Chapter 16: Survival of the Fittest
XXXXXXX – East Blue, Syrup Village, North Beach
Zoro looked up at the man responsible for all of this, ignoring all the trembling and fear from the pirates.
"Are you telling me these children held you up?" Kuro continued without waiting for any type of response. He spoke in a voice of utter disgust. "Is this what the Pirates of the Black Cat have come to?" As an added gesture, he spat in the ground. He then looked directly at Django. "IS THAT IT, DJANGO!?" He shouted loudly.
Django gulped very loudly and shaking badly. "B-but…you said it wouldn't matter if we let the kid go," He pointed at the bleeding Usopp, who was not far from Kuro himself. "That's what you said!" Django added desperately.
Kuro nodded. "Yes. That is what I said," He said in agreement. His voice then grew louder. "And I was right! It shouldn't have been a problem! Anyone could have predicted that he would try to thwart us!"
"But…it wasn't just him!" Django interrupted, pointing at Zoro on the hill. "And there were more shinobi here than you first said! You said there were only those Naras in the village, but there's four more here!"
Kuro gazed across the area, looking at the wounded Zoro with the Meowban brothers, how Nami was clutching her shoulder at Django's feet and the defeated pirates all around (he didn't see Luffy under the stempost) and Usopp out of the corner of his eye. No ninja in sight. "Ninja huh? Really…"
"W-well…they were here…until Oboro…and them…well…blew them away…"
"I didn't expect your defenses to be so feeble," Kuro continued as if they hadn't had that little discussion. His eyes narrowed as they focused their sights not only on Django, but the entire Black Cat pirate crew. "I'm in no mood to hear excuses."
"Feeble, he says? Us!?"
Zoro looked at the source of the voice. To his surprise it came from Siam. He was still shaking, but no longer from fear. Now he seemed to be shaking in anger, like he was unable to control himself.
He then saw that the other brother, Butchie, had a similar expression and stance. "Care to say that again, Captain Kuro?"
"Maybe you were strong…once," Siam continued, his voice growing more and more confident again. He flexed his cat nails as an added gesture, the sunlight gleaming of them.
Kuro's stance and expression did not change. "You have something to say?" He seemed completely unaware of the Meowban brothers suddenly changed in stance and intentions. Django, on the other hand, knew full well where the Meowban brothers were going with this. He shouted. "Avast!! Butchie! Siam! Belay that!"
The brothers either didn't hear him or didn't care. "A lot can change in three years," Siam said, a slight purr in his voice. "We ain't been living in a mansion growing soft and slow!"
"We're plundered countless villages! We've sent many a rival crew down to Davy Jones!" Butchie added. Fueled by their own boasts and rising confidence, they began to look ecstatic at what they were about to do.
"YOU'LL FIND THAT WE AIN'T SO EASY TO KILL!! SOMETIMES, THINGS DON'T GO AS PLANNED!"
"YOU'VE BEEN OUT OF ACTION FOR THREE YEARS! YOU THINK YOU CAN BEAT THE SHARP CLAWS OF THE MEOWBAN BROTHERS!?"
"They've got a point," Zoro heard one of the pirates say. Glancing back at the ones on the ground, he saw how all of them (Django was just standing there like a statue for some odd reason) were nodding slowly in agreement. "Even Captain Django…can't beat the two of them at once." Another one finished.
Kuro merely pushed up his glasses with his palm again.
Really? Zoro was slightly amazed at that proclamation. This was going to be easier than he thought. He then saw both brothers run strait past him and up to Kuro himself. They both swiped at them man…though instead of the man, it was the duffle bag that got shredded.
Nami looked at the sight from her position on the ground, since she had been slowly and carefully crawling away from Django towards two special items. Was that the replacement thing Sakura had used against Kin? What was it called again? She didn't remember since she had been more preoccupied at the time (i.e. watching Luffy's fight against Buggy).
"Who are you going to kill?"
Usopp paled. Kuro was standing behind the brothers! When did he move?! One second, he had been standing at the top of the hill and now he was standing behind the brothers! After Usopp calmed down from that shock, he did a double take and noticed the second difference: Kuro was wearing some fur/glove/things with a sword blade sticking out of each finger. When did he put those on!? Usopp briefly wondered how he put those on.
One of the pirates chocked "He p-pulled…a…a…PUSSYFOOT MANEUVER!!"
What the hell did that mean?
Siam swore. "He got behind us!" The two brothers immediately turned around to face Kuro, only to see that he disappeared again. What was going on?!
"You two were right. I have gotten soft." Kuro then appeared behind the brothers, casually laying his arms around their necks. He then used his 'thumb blade' of his Cat Claws and slightly touched their exposed necks with the tip.
Siam and Butchie were no longer confident or ecstatic. They were back to the shivering, fearful versions.
"It's true that I'm not your Captain anymore," Kuro replied, his voice still carrying that calm, uncaring attitude full of venom. "But I hired you to do a job and the penalty for failure is death."
"Nobody ever outmaneuvered the Meowban brothers before!" A pirate exclaimed, with mutters of agreement heard among the rest of the Black Cat Pirates.
"What did you fools expect?" All heads turned to the source: Django. He tipped his hat down again as he continued. "Captain Kuro's pussyfoot maneuver…is a technique for undetectable movement. You could gather 50 assassins, and they'd all be dead before they knew he was near. We've got to carry out his plan. When I saw him for the first after three years, and that habit of his, I shivered."
"Habit?" Many people asked. "What habit?"
In response, Django brought up his hand and put his palm towards his face. He then pushed inward, just like Kuro had done so many times before. "To avoid scratching his face with his 'Cat Claws', he pushes up his glasses up his nose like that. It's proof that he hasn't forgotten to kill!"
