Disclaimer: I don't Naruto, I do this for fun and nothing more, hope you enjoy at least little, thank you.
Chapter 23 - Immortal Enemies
March 19th, 67AFL
The sun was rising, signaling the start of a new day while two jonin stood before a grave, "He would be proud of you." Kurenai could only say which made her companion chuckle, "I'd like to think so but sometimes I wonder." Asuma turned from his father's grave and looked toward Kurenai,
"When I joined the guardian shinobi twelve I thought he would be proud but back then I still didn't understand who the king truly was." "Mama food," A boy no older than two said, interrupting Asuma and causing both adults to turn to him. Kurenai smiled and pulled the little boy into her arms before looking at Asuma and seeing his smile, "I think I finally understand what he meant I just wish I could have told him." Before Kuernai could reply the boy repeated once again,
"Food pwease," causing the female jonin to sigh. "Go on ahead, I'll catch up in a bit," Asuma said. Kurenai nodded in acknowledgement but on her way she wondered when she would get a chance to tell him they were having another baby. Asuma turned toward the grave one last time and silently he promised, 'I will carry on your will of fire old man and I'll pass it on when my time eventually comes.' Asuma felt a gust of wind pass by him and he looked to the sky while lighting a cigarette, 'And Ino wherever you are I hope you'll find your way back home one day.'
Meanwhile Team Yamato had returned to the village and after reporting to the Hokage Naruto and Sakura headed for home. They were both in a funk and once they arrived home they saw Hinata was making breakfast. Without saying a word the two members of team 7 made their plates and sat down. Hinata picking up on their mood made her way to the table and after a few minutes she let out a mock cough finally getting their attention,
"Oh I'm sorry thanks for the meal,"Sakura said with a fake smile and returned to her meal which she was barely picking at, "Yeah thanks hime." Naruto added with a small grin and mirrored his pink haired teammates actions. Hinata let out a sigh before saying, "I knew the mission was going to be a failure. I realized it not a day after you left for Tenichi Bridge," she admitted, causing the blonde and pinkette to turn into her in confusion. "I haven't told anyone this but I ran into Ino the night you two left the village…"
Flashback: March 11th, 67 AFL
Ino Yamnaka found herself in an all too familiar setting as she found her way past the gate into Konoha. She was thankful that she had focused most of her training on how to hide herself while in plain sight. The guards hadn't even batted an eye as she walked past them but as she made her way toward her first target she heard a voice she hadn't heard in a long time. She lifted her head just a bit but kept her face covered as she walked past her old friends who failed to notice her presence. As she passed them she overheard their conversation and realized where they were going. The blonde let out a tear knowing there was nothing she could do for now and quickened her pace making her way to the old Uchiha compound.
She made her way down the abandoned street, looking on at all of the houses and small businesses that hadn't been touched since the day of the massacre. The place was eerie by how little life seemed to be around but Ino pushed on deciding that the best place to start was Sasuke's childhood home. As she walked in she felt a sense of dread overtake her but shaking it off she pushed on until she finally turned a corner. She grabbed her head as she viewed Sasuke's memory of that night again but after a moment she came back to reality,
"I see why Sasuke never ever wanted to come back here but I have to keep going," The blonde said aloud and then started searching room by room. She checked Sasuke's room first and as she figured it held nothing that would help her search for the truth other than a few pictures of Sasuke and his brother. She pocketed the photos before making her way toward Itachi's room. Taking a deep breath she opened the door but was surprised to find the room basically ransacked, "Whoever took what was in here did it in a hurry," She said to herself but searched the room as best she could. After turning up nothing she frowned before heading toward Sasuke's parents bedroom. She opened the door and looked around seeing that this room similar to Sasuke's was mostly untouched.
She took her time checking every corner hoping to find something, anything that could give an idea of what happened that night but just as she was about to give up she stepped on a loose board. Hearing it creek under her weight she fell to her knees and examined it. Removing it from place she realized there was a thin book underneath it, opening the first page she realized that she had found a journal written by Sasuke's father Fugaku Uchiha. The blonde paused for a moment wondering if she had any right to read it before Sasuke but in the end her curiosity and desire to know the truth got the best of her. A few moments after she started reading she realized her worst suspicions were finally confirmed.
Sasuke's father was planning to take over the village, they were going to capture Naruto and release the Nine-Tails with Fugaku as the new Hokage. The journal even went into detail of how Fugaku had suspected that Itachi was working for the Hokage but in the end would accept whatever path Itachi chose. She slammed the journal shut with anger and fought back a scream of frustration before putting the book into her bag, "Damn it, now I don't know what the hell to do." She huffed as she made her way back through the house.
"I just hope I can get this information to Sasuke. When he finds out about this he'll either accept Itachi's sacrifice or… or… He'll finish what his father started…" Ino frowned at the thought before shaking her head to clear her thoughts. "It doesn't matter right now, I just have to focus on getting that stupid scroll and getting out of here without being seen." Where the blondes thoughts and she finally exited the compound and made her way toward the center of the village. As she passed civilian and shinobi alike Ino grew more and more nervous but it wasn't long before she arrived at her second destination. Surprisingly enough the place wasn't very well guarded which made Ino chuckle realizing how Naruto had such an easy time swiping the Scroll of Sealing.
