With the Konoha 12 and Karin
Shikamaru was in shock. "That's his opponent?!"
Everyone turned to look at him
"I must agree." Shino added. "This is rather troubling."
"Do you know him?" Ino questioned.
Sakura, who had been the best with book work, answered. "That's Kuroma Tatsushiro. He's the last known member of the Ryu Clan which was blessed with the Dragon Summons. He never attended the academy, but he appeared on graduation day.
He took the test and passed with perfect scores. This was done at the age of 6. A year later, he obtained the rank of Chunin; however, no one is aware of where he goes or what missions he undertakes. Only that he's shown up for the important moments
"He looks to be about 15, so why hasn't he moved up to Jonin if he's so good?" Tenten asked.
"It must mean he's not good then." Naruto stated with confidence.
"I doubt that. No one would place their hopes in someone that isn't that good. Especially given the fact that this is a match between Chunin. It's likely the Civilian Council had him hidden away for this eventuality." Shikamaru stated.
Middle of the Arena
"I hear you're strong." Kuroma asked plainly. "Is this true?"
Daichi smiled. "You can judge for yourself."
"I suppose I can." Kuroma stated.
Kuroma's right arm began to glow with green Chakra, so Daichi countered by making his left arm glow blue.
"Lion's Devastation." Daichi declared.
"Dragon Multi Strike." Kuroma declared.
Both opponents hit the other's fist. At first glance, the two techniques seemed to cancel each other out. Then, Daichi's Chakra faded while Kuroma's remained. The Dragon Summoner punched Daichi in the gut cause pain to flash over his face.
The Fusion member pivoted to the right and launched a kick at his opponents' side only for Kuroma to jump back. Daichi wasn't about to let up as he ran at Kuroma keeping him on the defensive with his Mixed Fist.
The Dragon Summoner saw an opening and threw a punch. Daichi caught his fist, but not before being pushed back a couple of inches. Kuroma was clearly strong. The Fusion member still took advantage of the situation.
He swept Kuroma's legs while pushing him at the same time causing the Dragon Summoner to fall. Daichi tried to follow up with a punch to his opponent's gut, but Kuroma rolled out of the way before jumping to his feet.
The dragon summoner then planted his foot into the Fusion member's gut knocking him back. Daichi managed to catch the ground with his hand and flip back to his feet. He was now the one forced onto the defensive as Kuroma pushed the attack.
Daichi's teammates had clearly helped him in the speed and reaction department because he was faring better when it came to dodging. The Fusion member soon saw his chance as he caught both of Kuroma's fist and threw him to the side.
The Fusion member then wove hand signs. "Shadow Clone Jutsu."
10 clones of Daichi appeared and charged a recovered Kuroma.
The dragon summoner wove his own hand signs. "Fire Style: Dragon's Breath."
This Jutsu resulted in a long stream of fire which Kuroma spread to all the clones before they could even touch him. Daichi had accounted for something like this as he appeared below his opponent and kicking him into the air before following.
Stands: Konoha 12 and Kari
"My eternal rival has gotten even better than when I last saw him fight. He's performing the Dancing Leaf Shadow perfectly." Lee marveled.
"I wouldn't go celebrating yet." Kiba stated. "Kuroma's weaving more hand signs."
Back with the Battle
"Allow me to show you some Taijutsu a teammate of mine made." Daichi stated.
He placed a hand on his opponent's back, spun around him, and kicked his opponent. The Fusion member then spun to the other side and landed another kick. Finally, as they approached the ground, Daichi spun once more catching Kuroma with his arm.
"Lion's Barrage." Daichi declared before leaping away.
Not a moment later, Kuroma said, "Earth Style: Dragon Scales."
After the impact, Kuroma stood to reveal that scales made of earth that were falling off him.
Daichi nodded. "Impressive, but let's see how you fair against this." He held his hand up and gathered electricity. "Lightning Beast Tracking Fang."
The wolf of lightning charged at Kuroma.
"Wind Style: Dragon Claws." Kuroma declared. "Fire Style: Dragon's Breath."
Like the Tornado Fist, visible wind appeared around Kuroma's arms except now they were in the shape of a dragon's claws. He then breathed fire on them increasing the power of the wind. The Ryu member proceeded to cut the wolf in half dispelling it.
Daichi stared down his opponent. "This guy is good."
Stands: Konoha Council
The councils were watching the fight and were amazed at the Chunin.
