Chapter 17 Crush II
I accidentally deleted this the first time before replacing the original ch17 with it. Well better late than never! As always I don't own Naruto only my own OCs & such.
-Konoha-
For the briefest moment the fighting across the fighting across the village ceases as a wave of chakra goes over the village. To the most exceptional sensors within both forces the wave appeared like a mixed wave of red and blue chakra alerting all to what kind of shinobi caused it. Within the Mask Temple the Priests and Priestesses of the Uzumaki offered a quick prayer for their future clan head before resuming their work.
-Hyūga Compound-
Taking a quick breather Yugito looks up as do others around her before looking in the direction Naruto went earlier. "Matabi that was the Fox's chakra wasn't it?" Looking and feeling the world around her from within the kunoichi the usually lazy biju sits up and nods. "Yes that was definitely his chakra. And we both know who likely carries him now. I think it'd be best if we lie so your Kage doesn't try anything with him." Nodding Yugito says she will before she stretched and rejoins the fight alongside the Hyūga.
-Market District-
Atop a damaged store's roof Kakashi Hatake and a few of Konoha's best Jonin rest as reinforcements and med-nin move in. Taking a deep drink from a offered canteen the silver haired Jonin eye smiles at his friends before heading towards a small group of med-nin whi are treating what wounds they can. Holding out a arm with a multitude of small lacerations and stab wounds Kakashi winces as a very familiar kunoichi grabs his arm and begins tending to his wounds.
"What did I tell you about being so reckless? You idiot.." Putting his free hand atop the one holding his arm still he laughs quietly at her worried expression. "You know I can't do that. I need to lead my squad from the front so we can end this as quickly as possible." Nodding sadly the kunoichi finishes healing his arm before handing him a blood replenishment and soldier pill.
Giving Kakashi a quick hug the kunoichi nods slowly before moving to help a Kumo nin. "Stay safe Kakashi.." Nodding one more time Kakashi rejoins his squad before they move on to the next area alongside dozens of other Konoha and Kumo nin. Looking back he waves goodbye to the kunoichi who waves back before wiping a few tears from her eyes.
-Stadium-
Finishing up another seal the masked Anbu looks out towards the village with a scowl hidden only by his mask. Hearing the sounds of battle and seeing the smoke rising over the village he shakes his head and resumes his work. Within the barrier the four Oto nin watching from the corners stare nervously at the man's seals being placed carefully around their barrier.
-Hospital-
Walking out of yet another emergency surgery Tsunade stumbles a bit before righting herself and putting on a air of false confidence only a few would recognize. Entering the main atrium she nods to the few Chunin guarding the two Kazama sealmasters keeping a protective barrier around the hospital. Looking out at the village beyond her eyes narrow as she see's hints of movement on the rooftops across the street.
Looking around she directs a few of her aides to take command as she steps forward through the barrier. "Alright you scum step out where I can see you. You won't be getting into my hospital anytime soon." Across the street six Oto nin step out of the shadows laughing cruelly as they try to stare down the last Senju. "Oh boys look the washed up drunk is trying to intimidate us. I'm so scared I'm shakin.." Before the man can say another word Tsunade seems to disappear in a burst of speed before slamming her fist into the man's chest.
For a split second the man's face goes from arrogant to terrified before the light fades from his eyes as he flies back and slams into a building at a bone shattering speed. Cracking her knuckles Tsunade looks dismissively at the other Oto nin who have all reflexively taken a step back from her. "Care to join him?" Quickly drawing weapons the five charge at Tsunade with blood in their eyes only to have her weave between their blows like it's nothing.
Jumping up and back Tsunade yawns in boredom at their efforts before looking down at them. "Is that the best your master can do? Five barely trained fools pretending to be shinobi against a Sannin isn't a fight it's a joke." Shouting in rage two of the Oto nin quickly grab and open small vials strapped to their chests. As the two down the vile looking fluids within their comrades copy their moves.
Doubling over and making sounds that shift between the pain and pleasure the chakra levels of the five jump quickly even as jagged lines spread across their bodies randomly. Narrowing her eyes Tsunade realizes the vials seem to act like weaker versions of Orochimaru's cursed seal as the five slowly stand.
Showing just the smallest amount of caution Tsunade falls into a more defensive stance even as the small circles on her forehead slowly have lines spread between them and the diamond mark in the center. As chakra enshrouds her hands Tsunade takes a breath as the chakra within the four small circles reenters her network for the first time since the *seal was improved.
As the first man attacks his hands grow claws as he tries to slash her open from her waist to chest. Ducking under his initial blow Tsunade hits the man in the chest with a back fist strike to the chest sending him flying into the barrier. The moment the man strikes the barrier he begins to scream in pain as it begins to burn him until his screams cease as he's turned to ash.
Taking a reflexive step back from the Sannin the other four look at each other before charging forward. Drawing more chakra from her seal Tsunade smirks as the chakra on her hands goes from green to light blue as lightning begins to arc from them. Deflecting the first strike up and away from her Tsuande smirks as the four's movements seem to be moving in slow motion to her.
Knocking two of them away with a single kick Tsuande's smile widens as she dodges yet another strike and knocks the Oto nin back with a palm strike to the chest. As her blow sends the man back arcs of lightning cover his chest causing him to grab at it as his heartbeat becomes erratic before slowing. As the man stumbles back the lines across his fade begin to fade his body seems to age decades in mere moments.
Collapsing like a puppet with his strings cut the man's last breath rattles out while Tsunade savagely grins at his surviving teammates. "Come now is that the best you've got?" Shouting inarticulately the survivors blitz forward landing multiple lethal strikes only to see Tsunade's smirk grow wider.
Before they can jump back Tsuande explodes in a massive explosion that leaves only three carbonized husks behind. Rising out of the earth Tsunade shakes her head as the husks fall apart as black vapors rise with the smoke. Holding up one of the vials shakes shakes her head to clear it as she deactivates her seal's first level. Walking back into the barrier she bags the vial and hands it off to a Chunin med-nin. "Make sure this gets to R&D. We need to figure out how it works." Nodding the Chunin takes off for a back way out of the hospital.