She was in and out before anyone realized it and not wanting to push her luck she made her way back toward the entrance to the village. Passing the gates she thought she was in the clear so she took to the trees hoping to get back to Sasuke before anyone would realize what was gone. As she made her way she removed her hood and let out a sigh before she sensed something coming at her with incredible speed. She moved her head to the side and when she looked back she saw a kunai embedded into the tree behind her. She put a hand to her face noticing her cheek had been cut and a small amount of blood dripped onto her hand. Before she knew it someone was behind her and the blonde was barely able to dodge the ferocious taijutsu attack. The two nin found their way to the ground and Ino snickered a little,
"Long time no see Hinata, it seems you've gotten a lot stronger over the past three years. So what do you want anyway?" Hinata looked on her face riddled with different emotions before it settled on anger, "What do I want? I want to bring you back to the Leaf." Ino couldn't help but chuckle, "You really spend too much time with Naruto and Sakura, you're starting to sound like them." Hinata's anger deepened and she resumed her taijutsu attack while shouting,
"You have no idea how much they've suffered since you and Sauske left, how much everyone has suffered and sacrificed in order to have you back with us again." Ino was barely dodging Hinata's attacks and was losing ground but just as Hinata thought she landed a crucial blow her opponent dissolved into water, 'I hate that trick," Hinata thought and then used her Byakugan to locate her opponent. "You can't hide from my eyes Ino and I'm not letting you get away!" "Damn it Hinata just leave me alone," Ino turned and faced her opponent before shouting, "Water Style - Water Dragon Jutsu!"
The dragon of water charged the Hyuga princess but when it made impact she just vanished in a poof of smoke. "You're not the only one who can use a clone as a decoy." Hinata countered and before the blonde could react she saw a kunai coming her way. With seconds to spare the blonde deflected the attack but in a flash Hinata was right in front of her another kunai in hand. The kunoichi's blades met the other, "It took Naruto-kun and I three years to figure out this jutsu and now that we have there's no way you can out run us," the Hyuga princess stated with confidence.
"Fine then I'll just have to make sure I beat you to the point where you're unable to move," Ino countered and with that both kunoichi separated, standing only twenty feet apart both ready to fight for what they believed in. "Ino, Hinata," the girls echoed the others name but before they could even reach the other they both felt a chill run down there spines and before they knew it they were both struggling to breathe strong hands wrapped around their throats,
"Itachi what do we want with these little girls, they're not even jinchuuriki?" Kisame questioned with a sadistic grin as he held the two kunoichi with ease. "Itachi," Ino managed to get out, "No we're only here for the blonde, I fear she may have discovered something that could compromise the Akatsuki's mission." "Oh so the Hyuga's just a spare then, alright Samehada feeding time." Kisame threw Ino to the ground and using his now free hand grabbed his sword and attempted to slip Hinata in two but just as he was mere inches from his target she disappeared in a flash,
"I will not let you take my friend, Rasengan!" Hinata declared as she struck Itachi from behind with the Fourth Hokage's signature attack but to her horror her target had transformed into a flock of crows. "Enough, Mangekyou Sharingan - Tsukuyomi," Itachi said, effectively knocking the Hyuga heiress off her feet and she fell to the ground now trapped within Itachi's jutsu. The Uchiha grabbed a kunai and went for the killing blow but was stopped by the platinum blonde's own weapon, "Leave her alone it's me you're after isn't brother." She said with disdain but surprisingly Itachi only smirked,
"It would appear that in your heart you still care about your fellow Leaf shinobi but unfortunately for you that's why you lost, Mangekyou Sharingan - Tsukuyomi." Itachi grabbed his eyes as he felt his own blood leak from them but in the end it would be worth it he thought. If Sasuke ever learned the truth Itachi feared what his little brother would do. He opened his eyes again and was surprised to see Ino still standing though her entire body was trembling, "How?" he said in disbelief which caused Ino to smirk and she used the last bit of her strength to throw her kunai at Itachi which he easily deflected, "That isn't the first I've experienced that jutsu," she managed to get out before she fell to her knees. Itachi walked up to her slowly,
"I'm sorry but Sasuke must never know the truth." He was surprised when the blonde only chuckled but her expression was filled with disdain, "Why? So you can continue to manipulate and control him from afar you monster." Itachi was angered but failed to show it as he replied, "If you know the truth about why I left him alive then…" The Uchiha was cut off by the blonde's next words, "Sasuke is a human being, he's not you and he most certainly isn't some tool that you can just manipulate into restoring the honor of our clan!" The blonde's words cut deep and before he could respond the blonde continued,
"Mark my words even if you kill me now, whether or not Sasuke learns the truth he will walk the path that he believes in. He will never follow you or anyone else. I believe that with all my heart!" "Oh this is so boring, can I kill them yet Itachi?" Kisame asked and then raised his sword ready to decapitate the barely conscious blonde, "No leave the Hyuga behind, I'm taking the Yamanaka to the old Uchiha hideout. I have no doubt Sasuke will come for me there." Itachi then knocked the blonde out with a chop to the neck, finally causing Ino to pass out from the encounter, "And for her as well."
March 19th, 67AFL (Present Day)
"Damn it! What the hell is going on? Why would Ino return to the Leaf and then just leave and how the hell did Itachi know?" Naruto asked in slight aggravation to which only Hinata said she didn't know. The blonde swore again but after looking at Sakura and Hinata who had saddened expressions he gathered his thoughts and surprisingly let out a chuckle. Both girls turned to him slightly confused but Naruto only said, "If the discount teme is trying to lure Sasuke to him then he's going to need all the help he can get." The jinchuuriki formed a Rasengan in his hand and spoke again,
"I was never able to finish it while we were on our trip but I think it's time I finally completed this jutsu." Which made Hinata gasp and Sakura continue to look on in confusion. After explaining what they knew about the Rasengan and how the Fourth Hokage originally wanted to add his own change in chakra to the technique. Sakura finally understood what the blonde was talking about and within the hour the trio made their way to the training field.
Unbeknownst to them, the remaining Akatsuki members were hard at work. Two of their members Hidan and Kakuzu and successfully cornered the two-tails jinchuuriki and after brutal battle they successfully captured their target, "Do you have that stupid ritual every time Hidan?" Kakuzu asked receiving a scowl from his partner, "If you insult the ritual or Lord Jashin again I'll kill you Kakuzu. Now shut up and let me finish, you're making it take longer." Kakuzu growled but only replied with, "Fine but we're heading to Fire country next, there are several bounties I intend to cash in on as well as two jinchuuriki."
