Guest (From Jan 1): I can't really answer any of your questions, because it'd spoil to much...but just know I think that you'll be satisfied.
Bionic Exorcist: The pairing is NarutoxMyron, that was already decided. Morg will be extremely close to Naruto, but Myron is to important to not be left out. Also, trust me Myron will be great for Naruto.
Caliginous
Inochi frowned as he sat before Hiruzen, going over every single Yamanaka that was in the record books. Hiruzen would have simply used a Yamanaka to get the information, but...the problem with that was obvious. The Hokage glared at the clan leader, furious with him. "Yes Inoichi once again I know that you don't have knowledge over all of your clansmen. But are there any that you knew affiliated with Danzo or any of such?" Inoichi sighed. His eyes were heavy, as he hadn't slept in several days. The Yamanaka Clan had been under constant watch by Hiruzen, who had not trusted them immediately after the incident with Danzo. They were the only clan that had the capability of doing what happened, at least when he was caught unawares.
Inoichi opened his mouth, "Hokage-sama I've told you many a times that the only possible person is Fu, but you said that you found his body. There was no one else we let associate with Danzo after you forced him to disband ROOT." Hiruzen frowned. Even though Inoichi knew about Danzo's betrayal - all shinobi did - they did not know that ROOT was still active and operating. Hiruzen planned on instructing them all of that tonight, as he planned a meeting that all shinobi were mandated to go to.
"After ROOT was disbanded did Fu return to the clan?" Inoichi frowned. "Now that you mention it...he didn't go back to the clan. We had pressing issues so we didn't really notice it...but he never did come back." Hiruzen sighed. "Do you know of any close friends that he had? Anyone he would have kept in contact with?" Inoichi frowned. "I don't remember all that much about him. We were never close. I vaguely remember him conversing with an Aburame once, Torune I think his name was."
Hiruzen nodded. The ANBU in the room suddenly disappeared, moving towards the Aburame compound. "You are dismissed Inoichi." Inoichi nodded, standing and leaving the room to get some much needed sleep. Hiruzen sighed. "Watch him extremely closely. Everything he does. As of right now the Yamanaka Clan may very well be a threat."
A silent nod came from the room, Yamato melding into the building thanks to the experiments that were unethically performed on him.
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
Jiraiya sat in the middle of a forest, looking over the members he had chosen for his hunt for Naruto. Bar Itachi, who was on his way, Jiraiya thought he had made good choices. Itachi he had mixed feelings about, as the man was good, but he believed necessary someplace else.
Gaku Inuzuka. He was the eldest on the team, other than Jiraiya. He was actually on Minato's Genin Team - making him Jiraiya's pupil - and Jiraiya was close friends with him. He knew that the man was extremely capable and undoubtedly the second-best tracker in the whole Inuzuka Clan. He was a valuable ally. The man wore a Konoha flak jacket with swept back brown hair. The distinctive markings of the Inuzuka were on his face. His beard was slightly messy, however the man seemed not to care.
Muta Aburame. Jiraiya was not positive about him. The man was an average shinobi according to his records, but Shibi had insisted - in his ever-so-silent manner - that Jiraiya take the man with him, so Jiraiya was positive that he would be helpful in some manner. The man had long brown hair, and wore sunglasses - something Jiraiya was sure was almost a trademark among them, like the fang markings on the Inuzuka were trademark - that obscured his eyes. He wore a tan jacket, with a high, upturned collar that covered his mouth. Low hemlines and overhanging clothes covered the rest of his form, and made him seem rather clumsy, yet he carried the same air of grace and perfectionism that all Aburame had. A gourd was wrapped around his back that always seemed to buzz with energy.
Tokuma Hyuga. Jiraiya couldn't be more happy that Hiashi had allowed him to take the Hyuga. He possessed the best Byakugan in the clan according to Hiashi, and Hiashi was glad to assist the village. Jiraiya had no doubt it was because of the position the Hyuga were now in because the Uchiha were no longer the strongest clan. Cementing their favor to the Hokage and some of the most powerful men in the village was a strong political move. The mans shoulder-length, spiky brown hair framed his face with two bangs on either side. He wore a bandanna-style Konoha headband, with the standard Konoha shinobi uniform.
However, Hiashi went even further in gaining favor and gave him another shinobi, by the name of Natsu Hyuga. She was an average shinobi, however she was an extremely good medical ninja. She was the one ninja per generation the Hyuga allowed to become medical ninja and Hiashi had no doubt that she would be invaluable to them. Jiraiya had wanted to refuse, but he wasn't one to resist another pair of eyes. The woman had short green hair, with large white eyes like the rest of her clan. She wore the standard Konoha uniform as well, with the forehead protector on her forehead. She seemed extremely confident in her capabilities, despite being among such shinonbi.
"Why have we not left Jiraiya?" Gaku asked. The man was eager to get started. He had always loved assisting his village in any way possible, and this was merely one of those ways. Jiraiya frowned. "We're waiting on one more person. When he arrives you will all shut up and be quiet."
Gaku frowned at his sensei. He was not used to his sensei acting like this. The last time he had behaved so erratically was during the war.
"So he's arrived," Jiraiya muttered.
Suddenly a flock of crows flew by, and all members, bar Jiraiya, were filled with a sense of dread. The crows flocked towards each other, forming a single man who seemed to be floating above them, with no limbs. The man black cloak around his body, with a form-fitting black uniform underneath. He landed, his legs suddenly appearing before he immediately felt killing intent.
"Well I assume that means you did not tell them Jiraiya?"
Tokuma whirled on Jiraiya, furious. "Lord Jiraiya what is the meaning of this! This man is a traitor to Konoha, how is he the one we were waiting on?" Jiraiya sighed. "There is a lot to this man that you do not know Tokuma. That is the reason this meeting was not held in the village. No one can know this until the Kage himself has formally announced it. But Itachi Uchiha is no traitor. Now shut up and listen so I can tell you the story."
Tokuma snarled in disbelief, but obeyed the legend. If it was necessary he would fight both Jiraiya of the Sannin and Itachi Uchiha. He doubted his chances of victory, but he knew that there was always the possibility of them underestimating him and he somehow got away to warn the Hokage of this treachery.
"What you first need to know is that the Hokage himself asked for the Uchiha Clan to be killed off," Itachi began. This was immediately met with uproar from the shinobi, all of them letting sharp and disbelieving comments.
"It's true," Jiraiya said. That was all it took to quell the arguments, all members of the squad looking at him in shock. Itachi's face completely lacked emotion, as usual, when he spoke next.
"After the Kyuubi attack the Uchiha Clan was under fire. I'm sure you all remember how we were treated. People remembered how Madara controlled the Kyuubi and fought the Shodai. Some suspected that an Uchiha had controlled the Kyuubi once again."
Tokuma was about to pipe up with a retort, however Gaku spoke next. "I'm not saying that I believe you," he began. "But I do remember those times. I remember the treatment of the Uchiha, and I even heard that theory. It was appalling. But I fail to see how this leads to the Hokage ordered the Uchiha to be killed off."
"That is where we continue." Jiraiya stated. "Due to the distrust and frankly, lack of trust that they were getting they were forced to live under close surveillance."
"The Uchiha District," Natsu muttered. It was not hard to figure out. It was as easy as connecting the dots. Itachi nodded. "The mistrust created...ill-feelings...amongst members of our clan. This rekindled the hatred of Senju and anything that they were involved with. Thus...my father and the rest of the clan planned a coup d'etat. This leaked to the Hokage...because of me."
Tokuma snorted. "I find this hard to believe. What would you have to gain in revealing to the Hokage that your clan was planning to overthrow him?"
"Nothing. Except maybe, the slight possibility of peace talks and my clans survival," Itachi said. Jiraiya nodded. "What he says is true. However peace talks failed. The Uchiha were going to go through with the coup. And we had also heard that a group calling themselves the Akatsuki was appearing and that they were a significant threat."
Tokuma frowned. "How does this even relate to the story?" Tokuma would have continued, but a harsh glare from Jiraiya shut him up. "We were in need of a spy in the group...because of the fact that they are composed of S-rank ninja. One S-rank is a manageable threat, a group working under the same banner in a coordinated way? They had to be exterminated."
"So you had Itachi kill off the entire clan and then go be the spy in the group, labeling him as a missing-ninja and giving him a bounty to make it seem legitimate," Gaku muttered. Jiraiya nodded. "Indeed. What we've learned on the group is a lot, and Konoha is preparing to face them now. However we needed to draw Itachi back into the fold for a very serious problem. The purpose of this mission."
