Chapter 29: The Final Exam part 2
Sasuke and Gaara looked terrifying glaring at one another. Sasuke wanted nothing more than to show this punk up. Every time he saw the red head he kept seeing the way he looked at her. How dare he think that they could be friends. He barely could tolerate Naruto spending so much time with her.
Up high in the stands Kira couldn't see the curse mark on Sasuke's neck. She was glad he was okay but still worried. Gaara was tough. Kira ignored as Naruto reached out poking and prodding the new bone poking out of her head.
"Please stop." She called trying not to hiss in pain.
"When did you? How did? I'm so confused." Naruto muttered showing his confusion.
"How long have you had those?" Shikamaru muttered staring just as confused as Naruto was.
"I'll explain everything after the exam." she didn't feel like explaining everything right now. Even she didn't know how to explain it. Naruto who has the fox spirit sealed away inside hasn't shown signs of the fox taking over. Only the whisker marks on his cheeks.
While Kira who had Kaida trapped inside herself has red eyes and horns! Out of the two of them she looked more monsterish. Anyone would agree that she looked mosterish.
'Fear not, you will be okay.' Kaida's words rang through her head though the words didn't comfort her. Not yet anyway.
"What are you?" Temari called looking wide eyed at the two friends. They didn't answer though. The match began and everyone was just drawn to watching Gaara and Sasuke.
"Begin." Right away Sasuke leapt back keeping an eye on Gaara's sand floating out of the Gourd. Eyes widen when Gaara clutched his head letting out a grunt of pain. Confusing Sasuke. Was this some sort of trick?
"Please don't be so angry...mother…"
Mother? Kira glanced at Naruto nervously. He couldn't possibly be talking about the Shukaku? She couldn't hear anything. Damn him. His mind was equally guarded that Kira couldn't tell.
"I...gave you bad tasting blood earlier didn't I…?" His looked like he was having trouble staying upright, his body huffed and shuddered as he apologized to the voice in his head. "But don't worry this time...I'm sure it'll be really tasty…" Shikamaru nodded towards the stairs.
Naruto and Kira were quick to follow Shikamaru till they were on the first set of stairs going down. Completely alone.
"Remember the time we ran into him at the hospital? That time he said 'I will kill you all just you wait' but he didn't." How could anyone forget? Gaara told them his backstory one that proved why he was the way he was. "Even though it was his best chance we don't even register in his sight."
"We're not enough for him." Naruto concluded his anger growing.
"Right now the only one who can satisfy him…" Shikamaru grumbled already come to the conclusion that Gaara wanted Sasuke dead.
"Is Sasuke."
Naruto started to shake. He couldn't think straight. Someone wanted to kill his friend. It wasn't something he could allow to happen. He needed to do something. But what?
Back at the battle, Sasuke threw two throwing stars directed at Gaara, Gaara looked away as if not impressed. His sand easily blocked the shrap weapons, the sand taking form as another Gaara, a sand clone.
Gaara's sand clone shot forward at Sasuke but Sasuke was too quick. Sasuke had leapt in the air throwing his feet forward twisting his body so that when he landed a hit he could catch himself on his hands. His foot broke the sand fist. Sasuke was quick to get back to his feet. Sending his fist through the sand clone's neck.
The sand clung to Sasuke's wrist intending to crush the bones in Sasuke's arm like he had Lee. Sasuke was too quick for Gaara. He was capable to get past Gaara's outer sand barrier. His fighting technique was very similar to Lee's. Gaara's eyes were wide staring shocked when Sasuke actually landed a hit.
Sasuke was fast, Faster than anyone would have expected. "Is that your sand armor?" Sasuke couldn't help mock. All this time Kakashi's been telling how how powerful Gaara was but this guy? This guy was a wimp. Ever since Kira healed him he forced himself to get stronger.
He needed to beat this idiot and knock some sense into him. Kira. Was. His. He wouldn't let his bastard come between them. He hoped Kira could see how strong he's become. He wished he could have been here earlier but he needed all the time he could get. He really hoped she'd forgive him.
"Come." Sasuke mocked making the motion to come towards him. Though Sasuke's patience was barely there. "If you're not going to come to me, I'll go to you!" Sasuke's speed was incredible. He moved so fast you could barely see him, he weaved in and out of sight kicking Gaara back only to grip onto his shirt and knee him in the gut.
Gaara was sent flying backwards concealing himself into a dome of sand. Sasuke's fist connected and all he could feel was pain. Blood dripped down his arm from where the sands spikes had poked.
Elsewhere Naruto, Shikamaru, and Kira were running to see Kakashi. "Kakashi sensei!" Naruto yelled seeing his instructor. Eyes widen in surprise from those around the three. "Naruto! Kira!" Lee called happy.
"Lee, you're up!" She grinned glad he was up and walking once more. He really was as strong and determined as they say he was.