Around the same time that Hinata was relaying her story to Naruto and Sakura, Sasuke and his team had finally made their way to the Land of Waves. Figuring few people would recognize him he didn't mind travelling through the main village itself so he and his team made their way across the same bridge that Team 7 had fought so hard for.
"The Bridge of Emerald Cherry Blossoms, what the hell does that even mean?" Suigetsu remarked as he sucked down his water bottle. Karin snorted, "Sounds like something a guy would name for his girlfriend but it's pretty cliche if you ask me." The redhead replied, causing Sasuke to let out a half chuckle but added nothing more. Eventually the group found themselves in the village itself and was surprised to see how different it looked compared to the first time he visited. The streets were clean, several shops were open and frankly the prices weren't too bad either.
"Karin, go and get us some supplies, we'll need them for the rest of our journey," he said and after handing the redhead a bit of ryo he sighed when she saw her head straight toward the clothing store. "Let's go Suigetsu," Sasuke said while he made his way forward but after a few moments he heard the ex Mist nin call his name. The Uchiha turned around and was surprised to see Suigetsu standing next to a concrete structure, "I thought you wanted to…" Sasuke said but then silenced himself when he got a good look at what Suigetsu was standing next to.
There was a statue of the old Team 7, Kakashi standing in the back while Naruto and Sakura stood next to Sasuke smiles on the dobes' faces while somehow the artisan had gotten Sasuke's Uchiha smirk down to a tee. "Looks like you're a hero, huh Sasuke." Suigetsu teased him but Sasuke ignored him as he read the inscription. "Dedicated to the heroes who risked their lives in order to protect this land let them and their story be remembered as long as this village remains on this earth." Sasuke looked up and a few feet away he saw a similar statue dedicated to Inari's father standing just next to it was someone the Uchiha immediately recognized though he had aged by three years. Sasuke grabbed Suigetsu by the arm and started to escort him away but he was just a hare to slow and the young man noticed his presence,
"Sasuke onii-san!" Sasuke was caught off guard by how Inari had addressed him and was even more surprised when the boy actually ran up and hugged him, "Sasuke onii-san I can't believe you're here." Inari said and after a moment Sasuke regained his composure and simply pushed the boy off of him, "I thought my name was Emo-kid Inari-san," Sasuke half joked which made Inari laugh. "I was young and I spent a lot more time with Naruto and Sakura, speaking of which…" Inari was cut off by Sasuke shaking his head causing the boy to look down in disappointment for a moment before he raised his head with a smile.
"That's ok, are you and your friend staying for a while, I'm sure my mom and grandpa would be happy to see you." "Actually Inari were…" Sasuke was cut off by a redhead he knew all too well, "That sounds great, we've been traveling for days and we could use the rest," Karin said with her hands full of supplies amongst other things she had purchased slightly glaring at the two boys next to her. "That's great, come on follow me," the boy said and with a sigh Sasuke started to follow him Karin and Suigetsu close behind.
Meanwhile the Uzumaki-Namikaze trio had reached the training field and wasted little time getting to work. Naruto started off by summoning several clones and along with them he practiced the few exercises he knew about wind chakra while Hinata went back to her lightning style exercises. Sakura on the other hand was busy trying to learn the basics of the Flying Thunder God but before the trio got too far along they were surprised by the appearance of Kakashi and Yamato. The two jonin lead the trio to a nearby waterfall and not long after the blonde was trying to slice it apart using his wind chakra while Kakashi helped Hinata and Yamato did his best to assist Sakura in her training.
As the day neared its end the trio finally collapsed from exhaustion and though Hinata and Sakura had made decent progress the blonde was still struggling. Kakashi sighed but then got an idea, "Tomorrow you should go and see Asuma, he's the only one I know who can maybe help you finally master your Wind chakra." To which Naruto nodded in agreement and with the two girls he loved more than himself he headed to the place which had the food he also loved at least at the moment more than himself.
March 20th, 67 AFL
Before the Sun had even risen Sasuke and his two companions were making their way quietly out of the Land of Waves, "Are you sure we should have left without saying goodbye Sasuke-kun?" Karin asked. "We know where the sword is now and there's no need to burden them any longer with our presence." Sasuke stated in usal emotionless tone. Suigetsu couldn't help but grin in agreement,
"Sasuke's right Karin there's no need to waste our time with civilians." The ex-mist nin then walked in front of the Uchiha pair with a smug look, "Let's make a deal Sasuke." Sasuke raised an eyebrow while Suigetsu continued, "Since we know where the Executioner's Blade is we'll make it a competition. If I get it you and your mission can piss off and I'll be on my way but if you win I'll follow you just like you wanted." Sasuke actually smirked,
"Fine but no killing." To which Suigetsu let out a groan after turning around and getting a head start, "You really are from the Leaf." After about a minute Karin noticed that Sasuke hadn't picked up the pace and couldn't help but ask, "Sasuke if we don't hurry up Suigetsu really will get their first. Why are we going so slow?" Sasuke waited about another minute before pushing the redhead against a tree. Karin was shocked but Sasuke's smirk was quickly mirrored on the redhead's face, "Give him his head start, we haven't had a private moment in days." "Oh Sasuke-kun!" Karin said with glee before she was drowned out by Sasuke's lips.
