Disclaimer: Fan of Fanfics21 does not own anything but any OCs, OE (Original Equipment), and his imagination. Enough is said.
Naruto had locked himself in his 'room' when they got back to Konoha. He really didn't want to see his parents, knowing that they were mere illusions in this genjutsu world that Madara had thrown him and Sakura in. He hated it, and the additional fuel to the fire was Storm's sudden appearance. That, and the fact that he was having a lot of bad luck, much to the amusement of said counterpart, really pissed him off to no end.
"Menma, open up, it's time for dinner!" Kushina called out as she banged on the door. Minato and Storm looked on as the former had a nervous expression as the latter had a curious look on his face. "Hmmm…Hey mom, want some help knocking down the door, it seems Menma barricaded himself in." Storm asked as Kushina looked at him and smiled gently. "Don't worry son, it's a hundred years too early for him to think he could take me on." She replied. That instantly sent chills down Storm's spine as she punched the door with her bare knuckles and destroyed the barricade just like that as her hair flailed wildly. "…Mom is scary, mothers are all scary…" Storm thought terrified as many of the residents inside of his mind agreed to the sentiment, for most of them know what a mother's wrath is like and don't want to be on the receiving end of one.
That moment, Naruto and Storm knew the true meaning of fear by the wrath of Kushina as Naruto was spooked into joining them to dinner. And the main problem now was-
"W-What the hell is this?!" Naruto gasped in horror as he looked at the plate in front of him. His senses screamed danger at the red colors, the bubbling effect and the heat it emanated from within the dish. "Ah, I see you've noticed my Red Hot-blooded Habanero Mapo Tofu special. I recalled this old recipe and decided to cook this alongside with whatever mom was cooking." Storm replied as he was the first to bite into the mapo tofu. Naruto flinched at the bite, and he knew mapo tofu was a spicy hot dish from hell that burned one's mouth into ashes. He had one bad experience with it and it scarred him for life. How could his Cypher counterpart stand it? And why was he eating it so fast like his life depended on it?
"So Storm, why did you name the dish like that for?" Minato asked the dimensional counterpart of his son as Storm paused from his eating and smiled. "Because it reminds me of mom's cooking, how it strikes me to the very core of my happy memories with her. The love I had from her was overwhelming, that I had to make something that could remind me of that wondrous feeling. So, I experimented with habaneros and discovered how to use it to replace the chili peppers of the mapo tofu dish. Once I complete it, it reminded me of all the times I had with mom, as I can enjoy something to remember her by." He explained as Kushina blushed and fidgeted. "Son, you're a teaser! You're a sweet child to make a dish like that for your mother. So, what's it like over there, in your dimension and with your version of me?" she asked as Storm froze.
Naruto had noticed it, for only a brief moment, pain, grief, and loss. But at the same time, hatred, a powerful hatred that reminded Naruto of the kind that Sasuke back in the real world had, the one that lead to his path for vengeance. "…It's a complicated story," he replied, "I'm not sure if I should really go into detail." He replied as Naruto looked at him, if one thing Naruto was good at, was understanding people. "Can you just tell us?" he asked as Storm knew his counterpart's intentions. He knew he should've kept his emotions in checked when Kushina asked him that question. "Fine, but you're not going to like how it starts." He replied. "Well, Storm, me, Kushina, and Menma have faced many things before and have heard of many things. I'm sure it won't be that bad." He told him as Storm eyed him. "With the two of you, it'll be painful knowing how me and Naruto were like growing up alone and rejected by others." He thought as he finished his dish quickly.
Then he told them the story, of how his version of Minato was the Fourth Hokage and how his mother was the vessel of the Kyuubi, which surprised Naruto of how he's using the same exact story he heard before from the real Kushina…And how sad this world's counterparts to the ones he knew for a short time had. "…but it wasn't all that bad. Well, due to a certain snake wanting revenge on me, he used Edo Tensei and brought mom back." Storm continued as Kushina was startled and Minato looked angry. After all, Edo Tensei is a violation against life and death itself, even Naruto himself was surprised at finding himself angry. "We fought a good battle, as the battle woke up one angry dragon god and the bastard fled, forgetting to desummon mom who regained control of herself. Next thing we knew, we were in a battle for our lives and the full might of a mother's wrath revealed." He continued as he shuddered. "I'm still wondering how she could throw something that huge with little effort or without Tsunade strength." He muttered, which everyone heard as Naruto and Minato cautiously took a few steps away from Kushina who was engrossed in the story Storm was telling her.
"We won the battle, but new revelations showed up. Mom actually had my hidden twin sister in her womb still when she died." He continued as Naruto knew that Storm was referring to Shana, the girl he never met in person, but knew of in name. "Using the powers of the dragon god, she was given a second chance, but was sent to another world to grow up in. Right now, she's looking for a way back to me and mom, trying to reunite the fractured family." He finished as Kushina was teary eyed as she hugged Storm, albeit a bit too tightly. "Oh Storm, I'm sure the me of your world would be worried too. But as long as I'm here, I'll help take care of you just like Menma was your age!" she said with determination behind those crying eyes. Minato was moved by the story as he wiped a tear from his eye. "I'm sure the me of your world would be proud of you finding the happiness you deserve." He told them as he then took a bite from Storm's special mapo tofu.
Instant K.O.
"Minato!?" Kushina exclaimed in shock. "Well, that's the natural reaction to someone who can't handle their spice." Storm mused dryly as he looked at Naruto with a grin.
Naruto's stomach burned that night as he and Storm shared the bedroom with each other. "So, you're living my life?" Naruto asked as Storm scoffed. "I was, but history was once again altered and I'm dragged into some task of eliminating a monster that'll end the world. As of now, I'm living a different way of life from the one you have." His Cypher counterpart replied as he turned in his futon. That made Naruto curious, "So, what happened that made you walk a different path?" he asked curiously as Storm grunted with annoyance. "I'm placed with a curse that'll give me a fate worse than death, but in exchange, great power. But I am running low on time so I have to postpone the beast's rebirth. I'm planning on a revolution, one where ninjas are no longer the superpowers of the world, and a new era born from the bloodstained world that will no longer follow the path of a ninja as military power. It will be ugly, but I will follow this belief no matter how painful it is, for I believe there is a better way of living than being a ninja." The L'Cie counterpart replied as he shifted in his futon.
"A revolution? Storm; do you know how much hatred from the blood spilt from this plan of yours, and the many lives that might be lost?" Naruto demanded as Storm rolled his eyes, not that Naruto could see if from behind anyway. "Hatred, it is one of many things that show we are human. We are human before we become ninjas, and no matter how much we kill our emotions, we'll still cry when we lose a loved one. And that pain is what changes love into hatred, wanting to avenge the loss of a loved one. Humans are stupid in that regard, for humans are ruled by emotions that create this chain. That's why when I was created, after observing humans, that I'm grateful I'm partially human, because even with their ugliness, they still have that hidden beauty within." He said as Naruto was surprised by his Cypher counterpart's words.
"Humans are superior to angels and demons, because unlike the former two who naturally know good and evil respectively at birth, humans can learn and make their choices as they grow. But tell me Naruto, do you think the choices you make are always the good ones?" he asked as Naruto froze at that question. It was like he was mocking him in some way, and he wasn't even sure where it was in that question. It only served to piss Naruto off as he grunted. "I know my choices are the right ones, and I'll never regret them, no matter what!" he shot back as Storm chuckled. "So self-sacrificing, so much like a hero would do, wouldn't you agree?" the Shinobi L'Cie asked as Naruto knew his Cypher counterpart was mocking heroes.
"What weren't you a hero yourself?" Naruto demanded as Storm turned from within his futon and looked at Naruto dead in the eye. "Partially, I'm actually an Anti-Hero. Heroes are not all righteous and glorious as you picture them. For people don't look at the pile of corpses the hero has built up from his or her heroic services, heroes are sinners as they live as some sort of example to give rise to evil. You try to bring peace that will only last how long? By then, over time, no matter how long it is, a new conflict will arise and the death toll will continue. Hell is literally on Earth Naruto, we kill, steal, and commit sins that stain us black, even heroes have a dark side hidden from us in the world so they can be glorified and be remembered for all of history. That's what you want to become, a hero whose famous deeds in life are remembered for everyone to see, but not the crimes you've committed so that makes you look like a saint." He spat with distaste as Naruto saw red.
He knew his Cypher counterpart was true, but the way he talked about heroes, and in a sense, his dream of becoming Hokage, was really rubbing him badly. He was basically insulting them! That was when Storm turned over, making this conversation end. Naruto just wondered why his Cypher counterpart is so cynical. Does he ever smile back in his world? What made him act this way? He needs to know, so that way, he can save his other self from the hatred that binds him.
