Hey there everyone, Deviant here, and I'm back with chapter 4 of Red Wings! I do apologize for the long delay, but I hope that everyone made it out of 2020 unscathed! It was a hectic year, short to say it was a rough one for me as well. Regardless, I'm still here!
Now, regarding this chapter, this will be the definitive end of the "Intro Arc". This will be that last bit of carnage that we will see for a moment regarding chapters. The next mini arc will be less chaotic than this starting one. My plan is for Naruto to work towards coming to terms with Rodan and eventually begin to form a pact. It will take a moment, but, adding the pressure of the upcoming Chunin Exams Finale, Naruto will have a lot on his plate. This is part of the reason I pushed Jiraiya shoving Naruto into the ravine so early. That way I can have proper time that can be dedicated to what I want to do. Now, this new mini arc will be given its name in the bottom author's note. Feel free to check that out if you want. There will also be the standard additional tidbits of information with regards to future info. With that said I have an announcement.
If by chance I can finish this story and have enough time to work on it while balancing my personal life, then I will continue it. I already have begun to work out concepts for the Tsunade Arc. Additionally, I will announce the pairing for the story since I will be further invested. I do want to reiterate that I will not focus on the romance that much. I do not feel qualified to write romantic fiction, so please do not expect too much in that regards. It will instead be integrated into the story's development. I really do not like rushing into things, call it a habit, but in my line of work I think things through before I can really start moving towards an objective. Perhaps my brain is just hardwired to operate in that manner.
Moving away from that I would like to make a statement. This story, or rather, this arc, the Chunin Exams, will have an ending. I will not abandon the challenge that I set forth to myself when I started it. I will push myself to finish this story regardless of the circumstances that occur IRL. I also wanted to take the moment to thank everyone in giving this story the amount of support it has received, despite nothing really happening yet. This is my first real "BIG" story, and I really want to see it at least reach the conclusion I planned, not just for my own self-gratification, but for everyone who decided to like and follow it. Thanks everyone!
Alright that is it from me. Per the usual release there will be more AN material at the bottom of the page, along with a request! More information will be mentioned down below. Either way thanks for the read and I will see everyone later!
(Quick Update Note: It appears I uploaded the wrong version of this chapter initially. The one that was first published was very much an early draft with many errors. I have updated it to the current version, and apologize for the error everyone! AN 9/13/21)
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor Godzilla. All characters are owned by their respective owners. Naruto is owned by Massashi Kishimoto and published/distributed by Shonen Jump, Viz Media, and Studio Pierrot. Godzilla is owned by Toho Co. Please support the official release!
Red Wings
Chapter 4: The Decisive Moment
Everything was strange. There was an unknown component to the darkness that enveloped him. It was warm, but it felt loose, and flowing, like water. It was hard to determine what it was that made it strange, partially because he could not open his eyes. It felt as though his body was floating in a strange substance. There was an attempt to move one of his appendages, but it felt stiff and frozen in place. There was another attempt. This time a finger. The little digit, or what felt like a digit, did indeed inch ever slightly in place. A sudden jolt caused the liquid to churn around him. This furthered the growing question that had been developing in his mind. 'Where am I?'' He could not tell where or what he was in. All he could discern was the warmth was comforting. It was encompassing, and he soon found himself drifting away. "Boy."
'A sound.' He noted. It was deep and gruff as it reverberated in his mind. The voice sounded familiar, but he did not know why. 'Who is it?' He thought. 'I know them, but who is it?' A sudden jerk of his body forced his thoughts to shift as the warmth began to heat up. What was once soothing had become scalding. It stung as he began to stir to life within his prison. Within moments it soon felt as if he was being boiled alive, as the heat began to increase. It was hellish. 'What is happening?!' He panicked. 'I don't want to die!' There was a tremor, and the voice returned. "Boy, how long will you continue to sleep?"
With a large amount of effort, he attempted to open his eyes. There was great resistance, as his body suffered in the heat. It was a cutting, searing pain. The aching, stinging, tear jerking pain forced his small, yet primal mind to scream in agony. "If you keep this up you will never leave!" The voice warned.
His unresponsive body forced him to struggle. Everything was stiff, yet he noticed that some digits were responding. "How much longer are you going to stay there?" His struggle soon became less resistant. His body was becoming more responsive. Despite his confinement he soon found the strength he needed. He fought with everything he had. He jerked, spasmed, and tore through the unknown liquid. His small digits cutting through the substance like knives through butter, before he discovered a new challenge. Near the edge of the liquid his small digits encountered a barrier. It was firm, yet malleable. With a slight press he noted how easily the barrier gave way once he applied enough force. This was the encouragement he needed. He gathered what strength he had and began to push against the barrier with every ounce of strength he could muster. Eventually, he needed to stop and rest for a second. The barrier was indeed challenging despite its deceitful texture. Once again, he moved against it, like an enemy waiting for the challenge. He struck again once, twice, three times in quick succession! It was the fight of his life. Four time! Five times! Six times, and his unwavering will rewarded him. A crack! A welcoming sign. Though his sight was still obscured by the unknown liquid he did not care. He charged at the crack with every inch of his small body! A small, yet mighty roar erupted from his throat as he surged forth, and with a great amount of effort he breached it at last! A loud cracking sound reverberated across the expanse, as he felt the outside air for what felt like the first time.
A small gasp escaped his lungs as he stumbled forth beyond the confinements of his prison. The new land that he encountered was different from the liquid. Instead, it was closer to that of the barrier. It was firm, rough, and pushed back against his small frame. Beyond the ground beneath his feet a new sensation washed over him as he stumbled into the light. It was cool, yet still warm. The sensation was something that could only be described as a soothing breeze. He struggled for a moment amongst this new experience, as his body attempted to adjust itself to his new surroundings. There was a struggle at first, but within moments he soon found his balance. It was only then, once he had composed his balance, and addressed the new sensations that he realized his eyes were still closed. His first attempt met little success as they were still attempting to adjust to everything. On the second attempt everything changed, and for the first time he saw light.
His eyes, despite requiring a little more adjusting, felt that they had been awakened from a long slumber. It was a strange, yet welcoming feeling considering his previous situation. Looking around his location he was able to deduce that his location was a strange one. The landscape was both bright and dark. A stark contrast that baffled him as he denoted a shaded grey like ceiling above him. The sight was strange as he did not know what to expect. There were strange formations that jutted off its surface, along with the variety of colors that reflected off its surface. Redirecting his view, he took notice of the light source, a strange red glowing substance that radiated heat from its texture. Curious as to what the substance was, he attempted to move closer towards it, but he ceased once the ground began to rumble. He was startled! The brief but violent tremor terrified him terribly as he found himself falling on his back. A small squeak escaping his throat as he cried in fear. It wasn't until a large shadow engulfed him that he once again opened his tiny eyes.
"Easy little one," Came a soothing, feminine voice. "There is no need to be afraid." Despite his initial fear something inside of him began to calm him down in response to the voice. He didn't know what it was, but he preferred immensely over the rumbling. Shifting his head towards the large shadow his eyes widened as the shadow began to retreat, revealing a large birdlike monster. Lowering its head, the monster let out a soothing chirp like sound that was strangely comforting. Another rumble soon began again, and just as before the landscape trembled against its might. However, unlike before the monster leaned closer towards him and kept its head close to him. It was because of this proximity that he was able to determine that the monster before him was female. How he knew that was unknown to him, but it placed a bit of comfort in him that was greatly needed. Due to his fixed attention, he was unable to notice the other occupant of the space. It was not until a large thud landed near the female that he finally took notice.
"Tsk, fearing a small quake like that, you have much growing boy." Came a stern voice. Turing towards the source of the voice he soon found the large frame of another large monster. He was considerably large and appeared to be quite strong. Unknowingly, like the female, he was able to deduce that this other monster was a male instinctively. Taking a step back he quickly noticed that the male was smaller than the female who was providing him shelter. Despite that he still felt slightly intimidated by him. "It's okay little one your father only appears scary." The female gently reassured him.
