Chapter 47 Summary: The siege of Konoha by Orochimaru continues and now Sakura has fallen in battle to her own treacherous former teammate just as her mentor Tsunade had. Meanwhile remnants of the Konoha 11 race desperately to the hospital in an effort to save Sakura and Hinata from Sasuke. However, just as Tsunade was saved by an unexpected hero taking up battle against Orochimaru. Sakura herself was rescued from certain death by another unforeseen hero who has now picked up the mantle and is preparing to do battle with the psychotic Uchiha. Meanwhile other battles rage on throughout the Leaf village, as many brave shinobi fights for their lives and their home.
Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath
Chapter 47: "The Battle of Konoha Part. 3"
Sasuke scowled and gritted in teeth in frustration and anger, as he stared at the latest interloper to foil his plans. The Uchiha was infuriated that this green-clad nuisance who he had met in battle once before had managed to protect and save Sakura's life from his Goukakyuu jutsu.
"Look you annoying little bug, I don't have time to waste battling a chakra-less weakling like you. Besides it would be beneath me seeing as I'm an Uchiha, an elite and you're nobody. You're nothing more than some lowly peasant trash who doesn't even belong to a clan just like that pink-haired whore you just saved."
Lee's eyes narrowed upon hearing Sasuke's words and he exhaled a deep breath before saying in an icy tone of voice that no one had ever heard before come from the normally exuberant young shinobi.
"You might insult me all you wish Uchiha, as it meaningless to me and does nothing to diminish the flames of youth that course through my body. However, when you dare to insult and attempt to harm the exquisite flower of beauty that is Sakura-chan, then that does ignite my flames of youth to a blazing degree so hot you will forever regret saying those hateful words and your actions, as they burn you."
Sakura's heart fluttered when she heard Lee's declaration, but then her eyes fell upon the charred back of her defender showing the damage Sasuke's Katon jutsu had done in protecting her. The young kunoichi gasped in horror as she saw the second and third degree burns inflicted on both the outer and underlying layer of skin on Lee's back. The redness, swelling, and blistering was already evident on the young man and Sakura began to weep as the medical knowledge she had learned told her that Lee must be in unbearable pain. Yet, for all the pain she knew he must be enduring, Lee showed no signs or gave any indication to anyone of his suffering. Just as Sakura was about to beg Lee to leave her and get medical treatment for his injuries, Sasuke sneered and spoke with sarcasm.
"Hn, I have no idea what you just said you bushy-browed spandex wearing freak, but I'm guessing it was some sort of threat. You want to fight me nut-job then so be it! I don't even need to use ninjutsu to defeat the likes of you. Taijutsu will due just fine, becuase I still owe you for that beating during the Chunin exams, but don't worry, I'm not going to kill you right off. I think I'll just cripple you and then if there's time you can watch me have another go with your exquisite flower of beauty like I did over a year ago. I'm sure the little slut has been yearning for it ever since the last time."
In the blink of an eye, Lee exploded in a burst of speed and hurtled himself in a rage at the smirking Uchiha, while Sakura shouted out to him in desperate fear and concern.
"No Lee-kun, you can't!"
(Flashback Five Weeks)
Tsunade grinned as she stood in the observation room gazing through a one-way mirror watching her newest protégé and Rock Lee laughing with one another and playing with the all the young children in that ward. Turning to her companion in the room she flashed a cocky smile at the woman and said with amusement.
"This psychological stuff isn't so tough. Maybe I should include it as another skill in my expansive medical expertise as well. What do you think?"
Keko Yamanaka merely rolled her eyes in derisive response before saying with annoyance.
"You got lucky Lady Tsunade, that's all. I'm still not a proponent of throwing two people together each with significant psychological issues, as a way of helping either person out is a proven or logical method of treatment. However, I will admit and I'm glad that it did work in this case for Sakura and Lee."
"I'm pleased that it's worked as well. Sakura has been overcoming her Androphobia thanks to her daily contact with Lee. And he has been slowly reverting back to his exuberant personality and overcoming his depression because of his injuries."
"That's true they both have shown marked improvement over the past several months, but I've also observed that the improvement drops off when they are apart from one another. If Lee isn't around then Sakura reverts back into a guarded defensive posture around other males and is very wary of them. And Lee's enthusiastic character tends to be more subdued when Sakura isn't around. However, both the Androphobia and depression exhibited by both of them has lessened even when they are apart from one another than what it was months ago."
"I've seen what you're talking about as well, which is why I've called you here today. I need to know how much of a psychological blow would it be to Sakura if Lee were not around anymore?"
"That's a difficult question for me to answer Lady Tsunade. Lee has become an important facet in Sakura's life and he's definitely been instrumental in her recovery. How crucial or vital he is to Sakura's healing can't be underestimated and it would definitely be a setback to her if he were not around anymore. Why do you ask, is Lee going somewhere?"
"I certainly hope not, but there is a significant chance that come tomorrow Lee will no longer be with us." Tsunade grimly replied.
"I don't understand?"
"Well, after months of researching the different healing techniques Suna has used on patients who have been injured by Gaara's Sabaku Kyuu (Desert Coffin) jutsu that Temari brought to me. I've developed a surgical procedure based off of that research and in conjunction with some of my own techniques to restore the mobility to Lee's crippled arm and leg. And I've decided to present this option to Lee this afternoon and see if he wishes to undergo this surgery."
"That's wonderful news, I'm sure Lee will agree to the surgery. I know from my counseling sessions with him that it's his dream to be a Konoha shinobi once again."
"Yes Keko, I've no doubt either that he will eagerly agree to have the procedure done no matter what the cost and that's the problem."
"I don't understand Lady Tsunade, what cost do you speak of?"
"His very life." Tsunade somberly answers.
"Is the procedure that dangerous?"
"Yes, it is. I've refused in the past to attempt to operate on Lee because at best he only had a 50/50 chance of surviving the surgery. Lee's injuries are crippling and debilitating to the young man, but they are by no means life-threatening. And I will not risk a person's life with a needless surgery on such odds no matter how much they may beg me to do so."
"I see, so if the odds are so terrible, why are you willing to do the surgery now?"
"Because I made a promise to the young man that if I could find a way to increase the odds for him surviving the surgery then I would make the attempt. And the research I studied of the Suna healing methods they've used has done just that, improved his chances of making it through the procedure."
"By how much?"
Tsunade paused a moment before taking a deep breath and softly replying with a little hesitancy laced in her voice.
"A six to eight percent improvement."
"A six to eight percent improvement is that all! You can't be serious Lady Tsunade?" Keko exclaimed in astonishment.
"It might be a little bit more, possibly as high as ten percent." Tsunade sheepishly retorts in defense.
"Oh as high as ten percent, well that just makes all the difference in the world." Keko mockingly stated, the sarcasm evident in her tone.
"Look Keko, I wish the numbers were better as well, but it's all we've got. Which is why I wanted your analysis of what this will do to Sakura if things go badly for Lee?"
"I can't answer that question, no one can! But if you want my opinion, then I believe it would be a crushing blow to Sakura if Lee were suddenly…..dead! I can with certainty state that it would most definitely be a setback in her psychological recovery."
"I see."
"Furthermore Lady Tsunade, it's as you said, Lee's injuries are not life-threatening. So attempting the surgery even with that minute improvement in his survivability numbers is not warranted in my opinion either. Lee can still live a viable life without the surgery. Why are you even considering doing the procedure?"
"Because I promised the boy I would try to heal him if I could. And it's as you said, it's his dream to be a Konoha shinobi once again. I think you know as well as I do that unless Lee is able to achieve that dream then I don't believe he will ever recover from his depression and it will only grow worse as the years go by for the young man. Tell me I'm wrong in this assessment and I won't attempt the surgery, but I want to make this perfectly clear to you. This is Lee's only chance at returning to the life he once had and the numbers for the procedure aren't going to improve anytime soon. However the time he has left in which I can perform this procedure for Lee grows shorter with each passing day because he is still growing and developing into a man. I either attempt the surgery now or I forever doom Lee to the life he currently has and loathes."
Keko's brow furrowed in deep contemplation, as she thought about what Tsunade had just told her and of her past counseling sessions with Lee. If faced with the harsh prospect of never being a shinobi again that truth would cripple Lee's mind as badly as his body. Keko knew the only thing keeping his hope alive was the belief he held that Lady Tsunade would eventually be able to heal him. As much as the Yamanaka matriarch hated to admit it, the Hokage was right in her assessment of Lee's current psychological makeup. So while Keko would dearly love to tell Tsunade that she was wrong in her evaluation of the bushy-browed young man, she knew that she couldn't and exhaled a heavy sigh before saying with resignation.
"I can't tell you that you're wrong Lady Tsunade. My analysis of Lee's psyche from our past counseling sessions leads me to believe that your assessment is indeed correct. Lee's depression would only grow and intensify over time if he was faced with the prospect of never being a shinobi again. The results of that depression during that time could also manifest into many different ways, none of them good. In the end, I fear he would either hurt himself or others or both because of it. And sadly the odds of that happening are higher than the odds you've presented for a successful surgery for him. So I concur with your decision to risk doing the procedure. All we can do now is pray to Kami that it will be a success not only for Lee's sake, but for Sakura's as well."
"Thank you Keko for your honest analysis of the situation. If you could be so kind as to bring Lee to my office, I'll discuss the procedure with him there and see if he will agree to it, although we both know that he will."
"Hai Hokage-sama, he will. I'll bring him to you straight away."
A few minutes later there was a knock on Tsunade's office door and the blonde Hokage bade the person to enter. The door was opened by Keko Yamanaka who stepped aside to allow Lee to hobble into the office on his crutches with Sakura holding onto his arm to support the crippled youth. Tsunade noticed a slightly pained and defeated expression flash across Lee's face momentarily as Sakura helped him to a chair in front of her desk and took another seat beside him. It was obvious to the Slug Sannin that Lee felt useless because of his condition and was ashamed of needing Sakura's help, but to his credit he kept those feelings hidden from her. There was a look of genuine concern for Lee that Sakura bore upon her face and Tsunade knew the her young apprentice was not going to like the conversation about to take place before the blonde Hokage cleared her throat and asked.
"Ahem, Keko I only requested Lee's presence, why is Sakura here and not attending to her current duties in the children's ward?"
"It's my fault Hokage-sama, please do not be cross with them, I asked Sakura-chan to accompany me. Keko-san informed me you wished to discuss my medical condition and treatment with me. I do not fully grasp the medical field very well, so I asked Sakura-chan to be here to help me understand the healing arts."
"Stop it Lee, that's not true. I asked to come with Lee milady when Kekeo-san said you wanted to discuss a new treatment with him for his injuries. I've studied Lee-kun's case extensively and I know of no new treatment that we can apply to him that hasn't already been done, so I wanted to know what it was and if I could help?"
"I can appreciate your determination Sakura, but this is a private matter between a doctor and patient. It might be best if you return to your duties and….."
