Wizard vs Bijuu
The referree blinked as the medics gathered Jura from the field, ignoring the raucous applause from the crowd around him. They had loved the battle, and that was good, that was the purpose of the entire tournament after all, but he didn't. The two Wizard Saints had left a massive crater on the field, during the first fight since the tournament was rebuilt. They had hoped the reinforced structure would be capable of withstanding battles like this, and the very first battle in it proved that was impossible. The Wizards were just far too powerful for any normal substance to be capable of withstanding their power. Which meant one thing.
"As dismayed as I am to disappoint you all crowd I'm afraid we'll have to postpone the tournament!"
The crowd erupted in boos, causing the referree to sigh. This was never the fun part of the job. "Due to the amount of destruction caused by the previous battle we will have to delay the battle until the arena is more suitable to a proper battle. Our Earth Magic users will be heavily strained to repair the intensive damage so I'm afraid we'll have to wait for the Sasuke Uchiha and Yui Nii battle until tomorrow. I'm sure it will be just as entertaining as this one!"
The crowd grumbled the referree was pleased to see them as they listened, walking out towards the exits of the arena as the assigned mages got to work repairing the arena.
"Seems like Naruto is a bit more impressive than I thought he was," Matatabi stated. Sasuke blinked, glancing at the Bijuu. "I hope you've grown stronger like he has. Otherwise it will be a boring fight."
Sasuke frowned, looking at Matatabi as she walked away.
"Why?"
Matatabi paused, glancing back at him. "I'm sorry?"
"Why are you and the rest of the Bijuu doing this," Sasuke stated. "I'd understand trying to kill me, that's easy to understand. I'm an Uchiha, and after what I did to you all after we defeated Kaguya it only makes sense. But Naruto? He's been nothing but loyal to you all. He was ready to die to protect you."
Matatabi frowned. She didn't particularly want to answer that question but she supposed the Uchiha deserved to know that much information. It wasn't like he was wrong. "Honestly none of us hate Naruto," Matatabi stated. "If anything we respect him. He saved us from a life of eternal servitude to you humans and damnation in the form of being returned to the form of the Juubi. The only man we respect more than him is Hagoromo himself."
"So why are you doing this? Surely Mito can't control all of you. Even if she could there's no reason for you all to show this much aggressiontowards at least Naruto."
"Yes I suppose you do deserve to feel our wrath," Matatabi stated, ignoring Sasuke's statement. "But we're in a new life now. There's no benefit to it. As for Mito...you'd be surprised on how powerful that woman is. She holds a bit of all of our powers in combination with her own. I would not want to face her in a fight by my lonesome. She is stronger than any of us individually."
Sasuke's eyes widened. Mito held the power of all of the Bijuu? She was stronger than any of them? That was...worrying. If both he or Naruto were at full strength that wouldn't be a problem, as they could at least compete with her if not defeat her, but with both of them significantly weaker now due to her seal...it was terrifying. Both of them needed to reclaim their lost powers as soon as possible. Naruto and Levy would have to work even harder to unwravel the seal made by Mito.
"Even so why do you all seem to hate us? Why is Mito doing any of this?"
Matatabi blinked, tilting her head. "We aren't the true Bijuu, you realize this right? The only Bijuu truly on Earthland is Kurama. All of us are fragments of chakra from the other Bijuu Mito fed over the years to keep us alive. We have the memories due to a harmony between Bijuu chakra, it's the same thing that allows us to reform. We technically can exist in fragments as we're chakra. But at the end of the day we're all just hollow replacements of the Bijuu contained within a lacrima. But Mito would have had to craft a lacrima. And there exists no commercial grade lacrima on earth that could have held any of our power."
Matatabi nodded at the Uchiha before she turned and left. "I'll see you tomorrow. Bring your best. Regardless of how we feel towards each other, we have a fight to provide."
Sasuke frowned. That wasn't a direct answer, but it was an answer. Mito had crafted them, kept their chakra alive by feeding it with her own. Could her own chakra have affected the Bijuu somewhat to have them act in such a manner? And Matatabi made a good point. What type of lacrima could hold a Bijuu's power? Where were they created? Who was making them? And perhaps more importantly, could they make more?
Fairy Tail celebrated in their hotel, the group glad at Naruto's victory.
"I thought you were gonna lose for a second there," Natsu shouted. "How did you send the lightning down at Jura!"
Naruto smirked. "Yeah I won't deny it got a little sketchy. I probably shouldn't have played around and used my Drive, but at the end of the day I didn't have to because of the secret weapon of my Sky God Slayer Magic. As for the lightning, well it was really just manipulating the science of lightning with my magic."
"I didn't realize you read enough to do that," Sasuke muttered, a snort on his face.
Naruto grinned. "Well, I may have learned a thing or two from when you dropped Kirin on me at the Valley of the End."
"Valley of the End," Hyperion asked, causing Naruto to blink. Sasuke didn't even hesitate, covering for it without so much as a stutter.
"It's a place near our home."
Hyperion narrowed his eyes but accepted the answer without further inquiry. Sasuke shot Naruto a dirty look that the blonde refused to meet. The tension was cut by Gajeel's commentary.
"Wait, so your magic can heal you?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah. I can channel it to heal my injuries. It doesn't give me any energy back though. I still have to eat air to gain magic back but the drain on my body is still there. It's also not the fastest technique so I don't use it that much. If word got out that I could use it, along with the fact that it works so slowly, then people would never give me the opportunity to use it in a battle."
"Fair point," Azuma stated. "I don't believe we've met. Azuma."
"Naruto Uzumaki," the blonde stated. "Did you just join Fairy Tail?"
"Indeed," the man stated. "I heard of the legendary strength members of this guild held and wanted to battle with them. Learn from them. It seems like I came to the right place."
"Damn right ya did," Naruto said, grinning.
"He fought with Laxus on even grounds you know! He's really strong! He didn't even look like he was trying."
Azuma frowned. "Neither was he. That would have been a fun battle."
"Oh god another battle junkie like the blonde idiot," Sasuke muttered.
"And you aren't," Mirajane teased, causing the Uchiha to blush.
"Look now isn't the time to talk about battle," Makarov stated. "Now is the time to celebrate!"
Later that night
"You wanted to speak with us Makarov," Wolfhiem stated, sitting in Makarov's room, slightly confused.
"Yes," Makarov stated, glancing at Wolfhiem and Draculos. "I wanted to inform you of something. What I am going to say is going to sound unrealistic but I would prefer if you refrained from asking questions until the end."
"Understood," the duo stated.
Makarov nodded, sighing to gain the courage to say what needed to be said. "As I'm sure you both are aware Mito Uzumaki is an anomolly. She has no recorded history in Fiore, despite her general magic output being that of an S-class mage. She's strong, and attention follows the powerful inevitably. It's a fact of life. And yet it's as though one day she just appeared. And then there's the case of her guild members, Yui Nii. Historically she was not known for being a particularly powerful mage, in fact she practically had no competency for it. Then in the span of a few years she grows massively in power to that of an S-class mage and is defeating Erza Scarlet in battle. It makes no sense. Of course I'm sure you know that Wolfhiem, with your tendencies."
Wolfhiem's eye twitched but the man otherwise was silent.
"So how did it happen? How did these two just appear randomly and with such massive power. Well there's one explanation that's the truth. They come from another dimension. It would explain why Mito Uzumaki has never been heard of at all, even in immigrant forms of by other governments of the other countries of Earthland. She just appeared one day. She must have trained Yui Nii, or better, gifted her with a lacrima that made her this powerful."
Makarov was shocked at the lack of surprise on either Generals face. In fact Wolfhiem seemed to be resisting the urge to grin. Draculos was stoic as always, as though he was interpreting the information objectively. Makarov raised his eyebrows but nonetheless continued his speech.
"Now none of this is illegal of course. However, unknown to anyone not invovled Mito Uzumaki attacked Fairy Tail after the first part of this tournament with Yui Nii. Of course this calls for the disbandment of her guild, and jailtime for the guild members involved, but nothing happened to them because we didn't report it. Still, none of that is particularly troubling. Even with the laws guild wars occur, as you know. Fairy Tail and Phantom Lord just got out of a guild war. No what made it interesting is that one, Fong of the Ghost Brothers was there with them."
Wolfhiem's eyes widened now.
"Yes, he attacked them with a magic we've never seen him use before in any reports of him. He was using sand, sand so powerful it was able to completely overwhelm most of the Fairy Tail guild. After defeating us they afflicted Naruto and Sasuke with some strange seal that neither of them can determine and left. They claimed they were testing us somehow. This is a problem. They have attacked our guild and worked with known criminals. They're a threat to Fiore and I request for them to be labelled a Dark Guild immediately. Due to the gravity of their threat, the ability to create such powerful S-class mages in such a short period of time, I request an immediate strike force be sent to take them out."
Wolfhiem snorted."If I didn't know better I'd think you just wanted your Fairy Tail members to fight each other in the finals for publicity," the elderly man stated. "But...you're not wrong."
Makarov blinked. "Wait what? You believe me?"
Draculos nodded. "Our suspicions have been on one Mito Uzumaki for a while. She's an enigma, and enigma's are threats to the government. We had to deal with her somehow, and thus we were gathering information on her."
"We pretty much knew everything you stated, or theorized it at least," Wolfhiem stated. "We had theorized that Mito Uzumaki was from an alternate dimension. Of course we are unaware of any magic able to bring lasting elements of other dimensions to our own. The only magic capable of temporary existence is Celestial Spirit Magic, and it's simply not powerful enough to create monsters of this gravity. So we knew something else was involved. We were unaware of her activities with the last remaining Ghost Brother however, so that is good information to know."
"How did you know?"
"Recordings," Wolfhiem stated, a grin forming on his face. "Look at their recordings." Wolfhiem quickly pulled out a lacrima, a video feed of Naruto and Sasuke saving Erza from Yui's attack playing. "Look closely at Yui, Sasuke, and Naruto. The trio are all...fuzzy. To the untrained eye it would looklike they're just moving too quickly for the video feed to catch them, but I think we all know that isn't true."
Makarov's eyes widened. They knew about Naruto and Sasuke too. Even if it was just a theory he had practically just confirmed it for them with his out of the blue confession. He grit his teeth and clenched his hands. He would have to apologize to the two for spilling their secret. He wasn't attempting to when he started this conversation but he knew that the risk was there.
"No, they're not moving too fast. The three are distorting the camera feed. But how is the question? What could cause that? We theorized it was a distortive wavelength caused by not being of this dimension. You just confirmed that."