Looking over at the now dubbed "father" he could tell that the monster seemed stupefied. "I'm horrifying!" He countered. "Why just the other day I killed an entire Megaguirus nest!" He boasted while puffing up his red glowing chest. "And today I challenged the king again!"
The female merely rolled her eyes before asking, "and what happened after you challenged him?"
The male grumbled slightly before answering, "the fight never ended." The female raised her head slightly in confusion. Noticing it he blurted, "Mothra came and forced us to stop! Something about getting too reckless, or whatever."
The female shook her head before lowering it back towards the little one. He looked up confused at what they were discussing. "There's no need to worry little one." She comforted. "Just don't take too much after your father. He isn't the brightest flame." She chuckled. This puzzled him as he stepped forward to get a better assessment. The two, despite a clear difference in size seemed equal, but as he began to assess this further a tremor erupted. A violent eruption soon followed as the scene faded into darkness.
A loud bellowing erupted across the dark expanse as a light erupted into flames. The world was blackened by the shadow of a fearsome beast. It was towering, fiendish, and disturbing. Its sickly, grotesque, single eye peered across the horizon, scouting all would be victims of its savagery. Its maw, unhinged and agape, devoured everything and from its flesh monstrosities were born. Many of which were equally horrific. The horde and their progenitor swarmed across the darkened lands in a bloody, ravenous frenzy. All that they enveloped was devoured, and soon they came for him. He attempted to run, but his small frame could do little to assist him. They were swarming closer with each second. A loud bellowing from the progenitor signaled a violent surge, as it swung one of its mighty tails across world. The violent tempest that followed tore apart the land and sea, and he was unable to brace himself. His small frame, helpless amongst the torrent of wind and violence, could do little in the face of raw power. It was horrifying. He had no control over anything. When he attempted to move, he fell. Each time he tried to stand he was flung amongst the wind. Before long, the horde had reached him. It surrounded him, and engulfed him. It spewed and spat at him its vile and grotesque violence before finally placing him before the beast. The mad god, towering beyond the clouds, looked down upon him with indifference. He was nothing to it. The monster took hold of him, as it brought him towards its devouring maw. He screamed as death itself greeted him. Fear illuminated from every inch of his being, and as he cried for salvation, for his parents, for anyone or thing to save him a bright light erupted across the void. The mad god screamed in pain as its grip was relented. Falling towards the ground he was instead grabbed by a strange new beast. It was also towering, but this one was different, this one was angry, but not at him, but at the mad god.
The beast of darkness screamed in agony as it rose to challenge the new threat. The titan stood defiant, and behind it stood an army of fellow beasts. All of whom stood ready for a fight. Turning around he watched as the Mad god and its progeny unleashed their horrendous chorus. The horns of hell resounded. The new titan met the challenge head on as its radiant blue hue ignited a war cry from the other titans. A roar of unity erupted that fought back the chorus of destruction. Images and sounds resounded across the darkness. Some of triumph. Others of pain. Culminations of various emotions surged through his tiny body. A voice erupted shouting, "Fight to your last breath! Purge the infestation from this world!" A clash between the titan and the mad god collided into existence as a world of death and decay manifested. Everything began to blur as scenes bleed together. Tiny figures, humans, worshiping them, stealing from the great tree, and singing the death song of three storms. What was once a scene of titan triumph and despair, became a scene of a small, clawed wing reaching out towards a dying mother, as a three headed storm raged above.
Jumping forward Naruto found himself clutching his aching chest. Sweat was dripping down his face as he shook. It took a moment, but he began to calm down. 'What was that?!' He thought, as he recalled the images. "That felt too real." He mumbled before a small hand softly touched his shoulder. Turning towards the source, Naruto soon found himself facing a small purple toad. "Easy there deary, you're still recovering." She softly warned. As if on cue, he suddenly realized his surroundings. He was on the edge of a spring, one of many, and he took notice that there were many toads being treated all around him. "What's going on here?!" He asked.
Shima turned to look at the same scene. It broke her heart to see so many of her fellow toads crying and riving in pain, but she steeled herself. "Listen carefully Naruto-boy, you are on Mt. Myōboku, the home of the summoning toads." She began, catching Naruto's attention. "You were brought here by Gamaken after you were attacked by Rodan." Naruto was surprised, but he kept his questions to himself as Shima continued. "Rodan followed you here and he is hellbent on killing you."
"Wait, that oversized turkey followed me here?!" Naruto dumbfoundedly repeated. "How could he follow me here if I was brought here by a toad?!"
"It appears that he had a method of reverse summoning himself here, more than likely placing a mark on either Jiraiya, Bunta, or Hiro. Once one of them returned he was able to follow them back." Shima proposed. "Regardless, he has been wreaking havoc across the mountain, and it does not seem as though he is going to stop anytime soon."
"First, he attempts to kill me because I summoned him with the Kyuubi's chakra, and now he's attacking innocent toads!" Naruto blurted. "What is his deal?!"
"Naruto, from what I've been told there is a reason for his actions." Shima stated. She pointed at the red mark on his right hand and said, "you bare a titan command seal. It's what enabled you to summon Rodan!" This surprised Naruto as he looked at the mark with a dumbfounded expression.
"How the hell did I even get this thing?!" Naruto shouted. "I never had this before!"
"No, you're wrong!" Shima corrected. "It seems that you've had that mark just as long as you've had the Kyuubi!" This surprised Naruto as he realized what that meant.
"You mean the Fourth Hokage gave this to me?" He questioned aloud while looking at it. "But why?"
"I do not know either." Shima admitted. "However, I knew Minato-boy, and he wouldn't have gone through the hassle of actually recreating that, let alone giving it away like he did."
"What do you mean? This mark can only summon that stupid chicken, I don't see why it's so important." Naruto retorted.
"That's because you're unaware of what a Titan is." Shima pointed out. "They are powerful, ancient beasts that have existed since the primordial days of this world." She quickly grabbed a nearby stick and began to draw a basic picture in the ground. "The titans are like Biju, in the sense that they are living entities of raw energy, but unlike the Biju, they are embodiments of Senjutsu. They are equals, if not superior to Biju, of course taking into consideration which one we are referring to."
"If they're so powerful, why haven't I heard about them before?!" Naruto asked with a hint of annoyance.
"That's because they were sealed away during the time of the Sage of Six Paths, which was thousands of years ago!" Shima retorted. "Additionally, we summons refuse to ever share mention of their kind in fear of something like today coming to pass."
Naruto reflected on those words. There was just so much being thrown at him. He groaned aloud as he shook his hands in hair. "This is stupid! How much more screwed up is my life going to get!" He yelled. "First, the fox, and now an overgrown flaming chicken!"
Shima empathized with Naruto. She understood the burden that was placed onto him, regarding the Kyuubi, not long after it happened. Hopping over towards his right side, Shima began to check on his right arm. "Listen Naruto, unlike the fox, you have an option to stop Rodan." She mentioned.
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked.
"The seal, it has another feature that may change everything!" She stated as she pointed towards the seal again. "That seal has created a connection between you and Rodan. With that connection comes the ability to restrain him!"
"I can restrain him?!" Naruto repeated, as he was dumbfounded at such a concept.
"I don't know how, but it is a powerful seal that has been used for thousands of years to restrain titans." Shima elaborated. "Though each one is unique, they are powerful enough to rival the sealing jutsu used on Biju, although, with some added features that aid the user."
"Is there someone here who can tell me how to use it?" Naruto asked eagerly.
"Yes, however, he is currently fighting Rodan right now." Shima answered. "The Elder Toad Sage of Mt. Myōboku, Gamamaru, is knowledgeable about the subject, but he cannot help us."
"Then what if we go to him?" Naruto questioned. "If he's busy fighting the turkey, then we go to him!" This resulted in a slight smack across the head.
"Are you an idiot?!" Shima yelled. "Besides being suicidal, it would be impossible at the moment!" Shima countered. "Additionally, you're still recovering from a near death experience!"
"What are you talking about? I feel fine!" Naruto retorted, as he attempted to stand up. In an instant he was on his back. His body ached under its own weight, and the pain in his chest returned.
