Note: From this point on, anything in BOLD is when kyuubi is talking
Naruto was fully prepared for battle. His senses were at their peek and his focus was acute. But no matter what his level of focus was, had couldn't pinpoint where this seemingly soulless chakra was emanating from. That was until an odd figure stepped out of what was thin air.
"...the hell...?" Naruto said in total confusion as the person step out of absolutely nowhere.
"..." the man just gave eye contact to Naruto and not so much a gave even a hint of response.
"What do you want? And how are you?" Naruto questioned as he looked his new opponent from head to toe. He stood at least 6'2. He was dressed in all black and his face was painted white. As if he was a clown without color.
"..." the enemy still gave no response vocally. Rather, the enemy now began his assault.
Ballistic mime began to attack Naruto with lightning fast kicks. Naruto went into a blocking stance. The force of the assaults drove Naruto into a nearby wall. However, Ballistic mime showed no signs of slowing down. Naruto was totally pinned.
Naruto's thoughts
"...how could he pin me like this so easily...I can't keep this block up...he'll break through..."
Naruto was beginning to wear down under the vicious flurry of kicks. He felt his block beginning to falter. The wall behind his was crumbling and dust clouds were beginning to form. And as the clouds formed, Naruto began to see a way out of his predicament.
Naruto's thoughts
" He's creating a smoke screen...holding my block...a little longer might give me an opening..."
And he did hold his block. Ballistic mime was kicking ferociously into giant clouds of dust. Eventually, he felt as if he were attacking nothing more than air as the solid figure called Naruto was no longer on the receiving end of his attacks.
"...?...?..." Ballistic mime stopped his attacks and looked around in confusion.
The room was filled with dust clouds due to Ballistic's offensive. But that was all Naruto needed to regroup. Ballistic mime was the one that was on the defensive now as he didn't know where Naruto was.
"..." Ballistic mime began sensing Naruto's chakra speeding towards him.
Ballistic mime allowed Naruto to begin his attack. But just before Naruto could strike. Ballistic mime began his lighting kick attack again. But his attacks went right through Naruto. And that confused Ballistic mime. He was unaware of Naruto's clone jutsu.
"?" Ballistic mime was now totally off guard. He didn't notice the secondary chakra behind him.
Naruto gathered a vast amount of strength into his arm and delivered a bone crushing strike to Ballistic mime's spine. Which in turn sent said opponent directly through the door and into the hallway. Naruto, now stood standing in the doorway looking at his downed opponent. Just as he relaxed his guard. Ballistic mime was grazing his lower back and he all of a sudden stood up as if nothing was wrong.
" What the hell are you?...I broke your damn back...I know I did" Naruto couldn't believe his eyes. He felt the enemy's bones crack under the force of his fist. He KNEW the damage he'd inflicted.
"..." Ballistic mime just gave a sinister smirk. He wasn't hurt at all
Naruto's thoughts
"...I'm in trouble..." Naruto thought to himself as he stared in disbelief at Ballistic mime.
The two just stared at each other as the battle had just begun. And the very presence that Ballistic mime gives off sent chills of doubt up Naruto's back. He questioned whether or not he could win against this seemingly inhuman opponent.
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Morrigan was asleep in here room. She was sleeping quite soundly. It was all because he got to see Naruto again. Having his presence close gave her a great sense of security. And she loved having that feeling. But much to her dismay. A loud crashing woke her blissful slumber. Morrigan instantly sat up and ran to her door.
Eight guards were running toward the source of the sound just as Morrigan had stopped on of them.
" What's happening?' Morrigan insistently questioned
" We think there is a battle going on in the manor. The sounds are coming from further down this hallway."
The princess glanced down the hallway and had on single, solitary thought racing through her mind.
Morrigan's thoughts
"...Foxy...no..." She began running behind the guards.
"STOP! You can't go down that hall" One of the guards said grasping Morrigan's shoulder, preventing her from proceeding on.
Just as Morrigan was about to argue with her guards, they heard another loud noise. This noise however was different. It wasn't the sound of battle. It was the sound of a bomb. Heads turned as they noticed a gigantic void in the roof's hull. Debris was falling as everyone scattered, dodging roof particles.
"HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Hm hm hm...hmhmhahah HAHA!" Mad clown introduced himself in a rude manor that he could call his own as he stood menacingly on the other side of the roof's void.
"Guards!" Morrigan called as the guards formed a defensive position around the princess.
"Aww so cute...you really think you can defend against me. I'm going to make you ALL SMIIiIIIilLlLlLeEeE" Mad clown began his assault. He dropped down from the hole in the roof. Balloons were coming out the back of his costume. They scattered and hovered over the princess's guards.