"It's alright Hokage-sama, I do not mind if Sakura-chan stays."
'Damn it Lee!' Tsunade inwardly grumbled in frustration before saying.
"Alright Lee, if that is your wish. As you know I promised you that if I could increase the odds of the surgical procedure needed to restore your arm and leg I would let you know. Well after months of researching the different healing techniques Suna has used on patients who have been injured by Gaara's Sabaku Kyuu (Desert Coffin) jutsu. I've developed a surgical procedure based off of that research and in conjunction with some of my own techniques to restore the mobility to your crippled arm and leg. Now I have to warn you that the your survivability odds have only improved slightly, so I wanted to discuss whether or not you wanted to risk the surg…"
"I want the surgery Hokage-sama!" Lee exclaimed without doubt or hesitation interrupting Tsunade,.
"Wait a minute; I know that the survivability odds were only 50/50 at best with the surgery on your limbs. What are the odds now milady?"
"A six to eight percent improvement Sakura, possibly as high as ten percent."
"No Lee you can't, those odds are still much too low to risk your life having the surgery done."
"I don't care what the odds are I want the surgery."
"But you can't risk it!" Sakura declared with fright.
"Enough, I do not wish to argue with you about this! Perhaps Lady Tsunade is correct and I should discuss this matter with her in private."
"You, you don't mean that do you Lee-kun?"
"If you can't support me on my decision then yes Sakura-chan I do."
"I see." Sakura softly replied, the hurt evident in her quivering voice, as she dropped her head down to stare at the floor.
Lee winced upon hearing her reply and inwardly berated himself for hurting the girl he loved, as that was not his intention. Reaching over to gently take hold of her hand, he gave it a reassuring squeeze before saying in a voice filled with contrition.
"I'm sorry Sakura-chan; I didn't mean to hurt you. But you have to understand, I don't just want this surgery…I need this surgery. I want to be the person I was once again and if this procedure can accomplish that for me. Then I am willing to risk my life, because I no longer wish to remain and live as I am. Please try to understand, I want to be a splendid shinobi again."
"I, I understand Lee-kun and I'll support your decision." Sakura softly replied, as she looked up to Lee and gave him a tentative smile, while squeezing his hand before turning her head and addressing Tsunade.
"Shishou Tsunade, if I may I would very much like to assist you with the surgery."
"I'm sorry Sakura, but I can't allow that. Shizune and Hinata will be assisting me tomorrow during the surgery."
"But, but why and why Hinata? Are you displeased me or with my skills to assist you milady? Please don't exclude me from Lee-kun's surgery!"
The buxom blonde Hokage heaved a heavy sigh upon hearing Sakura's desperate questioning and plea to assist in the surgery. Tsunade could see the pained expression on her protégés face and glanced over to Lee who looked as he were about to interject on Sakura's behalf. Holding up her hand to silence both youths Tsunade answered with authority.
"No Sakura, I'm not displeased with you or your medical skills. Truth be told, both you and Hinata have progressed at an outstanding rate in your training of the medical arts. As it stands, the both of you are equal in your abilities and talent in the field of medicine and healing."
"Then why are you allowing Hinata to assist you and not me shishou?"
"Because for this surgical procedure to successful, I need the one special ability Hinata has that you do not…her Kekkei Genkai the Byakugan."
Sakura cocked her head and stared at her mentor in bewilderment and confusion who continued on.
"Sakura, Gaara's Sabaku Kyuu (Desert Coffin) jutsu did not just crush the bones in Lee's left arm and leg. It also did damage to his tendons, muscles, blood vessels and nerves among other things all of which are going to require microsurgical techniques to repair. Using Hinata's advanced Byakugan to see all the damage on a microcellular level will be of great benefit to me. Because of it, I won't have to just blindly cut Lee open and go hacking around trying to find all the damage to fix, but will be able to take the most direct and invasive route to the damage. Essentially, Hinata will be the eyes during surgery helping my hands to mend and heal Lee."
"I see Hinata is more talented and useful to help I am, I understand now milady." Sakura somberly remarks.
"Damn it Sakura did you not hear what I said, you're not any less talented than Hinata! She just happens to have a hereditary ability that I need to make this procedure a success. Besides, even if you had the Byakugan I still wouldn't allow you to assist on Lee's surgery.
"But why can't I help in some capacity?" Sakura pleaded.
"You're too personally involved in the case that's why! I taught you that we physicians follow a code of ethics and do not practice medicine on members of their own family or loved ones unless it is a last resort. The reason for this is that it's difficult if not impossible to remain objective regarding family member or loved one. Doctors who ignore this code run the risk of letting their own needs unconsciously interfere with the needs of the patient they are treating if it is a family member or loved one." Tsunade fired back in heated response.
The buxom blonde Hokage was irritated that she needed to explain to her overwrought apprentice why she couldn't help with Lee's surgery when deep down Sakura knew exactly why she couldn't. After a moment, Tsunade took a deep breath to calm herself, before speaking again in a more subdued tone of voice.
"Sakura, treating a family member or close friend offers a physician too many opportunities for their feelings to conflict with their professional judgment. Your very emotions may cloud your ability to objectively view Lee's condition at a critical moment during the procedure. I know you want to help and I'm sure Lee appreciates it, we all do, but you know I'm right and that it's best for you sit this one out."
Sakura nodded her head in understanding and looked up to the Hokage and said with penitence.
"You're right; you did teach to me the physician's code of ethics that we follow. I did let my emotions cloud my judgment when I asked to assist you. I apologize to you shishou, for my outburst, it won't happen again."
"I'm sure it won't; now why don't you return to your duties while I call Shizune and Hinata in to go over the procedure with them and Lee for tomorrow. Keko if you would be so kind, please escort Sakura back to the children's ward."
"Hai Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade watched the door close behind her newest apprentice and the Yamanaka matriarch as they left her office before turning her attention to the green clad shinobi sitting in front of her. Lee's face held a look of concern, which the blonde Hokage assumed was about his upcoming surgery, as she thought to herself.
'Maybe he's having second thoughts about having the procedure done after seeing how much it upsets Sakura.'
"Lee, there's still time to change your mind about having this surgery done. I can see by the look on your face that you are concerned about it. You don't have to risk your life for this procedure; your injuries are not life-threatening."
"That's where you are wrong Hokage-sama. My injuries are life-threatening because while I still sustain them, I have no life and my flames of youth grow dimmer with each passing day. My concern about the surgery and its success or failure is not for myself but Sakura-chan. I worry about what will happen to her if Kami deems it necessary to extinguish my flames during the procedure and call me to his kingdom. I know I've upset her by agreeing to the surgery and I'm deeply sorry for that, but she needs to understand that I have no other choice other than to undergo the procedure."
"She's upset Lee because she cares about you very much. Sakura would rather see you alive as you are as all of us would, then dead attempting a procedure that ends up costing you your life needlessly."
"I know Sakura-chan cares for me as a friend very much and I care about her a great deal as well. She has suffered much over the past year and I'm glad my friendship with her has helped Sakura-chan overcome much of her pain and heartache during that time and that she values it so much. It makes my flames of youth burn bright knowing that I've helped put a beautiful smile adorning her face once again."
"Are you sure it's only the feelings of friendship Sakura harbors for you and not something more?"
"Hai Hokage-sama, I'm sure the only feelings Sakura-chan has for me are those of friendship."
"But what of your feelings for her are they only feelings of friendship Lee?"
"No, my feelings for the beautiful flowered cherry blossom that is Sakura-chan are much stronger and deeper than mere friendship. I love her, but alas friendship is all I can have with her and I must be content with that, as Sakura-chan 's heart yearns for another."
'Damn, he knows Sakura is in love with Naruto.' Tsunade thought to herself as she listened on.
"It's actually funny in a sad kind of way. I can't even dislike the person who holds Sakura-chan's heart now, as he is one of my closest friends and comrades. He even gave me some advice to try and win her heart by telling me he learned that Sakura-chan feels uncomfortable with open proclamations of love and affection for her. So I've made it a point to no longer embarrass Sakura-chan with my public declarations of love for her or incessantly bothering her for dates as I did in the past. I decided I should just let her open her heart to me on her own and pray to Kami that it will happen someday, even though deep down I know that it never will."
"A girl's heart can change Lee."
"Perhaps, but even if I was lucky enough for that to happen to me, Sakura-chan deserves someone who isn't a broken wreck both in mind and body. I'm unworthy to be with the likes of a beautiful and special flower as Sakura-chan. Because right now all I am is a shinobi warrior trapped in a derelict body and even my flames of youth can't change that fact."
Tsunade could only shake her head with regret as she listened to Lee. It saddened the blonde Hokage greatly that for all these two young people had endured recently in their short lives, they still seemed forever crossed from loving one another and sharing a long and happy life together.
As Keko and Sakura quietly walked the corridors of the hospital back to the children's ward, the Yamanaka matriarch broke the silence and asked.
"You care for Lee a great deal don't you?"
"Hai, I do. Lee-kun has been my only friend since my betrayal and I don't think I could have survived without that friendship this past year. I'm very grateful that Lee chose not to shun me like the others although I wouldn't have blamed him if he had, just as I don't blame them."
"Well, Lee cares a great deal about you as well Sakura."
"Hai, I'm thankful that he still considers me a friend after what I did and what had happened to me."
"Are you sure it's only the feelings of friendship Lee harbors for you and not something more and are you sure you don't have similar feelings for him too?"
"Hai Keko-san, I'm sure the only feelings Lee-kun has for me now are those of friendship. Before I committed my act of betrayal to everyone, Lee-kun used to profess his love for me and ask me out almost as much as Naruto did in the past, but he hasn't done that once since my return to the village. I know he no longer feels the same way about me as he once did and that's alright. As for my feelings for him, perhaps they could grow into something more than just friendship for Lee-kun, but he deserves better than the likes of me."
"What do you mean Sakura?"
"I mean that Lee-kun is a wonderful person and is worthy of having a girl who isn't a broken wreck both in mind and body like I am. After what Sasuke did to me, I don't blame him for not looking upon me in a romantic sense anymore. Lee-kun deserves a girl who is pure of heart, mind, and of body, not one who is used and dirty like me."
"You, you can't mean that?" Keko stammered while visibly wincing after hearing Sakura's declaration.
"Of course I meant it because it's true, if I were in Lee-kun's position, I wouldn't want me anymore either. I'm not upset about it, because I'm not worthy to be with Lee-kun in such a way. In the past I had trampled on his feelings for me almost as badly as I did to Naruto-kun. What Sasuke did and had done to me I deserved and it's merely Kami's punishment for my past sins against the people I should have cared about like Lee and Naruto-kun, but didn't because I was so fixated on Sasuke. I'm just thankful that Kami took pity on me and blessed me by having Lee-kun still in my life even if it will only be as a friend and nothing more." Sakura replied in a calm voice, but with a sad smile on her face.
