DOWNFALL OF THE LIGHT:
Chapter 15: Deep Trouble
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto in any way. Warcraft 3, no way! If I did own them, screw Fan Fics! I would be rich! (Sighs sadly and sulks. Takes out a Desert Eagle and shoots a bystander who seems to be annoying me. Bullet goes through his head and blood gushes out dramatically) Oh, how much I love blood...
"...": Speech
'...': Thoughts
Scene Change are the words in the bolded italic brackets in case you want to know.
AN: (Writes in a journal) Dear journal, life has been hard... my job is starting real soon and my preparations for this chapter is taking too much time. Loyal supporters are getting impatient, I can feel their dangerous aura affecting me in some ways that I couldn't even imagine. They are hungry I tell you, hungry for my blood! Actually, they are just lusty for my story. After some warm and considerate feedback all of the people who bothered to review, I know I had to continue this story. This time around, I will thank the people who actually reviewed. I should've done that a long time ago, this time I feel like it would be a very good time to show some gratitude! Also, I have to specially thank Dream Walker for his endless support, he made my day so much better by his back up. He made this story so much more successful than it should be. Those who did say something encouraging won't be left out either!
Reviewers' Period: (These are not in any favoritism order, they come in things that I could refer to. Basically, the more you said, the more important I believe your words were.)
Crimson-Strike: Thank you so much for your long and encouraging review. You really took my words into account did you? Wow, you really know how to make this soldier happy. Sir, I am in your services to make your story better and your requests will be heard for sure! I should consider more of a character development. No, I don't consider your words a flame, I couldn't since I take it that you just wanted your voice heard. For a respectable guy such as yourself who has my 100 support, the last thing I need is misunderstandings. Again, thank you so much for your spiritual support, it's good to see another man with such encouragement. Best of luck in your fic, you know you have my 100 percent!
Dream Walker: No words need to be said here, you are like my greatest fortress I could always lean back on when I fall. I'll be seeing you on MSN. YOU ARE THE BEST MAN!
YoukoSesshomaru's True Love: Whoa, you love me... I really don't know what to say... should I say I like you too? I know you're kidding and I hope to give you nice stories always. Thank you for your potion that would make less people hate me! I know that helped a lot in some magical way. Glad that you love my story, I'm sure that I would do so much better with your encouragement.
Girl from Marilake : Yeah, I so know who you are in person, your name really gave it away. You wouldn't want to hide your identity from me would ya, my good friend? Yeah you're right on one thing, my first chapter went through some or more likely drastic changes but hell, it was for the best. I hope you actually read the rest of the story. Glad that summer school is over, it's really a drag isn't it? I had calculus to deal with so I so know your pain very, very well. I hope to see you online soon, you should be jumping for joy for the day that freedom was given to you. If your mail box is too full, delete some things. I hope you aren't considering my mails as useless things though. LOL! Anyway, I'll find you some other time, enjoy your summer!
jemmos: Thank you for liking my story, it's good to see another man who actually appreciates me for what I'm doing. Metamorphosis, if you suggested that, I should listen to it. It's really about time to show the boy's true colours, ne? Hope you like this!
joecool: I have to give you a friendly pat on the back for your constant encouragement. It's really good to see someone so loyal. You love Opposing Force the game (NOT ME of course!) don't you, I had to love your drill instructor line. I was laughing since it was just brilliant. I hope that my story made your day each time a new chapter comes out. I really have to thank you!
Otakuus: Yo, thank you so much for submitting your review. I am so glad that you go on just to find my chapter, in my mind I am like YATTE, another supporter for my story! You're right on one thing, I am getting kind of busy with reality, but I'll hang tough and continue this. Thanks again, I hope you love this chapter!
One Azn Dragon: Wow, you didn't have much to say this time around, I thought you liked action. Passionate cheek kissing... how does that work you ask? Let me think, probably a long kiss on the cheek with much emotion behind it. I am so not a love expert, can't say too much on that department. You'll see a good battle soon, I guarantee it.
Place-your-name-here: Tight pants and shirt not disturbing for you? Wow, if I had a girlfriend that seduced me like that... man, I won't be responsible for my actions. LOL! I can picture it now... ANYWAY (Shakes out all naughty thoughts), thank you for being such a consistent loyal reader, I thank you for your time and honest opinions. I will continue to update as quick as I can. THANKS!
mystikd109: YOUR STORY ROCKS! I still need to review your newest piece of great work! Sir, I will apologize for my slow actions. Thanks for not thinking that I am a pervert, you're such an understanding person, I don't see too much of those these days. If you need help on the romance thing in your story (more of the making out thing and intimacy, not sex... I can't do too much of that... too much for this soldier), feel free to ask me, I'll give you response for certain. THANK YOU for enjoying my story, I'll make sure I'll do the same. Let's support each other okay? I'm glad to do that. Hope you like this chapter!
DaveBoo1378: Thank you for your continuous efforts in supporting me! You have been a very loyal reader, I'm glad I made something that's worth your time in reading. You can find me on MSN, there's no need for me to say any more. Enjoy this chapter man!
Gopu: Thanks for liking it!
You asked a fairly okay question for me to answer, if you didn't sound so curious, I wouldn't have considered answering it. Sakura killed someone, so what? Naruto's dark and merciless personality has rubbed off on her and if you paid close attention to the previous chapters, the trio don't show much emotion whenever something like threat happen. I like to make them merciless in battles, if you're not satisfied with my answer, don't expect me to continue explain further. Glad that you love my story, I'm happy for that. Hiope I make a less confusing characteristic later on. And please, give me a name instead of ......., it looks like you're hiding from me.
Night-Owl123: Hey, I'm happy that my story caught your attention, I'll be happy to continue this! Thank you for being a loyal reader!
Tritanor14: You think that was fabulous? THANKS! I personally thought that was okay. Hope you could express more of your opinions next time. I'm sure you have a lot of good things and questions you want to say!
Daniel of Lorien: I can't really define your review as a statement, a question, a suggestion, a rant or something else. I will just show my gratitude to your constant effort in reading my story!
Wormkaizer: You think I was in the army? Sorry my friend, I'm just your average dude with a crazy addition and fantasy. Soldiers are still cool nonetheless. You're another very loyal reader ever since my story came out. I so want to shake your hand in such gratefulness that you would be touched with proudness. Thank you so much for appreciating my story, you have my humble respect!
