A/N-1: Sorry for the wait but this is the beginning of the next arc known as the Kiri Civil War Arc and the introduction of Mei the next member of the Harem. Thank you to Everyone for their support and let us begin.
Flashback
Biju or Transformed Jinchuriki
Summon
Disclaimer- I own Nothing
CHVII
Fuu and torune maintain their emotionless stares but the yamanaka has to admit that menma was right that they would be hard pressed to defeat him. Fuu reaches for his tanto as torune releases more of his swarm. Fuu glances back as the three titans stood impassively behind them, "They will prevent our escape and Sai is down" he thought. Across from them menma was arcing but his mind was working in overdrive, "Good they are calling my bluff.. Five days in a bed and my muscles are atrophying" he thought.
"Kit.. You're Shinsoku is helping to knock out the atrophy" kyubi comments. Tayuya spins her flute in her hands, ready to send her doki into action as anko and kurotsuchi draws a kunai but menma raises his hand.
"Stand back you three.. It looks like only want me and that's exactly who they'll get" menma states.
"Baka.. You just woke up" kurotsuchi shouts but menma glances back.
"Trust me" menma says, shifting into a loose boxing stance but his left close to his chest and right out from his chest.
[Music: Genos Fight Theme (BETA)]
Torune starts sending a wave of his kikaichu but menma appears in front of him with nearly unseen right jab, blowing away part his head. Torune staggers back but reveals himself as a Mushi-bunshin as fuu shunshins behind with his tanto drawn. Menma sidesteps fuu's downward swing and a backhand to the back fuu's head, sending him staggering forward. Torune appears with his purple palms shooting forward but menma pushes under his arms to slam his palms on torune's chest, "Raiton no Ougi: Counter Shock" menma thought. Torune screams as his body erupts with lightning, dropping to his knees.
"Menma!" anko shouts, flinging her kunai. Menma catches the kunai into a spin and slams it into torune's head.
"Choju Giga" sai shouts, sending several ink tigers. Menma breaks left with a burst of Shinsoku but staggers a bit as it diminishes. Fuu shoots forward to take advantage of the misstep but menma channels his Shinsoku to his legs, "Raiton: Crackshot" he thought, connecting with a leaping spinning wheel kick. Fuu flies back as menma falls to his knees, allowing sai to rush him from behind with his tanto draw.
"Senkou" menma shouts, slamming his lightning charged fist to sai's face and rendering him unconscious once again. Menma collapses to his knees to reign in his breath, "Menma?!" anko shouts. [song ends]
*XxX*
"I'm ok Anko" menma says. The three doki secure the corpse of torune and the prone forms of fuu and sai. Tsunade appears with shizune, followed a small squad of Anbu, "Looks like you were not needed" tsunade says and Neko nods.
"Secure those two for Ibiki and the body to the morgue" neko orders.
"Sorry about the room Granny Tsunade" menma says, as anko drapes her coat on his back. Tsunade looks at the broken window, "I can live that" she says, flicking his forehead but notices his twitching.
"What's wrong" tsunade questions but menma pops his head.
"Sorry I used my Shinsoku to force my atrophied muscles into action" menma says.
"Baka" tsunade says, as shizune starts her Mystic-palm. Menma slowly got to his feet as konan and yugito arrive, "Looks like we missed the party" yugito asks.
"Yeah.. Danzo sent his men to what I can assume is capture me" menma says, as they enter the lobby and causing many nurses to blush at his body.
"I'll go get Kali" tayuya says, breaking from the group. Shizune lead them to her office, "I'll get you something to wear" she says, pink dusting her cheeks. Menma plops on the sofa as yugito, anko, kurotsuchi and konan took chairs, "Hmm dango.. Sake and hmm strawberries" he muses, sniffing anko's coat. The hebi-hime snatches her coat from him with red cheeks, "Why did you sniff my coat" she shouts but menma shrugs his shoulders.
"Anko-chan smells Kawaii" menma says, a fox like look on his face.
"You shouldn't worry Anko.. He gets like this sometimes when he overuses his Shinsoku" konan explains.
"He cuddled up to me like a cat after fighting Hanza" yugito comments.
"It took Konan and I to pry him off of her" kurotsuchi adds. The door as shizune and tayuya enter with the former having a pair of shoes and a shirt for him. Kali leaps down and leaps on menma again, "Nii-san ok" she asks.
"I'm ok Kali-boo" menma says, snuggling her fur. Shizune stifles her giggles at the adorable moment but anko and yugito outright laugh, "He's like a big teddy bear" tayuya comments.
