(Thank you for the wait. I just finish this chapter late at night. I hope you would enjoy this one also. Thank you for the kind reviews again)
Three minute has past since Naruto began his assault on Ryu. But still none of them seems to have the upper hand on one another. Itachi, Sasuke and the rest of the chounin observe how the two countered one another's blows they could no longer believe that this is still the same Naruto that fought with them and they fought with. Blow by blow they felt it past through the barrier they knew that they are now beyond the level of a shinobi
Hiashi along with Tsunade finally reaches the medic team carrying Hinata. Hiashi could no longer hold his emotion rushes toward his fallen daughter. But the medic team blocking Hiashi path trying there best to convince him that his daughter is at a critical level that she cannot be move. Tsunade then grabs Hiashi "Please! Master Hiashi let them take care of your daughter!" Hiashi now on his knees felt helpless "Forgive me! I am sorry for everything!"
At that moment Naruto just crashes into the barrier Anko and Kurenai were concentrating
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Anko and Kurenai screamed when they were force to hit a wall no longer could support the barrier. Anko already fainted because of the impact. Kurenai already exhausted staggers to stand up "It's no use we can't take much more of this. We have to evacuate...................!" Kurenai could no longer continue from what she is witnessing only one Jounin remain still trying to maintain the barrier in spite of the condition he is already bleeding to death.
"huff....huff You are really something!" Naruto slowly stands up trying to keep his balance.
Ryu smiling just then completed "Rasengan" threw it at Naruto's direction and exploded. As the smoke cleared Kyubi's tail formed a barrier protecting Naruto. Naruto countered with a "Rasengan" of his own. But Leviathan's wing blocks it.
"huff...... You're not bad also" Ryu slowly lands "It has been fun Naruto-kun but I guess it time for me to get serious!"
"What!" Naruto could not believe what Ryu just exclaimed. When suddenly she appeared behind him "Don't tell me that all you think I can do. No one is smiling when they get serious Naruto-kun" Naruto just about to turn his head. When Ryu's eyes did became serious kick him
Ryu faces suddenly became sinister. "I want to observe how far you have progress with Kyubi." Ryu lift her right hand toward Naruto blue mist now surrounds the very ring they are standing.
Kyubi now in panic spoke again inside Naruto's mind "Be careful! I have a bad feeling about this"
"You don't have to tell me that" Naruto exclaimed as he watch Ryu charges toward him position himself to block.
The medical team then continues to rush Hinata to the clinic. But at that moment Hinata's condition became critical. Tsunade along with Hiashi panic when the medic team slowly place Hinata on the floor.
"What happening!" Tsunade unable to control her emotion shouted at the medical team.
"We don't know? Her heart rate suddenly became unstable" One of the medical doctor exclaimed
Kakashi at that time is also not faring well. He is the only one left trying desperately not letting the barrier disappear. The other jounin where either too weak or had already fainted "Hinata, I am sorry I failed my promise to you. You were the one who protected Naruto with your life." Kakashi mask now slowly fell of because of the strong winds. "Now I made a promise to Naruto to fight at his heart content for your sake.........." Kakashi on his knees shouted "I WILL KEEP THIS ONE AT THE COST OF MY LIFE!!!!"
a voice suddenly is heard by him "Don't take it personally sensei, But you are handsome at this point of view" as he turn his head. Kurenai now with the rest of the chounin and new genin now rallies behind her.
"What are you doing here? It's dangerous here! GET OUT OF HERE!" Kakashi shouted
"Don't kid yourself you did not failed Hinata alone" Jiraiya now assisting Kakashi with the barrier.
"Sensei, you know I have to agree with Kurenai sensei about your looks" Sakura smiling
"If you are just going to talk Sakura then go back to the audience corner" Sasuke muttered as he uses his Sharingan to copy the technique Jiraiya just perform. The rest of them followed Sasuke as he slowly performs it.