All the pirates gulped loudly at that, with Zoro, Usopp and Nami all deathly silent. Kuro then pushed his 'thumb blades' a tad bit into the brother's throats, just enough to break the skin and bled a little (both brothers cried out meeOWww). "Three years of inaction have soften my heart. You've got five minutes. If everything isn't sorted out by then: I'll kill every last one of you with my own hands."
'That's soft?' Nami thought disgusted, while the pirates panicked, many shouting that they didn't want to die!
"Damn," Usopp swore. "And to think that this devil has been living in our midst for three years!"
"Five minutes?" Django repeated. "W-we can finish this in five minutes!"
Kuro then removed his blades from the brother's throats and then push them forward with the back of his blades. "No problem!" Siam said in a hurry as he looked at Zoro anew. "We'll just kill him real quick, then we charge up the slope!"
Butchie nodded enthusiastically. "Aye! We were beating him before! He ain't so fearsome! He'll be shark bait in five seconds!"
"ZORO!" All heads turned to the source of the voice: Nami. Nami then throw her leg back and kicked the two discarded swords towards the former pirate hunter, who had an aghast look on his face. "Your swords!"
"You little…" Zoro started, trying very hard to keep his anger under control, which was no small feat since he was still angry over the oil slick thing. "First you trample me, and then you kick my swords!?"
Nami smiled as she quickly backed away from the hypnotist even further. "What? No thank you?"
Zoro reached out and caught his two swords. "Yes. Thanks!" He said with a smile on his face as he span back and faced his two opponents. Payback time! He looked at the two brothers, who were coming in for a 'scratch attack'. Zoro put Kuina's in his mouth, as he grabbed the second one with his left hand.
Butchie yelled as he ran. "You may have more swords now, but your pathetic skill is the same! You could have three thousand swords and it wouldn't make a difference!"
"Don't you two idiots know that wielding three swords and following Santoryu: The Three Sword Style, and following the Ittoryu: The One Sword Style, are two completely different things!"
The two brothers didn't bother to answer, they merely continued charging and bearing their claws at Zoro. Zoro swung his two swords behind him and then charged himself, yelling. "Tiger Trap!"
With a single swipe, he cut down both brothers, giving them both nasty cuts across their chests. Siam wasn't able to fake this time, Zoro thought amusingly. The sight caused everyone around him: Usopp, the pirates, Nami and Django to utterly gasp. Only Kuro seemed unaffected. Zoro then pointed his right sword at calm man. "Don't worry…it won't even take five minutes to trash you all!"
Usopp felt his jaw drop even lower at that statement. 'This…this man…he's incredible! We…we may actually win this!'
Kuro pushed up his glasses with his palm. "Try it!" He dared.
XXXXXXX – Forest around the North beach
Oboro, Kagari and Mubi continued to watch their prey struggle with the flames, illusions and occasionally kunai. They were still ensured in their genjutsu, Kasumi Juusha completely. The others had done their part perfectly as well.
In the midst of the hell – for all intents and purposes, it was hell – Shino and the others were vigorously trying to fend off all of the Rain Shinobi's attacks. It was taking so much energy to just stay alive, that none of them could even think of counterattacking. The only factor that was in their favor was that the fire wasn't spreading fast, mostly likely due to the fact that the forest still had high concentration levels of dew and moisture. Though, all the oil splashed on the terrain was still making the fires more intense and fierce by the minute. They did not have much time.
He spared a few moments to glace at his companions. There were approximately a hundred Narutos, all of them wildly attacking the illusion clones, although more than a few were destroyed by the flames. Sasuke was doing slightly better, waving in and out of the clones with surprising efficiency, but he also seemed to slowly be wearing down. Sakura was having the most difficulty. She was already out of breath and on her knees panting.
Shino himself was not fairing much better. He had to admit that Naruto's determination had been somewhat inspiring. Enough to make Shino realize that now was not the time for self pity, or else they would die. Bringing up a kunai to block yet another kunai, he found himself furiously trying to come up with an explanation to the Rain ninja's power. Again and again, he replied all the facts in his mind.
Nami looked over at Django to see that he was yelling at something on the ship. Or more accurately, he was yelling at someone. "Hey Butchie! Get down here! The bow's broken! And bring them with you!"
Them had been the Meowban brothers. Or so he thought. Django had told Butchie to bring them. Yet, the only other one that had come was Siam, the brother. That was strange. If it was just the brother, then shouldn't Django had said: And bring him with you?
Oboro then finished his last two: Hare. Snake. He shouted. "Doton: Bakuhatsu Funkakou no Jutsu (Earth Style: Eruption Crater)!"
There was a loud explosion, as if the ground itself had erupted, sending large amounts of dust and debris over nearly half of the slope everyone had been fighting on. It was so massive, it even caught the three at the top of the hill and nearly all the Straw Hats (plus Usopp) flying.
As he had said earlier, Eruption Crater shouldn't had caused that much damage. It had been four times as powerful as its specifications had stated. How?
"They were able to throw at three different directions," Sakura repeated, her eyes low. "To maintain a genjutsu like this, they must have at least one, preferably two with that distortion thing, maintaining it at all times. Which leaves a maximum of two free to throw kunai at us. Which means that they can only be at two different places at once, throwing from two different directions. But they were able to throw from three directions earlier, which should be impossible. The fact that they did means that we won't be able to track them at all. Not even if we were to disperse all the 'clones' at once and see what direction they're coming from. They'll be faints."
And how were the Rain shinobi able to pull off something impossible as an extra direction? Shino's first guess was that they were using a type of 'solid' clone for assistance, but if that was the case, then wouldn't they just use that instead of this illusion? Shino shook his head as he leaped from some of the fire that was coming closer. The Narutos numbered only about a third now. It was almost as if…as if…
Shino froze for a split second as he considered the possibility, nearly letting a kunai hit him.
