Their Pain
Naruto stuck close to Iruka. It was just the two of them since Pervy Sage had yet to catch up to them. Several times they'd taken detours when either suspected that the Sound was nearby. They were close to home but still deep within the forest.
"I still think I should go on my own. Dad, you can bring back help – I can handle myself!" Naruto said for what seemed like the hundredth time.
"I don't doubt you son but it's not much of a plan, either of us could get captured or hurt fighting alone. You have the Nine-Tailed to help you but it doesn't mean you're indestructible. Remember what happened against the San-ken! Kabuto may or may not have that kind of power but he's got medicine on his side. Please Naruto, there's strength in numbers and with any luck we'll out run them!" Some of what Naruto said was true, he could hold his own in a fight but at the same time he was loathed to leave his son to fight alone. Konoha was so close.
Iruka looked around. The forest was very dense here letting in very little light. If the trees weren't so thick, he'd try letting off a signal that maybe the lookouts would see in the village but where they were now, only the trees and birds would see any signal. He blinked. Of course!
"Naruto search for birds! Lots of birds!" At Naruto's confused expression, he explained. "A signal! If we can signal the village – help will come!"
Naruto looked up. "They won't see it! The trees…birds!" He grinned at his father. "Great thinking Dad!" If they could startle enough birds then the village guards would get suspicious that something was happening so close the village and send out scouts – help!
Iruka mentally counted how many explosive tags he carried as he looked up for trees full of birds. Ahead of him he saw Naruto doing the same. Both of them felt excitement that this chase just might be coming to an end and that they could finally go home.
But that didn't last long. It only took a minute or two before they realized that there were no birds. None to be found. In fact, even the sounds of the insects had lessened. All around them, the forest had grown unnaturally quiet. In their rush to get home, they hadn't noticed that somehow the enemy had already surrounded them.
Naruto looked back at his father and saw anger. Iruka was upset that the lack of noise had escaped his attention. Naruto was upset as well since it meant that Iruka was now in danger because of him. "Dad…"
"We'll fight." Iruka interrupted him. "We're still close enough to the village to attract some attention. Let's get on the ground. I'll watch your back and you watch mine. Okay Son?" Iruka had stopped in the tree behind Naruto. He shrugged out of his backpack and stowed it in the tree. Iruka stood with one hand on his hip and a cocky smile on his face. "Together." Iruka refused to let fear of Naruto's safety control him. Both of them were damn good ninjas as the Sound were about to find out.
Naruto faced his father with no expression. He knew Iruka was more than just a teacher, he was a ninja first but the man he looked at now was his father. They'd fought together before and Iruka had showed him a few things that had impressed Naruto. It was stupid to worry since danger was their business. It's the same. The way I worry over Hinata when she's on a mission – I worry just the same for Dad! Naruto sighed, this loving business was too damn hard but he'd never, ever give it up! "Sure thing – just make sure you keep up Dad!" He too removed his backpack. Naruto put his hands on his hips. "'Cause you know I'm the Man!" Laughing he jumped out of the tree.
Iruka's mouth dropped open surprised that Naruto could laugh and joke at a time like this but then he had to smile – that was just Naruto and he'd never change him. "Boy maybe – I'm the man here!" Iruka said joining Naruto on the ground.
They looked at each and nodded before showing the other his back and pulling out a kunai. Standing there feeling the heat of the body behind them, they waited on the enemy to make their move.
Kabuto laughed softly. He was at the top of a tree several yards away. "Took you guys long enough to realize we were here. You're so confident of Naruto's power that you let down your guard." He shook his head. "Well then, let's see how long you can last." Kabuto nodded at man below him and watched as he moved swiftly to set the plan in motion. "You'll never be a match for me Naruto!" He crossed his arms ready to be entertained.
Naruto tensed when a Sound ninja suddenly appeared before him and then from the corner of his eye, he saw another one before his father. Both men wore these weird devices on each arm.
"Careful Naruto, it looks like these guys know something about using sound waves." We could be in trouble here. Iruka didn't like this one bit. Ordinary ninja they had a chance of defeating but true Sound ninja, he wasn't so sure.
Naruto cursed under his breath. These guys were like Dosu and Kin at the first Chunin exams. Shikamaru and Choji both said they never wanted to go up against guys like that again. Defending yourself against sound was near to impossible. "Maybe we should try and break those things." Naruto whispered over his shoulder.
"Yeah. Do it!" Iruka agreed and as one they rushed their opponents throwing kunai at what appeared to be hinges on the metal frames that extended from shoulder to wrist of the enemy ninja.
The Sound just smiled as the kunai bounced off. They jumped backwards then up out of reach and performed an impressive series of mid-air turns sending air through their sound machines.
At first nothing seemed to happen as father and son continued to pursue the men when all of a sudden there was a great whoosh of air knocking them down to their knees. As many times as the Sound turned about – more and more sound waves attacked Naruto and Iruka pressing them into the ground or pushing them around on the forest floor.
At last the Sound ninja completed their acrobatics and landed gently. There was pleasure written all over their faces as the Leaf ninja writhed on the ground covering their ears and moaning. Bowing to each other they stepped backwards and disappeared from sight.
He couldn't hear. His muscles twitched refusing to move properly. Iruka kept his hands over his ears but the pain and echo inside his head was killing. He squinted trying to find Naruto. Maybe he hadn't been as affected as him. Tears filled his eyes as he searched for the enemy and his son. Iruka rolled over still unable to remove his hands from his ears to locate Naruto.