-Village Center-
Arriving at the center of Konoha alongside her team and the few other Kumo nin Yugito takes a moment to rest as forces from Konoha gather around them. Taking a drink from her canteen she winces as a series of small lacerations on her side throb in tune with her heart. Reaching a hand down she sighs as blood still seeps from the wound even with the bandages Karui had wrapped around it for her. Looking up she's surprised to see a small number of med-nin arriving to take back any seriously and heal those they can.
Watching the small squad her eyes widen as one of them walks towards her and her team. "Kumo-san do you need that wound on your side looked at?" Nodding silently Yugito is surprised when the girl's hands are coated in green chakra before she removes the bandages ever so gently. Wincing a bit at the tender area being distribed Yugito sighs in relief as she can feel her injuries closing rapidly.
As the med-nin finishes her work she looks towards the Kumo genin for a moment before moving to aid them. "Kumo-san the Jonin will be meeting in five minutes if you'd like to join them." Watching the girl work Yugito nods before taking another drink from her canteen. "Alright you three when I go to the meeting stay here and stay alert. Even if they've pushed the main Oto and Suna forces back some could get through. Samui you're in charge until I get back."
Standing Yugito stretches before walking to join the other Jonin near the roof's center. As she approaches she notices the still slightly wary looks some are giving her and hear team though a few nod respectfully towards her. As she joins the other Jonin she's surprised to see two men dressed like priests standing slightly behind a familiar silver haired man.
"Ah Yugito-san good to see you and yours are still alive and fighting." Rolling her eyes Yugito's eyes drift towards the two priests before she shakes her head sloghtly. "Well someone has to show your Konoha shinobi what kenjutsu is don't they?" Laughing at the kunoichi's joke Kakashi nods before looking up at the sound of a hawk above them. "Alright that's our five minute signal. For those of you who don't know the men behind me they are Yuji Kazama and Taiya Uzumaki and as you can see they're members of the Mask Temple."
Taking a moment to allow the two men to bow respectfully to his cormades Kakashi takes a drink before continuing. "And I can assure you despite their dress these men are in many ways equivalent to our village's Tokubetsu with their leaders being on the level of Jonin. When the whistle sounds our group here along with others near the walls will begin to counterattack in earnest. And command has said the following Suna shinobi are to be allowed to surrender but Oto nin have forfeited that privilege." As the others look at each in shock before nodding Yugito's eyebrows raise slightly in surprise.
"Command has also warned that more powerful enemies may be lurking amongst the common Oto rabble. If you hear of a man named Kimimaro or the traitor Kabuto send word to command but do not engage in all but the most dire situations. They are beyond the average Jonin despite how they look is that understood?" As the Jonin around nod in understanding Kakashi begins laying out the village's planned counterattack.
-below the village-
Sitting in a hidden room below the village Danzō listened to the reports streaming into the village's main war room. Surprised at Hiruzen's seemingly ruthless strategy of allowing the attack to occur he briefly considered releasing his own tools to aid the shinobi under Hiruzen. Shaking his head Danzō sits back in his chair as another masked individual approaches him.
"Danzō-sama, what should we do? It appears the Sandaime knew of the attack weeks ago." Looking out at his forces the warhawk shakes his head after thinking for a moment. "The fool knew of the attack and let it happen. Let this serve as a reminder to the village that his weak and coddling ways do not work. He's made us weak and allowed our enemies into our home."
Nodding the Root member backs away and joins his silent and unmoving comrades. Looking up at the expansive room's roof Danzō's eyes narrow as he thinks of what Hiruzen has allowed. Unknown to Danzō another individual is watching him from within his previously hidden base. "You're such a fool Danzō..." Disappearing into the base's many rooms the man begins searching for the information he had been tasked with retrieving.
-Main Gate-
Within a damaged and abandoned tower near the main gate a stone begins to rise silently as a seemingly unending swarm of insects lift it. From within the swarm a gloved hand reaches and pushes the stone aside before he and the swarm set it down gently. As the swarm disappears the man crawls out revealing himself to be a Aburame shinobi wearing a tighter jacket with multiple small bottles around his waist while a larger, form fitting one, rests upon his back.
Ducking due to the partially collapsed interior the Aburame slowly moves forward while keeping his chakra suppressed. "It is clear. Send up the next man." One by one more Konoha shinobi join the man in the room before they begin moving out atop the wall. Moving slowly amongst the dead from the initial fighting the Konoha forces spread slowly while watching for enemy movement.
On the street and atop ruined buildings Oto nin stand guard under the direction of Kabuto as they await the next wave of reinforcements. While most the Oto forces believe they still have a chance for Kabuto the situation is far more grim even if they do win. He alone knows the source of Konoha's information on the invasion and how it was his own fault at stopping him from escaping.
Better than any other he knows how Orochimaru treats failures amongst his subordinates. Nervously looking around Kabuto fails to notice the shadows moving across the top of the wall even as they silently eliminate the few Oto nin on the wall. Watching the shadows atop the wall watch for their own signal to attack and retake the gate.
From within the village the sound of battle intensifies and near the village center four giants in armor appear and begin advancing. "Thirty seconds." As the shadows count down they draw out their blackened blades and position themselves above Oto nin in the open. "Remember our job is to seal this gate. In three..two..one...NOW!" Hearing the shout Kabuto and his men look up only for most of them to be cut down by the Konoha shinobi.
Jumping back instinctively Kabuto glares at the Anbu that targtted him even as chakra coats his hand. "Too slow." Jumping forward Kabuto feints at the Anbu's arm only to reverse his strike and cut the tendons in his left wrist instead. As the Anbu member grits his teeth in pain he disappears in a burst of smoke leaving a log that shatters under Kabuto's next strike. "Ahh the Substitution Jutsu and without seals too. A shame I have to kill you that almost impresses me..."