Lightning was never one to take dreams for meaningless fantasies. Due to being bestowed her own version of the Eyes of Etro, she was granted visions of things yet to pass. They rarely happened compared to what Serah went through when she went time-traveling with Noel and Mog, but this one was definitely different from the rest. Naruto was in it and from the looks of it; he's just as surprised as she was. "Okay, first the dream sharing with my canon counterpart, and now with you, when will the surprises never end?" he asked with sarcasm in his voice as he smiled at her. "I take it that you were enjoying your new adventure in who knows where while you were asleep Naruto?" Lightning asked as Naruto shrugged. "I know for a fact, that my previous lives were much more exciting than living as the idiot version of me." He replied nonchalantly. "So, what brings you back to this world, albeit, for a dream?" the Master L'Cie asked as Naruto was in thought before something came up.
"I need you to return my Magic Circuits I have left in my drawer." He replied. "Eh?" Lightning asked, not understanding what he was saying at the moment. While she recalled that sphere with the green circuit designs and that it was placed in a drawer when she was told of his origin legend, that if he added any more power to his body, it would destroy him. "That's suicidal Naruto; you told me that if you had any more foreign powers in your body, it would kill you. So why are you trying to get yourself killed?" she asked in a very serious tone, the kind showing that she'll beat him black and blue if she doesn't get a good answer from her student. "Well despite the fact that I'm in an alternate universe right now with my original counterpart AND the possible native one that originally lives in this world, I'll need the firepower if I'm stuck in a three way battle with them. Imagine what it's like if three Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails were to fight at full power and I'm not truly at my peak and it's a life and death situation." He told her.
Now that gained her attention as he filled her in about the Genjutsu World and how everything is opposite in its own way. And Lightning doesn't believe what she's seeing in Naruto's eyes, paranoia. The kind of paranoia of something big and terrible is going to happen. But what is it? What is it about that world that has him unnerved? "Remember there is infinite possibilities out there Light?" Naruto asked as she nodded, she recalled that easily. "I just have a feeling, that the Naruto of this world; Menma, is one of those…evil incarnations if you know what I mean." He told her honestly. Now THAT made Lightning shudder, she's heard of evil incarnations from Naruto's lectures on parallel worlds. They are more dangerous than the heroic type ones like herself and the Canon Naruto she's heard about. "But the question is, once it's all over in that world, will you be able to separate those Circuits again?" she asked. Naruto looked at her straight in the eye and said no.
"No, because once it's done, I'm a living time bomb as both Unlimited Blade Works and Fabula Nova Crystallis will begin fighting for dominance for my mind and body. My cells were being transformed like Tsunade said yes, but it was at a slower rate because I separated the two inner worlds. But now, once I gain my Circuits, my body will start destroying itself if I keep using my powers. It's a lose-lose-lose in my situation as a L'Cie with too much power. The price I must pay and the reason why I must quicken my revolution." He told her. She saw it, determination and fear. He was willing to be at Death's Door if he could utilize all of his powers. It was nerve wrecking for Lightning, for she wondered if Naruto will survive to the end of this journey at all. But for now, she must help him to the best of her abilities.
"Fine, but in exchange, you'll tell me more about yourself later." She said as Cypher Naruto nodded his head. "Deal." He replied as the dream ended.
When Lightning awoke, she was sitting in a chair next to the comatose Naruto in the hospital room. It was noon from the direction the sun was setting. She needed to get that item fast, because if there was any possibility that time flows differently in different dimensions, then even after the dream had ended, right now, Naruto could be fighting for his life against a very powerful enemy. She ran towards the Uzumaki household, dodging and avoiding incoming people as she was as swift as her code namesake and reached her destination. She quickly went into Naruto's room and opened the drawer she saw him place the sphere in and pulled it out. It was just like she saw it last time. A black sphere with glowing green circuit line designs on it as it radiated power.
It was warm, felt like steel, smelt of molten metal…and blood. She ignored the feelings behind this object and quickly returned to the hospital, taking to the roofs as she felt her own body being enhanced by her Haste spell as she moved as fast as she can to deliver the sphere to Naruto. When she got there, she placed the sphere onto his chest and watched it sink in, as if absorbed by Naruto as his body pulsed from the power. Now, she must wait, for she had a feeling that something chaotic is about to happen in the other world Naruto was in.
Storm had heard many things in his life, but the news of Jiraiya, the infamous self-proclaimed Super Pervert and one of the Legendary Sannin was dead definitely caught him off guard. Naruto was taken hard as well as he was having a hard time believing it, as the report said that the Masked Man was responsible for his death, and of the capture of Yugito Nii, the vessel of the Two-Tails. "So is there anything that could help us with what Jiraiya-sensei was doing?" Minato asked as Tsunade nodded her head. "Yes, there is the Red Moon Scroll that Jiraiya was searching for. It was part of a prophecy that the Elder Toad foretold that when the world was threatened to go into chaos by the hands of the Masked Man, the Red Moon Scroll will restore order. Jiraiya went out to seek this scroll, and had left a message of where he left it. But the message is coded and we need tie to decrypt it. Go with the Cypher Division and see what you'll learn from it so far." She ordered before realizing something, "Oh, and don't freak out when Orochimaru greets you guys." She added, much to the shock of Storm, Naruto, and Sakura. "Orochimaru is here?!" they thought in synch.
*Cypher Division*
"Why hello there sweeties~! This must be the first time we've met!" Orochimaru winked at them as Storm and Naruto felt sick to the core at how…strange this world's Orochimaru was. He was dressed and was an outwardly flamboyant homosexual with the way the other guys of the division were reacting to him. "Its official, Orochimaru is the biggest creep in all of our collective history." Tenryū said. "Agreed, just looking at him gives me the willies." Naraku replied, "Yeah, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I prefer the original than this creepier version of him." Storm mentally replied as Orochimaru did a little spin as he leapt towards the table with the coded message from Jiraiya.
"So, anything yet?" Minato asked as Orochimaru appeared from behind him with a 'tsk, tsk'. "Sorry honey, but this little toad won't croak for us yet. It seems that Jiraiya-chan was using an old language of Konoha to hide the message. Even now we're all struggling to properly translate the words. Some of it was soft for us with the easiest ones to translate, but the rest was hard on us that are leaving us exhausted." Orochimaru replied, stretching some of his words as Storm wanted to kill the Snake Sannin there and now. This version was on so many levels of wrong. Even Naruto and Sakura were disturbed by this version of Orochimaru. "Well hello there cutie pie, you must be Menma correct?" Orochimaru said, noticing Naruto as he crept up to the orange clad ninja. "E-Eh, y-yeah, so?" Naruto stammered; the chills down his spine were going like crazy.
"I was wondering, if you'd like to…lend a hand in our…group project." Orochimaru said as Naruto turned green. "NO THANKS!" he spat out as he tried to get out of Orochimaru's grip. Kushina sighed at the antics of the Snake Sannin; he always does this to others just for the laughs. "Despite his oddity, he's been quite the help in Konoha's need, especially when researching on code messages and what kinds of enemies we've been dealing with. With his help we've remained top dog in the military powers." She told Naruto who looked at her with disbelief. "For real?" he asked with skeptics. "Is that so wrong?" Orochimaru asked as his right hand was in front of Naruto's face and was wiggling like snakes. "Want to give these fingers a test drive. You never know…" he said as his eyes narrowed as his voice was filled with hungry lust, "-you just might, like it!"
*Shing!*
"Die!" Naruto exclaimed as he drew a kunai and was way on the other side of the building. "Hm, it's something called humor honey, bout time you get one." Orochimaru said in a feminine way, much to Storm's amusement and disgust at the same time. "Hey Naruto," Kushina said, gaining Storm's attention, "Why don't you go around town and find something to do? It'll take a while for us to decode the message and go find the Red Moon Scroll. You just take it easy for now." She told him with a smile. It was better to agree with her, so with that and a goodbye hug, Storm dashed off. Wandering the streets of Konoha, with nothing to do, "Oh Naruto-kun…" a familiar older voice spoke up as Storm turned. It was Hinata of the Genjutsu World, and she was still dressed the same as last time. And once again like last time, introduced to Marshmallow Hell courtesy of said girl as she was hugging him tightly.
"Now those are a nice size, and quite soft as well." Magatsu Arashi commented, which Storm, Naraku, and Tenryū agree. Kyuubi just wondered what is with it with male humans and their fetishes for female breasts, Odin Aesir was curious of how the female body could make a warrior like his summoner unable to fight back. Shinryu was content with his entertainment as Storm was one who never ceases to amuse him.
"Mfmm…" came the muffled voice of Storm as Hinata began taking him to her family's home, a desire hidden in them as she found something cute to enjoy.