Back in the Leaf Village only a few hours later Naruto and Hinata were making their way through the Leaf Village in search of the Byakugan princess's former sensei as well as her husband. "I can't believe Asuma-sensei has the same chakra nature as me," the blonde said with the slightest bit of excitement. HInata smiled before she said, "I still can't believe Asuma and Kurenai got married and have a son already, it's crazy how so much has changed since we left." Naruto held a foxy grin as he replied, "Well I know a few things that will never change." "Your love for ramen," Hinata giggled but was surprised when the blonde stopped walking causing her to turn around to face him,
"My feelings for you hime," he said after taking her hands in his own while wearing his natural smile. "Naruto-kun I love you," Hinata said softly as she looked up at him making the blonde's smile widen even more. He leaned in close to her and just before their lips met he said, "And I love you too." The blonde engaged Hinata in quick lip lock followed by a number of other small pecks but as just as things started to get heated they heard a female shout,
"You better not be corrupting my favorite kunochi Uzumaki." To which the man standing beside her could only let out a chuckle. Naruto and Hinata immediately separated though their hands were still joined. "Asuma-sensei!" Naruto said in relief and before anyone else could get a word in he was standing right in front of the jonin, "Will you help me with my Wind chakra sensei?" He asked with a grin to which Asuma only let out another chuckle,
"So you have Wind huh, fine but you'll be treating me for lunch for the next week." He replied and after kissing Kurenai motioned the blonde to follow him. Naruto complied though as he did he could be seen digging through his wallet wondering how the hell he was going to make good on that promise. As Asuma and Naruto slowly vanished from view Hinata turned to her old sensei, "It's good to see you again Kurenai-sensei and congratulations." She said with a smile. Kurenai looked at her old student fondly,
"Yeah after Kakashi of all people found someone I figured I might as well tell Asuma my feelings and now we have a beautiful son and just between you and me…" The jonin whispered something in Hinata's ear which caused her to let out a small scream of excitement, "Really I'm so happy for you I can't wait until Naruto-kun and I have our first child, though there's no need to rush right now." She said slightly worried that Kurenai might think that had been too intimate. Kurenai actually laughed a little before asking, "What about Sakura and him?" Hinata's answer actually surprised Kurenai the slightest bit,
"I'm excited about that too, I always wanted to have a big family that actually cared about each other. I'll treat Sakura's children the same as I would my own and I'm sure she'll do the same." Kurenai shrugged her shoulders, "I'm surprised you three actually make that work, I don't think I could manage sharing Asuma with anyone." Hinata shrugged her own shoulders, "It does because Naruto-kun truly loves us both and we love him, that's all there is to it." The pair of kunochi walked in silence before Hinata started to laugh lightly which in turn caused Kurenai to look at her,
"Oh it's nothing, it's just the story you told me earlier about you and Asuma. I would think considering his rivalry with Kakashi-sensei that Gai-sensei would be married and have a child by now." Kurenai let out a small laugh of her own which gained Hinata's attention, "They do he, asked out Anko literally hours after he learned about Kakashi and nine-months later she gave birth to a son." A stunned Hinata could only say, "What!?" To which Kurenai only laughed even louder.
March 22nd, 67AFL
Two days later in the wee hours of the morning Asuma along with three other shinobi were getting briefed on their latest assignment, "The Fire Temple was attacked yesterday and Chirkiu of the Guardian Shinobi Twelve has been killed." This shocked Asuma to his core as he wondered who could be powerful enough to defeat his old friend, "You'll be leading several teams and are tasked with finding out who these people are and to neutralize them, understood."
"Hai, Lord Hokage," Shikamaru, Choji, and the rest of the gathered nin replied and with that they left the Hokage's office, "Wait a moment Asuma and you too Tayuya." The ex-sound sin as well as the jonin stayed behind and Tsunade focused her attention on the redhead first, "This is your first mission after being released from prison I expect you to give it your all and prove your loyalty to the Leaf." Tayuya inwardly groaned but only replied with, "Hai Lady Hokage," And left the room without another word. Tsunade sighed before turning to Asuma who immediately asked,
"Are you sure about her?" "I prefer to see the good in people as did your father, I'm more concerned about who was behind the attack at the Fire Temple." Asuma cocked his head, "You have some idea who's behind all this." Tsunade sat back in her chair and folded her hands together, "It's just a hunch but they very well could be the same people who are after Fu and Naruto and if that's the case then their next target could be the village." "The Akatsuki," was all Asuma said to which Tsunade could only nod. Not a few hours later Asuma along with Shikamaru were together with a group of chunin making their way toward the temple while Tayuya and Choji slightly lagged behind with their own team in tow.
Meanwhile the Uzumaki-Namikaze sat on the training field enjoying a lunch that Sakura herself had proudly prepared, "This is delicious Sakura." Hinata said with a grin while Naruto couldn't help but add, "Yeah it's a far step from the inedible crap you used to make Sakura-chan." The blonde felt a chill run down his spine but before he could react he found himself flying through the air,
"Baka, that's rude, you know!" To which Sakura sat back down and continued her meal with an aggravated expression on her face. Hinata shook her head but simply continued her meal as well knowing the blonde was more than likely fine. Eventually the blonde landed with a tud onto something soft and he quickly realized his landing pad was a person, "Sai what are you doing here?" The blonde asked curiously. Sai started to sweat, honestly he didn't know why he was there. Nor did he know why he had requested to remain though to be fair he was likely stuck until the upcoming chunin exams were over anyway. Who knew maybe the blonde just naturally attracted people so before Sai could think of a response the blonde simply shook his head. Getting to his feet he said,
"Well whatever, come on Sakura made more than enough for an extra person." The blonde motioned for him to follow but on the way Sai couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure? I didn't think you liked me much." Naruto shrugged his shoulders before replying, "Like it or not you're my teammate so maybe we should give you another chance." The blonde turned and gave a foxy grin causing Sai to feel something he hadn't felt before. Much later the pale boy would realize that this was the feeling of having a friend.
March 23rd, 67 AFL
By the next day Asuma and Shikamaru had reached the Fire Temple and were immediately briefed on the situation. Asuma was curious as well as angry that they had taken Chiriku's body but that's when one of the chunin on his team known as Izumo reminded Asuma about his friend's current bounty. The jonin immediately informed his team they would be searching the collection offices scattered around the land of fire before radioing the other team and informing them of the same. Before they left however they were honored with a prayer from the monks of the temple wishing them success on their upcoming battle. Not long after Asuma along with Shikamaru made their way toward the first collection office the jonin oddly quiet to which his student took notice of.
