Ichigo swung his sword, but Goku jumped back avoiding his slash. As he fell back down, he launched a blast down at him only for Ichigo to dodge it himself. The ground behind him lit up in an explosion, but Ichigo wasn't deterred by it. His sight was ahead and he ran right towards Goku who landed back to the ground as Ichigo swung his sword again. Goku stood his ground and as Ichigo came up with another slash Goku put his arms out to grab the sword by the blade on each side. Dangerous as it was it had worked before against Kenpachi and it worked here now since there was even more to grab onto with Ichigo's larger sword. Ichigo's swing was strong though, but Goku managed to stop it inches before his face and keeping it between his hands. Goku's strained expression and grinding teeth could be seen in the reflection of the blade as Ichigo loomed behind it. The two struggled against each other, pushing with all their might, but neither would budge.
But they must have forgotten that this fight was not just between the two of them.
"Rasengan!" another voice roared. Together the two of them glanced over to see Naruto coming at them from the side; his left hand held outwards with a blue swirling ball of energy in his palm.
Seeing the attack coming both moved to dodge it.
Goku released the sword and both he and Ichigo jumped back as Naruto came colliding into the ground shoving his left hand down into it. His Rasengan ripped into the ground where the two were once deadlocked. The Rasengan tore into the ground, tearing it apart as Naruto was lodged deeper into the ground. Once his attack had been released, he looked around to see himself in a ditch of his own making. He didn't miss his mark, but did miss his targets, but he was not going to lose momentum. Leaping up and out of the hole he shot out Kunai knives to his left and his right to the fleeing Saiyan and substitute Soul reaper. Yet in both directions the knives were easily blocked as Goku swatted his away and Ichigo slashed his sword defeating it with his larger blade. The two of them regained their footing.
Ichigo then charged forward reaching the outskirts of the ditch where Naruto stood. He unleashed another slash from his sword, but Naruto jumped up and over him. Then as he missed Naruto, Goku dashed forward with a punch to hit Ichigo, but he jumped just like Naruto did to evade it.
When Naruto came crashing back down, he came on top of Goku. The Saiyan reached his arm up to block his feet from coming down to his face. Landing and then bounding off his forearm Naruto jumped off him and back to the ground. He flung knives at Goku who swatted them away just as he did before.
Naruto jumped up to kick Goku, but he blocked it with his forearm again. Naruto jumped off coming back to the ground, just as Ichigo came from his side to slice him. Naruto evaded his attack by jumping up and over the attack as Goku lunged at Ichigo who brought his sword up, prepared to take Goku's blow this time. Then Naruto came swinging at him and he blocked in the same manner; his fist connecting with the blade. Bringing his feet up and pushing off of Ichigo, Naruto propelled himself towards Goku who ducked under him and then swiped at Ichigo.
Sidestepping around him, Ichigo swung his sword horizontally at the both of them who dodged in their own wat. Goku went to the air and Naruto stayed on the ground, ducking beneath. When he reared up for a punch Ichigo jabbed his hilt into Naruto's gut. Rearing over him, Ichigo knocked the hilt onto the top of his head taking him down even more. Now on his knees Naruto reached forward and grabbed Ichigo's legs and flung him over and onto his back. Jumping over him, he prepared to come down on top off him. Ichigo reared his feet and kicked up sending Naruto hurling back into the woods.
With Naruto gone, Ichigo kicked his feet up and stood on them again. Looking ahead he saw Naruto collide with a few trees and they fell on top of him. Just as he rid himself of one opponent Goku came down on top of him. Jumping out of the way of an oncoming attack, he slashed at Goku who brought both his feet up to kick Ichigo in the face, but he once again brought his sword up taking the front of the blow, Goku's kick collided with the sword he used as a shield; the force of it was so great it propelled himself off putting distance between them as Ichigo skidded across the ground on his feet.
Sprouting back up from the woods Naruto watched the whole display as he picked himself up. He saw them both come to a stop and seeing the two stare off against each other, he realized he had to get back in this fight and quick. But not alone.
Kicking up off his feet, he sprinted towards them. Noticing something missing the two of them looked from each other and to the charging ninja. Naruto put his hands up and out before himself. Seeing an attack imminent and being closer to him, Ichigo was the first to react.
Ichigo swung his sword discharging a blast heading right towards Naruto.
"Getsuyga Tensho!" he shouted as he unleashed the bright wave that cut through the ground to make its was towards him. Naruto put his hands together and jumped over the blast that sliced the ground beneath him and the trees he just came from, cleaving the area completely. As he took to the air his hands remained together, now making a distinct motion with them.
"Shadow Clone Justu!" he shouted in retaliation as he took to the air over Ichigo's attack wave. All of a sudden dozens more of him appeared along side. And when he landed back on the ground entire army of Naruto's was charging both of them!
Startled and taking note of the drastic new development Goku and Ichigo prepared for a much larger battle. The large group charged them together, but them split off evenly to go for each of them. Naruto's propelled himself up to the air as half went towards Goku and another half went to Ichigo.
"Oh Cool!" Goku let out excited "I haven't seen this one in a while! And there are so many!"