Keko was stunned and grew concerned that Sakura still believed that what had happened to her was justified or somehow deserving in the young girls mind. Also the manner and tone upon which Sakura had spoken left no doubt in the counselors mind that the girl was being sincere in those beliefs. Keko's brow furrowed slightly as she thought about what to do to break Sakura away from this line of thinking when she heard the young kunoichi say.
"Thank you for escorting me back Keko-san."
"You're-you're welcome Sakura, I'll see again at our next appointed counseling session."
"Hai Keko-san."
As the Yamanaka matriarch watched Sakura re-enter the children's ward to the cheers of the kids inside, she could only shake her head with regret when she thought about Sakura and Lee. They were two people both of whom had been injured extensively both in mind and body. Yet the two of them had also helped to heal one another significantly because of the bond they had formed together. It was obvious that both of them cared deeply for each other, but Keko knew that so long as Sakura believed that what happened to her at the hands of Sasuke had made her unworthy to be with Lee in her eyes. Then friendship is all that would ever exist between the two of them and that saddened Keko greatly.
(End of Flashback)
Sakura could only watch the epic battle between Sasuke and Rock Lee taking place before her with a mixture of awe and fear. The awe was the amazing display of power and speed both combatants were displaying. The fear was the fact that Sasuke had already defeated Hinata and then herself in a vicious fashion. And Sakura knew that Lee would have had a difficult time defeating a normal Sasuke when he was at the peak of health. Now the green-clad youth was fighting for his life, for all of their lives against an enraged Sasuke in his cursed form state, while he himself was still recovering from his surgery.
Still it was a testament to Lee's incredible willpower that he could even battle and match the remarkable speed the Uchiha had attained using his curse power after such a short time in recovery. Both foes were moving so quickly that at times all Sakura could see was a green and black blur colliding with one another in the air and on the ground. The impact of these collisions so powerful, one could actually hear the recognizable sounds of punches and kicks being blocked and landed between the two young men.
Sasuke looked up and saw Lee coming at him with an axe kick and quickly dove to the side as Lee's heel struck the ground. The impact of the kick left a sizable crater reminiscent of the Tsuuten Kyaku (Bruising Sky Leg) technique Sakara had attempted to use on him earlier. Sasuke jumped up and attempted to hit his foe with a roundhouse kick to the face, which Lee blocked with his right arm before throwing a punch with his left arm aimed at the Uchiha's stomach.
Sasuke caught Lee's forearm and using the momentum of the punch turned around and wrenched the ninja's arm attempting to lift his opponent high in the air at first before flipping him over his shoulder and slamming Lee back first onto the ground. However, the green clad youth grabbed onto Sasuke's arm and allowed the Uchiha to complete his taijutsu maneuver and Lee flipped over, but instead of landing on his back he landed deftly onto his feet, while still maintaining his grip and using the momentum of the initial counterattack hurled Sasuke over his shoulder. The Uchiha youth spun in the air after Lee threw him and landed on his own feet several feet away, as the two combatants stood and glared at each other.
After a moment, Lee cocked one of his bushy eyebrows and he flashed a wide smile, while striking a pose and giving the thumbs up to his opponent. Sasuke face bore a look of bewilderment upon seeing this before his eyes narrowed with hate and he gritted his teeth in rage, as he thought to himself.
'This, this asshole is actually enjoying our fight! How dare this clan-less peasant trash mock me by having fun, I'll kill him!'
"You bastard, you think this is fun, I'll kill you for mocking me!" Sasuke shouted with a vengeance before charging at Lee with a kunai in his hand.
Lee looked up to see Sasuke charging towards him, his kunai poised to strike. The green-clad youth bent backwards to avoid the enraged slash before unleashing a powerful kick that knocked the weapon out of Sasuke's hand sending it flying. Lee attempted to follow up with a roundhouse kick, but Sasuke managed to grab his leg and with his enhanced cursed-seal strength threw him several yards away. For his part Lee flipped in the air before landing nimbly on his feet and resumed his normal taijutsu stance before looking up and grinning at the Uchiha once more.
This infuriated Sasuke and he rushed forward at astonishing speed.
Still grinning Lee quickly ducked to the ground before Sasuke could hit him with a right hook and rolled several feet to his opponents left. Flipping up off the ground and landing on his feet Lee attempted a spinning back-fist and swiveled 360 degrees adding extra momentum to the attack. Sasuke brought his right arm up to block the punch before being forced to tilt his head to the side when Lee had spun around the other direction and threw a quick and explosive straight jab at his face.
Not giving his foe a chance to recover, Lee lashed out with a powerful front kick, as Sasuke leapt to the side to avoid it. However, Lee used the momentum from his kick to pivot on his feet and spun around to snap off a roundhouse kick directed at Sasuke's ribs. The Uchiha was barely able to raise his right leg up in time to block the kick. It was then Sasuke realized that his opponent's punches and kicks had more force behind them from the right side of Lee's body and not the left. But before he could ponder on this any further, Lee had resumed his attack.
As Lee struck forward, he unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks with such amazing speed that if it wasn't for the Sharingan helping Sasuke to dodge, weave, and block all of the blows this taijutsu fight would have been over long ago. When Lee paused a moment, Sasuke quickly counter-attacked by letting loose a volley of rapid punches and kicks of his own forcing Lee to initiate a series of back-flips causing Sasuke to miss every attack as he rushed forward chasing after his foe. So furious and intent was the Uchiha in landing a blow he allowed his momentum to carry him too far forward and Lee was able to kick up during one of his back-flips and struck a blow right under Sasuke's chin sending him flying backwards through the air before landing with a sickening thud on his back.
Lee instantly reversed direction and somersaulted forward while leaping into the air to deliver a downward axe kick. Unable to dodge the attack, Sasuke raised his arms into a crisscross pattern and blocked the kick. However, unlike the previous kick Sasuke had blocked, this kick had been delivered by Lee's right leg and impacted with much more power causing the Uchiha to grunt in pain. Sasuke realized that had it not been for his cursed-seal powers enhancing his strength, there was no doubt that the kick would have snapped both of his arms like a twig. Enraged at actually being hurt by Lee, Sasuke sped through a series of hand-signs and shouted.
"Goukakyuu no Jutsu!" (Great Fireball Technique)
The Uchiha then drew some chakra from his mouth into his chest and then immediately exhaled it blowing a stream of fire, which erupted into a large sphere of flames, as he brought his hand up to his mouth to control and direct it towards Lee. Fortunately, the taijutsu specialist of Team #9 was able to once again launch into a series of back-flips and avoid the fireball, while putting some distance between himself and his Uchiha opponent. As Sasuke rose to his feet and saw Lee land on his feet, he glared with rage at his green clad foe who sarcastically commented.
"I guess you do need to use ninjutsu to defeat the likes of me Uchiha!"
Sasuke's only response to Lee's mocking taunt of throwing his own words back into his face was to grit his teeth in fury and aggravation, as he glared murderously at his opponent while thinking to himself.
'This bastard dares to mock me, an Uchiha, an elite! I swear to Kami I'll make this lowlife village trash pay for that before the day is through. This son of a bitch is fighting me exactly how that slut Sakura did. He keeps moving around so fast that I can't even catch him in a genjutsu attack because the asshole refuses to look directly at me while we've been fighting. I wonder if it was this prick who taught Sakura how to fight?'
However, before Sasuke could reflect any further on his thoughts, Lee stood upright and standing tall, straight, and proud with his left arm tucked behind his back and his right arm extended in front of him, palm up with fingers motioning for Sasuke to approach to him as he declared.
"Come Uchiha; let us resume our magnificent battle! The fires of youth burn bright and hot within me and you must be brought to justice for the crimes you've committed!"
"Hn, as if you could, I'm an Uchiha, an elite, nobody can beat me!"
"I'm glad you feel that way, because didn't you refer to me earlier as nobody." Lee replied with a grin mocking Sasuke's very own words yet again.
"Die you spandex wearing freak, Gouryuuka no Jutsu!" (Great Dragon Fire Technique)
Sasuke screamed with homicidal rage, as his purplish black colored chakra flared around him before he began firing off a series of dragonhead fireballs at Lee in an attempt to incinerate his contemptuous opponent once and for all.
Utilizing the amazing speed he had developed over the years of rigorous training with Might Gai, Lee was able to dodge and weave around the multitude of fireballs fired at him, while advancing towards Sasuke. Lee was thankful that he had decided to forgo his ankle weights and had removed them before entering the battle against the maniacal Uchiha. Normally, he would have kept them on and used their release as a trump card against an opponent, as he had against Gaara during the Chunin exam. However, the green clad youth had surmised correctly that he would need every bit of speed he could muster to fight against a cursed-seal opponent.
Sasuke was growing increasingly frustrated as he fired off one fireball after another at his charging opponent only to see Lee zigzag and dodge each one while approaching ever closer to his position. Before he knew it, Lee was suddenly in front of him and Sasuke was forced to dodge a fist aimed for his face. Tilting his head from side to side to avoid the flurry of punches Lee was hurtling at him Sasuke attempted to snap off a sidekick to his foe's chin. However, Lee made no attempt to dodge the strike, but instead raised his left arm to parry the kick, while bringing his right leg up and delivering a mid-body roundhouse kick to Sasuke's ribs. An audible gasp of pain escaped from Sasuke's mouth and quickly flashed through some hand signs and shouted.
"Senei Jashu!" (Hidden Shadow Snake Hands)
Suddenly, two large snakes shot forth and extended from Sasuke's sleeves at Lee in an attempt to bite into him to hold and bind the green clad youth in place. However, before the elongated serpents could sink their fangs into the taijutsu warrior he shouted out.
"Kanadzuchi-kobushi!" (Hammer-fist)
Instantly Lee brought of his both fists crashing down onto the skulls of the serpents crushing them completely. Using this momentary respite, Sasuke backed flipped away to put some distance between himself and Lee, as his opponent had leapt up and spun around in an attempt to land a jumping spin-hook kick as soon as he had dispatched the snakes. Sasuke's ribs ached as he jumped backwards into the air, avoiding the kick before landing and assuming a defensive taijutsu stance bringing up his arms in a self-protective pattern.
It was then the Uchiha noticed that the snake that had attacked the left side of Lee's body was writhing on the ground dying, while the snake that had attacked the right side had been killed instantly. Remembering the fight and now seeing physical evidence before him, Sasuke realized there was a severe discrepancy in the power Lee exhibited between the right and left side of his body. It was then a memory long forgotten by the Uchiha surfaced and he smirked with buoyed confidence before saying with laughing contempt.
"I remember now, I didn't get a chance to see it, but I heard about it. That sand freak Gaara at the Chunin exams crippled you. He crushed your left arm and leg in the preliminary round. You must have gotten healed somehow probably by that old hag of a Sannin Tsunade. It must have been fairly recent though since there's such a wide gap in strength between the attacks you use depending upon which side they come from. You haven't had time to fully heal yet and build your body back up to what it once was. Ha, ha, ha, you should just give up now that I know your weakness!"