"Is she your girlfriend? Sasuke" Sasuke then could not focus as he turned his face toward the voice he saw Itachi already copied Jiraiya now strengthening the barrier
"Itachi! What are you still doing here?" Sasuke couldn't help but wonder
"I came here to witness the power of the Ancients! But I could not find a place to observe there power effectively. As much as I don't want to get involve but this is the only place I can get a better observation" Itachi exclaimed
"So be it!" Sasuke started the barrier strengthening seal again."
Hiashi then notice Hinata's hand slowly moving up. Hiashi rushes to hold his daughters hand "Please! Be alright" Hiashi could not help but pray for his daughter's safety. Just then He heard Hinata speak a name "Naruto-kun" Hiashi upon hearing Hinata's voice now realize what he must do. Slowly he stands up and carries Hinata. The medical team tried stopping him. But he did not seem to care. Slowly he walks back to the ring. Tsunade observing Hiashi' action finally halts the medical team.
"It's alright let him do what he must" Tsunade explain
"But she is in a critical state"
"No she isn't look" Tsunade and the medical team watches as Hiashi walking step by step back to the ring Hinata's breathing slowly calms down.
Hinata slowly waking up realize someone is carrying her. She looks at face with a blur in her vision. "Naruto-kun?"
"The boy is really your strength. My daughter!" The figure answered back. Hinata vision finally became clear realize that Hiashi is the one carrying her. "Father!" Hinata could not believe her eyes. "It all right! now my Hinata! I will be the one to take you to him" Hiashi smiling with tears in his eyes. Hinata could not help her self also shed a tear "Thank you! Father"
As they came in the tournament entrance Hiashi they were greeted by none other than Gaara himself.
"Come with me I will take you closer to them" Gaara with his hand cross now slowly lead Hiashi with Hinata closer to the ring. Gaara powers were now fully restored protected Hiashi and Hinata. From the strong winds still passing through the new strengthen barrier.
As Gaara slowly lead them he is also having a private conversation with Shahaku "Shahaku! How did you knew that Hinata would get hurt?"
"My mistress inform me"
Gaara now wondered "Mistress? The last time you said 'him' I thought it was the creature that inside Ryu.................!! Then that can only mean....."
"You are correct Ryu is 'My Master' that the title she wanted me to call her. I was her pet"
Gaara couldn't believe what Shahaku is telling him now "Pet?"
"That is correct! But I was just a plain raccoon back then and a 'incident' occurred that force my master to lose something important to her......... She then travel the world. I was with her all the time I became this creature when my master buried me in the desert in her travels"
Gaara couldn't believe what he's hearing now force a chuckle
"YOU DARE LAUGHT AT ME HUMAN!!" Shahaku now angered
"I could never imagine in my life that all this time everyone believed you are a demon. But in reality you are just a pet raccoon to a human and accidentally died in the desert" Gaara exclaimed
"Laugh at me if you must human but even as a pet I have proven my loyalty and gratitude for my master who's sacrifice save your pathetic race. My master meant everything to me I could never look at her as one of your kind. I hated everyone of your kind who could sleep soundly while my master suffered."
Gaara now became silent "Sacrifice?"
"My master has not permitted me to speak about that."
"Then tell me how you came to be"
"................Very well! I was already the pet of my master when the 'incident' occurred I was there when my master made a supreme sacrifice to save your wretched race. After that I traveled with her when she left for the journey in search of something. As we traveled I could not believe how cruel and ignorant your race is to my masters sacrifice. No one even bothered to help my master when she was lonely, hungry........ suffering." Gaara now felt his body is trembling as Shahaku trying his best not to burst
"Please continue Shahaku"
"I saw through there eyes how they ignore my master able to walk past us without a care. I started to hate them. But my master was there to comfort me and I comforted her in return. We arrive in a heat forsaken land fill with sand. I was then infected with a sickness. My master tried her best to save me. I witness how they slam there doors shut at us. For three days my master cared for me. I look at her suffering for my sake that I tried to comfort her even in my weaken state. The fourth day was the last day of my life as her pet. My master made the ultimate sacrifice that time for me when I was thirsty. I did not know at that time the liquid I drank down in my throat was my master's blood." Shahaku now silent
Gaara in shock couldn't believe Shahaku story "Blood?"