Whispers erupted around the group but Kira did her best to ignore them.
"Whats up?" Kakashi called lazily.
"Sensei! Please stop this match right away!" Naruto yelled loud enough that the small crowd was easily able to listen in. "He's completely different from the rest of us! He's not normal!" Hearing those words hurt, she knew it was true but she didn't want to believe it.
"Naruto...What are you talking about?" Ino muttered completely confused as to why he would say something like this.
"He lives to kill others! And if they keep going, Sasuke'll die!" Sakura gasped horrified, was Naruto telling the truth. She saw the cringe etched on Kira's face. What was going on? What did she miss?
"Well, don't worry about it. There was a reason why we were so late getting here." What? What was he talking about? Sasuke kicked the dome for good measure, smirked then started concentrating on his own.
"Sensei?What do you mean by 'There was a reason we were so late getting here'?" Sakura muttered from beside Ino and Choji.
"Hmm? You really want to know?" Kakashi didn't seem worried, he was relaxed and calm. Kira stared at her brother thinking he was crazy but...she shouldn't have to worry. She's seen Kakashi worried before, if he wasn't worried they shouldn't be worried...so why was she still worried?
"I'm telling you, this isn't the time to be chatting!"Naruto yelled like it was the most important thing in the world and to him it was.
"Just be quiet and watch him, you'll be surprised." he motioned his head forward for the three of them to move onward. "Kira come here." Kira moved forward till she was beside her big brother. He pulled out a black cloth from his pocket, freshly cleaned. Where he got it she didn't know. Next he pulled out a kunai ripping two holes into the top then placing the cloth over the horns. Tying the bottom of it behind her hair.
That's it, Kakashi had made it look like the horns were just part of a headband. Kakashi really was smarter than he leads everyone to think.
'What did you teach him Kakashi?'
'You'll see.'
Sasuke jumped so that he was on the side, sticking to the side of the wall.
Guy quickly looked back at Kakashi surprised. "D-don't tell me that's…" he stuttered disappointed and shocked.
Kakashi just gave a cheeky grin, leaning against his baby sister as he watched the fight down below. "The reason I took Sasuke under my wing is because he's very similar to me." A blue fire of electricity erupted from Sasuke's hand, breaking the wall from it's touch.
"I see, so thats why you had him focus on Taijutsu and increase his speed so much!" Guy hissed glaring at Kakashi.
"Yup!" Though Kakashi didn't seem annoyed or anything. Kira's heart hammered hard in her chest just thinking of what was going on. The dark voice finally making it's way loud and clear. What was going on down there?
"Are we going to kill him...How?...Say again...Good, good. You're such a good boy...Just sit tight let Mother take care of this…" Pain rippled through her skull, she could feel how strong his chakra was just from here. The Shukaku was a very strong and powerful. She didnt know what he meant by 'let mother take care of this' but she knew it wasn't good.
Sasuke grew closer to the eye made of sand, he was so fast. The chirp sounds echoed loud enough for everyone to hear. "What move is that?! And that incredible noise!" Sakura screamed from her seat.
"It's just a hand chop. However it's a unique original move, crafted by Konoha's top Jutsu master copy ninja Kakashi." Looking up surprised Kakashi gave a sheepish shrug. "It's a move reserved for assassination the secret is in the speed of the thrust and the immense chakra produced by super activating one's flesh. By narrowly focusing massive amounts of chakra from the dominant hand, a pulsing fluctuation forms in the thrusts."
The chirp of electricity grew louder and louder the closer he got to Gaara. "Resulting in a unique attack sound that resembles the crying of a thousand birds. Accordingly, that move is called Chidori also known as Raikiri lighting blade."
Sasuke's hand holding the Chidori sunk into Gaara's sand dome Gaara's team wasn't expecting that. Not at all.
"Lightning blade?"
"THe lighting blade is the nickname because Kakashi once sliced lighting using this jutsu. It's formal jutsu name is Chidori, and it's secrets lie in the almost impossible speed of it's stroke and the immense chakra focused in the arm that transforms it into a blade that can cut through anything." Guy grumbled completely upset with Kakashi now. "But how could you have taught him such a reckless move?"
"Like you really have the right to criticize me, right Lee?"
"Why didn't you teach me? I'm your sister…" Kira muttered to herself knowing fully well her brother could hear her. She felt jealous. The idea that Kakashi would teach his own personal jutsu to Sasuke of all people and not her made her green with envy.
"You know you're more advanced with water style jutsu's. But if it makes you feel better I might teach you one day." She glared up at him. Stupid big brothers. She saw right through him, he wasn't going to teach her.
"Blood...I'm Bleeding!" Gaara's voice cried loud enough for everyone to hear. Next thing we saw was Sasuke struggling to get his arm free. His arm trembled after the struggle but an arm escaped with Sasuke. A clawed arm.