Naruto was curled in the fetal position. If he had been able, he would have buried his head in the earth to escape the torturous sound waves. His mind had gone blank, all thoughts of fighting, protecting Iruka – everything had been wiped clean. He cried and moaned.
Iruka's body seemed to obey him once again but it had taken too much time. He thought it suspicious that Kabuto hadn't made a move when both of them were down and helpless on the ground. Crawling, he watched for more attacks as he went to check on Naruto. He didn't like how Naruto was still curled in on himself. They were supposed to be helping each other but how were they going to do anything after that last attack. Iruka was really worried now because he couldn't hear a damn thing!
Somewhere within the depths of anguish, Naruto felt a hand shaking him. It went on the shaking and slowly some of the pain went away. Limbs trembling, Naruto groaned as he removed his knees from his stomach. His whole body hurt. Opening his tear filled eyes he looked up into his father's face. He saw tears to match his own run down Iruka's face and a look of relief in his eyes.
"Naruto can you hear me?!" Iruka shouted.
"What?!" Naruto realized he could hear nothing. Nothing! He reached up to touch his ears checking to see if they were still there. They were but his fingers came back with blood on them. He blinked then grabbed Iruka's head and turned it to see his ears – blood oozed out of them too.
Iruka pulled away pointed to his ears and shook his head then pointed to Naruto who also shook his head. They looked helplessly at each other then automatically looked for the enemy for now they could only see them coming and not hear them – a definite disadvantage.
It didn't take long after that realization that the Sound showed up. In moments they were surrounded. The only good that they could see was that this group had normal weapons. Iruka and Naruto helped each other to stand up. They had no choice but to fight. Again they stood back to back knowing this was the only way. Neither could leave the other's side if they were to survive.
Jiraiya cursed himself and called himself several dirty names. After taking out that one Sound ninja, he had chased after the other two for a couple of hours before finally coming up with a way to trap them. Once captured, he threatened them to get them to talk but he needn't have bothered. The fools gloated that it was their job was to separate him from Naruto and the great Sannin had done just what they'd wanted him to.
Incensed Jiraiya didn't even give them a backwards glance as he walked away and let them sink into the underworld swamp he'd created. Their screams were only heard by the forest creatures because he'd already left hurrying to catch up to Iruka and Naruto.
It really irked him that he'd been fooled by such a simple plan and it made him wonder that if he'd fallen for such an easy ploy – what sort of tricks was this Kabuto going to use on Naruto and Iruka. Since he'd been trying really hard to catch those two Sound ninja and keep them from reaching their comrades and giving away the direction Naruto had been heading, Jiraiya hadn't paid much attention to just how far they'd traveled. They'd headed back towards the town they'd just left but skirted it going far off in the opposite direction. His heart thumped as the realized he was more than a half day away from his friends. "DAMMIT!! DAMMIT!!" Stopping suddenly, Jiraiya bit his thumb then began the Summoning Jutsu. A large toad appeared and he hopped onto its back. This was the only way he was going to be able to reach Naruto in time to be of any use. "Hurry! My friends are in danger!" He urged the toad and silently told them to hold on, that he was coming.
It was close combat. They did well all things considered. Because of their training they reacted better than they thought they would. The shocks to their systems were wearing off. Naruto's feeling of sickness dissipated and his attacks became sharper. The dull sounds of his fists hitting flesh became clearer and then his ears popped. It shook him up a bit, to suddenly be able to hear again. Naruto paused and in the process took a foot to the stomach. It launched him backwards and he knocked into Iruka throwing his father off balance.
"Dad! Can you hear me?" Naruto caught his father's arm and looked into his face. He couldn't spend much time talking since the fists, feet and kunai kept coming. "Dad!"
Iruka felt better but he still couldn't move as well as he should and the echo in his ears lingered. He thought he heard Naruto call out to him but he just wasn't sure. When he was able, Iruka would shake his head violently hoping to exert some pressure on his eardrums and then maybe then he would be able to hear.
Not getting an answer, Naruto knew Iruka still messed up. It must be his quick healing powers that allowed him to hear so quickly. It took several minutes of trading blows before he had the opportunity to create five clones. Three of them quickly surrounded Iruka. They were going to protect him so that he would have time to recover completely. The other two joined Naruto for a free for all fight with the Sound.
Iruka dropped down into a crouch and covered his ears. He breathed deeply in and out but he never took his eyes off his son – sons! A smile appeared on his face thinking of Naruto as quintuplets! If there were truly that many and all just alike, he'd be old and bald by the time he was thirty-five!
Naruto was actually starting to enjoy himself. After three weeks of no fighting he marveled that he hadn't gotten bored. Excitement and energy flowed through him as he jumped, pounded a face into the ground then hopped away before another enemy could touch him.
Still as well as he was fighting, they were outnumbered. Deciding that a big attack might by them sometime, Naruto made his way back to his father's side. Iruka was still trying to get his hearing back. The other clones, except for one held back the enemy. He threw out some shuriken even as the Rasengan formed in his hand. Naruto reached down and jerked Iruka to his feet then linked their arms. "Go!" He told his clones. All five jumped backwards protecting their back as the original, with father in tow ran forward into a group of Sound ninja.
Bodies spun up and into the air. Rocks and chunks of earth created a debris field as the Rasengan made a path for them. Behind them the other Narutos stayed and fought until each one was taken out. Naruto and Iruka disappeared.