Was it possible? Could the secret of their success be that simple? The more Shino thought about it, the more likely it seemed. But if that was the case, it didn't change things since they still had no way of making a counterattack.
He then looked at a Naruto, who was giving Shino his foxy grin. He then glanced at Sakura and Sasuke. It took Shino a second to realize what Naruto was indicating.
Naruto had a plan.
XXXXXXX – Nara household
Shikamaru stormed through the house. No sense in avoiding it now. Time was little and he could no longer afford to waste it. He could hear the snoring even as he had entered the house. He walked immediately walked to the kitchen and got a glass of water, then he walked to his parents room and slammed the door open.
He saw his parents sleeping soundly in their bed. His father on the left, mother on the right. His father had half the covers thrown off, his mouth open and tongue sticking out, with a nice touch of drool sliding down his mouth.
Shikamaru resolved to change his sleeping habits after the sight.
He then walked over to his father's side of the bed and poured the glass of water on Shikaku's face.
Shikaku reacted immediately, flinching, giving a small yell in surprise and falling out of the bed. He gave a soft moan, rubbed his head and finally looked up at his son. He grunted out an unintelligent 'Huh?' as if wondering what was going on.
"Listen. There's no time," Shikamaru started without preamble. "I need you to get up and get into your gear now."
Shikaku blinked at him.
Shikamaru continued on. "What Usopp said? A pirate attack coming at dawn? It's true. They're being stalled at the moment, but it's true. You're the sheriff and a Jonin, or so you claim. It's about time you start acting like one and defending this village. Ok?"
Shikaku yawned.
Shikamaru mentally sighed, trying to keep his irritation down. Did his father ever take anything seriously? "Get up. Get into your gear and head to North beach. Now!" Though he tried not to, a taste of disgust still entered his tone
"Alright, alright," Shikaku said dismissively, slowing getting off of the floor and on to his feet. He gave another powerful yawn and stretched out. He then took a full at his son. "You're wearing your kunai pouch."
"Of course I am." Shikamaru said, annoyance now appearing in his voice. He then immediately turned around and started walking out. "I'm doing something about it obviously. It's troublesome, but this something I can't just sit out on. Unlike someone…"
Shikaku made no visible reaction to any of his son's last comments. He merely said. "Yeah, yeah. I'll be there in five minutes…" He sounded completely disinterested, and yawning again.
Shikamaru merely shook his head as he walked out the door of his parent's. Shikaku continued staring blankly at the door for about three seconds before falling on his back with a loud thump and letting sleep take him again.
About ten minutes later, Shikamaru was running through the forest, trying to get to the North beach as fast as possible. Before Kaya went and did something stupid.
"KLAHADORE!!"
Too late…
Shikamaru wanted nothing more than to go and strangle something. He wasn't one normally to let his anger and frustration get ahold of him, but after arriving late again, his tolerance level was dropping more and more by the second. Why was NOTHING working out like it was freaking supposed to!? He briefly looked at the sky. "Someone must hate me up there…" He muttered angrily under his breath. Someone who was deliberately making him late, foiling all his plans, just to drive him crazy for his own twisted amusement!
Twenty seconds later, he appeared at the North beach, stopping just at the edge of the brush, letting the forest and shadows hid him. His jaw then dropped at the sight.
Almost all of the pirates were on the ground, moaning in pain. There were two others on the slope that had several large and nasty looking sword wounds on their chests. Though the bigger of the two seem to be staggering a bit, with the swordsman – 'what was his name again?' Shikamaru asked himself. 'Zero? Zeon? Zorro?' – further up the slope. Usopp was about 10 meters ahead of him, in bad shape, but nothing lethal or serious. The orange haired one – that one he was sure was called Nami – was down at the bottom of the slope, with that Straw Hat guy. His gaze then shifted to the top of the slope: where Kuro himself was standing.
He didn't know where that blond loudmouth, the raven haired boy with the attitude, the obnoxious pink hair girl, or the trench coat wonder were, but Shikamaru guessed they were still alive somewhere. Otherwise their bodies would still be around.
Shikamaru blinked twice and then rubbed his eyes once. He then took another look and reconfirmed everything. He didn't know what to think anymore. These Straw Hats weren't just stalling the pirates…
…they were WINNING!
"Merry told me everything." The sound of Kaya's voice jerked Shikamaru back to reality. He brought his hands together for the Rat sign and waited, ready to do his technique at a moments notice. He would only get one shot. He needed to make it count.
"Merry?" Kuro repeated calmly. "He lived? I thought I had killed him."
Kaya visibly flinched at Kuro's statement, clearing aghast at what she just heard. She then clenched her left fist. "I'm sorry…Usopp!" She then turned her gaze to the surprised teenager. "How can you ever forgive me? I was so wrong about you. I just couldn't believe…that Klahadore was a pirate."
"It's ok, Kaya!" Usopp screamed frantically. "Why'd you come here!? You've got to escape!! They're out to kill you!!!"
"BUT AREN'T YOU FIGHTING!?"
Nearly everyone was taken back at the surprising loud and strong voice. Kaya, with a few tears emerging, continued in a quieter voice, but still strong. "Even though we treated you so horribly? Even though you're bleeding all over? And complete strangers help you when the village turned its back on you? Why cannot I come and help end all this?"
"I'm…I'm a brave warrior of the sea!" Usopp said, not sure what he was trying to prove. "This is nothing compared to the time when I defeated a kisser fish from the Grand Line!"