Anonymous: You're content with fast updates? Well here you go, a good update like I always promised. Thank you so much for being such a loyal reader, it makes me happy to see you satisfied because of something I did. Enjoy this chapter man!
stoictimer: Angst wise, love wise and action wise... wow, your words made my day. I am so relieved that I pleased another reader, I hope you continue to like my chapters and support me whenever you can. Your words do the job very well, and thank you for being so considerate, you're the first to tell me to get enough rest. I really needed it, you're a good guy!
Sirus183: You don't like cliffhangers, well I don't either! But these chapters would be those though since I like to keep the suspence for you all. If you have any suggestions, feel free to say so, I'm quite open to them. Thanks for reading my story, glad you liked it. Looking for an update, you got it!
amono-user: Good to see you giving me such good comments, I don't think you're too pushy or straight forward or too aggressive, don't worry about it, I thank you for giving me such suggestions. I have to apologize that not all your requests may be met since I had 90 of the chapter done when I found your review, it would be too hard for me to change the story so suddenly, as you know I am quite fast on this story. By the time this thing is on the net, I may have 1000 words on the next chapter already. So, the sooner you review, the better that your words would be heard. It does get heard nonetheless, I check daily. Thank you for being a loyal reader (Fan sounds too... improper to me), I would be glad to make the story meeting at least some of your requests.
eibetsu: You think they kicked ass just now, be prepared for more my good friend! I know you're anxious, this would be a good chapter for you for sure. Thanks for enjoying my story.
OTHERS: Others who have been reading this story and liked it and reviewed in the past, I thank you all once again for your support. I hope to see some of your words later on in the near future! Hope you like this chapter!
Other ungrateful jackasses: My words are simple. Don't like it, don't read it. The last thing I need are your FUCKING words that hold no meaning. You people should learn to simply FUCK off far away from human existence so others with good intentions won't be effected by your insulting words. I don't need it, they don't either.
AN: That was a long list! Hope you all like this chapter! Now, I'm gonna take a good nap... if you need me... just read okay?
Hinata and Sakura dashed at the enemy Rain-nin with high speed, right before they engaged each other in contact, both girls disappeared without warning. The Rain-nin stopped immediately and jerked his head left and right trying to know where his opponents were. At the corner of his eye, he could see some of the bark shift a very slight movement nearly unnoticeable, he was glad he saw it though. He quickly made a flip backwards and leaped high to the air knowing one of his enemies were close. Sakura cursed her luck, she must've been too impatient to get things over with. The Rain-nin smirked as his luck as he formed hand-seals for an attack. However, he totally forgot about the Hyuga heiress who was already above him slamming her palm into his back performing the gentle fist.
The masked Rain genin's eyes opened in fear as he felt someone disrupted his chakra flow, he made an immediate recoil attack but in his wounded state, he wasn't even able to make a decent counter. Hinata who was still in the air defended it with her left arm with relative ease. When the heiress prepared another quick attack, her male opponent quickly twist and turned in a fast pace to avoid it knowing the devastating results it could actually cause. However, it was then he tossed a several kunais down to Sakura who was now visible. The pink hair genin ducked down and flipped to evade every single attack. With a bit of generation of chakra to her foot, she released the kunai that she attracted to her foot upward to her enemy. The Rain-nin shifted his body as an immediate reaction allowing the incoming weapon to slide by without making a cut. Hinata used Blink to get herself into safe area while she allowed her teammate to deal with the rest.
Sakura continued to gather chakra into her feet with a kunai in hand, she then boosted herself from the ground to the air with an incredible speed. The Rain-nin couldn't believe at the agility his enemy was creating. Without any time to dodge, Sakura dug her kunai quickly into his bare flesh on his chest. Blood smeared over the weapon as a result and he couldn't help himself let out a painful grunt. As Sakura loosened her grip on the kunai deliberately, she got herself into a good position to send her opponent downward with a heavy kick at the back. Since he was now more damaged, he didn't have enough strength to show much retaliation but to take the kick directly. However, it didn't mean he wasn't prepared for it. He made contact with the floor not landing the most damaging way that Sakura and Hinata had thought. Realizing what kind of hopeless situation the male Rain-genin got himself into, he decided to make a break for it.
He ran as quickly as his body could handle at the moment, a retreat was a lot better than not to retreat knowing his situation wasn't in his favor. However, with his now wounded leg due to that fall and the pain internally, he couldn't run too well at all. He had his head down with his right hand holding his chest area painfully, it was obvious that his movement was seriously dulled. Hinata wouldn't let him run away, not if he was in the position of giving her such a clear shot. With her Byakugan activated, this attack would be lethal. With a several hand seals, she put her hand in front of her and unleashed the Mana Burn at her victim. The green negative energy chased after the wounded genin. It hit him directly causing every speck of chakra within his body to burn and wasted. The damage was so great and superficial, life was drained from the boy completely. With no chakra to sustain the body, the girls knew he was finished. As the Rain-nin fell dead to the ground, the girls knew he was dead. 4 down, 2 teams less to deal with.
"Hinata-san," called Sakura as she walked to her partner. "You need to check where Naruto-ni-chan is? If that guy transformed into him earlier... he must've figured out Naruto-ni-chan wasn't nearby."
"I'm on it, Sakura-san..." replied Hinata as she focused her Byakugan to the widest radius possible which was around 4 km. She scanned thoroughly around the forest, behind the trees, in the sky even. In the end, nothing but a frown reached her lips, it was clear to Sakura that she found no signs of the boy they wanted to seek. "Naruto-kun isn't within my sight range..."
"He isn't?" questioned the pink hair genin in somewhat of a disbelief. "That means he must be quite far off... where could he have gone to? Could he have been kidnapped or ambushed?"
"I don't think so..." said Hinata thinking of any other logical possibilities. Naruto was too skilled to be ambushed by most of these fools in this exam, no one was good enough to even touch him. The conclusion the Hyuga heiress could assume to be correct was that he was scouting around. She was somewhat worried that he left without a word but she had a bad feeling about this. Something in her mind kept ringing, she couldn't get hold of what it was. "Let's look for Naruto-kun, okay?"