Ichigo looked over to him cluelessly "Uh.. this one?" he looked at the numerous ninja's approaching.
Goku's brow furrowed as each of the clones came at him.
"It doesn't seem like he had to divide his energy." he admitted as he was swarmed on all sides. Punches, kicks, knives and more came at him mid-air, but each one was dodged, deflected or countered at high speeds.
He elbowed one in the face and in erupted in a puff of smoke. He snapped his fist back and hit one that came at him from behind that lead to the same fate. Goku himself, began to disappear in the cloud of smoke coming around him as he hit more and more clones. Orange clad hands and feet would still come swinging at him, but he deflected them all. Then he grabbed the next one that came at him in mid-air. Holding onto his shoulders he swung him around in the air and then flung him down into the oncoming ones.
Grabbing another that managed to avoid the rest he threw him to the ground and came crashing down onto him. Disappearing into smoke like all the other's Goku looked to see none left for him to fight.
"Hm." Goku let out "I guess that's it." he commented aloud.
Ichigo, however, had his hands full.
From across the valley three came at Ichigo. One wielding a knife, came slashing at him.
"What are you gonna do with that little thing?" he asked as he swung his sword slicing one of the clones away. He went to do it again, but Naruto jumped over it and kicked at him. Ichigo moved back blocking him. Naruto swiped at his face, the tip of his blade scratching Ichigo's cheek, opening it as it began to bleed. Quickly Ichigo swung his sword down at Naruto and cut him in two pieces. Then suddenly, instead of blood he saw only smoke. "Oh are you kidding me?!" Then bursting from the smoke came another Naruto.
"Here I am!" he screeched.
Naruto jumped up and kicked Ichigo in the face, sending him tumbling back across the ground and right towards Goku.
"I don't want him!" he said before rearing his leg back and kicking him up into the air. Goku and Naruto then dashed towards each other as Ichigo managed to stop him self in the air. Looking down he saw both of them fiercely going at each other. But looking at them below him from all the way up there gave Ichigo the perfect idea. He slashed his sword releasing another surge of energy at them from above.
Below Naruto threw a punch which Goku dodged by moving to the right. Then he jabbed forward with his own punch, but Naruto ducked and then shot up with a fist to catch Goku's chin. But jumping back Goku managed to dodge before moving forward with kicks which Naruto dodged again. As the two continued to duke it out they noticed it was starting to become much brighter. But the storm hadn't lifted yet. They stalled with confused looks on their faces.
"Huh? Is the sun coming out?" Naruto asked cluelessly. Looking up they got their answer.
"AH!" they let out when they saw another blast coming at them and both jumped back just as it hit the ground where they once stood and sliced it to pieces. Then roaring down from the skies Ichigo came down towards Naruto slashing his sword at him.
Naruto dodged and came at him, but Ichigo moved out of the way as Goku and Naruto came at him from both sides. Dodging both of their attacks, he left them behind to battle.
The hits meant for Ichigo soon turned into attacks against the other. Goku swung at Naruto, but he jumped up and kicked Goku in the face. Stalled if only for a moment Naruto wasn't going to waste an opportunity, the only difference was his target now.
Continuing his attack Naruto tackled into Goku, taking him to the ground. Then he slammed his fist down to his face. Goku caught the fist and punched Naruto off him. He jolted off of him and into a cloud of smoke.
"Wha-when?" Goku let out shocked. Then from the side Naruto reared his leg and kicked Goku in the face sending him across the ground. Skidding across the ground and jumping to his feet Goku unleashed a blast towards him. Naruto barley managed to evade it as Ichigo back came at him. The forest of trees behind them erupted into flames.
Then Goku rocketed back into action, flying straight towards them striking his hands out and knocking both of them in the face and across the ground.
The two of them flew through the air side by side. Stabbing his sword into the ground Ichigo managed to steady himself as Naruto grabbed the ground, ripping into it to stop himself. Both then looked up to the tenacious Saiyan across from them. That was until they realized the other was right next to them. Ichigo pulled his sword out of the ground, but Naruto had already sprung forward and kneed him in the face. Small red drops stained his right knee as he reached out grabbed Ichigo by his shoulders and flung him back even farther across the ground.
"Sit this one out!" he growled before tossing him. He then watched him tumble back farther away from the both of them "I got something I have to take care of first." he said as he turned back, steadying his gaze onto Goku to glare at him.
Ichigo coughed and wiped his mouth free of dirt and blood "You coulda just asked." he grumbled. But he nodded to him and Naruto nodded back before spiriting forward towards Goku.
"Hm?" Goku let out as only Naruto charged him, but prepared himself none the less. "Now this is interesting." he grinned as Naruto threw knives and stars at him.
Hurling across the air, Goku casually swatted them away like they were flies. The distance between them lessened and the closer he came to him the easier it was to see the look of sheer brutal determination in the young Ninja's eyes. Goku tensed up as Naruto reared his right arm back and swung it at him.