Sasuke stared deep within the fresh hole he created and swore he saw a different pair of eyes. "What is that?!" Guy called looking uncomfortable at the clawed arm. Slowly the sand started to part. Leaving Gaara clutching his shoulder, blood dripping down in between his fingers.
Feathers. Feathers floated down around the crowd. "Huh...why the...why do I see feathers?" Naruto muttered sleepily. A wave of exhaustion overtook the people of the crowds.
Kira stared at the feathers wobbling as the people around her started to pass out. She felt so compelled to sleep. "Kai Release!" glancing at her brother she saw him concentrating on something else.
What was going on? 'It's Genjutsu!' Kaida's voice echoed through her skull. Genjutsu...that wasn't good. Not at all.
She forced herself to move forward and concentrate on seeing through this Genjutsu. The wave of sleep slowly drifted away. Leaving Sakura, Kira, Kakashi, and Guy to be the only ones awake in their section. Up high on top of the central watchtower was a large purple cube. It was a barrier.
Kira and Sakura glance at one another nervously. What was going on. "Kakashi, look within the barrier."
The surprise and concern in her brother's voice worried the preteens still awake. "Orochimaru!" Orochimaru had the Hokage! Why was he here? Was he after Sasuke again? No. Orochimaru said that Sasuke would be out looking for Orochimaru. So what was he up to?
"Sasuke-kun! He's missing!" Sakura called surprised. Fear radiating off of her body in waves. Fear for Sasuke.
Sound nin's snuck up the front planning to attack. With the intent to kill, Sakura screamed throwing her arms to her head in fear. When she didn't feel blinding pain from the sharp weapons she saw that Kakashi had made it to her first. Killing the two sound nins.
"Sakura, stay like that for a bit...I'll even the odds a little." Even now Kakashi smiled letting Sakura relax some. Kakashi and Guy were incredible, fighting back to back defending the kids and killing the nins. Blood splatter was everywhere.
A sound nin snuck in through the back entrance blocking any means of escape. The attacker was sneaking up on Naruto and Shikamaru! Out of instinct Kira's hand threw a throwing star. She didn't know when she grabbed one from her pouch but she had. Unluckily the sound nin avoided the attack. His attention was on her. There was a look crossing his eyes that said murder. She could either fight or run. She couldn't run though.
"Sakura, go wake up Shikamaru and Naruto. I'll hold this guy off." Sakura nodded her body trembling but she forced herself to move forward. She dove weapons at the ready, slicing and kicking whenever she thought she had an opening. This man was fast, but not as fast as he would like, having received a few small scrapes.
"Sensei! At a situation like this what kind of 'A' Rank mission…" Sakura called ducking for cover as she made her way to Naruto and Shikamaru.
"Sasuke is in pursuit of Gaara and the others from the sand." Sakura stared confused pausing her mission to wake Naruto or Shikamaru. Kira hissed in pain feeling the blade of the kunai glide through her left arm. "Sakura, you are to nullify the genjutsu on Naruto and Shikamaru and track Sasuke down with Kira."
Sakura glanced over at Choji and Ino, shouldn't they be there as well to help track down the sand siblings? "But for that...shouldn't I wake up Ino and Choji, then all of us…"
"Sakura come on already!" Kira hissed, her own blood staining the ground in small puddles. She couldn't hold him back much longer. What was she waiting for?! Kira needed her help she couldn't hold this guy off forever and hse was stalling again!
"R-Right!" Sakura rushed to Naruto's side continuing to talk to Kakashi while he and Guy fought. Kakashi quickly summoned Pakkun a small pug like dog dressed in his own ninja clothes.
"Pakkun will be able to track Sasuke down by his scent."
"Wait a minute is the last person this little doggy?" Kira groaned feeling her body being kicked back into a wall creating a deep dent into the concrete. She'd feel that tomorrow.
"Sakura!" she cried pain laced in her voice as she stood up again. 'You know what you have to do.' Kaida's voice rang through her head. She of course knew what to do to get more power. But that would mean she would have to break Kakashi's rule. Let the emotions get the better of her and she'd turn into another problem for the village.
'Think about it, you'll be able to defeat this man then be able to go after Gaara. You would be able to show him he isn't alone.' The temptation was almost too much. Her eyes stung, her body felt like it was on fire, her skin was bubbling and the only thing that could cool it down was blood.
"OWWWW!" Shikamaru's yell of pain brought Kira's attention away from her attacker. Shikamaru was being bit on the leg by Pakkun.
"You were able to deflect the Genjutsu too! Why were you playing possum!?"
"Bah! I didn't want to be attacked." Shikamaru grumbled pulling Pakkun off his ankle and pinching the dogs cheek. "I refuse! Who cares about Sasuke." Pakkun retaliated not liking to be pinched by biting down on Shikamaru's hand.
"Ouch!"