"Sure." When their conversation was done, Hinata and Sakura leaped to the higher grounds hoping to find their fearless leader soon. As the duo jumped from branch to branch in a skilled way that all shinobis must learn to do, an elusive thought kept appearing in Hinata's mind. She really had trouble not thinking something was going to start and it struck her so violently that it was obvious that it wouldn't be anything close to friendly. Sakura grimaced at her own thoughts, she knew it was very unlike her older brother to be this reckless. A better word to describe it would be unreliable. It was rare for him to make these kind of mistakes that worried her, she knew something was clearly up. The only thing they could do was to find him soon.
(Meanwhile with Naruto and the mystery Grass-nin)
"Fighting this fight with our lives?" questioned Naruto coldly meanwhile still glaring at his enemy closely. At this type of situation, it was foolish not to be on full alert. "Figures you would say something that crazy."
"This would make this fight so much more interesting, wouldn't it?" said the Grass-nin returning a question. "I'm sure you'll love what I have to give you, Naruto-kun. I'm getting so excited just thinking about it."
"In your dreams, little human," growled Naruto as he held on to his runeblade into an attacking position. "There's no way I'll allow you to hurt Sasuke!"
"I don't think you can do a thing about that..." cackled the leader licking his dry lips with a snake like attitude. "Just like how you can't do anything about what I'm going to do to you."
"As long as this body breathes, I'll do anything to stop you!"
"You're overrating yourself, you should surrender yourself to me now while you can."
"In your dreams, little human..." It was then the Death Knight had enough talking, it was time to take action. He immediately charged forward with his blade in a striking position and prepared for the absolute worst that this fight could take him. Once the boy was close which took less than a second, he twisted himself to deliver a kick. The Grass-nin simply blocked it without wincing or showing any signs of pain. Naruto knew his opponent was strong, he quickly resolved to more combo potential attacks such as moves that included his blade doing some activity. The Death Knight then slashed his opponent, to his surprise the Grass-nin moved back in a flash that caused Naruto to miss. To counter, he gave Naruto several volleys of punches trying to mess up his co-ordination. The Death Knight wasn't one to be that easily distracted, as he shifted his head and maneuver around at that spot, he never broke any sort of eye contact and focus. He simply couldn't at this stage.
It wasn't long before the enemy Grass-genin took out a sword from his mouth, by the looks of it, it seemed like he was trying to take something he swallowed down his throat long ago. It was not only disgusting, it was horrifying. The Death Knight had no time to feel disgusted, no matter how awful it looked, that was still a weapon that could easily cause damage. The enemy quickly gave a downward slash with force, the boy defended himself quickly by using his blade as a shield. With relevant ease, the silver hair genin countered by pushing his opponent slightly. Seizing this opportunity, Naruto decided to attack as swiftly as possible performing a quick horizontal pursuit. However, right before the blade made any kind of contact, the Grass-nin slithered away and used his unbelievable snake like fashion to kick the Death Knight in the chest. Taking two steps backwards, Naruto regained his composure and prepared for the offensive.
"Death Coil!" he exclaimed as he fired a green coil of death from Nightshadow. Suddenly, a legion of snakes appeared in the middle of nowhere and intercepted his attack completely. Naruto gritted his teeth in anger while his opponent gave him a hungry smirk. As soon as the Death Coil vaporized, the remaining snakes went straight for the kill.
'Damn it...' thought Naruto angrily. 'I hate snakes...' The boy studied the snakes' movements well before they got too close. Knowing how they moved, Naruto rolled and flipped to avoid each bite. As some seemed to be too close, the Death Knight would simply kill them with a slash at their heads. At the corner of his eye, he could see each dying snake would disappear in a smoke, he quickly came to the conclusion that these had to be summoned snakes. 'If these are summoned...' he thought as he leaped high into the air with these wretched reptiles hot on his pursuit. 'Mana Flare would have to do!' He then formed seals with one hand and allowed a high amount of chakra surrounding him. He smirked widely knowing this would definitely do the job.
"Mana Flare!" shouted Naruto as powerful chakra beams were released from his highly defensive chakra shield. As the snakes continued to their attacks, they did nothing to the shield. At the next second, the chakra beams would blast all of them into clouds of smoke. The Death Knight then quickly noticed that the Grass-nin was slithering around avoiding all the Mana Flare attacks, he was, unfortunately for the boy, doing a very good job at it. With the Unholy Sight activated, Naruto could clearly see his enemy was moving at a speed quicker than sound. With a swift 180-degree turn which caused a trail of dust to appear at least 1 second after he was there, he charged with such speed that it actually damaged the Death Knight as the Grass-nin collided into him.
That was surely a hard hit, if it wasn't for the Mana Flare armour, Naruto could safely assume that his ribs wouldn't be so in tact right now. As Naruto continued to slide across the branch surface, his enemy didn't hesitate to continue his own attacks. With a several maneuvers around the surroundings, the leader Grass genin didn't hesitate to perform the same move twice since this time it would hurt a lot more without the protection of the Mana Flare. This time, the Death Knight was prepared. At the instant that the snake freak got close, Naruto Blinked a several meters away allowing his enemy to hit face first to the branch. The boy's eyes narrowed in irritation when he saw that collision did nearly nothing for that sinister smile on his face was still there. At the next second, his felt his left wrist grabbed by a frightening outstretched hand.
"I've got you!" said the Grass genin in a sickening voice. With an evil smirk, he dived downward to the lower grounds dragging the Death Knight with him. It was obvious that he was attempting a high impact toss. With a powerful grip, Naruto couldn't break himself out of it, not to mention they were accelerating with every passing second. The enemy then forcefully swung Naruto downwards with incredible strength hoping it would end things. However, the dark warrior suddenly Blinked back high into the air right behind the enemy. Before the snake freak even realized what was actually happening, the Death Knight already attached himself onto him in a dead lock.
"Who's got who now?" questioned Naruto darkly as he headed to the ground with his opponent's head the first thing that would make the date to the solid floor. Knowing his opponent would attempt something funny, Naruto wouldn't let go until he made sure the Grass-nin was crushed. The snake freak kept shaking his head in mercy during the process but within a matter of seconds, a heavy impact was made causing the earth to affect others nearby. Hinata and Sakura gasped as the earth shook for a second, they weren't sure what just happened but that didn't stop them from continuing to search for their leader of their squad. Naruto then released his victim and leaped a several good meters of distance as he charged his blade with green energies preparing to end that son of a bitch's life. He didn't want to that freak to live one second longer in this world.