"I'm grateful the Hinata of our world isn't this crazy…" Storm thought as he walked to the 'stage' Hinata set up as the female Hyūga's began cat calling, screaming and whistling at him, much to his dismay. The problem he had was his outfit. Hinata decided to 'dress' him up (More like violate him in his opinion) as he was now part of the Hyūga's fashion show that happens every month. Some were even taking pictures of him as he had to do poses for the cameras. "I hate this, I really hate this…" Naruto thought with annoyance. He had been stuck in this ridiculous show for the last 3 HOURS! It was already the afternoon and he was still here!
"Someone kill me…I can't handle women with their obsession with fashion!" Magatsu Arashi wailed as he was driven insane by how these women keep doing various things with clothes, from finding the matching pieces to which one is the cutest or sexiest outfit. It was long, boring, and agonizing for the Cie'th counterpart as he wanted to take control and butcher everyone there. Fortunately, a savior has come to rescue him, in the form of one Kushina Uzumaki. "Naruto, there you are, it's time for dinner!" she said as she walked into the Hyūga household and took him, much to his relief. "Oh, don't forget these Naruto-kun~!" Hinata said; tossing him his clothes and Chizakura as mother and son left the place. Storm was forever grateful with Kushina's perfect timing that day.
"Oh Naruto, you look nice in those type of clothes, you should wear casual ones more often when you're not being a ninja." She said as Naruto mentally sighed. Another fashion comment yet again and he thought he was done with them back with the Hyūga's. When he gets back to the real world he's from, he's never setting foot in the Hyūga household ever again. This one is troubling enough!
*Genjutsu World-Unknown-*
In an unknown location, the Masked Man sat in his throne, his expression hidden as Nione was leaning on a nearby wall. "I've heard the Konoha dogs have gotten their hands on the Red Moon Scroll, which if fulfilled, then the Cypher will return to his world, and that great power will be lost." Nione spoke up; as he noticed that the Masked Man tightened his grip on his throne, albeit a little that no one else would notice. "I'll go, and get the scroll, take the Cypher's powers, and help gain more power from Madara's help." He said as he stood and slowly walked off. Nione smirked, "Now, let's see the resonance from three incarnations of the Nine-Tails in one spot. How much will it affect Storm's seal?" he thought with interest, as he could feel the chaos from the results coming in. "Go with him." He said to nothing as the sounds of flapping wings were heard, following the Masked Man.
*Genjutsu World-Konoha-Night*
Sakura Haruno thought she had everything, but it turned out, it was wrong. It was lonely at home, Sasuke was really a playboy, and she missed her parents. But, seeing Naruto and Storm from the window of the house they were sharing with Minato and Kushina, it was like a dream for them. She now knew what Naruto and maybe even Storm went through in life without family, and it hurts. "Now you know what they go through huh?" a voice spoke, startling Sakura as she turned to the source of the voice. Sitting on the railing, wearing a pink kimono, shoulder length blood red hair, and amber colored eyes that shined in the moonlight, a little girl was there. And to top it off, she's transparent. At first, Sakura thought it was an ally of Madara, but couldn't sense any hostility from the child and calmed down. "Who are you?" she asked.
"My name is Chizakura Uzumaki, the daughter of Storm Uzumaki and the Sakura Haruno of his world." She replied with a polite bow as Sakura was startled by that. She's so young, and so was Storm, and to top it off, she is in a sense, her own daughter! "Well, in a spiritual sense anyways. I'm actually the spirit of the sword he forged, made from mother's sacrifice, her flesh and blood and my own fathers tears and blood as he crafted me." She said offhandedly as Sakura was thrown into a loop. "What do you mean, from your mother's sacrifice?" Sakura asked as Chizakura had a sad expression on her face. "When Father was creating divine metals, I was about to be born, but I required a human sacrifice to bestow a weapon like no other. I was out of control as I manipulated the flames to search for someone and found you Mother." The spirit explained as Sakura sat next to the spirit.
"Back then, I had no sense of self, but a will to be born as you willingly jumped into the fires. The wish you had helped birth me as your very body merged with the sacred metal born from your death. By then, I was already crying for losing you, and so was Father." She finished as Sakura nodded her head. "I see, so Storm finished crafting you into a sword, and gave you your name?" she asked her 'daughter' so to speak. "Yes, when he shaped the blade in the heat treatment and hammering parts, he shed both tears and blood onto me as he began to finish creating me. When he was done, after testing my ability to cut, he bestowed me the name: Chizakura, in memory of you Mother." Chizakura finished.
"Blood Cherry Blossom…" Sakura muttered, this child was born, from spilt blood and sorrows, but something about this girl, felt comforting. "What wish did the other me of Storm's world, your mother wished for?" she asked. This made the little girl smile, "To give Father hope, the hope to overcome his despair and to free him of his curse and to find happiness. I am the sword that will do that miracle, for I am the embodiment of humanity's prayers of hope and salvation; but at the same time, the bringer of despair and sorrow to humanity. A double edged sword to what is known as Hope." Chizakura replied with that smile. Hope, it was a powerful thing, the greatest miracle that any human could wish for, but at the same time, the cruelest gift that tortures humans time and again in times of strife and conflict.
This girl is the embodiment of the good and evil halves of the concept known as 'hope', a sad miracle given a life of its own for the sake of the one she calls 'Father'. "Then take care of your father since the other me in that world isn't alive there anymore then okay?" Sakura asked as Chizakura nodded her head. With that smile from the spirit, she faded away as Sakura smiled. She could wait a little longer to return home, it was actually time for Naruto and his Cypher counterpart to have some semblance of happiness, even if it'll take time.
But as if reality was being a bitch, an explosion leading to the Hokage's office erupted. Walking from the smoke, the Masked Man appeared, with nine strange creatures as Tsunade held the Red Moon Scroll in her arms. "I thank you for removing that scroll from the barrier. Now, I seek to retake what is mine." He said with his hand outstretched. That was when Minato, Kushina, Kakashi, and Guy appeared, armed and protecting Tsunade.
"Naruto, can you feel it?" Storm asked as he, Naruto and Sakura were standing on top of some rubble, watching the events. "You mean the pain in my stomach, yeah." The original said as Storm narrowed his eyes. "My theory is correct then, after sharing an encounter with our own Tailed Beasts. It's the resonance of the Nine-Tails' chakra, which draws each other towards each other, meaning that the Masked Man is the real Menma." He told them as Naruto was startled. "When there is a good, there is an evil. Just like how you're a hero in your world, your antithesis, the evil you must be born somewhere else, and Menma embodies it in this world." Storm told him as Naruto knew what he meant, that means Menma is just as powerful as…!
"We need to stop him now! Storm, you think you can take him down like you did to me years ago?" Naruto asked as Storm shook his head. "Impossible, I'm not in my original form, and I'm not at my full power. I'm actually pretty weak now, and I know for a fact that I'd lose to Menma with my current abilities. But I can at least wear him down before I lose." Storm admitted. Naruto was startled by that answer; from the Cypher counterpart who defeated him in a different timeline to lose most of his power admitting that he could lose now is unexpected. "But since his back's turn, I'll give him a nice treat for coming to us, and to teach that asshole not to make his parents worry." Storm added as he held his left hand out. "Crystal Genesis…Activate."
I am the bone of my crystal
The first part of the aria is spoken. The inner world of the Void Crystals glowing and growing in size as they began producing the materials needed for the master. Sakura watched in awe, as crystals began materializing in the palm of Storm's hand as it took shape of a recurve long bow. In his right hand, a spiral shaped arrow took form, and it began to glow. Sakura knew what that was, he was transferring a large amount of chakra into that arrow, enough to cause a powerful explosion when it hits. Placing the arrow in and drawing it, Storm focused on the Masked Man and breathed steadily. The target had taken out most of the ninja forces guarding Tsunade, as Minato and Kushina were in danger. The spiral arrow radiated power as the air around it began turning. Releasing it, the crystal arrow spiraled through the air at 100 miles per hour.
But just as the arrow was about to hit, it froze in midair, only inches away from its target. "Burst…" Storm commanded in monotone as the crystal arrow glowed brightly and exploded. "You got him!" Naruto said in shock as Storm clicked his tongue in annoyance. "No, he escaped at the last minute; used a Substitute Jutsu to switch with a rock." Storm replied as he looked around his surroundings cautiously. "Look out, behind you!" Naraku exclaimed as Storm leapt forward, as Sakura and Naruto did the same. "I see, that is one dangerous ability you have right there Cypher Naruto." The Masked Man spoke as Storm smirked. "Thanks Menma, that means a lot coming from you." The L'Cie replied, surprising Minato and Kushina at what he said. "Menma…?" Kushina asked; confused at what Storm had just said. "Mom, did you think I was the only one not native to this world? The Sakura and supposed 'Menma' in orange here are also from a different world, and his name is Naruto!" Storm shouted as he leapt in the air and fired another explosive arrow at one of the strange beasts, one shaped like a turtle as it was pushed back from the force.
