Chapter 17: Sannin showdown
Flashback:
Day of 233 captivity
A female groan sounds off from the cell of the kyuubi jinchuuriki. The reason being the paralytics running through her veins as she is bound to a surgical table and are examining her organs including reproductive organs. She is being tested for everything concerning female anatomy and genetically as well.
"We can confirm that the demon is now ovulating thanks to the new organs and hormones and test come back positive for being female we will keep giving female stimulants until it's felt to be no longer necessary we will also, proceed again with removal of fangs and claws to limit danger and continue to test pain tolerance in this new form it should be expected to be several more times sensitive to stimulation of pain or otherwise. To please our benefactor we will begin injecting the HC cells (the first hokage cells for short) into various organs to see how well they either corrupt or are incorporated into the demons cells we expect to see result within several weeks." Mayuri says proudly of his accomplishment in gender alteration.
This is the beginning of Naruko and her fate.
Back to the present:
The sand sound invasion was repelled quickly thanks well timed placement and planning of forces thanks to Shikaku nara the chief strategist it only worked out so, well because, of the information Temari provided Naruko unfortunately it didn't prevent the death of the third hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi. The funeral was a largely attended one for the hokage and those that lost their lives.
"Jiji!" Konohamaru says weeping
"Why did you have to die jiji!" Konohamaru asks
"He died protecting the people and things that he loved so, they in turn could live and protect what is precious to them." Naruko says
"Huh?" Konohamaru says
"She means we're alive now because of the hokage efforts meaning it's our turn to put our lives on the line." Iruka explains
"Konohamaru it's a cycle that goes on forever the will of fire." Naruko says
"I guess I understand." Konohamaru says
"Where do we go from here is the question?" Naruko says
"Wherever we go we will need a new hokage to lead us." Iruka says
"I have an idea who that might be." Naruko says
Koharu utatane and Homura mitokado, the two senior advisors of Konoha arrive to meet with the one they feel is the best pick for Hokage.
"Sorry but, I'm not interested in the position." Jiraiya says before they could ask
"But, Jiraiya we need you now more than ever." Koharu says
"It doesn't change the fact that it doesn't suit me." Jiraiya says calmly
"If you can't take up the position then, who can?" Homura says
"I have someone in my mind my other teammate will suffice." Jiraiya says with seriousness
"You mean Tsunade you can't be serious!" Koharu says
"I'm deadly serious. She has the heritage and prestige to go with the title." Jiraiya says analytically
"We can't even get her to return to the village. How do you expect us to get her to become hokage?" Homura asks
"Leave that to me I'll bring her , I may need a little help could I bring along someone who has caught my eye." Jiraiya says with a smile
Naruko was shaking from the nightmare she had in the forest when she heard a doorbell ring at her apartment curious she opened the door to find Jiraiya.
"Good morning Jiraiya sensei." Naruko says and invites him in
"Morning to you too Naruko" Jiraiya says sitting at the kitchen table
"What's the occasion shouldn't you be getting ready to become hokage?" Naruko asks starting to drink some water.
"I turned down the position especially since there is another who I plan to take the title." Jiraiya says with a shrug as Naruko does a spit take.
"If not you then who! Wait let me guess it's the other Sannin Tsunade." Naruko says after some thought
"Right on the money more to the point I want you to come with me." Jiraiya says with seriousness
"Yeah sure but, why me?" Naruko says
"Well you remind me of a student I once had that had an amazing talent like you." Jiraiya says with some thought.
"So, I remind you Minato Namikaze." Naruko says surprised
"Bingo got it in one." Jiraiya says with a grin
"So, what do we have in common?" Naruko asks
"Kind, loyal, hard working, genius in fuinjutsu, and a keen intellect." Jiraiya says naming a few of the top of his head.
"Wow really" Naruko says blushing while, rubbing her head
"Yep now we best get going it might take a while, to find her." Jiraiya says
"Fine just let me tell Karin and we can get going." Naruko says running into another room and telling her roommate she was going out on a mission. Jiraiya and Naruko soon leave the apartment and head out of the village.
