Welcome to the next chapter!
joharasbel; Thanks!
Morregen; Yeah, it's going to be quite exciting~ Ryouta and Kisame will clash~!
ShadowUzumaki55; We'll be seeing some of them pretty soon yeah. Kisame definitely will do for sure. Lets hope they can yeah.
Silver crow; Thanks. Yeah, she's on the mission now. We'll see how it goes. Yeah, they're not going to want to stick around. Mikoto did yeah, she seems quite affectionate. Itachi and Izumi probably would settle outside of the village, but close by if they're needed probably. Yeah, Mikoto and Hiruzen were proud to see Ryouta being able to clash with them. Yeah, he knows enough about it to say that it could potentially kill if used correctly. I'm sure Jiraiya would be rather surprised to see that. Ryouta and Hiruzen had a close moment together. Kisame is yeah, he just wants to have a good fight with Ryouta, after hearing what he's done in his life~ Yeah, Ryouta knew with him and Mikoto, that Satsuki would be okay. He could, Karin came as a precaution in case the snake got discovered. Anko and Haku did yeah, Yeah, Naruko will be happy when help arrives. Thanks, I hope you and everyone had a Merry Christmas as well! No worries, I've also been feeling unwell lately. The fights shall be somewhat brief yeah. Jiraiya will know of it yeah. He'll come up with different types of Jutsu's yeah. Yeah, he's grown very strong, the likes of Itachi and Izumi can see that. Ryouta's acknowledged Itachi's strength by saying he is stronger than Orochimaru. We might be seeing her make a reappearance pretty soon. Yeah, Satsuki has people like Mikoto and Ryouta around, so Orochimaru wont be tempting, we'll see what happens with that arc when we get there. Shippuden scenes like that will happen. Maybe it could be like that yeah.
Skull Flame; Glad you like it.
TheGreatGodzilla; We'll see how the world responds as the Akatsuki threat grows. I can't spoil about Itachi. Yeah, he and Izumi are close. I know what I'm going to do for when that arc would come up from the manga here. Well, Danzo's done more to Ryouta personally by being the reason his brother died, so yeah. No, they haven't found them, that comes shortly after this little Itachi arc is over and done with. Thanks for the harem suggestions. I can't say about Boruto, that would be huge spoilers. Konan and Ryouta will meet a few times.
Guest 1; It's going to be quite intense. Satsuki does yeah, she's going to get a good deal out of this now. With Ryouta and Mikoto there, Satsuki will be able to remain somewhat calmer. That's Jiraiya for you, maybe Mikoto might have some stuff to say about it. Haha, I'm sure Jiraiya would say such things if he saw Ryou like that~ Itachi and Izumi have it quite rough huh. They do yeah, it really is tough on them, lets hope they get a good ending for them~ They'd have thought Izumi was quite unlike any Akatsuki they've ever hired with her natural charm and charisma. I do celebrate Christmas yeah, Merry late Christmas, and Happy New Year! It's been a rough year for me personally, but hopefully it will get better. I hope that for everyone going through rough times as well.
Hinata fan; Yeah, lets see how well Satsuki does. Yeah, they'll definitely be shocked. Yeah, that would be quite the interesting turn of events.
Guest 2; I can't say without spoiling what might happen next.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Kisame vs Ryouta
Ryouta and the others travelled rather quickly towards the area that Karin sensed the snake that Ryouta placed upon Itachi. The town was rather quiet, and seemed to be calm. Ryouta looked towards Karin who kept sensing more and more.
Ryouta also looked to Satsuki.
Despite being anxious and agitated at the same time, she was keeping a calm face.
But he knew that could change pretty quickly.
"This town, it seems to be densely populated, at least the streets are brimmed with people. If this breaks out into a fight, then many people could become hurt. Mikoto-san, we have to mitigate damage as much as possible."
Ryouta murmured, Mikoto nodded her head.
"That's why, we have to be tactical about this fight...but our first priority is to make sure that Naruko is fine. That's why, we have to work on a plan to pin down all of the members of this Akatsuki, and have the remaining members to whisk Naruko away before they can get their hands on her."
Mikoto's words made sense to Ryouta, and the others.
They listened to the plan that she had, all the while Karin finished finding where the members of the Akatsuki actually were.
"Okay I've...ooh no, they're...with Naruko."
Silence fell between all of the people present.
Naruko was within their grasp.
"Okay everyone, we have to move quickly, everyone also remember what I'm about to say, okay?"
They all nodded seriously.
It was clear they were ready for this, which was something Mikoto was glad about.
They couldn't make a mistake, she had to be responsible for this and make sure everyone got out of this alive.
Naruko, staring at the enemy before her...rather, the enemies before her, it was a difficult situation. Four of them, and nearly all four looked equally dangerous. The only one that didn't, was Izumi herself, and that was only because she kept her calm expression and she wasn't even looking towards Naruko at all.
Naruko tried to pull away, only for Kisame to swing his sword forward, and place it between Naruko, and the exit. Naruko didn't have the best skills when it came to sensing how dangerous an enemy was, but this was a case like that where she could see how dangerous these enemies were.
"No, you're not escaping."
"That sword..."
"Yeah, if you keep moving, I shall use it on you." Naruko grit her teeth, and tried summoning her chakra, but Kisame released a breath. "Seriously? Are you trying to anger me?"
Kisame swung Samehada out, and the chakra that Naruko summoned, vanished. As if the sword had absorbed it from her, she could feel her body becoming more weaker as Kisame showed the blade towards the young blonde haired girl.
"W-What do you guys want?! I haven't got anything for you!"
Naruko yelled out, Izumi felt disheartened, seeing the look of worry pass through the blondes eyes.
"As I said, for you to come with us. Don't make this difficult."
Naruko didn't have many options.
Even if she used the nine tails chakra, she didn't think that she'd be able to get out of this at all.