Makarov frowned. "So what will you do?"
"We have plans on dealing with Mito Uzumaki. Make no mistake we acknowledge her threat to Fiore. Your ability to participate in these plans depends on your own dimension hopppers."
Makarov frowned, staring at the duo. "You're not hear to make sure Naruto and Sasuke don't destroy anything, but rather to attack them if they prove to be a threat to Fiore."
"Eliminate is the better word," Draculos stated, not bothering to munch words.
Makarov glared at the duo, killing intent leaking off of his body, not that it affected either of them. They were too experienced for that. "You will not harm them."
"We won't if we don't feel the need to. Of course this could all be solved by you telling us about them. Who are they? Why are they here? What is their relationship with Mito Uzumaki?"
"I cannot tell you that. It is their right to tell their stories to whomever they choose. Not mine to tell theirs."
Wolfhiem snorted. "Of course it isn't. I expected nothing less. Of course you do know that if they are determiend to be a threat nothing can stop the Generals from defeating them, even you?"
Makarov caught the specific words Woflhiem used. "Generals, not you two...how many Generals are here?"
Wolfiem smirked. He saw no harm in Makarov knowing the answer to that question. "All of us bar one."
Makarov's eyes widened. "You're going to eliminate Jinchuriki and Naruto and Sasuke during the tournament if you deem them a threat. The Dark Guild statement was merely pretense."
"Smart as always Makarov," Wolfhiem stated. "I didn't even have to reveal that much information to you. Then I'm sure you understand the gravity of the threat I'm laying out here. If Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha are deemed to be a threat like Jinchuriki has been...they will die. Understood?"
Makarov was silent. Draculos and Wolfhiem stood, exiting the room.
"Goodnight Makarov."
The door closed.
"Sasuke-kun," Mira stated. Sasuke blinked, glancing at the open door, surprised to see Mira standing there.
"Mira? Why are you here?"
"I wanted to talk to you," Mira stated, walking over to the Uchiha. Sasuke blinked. Mira sighed. "About the fight tomorrow. You're fighting Matatabi."
Sasuke frowned, nodding as he looked back up at the window near his bed. "Yeah."
"How do you feel about it?"
Sasuke frowned. "I'm sorry?"
"You know what I mean Sasuke-kun," Mira stated. "How do you feel about fighting Matatabi? Your odds of winning, how you're going to handle it? I mean after all you don't have access to your full strength, and I don't think Matatabi will hold back on you at all."
Sasuke frowned, closing his eyes and letting a sigh escape his lips. "I feel fine. This isn't the first battle I've gone into not knowing that I would win. I'll give it my all and I won't die. I'll win. Simple as that."
"But how are you so sure?"
Sasuke looked at Mira, preparing a curt response until he saw that look in her eyes. The pain and fear on her face. The Uchiha frowned as he saw a single tear trail from her eye. He could tell what this was about. Mirajane Strauss was afraid. She was afraid of losing someone again. First she had lost Lisanna at a young age, killed by her own brother nonetheless. After that Erza fights Matatabi and is almost killed by the Bijuu, only saved by Naruto and his overwhelming strength. Then, to make matters worse, he and Naruto had fought brutally the last time they were in Crocus and he had gone blind because of it. The guild being crushed by the Bijuu was only the cherry on top. The added stuff after the battle in Crocus only kept piling things on top of that. There had been too many close calls recently. She was afraid of someone dying again like her sister.
He supposed he hadn't been making her feel more comfortable about the idea.
"Mira," Sasuke stated, placing a hand on her shoulder awkwardly. He still wasn't the greatest at this. "I'll be fine. I've fought the Bijuu before remember. I may not be able to unleash the same power in my attacks, but I have my own bag of tricks. I'm able to use my magic to a level I've never known before. Don't worry. I won't lose tomorrow."
"But how can you be so sure-"
Sasuke cut her off by hugging the woman, a smile on his face. "I'm positive. Mira I'm strong. I know Matatabi seemingly has overwhelming strength, but like all enemies she has a weakness. Not even the Bijuu are unbeatable."
Mira shook, staring at the ground as tears slowly trickled down her face. "Ok," she stated. There was a brief pause before she spoke again. "Promise me that you'll make it through tomorrow alright? Promise me."
Sasuke wanted to give a short laugh. This was a familiar feeling. It was a similar feeling to Sakura begging him not to leave Konoha when they were mere Genin. Mirajane just wanted him to be safe. He couldn't exactly promise that.
"I promise you that I will make it through tomorrow."
But damned if he was going to admit that it was impossible to promise that.
"Ok." Mira stated, her voice less shaky. "Thank you."
Sasuke smirked, but noticed the woman wrap her arms around him. He blinked before he smirked, holding her. He felt like they would be there a while.
Erza and Naruto sat on the roof of their apartment, both staring up at the stars.
"So, you learned how to control the atmosphere using your magic. That's really impressive. Every time it feels like I close the gap between us you make such a large leap forwards."
Naruto snorted, cracking his neck. "I just have a lot of life experiences to draw from. Sasuke was the inspiration for that attack."
"You mentioned that," Erza stated. "What did you mean Sasuke dropping Kirin on you?"
"Right I suppose you don't know the details. Back after the Fourth Great Shinobi War Sasuke and I settled our differences and also set the future of the shinobi world. We fought in the Valley of the End, a place marred by our previous...spirits I guess is the right word titanic battle. We definitely deepened the scars on that land. Anyways, we were fighting and he dropped a dragon made of lightning on me. It was massive and pinned me to the ground. That was the inspiration for my attack."
Erza blanched. "How the hell are you two still friends after how many times you've tried killing each other!"
"Well when you both lose an arm fighting each other..."
"What!"
Naruto laughed, shrugging it off. "I mean it's not that weird to me. A lot of my friends used to be my most hated enemies. Gaara, Neji, Kurama, Obito, even Nagato before he died, were all some of the people I despised before we eventually became friends."
Erza smiled. "So you have a tendency to make people who hate you your friends? Some would call that a superpower."
Naruto laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "I mean, if you say so." Erza smirked, wrapping her arms around the blonde and laying her head on his shoulder. "I know so."
The two stayed like that in a comfortable silence until Erza glanced up at Naruto.
"Do you think you'll have to fight Matatabi?"
Naruto frowned. "Potentially. Sasuke is definitely strong and won't be easy to defeat, but I don't know how likely it is that either of us can defeat Matatabi even together right now. She's just so far above us. We're still strong, but we're not near where we used to be. Either way I'm sure Sasuke will give it his all, and if he falls than I'll be sure to finish her off."
"Didn't you just say that even together you weren't sure you could win?"
Naruto smiled. "Not sure doesn't mean that we won't do it, just that it's not undoubtable. If we were at full strength either one of us could take her by ourselves. But that's ok, because I won't lose even if Sasuke does. I swear it on my Nindo Way!"
Erza rolled her eyes, glancing up at the blonde she was dating. "You're so confident."
"Of course! Sasuke and I have been through worse situations than this!"
"And Mito?"
Naruto's smile drained, his face hard. "I don't know. I don't know what she's doing or what her plans are. For now all I know is that she's sending the Bijuu at Sasuke and I until we prove something to her. Whatever that is I don't know. She wants us to suffer, which is strange because neither of us were even alive when she was."
"Then what's your relationship to her?"
"Other than the fact that I'm distantly related to her, nothing. I mean she was married to Hashirama and the first Jinchuriki for Kurama but..." Naruto trailed off. Erza blinked.
"What's wrong Naruto?"
"Hashirama was one of the reincarnations of Asura..." Naruto muttered. "Like I am. And Madara was the previous reincarnation of Indra like Sasuke is. Mito was married to Hashirama and was also the Jinchuriki of Kurama which I am now...but thats the only connection between us. Whatever she hates about us it has to do with that."
"A good theory," Erza stated. "But how are you going to confirm it?"
Naruto grinned. "I'm gonna ask her myself!"
"What! Isn't that ridiculously dangerous? You're not at your full power, she could kill you!"
"She could," Naruto muttered."But she won't. Not until we've fought all the Bijuu at least. After that she definitely might. And she'll answer my question. I know she will."
Erza frowned, shaking her head at her boyfriend. "You're so confident, even about your enemies. It doesn't make any sense. But if you're sure then I'll support you, no matter what."
Naruto smiled, hugging Erza back.
"Thanks Erza, I appreciate that. A lot."
The redhead rolled her eyes, before making herself more comfortable. So comfortable she didn't notice herself unconsciously removing her armor with her Requip. So comfortable she didn't notice herself falling asleep in Naruto's arms.
The Next Day
Sasuke stood on the battlefield, directly across from Matatabi, a sword in his hands. He had created it using his Arc of Embodiment right before the battle.
"Ready for this Uchiha?"
"Shut up and let's do this Matatabi."
"Ae you sure Sasuke can win this," Gray asked. "This is Matatabi we're talking about here."
"Yes I'm positive," Mira stated, although the cold grip of her knuckles against the railing was not convincing. "Sasuke-kun can defeat her. He promised me."
Wolfhiem wanted to snort. Promises didn't really mean anything other than reassuring someone, but he knew how Makarov would react and held his tongue. Still the man was curious. Why did the Fairy Tail members call Yui Matatabi? And why were they stressing over what was essentially a battle for show? They knew something that he didn't. Or at least, part of the information that he didn't. These mages likely knew about Jinchuriki and Naruto Uzumaki, which likewise made them suspects.
Information he would file for later.
"Look," Natsu stated, breaking the group out of their individual thoughts. "There's no point thinking about it now. The battles about to begin!"
"Hey everybody," Lucy called, the T.V. showing Sasuke and Matatabi standing in an arena facing one another. "It looks like Sasuke's fight is about to begin."
"Against Matatabi," Cana muttered. "Do you think he can do it? Isn't he not as strong as he used to be?"
"We'll find out soon," Jet muttered. "He's Sasuke though. I've never seen him lose. I'm sure he can do it."
"I don't know. From the way he talked he made it sound like the Bijuu were these immovable objects," Levy stated. "Can anyone really beat them in battle?"
"I mean according to their past lives they have defeated them," Lucy muttered. "I'd like to think that they're capable of defeating them once more. They just need to be as powerful as they were back then I guess..."
"That's a big order Lucy," Cana muttered as the battle started. "A big one."
"Alright everyone, I apologize for the wait! Our Earth Magic users worked dilligently to fix the arena! The stage had to be perfect the this titanic battle! Even our very own Magic Council is watching this battle in the viewing section reserved area," the referee stated, gesturing to the Magic Council. The group waved towards the civilians, who all applauded respectfully.
