Blame the Demons that Raised Me
Chapter Five: A Bad Day For All
Shout out to voidprince, who suggested all the new minion types, I really like that idea and can actually see it happening in the future of this story so, I'm locking that one in my memory.
Also to Forgottenkami, who mentioned Naruto obtaining Orichimaru's curse mark and I have been mulling that over and over, all the how's and what nots. I'm not against the idea, in fact I like the idea of the two banding together (each only for their own benefit) it's just that the "how it's gonna happen" that's giving me trouble. Making everything fall into place isn't as easy as you might think, least not how I'm seeing it.
-And for the other chakra stealing techniques, back then when I did research on a few chakra stealing jutus, I liked a few (I doubt I saw all of them) but none of them really connected with the Naruto I had created, regardless of effectiveness. I wanted something simple and mobile.
-However, figuring out which jutsu are in the scroll of sealing wasn't as easy as I would like it to be, so thanks to Forgottenkami who mentioned the Edo Tensei.
All and all, I do appreciate all of your comments as it gives me new things to think about. I don't know every jutsu like the back of my hand so it's nice to hear about them even if I can't fit it in with the storyline. Also, just a little tidbit, I don't want to make Naruto too overpowered just yet. I'm cruising, gradually hitting small stepping stones that will stack up towards his advantage.
A Bad Day For All
~Third Person~
"Yeah, I know, gonna have to ask Gnarl about that but, now, for the hives. In order for the hives to even be an option, I have to fix the Netherworld. And that whole ordeal will also provide the answer to a very important question I posed to Gnarl." Naruto exclaimed coolly.
"And what would that be my lord?" Mortis inquired the young ninja.
"Does the Golden only effect magical creatures?" Naruto stated.
"Ah yes an interesting question. So, dark master, what needs to happen?"
"I need to re-evilize the Netherheart which won't be easy in any sense of the word."
"No, it won't..."
"But first I need to get there because I do have a plan for checking if it will corrupt me or not. Take one of these guys and go tell Grubby that he has to dig to the Netherworld. Then one of these guys needs to go down there and if he's not affected then I'll be fine. And then I'll start phase two."
"But if he is effected..."
"We'll have to destroy the tainted Netherheart, somehow, and make a new one."
"Now, since I can already hear Gnarl pondering about the sarcophagus I'll leave that be; but since the notion of new an ability was brought up. I have a feeling that one charka ball won't be enough but luckily the people here probably are. They may not be ninjas but they still have chakra ripe for the taking."
"Yes, we can rip it out of them and none will the wiser..." Clone #1
"Not if we dump the bodies in the ocean or something." Clone #2
"Of course, you have to disguise yourself, can't have anyone thinking it was us."
"A fox attack?"
"Are there even foxes on this island?"
"Uh probably not. What about a random native serial killer?" Naruto added, he could feel the other clones light up with delight as that plan might work.
"Who targets orphans. The minions got out and went into town and noticed that there were a large number of homeless kids around. That and these people in a number of words are incredibly poor." Clone #1.
"No one will miss them of course, but still you should strike in the night. Can't have our team get in the way."
"Children you say? We can use their bodies to make a Health Totem. The blood of innocents and a touch of dark magic can do wonders, my lord." Mortis adds with a dark grin.
"That's twisted. I love it." The three Narutos chuckled to themselves as they started on a more developed plan.
"It's an honor to plot with that evil mind of yours sire." Mortis said as he stood at the sideline. "I'll have a horde of blues come this way once I get back to the cavern. I'll depart now in fact, I also do remember there being a batch of blue life force from those killer ninjas. So, I'll put that to good use as soon as I can." Mortis said as he walked out of the room, one of the clones nodded at me before he followed the older minion.
"Actually, take the other minions with you, I don't need them anymore and don't worry about the telling the blues, Gnarl just told me that they are on their way being led by Grubby, you should run into them soon enough."
"Yes sire." Mortis said before he was joined by one clone and the two minions before they all left.
When the rest of team 7 returned, they asked Naruto what happened to his helpers. Naruto replied that he had them return to the Netherworld, he had made sure to make another clone so no one would think he was up to something. He hated to think it but Kakashi was somewhat intimidating and he was a jonin, a high-ranking ninja and one he didn't want prying anymore into his private life.
Naruto kept up his being 'unable to move' act, as it wasn't that hard. His body was quite heavy due to his weighted armor and it was stiff from the lack of overall movement. It was also sore from the training but that pain was something he could deal with without complaint. Naruto mostly kept quiet, trying to pretend to get more sleep but he was wide awake, observing the other beings in the household.
When it was time for dinner, with the kitchen in ruins from a previous minion rampage, Tazuna's family and most of squad 7 ate outside. It was a bit chilly but the night sky was lit up with stars. Naruto was fed by his clones, staying inside, then had one of his clones start the plan while everyone was busy outside.
Clone #2 exploded in smoke, seeming to have ceased to exist but instead re-appeared on the roof. Naruto, as fast as he could, created another clone, so all would seem well. The clone on the roof instantly disguised himself as a dirty kid and fled. He went to the nearly empty village streets, knowing that only the young homeless were out and about. There he made more copies of himself and they all fanned out in pairs. One was to gather the chakra and the other was to collect it, thinking that it had to be returned to the original for it to go to the Cavernheart.
~Disguised Clone#2~
I found a pair of hungry kids in an alley way and I walked up to them easily as I looked just like them.
"Hey you guys ok?" I asked as I looked to the side, seeing my partner slowly sneak up on them.
"We don't have any extra food to share. Go away." One of the kids replied, she was sitting on the ground holding the other kid tightly. I didn't say a thing as I approached them, my partner closing in from the back. "What are yo-" The orphan was cut off upon receiving a chop to the throat, her friend was then given the same treatment.