"...Balloons?" One of the guards said in confusion
At that moment one of the balloons popped. A silver liquid spilled from the popped balloon and many droplets hit the confused guard. Seconds later...he screamed frantically.
"OH MY GOD AGGHGH..." Those screams were the guards final words as the acid melted the guard down to bare bones.
"MOVE!" Another guard yelled has he pushed the princess out of harm's way and the rest of the guards scattered.
"Ewwww...nasty...someone should clean up your friend there. No wonder you have such distasteful looks on your faces. But don't fret, I can put smiles on those faces...hmahahahaha" Mad clown then took out a toy horn from inside his coat and squeezed it.
The horn spewed a vile lavender mist. Those that caught scent of it were rendered frozen. It was clear to the guards that they were clearly over their heads at this point.
"DAMN, FALL BACK!" The guards began retreating deeper into the manor, taking the princess with them. Two guards ignored orders and decided to stand and fight.
"Don't even dare try to get past us" One of the two brave guards stood up to Mad Clown
The guard charged him with his halberd spear.
"AGHHHHH!" Mad clown screamed as his hand was now impaled and jammed to the nearby wall.
But things weren't as they seemed. The enemy wasn't injured. In fact, Mad clown hadn't even felt the assault...because he wasn't impaled at all.
"AGGHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHMM...HHAHAHAH!" The screams of false pain now converted into laughter. The guard stared in disbelief.
Mad clown quickly dragged his arm down, revealing nothing more than a fake hand was stuck on the wall and a void were it once was. As the guard stood shocked, Mad clown swiftly revealed his true hand. But it was too late for the guard. Mad clown stuck a kunai dagger directly into his mouth, continuing on until it came through the back of his head.
"BASTARD!" the second guard began charging with indomitable fury.
"Oh please...!" Mad clown said, barely paying the coming aggressor any attention. With his free hand, he allowed streamers to fly out of his sleeve. They wrapped around his major joints and neck. Then, with the flick of the wrist and slight of hand, the streamers constricted and the guard was instantly split into 6 pieces. Two legs, two arms, a body and a head were on the ground, remnants of a once whole man.
"Hahahahah...twas fun, but back to business hmhm hahahm..." Mad clown turned and began walking down the hallway the guards and princess Morrigan ran down.
"RASENGAN!" a strong dominant voice called out an assault, blasting Mad clown in the back.
Mad clown collapsed to the ground from the great energy which had scorched his back. Mad clown struggled to his feet. And for once, had no smile on his face nor laughter and glee in his voice. His unknown assailant had invoked Mad clown's anger.
" Who the hell is dumb enough to attack me ?" he said with annoyance and anger as he turned to face his new enemy as his back was still smoking.
"I take it that strange presence I felt when I was outside the manor comes from you." Jiraiya answered with his hand still smoking from the blast
"Hmhmhm...do you have a name that you go by before you die?" Mad clown said as streamers began slowly seething out of his sleeves.
"You can call me Jiraiya. And when you get to the afterlife, you can call me executioner. Your name?" Jiraiya prepared and steadied himself for battle.
"I'm call the Mad clown, the supreme assassin hmhmhmhahahahah"? The maniac hysterically laughed as he lunged at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya knew he could take Mad clown in a fair fight. But his concern was for others in the manor. He immediately saw how unpredictable Mad clown was. And that is where the true danger lied.
Jiraiya's thoughts
" Where the hell is that knuckle headed student of mine...he would be useful right about now..."
Much to Jiraiya's dismay, he had no clue that his student had problems of his own. Embroiled in his own battle with an equally unpredictable opponent.
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Morrigan and the remaining guards had almost made it to the end of the hall. There were two options left for them. One was to continue to go straight, which would have eventually led down to where Naruto and Ballistic mime were locked in combat. Or they could have turned right.
"You can't go that way Princess" the captain of the guard said, grabbing the princess's arm in an almost forceful manner
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!" She yelled, roundhouse kicking the guard to the side.
She began running straight rather than turning down the right hall to safety. But before she could continue on, the leftover guards lined up and blocked her path. Morrigan gave them an angry scowl.
"STAND DOWN!" a strong, masculine voice yelled out, which made the guards stand at ease. But the command was actually directed toward the princess, not the guards.
It was Atwright with Rina standing at his side. They both helped the guard to his feet as they noticed he'd been struck. They asked the guard for an update on the situation. The guard explained everything as best he could.