Meanwhile, a pair of s-class shinobi have infiltrated the village in order to look for someone. But, they are soon spotted and followed Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma.
"It's been awhile, Itachi Uchiha." Kakashi says
"Yes it has been Kakashi." Itachi replies
"So, who is your friend Itachi?" Asuma asks
"My name is Kisame Hoshigaki." the blue skinned man says
"Kisame! As in one legendary seven swordsmen of the mist!" Kurenai replies
"The very same, Now if you don't mind we are looking for someone." Kisame says
"Neither of you aren't going anywhere especially Itachi for what you did to the Village." Kurenai responds
"I see there is no use in talking." itachi says as he pulls out some shuriken causing Kakashi to jump onto a river realizing his mistake goes through hand signs to perform water release: water formation wall to counter Itachi's water fang bullet. Kurenai, tries to put Itachi in a genjutsu but he casts it back onto her causing her to bite her lip to get out of it. Meanwhile, Asuma is fighting off Kisame using his chakra knives as Kisame performs water dragon bullet. It is countered by Kakashi's water dragon bullet. Kakashi looks back at Itachi and notices the eyes start to change.
"Kurenai Asuma close your eyes quick!" Kakashi says
But, it's too late for Kakashi as he is trapped in Tsukuyomi genjutsu.
"I have complete control of time and space in this world." Itachi says to a crucified Kakashi
"Now I'm going to ask you a question. Who is kyuubi's jinchuuriki?" Itachi asks pulling out a sword and stabbing him in the side.
"Who is kyuubi's jinchuuriki? Itachi asks again and stabs again in a different place. This process goes for 3 days. By the end of it Itachi has his answer. Back in the real world only a second has passed. Kurenai and Asuma get nervous hearing the deep panting of Kakashi.
"What's wrong? What happened Kakashi?!" Asuma asks
"They're here for the kyuubi they're after Naruko!" Kakashi says before he collapses passing out
"Kakashi!" Kurenai shouts worriedly suddenly Guy emerges and picks Kakashi up
"It's alright now you can open your eyes just look at their feet you can tell what they're about to do by looking at them." Guy says causing the two to open their eyes
"You make it sound so, easy." Kurenai says
"But, I guess we have to try." Asuma says
"Now things look like they're getting interesting." Kisame says lifting his sword.
"Don't bother Kisame we didn't come here to fight the entire village we got the information we need that should be enough let's retreat." Itachi says calmly
"Tch fine" Kisame says as both disappear with a body flicker.
The Jonin take Kakashi to the hospital and then head to the jonin station to discuss what to do.
Meanwhile, with Jiraiya and Naruko in a small town looking for information on Tsunade while, Naruko decides to go gamble and she strikes gold with her luck she wins every game of chance that was to be had. Before heading back to the hotel to meet with Jiraiya he is busy at saloon. Naruko decides to work on her sealing jutsu while waiting for Jiraiya. On the way to the hotel Jiraiya is confronted by a girl who shows interest in him and he decides to follow her. Meanwhile, the two s-rank nin arrive at Naruko's hotel room and knock.
"Are you Naruko Namikaze?" Itachi asks
"Yes what's it to ya." Naruko says smiling
"I'm afraid you'll have to come with us." Itachi says showing his sharingan
"An Uchiha I thought them all dead except for Sasuke" Naruko says mentally
"Sorry but, I'm afraid I'll have to decline" Naruko says calmly
"Itachi let me cut the brats legs off and take her with us." Kisame says
"Not a very good way to treat a lady fish face." Naruko says icily as she creates some shadow clones that charge toward Itachi and Kisame before the two can dispel the clones they explode sending flying toward the other end of the hall while, the wall to the outside was blown open. Naruko gets into a position to fight when the roar of someone scream "Itachi" reaches their ears. The three of them turn toward the sound of Sasuke at the other end of the hall.