"Thanks Son." Iruka whispered. Naruto had gotten them out of there and the force of his attack had finally opened his ears.
Naruto spun to his father looking him up and down. He reached out and touched his dad's ears. "Can you hear?" It wasn't that much of a hiding place but it had been the first thing Naruto had seen. A small grouping of rocks with barely enough room for the two of them to fit between was their momentary hidey hole.
"Yeah. Good job." He patted Naruto's arm then frowned when Naruto cupped his face.
"Go home Dad." Naruto held Iruka tightly. "Go home and bring back help. Kabuto is up to something. He could have killed us easily after that first attack but he didn't." Naruto closed his eyes. "That guy hates me for some reason. Dad, please…it's bound to get worse. Go home or – or at least try to attract some attention to us! Nothing that's happened would have been noticed by the village yet." Blue eyes opened and begged Iruka to go.
His first instinct was to say no but he feared Naruto was right. Kabuto was definitely planning something. Maybe he was just giving them false hope and would soon attack to dash those hopes away. Iruka broke Naruto's grasp on his face then pulled the boy into a hug and whispered into his ear. "I won't go far – I can't. Leaving you behind isn't something I can do. Just far enough away to set off a few bombs. Use your clones and think Naruto, think. It's the best weapon – your brain. If you can outsmart them – we've won." He crushed Naruto to him. "You hear me?"
Naruto was already breathing easier even as his throat tightened. "I hear you Dad." He breathed deeply inhaling his father's scent. Underneath the sweat and dirt, the scent of his father comforted him greatly. "I'll go out first – give me a couple minutes then go. Love you Dad." Naruto released him and was gone before Iruka could say a word.
Iruka opened his mouth but closed it again. They wouldn't be separated for very long. Peering out he saw Naruto create a clone of him and then watched himself and Naruto take off. "Well at least a part of me is with him." Once they were out of sight, he slipped from the rocks and ran towards the village.
Kabuto signaled for them to fan out. They couldn't have gone far. I bet they're thinking I made a mistake. Ha! Nope, this plan is definitely going to work. I left you alone for a reason after that sound attack. Now I know just how tear you apart. Naruto, you're still a child trying to live in a man's world – My World. Forget Iruka, I'll teach you a few things before I kill you.
"We've spotted them but they're using clones again. The kid and man going in one direction and the same man in another." A Sound ninja joined Kabuto in the tree. "Which would you like us to tackle first?"
Kabuto thought for a moment. Naruto could create multiple clones not only of himself but of other people as well. "All of them. All, no matter how many of them you see. Find the real ones and bring them to the spot. We should wrap this up quickly before Jiraiya catches up to us. He shows up, the whole plan is doomed. Scatter!" After a moment, he jumped from limb to limb until he reached the ground. The final act was about to open and he wanted a good seat.
For about twenty minutes, Naruto thought they were going to get away but that fragile wish died a quick death. He hadn't even heard them coming. Were they lying in wait? Were there that many of them that all they had to do was sit and wait for me to show up? "Not good. Dad, you better hurry up!" Naruto whispered and stopped as ten, no twenty, no thirty Sound ninja dropped from the trees, rose from the earth and ran out of the woods to block his path. "Ah shit!"
Iruka had set up his bombs carefully and had to camouflage himself several times from all the damn Sound. It was almost like it was a forest of Sound ninja! He'd situated the bombs close to a large cropping of trees and rocks. The trees should catch fire and the exploding rocks would travel high and far – he hoped. Finally satisfied with the setup, Iruka leapt up and a good distance away from the danger zone. The signal would have to be lit from afar. It was from up there in the tree that he saw Naruto become surrounded by more ninja than he could count.
He almost abandoned the plan to get help but Iruka steadied himself. Naruto could handle it. He was more than able to create just as many clones to help him. It was his job to first make sure they would get help from the village then help Naruto. Iruka made himself turn his back on the sight of Naruto alone in the mist of enemies.
Taking a deep breath, Iruka pulled out his last explosive tag and attached it to a kunai. He would activate this one and throw it. When it made contact with just one of the others, it would set off a chain reaction lighting all the others for a grand explosion. Fingers up close to his face, Iruka concentrated on the tag before him, then was knocked off the limb by two black shod feet. The kunai and tag fell harmlessly to the forest floor.
"Damn!" Iruka cursed as he turned mid-air so that he would land on his feet. He'd been so busy making himself not watch Naruto that he hadn't been looking out for the enemy either. In a low crouch he looked for the kunai and saw it just under bush. None of the Sound had noticed it. If he could just get to it…
He surged forward aggressively. Iruka attacked the three men before him. They didn't need to be dead, just hurt enough for him to reach the kunai. Iruka feinted a punch but kicked instead catching one man in the jaw sending him flying into his partner. The last one pulled a sword on him and Iruka ended up backing off in order to keep his head. As the sword came down again, he caught it between his hands and wrenched it from the man's grasp. It flew up into the air but the hilt landed in Iruka's palm. He hadn't intended to kill the man but when he rushed him, Iruka jammed the sword in his throat.
It was there – just a few feet to his left. Iruka pulled out the sword, held onto it and ran for the kunai when a windmill shuriken came flying at his head. He ducked but got another trim, the damn thing got so close. Looking for the weapon, Iruka tried to calculate when it would come around again and if he would have time to retrieve his own weapon. No such luck, two of the deadly shuriken appeared trying to slice him in half. He leapt into the air, off of a tree and backwards from where he wanted to be. And it was over – more Sound ninja rushed him and seeing no opportunity to get the kunai right now, Iruka turned and ran. He and Naruto would fight together and if luck was on their side, they'd cause enough commotion on their own.