"Morrigan, how dare you attack the members of the guard. They're doing their job." Atwright was annoyed
"They were blocking me from getting to Naruto. Dad...he's in trouble" Morrigan was in despair as she spoke
"REGARDLESS... they were doing their jobs and a damn good job of it. You yourself praised Naruto's strength. He'll be fine. The guards were doing the right thing Morrigan. Your safety is THEIR priority as it is mine." Atwright was being reasonable yet scolding his daughter for her actions.
"...yes father..." she replied as she walked over to Atwright and Rina
Rina gently placed her hand on her shoulder and smiled at the princess. It was all she could do. She too felt helpless amidst the chaos which surrounded them. Morrigan returned the smile. But neither of them could truly subside the worry that they both felt within.
"Your father's right. He'll be fine. He is a konoha ninja. And he's had great teachers." Rina tried to ease Morrigan's fears even though she couldn't calm her own
All Morrigan could do was smile in acknowledgment. But her tension couldn't be subsided by simple words. The troubled look in her face was proof of that.
"Listen, Morrigan, Rina, the two of you have to get out of here NOW. And before you give me any backtalk, my word is final. Don't bother arguing." He was ever so stern.
But the two women just stared at him. Neither of them had shown even a hint of leaving.
"NOW!" Atwright yelled
Still neither budged an inch.
"Alright fine. Stay close to me." Atwright had given up
"Yes father."
"What made you even think we'd leave you with such disaster around us?" Rina had asked her boss
" Sigh" Atwright smiled at the two
He then commanded the guards to sound the alarm. The alert would send reinforcements and secure the manor. The guard sounded the alarm and more guards began to mobilize almost instantly toward the manor.
"Father, we have to find Naruto" Morrigan was crying
"Let's go" Atwright replied as he, Morrigan, and Rina ran to Naruto's room
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Ballistic mime and Naruto were at a face off. The two just stared at each other. Neither willing to make the next move. Neither willing to make a mistake. The two were at a stalemate.
Naruto's thoughts
"I can't figure him out...I better play this safe for now"
Naruto began his clone jutsu as one Naruto became seven. He surrounded Ballistic mime, confident he had the upper hand. Or so he thought.
Naruto's thoughts
"What's he doing...those aren't even hand signs. Is that even a jutsu?" Naruto watched as Ballistic mime made an odd box gesture around his body.
Naruto sent three of his clones in to strike. One from the right, one from the left, and the last began an assault from behind. Each clone struck what seemed to be an invisible wall and dispelled.
" WHAT!" Naruto was in total disbelief of what he had just witnessed.
Naruto's thoughts
" Hell...he didn't even do anything. Not even a single budge and my clones were dispelled. What did I get myself into...?" Naruto thought as he felt his chances of winning slipping little by little
"..." Ballistic mime just glared at Naruto with an arrogant smirk. He was fully aware he had is opponent in complete disarray.
He began making more odd gesture's with his hands. Naruto couldn't make out what he was doing. But because of what seemed to be a wall around Ballistic mime, all he could do was watch helplessly. Ballistic mime then held out his right arm with a closed fist. His left hand was closed as well and very outstretched. His left arm was trembling, showing tension.
Naruto's thoughts
" I don't understand. What is he doing? Damn it!...I can't even stop him from doing whatever it is. I refuse to die here, I could care less how freaky or powerful this guy is...I'LL NEVER ACCEPT DEFEAT!"
Ballistic mime mentally let down his 'barrier' and opened his left hand, releasing the tension. Which in turn gave Naruto a very distinct, sharp pain in his arm.
"AGGHH...what do you do?" Naruto was struck deeply as the strike tore his sleeve, revealing his discolored arm.
Naruto's thoughts
"That felt like...an arrow? But he's not holding anything. How is he doing this crap?"
" You know what...I don't know who you are...I don't CARE who you are. Stay quiet all you want you damn freak because I have something THAT'S GONNA MAKE YOU SCREAM!" Naruto said, now partially under the influence of the demon's possession.
Naruto stuck out his discolored arm and held his hand open. His entire body trembled as chakra formed in hands. His eyes were now without pupils and his whisker birthmarks had a bright red glow. Now it was Ballistic mime's turn to feel fear and unease.
"..." Ballistic mime reformed his barrier seeing he had no other choice.
" THIS IS MY GIFT TO YOU AND YOU HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO ACCEPT IT." Naruto grinned menacingly
"..." For the first time ever in his life, Ballistic mime felt he could be between.
Naruto now had the chakra full gathered in his hand. The rasengan was completed and waiting to be used. The loud crackling of the energy was distinct as it was threatening. Ballistic mime gritted his teeth and was bracing for impact
" IT LOOKS LIKE YOUR GIFT IS READY. SO HERE IT IS" Naruto's grin became even more sadistic
"HAPPY DEATH DAY!" Naruto lunged at Ballistic mime with the rasengan outstretched in Ballistic mime's direction
"RASENGAN!" Naruto struck with his attack. A deafening sound filled the entire manor and the surrounding area. As the room was filled with blinding like.
