Elsewhere on the battlefield, Naruto felt May struggling and in pain. Even across their vast distance, he could tell she was in trouble, which worried him. After what he was just told about her condition. Which was a shock to him, he began to worry for her safety. Upset he hadn't been told before about this and that she was here. He thought it was just internal injuries but, that wasn't the case. If he could only reach her right now, she was durable, that she was. But at this moment in her condition she wasn't really. And if she dies, than the promise he made would be broken.
If not for his liquefied body, Suigetsu he would surely have been dead. Even so his skills he knew where nothing on the level of these three. Especially with Shredder, the man was just brutal and ruthless in all his attacks. Each one unleashing his dark anger. What made it more dangerous the man was already a master in taijutsu and along with his strength made him even more deadlier. Adding Razhor's already bloodthirsty fighting style with Tigerclaw's more calm and calculating style of fighting. Made this fight unfair. Even with Jugo's strength still put them at a disadvantage, their skills where far beyond their own. Still, it didn't matter to Suigetsu. He had an itching for some payback with them anyway. Never really like any of them. Plotting to take them out himself if he where to get the chance. They where overdo for a beating. What he to be force to see and watch, when it came May. He had tired all he could to lead them off her trail the best he could, but it never seem to work. And he had to be more careful otherwise they would catch on. When he realized his efforts weren't do anything and the day he heard she had become their prisoner, better yet new object. He became horrified and angered. Promising to end them himself for the torment they put you through. Which he felt guilty being forced to contribute to your torment, he had to figure out a way to help you.
And this would be it. Here. Right now. He wouldn't let them torment you any longer. Nor allow you suffer again. Even if it meant his life, he already took away some of yours for what he did. He wasn't going to allow the rest of it be taken. Mimicking a gun with both his hands he fires two powerful jets of water from his index fingers at Shredder and the others. It didn't do any damage, if he had his sword than he could really do some damage to them. Or if he could catch one of them and drown them with his other jutsu. But it was clear he wasn't going to get close to either one of them. The only chance he had in surviving this was making sure his body would liquefy itself, he would just fine. Even knowing he could not defeat them, he could at hold them back long enough for Karin to get you out of here and maybe Orochimaru could figure out some way to help you or heal you.
Damn, he thought. Never realized feelings like these was such annoyance. He scuffs to himself. No wonder I preferred killing instead. It was much easier than this. He thinks about May, her smile. Yeah, he thought. This was totally worth, sorry, you deserve some better...
Karin and Orochimaru had managed to move you away from Shredder and the others. They had yet to see any improvement in your condition since, which in a strange way kind of made Karin worry. More so though, she didn't want to hear Suigetsu's mouth if anything happened to you. Looking at you, she couldn't believe he actually had feelings for you. She wondered what it was that you had to make someone as detestable as him, actually have common sense. Have an interest other than annoying her beyond anything. The way he jumped into action against Shredder a man that frighten her, it was like he cast aside all his cowardliness and showed actually in a strange way bravery. There was no way he could even make it out alive, and he seem to know that. And it didn't matter, just what kind of power did you hold? She pondered.
You. This strange alien inhuman girl, from a different world. One look seem to make many melt, or so her imagination played in her mind. With that aside, recalling the cruel torture you had to endure. A flower being depetaled, she was use to doing things like that for Orochimaru, though for some reason when she saw you, it seem different. Maybe it was because of that strange weakly smile you had on. Despite the fear and death around you. The empty and lifeless look in your eyes as you endured everything given. Was that what drove Suigetsu crazy or better yet compelled by his guilt for being an associate, was his way of paying for it all. It wasn't that she cared, she wasn't sure what came over her that made her want to keep you alive in any sort of way she could. She couldn't have you die. Damn it. If she could just figure out how heal you, but anything with chakra would be lethal. The heavy wheezing from you, was becoming deeper and harder. Sounding like a collapse lung. She wasn't sure really. You where struggling she could see it.
What could work? What could she do? She had to think of something, because she felt Shredder's chakra spike, sending fear straight through her body. If he came this way, the thought was just too terrifying. Then again there was Orochimaru, there was no doubt the Sannin could handle that crazed mad man. Shredder was strong, though she highly doubt stronger than him.