"I agree" konan says and kurotsuchi nods. Menma puts kali down and puts on the clothes, "So Danzo made his move and failed I hope" he asks.
"Hokage-sama confronted Danzo but that all I know" shizune states. Menma thought for a moment but softly smiles, "Mom's there.. It'll be over in short order" he says.
"Confident in your Mommy" anko jokes and menma nods but glances to tayuya.
"Our mother is one of the Strongest Kunoichi in the world despite being pregnant and having three children" menma says.
"Damn right I am Dattebane" kushina says, standing at the door. Kushina rushes in and hugs her son, "I'm glad you're awake Sochi.. I was so worried" she says, holding back her tears.
"I'm sorry I worried you Mom and I'll take whatever punishments you give me" menma says. Kushina slowly pulls back but menma freezes with the glint in his mother's eyes, "Oh really Sochi" she says and pauses, "Then no Ramen for Two weeks" she adds. The color seem to drain from menma's face and falls to his knees, "Oh No" he mutters, trembling. Kushina tries to hold the stern look on her face but it breaks into a fit of laughter, "Pfttt.. Hahaha I'm sorry Sochi.. I couldn't resist" she says, collecting her now chibi son. Tayuya rubs her forehead at her strange older brother as anko, kurotsuchi and yugito were laughing.
"Mother did you kick Danzo's ass" tayuya asks.
"Of Course.. He even tried use his Hidden Sharingan to boot but Minato took them out with his Hiraishin and I slapped Chakra seal on him before he could use some Technique called Izanagi" kushina explains. Konan takes her chibi boyfriend from kushina as he was whimpering, "No ramen" menma mutters, as yugito grabs kali.
"Shizune-sama can Menma be released" konan asks, the chibi menma's eyes watering. Anko, yugito and kurotsuchi were awestruck at how adorable menma was, "Is this cute thing our man" all three thought.
"Yes since his room was attacked.. I'll inform Tsunade-sama" shizune replies. Kushina ruffles her chibi son's head, "I'm sorry Sochi" she says, as they excuse themselves but menma only whimpers about ramen.
*XxX*
Mito and naruko couldn't process the situation before them, as their brother was a chibi and his head was on the table. Konan was rubbing his back as he whimpers, while yugito, kurotsuchi and anko were trying to stifle their laughter. Tayuya was standing next to their mother, "I'm sorry Sochi" kushina says. Menma looks up with big purple eyes and his lip quivering but he puts his head down.
"This cute creature is our brother" the twins thought. Mito glances to her mother, "What happened" she asks.
"Danzo sent three of his agents after Sochi while he tried to take us down" kushina starts.
"He kicked ass obviously.. We went to Shizune's office but Kushina-sama punished him" anko finishes.
"Mito.. Naru.. Mom said no ramen for me" menma whines. Mito squats down and strokes menma's head but she notices his hair was different, "Nii-nii your white spot has gotten bigger" she says.
"Mito-nee you're right" naruko says, poking his head. Kushina approaches and looks for herself but her eyes widen, "She's right.. It's spread to his ear and down his sideburn" she says.
"So maybe he's getting old.. I don't do old guys" anko comments and kurotsuchi titters.
"Same sister" yugito adds. Konan shakes her head with a rub of her forehead, "Kushina-sama let me put him down for a nap.. Since he's being such a baby" she chides.
"I'm not a Baby" menma says, rubbing his head on the table. Konan narrows her eyes, "Yes you are.. No Ramen for two weeks is no reason to get all huffy" she shot.
"Yes it is" menma shouts back, smacking the table a few times in a tantrum. A piece of paper starts to peel from konan's face and menma flinches as he returns to normal, "Fine.. I'm gonna take shower" he mutters, getting to his feet.
"Konan has him whipped" yugito says, after menma left. Kushina pats konan on the shoulder as anko and kurotsuchi were laughing, "You learn quickly" kushina says and konan blushes.
"He gets like that sometimes" konan says.
"I know.. He was like that as a baby too" kushina says.
"Menma-nii is kinda childish" naruko comments and mito nods.
"I wonder if the new baby will like us or Nii-nii" mito says. Kushina places her hand on her stomach, "It doesn't matter.. I'm their mother and my children are all miracles" she says. Konan excuses herself to follow menma, finding him getting some clothes.
"Sorry about that" menma says, turning to be slapped across the face. Menma clutches his red cheek as konan was tearing up, "You big stupid Fool" she whispers.
"Sorry" menma says but catches her hand.
"Why didn't you take me with you.. I'm your Angel.. I could have helped" konan says, tears in her eyes. Menma wipes a tear from her left eye with his thumb, "It was battle between brothers.. One on One" he says, wiping her other eye.