"Kira! Behind you!" Eyes widen in shock. She was going to die because she got distracted. Her attacker snuck up on her raising his weapon's to the finishing blow.
Guy was so quick. He saved her. Gripping the Sound nin's front and slamming him into the wall. She thought she was done for but he saved her. "Fast…." The nin choked pain lacing his voice.
"Not just fast." Guy smirked and then the wall exploded from behind the nin! Knocking him back a few more feet into the other wall! The attacker was completely passed out or dead she couldn't tell.
"Guy sensei…" Naruto muttered shocked.
"Thank you Guy sensei…" Guy smirked grinning down at her. Kakashi gave Guy a nod of appreciation before speaking to the kids again.
"Now I'll restate your mission. Once you've heard it, escape through that hole. Chase after Sasuke, join up with him and stop him. Then take him away to a safe location."
"What happened to Sasuke?!" Naruto hissed, hating that he missed something important, especially after he had a bad feeling from the start of this match.
"I'll explain as we go!" Sakura shouted. Naruto, Sakura, Kira and Pakkun shot through the hole in the wall and chased after Pakkun soon joined by Shikamaru. Sakura explained everything to Naruto as they ran through the forests.
Pakkun started to stiffen as he ran. "Hey! You guys, pick up the pace!"
"What is it?"
"From behind, two squads with eight...no nine. Nine shinobi on our tails." Pakkun informed, already everyone became anxious. We left Kakashi and Guy sensei not even five minutes ago. How could they already be on our trail?
"Already? You've got to be joking!" Shikamaru yelled annoyed to the brink already. He didn't even want to fight to begin with!
"It doesn't look like they know our exact position yet but they're definitely gaining up on us, and guarding against ambush."
"Darn! They're probably all chunin or above. If they catch up to us we're dead!" There was no way around it. We'd have to fight and die or keep running. Shikamaru had a plan, it was a bad plan, but a plan all the same. We needed one of us to be a decoy.
It didn't help that in our group we had a Dunce, a kunoichi with little to no talent, a distraction, a dog, and a no good slacker. Shikamaru's words. So what could any of us do when it comes to nine shinobi who are stronger than all of us? Though Shikamaru was the one to volunteer, even when Naruto started to. We couldn't argue. Shikamaru had the best advantage when it came to his particular jutsu.
There was no room for argument. Shikamaru split apart from our group and the rest of us picked up our pace. Sasuke stopped moving but he was still too far away, and to add onto that, others were pursuing Sasuke too. Pakkun couldn't tell if it was friend or foe. All he could tell was that they weren't human. That was enough for Sakura, Naruto, and Kira shot faster than before.
All of them could feel the muscles contracting in their legs and arms the faster they ran. Sakura and Naruto were too busy worried about Sasuke. Thats all the two of them could talk about. "We have to help Gaara…"
"Are you crazy?! He's trying to kill Sasuke-kun!" Sakura screeched flabbergasted. Kira could see the uncertainty on Naruto's face, he knew what she was talking about but wasn't sure what to say or do as of now.
"I'm not crazy! We need to help him! Naru, he's like us! He's all alone and he's lost and confused. He needs us!" Naurto nodded.
"Okay."
Elsewhere:
Sasuke glared down at his opponent. Gaara looked to be withering in pain, clutching his skull as if something was trying to break free. "I don't know what you sand fella's are plotting but you, I'm going to stop." Sasuke growled a mix of all sorts of emotions swirling through his body. "Besides I want to see what you really are."
Black cracks started to spread its way across Gaara's face. But even through the pain Gaara couldn't help feeling excitement build within him. "You that is strong, you that have companions, you that has an ambition, you that is like me. Once I kill you I will be the one to have destroyed all that, only then can I survive. Only then can I feel Alive!"
Gaara's body fell over, drool and blood mixed with the two as the transformation began, twisting his body to looking half human and half grotesque monster! A puddle of drool dripped from the branch Gaara was perched on.
Gaara wasn't Gaara anymore. Shukaku was completely taken over Gaara's mind and body movements. Sasuke was quick to jump out of Gaara's way. Avoiding the collision and explosion of wood. "Is he...a monster?" Sasuke felt giddy a grin making its way on his face.
He knew that he shouldn't be thinking about this now but Gaara was a monster. Kira would have to see it now, that he couldn't possibly be a good match for her. She was all his! 'Snap out of it Sasuke. You won't be able to get with Kira if you let his guy kill you.' Sasuke's game face returned, peeking out from behind a tree staring at the monsterish Gaara.
"Are you afraid of me Uchiha Sasuke!" Shukaku's voice leaked in Gaara's, the low rumble that could cause the earth to shake, shook Sasuke and Temari's bones staring at the red head. "Afraid of my existence." Gaara, Shukaku taunted trying to draw the Uchiha out of his hiding place.