Goku swatted his arm away and slashed his leg up. Naruto jumped to the side and threw another punch which Goku blocked. The two moved in even closer now and swung forward with a punch at the same time. And at the same time it connected with the other's face. Small drops of blood flew from their mouths. Pulling their fists away they continued on going blow for blow. Goku and Naruto continued to duke out.
"I trusted you!" Naruto swung a fist at him, but Goku dodged and countered with his own. Naruto dodged it and jumped up with a kick, it missed and he landed back on the ground. "What do you want with me anyway?!" he roared as he swung at Goku yet again.
"Isn't it obvious?" Goku asked as he dodged and then kicked up at Naruto. "These Tailed Beasts are dangerous!" he slashed his hand across the air, but Naruto barley managed to doge as it grazed his hair "That's why I'm here and I bet it's why he's here too!" Goku said as Ichigo came shooting out from the woods.
Goku hurled a punch down at Naruto, and he reached out to grab it. Stopping the punch, Naruto used his free hand to throw one of his own, but Goku grabbed ahold of his wrist stopping it before it could connect. The two grimaced over each others fists as they remained locked in place.
"Though I gotta admit when I was told of a Tailed Beast, I didn't think of something like you." he said looking Naruto over.
"Most people think the same thing." Naruto grimaced.
"How bout me?" Goku asked curiously with a kind of innocence that seemed out of place given the circumstances, but more reminiscent of when Naruto first bumped into him.
"Well to be honest.." Naruto grunted "I didn't know what to expect. When I was told of someone with great power, I kinda thought of some one uglier." he admitted and managed Goku let out a laugh, despite their fists being locked against each other "But in a way..." Naruto paused before continuing, trying to find the right words. But then he thought about when he first met Goku. When he was just that strange old guy sitting in the woods looking at clouds. And then he turned on him. " You're exactly what I anticipated."
Goku clenched his fist "Good to know."
"What about this?!" Ichigo let out as he came at Goku again. Goku and Naruto unleashed the other and he dodged the sword.
"You fit the bill perfectly!" he said coming back down on him. He punched down to Ichigo who blocked and Goku's fist hit the ground shaking it. Naruto stumbled to his feet as Ichigo found refuge in the air "I can see why Kenpachi was so eager to have me fight you!"
"Hey!" Naruto let out looking up to Ichigo "I thought we had a deal?!" he whined.
"You had your shot!" Ichigo called down to him "And as I recall we have a score of our own to settle." he glanced over at him "There's no way I'd sit the rest of this out anyway."
"Oh yeah!" Naruto grumbled. Naruto's brow furrowed as Goku charged at him. He blocked the attack and kicked at Goku who dodged it as well.
Then Ichigo cut between them with his sword bringing it down beneath them. Naruto and Goku jolted back from each other as the sword was now between them, their startled reflections in it overtaking what was one their opponent.
Taking a step back Goku jabbed forward with a punch that hit Ichigo in left side the face. He was forced over to Naruto who jumped up to kick him in the right, but Ichigo ducked between that and the kick instead hit Goku. Coming back down to the ground Naruto was met with an elbow to the face by Ichigo as he jabbed it out. Naruto stumbled back across the ground as Ichigo pulled his sword from the ground and pointed it towards Goku.
He jabbed it forward cutting Goku along the shoulder. Goku winced as another came at him, but he avoided a vertical slash that was followed by a horizontal one.
Ichigo reared his hands again, bringing them above his head as he swung it down right on top of Goku.
At the last moment Goku clapped his hands together grabbed ahold of the sword stopping the slice that came down at him. His hands steadied in place, but Ichigo still pushed against him. Goku buckled and dropped to one knee as the sword inched towards his face.
"Two hands really make all the difference." Goku grunted with the sword in his grip, recalling what had happened before with his fight against Kenpachi. Goku tried to push back budging Ichigo a little but not dislodging him.
Suddenly Naruto shot forward, kicking Ichigo in the face. He staggered off of Goku as Naruto brought his other leg down to kick him in the head, sending him face first into the dirt.
Goku then shot up with a punch hitting Naruto in the gut as he was still suspended in the air. Landing down to the ground Naruto held his stomach with both hands. Then Ichigo came from the side throwing his shoulder into Goku and knocking him off balance. Naruto then kicked off of Ichigo sending him away and brought himself back to the ground.
Glancing up Ichigo saw Naruto lunging down towards him. Ichigo jumped up and swiped his sword at Naruto cleaving him in two before smoke overtook him.
"Another one." Ichigo grumbled annoyed "Your tricks are getting tiring." he said aloud in a tone to match his words. He snapped around just as Goku came at him.
"Tricks?" a Naruto's more obnoxious voice cried out. Both Ichigo and Goku stopped and turned their head to see Naruto at their side. "It's called technique." he grinned though blood was on his face just like there's "And here's one of my own personal design." he brought his hands before his chest, making a symbol with them. His grin grew wider, though with his whiskers made it look almost mischievous. Goku and Ichigo waited in anticipation, turning their attention to him. They had already fought countless Naruto's already and knew what to expect.
They two moved forward to get him before he could attack.