Naruto had made fifty clones of himself. They'd been fighting for close to an hour and he was getting worried. Dad, where are you? Where's that signal? Dad… He was trying his best to keep the enemy occupied so they wouldn't go looking for the real Iruka. The Iruka clone stayed by his side, if it got destroyed, then they'd know Iruka was up to something.
He kept wondering why though, Kabuto hadn't shown himself. As a matter of fact, the way he liked to taunt people, Naruto was really surprised he wasn't around. There was no doubt these were Sound ninja so where was the leader of this merry band of mercenaries?
Forty clones were reduced to twenty. He was just thinking of creating more when he heard his father call his name. Part joy, part despair raced through his heart and mind. Naruto looked over his shoulder to see Iruka being chased by another group of Sound. The look on his father's face said it all – the signal wasn't going to happen.
Naruto took a deep breath and nodded. "Make room for Dad!" He yelled at his clones and they tried their best to maneuver the enemy out of the way so Iruka could reach the real Naruto.
Iruka saw the despair on Naruto's face but then his son smiled at him. He was forgiven. No help would be coming but Naruto was glad to see him as he was to see his son dirty but alive. He was quickly relieved of the sword so, using his legs, Iruka brought down several of the Sound with high kicks and sweeps. Jumping on several of them he got closer to Naruto. The clones were waving him in.
He never made it. As he was coming down, the Sound ninja shifted. They acted as group now and not individuals. Ten stood between him and Naruto with one jumping up to meet him. The traded blows in the air and when Iruka landed there were at least twenty men around him and thirty or forty around his son. They weren't going allow them to work together.
"DAD!" Naruto roared. Suddenly he was fighting harder than he had been. There were so many Sound ninja that he couldn't even see Iruka.
"Fight Naruto! Fight! I'm okay!" And he was…for the moment. Iruka was good, he knew he was but to take on twenty men when he was already tired from the first attack and this constant fighting? He didn't know how long he could hold out. It was going to fall on Naruto's shoulders to get them out of this mess.
"Oh no you don't! Get the hell out of my way! Damn you!" Naruto cursed and his fist flew. "To me!" He yelled at his clones and shortly he was surrounded but they were being taken out so easily. The Rasengan grew on his palm and when the last clone was gone and he was about to be stabbed by several kunai – Naruto let go of the ball of chakra right into the Sound.
He bent over with pain as his back and arms bled. Naruto wasn't sure but there were more than ten kunai stuck in his back. Lifting his head, blood running from his mouth, Naruto smiled. He'd blown the fuckers away! In front of him was a sea of bodies. "Dammit, Dad must be behind me. Plus those that didn't get hit with the Rasengan." Painfully and still on his knees, Naruto turned. They were watching him carefully now but they still blocked his path to Iruka. Shaking hands performed the hand signs for more clones.
Naruto used the Rasengan! Dammit with so many around me, I can't see him! There! No, that's a clone! Then he must be okay. Iruka sighed with relief that Naruto was well but his own strength was waning and he had no clue what to do about it then suddenly his enemies backed off. Not all of them, four continued coming at him but even that was different. It was almost like he was in a mock fight with a student. They were trading blows but the Sound's had no real force behind them anymore. What the hell is going on?
The back of his jacket was soaked in his blood and only a few of the kunai had fallen out so with every move, jagged pain flowed through him. Naruto didn't let it matter. Again his clones had been reduced to five. One was at his side forming the Rasengan. This should do it! I take out these guys then Dad and I can make a run for it!
Yelling in pain and anger, Naruto charged and sent another group of Sound into the sky. He dropped to one knee as his clones disappeared and laughed with success that is until he saw Iruka. Naruto blinked his mouth opening in horror. "D-dad? Dad – No!"
There was a Sound ninja in front, behind and on either side of Iruka. They were slapping him around, making him move by trying to get him to anticipate where the next blow was going to come from but that wasn't the worst part. Up in the trees behind them were two more ninja throwing shuriken at him. Already Iruka's body had several sticking out of him and where there weren't any shuriken, there were bleeding scratches. The Sound participating in this torture were all smiling and laughing as Iruka weaved and staggered. He was trying his best to block the blows and the shuriken but it was impossible. He took a kick to the back of his leg and went down on one knee. The sound of several shuriken imbedding themselves in Iruka's back made Naruto cry out.
Sound ninja glanced his way and they continued to laugh at the situation. It was too funny – the two Leaf ninja trying to stand up to them. One of them punched Iruka but it was the last thing he ever did.
An enraged Naruto leapt from where he'd fallen and tackled the man. There was no thought in his head as he snapped the man's neck. Turning he looked for his father but he was gone. His breathing was ragged and the fire in his belly burned. Beautiful blue eyes turned red and his faint whiskers grew darker, standing out on his face. Naruto felt the kunai popping out of his back and the wounds healing themselves. Lifting his head, he caught his father's scent and found him being held by two Sound ninja by his arms from a tree.
Iruka's head was nodding, trying to look up. His mouth moved but if there was any sound, Naruto couldn't hear it. He's lost too much blood! Damn them! Hanging there like that is keeping all his wounds open! They're draining the life out him! "BASTARDS! LET MY FATHER GO! I AM GOING TO KILLALLOF YOU!!"