"One question first," Muta said. "If Itachi-san was supposed to massacre the entire village...why leave Sasuke Uchiha alive?" Jiraiya frowned. "Politics. We needed another generation of Uchiha. The Sharingan is to powerful of an asset to lose, and Sasuke was innocent. He was to young to have been part of the coup."
Itachi frowned, but made no comment. Politics was not the reason that he personally saved Sasuke, but he knew that Jiraiya understood that. He would not comment on his emotions in front of this group.
"Can we trust him?" Tokuma asked. Itachi glanced at the man but said nothing. It was a legitimate question, especially considering the fact that Itachi could very well be leading them into a trap set by the Akatsuki if he so desired.
"Yes." Jiraiya answer curtly. He was extremely tired of people doubting him. The man had chosen the village over his own family for crying out loud. "Moving on. The reason we're on this mission...is to track down Naruto Uzumaki. Thanks to Danzo's treachery he was banished from the village."
Muta raised an eyebrow. "Why? If he was banished from the village why use resources to get him back?" Jiraiya frowned. "Danzo banished him using the Hokage's power. He went behind the Hokage's back. Naruto Uzumaki was not banished under a real crime or by the Hokage. We are here to get him back."
Natsu snorted. "I don't know why we're going after the demon. He was the cause of Konoha's destruction, not the Uchiha." The entire area suddenly seemed to drop twenty degrees as Jiraiya turned to look at her. "Let's get something straight right now girly. As the person who trained the Yondaime in fuinjutsu do not doubt him or myself. Naruto Uzumaki is not the Kyuubi. He is his own person. A sheath of a sword...it is very different than being the bijuu itself. If he was the bijuu he could have destroyed Konoha and frankly, no one would have been able to stop him in time." Natsu frowned, her argument quelled on her lips as she looked into Jiraiya's eyes. She felt the cold dread fill her. She was positive that Jiraiya wanted to send her back to Hiashi, consequences be damned, but he knew that the outfall with the Hyuga, even if he could justify his actions, would be bad. The elders of the Hyuga Clan were quite annoying people.
Tokuma frowned. "Isn't it more than just that? Isn't it also to get back the village's Jinchuriki?" Jiraiya glared at the male Hyuga this time, although it didn't seem quite as harsh as the other one. Still, it was extremely worrisome. "Let's get another thing straight. Naruto is more than just a weapon. Danzo only though of him as a weapon and look what happened. We lost out on a valuable shinobi and someone who lays his life down to protect the members of this village and his fellow shinobi. Even though he was ostracized by the very people he's trying to protect. We are getting him back because he was unjustly punished."
Tokuma nodded. He had nothing to say to that. Jiraiya snorted and turned on his foot. "Gaku find Naruto's scent using this." Jiraiya handed Gaku a cloth that Gaku took. A ninken slowly walked from the forest, large enough to be half of Jiraiya's size with dark black fur. It had a scar running down it's hide, and it's yellow eyes glowed. It sniffed the object before it immediately took off, clearly the scent obvious. The group followed after the hound.
However, Jiraiya couldn't help but think back to what Tokuma had said about Naruto. He couldn't help but question if he was...right. He knew that both he and Hiruzen cared for Naruto...but he understood the role of the Hokage. Hiruzen did, in some manner, view Naruto as an ace in the hole. He was a piece on the chess board. A deterrent, a threat.
Jiraiya shuddered at the thought. He found it hard to think of his sensei as such an uncaring person. Yet sometimes being a good leader meant being unresponsive emotionally. Jiraiya couldn't help the nagging question at the back of his mind.
Could Hiruzen only want his tool back?
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
Sasuke sat down attentively as Kakashi spoke to Sakura and himself. He paid attention to what Kakashi said only because of Naruto...and he couldn't help but believe that everything the man said was bullshit. Naruto was away for an unspecified amount of time and that they would have a new teammate to replace him in the meantime? That didn't match what Naruto had told him.
"Your new teammate is this man...Sai."
Sasuke and Sakura glanced to the side, to see their new teammate, who turned to look at them. He smiled, yet both of them felt there was something off about it. "Nice to meet you...Dickless...Flat-chest."
Sasuke didn't give Sai the dignity of a reaction, however Sakura sent a punch that the boy failed to dodge, sending him crashing into a tree. As she berated him, he couldn't help but pick up on one line she said.
"You're worse than Naruto, I can't believe I'm saying this but I want that idiot back."
Sasuke frowned. He knew he wasn't particularly close to any of his teammates, his real teammates, but Naruto was undoubtedly the closest. There was a bond between them that he simply couldn't shake. Sasuke simply looked at Kakashi who he thought sighed. Sasuke simply raised an eyebrow. Did the Jonin really think that he would distract him from what happened with Naruto so easily? If anything this Sai guy wasn't even a Genin, but likely a higher ranking shinobi just meant to throw them off. It wouldn't be unexpected.
Sasuke simply listened as Kakashi began talking. He would remain silent. He would grow stronger. And he would dig for information on what happened with Naruto. He felt like he owed the blonde idiot that much. Sasuke frowned as he glanced into the sky, briefly thinking about his demi-friend.
He was truly the only thing that had kept him in the village. He didn't feel like he had grown any stronger than when he first become a Genin, so the power he was after to kill his brother definitely wasn't an option. At the moment Sasuke could only feel his tie's to the Village Hidden in the Leaves become weaker and weaker as days went on.
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
Hinata was worried. She couldn't find one Naruto Uzumaki. She had checked the place where she usually found - stalked - him, yet he was not there. Hinata couldn't help but be worried. He had seemingly disappeared into thin air , and for several days. The lack of the object of her obsession and admiration was starting to make her feel slightly depressed. Usually watching his confident and upbeat personality was enough for her, his never-give-up attitude rubbing off on her unintentionally, however anyone could see the problem with that.
He was not there for it to keep its effect on her.
So instead of searching for Naruto today Hinata was searching for someone else. She was specifically searching for either of Naruto's teammates, mainly because she did not remember who Naruto's sensei was and she felt like asking Kurenai would get her nowhere. For some reason she felt like wherever Naruto had gone she would be hard-pressed to follow.
Similar to a test of faith.
Luckily enough for her, some divine being was on her side, as she saw Sasuke walking by, the teen obviously exhausted. She could relate to him, or at least she assumed so. She thought that the appearance had to do with him getting off a team practice session. If his appearance was anything to go off of it had become more difficult. Hinata's had increased also, but it had still remained relatively tame for fresh Genin. However she couldn't deny the fact that she was barely keeping up with the new amount of pressure.
"Sasuke-san!"
Sasuke paused, glancing around, only stopping because Hinata did not sound like one of his fangirls. When his eyes rested on her he stayed, proving this. If he was a fangirl he would have disappeared in an instant, like he had after practice. Sakura had once again tried to ask him out on a date, and he had non-verbally shut her down. He really didn't understand how she couldn't have gotten the message, even after all this time.
"What is it Hyuga?"
Hinata winced at his slightly harsh tone. His tone almost made her regret talking to him, as he was the most antagonistic of Naruto's teammates but he was also the one that likely had the most information on him. Sakura always took care to berate or ignore Naruto's presence - a behavior that annoyed Hinata - so she doubted the pinkette knew. She also did not desire to deal with Sakura's abrasive personality, although she was regretting that decision as well. Sakura was much more manageable than Sasuke was.
Yet Hianta gathered her courage and asked her question anyways, consequences be damned.
"Have you seen Naruto-kun around? I haven't seen him for a few days and was worried, especially considering his team was still in town." I saw the uproar going on in the village around him recently and I was slightly worried." Sasuke frowned. He wasn't sure if he could trust Hinata. That was a large leap to take with someone he did not even know. Thus, he lied.
"I haven't seen him either. After whatever happened with the village he's been gone recently. Kakashi said that he was gone for an unspecified amount of time." Sasuke frowned at his words, a look that Hinata mistook as him feeling bad for Naruto's disappearance. However, it was truly because Sasuke was disgusted with himself for saying something that disrespected Naruto and his memory. It was a strange feeling Sasuke had. This feeling of friendship. He was only beginning to realize that it was there...because its source had disappeared.
Hinata frowned, but she nodded. She turned and walked away, but managed to hear Sasuke mutter under his breath.