Ballistic mime felt his barrier shattering. But the barrier wasn't without it's strength. Naruto's assault was partially sent backward, forcing a backlash of the rasengan to return to it's sender. What happened in Naruto's room was nothing short of carnage.
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Meanwhile, Jiraiya and Mad clown were having a little war of their own. One of Mad clown's streamers wrapped around Jiraiya's wrist. Mad clown thought he had an advantage.
" I wonder, how easy will it be to snap that wrist of yours grandpa. I know how brittle those old bones must be. I'll try to be gentle...YEAH RIGHT! hmmhm hahaha" Mad clown began tightening the streamer.
Jiraiya wasn't at all threatened or impressed. To him, Mad clown was no more than a sadistic idiot. He yanked at the streamer hard and sent Mad clown flying directly toward him. He then gave Mad clown an uppercut, sending him back to where he originally stood even faster that when he'd left.
"Don't be gentle on my account. I'm a man of the world, my 'old bones' can handle it"
"I'll melt you like I did that fool-hearty guard." Mad clown jumped into the air and released balloons into the air. It was twice as much as he had released previously.
"Hmm...colorful" Jiraiya said, almost bored with Mad clown's tactics.
"Oh they're a great deal more than colorful geezer, I'll turn you into soup" Mad clown threatened as his balloons began to pop over Jiraiya's head
Within seconds, it was as if a waterfall was pouring over the legendary sannin's head. Mad clown just watched on as his enemy was engulfed by the acid. He was pleased with yet another dark deed he thought he had done
"Hahahaha that's one more fossil melted down." Mad clown said, turning his back to continue on with his capture of the princess
"Not very thorough at our job now are we Mr.'assassin supreme'?" Jiraiya voiced while the acid still spilled over him
Mad clown turned around in shock. Nobody had every survived his acid bath before. And not only had Jiraiya survived, but he was in perfect health. The acid stopped and revealed a gray, spiky shell in the same exact spot that Jiraiya once stood. Slowly, the gray spikes receded and revealed Jiraiya
"If this is the best you can do you stand no chance against me" Jiraiya said calmly
"I'm a clown old man. I can keep the laughs coming for a lifetime hmhmhm..." Mad clown pulled out a deck of cards from his pocket.
Just as Mad clown was going to attack again, both he and Jiraiya felt a huge torrent of power. The two looked at each other with curiosity. They both began to run down the hall where Naruto and Ballistic mime were fighting
"Sorry grandpa, the elderly can't handle this ride, you might have an ulcer." Mad Clown attached his streamers to a ledge and yanked it downward. Which in turn caused the ledge to collapse and cut off Jiraiya's path.
"DAMN IT!" Jiraiya yelled out in frustration.
Jiraiya's thoughts
"That WAS the rasengan. Naruto is the only one that should know how to do that move aside from myself. But...it felt like someone or something else was using it..."
Before he could come to a conclusion as to why the rasengan was used, he heard the alarm. It completely broke his train of thought
"I have to speed this up." Jiraiya said as he began blasting the debris away with rasengan attacks.
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Meanwhile, Mad clown had made it to Naruto's room. He saw Ballistic mime and Naruto both on the ground. They were both pretty bruised and looked worn out.
" This kid...fought my brother to a draw...? NO kid can be that strong. Nor can my brother be beaten by just anybody." Mad clown couldn't believe what he had saw
He went to his brother and picked up his unconscious frame. At that point, he heard the alarm and knew that their time was over. Their mission was a bust.
"Damn...we'll have to come back for the princess another time." Mad clown said aloud
"WHO SAID YOU'RE LEAVING AT ALL" an ominous voice said as Mad clown's head snapped back
Naruto was up and ready to fight again. The kyuubi was partially in control of the body both he and Naruto inherit.
"Who are you?" Mad clown asked, confused and worn from earlier
" THE DEAD HAVE NO RIGHT TO SPEAK" Naruto had lunged toward Mad clown
At that moment, Naruto began charging a second Rasegan attack. Mad clown was helpless to defend himself. With Ballistic mime now unconscious in his arms, he had no way to attack or defend against his enemy.
"FOXY!" Princess Morrigan yelled out as she, Rina, and Atwright were all looking at Naruto in shock
"PriNcEss...MOrriGAn...!" Naruto said as his essence and kyuubi's seemed to be conflicting with each other
Mad clown saw this as an opportunity to depart with his brother. He threw out party favors which were really smoke bombs.