"That shouldn't matter.. What if you died.. I can't lose someone again.. Not again" konan says but menma pulls her into his chest.
"I'm sorry for making you worry so much.. You've been keeping this in for awhile" menma says and strokes her head, as konan softly sobs in his shirt.
"You don't have to be the stoic one all the time" menma soothes, stroking her back. Konan looks up with her amber eyes flickering, "Yes I do but you're right" she says, holding him tighter and enjoying a tender moment between them. The door quietly opens as yugito sticks her head in but menma raises his finger to his lips, causing the nibi container to retreat.
*A Few Days Later*
Menma softly sighs as the wind gently runs across his form, laying on the intimidating liger as kali was sleeping on her brother's head. The three were in training ground eleven as yugito, konan, kurotsuchi and mikoto were on a simple mission. After some groveling with his mother and heavy petting with his angel, forgiveness came and ramen allowed once more. Liger opens his eyes with a slight shift, "Oyaji said when you're ready" he says. Menma tucks his white bang behind his ear, "Alright but I'll need to see Shakku" he says and liger huffs.
"You know where he is" liger asks. Menma reaches in his cargo pocket of a box of pocky, "He's in Spring thankfully with my Other half" he replies, slipping one in his mouth.
"Then why not have Him get your swords" liger says and menma grunts.
"That would be better than traveling" kyubi comments.
"Ano Menma-san" a voice says. Menma cracks open an eye to see hinata standing before him, "Yo" the former says.
"Um.. Um I-I need to speak with you about Naruko-chan" hinata says, poking his fingers. Menma arches an eyebrow with a tilt of his head, "Go on" he says, biting down on another pocky.
"W-well I would like your permission to date Naruko-chan" hinata says. Menma stares at hinata for a few moments and making him nervous, "Aren't you supposed to ask her father" menma asks.
"I-I will but I wanted to ask you as well" hinata replies. Menma slowly sits up, "Sure.. I have no problems with it" he says but his face becomes serious.
"What do You want Hyuga" menma says. Hinata's eyes widen in shock, "W-what D-did I-I D-do" he says.
"Not you Hinata.. The other one" menma says and points. Hinata follows menma's finger and sees neji, "Neji-niisan" he says.
"So what do ya want Hyuga" menma says, pocketing his pocky. Neji glares at hinata for moment but focuses his eyes on menma, "I have to speak to you about your threat during the exams" he says. A coy smirk forms on menma's face, "That was idle chatter.. However I would have carried it out.. If you harmed my baby sister" he says, getting to his feet. Liger stays on his belly to not disturb kali as menma dusts off his white cargo pants and white singlet.
"Neji-niisan why are you doing this" hinata asks but neji glares and he flinches.
"Stay out of this" neji says. Menma pockets his hands as he nears neji, "You couldn't defeat my sister.. Why do you think you can retaliate on my threat" he says.
"Unlike the Uchiha.. I will take you seriously" neji counters but menma chuckles.
"Yeah.. Another overconfident Rookie of the Year" menma shouts.
"I am nothing like the Uchiha" neji says. Menma snorts and scratches his head, "Sasuke said the same thing about you and like him.. You are just as Pathetic" he says. Neji's eyes narrow and his Byakugan emerges but his eyes widen and he doubles over as menma has his left fist embedded in his gut.
"For someone with Such superior eyes.. You are fucking Blind.. Wake up" menma says, as neji drops to his knees. Menma turns on his heels and takes kali from liger, "Come on Hinata" he says, walking with liger in tow. Hinata turns to neji as he was clutching his stomach, "He is right Neji-niisan" he says and catches up to menma. Neji grabs the grass with a heated look on his face, "Damn him" he thought.
*Market District*
Menma yawns as he makes his way to the Hokage Tower, having part ways with hinata as he headed to see kurenai. Liger was next to him with kali again on his head, "You love being tall" he muses and kali makes a cute noise. Menma snorts with a smile as he takes a soft drag on his cigarette, "So when do we leave" he asks.
"Oyaji said three days" liger replies. Menma blows a stream of smoke but his eyes catch sight something or rather someone, "Who's she" he thought. She is a tall and slender, young woman with green eyes and mid-back length auburn hair, styled with four bangs. Two are short with one covering her right eye and two long, that cross as just under her chin. She was wearing a dark blue, sleeveless kimono style blouse with matching arm-warmers, a pair of Anbu style pants with several pouches and calf length boots.
"She pretty" kali comments, catching the woman's attention. Menma strokes kali on the head and she purrs as the woman approaches, "Well thank you little one.. Are you a summons" she asks.