"This is what I'm talking about! Your body hasn't fully recovered!" Shima scolded. "The only reason you could even sit up is due to that Fox in your belly and the healing pool!"
Naruto eyed his body as he noticed faint red lines tracing over it. Looking towards the source on his arm, Naruto cringed in pain as he noticed the mark glowing crimson red. He clutched it as the pain intensified. Shima, sighing, moved Naruto back into the healing pool and began to apply healing chakra. "Listen Naruto-boy, there is a reason why you need to wait. That seal nearly killed you." She explained. "I can understand your eagerness, but there are times when you need to be patient. Jiraiya-boy seems to have a plan, though I question it, it may well be our best option."
"Forgive me if I don't feel inclined to trust whatever it is the Pervy-sage is planning." Naruto expressed. "The last time he planned something that stupid chicken appeared."
"Well, that makes two of us Naruto-boy." Shima agreed as she began to motion more water onto Naruto's body, subduing the effects of the seal.
"By the way I never got your name." Naruto pointed out. This made Shima slightly blush from embarrassment as she introduced herself to him. "My name is Shima, and it's a pleasure to meet you Naruto!"
Elsewhere, near the base of the mountain, Jiraiya raced towards his destination. He was nervous. Anxious even, yet he was prepared to go along with his crazy idea. 'I'm fairly sure he won't mind me doing this…at least I hope.' He thought to himself. Within a few moments he soon landed in front of a large door that stood as the entrance to the heart of the mountain. Standing before it were four toad stone statues that rivaled Gamabunta in size. Each one with a hand pressed against the massive entrance. Despite their large size they still paled in comparison to the massive doorway. Starring at the statues for a second Jiraiya took note of a complex sealing array that expanded from each statue's hand, forming a massive forbidden seal with eight even numbered arrays layered on top of each other.
Pulling out the key that Shima gave him Jiraiya recalled how the door operated. He had first learned about it when he was training to become a toad sage long ago. The four toad statues were once living toads that sacrificed themselves to seal the door shut. Before they were turned to stone each one had a seal placed onto their hand. Once each toad placed a single hand on the door the seals would expand and connect with one another. To open the door, an individual needed three things. One was the key that Shima had gave him. The other two were Fūinjutsu and Senjutsu.
Walking forward Jiraiya eyed the primary lock to the door. It was located at the center of the sealing array. Grasping the key tightly in his hand, Jiraiya took a deep breath. 'Despite being the toad sage, I still haven't mastered Senjutsu completely. I will need to be careful.' He thought. He readied himself as he began to channel nature energy. He could feel it. The familiar presence that had gave much trouble during his training on Mt. Myōboku. Steeling himself he concentrated much of it he could into the key. It was becoming more luminous in appearance. Once he felt confident with the amount of nature energy channeled, he ceased.
Jiraiya looked over the key that was now in his hand. It was a shimmering white, with streaks of light radiating from it. Turning back to the lock he leaped up to it. Once on the door Jiraiya was sudden faced with a tremendous amount of nature energy. It was clear that it was coming from the other side of the door. The amount was monstrous. "Well, I see why he stays in there!" Jiraiya remarked as he placed the key into the lock. He listened as he heard a sudden click. Nodding, he quickly positioned himself over the lock and placed both hands on either side of it. He watched as the sealing array seemingly came to life as it shifted and moved to surround the lock and his hands. He then began the process of opening the door.
Flaring his chakra, Jiraiya began to pour it into the seal array. It was arduous and it strained his body. The amount that was required was tremendous, but he slowly managed to make it work. His chakra was spreading across the door, shifting the array back towards the four toads. Jiraiya watched as the four large stone statues were filled with his chakra, and he could feel it. They were heavy. It had been a long time since the door had been opened, but he persisted. He could feel his being connecting to the residual beings that resided in their stone confines. Amazingly, Jiraiya felt a sudden strangeness as he watched the stone statues begin to move. From their ancient positions they stood.
The four toad statues rose, and to Jiraiya's surprise he watched as they shifted their bodies to place their other hand on the door. A sudden tug pulled Jiraiya's attention back towards the lock. Eyeing it he watched as the key began to turn in place. He watched as the lock moved outwards towards his chest before stopping. Watching it he witnessed the lock and multiple gear like mechanisms begin to rotate in various directions before abruptly ceasing with a loud bang. The door was now unlocked, and with great effort, Jiraiya, and the four stone statues, pushed open the door.
Leaping off the door, Jiraiya watched as it slowly opened to a large cave. The size of which was massive. He took a moment to catch his breath. His body felt stretched and exhausted after opening the seal. "I'll give that old toad some credit, he sure knows how create powerful seals!" Jiraiya remarked. He was suddenly pulled from his thoughts though as a wave of heated air surged from the cave. It was nearly incomprehensible how dense it was. Falling to his knees Jiraiya struggled to even breath. It felt as if the very air that he was breathing had been burning his lungs. Sweating profusely Jiraiya recalled another detail about his destination. 'The heart of Mt. Myōboku, resides within the center of a massive reservoir of nature energy.' He recalled.
Jiraiya struggled for a moment as he attempted to stand in place. It was strenuous, but he was able to get up from his knees. Though he was still hunched over. He had never felt anything like this, it was amazing, yet terrifying. He attempted to take a step forward, but when he did, he could feel his skin begin to burn, and his bones quake. Regardless of the pain Jiraiya decided that no matter what he would progress! He continued to struggle at first, but within a few moments he was able to start a slight jog. It was not as fast as he would like, but it was all he could manage while delving into a heavily pressurized cavern.
The nature energy that resided within the cave was fascinating. He watched it materialize into visible substance and dance around like fire. It was truly something as he watched it carve through the walls of the cave, expanding it, before slowly receding and the walls returning to its prior state. It was strange, but as he delved deeper into the cavern, he would find that it was not the strangest.
Deep withing the cave he found the large cavern that expand into a massive sea of erupting lava. Adorning the surface of the lava were numerous natural rock structures. Some of which formed decently sized platforms. Eventually, he found what he was looking for. On the far side of the massive underground expanse, situated on a large pedestal, was a large bronze Bonsho. The bell itself resided within an old Torii, as if it were enshrined. Seeing his objective Jiraiya quickly attempted to make his way over towards it. He pushed himself within the large space. It was an arduous trek through the turbulent cavern. The spurring lava shot up like geysers everywhere randomly. One even nearly snagged his right leg and arm. Eventually, Jiraiya was able to push himself hard enough to reach a speed close enough to his usual. He had leaped from one spire to another, and he soon found himself standing upon the very pedestal that held his goal.
The Bonsho glimmered in the orange light that hued across the expanse. Walking up to it Jiraiya noticed an inscription was carved into the bell. The phrase read, 'when twilight befalls Myōboku, he shall rise.' Moving over towards it Jiraiya snatched the mallet and prepared to swing. He remembered a note of warning regarding what he was about to do. When the Bonsho is struck by the mallet he may well perish. 'Out of all the times this bell has been struck no one has ever survived.' He reflected before he smirked. 'Well, I'll just have to break that record.' Rearing back, Jiraiya struck the Bonsho with the mallet with all his strength. The result was a massive soundwave that roared across the expanse.
Bracing himself, Jiraiya soon struck again, resulting in another soundwave to erupt. It reverberated across the entire cavern. It even shook Jiraiya in place. He was not expecting such a force to resound from striking the bell. Analyzing the mallet, he noticed that there were some markings around it, just like the Bonsho. Looking back at the main item in question, he cemented himself in place as he struck it again. He did it a total of eight times, and after the last one, the mountain shook!
It was a turbulent quake! Everything seemed to stir with excitement. The walls contorted as chunks of stone fell from the ceiling. Jiraiya, doing his best to stay steady, soon found himself losing his balance. The quack soon intensified, and before Jiraiya knew it the everything erupted in flames.