I went to work taking off their shirts and plunging my metal claws into their stomachs. They gave a silent scream and held their bellies, turning away from me. I started the jutsu starting with the bigger one, the girl. I smirked when I saw her eyes go wide, that meant it started. Then I thought since I was a clone I would disappear after I rip out her chakra but then that would leave the other kid to the other clone, who would then disappear.
No no that won't do, I'll have to try to do two at the same time. I wonder if I even can or if I will disappear half way.
I focused and concentrated on the other kid who had started to get to his feet, must've been her little brother. Before I thought about 'should I do the jutsu all over again', he fell to the ground and gave a weak scream.
I could feel my energy draining and I knew I didn't have much time but I kept at it, I looked at the girl and saw that it had spread throughout most of her body. I looked back at the boy and found that it was working but a bit slower.
The girl rolled on top her back there was a long gash down her front where it met a blood-filled circle where her stomach was. Her body had very noticeable red veins running through out it. Her eyes were what caught me staring, they screamed in shock and pain.
Now, with her throat recovering her screams were getting louder but a quick throat chop put an end to that. Her brother got the same treatment, I smirked as it was almost over, I barely had enough energy to keep this up for much longer.
After a moment, I looked at them as they laid on their backs, the blood was gone and all the remain was a ball of chakra though it was smaller than the leaf ninjas', it was still useful. The orbs were attached to red veins, I'm guessing the invisible veins that distribute chakra all over the body. I quickly reached into both of their stomachs and pulled the orbs out, I could see the veins snap, it like was ripping out an internal organ. After that, I exploded before I could even hand the orbs to my partner.
~Third Person~
The night was filled with unheard screams as the disguised Narutos spread the word about the jutsu's limits. Now they could save some resources and made sure to do the jutsu in and on pairs, two on two. If one was alone they would take the child with them until they found another child, then preform the jutsu. If they came across a group of three or more the others would be knocked out and another shadow clone would be made to work on them.
It was an hour till dawn, the bodies of fifty orphans we hauled out of the town. The bodies of the children were carried and buried in the forest. The bodies were buried right under a tree before the respective clone took the child's form. The clones returned to the village posing as children, though they knew that they would not last forever so, they planned to keep to themselves hidden for the upcoming day.
Meanwhile, Naruto found himself in undesirable state of mind once he fell asleep. He was a little kid walking though the Leaf Villiage. He was all alone, but could hear all of the villagers' whispers as they spoke to each other, whether it was wishing that he was dead or to remind one another not to even look at him. He found himself sounded by a group of kids who then picked on him and beat him until they left him for dead.
Naruto woke up and halfway sat up before pain raced up his back. He winced and laid back down, he could tell from the way the room was illuminated that it was morning. Naruto had some time to reflect on his dream, he soon released a low growl before he turned over and got to his feet. His body was still in recovery but now he was genuinely angry instead of his usual bitterness.
Naruto started walking around the room, wanting a faster recovery more than before so he could properly release his anger on someone. The clones had there fun and it was his turn and he was determined to find a way, by any means necessary.
Inari, Tazuna's grandson, was in the bathroom when he heard his mother scream. He stopped washing his hands and rushed out of the bathroom to the kitchen. He stopped at the kitchen doorway once he saw the two thugs cornering his mother.
"Mother!" Inari cried out in shock and panic.
"Inari! Don't come any closer, you've got to run away!" Tsunami cried out and before he could anything else, one of the men told me to stay out. The fear of what they would do to his mother if he disobeyed kept him in check.
The men talked about taking Inari hostage but then decided on killing him but Tsunami persuaded them to leave him be by offering to go peacefully. Inari began to cry as he sat on the floor.
"I can't stop them from taking my mother, there's nothing I can do. I'm so sorry mother. I'm so so sorry-"
"Ugh what the hell is going on? What's with all of the screaming? I am trying to take things easy and you're making it difficult." One of Naruto's clones angrily asked, he was actually just barely waking up when all the commotion prompted an earlier rise. The clone in armor walked down the hall eyeing Inari who was crying in his spot.
"No, you can't do anything just go away before you get killed!" Inari shouted in distress.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Naruto said as he towered over Inari, the younger male crossed his arms and mumbled to himself. "I asked you a question runt. What happened? Don't make me ask again."
"Th-they took my mother!" Inari cried out, tears running down his face as his horror was being relived. "First daddy now this..."
"You pathetic little bitch. I've done more than you without even being able to move and you just give up on the drop of a dime, I'm so gonna-ugh-who and where?"
"Gato's men. They're out-outside but you can't do anything they too strong for you, they'll kill-" Inari was struck against the wall. Not even a Naruto clone was gonna let someone who knew nothing about him tell him his own limitations. The clone lightly kicked the boy but then realized that he had blacked out. The clone cursed as he had a few questions he wanted to ask the boy, most of which regarded his team.
The clone then decided to go outside and catch up with the mother, whom also might know the whereabouts of his team.
"Hey dumbasses! You forgot one!" Naruto called out to the thugs on the bridge who had Tsunami hostage, gaining their attention as a result. "But don't worry I took care of him for you."
"What do you mean?! What did you do to my Inari!?" Tsunami cried out.
"Killed him." The clone lied blatantly, as he eyed the weapons of the thugs, with plans of using them to cover up his tracks.
"Why would you do such a thing? You're supposed to help us. Isn't that why you guys showed-." Tsunami shouted before one of Gato's men knocked her out.
"I just wanted a worthwhile mission, which I got and hey, casualties happen. Not bad attacking while the most of team is away unfortunately now you're stuck with me and I'm not as light heart as my friends."