Kaya gave a small giggle at that, not being able to help herself. She then looked directly at Kuro again. "Klahadore! If you want my fortune, I'll give it to you! Just take it and leave the village!"
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. So…she actually offered to do that. Could this actually work?
Kuro was silent for a second. Then he pushed up his glasses with his palm. "Not good enough, Miss Kaya. Yes, I want your fortune, but I also want…peace of mind." He paused, turning around fully to face her. "I spent three years earning the trust of the villagers here. I've grown comfortable; I can even relax. Only when I have that peace of mind and your wealth will my plan have been accomplished. Thus the pirate attack on the village and your accidental demise…" Kuro stopped for a moment, allowing a very small grin appear on his face as he finished. "…are both quite essential."
'Damn,' Shikamaru thought, shaking his head slightly. 'This guy really is a bastard.'
Kaya then withdrew a pistol and pointed it directly at Kuro. "Leave!"
No one said a word or visibly responded to Kaya's drastic action. Kaya then shouted, a ring of authority in her voice now. "LEAVE THIS VILLAGE ALONE!!"
That statement caused a reaction. Kuro said. "Hmm. You've really grown up in the last three years. And I've been at your side for the changes, haven't I? Even before you lost your parents and began ill, you and I spent a lot of time together. We went sailing together, took trips into town, when you had a fever, I stayed at your bedside day and night. I suffered with you…I laughed with you…I was your ever humble servant!"
By this time, Kuro was no longer looking at Kaya. He seemed fixated with the sky, as if it itself was showing all the memories. "I humored you, Miss Kaya. In all your silly dreams. And I endured it…" He then looked back at Kuro, his face spelling 'murder' all over it. "All for today! The day I could finally kill you!"
Kaya's tears were back, and she was now shaking badly all over. Her gun was drifting from side to side, not able to remain focus on any target.
"I, who was once the dread Captain Kuro, bowed and scraped to a spoiled little girl…and catered to her every whim, day and night! Can you not fathom my humiliation!?"
"KURO!!!" Usopp shouted, leaping to his feet and charging the man, arm thrown back with a fist ready.
'Oh crap…' Shikamaru thought. He immediate activated his Kagemane and launched his shadow forth towards Kuro. Two seconds after doing so, Kuro swiftly moved behind Usopp in a blink of an eye, stating that he intended to pay Usopp back for the earlier punch. 'No!' Shikamaru thought, a small amount of panic entering his mind. He immediately started to adjust his shadow. He had to move faster or else Usopp was going to be kil…
A fist shot out and hit Kuro squarely in the face.
Shikamaru's jaw dropped at that, breaking his concentration and thus his technique. Luffy's arm had just stretched over the entire slope and punched Kuro!? WHO THE HELL WERE THESE PEOPLE!?
Luffy grinned. "If you don't like getting hit…then I'll punch you a hundred more times!"
XXXXXXX – Back in the forest with Naruto and co
Oboro, Kagari and Mubi continued to watch as the remaining shadow clones were destroyed, leaving only the four weary and burned Konoha shinobi on the ground. The fires, despite the oil on the ground, were beginning to die out, no doubt because most of the fuel in the area was gone, leaving just barren ground. Oboro grinned behind his breathe mask. "They're done for. Let's finish them off. Up close and personal."
"Sounds good to me," Kagari agreed, picking up his sword.
"Everyone stand down for the moment. But be on guard anyway," Oboro said in a voice, just loud enough for his allies to hear. A few short seconds later, the three appeared appeared in front of the four shinobi. "I'm going to enjoy this," Mubi said, looking at the blond one.
Naruto let himself grin. "So…you cowards finally showed yourselves, huh?"
"Not quite." came Shino's voice. Oboro froze. That statement hadn't come from the bug boy kneeling right by Naruto. That voice had come from further back!
"Your secret is out," came Sakura's voice. Again, the girl panting on the ground right by Naruto hadn't said a word, yet they had clearly heard her voice! What was going on!?
The three Rain shinobi instantly began scanning the surroundings. A few seconds later, three forms came flying through the air and landing at their feet. Shigure, Midari and Baiu. All three were a similar bodysuit, with Shigure's having blue on it, and Midari's and Baiu's having grey. All had at least two umbrellas on their backs, though Shigure had six. Midari and Baiu had the Rain hitai-ite on their hats, while Shigure didn't have a visible headband.
Sasuke, Sakura and Shino then emerged from the directions that the newcomers had been thrown from respectively. Shino had a small whistle in his hand and threw it on the ground and then stomped down hard on it.
"What the hell just happened!?" Mubi cried. He then looked down at Shigure. "I thought you guys were supposed to stay hidden! That's what Kuro-sama told you to do!"
"Shut up!" Shigure retorted. He was far taller than the other two (with Baui being the smallest, and Midari being medium), and the only one without the hat. "We were doing what we were supposed to and keeping a watch on them!" He pointed at the four leaf ninja in front of them. He then pointed back at the brush where another Shino, Sakura and Sasuke were. "You tell me how they got there!"
"Suckers!" Naruto shouted at them. The six Rain ninja looked at the 'Sakura', 'Shino' and 'Sasuke' near him as they gave a small poof, dropping the henge. Three more Narutos were revealed. The Rain shinobi's gazes fell in realization. "The clones were just the first part. My real trick was impersonating the others and luring you losers out in the open."
"While Naruto was keeping you distracted," Shino picked up. "The rest of us were tracking down your friends. I told my theory to Sasuke and Sakura that there were additional Rain ninja about and they both thought it was plausible, so while Naruto was distracting you, we were hunting down your companions."
"You did?" Naruto asked. He hadn't known about that part.
"How the hell did you see through the Kamereon Manto?!" Midari demanded.