"Naruto...I will make sure to find you. I will find out why Kakashi got you banished."
Hinata froze, unable to comprehend Sasuke's words. What did he mean? Kakashi, Naruto's own sensei, got him banished? Naruto was gone. He was never coming back. Hinata shook in place, her fragile emotional state shattering like glass. And just like that a dam broke and she felt tears fall down her face. She didn't understand how or perhaps more importantly, why this had happened. She just knew that she felt an unbearable pain in her chest and wanted something to take it away.
The wind rustled by, kicking up dust into the air. Hinata could have sworn she saw her own eyes looming back at her through the dust as she collasped to her knees, drawing the attention of the citizens who looked confused. A Hyuga usually did not show their emotions, so for Hinata to be so emotional in front of the citizens was...strange.
And then...Hinata fainted.
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
The 'Kinzoku Monkii' (Blade Monkey), stared at the people in front of him, slightly amused. "You're telling me that you want me to join some organization that I know absolutely nothing about? Are you out of your mind?"
A man stood before the 'Kinzoku Monkii', a man that was confident in his ability to defeat or at the very least recruit the man. The man was tall and tan-skinned, with a muscular build. He seemed to be in his prime, so he couldn't be as old as he felt. He wore a white hood and a black mask, his eyes the only visible feature of his face. His eyes had no pupils, simply red sclerae and green irides. His cloak was black, with red clouds on it. Around the white hood was the forehead protector of Takigakure, yet the slash through it showed that he was a rogue-ninja. The 'Kinzoku Monkii' could barely see the mans hands, and noticed the brown nail polish and dark green ring, with the kanji for "north" on his middle finger.
"No. And I wasn't asking permission. That was simply me being courteous. Trust me when I say my other partner will not play nearly as nicely. Now...join the Akatsuki or die. It's that simple. You don't have a choice in the matter. A man as powerful as you cannot be left to his own devices."
The 'Kinzoku Monkii' smirked, walking out of the shade slowly, as to intimidate the man before him. The 'Kinzoku Monkii' was barely human in appearance. The man before him was tall, yet the 'Kinzoku Monkii' towered over even him, standing at a solid seven feet. The man was a wall of hard, dense muscle, his long, unruly black hair blowing haphazardly in the wind. The man had a deranged look on his face that would have put all but the most experienced of shinobi off. With his every move you could see his muscles contracting, the blood pulsing throughout his body at rates that would be deemed superhuman. Spiky black hair framed his face, his sideburns and beard so large that you could not see the skin beneath them, and they extended off of his body. The hair on the top of his head spiked high into the hair, and behind it was a long ponytail that split into two large strands of hair that reached his ankles. The man wore a loose, black robe, a white cloak on top of it, and for good reason. It looked like anything form fitting would actually slow him down...somehow. His eyes were a deep black the swirled like whirlpools, drawing everything in. In between his eyes was a black marking and over his right eye was a large scar that marred the entire upper corners of his face. Metallic gloves covered his hands. His hands carried a large blade that seemed befitting only to him. The blade was his size, and was extremely thick. It was in pristine condition however. The blade was midnight black, with white deceptions of monkeys in suits of armor on it.
"I am Myoken Enma Sarutobi," the man said. "If you want me to join the Akatsuki. You're gonna have to take me by force."
The man with the Akatsuki gave off a low chuckle. "Do you really think you can handle the both of us?" Myoken simply smiled. Suddenly another man fell from the air, a large blade in his hands. Myoken glanced upwards, noticing the man and immediately noticing how he looked. The man with the blade wore the same cloak as the man who showed very little skin. He had brown eyes with long dark hair that was combed back to the nape of his neck. The large claymore he held seemed capable of clashing with Myoken's behemoth of a blade and holding up. The blade was longer and wider than most other claymore's. The swords handle ran through the guard, continuing on to a hollow space at the base of the blade.
Myoken swung his monstrous blade up to meet the mans with only one hand, a feet that should not have been possible. The blades met, but Myoken gave a smile and pushed, sending the man flying away. "What are your names?"
The men frowned, glancing at each other. Obviously they were debating whether or not they should give him that information. Eventually they decided to do so.
"Kakuzu," the well-clothed man said. "Zukia Tahero," the blade wielding man said. Myoken smiled. "Then let us commence in our battle."
Zukia rushed forwards, his blade flashing with near impossible speed. Myoken smiled as the man reached him, slashing out, yet he blocked the strikes with his own blade before kicking him in the chest, sending him skidding backwards. Kakuzu then rushed inwards, his fist clenched tightly. He sent his punch rocketing forwards yet Myoken caught it with one hand. Kakuzu's eyes widened as Myoken slammed his blade into the ground before he spun on his heel, sending Kakuzu flying into the now-recovering Zukia. The two tumbled to the ground and Myoken watched with boredom, leaning against his blade.
"Is this the best that you two are capable of? If so you might as well give up now. You'll never beat me."
Kakuzu glared at the man, clearly angry at being treated like a child. Slowly an oppressive feeling surrounded him, spreading out over the area. His foot skidded forwards as he dominated the area before him, a deathly glow in his eyes. "Give me one reason," Kakuzu muttered. "Why I shouldn't kill him Zukia."
Zukia snorted. "Couldn't think of one if I wanted to."
Kakuzu muttered under his breath, before he rushed forwards, this time even faster than before. Myoken frowned, this time actually cautious at their approach. Kakuzu launched a punch once again, however this one was different. His skin was darker than before. Instead of deftly catching the punch Myoken ducked, grabbing his blade and swinging it at Kakuzu, ripping it from the ground in one fell swoop. The process tore the ground and sent large boulders and chunks of earth at Zukia. Kakuzu raised his hand, catching the blade in its motion, smirking. Myoken frowned, yanking his blade towards him, sending Kakuzu off of his feet and flying towards a kick.
Kakuzu raised a hand, catching the kick and pushing off of it, letting glow of the blade simultaneously. As he flipped over Myoken he launched two kicks that the large man blocked, however Zukia was on him, his blade vibrating.
"Take this!"
Zukia brought his blade down, and Myoken kicked off, barely dodging the strike. Zukia's claymore carved into the ground, causing Myoken to frown. Zukia then carved a trench towards Myoken, a pulse of chakra carving through the ground towards Myoken. Myoken frowned, raising his blade, flames bursting through it.
"Tch."
Myoken brought his blade down, a wave of fire meeting the pulse of chakra and cancelling it out. Kakuzu came downwards however, a heel drop obvious from the position of his leg. Myoken frowned, raising both arms, and blocking the strike, yet the sheer force forced him into the ground. Myoken frowned as he slowly pulled his feet from the ground, Kakuzu having already flipped out of range, his leg its normal color once again.
Zukia rushed inwards this time, and for once Myoken rushed to meet him, blade in hand. Myoken spun under Zukia's slash, swinging at the mans back simultaneously, yet Zukia swung his blade behind his back, blocking the strike. The force however forced him away, his feet carving a trench in the ground. Myoken rushed him, his blade spinning at impossible speeds around the mans body. Wind was being kicked up by the sheer speed he was moving it at.
Myoken stopped his spinning and twisted his hip, bringing his sword inwards at an angle that would carve Zukia in two. The sheer power of the swing was enough to shatter through solid rock, and the momentum behind it only added to this strength. Zukia's eyes widened as he looked at the blade. He knew the power of his swings and the durability of his blade. If he tried to block or dodge that strike, the only thing awaiting him was death.
Thus Zukia launched himself forwards, all form of self-preservation abandoned. He was attempting to kill Myoken before the large behemoth killed him. Yet Myoken turned to the side, avoiding the blade. Zukia couldn't help but smile. He had never been so soundly defeated before, and the new experience was eye-opening. He simply closed his eyes, accepting the blade that was sure to come.
Yet it never came. Zukia opened his eyes to see Myoken slowly rising from the ground, a large bruise already forming on his stomach. The man actually looked winded from the strike. Kakuzu stood next to Zukia, his Akatsuki cloak discarded. His wore a dark colored vest, with a mouth that looked completely stitched together. His body also looked stitched together, giving him the appearance of a puppet. It was unnerving. Myoken frowned at the sight.
"You're an abomination."
Kakuzu laughed. "Come now Myoken. You and I are just alike."