"Beat it kid or we'll have to kill you." The hat hearing thug said, Zori.
"Uhuh, now before I kill you, I'm a bit interested in this Gato guy, tell me what's his master plan or at least his plan for the bridge."
"Why should we tell you? When we can just kill you." Waraji questioned as he had his hand ready on the blade's hilt. Naruto took a few steps towards the men, who drew their swords.
"Come on, so me what you can do. Hmph, I might let the one who tells me what I want live. Last chance." Naruto said as he starred at the thugs, not feeling that they were a possible.
"Heh eh you can try to act all tough but there's no way you can take on the two of us, you armored freak." Zori smirked.
"Let's make this quick Gato will be mad if we're late for the bridge take over." Waraji states as he runs towards the Naruto clone.
"Yeah you have a point, let's put an end to this loud mouth." Zori agreed as he ran with his partner.
"Bridge take over? I'm guessing it's that large one I passed on my way here. Ugh that's a ways away...I wonder if they're still alive." Naruto pondered out loud as he was rushed by the thugs. "Brown." Just before the thugs could fully swing their swords, the clone ended the potential assault. He gave them a minion enhanced punch to their stomachs. The men dropped their swords as their bodies came to a sudden halt, mouths torn between screaming in pain and gasping for air. "Now tell me what I want to know. What's going on at the bridge…Now! Before I get impatient."
"G-gato and...a large group...of lackies...will storm the b-bridge...killing everyone on it." The hat wearing thug managed to cough out.
"Then I no longer need either of you alive." Naruto said as he menacingly glared at the two.
"C-come on man I told you what you wanted to know, have mercy..."
"Hm? What? I'll ask. Hey are you just low level thugs or what? How much stuff do you actually know about Gato?"
"I know about he runs a major drug cartel and has become rich by blackmailing, smuggling-"
"He doesn't seem like a fighter though, how disappointing." The clone picked up Zori by the collar of his jacket before punching him straight across the dock. The same treatment was given to Waraji, he was lifted as they were face to mask then an inhumane punch was delivered. "Kakashi sensei is probably fine but the others could be dead. Guess that's some life that won't be getting harv- why am I talking to myself?" Naruto said as he looked at the bridge, Tsunami was in the middle of the bridge, unconscious, while the thugs were far end of it, dead. Naruto grabbed the swords that the thugs had dropped and dealt with Inari and Tsunami.
He walked towards the unconscious mother, ending the brown ability. With a quick motion, the sword sliced through the air and through her body. Naruto cut off her neck and gathered her life force, which was a single blue orb.
Back in the house, the clone cut off the head of the still unconscious youth before he went to tell the original of what has happened, standing in the door way.
Naruto took a moment to think, dismissing the clone with a bloody sword, which was placed on the wooden bridge outside. With the help of the other clone Naruto went outside; steeping over the blood pooling around Inari's body. Naruto left the house, leaving the door open as he made his way to the end of the small bridge. The Naruto clone joined up with the two Narutos, telling them that he collected the life force from the two thugs.
Once they reached land, the two clone Narutos activated their minion ability and sprinted towards the bridge. If there was gonna be a blood bath, they didn't want to miss it, they also figured that if there was one Sasuke and Sakura would probably die.
When they made it to the bridge, the group noted that it was extremely foggy. The original recognized the deep fog as Zabuza's Hidden Mist Justu. They could barely see in front of them so Naruto made a duo of shadow clones with what little chakra he had. The trio ended their brown ability, with the original growling in pain but pushing through it.
Naruto was fully aware that his chakra was extremely low as most of it was keeping the imposter orphans up and running. He wasn't going to end it just yet, not until he left as he feared that he would without a doubt be questioned one way or another if they all disappeared.
Two clones stayed with the original, clone #1 and #2. The other two clones, clone #3 and #4, went up ahead to see what was up. Naruto and his clones kept a slow steady pace as we walked across the bridge. They stopped when they saw Tazuna, Naruto stayed where he was as one of his clones went up ahead to get the man's attention.
Clone #2, went up behind Tazuna and tapped his shoulder, startling him before he turned around.
"So, what's going on?" Clone #2 asked.
"Hey it's good to see you up and atems, they could use your fancy skills. Anyway, the moody blue haired kid is going up against the masked freak, he doesn't sound all that good and Kakashi is up against that Zabuza fellow, haven't heard munch but, some banter from them." Tazuna said to clone #2.
"Oh, ok well I have something to tell you."
"What is it?"
"Gato's thugs killed your daughter and grandson. They woke me up and though I couldn't save them, I paid them back for you. Figured I'd come here to see how you were holding up."
"No, no, not Inari, why my-" Tazuna was devastated but, the clone just smirked secretly before he noticed a figured coming towards them.
"They're here, Zabuza and his masked friend. Zabuza has Kakashi busy while Sasuke is getting attacked in this huge dome thing that I think is actually mirrors of ice or something."- Clone #3 informed the original, he was soon joined by Clone #4.
"Dome of ice mirrors?" The real Naruto inquired.
"Yeah, I've tried fire balls but, that didn't work and they've withstood a full power punch. So, they're a lot more durable than they look. Sakura is just an inch ahead and Kakashi and Zabuza seem to be in a stalemate so, he doesn't want us interfering." Clone #4 added.
"Master. The blues have returned with the bodies of the innocent and we have created a new health totem, it should be all fixed up for your use shortly. Also, I would just like to applaud you on your evil accomplishments my lord." Gnarl said to his young master.
Naruto nodded, his eyes briefly catching Tazuna by the railing, probably lamenting the death of his family.
"Naruto? You're up I thought you'd be resting for a few more days...are you even sure you can do anything in your state?" Sakura asked as she approached the squad of Narutos.
