting go and falling downward, obscured by dust and falling rocks.
Naruto hissed, but ignored the creature.
Instead, he focused on driving the rasengan into Mukago, with the intent of burying her in this collapsing cave.
A massive explosion signaled Naruto's technique.
Shinobu resisted the urge to glance back, to see if he truly was behind her—even as the interior cave began to collapse, a shockwave of air shaking the structure to its core.
She held the boy, gently stroking his hair as she moved, feet pounding into the ground as the tunnel ahead began to widen, confirming the exit was near.
One final push, and she was out, greeted by falling rain and flashing lightning.
Shinobu slowed to a halt, skidding across the grassy field. In seconds, she was soaked, water dripping down her onyx hair, seeping past her haori and into her uniform.
Still holding the child, she looked around. Naruto's copies were still around, and the people taken captive were safe. They watched with bated breath, feeling tremors as the cave collapsed in on itself, a putrid cloud of dark dust rising from the entrance.
Silence reigned.
Someone moved forward. A woman with orange tinted black hair. Ozaki and Murata moved as well, following after her.
They lingered near the cave, waiting, and waiting.
The woman had fangs and claws.
There was also a deep wound on her forehead, Shinobu noticed. And it was already healing, hissing with steam.
Unconsciously, her hand found the hilt of her sword.
When Ozaki and Murata had told her that they were working with a demon, of all things, Shinobu did not know what to think.
In fact, she had brushed it aside, opting to first find the three Lower Moons before even considering that bizarre detail.
And yet, that 'bizarre detail' was standing right in front of her.
Here, now, as Demon Slayer, Shinobu had an obligation to end this thing's life. And afterward, she would give Ozaki and Murata a stern talk, one that detailed just how dangerous what they were doing—standing near a demon—was.
"I have to go find him," Susamaru decided.
"Wait," Murata advised. "It looks like more of the cave could still collapse."
Susamaru shrugged.
"I'm a demon. I won't die even if I'm hurt, so don't worry."
As she took a step, a sudden blast of wind shot from the entrance of the cave, banishing the dust, and even the rain, around them.
Shinobu watched with calm, controlled fascination as the blond man finally emerged. His clothes were torn, ripped in certain areas. A trail of blood dripped down his leg—a bite mark near his calf muscle.
Other than that, he was unharmed, if a bit tired.
He still smiled though, tugging the demon, Rokuro, by the collar.
Naruto unceremoniously dumped Lower Moon Two onto the grass, then turned to face Shinobu.
"Looks like you get another chance, Miss Kocho," Naruto said, grinning. "He's all yours."
End.
If there's one thing I did not like about Naruto in canon, it was the fact that he hardly ever utilized wind jutsu. I recently re-watched the Sasuke vs Danzo fight, and all the wind techniques Danzo used looked soo cool and effective. That's why in my stories I make it a point to show Naruto actually using them, instead of only spamming Rasengans and Shadow Clones (even though those are awesome, too).
Anyway!
That concludes this first arc of the story, with Naruto and Shinobu meeting (very fun to write), and a grand battle with the Lower Moons. Shinobu's both fascinated and suspicious of Naruto and his "demon-like" abilities, and her eyes are set on Susamaru as well.
Now, Kamanue's dead, Rokuro's… about to die. And Mukago. Hmm. Wonder what happened to her back there.
Thanks for the reviews~
It was a long chapter, but I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Stay safe!