He rushed forward only to be sent flying by the Sound ninja wearing the machines on their arms. It was as powerful as the first time but Naruto had the fox's chakra to protect him. He only tumbled a few times before landing on all fours and charging again. They tried, they really did but Naruto was just too damn mad. Forcing his way through the waves of sound, Naruto grinned at the look of horror on one man's face before ripping the machines from his body and dislocating both of the man's arms. His screams were music to Naruto.
The other man chickened out and tried to run but Naruto landed on his back, pulled his arms up and back, hacking and pulling at the metal until the ninja's arms were bloody and broken. Panting and supremely satisfied that he'd taken care of the men who could destroy with only a wave of their arms, Naruto turned to go get his father and paused.
"Quite the beast, aren't you?" Kabuto stood just before the tree where Iruka still hung. His arms were crossed and he looked entirely too pleased with the situation.
"Kabuto! You bastard! Let my father go before I kill you too!" Naruto inched forward flexing his elongated hands, claws bloody.
"Now, now Naruto you wouldn't want my men to cut his throat would you? You might kill us all but Iruka will die too. Calm down and let's talk. I think we can come to an applicable agreement."
"Agreement? A fucking agreement?! You're trying to kill us! You will not get away with this! I will stop you! Besides without your master around you're not much good on your own, are you?" Naruto's laughing face showed off his fangs and he still continued to move forward slowly.
Kabuto's eyes flashed at the insinuation that he was helpless without Orochimaru. "Always with the smart mouth and big talk. Guess I'll have to show you just how effective I am." Suddenly he hopped backwards towards the tree. "Drop him." He grinned as Iruka was let go.
"Noooooo! Dad! Damn you! What?" Naruto stopped as Kabuto gently caught Iruka and laid him down on the ground. He turned the man so that he could see Naruto, from where he was propped up on Kabuto's chest. "Dad?"
Iruka hurt. Everywhere on his body there was pain. He was in very bad shape and he was in deep trouble. They both were. "N-n-na-ru-to…Nar-uto…Naruto…Run!" His brown eyes peered at his son begging him to get out of there. "Go! Trap! Run!" His voice was his only weapon and he hoped Naruto would obey.
The fox's chakra was still glowing around Naruto because he was mad as hell but the concern for his father kept him from acting too quickly. Once upon a time he'd looked up to Kabuto and thought of him as a friend. That Kabuto was a fake and the one before him now was the real person – cruel, devious and malicious. Naruto looked around him seeing most of his attackers were still out of it on the ground. It looked as if it was just the two guys in the tree, the other three who'd been fighting Iruka and Kabuto. Naruto thought he could take them easily but Iruka's words made him wait.
Kabuto shook his head ruefully. "The two of you were always close weren't you? Misfits, the both of you!" He laughed. "Of course, Iruka here had brains and made something of himself but you Naruto, you're going to die long before you grow a brain. You see, all that power you're tossing around is just too dangerous. I suspect that once you're dead and gone, the people of Konoha will have a grand festival and party for an entire month! Sorta like the festival you missed." Kabuto's voice and manner became cold. "They ran you out of town Naruto. They didn't want you there. Why celebrate a beast? A slobbering, destructive animal?" He stopped his taunting as Naruto's growl sounded loudly and the teen stalked ever closer.
Iruka tried to sit up. "Naruto, listen to me! Go! Now! Listen to your fa-!" He groaned in pain when Kabuto jerked him back and a few of the shuriken still in his back sunk deeper into his body.
"Father? Please! Why would you want that for a son? Hold it Naruto! You wouldn't want me to hurt your so-called daddy would you?" Kabuto had Iruka by the hair, pulling his head back and exposing his throat. In his other hand was a senbon needle and it was pointed at the side of Iruka's neck just waiting to enter vulnerable flesh.
Naruto gasped and stopped dead. Iruka was already bleeding everywhere and now he was being threatened with something that could end his life in moments. "What do you want Kabuto? Leave him alone!" Worry had him changing. The chakra receded back into his body and his fangs and whiskers went back to normal. Only his eyes stayed red and his claws remained.
Kabuto smiled. "Glad you asked. I want you. I want you to surrender to me completely and I'll let Iruka live. You see this isn't an ordinary senbon. It has been soaked in the most deadly snake venom I could find. If this enters Iruka's blood stream, the first thing to happen is a raging fever then paralysis. It will start in his feet until it reaches his lungs until he can't breathe, killing him tortuously slowly. Of course Iruka may not last that long considering the shape he's in already." He looked down and laughed at the hate in Iruka's eyes. "Seems your father doesn't like me much Naruto. "So what do you say? Get down on your knees and swear not to fight me or my men and I won't kill your precious Iruka. We'll leave him here where I'm sure Jiraiya the Toad Sage will find him."
Naruto felt a surge of hope. Pervy Sage! Maybe if I can hold Kabuto here… "STOP!" His eyes were blue again and all traces of the fox were gone. Kabuto had pressed the needle almost to the point of breaking the skin. "Stop it, I'll surrender." He said quietly.
Iruka began to struggle not caring about the weapon in Kabuto's hand. "No Naruto! You run! You save yourself! You have to live – you've got too much to live for now! Think of everyone you'd be leaving behind! Tsunade, Hinata, Sasuke and Sakura, Shikamaru, Neji! Please Naruto; don't give up because of me! Don't let him use me to get to you! Naruto!" It was hard to see with blood and tears in his eyes but he recognized his son. Tall, blond, healthy and strong – Uzumaki Naruto the hidden strength of Konoha and the hope of the many.