At the same the Uzumaki-Namikaze trio found themselves once again on the training field but even with his new technique of channeling his wind chakra through a kunai he was still struggling with that damn waterfall. Eventually the blonde's clones poofed away and the orignal fell to his knees huffing, "Damn it, why can't I get this?! It's impossible!" The blonde turned his head just in time to see a puff of smoke, "Need some help?" Kakashi asked but the jonin was a bit shocked by the blonde's reply, "You should be helping Hinata with her lightning style," and then the blonde muttered under his breath,
"Not like you've ever really helped me with my training before my last exam comes to mind." Kakashi frowned for a moment but then said, "Get up Naruto." The blonde got to his feet and was surprised when Kakashi put his hands on his shoulders. "I know I wasn't a very good sensei but believe me if Master Jiraiya wasn't in the village I would have trained you and Sasuke both." The blonde's expression softened just a bit while Kakashi continued on, "You are the son of my sensei, the Fourth Hokage and even he couldn't complete this jutsu.
However thanks to your mother the rich chakra of the Uzumaki clan runs through your veins. Naruto you truly are the only shinobi who can possibly surpass not just the Fourth but all of the previous Hokage. I truly believe that." With that Kakashi made his departure leaving the blonde with a sense of newfound determination. Meanwhile another sensei student pair was having their own conversation,
"Asuma-sensei it's not like you to be this quiet." Shikamaru said the slightest bit of concern in his voice. "Sorry Shikamaru, I'm just thinking about the old days." Shikamaru nodded and after a moment he asked, "Where you and Chiriku close?" Asuma chuckled, "He was my teammate. We had a lot of memories together…" Asuma told a bit about his relationship with Chiriku and then suddenly he turned extremely serious, "Shika I need you to promise me something?" "Yes sensei?" The Nara replied,
"Bring Ino home, losing a teammate is something I never wanted you and Choji to experience but there is still a chance for her." Shikamaru wasn't necessarily shocked but he had never given up on her anyway. What worried him was how his sensei had worded everything but all he did was huff, "We're going to bring her back together sensei but I promise." The pair's conversation ended there though Shikamaru was still concerned about Asuma's odd mood. Back in the Leaf Naruto, inspired by his sensei's words finally managed to cut the waterfall and was now attempting to combine his wind with Rasengan. Unfortunately for him he still couldn't manage it. That was until during their daily lunch Hinata asked why he wasn't using clones to which the blonde effectively slapped himself.
Not a few hours later Asuma and Shikamaru had finally located their targets. However things hadn't gone the way they planned. When they tried to dispose of Hidan the bastard seemed to be unaffected by any of their attacks and even when Shikamaru had trapped him with his Shadow Possession Hidan's partner Kakuzu forced him to break his jutsu. Shikamaru watched as Hidan drew some sort of symbol on the ground while Asuma stood ready for anything,
"Don't disfigure him Hidan, I want him regonziable." Kakuzu said. The Nara was relieved that the other Akatsuki member seemed to be sitting on the sidelines but knew how grave the situation was becoming. His mind eventually flashed to a match of shogi he had with his sensei but Asuma noticed his students discomfort and said, "Don't worry Shika, I don't plan on becoming a sacrificial piece." Just as the words left the jonin's mouth Hidan engaged him in battle but even using Chiriku's jutsu and having Shikamaru as support he failed to land a decisive blow.
The Nara's interference began to anger the immortal member of the Akatsuki and decided to attack him instead. Asuma went to defend his student but this was what Hidan was counting on finally managing to draw the jonin's blood. Asuma managed to recover and charged the Akatsuki member but all of the Leaf nin were shocked when the rogue shinobi struck himself instead of his opponent. Asuma fell to his knees in pain but Shika was able to see through his enemies jutsu just before Hidan went for the killing blow. Trapping him with his signature technique he managed to move Hidan out of his circle giving his sensei an opportunity to deliver the final blow and finished his opponent with his chakra blades.
Just when the Leaf nin thought they had won they were all shocked when Hidan spoke demanding his partner to assist him. Kakuzu begrudgingly attacked Asuma forcing the jonin to fall back but his target was revealed to be his partner's severed head. The nin could do nothing as Kakuzu put Hidan back together, stitching his head to his fallen body. Hidan cracked his neck and without another word Hidan and Asuma resumed their battle but it wasn't long before Hidan scored another blow and licking his opponents blood resumed his deadly jutsu. Unlike before Shika had no time to react as Hidan pierced his own body and with that Asuma fell to the ground barely alive. Shikamaru's team were on their last legs staring down these powerful opponents but finally Choji and Tauya's team arrived. The two sides were ready for battle but the Leaf nin finally got a break when the two rouge nin took their leave.
Unbeknownst to them the leader of their organization had contacted their enemies and informed them that the sealing of the Two-Tails was to begin at once. Tayuya and the other Leaf nin could only watch as Shikamaru and Choji ran to their sensei, the ex Sound nin wasn't a medic but she could tell Asuma's wounds were severe. Shikamaru and Choji could do nothing as their sensei gave his last words to the pair and entrusted them with saving their missing teammate, watching over his wife and children, as well as passing his Will of Fire onto them. With that done the son of the Third Hokage breathed his last breath leaving this world and his students behind. Meanwhile in an unknown location the leader of the Akatsuki spoke to his followers,
"Ever since the First Great Ninja War the five major powers have fought for territory and control resulting in the deaths of countless people. It's not just the major nations that suffer though. Dozens of smaller villages have been abandoned or completely destroyed, entire clans wiped from history because of the selfish actions of people who claim to be superior to others but no more. We have the One and Two-Tails, the Four and Five-Tailed jinchuurikis are our prisoners and once we have the Three-Tails we can seal them within the statue. Once we collect them all the weapon will be complete and then the world will know true Pain." With that the sealing of the Two-Tails began and it would only be three short days before the process would be complete.