Sasuke had not missed the use of his Lion's Barrage. "It's only natural that he'd copy me, but the fact it didn't work means this Shinobi he's up against isn't one to be taken lightly."
Stands: Konoha 12 and Karin
Naruto stood up and moved to the railing. "Come on Daichi, this guy has nothing on you! Take him down!"
Sakura joined him. "Naruto's right. You can take him!"
This prompted the other members, at least those who were more expressive in these types of situations, to shout encouragement.
Back with the Battle
"Shadow Clone Jutsu." Daichi declared
10 more clones appeared and surrounded Kuroma while the real Daichi hung back creating a Rasengan.
"Your efforts are futile." Kuroma drew a green, short sword with an open circle near the handle of the weapon. "Still, I feel as though I must commend you for forcing me to draw my blade."
All 10 clones immediately charged Kuroma who dispelled them with his blade. Daichi immediately charged in once all the clones were dispersed and thrust the Rasengan forward. Kuroma slashed the Rasengan with his blade causing it to disperse.
Daichi drew his blades, and the two began a battle with Kenjutsu. Neither of them gave an inch. Eventually, both swordsmen realized they wouldn't get anywhere if they blocked, so they switched to a dodge and strike strategy.
Now the two of them would receive cuts and nicks that began to bleed. Neither opponent could get a killing blow or a strike that would impede the other in this fight. Both were dead even in skill to the point that it created a spectacular display.
Stands: Council
"It's quite amazing." Shibi commented.
"Indeed, Daichi is using his training to the fullest. When I look at him, I can see his father clearly." Hiashi smiled. "That's your boy Hagane."
"I didn't expect Daichi Ryu to have reached a level where he could match Kuroma. If this goes on any longer, Kuroma will be forced to use his trump card. " Danzo thought.
Back with the Battle
Daichi slashed down only for Kuroma to just be able to block both blades with his short sword.
"Lion's Will: 25%." Daichi declared.
The orange Chakra flared up around Daichi, and in this moment, Kuroma decided the battle had gone on long enough. He moved his weapon allowing Daichi to strike his left shoulder drawing blood. This surprised the Lion's Apprentice, and Kuroma took advantage of that to kick Daichi.
The Fusion member was sent flying, but he managed to land on his feet as Kuroma bit his thumb. For a second, Daichi thought he was summoning, but the signs his opponent wove were different. These were the signs for the Ryu Clan's sealed Jutsu.
Kuroma finished the signs before slamming both his hands on the ground. "Ninja Art: Dragonic Merge."
The silhouette of a dragon, crimson red with a black outline, flew high into the air before crashing down upon Kuroma engulfing him in red Chakra. Everyone in the stadium could feel Kuroma's Chakra begin to rise. The ground beneath him began to crack.
"Whatever this is, it isn't good." Daichi thought.
Eventually, the Chakra receded inside of Kuroma. Everyone could see what he'd become. His skin was red with black scales, his hair was black, and he had red wings with a black outline. His feet and hands were more dragon like while his eyes were red with black, lizard pupils.
Daichi grit his teeth. "I can feel his Chakra, but that doesn't matter. I must fight because Konoha's future depends on this battle."
With the Council
"Lady Tsunade, that chakra isn't nearly as strong as the Nine Tails, but it feels like that Chakra. The people are going to begin panicking." Shikaku informed.
As if on cue, every Anbu within range of the arena appeared near the council. They were ready to fight until they saw the source of the Chakra.
The Anbu closest to her asked, "Lady Hokage, what is going on?"
"That is a good question." Tsunade turned to Danzo. "What is going on Danzo?"
"I may have picked Kuroma to be Daichi's opponent, but I had no idea he had such power at his disposal." Danzo lied.
Tsunade knew he was lying, but that wasn't what mattered right now.
She turned to address the Anbu. "Leave halve your men in the stands and keep everyone out of this fight. The other halve are on crowd control. Get the people under control and tell them exactly where the source of Chakra is coming from."
"At once milady." The Anbu replied before signaling orders to his men.
"Lady Tsunade, you're not going to let Daichi continue this fight?" Hiashi questioned worriedly.
"I promised him we would not interfere until this fight is over." Tsunade declared. "Granted, we didn't know this was going to happen, but we must let this play out."
"Tsunade, shouldn't you have us evacuated?" A member of the Civilian Council asked.
"I will not. Every member is to remain here to see this battle. I do not want any member to have any reason to say that Daichi did not win this fight." Tsunade stated while leaking killer intent.