Even as Kabuto keeps his confident look on the inside he rages as more of Konoha's forces appear from the seemingly abandoned tower and begin eliminating his subordinates. Forced to fight multiple opponents simultaneously the traitor prepares to flee only to have to jump back as a very familiar figure nearly bisects him. "Ahh so you did survive Hayate-san.I assume you are the little birdie that spilled our secrets to the feeble old man."
Pulling his katana back Hayate dashes forward and attempts to slice Kabuto's head off only for him to barely deflect it up and away though his headband's band is sliced through leaving a deep wound on his head. Dodging yet another strike from Hayate Kabuto puts his left hand against the wound and scowls at how close it had been. "I see your "death" didn't hurt your skills. But let's end this dance."
Charging forward Kabuto deflects Hayate's katana with a kunai coated in chakra and manages to quickly stab him in his left shoulder. "Hayate do me a favor and die this time." Quickly drawing a curved kunai from the back of his jacket Kabuto nearly slices through the man's throat only to jump back as a menber of Anbu nearly takes his hand off with a katana. Putting a hand to the wound on his shoulder Hayate gulps at the red handled blade in their hand.
"Yūgao-chan..." Looking back briefly with her mask still on the kunoichi's eyes narrow at the man before she focuses on Kabuto. "Get that wound tended to shinobi-san. But we will have words later is that clear." Nodding rapidly Hayate jumps back before moving for the top of the where a small number of med-nin stand under constant guard by Anbu agents.
Looking back the man smiles as his love begins working her very obvious rage out on tbe traitor. Hoping against all that she just might work it all out before the battle ends Hayate watches the battles below as the ever fewer Oto nin are killed soon leaving Kabuto alone against multiple squads comprised of Anbu, Jonin, and Tokubetsu.
Before the final blow can be struck though the recently closed gate bursts apart at it's base. Looking over the wall Hayate pales as dozens of Oto nin madly rush forward around one young man with pale white hair. In the confusion Kabuto manages to disappear as the Konoha shinobi are forced to deal with unusually tough, if unskilled, Oto nin that can shrug off most wounds.
As the last Oto shinobi is cut down the young man with bone white hair steps forward staring at the numerous Konoha shinobi around him. When the dust behind him clears it shows just why the reinforced gate shattered as two massive spikes made of bone stand in the center of the breach. "Where is that worm Kabuto? He must pay for failing Orochimaru-sama. Tell me and your deaths will be painless trash." Stunned and angered at their casual dismissal many of the Konoha shinobi prepare to attack only to freeze as bones sprout from the man's palms.
"Falcon report to command. He will want to know of this" Looking dismissively at the Anbu slowly surrounding him the Oto nin blitzes forward suddenly at the two nearest him. Managing to briefly stab one in his right arm the Kaguya jumps back as more rush to the aid of the wounded man before attacking. Showing only comtempt for those he's fighting Kimimaro easily blocks and defelcts their strikes.
As the fight drags on it quickly becomes apparent that they're fighting a man that is truly out of their league. Clutching a small wound on her left side Yūgao stares in shock as yet another ofher comrades is easily thrown back and left bleeding. Walking forward to end the man the Oto nin freezes before jumping back as a volley of lightning covered shuriken strike the ground where he had been.
Looking up for the first time in the entire fight the man's expression changes from boredom and contempt to something like excitement. "Kakashi Hatake the famed Copy Ninja. My master wants that eye. Give it to me and your death will be painless." Looking between his wounded comrades and the man Kakashi's visible eye narrows while he taps the headband over his other one. "Much as I'd love to I can't Kaguya-san or do you prefer I call you Kimimaro?"
Before anyone can react Kakashi disappears in a burst of smoke before reappearing right before Kimimaro who blocks his kunai with a bone from each palm. "Then you will die like the rest of these trash." As Kimimaro says this bones suddenly burst through the skin of his back and chest nearly goring Kakashi. "Dance of the Larch."
Unable to strike Kimiaro without being gored in return Kakashi jumps back while from behind another strikes Kimimaro with a blow that cracks some of the bones. Turning Kimimaro see's Might Guy twirling his nunchucks even as Asuma and Anko land beside Kakashi. Almost as soon as he recognizes Anko Kimimaro raises his arms while his eyes are filled with pure hate instead of his usually empty look.
"Ten Finger Drilling Bullets!" Initially shocked by the jutsu Anko still manages to dodge receiving only a small hole near the bottom of her jacket as a result. "Oh so that's how it is!? Let's hope that snake worked on your resistance to venom. Multiple Striking Shadow Snakes!" As Anko drops down dozens of snakes come out of her sleeves and while many are dispelled a few manage to bite down on Kimimaro leaving dozens of small puncture wounds across his chest, upper arms, and shoulders.
Stumbling a bit Kimimaro glares at the Snake Mistress even as some of the bites swell up grotesquely. "You will slowly die for that traitor." Even as Kimimaro says that red lines begin to spread across his body as he draws on his cursed seal. "Dance of the Camelia." Drawing a long blade from his left shoulder Kimimaro blitzes forward at Anko fully intending to cripple her.
Drawing her two longer, curved kunai from her back Anko blocks his initial strikes before jumping back to give herself more room. As Anko pulls back Guy and Kakashi rush forward to keep the pressure on Kimimaro though both find it hard to land decent blows due to the bones extending from his back and chest. Noticing this Asuma draws his trench knives and begins pouring wind chakra into them before charging forward.
Much to Kimimaro's surprise Asuma's first strike not only manages to gouge a line in one bone but slices through another. Capitalizing on Kimimaro's surprise Asuma strikes again and nearly cuts through his neck only for Kimimaro to grow multiple bones up through his shoulder to block the strike. Jumping back as Kimimaro tries to gut him with a spike that suddenly appears from his elbow Asuma smirks at the Kaguya.
Dropping his sword Kimimaro holds his hands up so his palms are aiming at the Sarutobi. "*Bone Bolts!" Suddenly two small holes appear in his palms before sharpened bolts begin flying out at extremely high speed. Even as Asuma dodges the forst few he realizes he can't dodge them all as Kimimaro fires yet more at him. "Doton: Earthen Wall!" Dropping down in front of Asuma Kakashi slams his palms down causing a stone wall with four dog faces on the front to rise before the two Jonin.