"They are Ms" menma states. She turns her attention to menma, "Mei.. Mei Terumi" she says, with a slight bow.
"Menma Kiriyu.. The big furball is Liger and the little scamp is Kali" menma says, patting liger on the back.
"You smell of saltwater" liger notes and mei arches an eyebrow.
"You are quite sharp.. I'm from the Land of Water" mei states.
"Long way from home" menma says and mei slowly nods.
"Yes I have come to meet with the Hokage" mei states. Menma blows a stream of smoke, "Well you are in luck.. I am heading that right now" he says, as they walk.
"Then please lead the way" mei states and menma nods.
"She's a shinobi and skilled to boot.. I wonder if she with Kirigakure or the Rebels" menma thought. The foursome reach the tower but liger decides to head home, "See ya Aibou" he says, dispelling. Kali was sitting on menma's head, "So why do need to see the Hokage" he asks.
"I'll reveal that in time Menma-san" mei states. Menma puts out cigarette in his glove, "Of course" he says, reaching minato's office.
"Is he in" menma asks. The secretary nods and lets them pass, "Please go in" she says. Menma knocks twice and opens the door, seated at his desk was minato and the Sandaime was there as well.
"Menma-kun.. What brings you here today and who is this" hiruzen asks, holding his pipe. Mei bows deeply, "Hello Hokage-sama and Sandaime-sama.. My name is Mei Terumi and I represent the Rebel leader Yagura Karatachi in Kiri" she states.
"Now I know" menma thought. Mitsuomi took a seat next to hiruzen as minato stares at mei, "Why have come Mei-san" minato asks.
"Yagura-sama sent me to ask for aid in defeating the Yondaime Mizukage Hanzo and his loyalists to stop the Wholesale genocide of Kekkei Genkai users" mei explains.
"I heard about this from Sensei's network.. The Jinchuriki of the Sanbi was apart of the Rebellion" minato says. Mei slowly becomes sullen, "Yes.. Oichi-sama is the reason we still exist.. She sacrificed her life and held off both Hanzo and Ukataka the Rokubi" she explains.
"I see.. I'll bring this up with the council.. We currently don't have a solid reason to aid in this and we are still recovering from an invasion by Oto and Suna" minato states and mei frowns.
"How about Chasing Missing-nin that may have fled to Kiri" menma comments. Minato stares at his stepson with a furrowed brow, "Explain" he says.
"My Hunter-Team can go and we would have Sannin rights to travel and search and If Kiri's loyalists decide to provoke us.. We would have reason to Assist the Rebels" menma explains. Minato adopts a thinking pose, "That is a plausible plan but your team is yet to be tested or chosen" he says.
"True but Konan.. Yugito.. Kurotsuchi and I have worked together.. Adding Anko and Tayuya to the mix is a bonus.. Plus it would give us a chance to take on Upper Echelon shinobi" menma states.
"You are a Hunter-nin Menma-san" mei asks, entering the conversation. Menma taps a seal on his forearm and his mask appears, "Just recently appointed but I am known as Kiriyu The White-Storm or The Harlequin in some circles" he replies and mei's eyes widen.
"You're The Harlequin?!" mei asks and menma slowly nods.
"I've seen the horrors of Hanzo's Genocide.. My Angel was even born in Kiri" menma states and mei's eyes flicker.
"Mei-san when do you need to return to Kiri" hiruzen asks and mei turns his way.
"A month" mei replies.
"That works out perfect for me" menma says and rises from the sofa, "I can take care of two things and head for Kiri with the team" he adds. Minato rests his chin on his propped up hands, "What two things" he questions.
"I need new swords.. So I need to see their maker.. Shakku Arai and the second thing concerns the Tiger Boss Blackblaze" menma states and mei's eyes slightly widen.
"You have swords from Shakku Arai" mei states and menma nods.
"I do but they cracked under pressure of my last battle" mitsuomi says, picking up kali.
"When would you be leaving" minato asks and menma rubs his chin.
"A day or two.. I would travel to Tiger Summon realm.. While there.. I can meet with Shakku" mitsuomi explains.
"I see.. I will convene a Council meeting to explain the situation but you have Permission to head out when you needed" minato explains. Mei bows deeply, "Thank you so much Hokage-sama" she says and minato raises his hand.
"It's quite alright.. Menma can you escort Mei-san to a hotel for the night" minato says.
"Sure" menma says, heading for the door and mei following him out. Menma sighs with a rub of his head, "I have question for you Mei" he says.
"What sort of question" mei says and menma glances her way.