March 24th, 67 AFL
The remnants of Asuma's team were in the Hokage's office reporting what had happened on their previous mission the Uzumaki-Namikaze trio where as usual stuck out on the training field. Naruto was making decent progress now able to effectively combine his wind chakra with the Rasengan but was still struggling to keep his new jutsu stable. While the blonde worked out the final kinks, Sakura and Hinata were taking a short break while having a conversation with Sai who had brought along his own soulmate Sasame. Kakashi and Yamato watched the blonde's progress from a distance quite pleased with his progress but when Naruto held the new jutsu long enough to strike it into a tree the gray haired jonin made his presence known,
"It looks like you've almost done it Naruto." The blonde turned around with a grin, "Believe it sensei, a few more days and I'll have this new jutsu down." This made Kakashi chuckle, "Think you can do that one more time," he said before forming his own Rasengan effectively made the blonde go wide eyed, "Lets see how this your new Rasengan stacks up against mine." Naruto nodded eagerly and was able to replicate the technique he had just used. The jonin and chunin collided both of their jutsus striking the other but when the smoke cleared Kakashi grabbed his hand before looking behind him and he almost thought he saw Minato standing in Naruto's place, 'He's finally surpassed me.' Kakashi thought before his attention was drawn to the Leaf nin who had suddenly appeared next to him. The group of younger nin standing off to side as well as Yamanto made their way over wondering what was going on but before anyone could inquire the messenger spoke,
"Everyone news from the Hokage, Asuma Sarutobi has been killed in battle." At the exact same time Shikamaru and Choji knocked on the door of the home Asuma and Kurenai were staying. No words needed to be said as the experienced jonin looked on at the teens sorrowful expressions. Choji managed to lead the barely two year boy out of the room giving his mother the chance to grieve, falling to her knees as the tears started to flow. Shikamaru did his best to comfort the heartbroken kunoichi while silently promising her that they would make the people responsible pay for what they had done.
March 25th, 67 AFL
The next morning Asuma's funeral was held, the former Team 8 as well as Fu and Choji were seen standing near the widowed Kurenai offering what support they could. Naruto and Sakura stood side by side reflecting on the last time they had been forced to bury one of their precious comrades. Konohomaru was seen standing next to the Uzumaki pair Naruto laying a hand on the boy's shoulder until Asuma was finally laid to rest.
As people started to give their last goodbyes and departed, Naruto took Konohamaru to the side. Before giving the boy a small smile he told him once he was ready he would teach the boy something special before sweeping the boy up in a tight embrace. Sakura stood off to the side with a smile and couldn't help but think, 'He really will make a wonderful father one day.' Back with Kurenai Hinata was distracted when she felt someone tap her shoulder, "Can I talk with you for a moment sister." Hanabi said while looking to the side and surprised Hinata who only nodded. Once they were far away enough from the group Hanibi looked up to her big sister with a sincere expression,
"Can you… Can you give me some advice on how to help Konohamaru-kun? I've never seen him like this." Hanabi turned her head while Hinata followed her line of sight to see her Naruto-kun comforting the grandson of the Third to the best of his ability. The two Hyuga sisters eventually looked at each other again before Hinata's expression softened and before Hinabi could react Hinata embraced her in a hug of her own, "Onnesan." Hanabi said in a voice that actually made Hinata giggle before she released her and her expression turned serious,
"Sometimes we can't understand another's pain until we've experienced it ourselves." Hanabi nodded and allowed her sister to continue, "All I can really say is try to be there for him as much as you can. Naruto-kun has always been alone and secretly in pain but I was too much of a coward to come and help him when he really needed it. Don't make that mistake, go to him, talk to him but never force him. In time he'll tell you how he's really feeling and your feelings for him will be his first step in healing, Do you understand Hanabi?" The younger Hanabi nodded and made her way over to Naruto and Konohamaru before talking to both boys eventually leading the depressed genin off somewhere. Naruto and Sakura made their way over to Hinata and soon noticed that their friends had begun to depart. One member of their inner circle remained however and walked up to the trio to which Naruto only gave a solemn nod,
"Hinata-chan, Sakura-can I think Fu and I have something we need to do. Do you mind heading to the training field, trust me I won't be long." Sakura and Hinata looked at him in confusion but complied with his request nonetheless and made their departure. Fu motioned Naruto to follow and once they got a few feet down the road she asked, "It was them wasn't it." The blue haired jinchuuriki asked to which Naruto replied, "Yea Ba-chan told me who it was, damn Akatsuki bastards." He growled while clenching his fist. "We have to stop them one way or another," Fu replied while clenching her own fist.
"We will but we need to apologize to someone first, don't we Fu." Fu only nodded and the pair made their way over to where they knew Kurenai lived. They knocked on the door both jinchuuriki filled with dread at the thought Kurenai would hate them and were genuinely surprised when the jonin offered them to come inside. They sat at the table but after pouring their tea Kurenai was surprised when the jinchuuriki both broke down in tears and spouted out apologies. She didn't understand what the pair was referring to at first until she remembered what was inside of the two teens. She got out of her seat and walked over to the pair embracing them in a hug as the two teens continued to blame themselves. She told them that Asuma had gone to get revenge for his friend and his death had nothing to do with them as well as the fact that Asuma would never blame them for what happened. It was at that point that Kurenai herself started to cry and the three of them just sat there letting out their feelings for a good while. Meanwhile Shikamaru was going through his own therapy and after a game of shoji as well as pep talk from his dad Shikamaru started to form his plan that would hopefully defeat the two immortal devastators.