Across the surface of Mt. Myōboku, the Toads were combating Rodan in a joint coalition. They had managed to force him away from the healing pools but were sustaining numerous casualties. Gamamaru had swung his infamous Mugetsu across Rodan's body. The blade, just barely being able to cut through the titan's hide. Rodan laughed at this as he launched himself at the elder toad sage. As Gamamaru attempted a vertical slash with his blade Rodan swerved towards the right. The elder toad was unable to do anything as Rodan maneuvered around the blade. Talons tore through Gamamaru's flesh as Rodan took hold of the elder toad and tossed him. Gamamaru cringed in pain as he felt his body colliding with other large toads.
Rodan laughed at the plight of the toads before him. Various small ones would continue to launch various jutsu at him, usually in combination with an attack from a large one. This at first took him by surprise but having been fighting these toads for a decent while he had already deduced their habits. Once again, another attempted combo was being launched at him. It was humorous to him. He watched as another wave of toads attempted to stop him. The larger ones bearing their weapons towards him, while small ones supported. Occasionally, the large ones would also launch a jutsu or two, but the results were the same.
This time he leaped into the air and began to channel his nature energy. Flames danced across the sky as he unleashed his Uranium Heat beam. The heat of it scorched the land beneath him, searing everything in its wake! The screams of the toads below pleased Rodan, as he proceeded to bombard the remaining enemies below him with continual aerial attacks. Before long flames were engulfing the sides of Mt. Myōboku.
Gamamaru, wincing in pain, looked up were a hurt expression. All around him toads were being assaulted by flames. His once pristine home was burning away. Looking towards his left he could see the likes of Bunta, Hiro, and Ken attempting to help some of the larger toads. Towards his right he watched as Fukasaku organized a counterforce to the growing inferno. His heart ached though when he took notice of the many fallen toads that laid across his mountain. Many were charred, others torn apart. Stirring from his position Gamamaru attempted to stand, but soon found himself falling to one knee as his left side ached from Rodan's last attack. Turning towards an elevated position two miles away from him, he watched as Rodan landed and faced him.
"It brings great joy to my heart to see your kind burn toad!" Rodan cackled. Gamamaru once more attempted to stand, but soon found himself stumbling again. "Look how old you've gotten. The once infamous chief toad Gamamaru is nothing more than a decaying sack of flesh on the verge of expiring. How sad." He mocked.
"Your kind was blessed with the benefits of nigh immortality." Gamamaru countered. "It was inevitable time would catch up to me, but how I regret crossing paths with you near my twilight."
"Consider this justice for the atrocity your kind instilled onto mine." Rodan sneered.
"That hatred in your heart will be your undoing Rodan. It's what ended your kind's reign." Gamamaru warned. "Your hatred will only lead to more hatred."
"That's the philosophical side I despise so much. It's what poisoned that blasted fool of a sage." Rodan snarled.
"Hagoromo saw the light of his actions Rodan. It's what saved his soul from becoming as tainted as his mother." Gamamaru pointed out. "But of course, I can understand your hatred."
Rodan bellowed out a sinister growl as he leaped onto Gamamaru pinning him down onto the ground. "What do you know of my hatred toad?!" He growled. "Mine is a unique hatred reserved for the likes of your kind and the humans! After all they were the ones who unleashed the tyrant!"
"They did not understand what they were doing!" Gamamaru argued. "They were innocent, like children, they could not comprehend the power they were dealing with!"
"And look what happened toad! My kind went nearly extinct!" Rodan roared as he picked up Gamamaru and slammed him down onto the mountain. "First, they began to use that parasite's power, and then they went and unleashed the devil himself! They're arrogance nearly destroyed this world!" Angrily, Rodan dug his claws into Gamamaru's body. He then violently tossed him across the mountain. Gamamaru was nothing but a ragdoll at this point. He had lost his grip on Mugetsu and watched as the blade tumbled down the mountain. He himself would have followed had Rodan not pinned him to it. "When I finish with you, I plan to kill that brat and lay waste to this forsaken world!"
"And what of your king?!" Gamamaru questioned. This caused Rodan to flinch. "Would he want you to do that?" Rodan drifted into thought for a second. It was brief, but Gamamaru could have sworn that he saw slight regret in Rodan, but it faded as quickly as it appeared. Rodan seemed to have reaffirmed his drive as he dug his talons deeper into Gamamaru.
He pushed the elder toad further into the mountain before coming face to face with him. Vengeance met mercy as he growled out the phrase, "my king is dead!" With that Rodan moved his head away from Gamamaru as flames began to manifest around him.
Broken and battered, Gamamaru could do little to resist Rodan. He starred up at the beast before him and the only thing that came to mind was the memory of a distant past. "I feel nothing but pity for you." Gamamaru mumbled. Rodan sneered at this. "I pity that you will never be able to return to the time of your youth. I pity you because you will never have a heart again."
"Pity." Rodan responded, as Gamamaru winced slightly due to Rodan's talons digging deeper into his sides. "I agree." Rearing his head back, Rodan began to charge his Uranium heat beam. Gamamaru closed his eyes, as he waited for his end. Just as Rodan was about to unleash his attack the entirety of Mt. Myōboku began to shake violently. The rumbling shook Gamamaru from his accepted fate, as Rodan struggled to keep his balance. He was unable to, however, as he fell backwards off Gamamaru. The old toad sage used what little Senjutsu he had at his disposal to sense the source of the quake. He was shocked, but thankful as he uttered a thanks to the source, "Gamaguchi." Rodan, unsure of what was happening, took the air. It was not long after that Gamabunta and a few large toads made their way to Gamamaru to help him descend the mountain.
Toads everywhere began to panic as their mountain home shook violently. Shima, Naruto, and the toads near the healing pools watched as the mountain seemingly began to rise. Before long chaos began to spread across all of Mt. Myōboku as the mountain rose into the air. Lava spewed out from the mountains base, stirring panic amongst the masses. Many of the toads were unaware of what was happening, but Gamamaru, Fukasaku, and Shima all knew what was happening. Erupting from the ground a large limb crashed onto the surface of the earth. The size of it was monstrous, but it was not alone. A second, equally sized limb soon followed. Before long two massive glowing orbs began to open into the light as chunks of Earth fell from the mountain. These two orbs were a luminous orange that rose with the mountain. It appeared to be covered in bony scales like scutes. Horn like protrusion adorned the top of its eyes, and its body towered beyond the sky. Stirring from his long slumber, the legendary Gamaguchi, the mountain toad, rose before letting out a mighty bellow.
"What the heck is that?!" Naruto yelled, surprised by the gigantic toad. He stared in awe at the ancient behemoth as he watched chunks of earth fall from his back and collide with the ground.
"That is Gamaguchi, an ancient ancestor of all toads." Shima answered. "He is said to be the progenitor of our kind. Mt. Myōboku was carved onto his back long ago to keep us safe from potential threats, such as Rodan. He is the protector of all toads, and above all, he is Rodan's senior!"
Rodan, who was a titan, could only stare in pure shock at the mountain sized beast before him. Gamaguchi scanned his surroundings. He could see the flames and destruction. He could hear the cries of the toads, and he could feel the pain of their suffering. The ancient beast turned towards the source of all these problems, Rodan, and hissed towards fire demon. Rodan sensed that the beast before him was no normal toad. It, just like him, was an embodiment of nature energy. This concerned Rodan as he quickly realized what that meant. Gamaguchi was no summon toad, no, he was a Titan!
Gamaguchi bellowed out a terrible growl as he began to suck in a large amount of air. Rodan was taken by surprise as he was beginning to be pulled towards the mountain sized toad. His primal instincts were kicking in as he fired a Uranium heat beam at Gamaguchi. The beam had collided with the mouth of the toad, searing its inside. This stopped Gamaguchi for a moment as he hissed in pain. Turning back towards Rodan he channeled nature energy. Down below all that was below Gamaguchi saw his underbelly begin to glow a hue of lavender. Energy had been building withing the large toad, and Rodan could sense it. He hastily attempted to flee from the area, but it was too late. Gamaguchi unleashed a powerful burst of lavender water that surged towards Rodan at great speeds. The fire demon, unable to escape was struck by the force of a hurricane, as the attack erupted into a powerful explosion of water.