"Why didn't you reveal you were a Jinchuriki" menma says. Mei freezes as her eyes widen but menma places a hand on her shoulder and they vanish, reappearing on minato's stone head.
"How could you know That?!" mei shouts, snapping out her shock. Menma turns to face her as his eyes turn red with black slits, "Because I am one Too" he states and holds up nine fingers.
"The Kyubi no Kitsune" mei says but holds up five fingers, "I am the Jinchuriki of Kokuo the Gobi" she replies.
"Have you been treating my Sister Well" a female voice asks. Mei gasps and stares at menma, "I am borrowing him for a moment.. I am the Kyubi.. Can I speak to Kokuo" kyubi says. Mei stares and closes her eyes for a moment but opens them, revealing dark blue-green eyes.
"Hello Onee-sama" kokuo says, her voice soft.
"Is this Kunoichi treating you well" kyubi asks and kokuo nods.
"Yes.. Mei-chan is a strong young woman.. She has two Kekkai Genkai.. I was sealed in her when she was about four years old.. Isobu's host taught her to use my powers" kokuo explains. Kyubi frowns at the thought of her brother, "Onee-sama.. Your powers seemed diminished" kokuo asks.
"I was spilt between Kit and his two younger sisters but I will slowly regain my full powers" kyubi says and looks her sister in the eye.
"They will pay for their transgressions" kyubi hisses, ceding control and followed by kokuo. Menma and mei sigh as they regain use of their bodies, "That was strange experience" mei comments.
"Not the first for me.. So how many tails can you use" menma states. Mei looks out over konoha, "I can fully transform into Kokuo like Oichi-sama did with Isobu" she replies.
"Hmm.. Like Yugito" menma muses and mei arches an eyebrow, "My Other girlfriend and Jinchuriki like us.. She has Matatabi the Nibi no Nekomata" he adds.
"I see" mei says but jerks as she catches a scroll. Menma sparks up a cigarette, "Inside are the Kiba-blades.. I fought and killed Raiga" he says.
"This will come in handy.. Thank you Menma-san" mei says, placing the scroll in her pouch. Menma grasps her shoulder, "Not a problem" he says and both vanish once again.
*Unknown Location*
Nine projection stood on the fingers of a misshapen and bound statue with nine closed eyes, all nine wore matching black cloaks, adorned by red clouds. The first was the Mad-Bomber Deidara of Iwagakure, his blonde hair covering his left eye and leaving a lone blue eye visible. Next to deidara was his hunched over partner Sasori of the Red Sand from Sunagakure, his lifeless black eyes unmoving. To the left was the Jashinist Hidan from Yugakure, his sliver hair slicked back and his purple eyes filled with insanity.
Next to hidan was his partner and oldest of the nine Kakuzu from Takigakure. He is a tall tan-skin man with long dark-brown hair. His eyes have an unusual colouring with green irides, no pupils and red sclera. The most unusual of the group was Zetsu with a literal white and black side, both having a pupil-less yellow eye and spiky green hair, with venus-flytrap extensions sprouted from their bodies.
Kisame was glancing to his partner itachi but back to their leader Pein of Amegakure and his right hand Chino. Pein was tall with spiky orange hair but his most defined feature were his purple rippled patterned eyes. Chino is a tall and slender woman with long, braided light-blonde hair to her rear and violet eyes with short eyebrows.
"Now that we have gathered.. Zetsu give your report" pein declares.
"We have ascertained the locations of all the Jinchuriki but it will be Two years before the Sanbi reforms.. The Ichibi is Suna.. The Nibi and Kyubi are in Konoha.. The Yonbi is living in the mountains outside Iwagakure.. The Nanabi is in Taki and the Hachibi doesn't leave Kumogakure" zetsu explains in tandem.
"Why is the Nibi in Konoha.. Last I remember she was in Kumo" kakuzu states. Zetsu glances to pein but then to kakuzu, "She is involved with the Kyubi" zetsu replies.
"Heathens" hidan sneers. Chino stares at itachi but a smirk forms, "You're looking weak Itachi" she says.
"Hn" itachi utters. Deidara chuckles with a smirk on his face, "Now that you mention it.. He does Chino" he says.
"He fought the true Kyubi and narrowly was the victor" zetsu comments. Sasori fixes his gaze on itachi, "How powerful is the Boy.. He would make a superb puppet" he says.
"He is someone not to be taken lightly.. He has Eyes like mine and can summon the Storm God" itachi says and chino scoffs.
"He'll fall like all the Rest" chino states. Itachi narrows his eyes at chino but glances to pein, his Rinnegan glowing and dominant.