"That is true Sasuke; I was defeated at the hands of Gaara, something I believe we share in common. Fortunately for you our comrade Naruto was able to save you and defeat Gaara; I regrettably was not afforded that luxury as you were."
Sasuke face flushed crimson in fury at being reminded that Naruto had to save him from Gaara, as Lee continued on.
"You may have discovered current impairment and you're correct I haven't had time to rebuild my body into the splendid shinobi I once was, but I shall. And while the flames of youth burn within me I will never give up to the likes of you."
"Hn, your funeral then freak, but then again since you were stupid enough to attack an Uchiha, it always was."
Sasuke then launched himself at Lee and began throwing kicks and punches all directed towards the left side of his body. Lee was forced into a defensive posture and dodged and blocked all of the blows, but the attacks were weakening him considerably, as the strength it took to block a blow was waning fast. As the Uchiha continued his relentless assault he shouted out with derisive glee.
"I've decided I am going to keep my promise and kill you using nothing but the fighting style you so dearly love you bushy-browed asshole….taijutsu!"
Lee realized he needed to end this fight quickly or Sasuke may be able to carry through with his promise as his strength was deteriorating quickly and the pain from his back that he had been heroically suppressing was starting to overcome his willpower to block it out. The green clad shinobi attempted to counterattack and lashed out with a punch aimed at Sasuke's head. Unfortunately, the Uchiha ducked under the punch and countered with a powerful roundhouse kick to Lee's chest that sent him flying backwards before slamming into the outer wall that surrounded the hospital.
Lee screamed out in agony as his back impacted the stone wall with tremendous force actually cracking the structure upon hitting it. As Lee slid down the wall to his feet one could see blood and bits of burnt flash remain on the coarse surface of the wall marking in grotesque detail where he had hit the edifice and subsequently landed. Upon impacting the wall, Lee's vision had gone white momentarily and he had nearly passed out from the pain. It was only through a supreme effort of willpower on his part that had prevented that from happening. Looking up, he saw Sasuke deactivate his Sharingan and arrogantly stride towards him with a look of conceited self-confidence etched on his face, as he snidely and mockingly asked.
"Well loser, what's happened to all that impressive speed and strength of yours from earlier? Tell me, where are your flames of youth you've prattled on about throughout this fight? Are those flames going to save you now? Because if this is the best you've got left in you, I think I'll just finish this fight and you off once and for all!"
Lee silently rose from the ground and wiped some blood from his mouth before dusting himself off, while turning to gaze intently at his Uchiha opponent. Sasuke actually stopped when he caught sight of the cold and ruthless visage his green clad foe now bore upon his face. It was then the Uchiha youth heard Lee speak in an icy and deadly tone of voice, while unwrapping a portion of the bandages tied around his arms.
"You are correct Uchiha, it is time to end this battle, but you're wrong about who will be finishing it. The flames of youth which you mock still burn brightly within me and through its power I will now defeat you and bring you to justice to pay for all of the unforgivable sins and atrocities you have committed."
Lee closed his eyes then crossed his arms together in front of him while thinking to himself with unease and apprehension.
'I have no choice, but to use those techniques. I've got to combine the Omote Renge (Front Lotus) and the Ura Renge (Reverse Lotus) into one merged attack to stop Sasuke once and for all. I pray to Kami that my flames of youth are strong enough to do this. Because if I fail, there will be no one to stop him from harming Sakura-chan, Hinata, and the hospital.'
Lee then quietly uttered.
"Kaimon." (Initial Gate)
Unseen by Sasuke was the release of the first of his body's Celestial Gates or Hachimon, which are the eight valves located along the spine, heart and brain responsible for regulating the flow of chakra by the chakra circulatory system each person has within them. By opening the first of the Celestial Gates, the Initial Gate, Lee released the restraints in his brain and dramatically increased his speed and power at that moment.
A moment later, Lee softly called out.
"Kyuumon." (Rest Gate)
Instantly, the second Celestial Gates in his brain was released and Lee's stamina shot up significantly, while the pain he had been enduring lessened and he began to heal and recover after being weakened by his battle with Sasuke. It was when Lee quietly called out and released the third Celestial Gate in his spine that people could now physically see and feel the significant power increase happening within the green clad young man.
"Seimon." (Life Gate)
Instantaneously a red colored chakra flare erupted from Lee's body bathing the young shinobi in an aura of crimson. Sasuke quickly activated his Sharingan to try and understand what was going on as the ground began to slowly vibrate and he looked over to see stones actually levitating in the air around Lee from the power he was producing.
'No Lee-kun, not the forbidden lotus techniques! You can die from using those techniques!' Sakura shouted within her mind, as she stared with fear and deep concern for Lee, his eyes glazed over white and all of the veins on his body flexing outward against his skin.
Sakura knew from her conversations with both Kakashi and Might Gai at the Chunin exams where she had first witnessed Lee employ those forbidden techniques against Gaara. And what she had learned from Tsunade of the damage and results those techniques can do to a person utilizing them. That by forcing the body to open these gates, which allows a ninja to release ten times the usual amount of power that such an increase of power comes at a terrible price, as each subsequent gate is opened; the ninja increases the damage to their body and comes closer to death.
'Lee-kun you baka! Please don't do this and get yourself killed now after we came so close to losing you a few weeks ago.' Sakura pleadingly thought to herself as she held onto Hinata in an effort to stabilize the unconscious girl from the trembling ground.
(Flashback Four Weeks and Six Days)
"The operation room is fully stocked with all the instruments and medical supplies you will need for the surgery Shishou Tsunade."
"Thank you Sakura, now are you sure you didn't forget anything?"
"No milady, I tripled checked everything."
"Very good, now why don't you go up to your room and get some rest. I will send for you the moment we are finished with Lee's surgery."
"If it's all the same, I'd rather stay close by. I'll be in the waiting room outside of the surgical center in case you do need me for something, if that's all right with you milady?"
"It's fine Sakura if that is what you want. I have to warn you though that Lee's procedure may take several hours to complete."
"I understand, I don't mind waiting, really I don't."
As Tsunade escorted her newest protégé to the surgical center waiting room and left her there, she felt a twinge of guilt in not allowing the girl to assist with Lee's surgery seeing how much Sakura had wanted to help. However, the blonde Hokage knew it was the right thing to do and walked into the O.R. where Shizune, Hinata, and Rock Lee were waiting for her. Seeing the patient already anesthetized and unconscious Tsunade addressed her surgical team.
"Shizune, how are Lee's vitals?"
"Blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate are all stable and good Lady Tsunade."
"Hinata, are you ready for this? This surgery is going to take a long time to finish and it will be very taxing to even your newly evolved Byakugan. Are you sure you're strong enough to handle this?"
"I, I understand, but I have no choice but to be strong enough to do this. From what you've said, this is Lee-kun's last hope at being healed, so I've got to be strong enough. I've taken a soldier pill to increase my chakra reserves, so I should be alright. I promise you Lady Tsunade, I won't let you down."
"I know you won't Hinata and I'm just thankful that you've advanced your bloodline technique to a degree where you can actually see on a microcellular level now. That's truly a remarkable feat on your part and because of it has increased the odds of this surgery being a success."
"I hope so Lady Tsunade." Hinata softly replied with a twinge of anxiety ringing in her voice, as the Hyuga girl wondered if she would be able to pull this off.
"Alright, let's get this started. Shizune you monitor all the vitals and handle the anesthesia. Hinata you and I will begin on Lee's left arm. Remember, we've got two lives riding on this surgery, Lee's and to an extent Sakura's as well. So let's concentrate, do our jobs, and I know between the talent and skills all three of us possess that we will be successful." Tsunade declared with confidence and praise."
"Actually Lady Tsunade, there are three lives at stake." Shizune quietly said.
"Three lives, what are you talking about?"
"Umm, well Lee's Sensei Might Gai made a promise to Lee when the young man was feeling some…..well anxiety about possibly dying from the procedure. Gai-san told Lee not to concern himself with that possibility because if Kami had decreed that Lee is to leave our world and enter his, then Lee would not be traveling to Kami's realm alone."
"I don't understand?"
"Right now Gai-san is in the hospital shrine waiting for news about Lee and the surgery. It's imperative that the news he receives be good Lady Tsunade."
"And if it's not Shizune?"
"Then Gai-kun has already bathed, dressed in white ceremonial robes, and eaten his favorite meal all in preparation for him to initiate the Seppuku ritual." Shizune morosely replied.
Tsunade's eyes grew wide with shock and she stammered.
"You, you mean he's going to…."
"Yes Lady Tsunade."
"I don't understand, what is this Seppuku ritual?" Hinata asked with confusion.
"Seppuku is also known as Harakiri (cutting the belly) Hinata and if what Shizune says is true."
"Then Gai-Sensei plans to kill himself if Lee-kun doesn't survive the surgery!" Hinata exclaimed with horror.
"Damn that spandex wearing fool! Why would he do this?" Tsunade openly griped with anger.
"It's as I said, he made a promise to Lee that the young man would not have to travel the road alone to Kami's realm and they would travel the road together, as they did in this realm."
"Well thank you Shizune for informing us of this. It's just what we need added into this procedure, more PRESSURE!" Tsunade bellowed sarcastically.
After a moment, Tsunade took a deep breath to calm herself before stating in a more calm and reserved tone of voice.
"Ok, nothing has changed, let's do our jobs and make this boy a shinobi again and it will solve everyone's problem. Are two ready?"
"Hai Hokage-sama." Both Hinata and Shizune replied in unison.
"Then let us begin."
Several hours later, Tsunade was finishing up on the final connections to an array of severed nerves in Lee's leg. The surgery had been arduous, even more so than what Tsunade had expected, as she and the rest of her team were nearly exhausted from the ordeal. However, the blonde Hokage was both thankful and appreciative that Hinata's advanced Kekkei Genkai had helped so much during the procedure. Tsunade had realized that without it this surgery would have been a futile effort on their part. For the damage Gaara had done had been much more extensive then what Tsunade had originally thought it would be. But thanks to Hinata they had been able to assess and repair the damage more quickly, cleanly, and accurately and now they were nearly finished because of her. Calling out as she had done throughout the entire surgery Tsunade asked.
"Have I reconnected the T-4 section of the iliohypogastric nerve and sutured it properly?"
Not hearing an answer from the young Hyuga girl Tsunade asked again.
"Hinata, have I reconnected the T-4 section of the iliohypogastric nerve and sutured it properly?"
Again not hearing a reply the blonde Hokage grew aggravated.
"Hinata, I asked you a question, why don't you answer my ques…..?"
Tsunade gasped and ceased her question when she looked up and saw Hinata sweating profusely and blinking rapidly while staring at Lee's leg. What had shocked Tsunade were the rivulets of blood streaming from around Hinata's eyes and rolling down her cheeks, as the young Hyuga girl stammered in a strained voice.