"I can do more than you."
"Don't have to be a jerk you know. Since you're so high and mighty why don't you help Sasuke? He needs it." Sakura adds, concern in her voice.
"That masked guy does seem to be pretty powerful, probably too much for him. Anyway, so regular fire doesn't won't and they're more resilient than they look. I might have to break my promise..." Naruto said as he stood up right.
"You're gonna overdo it huh?"-Clone #3
"Probably but first take off the armor, no holding back." Two clones, #3 and #4, quickly stripped Naruto of his armor, except for his helmet, cod piece, and Minion Gauntlet. Naruto's black leather underclothes were revealed to the few people around him. "Back me up guys. Brown."
"Right."-the Naruto clones agreed in unison.
Meanwhile, Sasuke was trying to think of his options while he was stuck in Haku's Crystal Ice Mirror Justu. He has noticed Naruto's clones but he didn't pay all that much attention to it.
"Hiyah! Damn they are tough. But I'm stronger." Naruto's voice came out of nowhere for Sasuke, whose body was filled with Haku's throwing needles.
"Naruto?" Sasuke asked weakly as he tried to pick himself up off the ground.
"Who the hell else would it be!?" Naruto yelled with a hint of cockiness.
"What are you doing here?"
"You. Are. So. . I'm. Going. To. Break. Down. This. Fucking. Wall!" Naruto spoke throwing an enhanced punch with each word.
"The ninja with anger issues... I was told you were full of surprises, using blunt force isn't that surprising." Haku said from within one of his crystal ice mirrors.
"Anger issues!? Go fuck yourself! And just so you know! I. Punch. Really. Really. Hard! Believe it! Bitch!"
"Keep going Naruto! It's working!" Sasuke said with astonishment as he could see a small crack in the mirror to the left.
"Yeah! You. believe. that. shit? You. Mask. Wearing. Freak!?"
"You're wearing a stranger mask than I am.."
"Shut up!"
"Hm well you may have protected your head and your crotch, but everything else is exposed. You just threw your last punch." Haku stepped out of a mirror and onto the bridge itself, standing two mirrors away from Naruto. "Let's see if you can do so well against a moving target." Haku said as he held throwing needles between his fingers.
"I'm going to bash you and steal your mask!" Naruto said as he turned to face his speculating opponent. Haku tossed the needles as he ran towards Naruto. Naruto dodged the needles but he couldn't keep up with Haku's speed. The older ninja stabbed him with three needles but to his surprise, Naruto didn't even flinch. Instead Naruto threw a punch which almost connected. Haku quickly jumped back to avoid the hit. He pulled out more needles and tossed them but Naruto ran straight at Haku, letting them hit him. "Gotta do better than that!"
Naruto threw punch after punch but, Haku weaved through his attacks and left needles in key points but they still had no effect. He kept throwing punches but none of them were connecting.
"You'll never hit me, I'm far faster than you."
"Argh damnit..he's faster than I thought.." Naruto quickly jumped back and got on the floor with his hands covered his head. "Yellow!" Naruto shouted, more of a way to get the attention of his clones than to actually cease the Minion ability. As Naruto covered his head, he glanced at his Minion Gauntlet and saw that it was still brown. He then smiled as that meant that just saying the words didn't turn off or on the ability but his intentions did. With that unexpected pleasantry in his mind, he kept an eye on his opponent looking for the right time to attack.
"I guess you are full of surprises after all. Now get up and-" Haku said before two kunais came down from the sky aimed at he. Haku quickly avoided them and the barrage of kunais that soon followed. The masked ninja thought about what was happening and figured that Naruto was probably weakened, so he prepared for another assault. Haku readied his needles and ran through the barrage and tossed a needle. It hit and Naruto cried out in pain. Haku grew closer to the seemingly vulnerable. Naruto, dodging all the kunai aimed at him. "Foolish child, you should learn the strengths and weaknesses of your jutsu before you charge into battle."
"I'll kill you…" Naruto said weakly as he struggled to his feet with Haku less than a foot away. The shinobi tossed two needles and the leaf ninja barley managed to block them in time. Naruto knew that he didn't have much time before he had to truly turn off the Minion ability but he wanted a good hit before that. Naruto fake pain as he slowly walked towards Haku, purposely falling to his knees two inches before his opponent.
"This appears to be the end for you." Haku said as he readied more throwing needles.
"Die!" Naruto ran up to Haku with such speed it caught Haku off guard. Naruto managed to lay a blow to his stomach. Naruto's fist buried itself deep inside Haku's stomach, the older male doubled over half way.
"You're strong...maybe even stronger than... Zabuza... physically... but I'm... still...faster..." Haku exclaimed through coughs and the sudden pain.
"I break your bones!" Naruto shouted as he pulled his fist back. The fist connected with the masked man's head, sending the ninja back a number of feet. Wasting no time, Naruto began charging towards the downed ninja, who took a second to gather his bearings.
Haku was not about to get hit again. He jumped back and kept a close eye on Naruto as he ran at him. Haku dodged the attacks thrown his way, this time having to pay more attention, and gradually made his way back to his house of mirrors.
Naruto followed Haku, unaware of the fact that Haku was doing more than just dodging. Now inside his house of mirrors and Naruto running with a fist read, Haku seeped into an ice mirror.
"You...idiot..." Sasuke weakly as Naruto just ran right into this guy's jutsu. "He led you right into the palm of his hand."
"I'll kill you... all of you!" Naruto said as he saw all the copies in the mirror.
"Naruto...aim for the cracked one... the one to your left...the other left, don't turn to me you idiot ugh turn back to normal you're so useless."