"Enough chatter.. Since We can not hunt the Jinchuriki.. We will continue to collect funds and members.. Zetsu continue to monitor the Jinchuriki" pein states, as his projection ceases. One by one they vanish as itachi sighs as he sits on his cot, before a swirl forms before him. A tall man with short, spiky, black hair but his face hidden by a orange spiral mask and a lone Sharingan staring back.
"Still looking Tired Itachi" the man states. Itachi pulls a box of pocky from under his pillow, "I am nearly healed Madara.. Or should I say Obito" he states. Obito glares with his visible eye, "Watch your Tone" he shot.
"How strong is Kazuya's son" obito adds. Itachi chews on his pocky, "Borderline S-class and his Susano'o is evolving" he states.
"Interesting.. The boy possess the same power as our Founder Madara and you have his Izuna's power but it doesn't compare to Pein or My power" obito states and vanishes. However the kin-slayer glares, "You're wrong Obito.. Menma and I can defeat you and Pein" itachi thought.
*XxX*
Menma crosses his legs up on the teacher's desk in the academy with kali in his lap and stroking her head. Konan and kurotsuchi sit on one of the rows, while yugito sits by the window and mei leaning on the wall. The door opens as tayuya and anko enter, "So we're here and who's the red head" anko says. Menma places kali on the desk and swings his legs forward, "This is Mei Terumi.. She is a member of the Rebel Faction in Kiri's Civil war" he states and konan's eyes widen.
"She came seeking aid and Hokage-sama agreed to send us" menma states. Anko arches an eyebrow, "How can Hokage-sama swing that.. It a foreign country" she states.
"True but I suggested that we go under the guise of a Hunter team.. I know that one or more Missing-nin went to Kiri.. Since our team will have Sannin travel rights.. We can go in and if Kirigakure starts some shit.. Considering myself.. Kurotsuchi and Konan have Kekkai Genkai.. Once they provoke us.. We can assist the rebels without reprisal towards Konoha" menma explains.
"Smart.. Kirigakure would be the aggressors against us" yugito states and menma nods.
"How did you get the Yondaime to agree to this" tayuya asks and menma grins.
"It was one of the conditions I set down for taking the Exams alone and becoming Chunin.. He agreed to several things no questioned asked within reason of course.. He agreed to transfer myself.. Yugito.. Konan and Kurotsuchi to the Hunter division.. Second a chance to create a team similar to Kakashi's Team Ro with you and Anko added" menma explains.
"Seriously" anko states. Menma picks up kali and strokes her fur, "Yes.. The team I'm forming.. It's goal is to bring down the Akatsuki and other enemies of Konoha.. Piece by piece" he says and silence fills the room as yugito's eyes widen.
"The Akatsuki are a threat to three of us in this room and those like us" menma states and anko arches as eyebrow but mei steps forward.
"I am a Jinchuriki like Menma and Yugito.. I possess the Gobi Kokuo" mei states and the room falls into silence once again.
"When do we start" kurotsuchi says. Menma pushes forward on the desk, "I need new swords and for that I need to go to Spring country.. Also the Tiger boss needs me as well" he states.
"How long will you be gone" tayuya asks. Menma thought for a moment, "That depends on Blackblaze.. I sent word to my other half about the Swords and he'll deal with it" he explains.
"Regardless of what Blackblaze wants.. We have a month before Mei needs to return.. So while I am gone.. You five Train and work with Mei.. Even take out Missing-nin to work together" mitsuomi adds and the five nod.
"Thank you Menma-san.. Thank you Everyone for your aid" mei says and bows. Menma rubs under his nose, "Thank us when we free Kiri" he says and the other nod.
*Namikaze Estate*
"WHAT!.. YOU'RE LEAVING?!" kushina bellows. Menma was on his knees with his face in the carpet as his mother loomed over him, "Blackblaze wants me to train with him" he says. Hellfire and brimstone surrounds kushina as her hair was alive but it quickly dispels, "Oh" she says. Naruko stifles her laughter as mito was petting kali, "How long will you be gone Nii-nii" mito asks.
"Depends on Blackblaze but a month from now.. My new team will be heading out to Kiri" menma says but flinches. Kushina was staring at him with serious eyes, "Does it concern what Minato brought up at the council meeting" she says.
"It does" menma replies. Kushina falls back in her chair, "I just got you back Sochi and you're leaving again" she says. Menma kneels in front her, "You won't loss me anymore.. I have new sibling to meet and my Three Kawaii sisters" he says, as kushina strokes his head.