"Who's Cameron Manto?" Naruto asked.
"Kamereon Manto," Shino corrected. "Or Chameleon Cloak in the common tongue. It's how they deceived us. It allows the user to blend into their surroundings like a chameleon, hence the name."
Sakura picked up. "They were on the ship all that time with the Meowban brothers. Remember when Django said: and bring them with you? Them also meant these three new ones." She pointed at Shigure, Midari and Baui. "They activated that cloak thing while they were on the ship, and attacked while we were solely focused on Oboro and the others."
"Are we sure there aren't any more hiding?" Naruto asked.
Shino merely nodded. "I am certain. The insects have confirmed it as well. There are no other Rain shinobi aside from these six. In any event, that's why Eruption Crater was more powerful than it should have been," Shino continued. "It wasn't simply because Oboro was that strong…it was because the other three used it at the same time he did. That's why it seemed four times as powerful: it was simply four different techniques used simultaneously."
"The other three also explains how they 'did the impossible,''' Sasuke spoke up this time, sarcasm heavy in his voice at the last three words. "With the other three, they had more than enough numbers to maintain the illusions, that signal distortion thing and throwing at three directions at once. With six, they probably could had thrown in four completely different directions."
"But how did you find us!?" Midari demanded again.
Shino looked at Oboro, then focused on Baiu. "It was a mistake to tell everyone to stand down. Without the Signal Distortion activate, there was nothing hampering the Kikai. I unleashed a few and tracked him down. The insects are not confused by the cloak. They also guided Sakura and Sasuke to the approximate locations of the remaining two."
"I found that one," Sakura said, pointing at Midari now. "because several leaves had fallen and landed on top of his hat, and the cloak would shimmer every time a leaf hit it before returning to normal. It was very slight and easy to miss, but not if you have an idea of what you're looking for."
"I found my target because he was fidgeting, which also created those same distortions," Sasuke finished. "Most likely because he couldn't stand the thought of staying hidden while you three," He glanced at Oboro, Kagari and Mubi. "Took all the glory of 'killing us' and having them stay hidden."
"Now that we have you six losers in the open," Naruto said, cracking his knuckles. "We'll crush you!" That little statement immediately set everyone on guard. Shigure, Midari and Baiu all reached for the umbrellas on their backs, Naruto crossed his fingers, Kagari readied his sword, Sakura and Sasuke took out kunai, while raised his arms and the insects flew out, gathering in a mass horde around his hands, Mubi took a fighting stance while Oboro made a few quick signs.
"You wish!" Oboro shouted as he finished the last one. "We'll simply have to resort to our own ninjutsu. Oboro Bunshin no jutsu (Haze Clone technique)!" There was a large cloud of smoke covering the six Rain shinobi. A few seconds it dissipated, reviewing a hundred standard clones, comprising of all six of them. Under the cover of the smoke, all six Rain shinobi used Dochuu Eigyo (Underground Fish Projection) to hide their real physical underground. They would kill these leaf ninja yet!
They watched as all four leaf ninja charged the Haze clones and began fighting them again. Silently, they waited for their prey to get in the right spots. The six Rain shinobi couldn't help but laugh amongst themselves. These leaf ninja didn't learn, did they? They were just falling for their trap again!
For several minutes, Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke and Shino starting fighting the clones again. Unlike the illusionary ones, these ones were not being replaced and their numbers were being quickly decimated. That's when the Rain shinobi made their move, slowly emerging from the ground behind their targets. Shigure emerging behind Shino, Midari appearing behind Sasuke and Baiu going after Sakura; while the original three went after Naruto before he went and created another horde of shadow clones.
As they all emerged behind their intend targets, Shino immediately turned around and faced Shigure, who was halfway out of the ground. Shino gave Shigure a solid punch to the face, making him skid a few feet. Shino immediately shouted. "Sakura. Behind you, down to your left. Sasuke, your right. Naruto. Behind you. Three of them."
Immediately the other three shinobi turned and faced their adversaries, and all five of them went skidding across the ground themselves. The one that was hit by Sakura – Baiu – was hit so hard that he ended up crashing against a tree and lay there stunned. Though in Naruto's case, he hit Kagari, who landed on Mubi, who landed on Oboro and all three went rolling across the ground.
"We will not fall for your methods twice." Shino stated simply. They had found the Rain shinobi due to the female bugs that Shino discreetly planted on them during the last conversation.
All the Rain ninja snarled in protest and charged the leaf ninja. Shigure ran towards Shino and threw one of his umbrellas up into the air, crying. "Jouro Senbon (Sprinkling Needles)!
Immediately the umbrella began spinning in the air, releasing dozens of needles. Shigure held up his hands towards Shino and every single of the needles went flying towards the bug user, who was forming his own signs.
"Mushi Kabe no Jutsu (Insect Wall Technique)!"
Immediately, the bugs around Shino's hands and many more from his body flew out and formed a dome around the Aburame completely, flying at a furious speed. The needles soared through and struck the bug barrier. Though it cost many Kikai their lives, not a single needle managed to get through to Shino.
"What the hell!?" Shigure yelled as the last of the needles failed. He immediately reached for another umbrella while Shino's voice said. "I think not."
The insects then broke from the wall formation and attacked Shigure. Desperately, Shigure tried to swat them with an umbrella in each hand. The attempt was futile as Shigure was instantly covered and screamed as he died under the horde of insects. Afterwards, the bugs flew away from the corpse and back into Shino's body, with Shino merely looking at the sight.
As for the others, Midari stopped skidding and rebounded himself. He grabbed an umbrella from his back and through it strait at Sasuke. Sasuke countered by throwing a kunai directly at the umbrella. The kunai and umbrella hit, but the umbrella seemed to burst, revealing many more shuriken and kunai, all going strait for Sasuke, who looked very surprised at the feat. Midari felt himself grin. "How do you like my Amagasa Ihyou (Umbrella Surprise)?" He asked as Sasuke was punctured with the weapons.