"Hmm, if she does try to run, maybe I should cut off her legs. Make sure she can't run away. Would save us sometime."
Kisame mused, Naruko began freaking out when hearing that.
"That's rather crude."
Konan mused, Kisame shrugged.
"We have to cut through the legs, so the body doesn't die, right? We need her to live for a little while longer at least, so lets make sure she can't bother us and cut off those legs."
Kisame's words made Naruko feel more and more worried.
The mannerisms that he had, accompanied by the sharp, deadly look within his eyes, it made for quite the terrifying experience, and she wasn't entirely sure what she was going to do now, she didn't have Jiraiya around, nor did she have any means of communicating with anyone around either.
It was a difficult situation that she personally had the capacity to escape from.
However, Izumi shook her head.
"She could die if you do such things."
"But you're here, just heal her so she lives."
Naruko panic levels rose higher and higher.
The more she looked at those around her, the more troubled she'd become.
She didn't even know what Konan and Kisame could do, neither was she fully aware of what Izumi could do, but she knew Itachi had killed his entire clan, and that alone was something that she found to be wickedly terrifying.
As they mused, Ryouta managed to sneak behind them together with Mikoto.
Using their stealthy skills, the pair withdrew their swords, Itachi was the first one to realize their presence, as they took this chance to strike them down, Mikoto being more of a façade as she didn't want to strike her son down, but Ryouta went for it.
Kisame noticed Ryouta, then Mikoto coming in, and grinned.
But frowned when seeing that he was going for Itachi.
"Haha! You're here! Sorry, but I'm your opponent now!"
"Sorry, but I'm here for Itachi and Izumi Uchiha."
"No, I lost my chance last time, hell's to pay if I don't fight you this time! I'm a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, it would be weird if you didn't fight me now! You killed Kushimaru, and fought against Ameyuri, now it's my turn!"
As their exchange went on, they were in the middle of clashing.
Kisame swung his sword out, and blocked Ryouta's own sword, which began cuddling into the bandaged up blade. Ryouta didn't stop, and activated the Body Flicker, which in turn made Ryouta's attacks come from different areas, the speed he went was something that made Kisame gain a large grin on his face as he felt his body being pushed back and away from Naruko from the never ending multitude of attacks.
Itachi and Mikoto stare one another down.
Neither said anything for a few moments, and showed their strong looks to the other.
"It seems you've been sent here, Mother."
"Yes, long time no see, Itachi."
"This shall be the last time, Mother."
"So, you're really falling this low to attack this girl?"
"It is my mission, even if it is you, don't get in my way."
Mikoto's blade went for Itachi, who blocked it with a kunai, the clashing of the metal reverberated through the area, Mikoto pushed forward, the strength behind her sword was more than enough to physically push Itachi back a good deal.
Also trash talking one another, wasn't something either felt comfortable about, but to keep up the charade for the Akatsuki, this is what they had to do.
As they did, Izumi was confronted with Guy, her eyes becoming like saucers when she saw who it was, or rather, who he resembled.
"I guess I'll deal with...Lee-kun's Father?"
Izumi asks with a very confused look in her eyes, with Guy flashing a grin.
"I'm not his Father, but if you'd like to come with me, so you can date my Lee, then it would be the best!"
"Erm...Lee-kun's really great, but erm...you really look a lot like Lee-kun, you sure you aren't his Father?"
"I'm sure! But my Lee is special, please date him! He'd be happy if you did! I would too!"
"Eeeh..."
Guy came flying in with his kick aimed for the two girls, Izumi moved quickly, and blocked the attack, while Konan sent off several shurikens of paper to try and cut up Guy, but Guy got away, and put distance between them.
As the four enemy Ninja were occupied, Satsuki moved rather quickly between them, grabbing Naruko and shot down the long corridor, putting Naruko at the back of it, with Naruko's eyes widening, seeing that Karin was stood behind a wall.
"Naruko, are you alright? You aren't hurt are you?"
Karin's question was met with a nod of Naruko's head.
"Y-Yeah, good thing you're here. But Itachi, your brother, Satsuki this is..."
She stopped when seeing that Satsuki's hand was so tight that her knuckles had turned white.
Her eyes blazed for Itachi.
It was difficult keeping composure around her, but she knew that she would have to try her best to keep her feelings back right now. Even then, it was so difficult, that she wished to go and have a fight at that moment in time.
Ryouta was pushed back by Kisame, Itachi and Mikoto mutually pushed one another away, and finally Izumi plus Konan both stood together as they focused in on Guy.
With the stand off going between them all, Ryouta's eyes shifted between Itachi, Izumi and Kisame. He briefly looked to Konan who in turn tilted her head curiously.
"It seems you're so determined, I didn't think we'd meet again like this."
"Yes, indeed. Though Konan-san, your objective was to get me, yet you're going after Naruko-chan as well?"
When they heard that, Izumi and Itachi didn't physically react, but mentally, kept wondering why Konan was ordered to go and get Ryouta. The conclusion they came to was that Tobi had ordered Konan, and if that was the case, then Itachi and especially Izumi, weren't please at all.
"She is an objective yes-"
Kisame interrupts with a large grin.
"Don't worry about her, you're my opponent now boy."
Ryouta grit his teeth, his eyes shooting for Izumi, who in turn looked to the side, unable to meet his eyes, despite how she truly wished to do that and how desperate she was to look towards him, and speak with him.
Kisame then raises his sword, and points it towards Ryouta, so he goes to defend himself...
However, in that moment, Jiraiya suddenly appears from a wall, holding a sphere of twisting chakra, and sent his hand towards Kisame's body, only for Kisame to raise Samehada, and to block the strike of chakra.
Ryouta saw the technique, and became surprised, while Kisame growls in annoyance.
"Is this one also getting in my way?"
"It seems our distraction with that girl, didn't work."