"Kakuzu...we are nothing alike. I remember the stories my grandfather told me. You were a boogeyman to me. A shinobi that betrayed his village because of a punishment, that admittedly was cruel. You attempted and failed to kill Hashirama Senju, but unlike so many you lived through an assassination attempt. Yet even so...what you did was an atrocity. You took Takigakure's forbidden jutsu and killed the village elders. You took their hearts and made them yours! You extend your own life by stealing hearts...we are nothing alike."
"Come now Myoken...do we really have to go through why you are like what you are today? The contract with the Monkeys that made you like this." Myoken frowned, glaring at Kakuzu. Myoken snarled. "You're an abomination Kakuzu...how I lived is nothing like how you did..."
Kakuzu snorted, rushing Myoken but Myoken rushed to meet him. The duo clashed violently, as Myoken's blade met Kakuzu's punch. The two stood there for a moment, trying to overpower the other, however slowly but surely Myoken began to push Kakuzu back. Kakuzu dropped, raising his hands to catch the falling blade before he swept Myoken's legs from under him. Myoken cursed. He felt himself loose his grip on his blade, yet instead of flailing to grab it once again he caught himself on his hands. He glanced upwards to see Kakuzu preparing to smash his skull with his heel, yet the large man raised his hands, catching the kick, although he groaned under the pressure. His body was once again forced slightly into the ground, but he forced himself upwards, flipping Kakuzu. He launched a kick that the extremely old shinobi blocked with his forearm, yet he was still sent flying by the force.
Zukia decided to make his presence known once again, bringing his blade around horizontally as he spun. Myoken frowned. His blade was to far for him to grab and block the strike. Instead the large man weaved through hand seals, preparing a jutsu. "Katon no Yoroi (Fire Release Armor)!" Myoken's body was suddenly wrapped in a cloak of intense flames. The flames danced lovingly around Myoken as he reached out towards Zukia's blade. Zukia jumped backwards however, noticing his blade overheating. He frowned, before he stopped channeling chakra into it. The blade stopped vibrating.
Myoken glared at the duo, his eyes red inferno's to them. The flames around his body exploded, and similarly to Kakuzu before, his flaming aura subjugated the area around him. The combat zone exploded into flames, causing Myoken's two combatants to sweat heavily. Myoken snarled, grabbing his blade. As soon as he did so flames exploded around the sword like a miniature sun.
"Are you happy Kakuzu...you get to witness one of the many moves granted to me because I am the Sage of the Monkeys. You said we were alike but that is false. It is true that I was a frail boy, who likely wouldn't have lived long without the senjutsu that I naturally channeled, but I just because my body naturally channels senjutsu makes us nothing alike."
Kakuzu laughed. "Come now! You'll naturally live longer than possibly even Hashirama Senju could have because of your unique physiology! You were trained at a ridiculously young age to be a Sage because of your body. You would have died without it! Your body couldn't cope with the stress of the senjutsu it absorbed so naturally!"
Zukia raised an eyebrow. "I'm extremely confused." Myoken sighed. "When I was born I was extremely frail. Frankly I shouldn't have lived to even become a Genin...but my father noticed the unnatural way I was born. I naturally channeled senjutsu...my heart rate was extremely faster than anyone elses...and yet when we compared my cardiovascular system to fully grown Jonin I could outlast them. My physical strength was absurd and I was naturally faster than almost anyone. My father used his contract with the Monkeys to save my life. He got them to train me as a Sage. I am only alive now because of senjutsu."
Zukia raised an eyebrow. "So if we snuffed out senjutsu?"
"Don't bother," Kakuzu said. "People have tried to drain senjutsu before...all its left in their attempts was the causers death."
Zukia frowned. He then raised his blade. "Then allow me to try something else."
The hollow part of his blade suddenly glowed with chakra as light golden chakra licked off of his skin like flames. His flame exploded in golden light. Myoken snorted. "Don't push your luck." Zukia laughed, lightning flickering off of his skin as the clouds above them slowly began to darken.
"Same to you."
The two swordsmen closed the distance fast, flames trailing behind Myoken, and a storm of lightning pushing the fire aside as it trailed Zukia. The two swung, their blades clashing. Soon afterwards lightning and flame collided in the area, the storm causing the storm to finalize. The sky ripped itself open and let its contents fall. Yet the droplets couldn't even reach the ground because of the heat. They evaporated almost instantly. Kakuzu watched from a safe distance away, smiling at the destruction.
"I always enjoy admiring the work of large-scale S-rank shinobi. They always leave scars on the battlefield."
Myoken and Zukia clashed in a flurry of blades, fire and lightning colliding with every collision of their blades. Zukia continuously sent pulses of chakra out from his blade, yet each blast was counteracted by Myoken's fire. Eventually Zukia was just a blur of movement, dashing around Myoken and lashing out at him with bladed strikes, however Myoken continued to block him, before he ducked, getting under a strike. Myoken lashed upwards with his blade, and Zukia's hand was relinquished of its blade. Zukia frowned, lightning still sparking off of him and protecting him from the flames around his body.
Myoken suddenly exploded again, the flames surging around Zukia. Myoken smirked, slamming a fist into Zukia's chest. Zukia coughed up blood, causing Myoken to smirk. The flames increased, the inferno enlarging. The lightning was slowly but surely being cancelled out in this clash of the elements. As Myoken's fists blurred forwards in a barrage of attacks, the lightning armor Zukia was wearing ruptured for merely a second.
That second was all that was needed.
The flames surged inwards, scorching Zukia's body horribly. Myoken watched the man fall to the ground, no feeling in his chest. 'That's one down dad. I won't kill Kakuzu...but he's a big threat. I've shown them my worth...hopefully you find the Jinchuriki in the meantime.'
Kakuzu frowned as he saw the lightning be devoured by the flame, however he noticed the flame suddenly cut out instantly. He had never seen such extreme fire manipulation. He glanced down to see Myoken, looking perfectly fine, glaring at him. "Is that enough for you?" Kakuzu smirked. "I guess I'll have to take you seriously then. Zukia was fairly impressive."
Myoken stretched, glaring up at Kakuzu. "That won't be necessary." Kakuzu raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why's that? Don't tell me you want to quit. The bounty on your head is to high for me to just...give up."
Myoken snorted. "No. I'll join this group. I'll join the Akatsuki."
Kakuzu blinked, confused, but smirked. He nodded nonetheless, jumping down to stand next to Myoken. "Follow me then." Myoken raised an eyebrow. "Do you not care about your companion here?" Kakuzu rolled his eyes. "Shinobi die all the time. This is no different."
Myoken smirked, following Kakuzu as he walked off. He never suspected Kakuzu's thoughts.
'Pain knows that he has to be a spy...to be using him as bait...he truly must be confident in his capability to defeat this man. I'm afraid that even if I took him seriously he would still win.'
Kakuzu wanted to laugh.
'Konohagakure thinks they have a spy...but really we've got them in the palm of our hands.'
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
Naruto sat down, his mind much clearer now that he had finally gotten some rest. He was no longer swamped with his emotional difficulties. Now he was simply training in his small area. Somehow he had to accomplish his goal after all. His eyes were closed, his breathing deep. Suddenly he opened his eyes, smiling as he looked at the familiar sight of his mindscape.
"So you've come. I assume you're ready to learn." Naruto glanced up at the large fox in front of him. "I'm ready for a lot of things. I'm ready to meet that voice that saved my life. I'm ready to learn what the Spirit of the Fox is. I'm ready to learn from the Shinigami." Kurama snorted. "Child...you truly are an idiot. Still I guess you do deserve to meet that voice."
Slowly a form rose up from the floor, forming a woman. "You act as if you could have stopped me from seeing my son." The woman had a slender, but feminine build. Her skin was beautiful, and extremely fair to look at. Her violet eyes could enchant any man with their luster, and her silky red hair flowed loosely to her waist, the color of a rose. Shoulder-length strands of her hair framed her face, with a black clip parting her hair to her left. A beautiful scarlet kimono flowed through her form, hugging her curves in all the right places when necessary. It did nothing to hide her rather large bust. In fact it only served to enhance her beauty, yet she still gave a classy and respectable feel to Naruto.
"You said you where my mother," Naruto muttered. The lady nodded. "That is correct. I am Kushina Uzumaki...your mother."
Naruto frowned. "That doesn't make sense. My mother is dead...how could you be my mother?"
Kushina sighed. "I am dead...but your father, Minato Namikaze-"
Kushina would have continued with her sentence, however a burst of killing intent filled Naruto's mindscape. The water gained a blood rest color and the sewers swelled. "What was that?"