March 26th, 67 AFL
It was far into the evening before Shikamaru and Choji found themselves at Asuma's grave. They gave their final respects before promising to avenge him as well as to bring their missing member back to the village. Lighting a cigarette and placing it on the jonin's grave before the two old friends looked at each other. Without words they knew what the other was thinking. Tomorrow they would leave the village and track down the bastards who had killed their sensei.
Unbeknownst to them, a red haired ex-sound kunoichi was watching from a distance. Even though her two teammates had been involved in the deaths of two of her old friends she had accepted that at the end of day it was Orochimaru who was responsible. However she never wanted to experience that pain again and seeing her teammates in the state they were in she resolved herself to help the two get vengeance for Asuma-sensei.
March 27th, 67 AFL
Shikamaru and Choji made their way to the village gates but before they could leave they were confronted by Lady Tsunade. The Hokage was determined to keep them in the village but when Kakashi showed up along with Tayuya offering to lead them the old lady gave in. What none of them noticed was the Byakugan princess spying on them from a distance while accompanied by three others.
Not an hour later Lady Tsunade was informing Sakura that the current Team Yamato would provide backup for Shikamaru's team as long as Naruto mastered his jutsu. Sakura nodded but couldn't help but ask, "Was Hinata sent with them? She's been missing since early this morning." To which the elderly Hokage actually slammed her hand onto her desk frightening her apprentice when she screamed, "What!" At the same time several miles away Shikamaru explained his plan and their team got ready to ambush the Akatsuki.
It didn't take very long for Shika's team to find the two and skillfully planned to ambush the foes who had killed his sensei. Before they realized it Hidan and Kakuzu were in the middle of an explosion caused by paper bombs. Shikamaru then used his shadow possession to trap Hidan and forced him to attack his partner. Choji began to use his Spiky Human Boulder jutsu while Tayuya used her doki puppets to provide support to the possessed Hidan. Eventually Kakuzu was overwhelmed by the trio but even when their attacks hit their target they appeared to have little effect. The eldest of their team did finally find success when Kakashi pierced Kakuzu's heart with his Lightning Blade but this only caused Hidan to laugh. Before the Leaf could react Kakuzu was back to his feet, his cloak removed and appearing far more monsters than man.
"It's been a while since one of my five hearts was destroyed, Now I'll need a replacement." "Five hearts," Kakashi said before his attention was interrupted. "He's telling the truth Kakashi-sensei. I can see four different chakra signatures in his body." The jonin turned his head and said, "Hinata, Fu, Shino, Kiba, did Lady Tsunade send you?" Hinata put her hand behind her head, looking way too much like Naruto as she replied, "I think there's more important things going on right now sensei." Kakashi looked at her with suspicion before shaking it off, "Alright Shikamaru, Choji, Tayuya, Kiba, you four handle Hidan. Fu, Shino, and I will engage Kakuzu. Hinata I need you to tell me exactly where Kakuzu's four different hearts are."
"Hai sensei," everyone said and got ready to engage their assigned targets. On one side of the battlefield the trio Choji, Kiba, and Tayuya attacked the Akatsuki member full force but he continued to avoid their attacks, desperately trying to get a even smallest drop of their blood what he failed to notice was that the Leaf nin were luring him into a trap. An endless barrage of Fang Over Fang, Spiky Human Boulder, and Tayuya's doki puppets kept Hidan from using any jutsu but he was starting to analyze their movements. Eventually the rogue nin thought he had a clear shot at taking off Choji's head with his scythe but suddenly he found himself unable to move, "Damn that kid." Hidan said which made Shikamaru smirk,
"You fell for the same trick again," he said mockingly and without another word led Hidan from his partner and deep into the nearby woods. His comrades that had been fighting alongside him followed the pair though they made sure to keep a safe distance just in case their opponent got through Shika's jutsu. Meanwhile Kakuzu had split himself into four three of his hearts transforming into three inhuman creatures, "Everyone keep your distance, we don't know how he absorbs new hearts," Kakashi said while Kakuzu chuckled. Before the jonin realized the Lightning heart was on Kakashi who did his best to block the creature's attacks. At the same time his Fire heart began launching jutsu at Shino who used his bugs as a defense as well as a way to keep a safe distance. Fu herself tried using her Blue Joro Spider jutsu to trap the Wind Heart but her jutsu wasn't strong enough to keep the monster down for long and her Taijutsu was too risky to use against an opponent who could rip out her heart at any time. Kakuzu laughed at the Leaf nin's desperate struggle against him,
"You little brats are pathetic. The Leaf truly has gone soft though I can see your attitudes are still the same. Just like the last Leaf ninja I fought Hashirama Senju the First Hokage." The Leaf nin who had all regrouped gasped, "How old is he?" Hinata said, causing Kakuzu to chuckle, "That's not something someone who's about to die needs to know." Without warning Kakuzu's Wind and Fire hearts appeared to merge together, "Brace yourselves," Kakashi said. "Now die, Mask Exploding Flame Jutsu!" The combination of Wind and Fire had resulted in a devastating blast of Fire heading straight for Kakashi and his subordinates, 'No enough time for Kamui,'
"Water Style - Giant Vortex Jutsu!" A massive amount of water was launched at Kakuzu's incoming attack but it just wasn't enough to stop it. The jonin stepped forward prepared to take the attack on himself and by proxy saving the others but then someone stepped right in front of the attack, "Now Four Tails!" Before anyone could stop her, the jinchuuriki of the group had stepped in front of Kakashi and similar to Naruto had a cloak of demon chakra with four tails protruding out of it. The only real differences were the chakra's color as well as having what looked like antennae instead of fox ears,
"Fu no!" The group all shouted but the jinchuuriki only looked back with a smile before using her tails to form a shield around herself just before Kakuzu's attack struck home. When the smoke cleared Fu was still standing though it was apparent she had several burns on her arms and face. Her chakra cloak was gone and she almost fell to the ground in exhaustion but in the end she just scowled at her opponent, "The Seven-Tails, I see I've finally found you, now are you going to come quietly monster?" Fu's scowl intensified before she gave her response, "I am not a monster! My name is Fu Aburame, jinchuuriki of the Seven-Tailed spirit of insects Chomei!