Itachi mused, with Jiraiya showcasing a wild smile on his face, the girl in question was on his shoulder unconscious.
"A Genjutsu like this isn't going to fool me so easily! Especially when you use it on this girl!" As he said it, his eyes shifted towards Konan and saw the origami flower in her hair, his eyes widening ever so slightly. "That flower, and that hair as well...you, your name is..."
As he spoke, Kisame was becoming increasingly frustrated, to the point that he didn't want this to be another time that he lost out on his battle against Ryouta, so he aggressively swings for Jiraiya, who dodges out of the way, then charges for Ryouta himself.
Kisame then flies through some hand signs, and water begins to swirl all around him.
"Water Release, Water Shark Bomb Jutsu!"
From the water, a shark was created, and sent right towards Ryouta himself. Almost as if it was swimming through water, it moved towards Ryouta, in the cramp corridor, breaking through the walls, and corridor itself.
Ryouta's eyes registered the technique, the hand signs, and he quickly also flew through some hand signs, before summoning a good deal of water from around his body.
"Water Release, Water Shark Bomb Jutsu!"
Ryouta, using the Sharingan, managed to mimic the technique, and create a giant shark as well. While not as huge as Kisame's own, the shark nevertheless went out towards Kisame's own and clashed violently together.
Kisame's face curled upwards as the waters collided, the shockwave causing the surrounding area to break around them. The ceiling, walls, and floor all began breaking, Kisame laughed, and jumped through the waters, and came at Ryouta's form.
He smirks, as his blade slams into the right hand side of the boys body, Izumi widened her eyes, only to see that the body of Ryouta's suddenly vanished, and turned into many snakes, which all then wrap around Kisame's arms, and legs, binding him in place.
"Hmm, not bad at all. A snake user as well as a sword user. Hey, you aren't Orochimaru's apprentice, are you kid?"
Kisame asks as Ryouta comes in from behind, his sword piercing through Kisame's upper body. The swords length grew as it went all the way through the blade, and stabbed into the floor below them, causing it to break underneath them, the sword going further and further to the point that it came down like an arrow, all the while Jiraiya and the others left the area, and made sure that they didn't get caught up.
The Kisame Ryouta stabbed, vanished into water particles, and the real Kisame was on a set path for the elongating blade Ryouta had, so Kisame raised his sword, and blocked the incoming attack, but the sword stabbed into Samehada, ripping some of the bandages, and revealed underneath was some kind of scales that seemed to be moving, Ryouta grimaced at that.
"Hey, you didn't answer my question."
"I'd rather you didn't compare me to the likes of Orochimaru. My Mother is a true snake user, not him. Anko-sensei is more of a snake user than Orochimaru ever will be."
"Your Mother huh? I recall her being dead."
"Depends when you speak about her."
Kisame became intrigued, as he pushed Ryouta's blade back, and shot for him. His brute strength came in handy as when he clashed with Ryouta, he pushed more and more, and did a large swing, forcing Ryouta out of the building, to the frantic worry of Satsuki and the others, Kisame giving chase after them.
Once they were gone, Mikoto grit her teeth, her eyes going towards Naruko, and the others around.
"Guy, take Naruko a good distance away. If at least they manage to get by us, then you can make sure that she's safe. That's what they're after, we can't let them get what they want no matter what, there's no telling what they could do with her."
Mikoto was thinking about Itachi and Izumi as well in this case, she had to make sure that they would survive, and while she didn't doubt them, she also wasn't going to underestimate the threat that people such as Kisame and Konan could do.
So that's why she wished Guy to go, plus she wanted to make sure that Naruko was as safe as possible, in case something did go wrong, and that Kisame or Konan managed to grab her, and make an escape.
"Mikoto, that's..."
"We can't let them get Naruko, please Guy. You're the last line of defence that we have."
Mikoto iterated once more, putting emphasis on what she truly wished to happen at that moment in time.
She couldn't, and wouldn't allow Naruko to get hurt, or be in danger when she could prevent it.
"She's right." Jiraiya spoke up. "We've got this, go and make sure that the girl is safe. If she's the one that they're after, then it is best to make sure that she isn't involved. She isn't ready for a battle of this calibre, protect her with your life Guy."
Naruko never liked running from a fight.
It was something that she actively would avoid and get down into a fight, especially if it was those that were fighting hard for her, like right now.
But in this instance, she had to believe in both Jiraiya and Mikoto, since they both sounded worried, this isn't a fight that she'd be able to be involved in.
Even if she didn't like it, even if she wished to get involved in the fight, the fact that Kisame had stopped her, and the others seemed to be very powerful even with the Nine Tails, she wasn't entirely sure what she could do in this fight, plus she didn't want to be a burden either, even if she hated the fact that she couldn't do anything right now.
Guy grit his teeth, but nodded, and rushed past the others, grabbing Naruko, and Karin. He also took Satsuki, who complained as she was dragged off by Guy.
"Say Mikoto, which one do you want to fight?"
"If it's all the same, I'd like to fight my son."
She replied to Jiraiya, who gave wavering eyes.
"Are you sure? He is your child."
"Yes, I'm very sure. It's precisely why I have to face him. Jiraiya-sama, please deal with the two remaining."
Jiraiya scratches his cheek sheepishly, then smiles when seeing the beauty of both Izumi and Konan.
"Aah, well if that's what you want~"
"Also, please take it seriously, even if they are very cute, don't become too...like you."
Jiraiya gained a tick mark, Konan hid a subtle smile.
"Hey, I heard that!"
"Yes, you were supposed to."
Jiraiya huffed, as Itachi didn't waste time, and charged for his Mother.
Returning with her blade, she swung it before her, only for Itachi to leap, and avoid it, his hand moving towards her face at a fast pace, only for Mikoto to dodge, and with a swift movement, she appeared behind him, swinging her sword down.