Naruto dropped down into a crouch so Iruka wouldn't have to strain to see him. The words his father spoke touched him deeply and he was thinking of all of them. Tsunade the woman who'd become his mother; Sasuke and Sakura his brother and sister who he'd never had the chance to make up with and maybe never would have but he'd like to have seen them once more; Shikamaru and Neji who'd shown him true friendship and Hinata, his beloved Hinata…he wanted to marry her, bind her to him for all time. Naruto felt his heartbreaking.
"Think about it Naruto, if you let him die now so that you can get away – I'll just attack someone else you love. The girl, Hinata…yes we know about her!" Kabuto gloated at the shock and horror on Naruto's face. "You can't protect them forever. I'll get my chance and when I do – I'll have some interesting things to do to that poor girl before I kill her. My men say she's quite the looker! Hold it!" Kabuto again pressed the senbon into Iruka's neck.
Several more feet closer, Naruto had traveled in a rage at the thought of Kabuto's hands on Hinata. He skidded to a halt then punched the ground and screamed. If I try to save Dad, he dies. If we get away, he'll just attack someone else I love! Damn him! Damn him to hell! Naruto dropped his head and closed his eyes feeling completely lost.
"Naruto, at some point, you'll put all their lives in danger some day. One of your foolish charges into danger will one day kill someone. You're too irresponsible to consider anyone other than yourself." Light glinted off of Kabuto's glasses. "Those friends of yours Koji and Satoshi – they got hurt because of you." Kabuto all but sang the words.
"You didn't…please tell me they're alive!" Naruto begged he's heart hurting so bad he wanted to tear it from his chest.
"They tried to protect you so we had to hurt them. I think they were still breathing when my men returned to me." His voice changed to a soft tone. "Give yourself to me Naruto. You'll only cause everyone a lot of pain if you live. Let me take you away and I'll kill you. With you gone, that will be one less danger in their lives. They won't follow you around trying to clean up your messes Naruto and think of the other people who want what's inside you. They'll attack the village just to get to you – no one will ever be safe with you alive!"
"Do not listen! Naruto none of that is true! You have friends because we love you! Son, please don't listen to his lies! We want, you know I want you to live, be happy and have a family! Get out of here, do it for me! Naruto!" Iruka would have continued but Kabuto jerked a shuriken out of his chest making him groan in pain.
"Leave him be. I'll go with you so leave him alone." Slowly Naruto stood and walked to them. Resignation was in every line of his body. He would not put up a fight. He took Iruka from Kabuto and gently pulled the rest of shuriken from his body. Tears ran down his face at the pain he was causing his father. Once they were all removed he held him close.
"I love you Dad and Mama T and Hinata. Tell them that. Let them know I'll always love them. And my friends tell them I couldn't have asked for better. I hope – I hope they make all their dreams come true." Naruto's voice was breaking.
"What about your dreams Son? None of them will happen if you do this! Now Naruto – run now! Please!" He clutched Naruto's arms, leaning back to look into his face. "Don't do this – not for me! I want you to live Naruto!"
"And I want you to live." Sad blue eyes traced Iruka's face. "I'd never be happy if I let you die here today. I'd more than likely turn into Sasuke and I don't want that either." Naruto laughed but there was no humor in it. "I don't want to die Dad but if I can prevent you or Hinata…from experiencing pain like this –. Don't you see I don't have a choice?" Naruto held Iruka's hand against his face when his father cupped his jaw. "Live for me Dad. Have that family and be there for Hinata and Sasuke. Look after Mama T too." Naruto frowned thinking of the pain his death would cause her. "Tell her I'm sorry, I'm really sorry."
"She won't understand! I don't understand! You'll destroy Hinata! You know how much she loves you!" Iruka tried to stop Naruto.
"AS MUCH AS I LOVE HER BUT FOR HER AND YOU AND MAMA T – I HAVE TO…DIE!" Naruto screamed, his hands clutching his father too tightly. When he heard Kabuto laugh with delight, his blues cut over to him. Naruto's eyes killed him then looked back at Iruka. "I hope you'll forgive me one day. I love you and tell Mama I love her too. Let Hinata know, my love for her will never end." Naruto gently kissed his father's forehead and laid him carefully onto the ground.
"Move back! Get over there!" Naruto pointed ten feet away from Iruka. He wanted that deadly senbon far away.
"Submit to my men." Kabuto countered. He saw just a bit of hesitation in Naruto. Quick as a flash he stomped down hard on Iruka's left shin.
"DAD! DAMN YOU!" Naruto started to bend down to him but Kabuto held the senbon over Iruka's heart. Rage threatened to engulf him once again but Iruka's moans and pain-filled face sobered him. "Goodbye Dad." Naruto said quietly as he backed away from Iruka then knelt on the ground. "Remember this Kabuto – if you harm him anymore – nothing and I mean NOTHING on this earth will stop me from killing you!"
Kabuto blinked. He believed Naruto. The words were quietly spoken and full of promise. Slowly he walked away from Iruka and gestured for his men to bind Naruto's arms. The teen's eyes never left him as he submitted to having his arms tied behind his back. The plan was to kill Iruka but Kabuto knew he'd die if he acted now.
"Round up any man still conscious and let's get the hell out of here! That Sannin could show up any moment! Hurry!" Kabuto looked down the scattered bodies. He'd knew there would be some sacrifices but damn!