"Now, without further ado let the battle between Sasuke Uchiha and Yui Nii, begin!"
Before anyone had time to react Sasuke was gone, the Uchiha already across the field, his body wreathed in lightning. Matatabi's eyes widened at the speed of the movement, barely ducking underneath the swipe of the blade meant to decapitate her. Sasuke didn't slow down however, lashing out with his leg in a blow that smashed into the Bijuu's stomach and sent her into the air. Sasuke leapt upwards, purple wings suddenly appearing at his back that were eerily similar to that of his Susanoo as he shot into the air. Matatabi spun, her eyes catching Sasuke just as he appeared right before her, his non-blade wielding hand wreathed in lightning.
Sasuke thrust his hand forwards, the Chidori-cloaked appendage smashing into Matatabi and sending the Bijuu flying even higher into the air. Sasuke frowned, flexing his hand. He felt it. That hadn't pierced her flaming skin. The Uchiha shot upwards, moving faster than he was before before three massive fuma shuriken appeared at his side, lurching forwards towards Matatabi as lightning crackled along them. Matatabi grunted, gathering herself before battering the shuriken away, only for her eyes to widen as the exploded into a storm of smaller shuriken, slicing against her skin.
"He's not holding back early," she muttered.
With a blast of flame she sent the shuriken flying, only for Sasuke to reach her now, his blade carving forwards. Matatabi reached fowards, catching and breaking the blade and launching a kick that slammed into Sasuke's forearm. The Bijuu grunted, and with a surge of strength sent Sasuke careening back towards the ground. Sasuke grunted, landing on his feet before he slammed his hands on the ground, a giant Baku appearing on the ground that began to inhale, drawing Matatabi in with its powerful lungs.
Naruto was not the only one who had learned from his previous battles.
Matatabi shot towards Sasuke, the Uchiha's form glowing with black lightning as a bow appeared in hands and he took aim. Matatabi snarled, flames gathering between her palms before the two fired their attacks at one another.
"Lightning God's Arrow!" Sasuke roared, the remake of Indra's Arrow surging through the sky with the clap of thunder.
"Cat Flame Roaring Fire!"
The massive fireball struck the bolt of lightning in the air, a massive shockwave blasting outwards and sending loose objects flying into the air. The two attacks struggled against one another in the air, their power allowing them to resist even the Baku's immense pulling capabilities, before they detonated a massive conflagration of fire and lightning filling the arena. The Baku, overwhelmed by the explosion, disappeared.
The crowd began to cheer, but Sasuke was unimpressed, immediately sensing where Matatabi was in the smoke cloud due to his electromagnetic field and launched himself towards her, a new sword appearing in his hand. He surprised the Bijuu, his lightning-enhanced slash cutting across her cheek with such ferocity that it actually drew blood. Matatabi hissed in pain, but was quickly able to block the followup strike, catching the blade in hand.
"I destroyed this," she hissed, breaking the blade once more. Sasuke was more than ok with that however, his other hand already launching forwards with a Chidori across it. Matatabi launched her own punch forwards, a storm of flame dancing across it as the two attacks connected with such force that it blew the smoke cloud away. The two snarled at one another, the glare on both of their faces dangerous enough to kill. Sasuke's other hand whirled forwards, wind spiralling around it to form a blade that lurched forwards. The blow was unable to pierce Matatabi's flaming skin, but was enough to push her away. Sasuke capitalized, leaping into the air to launch a spinning kick that slammed into Matatabi's face. The Bijuu stumbled back, unable to see Sasuke raise his arms towards her.
"120mm Black Lightning Cannon!"
The beam of black lightning cratered into Matatabi's form, sending her flying into the runic seals that defended the crowd before a massive explosion shook the field. Sasuke didn't even hesitate, launching into action once more, clapping his hands together. The Uchiha opened his mouth, spewing forwards massive dragons of flame that careened towards Matatabi only for the Bijuu to leap from where she was through the flames as though they were a mere nuisance. Sasuke grunted, having expected that and slid, his hands dragging against the ground, the dirt field turning to mud. Matatabi's eyes widened, unprepared for such a change before Sasuke took to the air with his wings, the Bijuu missing and falling into the mud.
Sasuke smirked, clapping his hands together. This time he spewed tons of water onto the mud, Matatabi growling as the poured onto her. With a roar she heated the air, the water almost immediately evaporating, and the mud around her superheating. With ease she shot from the mud, rage on her face as she careened towards Sasuke like a bull. Sasuke smirked, but didn't move, Matatabi stabbing him through the chest with her arm only for her eyes to widen as Sasuke's body began to whiten.
"What?"
A massive explosion ripped through the battlefield, the heat searing the air as Matatabi landed on the ground, the Bijuu clearly affected but not seriously injured by the series of attacks.
"You're annoying Uchiha."
"Good," Sasuke muttered, appearing behind her in a flash. Matatabi whirled, only for her hand to go through Sasuke's body, causing her eyes to widen. The real Sasuke appeared behind her, lashing out with a punch that cratered into her back and sent her flying forwards and into the ground. Matatabi grunted, flipping to her feet almost instantly before flames surged around her hands. Sasuke's eyes widened, not expecting the Bijuu to recover as quickly before he slammed his hands on the ground. Matatabi snarled, two twisters of blue flame surging forwards towards Sasuke as she thrust her hands forwards. Sasuke grunted, a wall of earth rising up before him. The flames smashed into the wall, billowing around it as they struggled to crack though the defenses. Sasuke grunted, noticing the wall of stone suddenly begin to crack. He leapt away, barely dodging the scorching flames that suddenly surged past the wall.
Sasuke grunted, his eyes tracking Matatabi's form due to his sensing abilities as she smirked at him. Flames surged around her arms as they formed a blade like shape before she leapt at him. Sasuke grunted, a sword forming in front of him that he grabbed before he deflected her slash. With a grunt of force Matatabi sent him flying towards the ground, the Uchiha landing on his feet. A lion-like roar left her mouth as she used fire to propel her towards Sasuke, the Uchiha's blade slowly wreathing itself with lightning as she charged. With a grunt Sasuke ducked underneath her swipe, lashing out with a swing of his blade designed to cut off a limb.
Matatabi snarled, moving with insane speed to deflect the blow with her flaming arms. With a grunt she pushed the blade to the side, lunging forwards with her other flaming blade. Sasuke's eyes narrowed before he spun batting the arm away with his hand, ignoring the slight burning pain he felt from making contact with her, before he slashed forwards with his blade. Matatabi grunted, slipping underneath before lunging upwards with both of her blades in an X-formation. Sasuke grunted, bringing his own weapon down in an overhead strike. The two attacks clashing sent a shockwave throughout the arena, dust flying through the air.
"You're better than I expected from a weakened man," Matatabi praised.
"You're just as annoying as I remember," Sasuke muttered.
Matatabi smirked. "Well...I am one of the strongest things in existence."
"Not for long," Sasuke muttered, lightning exploding from around him. Matatabi leapt backwards to avoid the lightning, giving Sasuke ample time to shoot forwards, blade surging with lightning. The Uchiha slashed forwards, Matatabi's eyes widening at the sheer speed. The Bijuu leaned back, barely able to avoid the slash. A snarl formed on her face as she countered, lashing out with her blades only for the heat to lick Sasuke's shirt as he spun underneath. The Uchiha gripped his blade with two hands, lightning surging from around it as his body glowed with power. Matatabi's eyes widened, quickly creating more power around her to counter the coming attack.
"Lightning God's Flash!"
"Surtur's Fury!"
The two attacks clashed with a deafening BOOM, both combatants being sent flying from each other as lightning and flame surged into the sky. The temperature of the arena soared as the two elements intermingled, the smell of ozone saturating the air. Smoke covered the battlefield, no one able to see anything. The arena was silent, everyone waiting with bated breath as the wind slowly blew the smoke away, reveavling both combatants glaring at each other with blood dripping from the slash marks on their chests.
A chorus of applause erupted, but neither foe paid it any mind. Matatabi snarled, raising her arms as Sasuke crouched.
"Flaming Circus!"
Small orbs of fire formed behind Matatabi before they began to speed towards Sasuke. The Uchiha grunted as he shot forwards, dodging the orbs with relative ease. Matatabi smirked, the orbs suddenly stopping as they began to swirl around Sasuke. Sasuke paused, glancing around before the orbs suddenly erupted upwards in a tower of flame that left Sasuke trapped.
"Gotcha," Matatabi stated, a smirk on her face as the column of blue flame before it began to swirl inwards. "Raging Crush!"
Sasuke frowned as the flames descended on him, lightning flickering around his body. The Uchiha stared directly in front of him. He would have to break the formation of the tornado and get out immediately. There was no purpose in trying to overpower the tornado, it would energy he didn't preferr to.
"Lightning God's Bellow!"
The surge of lightning smashed into the fire wall in front of Sasuke, blasting straight through it. Sasuke shot forwards, lightning cloaking his form as he barely escaped before the rest of the flame collapsed downwards on him. Matatabi snarled as the Uchiha dashed towards her, lightning flickering into the air as he became nothing more than a blur. A crack of thunder split the air as lightning exploded from Sasuke's arm as he lunged forwards, Matatabi's vision being filled with lightning as Sasuke's blow neared.
"Lightning God's Voltage Thunder!"
An explosion shook the arena as Naruto's runes flared up, absorbing the damage without letting the structural integrity of the arena suffer. As the smoke cleared it revealed Matatabi catching Sasuke's punch, flames shrouding her hand.
"I'm sick of playing Uchiha," Matatabi snarled, kicking him away. Sasuke grunted, flipping and skidding on the ground. Matatabi leapt after him, flames shooting from her heels to increase her speed. Matatabi snarled, glaring down at Sasuke as the flames around her briefly flickered to a white color. The Bijuu breathed in before she brought her head down, her eyes glowing a virulent white.
"Hellflame Voice!"
A beam of white hot fire leapt from Matatabi's mouth, shooting towards Sasuke at a ridiculous speed. The temperature in the arena soared once more as the flames surged towards the ground. Sasuke's eyes widened as the flames approached, lightning crackling around him as black lightning sparked from his eyes. The Uchiha opened his mouth to counter.
"Lightning God's Plasma Strike!"
The bolt of lightning flashed upwards, the two elemental attacks clashing in air. A surge of power surrounded the two as the attacks struggled for dominance until a massive explosion shook the arena as they canceled each other out. Sasuke's eyes widened however as he sensed Matatabi descend at a rapid speed. The Uchiha leapt into the air just as she made contact with the ground, barely avoiding the storm of flame that erupted outwards from her landing point. The unmistakable shout of "Field of Fire!" echoed into the air, the arena coated in a thin blue haze as blue flames licked the ground.