"Hidden Snake Hands!" shouted the Grass-nin weakly but firmly as a legion of snakes came out of his sleeve and wrapping around the Death Knight's right arm halting his attack. Naruto couldn't believe that his opponent was still conscious after that heavy impact crash, it was incredibly unbelievable. Even the dark shinobi himself would have a concussion after that. The snake's have encircled themselves tightly around his arm in a lock, Naruto could only retaliate but not to much effort.
"What do I need to do to make you stay down?" yelled Naruto as the grip became more fierce. The Grass-nin then recovered from his upside down position attempting to reel the Death Knight in. Knowing Naruto wouldn't simply give in, he knew he had to take more of a drastic measure. The snake imitator yanked Naruto towards him with tremendous power. With a gasp, the boy was then send slamming his back to a tree with a severe blow. Naruto glared at his opponent sharply as his enemy continued to attack. The silver hair boy then boosted himself off the tree with a push with his legs. With a turn, Naruto then unleashed a Death Coil attack right at the snake freak's face. Death itself soon consumed the Grass-nin as if it wanted his soul. He screamed in absolute terror and agony while breathing heavily after the effects were done. The major side effect would be his coughing out blood forcefully out of himself.
"You'll pay for hurting me..." cursed the Grass-nin with the most hideous look that Naruto had seen.
"Hidden Snake Hands?" questioned Naruto as he stood in his preferred swordsman style stance. "You seriously aren't who you are. I never recalled the Grass producing such hideous snake like freaks."
"Naruto-kun... you would be the perfect person for my gift. You really do have potential but you haven't used your full strength yet. C'mon, let me feel more, I want to see it!"
"You can't hide your true identity from me," barked Naruto. "I already know who you are, Orochimaru. There aren't that many people who could use Hidden Snake Hands in this world. Jiraiya-sensei told me a lot about you, he told me your intentions in living. I didn't want to see your ugly face anywhere!"
"So, you know..." said Orochimaru as he peeled off the fake skin he had on him. "I never thought Jiraiya would have enough brains to warn you about this." His face was irritated the Death Knight even more, by the looks of it, Naruto knew he must've killed the real Grass-nin to obtain that face. The ruthless bastard took people's lives as mere play things, this itself was already unforgivable. Naruto wouldn't stand for it. He glared at the sennin's real face, rage and anger simply built up as if it was natural. His white pale face and snake yellow eyes had to be the most sickening thing Naruto had seen.
"Orochimaru... I'm going to kill you..." threatened Naruto as he generated more energy within his blade.
"I'll be glad to see you try, demon boy..." Orochimaru returned the words coldly. Naruto had heard enough from that bastard, if he wanted his true colours that badly, he would simply give it to him not like Orochimaru could stand up to him at that level anyway. The Death Knight then held the blade right in front of him and chakra began to form in a manner of a deathly aura. Naruto closed his eyes as he felt the chakra giving him inner strength, it was powerful and filled with both hope and satisfaction. As he opened his eyes behind the blindfold, his body was already surrounded with the powerful Unholy Aura. With both his Unholy techniques activated, Naruto was a force to be reckoned with. The snake sennin knew little about this aura, all he could do was wait patiently until the Death Knight finally unleashed his true power.
(Time passes)
The aura around was intensifying each passing second, Naruto's eyes never left the snake sennin's the entire time. Even though Orochimaru couldn't see the genin's teal eyes because of the blindfold, he knew he was in eye contact piercing into his soul. Naruto then smirked as he felt his aura completed, it has been a long while since he had such an opportunity to do so much bloodshed, he couldn't wait until he was done. Without knowing, the boy licked his lips in a hungry matter, he was lusty for blood and determined to end his life. The Unholy Aura began to start the recovery effects, Naruto's injuries were healed in a matter of seconds. Orochimaru didn't like the sound of that, it was like as if Kyubi's chakra were fusing as one. However, the Death Knight would prove to him healing wasn't the only thing the aura could do, pummeling the sennin into a pulp would be a good enough proof.
He vanished immediately after dashing forwards preparing to attack, Orochimaru couldn't even detect where the boy went. At that instant, Naruto was already in a middle of giving the sennin a heavy kick to the head. Reacting immediately, Orochimaru held his arm to the head to block knowing he wasted time pondering earlier. However, with a slight maneuver, Naruto lowered his attack and gave his enemy a heavy kick at the side sending him gliding across the area. As the sennin crashed to a log, he gave a quick recovery in less than a second and began to engage the boy once again.
'He seems to be a little bit faster than before...' thought Orochimaru while his fist was nearing to Naruto's face. The Death Knight leaned his head one way to allow the fist hit nothing but air, with that he seized his chance for another assault. Naruto immediately lowered himself to avoid any attacks that Orochimaru had planned, it was then where he kicked his chin from below with much force. Naruto then flipped back up to give a clean punch to the sennin's gut. As the fist made contact, Orochimaru couldn't help but vomit and stumble back a several steps holding his damaged area with pain.
"Damn you..." he cursed in most agony. Naruto smirked widely as he continued his attacks not allowing the sennin to make any recovery. Gathering chakra into his blade, the Death Knight stride to his enemy wanting to make contact, he knew this would hurt a lot if it did. Seeing the attack had visible chakra like the Chidori, Orochimaru got his act together and defended against the Death Pact with his own sword. Naruto's eyes narrowed as his attack was cancelled but the retaliation he was receiving wasn't something that was a threat. With a bit more strength slashing downwards, Naruto successfully lead the enemy's blade to the ground. To make sure the enemy would have no hold of any weapons, the Death Knight immediately kicked the tip of the sword sending it nailing to a branch above. Orochimaru gasped at the major setback but he had no time to worry about that when Naruto's assault continued.
"Chain Lightning!" shouted Naruto as he powerfully released a lightning bolt of energy at Orochimaru. The sennin quickly leaped out of the way but his attacks didn't end there at all, Orochimaru's nightmare had only begun. "Forked Lightning!" yelled the genin as another wave of lightning was unleashed from his blade. Once again, the Sound sennin jerked away barely avoiding the intense chakra wave but he could feel the heat above his skin, he knew if the attack hit him directly, the damage would be critical. "Death Coil!" This time when the third attack was released, Orochimaru couldn't build up enough thrust to move out of the way, he simply took the coil of death completely. By the flinching pain Naruto saw, he knew his attack was lethal, there was no mistaking it. The Death Coil had burned the sennin badly and possibly did some crucial effects. Getting hit by that attack twice was never a good sign for the victim, especially not in the face. As Naruto approached the sennin again with his blade in a striking position, Orochimaru quickly opened his eyes through the pain and winced in anger.