Naruto growled but came to his senses when he said his mantra, after which he fell to his knees. He let out a pained groan, most of the pain was in his arms but there was pain all over his body.
"You're the useless one, least I can get up." Naruto said as he struggled to his feet, prompting Sasuke to follow suit.
"What happened to all your armor? Do you even have a plan?" Sasuke asked with annoyance.
"...ow these little bastards hurt…my plan was to kill him and I guess rescue you in the process, but you don't look like you'll make it." Naruto said as he eyed the Hakus in the mirrors, now on guard as he now vulnerable.
"I've had enough of you two, it is time to end this." The real Haku stated, hidden amongst the reflections in the mirrors. He rose one of his throwing needles and a second later the young males of squad 7 were attacked from all sides. Naruto tries to think of his options but nothing came to mind, he couldn't use any more chakra, which was already on its last leg, or he figured even if he did make another shadow clone this guy was more way too fast to be hit by anything he could do.
"Nar-naruto?" Sasuke weakly moved his head to check on his teammate, "If there's anything left in you, now would be the time..."
"Brown." Naruto exclaimed as he quickly got to his feet, he charged towards the cracked mirror, ignoring the needles thrown at him and punched the mirror. The sound of it cracking was heard, alerting both his teammate and his opponent. He continued at it but suddenly, Sasuke cried out in pain and he paused, however, he quickly re-started what he was doing.
"Honestly, I thought Sasuke wouldn't have been dead by now, so do what you want." Naruto stated as he got the cracks in the mirror were vastly spreading. The trio of ninjas heard it, the sound of glass shattering. "Betcha don't have enough chakra to make a new huh freak. Hey Sasuke you still alive?"
"Yeah...still alive..."
"Now do you think you can get out of my way on your own." Naruto said with slight annoyance as he glanced back at Sasuke.
"Impossible! No one escapes me. I'm putting an end to this now!" Haku growled out raising a needle in between each of his fingers.
"Naruto! Get out of here!" Sasuke warned with his energy failing fast. Naruto was viciously and instantly attacked, along with Sasuke.
"Damn it, I'm not going to die here." Naruto said as he fell to his knees, trying to think of a last said I was fine for now but Sasuke has taken a lot of damage.
"You're such a fool..." Sasuke sounded very weak, barely alive now. Soon he stopped moving altogether and his eyes were closing. "Naruto, just so you know…I've always hated you..." I felt the call of my gauntlet, which I rose above my head. "...I promised myself I wouldn't die…not until I avenged my clan...and killed my brother...don't you do the same...kill him..."
"...Sasuke? ...those are really random last words."
"Is this the first time you've seen a friend die in front of you? This is what it means to be a ninja." The masked guy asked staring at Naruto from within one of his many mirrors.
"Friend? You're making a big assumption, we're just teammates. Honestly, I thought he would've been dead before I even got here." Naruto said as he looked at the life force that suddenly formed around Sasuke. The pile of life force that formed around Sasuke contained some brown orbs but the majority was red.
"And you will soon share his fate." Haku now with the advantage, attacked, striking Naruto with speed he couldn't follow. Naruto, out of the corner of his eye, saw his salvation, a blue minion. He ran over to it, it had just entered the house of mirrors and Naruto wanted to get to it before Haku did. He braved the needles thrown his way and he outstretched his gauntlet, not knowing what to expect except that it would end up saving his life. Gripping the minion with the Minion Gauntlet, Naruto crushed the blue minion's neck. Blue essence flowed into the gem, turning it blue and granting the wearer a new minion ability.
Naruto paused for moment before kneeling before the dead minion, able to see a blue skull with crossbones floating above it. Naruto extended his hand over the skull and crossbones before pushing it back towards the downed minion. The blue servant sprang to action, getting to its feet.
"Don't know why I did that, but cool, but now you better get out of here." Naruto said to minion, who quickly fled the scene.
Haku watched as Naruto knowing that he must kill him now, it's long overdue. Haku threw a barrage of needles that appeared to be coming from every angle. Naruto screamed out in pain as he collapsed to the bridge floor, writhing in agony.
Naruto, himself was in a state of pain and confusion as every needle in his body felt like a stab to the eye.
"Gnarl, what's happening? I'm in so much pain..."
"Blue Minions are not to be the front runners by lord, they are the physically weakest amongst the minions however they are the only minions able to swim, resurrect fallen minions, and attack magic entities." Gnarl informed as he observed from the safety of Minion Cavern.
"Great...so why would I have this ability seems more like a pain in the butt?"
"Well Blues are gifted in magic and can easily resurrect an alley, meaning they are able to bring them back from the dead, my lord."
Naruto looked over to Sasuke to see a faded red skull and crossbones floating above him. Naruto questioned it and Gnarl informed him that it was probably Sasuke's soul.
"I'm not risking my life for him, especially in this state." Naruto then turned his head to see that he was next to a gap between a set of mirrors. Naruto rolled towards it as fast as he could and made it out. He got to his feet with the help of a nearby railing. Naruto took a few breaths taking some time to recover. Haku however wasn't too keen on letting Naruto get away, so he stepped out of his mirror just left to the weakened Naruto.
"I see you have healed to a certain degree I have never seen someone like you but even so that will not save you." Haku said noticing a number of his needles falling out of Naruto's body and the ones already on the floor.
Naruto was into too much pain to notice the thin metal objects exiting his body. With thoughts of escaping, Naruto looked over the side of the bridge. He could probably survive the fall and he believed that with this ability he would be able to breathe underwater. Naruto got lost in meaningless thought, watching the water below, but a needle to his abdomen recaptured his attention. Naruto doubled over in pain, but strained to get up. He remembered Gnarl said that the blues were gifted in magic so, he wanted to put that to the test. Naruto rose to his knees and formed a fireball in his hands, he threw it at Haku, who hit the mirror behind him. Naruto rose to his feet as Haku fell to his knees, with his clothes starting to catch fire.