All watched as a deluge of heavy rain fell from the sky, and with it, the smoldering body of Rodan. His flames were dampened, and his body drenched. He was struggling to stay airborne as his body hardened. This made him easy prey. Rodan watched as Gamaguchi moved himself slightly. He watched as the massive toad opened his mouth, and to his horror, the long rock-like tongue had caught him. Rodan screeched as he was quickly pulled into the maw of the beast, and before he could do anything, he was swallowed whole.
All were quite as they had just seen the terrible menace of Rodan seemingly defeated by their mighty ancestor. It was a hallow feeling, but relief soon spread amongst the toads. Many thankful for their protective ancestor, but it was brief. Gamaguchi let out a pained cry as he fell to the ground terrifying many. His pained aches were followed by a flames spewing from his mouth. Gamamaru knew that Gamaguchi could not kill Rodan, but this was still a blessing in disguise.
Everyone was moving towards the healing pools as to move away from the thrashing giant toad. It was there that Gamamaru soon found Shima pushing Naruto towards him. "Oh, it seems you are doing well little Naruto." Gamamaru managed despite being in pain. Naruto was surprised that the great toad elder Shima had been talking about was the one before him. Gamamaru was covered in various wounds and was currently being treated by numerous toads.
"Are you the one who can help me?" Naruto asked aloud.
"Well, that depends." Gamamaru joked. "What would be the problem?"
"How can I use this seal thing to stop that oversized turkey?!" Naruto demanded.
'Turkey?' Gamamaru thought. He found the term humorous regarding it as a nickname for Rodan. "Yes, well, that "Turkey" is a mighty beast, and though you have that seal, it alone will not be enough to stop him." Gamamaru answered.
"Will you stop with the riddles! Tell me what I have to do!" Naruto exclaimed.
"The seal is but one component, to activate it you must simply tap into it." Gamamaru explained. He noticed how Naruto was left confused by his answer. "I believe Jiraiya was teaching you how to utilize the Kyuubi's chakra before if I'm correct?" Naruto nodded. "Then simply use the same method of tapping into its power, but with that seal."
Looking over the seal Naruto closed his eyes as he attempted to concentrate. There was nothing at first besides his normal chakra. It took a moment, but after discerning the Kyuubi's chakra he was able to deduce another power that was flowing through his body. It was a strange feeling. It was hot, yet it was soothing. It did not hurt like the Kyuubi's chakra, in fact it almost felt rejuvenating. The more he focused on it though the more he found himself feeling it. Before long he found himself engulfed in it. Opening his eyes Naruto watched as the seal seemingly activated, spreading across his arm, and forming a geometric pattern. The flames that erupted from the lines were warm, yet they did not burn. Looking closely at it, Naruto noticed that the heat that was coming off his arm was starting to cause the water he was standing in to evaporate. It was astounding.
"Interesting." Gamamaru mumbled.
Naruto looked at it though confused. "What's interesting?" He asked Gamamaru.
"It seems as though the connection between you and Rodan is much stronger than I could have imagined." Gamamaru stated. "Those are Rodan's own flames."
"Is that bad?" Naruto asked with a hint of concern.
"No, this good. To best Rodan you must use his own power against him!" Gamamaru stated. "A titan command seal can grant you control over a titan, but not entirely. You cannot force it to follow a specific belief for example. Instead, it allows you to tap into their own chakra network and take control over it."
"Wait a minute, come again?!" Naruto was baffled by what he just heard, and he was not alone. Shima was also taken back.
"Since when was that a thing?!" She blurted out.
"Why, since always." Gamamaru answered.
"Then why hasn't a bearer attempted this before?!" Shima demanded.
"Bearer? What's a bearer?" Naruto inquired.
"A Titan-Bearer, or a master, is a person who bears a titan command seal." Gamamaru explained.
"So, wait a minute, you mean to tell me there are others like me?" He queried.
"No, you are the first in many generations. Typically, it is a title that is seldom used due to, well, the requirements." Shima clarified. "Also, it is a title that has severe consequences." Naruto became nervous at the thought of what said consequences could be.
"No need to worry little Naruto." Gamamaru mentioned. "There is already something that you have that will aid you." This made Naruto curious. "As you recall I said that there are two components necessary to best a titan. One is the Command Seal, the other is a strong will."
"A strong will." Naruto repeated.
"Yes, this is not a conflict that is resolved by a brawl. No, instead it will be based on willpower." Gamamaru elaborated. "You must contest your control over Rodan's chakra network, and if you succeed you will have full control over him."
"If that's the case then show me how to do it right now!" Naruto exclaimed.
Despite the pain he was in Gamamaru chuckled at seeing Naruto's determination. It reminded him of another individual. "Sadly, you cannot contest Rodan from here." Gamamaru mentioned. This made Naruto raise a noticeable brow. "To contest with a Titan, at least in our current circumstances, you would have had to start the process not long after summoning it. That is because you will need to make physical contact to initiate the process."
"WHAT!" Naruto screamed. "I have to actually touch that guy?! I don't think you've noticed but he's a giant, flaming chicken!"
"I am aware." Gamamaru replied. "However, this was something that no one was really expecting, so to say that anyone was prepared for this would be a loon."
Naruto looked nervous. He was not exactly sure if he wanted to go into the giant toad just to touch Rodan. The idea alone sounded suicidal, and he was not going to let himself get killed before he achieved his life goals. "Is there any chance the big guy will just digest him?" Naruto asked nervously.
"Unlikely, despite the size difference, Gamaguchi is actually a being that has longed moved pass consumption for energy." Gamamaru answered. "The best he is doing right now it attempting to hold off Rodan until a solution can be found."
"Then what about earlier?! That attack looked like it did damage!" Naruto exclaimed.
"That attack only slowed Rodan down long enough for him to trap him inside his body. Gamaguchi is not an expert fighter as he is a deterrent. The mass amount of Nature energy within his body is enough to ward off most creatures, however, he himself has not been able to fully utilize those reserves since the Titans were sealed away long ago." Gamamaru explained as he looked over at his ancestor. "Shima, who awoke Gamaguchi?" He asked aloud.
"It was Jiraiya-boy. He believed that this was the best option." Shima answered.
"Has he returned yet?" Gamamaru asked.
"No," she stuttered with a hint of regret.
Gamamaru seemed to have entered a deep thought. Before long Fukasaku arrived and joined his wife. He was injured, like many of the toads on the mountain, although he did not care. "PA!" Shima cried as she saw the state her husband was in. She moved over towards Fukasaku and began to check him over.
"I'm fine Ma, just got a little burned is all." Fukasaku stated as he noticed Naruto. "I see that you're up Naruto-boy, I'm glad to see that you're doing better."
"Uh, who are you?" Naruto asked.
"My name is Fukasaku, I was the one who trained Jiraiya-boy the art of Senjutsu." Fukasaku explained.
As if on cue Gamamaru leaned forward to attempt a sitting position. He looked over at the young Naruto and pointed towards him. "Listen well little Naruto, Jiraiya-boy is going to help you best Rodan." Gamamaru informed.
"He's still alive?!" Shima blurted out.
"I used a little bit of Senjutsu to track him down. He's still alive, although he is currently trapped within Gamaguchi, along with Rodan." Gamamaru elaborated. Bringing his hand lower towards Naruto before he began to speak again. "Naruto, you must steel your resolve. The more determination you have the better your odds. Never forget what it is you strive for; it will aid you when the time comes." With that Gamamaru motioned for Naruto to hop on his hand. Naruto was hesitant at first but eventually he clambered onto the large toad's hand. "Are you ready Naruto?"
"I guess." Naruto answered, as he was not entirely sure about this, but he was willing to give it his all. 'Besides, I want to deck the Pervy-sage before I die.' Naruto thought as Gamamaru lifted him into the air.
"Hold your breath Naruto, and whatever you do don't fall into the acid!" Gamamaru warned. The last part caught Naruto off guard as the old toad tossed Naruto towards Gamaguchi. The elder toad raised his voice and yelled, "Gamaguchi, let the bearer inside of your body!"