Narrowly avoiding it, Itachi noticed that some of his cloak had become ripped due to the speed that Mikoto had gone, he was internally quite impressed with his Mother's capabilities, especially as he saw that she breathed out some wind, which wrapped around the blade.
"Itachi!"
Mikoto yelled, swinging her sword down and released several pressurized wind blades for her child.
Moving very fast, he dodges all but one of them, before he released a giant fireball for the young woman.
Concentrating the wind around her sword, she moves swiftly, getting in the middle of the fireball with her blade, and releases her wind inside, causing the flames to all scatter around, even Konan looked impressed by that.
She then rushed for Itachi, clashing with his kunai he withdrew, as he placed a well timed kick to her abdomen, only for her to block with her sword. Even then, the strength behind the kick forced Mikoto out of a window, where he gave chase.
Once out of sight of everyone, Mikoto and Itachi stopped, and quietly moved to a special area.
Mikoto and Itachi went to a different area, an area of quiet, so they looked at one another. When finally making sure they were all alone, Mikoto spoke in a soft tone.
"Seeing you and not a clone is even more than I imagined. I'm happy to see you before my eyes, even if it is only for a brief time like this."
"Yes, seeing you face to face is something that I am happy about as well, Mother."
Hearing his voice again, Mikoto felt an overwhelming amount of emotions.
But she knew she had to keep this brief, and to the point, so she pushed down any maternal instincts that she had, and simply spoke.
"Itachi, I'm sorry that we've come like this, I know this is also placing you in a compromising position, but we had to follow the most logical sense. Also, about Satsuki being here, she ended up following us, and we didn't have time to take her back to the village..."
Mikoto felt regret inside of her that it came to this at all.
In fact, it was something that ate her up inside, that this is the situation that would befall her children at all.
Itachi also understood how difficult this would be for his Mother to have to go through.
How difficult to see her child being in a state where she has to fight against her own son and lie to those that she loves on his behalf.
"No, I am glad you did. It would have been difficult to stop both Konan and Kisame reasonably without an explanation to stop going for Naruko. And yes...I am sorry for anything that might come up regarding Satsuki. One day...I'd like for her, and Ryou to be seen as Hero's, that vanquished the evil Uchiha, and redeem the clan, make it better for future generations."
Mikoto did understand where he was coming from.
Though she didn't like the idea of one day, having to say goodbye to her child before his time naturally would come.
"You're not evil to me, you're one of the most gentlest and kindest children I've ever seen, and I'm proud to be your Mother. Never forget that Itachi."
Itachi felt a warmth spread through his body, his heart also felt relief at his Mother's words.
However, something did spring to mind, and he thought that he'd ask her outright about it.
"Still, you found us quick. I am surprised."
Mikoto gave a sly look.
"Guess you didn't find the snake then."
"Snake?" Mikoto nods, so Itachi quickly checks his clothing and sure enough, found a very small snake that was hidden extremely well. "That boy, so that's how you tracked us down so well. I was a little perplexed, Izumi had given us all chakra suppressing medication."
"Hehe, yes that's how we found you. He is very skilled, isn't he?"
"Yes, he is. Though, because of that, the boys eyes..."
"I know, he's used his eyes sparingly, but he has had to use them sometimes to fight people like Orochimaru. So now, we have to make this convincing Itachi, I have to go and provide support to Ryou-kun."
"That's a good idea, Ryou's very good, I've seen his prowess for myself. However, Kisame is a monster in terms of chakra, and fighting prowess. He is called a Tailed Beast without a Tail. That's why, lets make this quick. Also, I'm sorry about what's about to happen."
"Yes..." Mikoto understood what Itachi was saying. "We have to make it look like we had a battle..."
Mikoto with a sad face, pulled closer to Itachi, who did the same thing right back towards his Mother...
Meanwhile, as Ryouta was shot outside, he saw the street covered in people, so he quickly used his Body Flicker to move all of the people a safe distance.
As he did, Kisame watched on and how fast Ryouta was, was something that Kisame did like to see.
When he finished moving the people away, Kisame aimed his sword towards Ryouta.
"I didn't want others getting involved in our fight anyway. I want to see what your current level is with your swordsmanship. I have been thinking of finding a rival lately. I always go for the kill, and then it ends. That makes it less fun over time. So, I want to find someone that can give me a good challenge, someone already strong that has the ability to improve a good deal."
Ryouta was surprised to hear that he was so excited all of a sudden.
"So you've chosen me, as your supposed rival?"
Kisame laughed.
"Perhaps, after hearing you killing Kushimaru, and Ameyuri singing your praises. I can't help it, I have to simply test you for myself, and see if you truly are the opponent that I wish to have. Until then, it is best that we have our battle..."
"Then I'm ready-"
"Me too!"
Kisame stomped on the ground, with Ryouta seeing the heavy footstep breaking the area around him. Ryouta could see the chakra that was around Kisame's form, the density of the chakra was something almost dazzling, yet he knew it was massive.
It almost...no, it seemed more than what he had seen from Naruko before. He hadn't seen all of the Nine Tails chakra from her, but from what he did see, and what he was seeing from Kisame, it definitely was something that was huge.
Then he launched himself towards Ryouta, who flipped back as the sword smashed into the ground.
As he flipped, Ryouta aimed his sword towards Kisame, elongating it a good speed, Kisame dodges, and then weaves through some hand signs.
"Water Release, Water Shark Bomb Jutsu!"
Ryouta caught the Jutsu with his eyes, and as he landed, Ryouta finished off his own hand signs, before unleashing a huge flaming sphere, clashing with the water of Kisame's, which created a huge blanket of steam between the two of them.
Ryouta however didn't miss a beat, sending Kusanagi through the steam at such a speed that when it came for Kisame, he saw that the blade was heading for his skull, going through his eye, so he dodges out of the way, missing it by a few moments, which only made Kisame even more excited.
"Now this is what I'm talking about!"