"Has the fear overtaken the hatred, the killing urge? Is your reason for existence as puny as that?!"Gaara's aggravation and patience was growing thin. He needed to feel Sasuke's life slip from his body. He needed to bath in his warm thick blood. The want was almost too much, the craving of the metallic blood that always tasted so delectable. "If you crave for an answer come and get me!"
Sasuke and Gaara shot towards each other head on. Gaara's shukaku arm outstretched and ready for the kill and Sasuke's Chidori activated. As soon as the blue electrical force made connection to Shukaku's arm Gaara hissed in pain, the chidori cutting through the arm in two parts. Almost all the way off.
Temari watched shaking from her perch. She couldn't believe it. Not once but twice Sasuke was able to wound Gaara. It wasn't possible. Even after Gaara transformed only his right arm, it would only get worse from there.
Gaara laughed in a maniacal the blood urge growing stronger and stronger, the Shukaku's tail emerged making Gaara faster than before. Gaara was destroying trees branches sending Sasuke flying in the air. Sasuke would have been long gone if he wasn't able to use his Sharingan. His fire ball jutsu was no match against the Shukaku's form. It was too low in power compared to with Gaara was emitting.
The only way for Sasuke to defeat Gaara was the Chidori. Sasuke needed power. He needed to defeat Gaara. His strength was depleting. The Chidori was too strong that he was only capable of producing two, that is until Sasuke drew strength from the curse mark. Black spots danced across Sasuke's body. He could feel himself growing stronger and faster. He sent Gaara flying backwards making him land on his face.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura screamed rushing to his side. Looking him over worriedly. Her fear was right. The marks from before were back. Even though Kakashi said he took care of it, how could this happen?!
"Gaara…" Kira's body went numb staring at the body wide eyed. He looked so animalistic, he gave into his monster.
"What? Thats Gaara?!" Naruto yelled completely surprised. This wasn't good at all. Naruto didn't want to take his eyes off Gaara to check on Sasuke "How is that possible?!"
"Go." Gaara growled, his voice sounded like the beast inside. Sasuke cried out pain flaring up his neck in waves. The mark was attacking him fully now. He needed to control it!
"Sasuke-Kun!"
"Gaara you have…"
"Go!" He barked snarling loudly. Naruto's eyes widen in shock, his arm pushed itself in front of Kira. Hoping it would hold her back from the crazed male. Gaara's eyes trained in on the offending arm, another snarl escaping him.
"Naru it's okay…"
"Kira you have to help Sasuke-kun! You can heal him right?! You have to!" Sakura cried worried her hands holding Sasuke to her, his body shaking. Kira blinked looking away from Gaara for a moment, unsure what to do.
"R-right…" She rushed over looking him over, blood dribbling down his chin the more he hacked up. It wasn't good.
"...You...you're the one I failed to kill that time…" Gaara growled glaring at Naruto hatefully. "My existence will never end."
"Guys! Get away!" Naruto shouted realizing that Gaara was going to attack. It was too late. Gaara was already lunging toward the three.
"Die!"
"Move!" Kira pushed Sakura away watching her fall off the tree branch. Sakura screamed during her fall before realizing she was a ninja and activating her chakra in her feet and sticking to the side of the tree. Fear still written across her face.
"AGH!" Kira's cries of pain feeling her back being slammed into the hard tree, splinters sneaking through her clothing and digging deep into her back. The Shukaku arm trapping her body to the large tree. The back of her head exploded in pain, she practically felt her brain rattle in her skull as soon as she hit. How she was still awake she didn't know. Possibly because of Kaida.
"I told you to leave!"
"I...can't leave…" the pressure on her chest constricted, crushing her body. Gaara's snarled angrily. She wouldn't be hurt if she'd listen to him. He didn't want to hurt her, especially in this form, he made his sister leave why couldn't she just listen! Gaara clutched his head, an image of Yashamaru's pained face breaking through his mind.
Naruto took his chance, jumping forward gripping Sasuke and pulling him away. Both boys staring worriedly at the gray haired girl. While Temari just stared wide eyed surprised by the girl and her brother. It was incredible, no one has ever stood up against Gaara in this state beside Sasuke.
"U...ugh...why?" Tears started to form in his seafoam green eyes. 'Yashamaru…' Yashamaru? Kira's eyes widen in surprise, this was the first time she had ever heard his thoughts, pain rippled through her chest the tighter he squoze.
"Whats the matter? Weren't you going to retreat?" Gaara's voice was returning to normal. An annoyed look on his face, Naruto looked at his best friend, her face getting blue. She couldn't breathe. "What do they mean to you?"
"Gaara...stop…" Gaara barely glanced at Kira, noting her words but choosing to ignore her. After all she was nothing, an idiot who should have run when she had the chance. Now she was done for.
"They're my friends! Leave them alone, or else I'll kick your ass!" Gaara snarled gripping Kira tighter pushing her further into the tree.