Midari let out a satisfied chuckle as he walked forward to inspect the body, only that it went poof in a puff of smoke and revealing a log in its place…with an EXPLODING TAG ON IT! 'Substitution!' Midari barely had time to cross his arms in front of him as the blast went off. He was propelled backwards right into the real Sauske's front thrust kick to the face. Midari lost consciousness immediately.
Oboro, Mubi and Kagari recovered themselves and started to charge Naruto…only to realize that there were now three hundred of him…completely surrounding the three.
"How do you like it?" All the Narutos asked. The only response was a loud gulp from the three.
Two minutes later…
Oboro, Kagari and Mubi lay on the ground, unconscious and beaten quite badly. Despite the odds against them, the three put up a valiant effort, managing to destroy 43 shadow clones between them before being overcome by sheer numbers.
As for Baiu, he slowly came aware of his surroundings. Dazed, he looked up and paled slightly. Naurtos, Shino, Sasuke and Sakura were all looking directly at him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw his fallen comrades and paled worse. "Now…" Shino said, getting Baiu's attention. "There are some matters to clear up."
Baiu wanted to cry.
XXXXXXX – Back at North Beach
The pirates (and Shikamaru) were still completely startled on how Luffy's arm stretched out and actually hit Kuro himself directly in the face. That's when three small, yet familiar shapes emerged from the bushes.
Onion, Pepper and Carrot.
Carrot was crying a frying pan, yelling. "Usopp's Pirate Crew! Ready for action!"
Pepper was crying a baseball bat, shouting. "Prepare yourself, you smelly butt-ler!!"
Onion was crying a small shovel, agreeing with. "Yeah! Smelly butt-ler!"
All three young boys pounded Kuro's face with their 'weapons' repeatedly, despite all of Usopp's and Kaya's protesting. Not one of the boys listened, instead they yelled things like 'Revenge, revenge!', 'You pirates have disturbed the peace of our village!' and 'Take that!'
"Holy crap!" One of the Black Cat pirates said. "Those small fry brats are cobbering Captain Kuro!" Django was also quite astonished. Was his former captain actually weak, like the Meowban brothers had claimed? Yet, Kuro had easily bested the two. Just what was going on!?
Finally, the three boys stopped their rampage. "That ought to teach him!" Carrot declared boldly. He and the other two looked directly at Usopp. "I knew it! The Captain's been fighting!"
"Why didn't you tell us!?" Pepper demanded, swinging his bat around. "You smell like sweat and blood!"
"No! He smells like he's forgotten his faithful crewmen!" Onion shouted.
"Yeah!!" Pepper and Carrot agreed immediately.
"I don't care what I smell like!" Usopp retorted. "You gotta scram! NOW!!"
"No!" Carrot said. "We're with you, Captain!"
"We're gonna fight!" Pepper agreed.
"Running away would disgrace Usopp's Pirate Crew!" Onion finished.
That's when Kuro stood up right behind them. There was a deathly silence as he pushed up his glasses with his palm again, only to have the lens shattered. Immediately, the three young children panicked, eyes bulging. Kuro then took a few steps towards them…then stopped all of the sudden.
Django noticed that unusual stop. "Captain…"
"You're not going anywhere," Came a voice from the brush. "Not this time."
Kuro said nothing, even as he walked a few steps forward. From the brush, a young boy with pineapple hair emerged. For every step this boy took, Kuro took one as well. "Now that I've caught you with my shadow, this game is over. Checkmate."
Nami recovered first. "Hey! I know you! You were that mama's boy, Shikamaru from the restaurant!"
"I am not a mama's boy, thank you very much!" Shikamaru yelled at the troublesome woman. The very thought of being him being a mama's boy made Shikamaru slightly sick to his stomach.
"You," Kuro said finally. "are one of the Naras." It wasn't a question either.
"Yeah? What about it?" Shikamaru asked.
Instead of answering, Kuro spoke directly to Luffy. "That punch actually hurt. You display an unusual ability. You must have the power of the Devil Fruit."
Luffy flexed his muscles and made a prideful grin. "That's right! I ate the Gum Gum Fruit! I'm a Gum Gum Man!"
"A Devil Fruit?" Shikamaru asked. "What's that? Some kind of sea pickle?" No one answered him, much to his annoyance.
"A Gum Gum Man?" Django repeated this time. "So that arm stretching was no illusion! But I hit him with my chakram and he's still walking. Not to mention he had fallen from a cliff and broke his neck! How can he still be living!?"
'Arm stretching?' Shikamaru thought. 'I see. So…when Luffy's arm stretched over the entire cliff, that was real. It seems that this Devil Fruit thing gave him that ability somehow. I wonder what else this guy can do.'
"Django!" Kuro yelled, gaining everyone's attention. "I'll kill the Gum Gum man. You just deal with Kaya. Force her to write the will as planned, and then kill her. And these three little brats, while you're at it."
"Aye, aye," Django answered.
"And I heard that you smart," Shikamaru said. "Don't you realize it's over? I have you in my shadow. I control your every movement. You're completely within my grasp." For another four minutes anyway, he added mentally, but that was plenty of time.
"Easily rectified," Django called down from the bottom of the hill. He swung his arm back and threw his chakram at Shikamaru, using complete accuracy.
Shikamaru easily countered. He stretched out his left arm. And by default, Kuro's left arm moved as well. The blades on his Cat Claws easily blocked the flying ring. Django and the pirates gasped loudly.
