Land of Fire: Forest
A tall female stood on a branch looking out into the forest. She has fair-skinned, pupilless brown eyes, and green hair with orange tips framing each side of her face. Her attire consists of an Akatsuki cloak. A Sunagakure headband rested on her forehead with the line through the symbol.
"I do hope that the children will not oppose me in my endeavors?" The woman was genuinely concerned with the fact that she may have to kill a child today. "The spider summoner is up ahead, so I best get moving."
The young woman jumped off the branch and was a blur as she moved into the forest heading towards Kiba and Kidomaru's fight.
Battlefield
Kiba and Akamaru spun at the Sound Shinobi who merely smiled as he held up his hands stopping the Inuzuka and dog in their tracks. The pair were about to fall until Kidomaru threw Akamaru, who managed to land on a branch, and catch Kiba by his hoodie.
Kiba was shocked as he asked, "How?"
"It's all thanks to my sticky spider threads. I can secrete them from anywhere I have a sweat gland. At that point it's a metal that hardens the moment it leaves my body." Black lines began to appear on Kidomaru's body. "That Jutsu of yours isn't about to catch me unaware again."
"This is bad. What are those lines on his body? No, I can't worry about that. Akamaru and I will just have to take him down with something that should get by this metal webbing of his." Kiba grabbed onto Kidomaru. "Akamaru, Dynamic Marking!"
Akamaru barked and jumped into the air sailing over the two them. Kidomaru looked up just as pee rained down on him.
Kidomaru let go of Kiba and tried to wipe the pee away. "My eyes! It burns!"
Kiba let go of Kidomaru and jumped into the air while Akamaru landed on his shoulders. "Man Beast Transformation Combo: Two Headed Wolf."
They both transformed into a giant, two headed wolf that landed on the ground.
Kidomaru could finally see once more and looked at them. "All that for some mutt? What do you hope this will achieve?"
In response, the wolf lept at Kidomaru, but he easily dodged the giant creature landing safely only to immediately slip on some drool. The Sound Shinobi's eyes opened wide in shock.
It was too late as the wolf spiraled at him. "Wolf Fang Over Fang."
The attack continued to press on Kidomaru's body. Even though he secreted webbing like mad, it was quickly broken by the sheer force of the wolf tearing Kidomaru through tree after tree. The webbing continued to crack and fall to the ground.
The webbing did serve one purpose as Kidomaru's body was allowed the time to go through a change much like Jirobo. His skin became darker and his hair an ashen white. The wolf eventually came to a stop and dispelled back into Kiba and Akamaru.
Both were extremely tired after such a draining Jutsu for them. Kidomaru was still able to move and now had plenty of Chakra. He hammered all six of his fist into Kiba destroying the branch and sending the Inuzuka and dog crashing into the ground.
"That strength was monstrous." Kiba thought.
Kidomaru bit his top right thumb, wove some hand signs with his middle arms, and spread-out webbing before placing the bloody palm on the web. "Summoning Jutsu!"
A huge web with accompanying black and orange spider appeared. Kidomaru was seated on its back.
Kiba got to his feet and looked up as the spider birthed a huge egg sack. "Damn… his Chakra… I'm not even a Sensory Shinobi yet I can feel it, and he had something like this up his sleeve."
The Sound Shinobi produced a kunai, made from his webbing, from his mouth, and moved to cut the egg sack open. "Scatter."
Akamaru came to Kiba's side as black spiders began to rain down.
"looks like I'm not able to hold out for back up like I thought." Kiba drew two kunai. "Akamaru, get out of here and be a warning to the others that I couldn't stop him."
Akamaru whined at that as Kidomaru perched himself atop a branch to enjoy the last moments of a well fought game.
"Swift Style: Blitzkrieg!" Kiba watched as Kenjo jumped from a branch directly into the middle of the horde of spiders while holding two kunai of his own. "Swift Style: Blade Dance."