Sasuke grunted, thrusting his hand downwards. A hawk materialized beneath him that he landed on before soaring into the sky. Sasuke grunted, glaring down at Matatabi, the Bijuu standing in the blazing arena staring up at him with a smile. Sasuke frowned, raising his hand as black lightning sparked around it. With a wave he sent the storm of lightning-made senbon towards the Bijuu, only for her to counter with a multitude of fireballs that stopped the attack.
Sasuke grunted, clapping his hands together as he used his Arc of Embodiment. Clearly a multitude of weak attacks wouldn't be able to break her position. He couldn't force her to come to him, so he would have to force her to react and take advantage of that. Luckily he fought on opponent that specialized in long-distance battle. He just had to hope Naruto had made his seals to be strong enough to withstand what he was about to unleash. When the Uchiha separated his hands a small clay figure with its arms wrapped around its form stood there. Sasuke grunted, holding it over the arena.
"Boom," he muttered.
The Uchiha let the clay creation fall, watching in morbid fascination as it expanded to preposterous sizes in the air, the clay instrument beginning to raise its arms.
Matatabi felt an ominous feeling creep down her spine as she saw the creation suddenly begin to glow as the arms reached a fully horizontal position.
"C3!" Sasuke roared.
The arena shook as the clay construction exploded, bright light blinding anyone who dared to look directly at it as the explosion forced Naruto's runes to flare up. Purple sigils shot high into the sky as Naruto's seals tried to contain the blast. The left a cloud of dust that extended high into the sky.
"Sasuke had that!" Natsu muttered, shock on his face.
"No way," Gray muttered. "He's not at full strength...he shouldn't be able to launch attacks like that..."
Azuma grinned, watching the massive blast shake the foundations of the arena. The man was practically salivating at the prospect of fighting the Uchiha. If he truly was not able to fight at his full capacity as like his supposed guild members stated and was still capable of launching attacks that rivaled even him he knew he had to fight him. That attack was on par with some of his more powerful attacks. Azuma clenched his hands, barely able to restrain his killing intent so as to not worry the people around him. Yes, this was why he had agreed to Master Hades' plan. To fight powerful opponents. Of course, for him tobe victorious against the Uchiha he would have to grow even more powerful, but that was easy. He had perfect training partners.
"Maybe he can do it," Mirajane muttered. "He's winning this fight so far. Maybe it's possible he can actually defeat her!"
"What is that idiot doing," Naruto muttered as he walked towards Mito's room. "Is he trying to take down the arena! My seals are only so strong dumbass! I didn't go all out with them!"
"Sasuke just carpet bombed her!" Cana cheered, waving her hands around. "That's our Sasuke!"
"Impressive," Freed muttered, narrowing his eyes. "If this is how he is capable of fighting without his lightning it makes me wonder how terrifying he truly is. Laxus-sama would never have defeated him in a straight on battle."
"We told you that multiple times, it was only you guys who didn't believe that," Levy remarked. The Thunder God Tribe winced at the words but couldn't disagree after seeing the destruction the Uchiha was capable of causing. Juvia stared at the screen, a look of shock on her face.
"Juvia has never seen mages of such high caliber do battle before. First Naruto and Jura, now Sasuke...Juvia is surprised anyone can become this strong."
"Yeah," Lucy stated, a look of admiration and disappointment mixing on her face. "It really shows you just how far we have to go to be able to compare to them. They're so powerful, and they're not even going all out."
Sasuke frowned as he stared at the ground, sensing Matatabi standing in a massive crater, her flames completely gone as she stared up at him, scratches and bruises marring her body. The Uchiha frowned. He hadn't expected the attack to take the Bijuu down, but from her magical power she still seemed like she had a significant amount of power left.
"You know," Matatabi muttered, her voice shaky. A surprisng lack of burns covered her body as she glared at the Uchiha. "I really am beginning to understand why Kurama hated Uchihas."
Sasuke snorted.
The field ignited once more, before Matatabi thrust her hands upwards. "Now get down here! Demonic Wingburst!"
The fire swirled, forming a multitude of small flaming birds that surged towards Sasuke. The Uchiha's eyes widened at the sheer number of the attack. There were too many for him to stop even with his larger attacks. Sasuke grunted, raising his hawk as a shield, using it to deflect the majority of the damage until it was forcibly dispelled. Sasuke grunted, raising his arms in defense for his vitals as he plummeted through the storm of flame, the birds slashing his arms and legs. Grunting lightning began to flicker off of the Uchiha, shrouding him in a storm of darkness. The Uchiha swung his arms out, a circle of lightning forming in front of him. Sasuke snarled, thrusting his hands through the circle, a massive black magic circle forming in front of him.
Matatabi's eyes widened, flame shrouding her form as she saw the scale of the magic circle. Whatever the Uchiha was about to unleash, it was going to be big. The Uchiha roared his challenge to the air as his body exploded into a massive electric tornado, wind shrieking around it as the sky churned above him as though a natural disaster was occuring.
"Lightning God's Electric Impact!"
Matatabi snarled, the flame around her bleeding into a virulent white before she shot upwards a roar escaping her lips.
"Infernal Strike!"
The ground ignited, a tower of flames rising upwards with Matatabi to challenge the electric tornado that descended down towards her. The two elemental storms clashed in the air, streaks of lightning and flame shooting into the distance as a wave of power washed over the area. The two users glared at each other through the cloak of their elements, fire and lightning roaring for dominance. The temperature spiked as white lines of pure energy crackled from the contact poin, the roaring sound growing more violent.
Purple runes sprung up high into the air, angling outwards to allow the energy to surge into the air rather than try and contain it due to the height the duo were fighting at. They activated just in time too, as the explosion of energy released just at that moment as the clash reached a tipping point, fire and lightning surging into the air. Clouds slowly began to gather in the distance. Sasuke smirked as he felt the electic energy before he glanced at Matatabi, the duo falling towards the ground. Wings formed behind him as flaming jets shot from her feet, the two charging towards one another in the air.
A blade appeared in Sasuke's hands just before they clashed. The Uchiha brought the weapon down, Matatabi easily deflecting it off of her flaming skin before she launched a punch at him. Sasuke grunted, twisting underneath it before launching a kick at Matatabi's head. The Bijuu caught the appendage, spinning Sasuke around and throwing him before following after in a blast of fire. Sasuke grunted, catching himself with his wings before he raised his blade, bringing it down so that a storm of lightning carved through the air. Matatabi dodged the attack, flames spiking around her fist as she punched at Sasuke. The Uchiha grunted, flipping above the punch before lashing out with a kick that cratered against the Bijuu's back.
Matatabi grunted, managing to catch herself with her jets before she shot back upwards towards Sasuke. The Uchiha snarled, lightning swirling around his blade as he swung. Matatabi growled, her fist flying forwards. The two attacks clashed, a shockwave shooting through the air as they fought. Sasuke suddenly shot backwards, shooting inwards in a blur before Matatabi had a chance to react and lashing out with a knee that smacked into her chin. Matatabi's head shot back, revealing enough throat for Sasuke to swing at with his blade. Unfortunately for the Uchiha Matatabi's blue flame was too strong, the blade breaking on contact. Matatabi grinned, reaching out and grabbing Sasuke's throat.
"Uchiha!" she roared before the jets from her feet exploded. She soared higher into the sky as she cocked a hand back, an orb of flame forming there. The orb seared with a heat so intense even the spectators far below could feel the temperature increase from its existence. The orb flickered between red, white, and blue as Matatabi brought it forwards, Sasuke unable to move out of the way of the attack.
"Sun Vassal!"
The explosion of heat that followed was titanic. Sasuke howled, blood shooting from his mouth as a blast of fire exploded, his body burned badly from the blow. His shirt was reduced to scraps as the sky turned a harsh red as the flame billowed into the sky. Matatabi snarled, watching as the Uchiha went slack in her hand. With a savage grin she released him, allowing him to fall to the ground in a heap. The Wizard Saint crumpled on the ground, a deep scortch mark that would definitely scar on his chest. Matatabi landed not long after, a grin on her face as she looked at her fallen opponent.
"I win."
The Bijuu walked over to Sasuke, raising her handas blue flame licked it. She brought it down, the flame surging into Sasuke only for her eyes to widen as the Uchiha flickered away like a ghost.
"What!"
Before she had any time to react snakes exploded from the ground, the smaller ones biting her legs while larger ones bit her limbs, holding her in place. Matatabi grunted, filling the cold, foreign poison flood her body. Sasuke shimmered into existence in front of her, the signs of her earlier attack still there although he looked stronger than the attack had previously left him. Black lightning sparked off the Uchiha's hand before he thrust his hand forwards.
"Lightning God's Sharp Spear," he hissed, the remake of Chidori Sharp Spear skewering through Matatabi's chest. The Bijuu howled, pain filling her as electricity and venom coursed through her body. Sasuke wasn't done though, manipulating the lightning so that the blade exploded in multiple directions, lightnig spears shooting through multiple angles of her body. Matatabi snarled, blood trickling from her form before she snarled at Sasuke, white energy filling her eyes.
"UCHIHA!"
Sasuke grunted, leaping away as an explosion of flame surged into the air, destroying his snakes and his lightning spear. Even the venom inside of Matatabi's body had been boiled away by the searing heat. Sasuke grunted, raising a hand in his discomfort, waiting for the tower to fall. It did, but not in the way he desired. The flames surrounded Matatabi, the boiling temperature never leaving as she stepped forward. Her foot leaving the ground revealing the melting ground, red hot liquid bubbling on him. With another step Matatabi was gone, moving at such a speed that even most trained eyes in the audience could not keep up with her. Sasuke just barely did, raising his arms to block. It didn't matter. Matatabi's punch blew through his guard, sending him flying into the rubble of the arena, a searing mark on his chest as the air began to haze.
Sasuke grunted, skidding against the ground. The Uchiha barely had any time to look upwards before his head was snapped downwards due to a double axe-handle courtesy of Matatabi. Sasuke's body shot downwards, shooting into the earth in a hole. The Bijuu landed above the hole, thrusting her hand in it, the heat from her body making the air around her wavy. The air around her suddenly turned a bloody red as Matatabi grinned.
"Commandment: Combustion Cannon!"