"It's true! A man named Madara Uchiha threw us in this world for his own plans, and we've been trying to find a way back!" Naruto supplied as he avoided the sea horse like beast as Sakura avoided the white tiger. "So Menma, why don't you take off that mask and prove me right, and that both Madara and Nione are involved on this scheme, for you to call me a Cypher must definitely involve Nione!" Storm demanded as he readied another arrow, aimed at the Masked Man.
The Masked Man chuckled, his body shivering as it turned into full blown laughter as the Masked Man removed the mask from his face, revealing that shaggy black spikey hair, blue eyes, and three whisker shaped birthmarks on his cheeks as Menma Uzumaki smiled at everyone. The sight of Menma being responsible for this destruction had horrified Minato and Kushina, as the incoming Konoha 12 were startled by the revelation of the fate of their friend.
"You're a sharp one aren't you? Too bad I'll be taking your powers to fulfill my own ambitions." Menma spoke as the Shinigami charged at Storm who turned and fired the arrow at point blank range, consuming both in the explosion. "Storm!" Sakura exclaimed in concern as said boy leapt out of the smoke, partially singed by the explosion as the Shinigami was injured. "But alas, I need to compromise." Menma said as he appeared behind Sakura and knocked her out with a chop to the neck. "Give me the Red Moon Scroll, and I'll give her back to you." Menma said as he took the satchel Sakura had and tossed it to the ground. "Sakura-chan!" Naruto exclaimed as Menma floated in the air with Sakura over his shoulders. "A parting gifts from me, to you my counterparts." Menma said as his hand was outstretched, a black spiralling sphere made of chakra with a ring of wind around it as his strange creatures disappeared.
"Menma stop, that much concentrated chakra will…!" Minato shouted as Menma was floating high above the village, smirking. "Great Spiralling Fear Wheel." He said as he dropped the jutsu. Storm's senses were screaming to avoid contact as it was too late for anyone to react. The minute the jutsu landed, it was as if a nuclear warhead had crashed as it exploded. The shockwave from the power shook all of Konoha as everything faded to black in Storm's conscious. But he was able to summon Aesir in time to protect him from the incoming blast before he fainted. That power was too strong to face at the moment.
The sounds of screams, of people in pain, the voices of people calling each other out, was what Storm awoken to as he noticed Aesir by his side. "Thanks." He said as he got up and looked around. Konoha was nothing more than a giant crater now; all from one Jutsu had leveled the mightiest of the ninja villages. If this was a different situation, Storm would praise Menma, but now, it was all senseless slaughter. Then, he felt his L'Cie brand pulsing; resonating…one of the Undying is near. "Can't I ever get a break today?" he thought with annoyance as he saw the target circling the center of the crater. "And I don't have a weapon to fight with, great." He said dryly as he sensed a pulse from his waist. Looking at it, Chizakura was the source as Storm was now aware, the blade wanted to fight. "So be it, my little cherry blossom…" he muttered as he drew the blade from its sheath.
The blade drew attention to everyone as he drew it. The hilt was made of carved ivory, wrapped in lavender silk, with the tsuba being roundish, resembling a cherry blossom that has yet to bloom. But what made the tsuba unique, was that it was crafted from pink coral, and then the blade, compared to others made from steel and made to look like metal, was in the color of cherry blossoms in spring. But what drew attention to the blade, was the aura outline around it. There was a white aura outline on the blade as it instilled peace to the panicking people.
With that blade drawn, Storm leapt down to the center of the crater with Odin Aesir right behind him as they made their way to the center. There, the flying Undying; Mithridates the Lone, waited. "Let's show them how we do things, L'Cie style Aesir!"
Near the remains of the Hokage's Office, Naruto awoke to the sounds of Kushina calling to it. She and Minato were concerned as Kushina hugged him. "Is it true; are you our son from another world like Storm is?" She asked as Naruto recovered, and gently, leaving that embrace. "It's true; Sakura-chan and I are from a different world. And I need to rescue her." He replied as Minato looked depressed. "But the problem is…our own son is responsible for this…slaughter." He choked as he gritted his teeth. The revelation of Menma being the Masked Man, the one who killed Jiraiya, and for Konoha's destruction, was leaving a heavy weight in Minato's mind. Noticing the Hirashin Kunai and the satchel Sakura had, Naruto took them as he donned the Fourth Hokage coat that his real father had worn, and the one that Storm wore in similar design as he had a serious face on.
"Don't worry about him; I'll take care of Menma. That, and I won't forgive him for making his parents suffer from what he did." He told them as he turned and smiled at them. "After all, I am a hero and future Hokage!" he finished as he looked down to see Storm and two weird creatures in battle. The tall warrior one as an ally it seems. But what caught his attention, was the sword he was wielding. It was beautiful, as if patiently crafted by a master swordsmith for years as Storm slashed at a wing. It left behind red colored cherry blossoms in its wake as Storm and the giant warrior decimated the creature as a part of it entered Storm like that time against that other giant creature.
Storm looked up from his position and he had that smirk as words left his mouth. Naruto couldn't hear it, but he sure knew what his Cypher other said. "Ready to kick some ass?"
Many things are least to be expected in this alternate world, but Naruto didn't care. He's going to beat Menma with Storm's help and return home. They had taken the Red Moon Scroll and were now at Menma's base, already engaging in a fight with him and his Nine Masked Beasts. "Too many for all three of us…" Storm commented as Odin Aesir mentally agreed as all three dodged, well, Storm and Aesir did, Naruto was pulled back by chakra threads as everyone looked to see something completely unexpected. "The mercenary group, Akatsuki!" Menma growled in anger as the numerous S-Rank Ninja began their battles with the Nine Masked Beasts.
"Let's go Naruto!" Storm shouted as he and Aesir were already giving chase to Menma as Naruto followed them into the building. As soon as Menma entered, the gears of the inner works of the building began activating. This caused the three to be on edge, "Aesir bring the house down!" Storm ordered as the summoned one complied as he began cutting through all of the gears and metal with Zantetsuken. "While I cut worthless junk, you get to fight a worthy opponent for the Zantetsuken. So unfair." The summon telepathically commented as Storm chuckled as he leapt after Naruto deeper into the labyrinth of gears.
His honed sixth sense kicked in as he ducked to avoid a kick from Menma as Chizakura glowed in hunger as he swung his katana at the black haired counterpart who leapt back from the swipe. "That blade…Such terrifying power." Menma muttered as he eyed the blade warily, "What kind of being are you to wield a sacred sword of forbidden power?" he demanded as Storm smirked. "I'm a Cypher, we who are chosen to wield the forbidden to bring order to the worlds." He replied as Naruto, in Sage Mode, was ready to bring down his punch on Menma. He grabbed it, and a foul purplish chakra aura surrounded Menma.
"Be careful Storm, this Menma is utilizing Dark Chakra!" the Kyuubi warned as Naruto knew that anything with dark in its name usually means it's extremely powerful. With that, Storm charged at Menma with his sword at hand. Menma smirked as he slammed Naruto into Storm as both fell into the pit of spikes as a training dummy took its place as Naruto stood on one of the spikes as Aesir had arrived in time to rescue his summoner. "This guy is good." Storm mused, wondering if he could ever get the chance to fight against such an opponent at full strength again. "The both of you…sicken me with just the mere sights of you!" Menma growled as the hostility in his eyes bore into both of them. "Did this guy chose to be Jinchūriki by choice or was driven mad by his version of the fox?" Storm muttered under his breath.
"Leave this one to me Storm." Naruto ordered as he created two Shadow Clones as Menma prepared a jutsu of equal power as they clashed. The resulting explosion destroyed everything there from the ripping winds, Storm too if Aesir wasn't there as he used the last of his power to protect his summoner before being dismissed. Once the light died down, Menma was partially exhausted as Naruto was on his stomach.
"My turn…" Storm mused as he walked past Naruto and pointed his katana at Menma who grinned. "Heh, for a twerp like you, this will be too easy." Menma laughed as Storm narrowed his eyes. "He's right, unless I wear him down enough, we're both dead. Huh?"
Installation complete…Unlimited Blade Works restored…
Warning: Errors in installation. Unable to deploy Unlimited Blade Works or use Projection, Magic Circuits are damaged from chakra network and Crystarium Tree. Process of restoring circuits in progress…
Restoring Magic Circuits: 5 percent complete.
Available Abilities: Time Alteration
Storm grimaced at the information, as his safest use of Time Alter is Double Accel. But he still had his L'Cie powers and Fabula Nova Crystallis Reality Marble. If he could get Menma in that to stall for time and let Naruto recover…
He needed to give Naruto time, and right now, Menma had to be weakened for Naruto to have a chance at beating him. "Thank you Lightning." He thought as he knew his teacher and secret crush had helped him at his time of need. "Time Alter: Double Accel!" the Shinobi L'Cie thought as his body began accelerated. He charged at Menma and swung his blade, and judging by Menma's eyes, he was surprised as he harrowingly dodged it, but did not escape unscathed as a line of blood showed that Storm claimed first blood. He released his spell as he felt the incoming pain, altering the 'time' of his body damages it, and even with Kyuubi's regenerative capabilities and the Uzumaki clan's vitality, it still harms the user.