Gamaguchi, noticing this, singled out the orange clad, blonde human that was racing towards him. Naruto was screaming his head off as he watched the massive toad open its maw for him to enter. Before he knew it, he was flying through the body of the toad. It was strange yet terrifying as he found himself falling into what could only be described as the stomach.
At around the same time, Gamamaru fell onto his back. Exhaustion was starting to catch up to him. He was wounded, and bleeding severely. He turned towards Fukasaku and gave him one last order. "Retrieve Mugetsu, it will ensure Naruto can best Rodan."
Everything had an orange hue. Looking at the source of the light Naruto had guessed that the orange lava looking substance was the acid. He quickly began to scour for a potential landing point, but a sudden gust of wind forced him into the direction of the stomach wall. Naruto collided with the slick, yet firm wall of Gamaguchi's stomach. Thankfully, he was able to grab onto something, which ceased his fall. Quickly he spotted the source of the gust, and it was none other than Rodan.
Rodan was beyond pissed. He was trapped within the belly of the Mountain toad, and he seemingly could not get out. Naruto watched as he fired another Uranium Heat beam at the walls of Gamaguchi's stomach. It was interesting to watch, but he really did not want to stay where he was. It would be a matter of time before Rodan would notice him, so he opted to let go and fall towards the bottom. 'Thankfully, he's too busy to notice me right now.' Naruto thought.
Once he was close to a stone like platform, Naruto used the shadow clone jutsu to launch himself towards it. He was not sure exactly how he was going to reach Rodan, let alone find Jiraiya, but he was going to try his best. Just as he had reached the first platform something massive struck it! Naruto was sent flying into the air as a claw-like appendage attempted to slice him. Naruto quickly created a few shadow clones and managed to evade the attack, along with a couple others. The three clones, plus Naruto, found themselves facing off before Rodan, who was perched on top of another platform.
"So, you've come to me. How bold." Rodan remarked.
"Alright you stupid chicken, you've done enough damage for one day!" Naruto yelled. "You're going to pay for what you've done!"
"And who exactly is going to make me pay? You?" Rodan laughed at the concept. "You couldn't even stay conscious after being exposed to a fraction of my power. What makes you think you could even scratch me?"
"Yeah, I'll admit that you are big and powerful, but I still have a way of beating you!" Naruto retorted.
"Hah, if you're referring to that dreaded seal on your hand then you are sadly mistaken." Rodan chimed. "I am fully aware of its capabilities, and its limitations. All I have to do is stay away from you and blast you with my Uranium Heat Beam!"
"What are you a coward?!" Naruto yelled back. "Come and face me like a man!"
"I am no man! I am a Titan, and I do as I wish!" Rodan sneered as he flew up into the middle of the stomach. Flames danced around him as he gathered more nature energy.
Naruto and his clones quickly began to maneuver away from each other, as Rodan began to charge his Uranium Heat Beam. Hastily they began to jump to other platforms and structures inside Gamaguchi's stomach, splitting up to hide the true one's identity. This annoyed Rodan as he still was not sure which was the real one, but he opted to just blast them all.
Naruto watched as one of his clones was eviscerated by Rodan's attack. It was chilling to watch it happen, let alone the memory of him dying manifesting in his mind from the clone. 'Sometimes I wish I didn't pick up on that ability.' Naruto thought to himself. Moments later a second blast hit the second clone. This left only Naruto and a single clone. Concerned Naruto eyed a rather strange object. It was a Bonsho enshrined in a Torii. 'Well, that's out of place.' Naruto thought. He had been thankful that his clone was still evading Rodan. Deciding to make it a bit easier Naruto dove behind some cover and created twelve more clones. They each scattered in different directions, as he attempted to think of what his next step should be. 'I managed to keep birdbrain off my trail for the moment, and the extra clones will see to that, but I still haven't found the Pervy-sage.' He was beginning to lose his patience when he noticed something.
Over by the Bonsho he noticed a single red wooden sandal. Stealthily, Naruto made his way over towards the bronze bell. It took him a minute to get there but he managed to reach it undetected. Once he arrived, he began to investigate. The sandal was located just below the bell. It appeared to be burned severely by the orange glowing stomach acid. 'That's great the idiot got himself digested!' Naruto groaned inwardly as he began to look around. It wasn't but a few seconds later that he heard something. It was not distinguishable at first, but he knew he heard something. It sounded like someone was breathing, but he did not know where. The more he pondered on it the quicker he realized that it was coming from the bell. When he moved closer to the bell to investigate it, he noticed something was hanging loosely from inside it, which warranted an investigation. Peering inside ever so slightly, he came face to face with Jiraiya. The man in question was bracing himself within the bell. He had been applying chakra to keep himself in place despite the awkward space that he was occupying. Jiraiya, noticing his godson staring up at him, meekly greeted with, "how's it going?"
"What the hell are you doing in there?" Naruto asked flatly.
"Well, you see I was hiding from that monster." Jiraiya answered, insinuating Rodan with his response. "You know because he's actually rather difficult and because he'd never notice that I was here otherwise."
"You're an idiot." Naruto mocked.
"At least I'm not the idiot who ended up trapped in Gamaguchi's belly!" Jiraiya retorted.
"What are you talking about, I was let in by the giant toad." Naruto responded. This dumbfounded Jiraiya. "Way to project there Pervy-Sage."
"I TOLD YOU NOT TO CALL ME THAT!" Jiraiya roared. This resulted in Jiraiya losing his concentration and falling out of the bell. The older man groaned as he landed on the pedestal with a thud. Rolling out from underneath the man noticed Rodan currently blasting other Narutos who were screaming about. "Shadow Clones?"
"Made it easier to get over here." Naruto replied.
"And easier to set things up." Jiraiya mentioned as he got up from his position on the ground. "So, I can only guess that you were sent in here to deal with him."
"How do you know that?" Naruto asked.
"Shima told me about the seal on your hand." Jiraiya answered. "So, do you know how it works?"
"Yeah, the old toad told me how to use it, although I have to touch that stupid chicken to make it work." Naruto explained.
"That could pose a problem." Jiraiya muttered. "The damn bastard was able to take on all of Mt. Myoboku before Gamaguchi trapped him in his belly. He's fast and he has a lot of firepower." Jiraiya was not sure how they were going to pull it off, especially in one piece, but he was determined to figure it out. Meanwhile, while Jiraiya pondered on what their course of action should be, Naruto reevaluated the Bonsho Jiraiya was hiding in.
"So, what's with the bell?" Naruto asked.
"First off, it's a Bonsho, and second, its used to wake up Gamaguchi." Jiraiya answered.
"How does a bell inside of a mountain sized toad wake it up?" Naruto asked.
"I don't know, maybe the soundwaves produced by it causes powerful vibrations that stir the stomach acid or something." Jiraiya explained.
"You make it vomit?!" Naruto questioned with a disgusted look.
"Look, I have no idea if it does or not, I'm just assuming based off my previous experience. In fact, in my opinion, I think it is weird and redundant, but apparently it's the only way to wake Gamaguchi up." Jiraiya retorted before going back over everything he knew. Naruto, noticing the mallet on the ground, began to think of a way he could potentially get to Rodan. Taking a hold of the mallet, Naruto prepared to swing with everything he had. Jiraiya, suddenly realizing Naruto's intentions, attempted to stop him. "Wait a minute what are you doing?!" Jiraiya blurted, as he moved to stop Naruto. However, the boy's action was swift, and his strike against the Bonsho resounded. The result was a powerful sound wave that reverberated across Gamaguchi's stomach.
Rodan, hearing the sound, cringed in pain as his head felt as though it was being torn in two. Turning around swiftly he noticed Jiraiya and Naruto standing by the Bansho near the far end of the stomach. His anger boiled as he realized that the real one was over there. Having noticed this Jiraiya swatted at the boy and scolded him for the action. "What the hell are you thinking?!" Jiraiya yelled at Naruto.
"Why didn't it work?!" Naruto yelled at the Bonsho.
"What didn't work?!" Jiraiya yelled in confusion. Before eventually looking at the bell. "Are you talking about the Bonsho?!"
"You said that it can cause Gamaguchi to throw up!" Naruto exclaimed while pointing an accusing finger at the older man.