The Mist Genin moved with insane speed as he took all the spiders out before they could reach Kiba. As he fell to the ground, Kenjo withdrew multiple shuriken and threw them at the spider above. They then exploded to take out what remained.
Kenjo had landed in front of Kiba and took a deep breath. "That was close. I almost didn't make it in time. Glad to see you're alright Inuzuka."
Kiba smiled. "I've never been this happy to see a Mist Shinobi in my life."
Akamaru happily barked in agreement.
"Looks like I'm going to get some more entertainment." Kidomaru produced a bow from his mouth. "I'll need to demonstrate my appreciation to them both." He produces an arrow to go with it and aimed at Kenjo first. "Striking Accuracy: 100% Destructive Power. Die!"
Kenjo saw the arrow coming and prepared to block it. At that moment, a rather bizarre ball of fire nailed the arrow in mid-air turning it into harmless ash. The woman with green hair came running up the trunk of a tree and stopped on a branch for all to see.
"Here I see the last of the Shukeiko Clan." The woman nodded. "One of Orochimaru's dogs."
"You're the Hero of Sunagakure, Pakura!" Kidomaru was visibly shocked. "You're supposed to be dead. Lord Orochimaru confirmed your demise when it happened."
"I'm afraid the rumors of my supposed death are just that." Pakura replied.
The former Sand Shinobi coated her legs in wind nature. "Wind Style: Great Leap!" She lunged so fast at Kidomaru that no one there, except Kenjo, could even follow her. "Wind Style: Tornado Fist!"
He right arm was coated in roaring wind which she smashed into Kidomaru at a downward angle sending him hurtling into the ground below.
Pakura then wove a set of hand signs with great speed before holding her hands up. "Scorch Style: Contained Sphere!"
A sphere of that same fire which disintegrated an arrow earlier appeared above the former Sand Shinobi. Kiba and Kenjo were unsure what to make of this, but if this woman were going to take out the enemy for them, they would let her.
Pakura took the sphere and hurled at the just recovering Sound Shinobi. The sphere impacted with and completely covered the Shinobi causing him to cry out in agony as his body was reduced to ash. Even the nearby trees suffered from the radius of the attack.
"You weren't exactly a child, so I don't feel bad about ending your life." Pakura spoke. "You made your choice to work for a traitor, and even if getting revenge on him is effectual, I can disrupt his plans should I come across them."
Kiba and Kenjo were shocked that Kidomaru had been taken out that fast.
"You're Pakura, Hero of Suna?" Kiba asked. "What are you…" He then noticed the scratch through her symbol. "You're a Rouge Shinobi!" He stood up. "You may have taken out Kidomaru, but I'm not going to thank you for it."
"I do not expect your thanks." Pakura stated. "Words like that are shallow and hallow. I did this for personal reasons. Now, I suggest you do not stand in my way. I do not wish to kill any children, but I will if you insist."
"As suspicious as you are, our mission is clear." Kenjo stepped in front of Kiba. "Considering how quickly you took out that Sound Shinobi, it's obvious you are not our enemy at this time. We are not out to fight you."
"What are you saying Kenjo?" Kiba questioned. "This woman's a rogue Shinobi in the Land of Fire. That makes her our enemy."
"I suppose you consider yourself a hero, Inuzuka." Pakura stated. "Perhaps you even have it in your mind to one day become Kage of your village."
"Of course, I do." Kiba stated firmly. "I'm just not as vocal about it as Naruto."
"Let me tell you what happens to heroes." Pakura spat venomously. "Only one person, perhaps a few more in a generation, can sit in the seat of the Kage. Everyone else who tries to be a hero usually meet a rotten end. Take me for instance. Iwagakure was feuding with Sunagakure.
I was successful in foiling their plans and hailed as a hero by the people. My Kage and seniors took advantage of that fact. They sent me to Kirigakure and into an ambush of which they were fully aware of. They sent me in knowing I would die and planned to use it as leverage.
When you're a hero, you're more likely to die a disgrace or used by your village to expend any use you had to them. If you want to be a hero kid, you'll eventually die like one. I would have if a passing, powerful Shinobi hadn't taken pity on this woman at death's door."