Ryouta watches Kisame's gleeful attitude, as he came for Ryouta.
He saw from the bandaged blade, living like scales revealed underneath the blade. It looked like it could shave someone down to the bone pretty easily, it didn't seem to be the type of blade that would cut either.
"This blade is actually alive. It isn't just his chakra, it looks like it is excited right now. And from what I heard, it seems to absorb and devour chakra. If that thing comes close to me, and absorbs my chakra, then it could spell the end of me. I have to keep on my toes, or Kisame here could finish me off. Plus fighting already today with Konan-san and Itachi beforehand, even with a small break, was something difficult. Maybe I should use Mangekyou..."
As Ryouta thought about it, Kisame came at him. Rapidly moving, he got before Ryouta, on the right hand side, and swung his sword down towards the young man, Ryouta blocks and strikes with the Kusanagi, clashing violently with the shark like human.
As he did, Ryouta felt a tug at his chakra, and it was going right towards Samehada's sword. Ryouta exhaled, and breathed fire up close and personal, only to see that the sword was absorbing the chakra from his flames, and they dispelled before they truly reached Kisame's form.
So Ryouta pushed back, and pushed chakra to his feet.
Kisame looked on and saw several clones of Ryouta appear.
"Just more fuel for my Samehada."
Kisame rushed forward, and stabbed his Samehada through one of the Ryouta clones…
But to his astonishment, he saw that it simply go through Ryouta as if he wasn't there.
He then pulled back as the clone suddenly returned a strike towards him, cutting into Samehada's bandages, revealing the scales of the blade underneath, as the strength of Ryouta was able to push Kisame back a few inches, something Kisame thought was rather amazing considering his own physical strength.
Kisame then tried to follow it up with his sword, but like before the sword went through the Ryouta before him.
Not even chakra was absorbed, which made Kisame's lips curl upwards ever so slightly.
"I see, Samehada isn't absorbing the chakra from these clones, because there's no chakra to absorb. You're a smart one, aren't you? Discovering my swords ability, and using these after images by moving rather quickly, only using chakra for yourself, and nothing more."
"Yeah, I wont be feeding your blade any chakra. I might have limited use of chakra against you, but it doesn't mean that I am out of ideas to fight you!"
Ryouta, using the after image clone technique rushed at Kisame. The shark like human swung his sword out to cleave through all of the after image clones, only to feel no mass between them at all.
He widened his eyes as he felt something behind him, Ryouta appeared in a blur towards his back, the blade of Kusanagi went forward to pierce through the shark like human, Kisame grinned and turned around, blocking Ryouta's sword, and repelled it out of his hand.
Going high into the air, Kisame came down with his Samehada to cleave Ryouta through, only for Ryouta to wave his hand, causing the airborne Kusanagi to turn around, as if by telekinesis, the blade came shooting down like an arrow.
Kisame smirks, using Samehada to block the sword, which did pierce a good deal of Samehada's blade, the scales received some damage, as Ryouta leaps up, and gets before the blade, doing a double kick to the butt of the sword to force Kusanagi deeper into the blade of Kisame's own.
"Not bad boy, you have even learned to control it with your mind?"
"Lets say, I've been studying."
Kisame grinned, as he tried to grab Kusanagi, only for Ryouta to bring the blade out, and cause it to fly through the air, with Ryouta twirling and landing on the blade, shooting through the air and got up above.
He then took out a scroll, and tossed the contents down towards the ground.
Kisame notices that the things being dropped down to the ground, were paper bombs.
"Enjoy that. Your sword devours chakra, lets see if it can devour an explosion like this."
Kisame blinked, but then laughed, noticing something that was happening with Samehada.
The blade was becoming more excited, being attracted to the young boy that was in the air.
As Kisame contemplated it, he saw that the explosions were beginning to go off, so he placed a barrier of water around him before they could reach him.
However, the sword of Kusanagi came shooting right through the barrier of water, coming right for Kisame's upper body. He even saw a small pebble riding on top of the sword that pierced through the water barrier.
"Haha, this is really fun!"
Kisame laughed, as Ryouta appeared from the tip of the blade, having been transformed into the pebble and he held his own sword in his hand and came at Kisame, who blocked with Samehada, Kisame's lips becoming more and more excitable at this situation.
Ryouta pulled away, flicking his hand for Kusanagi to land within his hand via telekinesis between the blade and Ryouta.
"The fact that my Samehada isn't able to absorb any chakra, yet is getting this excited, is telling me that you are someone that's rather worthy."
"Tell the blade thanks I suppose."
Kisame laughed.
"Don't worry about that, it is something that I am excited. Even more than that, I am someone that wishes to find a good challenge, and I think that I have. In the future, I can tell that you shall be the opponent that I am so happy to have. You are my rival!"
Ryouta exhaled slowly, wondering what he could do to make sure that Kisame was stopped.
"This man is good, he's very good. His levels of chakra are insane, and his sword limits the amount of chakra that I can use. There's probably a limit to the levels of chakra that his sword can absorb. If I can find out that, then I could potentially overcome that blade, and damage him with a strong chakra created attack. However, there's limited options I have in regards to that."
While Ryouta thought about it, Kisame himself gave a sadistic grin.
"Lets keep going!"
As Kisame was going to slash towards Ryouta who was prepared to defend against it, Mikoto came zooming down towards him, blocking the strike, allowing Ryouta to slide underneath Kisame's guard, and swing his blade up to slice him.
Ryouta's blade managed to cut his cheek, enough to draw a little bit of blood.
Kisame grinned, and leapt back, his eyes shooting between the two of them.
"My, now Ninja Mom has come. Haha, that wasn't in the plans, and I'm not thrilled either. This is between me and the Uchiha kid, so I'll give you one warning, and that's to leave right now, before I kill you."
Kisame threatened Mikoto with such blood curdling words that even Ryouta was stunned by them, but he didn't allow Kisame to get to him nor did Mikoto who was fully prepared to fight and become as strong as possible.