You murdered my sensei's lover, threatened my village, and hurt the people important to me! I will never surrender to you!" Kakuzu smirked, "Fine lets see if your friends can survive another…" Without warning Kakuzu collapsed to the ground seemingly dead, "Shikamaru's plan finally kicked in." Kakashi said and even though it appeared to be over told everyone to keep their guard up. Kakashi's words proved to be wise when Kakuzu reabsorbed his Lightning heart and rose back to his feet looking absolutely livid, "Two of my hearts! How the hell did you do that?!" Kakashi explained what Shikamaru had planned for them swapping out his own blood for Kakuzu's infuriating Kakuzu all the more,
"If you think Hidan will lose to those brats then you're even more naive than I thought now die already, Mask Exploding Flame Jutsu!" He repeated yet again. Meanwhile not more than a mile away Kakuzu's words proved to be false, "When you curse someone, you dig your own grave." The Nara said before using Asuma's lighter to ignite the paper bombs buried inside the hole that Hidan's severed body parts now laid in. Hidan's last words were his screams of hatred and vengeance before the loyal follower of Jashin was laid to rest for good, Shikamaru's comrades all looking on from a distance satisfied with the result. Back with Kakashi and the others, the jonin was ready this time but before he could use his Mangekyou he heard two familiar voices shout,
"Wind Style - Rasengan!" "Water Style - Ripping Torrent!" "Combination Jutsu - Hurricane Vortex Jutsu!" The two jutsus met in the middle and canceled each other out leaving a thin layer of mist on the battlefield. Kakashi turned his head and saw Yamato standing next to him, "Did he do it?" To which Yamato could only smile and nod. Returning his attention to the battlefield he saw an orange flash before Naruto appeared just behind him Fu in his arms, "Sakura-chan!" "Right I'm on it," Sakura replied before beginning her medical treatment. Kakashi assessed the situation before giving commands, "Sakura as soon as you're done with Fu, you and Sai go check on Shikamaru's group, we'll handle things year."
"Hai," Sakura and Sai both echoched. Kakashi started to explain his plan but the blonde jinchuuriki interrupted him, "No sensei this is my fight." He said before getting to his feet but Fu grabbed his arm, "Sorry Naruto I tried." The blonde only smiled before replying, "Rest now sis I'll handle this ugly bastard." Fu was a bit taken aback by his "sister" comment but she understood what Naruto meant. "Kick his ass twice as hard for me will ya," she said with a chuckle before finally losing consciousness. Naruto walked in front of the group nin and Kakashi couldn't help but ask, "Are you absolutely sure Naruto, he's extraordinarily powerful." Naruto nodded in determination, "I'll be fine sensei, trust me." Without another word the blonde shouted,
"Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Close to a hundred clones appeared and about half of them charged Kakuzu and his Fire and Wind hearts which were still combined together. The two hearts by themselves were able to hold their own against the clones but Kakuzu wasn't fairing as well, 'Damn, how are these clones able to predict my moves.' He thought in frustration. Eventually the rogue nin was able to diminish the clones down to only a few but before he realized it the clones that hadn't attacked were ready,
"Giant Rasengan Barrage!" The clones broke into groups once again with half of their attacks aimed at the Wind and Fire hearts and the other half attacked Kakuzu directly. 'It's so odd,' the blonde thought as the smoke began to clear, 'It's like I know what he's going to do before he does.' "Your welcome Naruto." He heard Asura speak in his mind, "What are you talking about?" The blonde said quietly to himself with gritted teeth. "This fool once fought my previous host, have you forgotten that I've witnessed everything my previous incarnations have. You know how he fights because I know how he fights. Now get ready, he's still alive." Naruto huffed, angered that he was getting help from the bastard who just wanted his body but did his best to shake it off as the smoke finally cleared. Kakuzu was standing their breathing heavily and looked absolutely livid, "How are you doing this? Who the hell are you?" The blonde's anger shifted to his opponent as he proclaimed loudly,
"I am the son of the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki as well as the jinchuuriki of the Nine Tailed Fox. I am the person who will become the greatest Hokage of them all. My name is Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze and not anyone else! Shadow Clone Jutsu!" The blonde formed two clones and started to form his newest jutsu while Kakuzu took the time to merge with his two remaining hearts. As soon as he was whole the Akatsuki member chuckled cynically,
"Two jinchuuriki, my lucky day. When I capture you both there will only be three left." Naruto scowled at his opponent, his new jutsu finally ready, "Don't count on it." Infuriated by the blonde's words he went on the attack but before he could reach his target he was shocked when the blonde's clones poofed away and he along with his jutsu disappeared in a orange flash of light. "Never underestimate me!" Kakuzu turned his body but he was far too slow to defend himself against the jinchuuriki's attack,
"Wind Style - Rasenshuriken!" Naruto's new jutsu impacted Kakuzu with hellish force, thousands of microscopic blades flew through his opponent's body destroying all three of his hearts at once. Kakuzu fell to the ground with a tud his long life finally at an end while Naruto gripped his arm in pain. "Naruto-kun," he heard and saw his friends on their way over to him. Sakura immediately applied medical attention to the blonde's damaged arm having already returned with Shikamaru's group. Naruto turned his head toward said Nara heir and the two shared a look of understanding, both content that they had avenged Asuma Sarutobi.
AN: Hey I'm back apologies for taking so long but what can you do. Don't really have much to say other than I hope you found something you enjoyed in this chapter. Until next time which could be anytime lol all I have to say is farewell.