Much to Kimimaro's shock the wall not only withstands his bolts but the craters in it begin to shrink. "Doton: Swamp of the Underworld!" As Kimimaro suddenly finds himself sinking Anko and Asuma both jump atop the wall before him. "Katon: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" "Fūton: Great Breakthrough!" As the two jutsus combine Anko's flames turn white near the center while the edges are a dark blue even as Kimimaro remains stuck in the thick mud.
As the flames and wind slam into the mud it's instantly dried as a firestorm forms in the center of the swamp. Standing atop the wall Asuma and Anko both take a knee as they take deep breaths. "That...That had to have worked." Jumping up beside them Kakashi lifts his headband while Guy joins them as well. As the flames die down the four are shocked to see two large, flat bones forming a wedge right before where Kimimaro was.
Even as they watch the bones begin to crack before falling apart to reveal a horrifying sight as Kimimaro's appearance has changed with his pale skin becoming the color of ash while a spiked tail swings back and forth behind him. "Guy can you keep him busy for a moment.", as the usually eccentric Jonin nods Kakashi looks at Asuma and Anko, "You two pull back and take a soldier pill." Wordlessly the two Jonin nod and jump back while Guy steps forward and crosses his arms. "First Gate of Opening. Kai! Second Gate of Healing. Kai! Third Gate of Life. Kai!"
Disappearing in a burst of speed Guy manages to knock Kimimaro back into a building causing it to collapse atop him. Sealing his nunchuck away Guy unseals a black staff before twirling it before him to block a volley of bolts that bursts through the rubble. Stepping out of the rubble after his attack fails Kimimaro reaches a hand up to the base of his neck. "Dance of the Clemantis: Vine."
Pulling his spine out Kimimaro cracks it like a whip before charging towards Guy like a beast. Knocking the whip away as it draws closer to him Guy is surprised at it's durability before he uses his staff to vault above and over Kimimaro. Slamming a fist into the ground to stop himself Kimimaro glares at Guy before a short sword grows out from his palm. "You are getting annoying trash. Die."
Ensnaring Guy's staff with his whip Kimimaro blitzes forward leading with his blade in a attempt to run the man through with it. Showing flexibility few knew he possessed Guy manages to dodge under the strike and the spiked tail behind it before ripping his staff out of the whip's grasp. Before Kimimaro can attack again Anko and Asuma return and target him with explosive tag wrapped kunai forcing him to move back.
Enraged at the sight of Anko he rushes through the smoke and fire and attempts to stab her in the throat. Quickly drawing her curved kunai Anko manages to deflect both the Kaguya's whip and short sword up and away before cutting him across his right thigh. Stumbling forward a bit Kimimaro looks down in shock as the wound Anko inflicted begins to weep blackened blood even as the veins near it begin to darken.
Drawing on his seal to deaden the pain enough that he can move easily despite the injury Kimimaro's eyes once emotionless are now filled with hate as he looks at Anko. "You will die." Holding out his left arm as massive spiraling bones begin to grow Kimimaro's eyes remain locked on Anko and her allies. "You shall all doe now. Dance of the Clemantis: Flower!"
Realizing the power of the Kaguya's incoming attack Guy quickly opens the fourth and fifth gate before rushing to meet him before Anko and Asuma. Grabbing the spear tight just behind it's head Guy pushes back with all his might to slow the man down. "Kakashi now!" As Guy pushes back the bone spear begins to crack under the force of his grip even as he hears a very familiar sound suddenly go under his arm and the spear.
Before he can even blink Kakashi is there standing with his lightning coated fist going through Kimimaro's seal and heart. For the briefest moment the Kaguya tries to struggle before he goes limp as his eyes dim and his body returns to normal. Showing respect even for their enemy Kakashi and Guy set the body of Kimimaro Kaguya down gently even as they hear those around them cheering.
Sighing in relief Anko twirls her blades before putting them back in their sheathes on the small of her back. "Thank Kami his Raikiri worked. If he had shrugged that off alongside the bite of my *Dokuga..." Taking a moment to steady herself Anko smiles as Guy and Kakashi sit down and take a breather. Looking around sharply she curses at not seeing Kabuto amongst the dead Oto nin.
-Forest-
Standing atop Gamabunta Naruto and Sasuke are breathing heavily even as they stare down Gaara. "Hey brat got anymore ideas? We need to knock that kid out before he can awaken..." Before Gamabunta can react Gaara forms the ram seal causing the toad's eyes to widen. "Playing Possum Jutsu." For a moment no one moves before the Ichibi's eyes suddenly swirl as he raises his head.
"Yahoo! I'm finally allowed to come out!" As the bijuu jumps up and down he looks at Naruto and Konoha behind him. "So the holders of that stupid Fox and Cat are here too! I know who I'm killing first!" While Sasuke and Naruto hold on Gamabunta begins fighting in earnest against the Ichibi who is slowly moving towards Konoha. "I need a flame do either of you know a Katon jutsu?" Nodding Sasuke steps forward after taking a soldier pill to restore his reserves a bit. "I can. Just tell me when to use it."
Dodging yet another air bullet Gamabunta's cheeks suddenly expand as the smell of oil spreads out from him. "Katon: Toad Flame Bomb!" The moment Gamabunta releases his torrent of oil Sasuke set's it alight with a fire style jutsu causing a forestorm to engulf the Ichibi and forest around him. "Ahhh what the hell is this!?" Eyes widening Naruto rushes forward and jumps up while taking a deep breath as he looks down at the flames. "Take this! Fūton: Great Breakthrough!"
As Naruto's jutsu collides with Sasuke's and Gamabunta's the firestorm takes on a life of it's own roaring like a beast and carbonizing everything within. As the flames die down as their fuel is used up Gamabunta lands near the center after using a water style jutsu to cool the ground. Staring in shock at the devastation around them the two Genin and Toad Boss wait anxiously for the smoke to clear. As it does they are greeted with the sight of the Ichibi encased in a thick sphere of glass but still very much awake and enraged.