The air boiled before a storm of flame shot downwards into the hole, melting the sides of it as the blue fire seared the ground. Matatabi smirked, only for her eyes to widen as she noticed the distint lack of screams of pain. That attack was designed to cause suffering. It boiled the air to extreme levels, causing explosions beforethe flame even touched you. She knew for a fact that the Uchiha wouldn't die from an attack like that if he could survive Sun Vassal. Something else was going on. Matatabi whirled, prepared for anything. The Uchiha had created an illusion she was sure of it.
It was why it was so surprising that he shot from the hole not a second later, a scroll in his hands. Matatabi turned, shock on her face as she saw it. He had created a sealing scroll! Why hadn't she thought of that!
Because they didn't possess them in this world. But in the world they were from.
"Release," Sasuke called, and from the scroll shot forth her attack, explosions shooting forwards as flame devoured her. Matatabi was sent flying from the attack, groaning as she was thrust into the ground. The flame didn't particularly bother it, most fire attacks were useless against her, but the explosions had hurt. Still, it was nothing serious. The Bijuu glared upwards at the Uchiha, noticing how he was wreathed in lightning. Reactivating her flames Matatabi shot forwards, Sasuke rushing to meet her. The two thrust their hands forward interlocking them in the center of the destroyed arena, a shockwave blasting out from their contact. The two roared, trying to overpower the other as their respective element sparked behind them.
Matatabi quickly grew tired of the game, jets of flame shooting from her elbows and feet, allowing her to push forwards and drag the Uchiha against the ground. With a roar she began to spin, rocks digging into his back before she threw him, his body skipping across the ground. With a snarl she shot forwards, the flames at her elbows transferring to her shoulders. With a roar she thrust her hand forwards in a spear like motion, attempting to stab Sasuke through the stomach only for his legs to shoot him, trapping her arm in a sharp jerk. With a tug she came to the ground, Sasuke flipping into the air with two orbs of lightning in each of his hands. With a roar he brought the orbs down, a boom of lightning exploding outwards, Matatabi crying out in pain. Sasuke didn't stop there, clapping his hands together. Snakes shot from the ground but Matatabi was prepared, sending a burst of flame that killed the snakes and forced Sasuke backwards before he had any time to capitalize.
Matatabi leapt to her feet just as Sasuke landed shooting forwards. She launched a kick at his head that he ducked underneath. He thrust his hands upwards in response, only forthe double palm strike to be batted away by her hand as she spun in the air thanks to her fire jets. The Bijuu roared, flame jets shooting from her foot as she brought down her leg in a heel drop only for Sasuke to barely leap out of the way just in time as her foot hit the ground, flames jetting upwards as the ground shattered. Sasuke grunted, his purple Susanoo wings forming behind him once more as he lashed out with a punch at Matatabi. The Bijuu caught the blow, launching a punch of her own that slammed into Sasuke's face. The Wizard Saint didn't giveup however, grasping Matatabi's forearm before he could be sent flying to launch a kick that slammed into her chin, sending her up into the sky. Sasuke snarled, electricity sparking around him as he blasted after her.
Matatabi grunted, regaining her balance and using the jets firing from her feet to stay in the air as Sasuke approached. With a grunt she launched herself towards him. A punch to his face was dodged, followed by a gut blow that Matatabi easily caught. The Bijuu snarled, launching another blow that Sasuke batted aside, kneeing her in the stomach as a counter. Matatabi heaved, but managed to push through, launching an uppercut that snapped Sasuke's head back. She capitalized, slamming both of her hands into his stomach and releasing a torrent of flame. The Uchiha roared through the conflagration, his arms lathered with lightning as he reached forwards, grabbing Matatabi by the head despite the rest of his body being submerged in fire. With a cry of rage he sent a wave of electricity through her body, stopping her conflagration with the sudden seize. Sasuke snarled, launching a punch that cratered into her kidney, causing Matatabi to heave to her side. He capitalized, lashing out with a kick that cracked into her upper chest, sending her flying away.
With a burst of speed he followed, a katana forming in his hands. He thrust it forwards, the blade piercing through Matatabi as blood fell to the ground below the duo. Matatabi howled, before she glared at Sasuke, her body temperature skyrocketing to melt the blade before she launched a punch that cratered into Sasuke's face, the Uchiha spinning. He didn't rest however, launching a spinning kick that Matatabi caught. She began to swing him only for Sasuke to turn, launching a kick that cracked against her chin and forcedher face to the side. Matatabi hissed, letting go of him while spinning with the force to launch her own kick that cratered into Sasuke's chin as well, both of them spinning away from one another. Just as the two caught themselves magic built up in their chest before they let fly.
"Hellflame Voice!"
"Lightning God's Bellow!"
The two elemental attacks exploded through the sky, a twister of lightning and flame swirling in the sky as the attacks clashed. The temperature surged as winds whipped furiously, hats and loose items flying through the air. The two combatants glared at each other through the storm before they shot forwards, a flaming trail following Matatabi and a storm of lightning following Sasuke. The two clashed in the epicentre of the twister, the force of their clash dispersing the twister. Lightning and fire shot through the air in an uncontrollable storm, Matatabi and Sasuke fighting for dominance as their bodies were wreathed in the elements. The two roared, blasting off and circling one another before they clashed, another shockwave of force rattling the arena. The two clashed repeatedly, circling through the air in their own respective elements, their clashes sending shockwaves of force reverbrating through the air. However the two suddenly shot towards the ground, landing with a boom as dirt and earth shot into the air. They glared at each other, charging forwards.
"Lightning God's Voltage Thunder!"
"Great Cat Claw!"
The two launched their attacks, the blows clashing in the center of the crater. A shockwave of force shot outwards, dirt and chunks of rock being sent flying into the air, Naruto's runes stopping them from reaching the stands before a storm of energy shot upwards. The two foes grunted, trying to overpower the other only for the combined energy to force both of them away, their feet skidding against the ground. Matatabi growled, glaring up at Sasuke. She shot forwards, lashing out with a kick that went right through him. Matatabi whirled, shock on her face as Sasuke disappeared as though he was mist. Just as she landed on the ground she searched the ground, searching for him. She found him to late, Sasuke smashing his hands onto the ground, and without a second thought the ground swirled as though Jura was controlling it, Matatabi buried underneath the earth in a flash.
"Woah!" Natsu called. "Sasuke's keeping up with Matatabi!"
"Yeah he is doing better than I expected him to do," Gajeel muttered. "I thought he was supposed to be weaker than before?"
"He is," Mira stated, a frown on her face. "He's expending a lot of energy to try and defeat Matatabi quickly, but he just doesn't have the firepower for it anymore. He's taking too many heavy hits! He can't keep up this level forever."
"No he's hurting her," Erza stated. "She's bleeding way faster than I actually managed to wound her during our battle. Maybe he can actually defeat her. No one has a solid control of this battle, it's fairly even. But Sasuke is definitely hurting her."
"But it's not enough," Mira muttered. "I can tell it's not enough. He's hurting her, but not enough to truly take her down."
"It's possible that he ends up hurting her more. Sasuke still has plenty of power left in him, he can win this," Gray muttered. "If he's anything like Naruto then he still has one more gear he can shift into."
"He does but," Mira shuddered. "So does she..."
Naruto frowned as he pushed open the door for Jinchuriki's viewing section, surprised to see Mito sitting in a chair not even looking at the fight. In fact she was looking right at him, a coy smile on her face as she gestured to the seat across from him. Naruto frowned, approaching the seat and sitting across from his relative, suspicion on his face.
"I was wondering when you would finally come speak with me. What is it Naruto?"
Naruto frowned, before taking a sigh and deciding to get straight to the point. "Why are you doing this? Attacking Sasuke and I? Bringing back the Bijuu in this world? Harming Fairy Tail Tail?"
Mito snorted, shaking her head. "You really are just like him. No feeling for pretense and pleasantries. I suppose the Uchiha was always better at that than you were. Still, I appreciate the bluntness. I don't know why you think Fairy Tail is anymore than a victim of circumstance however."
Naruto frowned, but understood the answer to one of his questions. Fairy Tail itself was not a target, rather he and Sasuke were, but that was only the answer to one of his questions. She was purposely avoiding them, and she had compared him to someone. The blonde had an idea, but wanted to confirm.
"Him? This person you're comparing me to, is it Hashirama?"
The grin that split Mito's face gave Naruto his answer far before her words did. Indeed, the killing intent that suddenly eeked out of her form was palpable. "Yes," she stated quietly even though her voice carried. "Yes it is exactly him that I'm comparing you to."
"Why? Is he the source of the reason you're fighting Sasuke and I?"
"Hate."
"What?"
"That is why I am fighting the two of you. The reincarnations of Asura and Indra. Hashirama and Madara. Idiots who never cared who they hurt in their path to settle their brotherly squabble."
Naruto frowned, slowly putting the pieces together in his mind. "Madara and Hashirama...they hurt you somehow."
"Somehow," Mito spat, venom in her voice. "You know exactly how they hurt me. They turned me into a Jinchuriki for that thing you hold inside of you."
"Kurama," Naruto muttered. "They made you his first Jinchuriki."
"Indeed. And I hated it. So I swore to myself to destroy the system that Hashirama had built. To destroy all traces of Hashirama's and Madara's legacy. I was excited to do it, but I got to old to finish my plans. But then I was sent here, with all of the power I had gathered throughout my life at my disposal. At first I was content, but when I found out that you two were sent here well..."
"You swore that we suffer in their place."
"In their place," Mito laughed, shaking her head. "No not in their place. You two will suffer because you two are them," Mito hissed. "Are you not reincarnations of them?"
"We are, but we're still our own individual people!"
"Excuses," Mito stated. "You are Hashirama and the Uchiha is Madara. So you will both suffer before I kill you so you understand what I went through. And then, after all of that, I will then destroy this world, regardless of whatever Tartarus' plans are."
That brought up a whole new problem for Naruto. She had planned this assault for who knows how long? How old was this body she was in? How long had she been planning it, and almost more importantly, what were her plans? And who or what was Tartarus?
Sasuke stood, admiring his handiwork. He knew that was not enough to defeat the Bijuu, but he hoped it was enough to at least slow her down. Sadly his hope was crushed as Matatabi's power surged, the ground beginning to boil with the heat before a pillar of flame shot from the ground, Matatabi leaping into the sky with blue fire licking Yui Nii's skin.