" You might want to go to sleep with your eyes open ahahaahha" Mad clown threatened as he and his brother vanished under the guise of smoke
"BaStArD DoN't run away" He said as he felt Mad clown's presence exited the combat area.
A fist blasted Naruto from behind, knocking him unconscious. Morrigan, Rina, and Atwright looked on as the owner of Said fist was his sensei, Jiraiya. The multi-persona Naruto dropped to the ground like a rock
" gasp...his arm..." Rina said as she ran behind Jiraiya, frightening at the site of the discoloration.
Due to Rina's reaction, everyone else also gave noticed to his now exposed arm.
"..." Jiraiya looked at Atwright
"..." Atwright returned the look
The two were aware of what was happening. No words were needed. And it seemed that now, their worst reality was beginning to bear fruit. The demon was starting to awaken.
"...oh foxy...foxy..." Morrigan picked Naruto's head up, hugging him tightly. She wasn't afraid of what she had just saw. Rather, she was afraid for the person she cared about.
"Sweetheart...like Jiraiya take Naruto to the hospital...you have to let him go..." Atwright was trying to pry Morrigan away from Naruto
"...he needs me...let me hold him a little longer...please" Morrigan pleaded as she still cried.
Eventually, with plenty of protest, Morrigan allowed Jiraiya to lift his student and bring him to the hospital. Jiraiya walked through the vast amount of debris and carnage left by the two brother's aggressions. Just as Jiraiya made it to the door, he felt Rina's presence behind him
" Something on your mind?" Jiraiya said, without turning to see her
" Well...I'm just wondering how you're holding up?" Rina was concerned
"I'm fine I guess..."
"You guess?...People that say 'I guess' always have something they're hiding" Rina said even more concerned
" What brought this all this on?" Jiraiya questioned
That question annoyed Rina. And on this rare occasion, she'd let her annoyance out
" DON'T BE STUPID. WHAT DO YOU THINK BROUGHT THAT QUESTION ON!" Rina yelled at him.
"...Yeah, you're right...I'm sorry..."
"sigh...I just know how the princess feels...I think the same way about you..." Rina's tone softened.
Jiraiya's thoughts
" Maybe I'M the student...I may not know as much about women as I thought. My student here could handle a situation like this easily. Because to him...it is easy. Emotions, despite their complexities, have their simplicities that should be viewed through simple eyes, like my student here." Jiraiya thought looking at his student
" Thank you Rina..." He turned and kissed Rina on her cheek
"You KNOW there are 'better' ways to thank me..." Rina had no problem insisting more than just a peck on the cheek
"Yeah but there are more pressing matters at hand" Jiraiya smiled as he then looked at his student who laid in his arms.
"Of course,...take care of the dear. But take care of ME later" she said blushing knowing exactly what she meant
"You know me Rina...I aim to please" Jiraiya gave an almost lecherous smile
" You better!" Rina replied.
Rina saw Jiraiya off as he ran to the hospital with all his speed. It was well past midnight at this point. But a hospital is a hospital. And no matter what the time, accidents could come in at any time. Jiraiya walked into the hospital with Naruto in his arms. Which didn't go unnoticed by a certain familiar doctor.
Doctor Mizhrahi " Naruto?" the doctor immediately noticed the genin.
Jiraiya wasn't aware that the doctor and his student knew of each other
"You know my student?" Jiraiya questioned
"Yes I do...but...what happened to Kakashi? Wasn't he the boy's sensei?" The doctor wasn't aware of the many things that had happened over time
"He was, and still is. But for now, Naruto is in my care for our little journey. So for the time being he's my student."
" I see I see...well, we can discuss that and the details of what happened later. For now, follow me and let's tend to the child.
"Agreed" Jiraiya nodded his head.
The two walked down the vast corridors of the hospital and brought Naruto to a room. The doctor immediately began to examine him while Jiraiya was giving him the many details of what had happened during the fight. The two were exchanging vast amounts of information during their tending of Naruto
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Back at the manor, clean up had begun almost instantly. Everyone, including Atwright and Morrigan were hard at work. Atwright had a great deal on his mind. The night's events gave way to a number of realizations. His daughter's feelings, the danger of the kyuubi demon, the inefficiency of his guards. Each had a segment in the vastness of his mind.
"Father...what's troubling you?" Princess Morrigan saw the despair in her father's face
"I can ask the same about you..." Atwright saw the same troubled look in his daughter's face
The two smiled at each other for a little while before Atwright decided to speak again
"Don't you want to see Naruto?" Atwright questioned
Hearing those words from her father lit her hurt filled eyes. She couldn't believe her father had said that. She didn't think her father would accept the fact that she cared about Naruto.
