Disclaimer: See previous chapters

-0-

"Goro lives! Goro lives!"

Once again, the loud chant that heralded the arrival of the champion rang clear through the ears of the audience. Oddly enough, the crowd had grown since the last match; evidently more wanted to see the one who took up the challenge of facing Goro. The fact that it was a certain loud, knucklehead ninja was met with a mix of responses. Some jeered, expecting (perhaps rightly) for Naruto to be quickly demolished, while others looked at him with a mixture of surprise and dread, as well as a hint of wonder.

For those accompanied him, the feelings were equally mixed. Both Sonya and Cage shared the later view of the crowd. Sonya knows she had her own assignment to focus on, but this match was something she could not ignore, especially since she was familiar with Naruto. Cage gave the kid high marks for guts, but the movie star just couldn't believe that Naruto would do something like this, facing someone who seemed clearly has him outmatched. Kakashi was naturally pensive about this. As much confidence and faith that he has is Naruto's abilities, both current and potentially, this was still a daunting obstacle for even the most seasoned of fighters. Sakura naturally shared Kakashi's thoughts, but to a greater degree of concern.

Seemingly, the only one without any such thoughts was the Shaolin monk. Although aware of the tensions and emotions of those around, he didn't seem nearly as concerned over Naruto's situation as he believed he should have been. It was an odd combination of calm and confidence that he had for this moment, but with it came an equally odd sense of…something else, a purpose, a precognition of…something.

Fate perhaps…?

The trio of shinobi soon made their made to the pit that was the championship stage while the others stood in various spots in watch with the rest of the audience. The crater by was created in the last match was still there, along with the horrible memory that came with it.

"Naruto Uzumaki."

Once again, the booming voice of Shang Tsung echoed out to the stage from his perched throne. And once again, his gaze was focused on the jinchuuriki, with a bit more intent then the last challenger.

"You have challenged the champion to Mortal Kombat. Does your challenge still stand?"

Turning toward Shang Tsung, Naruto matched the sorcerer's sinister glare and Sakura could once again see that look of unwavering determination in his eyes. Interestingly, it mirrored the same look and stance that Tobias had right before his match.

"Of course it does. Believe it!"

A few light chuckles came out from some of the audience and even Kakashi let up a slight (masked) smile. Sakura however, remained pensive as Shang Tsung gave to order to enter to stage and the shadow monks made their way to set the ladder, all the while the chant of Goro began anew. Naruto solemnly made his way toward the ladder and grabbed hold of it before he was interrupted by the voice of his teammate.

"Naruto! Don't forget. You are to be Hokage, okay?!"

-"And Naruto, remember. You promised that you would be Hokage. Just remember that out there."-

Remember Tsunade's parting words, Naruto turned to his team and gave them a grin and a thumbs-up, once again mirroring the same action that Tobias gave them before. Both Kakashi and Cage returned the gesture while Sakura simply smiled and nodded. With that, Naruto made his way down the ladder and into the pit. The eyes of many in the audience focused on the young shinobi as the ladder was removed and a fearsome glow of eyes lit up from the darkness of the pit. The shadows soon gave way to the immense form of the champion as he approached his next opponent.

…Or in his mind, his next victim…

-0-

"Come on. You have found anything yet?"

"Shut up! Either he's really good at covering his chakra signature or he's not here."

"Keep it quiet. He's here, alright. Keep scanning."

"Yes, Sasuke!"

From an undisclosed location near the arena, Sasuke and his team were searching for the Akatsuki, or more specifically, Itachi. Being a sensor, Karin could detect a person chakra signature more keenly than other shinobi. It made it easier if the chakra was strong enough to stand out enough for her to lock on to it, or at the very least, enough to get a visual confirmation.

However, there were two problems. The first was the fact that none of them exactly seen either of the Akatsuki throughout the entirety of the tournament. Although there was word of their activities from other fighters within the tournament, they haven't seen them directly. That was a problem for Karin since it was difficult for her to know who precisely to track. The second problem was the current match right now. There was so many strong individuals here that it was hard for her to focus on to any one person in particular. In fact, the multiple chakra signatures was interfering her ability.