Orochimaru's eyes move along your body, studying and taking in everything he saw. He was quite intrigued. Such an intricate specimen. And well highly constructed build. Someone like you, was all that he was told. Being flesh, machine and some alien creature. Yet you looked so human, from head to toe. If he was like his old ways he would have enjoyed taking you as one of his test subjects to preform more experiments with you. Here before him, was life created with the help of nothing. Just made out of thin air. Fascinating. He would like to know more, mental note he told himself. Right now his inquisitive mind would have to wait, to figure out how to heal you was the matter at hand. Knowing little about your physiology despite what Karin told, put him a slight disadvantage really. Studying your breathing patterns carefully, along with the smallest movements you made. From what he gather through Karin's hysterical blabbering as to why you had yet to heal yourself. It accord to him, something might be preventing you from doing just that. His eyes notices your hand that laid upon your mid section. Examining it a bit more closer, his eyes widen at what he found out. Your energy was being drain, was his theory.
Suigetsu. You couldn't let him die, you couldn't let him face death. He didn't have to jump in to save you like that. It was just like that time when he saved from the explosion the first time you met him, he came and engulfed you in his liquid body to shield you. Just like then, he did it without thinking. You didn't understand why. Even after all this time he came to aid you. What was his reasoning? Was to atone for himself being apart of your imprisonment? Suffering? Yes, you remember sensing him, back then wondered why he didn't say or do anything. But, you soon understood, his life was in the balance with Shredder. He was caught in a bind. A part of you had wished the two of you had never crossed paths, due to the suffering he had to endure. He had act like he didn't know you and you with him.
What he was doing right now, had to be to make up for it all. You couldn't have Shredder kill him, he was your responsibility. You had to put a stop to him, so others wouldn't have to suffer by his hands. Shredder was adding more causalities to this war. Slowly you began to move from Karin's hold, pushing yourself up. She noticed and was about to protest, but the look you had silenced her. Staggering just a bit, you stand to your feet though nearly fall if she and Orochimaru hadn't caught you. They hold you up, thanking them both. You ignore your injuries and re-coat yourself in metal again. Not fully though just enough, you push pass your once again, it would not take hold of you. Stop you. Others needed you.
Rushing away from Karin and Orochimaru leaving them behind you, heading back in the direction of Shredder. Pleading for Suigutus to be alright, telling him you where coming. And you forgive him.
Tigerclaw lands a strike on Suigetsu, this time damaging him, even in his water state. By heating up his chakra when stuck the teen, heating him up inside. Suigetsu did his best to resit the pain, but the damage was done. Holding his side, nearly falling to his knees, he manages to remain standing. With his smug grin on, Jugo who managed to keep Razhor at bay noticed his comrade, he lands a blow on the mutant sending him back and rushes to just in time to intercept the blow by Shredder, meant for Suigetsu. Shredder's blades plunged deeply into his arm. Blazing with chakra. Jugo took it, pushing the man back.
Though he had Shredder a bit at bay, still left the other two. Tigerclaw comes rushing from the side, with his claw ingulfed in a flame blade he draws it up to strike down up on Suigetsu. A digusted look in his slit eyes upon the teen."..."
"DON'T TOUCH HIM!"you come just in time, and land a blow on Tigerclaw, who taken by surprise.
You hit was enough to send him back crashing a few feet away. You quickly turn your attention to Shredder, the man saw your strike before you could land it and moves just in time. Though not before drawing blood from Jugo first. Finally he had you back. His eyes remained locked on you. You between him and the other two protectively. You would not let him lay another finger on them. Suigetsu was rather surprise, he was sure Karin had taken you away from here. Yet here you stood before him not fully in the best shape. This wasn't what he wanted, again he failed. Putting you through more suffering.
Sensing his feelings. You speak to him."Suigetsu. Do not feel guilty. Thank you. For trying to protect me."you tell him."I am sorry for putting through a emotional ordeal. I will take the rest. I will not have you die. You're my friend. And as a friend, I will protect you and friends with my life."The convictions in your words surprised him, he looks up at you, so serious and focus. The strength in your eyes had replaced the gentle and sweet look your eyes always carried. Looking closer, he noticed anger you towards the man. But unlike Shredder's it was not your source of power, yours was completely different.