"Look, I'm sorry your village did that to you but Konoha is different." Kiba tried to defend his home. "Heroes get respect in Konoha even if they don't become Hokage. Even if I can't reach my dream, I'll endeavor to become a hero in my own right."
"You poor child." Pakura shook her head. "The day I almost died is the day I saw the truth. Some villages are just painted better than others, but many are still persecuted as the heroes they are."
Pakura used her speed to deliver a powerful punch to Kenjo's gut causing him to keel over in pain before throwing him into Kiba causing both to fall out of the tree. Neither Genin were even able to react.
Kiba grit his teeth. "What the hell is this woman?" Akamaru jumped at Pakura, but she just sidestepped him before knocking the dog out of the air. "No matter what she's said, the fact stands that we are out of our league against her."
Kiba heard Akamaru yelp and looked up before immediately jumping to catch him.
Pakura stared down at the duo. "If I were you, I would reconsider what you know about your villages. No matter how they change or present themselves, you'll find heroes who are persecuted or used for what they are."
Pakura then body flickered away leaving the pair.
Hidden Sound Village: Prison
A young man with tousled neck length red hair and green irises was sitting against a wall. Another 14 prisoners of various ages, with hair and eyes of varying colors, were in the same cell. Their hair and eyes were Red, purple, blue, brown, and green signifying the five basic elements.
His attire consisted of a tan shirt, black trousers, and a purple rope wrapped around his chest. Orochimaru's screams of pain could be heard by every member. Judging by how bad they seemed, today was the day to begin the plan.
This young man stood up, walked towards an elderly man, who looked like an older version of himself, and sat on his knees before him. "Grandfather?"
The old man nodded. "It is time Genyumaru." The older man reached into his pocket and took out three small pellets. "Use these to escape."
Genyumaru took the pellets and pocketed them. "I will come back with the Leaf Village's help grandfather. The Godaido Clan will taste freedom."
The young man stood up and walked to the bolted door. He looked around the rather large cell before sparing one last look at the other 14 members. His family. He took a deep breath as he faced the door, and his hair became brown.
Genyumaru pulled his arm back and punched the door down. "I'm sick and tired of being a prisoner! You people may be content serving that monster, but I refuse to endure it any longer! I am out of here!"
Genyumaru ran out and down the hall as fast as he could. He came to a hallway with two ways to go. Down one hallway he saw the snake's assistant running towards him. He wanted to kill that bastard, but this was not the time to try.
Kabuto stopped before Genyumaru. "What are you doing outside your room? You know Lord Orochimaru won't like this."
Genyumaru smirked. "I don't care what that snake thinks about me. The rest of my clan may kiss the ground he walks on, but I refuse to remain in this hell hole any longer."
Kabuto pushed his glasses up and his hands began to glow blue. "That is unfortunate."
"I'm not stupid Kabuto. If I face you now, there's a chance I die." Genyumaru took out one of the pellets. "That is why I'm retreating."
Genyumaru ran down the other hallway while throwing a pellet behind him. The pellet went off creating a blinding flash which he did not see because he wasn't going to look back. Kabuto was less fortunate being blinded by it. Soon, the Soshi heir saw stairs leading to the surface.
He turned to look down the hall with a determined look as he clenched his fist. "I swear on my life that I will be back."
He heard multiple footsteps running towards him, so he threw a second pellet back before running up the stairs to the surface. He'd have taken the time to soak it all in, but he was now on the run. That meant there was no time to smell the roses.
Genyumaru looked at his possible options. "I have to get to the Land of Fire, but the direct route would be a stupid way to go. When your confused you genuinely choose right, so I'll go left and loop back to the boarder."
The Soshi heir ran and would be well hidden by the brush as Sound Shinobi burst forth from the entrance. They instantly spread out into squads to search every direction. This event would prevent Kabuto from sending any more Shinobi after Sasuke save two.