Smoke then overtook Naruto who vanished inside of it. Both Ichigo and Goku stalled in their charge of him and faltered at the edge of it. They awaited an army of identical versions of him to come pouring out. Yet it never happened.
Standing in anticipation they saw the faint outline of one lone figure standing among the smoke.
Then it thinned out and the figure standing before them was revealed. Though it was in no way what either of them expected.
"DAH!" "WHAT?!" Goku and Ichigo cried out together, red faced and bugged eyed.
Standing before them was not Naruto. Though the figure retained some of his features like the whiskers and yellow hair, it was now longer and in two ponytails. But perhaps the most noticeable thing confirming that it was not Naruto, was the fact that it was a young woman.
And she was completely naked.
"Like my Sexy Jutsu?" she asked in a sultry voice as she winked at them.
Goku put his hands up and waved them before his head "Nono listen- I have a wife!"
Ichigo covered his eyes with the one hand that didn't hold his sword and for extra measures turned himself away.
"Dah!" he shouted into the air "Just as bad as Yoruichi!" he complained.
"Fooled ya!" a sudden noisy young mans voice let out, instantly recognizing it as Naruto. Ichigo and Goku opened their eyes to see that the young woman had disappeared and now Naruto had retaken her place. He lunged down with both of his feet, each one landing on each of their faces. He propelled each of them down into the ground head first before he pushed off them bounding ahead.
Landing back to the ground he turned back to see the two of them wiping their faces as they got up.
"That was dirty." Ichigo grumbled. Landing far away from the two of them, Naruto only replied by letting out a mischievous little giggle at their expense, though he had to suppress it from becoming full blow laughter after seeing his footprint on both Ichigo and Goku's faces.
Looking to his side, he saw Goku run a hand over his mouth. His eyes then went to Ichigo standing closely beside him.
"Alright." Ichigo released a breath and grinned "Let's go." he moved to face him.
"I'm not through yet!" Naruto roared as he bolted towards them. Ichigo glanced to his side to see Naruto stampeding towards them. Goku was in front of him however and jumped forward with a punch that he evaded, with a well timed flash step.
To Naruto charging forward it looked almost like Ichigo disappeared from Goku's kick. That didn't stop him from continuing his charge. What did was the sudden reappearance of Ichigo in front of him reaching a hand out forcefully to his shoulder.
"Why don't you sit this one out?" he repeated Naruto's words from before, pushing him all the way across the clearing and into the woods, taking out several trees in the process. Ichigo turned around to see Goku coming at him and slashed a sword, but Goku disappeared. "What in th-Ah" he let out as he was kicked in the face from the side. Regaining his composure, he slashed his sword at Goku who dodged.
Ichigo came at him again swinging his sword down and across in quick succession, but Goku dodged both. Then he charged Ichigo like before and the two were locked against each other. Then they both pushed off from each other jumping away, but not for too long. They were at it again. Goku flung himself forward throwing a punch at Ichigo, but he disappeared right as he was about to get hit.
Reappearing and grabbing ahold of Goku's shoulder from behind Ichigo flung him over his shoulder, across the valley and through the forest. A streak of dust kicked up as he drilled through the forest uprooting the trees.
Goku walked casually out of the forest. No sooner had he re-emerged had Ichigo came at him. He swung his sword down connecting it with the ground cutting into it as Goku jumped away. With Ichigo close enough Goku jabbed at him, but he jumped over Goku and landed a few paces behind him.
Goku charged him and threw two punches, but Ichigo blocked both of them. Then he crouched down, pointed his sword upwards and lunged at him. Blood dripped down over his sword and he was certain he made his mark.
But then he got a better look at it.
Goku hand his hands wrapped around his sword and managed to grab ahold of it, pining it between his ribcage and right arm. A small piece of his ribs were slashed as well as the hand that held the sword. Ichigo tried to wiggle or pry his sword free, but it was just as much in Goku's grip as it was his.
Then Goku swung down and hit Ichigo in the face, taking him off balance and to stumble back.
"Eh-" he grunted 'Such raw strength!' he thought.
Goku swung at him again and again, each blow hitting his face and each one knocking him back across the ground. He punched him in the gut lifting him into the air before punching him in the face sending him hurling across the ground.
Ichigo shook his head and coughing some blood, he stood up and he saw Goku's hand forward and a ki blast being released from it. Ichigo reached for his sword and swung at the blast as it hit him, knocking it away.
He stood up as Goku threw another blast from his other hand and Ichigo slashed through that one too. Goku raised his hand to fire another, but Ichigo was done playing defense. He lunged forward and swung at Goku who moved his arm away from the oncoming attack, but it didn't stop there. Ichigo swung his sword towards Goku who raised his fist to swat it away. Ichigo swung again and again at him, his sword cutting through the air in an attempt to cut Goku down, but he managed to evade each swung.