"I'm not sure what jutsu that was, but to accelerate your body like that is pretty risky." Menma spoke, have studied the technique and its after effects. "Well one's thing for sure, I'm not done with my surprises yet!" Storm replied as his left arm turned into a fist as he punched the air in front of him. And that's when it happened, and ethereal arm of demonic origins appeared and punched Menma, launching him into the wall as he was stunned by that trick.
That was from defeating Geiseric the Profane. To summon ethereal appendages to inflict powerful blows of brute strength at enemies, the cost though, is a good mass of chakra to perform. Right now, Storm was sweating, because it was his first time using such a power, and he had to keep his chakra high to last long enough against one who has more chakra than him. To compare, Storm's chakra reserves are beyond that of Jonin ninja, rivaling Kage in that level, but Naruto and Menma, their reserves rival that of at least two Kage, without using their Tailed Beasts' chakras. He had to use his chakra sparingly, or else risk exhausting his own body down.
Magic Circuit Restoration: 7 percent
Menma conjured a Rasengan, with a purple core and black chakra spiralling in his hand. Storm replied by creating his own Rasengan as well. Chizakura safely in his left hand as the two charged.
"Rasengan!" the two counterparts roared as their spheres collided. It was a standstill as Storm and Menma were in a deadlock with their jutsu's. Storm was gritting his teeth as Menma smirked, but turned to shock as Storm swung Chizakura and got a deep gnash on Menma's right leg.
Earth is my body, and fire is my blood
Storm placed Chizakura in his right hand as he began to cast Thunder, Aero, and Blizzard at Menma who flipped through them. "No choice, close combat it is then!" Storm thought as he charged at Menma, the Sparkstrike spell surging through Chizakura who hummed with the power. When he slashed, Menma pulled out a kunai to block the blow, only for Chizakura to cut through the knife and reach its target's chest. The surge of electricity fried several nerves on Menma's chest as Menma punched Storm in the face, launching him back with the brute force.
"Damn that hurts! It's like Tsunade but more hate in it." Storm thought as he recovered, only to avoid a heel drop kick at the last second. Menma had gotten even faster, and Naruto was still recovering, it seems the resonance is more painful than expect, and even Storm was feeling it, albeit to a lesser degree since he and his version of the fox get along better. But what's keeping Storm on edge is the possible control of the Nine-Tails that Menma owns. He hasn't tampered with its power yet, as if he doesn't have it. "Better wear him even further before he does get serious." Storm thought.
He was aware that Menma was merely toying with him at the moment, and that will be his downfall once Storm brings out his ace. Storm casted Fire as the fireball chased Menma as Storm felt his body feel better with every second.
Magic Circuit Restoration: 12 Percent…
Pre-Projection ability available…
"Circuit, ignition…" Storm muttered as he felt the old feeling of Od flowing into his body as blueprints of possible weapons to recreate were going through his mind. Right now, none of the weapons he could project will be useful in changing the tide. For now, he'll use Fabula Nova Crystallis to slow down Menma and change this battle for the better. Menma charged as Storm leapt at him, swinging his blade down as Menma stepped to the side, only for Storm's boot to meet his chin as blood came out of the black haired counterpart's mouth as he spat out.
Unknown to Darkness, Nor known to Light
Menma had no idea what the Cypher was saying, but it didn't matter, he will win this fight. Right now though, his Nine Masked Beasts were fighting the Akatsuki, and are losing. He needed to finish this battle soon and take the Cypher's powers. "Dance in elegance Chizakura…" Storm muttered as he got into a stance as his katana shined in the white moonlight. Menma was instantly captivated by the beauty of the sword as Storm made his move. "Time Alter: Double Accel." He commanded as the new experimental technique was about to be tested.
Wisdom and Strength, Yin and Yang
Storm charged, as Menma was prepared for the attack. While Storm was now faster, Menma could still catch up to him to a degree. But he did not expect this new strategy Storm was using. Naruto, who was recovering from his side effect, watched the technique in action. Awed at the dance Storm was doing. He was leaving afterimages with his accelerated body that slashed at Menma with fire, water, electricity, and ice.
Our bonds carry mountains
Storm's left fist was ready as he delivered an uppercut to Menma's chin, and the ethereal arm erupted from within to increase the force as it launched the target towards the air.
Our wills split heaven and earth
Storm stood below the launched Menma as his katana, Chizakura shined as he slashed from below, producing a powerful force of air pressure that once it connected to Menma's body, left a very deep wound on his back as Menma coughed up blood from the impact of the swing.
Our stories reach the hearts of all
When Menma flipped in midair to recover, Storm's accelerated form produced 4 Shadow Clones that in perfect order, slashed at him in a five pointed star pattern as he kicked Menma in the face with both feet. The clones poofed away as Storm charged at his opponent relentlessly.
The two of us cannot be severed from our paths
Storm grabbed Menma and head-butted him repeatedly before slamming him into the ground and began channeling a massive surge of chakra into Chizakura, that radiated a white flame as he leapt back for the final attack.
—Brother and Sister, at eternity's end.
He brought his blade down, and the kinetic force unleashed behind the blade as the white fire shot forward and collided with Menma, resulting in an explosion bigger than the clash between Naruto's Rasen-Shuriken and Menma's Spiralling Fear Ring. With that, Storm deactivated his Time Alter and fell to his knees, coughing up massive amounts of blood. "Damn it, keeping Time Alter on that long while still recovering my circuits is painful…" he thought as he coughed again in pain. "But thanks to Menma's overconfidence in my abilities, I landed a good blow. But now I've got to heal, and I doubt Menma will let me take a breather."
From the smoke of the white embers, Menma rose, parts of him burned, his face partially dirty from soot, and a pissed off expression on his face. "I'm going to shove that sword up your ass and into your skull once I'm done torturing you!" he growled in anger as he began making his way to Storm who shifted into Medic. "Damn…" he grunted as he can't properly heal himself with Menma only a few meters away. That was when the sounds of chirping birds was heard as Menma leapt away from a Chidori, courtesy of Sasuke Uchiha of that world as his Sharingan flared to life. "Teme…" Menma growled with absolute loathing. "Loser…" Sasuke replied to his old friend with a stern expression.
"To think you'd have the gall to take me on, you're a fool." Menma told him as Sasuke smirked. "Who said 'me', don't you mean 'we'?" he asked as Menma realized what he said. That was when Menma froze and looked down to see his shadow connected somewhere else. "Shadow Possession Jutsu, success baby!" Shikamaru said with a carefree smile. "Body Expansion Jutsu, both arms!" roared the voice of Chōji as two giant fists slammed into Menma from above as Storm flinched at the sight. "That's gonna leave a mark." He mused as Ino rushed to his side and began healing him, as he did so with his magic as well to speed the process.
Naruto rushed over to Storm as the Cypher gave a weak smile. "Hehe…I overdid it, ya know?" he told him as Naruto smiled. "Not bad despite not being in your prime." He told Storm as the ground shook as Menma threw the massive arms off of him as Shikamaru took that cue to leave. "Need more time to recover, think you, Sasuke, Hinata, and Kiba can stall him?" Storm asked as Naruto gave him a thumbs up as he walked past his Cypher counterpart. Joining Sasuke, Hinata, Kiba, and Akamaru charged at Menma.
"Fang over Fang!"
"Chidori Senbon!"
"Eight Trigrams Vacuum Palm!"
"Wind Style: Rasen-Shuriken!"
Four power techniques launched in sequence as Menma avoided the Inuzuka's combination attacks, but was stunned by needles of lightning, pushed back by the air, and was forced to clash with the Rasen-Shuriken again with a hastily constructed Spiralling Fear Wheel as the great explosion returned as everyone else leapt back as the light died down. "You're so annoying, it's pissing me off." Menma growled as he recovered. "I'll kill you all with no mercy!"
With the Akatsuki, who had finished off the Nine Masked Beasts to reveal their true forms as masked fox kits, recovered and leapt into the air and converted back into pure chakra that rammed into Menma. Everyone was on edge as the earth shook, and Menma smirking as his eyes turned red and demonic. Unleashing a roar, he was engulfed in smoke as he stood on the head…of a black Nine-Tails. "Oh crap…" Shikamaru stated as most of Konoha's ninja and the Akatsuki looked at the beast and its power.