"I'm, I'm sorry Lady Tsunade. Please give me moment, as I'm having some difficulty focusing my Byakugan."
"Hinata are you all right, do you need to stop?"
"I'll be alright Lady Tsunade; please let us finish this surgery, as I don't know how much longer I can maintain my Byakugan?"
"Alright, let's finish this. Now have I reconnected the T-4 section of the iliohypogastric nerve and sut…."
"Hai Lady Tsunade." Hinata quickly answered.
For the next hour Tsunade and Hinata worked feverishly to finish up Lee's operation. Just as they finished, Hinata deactivated her Byakugan and nearly passed out from its over usage by her, but before Tsunade could go over and help the girl an alarm on one of the monitors blared to life and Shizune cried out in desperation.
"Lee's heart rate and blood pressure are dropping fast. Oh Kami, I've got no pulse Lady Tsunade!"
"Damn it to hell, Lee's been under anesthesia too long and the strain of the operation on his body has caused him to go into Cardiac Arrest! Shizune administer to Lee .05 mg of adrenaline diluted with normal saline in a syringe. I'll begin to send chakra pulses to resuscitate his heart, while you Hinata take this breather bag and keep Lee's lungs ventilated."
After a few of frantic minutes, everything the blonde medical specialist had tried was to no avail. Lee's heart had not started beating on its own again, nor was he breathing on his own. Finally, Tsunade cussed in frustration.
"Damn it, it's no good! My chakra pulses aren't strong enough to get his heart going again, we need a stronger stimulant! Shizune, get me the heart defibrillator.
"But Lady Tsunade, we haven't had a chance to test that mechanism out yet!"
"No time like the present, just get the damn machine or Lee is as good as dead!"
"La-Lady Tsunade, what is this heart defibrillator?" Hinata questioned with curiosity.
"It's a machine I invented a few months ago to stimulate the heart into beating again by sending an electrical pulse to resuscitate the organ."
"How in the world did you come up with that and will such a treatment work?"
"Well I got the idea for the machine after witnessing a patient resuscitated by Kakashi using a low level variation of his Chidori. So to answer your question Hinata, yes the treatment does work."
"The machine is ready Lady Tsunade."
"Good, charge to 200 joules Shizune!"
"Charged!"
"Clear!" Tsunade called out as Hinata and Shizune stepped back from Lee.
The blonde Hokage then slammed the electrode paddles she was holding onto specific areas of Lee's chest and released the charge as the young man's entire body convulsed. Shizune quickly checked for a pulse while Hinata resumed her previous job on the breather bag. Unfortunately, Shizune looked up and shook her head.
"Charge to 300 joules!"
"Charged!"
"Clear!"
Once more Tsunade slammed the paddles onto the chest of Lee and his body jumped up in convulsion once again. Shizune quickly checked once more for a pulse and shook her head in sorrow.
"Kami damn it Lee, you are not going to die us now! You can't, not after all the work we've done to repair and heal you! Charge to 350 joules!" Tsunade cussed with furious aggravation.
"Charged!"
"Clear!"
"Kami damn it Lee…LIVE!" Tsunade screamed at her unconscious patient before slamming the paddles she held once more onto Lee's chest and his body convulsed yet again.
Shizune checked once more for a pulse and a smile spread across her face and she said with glee.
"I have a pulse and it's getting stronger. Hinata stop the breather bag and see if he's breathing on his own?"
Hinata removed the breather bag ventilator and knelt down towards Lee's face and after a moment a smile spread across her face, as she could feel his breath tickling her ear. Soon after that, everyone present could see a noticeable rhythmic swelling of Lee's chest. At that moment, Tsunade, Shizune and Hinata exhaled a collective heavy sigh of relief. Hinata looked up and gazed at Tsunade with wonder before saying in admiration.
"That was amazing Lady Tsunade!"
"Thank you Hinata, I'm just glad the damn thing worked."
However, the smile adorning Tsunade's face from Hinata's compliment disappeared when you saw the young Hyuga girl collapse to the floor.
"Hinata!" Both Tsunade and Shizune shouted in unison, as they rushed over to check on her condition.
After a moment they sighed in relief once more as Shizune commented.
"All of Hinata's life signs are good. Right now the poor girl is simply exhausted due to the mental strain she's been under using her Byakugan so much during the operation. What she needs right now is rest more than anything else."
"Well thank Kami for that, we couldn't have pulled off this surgery without her. How are Lee's life signs doing?"
"Lee's vitals are good and getting stronger. I think he's going to make it, thank Kami for that as well. But we won't know if the operation was a success or not until he's brought out of sedation."
"We'll test his tactile responses on the arm and leg in a few hours." Tsunade replied, before ordering some nurses to get Lee and Hinata situated into a surgical recovery room and for Shizune to supervise the transfer of the both of them.
It was then the weary blonde Hokage made her way to the waiting room outside of the surgical center to find Sakura curled up in a chair asleep. Upon being awakened and informed that Lee had survived the surgery. The pink-haired kunoichi leapt up and with tears in her eyes hugged Tsunade fiercely while thanking the woman and Kami numerous times. As Tsunade watched the young girl race off to help Shizune with Lee and Hinata, the Slug Sannin knew there was one more person she needed to inform.
Upon entering the shrine of the hospital, Tsunade noticed Might Gai positioned in the center of the shrine and was indeed dressed in a formal ceremonial white robe with a sword placed in front of him. It appeared that Gai was also seated on special cloths and had written a death poem or passage in preparation for his death to leave behind for others to view. Tsunade smirked a bit before marching her way over to the infamous sexy green beast of Konoha to give him the good news about his student.
A few hours later Tsunade, Shizune, Sakura, Hinata, and Gai were anxiously gathered in Lee's hospital room hoping and praying that his surgery had been a success. As Tsunade approached she spoke to her very groggy bed-ridden patient while Sakura held his left hand.
"Lee, I want you to squeeze Sakura's hand. Can feel it? Squeeze her hand Lee."
After a few tense moments, Sakura's face lit up and she exclaimed, while smiling from ear to ear.
"I felt it, he squeezed my hand!"
Everyone erupted into a joyous cheer before Tsunade raised her hand to silence them and said.
"Save your applause until after we find out about his leg."
The blonde Hokage then knelt by Lee's left foot and using a dull kunai began raking the instrument across the young man's foot and toes and ordered.
"Lee I want you to wiggle your foot and toes."
There was no response or reaction from the limb and Tsunade called out louder a second time.
"C'mon Lee, wiggle your foot and toes for me!"
Again there was no response or reaction from the limb, which prompted Gai in his own unique fashion to command in a thunderous voice.
"Lee show the Hokage and the world that the flames of youth have not been extinguished in your limb and wiggle those little piggy's!"
"Hai Gai-Sensei." Lee mumbled incoherently, before his left foot twitched and his toes began slowly moving around prompting everyone to erupt once again in a happy and joyous celebration for the young man.
(End of Flashback)
'That was a wonderful day Lee-kun, especially after Lady Tsunade told us how close we came to losing you, which is why you shouldn't be here fighting Sasuke! She told you that it would take six months to a year before you were able to return to your fighting form before your injury. And even though you've been pushing yourself by resuming your training with Gai-Sensei to get back to that condition faster, you're still not healed enough or strong enough to take on a madman like Sasuke. I will never forgive you if go and get yourself killed by saving the likes of me!'
Sakura thought to herself as she heard and saw Lee releasing the fourth Celestial Gate located in his spine.
"Shoumon!" (Wound Gate)
The red chakra surrounding Lee's body flared up once again upon the opening of the fourth gate indicating another massive increase in speed and power for the young shinobi. Now Lee had reached the stage where so much power was coursing through his body that usage of it would actually begin to tear his body's muscles.
For his part as he stared at Lee and though he was loath to admit it, Sasuke was starting to grow concerned with current situation, as his purplish black colored chakra flared and swirled chaotically and violently around him. Sasuke couldn't understand what Lee was doing, as even his Sharingan was unable to decipher exactly what was happening either. The Uchiha looked over to see Sakura staring at Lee with a mixture of fear and distress etched upon her face. It was then that Sasuke heard Lee shout.
"Tomon!" (Limit Gate)
Again a huge red flare of chakra erupted around Lee and Sasuke actually felt the wave of power wash over him as the fifth Celestial Gate located in his opponent's spine was opened. The Uchiha also took note that the stones that had been levitating around Lee's body were beginning to crumble to dust. While the very ground they stood upon began to rumble and shake as if experiencing a small earthquake.
"What the Hell is going on? You go find someone who can explain to me what is happening?" Shizune shouted through her surgical face mask to a nurse, as the entire hospital vibrated and shook.
A minute later a Chunin came into the Obstetrics ward of the hospital and said.
"It's Rock Lee Shizune-sama, he went out to engage Sasuke Uchiha in battle and now he's initiated some sort of technique that has him glowing in an aura of red chakra."
'No, not the forbidden lotus techniques, he could tear his body apart using those techniques!' Shizune thought with concern for a moment before returning her attention to the task at hand and said.
"How are Kurenai's vitals doing?"
"They're fluctuating ma'am."
"Damn it Kurenai, just hold on a little bit longer." Shizune declared, as she made the final incision through Kurenai's abdomen and uterus to deliver her baby by Caesarean Section.
"What do you wish us to do about Rock Lee Shizune-sama?" The Chunin messenger asked.
"Pray to Kami that he's successful in defeating the Uchiha because that's all we can do at the moment. What's the status of the hospital, do we still have Oto shinobi attempting to gain entry?" Shizune queried as she reached in to extract Kurenai's child.
"We've secured the hospital ma'am. It was touch and go there for a bit, but thanks to the intervention of some of the patients like Rock Lee, we were able to hold the line and prevent them from gaining any further access into the hospital. We've even re-established an entry point out back where the wounded from the invasion can now enter the hospital again."
"Good, I'll be down there in a moment to check on the newly arriving casualties. Return to your post and keep me informed about what's happening with the Uchiha and Lee. As soon as I have some available personnel, I want to form a rescue party to retrieve Hinata and Sakura and to help out Lee if we can."
"Hai Shizune-sama!"
A soon as the Chunin exited the obstetrics surgical room Shizune gently removed Kurenai's baby and cut the umbilical cord. Giving the newborn boy a smack on its bottom, he gave the welcomed sound of crying. However, what surprised Shizune the most about the child was the small shock of gravity defying silver hair that stood upright on his head, as she thought to herself.
'I'll be damned; I never would have guessed him to be the father.'
Cradling the child briefly before handing him off to a nurse, Shizune ordered with authority.
"Take this child to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and you Doctor No, will you finish the closing of the patient while I attend to the newly arrived injured."
"Of course Shizune-sama."