But one strike hit it's mark slashing him across his left bicep with blood pouring from the wound. Goku tensed at the open flowing wound as Ichigo bounded up and kicked him in the face sending him sliding back across the ground. When he appeared before him again, to swing down Goku grabbed the sword, pinned it down on the ground and jumped up over it to kick Ichigo back. Then Goku took off into the air, and Ichigo followed him. Goku flew across the sky to throw a kick, but Ichigo moved to dodge it. He brought his arms up to slash Goku, but he flipped his legs to kick the blade away before punching Ichigo back. He came at him again, but Ichigo was prepared for him. Evading his blow, he flew under it and came up on his side to slash him across his upper back. Goku spiraled through the air away from him. Goku steadied himself and charged Ichigo again. Though he remained where he was, levitating in the air he was just as ready. He reared his blade up and prepared to swing it down. A white hue was appearing all around him.
Stalling at the sight of it, Goku placed his hands together and to his side to counter this blast with one of his own. Bending over and putting his hands together by his sides, his open pal produced a shining ball of energy. Then he flung his arms forward.
"Kahmehameha!" Goku unleashed a blast.
"Getsuga Tenshou!" Ichigo swung his sword.
The dark overcast land was suddenly brightened as if it was the daytime. The two blasts travelled high over the ground and collided with each other.
Emerging from the forest Naruto looked up to see the two bright lights of the blasts colliding and crashing against each other and the ensuing damage. An incredible force tried to push him to the ground, but he weathered it as best he could and through the bright light tried to get a better view of it all. As the blinding bright lights diminished, he saw Ichigo and Goku going at it... up in the sky.
"How am I supposed to get up there?" he watched as the two danced about above him "Looks like I gotta get creative." he smirked.
In the air above him Ichigo jabbed Goku in the face with his hilt. Goku brought his leg up to kick him, but Ichigo moved his sword down to block the attack. Swinging his arm around Goku slugged Ichigo in his temple, forcefully knocking him lower in the air. Then he dived down with his leg, but Ichigo brought his sword up to take the brunt of the blow. He slashed at Goku causing him to move back and the two eyed each other across the sky line.
Then out of nowhere Ichigo felt a large weight drop onto him and weigh him down.
"Hey-what-" he flailed his arms and legs around in the air.
"Leave me behind will ya?!" a loud irritated voice screamed into his ear. Loosening his stance across from them, Goku peered forward with childish wonder to get a better look at what was going on.
Looking across at the spectacle all Goku could do was let out a hearty laugh. Ichigo just levitated in the air with no idea what was going on, swinging his entire body wildly while Naruto clung onto his back and tried to stay on.
"What are you doing-get off!" he shrieked as he thrashed about.
"Keep still, will ya!" Naruto demanded "This isn't good for either of us!"
"No! It's not good for you!" he said reaching an arm back to try and pry his hands off. He looked over to see Goku still just staring at them with a wide eyed curiosity. "Are you gonna help or not?!"
Goku blinked "Do you want me to help?" he asked cluelessly. Ichigo was too busy trying to throw Naruto off to answer. "Alright." Goku answered on his own and flew towards them.
"Alright, perfect" Naruto grinned. When Goku was close enough Naruto let go, flung himself off of Ichigo and towards Goku. Flying up in the air and even over Goku, Naruto looked down at everything. This was actually kind of nice if the circumstances weren't so bad. Looking down he saw Goku turning his head up to look at him. Flying over him as his face disappeared and saw the symbol on his back. Looking back he could see Goku and Ichigo lining up. He was in the perfect position. "This is it!" he said aloud. Turning himself in the air, he slapped Goku's back before slammed his foot down onto the same kicking him and sending him colliding into Ichigo.
Crashing into each other, blood splattered between the two when they collided in the air and it fell to the ground like rain drops. Then plummeting down together Naruto lost sight of them when they crashed into the forest. As he started to fall back down to the ground a cloud of dust began to rise from the forest from the crash.
Landing on his feet, he wasted no time. This fight was still far from over. He sprinted forward, crossing the clearing and headed in the forest. Reaching the outer edge he wasted no time in diving right in. He jumped up to the tree tops and travelled as he usually would. The farther he got in the more dense the woods was, that was until he saw the site of the crash. The uprooted earth, broken trees and brown overtaking the green ground. Also noticeable was the small patches of blood and matching red footprints left behind. The two must have turned on each other the second they landed. Perhaps just as noteworthy was the sound of the struggle he heard between the trees.
Jumping down Naruto wanted a better look at things. The second he landed, he noticed that all the noises died and that silence took over.
"AH!" a shriek let out and he turned to see Ichigo emerging from between two trees with his sword raised. He swung down and Naruto jumped over him as he slashed it down. Flipping over to a nearby tree behind him, Naruto bounded off of it and came back to Ichigo to kick him in the back. Landing on his back he kicked Ichigo to the ground, his face landing in the dirt. Picking himself up with anger in his eyes, Ichigo turned around and flailed his sword at Naruto who pressed an attack, but relented at the last second. Rebounding to attack, he did it again, but this time the sword slashing his right shoulder.
Naruto stumbled to grab his shoulder as blood trickled through the wound and his fingers staining his orange sleeve. Ichigo slashed him again this time across the back. Naruto stumbled to his knees as blood flowed from the blade and his back. Ichigo then kicked his leg up and knocked Naruto in a tree cracking it in half.