You where going to handle this, he could tell. You where not going to go down nor go easy. Your emotions seem ablaze but also in control. Which for some reason scared him. Your eyes wait for Shredder to make his move, he barely twitches and you spring into attack with round house kick, he saw it coming and blocks it. You didn't stop and come up with another kick faster than the last one. He blocks that one too, he pushes you back. You set yourself straight and come back with rapid strikes and blows. Shredder just blocked them, when he saw an opening would go to strike, but you managed to block them just barely. Some of his movements where similar to Master Splinters, so you kind of knew how to counter them and move out the way. Suigetsu and Jugo watched rather shock at the power you displayed before them. This was hidden in a body like yours. All this time, Suigetsu thought you where delicate and tender, not hard and strong. The Earth shook with tumors from blow that landed on it. Creating a few fissures.
Your speed managed to keep up Shredder, you would not give the man any time to do any sort of jutsu. And he knew it, the way you fought was like a calm fury. There was no fear in your eyes everytime you came up, something he didn't like. You nothing but a mere little excuse of existence. He would not be taken down by someone like you. Solely focused on Shredder gave Razhor and Tigerclaw the opening they needed. The mutant dog comes up out of the ground his jaws open ready to crush down on you, Tigerclaw with his fire chakra molded into two blades thrust them into you.
Not this time. It was like one single move, you fire a blast point blank at Razhor in his open mouth, then duck quickly from Tigerclaw and come up elbowing him hard in his stomach, he hunches over, you grab him by the neck and throw him over your shoulder. The two where caught off guard. With your attention on them, gave Shredder the opening he needed. Charging at you, expanding his chakra around him coating his blades in it. He thrust them right into your back.
Slink!
Metal on metal collide, surprised to find you had stopped him coating your hand in metal and forming it into a blade. You turn around to him glaring at him, you were not playing. He might be strong, but you were stronger, driving your fist into him with everything coating it in metal you land the blow right then follow with multiple rapid punches in his mid section before one final strike that drove straight through creating a cavity in his chest. Those around where stun at what they just saw, you had taken down Shredder. There was not an ounce of remorse in your eyes when you so. It was quite frightful. Karin and Orochimaru who just came witnessed the fury of your attack on the man. She couldn't believe what she saw, someone as petite as you took down such a large man. The Sannin though shocked a bit was more impressed.
The body falls down with a heavy thud, you look down at it, finally, finally he was no more. Filling with relief, Master Splinter, April, and Kai could now rest in piece. Your mind at peace now, something erupts viciously from the ground straight at you, you sensed them to late, their hand already gripping around your throat.
"You think someone like yourself could kill me that easily!?"Shredder roars."You insignificant, foolish, stupid trash! I am Oroku Saki of the Foot Clan. My power knows no bounds. My hate beyond measure. A weakling of Hamato's Yoshi has nothing in compassion! I will kill you as I did him. I will bury like the Rat!" He hisses, locking his eyes with you. His Shargian, you knew what was to come next.
You try to shut your eyes but it was to late, he held your gaze long enough, now he just needed to push pass your mind. His hand clamps around your throat tightly. Crushing your throat. When high pressure water blasted the Shredder away, along with wood beginning to entangle him, releasing you from his grasp. You fall down, to be caught in some one arms. Holding you with security.
"Well, you're not Naruto. Are you alright?" a calming and concern voice speaks to you.
Your vision began to return and you look up to find a man, with Naruto's hair color and style. Though instead of blue eyes he had the same kind of eyes as those of the reanimated jutsu. He was much older and rather handsome. Dressed a short-sleeved long white haori with flames at the bottom over a standard Konoha uniform with two bands on both of his sleeves, a green flak jacket, blue forehead protector, and blue sandals. He was almost a mere image of Naruto, just Naruto had more a rounder face, the smile he gave you was warm and kind. He repeats his question again to you, and this time your respond nodding your head.
"That's good."he set you down carefully."Glad we came in tim-"
"You look, my blood brother, Naruto."you say confused and surprise. The man was a bit taken back by what you just said."Your aura is warm as Naruto's too. Are you of a relation to one another?"
He couldn't help but chuckle at the way you spoke, such innocent and curiosity. He thought you where five, but could see you wanted to know. He stops himself begin respectful."I am related to Naruto. He's my son. I am his father Minato Namikaze. A pleasure to meet you."
What he just told you shocked you. This was Naruto's father. You couldn't believe it. For some reason you became overwhelmed and out of the blue hug him with glee. Almost knocking him over, this took him by surprise. As well your strength.
"Naruto will be most happy, to have you."you yelp with joy."I am very much honored to meet you. Mr. Namikaze!"
"T-Thank you."he chuckles patting your head."You said something about Naruto being your blood brother? Why might I ask?"