Kushina raised an eyebrow. "Minato Namikaze. Your father."
Naruto snarled. "You mean my own father sealed the Kyuubi no Kitsune into me and made my life a living hell!"
Kurama would have interjected with a sharp, witty comeback, yet he knew this was not the time.
Kushina sighed. "Look Naruto...I will explain the circumstances of your birth, our death, and us being forced to seal the Kyuubi into you, but for now I need you to know that we only did what we thought was right. We felt that you would be able to reach Kurama in a way that I never could. We knew that you would be able to make this fuzzy idiot feel love. Neither of us wanted you to go through the pain that you went through."
Naruto snarled. "You expect me to just...just...forgive him!" Naruto roared, water swelling into the roof of the sewers. The blood red water exploded outwards, yet Kushina suddenly grew a stern look on her face and the waters instantly calmed. "Naruto! He loved you! He loved you perhaps even more than I! When you were born he was overjoyed. When that...man took you and tried to kill you he was overcome with grief. When he found the man...he fought with all of his might. When Kurama tried to kill you to stay unsealed he was the man who saved you." Naruto couldn't believe his ears. The man that sealed the strongest bijuu in the world inside of him...loved him?
Naruto would have let his rage consume him once again if he didn't feel arms embrace him and if he hadn't felt a pair of lips press against his forehead. "Shh," Kushina whispered. "It's okay Naruto." Kushina said. "Kaa-chan is here now. Kaa-chan will make you strong enough that you don't have to feel that pain anymore."
Naruto couldn't help it. With all that he had been through recently...the stress of his unjust banishment, being attacked by ANBU, nearly dying, finding out that the Shinigami was related to him, and nearly dying once again...the stress had simply built up on him. He couldn't handle it anymore.
The dam broke.
Naruto cried into Kushina's kimono, and his mother stood there, whispering sweet words into his ear to calm him. The duo stayed like that, the only eyes watching them Kurama's, as Kushina comforted her son. Despite all of his hate for his father, despite the fact that she loved Minato Namikaze deeply she couldn't deny Naruto one truth. He was right. They both had made his life a living hell. And now, at the very least she, could make up for it.
What felt like hours latter Naruto let go of his mother, sniffing. Kushina smiled at her son, her hands still on his shoulders tenderly. "Are you okay Naruto?" Naruto nodded weakly, before his eyes became hard. "You're the one who taught me the Kusariton (Chain Release)?" Kushina shook her head. "I simply made you realize that you had it. I did not teach you anything. The jutsu you used is instictual. It's the first jutsu anyone of our clan can learn using the Kekkei Genkai." Naruto frowned, nodding. "Our clan? The Uzumaki's then." Kushina nodded. "Do not worry. I will teach you all about us. We have all the time in the world. Usually we wouldn't...after all I'm truly just part of your mothers chakra, not actually her. I'm...her embodiment that can still speak with you so to speak. However, because I used to be Kurama's Jinchuriki he can feed me chakra which allows me to stay here for as long as necessary. It also has some effects on my appearance."
"Not that I'm complaining," Kurama snorted. Naruto glared at the fox. "Ero-fox."
Kurama blanched. "I never said I wasn't."
Naruto's eyes twitched at Kurama openly admitting that he was a pervert. He glanced at Kushina who simply shrugged. "I'm used to it. I developed physically better and faster than other girls because of him. You'll likely be affected by it too."
"KAA-CHAN!"
Kushina laughed at Naruto's embarrassment. As she looked at him blush madly she couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness. This...this type of loving relationship was what she, the original her, missed out on. Sure she could transfer the memories once she faded...but she truly wished that she could have experienced this with her son in real life. She wished that she could be a family once again.
Kushina then sat down. "First things first...we need to set up a training schedule. Kurama will have you in the mornings for working on the Spirit of the Fox. Then at night I'll have you working on the Kusariton. In the middle of the day is your own personal training. We'll give you advice but that's pretty much it."
Kurama nodded. "Yet because it's the middle of the day I'll take you right now." Naruto nodded. He felt a twinge of disappointment however. He had wanted to work with his mother instead. However he wouldn't pass up free training. He sat down in front of the fox. Kurama sighed, the force of the air being stopped at the gates of his seal. Naruto felt like the fox would make a comment on it, but he was silent.
"The biggest fault that you have...is your control!"
Naruto blanched. "But I used that genjutsu. Genjutsu require a lot of control." Kurama nodded. "Indeed. Yet it was because your natural capability to manifest the Spirit gave you good chakra control. It's naturally improved it, but only just enough to be able to use genjutsu. I don't frankly understand how even my Spirit gave you the control necessary to do that but I'll take it. Right now we need your chakra control to be better. Go outside and walk up a tree."
Naruto nodded, closing his eyes. He had exited his mindscape. The young blonde rose and found a relatively large tree, as he began to scale it using his feet Kurama spoke again. "I want you to get ten leaves. Then you will run up and down the tree while making sure that the leaves stay connected to your fingertips."Naruto blanched. 'That has got to be impossible! No one has that good of control!'
Kurama snorted, and Kushina spoke this time. "My best friend did Naruto-chan. Her name was Mikoto Uchiha. Of course there's no way you're control will ever reach her levels we're going to get you as close as possible."
Naruto nodded, reaching the top of the tree. He didn't use the branches towards the bottom as he wouldn't have a good starting point for the exercise. Casually the blonde picked up ten leaves, attaching each leaf to a fingertip. Naruto groaned. Simply keeping all ten leaves there was hard. He was under no false belief that he could actually run down the tree and not plummet.
"Get going brat."
Naruto grumbled, irritated. "I'm not a brat damn it!"
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
Danzo stepped into a large building concealed in large shrubbery. He frowned, glancing upwards to see hordes of his operatives moving around, getting everything prepared. A man cloaked in black with a clear white mask suddenly appeared in front of him, the mans face concealed by it. Danzo barely paid any attention to him as he walked forwards. They entered a bland room, a large kanji on the wall behind the desk in the room. Danzo nodded to himself, looking at the trench coat laid over the chair that sat neatly behind the desk.
"Are all the preparations met?"
The man nodded. "Yes Danzo-sama. We have already begun the takeover of the minor villages." Danzo nodded. "Give me a report." The man nodded, continuing on. "The re-militarization of Yugakure is going smoothly. Kirigakure is to preoccupied in its own civil war to notice the village slowly building strength. Soon we will elect a fake Yukage from one of your operatives Danzo-sama. Hoshigakure is going even smoother. The village has grown to be half of Konoha's size and the shinobi are growing more powerful by the day. More so, your cure to the physical radiation caused by the meteorite is working well. The people's bodies seem to naturally be filtering out the radiation finally as well. As you know the Hoshikage Akahoshi is extremely loyal to the cause. Yukigakure has also been completely subjugated. However their technology has been a great improvement to our systems. Their chakra armor has greatly improved, and the Yukikage Doto is stronger than ever. More so, they are worker on creating larger suits of armor with more capabilities. Finally, Yumegakure has stayed exactly as you wanted. It is small an unnoticeable to Konoha. However, beneath the surface of the ground the village grows larger by the day. Gensui is working well. He's actually made large factories underground that Yukigakure is using to mass-produce their chakra armors."
Danzo smiled, the dark grin casting a haunting feeling throughout the entirety of the building. Danzo slowly picked up the black trench coat, ghostly-white flames on the back of it. He slipped it on, sitting in the chair.
"Understood. Tell them all to increase expansion. Yugakure needs to be completely militarized and ready to break away from Kirigakure by the time the civil war is over. They have a deadline. Hoshigakure needs to increase its population and variety. Despite their unique abilities as shinobi they need to start making their presence known. Tell them to start going on more missions actively. I want them to also learn more jutsu. They are extremely limited once someone learns how to subjugate their abilities. Yukigakure is fine. Just make sure that they keep their secret underwraps. Only Doto may know about it. Keep him under watch as well. He's still a loose cannon. And Yumegakure has yet to show me the results of me sending them a pair of Sharingan. Tell them their cloning experiments need to show some form of progress soon. Keep Gensui under watch as well...that man is dangerous."
The shinobi before Danzo nodded. "Is there anything else you desire Danzo-sama?"
Danzo frowned. "Keep an eye on all Jinchuriki...and bring me Naruto Uzumaki."