With Kabuto
Kabuto walked down the hall towards the cell that contained the Soshi Clan. He was angry that one of them managed to escape. The snake's assistant walked into the room only to be shocked that all the usable bodies were injured.
"What happened here?" Kabuto questioned
The Clan Head, the old man, said, "It was Genyumaru, sir. He's grown to strong and wanted to break out. Those of us fit to fight tried to stop him, but he defeated everyone."
Of course, this was a lie. All the able-bodied clan members had beat the snot out of each other, so the story they came up with would be more believable. That and to protect one another from being used by Orochimaru.
Kabuto grunted. "This is not good. It's clear Genyumaru has grown far stronger than the results dictated he would. We may just lose this particular subject which means we can't lose any more of them."
"I'll send some medical ninja in to heal you all shortly." Kabuto walked out of the room and headed toward the main prison area. "With all these bodies unusable, I'll have to resort to the backup plan and get the strongest prisoner for Lord Orochimaru."
Land of Fire: Forest, Morning…
The team had outflanked the Sound Shinobi in the night, and now stood in there way forcing Sakon, Tayuya, and Sasuke to stop on a branch across from them. They were now facing Daichi, Lee, and Naruto.
"Now that we need them, there's no sign of Kidomaru or Jirobo." Tayuya declared.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but it's just us." Naruto stated confidently.
Daichi said, "We're here to take Sasuke back to the Leaf."
Sasuke stood up. "My true place in this world belongs under Orochimaru where I can learn what's needed to avenge my clan. None of you shall stop me from my goal.
"You tell them leader." Sakon said, "Who needs those two? I'll handle them myself while you move on ahead."
Sasuke looked at Tayuya. "Don't slow me down."
Tayuya nodded respectfully and the two started bolting it along the trees as Sakon lept at the Leaf shinobi. Daichi jumped in to meet him head on as his left arm glowed with wild, blue Chakra.
He punched the Sound Shinobi in the gut. "Lion's Devastation."
Sakon was sent crashing to the ground below.
"You two go after Sasuke while I stay here to keep him busy." Naruto proclaimed as Sakon immediately jumped up aiming for Daichi. "You two get moving!"
Naruto jumped off the branch and hammer fisted Sakon on the head sending him crashing to the ground before following.
"Let's move Lee." Daichi started jumping through the trees. "We can't lose the target now."
Lee followed. "I'm with you Daichi."
The remaining Leaf Shinobi charged after Tayuya and Sasuke.
Some Time Later…
The remaining Leaf Shinobi were closing in on their remaining target. Then, a new Sound Ninja landed on a branch in front of Tayuya and Sasuke bringing the chase to a standstill. This Sound Shinobi was a young man with pale skin, vivid green eyes, and shoulder-length white hair.
He was calm and stoic. His ensemble consisted of lavender, loose-fitting shirt, black pants cut off around mid-calf, bandages wrapped around his ankles, traditional shinobi sandals, and a purple rope belt tied in an inverted bow around his waist.
"It's him." Lee looked at Daichi who was utterly shocked. "Kimimaro."
Tayuya was frightened. "Kimimaro."
"You were taking too long Tayuya. I see three of you are no longer here. For 3 members of the former Sound Five to fall… it is a disgrace." Kimimaro looked at Sasuke with anger. "What's more, your four have been deceived."
He held out a finger and fired a bone at Sasuke. It first transformed back into Naruto before dispelling revealing that it had been a transformed shadow clone. After realizing this, Tayuya was genuinely fearful for her life.
"The Sound Four have taken far too long and ended up accomplishing nothing." Kimimaro looked at Lee and Daichi. "You two, where is Sasuke Uchiha? Tell me now and I may spare your lives."
"His agenda is in line with the Sound Four's. That means I was scouted as a vessel and the reason my mom died. That's not the reason I must fight him. This is a mission to capture or kill the Sound Four. This guy is now part of this." Daichi stared him down. "I'll take you to him."