It was just enough that none of the civilian members questioned her further.
With the Genin
"This power…" Hinata looked at Naruto. "Now that I think about it, this feels similar to what Naruto used in the forest of Death."
"What is this?" Tenten asked.
Everyone looked to Shikamaru and Shino for answers; however, they didn't have them.
"The only thing I got is that this must be a Ryu Clan Jutsu." Shikamaru stated.
"We have to help him!" Sakura shouted.
"We can't." Naruto stood. "The moment we interfere, Daichi loses."
Everyone was shocked as it wasn't like Naruto to sit by and do nothing when a friend was in danger.
"If we cannot interfere with this fight, then let us cheer our comrade on." Lee did his signature pose. "Let our flames of youth burn bright."
Everyone stood up and began to cheer for Daichi as the Anbu settled in around the arena.
Back with the Battle
"Show me your power!" Kuroma stated with emotion. "Show me Kenshi's Chakra!"
"What?" Daichi asked confused by this sudden request.
Kuroma angrily said, "You heard me. Show me that Chakra you have locked inside of you. Once you do, I will kill you. I will prove myself the strongest. Show me your power."
"What happened to this guy? It's like he's not even the composed Chunin I was facing." Daichi then looked down. "He wants to see Kenshi's Chakra, but I can't control it. I can't bring it out. Guess I'll just have to rely on what I do have to combat this guy."
Daichi charged at his opponent and attempted to strike him, but Kuroma always moved just enough to avoid him. Even with Lion's Will activated, the Fusion member wasn't any match for Kuroma's speed.
"Speed, strength, Chakra, and durability. They greatly increased by merging with a dragon. Even if you could hit me, you won't damage me." Kuroma stated.
"I have no choice but to try a new Jutsu." Daichi crossed his arms while facing his palms out and charging his lighting nature. "Double Bolt."
He shot the lighting at Kuroma while separating his hands. This resulted in two, continuous bolts of lightning that spread out right in front of Daichi. Kuroma grinned as he avoided the lighting and got in close to the Fusion member.
The Dragon Summoner was in the perfect position to impale Daichi with his claws, but that wasn't his goal. Kuroma grabbed Daichi, turned him around, and lifted him into the air by his shirt. The dragon summoner then slammed Daichi into the ground hard.
Kuroma grinned. "Nice try Daichi Ryu, but that is not enough." His grin quickly faded as it was replaced by anger. "Now show me Kenshi's Chakra."
"I can't." Daichi stated.
Kuroma looked into the stand before his eyes settled on Daichi's friends.
Kuroma grinned once more before turning his attention to Daichi. "Here's what's going to happen. I'm going to break your limbs and force you to watch as I kill every one of your friends. See if that grants you access to your Chakra."
Daichi's eyes opened wide. "Don't you say anything about them being Leaf Shinobi. I'll be perfectly fine in the end no matter what I do today. The only way I'll let them live is if you show me Kenshi's Chakra."
Kuroma didn't wait for a response. He just lifted Daichi over his head and threw him into the ground again. The Fusion member didn't get to do anything as Kuroma picked him up, put him on his feet, and launched a flurry of punches. Daichi screamed out in pain as every punch landed.
"He said he'd kill all my friends." Daichi tried to block, but it was useless against Kuroma's increased speed. "He may not kill them all before he's stopped, but he'll at least get a few." Kuroma added in kicks to his combo. "My friends. My Friends. MY FRIENDS!"
Daichi grabbed both of Kuroma's fist surprising everyone. The Fusion member now had a moment to breath as his body hurt in several places. Blood was flowing down the sides of his mouth, and he had no doubt that a few bones were broken.
That wasn't the most shocking thing anyone would see that day, for Kenshi's Chakra had been released. It flared up white around Daichi until it formed into a solid outline of a man. The Outline then wrapped itself around Daichi as his body absorbed the Chakra into himself.
This caused Daichi's clothes to change from blue and gold to white and gold. This Chakra caused him further pain much like when he'd gone to a 100% with his Lion's Will. His body just wasn't ready to use Kenshi's Chakra.
"I'll have to end this before I can no longer move." Daichi thought
"Yes, this is what I want!" Kuroma grinned. "This is the power I want to beat!"
With the Council
Every member was awestruck with the Chakra Daichi was putting out. Compared to that of Kuroma or the Nine Tails, it was warm. That was the best way they would be able to describe it later.