"I know Sochi.. I know but it's hard" kushina says. Menma rises to his feet and pulls his necklace from his shirt, "Yeah but the Maelstrom will protect me" he says and kushina hugs him tightly. Mito and naruko hug menma from behind and kali snuggles his leg, "Kali I have big girl mission for you" he says, as they release him.
"I need you keep my family safe" menma says, kneeling down. Kali snuggles his hand, "I protect" she says, as he rubs her head. Menma smiles warmly as he picks up kali and hands her to mito, "Be back before you know it" he says, ruffling his sisters' hair. Kushina and twins follow menma outside, "Where are Konan and the others" kushina asks.
"Taking a quick mission for a Missing-nin near the capital" menma says, summoning his grey cloak.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu" menma shouts, slamming his hand in the grass. Liger appears in a large puff of smoke, "Ready Aibou" he says, as mitsuomi climbs on.
"We'll take good of him Habanero" liger says and both vanish in a puff of smoke. Menma and liger reappear in the summon realm of the Tiger clan, both were hit by the cold of the ever fluctuating weather. Menma pulls his cloak closer as liger ran through the snow, "You sure about this Aibou" he asks. Menma has a melancholic look on his face, "I am Aniki.. Even though our fight was a draw in his favor.. Itachi is no doubt gonna train.. So I need step it up and Sage training is it" he states. The snow gives way to humid jungle as liger makes his way to his Father's lair, "Kali should've come" he notes.
"Naw.. Kali can stay with my sisters and the girls" menma said and liger snorts.
"Harem" liger corrects. The pair reach the cave as Whiteblaze was waiting in a human form, with long white hair and catlike blue eyes and dressed in a white stripe furisode kimono.
"Blackblaze is inside.. You must go alone at point" whiteblaze denotes. Menma slips off his cloak and the tiger mother hugs him, "Be safe my cub" she whispers. Menma heads inside as the tiger boss was resting on a large rock, "So kiddo.. The time has come" he declares. Blackblaze is a black Bengal tiger with red eyes and several battle scars.
"I am ready Oyabun to receive your sagely training" menma declares. Blackblaze jumps down as his body shifts to an armoured man and red eyes, "Unlike the toads.. They have you mediate to draw in natural energy but that takes too long" he says.
"We Tigers go about by a different method.. Now kneel" blackblaze states. Menma complies as blackblaze stands behind him, "We apply a seal to draw in natural energy in times of idleness and allows the user to draw upon it at will" he says and places his hand on menma's back. Blackblaze raises a half ram sign and his body glows, "Prepare yourself" he shouts. Menma's body seizes as his shirt rips open and a tattoo of tiger's face with its mouth open appears but the scar on his back obscures part of the face.
"Arghhhhh" menma screams and lurches forward.
[Music: Hollowed - Bleach Ost]
"The seal will take time to adhere to your body and it will be excruciating.. So you must endure" blackblaze declares. Menma clutches his sides as he writhes on the floor, his eyes darting around and body twitching.
"Kyubi.. I know you can hear me.. This is the Boy's trial.. Do not aid him" blackblaze declares. Inside menma's mindscape kyubi sits on her throne as lightning erupts in a torrential storm, "You endure this Kit and I'll tell you my True name" she thought. Menma struggles to move but his body refuses as blackblaze looks on, "Natural Energy is the life force of the Planet.. To balance Natural energy and one's Chakra.. The user can become a Sage.. The seal now on your Back was taught to me by Your Great Grandfather.. Genryusai Yamamoto Uzumaki" he starts. Menma's body pulses and twitches, causing several veins to burst and spray blood.
"As I said before.. Unlike the Toads of Mt. Myoboku or the Snakes of Ryuchi cave.. That seal will function as a storage seal for Natural Energy.. Bypassing its limitations and allowing you enter Sage mode more quickly" blackblaze states. Menma's bandage violetly rip as his left arm bugles, "Ahhhhhh.. The Pain" he cries, clutching the arm as it doubles in size. His Shiro-kaminari erupts and out as his shirt rips apart, soon stripes appeared on his bulging right arm.
"Excellent.. It's coming along" blackblaze thought. Menma struggles to get up again but his legs dig into the ground and like his arms, growing bigger and his Shinosoku flaring. Menma raises his head as stripes form on his cheeks and his eyes become sharper but his pupil becomes a slit with dark marks around his eyelids. Blackblaze gives a fanged grin as he returns to his tiger form, "Coming along quite smoothly" he muses. Menma tries to moves any part of his body but jolts of pain erupts as more veins rupture, "Ahhhhh" he howls, flaring his Shinsoku. [song ends]
*Spring/Snow Country*
A tall figure moves with a calculated pace through town, his face hidden by a white mask with a pink heart over the left eye and a purple lightning bolt on the right. He wears black cargo pants with combat boots, a sleeveless shirt and a trench coat with white sleeves and silver pauldrons. Children giggle and point as the figure moves through the crowd, "Look Mama a clown" one child shouts.