"Yes! It was her blood with Leviathan's. The effect did not take affect at me at first. I died at that time. My master could only prepare a small funeral for me as I was buried in the desert only then did the blood took affect. I was alive still a small raccoon when I woke up that evening" Shahaku now force a tear through Gaara's body.
"I tried to look for my master but to no avail. That morning I heard a rumor that my master is already dead"
"So you snap at that time?"
"No I did not believe the story at first. I never could believe my master can die. But it was the only lead I had. I went to the grave where my master is said to be buried to investigate. There I receive the final insult of your kind to my master........" Shahaku became silent as they were about to reach the ring.
"There I saw a grave desecrated. Some men where celebrating as if they found a treasure and one of them burn a body. I did not bother them at first when I saw one of the thieves was wearing a familiar cloak. That where it all began."
"Let me guess it was your masters" Gaara could not help but state the obvious
"Correct ...........I could no longer hold my emotion at that time. They were boasting about how they can claim the title of my master with the cloak. My master they insulted my masters honor! And sacrifice!"
"I buried them with powers that awaken inside of me and the element I now control. I killed them with the help of my master's blood now awaken inside of me. It was through my master's blood that I was given new life and through blood I swear that your kind will pay"
Gaara could not speak some how he felt that they are now kindred spirit
"I never regretted what I have done. For I believe it was my master grave that was desecrated on that day. But now my master returns she explains to me that she has given the cloak to the person who help her achieve her wish. She was sleeping all this time through Leviathan's power "
Gaara upon hearing the situation could not help but ask "so what are you planning now?"
"I will stand by her side once again in her moment of glory. I will witness it till the end and decide what I should do next"
Gaara finally reaches the ring with Hiashi and Hinata. He now watches the event that will happen as he close his eyes one more time. He no longer sees Shahaku as a monster. But a raccoon who's loyalty and gratitude exceeded the boundary of innocent and guilt.
Three minute has past since Naruto began his assault on Ryu. But still none of them seems to have the upper hand on one another. Itachi, Sasuke and the rest of the chounin observe how the two countered one another's blows they could no longer believe that this is still the same Naruto that fought with them and they fought with. Blow by blow they felt it past through the barrier they knew that they are now beyond the level of a shinobi
Hiashi along with Tsunade finally reaches the medic team carrying Hinata. Hiashi could no longer hold his emotion rushes toward his fallen daughter. But the medic team blocking Hiashi path trying there best to convince him that his daughter is at a critical level that she cannot be move. Tsunade then grabs Hiashi "Please! Master Hiashi let them take care of your daughter!" Hiashi now on his knees felt helpless "Forgive me! I am sorry for everything!"
At that moment Naruto just crashes into the barrier Anko and Kurenai were concentrating
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" Anko and Kurenai screamed when they were force to hit a wall no longer could support the barrier. Anko already fainted because of the impact. Kurenai already exhausted staggers to stand up "It's no use we can't take much more of this. We have to evacuate...................!" Kurenai could no longer continue from what she is witnessing only one Jounin remain still trying to maintain the barrier in spite of the condition he is already bleeding to death.
"huff....huff You are really something!" Naruto slowly stands up trying to keep his balance.
Ryu smiling just then completed "Rasengan" threw it at Naruto's direction and exploded. As the smoke cleared Kyubi's tail formed a barrier protecting Naruto. Naruto countered with a "Rasengan" of his own. But Leviathan's wing blocks it.
"huff...... You're not bad also" Ryu slowly lands "It has been fun Naruto-kun but I guess it time for me to get serious!"
"What!" Naruto could not believe what Ryu just exclaimed. When suddenly she appeared behind him "Don't tell me that all you think I can do. No one is smiling when they get serious Naruto-kun" Naruto just about to turn his head. When Ryu's eyes did became serious kick him
Ryu faces suddenly became sinister. "I want to observe how far you have progress with Kyubi." Ryu lift her right hand toward Naruto blue mist now surrounds the very ring they are standing.