"Get away from me!" he screamed in fury as he punched the Death Knight in the face heavily. Naruto grunted with slight pain as his cheek made contact with a fist and immediately leaped high to the air to prepare himself. He knew making reckless moves would be his downfall, he simply couldn't afford that. It was a surprise when Orochimaru was on his tail like a predator. "I got you, boy!" He shouted with an evil maniac like expression. His face was burned and sweaty. Aside from that, Naruto could see his enemy's eyes were blood red due to the blood vessels became completely visible. The sennin slithered up the trees again at incredible agility to take back his sword. Once he did, it was then when he dived down aiming the weapon towards Naruto's heart. Naruto's eyes narrowed angrily for he underestimated the snake sennin's skill, he prepared himself for the worst.
Orochimaru wildly slashed the Death Knight like a maniac, he gasped in joy when he saw his weapon making contact against his victim's flesh, blood came from the wound, he finally felt superior to the Uzumaki survivor. No one made a fool out of him and especially not a kid like him. As the sennin forced his sword deeper into the Death Knight's flesh, the boy couldn't help but smirk.
"You are a fool to believe that you actually got me," stated the boy with a dark expression.
"What?" Suddenly, Naruto disappeared in a cloud of smoke. "A Kage Bunshin? When did he do that?" He soon panicked once he sensed the real Naruto was above him in the air diving down with his runeblade gritting his teeth in pure hatred. The sennin's eyes widened in fear when he realized what kind of hopeless situation he was in.
"Death Coil Rendan!" shouted Naruto as a legion of Death Coils were fired from his blade like a meteor rain. Orochimaru was shot down to the ground taking every single attack, he was pummeled to the ground making a deeper and larger crater every second. Blood burst out from his body as each Death Coil continued to devour him, each blow became more crucial than the last. It was when then the dark shinobi came down with a final blow with his heel preparing to attack his stomach.
Unbelievably, the Sound sennin managed to summon enough strength within himself to roll away slightly making the genin's attack to be a complete miss. The splinters and leaves on the ground were shattered into dust by the stomping impact, Orochimaru could tell that was what was going to happen to his bones if he didn't move quickly enough. Naruto then kneeled and aimed his hand to his enemy, with a bit of chakra, he released the Mana Burn at his shoulder to make sure the sennin would stay down. The beam launched Orochimaru a several feet backwards and he fell hard on his back due to his weakened state. He leaned back up slowly as fast as he could which was very slow. Naruto looked pitifully at him, he still pointed his blade not letting his guard down. As the Sound sennin glanced up to the silver hair genin, he watched him with rage. Blood was coming out of his mouth and lips, he didn't even realize he was suffering from a nosebleed either.
"You better give up now, Orochimaru," spat Naruto darkly. "You know you aren't good enough to beat me."
"Why... why can't I keep up with you, you lousy demon punk!" shouted the snake freak angrily and grunting with pain. "There's no way a runt like you could defeat me! I'm Legendary!"
"Legendary can only go so far, you bastard. Jiraiya couldn't beat me, what makes you so sure that you could do the same? I'll destroy you!"
"You... there's no way you could be stronger than Jiraiya!"
"You are dealing with the apprentice of Uchiha Itachi, your fate was sealed the moment you wanted to challenge me."
"This can't be happening... no, this can't be true!"
"Believe what you want to believe," stated the Death Knight. "You're just being arrogant. No matter, I'll kill you just like how I killed many others in the past. There's no point in retaliating either. I damaged enough parts of your body to weaken them dramatically, I know you won't be able to even summon enough stamina to give a decent punch. Your strength is decreasing with every blow. You're no longer a young man, Orochimaru. Age must've gotten to you, it really dulled your performance." The Death Knight then smirked amusingly. Orochimaru gave him a questioning look. "I finally figured out why you are here, you aren't that good in hiding secrets you know."
"What are you talking about?"
"You're here for Sasuke's body, Jiraiya told me you have researched a lot of Forbidden Techniques to achieve eternal youth. There is no such thing as that since you have to continue killing other people to complete this task. You fateless coward! How dare you think of other people's lives into what you want them to become? What kind of right do you have to decide their outcome? I'm going to kill you!" Fluorescent green chakra once again formed on the runeblade, Orochimaru's eyes showed nothing but fear.
'What am I going to do?' thought the sennin sweating a little. 'I can't beat this demon... he's right... he busted too many of my body parts for me to make a quick retreat. This kid is definitely too strong... his heart is pumping him with demonic chakra and it continues to grow as the battle prolongs... he'll kill me if I keep going. In this case, I won't be able to find Sasuke... who would've thought a Death Knight still existed in this world. My body doesn't have the strength to continue for much longer... all his attacks have been devastating, especially his taijutsu and ninjutsu... Damn it, everything seems so hopeless!'
"It certainly does," answered Naruto with amusement. Orochimaru's head jerked right up with a silent gasp. "Oh, I'm sorry, were you having a chat with yourself? I understand since this would be the very last time."
"Don't get too cocky, demon, this isn't over until it's over!" The Snake summoner quickly formed a set of seals and ended with some kind of advance signal. 'What the hell did he just do?' thought Naruto still paying close attention. 'Nothing is happening...' At that exact moment, he leaped high off the ground as a python dug out from the ground ready to take a piece out of him. The Death boy was surprised at the silence of the snake, as he was in the air a second snake suddenly came out and wrapped its tail to the boy's leg pulling him back down. He gasped and killed the wrapping snake quickly but the first snake seized the opportunity to plunge its fangs in Naruto's arm. The Death Knight yelled in pain as he forced the reptile to detach itself from him. As the fangs extracted, Naruto crushed the snake with full strength. He looked at Orochimaru who was chuckling evilly and soon broke into a sinister laugh. Naruto held his wounded arm breathing heavily in pain, he tried to move his body but it obviously didn't respond the way he wanted. He knew he was poisoned somehow.
"What did you do to me, you snake freak!" shouted Naruto angrily.