Especially the loud-mouthed baka who was facing the champion now…

"You sure you don't want to wait until after the match?" Suigetsu inquired to Sasuke.

"Oh, please" Karin retorted. "You just want to watch the guy who beat you get beaten up."

The water-nin shrugged. "Can you blame me? I didn't get to see the last fight, but from what everyone says, it was a real slaughter. And if it's that kid, then all's the better."

"The match is not important." Sasuke said finally. "Stay focused on the job at hand."

Despite those words however, even Sasuke was curious as to how Naruto would fare against Goro. It didn't surprise him too much that his former teammate would take up the challenge; Naruto has always been known to take on more than he could chew. No doubt, this time, he will go too far. Still, his former teammate has been known to do some remarkable things.

If nothing else, the fight will be entertaining…

-0-

Standing a short distance away from the rest of the audience, Raiden watched the coming battle with keen interest, and that in itself it an understatement. This may be the second match for the championship of Mortal Kombat, but the stakes are even higher now. If Naruto is defeated against Goro, the consequences will be disastrous. A third match may not even be possible if that comes to pass. But there is nothing Raiden can do about it right now.

What can be done has been done…

Still, it is unnerving for the hopes of two realms will be decided on one not-too-bright shinobi. Not only that, but apparently a reckless as well. It is even still unsure if Naruto can deal with the violent intent that Shang Tsung had dispersed throughout the island, so that could be an issue by itself. To say that the odds are against him is an understatement.

But looking at it adversely (and oddly), the same could be said about Goro. Hubris is never a positive factor in a fight. Even with his strength and experience, there is always a chance he can fail if he doesn't take his opponent serious. And chance is something that would favor someone who is known to be unpredictable. If anything, it will be a great wonder to see how Naruto will defeat Goro. Like everyone else, he will just wait and see.

And at Shang Tsung's call, the wait was soon ended…

"FIGHT!"

And the sound of the call, Naruto wasted no time in rushing in toward Goro with a loud cry. Goro was hardly surprised by the approach, but his eyes narrowed when Naruto's hands/fingers crossed and multiple copies of the shinobi all rushed in at him. Sweeping his left leg back, Goro bent himself low, his arms and stance into defensive as Naruto and his clones came in and attacked. Two of the clones connected a punch first, only to have their attacked blocked by Goro's upper arms.

In less than a second, the lower fists came in to play, smashing the clones hard enough to completely disperse them as the next set of clones charging in to counter. But with a slight rotation of his arms, the lower arms deflected the attacks, defending them completely and in the moment after, the upper arms came back and quickly bashed in the clones, demolishing them as well.

The tactic of the champion became quickly apparent. Due to the multiple arms as well as the slight, but quick and effective motions, Naruto's attacks were being easily and quickly deflected and countered forcefully all the while Goro retained his strength. Even as the clones continued to multiply, Goro didn't so much as move from the same spot he was in as he hammered them away.

After clobbering perhaps the 50th clone, Goro suddenly switched tactics and rushed in toward the clones. Two came in close, but Goro seemed to ignore them, dismissively back-fisting them as he rushed on, focusing on one particular clone.

Not a clone… Naruto himself…!

The orange-clad shinobi was surprised and quickly back-flipped away from the sudden blow, and flipped again from the consecutive one after. But the backlash of the second one thrown him off somewhat and Naruto was force to roll on the ground and roll once again when Goro tried to stomp down on him. Regaining his footing, Naruto began to counter back when Goro suddenly bellowed at him. But it wasn't the yelling itself.

It was the burning projectile that came with it…

Naruto jumped out of the way just as the fireball hit the ground, missing him. But the impact of the projectile threw him off the ground, with the debris pelting him as he was tossed through the air and is body was heavily slammed to the ground. Goro began to approach the fallen shinobi, only for him to disappear in a puff of smoke. Turning, he found Naruto to the side, appearing unharmed. However, upon closer inspection, his appearance appeared somewhat battered. And the fact that he is on one knee with a grimace on his face only adds to the current situation.

He's in trouble…