"You! I've finally found you! Itachi!" Sasuke shouts
"I've lived for this day with hatred in my heart so, that one day I could kill you." Sasuke says with coldness
"So, Itachi is the one he wanted to kill huh." Naruko says mentally
"All of my anger, all of my hate I will unleash now unto you!" Sasuke shouts powering up a chidori and charges toward Itachi tearing a trail of debris through the wall until he comes into contact with Itachi who deflects the attack out toward the way facing the street then, bends Sasuke's wrist and kicks him in the chest and then back fisted him toward the end of the hall.
"Sasuke!" Naruko shouts ready to intervene but, Kisame steps in the way blocking her off from Itachi and Sasuke.
Sasuke is pinned to the wall and Itachi says "You know what your problem is you don't have enough hate and you never will." before casting Tsukuyomi on Sasuke, causing him to scream out. Meanwhile, Kisame is about to swing his sword down on Naruko when suddenly a toad poofs with armored arm guards blocking the attack for Naruko. Jiraiya appears and uses Toad mouth bind on the hall with Sasuke being sucked into the wall while, Kisame and Itachi make their escape by using Amaterasu on the wall creating an opening for them to slip through out of the hotel. Jiraiya seals the flames with fire sealing method and ends the toad mouth bind jutsu releasing Sasuke from the wall. Just then Guy arrives to retrieve Sasuke and takes him back to konoha for medical treatment. With that Jiraiya and Naruko leave the town and head to the next one.
While, in the next town Jiraiya plans to teach Naruko the rasengan so, buys water balloons for Naruko who takes to learning the rasengan with eagerness to make 200 clones and begins to practice the first step rotation. It takes Naruko most of the day and a lot of water balloons but, she gets the first step down. The next step being power using rubber balls she creates 200 clones again and begins to train it takes her two days before she finally gets it down and begins the final step containment which, she uses 200 clones again. At a gambling house Jiraiya gets wind of where Tsunade is at Tanzaku town. They arrive there to find the famous castle destroyed and no sign of Tsunade so, they hit the bars until they find her drink sake. Waltzing acting surprised at running into her Jiraiya starts to talk.
"Tsunade fancy meeting you here!" Jiraiya says sounding surprised
"Jiraiya what are you doing here?!" Tsunade says
"Just site seeing what about you?" Jiraiya says innocently
"I came for the casino and I struck it rich." Tsunade says with a grimace
"Bad luck still follows you around I see." Jiraiya says
"What is it you want Jiraiya?" Tsunade says knowing when Jiraiya wanted something
"Have you heard what happened to the third hokage." Jiraiya asks
"Yes Orochimaru told me personally." Tsunade says sadly
"Orochimaru you've seen him when?!" Jiraiya asked seriously
"Just yesterday." Tsunade says nonchalantly
"I see" Jiraiya says
"What was his condition?" Naruko asks
"Excuse me?" Tsunade says surprised
"How was he looking paler then, normal did his limbs look aright." Naruko asks probing
"He looked in bad shape. Why did you ask?" Tsunade says keeping the truth to a minimum
"Because, Jiji had the dead demon consuming seal on his body which, means if he used it against Orochimaru then, he would be in a bad way such as necrosis." Naruko says
"That's quite the assumption." Tsunade says
"In fact any damage done by the Shinigami would require genius in the medical field to heal it such as you I'm surprised he didn't come to ask you to fix his injuries." Naruko says causing Tsunade to stiffen not that anyone but, Shizune noticed.
"Well when he came he didn't bring up the topic." Tsunade says flippantly
"Anyways we're getting off track Jiraiya wanted to ask Tsunade-sama something isn't that right." Shizune says
"Of course what do you want to ask of me." Tsunade asks
"The village elders have decided to make you the next hokage." Jiraiya says
"Hah and you think I'll take the job are you out of your mind Jiraiya that position is for fools look what happened to all the previous Hokage they died young you should know you trained the 4th." Tsunade says with contempt
"The only fool I see here is you!" Naruko says heatedly
"What did you say brat?" Tsunade says her temper rising
"I called you a fool where is the sannin of legend that helped the sick in need and held a dear love for the village her grandfather and granduncle died for because, all I see a drunk has been in front of me." Naruko says frustratingly
"That's it let's take this outside!" Tsunade says getting out of her seat and heading outside soon followed by Naruko.