Kyubi now in panic spoke again inside Naruto's mind "Be careful! I have a bad feeling about this"
"You don't have to tell me that" Naruto exclaimed as he watch Ryu charges toward him position himself to block.
The medical team then continues to rush Hinata to the clinic. But at that moment Hinata's condition became critical. Tsunade along with Hiashi panic when the medic team slowly place Hinata on the floor.
"What happening!" Tsunade unable to control her emotion shouted at the medical team.
"We don't know? Her heart rate suddenly became unstable" One of the medical doctor exclaimed
Kakashi at that time is also not faring well. He is the only one left trying desperately not letting the barrier disappear. The other jounin where either too weak or had already fainted "Hinata, I am sorry I failed my promise to you. You were the one who protected Naruto with your life." Kakashi mask now slowly fell of because of the strong winds. "Now I made a promise to Naruto to fight at his heart content for your sake.........." Kakashi on his knees shouted "I WILL KEEP THIS ONE AT THE COST OF MY LIFE!!!!"
a voice suddenly is heard by him "Don't take it personally sensei, But you are handsome at this point of view" as he turn his head. Kurenai now with the rest of the chounin and new genin now rallies behind her.
"What are you doing here? It's dangerous here! GET OUT OF HERE!" Kakashi shouted
"Don't kid yourself you did not failed Hinata alone" Jiraiya now assisting Kakashi with the barrier.
"Sensei, you know I have to agree with Kurenai sensei about your looks" Sakura smiling
"If you are just going to talk Sakura then go back to the audience corner" Sasuke muttered as he uses his Sharingan to copy the technique Jiraiya just perform. The rest of them followed Sasuke as he slowly performs it.
"Is she your girlfriend? Sasuke" Sasuke then could not focus as he turned his face toward the voice he saw Itachi already copied Jiraiya now strengthening the barrier
"Itachi! What are you still doing here?" Sasuke couldn't help but wonder
"I came here to witness the power of the Ancients! But I could not find a place to observe there power effectively. As much as I don't want to get involve but this is the only place I can get a better observation" Itachi exclaimed
"So be it!" Sasuke started the barrier strengthening seal again."
Hiashi then notice Hinata's hand slowly moving up. Hiashi rushes to hold his daughters hand "Please! Be alright" Hiashi could not help but pray for his daughter's safety. Just then He heard Hinata speak a name "Naruto-kun" Hiashi upon hearing Hinata's voice now realize what he must do. Slowly he stands up and carries Hinata. The medical team tried stopping him. But he did not seem to care. Slowly he walks back to the ring. Tsunade observing Hiashi' action finally halts the medical team.
"It's alright let him do what he must" Tsunade explain
"But she is in a critical state"
"No she isn't look" Tsunade and the medical team watches as Hiashi walking step by step back to the ring Hinata's breathing slowly calms down.
Hinata slowly waking up realize someone is carrying her. She looks at face with a blur in her vision. "Naruto-kun?"
"The boy is really your strength. My daughter!" The figure answered back. Hinata vision finally became clear realize that Hiashi is the one carrying her. "Father!" Hinata could not believe her eyes. "It all right! now my Hinata! I will be the one to take you to him" Hiashi smiling with tears in his eyes. Hinata could not help her self also shed a tear "Thank you! Father"
As they came in the tournament entrance Hiashi they were greeted by none other than Gaara himself.
"Come with me I will take you closer to them" Gaara with his hand cross now slowly lead Hiashi with Hinata closer to the ring. Gaara powers were now fully restored protected Hiashi and Hinata. From the strong winds still passing through the new strengthen barrier.
As Gaara slowly lead them he is also having a private conversation with Shahaku "Shahaku! How did you knew that Hinata would get hurt?"
"My mistress inform me"
Gaara now wondered "Mistress? The last time you said 'him' I thought it was the creature that inside Ryu.................!! Then that can only mean....."