"Shh" the mother chides. The figure scoffs and runs his fingers through his slicked black hair, "Che.. Harlequin you brat" he thought. The crowds start give way as the figure makes his way towards a shrine at the behest of his original. This figure is the Chi-bunshin of menma and his darker half, dubbed the Harlequin.
"I wonder if the original is dead yet" he thought but smirks, "Then I'd be the original" he chuckles. Harlequin makes his way up the steps, "That old codger better be alive" he thought, reaching the top and finding a small stand. Harlequin stops at the small stand that has several knives and various cutlery, before a small boy appears.
"Hi.. Shake hands.. Shake hands" he crows. Harlequin stares at the boy as the younger waves his hands, "Shake hands" he says and the boy squeals. The door behind him slides open as a young woman emerges, "Can I help you Sir" she asks.
"I'm looking for Shakku" harlequin states and the woman gasps.
"Who is it Azusa" a young man says, stepping out the door.
"He is looking for your father Seiku" azusa says, picking up their son iori. Harlequin removes his mask and both gasps, seeing his slitted red eyes and black sclera.
"I am here at the Behest of White-storm" harlequin states, slipping the mask in his coat. Seiku avoids harlequin's eyes, "Um.. Y-yes follow me" seiku says, beckoning for him to follow.
"Don't let my eyes scare you" harlequin comments and seiku glances back.
"Sorry it gives you an intimidating look" seiku says but clears his throat.
"Why does our Hero need my father" seiku asks. Harlequin sighs with a groan, "He needs new swords" he replies.
"So that brat finally broke them.. Huh" a voice comments. Harlequin sees a older man with spiky greying hair and a kiseru in his mouth, his eyes showing the scope of his skill.
"Still alive old man" harlequin states. Shakku takes a deep pull on his kiseru, "And you're a cheap knock off" he says and harlequin's eyes narrow.
"Whatever.. The original needs new swords" harlequin states and shakku blows a stream of smoke.
"What happened" shakku asks. Harlequin takes a seat on the porch next to shakku, "Itachi Uchiha happened.. They did battle with the swords shattering" he replies. Shakku rubs his chin thought, "Shishio told me the kid had an almost inhuman capacity for Raiton.. The Joker and Trick couldn't handle it as time passed" he states.
"Plausible.. He and I fight differently" harlequin comments. Shakku rises from the porch with a smirk, "That why I started on new swords for him the last I saw him in Iron" he says, beckoning for harlequin. The pair head to the forge behind the shrine, "These swords are the Principal Forge of the White-Trick and Black-Joker" shakku states.
"Principal Forge" harlequin questions.
"When forging Holy like sword.. You always make two.. One the True sword and the other the Shadow.. Shishio carried the White-Trick and Menma carried the Black-Joker" shakku explains. He slides open the door and on a table were two katana, both inside a black steel sheath and a round guard. However one katana has a white and purple hilt, while the other has a black and purple hilt.
"These are Fukuryu and Garyu" shakku says pointing first to the white and then black. Harlequin picks up fukuryu, "You changed the hilt and guard" he says.
"I did.. I even put some seals on them as well.. They can store chakra and release it as well.. That should help with his Shiro-Kaminari" shakku explains. Harlequin picks the swords up and seals them into his glove, "I'll take them to him" he says.
"One more thing.. Two of my swords are missing" shakku starts and harlequin glances back.
"The Hakujin no Tachi and Renbato.. Two assassins came to see me and took them.. While I was in Iron" shakku states, opening his kimono to reveal a burned slash.
"Who are they" harlequin asks but shakku shakes his head.
"I don't know but I do know they are heading to the Land of Water.. If you can't take them back.. Destroy them.. I refuse to see my work used by Lesser Swordsmen like when I helped with the Seven swords of Mist" shakku states.
TBC
A/N-2: Next chapter will pick up with Menma in the Summon realm and then push into the Kiri Civil War Arc. Word of warning I am skipping the Sasuke Retrieval arc. Menma will return to Konoha for the aftermath, before heading off the Kiri. It will be explained via a exposition from Kushina and the others. Harlequin will explained as well with a small flashback but he is similar to Dark Naruto in the Waterfall of Truth. Thank you for Reading and Stay Frosty.