"This isn't good," Storm said as he was fully healed and he looked at Ino, "Get everyone else to a safe place, me and Naruto will handle Menma." He ordered her as she nodded and used her clan's jutsu to mentally warn the others who shared the sentience. "Naruto quickly, head deeper into the mountain!" Storm shouted as he and his other self, ran deeper into the mountain as the giant Black Nine-Tails followed them
Have withstood pain and loneliness to create cherished and unbreakable bonds
The two Narus ran from their black haired counterpart and his version of the fox, and Naruto had to say this: "What will it take to knock down this son of a bitch?!" he shouted. "Well, he is you and me, so you're basically insulting yourself." Storm replied with a smirk as Naruto grunted. "You and your snark can it!" he shot back as the Black Nine-Tails roared from behind. Storm gathered chakra to his feet and ran up the walls until he was on the ceiling and landed on the Black Nine-Tails' head as Menma turned around. "Time to settle this Menma; care for a rematch?" Storm taunted as the wounded black haired Naruto narrowed his red eyes. With that, the two opposites clashed once again.
This battle was different now, as Menma and Storm are not fully recovered. Storm's insides were still hurting from Time Alter while Menma had his wounds Storm gave him earlier, and the additional pains from when the other Konoha 12 came in. There was no fancy jutsu, or spells being cast, it was all just pure combat with blades. Menma's kunai knives, against Storm's Chizakura as the blades clashed and created sparks from their conflict. Storm was no longer taking it easy, no; he knows that Menma is serious about killing him so he had to increase his normal speed and footwork to their limits.
Faster, if Menma could quickly counter that blow, Storm had to go faster. It was a battle of speed as the adrenaline ran through Storm's body, as he ignored the limits as he fought Menma. His power surging forth as he and Menma dealt each other a blow; one that knocked Storm off the Black Nine-Tails as they had entered and underground lake. Storm landed as he winced from the punch Menma pulled, that'll leave a bruise later. Now the main problem was…
"GYROOOOOOOOAAR!"
The Black Nine-Tails and its master; Storm noticed Naruto on the ceiling, gathering chakra to prepare some sort of assault; he needed to buy time for Naruto to pull it off.
Yet, even in the depths of the Void I shall continue to shine
The Black Nine-Tails looked around as Menma noticed it too; the air around them was different than before. It radiated a great power as Storm tore off his headband and a massive surge of power shook the cavern. Now Menma knew what those words were for. It was for a special technique that he alone possesses! "Onore…!" Menma shouted as the Black Nine-Tails charged at Storm. But Storm smirked as he activated his ace.
As my life begins anew in Fabula Nova Crystallis!
A ring of fire consumed the entire location as the Akatsuki, Konoha 12, and Sakura watched as the world around them was changed. "Is this some genjutsu!?" Sakura thought as she felt at peace in this area. The world they were all in was a black void that held little floating lights, no, floating crystals as everyone was seeing Storm facing off Menma and his Tailed Beast. Even Madara Uchiha was impressed by this world; the power from it was something unexpected as his ghostly form stood on the tallest tree that was dragged into this world as Nione surveyed the sight. "What jutsu is this?" Madara asked as Nione laughed.
"This is no jutsu, its Storm's inner world being projected to all who can see. As of now, we have to play by his rules as long as this place stays standing." Nione replied as he conjured up popcorn and enjoyed the feast and show.
Storm avoided the maws of the Black Nine-Tails as he held Chizakura up high as the Reality Marble began to work its magic. The floating crystal lights gathered into the sword as it glowed with power, one that made the Black Nine-Tails go on edge as it began gathering chakra in front of its mouth. The two opponents glared at each other, as the fox fired the concentrated beam of chakra at Storm, who swung his blade downwards, the kinetic energy intensified by convergence and acceleration as light escaped from the tip of the blade as it was swung. It became a wave of light that traveled at great speeds at it clashed with the Black Nine-Tails chakra beam. The resulting clash of energies caused an explosion that Deidara would have wept a tear at as the smoke covered the battlefield. And that was when Naruto made his move. Utilizing all of his normal and Sage chakra, Naruto created an army of clones armed with a Rasengan in hand as Menma noticed this.
"Rasen Tarengan!" Naruto shouted as he and his clones aimed in as the fox turn its head towards him and roared, dispelling the clones and knocking Naruto into the water. "Naruto!" Storm called out as the fox slammed him into the water as well. "Damn it all…" he cursed as he sank deeper into the depths.
"This is a disgrace, to lose to such a fake. But then again, you did do a number on the vessel, I'll give you that." The Kyuubi spoke as both Storm and Naruto were connected by minds again, and by their respective versions of the fox. "Thanks buddy, but how are we going to take down Kuro-tan up there?" he asked as the Kyuubi of Naruto snorted at that question. "Even though it is a fake, it is a Kyuubi like us. And Naruto could only use the little amount of my chakra he pulled away from me." He told them as Naruto bit his lip at what the truth the fox said. That was when the Kyuubi of Storm spoke up, "How about…we switch places and fight the fake?" he suggested as Storm smiled at the thought.
"Great idea partner! Now, I'll use as much power of Fabula Nova Crystallis that I can to create a temporary body for you to fight in." Storm told him as his Tailed Beast smiled at the thought. "But I can only use up to at least five tails, unless we can somehow tamper with the seal to use all nine in one go." He told him as Storm put himself in a thinking position, and an idea grew. "Armored Gestalt Mode with you and Shinryū, his powers could condense into the next four tails. The body I'll create will be the vessel from which you can control inside the seal and use your abilities, and Shinryū in the armor form, will act as the shell to help control the powers and give you the nine tails you need and protect you to the best of his abilities." He explained as the Kyuubi laughed at that.
"Once again Storm, you never cease to amuse me with these ingenious ideas of yours. But the main problem, is those two." He said as Naruto and his Kyuubi were dumbstruck and the friendship the counterparts had with each other. "You two take your time." Storm said as he got into the lotus position and began meditating. Outside in the real world, the crystal lights gathered and entered the water, as Menma watched, wondering what else the Cypher had in store for him.
"Hmph, to see those two acting all buddy-buddy makes me wonder how soft I must be in a different timeline. But they do make a point Naruto." The Kyuubi of Naruto said as he looked at his jailer. "Between being trapped with you or trapped in a world by Madara Uchiha, I would choose you instead. I'll help you out, just this once." He told Naruto as he was forced to ponder his choices. It was true, the Kyuubi hated Madara Uchiha more than himself, and being trapped in the world created by Madara is a terrible thought. And Sakura-chan is still there as well. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend…" he muttered as he turned to the seal door. "Alright, this is a one-time offer." He replied as his right hand grabbed his stomach and turned it, just as the lock on the fox's seal was undone as the doorway opened itself as the Kyuubi stood in full glory.
"It's Showtime!" Storm thought with a grin as he felt the constructed body for his Kyuubi finished. "Shinryū, it's time for you to take the stage with us!" Storm called out as Naruto and his Tailed Beast saw the dragon, and felt the power. "Very well Cypher, I've been aching for a battle for a while now. And you've set me up with a good opponent." The dragon spoke as it looked at Storm's Tailed Beast, "It would be a pleasure fighting with you." He said as Kyuubi grinned. "Likewise." He replied as they began to prepare for a battle that'll shake heaven and earth.
*Naruto the Movie=Road to Ninja OST: Nine-Tails VS Black Nine-Tails*
(Note: Kyuubi is Storm's version of the fox, and Nine-Tails is Naruto's version of the fox)
The water below the Black Nine-Tails glowed with a brilliant light as Menma looked down, knowing that Storm was responsible for it, but what he didn't expect, was the Nine-Tails to erupt from behind, biting on his version of the fox on the leg and tossing them both into a stone pillar. The light died down, as Storm and his Kyuubi, wearing dragon armor with five complete tails and four additional tails made of pure golden energy erupted from the water as Kyuubi and Nine-Tails charged at the black counterpart. Naruto, Menma, and Storm, three incarnations of Naruto Uzumaki, jailors of their respective incarnations of the Nine-Tailed Fox clashed in a battle that would echo throughout history.
Kyuubi tackled the Black Nine-Tails as the regular Nine-Tails bit into the neck and pushed it deep into the lake as water rose from the battle. When the Black Nine-Tails resurfaced, Kyuubi raised a fist and slammed it into the black counterpart's face, as it was taken aback by the attack as Nine-Tails resurfaced and began firing concentrated chakra beams at the Black Nine-Tails who leapt into the air and started counterattacking with its own. Both Kyuubi and Nine-Tails quickly dodged the incoming attacks and retaliate with their own as they kept missing and hitting the cavern walls.
Outside of the mountain terrain, the world was still in Fabula Nova Crystallis as they saw the beams of light erupting from the earth as destruction followed its wake. "What is going on?" Itachi asked as Deidara smirked at the sight. "This is some serious art, hmm! It won't end with just the landscape changing!" he said as he nearly shed a manly tear that moment at such wonderful explosions. "Go for it Naruto, Storm." Sasuke muttered. "Do your best you guys, kick Menma's ass!" Kiba cheered, "Don't give up!" Shikamaru shouted out, "Good luck Storm-san, Naruto-kun." Ino whispered, "Teach Menma a lesson for me Storm!" Hinata cheered on, "SHOW MENMA'S UNYOUTHFULNESS A LESSON IN YOUTH!" Lee shouted out. "Teach that jerk a lesson you two!" Neji called out, "Slice and dice him guys!" Tenten cheered, "Do your best, Naruto-san, Storm-san." Shino muttered, "Go for it Naruto, Storm! I know you two can do it!" Sakura shouted out as Sasori looked at the Konoha 12. "What a lively bunch." He muttered.