"Yeah, after I struck it EIGHT times!" Jiraiya yelled back.
"Well, you did not mention that!" Naruto countered as a loud roar filled the stomach. Both quickly turned back towards Rodan and saw him making his way over towards them. Panic began to set it as the two attempt to quickly find cover, and as they did Naruto tossed the mallet out of his hand. The mallet soared towards the Bansho, and once it collided, it once again unleased a loud burst of sound. The result of which caused Rodan to cringe in pain as he stumbled forward and crashed into a nearby platform. The two, surprised, quickly returned to the bell. "Why is he suddenly in pain?" Naruto questioned aloud.
Jiraiya, starring at the mallet and bansho, quickly came to a deduction. "I see, that's whats going on here." He mumbled.
"What's going on?" Naruto questioned as he watched Jiraiya pick up the mallet.
"I think the mallet and bansho create a soundwave that is painful for him." Jiraiya proposed.
"Huh, then maybe that's why the big mountain toad doesn't feel good when its struck." Naruto said to himself.
"What do you mean?" Jiraiya asked, curious as to what Naruto meant.
"Well from what I heard the turkey over there and the big toad are something called Titans." He began. "Apparently they're like the Kyuubi or something, being creatures made of chakra or something."
After taking that in, and filling in the blanks, Jiraiya figured out what the bell really does. "Well, that makes more sense than what I originally thought." Jiraiya noted out loud. He noticed Naruto's curiosity, so he decided to elaborate on it. "The bell must be emitting a sound frequency that causes "titans" pain. It would make sense for why its one of the only things that could wake up a literal mountain toad, like Gamaguchi."
A sudden sound caught both shinobi's attention, as they turned to see Rodan getting back up. Naruto quickly turned towards Jiraiya and asked, "Is there an extra mallet?"
"Just the one in your hand." Jiraiya answered.
The two quickly sprang into action as Naruto created an extra clone. Rodan was starting to take to the air, which caused Jiraiya to ready himself, as he aimed to strike the Bonsho again. At the same time Naruto had his clone transform into a matching mallet. Taking a hold of the clone mallet, Naruto joined Jiraiya and the two struck the Bonsho at the same time. The result was a soundwave that nearly stunned the two. It was loud and the force of it caused Rodan to fumble in the air, forcing him onto another platform. Seeing this the two readied themselves again.
Rodan was confused. He did not know what just happened. One moment he was watching Naruto and Jiraiya, and the next his head was hurting. It was an aching, ringing pain the likes of which he had never felt before. The pain annoyed him so much that he was preparing a Uranium Heat Beam. Naruto and Jiraiya quickly struck the bonsho again. Just like the first time the soundwave resounded, and Rodan shrieked out in pain. The pair seeing this struck the Bansho once more. They struck again, and again, and again. Each time inflicting sound inducing pain onto Rodan, who cringing at it, stumbled, and flopped across platforms in agony. "You damn monkeys!" He cursed at the two. Naruto and Jiraiya just smirked as they continued to strike the Bansho, however, a sudden tremor forced them to stop.
The rumbling was strong, and it caused Naruto to lose his balance. Jiraiya, having applied chakra to his feet, remained upright. He extended a hand to help Naruto stay balanced until he could apply chakra to his feet. Once that was done, he let the genin go to evaluate the situation. "What the hell is going on?!" Naruto exclaimed.
"It seems that we got a little carried away." Jiraiya mentioned. "It had slipped my mind that old Gamaguchi can only take so much himself." Peering over the edge of the pedestal Naruto could see Gamaguchi's stomach begin to churn. A foul odor was also beginning to set in. "I'd say we're about to be in some trouble." Jiraiya noted as he quickly grabbed a hold of Naruto.
"What the hell are you doing?" Naruto demanded as he found himself being shoved up the Bonsho.
"I survived the first time by doing this." Jiraiya explained. "This thing has been inside of old Gamaguchi for a while, so I figured that it must be made of something other than just brass!" The tremor began to intensify further as the level of vile increased immensely. This was followed by what appeared to be contractions. Seeing this Jiraiya quickly stuffed himself into the Bonsho as well. The space was tight, but the two had managed to squeeze themselves into it. Meanwhile, Rodan was confused as to what was happening. Looking around he could see that the molten substance was rising, in addition to the contractions. The best he could do was attempt to take flight, but it was fruitless. Just as he was beginning to do so everything erupted, and Rodan screeched in pain as the acidic vile engulfed him.
Jiraiya and Naruto were holding out the best they could within the Bonsho. They could smell and feel the heated vile through the bell. The best they could do though was to hold their breath and wait. During the process Naruto cringed slightly in pain. When asked by Jiraiya if he was alright, he responded with, "shadow clone." Jiraiya nodded having understood the meaning.
Within moments everything seemed to have calmed down, although neither of the pair were sure if it was safe. Jiraiya carefully instructed Naruto to create a clone to investigate. The clone, having been created outside of the bell, quickly went to assess the situation. They waited patiently. There had been no word for a few seconds, but before long the clone reemerged and informed them the coast was clear. The two emerged from the bell to an expanse that was missing one Rodan. They looked around and saw no trace of the massive bird of prey. Wondering around, Naruto eventually walked towards the edge of the pedestal. Looking down at the acidic vile down below he scanned it for any signs of the titan. Despite not seeing anything initially he was still on guard. After a few more moments went by he turned back towards Jiraiya and asked, "do you think he's dead?"
BOOM! Rodan erupted from the acidic vile! His form, coated in the sickly orange glow, plowed through the platform the two were standing on. He screeched in pain but sunk his talons into the platform. The two quickly leaping out of the way as Rodan swatted the Bansho off its pedestal. Turning towards the two he growled at them. "You monkeys dare to keep insulting me!" Rodan hissed. "I have dwelled in sea of flames deep within the earth! I have soared beyond the sky into the vastness of space! I have fought numerous beings far stronger than even your puny, insignificant brains could ponder, yet you thought I would be bested by the stomach of a toad?!"
"I mean, you do look a little well done." Naruto commented after looking at Rodan's smoking body. The silence that followed permeated for a few seconds, as though Rodan was processing what it was he said.
"I will erase you now." Rodan finished. Naruto and Jiraiya began to take a few steps back as Rodan began to ignite in flames. "And once you are dead, I going to turn everything you love into ash!" The two watched as Rodan began to charge his Uranium heat beam. Unsure of what to do both attempted to quickly think of a solution and fast! Jiraiya, having been in numerous life and death situations, because of that, and his years of experience, he swiftly moved to grab Naruto. Everything began to move slowly as Rodan prepared to fire his Uranium Heat beam. Briefly though Jiraiya noticed a sudden change. It was subtle, but he swore that had suddenly felt a sudden breeze grace by. In moments Rodan soon found himself in pain as the obsidian-colored blade, Mugetsu, emerged through the titan's torso.
Rodan squealed in pain as he stumbled backwards onto another platform. A series of red glowing marks began to engulf the titan's body, searing it with its power. The two, surprised turned towards the top of the stomach and noticed the closing of Gamaguchi's maw. Rodan, cocking his head backwards towards the opening noticed the smirking expression of Gamamura, who had just collapsed forward. The titan was enraged as he attempted to fight off the seals. "Damn you old toad!" He bellowed loudly. "I will end you!"
Jiraiya, without any hesitation, booked it towards Rodan. He did not even think about what it was he was doing. Naruto, still in his arms, was taken back at the suddenness of it all. "All right kid, time to place your bets!" Jiraiya yelled. Naruto looked up at the older man, whose vice trapped him. "That old toad gave us one last aid," he began as he pointed towards the markings on Rodan. That sword was meant to be an anti-titan weapon, and so long as its lodged inside of him it will hamper everything he does!"
"So, I take it this is my time to shine then?!" Naruto asked.
"I heard that you were the number one knucklehead shinobi of the leaf, are you ready to prove that title?" Jiraiya asked him.
Naruto merely smirked as he gave him a thumbs up. "Believe it!"