"That boy." Danzo gripped his cane tightly. "He'll be a bigger pain than his grandfather ever was."
With the Genin
"It almost feels like that time Daichi first activated this Chakra." Naruto stated.
"What do you mean Naruto? You've felt this before?" Sakura asked
"Only once, but this feels different than that time. I don't know how to describe it any other way than heavier." Naruto stated.
"I think it's great! My eternal rival's flame has been rekindled!" Lee excitedly exclaimed.
Back with the Battle
Kuroma kicked at Daichi, but the Fusion member grabbed his leg. He then threw him into the air following up with shuriken. At the last moment, Kuroma used the Substitution Jutsu causing Daichi's shuriken to hit a log.
"You didn't think you'd caught me off guard, did you?" Kuroma said as he grabbed Daichi's neck and ran him into the wall of the arena. "Sure, you surprised me by your rather large Chakra, but you'll have to do more than that if you want to kill me."
Kuroma's fist glowed with green energy. "Dragon Multi Strike."
Kuroma struck at Daichi, but he ducked at the last possible second causing Kuroma's fist to go through the wall of the arena. Daichi seized his chance by getting behind Kuroma and grabbing the dragon summoner's wings.
"My body… is burning… The pain has only gotten worse… I have to end this!" Daichi thought as he threw Kuroma into the ground.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu." Daichi declared creating a single clone.
The clone ran forward and put Kuroma into a lock as he dragged the Dragon Summon back to the middle of the arena. The Dragon Summoner struggled, but he just couldn't get free.
Daichi stood tall to address everyone. "I'm only going to say this once so listen up. You could be a member of the Akatsuki, Orochimaru, or Kage level; I wouldn't care. No matter who you are, I will do everything to protect my comrades. Now, this fight is finished!"
Daichi slid his right foot and placed it behind the left. He then moved his right arm up and placed his left hand down and back.
"Lion Claw Strike." Daichi declared.
He ran forward at his top speed heading straight for Kuroma who was still struggling against his clone's grasp. Daichi nailed him with multiple, fast paced strikes. The force of these strikes ended up dispel the clone allowing Daichi to push the Dragon Summoner back.
He eventually moved his left hand and rotated it until it was touching his right hand. Then, he put every ounce of strength behind one final strike that he slammed into his opponent's chest. Kuroma smashed into the wall of the arena before collapsing on the ground unconscious.
Daichi would have welcomed the sweet embrace of unconsciousness, but he still had one thing to do. He walked up to Kuroma's body before dragging him to the center of the arena and dropping his body on the ground. Every one of his muscles screamed for him to stop moving.
"I win!" The Fusion member held up his left fist. "The Civilian Council is disbanded, and I vote in favor of Tayuya Uzumaki being allowed to join the Shinobi ranks. In addition, I am for the reformation of the Uzumaki Clan in Konoha."
With that, Daichi collapsed on the ground unconscious.
Next Day…
After the duel, the two Chunin had been taken to the hospital with Tsunade working personally on Daichi. After she had finished, the Civilian Council was disbanded. Tsunade now had free reign to reform the council under new rules and with new members.
Tsunade's Office
Naruto walked into the office where he noticed Tayuya and Karin standing before Tsunade's desk. "Granny Tsunade, what's going on?"
"First, stop calling me granny brat." Tsunade stated angrily. "Secondly, I would like you to meet Tayuya and Karin Uzumaki."
That reminded Naruto of what Daichi said. "Oh yeah, Daichi said Tayuya's name yesterday before passing out. Wait a minute. He also talked about the reformation of the Uzumaki Clan. Does that mean I'm from a clan!?"
"Your mother, Kushina Uzumaki, came from a village which contained a single clan of famed Seal Masters. Our two villages had close ties and their clan symbol can be found on the back of any Chunin or Jonin flak jacket." Tsunade replied.
"Why I am I just finding this out now? You keep on saying things like 'had'. What does that mean?" Naruto asked angrily.
He had always wanted to know about his parents, but no one ever seemed to know anything about them. If they did, they refused to tell him. Any attempts to search for himself had been met with failure.
"Because years ago, well before you were born, they were wiped out in a combined assault by three of the 5 major Shinobi villages. The remainder of your clan, those that got away, are spread throughout the continent.
As for why you were not told, it was better that way. Your father and mother made many enemies in their time, and they could have tracked you down had your mother's identity been known. Things changed when these two showed up."