You release him from your hold, and look up at him."Naruto was kind enough to be one of my blood donors. During my operation. Along with Kakashi and Ms. Tsunade. My teacher. The three of them saved my life. That is why Naruto is my blood brother, which in a sense makes Kakashi like my blood father and Ms. Tsunade m-"
"I have a Great-Granddaughter!"a overjoyed voice cries glomping you in a rather tight hug. Their boisterous voice rang in your ears, it was rather painful."I can't believe IT!"They scream."I have a Great Gra-"
"Release the girl! Hashirama!"a much more stern voice tells the other. They manage to pry you away from the one holding you.
Minato manages to catch you and helps you get steady. Setting you up straight. He checks to make sure you where alright."Thank you."you thank him, and turn around to the other voices.
Finding two men, both of them in armour though one was in dark red and the other in blue. The one in red had long black hair and a tanned skin complexion while the other one had spiky white hair, a fair skin complexion and a more serious look about him than the other. The two of them seem to be bickering a bit, before they stop noticing the shock of horror on your face. Minato became concerned, the way you looked, ready to cry but no tears came. Grief replaced the horror, whipping your head around looking off in the distance. You hand grips the necklace that had the Nara symbol on it. Your heart just sunk right now, so deep. Pain shoot from it, clenching a fist over that area.
"...Papa..."you whisper to yourself sadly. It just couldn't be true. It just couldn't be.
First Kai, Master Splinter, and April. And now this...Shikaku. You had just received a telepathic message from him saying his last few words to you and Shikamaru. The two of your minds linked together as the man said his loving good-byes. And entrusting his son to look after you. Telling you he is sorry he wasn't going to be able to have dinner with the family when all of this was over. And for you remain strong, and he loves you happy to have you as his daughter.
Just like that the link was gone. He was gone. Shikaku Nara, your adopted father was gone. The man who took you into his home and treated you like his own. No more reading together. No more playing shoegi. No more of him taking you see the deer or letting you pet them. No more of you playing your music for him. No more flowers in your hair. No more of him coming over to see you. No more saying, Papa. He was gone. Grief over took you, if you only had stayed back at the HQ then maybe you could have prevent his death. Everyone's death there. It then accrued to you, Inoichi was there. And so was Ko.
How many people you cared about must you lose? You where given in this world a family like you had back home, for it to be shattered and taken away. Your body just felt cold. Damn. If you could only cry, but nothing came. The pain. The pain was back, and your heart ached. You didn't want to mourn for anyone, anyone close to you again. Shikaku was gone. A so a was a piece of you. You know he told you to remain strong, but how could you. If he wasn't going to be here. Like he told you when you first came: "It's a father's job to be his daughter's strength."
Those words echoed in your mind. Those words made you feel accepted into his family. A true Nara he told you. That hug, the very last hug the two of you had. You wouldn't have it anymore. That sense of protection and love. Sure there was Shikamaru but, he was the brother, not the father.
Shikamaru. You needed to find him. You had too. You know you were to be strong, but right now. You needed him. Your mind on on him, you quickly locate his aura and excuse yourself, you fly away only to come crashing down. You pick yourself back up and try again, but you couldn't focus, plus your injuries started to remained you that you had them. The Kages watch you trying to leave, they knew what it was having heard it themselves. Though not Shikaku's private message, but they knew. Minato hurries over to you, to help you.
"It's alright."he comforts you."I'm sorry."
You look at him with heavy sad eyes."...He...was my papa."you whimper. Your lip began to tremble."I have to go find Shikamaru. I have to make sure the others are alright."you wipe your eyes, and pick yourself back up only to have your legs give out.
A arm comes out and grabs hold of you, hosting you up. This feel, you knew it well. It gave you shiver down your spine. You turn around surprised and scared at the person who caught you. Their black eyes, always burned in your psyche since the very first day you meet them. So cold. So ruthless. So hateful. Now seem different. Behind the blackness, there seem to be some sort of compassion and remorse, along with small bit of sympathy. Still didn't wash away your feelings you had for them. The hold of their blade, making your eyes go wide.
Looking closer you notice there was blood on it."You're free."With that the arm they had around you, secures you with that they leave the Kages with you.
The men watch as the Sasuke takes you with him, all three of them speechless. Until Harshiama says something."I have a Great-Granddaughter. In a manner of speaking."he smiles with pride."I wonder if she likes gambling?"