The man nodded, bowing to the man before leaving the room. Danzo smiled, turning to look at the kanji behind him. He couldn't help but admire its meaning. He had trained his operatives to not feel emotion, yet this word truly embodied what he was sure to become.
The kanji on the wall...the kanji meant 'God'.
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
Hiruzen looked over his shinobi, the numbers slightly to small for his liking. This was not nearly enough for him to truly declare war with, but he had no choice. He needed them to be strong. He needed them to be capable of being strong for him. He needed them to be capable of dying when he told them to die.
"Shinobi of Konoha, Genin, Jonin and everyone in between. I regret to inform you that, as you may know, Danzo Shimura has betrayed Konohagakure along with the rest of the advisers. As you know Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane are already captive. They shall be executed for treason in a matter of days. However Danzo Shimura has escaped...with his organization. The group known as ROOT."
Whispers went out among the shinobi, but Hiruzen merely raised a hand to placate them. He would answer all questions. "I know what some of you may be thinking. Did I not order ROOT to be disbanded several years ago? That is true. However, Danzo Shimura went behind my back and kept the organization running. Now the organization and Danzo have escaped. We have no way of knowing where exactly that they went. We do know however that they are a large and extremely dangerous group. Every member was trained like an ANBU. This shinobi as for Danzo Shimura are extremely dangerous. If you know anything about a shinobi that disappeared or you no longer see around the village please tell me as it could assist in our search. We cannot tell you exactly what this group will do, however we can tell you that they tend to where very similar ANBU uniforms to our own, however they lack an image on their mask. It is simply white porcelain. If you find any member of this organization capture them or kill them. We are going to war with them. And if you find Danzo Shimura...strike to kill."
Whispers went out amongst the shinobi once again, and this time they were much harder to quell. It made sense however. This was rather large news.
"We will also be assisting with Kirigakure's rebellion. The rebel forces have time after time asked us for assistance in their war and now we shall take it. We will bring down Yagura's regime. This means that you all need to increase your training schedules. Jonin sensei, your Genin now need to be trained like soldiers. They are going onto the battlefield. Make them warriors. Make them true shinobi. I am declaring a state of martial law. The situation is very dire. The ROOT organization has lots of information on Konohagakure, and we need to be prepared. That also means at the Chunin Exams this year we need to make a particularly strong showing. Crush the opposition. We are Konohagakure. Show Danzo Shimura he has made an enemy of the wrong village. Show him our way. Show him our Will of Fire!"
A large cheer was sent up from the shinobi below. The shinobi felt betrayed, and they were willing to fight those that had betrayed their trust. They were willing to prove that Konoha was not as weak and light-hearted as many villages believed them to be. Konoha would show why it was believed to be the most powerful village. Konoha would become a force to be reckoned with once again.
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
Sasuke frowned as he looked up at his leader. How could he? How could he just stand up there and act like on of his shinobi hadn't been banished? How could he not care about the fact that Naruto Uzumaki, a good shinobi, a just shinobi, had been banished? Sasuke knew the man knew Naruto was banished. Deep down inside Sasuke couldn't help but feel that this man was the one who had banished him. Kakashi may have submitted the false report, but Hiruzen was the one who committed the act. Sasuke would however get to the bottom of his investigation. That much was for sure. The young boy walked off, leaving the crowd of shinobi earlier than most. He had lots of training to get in tonight, and he had a job to do. He had to start this investigation tonight.
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
Hinata looked up at Hiruzen with cold, calculating eyes. For some reason she couldn't find it in herself to trust this man. It wasn't her emotions, of that she was sure. She had gotten ride of the pain of loss. Her other self had asked her to take it away, and she would gladly do so. She couldn't stand to see the shy Hinata in pain. No, this Hinata would be a new version that would be the cold and efficient person that she needed to be to get to the bottom of this. Naruto Uzumaki wasn't simply someone someone could get rid of without someone else noticing. No Hinata had a plan, and she would start its activities tonight. With that she slunk away from her clan, giving a false excuse of having to go home for a long day tomorrow. It wasn't exactly a lie. As Hinata walked off her eyes idly followed the form of Sasuke Uchiha retreating from the crowds. She pondered briefly what he would be doing, but chalked it up to the boy being antisocial and left it alone. She didn't particularly care.
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
A scorched battle-ground were two titans of their elements once fought was suddenly disrupted. A single hand pierced the soil, burnt beyond almost all recognition. As the hand forced the rest of the body out of the ash the sight that came into existence would haunt most people for the rest of their existence. A horribly burned man lay on the ground, barely breathing, but most definitely alive. If the man managed to get someone to heal him the scars would be extremely numerous Luckily for him a person was in the area.
"Oh," the teen said walking upon the sight. "Who might you be?"
The teen was of a slender muscular build and stood at a rather average height. Long black hair designed in a long segmented ponytail stretched down to his ankles. His red, ringed eyes seemed to glow in the darkness, and were the only constant thing the injured man could see. The teens purple makeup on his eyes that faded towards the inner portion of his eyelids was practically invisible. The teen war an Indian chunnari around his neck, with a small, short-sleeved black choli that revealed his midriff. An Indian leg dress that stopped at his ankles covered his legs, and his bare foot slapped against the ground as he walked. Golden, bangle bracelets extended from his elbows to his wrists and a golden bangle necklace with a ruby center hung from his neck.
The young teen smiled. "You seem to be in dire need of some help."
The injured man tried to choke out a groan, but found that he was in to much pain to even begin. The teen smiled, not caring one way or another. The mans life was insignificant to him. But of course, even the insignificant had their uses. "If I help you...will you be my slave?"
The man slowly nodded, causing the teen to smile. Suddenly flying black things flew by, swirling around the two and creating a large tornado. The teen smiled. "My names Judar...what's yours?"
(-The Blonde Fanalis-)
Naruto groaned as he lay against the ground, glaring up at the morning sun. His training session with his mother had just ended, and while it had been beneficial it still wore him out. He didn't understand how she could wear him out so easily. No one in Konoha could when they bothered to actually train him. She said it was because she was also a Jinchuriki and knew the exercises that would give him the most benefit while increasing his already astronomical stamina but he doubted it. That seemed to good to be true. It seemed impossible.
Kushina Uzumaki defied the impossible.
Naruto lay on the ground, groaning in pain however a shout distracted him from falling asleep. The young boy frowned, groaning as he raised his aching body. He slowly moved towards the sound, careful to tread lightly. He may not be perfect at stealth, but he was fairly proficient at it. After all, he did steal the Hokage's Forbidden Scroll after all.
Kushina snorted at her sons thoughts. That wasn't exactly something to be proud of, but she wouldn't vocalize her thoughts.
Naruto's eyes widened as he found the source of the sound. A rather plain man was shouting at a group of people in shackles, something Naruto found appalling. The plain man was of average height and rather slim. His tan skin glistened in the sunlight, and his dark brown hair that reached his shoulders freely blew in the breeze. His eyes twinkled in the sunlight. The man wore a dark-blue jacket, the gold colored trims standing out. A white robe covered a purple shirt. Black shoes threaded heavily on the ground, lazily moving.
Naruto glared at the man, noticing how he was barking out orders to a man who was whipping the people in chains. The duo were committing some crime, of that he was sure.
"Naruto, do not get involved."
Naruto's eyes widened, irritated with his mother. 'What do you mean don't get involved? They're enslaving people! You can't just expect me to ignore that!'
Kushina sighed, her eyes soft, even though Naruto couldn't see them. "Yes, I know that they're enslaving people. But the danger is to high. We know nothing about them. For all you know they could be part of a bigger organization. We can't take that risk. Not with you."
Naruto frowned. 'So you expect me to just let these people stay in a situation like this?'
Kushina was silent. She was not a fan of the idea either. She understood how Naruto felt. She would have wanted to do the same thing, she wanted to do the same thing, but the dangers were simply to high. She couldn't afford to lose him, she couldn't let him attack.
Naruto likely would have listened to her, despite his instinct telling him to rush inwards, if they had not struck a girl, sending her flying to the ground. The girl had red hair, and red eyes, something Naruto couldn't help but find somewhat attractive. A short white dress covered her small form, a rope tied around her waist. Chains connected her legs, however they seemed loose enough for movement. Naruto couldn't understand that. She was completely barefoot, yet from what Naruto saw walking on the bare ground didn't seem to bother her in the slightest.