"Hold on tight. We're going to beat that tanuki while he's weak." Covering Naruto and Sasuke with one hand Gamabunta crouches down as his other hand tightly grips his blade. As the ground below his feet begins to buckle from the pressure the Toad Boss leaps forward in a explosive jump causing the ground and trees under his feet to shatter. Eyes widening the Ichibi can only stare in shock as the glass around him seems to disintegrate before he's thrown back sans his remaining arm and a large chunk of his left leg.
-Hokage Rock-
Within the hidden shelters the ground begins to shake and the sound of a truly massive collision echoes through the rock, concrete, and into the civilians and their shinobi guardians. Looking out from a observation room below the face of the Nindaime Hinata Hyūga states in shock at the massive dust cloud where the Ichibi and Gamabunta are. "Na..Naruto-kun please be safe.." Clasping her hands together the girl prays to any that would listen to protect the boy she cares for before she looks down to the shelter's concealed entryway.
Seeing movement Hinata's Byakugan activate instantly and to her shock a large platoon of Oto nin are suddenly visible moving towards the entryway. Turning towards the door Hinata sprints for the lower levels where her friends and a one Chunin stand guard. Entering the room she points towards the entryway but can't talk as she's forced to take deep breathes.
"Woo Hinata take a breath. Why did you run here? What did you see?" Taking another deep breath Hinata looks up at her former teacher Iruka with fear visible in her eyes. "Ot..Oto nin mo..moving this way...They'll..they'll find the door soon." Instantly those present begin to move under the orders of Iruka.
Within a minute the seven genin and Chunin have taken up positions slightly before the hidden doorway. Looking through the trees Hinata takes a shuddering breath as she watches Tenten, Neji, Kiba, Shino, Yakumo, Yama, and Iruka-sensei prepare to face nearly twenty enemies in a real fight. Noticing the girl's obvious fear Iruka places a hand on Hinata's shoulder to steady and comfort his firmer student.
"Hinata I can't tell you to not be scared but don't worry. I will stop at nothing to protect my students. It doesn't matter who I'm facing..." Smiling nervously at her teacher Hinata takes another steadier breath as she nods and looks towards their enemies. "Their chakra level's seem so low. Don't they Hinata-san?" Without turning to look at Neji Hinata nods as she too has noticed their enemies have reserves akin to Academy students despite their age.
"On my command.." As Iruka begins counting down he and his former students prepare themselves for combat all the while their enemies loudly move across the forest floor below them. "Three..Two..One..NOW! Fuin: Kai!" For the briefest moment the Oto nin look up at the Genin and Chunin dropping down upon them before multiple explosive tags and launcher tags explode amongst and around them.
Even as multiple men drop dead or begin screaming the rest charge to meet their unexpected foe. Leading the charge Iruka easily deflects the blade of his first foe and cuts deeply into his chest with a second kunai. Even as the Oto nin drops in shock Iruka tosses his bloody kunai into another's throat turning his scream of rage into a gurgling one of pain.
As his former students join him in combat it becomes clear that most their enemies are more thug than shinobi given their movements and tactics. Blitzing forward Neji quickly dispatches two men with strikes to the chest and only a tensing in his face shows he's reacting to the men's deaths. Moving on Neji faces off against a Oto nin of somewhat higher quality as the man manages to block his first strike with the flat of a kama blade while his second forces the Hyūga back.
"Ohh look what I get to fight a arrogant Hyūga. Orochimaru-sama will reward me richly if I bring him your disgusting eyes." Charging forward the man begins slashing at Neji forcing him to move back before he's forced against a tree. "Hahaha die boy!" As the man swings both with the full intent of removing Neji's head from his shoulder the Hyūga genius ducks just below them before blitzing forward.
For the briefest second the man's face goes from elated at the thought of victory to terrified as Neji's palm draws ever closer to his exposed chest. Even as he deftly reverses his swings the man feels his heart being destroyed as Neji's palm slams into him. As the man dies his grip on his weapon's falls him and he collapses backwards clutching his chest. Looking down at him Neji works to keep his shock down as he watches the man die before looking up.
Across the field he can only watch as Hinata ducks under a Oto kunoichi's tanto before she's knocked away with a strike to the chest. Standing there in shock of what she just did Hinata flinches when Neji grabs her. Hugging his cousin close as she begins to cry Neji watches for enemies before lifting Hinata slightly off the ground and jumping up into the trees. "Hinata it's ok...You did what you had to protect your friends and family in the village."
Holding Hinata he stares out at the few remaining enemies are subdued his attention is focused on Kiba and Akamaru who are beating down a pair of enemies. While it's clear neither of the Oto nin they are fighting are that highly trained to Kiba's surprise they move almost like he and Akamaru do. Both Oto nin wielded extendable hand claws that made their strikes quite dangerous both to Kiba and Akamaru.
Dipping under another strike by both Oto nin Kiba kicks both of them away before tossing Akamaru a soldier pill. As Akamaru transforms into a feral clone of Kiba the two stare down the increasingly nervous Oto nin blitz forward. "Fang over Fang!" While one nin is able to dodge Kiba and Akamaru's attack the other is not so lucky. With his chest and left arm nearly shredded into useless chunks of meat the man falls unconscious as his blood stains the ground.
"BROTHER!" Rushing forward recklessly the remaining Oto nin tries to slash only to be sent flying by *A-Kiba into a nearby tree. Crawling towards his comrade the Oto nin reaches for his downed comrade. Seeing this Iruka whistles before unsealing two stretchers. "If you surrender we will take you and your..brother..to our medical ward. But you'll need to drop all your weapons now & if you try to attack us later myself or whoever is watching you will end you immediately. Understand?"
Looking between his bleeding comrade and Iruka the man hastily nods and begins tossing his weapons away even Kiba does the same for the other one. Quickly strapping the two down Iruka directs Kiba, Hinata, Neji, and Yakumo to carry them back while he and the others act as rearguard. As the Genin move back Hinata remains silent despite Neji and the other's attempts at reassurance.