"I told you," Shikamaru said, now pointing with his left arm (and Kuro's) at the pirates as added emphasis. "I control your boss completely. I can even make him attack you, if I wish. You've all lost. All with the power of my shadow."
"COOL!!!" All eyes turned to Luffy, who was looking at Shikamaru in complete awe. "Are you a badger!?"
Nearly everyone sweatdropped. "Do I look like a freaking badger to you!?" Shikamaru shouted.
"YES!"
"Don't ask why," Nami said, sighing and remembering the Chicken story. "You don't want to know."
"You should join my crew, Badger Man!"
"Hell no!"
"Just what we need," Zoro said sarcastically, then he shrugged. "Oh well." He looked directly at Shikamaru. "Welcome aboard kid!"
"Shut up!"
"And kill this badger brat while you're at it." Kuro added.
"Ok. That does it," Shikamaru said, moving Kuro. "Time to end this."
"Indeed," Django said. "Butchie! Now!"
"What?" Shikamaru asked, looking around. He then noticed a large figure above him. "Oh…crap…" Having little choice, he disconnected his shadow from Kuro and jumped back, while Butchie yelled. "Catapult Catastrophe!"
Butchie landed on the ground and devastated it, causing nearly ten times the amount of damage that he had done earlier. Shikamaru caught the worst of it, and being flung against a tree, which he hit rather hard. "What a troublesome cat," Shikamaru complained.
Butchie came right at Shikamaru again, who prepared to use his shadow again. It wasn't necessary as Zoro appeared and hit Butchie with the back of two his swords to the cliff. "If you're going to fight anyone, it'll be me." Zoro said. "Even though you've already lost to me, you damned cat!"
Butchie merely roared at Zoro and charged him. During all this time, Django had walked up and was close to Kaya, though the three boys in front of her.
"Usopp's Pirates!" Usopp cried, gaining their attention. Before any of them could say anything, he added. "Protect Miss Kaya! I'm entrusting you three with the most important duty of all! Get Kaya away from here safely! Don't let me down men! That's an order from your Captain!"
"Aye aye, sir!" The three boys cried at once as they began hurrying Kaya away.
Django took out two more rings and began twirling them on his fingers. Shikamaru saw that and moved in front of Kaya and the kids. "You won't pass," Shikamaru said evenly, withdrawing a kunai. He then added, without looking at them. "What are you guys waiting for? Move!"
"Right!" Onion, Pepper and Carrot all said, taking Kaya into the forest.
Django looked at Shikamaru but didn't say anything. The two merely looked at each other. 'What is he waiting for?' Shikamaru asked himself. Kuro was walking towards the straw hat idiot, sword guy was still fighting the overgrown cat and the reminder pirates were still on the ground, just like the one with green hair…wait a second…Shikamaru began looking anew. Where was the other brother?
Shikamaru got his answer a few seconds later, when Siam came running at him from Shikamaru's left. Unlike the other brother, this one was obviously still affected by the large wounds on his chest. He wasn't running properly, half stumbling, but he had a very frantic look in his eyes.
Shikamaru was force to retreat backwards a bit and brought his kunai to block Siam's cat nail claws. Siam took a couple of deep sniffs and started shrieking. Shikamaru looked at him. He was close to taking offense to that. His kunai didn't smell that bad…did they?
Nami came up behind Siam and whacked him hard in the back of the head with her staff, returning him back to the ground. And this time, he wasn't going to be getting back up anytime soon. Shikamaru merely nodded at her, not wanting to thank a girl for help. Nami merely waved her hand in front of her nose several times before plugging it, saying. "That hypnotist got past us," She said. "You go on ahead and help Kaya and the boys. I need to go make sure that our ships our safe."
"Fine, fine," Shikamaru said annoyed, not bothering to point out that not one of the pirates were even looking at the two small boats. Instead, he turned around and dashed into the forest, muttering just how troublesome this whole thing was.
If his instincts were right…the straw hat idiot could take care of Kuro. Or at least stall him until his dad got there. Where was he anyway? Shikamaru shook his head. That wasn't important right now. He just had to focus on stopping Django. And then he could forget all of this mess and go back to cloud gazing.
End of Chapter 16
A/N: And so ends the chapter, with the Rain Genin finally defeated. I must say that it went a lot longer than I originally thought it would, but overall, I thought it went rather well.
Anyone remember Team Shigure? There were the ones that got slaughtered by Gaara during the second exam. Like Team Oboro, they too were always planned for this arc. Originally, it was because I thought that Team Oboro alone wouldn't be enough challenge for Naruto, Shino, Sakura and Sasuke. Looking back, I'm not sure if that's accurate anymore, but oh well. This time around, I tried to put little clues and hints that showed that there could be other Rain shinobi with Kuro ahead of time. Not sure if I did a good job with that, but I did try.
Shikamaru's been difficult to handle in this arc so far. I didn't want him to disrupt events too much or have him take the spotlight from the Straw Hats, but with his wait and see approach, I figured he wouldn't act until the right moment anyway, so I kinda stalled him that fit the story needs. I hope he still seems in character for everyone.
Many authors usually input some type of 'Jutsu Encyclopedia' in their chapters to explain all the mechanics of a technique. After taking a double look at the last chapter, where I introduced some original techniques and referred to a Filler one, I found that the techniques could have been explained better, so I think I'll start my own 'Jutsu Encyclopedia' from this chapter on. I'll go ahead on put my previous creation in as well, just to be thorough, as well as canon techniques since some may not be as well known. Definitions for Naruto canon and filler moves come from the Leafninja website, which I consider an accurate source. I'll also add for the One Piece moves as well, just to be fair and make sure I'm using them correctly. Using my One Piece Encyclopedia as a source here.