"A type of poison that dulls all human functions," explained Orochimaru. "It's ingenious isn't it? You were the first person to experience this as well, you should feel worthy to be the prey. It doesn't just slows you, eventually it would kill you since it slows down your heartbeat. Eventually you body would stop functioning completely making you die. However, your healing abilities are too high all thanks to that Kyubi demon, it will always be a nuisance... that beast alone may help you heal quickly enough to avoid the death stage... if that's the case, the poison would lose its effect soon after. I'll gladly help you die, Naruto." With another evil smirk, Orochimaru gathered the chakra that he still had within himself and guided his sword like a heat seeking missile. He released the sword straight at the Death Knight aiming at his neck, Naruto was powerless. If that sword struck his neck, it would be all over.
Using everything he could muster at the moment, he managed to shift his body slightly but not enough to evade the incoming weapon. The sword stabbed his chest and pierced through all his flesh in that spot and forcefully made its way back out on the other side. The immediate effect was the boy coughing out an horrifying amount of blood, the pain was unbearable, it was the most painful thing he experienced physically. He felt something disruptively ripping all his flesh apart, he knew at this point he had no strength within him. He was in absolute pain and growing weaker by the minute. Orochimaru panted heavily in exhaustion, despite how much he wanted to give the boy the curse seal, he could sense that he didn't have the chakra to do it. Even so, he feared that the Kyubi chakra may be able to gradually eliminate it. If it didn't, Naruto would become too powerful to control if the seal did activate. He quickly made a break for it not wanting to notify any other people around. If Naruto's teammates did arrive now, he wouldn't be able to deal with them in the state he was in. The wisest thing to do was to retreat. He glanced at the boy who was now deathly pale, he wanted to finish him off but decided to drop it and allowed him to die. The injury that the sword has made was very critical, even though Naruto wasn't dead now, Orochimaru could tell his chances of living would be zero if nobody came. He needed to rest now and disappeared by melding himself to the shadows.
(Moments later)
"Naruto-kun!" screamed Hinata as she found her beloved boyfriend nearly dead but somewhat conscious less than 2 minutes later. Sakura was in the stage of tears holding her brother's hand tightly with passion. Naruto couldn't blame the two if they were crying for him, he knew how much he was to them. Hinata broke into tears as soon as Naruto whispered something into her ear telling her not to cry for him. Sakura cried harder in sorrow but she knew she had to do something to help, crying wouldn't help. Attempting to push all thoughts of despair aside, they began to take off his clothes to examine the injury. Blood soaked both his jacket and vest, they knew they had to remove it. The two gasped in shock as they realized a hole was made through his chest, they shivered a little bit seeing such a sight. Hinata analyzed the wound quickly and not to mention his well built chest. When she wiped away the blood, she couldn't help herself from wondering how he got so badly wounded.
Sakura tried to stop the bleeding which luckily somehow slowed down gradually due to the boy's incredible healing but she found something strange. As she observed at her now bloody hand, she could tell his blood was somewhat more orange than theirs. It was mostly red with a shade of orange... sort of like a boiling demonic colour. As she checked the open wound, both Hinata and Sakura could see something faint but dark inside generating cells back together at quite an amazing pace. They didn't know what it was, if it was any more faint in colour, they wouldn't have noticed it at all. Hinata then quickly formed a set of seals and her hand then began to glow a yellow colour. As her hand touched his chest, the duo could see Naruto became more lively, just a little. Sakura could tell that was the Rejuvenation, Hinata always had talent in learning new techiniques.
"Hinata-san," whispered Sakura worriedly.
"What?" asked Hinata trying her best not to cry. Her voice was quite muffled.
"Do you find anything strange about ni-chan's healing?"
"No..." lied Hinata somewhat. "Why?"
"Did you ever wonder why he always seemed to heal so much more faster than anyone?"
"I think he's just very well trained to be hurt severely even at times when looked he did."
"But I saw something strange in his wound though..."
"What did you see..." asked the heiress trying to control her fear.
"I saw something faintly black regenerating his cells..." The sentence struck Hinata's mind immediately. She had questions about Naruto's healing as well but she didn't ask him directly. She wanted to find out nonetheless back then. Once she found out about the Kyubi inside Naruto, it somewhat answered her questions. However, the conversation she had with Rin and Haku two days ago was still quite fresh on her mind. It was the same day that Haku woke up from his one week coma, how could she forget.
(Flashback)
"Rin-san, Haku-san, I'm glad that you're back already," greeted the Hyuga girl as she was cooking something for herself. "Will you be staying here tonight?"
"Hinata-chan, we won't be..." answered Haku.
"Hokage-sama got us an apartment that we could stay in for now," added Rin. "Me and sempai are going to live together for the time being so you two lovebirds could be alone." Hinata blushed slightly.
"Since Naruto isn't here, Hinata-chan, would you please consider my offer to allow me to take you out on a date. I'm sure a gorgeous girl like you must have a lot..." He was rudely interrupted with a fist on his head. It was obvious that it was Rin who punched him.
"Stop hitting on ni-san's girlfriend!" shouted Rin angrily while shooting a death glare.
"Okay... okay... sorry..." apologized Haku half-heartedly since he did want to take Hinata to a date.
"You guys don't have to move out..." said Hinata shyly. "You could tell Naruto-kun first, I'm sure he doesn't mind you two staying with him."
"Believe me," said Rin smiling. "The only person he would want to stay here for a long time would be you, Hinata-san." The Hyuga girl smiled with a shade of fuchsia.
"You seem to understand Naruto-kun a lot," Rin nodded while Haku silently agreed. "Does he have anything that you don't know?"
"Well," admitted Rin. "The only things that I may not know would be the things he has been doing these days. I know everything else, he couldn't hide anything from me."
"Do you know anything like his deepest secrets?" asked Hinata hopefully.
"Yeah, but they are things that even I couldn't say..." admitted Rin sadly. Her mood suddenly changed remembering the incident that happened a several hours ago. She hated people who thought of her brother as a demon when he was the ideal person that everyone wanted to be.
"Rin-san," said Hinata holding her hand. "I do know he's the Kyubi carrier."
"How do you feel?" asked Haku also knowing that fact obviously. "Are you afraid of him?"
"No, why would I be? Naruto-kun isn't a demon in my eyes, I love him for who he is. I will never leave him, he deserves so much more than this."