We now must tell you about your mother because it has been voted, unanimously by the remaining Council, that the Uzumaki Clan be reformed here in Konoha. We hope this will prompt the remaining Uzumaki, if they're out there, to reveal themselves and join."
Naruto was shocked to say the least. He had no idea that his parents were so well known that he could have been in danger if he knew about him, yet he found that he still wanted to know about them.
"Can you tell me more about my mother? Who was my father?" Naruto asked.
"Unfortunately, that's not in your best interest. Your father was a greater danger than your mother to many. His enemies would likely target you. You can't know about him until you reach Chunin." Tsunade stated. "Your mother shall become a free to talk topic."
Now Naruto was feeling a mixture of sadness, excitement, and happiness. He was sad that he couldn't know about his father. Excited that he finally had some family. Happy that he was from a clan like Daichi and Sasuke.
That wasn't even mentioning the fact that he could learn more about his mother, and be part of her clan's reformation. In the end, he knew there was only one thing he could do. He hugged his new-found family.
"Get off of me you blond idiot!" Tayuya angrily exclaimed.
"I don't mind." Karin stated.
Tayuya just wasn't a fan of human contact, but Karin enjoyed it. Something about the warmth Naruto gave off reminded her heavily of her mother.
Naruto let go and was clearly happy. "I finally have family! I'm from a Clan! I'm so happy you're here!"
Tsunade was happy for Naruto, but she still had somethings she had to tell him. "I get that this is a happy moment for the three of you, but there are matters we must attend to." She slid a piece of paper, two Leaf forehead protectors, and a Chunin vest over to them.
"Tayuya and Karin Uzumaki, you are official Shinobi of Konoha. Karin, you will be a Genin and assigned to Team Guy. Might Guy will observe you closely these next six months to ensure you act as a proper Leaf Shinobi.
Tayuya, you will be a Chunin and observed for the next 6 months by Anbu." Karin tied the forehead protector around her head while Tayuya put hers on her left arm. "That paper will tell you the location of your clan compound." Naruto picked it up. "You three are free to go."
The three Shinobi left the office
Streets of Konoha
Tayuya and Karin's stomachs growled.
"Oh, you two are hungry?" Naruto smiled. "This is perfect. I know just where we can eat and get to know each other better."
He started moving and beckoned for them to follow.
"You idiot." Tayuya angrily stated. "Shouldn't we go see the compound first?"
"I need to take care of my family." Naruto stated. "We can go check our compound after we eat. Oh yeah! I also got to introduce you to Iruka, Konohamaru, and my friends. Though Karin already knows my friends."
Karin looked at her fellow Kunochi. "I mean, I am pretty hungry."
Tayuya sighed and the two followed Naruto. The former Sound Shinobi thought he was an idiot, but she smiled as he seemed like an idiot who cared about them. That honestly felt nice compared to what she could remember of the Sound Village.
Tayuya looked at her headband. "I think I'm going to like living here."
Root
Shun walked into Danzo's office while cleaning his glasses. "Daichi Ryu did a number on your man Danzo. Lots of broken bones. I'm not a Medic Shinobi, but I've done what I can to stabilize him with the help of your medics. He's going to be laid up for a good while."
"What have you been able to do for Kuroma?" Danzo asked.
Shun smiled. "There wasn't much that could be done. I can't reverse his Jutsu. If you want him to go unnoticed on missions, he's going to need to be decked out in full Anbu attire."
Danzo placed a satchel on the table. It contained a generous sum of money, a few Jutsu scrolls, and notes on anything interesting Danzo was working on. Shun took the bag and slung it over his shoulder without looking at the contents.
He and Danzo had an unspoken agreement. If the payment was short, Shun would stay away for some time before returning, and he would request an even harsher payment that would need to be made every time after.
"Until next time Danzo." Shun stated.
Shun vanished leaving Danzo with his thoughts. "You have stripped me of my power Daichi Ryu. I had hoped it would not come to this, but with even less of an ability to become the Hokage than before, I am left with little choice. I shall lead Konoha into a better future."
Flame Wolfe(37):Shun has that connection to Orochimaru, so best to make use of it.
Flame Wolfe(38):More than likely. I'll go back and look at that. Most of the Time, I can catch myself mixing up Sasuke and Sakura's names.
Flame Wolfe(40): That's not a secret. His entire mission, as designated by Danzo, is to be the counter to Daichi. Why he's specifically trying to counter Daichi will be revealed later, but I will say it has to do with Daichi's grandfather and father.