Oto Geiru (Sound Gale) is a ninjutsu used by Dosu. Dosu gathers his chakra around his Amplifer, which converts the chakra into pure sound. Dosu then launches the 'sound blast' at his opponent, which is not unlike a wind based one. C Ranked ninjutsu. Original technique
Santoryu: Tiger Trap (Tora Gari) Zoro puts his hand swords over his mouth blade and swings forward with them. The pun in the name is that "Tora Gari" is also a type of Mohican haircut. Canon technique
Pussyfoot Maneuver ((Nuki Ashi (Steath Foot) / (Stealth Walk)) An ability in which Kuro moves to a certain location (usually behind an opponent) extremely quick, almost looking like he teleported. He initiates this move by performing several quick foot movements to propel himself to another location, much like CP9's Soru, except that his feet's movements are more noticealbe, suggesting that this ability is a rudimentary form of Soru. Canon technique
Kasumi Juusha no Jutsu (Mist Servant Technique) is a genjutsu technique that creates false attackers to delay and confuse the enemy. Though these servants are not real, the actual ninja is able to remain hidden and throw kunai and shuriken matching the movements of the servants. This makes it appear the false servants are capable of attacking. When the enemy attempts to attack the servant, they will merely disrupt the servants illusion body but not destroy it. D ranked genjutsu. Canon technique
Suiton: Kokuun no Jutsu (Water Style: Black Clouds Technique) is a ninjutsu technique used by the Rain ninja Kagari which utilizes the Water Element. After forming the necessary hand seals, a black mist will emit from his body and rise into the sky. Black clouds will form, releasing a flammable rain of oil onto his targets. C ranked ninjutsu. Filler technique
Doton: Bakuhatsu Funkakou no Jutsu (Earth Style: Eruption Crater) is a ninjutsu of the Earth Element. It causes a small radius (about 3 meters) of the ground to 'erupt' violently and quickly, spreading large amounts of dust and debris. Despite those qualities, the resulting damage is not very high. This jutsu is used mostly as a quick distraction, preferably on large groups. Though, people standing at the core of the 'eruption' will find themselves blown into the air at least fifteen meters away. C ranked ninjutsu. Original technique
Konchuu Fugouhizumi no Jutsu (Bug Signal Distortion) is a ninjutsu used by Baiu. Using a whistle as a focal point, Baiu emits a high pitched noise that is not audible to humans; but is to bugs – and to a less extend – rodents, birds and other such creatures. It's so high pitched that it drives the animals crazy, making them unable to function. Affects approximately a 100 meter radius. C ranked ninjutsu. Original technique
Ninpou: Kamereon Manto (Ninja Art: Chameleon Cloak) is a ninjutsu technique used by the Rain genin. Allows the user to blend into their surroundings like a chameleon, hence the name. While a good camouflage technique, it has several flaws, the most apparent is that when the user moves, slight but obvious distortions appear. The more prominent the movement, the more obvious the distortions are. C ranked ninjutsu. Original technique
Dochuu Eigyo (Underground Fish Projection) is a ninjutsu technique utilizing the Earth Element. Using the Oboro Bunshin, the Rain Genin use the clones to confuse their enemies and then hide within the earth. From the shadows of the clones, the actual ninja can then attack their target. C ranked ninjutsu. Canon technique
Oboro Bunshin no Jutsu (Haze Clone Technique) is a ninjutsu technique utilized by the Rain Genin team lead by Oboro. Oboro Bunshin is a normal Bunshin technique that created approximately a hundred clones of their Genin team. Due to the number of clones created, Oboro and his team can take the opportunity to hide from their target. To attack their target they will hide in the shadows of the clones and attack from underground. C ranked ninjutsu. Canon technique
Kagemane no Jutsu (Shadow Imitation Technique) is a Ninjutsu technique developed by the Nara clan. Its original purpose was as a skill to help delay any pursuers. After forming the needed hand seals, the clan member is able to manipulate their shadow along any surface. By using other nearby shadows they can further extend the reach of their shadow, however they are limited to the surface area of the original cast shadow. Once the clan members shadow reaches the target shadow, it will attach itself. While attached the target will be frozen, only able to replicate in mirror form the actions of the clan member. If the clan member is low on chakra, the Kagemane will falter and the shadow will return to its normal form. Rank unknown. Canon technique
Jouro Senbon (Sprinkling Needles) is a technique that is utilized by Rain ninjas. After hurling their umbrellas into the air, they will unleash a torrent of needles. Using their chakra they can guide these needles towards their opponent. C ranked ninjutsu. Canon technique
Mushi Kabe no Jutsu (Insect Wall Technique) is a technique utilized by the Aburame clan of Leaf village. After forming the needed handseals, the clan user will expel the Kikaichu living in their body. The bugs will surround the member and fly at a high rate of speed forming a protective wall vortex. The vortex will be strong enough to destroy incoming bug attacks. The vortex can be disrupted and the clan members inside rendered vulnerable if sufficient explosive force is expended outside the protective shell. Rank unknown. Filler technique
Amagasa Ihyou (Umbrella Surprise) is the 'name' of the technique used by disguised Iruka in the Anime, episode 21. The user throws an umbrella, loaded with hidden kunai and shuriken. When it clashes with another object, the umbrella launches the kunai and shuriken at the opponent. If the opponent is caught by surprise, the opponent can easily be maimed and even killed. D ranked ninjutsu. Filler technique
Wow…that was a rather long list…
Nami's Ultimate Idiot Competition – Luffy: 29, Naruto: 23
May the Kage Bunshin and Gomu Gomu no Bazooka be with you!
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or Naruto. They belong to their respective owners: Eiichiro Oda and Masashi Kishimoto.