"Lady Tsunade please wait!" Shizune says as Jiraiya and her follow Naruko out the door. They see Naruko and Tsunade at opposite ends of the street.
"Alright brat how about we make a wager." Tsunade says
"I'm listening" Naruko says curious to what she would offer
"I win you hand over all the money you have on you" Tsunade says smirking
"And if I win you'll return to konoha." Naruko states
"All I will need to win is a single finger." Tsunade boasts
"Fine have it your way." Naruko says
Tsunade waits for Naruko to make the first move but, does shock her so, When Naruko shouts out " Wood release: strong spear tree" launching a pair of entwined roots at Tsunade who dodges to her right getting over her shock just as Naruko uses wood release: Threaded tree causing twin to spiral up lift Tsunade into the air Just as she lands she looks up and sees a semi formed rasengan barreling towards her thinking fast she punches the ground using her fist causing a rock wall to shoot up blocking the attack.
"You lose Tsunade" Naruko says smiling
Tsunade realizes she's lost but, wants answers about Naruko's wood release.
"Ok brat you got me but, I demand to know how you got wood release." Tsunade says firmly
"The answer to that is for Hokage's eyes only and only the head of the T and I Department." Naruko says with a tone of finality.
"As for you Jiraiya where do you get off teaching a child such a jutsu as that!" Tsunade says
"She reminds me of my former student so, it felt right she had it." Jiraiya says with a shrug
"I see she hasn't fully mastered it and I bet that she never will." Tsunade says
"What's the wager?" Naruko says
"Not only will I agree to become Hokage I will throw this necklace in." Tsunade says pointing to her necklace.
"And if I lose?" Naruko asks
"You never bother me again with being hokage." Tsunade says
"Don't worry I'll have the rasengan mastered within a week." Naruko says
"We'll see about that." Tsunade says
"Well I better get started then." Naruko says as she is about to take off
"Wait before you go why did you get hot and bothered by the hokage." Tsunade asks
"Because, the 4th saved my life by sealing the kyuubi and the third gave me a family and a home. To be like them is my dream." Naruko says before taking off into the woods to train. Where she creates 200 clones and gets to work on the rasengan.
"Tell me Jiraiya I thought the kyuubi was sealed inside the son of Minato and kushina why would Naruko have it?" Tsunade asks Jiraiya
At the question Jiraiya's eyes becoming colder than ice as he says "yes it was when Naruto was alive he housed the Kyuubi until the villagers got ahold of him they-they burned him at the stake for 4 hours and when he didn't die they bombed the hospital room he was staying so, when the kyuubi made a resurgence in konoha two years later it was sealed inside Naruko. Who took the 4th's surname."
"How old was the boy when they burned him alive?" Shizune in horror of what her village had done.
"It was on his 8th birthday." Jiraiya said mournfully
"I see and you want me to go back to lead such savages" Tsunade says heatedly
"I keep doing what I do for the village for the sake of the children like Naruko who need guidance that you could provide including having a medic on each squad something you proposed long ago." Jiraiya says calmly
Tsunade downs a drink of sake before she hits the hay. The next day Shizune goes to Naruko to explain about the necklace and Tsunade's connection to it. Naruko claims she doesn't believe in curses and heads out to train along with 200 clones. The day after that Naruko finishes her training the rasengan and decides to try to train in something else. Uzumaki hiden techniques is something she has been studying and decides to give them a try. On the day of the bet Shizune comes to Naruko's room to say that Tsunade is missing. Shizune is about to take off when Jiraiya arrives having been slipped a mickey by Tsunade. Shizune, Naruko, and Jiraiya follow Tonton the pig following Tsunade's scent to the ruins of the castle where they find fresh impact craters courtesy of follow the trail of devastation to the battlefield that has Orochimaru's henchmen towering over Tsunade his hand coated in blood. While, Tsunade is shivering on ground unable to move.