Naruto snarled at the action. His hand formed for a jutsu. "Let's do this...Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Jutsu)!" Three clones appeared next to Naruto's form, each one an identical copy of him. He glanced at them and they nodded. They new the plan. With that Naruto opened his hand, channeling chakra into it. Slowly but surely a chain began to sprout from it, causing Kushian to smirk. He had already begun to adapt to his Kekkei Genkai. So far his chains were rather slow due to him putting to much chakra in them, yet this one was the best he had created so far. It was lighter, which would likely be better for this situation.
Naruto's clones rushed in as Naruto shot his chain forwards.
"What the?" The plain man's eyes widened as he saw a chain smash into the shackles of a slave, freeing her. It was the girl that had just been attacked. However, despite her new freedom the girl did nothing, her eyes remaining on the ground. The plain man then saw Naruto's clones rushing from the woods.
"Goltas get them!"
The large, muscular man who was whipping the slaves turned to Naruto. The bald man wore a mask with only his left eye showing. The clones instantly went on guard, the mans dirty, sleeveless shirt hiding little of his form. A large sword was held in his other hand, something they had not seen when he was whipping the other slaves. The man however also seemed to be a slave, if the way he looked at the plain man was any indication.
The large man rushed the clones, but the clones stood strong. They launched several shuriken at him, but the man raised his large sword, blocking them easily. The clones frowned, each one slowly forming chains. However, by the time they finished Goltas was already among them, swinging his blade. The clones tried to raised their chains to block, however they didn't put nearly as much chakra in them and they couldn't resist the mans physical strength. His blade carved through the chains, shredding through each of the clones like paper.
However, this was just in time as Naruto's chain had finally returned. He sent a surge of chakra to his legs and dashed forward, reaching Goltas before the large man could react. Naruto's fist slammed into Goltas' mask, cracking it and sending the large man skidding backwards. Goltas groaned, the attack rattling him. He felt his very bones quake with the force behind the blow. Naruto slowly stood, glaring at Goltas with disgust in his eyes.
"To enslave people like this...even if you yourself are a slave. It's disgusting. Fight if you want freedom. You can defend yourself."
Goltas said nothing, rushing forwards, his blade carving through the air. Naruto frowned, jumping. He soared into the air, dodging the blade. He quickly created two more clones, the three descending towards Goltas like meteorites. Goltas swung his blade into the air, yet Naruto created a chain, packing it with as much chakra as he could. The chain withstood the blow, however Naruto was sent flying by the force of the attack. Before he could get far however, Goltas grabbed the chain, ignoring the edges digging into his skin, drawing blood, before he flung Naruto into the ground.
Naruto groaned, the chain disappearing as he cut off the chakra flow to it. He stood slowly, his eyes filled with anger. "I won't lose this."
The slaves watched him, a mixture of hope, sadness, and anger in their eyes. Naruto's words were getting to them. Some were even considering fighting back with him. Naruto smirked, clenching his fists and closing his eyes. 'Kurama...how do I do this exactly? How do I consciously draw on the Spirit.'
Kurama sighed. He clearly didn't support Naruto's decisions and didn't want to let Naruto use the Spirit without having the proper chakra control, but he didn't have much of a choice in this situation. Naruto's techniques were extremely limited, and Goltas' physical strength seemed capable of handling anything thrown at him. Naruto needed to have the Spirit.
"It's similar to how you feel from when you draw on my chakra. You need to connect with me, look for an inner connection. Asura once told me that it felt like he was submerging himself in water."
Naruto nodded, ignoring Goltas rushing him. The man was large, but he was fairly clumsy. Naruto had enough time. Naruto breathed, trying to tug Kurama's chakra lightly. When he felt some sort of pull he let go, knowing that he wasn't successful. It felt to similar to when he attacked Haku. Naruto tried again, however instead of pulling on Kurama's chakra he simply touched it. His body exploded with the familiar feeling of the Spirit, and he understood what Asura meant when he said he was submerging in water. Naruto felt like water was floating all around him, yet he wasn't drowning in it, he was one with it.
Naruto opened his eyes, unaware of the large chakra specter forming behind him. The large fox behind him snarled, and Naruto's eyes turned crimson, however his eyes did not turn into slits. His nails became claws, but that was all. Goltas swung his blade, preparing to attack Naruto, but Naruto raised a hand, his claws slamming into the blade, shattering it like glass.
The plain man's eyes widened.
Naruto snarled, launching a punch that doubled Goltas over. Naruto then let a kick fly, striking Goltas in the chin and shattering his mask. Yet before the man had any time to recover Naruto launched himself forward, letting loose a barrage of attacks. His fists flew like comets, slamming into Goltas like hammers. Goltas gurgled, blood and spittle flying from his mouth as he fell to the ground. Naruto smirked, glaring at the plain man next, however he barely had time to dodge before a kick struck the side of his head. He glared at his assailant, only for his eyes to widen when he saw that it was the young girl who he had freed.
"What are you doing," Naruto murmured, confused. Kushina sighed at the girls silence. 'And this is why I said don't help. You had no idea what was going on.' Kushina went on a miniature tirade in her head, thinking of all the dumb notions in Naruto's actions, yet she couldn't help him now. All the other jutsu she knew required time and effort to learn. It seemed that they should have started using their alternate training strategy earlier.
Kushina glared at the fox who shrugged. He hadn't thought the boy was ready for Shadow Clone training. He would admit though that the boy seemed to need it. Hopefully they would start later today.
The girl winced slightly as the plain man shouted. "Good job Morgiana! Protect your master! Kill the boy or break him. I don't care which. If he can become my slave all the better than, we'll need someone to replace Goltas. A weak slave has no right to serve me!"
Naruto growled at the mans words, irritated. He hadn't killed Goltas, and the mans blatant disrespect of someone who fought to protect him was annoying. Naruto then looked at the now-dubbed Morgianna, a frown on his face. "Please. We don't have to fight." The girl silently shook her head. She opened her mouth as if to speak, but on second thought closed it before she glared at Naruto. She then dashed forwards.
Naruto's eyes widened, his eyes, even in his enhanced state, barely able to keep track of her sheer speed. Her movements left indents in the ground, but that was impossible. No one that petite, even with chakra, should be able to do that, especially not a girl that looked around his age!
Naruto's eyes widened as she leapt forwards, her leg flashing forwards with a kick. He frowned, jumping away. He knew that there was no way he could block that attack. His arms likely would have been torn to shreds. His assessment was proven correct when the girls foot impacted with the ground, the ground exploded and sending chunks of earth everywhere.
Naruto frowned, landing on his feet before he took off, rushing the girl with full intent to take her down. He quickly made a hand seal and two clones formed beside him, each also using the Spirit of the Fox. Morgiana frowned, her eyes skipping through each of them before she charged. She launched a punch that a clone barely managed to avoid, stumbling a bit at her sheer speed.
The girl was faster than him, and she was most definitely stronger than he was.
The clone ducked as she launched a sweeping kick at his head. As she did this the other clone ran up behind her her, grabbing her in a full-nelson. The girl snorted, forcing her body forwards and ripping the clone off of her. She then launched a donkey kick that would have killed Naruto had it not been a clone. The clone disappeared on contact. However, she had forgotten about the clone in front of her and thus was hit by a strike to the chin that send her stumbling backwards. The real Naruto rushed in at that exact moment, spinning as he launched a kick in her midsection that sent her flying backwards.
However, the girl flipped midair, landing on her feet. She glared at Naruto, clearly irritated that he had demonstrated so much skill. She rushed forwards, and both Naruto's ran to meet her. She launched another kick, her blurry legs near impossible to dodge. The sheer amount of kicks she through at those impossible speeds kept pushing both Naruto's back. However, the clone suddenly launched itself forwards, taking a kick. Her eyes widened at the sight of the smoke the clone created, still not used to the technique. Naruto used this surprise.
He quickly formed a light chain, wrapping it around her leg before she could do anything. He then spun, twirling her around with him. He smiled. Despite her strength she still didn't weigh as much as he had expected. The momentum only aided him in spinning her. He then cut off the chakra to the chain, sending the girl flying into a tree, but Naruto was already there, his fists glowing like comets once more.
"Suisei (Comet)!"
The glowing red chakra around Naruto's fists exploded as he let loose, yet Morgiana raised a guard, enduring the savage blows valiantly. Suddenly she burst upwards, breaking the attacks as Naruto's arms were thrown wide. She then let loose with her own flurry of punches, her tiny but powerful fists slamming savagely into Naruto's sides. His body shuddered with every impact. Eventually she spun downwards, letting loose a kick that sent him flying into the sky, his mouth roughly forced shut by the force of her kick.