Naruto jumped up onto the stump and eyed Ichigo from it. Slashing his sword again Ichigo swiped at this time. Naruto jumped over it as his swipe cut down all the trees that were behind him. Landing to the ground to Ichigo's right he threw a knife at him as he turned to him again.
The knife grazed his right shoulder before going to pin itself against a tree trunk. Ichigo turned to face him as Naruto stood up to his normal height. Without a moments hesitation Ichigo charged him and Naruto armed himself with another knife. Ichigo slashed his sword. Naruto dodged it and brought the knife up over to slash at him. Ichigo raised the massive sword and knocked the small knife from his hands. Then he swung it down on top of Naruto.
The ninja put his hands up to catch the blade and flung his head over hitting Ichigo's with his own. He stumbled back and Naruto jumped up and kicked him back even further. Stopping himself Ichigo swung back with the sword slashing it before Naruto, he jumped back, but Ichigo just ran the sword across him. Ducking under Naruto picked himself back up as Ichigo ran the sword across the back of his left leg.
He brought his sword up for another slice, but in a surprising burst of strength Naruto swatted him away with a clenched fist and then delivered a powerful blow to his face. Falling back Naruto added to it by leaping up and shooting his leg out to kick him in the face. Blood shot out from under his shoes as it his Ichigo's face and he was sent back hard into a tree.
Though Ichigo was kicked back, he pulled himself forward off of the tree, bringing his sword back defensively before him expecting another attack, but Naruto didn't lash out. The two of them just stood there regarding the other, pausing before continuing their confrontation. And each one got to thinking how they came to be here, before Goku arrived to join them.
Naruto threatened him with endangering everyone; Ichigo denied it. He brought up all the trouble his friends went through. Ichigo brought up the same. When Naruto brought up Rukia and Renji by name however, that soon sent Ichigo on the warpath. Their battle commenced, but not without both acknowledging the other was far too young to have to deal with this kind of fight. On that they agreed together sadly.
Suddenly springing out of the trees and breaking them from their identical thoughts, Goku appeared hurling a blast towards both of them. Ichigo jumped back and away as the blast exploded in front of him, but he disappeared deeper into the forest to evade it. Landing down on the ground Goku shot his arm out at him unleashing another blast. The blue hue of it collided with Ichigo dead center, and he erupted into a ball of fire on the spot. The fire and smoke overtaking Goku and Naruto from the side.
But it would not deter either one of them.
Naruto jumped forward out of the way another blast sent meant him and he headed right for Goku; the one he had been told of since the beginning. The one he felt was the source of all his problems now.
Picking himself up he lunged at him.
Goku flew up to the air avoiding him. Naruto jumped to a nearby tree and ran up it following him.
"Hm." Goku pondered to himself as he saw Naruto run vertically "I bet he'd be able to climb Korin's tower in no time." Naruto kicked off the tree and towards Goku. Throwing a punch Goku hit him on the top of his head, knocking him to the ground.
Crashing down to the ground, Naruto went to his hands and knees before eyeing Goku hovered in the air above him.
"You know I only thought of it right now, but..." Goku paused as he regarded him from above "I guess you can't fly huh?"
"What gave me away?" he shot back looking up.
"All that running your doing." Goku pointed to the tree Naruto used to get to him "Well, I'll tell you what," he said keeping his eyes on him "I don't wanna play keep away from you. I wanna fight you with all my strength."
"Spare me!" Naruto spat pulling himself together. Fair as it may seem a boast like that was definitely fitting of the man he was foretold of "You'll need every ability you have to keep me down!"
"That's fine with me." Goku punched his fists together. He lowered himself to the ground, to come to an even footing with Naruto just as he promised before going into another stance.
Then the two began their attacks.
Goku swung forward at him. Naruto ducked under it as Goku continued his assault on him. Goku stomped his foot down, but Naruto dashed out of the way. He threw a kick at him from the side, but now Goku ducked under and kicked up. Naruto jumped high to a tree top. Goku snapped his leg out and smash the tree down and Naruto fell back down to him. Crashing down he came on top of Goku and the two of them began to brawl it out.
Taking him to the ground, the two rolled on top of each other. Naruto threw a punch slugging Goku, his head hit the ground before he punched shot up his left arm hitting Naruto and forcing him to fall to the right. Goku then flipped rolling on top of him before hitting him in the face. Naruto took the blow and as another one came shot his arms up to brace against it. The ground shook behind him and began to crack from the force of it. Then he opened his arms and shot his head out, shooting up to headbutt Goku; his forehead protector was now sprinkled with blood.
Goku fell back off of him. Getting up and over him Naruto swung down with a kick. But Goku rolled out of the way and onto his feet. Starting from a kneel he was on Naruto's right side as he pivoted to come at him. Coming to his feet as Naruto charged Goku reared his leg back and shot it forward connecting with Naruto as it ran down his torso, lifting him up off the ground. Naruto felt the air knocked out of his body as he lingered in the air. Putting his fists together and raising them above his head Goku then slammed then down on top of Naruto, who bounced on the ground blood flowed from his mouth from each one.