"Get away from her you bastards!" Naruko shouts as she headlong into kabuto kicking him away. While, Tsunade is tended to by Shizune that gently cleans the blood off of her.
"Well, Well if it isn't my old teammate Jiraiya and Naurko it's been too long." Orochimaru says with a pained smirk
"Not long enough I see Tsunade turned down your offer." Jiraiya says with seriousness as Kabuto jumps back toward Orochimaru's side.
"So Kabuto I see you were a spy for that snake all along I knew something was off about you and your ninja info cards." Naruko says
"Well I guess I was able to pull one over on you it happens to the best of them so, don't get too discouraged." Kabuto says with a grin.
"Kabuto how about we offer them some playthings while I settle my business with my old teammates." Orochmaru says holding out his arm tattoo
"Of course lord Orochimaru." Kabuto says smearing blood along the tattoo summoning two giant snakes.
"I think you're forgetting that I'm here!" Jiraiya says placing his hands on the ground and performing the earth release: swamp of the underworld to sink the two snakes but, due to being drugged he only managed to partially submerge them.
"Hmm it seems Jiraiya isn't at his best today I'll handle him while, you deal with Shizune and Naruko." Orochimaru says with a grin
"That will be fine lord Orochimaru." Kabuto says as he jumps down from the snakes head and charges toward Shizune with chakra scalpels. Naruko intercedes by using wood release: strong spear tree that Kabuto dodges but, is pushed back by wood release: Great Tree world method generating a giant tree. Kabuto creates several earth clones to go around the tree while the real Kabuto uses hiding like a mole technique. He uses it to sneak up on shizune and severs her tendons in her legs with a chakra scalpel then pulls her underground with double suicide decapitation Jutsu. He rises from the ground and goes toward Tsunade and kicks the woman who is still shivering and afraid of blood. Just when he is about to kick her again chakra chains shot out of the ground and force him back looking he finds Naruko her palms on the ground next to the freed Shizune and sending chains into the ground. He makes another attempt at Naruko charging ahead with a chakra scalpel but, she dodges as she makes her way to Tsunade to get between her and Kabuto. Pulling a kunai he charges her and as he dodges the adamantine attacking chains and reaches Naruko knowing she doesn't have any effective close range jutsu.
"You think you're so, special Naruko with your wood release and chains but, if there's one thing your preliminary fight showed me was that you suck at close range combat and that will be your undoing!" Kabuto shouts taking a swipe with his kunai at Naruko who catches it with her hand and grips it tightly as pull back her other arm and forms the rasengan in hand and pushes it into Kabuto's stomach sending him flying into a boulder and denting it.
"Tsunade baa-chan it looks like I win the bet." Naruko says turning to the stunned Tsunade before coughing up blood and collapsing back next to Tsunade.
"Naruko!" Tsunade shouts as she crawls to the downed girl and notices that Naruko is having a hard time breathing. Tsunade form a chakra scalpel with a shaking hand and cut away Naruko's shirt and presses her hand to Naruko's chest getting a feeling of what's wrong.
"There's nothing you can do for her I've severed a main artery and the connection to the fox so, she won't be getting any help from it." A downed Kabuto says trying to heal his own massive injuries.
"Shut up!" Tsunade shouts out
"Don't die please don't die!" Tsunade cries out mentally as her hand gently glows over Naruko's heart.
"Baa-chan don't forget our bet." Naruko says tiredly thumbing the necklace hanging over her face.
"Of course you're right how silly of me to forget." Tsunade says tearfully relieved that Naruko was going to be ok. As she cradle's Naruko's head to her chest she takes off her necklace and places it around Naruko's neck.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya and Orochimaru are trading blows. He notices that Naruko performed the rasengan to take down Kabuto.