As Shizune made her way downstairs to the new triage area the hospital staff had created in the cafeteria. The first apprentice and protégé of the legendary Sannin Tsunade steeled herself for what could be waiting for her with the casualties. Upon entering the makeshift triage center Shizune was genuinely surprised at how orderly the room was and more importantly how many casualties were there, as she had been expecting a higher number. All of the shinobi with minor injuries had been or were being taken care of in a prepared fashion by the hospital staff, while all the doctors available worked on the more critically wounded. The sight was truly a testament to how well-trained and organized Tsunade had made the hospital staff since her arrival. Shizune saw that it appeared most of the wounded were coming in from the battle at the rear flank of the village. As if on cue confirming her hypothesis a loud scuffle was heard at the entrance into the room, as a woman wearing a tight black fishnet mesh blouse with a short copper-colored skirt and a tan long-coat shrieked and cussed while being carried into the triage center by two haggard Chunin.
"Kami damn it you stupid little shit-stains, you let him get away by taking me away from the battlefield! If I could I would wring both of your bloody necks for doing that!"
"But Anko-sama, you were too injured to continue fighting and it's not as those Kabuto got away unscathed. You had busted him up pretty good in your battle before he retreated." One of the berated Chunin carrying Anko offered up in defense of their actions.
"I don't care how badly I fucked Kabuto up, he was still breathing and in my book that's not enough. You should have let me pursue the slithering four-eyed bastard and finish him off. I swear to Kami I ought to kick you asses and I still might, you had no authority to disobey my commands and bring me here!"
"Actually, we did have authority as Iruka-sama is our comrade and friend and asked us to watch your back during the battle to make sure you didn't get over zealous or out of control. Yes, we disobeyed your orders by pulling you off the frontline and bringing you here for medical aid to your injuries. If you want, you can file charges of insubordination against us later, but we don't regret protecting the life of Iruka-sama's wife and mother of his kids." The other Chunin shinobi sternly fired back tired of being scolded by the Tokubetsu (Special) Jounin kunoichi.
"Anko won't be filing any charges and seeing the extent of her injuries you two did the right thing in pulling her away from the battle and bringing her here." Shizune openly declared, as she finished the medical scan she had been conducting while Anko was shouting at her two subordinates.
"Shizune, when did you get here and why is this damn room vibrating?"
"As for the room, never-mind, as for when I got here, I arrived a couple of minutes ago Anko. You probably would have noticed, but you were too busy admonishing these two Chunin for probably saving your life."
"Bah, I haven't sustained any life ending injuries."
"No you haven't, but the injuries you did receive have reduced your fighting ability to almost zero effectiveness. You have a severe laceration to your left shoulder that needs to be sutured before you lose any more blood. I've also detected numerous internal wounds as several muscles, nerves, and tendons have been cut, which has physically disabled your right leg and left arm. All of those wounds appear to bear a chakra trace to them and I'd say they were inflicted by Chakra no Mesu (Chakra Scalpels)."
"Yeah, that's what that four-eyed slithering cocksucker used, what's the big deal?"
"The big deal is those are wounds which cannot be healed in the field, but will require surgery in a hospital. The extent of your injuries is serious enough that they've left you completely incapacitated and vulnerable. I doubt you could put up much of fight against an academy student right now so these men did the right thing in bringing you here and I'm telling you you're not going to demean their valor in doing that by bringing them up on absurd charges of insubordination! Do you understand me?"
"Fine, I won't be filing any charges against them." Anko replied in an exasperated huff before grumbling under her breath.
"I'll just kick their asses along with my over-protective husband's as soon as I'm better."
"What was that?"
"Umm nothing Shizune, now do you want to patch me up or what?"
"Well seeing as your injuries aren't life-threatening and all we need to do is get that shoulder sutured up. You just need to go over to the Trauma center and one of the medic nin's there can take care of that. I need to stay here and check on the other casualties. You two escort Anko over to the Trauma center."
"I don't need their help, just give me a damn crutch and I'll get over there myself." Anko spat with annoyance.
"Alright, then you two I need to scour the hospital and find as many able shinobi as you can and gather them here as soon as possible. We need to mount a rescue mission for two injured medic nin's and an awol patient currently engaged in battle with Sasuke Uchiha outside the hospital."
"Hai Shizune-sama."
Anko was about to volunteer to help with the mission and opened her mouth to speak when Shizune spoke up and sternly said while handing Anko a crutch.
"No Anko you're too injured and can't help with the rescue mission. Now get to the Trauma center and after you're patched up, you might stop by Obstetrics to visit Kurenai and the NICU to get a look at her new baby son." Shizune said with a smile before walking away unaware of the current status of Anko and Kurenai's friendship.
Anko grew wide-eyed upon hearing that Kurenai had given birth to a son and her eyes welled up a bit in tears of happiness for her friend. It was then Anko decided that she was going to explain right now what had happened that caused Kurenai to end their friendship whether the woman wanted to hear her explanation or not. The purple-haired kunoichi then turned on her heels and using her crutch slowly began hobbling away towards the Obstetrics wing of the hospital.
Thankfully, the Obstetrics wing was not that far away and upon reaching the ward, Anko looked around but it seemed nobody was around. It was then a door flew open at one of the obstetrics surgical rooms and a nurse came rushing out. Before the door could swing close, Anko caught sight of her friend Kurenai lying unconscious on a table. But what sent a chill through her heart was when one of the medic nin's inside had shouted "we're losing her!" that Anko threw away her crutch and leapt on one leg towards the door before crashing through it and screaming.
"What the hell is going on?"
"Who are you? Get this woman out of here!" Dr. No shouted with aggravated fury, as one of the medic nin's moved towards Anko before she whipped out a kunai and said in a voice dripping with malevolence.
"Unless you want to be singing soprano the rest of your life, I'd suggest you stay where you are and help that woman on the table. Because I'm not going anywhere until someone tells me what's happening to my friend there!"
All of the medic nin's looked at one another but no one would say anything which infuriated Anko who shouted with fury.
"TELL ME NOW!"
"Your friend was discovered in her room unconscious and was in the throes of a breach birth labor. Shizune-sama performed an emergency caesarean section and successfully delivered the baby. I was tasked with the closing of the patient. However, your friend developed a postpartum hemorrhage and had lost nearly 1000 ml of blood following the cesarean section. I soon discovered the cause of the hemorrhage was from a Placental abruption where the placental lining has separated from the uterus." Dr. No finally stated.
"Pretend some of us aren't doctors and tell me what the hell is wrong with her!"
"Your friend is bleeding to death because her placenta has pushed away from her uterus."
"Well fix it!"
"I am and I will, but she's lost so much blood already that I fear she isn't going to make it without a massive blood volume replacement to maintain her blood pressure and blood plasma replacement to maintain her fibrinogen levels.
"Then do it!"
"We can't, we have the plasma available, but we don't have enough of your friend's blood type to do the transfusions she will need to survive the surgery I need to perform. Now please leave here, we'll do everything we can to save your friend, but I warn you it might not be enough."
"Screw that shit, if blood is all you need then hook me up. Kurenai and I share the same blood type. So get going with the surgery doc while one of you gets started with the transfusion from me!"
One of the medic nin's looked with uncertainty to Dr. No who finally said.
"Go ahead and hook the woman up, it might be her friend's only chance."
A minute later an IV tube was connected between the two Jounin kunoichi's and blood was flowing from Anko into Kurenai. As Dr. No began his surgery on Kurenai, he called out.
"I want you to monitor all of the patient's vitals closely, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate, all of it. Also when we've gotten a pint of blood out of this woman from the transfusion unhook her. We'll just have to pray to Kami that it will be enough, but I doubt it."
"That doesn't work for me doc." Anko scornfully declared, before slamming her palm to the hospital floor, while releasing a vast amount of chakra and shouted.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!" (Summoning Technique)
A second later in a brilliant flash of light and smoke appeared on the ground where Anko had struck. After a moment, the smoke began to dissipate to show a massive 25ft purple and black striped python, which reared its body up to the height of his summoner who said to the mammoth serpent for everyone to hear.
"Slitheren, I need you to watch over me, while I give blood to my friend."
"What's the meaning of this?" Dr. No shouted with indignation.
"The meaning doc is this, you're not going to unhook me from the transfusion until you're done and Kurenai is out of danger. If she needs more than one pint of blood to survive then she will get it….from me! Two pints, four pints, I don't care; whatever she needs she will have it. And if anyone of you attempts to unhook the IV tube from me, then my serpentine friend here has my permission to make a banquet out of the person stupid enough to attempt it. Do you understand my meaning now doc?"
"Miss, I don't know how long this surgery will take? But you could die if you transfuse too much blood to your friend. Plus you've lost a significant amount of blood already judging by your shoulder wound. You cannot threaten us like this."
"Then you better get started with the surgery then doc and have one of these other medical geeks come over here and stitch up my shoulder so I don't lose anymore blood that could go to my friend. And as far as threatening you, I can and I am, so shut up and get to work before I have Slitheren here give you a demonstration on how quickly he can down a meal."
"Please Mistresssssss, may I eat the red-haired morsel over there, she looks tasssssssssty!" The gargantuan serpent lispingly asked, as it flicked its forked tongue towards a now shivering nurse.
"Only if she tries to remove this tube connected to my arm, in fact the only morsel you're allowed to eat is anyone who tries to remove this tube. Do you understand Slitheren?"
"As you wish Mistresssssss." The powerful serpent begrudgingly replied before rising up to peer down and watch everyone in the room.
Sakura held onto Hinata and covered both of their heads with her arms in an attempt to protect and stabilize the two of them from the tremors of the ground they were on. Sakura glanced up and could see that Lee had successfully opened the fifth Celestial Gate, as the power emanating in waves off of his body was tremendous. For his part Lee knew he was the pinnacle of what he could achieve in power. The young green clad shinobi wanted open the sixth Celestial Gate, but realized it was all he could do to hold his body together with the current five gates he had opened. Lee knew he didn't have much time and needed to end his fight with Sasuke now and called out to the Uchiha.
"You thought my speed and strength earlier was impressive Sasuke, it was nothing in comparison to what I'm about to unleash on you!" Lee announced with unwavering confidence.
"Bring it you fool, I already told you I'm an Uchiha, an elite, nobody can beat me. I'm sure I can handle anything a pathetic loser like you can dish out!" Sasuke shouted with a little trepidation to his voice.
"Very well Uchiha, handle this!"
In the blink of an eye Lee was crouched below and in front of Sasuke delivering a bone shattering upward kick impacting underneath the Uchiha boy's chin sending him skyward. Lee then leapt up to follow and quickly attacked Sasuke from various angles throughout the air pummeling the boy with high-speed taijutsu attacks to weaken him and send him higher into the air. As Sasuke was being buffered about like a bloodied and battered rag-doll, all he could do was cry out in agony, as every blow Lee landed felt like a sledge-hammer hitting him. So intense was the pain that Sasuke had failed to notice that during these attacks Lee had attached his arm bandage to his opponent and was wrapping the Uchiha up in a cocoon to prevent his escape.