"It is a blessing that you are here as well Daichi Ryu." Kimimaro stared the Chunin down. "Now, I can correct my failure by bringing you and Sasuke to Lord Orochimaru. Lead me to Sasuke Uchiha, so that I may complete my last missions."
Daichi looked at Lee. "You stay here and entertain Tayuya." He jumped past Kimimaro. "I'll be taking this guy to meet up with Sasuke."
"Take care my Eternal Rival." Lee thought.
Kimimaro looked at the Sound Shinobi. "If I were you Tayuya, I would complete your duty and deal with the garbage. Don't think of failing. After all, you've already failed greatly just now."
Lee jumped onto Tayuya's branch and squared off with her.
Field
Daichi ran to the middle of a field, from out of the forest, and turned to face Kimimaro while pointing up. "Alright Kimimaro, if you want to see Sasuke, look up." The phoenix from the gate began to descend. "Sasuke's been above our squad the entire time waiting until we were faced with the last of the Sound Four. As you are it, his time to enter the mission has come."
Sasuke jumped off the phoenix, which immediately dispersed, and landed next to Daichi.
"This is perfect." Kimimaro stated. "You two shall come with me and receive the highest of honors. Serving and/or becoming vessels of Lord Orochimaru. He will likely, eventually, consume you both. You wouldn't want to squander such a gift."
"Gift?" Sasuke questioned. "He wants to take over our bodies."
"I'm in agreement. If me being a potential vessel for Orochimaru is why my mother died, then that is disrespectful to her as a Kunochi. Not in vain though because I stand here against you in a position to protect Sasuke."
"Neither of you understand the joy that would come as potential vessels to Lord Orochimaru." Kimimaro firmly stated. "You would be immortal forever."
The Chunin got ready to fight. "Our answer is no."
"Very well." Kimimaro got ready to fight himself as he cast aside his shirt. "I will take you to Orochimaru by force."
A Fair Distance Away
Gaara, Kankuro, and Akana were standing together as Gaara had one eye covered. The sand eye he'd used in the exams had been able to see every field of battle and opponent thrown in the way of the Konoha Shinobi.
"It seems every battle has been settled." He pointed off to the right. "Kankuro, go aid Naruto Uzumaki. Akana, you can help Rock Lee, and I will take to the field to aid Daichi Ryu and Sasuke Uchiha against a powerful opponent."
Kankuro nodded. "Yes Gaara."
The puppet user took off.
Akana and Gaara looked at one another and nodded.
"You've been a big help in getting us where we need to be." Akana nodded. "Thank you, Gaara of the Desert."
Gaara said, "Do not thank me. This is the Sand starting to repay its debt to the Leaf after our mistake. I owe an even greater debt to certain Shinobi that have shown me the light."
"Sorry, but you two aren't going anywhere." A female stated.
Both Shinobi turned to see a pale woman with long black hair in a ponytail and matching eyes. She wore a violet, long sleeved shirt with matching pants, a dark purple flak jacket, a light purple, short sleeved coat, and sound note forehead protector.
"How rude of me not to introduce myself." She smiled. "My name is Hebihime, and I am one of Lord Orochimaru's apprentices. I was given the rank of Jonin; however, I currently hold another tittle. You'll understand that if the two of you can push me."
The Sand and Mist Shinobi looked at one another before nodding and coming to stand against her together.
Lee vs Tayuya
Tayuya stared Lee down. "You Leaf Shinobi will pay for deceiving us. Sasuke Uchiha and Daichi Ryu will fall to Kidomaru. Your village will lose them both."
"You were the one who fell for the deception." Lee countered. "As for Sasuke and Daichi, I have faith they can win. Just as I have faith in every one of my comrades."
Tayuya grit her teeth. "What's so special about Sasuke and Daichi anyways? Orochimaru wants them as vessels, but why would your village go to these lengths to protect them?" Tayuya asked.
"Sasuke Uchiha Daichi Ryu are our comrades. None of us could abandon them for it would be an unyouthful thing to do." Lee smiled. "My comrades will succeed just as I will now."