" But...I'm needed here...look at our home..." Morrigan was still in shock of her father's last words
" A home can always be rebuilt. But people you care about can be lost at anytime. We don't know what happened to the boy...go see him" Atwright said
Morrigan started to cry. She tried to hold it in. But she couldn't. She wanted to see him more than anything in the world.
"...Thank you...thank you father..." she said with tear-filled eyes.
The princess ran straight out the door and was on a non-stop marathon to the hospital. Nothing could have stopped her from seeing her favorite fox. Rina however, saw the entire exchange. She saw that Atwright was still in pain
"You can ease your daughter's pain...but not your own. What's bothering you sir?" Rina questioned.
" We were so unprepared...I failed to protect my own daughter...depending on two outsiders..." Atwright had a rare occasion of feeling helpless.
"..." Rina was speechless. She didn't know how to ease his pain. All she could do was watch.
The clean up had continued. And was sure to continue through what was left of the night and beyond. At this point, morale was low. Even the guards couldn't believe that two people could so easily dismantle a defense that they thought at one time was impenetrable.
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Jiraiya and Dr. Mizhrahi were continuing their heavy discussion. The doctor had filled him in on the first time he had diagnosed Naruto's condition. And Jiraiya updated him on the progression of Naruto's ailment. Ever since diagnosing Naruto's problem, the doctor had been trying to devise a way of slowing down the regression.
"Jiraiya, I've been studying Naruto's dilemma. I can't guarantee that my idea will work. But it's a start" the doctor told Jiraiya
"What can we do to slow the pace of his regression.?" Jiraiya had an extreme interest in helping his student.
"A local blacksmith and I have been designed 'specialty' armor so to speak" the doctor answered the question
"Specialty armor"? Jiraiya's eyebrow rose at the sound of that
"Yes. We've been creating a liquid metal specifically designed to nullify any chakra flow. The armor itself is chakra induced, allowing the piece of armor to automatically mold itself to the wearer's body, basically making it eternally one size fits all." The doctor began his explanation
"Sounds good so far. Any more information on this?" Jiraiya's interest was peaked
" Plenty. Now of course, since it nullifies chakra flow, the wearer won't be able to gather chakra in the specific part of the body where the armor is worn. But this armor will by theory slow the demon's seemingly growing chakra. But the demon is strong, so its chakra will eventually begin to flow through the liquid metal. But it will give us some time to find a more permanent solution or allow you time to continue on your journey to help the boy.
" I see...Doctor, I'm truly grateful for all this extra help. I know you're doing more than your duty to help Naruto." Jiraiya thanked the doctor for his efforts.
The doctor just bowed his head in acknowledgment. At that moment, a lone girl had found herself to the doorway of Naruto's room. She was breathing heavily, leaning on the door.
" Is he ok?" She made out through her desperate attempts at breaths for air.
"The boy is doing ok for the most part. But he needs his rest. And it's been past visiting hours long ago."
Morrigan already knew what the doctor was getting at with his words. But she was going to be her normal persistent self and do everything in her power to get her way.
"I'm the mayor's daughter doctor. Can't you give me this one night to say with him?" Morrigan asked with her hands clasped together, pleading.
" Princess I'm sorry, but we have rules here. Even political leaders have to follow them. The only way you MIGHT be able to stay is if you were a family member of his. And as far as I know, he doesn't have any family members here." The doctor inadvertently gave an opening
"He's family to me doctor. He's that important...no...that special to me." Morrigan then sat by Naruto's bed side and began rubbing his arm.
" You aren't a blood relative to him Princess." The doctor stated the obvious.
"You said 'family' doctor...blood relative or not...he's family..." Morrigan then began running her fingers through his already ruffled hair.
Jiraiya then placed his hand on the doctor's shoulder. They looked at each other. Jiraiya gave him a nod, basically saying that everything would be alright. At that point the doctor had decided he had to give up since Morrigan wouldn't give up.
"Ok, stay if you like. But if ANYTHING happens, it's your responsibility. Do you understand princess?" The doctor made her aware of the reality
Morrigan smiled and nodded with approval. The doctor and Jiraiya had begun to exit the room. But just before Jiraiya could exit the room, Morrigan's gentle voice called out to him.
"Jiraiya...can I ask something of you?" Morrigan had a serious question
" What's on your mind?"
"Jiraiya...would you mind if I travel with you and Naruto?"
"Out of the question. You have no idea how dangerous that will be." Jiraiya instantly rejected
" I've been in danger before. I can take care of myself."