Lee quickly leapt up to place his chest to the back of Sasuke before encircling his arms around the now trussed up Uchiha. As the pair of combatants began their fall back to earth, Lee started to spin the duo downwards at a high rate of speed, while Sasuke screamed with fear.
"Release me at once! I'm an Uchiha, an elite! You can't do this to me!"
Lee's response to the Sasuke's desperate begging was to cry out.
"Omote Renge!" (Front Lotus)
One second later, Sasuke found himself being driven head first into the ground. At the last moment before impact, Lee jumped clear, but instead of releasing the bandages connecting him to Sasuke as he normally would using this attack. Lee instead leapt skyward once more a trail of red chakra trailing behind him like a plume from a jet airplane. Upon reaching the apex of his astonishing leap Lee yelled out.
"Ura Renge!" (Reverse Lotus)
Lee then yanked on the bandage linking himself to the Uchiha and Sasuke suddenly found himself pulled from the earth and rocketing skyward towards his bushy-browed foe. Lee then delivered a bone-crushing palm strike to Sasuke's chest and sent his onyx-haired opponent plummeting towards the ground once again at a dizzying speed. Lee raced downward after Sasuke and cocked his right arm to deliver his final blow and thought to himself with desperation.
'This is it; I have to take out Sasuke with this final attack. Please Kami, let this be enough to end this battle, because if it isn't I have nothing left to fight with. My body has been shredded by the lotus techniques and after this attack I will no longer have the flames of youth to be able to protect the hospital, Hinata, and most importantly Sakura-chan from Sasuke's wrath if this doesn't work.'
Sakura shrieked and held onto Hinata while covering both of their heads with her arms, when Sasuke impacted the ground creating a massive crater followed by a second impact a scant second later of Lee punching his fist into the Uchiha's chest once more and driving the both of them even deeper into the crater. So powerful was the attack that one could actually feel the shockwaves from the impacts, as it echoed throughout the hospital courtyard. Sakura looked up to see a tower of dirt, dust, and debris rising like a column in the air and thought with excited delight.
'He did it, Lee-kun did it, he took down Sasuke!'
However, Sakura's joy was short-lived as a moment later there was an explosion of purplish black colored chakra erupting from the crater that sent Lee flying out of it through the air before landing with a terrible thump onto his back 50 feet away, as he cried out in pain.
"Lee-kun!" Sakura shouted with concern before she heard a strange flapping sound coming from the crater, as the dust began to be blown away.
The blood drained from Sakura's face and it took on an ashen color when she saw with complete revulsion what Sasuke looked like as he rose in the air from the crater. Sakura had never seen Sasuke in his cursed-seal two form before and was shocked at the physical changes in her former teammate's appearance.
Sasuke's skin had turned and ugly dark-gray color and his hair grew out in length and turned a sickly dark blue. The whites of his eyes also turned dark gray and Sasuke's face now bore a dark, star-shaped mark appearing across the bridge of his nose. However, the most monstrous appearance on the Uchiha was the grotesque webbed claw-shaped wings now protruding from his back.
'This must be cursed seal two stage that Naruto-kun told me about. Oh Kami, Naruto-kun had to fight Sasuke as this monstrosity at the Valley of the End, how did he do it and survive?' Sakura thought with dread.
Lee craned his neck up and gazed at Sasuke with astonishment, while thinking similar thoughts to what was going through Sakura's mind.
'By the eternal flames of youth, is that monster actually Sasuke? Just how far down your dark road turning away from the flames of youth and the will of fire we here in the Leaf village live by have you gone Uchiha?'
Lee's reflection on what Sasuke has done to himself was interrupted when the Uchiha lifted his head skyward and unleashed a powerful demonic roar to the heavens so loud it reverberated throughout the village and countryside and actually caused a momentary pause in the fighting from both Oto and Leaf shinobi alike when they heard it. Sasuke then looked down and glared towards the prone body of Lee. The Uchiha winced in pain, as the regenerative powers of his cursed-seal two state was mending, healing, and realigning his chest that Lee had caved in with his final attack. Sasuke was enraged that for the third time today he was not only hurt by this village's trash, but also forced to call upon his cursed-seal powers. It was then Sasuke noticed a long stream of Lee's bandages that he had ripped through like thread was still attached to his green clad foe's arm. Reaching down Sasuke grabbed the bandage and gave it a forcible yank while roaring in a deep resonating voice.
"GET OVER HERE!"
Instantly Lee found himself flying through the air towards Sasuke and a moment later he was being held off the ground in the air with Sasuke's right hand wrapped around his throat. As his lifeless limp body was suspended aloft in the air, Lee could do nothing to protect himself for the lotus techniques had shredded his muscles completely. So when he felt the Uchiha's hand begin to tighten around his throat, he closed his eyes and silently prayed for someone to arrive in time to save not himself, but Sakura since in a few moments he would no longer be able to protect her from Sasuke.
Author Notes: Hmmmm, it's not looking to good for Lee, Kurenai, Anko, Sakura, Hinata, umm how about a lot of people. I guess without realizing it the War Arc in the current manga had unduly influenced me when I was writing this chapter. Damn your evilness Kishimoto, lol! Well, I hope you all enjoyed the third installment of my Invasion Arc of the story. There is definitely a lot going on within it and there's plenty more action, suspense, angst, and surprises still to come. I will go ahead and warn everyone right now that in the next chapter you will see the death of at least one of the protagonists (i.e. the good guys). I won't spoil it and say who they are, but expect a Jounin and one of the Konoha 11 to be K.I.A. I'll let all of you speculate on who those people might be.
Now I wish to thank everyone both old and new readers who took the time to review my last chapter and give condolences with regards to the passing of my father, it's was much appreciated by me. You all had a lot to say about the last chapter and I'm pleased that this story has such a strong fan base with readers who actually write out well thought-out reviews. The reviews that actually force an author to think about something are the ones that are most helpful to us.
Now, let me tell you this chapter was a monster to write. It was right at 15K word count for the chapter itself and another 3.6K with my author notes. As you can tell the chapter was very Rock Lee dominated. I've always been a huge fan of his character and I really wanted to make him a major character and player in my story. Too often I feel he gets overlooked in most stories or is just used as comedic fodder for them. So with so much of the chapters focus being on Lee, I'm very curious to see what the responses to this chapter will be from everyone. I also have a couple of subtle homage's thrown into the chapter. One is a classic quote from a video game and the other is a character from a long-standing movie series. A cyber-cookie and milk or a cyber-beer and mozzarella sticks your choice if you can name the video game and character that uses the quote and can name the movie series and the specific movie the character was in. All I ask is don't write a review just answering the questions, but please also say something about the chapter as well.
Anyway, I enjoy reading many of your reviews, so please leave lots of reviews, as they do help a writer get the thoughts and opinions of the fans of a story. They also can help lift the spirits of an author as well. Also, to any readers who are staff members to any C2 communities, please feel free to add my story to your community if you feel it is worthy of it. I won't mind, I swear. I'll even pinkie swear if I need to?
Hottest Anime Girls Poll:
The poll is close to being shut down, but Hinata hasn't reached 500 votes yet, so I'm going to keep it open a little bit longer. I've reached my goal of 1000 voters and most of the positions have been locked up in the top 10. There are still a few close races going on such as Kurenai and Yoruichi of Bleach fame battling it out for the third and fourth spots respectively. While Ino Yamanaka and Nico Robin of One Piece fame are battling it out for the 10th spot. So if anyone hasn't checked it out and voted yet on the poll, please do. Also to any authors of stories out there, who have read my tale, if you are willing please copy and paste the following to add into any chapter updates to your stories you might post in the future.
Have you ever wondered "Who is the hottest, sexiest, most beautiful girl ever created in the world of anime?" Well now's your chance to vote for your own Top 10. Kingkakashi besides having a great story has set-up a poll about this very question on his profile page. Help answer and settle this issue once and for all.
So any help you all can provide is much appreciated by me. Thanks to everyone and I hope you have fun with the voting. And believe me when I tell you, picking 10 choices isn't as easy as you would think it be on this poll. (Lol)
Comments with regards about the poll results so far:
I really don't have very much to comment on other than to say I'm very surprised at how well some characters did in the poll. As well as shocked at how poorly some characters did on it. I really expected much better showings on the poll from Faye Valentine, Misato Katsuragi, Motoko Kusanagi, and Maya Natsume then what they received.
End of Poll Comments:
Now, onto everyone's favorite section Kingkakashi's rants on the manga yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!
Once again I have very few positive things to say about the last few issues of the Naruto manga!
*Warning I do give away some spoilers in my rants, so read at your own risk.
#516 – This chapter starts off with Madara sending his army controlled by Kabuto out to conquer the Shinobi Alliance. Anko attempts to infiltrate his base after sending her team away to warn everyone of the armies march. Some of the revived dead of that army aren't too happy at being risen from the dead and forced to fight. Of course we get some wonderful inconsistencies that Kishimoto is famous for like how would Asuma recognize and even know who Dan was considering their age difference. Anyway, Kabuto catches Anko and they begin to fight, which would have been a cool fight to see. So of course Kishimoto decides not to have it drawn. Finally, the chapter ends with Gaara the Commanding Officer of the Shinobi Alliance forces giving a rousing speech to unite all of them, yay team, and of the Kage's acting way too overconfident about winning the war. For the most part a decent chapter I guess.
#517 – Well, not much to this chapter both Madara and the Shinobi Alliance use the same tactic and both send out an advanced ambush team. Madara's led by Deidara and Sasori and the SA led by Kankurou with Sai and a few other notables. The teams meet and a fight ensues. We also learn that Kabuto has defeated and possibly killed Anko. I hope not because I'll be pissed if Kishimoto kills her off. The end of the chapter is of Sai reuniting with his long dead brother now revived and part of Madara's army. Yet another inconsistency of how Kabuto even knew about Sai's brother as very few people ever did? Again, For the most part a decent chapter I guess.
#518 – This chapter was a continuation of the ambush teams fighting. We do get to see Sasori and Kankurou square off again, which is kind of cool. Kankurou even reveals that he's taken Sasori's old puppet body and turned it into a combat puppet for himself. Sasori initially doesn't seem to care as he thinks thanks to the Edo Tensei that he's already achieved his goal of truly becoming a puppet. Deidara has turned Sai's brother into a bomb by packing him with his explosive clay. Sasori controls Sai's brother like a puppet and he battles Kankurou who uses Sasori's old puppet body. Deidara attempts to set off the explosion, but Kankurou utilized another one of Sasori's old puppets called Sanshouou that smothered the bomb and protected everyone. Sai's brother regenerates, which to me is bullshit. I think if a body is totally obliterated even the Edo Tensei shouldn't be able to put them back together, but that's just my opinion. Anyway, Sai gets pissed and creates two drawings that knock the shit out of Deidara and Sasori right inside of two of Kankurou's puppets. Sai is about to face off against his brother in battle, but his brother sees the picture Sai had drawn of the two of them holding hands. Magically, this frees his soul and he dissolves and fades away, how fairy-tale like and pretty damn silly. The chapter ends with Kankurou verbally lighting into Sasori about what a punkass-bitch he's become. A good chapter aside from the "magic" and if you're a fan of Kankurou it was a great chapter.