Naruto formed another fireball and threw it at his opponent. Haku's clothes caught fire but Naruto didn't stop, he fueled the fire before him until there was nothing left but ashes and Haku's melted mask, which didn't take long. The crystal ice mirrors had shattered upon Haku's death. Naruto let out a small sigh of relief and he smiled to himself as he walked over to the pile of ashes. The moment the Haku's body turned to ash a pile of life force jumped out of it, it was much larger than any of the previous life force patches. Haku's life force was completely blue and quickly collected.
Naruto made his way down the bridge, feeling better as he walked. By the time, he reached his group, he felt fine. Though his clothes had rips in them, Naruto himself, appeared to be perfectly fine.
"Naruto?" It was Sakura's voice, Naruto had hopes that at least she would've died, he didn't notice her before. "Where's Sasuke?"
"He's dead."
"What!? No! How!? Why didn't you save him!?"
"Don't blame me just because your precious Sasuke wasn't up to the task." Naruto said walking past Sakura, who began crying her eyes out. Naruto met up with the other Narutos who were surprised to see the original seemingly fine.
"Whoa what happened? Hey the gem is blue does that mean you got a new ability?" Clone #1 asked.
"Yeah, okay so Sasuke's dead and so his that guy with the mirrors, burnt him to ashes." The original Naruto stated.
"Cool, Kakashi sensei is doing pretty well so we don't have to hey are you listening?" Clone #2 asked as he noticed that Naruto zoned out.
"Huh? Oh, right I guess I don't need this ability anymore." Naruto concentrated on turning the gem back to its normal color and it did just that within moments. Naruto felt better than he had for the past week, there wasn't any massive pain his was feeling only small areas here and there. "Alright suit me up."
The clones nodded and refitted Naruto with his suit of armor, boots and his plain metal gauntlet. Naruto walked around, stretching out to get adjusted the weighted covering. It didn't take long for Naruto to get readjusted to his well-worn suit.
"Okay so I guess we have to wait until Kakashi sensei finishes his fight." Naruto said and his troop of clones just shrugged.
After a time, a pained groaned echoed in throughout the bridge, and a matter of moments later the fog dispersed. A ways away Naruto saw Kakashi sensei and Zabuza with kunai in his chest.
"Looks like Kakashi sensei finally finished off his opponent." Clone #1 said sounding relieved, as it meant that they could leave.
"Yeah but we did it first, so it won't be long before we're at his level." Clone #3 boasted.
"We'll see won't we, hey what's that?" Naruto asked as he noticed a horde of people in the distance.
"You're done, it's all over." Kakashi said as he pulled his hand out of Zabuza's heart. Kakashi of then released his hound jutsu and watched as Zabuza hit the floor. Kakashi saw Naruto, who was talking with a group of four clones, then Sakura who was weeping and running towards a lifeless Sasuke, and an inattentive Tazuna, who was staring out into the ocean.
Kakashi raced over to Sakura and Sasuke, soon being joined by Naruto with his clones and eventually Tazuna. Kakashi knelt down and put his fingers to Sasuke's neck.
"He's still alive but his pulse is weak," Kakashi said with some relief.
"Will he make it Kakashi sensei?" Sakura asked with tears in her eyes.
"Not if they have anything to say about it." Naruto stated as he looked at the approaching crowd of thugs who were being a short man in a black suit.
"Who? Oh, this isn't good." Kakashi said as he rose to his feet, carefully watching the mob. "I'm guessing the man in front is Gato."
"Yeah and it seems he wants to finish what Zabuza failed to do." Maybe if I gift myself up they will leave you guys alone, or at least it'll give you guys a chance to leave with your friend." Tazuna said with heavy sadness.
"That's no way to talk, no one is getting sacrificed, Naruto-"
"I'm all for putting these guys in their place, six feet under." Naruto said with confidence.
"Naruto send in your clones to keep them busy so the rest of us can come up with a plan."
"Sure, we'll keep them busy and if there are any left I'll leave them to you." Naruto said before he ran up to the armed mob with his clones by his side, ignoring the protest of his sensei.
"Killing the leader will probably weaken their moral." Clone #2 said to the others.
"Alright I'll take him out your guys provide cover." The original Naruto said and his clones agreed, stopping where they were to provide long range assistance. Feeling that he was at a good distance, not too far away or too close, Naruto activated his brown ability. The magically enhanced boy delivered a crushing uppercut to the mob boss Gato, sending him over the mob of thugs, off the bridge and into the watery depths. Naruto was relentless in his assault, connecting skull fracturing punches to countless faces. The mob tried to fight back but the armor Naruto wore stayed strong, protecting him against the various weapons the thugs tried to use against the young overlord.
Naruto was unstoppable as he left himself stay under the influence of the Brown Minion Ability, which over time made him much more sadistic. Naruto now laughed in glee as he ripped out a thug's jaw, dug his gloved nails into the flesh of any unlucky person he could, and chased anyone who dared to escape. Naruto unintentionally gathered nearly all the life force as he went from target to target, tearing through as many as he could, laughing at all the pain he was causing. By the end, Naruto was surrounded by bodies and blood, and though no one could see it, wearing the biggest smile.
The clones, where were a ways behind made sure that no thug got past them, they used they thing they could to succeed whether it was using the brown Minion ability or their fireballs, they were determined to prove that they were a formidable defense.
Naruto was then coached back to sanity by his clones and turned off the minion ability. After that, the original and his clones walked towards squad 7 and Tazuna.