As they enter the shelter they are met by the rest of their friends except Naruto and Sasuke alongside a few med-nin and more Chunin. Surprised at the two prisoners the med-nin nevertheless take them to the infirmary though one tells Iruka the unconscious one will likely lose his arm. Allowing the Chunin to take over the Genin and Iruka move further into the mountain silently until they come to a large vaulted room where hundreds of civilians, Academy students, and others are guarded by a few dozen Chunin directing even more Genin.
Leading his former students to the side so they can rest and eat Iruka constantly looks up at Hinata as she barely touches her food and remains shut off. Before he can say a word though a familiar and pregnant strawberry blonde haired kunoichi hugs the girl from behind. Recognizing Harue's ring Hinata let's the older kunoichi hold her tight while her hair covers Hinata's face. After a few moments Harue smiles and gives the Hyūga heiress a kiss atop her head before sitting beside her.
Mouthing a word of thanks to Harue as Hinata begins eating the Academy instructor smiles. For a few moments he allows himself the chance to partially relax until once more the world begins to shake again causing many to shout out in fear as dust rains down from the ceiling. Sighing quietly to himself Iruka asks Harue to look after his students before he begins to look for another Chunin he can report too.
-Forest-
Outside of Konoha Gamabunta is breathing heavily as his fight with the Ichibi momentarily stops. While his combination jutsu with Naruto and Sasuke had dealt a heavy blow the Shukaku the Ichibi was still a biju and thus was recovering far faster than Gamabunta wished he would. Jumping over yet another barrage of air bullets the Toad Boss briefly considers returning hike before he mentally shakes his head at the thought of abandoning his summoner.
"Oi Brat we have to wake that red headed brat up quickly. I've used alot of chakra and can't keep this up much longer. We need a way for me to grab onto that tanuki though cause I can't." Nodding Naruto tries to think of a way but stops when Sasuke slaps him on the top of his head. "Combination Henge dobe. We just need a animal with claws. Got any ideas?"
For a second hesitates before he nods to Sasuke. "Hey Boss if you provide the chakra I can provide the form. Sasuke you might want to get off for this." Nodding the Uchiha jumps off the moment the Boss summon lands once more even as Naruto forms the ram sign. "Henge!" For a moment the two are covered by the smoke before a terrifying and familiar form bursts through the smoke much to the horror of the Ichibi for the briefest moment.
For out of the smoke the form of the Kyūbi no Yoko is seen for the first time in thirteen long years. As the fox seemed to roar out it's challenge from within his seal the Kyūbi watched and quietly added his own power to the jutsu causing the fox's fur to darken while it's eyes briefly flashed red. Atop a nearby tree Sasuke stared in shock at the sight even as the two titans resumed their clash.
Dodging repeated air bullets eventually the henged duo managed to close the distance and grab onto the Ichibi. Almost as soon as it appeared the form of the fox disappears in a burst of smoke but to Shukaku's shock wrapped tightly around his body are golden chains emanating from Naruto's back and crisscrossing the Toad Boss's forearms.
"Now brat! Wake him while you have the chance!" Struggling to break free even as Naruto rushes forward Shukaku can only shout in rage as Naruto manages to nearly reach Gaara as his tendrils of sand are sliced apart by shuriken thrown by Sasuke below. "WAKE THE HELL UP!" Slugging Gaara with a right hook Naruto jumps back as tendrils of sand try to grab him. Landing atop Gamabunta as Sasuke runs up his left front leg Naruto nearly collapses as he looks up at Gaara.
While it's clear the Ichibi is no longer awake Naruto is shocked to see Gaara glaring down at him. "We...We need to..to knock him out. Got any ideas Sas...Sasuke?" Looking up Sasuke notices with his Sharingan that Gaara's chakra levels have fallen drastically to the point his Armor of Sand was visibly cracking and falling off of him. "One more hit should knock him out or at least disable him. Same time?" Nodding the two brace themselves as Gamabunta leaps forward once more shattering the ground below him.
As Gamabunta restrains the temporarily immobile body Naruto and Sasuke jump up onto the thing's head charging towards Gaara. Knowing what they're trying to do Gaara sends massive waves of sand at the two and gets lucky sending Sasuke back off the body onto Gamabunta while Naruto barely leaps over the wave. Before Naruto can reach him though Gaara manages to grab onto Naruto with a single tendril that soon expands to cover most of his lower body. While his legs are being squeezed Naruto channels most of his remaining reserves into his heels cracking the sand around them and lifting him up.
Staring at the Uzumaki as he comes down Gaara's eyes for the first time in many years are filled not with disdain but fear and desperation. "You won't kill me! I WON'T ALLOW IT!" Grabbing Naruto's arm with another tendril of sand the disdain and hate returns to Gaara's eyes as Naruto struggles to move. "DAMMIT I WON'T LOSE TO YOU!" Unknowingly drawing on the Kyūbi's chakra Naruto swings his head back as his headband flies off before he headbutts Gaara to the shock of all present.
As the body of the Ichibi begins to crack and fall apart Gamabunta falls back as he watches Naruto and Gaara falling. Barely able to move the Toad Boss's summons ends in a massive burst of smoke that sends both exhausted jinchuriki into trees across from each other. Rising unsteadily the two stare down at each other with wounds bleeding freely on both boys.
Almost as if the two were counting down the two jump towards each other seeking to get one last decisive strike in. Just before Gaara's fist can slam into Naruto's face he's sent flying back and down by Naruto's. Slamming into the ground hard enough to cough up blood Gaara can only watch as Sasuke manages to catch Naruto and the two land somewhat safely before him.
Unable to move Gaara's fear and desperation comes back full force as Naruto ever so slowly limps closer to him. "No...No! My existence can't end here! I won't let yo.." To his shock though instead of ending him Naruto's eyes are filled with sadness and pain as he looks down at him. "It must've been awful...Being all alone while carrying that burden."