"Naruto…son please…don't…don't leave me! Naruto!" Iruka's words were nothing but whispers. It was hard but he was trying to move, to get to Naruto.
He wouldn't look at Iruka but stared at Kabuto. "We'd better hurry don't you think. Jiraiya will be here soon." Naruto said praying it was true. Iruka needed medical help now. And if Jiraiya showed up while they were still there, then his chance to kill Kabuto would a certainty.
He's making me fear him! Cocky little bastard! Kabuto raged inside but didn't let it show but Naruto's look said he knew what was going on in Kabuto's mind. "Let's go! If they're alive, they can follow us later! Take him!"
Naruto didn't resist as the men roughly took his arms and led him away. He let his eyes find Iruka one last time, broken and bleeding on the ground, still it was one of the most precious things he'd ever he seen – somebody who loved him.
Kabuto brought up the rear and saw that look and a felt a rage like he'd never known. When Naruto looked forward he launched the senbon he still held in his hand back at Iruka and smiled when the man gasped in shock.
Naruto hearing the gasp tried to look back but was stabbed in the neck with something. His sight grew bleary then he saw nothing at all.
"Did you kill him?" One man grunted as Naruto almost dropped to the ground, his sudden dead weight catching them off guard.
"No, not yet. That's enough sedative to knock out an elephant. It should keep him out of it for a while. Now let's move!" Kabuto moved ahead of them leading the way when he heard a single explosion. Naruto's friends were close. He felt as if there were hounds chasing him. Not hounds but a master of toads.
Jiraiya cursed steadily with each hop. Iruka was a damn good ninja and Naruto had power but against a cunning foe, he wasn't sure that was enough. He'd spent too much time chasing those other fools and now he could lose those two and all because of his carelessness.
He perked up when he heard the sounds of battle. He was there! He would reach them in time! "Thanks for the ride but I'll take it from here!" Jiraiya jumped off the toad. The toad was a good fighter but not knowing the situation, using him now might make matters worse. "I'll call if I need you." Jiraiya patted the toad and it disappeared.
Carefully he stalked through the forest then stopped when he felt a familiar chakra. "Naruto. He's using the Rasengan." Jiraiya hurried. The kid was pulling no punches to be using that. Circling around he maneuvered closer and almost tripped over…a bomb.
Lines of explosive tags were strung over and through some trees and rocks. It was a pretty neat setup. Once the tags exploded the rocks would be thrown into the air and the trees would light up like a match. "Iruka's handy work – pretty impressive but why didn't he set it off?" Looking around he saw signs of a battle then found the abandoned kunai. "Okay. Should I?" Jiraiya's head snapped up when he felt Naruto use yet another Rasengan. The bomb or his friends?
There was still a good distance between him and them. If he set off the bomb now things could go from bad to worse for them or turn things around for the better. In any case he would still have to travel some distance to reach them.
Jiraiya felt the hairs on the back of his arms stand up as the forest grew silent. The fighting stopped after Naruto's last Rasengan. That should have been a good thing but he got the weirdest feeling in the pit of his stomach. He considered the bomb one last time then fear hit him hard. Naruto just released the fox's chakra! Not good! So not good! Pocketing the kunai, Jiraiya took off at a run.
He encountered a few Sound ninja but knocked them out of his way and kept running. When he burst through the trees he saw a field of wounded ninja slowly sitting up looking dazed and confused. He saw Iruka lying in a pool of blood but no sign of Naruto. "Iruka! Oh man, what happened to you? Iruka? Oh God…" It was worse than he'd thought. A broken leg, cuts every damn where and there was a senbon sticking out of his thigh. Jiraiya touched him and hissed at how hot the man's skin was.
"Naruto…bring him…back! Bring Nar-uto back!" Iruka pleaded with Jiraiya. He no longer felt pain below his knees but the pain of not having Naruto with him was killing him.
"The kid left you alone? He went after Kabuto? Stupid idiot!" Although I can't really blame him after seeing you like this. "He'll be okay but I've got to get you some help. I think you've been poisoned Iruka." Gently he removed the needle and wrapped it up in some leaves then put in a pocket.
"Where do you think you're going old man?" Groups of Sound ninja had pulled themselves together and were thinking that to redeem themselves – they could finish off the old man. "I think you're going to die right here. Get him!"
"You just got your asses kicked by a teenager now you want this old man to do it too?" It pained him to leave Iruka suffering but it looked like he'd have to do a bit of fighting first.
"Ahhhh!" The Sound ninja ran towards him.
Jiraiya stepped over Iruka's body, his anger raging hot. He was mad at Naruto for leaving Iruka in this condition, mad at Kabuto for doing all of this and mad at himself for not being there when they needed him. "I DON'T…HAVE TIME…FOR YOU…SONSABITCHES!" With each word he struck an enemy sending them flying away from him. But they didn't stop. More and more of them were getting up trying to kill him. "ENOUGH!" The Rasengan formed in one hand causing many of them to stop in their tracks. "Remember what this did to you before don't you? Well I'll tell you a secret – mine's stronger!" Jiraiya ran forward chasing the retreating men. When he felt they were close enough, he threw the Rasengan with all his might then retreated back to Iruka.
As he reached Iruka, the bomb exploded. With screams in his ears, Jiraiya carefully put Iruka over his shoulder. He was barely conscious and his breathing was becoming labored. Glancing back, he saw that not all of the Sound had been caught in the blast and were still trying to attack him. "Stupid bastards." He pulled out Iruka's kunai and launched it into his own web of explosives. He'd strung them as he'd ran back to Iruka. Not wanting to waste any more time, Jiraiya leapt up into the nearest tree just as the first of his tags exploded.