Minato thinks about what you said and what Harashiama said. A smile comes to him."Guess I have a daughter. Quite a cute one at that."
Elsewhere the rest Naruto and his friends where together, Sakura healing him after taking a heavy hit from the Ten-Tails and suffering one the worst lost ever. The mood was rather gloom and bleak. Even as they discussed their next move on what to do. After Shikaku did tell his son what the plan would be. He was prepared to take on in his father's absence. Though nothing would prepare him for this, nor the others. Sasuke comes over with you in his possession. Which of course surprises everyone by his sudden appearance though more so the fact he had you, but once eyes landed on you, their hearts filled with grief. You felt the sudden mood shift with your presence, your eyes look straight at Shikamaru. He saw you trying to remain strong, but it broke. Sasuke let's you go and run straight into his arms.
He holds you tightly, as you cry in his chest over Shikaku. Apologizing that you hadn't stayed. Just everything. Apologizing to Shikamaru that he now had you to worry about. All the did was place a comforting hand on your head, to calm you. The two of you mourn together quickly, when you felt something wasn't right. Realizing something was amiss, you break away from Shikamaru and do another recap of everyone. Counting them, taking their faces. Your eyes fall on Hinata, then slowly move next to her. Then back. Her eyes fill with sorrow and deepen grief. They began to tear up.
"Wh-Where is Neji?"you stammer."Where is NEJI? NEJI!? NEJI!?"you yell for him on the top of your lungs. Heart racing, you began to hyperventilate. You try to search for his aura. This was some sort of joke. It just had to be.
Frantically you call for him, looking around again at everyone. Each one of their faces hung low, their eyes to the ground."NEJI! NEJI! WHERE ARE YOU! NEJIIIIIIIII!"this time you scream in pain and anger.
There was no response, nothing from him. Everything became numb. He couldn't be...he just couldn't be. He said he would be safe. He promised he would. He always came when you called or you always found him when you looked for him. Why wasn't he now? You knew why, but you refused to believe it. He was too strong to..you started to feel sick. You wrap your hands rest around your mid-section. Your legs gave out and you fall on your knees, your head hung low. Shikaku and now Neji. Two people. Two you whom you loved, now gone. That emptiness came back and came back hard. Memories of your time with Neji flooded your mind. From when you first meet him, to when when you two became an item. To intimate moments. The times he came over for dinner or to spend time with you, Kaito and Natsuki. His smile. Everything.
It began to fade away, as you brought yourself back to reality. To find yourself in Hinata's arms. If she was here, then that meant one thing. He protected her. Did you have a right to be upset at him or her? You weren't sure. Then again, you knew he would anyway. If you hadn't been blind sided by Shredder, than maybe your protection would have stayed up and he would here.
Wrapping your arms around your waist. You wanted to so badly cry, and then he would come and hold you telling you not too. Looking down at your waist, Hinata looks at the area as well. You slowly stand up, slowly unwrapping your arms but keep your hands gently over your mid-section. You could feel the pain there turn into sorrow. It was like it knew. Neji knew the whole time, and when you figured it out yourself after waking up in HQ. You understood why he didn't tell you. Why he didn't want you to go off when the two you found each other on the battlefield. Why he was so adamant on you stay with him, but by looking in your eyes he knew, that you found out. And at that moment the two of you had a stronger reason for fighting and ending this war. To make it out alive. Natsuki and Kaito would not doubt be happy to find out, when the two of you returned back to the village. The family was going to grow bigger.
Now, the growing family lost one. Neji always told you to look straight and not behind. But right now you wanted to stay behind. Moving on without him, didn't seem right. The two of had become one, and now it was just one. A part of you wanted to join him. Seeing the look in your eye, a hand rest on yours, you look up to find Naruto. Telling you no.
He does his best to try and give you comforting smile. Looking, his eyes filled with joy."Neji. He wouldn't want that, and you know it. You will always have a piece of him with you. Right there."he gestures to your mid-section."I promised him, I would look after the two of you. He said you would be upset, and he's so sorry. That was the last thing he wanted to do to you. But, he wants you to be happy."
Hinata steps in, placing her hand on Naruto's on your mid-section. You look at her. She gives you the same look as Naruto."Neji protected me. I will protect the two of you. You're part of my family now. Neji wanted to give you one. I will not Neji's legacy die. I will not let his child die. Nor you. May Hyuga."