Tayuya was surprised by his reply because it caused memories long buried to surface.
Tayuya's Flashback (4 years old)
Tayuya was in front of her home laying in the soft grass so she could stare at the clouds. Her clothes at the time were dull blue and her red hair was short. Her father opened the door to the house. For some reason, she couldn't remember what he looked like.
"Tayuya, come inside. I have something I want to show you." Her father said.
Tayuya huffed before walking over to her father. "Alright old man, this better be worth it."
He father smiled as he entered the house and she followed him. He took her over to a table and she sat down in front of a book titled 'Uzumaki History.'
Back at the Battle
"What was that?" Tayuya was confused by what she saw. "Were those my missing memories?"
Lee punched at Tayuya who blocked before delivering a knee to the Leaf Genin's stomach. She spun going for a kick only for Lee to catch her leg and throw her. Tayuya flipped and landed on another branch before Lee jumped at her spinning himself.
"Leaf Hurricane." The older Genin declared.
Tayuya managed to block, so Lee went low sweeping her legs before landing a hard kick to her face. The Sound Shinobi hit a branch hard as more memories were roused from deep within her mind. Normally, this wouldn't happen, but Lee's answers before had burst the dam.
Tayuya's Flashback (5 years old)
Tayuya was sparing against her father. Only a few months have passed since she began training.
"Alright old man, I'm taking you down today." Tayuya stated.
Her father smiled as she charged in attempting to punch him. He simply dodged and landed a kick that sent her into the trunk of a tree. She fell to her butt and looked at the ground.
Tayuya angrily shouted, "Damn it!"
Her father smirked. "Don't tell me you're giving up Tayuya?"
Tayuya got to her feet. "In your dreams. I'm Tayuya _, and I will never give up."
Back with the Battle
Tayuya got to her feet as Lee appeared in front of her once more. The Leaf Shinobi went for a punch and she matched him. Both fists collided while the black lines of the curse mark began to spread over her body.
"These lines?" Lee opened his eyes wide. "Does this mean that Shun Uzumaki has something to do with Orochimaru?"
Tayuya placed a hand on Lee's chest and grabbed his arm before slamming him into the trunk of the tree. She followed up by slamming a knee into his back and kicking him off the branch. She wasn't done as yellow chains shot forth from her palms ensnaring Lee.
"Adamantine Sealing Chains!?" Lee thought shocked as he now hung upside down.
"You're not bad for a Bowl Cut Weirdo, but let's see how you handle this." Tayuya gripped both chains tightly swinging Lee around. "Come on kid. You have to at least try, or this isn't any fun."
Tayuya suddenly stopped causing the chains to loosen and allowing Lee to fall. The red headed woman scream out in pain as her head was killing her. It was far worse than any other time she'd used these chains. They slowly dispersed as she fell to her knees.
Tayuya's Flashback (4 years old)
Tayuya stared at the book with a slow smile spreading across her face. "I finally get to learn about our clan!"
Her father chuckled. "I knew you'd be excited."
"I'm not excited." Tayuya collected herself and crossed her arms. "Where did you ever get that idea from you idiot?"
Her father laughed. "Yes, I suppose there was no way for me to ever get that idea. Anyways, we might as well begin. The Uzumaki Clan…"
Flashback (10 years old)
Tayuya tried desperately to break free from the bindings that held her to the table, but nothing she did loosened them.
Orochimaru walked into the room. "Do not worry child. Once you receive your curse mark, you will forget all your troubles."
Then everything went black.
Back to the Battle
Tayuya collapsed in unconscious agony. Her skin shifted from red to its normal color. Black lines would appear and receded. The seal was attempting to repress these memories that appeared, but it wasn't having any luck.
The curse mark failed in its duties to repress Tayuya's memories, so it took the next best option and wiped her mind of any secrets pertaining to the Sound Village. When its job was complete, it vanished leaving Tayuya's skin clear.
Lee jumped up to her branch and felt for a heartbeat. "She is just unconscious which means we can capture her."