"My turn Uchiha," she hissed before she shot forwards in a blur of flame. Sasuke grunted, conjuring a sword that he used to deflect her initial swipe with her claws. Matatabi didn't stop there however, raking her claws down to force the blade out of position before leaping and launching a spinning kick towards Sasuke's head. The Uchiha's eyes snapped upwards as he raised his arm to block but he was to slow, the blow cracking against his chin and snapping his head backwards as he was sent flying. Blood shot from his mouth as Matatabi pursued in a blue blur, blue flames licking across her hands. With a loud crack her punch impacted against his chest, forcing the Uchiha to move even faster, spittle flying from his mouth before Matatabi appeared behind him in a blur. She launched a kick towards his spine, clearly designed to cripple, only for Sasuke to conjure wings to flip in the air just in time to avoid the strike.
Matatabi didn't even slow down from the move though, easily dodging the thrust of the blade Sasuke created before blue flames swirled around her hand. The Bijuu then raised her hands, a grin forming on her face.
"Nova Burst!"
Searing white hot flame surged upwards, Sasuke instantly engulfted in the blaze as the temperature skyrocketed, the heat creating a red haze over the arena. The blaze surged upwards, covering the sky in every direction. Matatabi smirked, letting the blaze end to reveal Sasuke falling to the ground, his body covered in burns. The Uchiha managed to land on his feet despite his injuries.
"Oh? Someone's more tenacious than I gave you credit for."
"It's going to take more than that," Sasuke stated, pants breaking up his words. "To beat me."
Matatabi grinned. "Oh I can do better than that," she hissed, flames spiking around her. Suddenly the flames shot forwards in small bursts of intense shots, moving at speeds that the untrained eye simply couldn't follow. Sasuke grunted, clapping his hands together as he used his Arc of Embodiment. With a wave of his hands lightning flew, the blue bolts striking every flaming bolt with pinpoint accuracy, cancelling them out in a way that mimiced his Chidori Senbon. Matatabi wasn't done however, shooting forwards under the cover of the attack with a flaming punch. Her strategy had no effect on Sasuke however due to his sensory abilities, easily ducking underneath her punch and punching her with a lightning-covered fist that sent her flying into a wall.
Matatabi grunted, pushing herself off the wall before blue flames licked her form. With a roar she spewed five balls of fire onto the ground, the orbs of flame transforming into cats that charged towards Sasuke. Sasuke grunted, raising a hand to his mouth to spit forth a massive deluge of water. The deluge swallowed the cats, putting them out as it pushed against Matatabi. The Bijuu grunted, unable to fight against the pressure of the water. With a roar flames surged around her, heating the water until it turned to steam. With a smirk she shot forwards, her body little more than a blur of blue before she appeared in front of Sasuke in midair, leg lashing out.
Sasuke grunted, his wings snapping forwards to block the kick only the force to still send him flying backwards, shards of purple energy flickering in the air as the kick shattered his wings. Sasuke grunted, letting the wings fade as Matatabi appeared in front of him, launching a punch. The Uchiha dodged, a kunai appearing in his hand that he swung at the Bijuu's neck only for her to duck underneath. Matatabi launched herself at Sasuke's stomach, trying to tackle him only for him to leap into the air above her, his kunai transforming into a sword that he shot downwards. The blade shattered against Matatabi's flaming skin, the Bijuu flipping and launching a kick at the Uchiha. Sasuke grunted, twisting his body so the blow missed before pushing off the kick with his hand higher into the air. With a surge of magic power his eyes glowed before he spewed forth a white clump in the shape of a dragon that surged forwards towards Matatabi. The Bijuu's eyes widened, unable to leap away in time before the beast exploded, a massive explosion shaking the ground and allowing Sasuke time to land.
"Never thought I'd be using Deidara's attacks to win a fight," Sasuke muttered, lightning coalescing at his fist. He could tell Matatabi wasn't down yet. With a burst of speed he shot into the smoke cloud, his lightning crackling.
"Chidori!"
Another boom echoed out, a form being sent flying from the smoke cloud, revealing Matatabi skidding against the ground, blood dripping from her mouth. Sasuke shot forwards not long after, his arms whipping forwards as snakes shot towards the Bijuu. Matatabi snorted, flames surging across her form, killing the snakes before they ever could touch her before she shot forwards, her punch smashing against Sasuke's face. The Uchiha was going to shoot backwards only for Matatabi to grab him and smash him into the ground. Sasuke coughed, causing Matatabi to grin before fire surged from her foot, the Bijuu stomping him further into the ground.
Blood and dirt shot into the air from the force, the blow sending a shockwave through the arena. Matatabi grinned, lifting Sasuke by his throat before smashing a savage punch into his kidney, the Uchiha howling as his vision began to blur from the pain.
"You can't match the full power of a Bijuu boy," Matatabi hissed. Flames surged on her hands before she launched a punch towards him once more only for a lightning covered hand to catch the blow.
"Don't underestimate the Uchiha Bijuu," Sasuke grunted out, black lightning exploding from around him, forcing Matatabi backwards. The Uchiha raised his hands, the aura of magic around him oppressive before he fired. "Lightning God's Charged Particle Cannon!"
A massive stream of black lightning shot forwards, Matatabi's eyes widening as the beam shot towards her. Flame swirled around her body as she thrust her arms forwards, the beam swallowing her as she carved out a small resevoir of safety in the destruction. Matatabi grunted, the sting of the lightning affecting her but with a roar of effort managed to part the beam, the attack dispersing into small sparks of electricity. She grinned, a savage look on her face only for it to fade as she realized Sasuke was no longer in front of her.
Matatabi glanced downwards as she saw a flash of movement beneath her, her eyes widening as she Sasuke standing there. Before she had any time to react his foot impacted against her chin, sending her flying into the air. Sasuke shot upwards, appearing underneath the Bijuu in the air, his eyes narrowed. With a grunt Sasuke's hands pulsed with lightning before he punched Matatabi, the Bijuu flying even higher into the air. The Susanoo wings unique to his eyes sprung from his back as he shot even higher into the air, trailing Matatabi carefully. The Bijuu snarled, spinning and launching a punch only for Sasuke to slip by it, his leg swinging around. Matatabi's eyes widened as the blow cracked against her, forcing her downwards. Sasuke was quick to follow up, his legs swinging wild as they continously batted into Matatabi, forcing her lower and lower to the ground. As Matatabi neared the ground Sasuke grunted, black lightning exploding from his hand as the duo neared the ground. With a burst of speed Sasuke slammed his hand into Matatabi, the Bijuu howling as blood shot into the air before Sasuke smashed her into the ground.
"Lightning God's Electric Lion Combo!"
Sasuke roared as lightning exploded from his hands, the arena shaking as lightning surged through the ground. Matatabi howled, feeling the lightning coursing through her body. Sasuke grunted, moving his hand as the attack ended, looking down at the Bijuu. Matatabi shuddered, slightly frozen in place due to the lightning still coursing through her system. Sasuke grunted, breathing deeply only for his eyes to widen as he felt rain fall on him. The Uchiha smirked, rain falling from the thunder clouds in the sky. He could feel the lightning coursing through them, but it didn't seem like he would need it. Matatabi lay defeated. He had managed it.
The Uchiha walked from the crater looking towards the Fairy Tail stands, specifically at Mirajane. He had done it. He had won. He had kept his promise. At least, that was what he thought. The surge of magic energy he felt from the crater shattered those thoughts. He whirled, just in time to see Matatabi's fist blur in front of him before he was sent flying, grinding against the wall as he was sent skidding across it. Matatabi snarled, a wreath of blue flame surrounding her. The air behind her was hazy, but Sasuke briefly thought he saw two tails there as he rose. Had she briefly activated her full power to burn the lightning from her body?
The Uchiha didn't have a chance to ponder the action as Matatabi shot towards him, red fire surrounding her now. Sasuke grunted, a kunai appearing in his hand. The Uchiha swung the blade as she neared, the Bijuu raising a hand and catching his wrist. With a twist Sasuke was forced to drop the weapon, only for him to reach out and grab it with his other hand and thrust it forwards. Matatabi snarled, grabbing his other wrist, spinning to lock Sasuke's arms before she launched a kick that sent him stumbling backwards. Sasuke's head shot up, his eyes filled with Matatabi's fist. The blow sent him to the ground, sprawling him forwards. Matatabi snarled, flaming orbs forming in her hands before she thrust them onto Sasuke's back. The Uchiha howled, the wave of fire washing over him. Matatabi grinned as the fire faded, Sasuke lying on the ground motionless.
"Rise."
Sasuke didn't move.
"I'm not done with you Uchiha!"
Sasuke's hand twitched.
Matatabi's eyes widened as suddenly snakes sprung from the ground, latching onto her limbs. Matatabi hissed in pain before she burnt them off of her body and the poison out of her system. Still, that gave Sasuke enough time to spring to his feet, thrusting the kunai directly at Matatabi's chest. Sasuke's eyes widened as the tip of the kunai broke as it made contact with her flaming skin. Matatabi snorted, her arm flashing forwards to grab Sasuke by the throat before she threw him aside. Sasuke grunted, rolling against the ground down the crater before he came to rest in the epicenter. Matatabi blitzed forwards just as Sasuke finished standing, her fist slamming into his stomach and forcing him to his knees, spit flying from his mouth. Matatabi threw her head back and laughed as Sasuke heaved, trying to breathe.
"Is this the best you can do Uchiha? I didn't even have to unleash my true power to defeat you. How pathetic."
Sasuke grunted, before he whirled, raising towards Matatabi, a crazed look in his eye as a blade formed in his hand. Matatabi grinned, raising her palm, the blade shattering into pieces as it made contact. Matatabi gripped the Uchiha's hand, her arm exploding with flame before she launched it forwards, her arm spearing through Sasuke's body like it wasn't even there. That feeling was proven right as Sasuke dissipated into mist not a second later. Matatabi snarled, whirling just in time to see Sasuke behind her, kunai in hand. The Bijuu caught the hand that contained the weapon only for Sasuke to flick it up into the air not a second later. The Uchiha raised his leg, kicking it down towards Matatabi. The weapon broke against her flaming skin, although the force of the blow forced her head to snap to the side. The Bijuu's eyes analyzed the weapon, watching as she saw the tag on it light up.
Sasuke shot away in a bolt of lightning.
The explosion shook the ground. The arena, even with Naruto's seals, began to shudder. There were simply too many explosions for the structural integrity to remain sound, even with magic supporting it. The blows were too heavy. No one cared however as the smoke blew away, revealing Matatabi standing in the center of the explosion, a look of fury on her face. Blue flame surged around her before she shot towards Sasuke. The Uchiha grunted, readying himself. In a grunt he flipped over his assailant, only for Matatabi to reach out and grab him in the air, slamming him onto the ground. Sasuke coughed, only for Matatabi launch her arm forwards, another punch ripping through his body. Matatabi snarled as Sasuke disappeared into mist once more.