Naruto groaned midair, his vision full of vague forms. It was impossible for him to make out anything, or even mount a defense against the girl as she rushed towards where he would land. She simply hit to hard. He had never faced such ferocious physical strength. Zabuza's was the closest he had ever faced, even if it was just a clone that he had directly fought. Kakashi never hit this hard, and no teacher in the Academy had.
Naruto didn't even know if this girl was human. There was absolutely no way that she could have been human and possess such monstrous strength.
Naruto saw a mop of red launch towards his body. He closed his eyes, prepared to accept his lose, until he heard a large, rumbling voice.
"Brat...you think you get to die! That's ridiculous!"
Naruto's eyes snapped open as he felt a flood of chakra impact against his system. But this wasn't like the Spirit, this was actually Kurama himself. Naruto's red, slitted eyes saw the world in perfectly clarity, chakra flooding his system. His teeth elongated, becoming fangs, and his whisker-marks lengthened and became much darker. Naruto turned, blocking Morgiana's finishing strike.
"Sorry about this," he growled.
He then raised his foot, and forcefully struck her head with a heel drop, sending her crashing directly into the ground, buried in it up to her shoulders. Naruto landed on the ground soon after Morgiana's impact, looking at the girl with pity. He hadn't meant to strike her so hard, but she hadn't left him much of a choice. He had to put her down, he wasn't sure he could do it afterwards.
Naruto turned towards the other slaves, however, instead of a warm, comforting look like he gave them before his look was now one filled with distrust, and cold as ice. "Can I trust you? I have no desire to fight anyone else, but if I have to I think I'll be leaving the rest of you in shackles."
The rest of the slaves were silent. They hadn't been captured by the plain man for nearly as long, and thus he had not broken them. They all still had their own independence in them, and thus were not going to do anything to impede Naruto saving them. Naruto nodded. He would free them afterwards, but he was still wary. They may just be lying to him. Kami knew he had dealt with that.
Naruto turned to Morgiana, hoping to kami that she was alive. He had not meant to kill her as she was simply fighting for her own survival, something Naruto could not get angry at her about. Was he angry that she betrayed his trust despite him freeing her, yes, but she couldn't have expected him to actually be capable of freeing the slaves. No, Naruto would let the girl go.
Naruto then turned to Jamil, a look of unrestrained anger on his face. "What gives you the right," he snarled, his voice leaving imprints on the physical world. Jamil stumbled backwards, his bodyguards defeated and none of his other slaves capable or willing to face Naruto in combat. Naruto stumbled over to him, however soon he walked cleanly, Kurama's chakra healing him quickly. He stood in front of Jamil, his fists lightning up like Christmas lights, the flames of chakra coating his fists once again.
Jamil backed away from the young man, however his back suddenly hit a large rock, causing his eyes to widen in fear. Naruto raised his fist, the chakra exploding around it, blazing uncontrollably. It cast an irregular glow over the entire landscape. Jamil began to beg, but Naruto would hear none of it. He was about to send Jamil's body parts flying all over the area when Goltas jumped in front of him, his mask barely able to hide his face.
"Goltas? What are you doing! Don't tell me you still want to protect him? Get out of my way!"
Goltas simply shook his head, a blade in his hands. Naruto did not know where he had gotten the blade from - especially considering he had destroyed the large mans blade himself - but he did not care. He was perfectly prepared to go through Goltas if necessary. Goltas raised the blade towards Naruto, but before the blonde could reach turned it inwards.
"Good job Goltas," Jamil said, unable to see the blade. "Protect your master!"
Naruto frowned at Goltas' actions, the chakra blazing around his fists dying down. "Alright then," he muttered. Goltas nodded his thanks before he plunged the blade into his chest. The blade sprouted from his back, stabbing into Jamil as well.
Jamil's eyes widened, completely unprepared for such a strike. "Gol...tas?"
Goltas gave Naruto a look of sadness before he fell to the ground. Naruto turned, walking away when he heard a faint voice call out. "Forgive me...I was weak..."
Naruto closed his eyes, the Spirit fading from him. He no longer needed to use it. He took a deep breath. "I am not the one who can forgive you for what you've done."
Goltas' lone eyes widened, but before he could say anything else he died. Naruto then gave his full attention to the people in shackles, quickly freeing them. They quickly thanked him, each contemplating what they would do with their new found freedom.
Naruto stood, stretching. He would be extremely sore the next day, but he had no choice. He couldn't simply let these people stay slaves, even if it may have very well been more trouble than it was worth.
Naruto turned on his heel, steadily walking away. He could have sworn he head some shuffling feet behind him, yet when he turned he saw no one. The other slaves had walked off or were scavenging the battleground for anything they could use to help keep themselves alive. Naruto smirked. Good, he didn't want to be followed by any of them anyways.
Naruto groaned as his body strained itself, bruised and sore beyond all belief. Kurama had been working him to the bone, and his mother was no different in the morning. He was completely drained, and even his clones which were undergoing harsh training where exhausted...somehow. Naruto didn't quite understand it, they were technically constructs of chakra after all. Naruto groaned, collapsing after he finished his final set of pushups. Kurama had slowly been healing him, sending pulses of his chakra to heal Naruto steadily and allow him to get in much more work than the average person could per day.
However, instead of a short spurt of energy Kurama suddenly instantly revitalized him, causing him to raise an eyebrow. 'What's up? Are we doing something particularly difficult right now?'
Kurama frowned. "That girl you fought...she's watching you."
Naruto's eyes widened before his eyes scanned the area, curious for any other signs of human life around that would reveal the girl. She did not seem to be that good at stealth, and thus he found her almost instantly. His eyes connected with hers, and upon eye contact she slowly stepped from the nearby trees, a heavy blush on her face. Naruto couldn't blame her for being embarrassed. She had just got caught stalking him, yet for some reason he didn't feel like she was the type for embarrassment.
"I thought I said I didn't want anyone to follow me. You may have been unconscious for that, so please allow me to reiterate. I do not want anyone to follow me. I simply desire to be left alone."
"You're alone," the girl stated, as if oblivious to Naruto's statement. Naruto frowned, but did not nod his head. By a regular humans standards he was, but he knew that he himself was not alone. He was surrounded by people he could trust, people he could put his faith in, unlike those Konoha bastards. Yet this girl didn't need to know that. She did not need to understand his past.
The girl looked at Naruto, her crimson hair covering her eyes, hiding a well of emotions that bubbled up inside the girl. Naruto glanced at her awkwardly. "Well...what do you want? Spit it out."
The girl suddenly seemed to lose all emotion and blatantly spit out her ideas. "I want to stay with you. I have nowhere to go either...I'm alone." Naruto frowned. A certain part of him called out towards the girl, to accept her and comfort her, however another, colder, part of him told him to ignore her desires and send her away, no matter what she wanted.
Naruto cursed himself inwardly when he chose the former option. Even though Kushina, Kurama, and a wiser part of himself disagreed he couldn't deny himself. He was a bleeding heart, that much was obvious, and it was not her fault for what she did. He could not fault her for actions she did when in slavery, it was to similar to what people did to him for simply being a Jinchuriki.
"Fine...you can travel with me...but I won't be slowing down my pace in the slightest. You will have to keep up."
Naruto snorted mentally at his words. If anything he would be the one attempting to keep up with her. The girl nodded however, a serene smile on her face. "Thank you...I promise that I will repay your kindness."
"Kindness?" Naruto blinked, he was completely confused as to what she was talking about. "You saved me from slavery," she stated as if it were obvious. Naruto blanched, confused. That was not kindness on his part, it was simply being a half-decent person. Naruto sighed.
"You have a lot to learn Morgianna."
I'm only doing the stat sheet for Myoken because he's an OC and I want you guys to know where he stands in the big picture. Of course I won't be putting canon characters stat sheets...because you can check them up. Zukia gets one too.
Zukia Tahero:
Ninjutsu: 3.5
Taijutsu: 4.5
Genjutsu: 3
Intelligence: 3.5
Strength: 3.5
Speed: 5
Stamina: 5
Hand Seals: 4
Total: 32
Myoken Enma Sarutobi:
Ninjutsu: 5
Taijutsu: 5
Genjutsu: 0
Intelligence: 4.5
Strength: 5
Speed: 5
Stamina: 5
Hand Seals: 4.5
Total: 34