Goku reared his leg back again, but Naruto moved first. Swinging his body up and pushing off with his arms he shot up at Goku kicking him in the face. Goku then swept the ground with his leg, but Naruto flipped into the air and onto his feet and came at Goku again.
Naruto threw a punch at him, but Goku swatted it away. Goku swiped at his head, but Naruto dodged. Bringing out a knife he slashed at Goku. His first swipe cut across Goku's shoulder. He came at him again with another one, but Goku swatted his arm away and the blade along with it, he pressed forward. He swung forward with one fist and another. Naruto jumped in the air and lunged his fist in his face. Goku brought his arms up to block his face and Naruto landed back on the ground. Goku jabbed Naruto in the side of the head. Stumbling down Naruto then shot up and brought his knee into Goku's chin.
It connected, but Goku rebounded from the blow and struck Naruto who then disappeared in a puff of smoke. Then springing from his side came another that struck Goku in the face. He hit him again and again. Blood splattered from Goku's mouth from the punch before he countered with a strong kick to his head sending him spiraling back into the air. Goku raced after him and let out another punch that connected with his face and Naruto dropped to the ground. Goku reached down a picked him up, not to strike him, but to look him over. He had a small cut on his forehead and some blood from his mouth, but Goku could tell he wasn't done yet.
"I know that's not all you got." he said, but Naruto didn't stir in his grasp. Then he let out a grin.
"Your right." Naruto admitted smugly. Naruto reared his head up and close to Goku. "Feel that?" he asked. Goku looked confused "Gotcha!" he let out. Looking down to his chest Goku see a disintegrating piece of paper. Naruto then sprung up and kicked him away. Falling back Goku suddenly disappeared into a ball of fire and smoke; taking several of the surrounding trees and ground with him. Naruto landed safely onto the ground as he saw the smoldering spectacle before him. The fire burnt the ground as the smoke rose higher into the sky. Naruto let out a sigh as this seemed like it would be it for Goku.
Then suddenly bursting out of the fire and coming straight for him was Goku. With determination in his eyes and the only the edges of his clothes burnt Goku came swinging at Naruto.
Burying his fist into his face he then grabbed ahold of his head. Pushing him head first through the entire forest. Trees, branches and rocks broke against his back as he was used as a battering ram by Goku. Charging through the forest they came to the edge and to the clearing where this all started. Goku stopped where he was and released Naruto who was flung all the way out to the middle of the clearing. Falling through the air Naruto fell to the ground, planted his feet and looked across to Goku. Naruto created more clones and five appeared beside him. Two of them charged forward while the other three stayed behind with Naruto.
Goku let out a cry as he flew towards him. The two dashed around and came at him from both sides, but he swatted them both away in a cloud of smoke. He kept his eyes on Naruto ahead who stood in place with the other three. The three were huddled around him and he could see and feel something building in his hands, but couldn't think of what exactly. He thought back to one of the first attacks he used in this fight.
The three clones broke off from Naruto and charged Goku, but he dispatched them just as easily. He jumped over to and kicked out at them before landing down on the other one. The second he planted his feet into the ground Naruto was right in front of him. In his hand, pointed towards Goku's chest was a round blue spiral. Goku's eyes widened as he plunged at him.
"Rasengan!" Naruto shouted as he unleashed his attack onto Goku. Shoving his arm forward the spiraling vortex connected with his chest. Pulling in the air all around them and grinding into his chest Goku grimaced at the feeling. He remained in place as his feet dug into the ground and Naruto pushed against him, his signature attack drilling into his chest.
Ichigo finally reemerged from another destroyed part of the forest and watched the entire spectacle in awe.
"What is that?" he asked as the wind died down and the two of them starred off at each other. Goku stood to his full height, a nice circular hole drilled through his clothes on both sides.
Goku stood down over Naruto and the boy looked up at him, his hand still outstretched as if the Rasengan was still in his hand though it had long disappeared by this point. Goku then brought his arm up, but not to strike. He wiped his own chin, cleaning of some blood falling out from his mouth.
"That was a good hit." he admitted "I have to hand it to you, I'm impressed." he congratulated him, looking over his orange clad opponent, but he wasn't the only one.
"Uh thanks." Naruto let out. Goku then stood up to his full height, in a neutral position. He then looked over to see Ichigo standing there, having just rejoined them.
"You too Ichigo, I haven't had this much fun in a while. I hope your not planning on sitting the rest of this out."
"Not a chance." he responded.
"Good." Goku grinned "Then I gotta know something-something I've been thinking about.." he paused catching the substitute's interest. "Do you have Bankai?" Ichigo seemed shocked when he spoke of that, but Naruto was only confused.
"How do you-" Ichigo asked
"The last guy I fought didn't have a Bankai. But he said they're a lot of fun and no two are alike."
"That's right." Ichigo answered "You said you fought Kenpachi after all. So that checks out." Goku nodded. "Must have been quite the fight."
Goku grinned "It was."
"Can't say I'm surprised you won."
"Well, it wasn't easy." Goku admitted. Ichigo nodded again.
"Well," Ichigo slung his sword to his shoulder "So did I. Only I didn't have Bankai back then."