Ryouta glanced at Mikoto, seeing that she had some cuts on her flesh.
He wondered how the 'battle' between Mikoto and Itachi had gone on.
As that was going on, Izumi, Konan and Jiraiya ended up in an area together. Jiraiya's eyes shifted towards the two girls, his eyes went towards Konan and his stare lingered on at her, Konan herself remained as stoic as humanly possible, Izumi on the other hand kept her eyes focused upon the older man.
"So, I get to fight two beautiful ladies huh. The days lucky to me~"
Izumi gave an awkward smile as a response to what he said.
"That's sweet, you're such a loveable looking man~"
Jiraiya's eyes danced between the two girls, Izumi looking on with questioning eyes.
"My, so you're really Izumi-chan huh? You are a cutie~ You really have a sweet face, I feel bad about fighting you."
Izumi gave a cherishing smile.
"Don't feel bad, it's fine for us to fight. Though if you don't want to fight me, then I wont say no to that. You can go about your day~"
Konan gave semi bemused eyes towards Izumi, who in turn kept up her adorning smile.
Konan then turned to Izumi.
"Izumi-chan, do you have an idea on how to fight him? He is a Sannin, and is very dangerous, even if he is a pervert."
Jiraiya huffed, folding his arms in an unsatisfied manner.
"Super pervert!"
Izumi found it strange that he felt the need to correct that of all things.
"Erm, so you want to be called a super pervert?"
"Yes, of course."
"Okay...Konan-chan, over here."
Izumi releases a breath, and pulls Konan to the side.
They begin whispering, with Jiraiya looking on confused.
They paused, looking back to Jiraiya with dead like eyes who himself looked troubled by what was going on, before going back to whispering.
"What are you two whispering about?"
Jiraiya asked, only for Izumi to hold back one finger, stopping him from asking anything more.
They continued to whisper, before nodding, and pulling apart.
Izumi then points towards Jiraiya.
"Lets do this Konan-chan!"
Izumi to breathe out a giant fireball, as Konan coats her paper shurikens with the flames.
Jiraiya grimaced and dodges out of the way, the shurikens case him down and managed to cut into his outfit, the flames burning his outfit, which he had to put out, only for the flames of Izumi's Jutsu to come for him.
So he breathes out a large amount of flames to clash with Izumi's own, cancelling one another's out.
Izumi then rushes forward, as Konan backs her up with shurikens firing off. Even Jiraiya was surprised by the speed Izumi went, but saw her coming from the right, so he blocked her strike, only to feel his hand beginning to go numb and felt harder to move.
Jiraiya looked, seeing that her hands were coated in chakra, that formed a scalpel.
"You're a Medic Ninja, so I'm not surprised you can use the chakra scalpel, but to use it so proficiently as well, you are a dangerous girl. My hand feels so numb right now, moving my fingers is becoming harder, like you've damaged the inside of my hand."
"Yes, it seems so. Your hand shall become unusable with one more strike!"
As she yelled, she tried to strike his palm once more, only for Jiraiya to avoid it and swing his leg for her.
She ducks, and then throws several poison tipped senbons, Jiraiya seeing the speed and proficient movements of the attack she gave.
"Needle Jizo!"
Jiraiya's hair grows to abnormal length, surrounding the areas that the senbons would stab in, the hair hardens and becomes like spikes, defending against her poison tipped senbons, as well as the shurikens that Konan released towards him.
Jiraiya's eyes lock onto Izumi's form, as his hair turns sharper, and turned towards her.
"Hair Needle Senbon!"
The hair shot off towards Izumi in a barrage of deadly and strong needles, Izumi flipped back several times, as Konan creates a spear out of paper, firing it off towards Jiraiya.
The spear was hard enough to pierce through stone, and came for his neck, so Jiraiya grabs it with his hand before it could get close, and turns his eyes towards Konan.
"No matter how I look at her, this has to be that same girl. Konan, if this is you, what does that mean for the others? They all died, so I heard. But, could Nagato and Yahiko be alive, if she's alive? But if she is, then why is she my enemy? Why side with the Akatsuki?"
Jiraiya didn't get an answer.
He didn't know what to think about this, so he decided to ask straight out.
"So, Izumi Uchiha, who's your friend huh? Did I hear the name Konan?"
Konan pauses, while Izumi nods, not knowing of the connection between the two of them.
"That's right, though does it matter?"
Jiraiya could see that Izumi was genuinely perplexed, so he presumed Konan hadn't explained about her past to Izumi to the point that Jiraiya wasn't mentioned at all.
"It does, because..." His eyes went to Konan who gave a refusal look. "...you're the same one, aren't you? Konan, that little girl back from Ame." Konan neither confirmed or denied it, but Jiraiya pressed on. "What about Yahiko, or Nagato? You're a member of the Akatsuki now, why?"
Izumi looked towards Konan questioningly.
"You didn't say that you knew Jiraiya-san on such a level."
"He taught me basics back when I was a child, nothing more."
Jiraiya winced and pulled forward.
"Konan, what about Yahiko, and Nagato?"
Izumi quietly listened as Konan gave a cold look, followed by an equally cold voice.
"Both, dead."
That hit Jiraiya's heart hard.
Two Ninja that he had trained, are now deceased.
He didn't know why Konan would lie about it, beyond trying to hide something.
He had heard that they all had died at some point, but when seeing Konan, a part of him wanted to believe that they were all alive.
If she survived, then maybe they all did.
So Konan's version of reality crushed Jiraiya like bricks.
"But Nagato, he had those eyes, he was supposed to be the child that...and he's dead, Yahiko...no, it can't be..."
"They are dead, I am the only one left."
Izumi didn't really know what was going on, and kept mostly silent.
Jiraiya felt that blow to his heart.