Before Naruto can close the last bit of distance between them Temari and Kankuro land slightly before Gaara with their ruined weapons out. Stepping forward Sasuke draws two kunai while Naruto stares sadly at the three Suna siblings. Before either side can move another figure drops down next to them. "Give it up you three. Your forces have already surrendered."
Looking over immediately four of the Genin are surprised to see a Uzumaki Priestess while Naruto smiles. "Temari...Kankuro...I'm sorry. Let's go home together.." Stunned at Gaara's words the two smile sadly before lifting Gaara up and following the trio back to Konoha. While a clone of the priestess heals Naruto he looks back at Gaara and smiles sadly. "You know Gaara if things were different I might've been like you...But my family and friends kept me from going down that path...Maybe it can do the same for you. So what do you say brother wanna be friends?"
As Gaara nods numbly at the smiling Uzumaki he slowly loses consciousness as they make their way back to the village. The last thing he see's is masses of Suna shinobi on their knees or laying on stretchers after surrendering to Konoha's forces. While the Suna Siblings and their comrades seem to be swinging between shock and relief at the stadium the fight within the barrier seems to be deadlocked.
Enraged at Hiruzen's continued resistance Orochimaru's focus on those around the barrier fades until he senses two very familiar signatures standing amongst the Anbu. Looking up he's shocked to see Itachi Uchiha, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kaida standing and staring at him. "Why are they here the barrier should keep them ou.." Looking down sharply Orochimaru's skin seems to go even paler as he notices the intricate seals placed around his barrier.
Looking up he begins to shout but his words are lost as the seals suddenly light up and a roar that could herald the end of the world seems to sound all around him. As the seals ever so slowly dim Orochimaru is remdered speechless at the dull red barrier encompassing his own completely. But the most terrifying part is the small area where the two meet and his is not only deformed but being pushed before a hole appears. To his shock the tiny hole soon expands until it's the size of a pair of double wide doors.
Through the opening Tsunade Senju, Jiraiya, Itachi, Kaida Uzumaki, and just before it closes the Yondaime Raikage step even as Hiruzen kicks away Tobirama and jumps back to join them. Suddenly the fight has drastically turned against him as the Sandaime's reinforcements join the fight.
As Ā and Itachi move to hold back Tobirama the two display a truly frightening level of teamwork despite having never fought together before. While Tobirama can easily outrun Itachi the young Uchiha's Sharingan make tracking him a breeze while Ā's Lightning Armor made him a match for Tobirama's speed. While the Edo Senju can not vocalize it he's impressed as the two force him constantly back ever closer to the barrier.
Blitzing forward Ā grabs the Edo Nindaime by the throat before slamming him repeatedly into the roof on either side of him. Momentarily sacrificing a arm to break free the Nindaime once more tries to speak only for Orochimaru's control to override his ability to do so. "Raiton: Lariat!" The next thing Tobirama knows he's thrown back sans his legs and waist into the barrier that quickly begins to burn his reanimated body even as it rebuilds.
Unable to break the man's grasp Tobirama is surprised when a clone of Kaida appears with three golden chains extending. "Forgive me cousin this may sting a bit." Before anyone can react the three chains launch forward and seem to dig around the man's torso, neck, and head rapidly. When the first two withdraw Tobirama feels his connection to the snake weakening before it is cut entirely as the seal and kunai are ripped out of his head.
"You can let him go Raikage-sama. He is no longer under the snake's control." Nodding Ā releases Tobirama allowing his body to fully recover for the first time. "You must be the son of Sandaime. Thank you for aiding my village." Nodding Ā puts a hand out which the Edo Nindaime takes and rises quickly. "And you young Uchiha. I could sense your work through the barrier. You truly are a son of Konoha."
Bowing his head Itachi and Ā are surprised when Tobirama disappears in a flash of light before he reappears just as quickly except now he's holding a very fine katana and a scroll across his back. "We can talk later. For now let's help free my idiot brother from that boy's control." Nodding Itachi and Ā join Tobirama in the fight even as Orochimaru grows more desperate at the sight.
Forced away from Hashirama by Hiruzen he can only watch as Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Kaida slowly beat down the Shodaime. As Tobirama, Itachi, and Ā join the fight it becomes less of a fight and more of a foregone conclusion before Tsunade manages to hold the Edo Tensei of her grandfather down while Jiraiya's seals stop his chakra. Forced to watch as his last card is ripped away from him Orochimaru feels something within him snap.
"Lower the barrier! We are LEAVING!" Despite knowing what awaits them the four Oto nin lower the barriers only to immediately face attack by Ā, Itachi, and Kaida. Knocked away by a blow from Tobirama the Snake Sannin screams in pure rage as his four strongest warriors are cut down easily. As their bodies drop Orochimaru tries to flee only to be caught by Tobirama and launched at stadium floor.
As his body slams into the hardened soil with bone shattering force Orochimaru tries to escape using his personal jutsu only for the soil to remain solid beneath him even as a barrier covers the top of the pit. All around him his enemies soon land around him with Hiruzen, Tsunade, and Jiraiya in the center glaring with a mixture of sadness and hate at the one they used to call friend. "Orochimaru...you can't escape now. In memory of the young boy I once taught please surrender. Your forces have been decimated, your allies have surrendered, and your tricks have failed you. Surrender please.."
For a moment Orochimaru seems less like a mad man who betrayed his sensei and village and more like a scared boy looking for someone to help him. But before a word can be said the madness returns and he begins to cackle first quietly before the stadium echos with the insane laughter of a man far beyond reason. "Me surrender? Sarutobi-sensei you know I can't do that...For I shall one day become the next Sage! I will learn all and know all! I will rule over this world and any who dare stand against me will die screaming!"
Staring at his fallen student Hiruzen has tears in his eyes before they cease flowing and his iron clad resolve to see this through locks his emotions down. "Then so be it. May your parent's forgive me for my failures and for what I must do." Not giving his fallen student time to attack Hiruzen rushes forward with his comrades and sensei joining him. Seeing Orochimaru's incoming strike Hiruzen tries to knock it away even as the Kusanagi blade cuts deeply into his legs.