"AGH!" Pain rippled through her body but she couldn't stay pinned to a tree, she had to try something! Sure it wasn't anything good or amazingly talented but it would bring his attention back to her. The clawed hand was dangerously close to her mouth. If she bit down hard enough he'd either let go or kill her...lets hope for let go, please let go.
"Now what? Aren't you gonna kick my ass?" Gaara mocked.
Leaning her head down she did the best she could, chomping down hard onto Gaara's demon like hand. She could taste a powdery substance fill her mouth and automatically started gagging at the taste. But it did what she wanted. He let go. Her body started to fall.
"DAMN YOU!" Naruto screamed shooting forward only to be knocked down by Gaara's new tail. "Shit!"
Sakura struggled to hold her, Kira felt like she broke something, ribs, arms, something was broken. This was pathetic, she didn't want Naruto to fight him, not alone. He needed help! "Just hold on, we need to get you and Sasuke-kun somewhere safe." Sakura muttered half dragging her away from the upcoming battle.
"No…" She groaned struggling to get Sakura to stop. "I can't leave." She whimpered. She couldn't leave them. She felt absolutely pathetic but she wouldn't abandon Naruto or Gaara. Not now.
"Are you insane? You can't do anything, you'll just get in the way!" It hurt to hear those words but she wasn't going to sit on the sideline. She couldn't. Sakura hoped being tough on her would work. "Just stay here, I need to go get Sasuke-kun." She muttered annoyed placing her against a tree. "Just stay." Kira and Sakura watched as Naruto produced a small toad and Gaara was looking even more transformed then before. "Pakkun keep an eye on her."
'Kaida...how bad are we?'
'Gaara broke our ribs, our right shoulders dislocated from when Sakura caught us, I believe our collarbone is either broken or dislocated, as well as a concussion when you hit the tree. Besides that we're fine.' Kira laughed through her pain.
'You forgot our back.' She heard the hum of agreement from within her. She was broken. Should that stop her? 'Can we still fight?'
'Of course.' First things first. Fixing this dislocated shoulder. Kira could see Sakura sneaking over to Sasuke lying by his side, muttering something to him while Naruto and Gaara fought.
"Whatever you're thinking, stop." Pakkun called startling the girl. She completely forgot he was there. "Kakashi told you not to let her take control."
"I'm not...I'm just not letting my friend get killed." She argued standing at her full height. Looking over her right shoulder she could already see how painful this was going to be. 'Can I use some of your chakra?'
'Yes.' Kira closed her eyes concentrating on taking Kaida's chakra, feeling the cool blue color form within her...She needed to reset her arm. And dear god this was going to hurt. She ran full force into the tree she was leaning on, thinking maybe that would work. No. that just hurt her worse.
"That was a disaster." Pakkun muttered staring at the girl, shaking his head annoyed. "Let me." Pakkun took a few steps back and charged, launching in the air, chopping his teeth down into her flesh ripping her arm out and making Kira slam into the tree again, the force popped the shoulder back in place now but damn it all that hurt.
"AHHH!" fresh blood spilled from the bite.
"At least it's back in place." He muttered fresh tears threatened to fall but she refused. How she wanted to cry in pain. She could cry later. She needed to get to work. By the time she got back to the battle, there was at least a thousand Naruto clones at the ready, a fire in their eyes ready to attack. One of the clones looked at her.
"What are you doing!?"
"Shut up! Whats the plan?"
"First we stop Gaara, then we show he he's not alone!" Kira grinned she liked that plan. All the Naruto's shot off throwing stars at Gaara's half formed body All one thousand of them worked together beating Gaara's form, knocking some sense into him. Naruto was often getting his clones to say his name. Drilling it into Gaara's head who was doing the fighting.
Kira tried not getting in the way of his attacks but she landed a few, even performed a few water style jutsu's. Though Gaara was completely transformed into the Shukaku monster in the end. The real Naruto stood beside Kira staring up at the large Shukaku monster. It was huge!
"Go help heal Sasuke!" Naruto shouted pushing her away from him. Sand started to seal and encase his body in Gaara's desert coffin technique! "Go!" He must have seen the worry spread across her face, she was scared. Naruto gave her one of his confident smirks grinning towards her. 'I have a plan.' She slowly backed away unsure what to do. What if his plan went wrong? What would she do then? She needed to trust Naruto and trust that he'd be okay. It took everything to leave him.
It was a good thing she did though, a large toad the size of Shukaku formed from underneath Naruto's feet. Her eyes widen in surprise her jaw dropped, when did he learn that? How did he learn that?! Naruto was so strong.
When you think of two big monsters battling it out you think of something so cool and amazing, watching every hit and blow. But being up close and personal you have to try and avoid everything because these two huge monster like beings are destroying the forest! When Kira finally reached Sakura and Sasuke and Pakkun they all had to hold on from a large gust of wind trying to force them to let go.