Just then, as the fight was going to continue, Itachi appeared, standing beside Izumi and Konan. Izumi saw some wounds on Itachi, and saw that he seemed to be relaxed despite having some wounds on him.
"Konan, Izumi, it is time we make a retreat, it seems that Konoha might have sent more Ninja to face us."
Jiraiya grit his teeth, and called out "Toad Mouth Bind!" slamming his hands down, and the corridor changed. It became like the inside of a toads esophagus, the walls, the ceiling, the floor, all of it had become slimy, and was sinking them into it.
Konan tried to move, but her legs were stopped.
Izumi grimaced as she sunk down, her eyes beginning to change to the Mangekyou…
Only for Itachi to place his hand on her shoulder, stopping her from doing anything, knowing that he was asking her to save hers in case anything happened.
"It seems that we don't have a choice." Itachi revealed his Mangekyou Sharingan, as Izumi looked on. "Time for us go to. Amaterasu."
Jiraiya watches as black flames burst out of Itachi's eye, and burn right through the wall.
Back with Mikoto, Ryouta and Kisame, the three hand a stand off. The two Konoha Ninja had their blades pointed at Kisame, the shark like human showed a gleeful expression that also showed a sadistic and scary nature to it.
"Mikoto-san, Itachi, is he..."
"He managed to slip away, I got in some injuries on him, and he on me. It seems that we had a pretty even battle, before he managed to get away. When looking for him, I saw you here, and decided that if we can beat back this man, then we can challenge Itachi together."
Mikoto had to do her best to give the most convincing lie as she possibly could do.
"I see. Mikoto-san, whatever you do, don't use chakra to enhance your attacks here, with your wind sword or other abilities that use chakra. His blade, it devours chakra, and it grows stronger from what I've witnessed."
Mikoto was surprised, but also understood this situation.
"I see, then yes, let us fight, and get to Itachi."
Ryouta nods a single time.
Kisame laughed at such words.
"Itachi did that did he? He must have had his reasons, and to be honest, I'm annoyed that you've butted into things that don't concern you. So, I'm going to ask you to leave right now, or I will have to cut you down."
Mikoto adopted a scowl on her lips.
"Perhaps you don't understand that this is a fight between the Akatsuki and Konoha, I shall not be leaving."
"Then your funeral."
Kisame snarls, and launches forward. His blade comes down towards Mikoto, but she blocks with her katana, and does several strikes, repelling Kisame's own strikes, as Ryouta got involved, and came at Kisame from different angles.
Kisame had to admit that it was difficult repelling the pair of them, Mikoto was better than expected.
Mikoto got towards Kisame's right, and slashes him with a swift movement, Kisame thought that he blocked, only to realize that it was a trick, and Mikoto's real strike was coming from the right, so he raised his blade to block which he did within a matter of a moment to spare.
However, it didn't stop Ryouta's own sword coming for him, shooting like an arrow for Kisame's neck to impale, and take this foe down.
Kisame laughs, and dodges within a moment, as Mikoto twirls around, getting behind him and swinging down.
Not having the time to dodge, he had to avoid by running forward.
But Mikoto's blade does indeed cut into his skin, only for a very small moment, as Ryouta comes down with Kusanagi, having jumped up, and used the gravities natural pulling power to aid in his attack.
"You two are dangerous together, so in time and flawless together, I am pleasantly surprised by this turn of events. So please keep going, I am excited for what the future brings!"
Kisame clashes with Ryouta's blade, the strike between them caused the ground to crack under the pressure. More and more of it, he dug his sword deep within Kisame's own, and Kisame's feet felt the ground encroaching around said feet.
Ryouta then pulled back, as Mikoto charged forward, doing several strikes for Kisame who had a difficult time in parrying. Even he, who had a good deal of chakra, and his swordsmanship being very high, was surprised by the level of skill that Mikoto had.
He then saw Ryouta follow up the attack with coming in from the left, his blade swinging out to try and cut down the enemy, Kisame evades, but receives a scratch across his flesh as he repelled Ryouta, sending him into the side of a building.
Despite that, he bounces back and charges right for Kisame.
"Haha, that's what I expected kid! Keep going! That's right, lets do this right now!"
Kisame was at the height of excitement.
He couldn't contain it, going wild as he dueled against both Mikoto and Ryouta at the same time.
As they fought, Itachi, Izumi and Konan came shooting out of the hotel they were in, Jiraiya couldn't bypass the wall of black flames that Itachi had created in his wake, and was helpless to watch on as the trio got out of the hotel.
"No, it can't be. I wasn't finished having my fun."
"Next time, Kisame. This time, we have to retreat, with a Sannin here, and more showing up, we have to flee for the time being."
Kisame clicked his tongue at Itachi's words.
He then faces Ryouta.
"Seems like our dance has to finish. But, I'm impressed, I want to fight you again. I've decided that you're my rival from now on. Get stronger rival-kun, I want us to keep battling in the future. I also want to see the resolve that you have as well."
Ryouta watched as Itachi and the others began trying to move, he couldn't allow it, so he rushed forward, as Itachi turned around to see Ryouta coming in for him.
However, in that moment, the sound of chirping birds came from behind Itachi, the young man's eyes widening as he hadn't noticed her presence at all, so he quickly turned to see Satsuki, with her hand coated in lightning, coming right for him.
The Chidori that she used was potent, and powerful, Itachi caught her hand and flicked her hand to the side, causing the wall she had her hand slammed into to break a good deal, before Itachi delivered a kick to her upper body.
"Gwaaah!"
Satsuki spat out bile, as Mikoto grit her teeth, running forward, only to be stopped by a combo of Kisame and Konan.
Ryouta on the other hand kept going, summoning his Mangekyou Sharingan, and began manifesting Susanoo.