Shouting in rage Jiraiya's eyes are filled with hate as a roaring flame spirals into existence over his left hand. "*Katon: Rasengan!" Stunned at the speed his enraged former friend is showing Orochimaru is unable to dodge in time as Jiraiya drives the white hot flames into his chest. Escaping his ruined body once more even as his reserves drop drastically Orochimaru barely dodges a full force strike from Tsunade that leaves the ground below shattered.
In that instant the two brothers attack leaving fatal wounds upon the one who summoned them. Looking down at his chest Orochimaru see's blood stained wooden spines while his ribcage is clearly visible, and cut open, in a strike that happened too fast to react to. Using the last bits of his chakra Orochimaru once more tries to escape only to see two blood red eyes instantly appear above him.
"Die traitor." Before he can react Itachi stabs him through the heart before twisting his blade even as his Sharingan begin to spin faster and faster. "Amaterasu!" Unable to move even as he's burned away Orochimaru can only stare into the eyes he desired for so long. Keeping his jutsu up until the snake is turned to blackened ash Itachi stumbles briefly before Hashirama grabs ahold of him to steady him.
Bowing his head slightly to the Edo Shodaime who soon moves to aid his granddaughter in working on Hiruzen he smiles and nods at his brother. Looking between his blade and the young man Tobirama nods to himself. "Itachi right?", as Itachi nods his instinctively reactivates his still bleeding Sharingan, "Take this." Holding out his now sheathed blade to Itachi the Edo Nindaime smiles at his shocked expression. "Consider it a gift from me. And a apology from your Kage to you and your clan for me views."
Bowing deeply Itachi reaches out a hand and takes the blade and holds it almost like a child before carefully attaching to his jacket. "Thank you Nindaime-sama. I will work to live up to your gift every day." Smiling Tobirama nods before they turn to watch as Hashirama and Tsunade frantically work to save Hiruzen. As they manage to extract the blade's poison Tsunade carefully puts it into a sterile vial.
Smiling as Tsunade aids him in saving Hiruzen Hashirama places his hands over her's allowing her to take control. "You've got this Tsuna." Smiling up at her grandfather and feeling like a kid again Tsunade smiles before directs their chakra with such a skilled hand it seems almost she's prescient on healing. Slowly but surely Hashirama begins to draw in nature energy until markings spread across his face signaling his use of senjutsu.
Gasping slightly Tsunade looks up in shock at how vibrant the sage chakra feels compared to her own. Taking a deep breath Tsunade begins directing her grandfather's chakra into the worst parts of the wound and is amazed by it's potency. "I should look into becoming a sage with Katsuyu..." Shaking her head slightly to clear it Tsuande sighs in relief as the last traces of the Kusanangi's poison is purged from Hiruzen's body.
Even as she begins healing his other injuries Tsunade begins to feel the effects of using the full version of her seal. To her shock Hashirama creates a Wood Clone that is in Sage Mode that puts it's hands on her back. "Tsuna-chan..." While the original Hashirama continues healing Hiruzen with Tsunade he directs his clone to heal the damage done by her prior uses of the seal and her rebirth jutsu.
To Tsunade the feeing of the sage enhanced medical jutsu is indescribable in both it's effects and feeling. Dropping her henge Tsunade is stunned to see her body not only looking younger but healthier than it has in years. The hidden aches and pains she had used chakra to ignore seem to melt away as if they never existed. As the clone ceases channeling chakra through her back it reverts to regular wood and crumbles away.
As both med-nin's cease their work on Hiruzen as his last injury closes the Sandaime opens his eyes and smiles up at the two. "I...I guess this would be a bad time to ask if either of you have seen my pipe right?" Thrown off by Hiruzen's question and feeling elated from their victory the two Senju look at each other before they begin to laugh. Barely able to stand Tsunade reaches out a hand to help her former sensei up while Hashirama rolls side to side on his back laughing so hard he can't even speak.
Depsite rolling his eyes and muttering about idiot elder siblings even Tobirama can't help but smile and chuckle a bit at Hiruzen's joke as he walks forward. Not so gently kicking Hashirama in the side the Nindaime motions for him to stand as the others join them by Tsunade and Hiruzen. "I think it's time we go back brother." Nodding Hashirama sighs before hugging Tsunade. "Live a long and happy life Tsuna-chan. Me, Mito-hime, and your parents will be waiting for you."
Holding on tight enough to break the average shinobi's bones Tsunade nods as she buries her face in her grandfather's armor like she did long ago. As he releases her Hashirama gives a quick bow to those present before turning to his brother, who ends his own hug with Tsunade, and nodding. "I guess we'll be going now." For a moment the two simply stand there before they begin to glow as golden lines of kanji spread across their bodies from the center of their foreheads.
Looking to Kaida they realize she used some kind of seal on them as their souls begin to leave the crumbling bodies. "Rest easy honored kin. The seals on you will prevent others from summoning you again." Smiling widely the two rise into the air before disappearing. Lifting the Kusanagi Blade Hiruzen seals it away before nodding to his fellows. "Let's go tell our comrades and families that it's finally over." Leaning heavily on Tsuande the Sandaime leads the group towards the stadium's ground floor exit.
-Konoha Cemetary-
Rising out of the ground a bloodied and battered young man looks back as he hears cheering and the beginnings of celebrations. Looking down at his hands Kabuto's eyes harden before his usual smug look returns. "So Orochimaru-sama you failed...Maybe I will take up your dream or maybe I'll make my own." Disappearing into the nearby woods the nearly broken man sheds his Oto clothing and unseals a set of unassuming civilian set of clothes.
*-gonna be calling it the Strength of Thousand Seal until I come up with a better name
*-picture a crossbow bolt firing from his palm kinda like Kaguya's All Killing Ash Bones just not a instant kill move
*-name means Venomous Fangs for obvious reasons & they were crafted with fangs from one of her summons hence their abilities
*-remember A-Kiba is what I'm gonna call Akamaru when he's in Man-Beast Clone form
*-he uses it in one of the games & I've always liked it's look
Written-3/25-4/11/2021