"There is a very important reason it's only Naruto and I traveling." Jiraiya pointed out
"Yes...I realize that...but I'm a great medic. Sure, I'm not the best. But can you honestly say you can do without someone with medical knowledge? Especially with foxy in the shape he's in?" Morrigan backed Jiraiya into a mental corner.
Jiraiya gave her a stern look in her eyes. She never wavered. Rather, she fiercely returned the glare.
"You care about him that much huh?" Jiraiya asked
" You have no idea..." Morrigan replied
The two again had a moment of silence. Jiraiya knew he was no better off than the doctor or anyone else for that matter when it came to arguing with this girl. So he too decided to give in.
"Heh...I guess ONE more person won't be too much of a problem. But you're forgetting, what about Atwright? You'll need his approval you know.
"...Can you ask him for me...?" Morrigan nervously asked of Jiraiya
Jiraiya really didn't want to get in the middle of a possible family squabble. But he did feel that Morrigan had a good point. They did need someone with medical knowledge.
"I'll see what I can do princess. But you know your father...I can't make any promises." Jiraiya said with uncertainty
" I know...and thank you..."
Jiraiya left and closed the door behind him. Leaving a sleeping Naruto and Morrigan alone. Morrigan was happy to have Naruto all to herself again. But it wasn't because of any self-interest. It was because she felt she needed to understand him the way he wants him to understand her.
"I know you can't hear me...but that's ok...Deja Vu...once again I'm hovering over you while you're unconscious in a hospital bed..." Morrigan began talking out loud. Expressing herself now that they were alone.
"I want to be with you. Through good times and bad...sickness and health. Listen to me...I make it sound as if we're married." Morrigan smiled brushing her pointer finger back and forth over his lips
"You really scared me tonight...your voice...it was like you weren't even you. But you know...I don't care what's happening to you. I WILL be there..." Morrigan began to sniffle
"I want you to come to me when you're hurt...or sick...or confused...or...or anything..." Morrigan's tears had began to slowly trickle.
"...I told you that I was jealous of Sakura...I meant that...if only...if only you'd look at me the way you look at her...I won't ask you to choose...it's just..." Morrigan began to grit her teeth and look downward. She was clutching Naruto's hand in her own.
" It's just that I'll do right by you..." She began to tremble.
Morrigan wiped her eyes and leant over and placed her arms and head onto Naruto's chest. She gently closed her eyes.
Morrigan's thoughts
"Yes foxy...I'll do right by you...Just stay with me... because my feelings for you..." Morrigan's thoughts assisted in drifting her off into a deep sleep. But before she fell into slumber completely. She had one more solitary thought
Morrigan's thoughts
" Foxy...why haven't you mentioned Sakura lately...did something happen that makes you want to forget about her...do I have a chance?...Should I ask?..." And that was the last thought she had for the night
Morrigan and Naruto truly looked like the most charming couple in the world. And it was becoming apparent that she would do anything for the boy. It wasn't some school girl crush or some obsessive state of mind. She was just truly happy when he was around. And she'd do anything to keep him close. In true kodak fashion, the two slept in that cute position. Naruto comfortable nestled on her stomach, looking toward her eyes.
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The morning was bright and shiny. An otherwise perfect start to the day if it hadn't shined like on the many voids of wreckage of Atwright's manor. Everyone was taking a break from work all through the rest of the night. Breakfast was considered dinner for many of the guards. Jiraiya was in Atwright's study writing out a note to Tsunade, giving her an update on all that's happened thus far. Atwright had walked in, checking on his old friend.
"How are you holding up?" Atwright asked as a concerned friend
" As well as could be expected. What about yourself?"
"Likewise. Writing you're report to Konoha?"
"Yeah...Say Atwright, that brings me to something I need to ask you on behalf of your daughter"
"Hmm?"
"Well, she wants to accompany Naruto and I on the remainder of our journey. I told her it was ok with me. But of course, she needs your ok on the matter." Jiraiya proclaimed
Atwright held his head down in shame. For some reason, hearing that reminded him of the fact that he couldn't properly protect his daughter because his guards were sorely lacking in the face of the enemy.
"...Jiraiya...please...you and Naruto have to take care of my daughter...because her father currently isn't up to the task..."Atwright's head was still tilted in shame.
"This isn't like you. Since when are you in self doubt?" Jiraiya asked worried.
" I had to depend on you and your student to save us from those two freaks My guards were outmatched in every single way imaginable...and that brings me to another issue."
"A friend can ask anything of me." Jiraiya tried to assure his friend
Atwright smiled a little, but still felt low
"Since you're writing to Konoha, I need you to ask the Hokage a favor. Actually it's more of a proposition."