Erupting from the earth, the three incarnations of the Nine-Tails soared through the sky. While Nine-Tails and his black counterpart were using a special jutsu to do so, Kyuubi used the wings of his armor to help fly, and it felt like he was an actual dragon. "Damn you both…why won't you die!?" Menma demanded as Naruto and Storm were feeling it. "I'll be the one who survives!" Menma declared as Nine-Tails and Kyuubi looked at the evil counterparts. "Even with both of us combining all of our powers, he's still able to push us this far. What an enemy!" Storm exclaimed as he and Kyuubi charged at Menma and head-butted each other, causing Menma and Storm to leap into the air with weapons drawn. Their blades met in midair as they clashed with each other. Menma and Storm were fighting each other while freefalling thousands of miles in the air and were descending fast.
Nine-Tails quickly went to aid his other counterpart in the battle against the Black Nine-Tails as he tackled the deadlocked duo from the side, biting the back of the Black Nine-Tails as Kyuubi delivered a right uppercut to the chin before diving after Storm.
Storm and Menma were in their own deadlock while freefalling. As Storm blocked the kunai with Chizakura, he kicked Menma in the stomach as Menma punched him in the face. Storm gritted his teeth as blood dripped from his gums as his fist met Menma's cheek. With a swing of Chizakura, Storm separated from Menma as Kyuubi took him as the Black Nine-Tails, with a deep bite wound on its back, took Menma to the skies again. This time, Nine-Tails and Black Nine-Tails were the ones to charge and head-butt each other. "Just give up…And die already!" Menma shouted as he and Naruto leapt into the air as he punched Naruto. "Like hell I'll die!" Naruto shot back as he dodged the incoming fist and retaliated with his own, with enough force to knock Menma down as the Black Nine-Tails fell in defeat by the original Nine-Tails as he returned to Naruto's body.
"Thanks for the help you guys, well then, see you guys next time!" Storm shouted as he jumped off Kyuubi who smirked as his replicated body faded away as the dragon armor transformed into Shinryū who then disappeared. Storm reached out for Naruto, who had lost conscious from the exhaustion of the battle and grabbed him. Then, Storm's back changed as his coat was torn and two sets of wings erupted from behind. A rosy pink one, an icy blue one, a bright green one, and a passionate pink one with hints of purple in it as Storm flew himself and Naruto to the ground and landed, noticing Menma crashed into the broke bridge and was out for the count. And with that, Fabula Nova Crystallis crumbled as the world returned to the way it should be. With the battle done, the wings retracted and faded away as he surveyed the destruction. This was definitely THE BEST FIGHT EVER!
*Naruto the Movie=Road to Ninja OST: Nine-Tails VS Black Nine-Tails=End*
"Finally over damnit, I need a break from all of this chaos." Storm said to no one at all as he fell on his back exhausted. He felt the power of the Pulse L'Cie brand kicking in, rejuvenating him and restoring his energy. But that was only physical health, as Storm was still mentally exhausted from the fight. "You truly are a wild card Storm." A familiar voice said as Storm's body froze to the core as he turned to see Nione and Madara near Menma's unconscious body. "Pushing yourself to the limits, trying to save both others and yourself from situations so dangerous that no normal person could get through; you're definitely my favorite little hybrid experiment." Nione told him as Storm stood up and spat out the blood mixed saliva as he glared at Nione. "How do I get back home asshole?" he demanded as Nione merely 'tsk, tsk," "That won't be easy, as you'll have to read the Red Moon Scroll to find the answer. But…" he continued as he somehow entered Menma's body alongside Madara.
"You'll have to survive long enough to know how." The voice replied as Menma smirked and flipped back up. "Plus the three-way resonance between the three foxes as it has now weakened both seals, but while yours is still strong, there is another one that is weak…just like that one night!" Madara's voice spoke as when Menma turned, his right eye was no longer blue, no, and it was now a Sharingan as Storm realized whom he was referring too. "…Naruto!" he thought as Naruto was still unconscious. He needed to buy time for reinforcements, and it seems that the Konoha 12 is on their way with the Akatsuki. While no doubt Madara would flee, Nione was a different story and a different league completely.
Magic Circuit Restoration: 23 Percent
Kanshou and Bakuya are available to Project.
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"Trace…on."
The aria he was familiar with, one he learned how to do best at, creating weapons. With Chizakura already sheathed, it was time to call in his favorite swords as he felt the aura of irritation coming out of Menma's body. "Remember these sweet little things darlin'?" Storm joked with an accent, knowing full well how Nione had bitter memories of the times they've fought. The knowledge flowed through him as the married yin-yang swords became his old traditional style of duel blade fighting. To Storm, even with fractured memories, this reminded him of the Maelstrom Wars, the war that took endless lives for Nione's plans. The situation is just as bad, and his mentality is fractured from his fight with Menma, along with using the powers of Kyuubi and Shinryū together as well as utilizing Fabula Nova Crystallis, a heavy strain on his mind. The only reason he wasn't losing conscious was his willpower to not lose to Nione's plans.
Then, the double edged sword finally took its toll on him. Kanshou and Bakuya faded away as Storm fell to his knees as he grabbed his entire right arm, feeling intense burning pain as he lost all feeling in his entire right hand. Because now with Reality Unlimited Blade Works reinstalled, Fabula Nova Crystallis is now in conflict with the Reality Marble as now the crystallization and swordification had increased. Now the more he used his special powers that were neither ninja nor L'Cie; his body would fall apart and his mind will be distorted before he loses his entire mind. "It seems the toll of using most of your powers has taken effect." Nione mused as Menma's grin grew. "You'll be a good puppet once Madara erases your memories. In fact, I'll let him borrow you for his war." He added as Storm gritted his teeth.
"Shannaro!" an all too familiar voice rang out as Menma jumped away to avoid Sakura's heel drop kick. "Sakura?!" Storm exclaimed in shock as she turned and smiled at him. "You and Naruto rest up, we'll deal with them at the moment." She said as the other Konoha 12 and the Akatsuki landed nearby, all determined to win this. "We'll probably get a big time bonus for helping take down the big boss." Kazuku told himself as they all heard Nione's laughter echoing throughout the world. "Oh this is going to be fun! It's been a while since I've fought, and now my blood burns for death! Time to kill, kill, kill~!" he said in a sing song tune as he charged at them. Storm was forced to watch, as everyone fought Nione, and he knew he was merely toying with all of them. He had enhanced Menma's abilities beyond human limits and was evading all attacks like they were dodge balls.
…Storm made his choice. He got up, and walked towards Naruto and placed a hand onto his chest and begun transferring as much of his chakra as he can into his original. While he did not know how to transfer it at first, the resonance from them both having the very exact same chakra allowed Naruto's body to absorb it. Then, Naruto awoke. "I'll leave this fight to you, hero." Storm said as he fell to his side, losing conscious from the transfer. Naruto quickly looked around and noticed Menma fighting everyone in combat and was winning. He had crippled Kiba and Akamaru, knocked out Shino, blew up Sasori's head, and also hit Neji with pepper spray…IN THE EYES!
"Man, I always wanted to do that!" Nione exclaimed as his laugh was heard. Madara, sharing the body of Menma, rolled his lone eye at the stupidity. Why do the insanely strong ones have to be idiots? Even the Akatsuki rolled their eyes at Nione's stupidity; it was ridiculous on a massive scale. When Menma turned and saw Naruto, inside, Nione frowned. "Sorry man, but taking down Naruto isn't on the kill list; orders from higher ups. He's yours." Nione said as he had Menma flip through hand signs as the special jutsu activated. Everyone minus Naruto was instantly paralyzed as Nione jumped out of Menma. "My special ninja paralysis technique works like a charm. Madara, Naruto is yours." He gestured as Menma walked past the frozen bodies. "I'm undone Naruto, get out of there! It's his eye technique, if he succeeds, then I'll be pulled out the same way like Kushina was!" the fox warned him as Menma pulled out a kunai and attacked.
"I'll be taking the Kyuubi!" Naruto was forced to dodge the attacks, as he needed to come up with a plan to beat Madara and return home. "Oi, if you look at him in the eyes, then it's all over!" Kyuubi warned him as Naruto kept his eyes away from the face, only seeing Menma's smirking and the kunai in his hand as he charged. As Naruto ducked under a swipe, the possessed Menma got on his hands and twisted his body with his legs out, resembling a top as he got Naruto on the right cheek as he was knocked back by the force and was kneeling down. "Damn it, is it going to end like this?" he thought as red moonlight filled the land as Menma's sinister smile and reversed grip kunai gleamed in the night.