"I know..." said Haku looking down. "But there is..."
"We can't tell her that!" said Rin tapping his shoulder slightly.
"Tell me what?" asked Hinata urging on. "Is there something more that I need to know?"
"Rin, we have to tell her," Haku continued making his point. "It's a lot better for her if she knows now rather than her witnessing it for herself not knowing what to do."
"You have a point..." admitted Rin sighing. "If I know ni-san... he wouldn't tell a single soul about this until they see it themselves. Hinata-san... are you sure you want to know what this is?"
"I'm willing to accept everything about Naruto-kun, I'll never look at him differently!" exclaimed the heiress begging for Rin to answer. Haku and Rin took in a deep breath and nodded.
"Hinata-chan," began Haku. "Did that boy tell you about his heritage and what a Death Knight really was?" Hinata nodded promptly. "Did he tell you where he achieved all his techniques from?" Again, the response she gave was a nod. "Did he tell you that he's a half demon?" That resulted in another nod. "Did he tell you he has a move to turn himself into a very dangerous and powerful half demon?" This time Hinata shook her head in confusion.
"I've never seen him use it..." answered Hinata honestly.
"You shouldn't," said Rin cutting her off. "It's not anything that you want to see. His Metamorphosis technique sadly enough is the key element of who he is..."
"Metamorphosis?"
"The name is what the effect does. It changes him into a powerful demon with large pitch black wings... not only that... his strength and chakra also becomes tremendous..."
"That doesn't seem so bad..."
"There are major side effects to that move!" shouted Haku fearing that transformed demon already. "There are ways that technique could be used."
"One," explained Rin. "If he wishes to use it which is never. Two, if he's in a critical death stage, the dark energies within himself would heal the wounds that may possibly take his life. You could say that could be immortality but since the wounds and injuries heal him in such a high speed that his body wouldn't be able to handle... his must use another form to sustain it, it's mandatory. He would transform into a winged half demon warrior with not only with incredible healing, he also has very quick chakra regeneration and finally has very high physical strength and movement."
"What's the down side to this?" asked Hinata a little worried.
"He'll lose himself in that form..." answered Haku avoiding eye contact deliberately. "The dark energies within himself would try to take over his mind at that time... basically Naruto would be battling with himself in his mind trying his best to be in control. However, the darkness is very persuasive and tempting... I don't know how since I never experienced it. He would attack allies and friends alike..."
"We saw him used it once before... I know ni-san has already used the Metamorphosis more than twice... each time he uses it, his blood corrupts more and more to a real demon's. His chakra becomes more and more green, showing that he's turning more to the demon's side. I know his thinking never changes, he would still be Naruto-ni-san nonetheless but you'll soon see what I mean. The best example would be his lust..."
"Lust for what?" questioned Hinata very quietly.
"Vengeance and other's lives... after Naruto-ni-san has transformed... he became a lot more merciless, he would kill enemies without a second thought, he could stick his runeblade through a pregnant mother without a single tear coming out of his eye if that mother was the person he needed to kill. I don't know what's worse, the fact that he became a demonic killing machine or the fact that he became merciless and heartless..."
"How do I know that he may be activating his Metamorphosis?"
"He wouldn't use that technique if he doesn't have to but the first signs would be his dark energies recovering him in a quick pace. That would be the good first sign that he's trying to struggle not to let the darkness prevail. If you could do something about it, heal him as much as you can so the darkness wouldn't play that role for too long. The longer you take to stop it, the higher the chance he may become dangerous."
"You don't fear Naruto-kun because of that?"
"No," answered Haku. "We wouldn't fear him because of it, he saved our lives with that enough times for us to abandon him or even afraid of him."
"Regardless, Hinata-san," said Rin carefully. "That's not something that you want to see. The change is horrifying, I mean it. If you can, do anything to prevent it unless he says so himself, okay?" Hinata nodded in agreement and while escorting Haku and Rin out the door. She delayed them, she apologized quickly and wish them the best. After closing the door, she was left alone to herself thinking of what Rin and Haku just explained carefully. Hinata agreed with them, Naruto would never tell her this knowing it may hurt her in one way or another. She didn't blame him this time for hiding it, if she had that kind of power herself, it wasn't something you want the neighbourhood to know. She sighed quietly and waited for her boyfriend to return home.
(End Flashback)
The Hyuga heiress shook a little remembering the Metamorphosis first signs, what Sakura had just said completely matched Rin's words. She now even worried when she heard the word Metamorphosis, she couldn't allow him to transform here or now, this wasn't the time. She quickly used the Rejuvenation again and luckily this time it showed more effect. His wounds were too deep, the healing process had been completely slowed down.
"Hinata-san, are you listening to me?" asked Sakura shaking her best friend. "Isn't the black thing strange?" Hinata shook her head noticing that she had dozed off unknowingly. She quickly gave her friend a grin.
"Don't worry... Sakura-san..." she replied with the best smile she could muster. "I'm sure if it heals Naruto-kun... it should be okay..." To Sakura, it seemed that Hinata wanted to avoid the subject. She knew her friend too well, she was hiding something but the pink hair girl no longer was the person to just pry it out of others. If Hinata wanted to share, she would simply tell her. Sakura knew she would know eventually. Hinata wanted to avoid this, she didn't want to think about the Metamorphosis, she didn't want to see her Naruto-kun as an engine of destruction, she wanted him to be him. The only thing the Hyuga girl could do was heal him to an extent that the feared transformation could be avoided. She took out her homemade medicine from her pouch and applied on any wounds that may need it. The snake bite was the most visible one, as she applied the medicine on it, she was surprised that it healed immediately.
"Wow," said Sakura in surprise. "You medicine works really well, Hinata-san!"
"Yeah..." Hinata gave a weak reply. She knew better, a lot better not to lie but she had no choice. In truth, her medicine never ever showed its effect that quickly. She used it on herself, Hanabi, Neji, her father, Kiba, Shino and Sasuke who all sparred with her in the past. All of them said that she had talent in the medical field, it was one of the only praises that Hinata received from her father. She was proud of herself for that but the situation here brought her attention once again. She examined the bite a while ago, it was another deep one. There was no possible way that it would disappear after a small touch of medicine. She knew the Metamorphosis was slowly taking its effect, she didn't have the time. "Sakura-san, let's take Naruto-kun somewhere safe, we can't allow him to stay here." Sakura agreed with a slight nod, she two then held him in a supportive state and left the vicinity as quickly as their bodies could take them.