Sakura clutched onto the branch, Sasuke was slipping. "SASUKE-KUN!"
Pakkun was smart enough to wedge himself in a safe area digging his claws into the tree for good measure, "Shit! Sasuke hold on!" Sasuke didn't hesitate, though weakened by Gaara's strong power he had the strength to clutch onto Kira's arm. Her blood lubricated his hand making him slip, she clutched his arm with both hands letting a cry escape her lips through the pain.
At the top of Shukaku's head, Gaara emerged, Gaara didn't look like Gaara though, he looked like a possessed person acting on something else's control. Next thing Kira saw was him slouch over unconscious. "HAHAHAHA! I'M FINALLY OUT!" Shukaku's voice boomed around everyone.
"Time to move!" Pakkun suggested. Kira, Sakura, and Sasuke nodded numbly in agreement. Sasuke would later hit himself for not paying attention when Kira threw his arm around her shoulder and the two jumped away from Shukaku's blast. If they hadn't they'd be dead.
The giant toad like monster jumped out of the blast way shot at least a lake full of water at the Shukaku, making it rain on top of the three of them. "This fight is incredible!" Sasuke muttered.
A scream ripped it's way free from her throat watching the toad explode. "Naruto!"
"YEAH! I DID IT! I KILLED HIM! I KILLED HIM!" Shukaku sounded like an excited five year old having knocked down some pins at the fair. Kira felt the relief fill her seeing Naruto still alive and okay. Sakura fainted seeing Naruto and that large toad turn into the nine tailed fox.
Sasuke and Kira could only stare. Naruto was so strong. He had to be the strongest out of all of them. "Holy crap…"
Naruto jumped off the toad who was now a toad again and punched Gaara in the face. Kira and Sasuke couldn't see what had happened next but the next thing anyone saw was Naruto and Gaara face to face and then a pile of sand appeared.
"Did...did he win?"
"I hope so…"
Naruto and Gaara's bodys fell hard into the ground it was a shock that either of them survived. How could any of them have the strength to fight still?! "Watch over Sakura." Kira muttered running towards the two. She couldn't stop the final punch knocking them both to the ground but it looked like they couldn't fight each other anyway. They were drained.
Naruto grunted, using his chin to force himself to move forward towards Gaara.
"My existence will never be extinguished, it won't be extinguished! There is no way that I would let it disappear!" Gaara yelled tiredly. Naruto thought back to the time where everyone would ignore him, treat him like he was the monster.
"Do...don't come any closer!" There was fear in his voice. Terrified that he would die in this moment. He wasn't strong enough to defend himself.
"The pain of being alone, is not an easy one to bear, your feelings...why is it that I can understand your pain?" Tears spilled from his face having thought of how Gaara must have felt. "But...I already have many people who are important to me now, I won't let you hurt those people important to me. Even if you try to kill them I will stop you.
"Naru!" Kira paused staring at both of them, horror filled her. Gaara watched as Kira ran to her friends side looking him over. He groaned everytime she poked certain areas.
"Are they okay?" she nodded not speaking. Gaara really did a number on him.
"Why…" Kira helped push Naruto onto his back "Why do you go so far for other people's sake?" Kira's heart was broken hearing those words.
"They saved me from the hell of being alone...they acknowledged my existence that's why they're all important to me." Even now Naruto tried to get to him. "We are the same. I'm the vessel of the Kyuubi, the fox that tried to kill my village years ago. All three of us are the same." Naruto moaned, he hoped he could get his point across. He desperately wanted Gaara to understand that he didn't need to be alone anymore.
"You're a liar. You're not the same as me." Kira half crawled, half limped over towards Gaara, his eyes widen in fear a cringe settling in on his face when she reached for him. He felt her soft caress across his face.
"It's okay, just relax." She whispered softly hoping it would soothe him. She cringed standing but was able to bring the two together. Having to carry Gaara's dead weight a few meters so that he was close to Gaara.
"He said you're the same as me…how?" he watched her reach up towards her head and pull the black bandana off her skull. Two small horns were popping up from the skull. Cracked still blood stained from when they first emerged. He didn't even notice them at first. He saw her and her brother talking about something but the blood lust was all he could think about. He overlooked her.
"I have a dragon in me. I found out that it was to save one of the neighboring villages but I killed my mom...my dad put her in me after and I'm still learning from her." He watched her move her hands forming seals before placing her head against Naruto's.
His sleeping face full of pain. A light clear blue wave of energy washed over Naruto's body, it was almost as if watching waves wash over a body before dragging it out to sea. When she pulled away her movements were as if she were dizzy. She fell on her backside shaking her head letting her hair go flying around her.
Naruto's sleeping face had changed from painful to peaceful. She had healed him. This wasn't something like before when she 'healed' Sakura earlier. Before it looked like she just patted her on the back and she had energy. This was different, completely different from other forms of medical ninjutsu.