"So you do have it!" Goku concluded and Ichigo only nodded to him "Then I gotta see it!" Goku leaned in with anticipation. Strangely to Ichigo it reminded him of how eagerly Gohan wanted to see it in action. A shame; this would be his second chance lost.
"I hope you don't regret it." Ichigo said confidently raising his sword
"Hey-what is this?" Naruto called out.
"Your about to find out" Ichigo said aloud "I've been holding out on you guys.." he paused raising the sword higher. "I've put this off for far too long." he said to himself. "Bankai!" he shouted and he was swarmed in a cloud of smoke and disappeared in it. Both Goku and Naruto peered forward to try and see him. Then the cloud was cut in two. Disappearing both up and down revealing Ichigo in a brand new form. He bore the same serious expression, but his clothes and even his sword had changed.
Holding his coat together were 'X''s going down from his collar to his belt. He wore gloves with the same lettering now. The blade looked the same length, but was noticeably black, and jagged. It was also smaller and the size of a normal katana though they all knew it was far from that.
Ichigo released a breath "Tensa Zangetsu" he announced it's name. The silence in the aftermath of his transformation was broken by furious clapping. Puzzled he look over to see Goku applauding him.
"Wow, neat!" he let out, putting his hands to his hips "I usually have to transform with someone else if I wanna get my clothes to change."
"Is that all you have to say?"
Naruto eyes the two of them strangely.
"Not just that." Goku said speaking more seriously now "There's something different about you now I can tell. This energy.. it's different from anything I've experienced before. And it's overflowing. I can't wait to see it in action!"
"I think you'll regret that." Ichigo warned
"Never." Goku said crouching down and taking a stance. As soon as he said that Ichigo was in front of his with his sword having already slashed through the air.
A deep cut came across Goku's chest and blood started to squirt out. Ichigo reached out his hand and pushed him back all the way through the forest. Loosing sight of him he quickly turned his attention to Naruto who charged at him from behind.
But his attack was cut abruptly short as he suddenly appeared before him and raised his sword to Naruto's throat as he ran, stopping him in his tracks. A small drop of blood came out as trickled off the edge of the blade as Naruto gulped.
The wind suddenly picked up violently around them. Naruto was already startled, but strangely so was Ichigo. They both looked over to see a bright golden light from the middle of the forest. Right where he just launched Goku.
The ground began to shake even more than before. Ichigo planted his feet down as Naruto stumbled and fell. Though the trees they could hear the echo of Goku's voice screaming, not in pain, but in power. Then all at once it stopped, except for the bright light which continued to shine brightly.
Then shooting up like a star form the trees came a golden streak. It erupted to the dark sky brightening it considerably around him and arched across it before coming back down right towards them. Getting a better look they could see exactly what it was. It was dressed and looked just like Goku. Only instead of black hair it was bright gold like the aura around him and it stood up higher.
He came crashing down to them, shaking the ground as he had done before only with even more power this time. He reared his back and head up to the sky before setting his sight on them. Strangely enough he had no wounds on him from before.
"What is this?"
"What?" Goku shrugged "I hoped you didn't think you were the only one with a transformation." he brought his hands up with clenched fists "It may not be a fashion statement, but it's certainly noticeable."
"I'll say." Ichigo admitted. Goku then pulled something out from his pocket and opened his hand. Placed between his fingers were two small green objects. "Are those... beans?" he said confused.
"Are you eating at a time like this?" Naruto let out. Though he could go for a snack himself.
"I had one, yeah" Goku admitted "I needed it too after that swing." he pounded his now healed chest with his other hand. "Here." he reared his arm back "Catch." he threw one at Ichigo who caught it. He turned to Naruto "You too." he let out giving him the other. "Now these are the last one's so I want you to have them if were going to continue this for real." he grinned. Both of them studied the small bean skeptically.
"I was taught not to take anything from strangers." Ichigo refuted him grumpily.
"Oh don't be like that. I thought I knew you better." Goku said a bit disappointed "Trust me. I know you won't regret it". Ichigo and Naruto looked to each other before looking to Goku and then to the small food in their hands. Despite how hungry Naruto was, Ichigo took the leap of faith first. And he was rewarded.
All the damage he accrued from before disappeared and he felt completely rejuvenated form before. No blood or open wounds on him at all. The look of him showed as much, but he voiced it all the same.
"See. Just like I told you." Goku said.
"The hot springs were relaxing, but this is much faster working!" Ichigo rambled in disbelief and surprise. Naruto was quick to gobble his up and he soon felt just as Ichigo did; good as new and ready for more. No battle wounds or weakness on him. But when he looked at the both of them again he noticed something different between them.
New clothes, completely healed and with transformations to boot. They were no doubt stronger, faster and more durable than before. This fight was still far from over. He had intended to use a Rasenshurkien next to take them out. But like this? He may-no he would need some new power. And that alone wouldn't cut it.
To fight a Super Saiyan and a Bankai, he would need a Sage's strength.
Next time: Mistaken Identity! This isn't the ninja you were looking for!
Another Clash; Gohan's Dreaded Rematch!