"Stop hiding Uchiha!"
"Rise."
Matatabi whirled, only for Sasuke's hand to place itself on her back before he leapt away. The Bijuu blinked confused, before she suddenly felt a wave of gravity wash over her as she was lifted into the air. Her eyes widened as suddenly the ground itself began to groan against the weight, dirt being torn from the ground as stone was torn from the arena, Naruto's seals working overtime to try and constrain the effects of the spell to just the arena. It did not matter, the dirt and stone slamming into Matatabi's body, trapping her in a massive spheroid of dirt and stone.
"Chibaku Tensei!" Sasuke muttered, the bastardized version of the spell created by his Arc of Embodiment completing. The Uchiha stared at his handiwork, his sensory field still encompassing the spheroid. He wouldn't need it for what happened next however. Everyone could feel it. Everyone could see it.
The temperature soared as Matatabi's magic power spiked, reaching gargantuan levels as the spheroid turned a bright blue, drips of it melting off towards the ground. A fiendish roar ruptured the air, the blue hue in the air making it all the more ominous. Two giant tails of bright blue flame broke through the top of the orb and whirled around. The heat they were radiating by itself was oppressive, everyone but Natsu shrinking underneath the searing heat. Naruto's seals could not even help fight against it. Then a massive paw ruptured through before an explosion of fire blocked out the sun. Blue flames devoured the sky as a giant form fell, landing on the ground with such a huge boom it mimiced an earthquake. Heat wafted in the air before a terrifying roar split the air as the figure coated in the heaty haze became clear.
A massive bakeneko completely engulfed in blue flames stood on the field. As the terrifying visage erupted on the field the crowd erupted into cheers, completely unaware of the danger they were in. One thought ran through Sasuke's head as he saw the beast.
'At least she's not at her full size...'
Lucy's eyes widened as she saw the beast. "That's a Bijuu's true form!"
"How is Sasuke going to defeat that," Cana whispered, dropping to her knees. "The magic power of that thing...the heat it's radiating. It doesn't make any sense! How can anything be that powerful!"
The rest of the guild merely had no words, shock engraved into their faces. They were completely unprepared for the realization of what exactly was targeting Naruto and Sasuke.
"So that's a Bijuu," Gray muttered, shock in his voice. "That thing...its magic power is...does it end?"
"It has to," Mira stated, fear caking her voice as she looked at the opponent Sasuke had to face. "It has to. Sasuke's defeated her before so he can do it again right?"
"Sasuke had access to his full power then Mira," Erza muttered, shaking her head. "And he's not like Natsu. He can't eat fire. This is a terrible matchup for him. He needs to concede, now."
"I don't think she cares mucuh for the rules anymore," Makarov stated, his knuckles white with how tightly he was clenching his hands. "This has more to do with Jinchuriki's own goals," he whispered. Slowly Makarov turned to face Draculos and Wolfhiem, the two staring down at the scene with reserved looks on their faces.
"Now do you understand what I was trying to tell you," Makarov stated. "This is the danger they pose to Fiore!"
"I see," Wolfhiem stated, a frown covering his face. The General glanced at Draculos, the abomination nodding in return. The two then looked at Makarov.
"Get your guild to the Magic Council. We'll handle the rest."
Makarov frowned, just as confused as his guild members as the two generals departed.
"What was that Master," Gray stated.
"I don't know, but for now we can't go to the Magic Council. Evacuate the civilians. The Council is full of capable mages, they should be able to defend themselves briefly from any debris coming towards them. This place is no longer safe for those who cannot use magic."
"Understood!" the guild members called, bar Azuma, all of them rushing towards the stands.
"What the hell is she doing," Naruto hissed, seeing the full form of Matatabi. "This world is not ready for the existence of Bijuu!"
"No it isn't," Mito stated, a smile dancing along her lips. "Of course it won't matter if the Uchiha defeats her in combat but due to the little seal I placed on both of you..."
Naruto glared at Mito, anger blazing in his eyes. "Who are you? You...you're nothing like the stories said you were!"
"Yes never meet your heroes," Mito stated. "Unfortunately for you I was married to mine."
Naruto snarled, rushing to the door. "We will settle this Mito. Later."
"Oh that we will Hashirama," Mito stated, purposely ignoring Naruto's name. "That we will."
Naruto glared at her but rushed out of the room nonetheless. Mito smiled down at the scene on the floor. How would the weakened Uchiha handle Matatabi? Yes this would be interesting.
"Move in," Wolfhiem stated, walking with a lacrima in hand.
"It's not time though."
"I don't care. The circumstances have changed. Move in, now."
Wolfhiem promptly hung up, shaking his head. Draculos walked next to the man, his eyes slowly opening as he glanced at his shorter companion. "The rest of the Generals have been informed. They're moving in."
"Good," Wolfhiem muttered. "I have the feeling we're going to need them."
Sasuke cracked his neck as Matatabi stood in front of him. The magical power was definitely oppressive, but he supposed he had faced worse odds. He had always made it out of them and this one would be no different. After all, he did make a promise. He did not want to continue being in the business of breaking them.
"Can you face my full power, Uchiha," Matatabi spat, excitment in her voice. Sasuke responded with one phrase.
"Lightning God's Drive."
Sasuke's blind eyes suddenly exploded with power, black lightning pouring from them. A white tatto of a lightning bolt shot up Sasuke's arm, as more lightning-based tattoos and cloud tattoos began to cover his neck and upper body. The scraps that remained of his shirt exploded into nothingness due to the sheer outpouring of power, revealing his bare chest to the world. A halo floated above his head, a blade of lightning forming itself in his hands. Black leg braces made of magic covered his legs as he crouched, preparing to attack.
"The question is," Sasuke muttered, glaring at the Bijuu. "Are you prepared to face me?"
With that Sasuke struck, flashing forwards in a burst of speed far too fast for most powerful mages to follow, a sonic boom echoing throughout the area. Matatabi had no trouble tracking the Uchiha, swiping at him with one of her claws only for him to flip over it, lightning crackling across his legs before he shot his leg forwards, the blow smashing into her forehead. Matatabi stumbled backwards, electricity coursing through her body. Sasuke grunted, leaping away, ignoring the sweat pouring down his body from the searing heat.
Matatabi snarled, expelling a massive fireball towards Sasuke. The Uchiha grunted, his body wreathed in black lightning before he shot away in a burst of speed, another sonic boom echoing throughout the arena as he appeared at Matatabi's side, his lightning blade swinging. The blade struck Matatabi, the Bijuu howling as lightning surged through her. The Bijuu stumbled backwards, giving Sasuke time to shoot across her back, raking his blade up her spine. While the weapon didn't leave any lasting damage the electricty still surged through her veins, paralyzing her enough to give Sasuke time to retreat to a safe distance.
"Uchiha," Matatabi spat, shooting forwards in a blur. Sasuke's eyes widened as he moved to dodge - realizing there was no way he could block the Bijuu due to the sheer unfairness of physical strength - only for Matatabi's paw to bat him high into the air. Sasuke grunted, unable to control himself as Matatabi opened her mouth towards him. Suddenly the temperature soared once more, the blue hue covering the arena once more as Naruto's seals began to flare up.
"Nova Burst!"
A virtual tsunami of white flame surged into the air, the temperature boiling the ground beneath people's feet as the arena became to bright to look at. The surge of flame shot towards Sasuke, the Uchiha staring down at it with fear in his eyes as it surged throughout the skies. Power flooded his body as he rushed to find a way to counter the attack, lightning swirling around him. An orb of lightning formed in front of him, the Uchiha roaring his challenge to the attack, but the second he fired it he knew it would not be enough.
"Lightning God's Plasma Strike!"
The beam of electricty met the storm of flame and for a brief moment it looked like the two attacks may compete for dominance until the storm of flame surged upwards, overwhelming the attack and the Uchiha in a blaze. The skies above darkened as the thunderstorm intensified. Steam covered the sky as the falling rain was evaporated far before it could reach the ground.
Naruto's seals surged as the fire licked them, only for them to flash red. In a surge they cracked before an explosion of magical energy sent a shockwave resounding throughout the area. The arena was no longer fortified.
"No!" Mira called, watching as she saw Sasuke be consumed. "No! Sasuke you promised!"
"It's ok Mirajane," Natsu muttered, trying to push her towards the stands so they could evacuate the civilians. Even he could tell that this battle was getting out of control. Matatabi's blast of fire was...awe inspiring. He could never produce such a conflagration. He had a new standard that he knew he had to reach. "Sasuke has fought the Bijuu before remember. He won't fall to that."
It was hard for anyone to believe his words.
"This is getting out of hand," Erza muttered, looking at the referee who was looking on in terror. She had seen Naruto's barrier break as clear as anyone. She knew that there was no way civilians would not end up dead at this rate. "I need to get him to call the match. It will help us get the civilians out of the area as well. The rest of you, follow masters instructions."
The group nodded, continuing their rush towards the stands.
Naruto's eyes widened as he looked down at Sasuke get caught up in the conflagration and his seals break. He closed his eyes, restraining the urge to rush down there and help Sasuke with the battle. He wouldn't be of much help even if he was using his Drive. That was clear. Sasuke even with his Drive was overwhelmed in an instant. No he needed an added boost. That was why he was in the sky, meditating. Mito had sealed away his abilities, that was an unavoidable fact. Until he could break that seal he couldn't use Kurama's power to go down there and fight the Bijuu. He couldn't access Hagoromo's gift either. But that was fine. He had another power-up that he could use. Other than Drive.
Sasuke's eyes blearily opened as Matatabi stood below him, a savage grin on her face.
"Oh the Uchiha still lives does he!"
Sasuke groaned, his body covered in burns. He knew there was no way he could win the fight. He was going to end up breaking his promise to Mirajane. That didn't mean that it couldn't result in a draw however. That attack had drained him of almost all of his energy. He was just too tired. The fight had gone on for too long. The Bijuu was too mighty. But he wasn't down. Not yet.
Matatabi snarled, leaping up into the air and batting Sasuke to the ground with her tail. The Uchiha cratered into the ground with a boom, his leg braces cracked. The Bijuu landed with a titanic thud, walking up to the Uchiha with a grin on her face. She only paused as she heard the referree's voice break through the silence that had covered the arena.
"The battle is over. The winner is Yui Nii! Everyone please evacuate the arena. This is not a drill! I repeat, evacuate!"