"Then good luck kid!" Jiraiya yelled as he leaped into the air. With every ounce of his strength Jiraiya pulled Naruto behind his shoulder and tossed him towards Rodan. The genin, despite the obvious shock of being thrown, was determined.
Preparing himself Naruto looked towards the Command seal on his arm and began to tap into it like he did before. As he did, he felt a sudden connection with a massive source. He determined that it must have been Rodan's own power. It was immense, just like the Kyuubi, however, he noted the near purity of it. Gritting his teeth, Naruto surged his arm forward as he raced towards Rodan. The titan, unable to do much, could only watch as the boy collided into him and suddenly a bright red light erupted.
Flames erupted around the two. The Command seal on Naruto's arm came to life as it erupted in the form of crimson chains. They bounded Rodan and impaled him at multiple points. Naruto, positioning himself onto Rodan began to feel pushback. The flaming chakra roared to life as Rodan attempted to push past everything! "I will not serve the likes of a snot-nosed brat!" He growled. "I refuse!" An inferno erupted from the titan engulfing everything around them. Jiraiya, who had landed on another platform became concerned as he no longer saw Naruto.
"I don't care what you want!" Naruto's voice resounded. "You've hurt to many innocent lives and caused so much despair!" Appearing amongst the flames, Naruto seemed unfazed by the pyre that burned around him. There was pain, that much was clear, but he did not care. He focused on something else, something more important. His focus was directed towards those close to him. His friends and everyone that had ever helped him. He did not want to die. There was too much that needed to be done, and furthermore, he still had to become Hokage. With every ounce of his own will Naruto defied the pain that the flames induced on him, and as a result the chains expanded. Rodan, realizing this, began to become concerned. The thought of him losing to a kid was too much even for him. With every ounce of his being he flailed about. Finally, though Naruto noticed something. It was brief, but a feeling of certainty sprang towards him from the seal. This entire time he been racing against Rodan to see who would gain the upper hand. Rodan had full control over his own power well beyond Naruto's own comprehension, but he was faltering. Naruto could not tell if it was the blade or his own training in deducing chakra, but he noticed something unique amongst all that nature energy.
It was thin, much like a piece of string. Naruto at first did not understand what it was, but that changed. The deeper he tracked it, the clearer it became that this single string amongst the flames of nature energy was Rodan's chakra. Determination filled him as he gritted his teeth. Naruto, with every ounce of his own being reached out towards the string of chakra, and as he did his arm became enveloped in flames. He pushed himself deeper into Rodan's flames and the titan could feel it. The beast centered its vision onto Naruto. Its vile malice on full display as it attempted to force him off. However, he froze in place as he suddenly felt great pain. It was at that moment that Naruto had taken hold of it, the string, Rodan's chakra. With as much effort as he could muster Naruto roared loudly, "I COMMAND YOU TO STOP!"
Rodan, finally realizing what had just happened could do little to stop from obeying as his chakra erupted from his body. The flaming chakra engulfing him entirely in its violent tempest. Rodan attempted to call it back, but it no longer responded to his will. It swirled around the Titan, smothering him in its embrace, before hardening in place. Naruto, shocked, found his spot safe as Rodan became entrapped in a prison of his charka. The mighty titan, once fully restrained, fell upon the platform he struggled on. Trapped within his prison, he could do little as he watched Naruto get on to his feet. "You brat!" He roared. "Once I am free, I will destroy you and everything you love!"
"And if you do I will be right there to stop you again!" Naruto yelled back at the titan, as he used his command seal to tighten Rodan's chakra prison further. Rodan could do little to resist as his prison solidifying entirely. The result was Rodan being trapped within a crystal lattice of his own chakra. Naruto, now standing upon the once mighty beast, couldn't help but gaze at what he had achieved. Turing his attention towards the seal, he noticed how the lines had dimmed, and the flames having faded away. In their place was the seal itself, extending up his forearm, that hued with a slight red light before it dimmed permanently.
Naruto let out an immense sigh as he fell onto his back. His breathing was labored, but he couldn't help but laugh. "Let's see, first I managed to use the Kyuubi's chakra, now I've learned how to use the Turkey's chakra against it! What's next a giant lizard?!" His mind wondered a bit before he eventually noticed Jiraiya's arrival. The older sage looked concerned at first, but he became relieved upon seeing Naruto still conscious. "Hey pervy-sage did you see how awesome I was?"
Jiraiya couldn't help but smirk. "Yeah, real cool, although I think my favorite part was watching you get cooked alive." He joked. Naruto was indeed a little burnt, however, the burns were slowly beginning to heal.
"Only a future Hokage like me can even do something like that, so you better believe me when I say that I will be the next Hokage Pervy-sage!" Naruto stated proudly.
"There is no denying that." Jiraiya agreed. 'And hopefully this will be the last.' Jiraiya eyed the Titan trapped below his feet with caution. He was unsure of what was to come of this whole fiasco. He would have lied to himself if he thought he was comfortable with Naruto having a connection to another beast. The only question that now weighed heavily on his mind was why did Minato place the seal on Naruto? 'Perhaps there is something else going on that even I do not know about.' He thought. 'Regardless, Minato did what he did, and as Naruto's godfather, I will help him until the day I die!' Reaching down towards Naruto with hand, Jiraiya helped his godson up, as the two watched Gamaguchi's mouth open to world outside. Both ready to finally call it a day.
End
There we go everyone, the Fourth Chapter of Red Wings! Once again, I'd like to apologize for how long it took me to post this. I really meant to post this sooner, however, issues occurred. I should make it known that I usually do this bottom portion after I finish writing the actual chapter. In this case I want to bring up the multiple issues that delayed this release. The first was my own mistakes. I accidentally deleted the chapter twice, while cleaning out my PC documents. Then I ran into an issue with the ending. I had originally planned three different endings. I won't reveal to much of what they entitled as they each revealed something later. This added with a change in jobs, mainly positions, it's been hectic, so I hope you understand. XD Additionally, I was going through some stuff in 2020 that kind of followed me through most of this year. I don't want to go to much into it, but I want to say that I have been working on other chapters, I just had to step back for a moment irl. I just need to give those other chapters some more attention before I feel comfortable with them. The next one should be posted next Sunday. If not, then it will be posted sometime that following week. I have roughly chapters 5, 6, 7, and half of 8 pretty much set, just got to do some ironing is all.
I would like to announce that the next phase of chapters will be focused around the second mini arc. I have dubbed it the Moonlight Challenge arc. It will begin in the next chapter and will start the process of moving forward from this main event. Naruto will be staying on Mt. Myōboku for the rest of his training, and this will lead to some shenanigans. After this we will move immediately into the Chunin Exams, and then Konoha Crush. I think that I make this a narrative, but I'm still indecisive, mainly due to a lack of free time. However, I will still work to complete this arc regardless.
One quick note: I know that I usually post a snippet detailing some stuff that occurred in the chapter their posted. However, for this one I think I will pass. The only exception will be Titan profiles. With that, I will catch everyone next Sunday! Thanks for reading everyone! I hope everyone has a great day!
Titanus Gamaguchi
Design: Ancient Beezelbufo with a mountain on its back
Personality: Defender
Range: Continental
Statistics
+ Height: 500 m
+ Weight: around 500,000 tons
Abilities:
+ Immense Durability – Gamaguchi has an impressive hide that has protected it for millennia. It has often been confused with the earth that latches onto it. Compared to the stone though, the hide is somewhat akin to refined metal in durability.
+ Wellspring Geyser – Gamaguchi can manipulate nature energy, just like other Titans, and his signature usage is through spewing highly concentrated water churned from the energy within his body. The Geyser is so potent, that it has been known to temporarily disable other Titan abilities upon contact.
+ Powerful Lungs – Along with his sheer size, Gamaguchi is known to being able to devour large summons. To counter their obvious speed advantage, Gamaguchi has developed a unique ability that enabled him to pull his prey towards him. By focusing nature energy into his lungs Gamaguchi can create a vacuum effect that ensnares all would be victims in its grasp. Though he has moved on from needing to feed on others to survive, he can still use it to trap a target within his belly, where his powerful acid and deal terrible damage to the target.