When Naruto noticed the Red Moon, he knew that it was time for that prophecy as he pulled out the scroll he took and prepared to open it. Just what Madara needed as Menma charged forward and cut the Red Moon Scroll in half, startling Naruto who made eye contact with his other self, and felt the foreign presence in his mind. "Forget everything." Madara commanded as Naruto's eyes became dull as he fell on his back, with half of the scroll in his direction. "I win, now the Kyuubi…is mine." Madara stated as red chakra engulfed Naruto as his body slowly started to float. The Konoha watched in despair as they were forced to watch the sight as Madara was winning. "It's over." Madara said as Menma turned, only to avoid being impaled in the head by Chizakura thanks to Madara's Time-Space Ninjutsu.
"Au Contraire, my arrogant friend…" a sinister voice spoke up as the extraction was halted and Naruto fell to the ground. Everyone (minus the Akatsuki) was shocked at Storm's sudden awakening and foiling Madara's plan of extracting the fox from Naruto. But what disturbed them were the glowing yellow eyes, they were painful to look at for some reason as Nione looked impressed. "Hmph, another nuisance; I should have ended you before taking Naruto down." Madara said as 'Storm' laughed. "Kill me? Please, while King is out, I get to have some fuuuuun!" he said as he charged at inhuman speeds, much to everyone's shock as he kicked Menma in the back, launching him forward. He recovered and looked at his enemy with utter confusion. "What trickery is this? A side effect of some jutsu of yours boy?" Madara demanded as Nione spoke up. "That there is the curse of carrying all the evils of the world in one body. Ultimate enemy to humanity and has the special talent of killing humans in numbers that'll make the Shinobi World War look like child's play. Even you would fall if you get too cocky!" he told him as inside of Menma, Madara narrowed his eyes. "Once again, a troublesome opponent; looks like I'll have to take you to the other side and lock you up there for the time being." He stated as 'Storm' grinned.
"Bitch please; all I need to do is stall the clock for mister big shot hero to kick your ugly ass from here to the other world." 'Storm' replied with a snort as he held Chizakura in reverse grip. Then Menma's body was instantly on edge by Madara's control as 'Storm' charged at him again, but unlike last time with skill and elegance behind the fighting, it was more like fighting a demon in blind rage and a focused target. Madara had to keep using his Time-Space Ninjutsu just to avoid being bisected by Chizakura as this time; the blade had made first blood again against a powerful enemy. And what made a startling surprise; it pierced through Madara's jutsu to fulfill its duty. Sakura was bewildered by the sight of the sword nullifying Madara's intangibility and injuring the possessed boy. Then she understood, the miracle the sword created allowed it to break through Madara's intangibility. Such a weapon could be helpful when they face Madara back in the real world.
"That blade is not normal." Madara stated as his puppet Menma leapt back, away from the sword's range as he eyed it. "And time is up." 'Storm' said as he fell to one knee as Naruto walked pass his Cypher counterpart who patted him on the shoulder as he walked forward. This caused Menma to smirk again clearly amused at the sight. "I didn't think you'd get up again." Madara spoke up as Naruto had a serious look on his face. "There's no way I'd forget what my master had taught me; this Rasengan and my precious name!" Naruto replied as a clone helped form the one technique he loved to use so much. "The title of the book called 'Tale of the Gutsy Ninja'. And the child of two heroes it was from…was me!" he replied with his trademark smile. Madara, still possessing Menma, had a bored expression like he had heard it all before. "Just hand over the Kyuubi and die in this world!" Madara shouted as Menma charged, the Sharingan blazing in his right eye as Naruto drew a tri-pronged kunai out and charged at Madara/Menma.
"My name isn't Menma." Naruto stated as he threw the kunai at the black haired counterpart as it just went through him, only to notice that Naruto was gone as he was right above Menma/Madara with Rasengan in hand. "It's Naruto!" he finished as he slammed the jutsu into his back as the two counterparts were thrown back by the force of the jutsu, with Menma crashing into a rock. "Well, looks like this is time to fold in." Nione mused as he snapped his fingers, causing everyone to move freely as Nione disappeared. "Hmph, the last time I was hit with that jutsu, it was 16 years ago." Madara said as he warped out of Menma's body and floated in the air. "And from this situation right now as even Nione has left. Fighting everyone will be…ah yes, too troublesome when I have gained the data I needed and enjoyed this little show. You've won this time Naruto Uzumaki." Madara said as he faded away just in time to avoid a kunai to the eye as the Limited Tsukuyomi was slowly becoming undone.
"Naruto!" a familiar voice spoke up as Minato and Kushina appeared. "Mom, Dad!" Naruto said as Kushina ran up to him, "What happened?" she asked as Naruto merely looked at the unconscious Storm and Menma, "A battle that shook the heavens." He replied as Minato ran to Storm and began checking him. "He's alright, partial chakra exhaustion!" he called out as he began transferring some of his chakra into the Cypher Naruto. Storm of course, was recovering, and when he woke up, he immediately punched Minato in the face, hard. "Can't I get any sleep now that it's over…?" he grumbled as he wobbled a bit before sheathing Chizakura. "Ugh, I felt like I was running all around the five major nations with no food or water in the span of three days…" he groaned as he noticed the still unconscious Menma lying near the hole in the ground.
With Minato's help, they both reached Menma as a worried Kushina checked on her real son. When Storm got near, Menma's body glow green as the energy was transferred into him as his mind was assaulted by the knowledge in Menma's mind. "Now this stuff will be useful in the revolution I'm planning." He thought as the green light died down as Menma looked just like him and Naruto. "It looks like the ripples from us appearing in this world are fading away." Naruto spoke up as he, Sakura and Storm were glowing. "Ah, we're returning!" Sakura realized as Storm let out a whoop of joy. "Finally! No more out of character and older version of my friends, no more evil clone, and finally, no more you." He said pointing at Naruto who frowned at that as Sakura giggled at that while everyone else chuckled.
"So…This is good bye then?" Kushina asked as Storm nodded. "Yeah, but don't worry mom, I'll see you back home." He replied as he looked at Minato. "Thanks for being there for me even if I wasn't from this world Dad, I just wish we had more time together as a family." He told him as Minato had to hold back tears as Storm looked at Naruto. "While I didn't like you at times, I kinda thought of you as the annoying older brother that a kid brother would love to mess around with, ya know?" he told Naruto who laughed at the thought as he smiled. "Yeah, I kinda figured you as the smartass little brother type. But I guess I know how it feels like to have a little brother, even if it was for a short time." He replied as Storm looked at Sakura. "Be sure to keep Naruto in like for me, because you know how trouble is attracted to him in spades." He told her as Naruto scowled at the comment as Sakura giggled. "Don't worry Storm, I'll keep him in check with my fists." She told him as he nodded.
With that, Storm and Naruto looked at their friends and the Akatsuki. "Thanks for your help guys," Naruto thanked them, "We couldn't have done it without you!" Storm finished as they looked at Minato and Kushina one more time. "And thank you, for being parents for us both." They said in sync as Menma, while still unconscious, smiled. With that, the three dimension travelers returned to their respective worlds.
*Canon Side-Hokage Office-*
"I see, to think that Madara could sneak past our security without a hitch is troublesome, but for that peculiar jutsu and this Storm kid…" Tsunade trailed off as Naruto shook his head. "Leave Storm be, he's off doing his own thing, walking his own path. He doesn't have regrets as he pursues his true self and goals. Plus, he's my brother, what do you expect from someone who's related to me?" he asked as Tsunade wanted to know more about this kid, but Naruto wouldn't say a word, and neither did Sakura.
Once they went home, Naruto recalled some personal words with Storm that they shared in private. 'No matter how far apart you are, even if you're dead or alive, the bonds you share are eternal. And never forget, to be a hero, not only do you save others, but you must also learn to save yourself. You have a right to happiness like I do, so don't give it up all the time for others. Live.'
Naruto smiled at that words of wisdom from his now little brother figure and will try his best to find his own happiness, especially after he becomes Hokage! Now, when he entered his house, Iruka-sensei was there, with a birthday cake for him and a warm smile. That was when Naruto realized something, he was never alone. And the next morning, when a brand new day had started, Naruto ran out into Konoha with a smile on his face that day. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki! And I'm a ninja dattebayo!"
*Shinobi L'Cie-Konoha Hospital-*
Storm's eyes opened to the unfamiliar ceiling, his body in pain as he laid in bed. Soon, after dealing with Orochimaru and ending his annoyances, the Revolution shall rise, nations will fall, and the earth bathed in blood. He closed his eyes, entering forgotten dreams as time continued to flow, and the countdown to the end draws near.