Matatabi wanted to snort as she saw the panicked humans leaving, being direct but the Fairy Tail mages she had defeated not long ago. It was amusing. She did not hate humanity, but she did have to admit it was fun seeing them run from her. They were not as powerful as her and her siblings. Running was smart. They would not survive her final attack after all, barrier or no.
Matatabi's massive paw reached forwards, her claw ripping into Sasuke's flesh as she slowly traced more marks near the scar she had already left on him. Sasuke howled, struggling in vain to get away from the Bijuu. Matatabi grinned.
"Oh? You think you can escape? Impossible!"
Lightning flashed above. Sasuke looked at the Bijuu, his eyes drained, despite the power flowing through them.
"No. I was getting out of the blast radius. Now, begone with the clap of thunder."
Matatabi raised a flaming eyebrow.
"Kirin."
Lucy's eyes widened as the video feed cut to static. The recorder had likely been destroyed in whatever that had been.. The entire guild was silent. They couldn't process what they had witnessed. Sasuke had been all but defeated, and yet he had unleashed something on the Bijuu in the last instant. But what happened? Was Sasuke alive? Had Matatabi survived the attack? What happened to the rest of their guild members? They didn't know, and it ate them up inside.
The guild was quiet, despite their usual rowdiness. They were afraid. They didn't know what to think. They just knew that one of their friends could be dead. Thus they were afraid. Afraid to hope. Afraid of the very real possibility that Sasuke Uchiha was dead.
Erza paused as she saw magical energy flip forwards, forming slides the civilians could use to escape the battle. It was good thinking on the constructors part. Lacrima's powering slides to allow them easy access away from the arena. As she watched them flee she looked at Natsu, the fiery pinkette staring at the arena. The redhead turned, her eyes widening in horror as she saw Sasuke on the ground, being tortured by Matatabi. Rage filled her, but before she was able to do anything the world burned. Light covered the area as ozone raided her lungs. She gagged, dropping to the ground from the stench. In her disgust she didn't even have time to think how Natsu must be feeling, his senses being so much more acute than a regular persons.
That was when she felt it. The destruction. The ground shook, exploding outwards in this new world of light. She heard rather than saw the arena shatter, statues falling to the ground, debris be sent flying into the general direction of Crocus. She could only hope all of the civilians had been out of the blast zone when the attack landed. Then the world went dark. The redhead opened her eyes, shock filling her as she saw the destruction. Only a small portion of the arena remained. The majority of it was dirt and rock. The statues and marble that had once been a part of a magnificent structure had been vaporized. Below them Crocus shuddered, giant pieces of debris flying into the city and crushing anything in their path.
"My god..."
Erza dropped to her knees, realizing Sasuke's might. He had done this. He had caused all of this destruction. He could have killed someone. All to stop Matatabi. This was what they were fighting against. How could they beat it? How had Naruto and Sasuke supposedly beat things more powerful than it? Just what was a Bijuu? How powerful were they?
All of these thoughts and more flooded her mind as she saw Matatabi standing on the destroyed ground, shuddering in pain but still clearly standing.
Matatabi snarled as she glared at the Uchiha. Hate boiled inside of her as she fought off the electricity coursing through her body. She grunted, pain wracking her body as she slowly stood once more. The brat, even in his weakened state, had managed to bring down a dragon of lightning down on her to pin her to the ground before it exploded in the biggest surge of electricity she had ever seen. The lightning strike put the Uzumaki's to shame. It was something worthy of a God.
And yet there she stood.
Matatabi roared, her triumphant battle cry filling the air. She turned her heated gaze to Sasuke, seeing the Uchiha's unconscious form at the edge of the destroyed arena. A slight push would send him tumbling to his death, but after the fight he had put up she felt he deserved worse. Especially after that last attack. The Bijuu raised her head and opened her mouth, magic gathering right above her. So focused was she on her attack that she didn't notice the kunai zooming high above her into the distance.
Mirajane couldn't tear her eyes away as she saw Matatabi torturing Sasuke, her memories filling her mind with terrible thoughts. Thoughts of her sister's death, of Fairy Tail's defeat at the hands of the Bijuu, of Phantom Lord invading, of death. All of these moments, all of this terror filled her as she saw the Bijuu stare down at the Uchiha. There was nothing she could do. She was nothing compared to this level of strength. Sasuke's titanic attack lacked the ability to defeat her. He had summoned the biggest bolt of lightning she could ever imagine and struck the Bijuu. It had destroyed the vast majority of the arena, and yet the Bijuu stood gathering power for the coup de grace on the Uchiha.
What could she do against that?
What could she do against a God?
Matatabi's eyes narrowed as she felt the attack complete. She was ready. With a roar she brought herself down, her magic aura flooding the area in an oppressive heaty miasma as she fired the ball.
"Bijuudama!"
The massive ball surged forwards, anything even remotely close to it vaporizing as it surged towards Sasuke. The Fairy Tail members could only stare in horror as the attack neared Sasuke. The inevitable was clear. The Uchiha would die. There was no stopping it. The attack was too titanic. Too powerful. It was all consuming. The fight was over. Sasuke would die. And there was nothing anyone could do about it.
Then the ball disappeared in a flash, as though it was never there to begin with. Clearly it was not intentional, as even Matatabi seemed confused before a massive explosion shuddered in the distance. The group turned to look at the outskirts of Crocus. The shockwave blasted them, even as far away as they were from the area as the titanic explosion tower up into the air, vaporizing the mountains around Crocus. The blast was so large that it touched the sky, the departing thunder clouds forced away by the force. The sky did not take on a normal blue look however, as the explosion tainted it red.
A figure appeared on the battlefield.
Everyone turned to look at this figure. The wind howled, crying out for blood. A spiralling white tattoo covered the figures arm, a magical gauntlet covering his other arm. A halo floated above the figures head, just above billowing blonde hair. The figure turned, revealing Naruto glaring at Matatabi. The Wizard Saint's eyes glowed with power. The only discernable detail in his eyes was the large horizontal line going through them.
Before anyone had any time to react Naruto shot forwards, and then both he and Matatabi disappeared.
"Mito Uzumaki," Wolfhiem said, opening the door to Jinchuriki's viewing room. Mito glanced back at the General, a coy smile on her face. The destroyed arena was in full view in front of her, the majortiy of her viewing room completely destroyed by the explosion. In summary, the scene looked like that of an evil mastermind. The Generals didn't even seem bothered.
"Ah, General Wolfhiem. I'm afraid we must have never met before. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"We have some questions for you Ms. Uzumaki," Draculos stated. "We would sincerely appreciate it if you came with us."
"Oh," Mito stated, her grin turning sinister. "Why does it sound like I'm under arrest my dear Generals? Have I done something wrong?"
"That's for us to figure out," Wolfhiem stated. "Now come with us." The elderly man thrust out cuffs with strange engravings on them. Mito raised an eyebrow at the sight of the cuffs, power dancing just behind her eyes.
"Magic-restraining cuffs. I'm afraid I won't be putting those on unless you tell me what exactly it is you want to talk about."
"We can talk about that in your jail cell."
Mito smirked. "Oh I'm afraid that that just won't work."
Chains flew forwards.
Cobra sighed as he glanced away from his team, barely having managed to convince them to move their strike in earlier than they had planned. Cobra stared over the remains of the arena a frown gracing his features. He knew Jinchuriki was a powerful member of the alliance, but for this to be possible wasn't something he was eager to know. He was glad they weren't there to fight with one another. The man turned, glancing at the mages next to him. He was worried about their presence in such a populated place. What they were about to do was incredibly dangerous, but orders were orders no matter how much he may disagree with them. Cobra shook his head, studying his teammates.
Doriate. The demon was dangerous only due to his magics unique abilities. Any opponent, no matter how strong, was practically defenseless against him if they didn't strike first and strike hard. Of course the demon had weaknesses, but with a magic that operated the way his did it was difficult to believe anyone who did not already know what his magic entailed could exploit them.
Fingers stood next to the demon, his quiet nature allowing him to work with Doriate quite easily. Their ability to work together was only increased due to Doriate's magic that increased Fingers effectiveness. The man was undoubtedly the weakest of the group individually, not truly deserving of an S-class title of strength, and yet with Doriate he became a rather lethal enemy.
Zash Caine, a man that Cobra knew was dangerous. His magic was perhaps more dangerous than even Doriate's. The man would undoubtedly be targeted throughout this upcoming battle. A magic like his was rare, almost to the point of being considered a Lost Magic, and yet Zash was a master of it. Cobra himself had been tempted to kill the man if only for the sense of security it would bring.
Midnight. Cobra wanted to snort. The artificial demon was something special. He had definitely grown more powerful under their time serving Tartarus, however he was perhaps the least independent he had ever been. Tartarus had done something when he was converted to a demon. The teen's sense of identity and independence had been broken on a certain level, making him completely subserviant to the demon. Still, the teen was powerful enough to be the only person other than him that could truly make their last member even pay attention in battle.
Animus...the thing was a monster. He didn't think these creatures even existed in the world anymore. They were seemingly extinct which is why creating magic using them as a base was so rare. Only a few users of the magic existed, and yet here was a living, breathing, example of one of these creatures in real life. In the face of such power Cobra wondered what could possibly stand up to him. He doubted even Tartarus could defeat the beast in battle. How Tartarus had convinced him to work for him was perhaps the most curious mystery that he had yet to figure out.
Cobra shuddered, the group falling towards the outskirts of the destroyed arena as Midnight's magic let them drop. Yes there would be death this day. He could hear it. And the Magic Council would be the victims. They exploded through the Magic Council's private viewing room, the Council's eyes wide as they saw the Dark Guild puncture their ceiling. Midnight did not hesitate to order them.
"Kill them."
Ah it's been a while since I wrote a Sasuke fight scene. I missed them. He's so much easier to write than Naruto when I let him really use his Arc of Embodiment because he just has so many past fights to draw from. I don't have to make him fight straight up and with rigid rules like Naruto. I can be creative with him and how he fights, especially when he can't simply brute force his way through a problem like here. I hope you all got the references to past fights he had in the Narutoverse. For those wondering how exactly Sasuke managed to use illusions without his Sharingan, remember that Arc of Embodiment lets you pretty much imagination things into existence. Those were not illusions, he imaged mist copies of himself in places and moved away when Matatabi wouldn't notice. Also, now Naruto knows why Mito is attacking him and Sasuke, and he doesn't quite know what to think. Anyways, this is where this arc really gets exciting. The new version of Oracion Seis has appeared, and the Generals have begun to move on Mito. How will Naruto handle his fight against Matatabi? And what is Fairy Tail going to do during the hectic case of this battle?