"You are correct Ryu is 'My Master' that the title she wanted me to call her. I was her pet"
Gaara couldn't believe what Shahaku is telling him now "Pet?"
"That is correct! But I was just a plain raccoon back then and a 'incident' occurred that force my master to lose something important to her......... She then travel the world. I was with her all the time I became this creature when my master buried me in the desert in her travels"
Gaara couldn't believe what he's hearing now force a chuckle
"YOU DARE LAUGHT AT ME HUMAN!!" Shahaku now angered
"I could never imagine in my life that all this time everyone believed you are a demon. But in reality you are just a pet raccoon to a human and accidentally died in the desert" Gaara exclaimed
"Laugh at me if you must human but even as a pet I have proven my loyalty and gratitude for my master who's sacrifice save your pathetic race. My master meant everything to me I could never look at her as one of your kind. I hated everyone of your kind who could sleep soundly while my master suffered."
Gaara now became silent "Sacrifice?"
"My master has not permitted me to speak about that."
"Then tell me how you came to be"
"................Very well! I was already the pet of my master when the 'incident' occurred I was there when my master made a supreme sacrifice to save your wretched race. After that I traveled with her when she left for the journey in search of something. As we traveled I could not believe how cruel and ignorant your race is to my masters sacrifice. No one even bothered to help my master when she was lonely, hungry........ suffering." Gaara now felt his body is trembling as Shahaku trying his best not to burst
"Please continue Shahaku"
"I saw through there eyes how they ignore my master able to walk past us without a care. I started to hate them. But my master was there to comfort me and I comforted her in return. We arrive in a heat forsaken land fill with sand. I was then infected with a sickness. My master tried her best to save me. I witness how they slam there doors shut at us. For three days my master cared for me. I look at her suffering for my sake that I tried to comfort her even in my weaken state. The fourth day was the last day of my life as her pet. My master made the ultimate sacrifice that time for me when I was thirsty. I did not know at that time the liquid I drank down in my throat was my master's blood." Shahaku now silent
Gaara in shock couldn't believe Shahaku story "Blood?"
"Yes! It was her blood with Leviathan's. The effect did not take affect at me at first. I died at that time. My master could only prepare a small funeral for me as I was buried in the desert only then did the blood took affect. I was alive still a small raccoon when I woke up that evening" Shahaku now force a tear through Gaara's body.
"I tried to look for my master but to no avail. That morning I heard a rumor that my master is already dead"
"So you snap at that time?"
"No I did not believe the story at first. I never could believe my master can die. But it was the only lead I had. I went to the grave where my master is said to be buried to investigate. There I receive the final insult of your kind to my master........" Shahaku became silent as they were about to reach the ring.
"There I saw a grave desecrated. Some men where celebrating as if they found a treasure and one of them burn a body. I did not bother them at first when I saw one of the thieves was wearing a familiar cloak. That where it all began."
"Let me guess it was your masters" Gaara could not help but state the obvious
"Correct ...........I could no longer hold my emotion at that time. They were boasting about how they can claim the title of my master with the cloak. My master they insulted my masters honor! And sacrifice!"
"I buried them with powers that awaken inside of me and the element I now control. I killed them with the help of my master's blood now awaken inside of me. It was through my master's blood that I was given new life and through blood I swear that your kind will pay"
Gaara could not speak some how he felt that they are now kindred spirit
"I never regretted what I have done. For I believe it was my master grave that was desecrated on that day. But now my master returns she explains to me that she has given the cloak to the person who help her achieve her wish. She was sleeping all this time through Leviathan's power "
Gaara upon hearing the situation could not help but ask "so what are you planning now?"
"I will stand by her side once again in her moment of glory. I will witness it till the end and decide what I should do next"
Gaara finally reaches the ring with Hiashi and Hinata. He now watches the event that will happen as he close his eyes one more time. He no longer sees Shahaku as a monster. But a raccoon who's loyalty and gratitude exceeded the boundary of innocent and guilt.