"Hmm?" Jiraiya had a puzzled look
"Due to our own lack of security, I would like to ask the Hokage if Konoha could temporarily spare some chuunin and Jounin to help train ninjas here. I would like to ask her to help establish a ninja base here. An extension to Konoha so to speak." Atwright stated a bold and intriguing idea.
Jiraiya grabbed the report he had just written and crumpled it up, then tossed it aside.
"With your daughter's request to accompany Naruto and I combined with your idea to create a ninja organization here, I guess I have to start my report over." Jiraiya sighed considering how time consuming reports were.
"...Thank you Jiraiya" Atwright was grateful
"Like I told you pal...friends can ask anything of me."
Atwright happily left Jiraiya to his own devices again. Jiraiya once again began on his now to be even longer report. But he was happy about it. Despite all the bad, he saw the possible good of all of this. Konoha and wave country could become one united front. His student could have someone his own age to talk with on their journey. And Atwright and Rina could be free of worry from future powerful aggressors.
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On the outskirts of the city, Mad Clown and Ballistic mime were licking their wounds. Defeat and failure weren't things they fancied too much. So the flavor of the two didn't set with them too well. And just like the people back at the manor, the morning wasn't too pleasant for the brothers either.
"..." Ballistic mime had an angry scowl.
"Hmhm Yeah...I hear you loud and clear...but don't worry, we won't accept defeat."
"..." Ballistic mime nodded in full agreement
"We can't go back to the prison with this failure. And we can't have our rematch until you're back to full strength...we'll have to shed ourselves for now and get some disguises. Then we'll check you into the hospital down there."
"..." once again Ballistic mime nodded in agreement.
"Hahahahmmhaha...yeah...then we can have round two with than damn brat and that ancient bastard." Mad clown was anticipated their victory early
The two easily found two civilians within the city and 'kindly' relieved them of their clothing. After they disguised themselves completely, they immediately set off to the hospital. They were immediately met by a young nurse who had asked if she could assist them.
"Good morning...can I help you?" the young nurse kindly asked.
"Um yes...my brother here isn't well...I'm not sure what is wrong with him" Mad clown said
The nurse then looked at her clipboard and notice that they currently had a vacancy in a room on the third floor.
"Ahh...I can set you up on the third floor. You'll have a roommate for now, but it's better than nothing. He's a young blond child. He isn't a resident, but he's a nice boy. I think you'll get along fine." the nurse smiled as she led the two to the room.
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With all the commotion currently surrounding wave country, Konoha was totally opposite. The attack by Malhavoc and Zabuza along with their squadrons of ninjas was beginning to become a distant memory. The town was almost back to its old self. And the glare of the morning light had once again become an icon of hope and boost of spirits for the people of Konoha. Kakashi was out of the hospital and for the moment was relaxing at home. Shizune was home with him when she wasn't at work or with Tsunade assisting in training Sakura. Everyone was full of hope. One such girl, Sakura Haruno, basked in the beautiful glow of the morning. She had just woken up from her deep slumber.
Inner Sakura
" The morning is so beautiful...it fills me with such hope...and it makes me ever more confident that I'll have you back Naruto-kun...for you...I'll be patient. You waited all your life for me. I can be patient and wait for you to come back for two short years..." Sakura smiled. She was truly full of hope about Naruto and herself. Thanks partially to her revived friendship with Ino, she was positive that she and Naruto can work things out.
Sakura walked downstairs only to be met by her mother.
"Morning dear" Ms. Haruno said, smiling brightly at her daughter.
"Good Morning Mom" Sakura happily hugged her mother
"So did you decide on whether you're going to take the chuunin exam?" Her mother questioned.
"Mom...I think I'm going to do it. With you, Ino, Lady Tsunade, and my Naruto-kun behind me, how could I not strive to succeed?" Sakura had confidence oozing from her
"I'm proud of you dear" Ms. Haruno was happy she decided to take the exam
Inner Sakura
"Yes I know you aren't here Naruto-kun...but you inspired me to be strong...to be more than what I ever thought I could. I promise, I will make you proud of me...and I want to be strong for you...every strong man needs a strong woman by their side. And I will do my best to be that strong woman by your side..." Sakura thought to herself with her head held high
Sakura, as for the rest of Konoha, prepared for the day full of hope. Much to their dismay, they were totally unaware of the perils that two of their own citizens were in back at wave country. But at least for now, Konoha could enjoy a time of normality.
To be continued...
Thank you to everyone that reviews and critiques my fic. I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long. But like I said before, I'm in the transition of moving among other things. I promise once everything settles down again, updates will be more frequent. So thank you for the support and bearing with me.
P.S.- Yeah I know this is late but...HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! (better late than never right)