"So, you came to try and fight-"
Before he could finish his words, he saw Ryouta's Susanoo hand coming out to grasp Itachi's form. He, due to the fights he had that day, and also the fact that he just used Amaterasu, along with other things he was dealing with, slowed him down to the point that he even wondered if this attack would reach…
However, Izumi manifested Susanoo as well, Ryouta's eyes widening as hers grabbed the hand of Ryouta's, and caused it to leave Itachi's form alone.
Ryouta turned his eyes towards her.
He stared at her eyes, seeing that it was indeed Mangekyou.
But something seemed different about hers.
"So, you do have the Mangekyou, you must have got it when your Mother...but I don't understand, why? Why are you stopping me…? I'm trying to save you Izumi-chan!"
Izumi felt ashamed, and pain echoed through her chest, something Itachi noticed.
"Because this...this is...I want to..."
Izumi was struggling to get out the words.
So Itachi, wanting to help Izumi and make sure that one day, she'd return to the village safely, tossed Satsuki aside, who hit the wall close by, got close towards Ryouta's form.
He leaned towards Ryouta's ear as the young man's Susanoo was being stopped by Izumi's own.
"Because, she has to do as I say. If she doesn't, then the one she loves more than anything, dies. You remember what I said back in Konoha."
Ryouta's face fell.
His eyes went towards Itachi's own, who gained a sinister look.
Understanding his words, he felt ill as Itachi continued.
"I guess she loved you too much to let you die, so she gave up her freedom. I gave her that choice, and she chose your life, above her own. She does as I and the Akatsuki say, she protects me, as if I die, then she knows what will happen with you."
Itachi felt terrible about lying like this.
Being so sinister to the only thing that remained of Shisui, his little brother.
And in many ways, the little brother of Itachi as well.
Seeing Ryouta's face crumbling was heart breaking.
Mikoto, still being repelled by Kisame and Konan duo, looked on helplessly as she saw Ryouta's face falling more and more.
The realization of what Izumi had to go through, was more heart breaking than anything he could have imagined.
Satsuki, growling and gritting her teeth, snapped, and charged for Itachi, coming in with a serious of strikes.
Itachi turned, deflecting the strikes, and got in close towards him, only for Itachi to easily slide to her right hand side, and slam his foot into her abdomen.
"Aaah!"
She let out a cry, Ryouta's eyes refocusing to see Satsuki in pain.
But she didn't give up, redoubling her efforts, and came in from the left hand side, swinging her arm for his neck, he blocks, as she releases shurikens from her other hand that aimed for Itachi's face, the young man once more evades them, noticing that in that time, Satsuki vanished from sight.
She reappears behind him, and flies through some hand signs.
"Fire Release, Phoenix Fire Jutsu!"
The fireballs shoot for Itachi, who quickly summons a barrier of water to block the flames, creating steam.
Ryouta himself was still being restrained by Izumi's Susanoo, the pair battling for dominance with one another.
Shooting through the steam, Satsuki gets in close, and delivers several well timed strikes. Itachi had to internally admit that Satsuki's prowess with her fighting abilities had grown, and she was easily Chunin level in Taijutsu, maybe even more with the pressure she was giving.
Along with how she wielded the Sharingan, it was clear that Satsuki had improved a good deal.
Itachi then grabbed her by the collar, and pinned her to the wall.
"Your hate, it isn't enough. You remember what I said back when we last met. I shall do it for you, so you can finally be a challenge. That boys life behind me, shall be extinguished. Only then, shall I gain the challenge I've desired from my little sister."
Itachi's callous words made Satsuki feel conflict.
Half of her was angry.
Another half was scared.
"No...don't...I don't want power from his death..."
She croaked out.
She was immensely worried, seeing how Itachi, after all this time, was still stronger than she was.
She couldn't get through him.
She didn't have the eyes of the Mangekyou to assist her.
She was for all accounts, unable to fight back now.
Itachi's cold eyes kept on her own.
"You haven't become stronger, and if he doesn't die...you never will. So let me deliver this to you, I'll be your big brother once more, and gift you the same power I gained through the death of Shisui Uchiha, it is only fitting that you gain it through his little brother."
His words taunting, cold.
She felt them reverberating within her mind.
Over and over.
The idea of losing Ryouta for power…
No, she couldn't do it.
She never could.
Itachi then allowed his eyes to turn into the Mangekyou.
"I'll show you the future you could have, after he dies. Tsukuyomi..."
Satsuki's eyes widened as did Ryouta's.
If she was hit by that, there was no telling what it would do to her.
So he pushed as hard as he could, and for a moment, overpowered Izumi's own Susanoo, freeing him to speed towards Itachi to try and stop this Jutsu.
As the Jutsu would be cast on Satsuki, Ryouta gets in the way, and saves her from taking Tsukuyomi's effects, however, Itachi instead uses it on Ryouta, taking him away to a different world all together, this being the second time, after Itachi did it once before when he was a child…
However this time, Itachi had unknowingly awoke something deep within Ryouta, and that white haired woman, wasn't pleased.
End chapter!
So this chapter had the fight with the Akatsuki, Ryouta and Kisame finally clashed with one another, with Kisame being impressed with Ryouta's skills, and his ability of deduction within a few moments of a fight, figuring out some ins and outs of Samehada, impressing Kisame all the more as he managed to control Kusanagi so well.
Meanwhile, Izumi and Konan briefly dueled against Jiraiya, showing him some combos they have, with the latter one figuring out about Konan, though she lied about a certain someone being alive.
Mikoto and Itachi also had their 'fight' and managed to pass on some extra information to each other. Satsuki also showed up at the end, and briefly fought Itachi, who kept up his evil persona to both Ryouta and Satsuki, Izumi also revealed her Susanoo for the first time. But now, Ryouta's been hit with Tsukuyomi again, however this time, it seems a certain someone isn't pleased, so we'll see what she'll do next time!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Gaara (fem), Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko, Samui, Hanabi, Mabui, Temari, Pakura,