"He's lucky to have you as a friend…" Gaara murmured watching Naruto sleep. He was lucky to have the friends that he did.
Kira got back to her knees crawling so that she was upside down from Gaara. "We are aren't we?" She grinned drunkenly. She wanted him to get it through his head that they were friends. "We're friends too Gaara," he felt her head place on his forehead. "Don't forget that." she muttered softly he couldn't see what she was doing but felt his body grow stronger. His chakra was out but he felt better than before. Sore but better.
"I can't...heal you all the way…" she panted pulling away wobbling as she stood up. Gaara sat watching her nervously. "I used too much chakra...I could only half heal you both…" she fell to her knees. She could desperately use a nap.
"It's okay...thank you Kira." She grinned, she knew she probably looked stupid but she didn't care. She walked closer on her knees so that she and Gaara were face to face. He wasn't sure what was going to happen but didn't expect to feel her arms wrap around him in a hug.
He wasn't sure what to do. Hug? He hasn't had a hug in so long. He didn't even get many hugs when Yashamaru was alive. "I'm so glad you're okay." his heart pumped fast in his chest, he felt a red blush coat his face. She was glad he was okay, what was this feeling? He felt it before but it was ten times as strong now. She was so warm.
"What the hell Kira!" She pulled away at Sasuke's voice looking at him confused, her eyes were half lidded, squinting even before realizing who it was. Sasuke's mouth dropped seeing the black horns sticking out on top of her head. When did she get those?
"Hey Sasuke!" Gaara clutched her arms as she started to fall backwards. Sasuke could only stare at her confused. What the hell did he miss? She looked like she was drunk off Sake. Gaara helped Kira stand to her height, she wobbled falling willingly into Gaara's arms. He hissed in pain but caught her with ease.
Sasuke placed Sakura down beside a sleeping Naruto, storming up to her. She couldn't possibly have healed him could she? He remembered how she acted when she healed him but she wouldn't be that stupid would she?
"Are you insane? He's the enemy!" He snapped pulling her away. Anger coursed through him. She was supposed to see him as a monster not someone to lean on or heal! Why would she do that?!
"No he's not! Gaara's my friend." She pouted crossing her arms childishly, she looked so adorable right now. 'Damn it Sasuke, stop it. You're supposed to be mad at her. Just because she looks cute doesn't mean anything!' Kira's brows crossed confused. Sasuke thought she was cute? What? Since when? Maybe he hit his head really hard and he's just being delusional! That had to be it.
"You have stupid friends." Sasuke snapped looking away from the girl he loved arms crossed over his chest. He couldn't look at her right now. She acting insane, how could she treat Gaara like he was her friend. He just tried to kill everyone!
"You just insulted yourself!" Kira threw her arms up in exasperation almost smacking Gaara in the face. When she did turn to look at Gaara she felt a grin making its way to her face. "Gaara's awesome."Gaara's blush worsened staring down at her. She was defending him again. What was he supposed to do? Besides stand there awkwardly? Sasuke groaned walking over to Naruto grumbling to himself. This was pathetic.
Kira leaned her head against Gaara's shoulder "I'm sorry about him…" She started to feel a little bit like herself again but was still wobbly.
Temari and Kankuro appeared weapons out ready to attack in need be. "That's enough...it's over." Gaara called weakly. Kira pulled away knowing fully well he needed to go now. He was going to be okay. She could just tell. "Temari...Kankuro I'm sorry…" Temari and Kankuro glance at one another shocked. Practically speechless.
"It's alright…" That was new for Gaara, something they never expected from him. 'Maybe that girl is good for Gaara…' Sasuke grumbled kicking Naruto back awake.
"AGH WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?!" Naruto yelled rubbing his head in pain glaring at Sasuke hatefully.
"You are so annoying Naruto...W-what's going on?" After another five minutes of explaining what happened Temari and Kankuro watched both Kira and Naruto explain what had happened while they were out. They were surprised about everything. Those two were good for their youngest brother.
"But he…"
"It doesn't matter." Kira muttered feeling around her pockets. She really wanted a pen or something to write her number down then getting annoyed and just pulling out her kunai and picking up a large bark like stick and started carving her house number and Naruto's house number.
"Give us a call some time," She extended the bark to Gaara. He hesitantly reached for it, waiting for her to pull it away, she didn't though.
"Lets go." Gaara muttered towards his siblings. Kankuro wrapped Gaara's arm around his shoulder and helped move him away.
"So we're just letting them get away." Sakura grumbled clearly upset that they could just get away with it. So when Kira, Naruto, and Sasuke nodded she just started to grumble with Sasuke.
Naruto and Kira leaned against one another walking back to the village. Unsure what they would see when they got back. Pakkun kept a easy pace for the entire beat up group of kids.