"That child is going to grow up to be someone quite dangerous I must act now before she gets any stronger." Orochimaru thinks as Orochimaru dives from the snakes head followed by Jiraiya but, Orochimaru grabs Jiraiya with his elongated tongue and sends Jiraiya crashing into the ground. As Orochimaru lands he regurgitates his sword from his mouth and lunges at Naruko but Tsunade gets in front and takes the blade through the chest.
"Tsunade do you really intend to die protecting that brat? What value could she possibly have towards you!" Orochimaru says pulling the blade out of Tsunade.
"I've made up my mind to gamble my life and everything on this child! So, don't be surprised the lengths I will go to protect her!" Tsunade shouts
"And what pray tell can you possibly do in your condition?" Orochimaru smirks as Tsunade gets up and uses the yin seal: release to perform Creation Rebirth to multiply her cell to initiate healing.
"A new jutsu tell me what does it do?" Orochimaru says curious
"I've been constantly sealing chakra into my forehead as a seal all these years when I activate it causes cell division to speed up causing regeneration." Tsunade says as she causes chakra to build up in her fist and punches Orochimaru away. Orochimaru lands by Kabuto.
"Kabuto I need you quickly!" Orochimaru says as Kabuto gets up and heads toward Orochimaru swiping blood on his Tattoo to Summon Manda. Tsunade summons Katsuyu and Jiraiya summons Gamabunta.
"After this there will be one less sannin in the world." Tsunade announces as she has a miniature katsuyu carries Naruko toward Shizune.
"Well well what do we have here and just when my wife was getting on me about needing a snake skin wallet." Gamabunta says
"Why have you summoned me Orochimaru? This had better be good." Manda says
"Come now Manda don't be like that I need you to help with my acquaintances I'll gladly offer a 100 sacrifices for you." Orochimaru says calmly
"Very well then, I've been hankering for some toad anyways." Manda says as Gamabunta gets out his tanto and takes a swipe at Manda but, Manda ducks and lunges toward mouth open toward Gamabunta knocking his sword away as Gamabunta jumps back as he and Jiraiya fire a toad oil flame bullet toward Manda who sheds his skin and dives under the ground and pops up beneath Gamabunta as he jumps away and lands while, manda ties his tail around Katsuyu who breaks down into multiple ones as Tsunade grabs Gamabunta sword and impales Manda through the snout into the ground before she jumps on Manda toward Orochimaru and begins to wail on him when he extends his tongue around Tsunade and tries to choke her. She untangles the tongue and begins to swing him around until he flies straight toward her where she releases all her strength into her fists, sending him flying into the hilt of Gamabunta's blade. Orochimaru gets up slowly revealing his damaged face and the true one beneath it.
"I thought something felt off while we were fighting and now I know why that isn't even his own body!" Jiraiya and Tsunade think at the same time
"This isn't over Tsunade there are other ways I can restore myself and you will learn on that day what it means to fight an immortal." Orochimaru says as he and Kabuto vanish into a puff of smoke.
With the situation in hand Gamabunta and Katsuyu dispel along with Manda. As Shizune, Naruko, Jiraiya, and Tsunade return to town to rest. The next day they hit the road to Konoha while, Naruko talked about medical knowledge with Shizune on the way they stop and make a detour at a hot spring with mixed bathing to which, Jiraiya naturally agreed. As Jiraiya enjoyed the hot springs and Tsunade hung out with a local gangster named Jirocho the necklace that Tsunade gave Naruko is stolen by the Akagi gang. When Naruko meets the perpetrators they apologize not realizing that Tsunade had given it away since, they just wanted the money that Tsunade owed them. Naruko agrees to help them by pretending to be taken hostage. Shizune as Tsunade goes to meet and tries to get out of paying causing the akagi gang and Naruko to chase Tsunade through the town until they realize who they are chasing is really Shizune who admits that Tsunade doesn't have the money so, they all go to the real Tsunade who is with Jirocho who reveals the debt had been paid off long ago so, the akagi members could finally return home. With the matter settled they all return to hitting the road toward konoha.