(Currently in the central tower of the forest)
"You're too alert Sasuke," said Kiba patting Akamaru who was hiding in his jacket. At this time they were already in the tower safely. "Akamaru no longer sensed that enormous chakra that was tailing behind us for a long time already."
"You still should not let your guard down regardless of how safe it may seem knowing someone is after you..." answered Sasuke. "I don't know who it was after us but Akakmaru's reaction sure told me enough."
"I never thought that we nearly have encountered 2 shinobis with amazing chakra..." said Shino suddenly.
"I thought that Sand guy was already bad enough..." said Kiba.
"Who would've thought there was another one like that in the exam..." added Sasuke looking around not taking one second to be not cautious. "But what happened to the shinobi team that was on our tail? Kiba, do you know?"
"Akamaru sensed it was someone familiar... he just knew it wasn't someone peculiar... by the time we reached here, the other signature was equally or greater... I can't imagine who it was that would delay us enough time to make it safely here..." 'Who would help us?' thought Sasuke. 'Must've been Naruto... damn... I can't do a thing to help him right now... why is it me that's always being saved?'
"Sasuke," called Shino. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine..." answered the Uchiha irritated but not at his team. "I'll have a talk with that mysterious saviour a little later. Right now, we shouldn't worry about it too much since we already passed this test."
"You should be the one that should worry less." Sasuke simply snorted and gave a nod. He had been too tense for a while, it made his friends worry. Kiba and Shino both smiled back with Shino merely nodding. It was best for them to worry later knowing the Sand team made it here even earlier than they did. 'Naruto, Sakura and Hinata-san...' thought the Uchiha survivor as he rested on his bed. 'You three better be okay...'
(Somewhere in the Forest of Death)
Meanwhile, Orochimaru was hiding in the woods trying his best to recover from his injuries. He indeed was pissed at the fact that he lost to the demon kid but at the same time he was glad that he managed to escape. Naruto's abilities were definitely beyond his knowledge but he was the 4th's son after all, it was only natural for him to have such potential. However, who would've known that he could have such skill that exceeded the Legendary 3 at his age. It made no difference right now, Orochimaru knew that boy was severely wounded right now, if he fought the girls now, he would be killed for certain, the best would be to send the 3 Sound-nins that were taking this exam. He must destroy Uzumaki Naruto before he got more disruptive.
"We figured you would be here, Orochimaru-sama," called a voice from behind. The snake sennin turned his head around slightly just to find his 3 Sound-nin subordinates, Dosu, Zaku and Kin.
"What do you want?" barked Orochimaru rudely.
"Is that the way to treat your men?" asked Zaku amusedly.
"You should really control your temper," added Kin. "What happened to you, master, you seemed beat."
"Thanks for stating the obvious..." said the sennin lazily. "How did you know I was here?"
"It's just like you to stay in places like this not to be seen," answered Dosu. "I would do the same."
"So you three could read me like a book, big deal. I need your progress report."
"We have spent the entire day looking for Uchiha Sasuke's team, so far we haven't located him."
"So we have spent about the day looking for a good spot for shelter," added Kin.
"I see..." said Orochimaru. "Have you picked off any other teams so far to ensure your chance of passing the exam?"
"Not yet," answered Zaku.
"You all have to get the second scroll, Sasuke's team is already in the tower. They made it around several hours ago."
"They made it inside already? But the exam only lasted for 6 hours or so!"
"Believe it, Zaku. However, there is another task I need you three to complete."
"What could that be?" asked Kin curiously. "Is there a change of plans?"
"There is but the main objective still remains. I want you to kill Uzumaki Naruto before this exam is over. He's that silver hair boy with the sword, I know you'll recognize him. He's severely hurt right now, I'm sure you three could take out his two female teammates if they are defending him. You guys could deal with Sasuke later... once a team enters the tower, it'll be hard to hunt them down if you are trying to infiltrate in. There are too many chunnins, jounins and Anbus inside, even I couldn't go inside and kill Sasuke unnoticed. Anyway, just kill Uzumaki Naruto and then proceed with your original task." The three nodded and leaped out in a flash.
(Elsewhere in the woods)
Somewhere in the dark areas of where Team 7 was hiding, Hinata and Sakura were worried for their beloved male teammate. Hinata kissed him on the cheek hoping he would know she would always be there for him. Sakura tried hard not to cry for her brother, but she couldn't help but shed a few tears. Hinata then held his hand tightly allowing him to feel her warmth, she wanted to do anything to make her Naruto-kun feel better. The last thing she wanted was to see Naruto as something that even Rin and Haku feared. She wouldn't allow it to happen. Unknowingly, she began to cry out loud. Sakura put her hand on her best friend's shoulder hoping that would lighten up the mood. However, it was then when Sakura began to weep as well. As the two continued to mourn for their him, they didn't notice the change in his eyes beneath the blindfold. It slightly opened to reveal a pair of now bloody crimson eyes. Suddenly, a dark and cold aura began to envelop him. His eyes then winced in anger, his flashing pupils
no longer showed his usual kindness. Now, it was filled with lust of death. Anyone would do, he felt the need to kill. His Metamorphosis was taking its deadly effect...
AN: Yawn... I'm awake, I'm awake! What... you guys are still here? 'Have these people watched me sleep for all this time?' Man, I have to kill these intruders... 'Wait, did I think that or say that...' I've gotta think of a line fast! Uh...where are my sleeping pills... give them to me! (Takes a bottle of pills and chugs them down quickly and collapses face first to the ground)
(Several LONG hours later...)
Another long chapter done, I still have to thank my loyal readers who have been supporting me all this time! There were jackasses but I would ignore them this time again. Work has been getting onto me quite a lot, it has been hard to write more chapters with the pressure I am having. Not much needs to be said, I feel quite exhausted right now, I just hope all of you have a safe time wherever you are. I wish you all the best in your fiction if you are writing one and for the others, I hope you would all support me spiritually to strengthen me. I need all the help I could get. Now, I hope you would review, it would really brighten my day! Actually, it always does and always will. If I could beat a very difficult level in the EXCELLENT Half-Life mod Heart of Evil, I'll die a happy man. Thank you all once again, you guys really are the best!