"Master, proper overlords have weapons, really big ones at that, helps with striking fear in the hearts of enemies and allies alike as well as and just plain striking into people. I believe that blade in particular would make a lovey tool of destruction, it's doing no good just rotting away with that corpse take it for yourself." Gnarl said, admiring the large blade of the dead Zabuza.
"Alright Gnarl." Naruto says and once he neared the Zabuza's body, he held out his hand to the Executioner's Blade. "Better if I just steal it the normal way though, all their eyes are on me." Naruto said just before his fingers wrapped around the blade's handle. Naruto took it with him, having the base of the blade rest on his shoulder.
Though he only made it a few steps before he heard something so he looked behind himself to see Zabuza rising to his feet.
"He's still alive, that's surprising. Let's see how good you are with such a blade, my lord." Gnarl said and Naruto turned to face Zabuza, lowering the sword so that the top hit the bridge.
"I'm guessing you want this back? Well too bad it's mine now." Naruto said as he rose the blade horizontally so the bladed length of it faced the man before him. Naruto was using both hands as the blade was heavy and even still it was wobbly in his grasp.
"That is a man's sword not that I'll need it to finish off a brat like you, it'll just be all the more painful for you." Zabuza said, with notable breathing problems.
"I can beat you without it too but, I want to see how many pieces I can cut you in with my new toy." Naruto used his brown ability and easily held the large sword. The armor-clad ninja appeared behind the man in an instant, with the large sword in front of him. A moment later Zabuza's top half fell forward as his bottom half started to fell backward. Naruto quickly turned around and slashed away at falling pieces until there were eight separate pieces of Zabuza on the bridge floor. Naruto smiled as he lowered the bloody blade, the life force from the body were being gathered within him having to move. Naruto closely examined it before he ended the Minion Ability and walked towards his group. Naruto had the sword on his shoulder as he came up to his group, noting that Sasuke's was standing up.
"So, can I keep this sword, it's amazing." Naruto asked his sensei, not realizing that his armor was covered in blood.
"The Executor's Blade is not a toy Naruto, it's a very deadly and lethal weapon." Kakashi said, staring at his blood-soaked student and pondering about the future of such a student.
"Please Kakashi-sensei? It's so awesome!"
"I cannot allow you to have it Naruto, it is dangerous and powerful people, may want to take it from you from various reasons by any means necessary."
"So? I can beat whoever comes my way."
"No, Naruto, it's too dangerous."
"You can't be serious...fine." Naruto said before taking a moment to think before he hurled the sword of the side of the bridge. "There, now no one can get it unless they can breathe underwater. I mean if it's as dangerous as you say, no one should have it."
"I suppose so...can't do any harm at the bottom of the lake..."
"So, what do we do now? Head back?"
"That depends on Tazuna, we can stay until the bridge is finished or since the only threat to you is dead, if you prefer, we can leave now."
"Well after all you went through, finishing the bridge is the least I can do." Tazuna said trying to smile.
Squad 7 returned to Tazuna's house, during which Gnarl informed Naruto that blues were sent to retrieve the Executioner's Blade and that it should be in the Minion Cavern by nightfall. Also, Naruto's shadow clones disappeared in a pod of smoke, as Naruto no longer had a use for them.
When they neared it Tazuna brought up what Naruto had informed him earlier, that two of Gato's thugs had killed his family. Kakashi gave Tazuna some time to himself after seeing the bodies of his loved ones.
Later, after the blood was washed away, a small funeral was held for Inari and Tsunami. During the lakeside, funeral Naruto was a bit paranoid, fearing that Kakashi might discover what actually happened somehow but it didn't happen. After the Funeral, Tazuna went into town to tell everyone the good news, Gato and his goons were dead.
That night, Naruto went out saying that his purpose was to catch up on missed training days. Kakashi decided to go with him saying that he was going to provide advice when he saw fit, though it was actually so he keep an eye on the armor-clad ninja.
Naruto really wanted some sword practice, but walking up a tree wasn't a bad replacement. Naruto spent the entire night trying to walk up tree, Kakashi called it a day at night fall but Naruto was set on catching up with the others. Even in the early morning there was no sign of the armored ninja, so Kakashi sent Sasuke to go get him.
Sasuke checked the trees and found one that had countless slashes up its trunk and seeming less endless. Sasuke walked up the tree but he still found no sign of Naruto so he went to the top, hoping to find him easier. Sasuke from his view on top of a tree he saw that there was a gap in the area that was there before so he went over to it. He found Naruto in the with the Executioner's Blade which was currently inside the side of a tree. He watched for a moment as Naruto panted heavily, pulling the sword out of the side of a tree trunk and began to attacked again. Naruto was Sasuke noticed that the three fallen trees and the one Naruto was currently trying to cut down all had kunai marks going up the side. The tree Naruto was currently one had the few kunai marks, Sasuke could only see five from where he was.
"How'd you get that?" Sasuke said as he stepped into the clearing, surprising Naruto.
"...it was a gift." Naruto said a bit hesitantly, before taking another swing at the tree.
"Uh huh from your demon friends no doubt, what's the deal with those things anyway?"
"How should I know? I don't even know what they want with me, but a gift's a gift. So, what are you doing here?"
"Kakashi told me to get you, you already missed breakfast but we're going to help clean up the bridge."
"Wonderful, like I have nothing better to do. Fine I'll just meet you guys there."
"Whatever." Sasuke said as he walked away, going back to Tazuna's house.
Naruto kept his word, he reached the bridge at a surprisingly reasonable time and had no sign of having the Executioner's Blade. Naruto helped the workers clean up the blood and put bodies along with body parts in bags to be disposed of.
Naruto wasn't exactly thrilled to do the work, he rather just kill and move on. Soon enough the day was over, half the workers were cleaning while the half worked on the bridge.