#519 – Well, this chapter Sasori agrees with Kankurou's assessment of him and because of it he too "magically" dissolves away. Then we learn of the one weakness of the Edo Tensei is that people's feelings aren't so easily restrained. Ok, whatever the hell that means? We still don't know if Anko is alive or dead, but Madara fears treachery from Kabuto. We then go to what Naruto has been doing and he's about to undergo his final training from Killer Bee, which involves assuming the physical form of the Kyuubi. So of course if Kishimoto isn't busy granting more power-up's to Sasuke, he's throwing obstacles into Naruto's increased power. We learn that when Naruto uses the 9-tail chakra in battle. The Kyuubi is busy sucking away Naruto's own chakra and if he gets it all then Naruto dies, nice one Kishi. In the end, Killer Bee stumbles upon a way for Naruto to create a new technique to use. This wasn't a bad chapter per-say, just kind of boring to me.
#520 – This chapter starts off with Naruto attempting to learn his new technique using the 9-tails chakra. Then we finally learn that Anko is still alive because Kabuto needs some of Orochimaru's chakra that is still locked away within her due to the cursed-seal she bears. He needs this to strengthen his control of the Edo Tensei. Madara wants to outright kill her because she knows too much. Kabuto refuses and Madara is ready to fight unless Kabuto tells him the secret of how the Edo Tensei technique works. Kabuto agrees and we get an interesting lesson on how the technique works. The only thing that bugged me is Kabuto said the Second Hokage originally created the technique. Which to me doesn't make any sense considering what an honorable man he was and what a truly inhuman and evil technique it is? Also, the technique supposedly has no risks to the user. Overall, this was probably the best chapter so far in the War Arc.
#521 – This chapter was pretty good, as Madara and Kabuto still don't trust one another, and both of them secretly plot against the other. One of the main battles goes into full swing with a portion of the SA army going up against 30,000 Zetsu soldiers. Kakashi, Sakura and many other shinobi arrive to save Sai and the ambush squad from Zabuza and Haku and we get a mini reunion of the Wave Country mission many years ago. Unfortunately, Kabuto starts doing a ritual on Anko presumably to retrieve Orochimaru's chakra out of her, which will probably kill her if he succeeds. In the process of the ritual, Kabuto starts asserting more control over all of the Edo Tensei soldiers. I was wrong about the last chapter; overall this was probably the best chapter so far in the War Arc.
#522 – This chapter is a continuation of the battle about to be waged between Kakashi's forces and Zabuza's. I do have to say that Kishimoto way over-powered Zabuza's forces, as Kakashi's held a huge numerical advantage over them, yet they were losing.….badly. Back to Kabuto who wants to overcome the one weakness of the Edo Tensei of leaving his soldiers personalities and emotions intact by turning the majority of them into mindless drones that are easier to control. Suigetsu and Juugo escape from prison in the Land of Iron. Gai and Lee unleash a Leaf Coiling Whirlwind attack onto Haku saving a shinobi that is probably the coolest panel of the whole chapter. Just as Kakashi is about to turn the tide of the battle, Kabuto releases six more Edo Tensei shinobi which are summoned onto the battlefield, and we get a reunion of the Seven Swordsmen of the Hidden Mist thus ending the chapter. I swear, I think the only thing Kishimoto cares about anymore is bringing back every dead shinobi he possibly can to fight in the war.
#523 – This chapter was essentially the Seven Swordsmen of the Hidden Mist mopping the floor of Kakashi's forces even though they heavily outnumber them. I actually found this chapter pretty ridiculous because at one point you literally see hundreds of shuriken, kunai's, bombs, etc heading towards the seven swordsmen. But then we break away to Suigetsu giving a history lesson to Juugo about all of the seven swords and its wielders. Then when it comes back to the battle all of the swordsmen are completely unharmed and have somehow defeated the attack. This is another shining example of Kishimoto not even bothering to explain something that in reality is completely absurd. In the end, Kakashi comes up with a tactic to get close to Zabuza and take him out, but Haku once again sacrifices himself in the exact same way as he did on the bridge in the Wave country. All in all, other than the history lesson I just found this chapter to be silly.
#524 – Not much to this chapter, as it mainly was a trip down memory lane for Kakashi with regards to Zabuza, Haku, and their affect on Naruto. Kakashi eventually is able to bind the two of them cutting off Kabuto's control. You do actually get to see an emotional outburst from Kakashi this chapter as he's pissed and promises to go on a rampage. We also get a brief look at the one of the other major battles where Neji, Kiba, Shino, and Hinata were part of the SA forces fighting 30,000 Zetsu's. They're losing, what a surprise! I think if Kishimoto thought he could get away with it he would have the SA lose and then he could rename the manga Sasuke just like he's always wanted to. This was an ok chapter, but there was anything real exciting about it.
#525 – Kabuto starts bringing out the big guns for the war as the Edo Tensei Kage's are summoned to the war. We get the Second Tsuchikage, the Second Mizukage, the Fourth Kazekage, and the Third Raikage all resurrected. A third battlefront gets started with a lot of Zetsu warriors backed up by Edo Tensei Asuma, Dan, Hizashi Hyuga, Kakuzu, and a couple of badass Cloud shinobi called the Kin-Gin brothers. Tsunade wonders in the chapter if Dan has been resurrected. I did enjoy seeing Shikaku Nara flex his tactical muscle and one can see all the strategy for fighting the war from the Shinobi Alliance is coming from him. Kishimoto also introduces that the Second Tsuchikage has something called a Bloodline Expansion, which allows him to combine the elements of earth, wind, and fire. Because of this, the Third Tsuchikage Oonoki who also possesses this power heads out to join with Gaara to help fight the four Edo Tensei Kages. The end of the chapter shows Zetsu showing up outside of a home where all the Daimyo's have been evacuated. I did enjoy this chapter of the War Arc.
#526 – This chapter starts out with a failed attempt by Zetsu to capture or kill all the Daimyo's, as the house was one of several decoys. He escaped of course and is still out seeking where all the Feudal lords are? The battle I mentioned in #525 gets started and Hizashi and Hiashi reunite and have a brief conversation where Hiashi informs his dead brother that both Neji and Hinata are fighting together as one family not as a branch and main member. We then get a shot of those two back to back bravely fighting off several Zetsu's. Kankurou's ambush squad runs into the Edo Tensei shinobi of Hanzo the Salamander, Kimimaro Kaguya, Chuukichi of the Mist, and Chiyo the Elder and Kankurou prepares to retreat. We switch back to the second battle and Hizashi and Hiashi are fighting along with the original Ino-Shika-Cho trio waging battle together. And the SA General Darui of the Cloud shinobi prepares to face off against his dead countrymen the Kin-Gin brothers. Overall, a solid chapter as it primarily was a set-up chapter for the upcoming ones.
#527 – This chapter was just utterly ridiculous to me and I can't even begin to describe how foolish it came across. It mainly focuses on the fight between General Darui and these Kin-Gin brothers. Two more Cloud shinobi arrive Samui and her brother Atsui to help Darui fight. Anyway, the whole fight and weapons used, and even the origin of the brothers and their powers just came across so comical to me. Without a doubt I consider this the worst chapter by far of the War arc and truly think Kishimoto must have been under the influence of "something" when he thought it up.
#528 – This chapter just a continuation of the silliness of the last chapter, as whatever Kishimoto was under the influence of when he thought of it, he was also playing a game of either Scrabble, Boggle, or watching the Wheel of Fortune on TV. I mean you have to read the last two chapters to understand what I'm talking about because without a doubt they are the goofiest attacks I've seen him do in the manga. I once thought Danzo's Sharingan laced arm was the dumbest thing he's done, but Kishimoto actually managed to top that with the Kin-Gin brothers and their idiotic attacks. To say Kishimoto has phoned it in the last two chapters would be an understatement to the actual travesty of those chapters. Actually, one of my readers Rictor Yagami brought to my attention that the Kin-Gin brothers method of attack is strikingly similar to one used by a character with the name of Yu Kaito from Yu Yu Hakusho. So either Kishimoto phoned it in or he's just a lazy thief, your call.
Yes, I'm still thoroughly disgusted that Kishimoto hasn't done anything yet with Hinata's confession to Naruto now reaching 91 freaking issues!
Now I'd like to give a shout out to three stories of quality work that I recommend and hope you all will checkout when you have the time. Also for the first time, I've had to write a recommendation retraction as well on a story.
Recommendations:
"Submission King" by VFSNAKE: I really don't need to even describe what this story is about, as most of you should recognize the authors name and already know how great his stories are. So if you're fan of his work, check this tale out. I promise you won't be disappointed.
"Echo of a Ghost" by AzureEmpire: This is an incredible fan fiction story and writer who I've recommended before. One of my readers Suave Jiraiya has informed me that he may have given up on writing this story because of what has been happening in the manga, which is quite sad to see happen. So I urge all of you to please check this story out and leave some amazing reviews for it. I'm hoping some reviews from people might re-ignite him to pick up his story once again. He's a diehard Naruto/Sakura fan, so you know he must be damn good if I'm recommending him even though he uses that pairing.
"Zeitgeist" by Hefster: Yes, my partner in crime for "Supreme Genetics – Creation of a Bloodline" has ventured out of the darkness and into the light by attempting to write a NarutoxHinata story. He's only two chapters in so catching up on it will be easy for people. So please check the story out and give him some love for it, if you're so inclined. Also we hope to have the next update of Bloodline coming very soon.
Now please be kind and leave precious valuable reviews on these stories.
Recommendation Retraction:
"To Live is So Much Harder" by Lord Talon:A little over two years ago, I highly recommended this story and felt it showed great promise of turning into something special. However, in those two years I've read and waited patiently for Naruto's portrayal in the story to change from being a sad, weak, and just downright pathetic individual and turn into something that resembles being a man. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened and it doesn't appear that it ever will. If you wish to know more about my reasoning about retracting my recommendation for the story, just checkout my latest review for it and it explains everything. It's disappointing really, as I do think the author is very skillful and talented writer. In fact a lot of readers share that opinion, but he finally broke the backs of many of them myself included with his latest chapter judging by some of the other reviews left for him by readers.
As always, if anyone wants to discuss my story in greater detail, just shoot me a PM. I enjoy talking about the story with any readers who really have an interest in it. I'll try to respond back to you as quickly as I can.
Take it easy and be good!
Kingkakashi
School Time:
Joule
Definition: a unit of work or energy equal to the work done by a force of one Newton acting through a distance of one meter. Also a unit of electrical energy, 1882, coined in recognition of British physicist James P. Joule (1818-89).
Etymology: English 1882
Part of Speech: Noun