That night, Naruto went out again to train again but this time he worked more with the Blue Minion Ability. He only took a little advice from Gnarl, stating that he wanted a more in depth training session once he got back to the Minion Cavern. He didn't want the others to know he had a new ability, instead keeping it to himself.
He practiced his enhanced fireballs on various trees, seeing how strong he can make them and how fast he could throw one after another.
The next day was the last day Squad 7 stated with Tazuna, since it was around midday when the bridge was finished. Tazuna told the four-man group that the bridge was going to be named after Naruto as the Great Naruto Bridge. The title surprised Naruto the most, but it also boosted his ego. Tazuna said it was avenging his family and single handily defeating Gato and his thugs. Naruto just said it was not big deal with a large smile.
The squad went back to the Leaf Village, with the closest thing they had to a pleasant Naruto. Naruto mused about getting a bridge named after him for basically just murdering people. Not one of the other squad members wanted the usual Naruto to rear his head, so it was a very quiet trip back. When Naruto made it back to the Minion Cavern, he was greeted by the minion master.
"You were very impressive my lord, and even got praised by a town. We have finished installing two new rooms for you my lord. The Armory, which is where we store all your weapons big and small; the Scroll room where you can read various scrolls to increase your overall knowledge. However, a situation I want to bring to your attention is the life force you collect from live ninjas, it's not the typical life force we use for Minion resurrections. I believe it's different, much more chakra based instead of magic based, Morris has tried but it is just not compatible with old minion bodies, we need new hives my lord, ones that are kindred spirits with both magic and chakra. It would still be wise to collect it my lord, for the future.
That being said, the life force gathered from the animals is useable. So, we still collect, setting up traps and what not. So, don't feel bad if you miss a few orbs. All this may surprise you, my lord, but the ninjas we tossed down into the cutiefied Netherworld have just died, but I believe it was more the lack of food than the lack of chakra, just thought it's something you should keep in mind." Gnarl exclaimed before walking over the empty totem place holder. "And one other thing, this totem place holder has been here ever since the Cavernheart was properly formed however, despite my readings I do not know what it is for."
"What are the others?"
"Mana totems, increases how much magic you have at your disposal. Health totems, self-explanatory, allows you to take more hits without dying, my lord. And minion totems which increases how many minions you can command in the field, right now that number is fifteen."
"Hmm magic, health and minion, hmm are they're totems for weapons?"
"No, increasing a weapon's powers is done in the armory, so is the power of your future armor."
"Power?"
"Physical power? I believe that is more on you than a totem. Totems increase the necessities my lord things that are part of everyday life and typically what one can't increase on their own so easily."
"So, like chakra? As far as I know there's a limited amount And I have no idea on how I would increase my own...pool of chakra."
"Chakra? Yes...I believe that would be a possibility, well done master. Now, regarding our Golden problem, I had sent the two ninjas down to the Netherworld well sent down...pushed down a hole, it's all the same."
"Why didn't you send the clone?"
"I did but, then he disappeared in a puff a smoke, he was hugged to death, a truly awful way to go. However, that didn't stop us we used the ninjas, and though they were hugged as well by a goodie goodie they are still as miserable as before if not more."
"Ok...so aside from the fact that there's things down there what does that all mean?"
"The Golden does more than just turn an evildoer good it also fills a person with kindness and euphoria, a truly disgusting amount of joy. So, them being miserable means that you will not be affected by the Golden, my lord."
"Perfect. now, it's time to figure out how to unseal the nine-tailed fox. Well, somewhat." I said as I walked away from Gnarl and towards the Cavern Heart. "Wait before I do this I have to ask, what do you guys want with me anyway?"
"Why for you to become a significant power in the world, of course."
"Uh uh so why did you choose me anyway?"
"Well we did keep tabs on a few others but you stood out the most, my lord, and you were the best of the bunch and still are I might add."
"Okay...so what if I refuse to do anything else to further you're cause?" Naruto asked with curiosity.
"Well then I'm not quite sure, but that'll be no fun now will it master? And what of the Leaf Village? Going to neglect them and all the nasty things they've been saying about you?"
"...nasty how? You know what never mind, they'll get what's coming to them." Naruto said with conviction, making Gnarl face twist into a semblance of a grin.
"I have no doubt in my mind that they will."
"So, how do I become a significant power?"
To be continued...
Ps. Sorry that this was late, I read the reviews and someone(s) said that said there was bonding in the previous chapter, a statement which I disagreed with. However, I ended up re-writing this chapter anyway. Most of it's the same but there are changes and I'll list just a few below with a brief description.
Differences (in no particular order):
1) Naruto's bad dream in the beginning (because I felt he needed more of reason to kill Inari and his mom, they died in both versions but this one has a better (and shorter) reason, well an actual reason.
2)Haku was originally ripped to literal pieces, along with Gato's thugs, but in this version Naruto didn't get the Nine Tails' chakra, so he didn't go into a rage. Why? Because Naruto didn't care about Sasuke's death at all.
3) Inari's Death: originally Naruto tormented him nonstop telling to him to prove that he wasn't a coward and ended up getting killed by the thugs, but it was a long process (also one the screamed to me as a domination route though Naruto didn't know about the alignments yet). It was also a bit weird as Naruto isn't a very persuasive person on his own so I changed it so it was short and to the point.
Less important Differences:
4)Sasuke's death, originally, I had Naruto revive Sasuke as that's the blues' job, to revive fellow fighters, but instead he saves himself and Sasuke survives anyway cuz plot.
5)Zabuza's sword, in both Naruto takes the sword but in this one it's per Gnarl's request. The fact that he actually uses it is another difference as before it was more as a trophy.