"Hinata! He's not dead! Hinata!" Sakura reached out and pulled on the girl's arm hard. Hinata's eyes had lost focus like she was going into shock. When she finally looked at her, Sakura smiled. "He's sleeping. That draught I gave him was to help him rest. He's exhausted you guys, not dead." Sakura looked up at all their friends reassuring them for they'd all believed that their favorite sensei had died.
"Step back you guys and let us treat these wounds. I may have stopped the poison but all these open wounds could still get infected. Sakura, will you help me?" Shizune asked.
Hinata leaned forward and pressed her cheek against Iruka's for a moment. She felt his heat and the life within him and sighed with relief. Unmindful of the blood, she kissed that cheek as well. "You'll take care of him? She asked of Sakura.
"Of course. You guys get ready, once we get Iruka-sensei patched up, I'll be ready to go after Naruto." Sakura promised.
Neji helped Hinata to stand and led her away. They moved back to the remains of the camp and he got a wet towel to wipe the blood from Hinata's face. No one said much but when Jiraiya and Kakashi joined them Shikamaru asked the burning question, "So what did happen to Naruto?"
The whole group was there except for the Anbu. They'd gone on ahead to track Kabuto. One stayed behind and was helping tend to Iruka. Once his injuries were treated and he was a bit more stable, he would take Iruka home so that Tsunade could watch over him.
Jiraiya sank to the ground one hand scratching his chin. "I don't know. Wait – let me explain!" He said when he got questions from every side.
They heard the story from the point when they knew someone was stalking Naruto until just now. "I thought he'd left Iruka to chase after Kabuto, not that he gave himself up to save Iruka's life." Jiraiya shook his head feeling guilty about his thoughts.
"Naruto would never leave his father in that condition. More than likely, he'd put Iruka on his back and do whatever was needed to save his life!" Hinata said angrily.
"Yeah he would have." Shikamaru agreed. "So why was Iruka-sensei almost dead when you found him? No way Naruto would have let himself be taken if his dad was dying." He looked over to the man who had now had so many bandages that he was starting to look like a mummy.
"Kabuto probably pulled something. I doubt Naruto even knew about that poison senbon. With all the cuts and the broken leg, Iruka was already in rough shape. No way Naruto would have been able to stand seeing his father hurt anymore. He wasn't given a choice – let Iruka die or save him. Of course he'd save him." Kakashi said quietly.
Sasuke had been sitting silently but now got up to pace. "He wants to kill Naruto to get to me…and it just might work! Kakashi, I don't know what I'll do if he kills him! If he kills Naruto – I just might lose it!" Sasuke's whole body shook that is until Hinata got up and slapped him.
"You won't. I won't let you!" She gripped him by the shirt. "Stay by my side Sasuke! You promised to bring him back to me! Remember? You promised me!" She shook him.
"Little Sister…" Neji took her shoulders. This constant worry was taking a toll on Hinata. "Sasuke's just anxious – as we all are. Right Sasuke?" Neji looked into the teen's black eyes and saw a world of pain.
He didn't say a word as he chest rose and fell several times but he did take Hinata's hand and hold it. After several minutes he nodded at Neji. "Sorry Hinata, I'm okay now." Sasuke looked to Kakashi and Jiraiya. "Why are we sitting here? We can't let Kabuto kill Naruto." My brother needs me.
Kakashi looked at Sasuke for a moment then Hinata, Neji, Shikamaru, Choji, Shino, Lee, Tenten and Kiba. They were all on their feet, determination shining in their eyes. "Okay then let's go!"
Gear all packed and readying to leave they were yet again interrupted but this time by family. Ibiki led the way.
"Master Jiraiya, good to see you. So, do you want some help?" His trained eyes saw immediately who was missing. The rescue team Lady Tsunade had sent out still hadn't completed its mission. "I don't think the Hokage would mind if me and some of my men joined you. There doesn't appear to be any direct threat to the village and with more people – we should be able to get Uzumaki back that much quicker."
"Glad to have you along." Kakashi answered. "We should get going guys. Guys?" He asked then shut his mouth as they all walked over to Iruka. Kakashi joined them.
"Iruka-sensei, I want you to know that I – we're going to bring Naruto home. I'm sorry for how I acted towards him. Maybe you and Lady Tsunade can forgive me when we come home with him." Kiba said looking down on the sleeping Iruka. Akamaru whined and licked what free skin he could.
The others said nothing about Kiba's words but moved forward to either touch or say something reassuring to the wounded man. Finally Hinata, Sasuke and Sakura all knelt beside him.
"Dad? Dad?" Hinata stroked his face.
"I'm afraid he won't wake up for a -!" Sakura began but stopped when Iruka turned his head to the sound of Hinata's voice.
"Dad were going after Naruto now." She pushed back his hair gently.
"He was - he was talking…marriage." A very faint smile appeared on Iruka's face. "Never seen him…so happy. Hinata and Naruto – together." Iruka valiantly tried to open his eyes but he couldn't quite raise his lids. "I have a son and soon I'll have a daughter…" Iruka's voice trailed off. A part of him was there with them and part of his mind was on a wedding with him and Tsunade and Lord Hiashi watching their children get married. It was a safe and happy place, where his mind took him. It was much better than imagining how Kabuto would kill his child.
Hinata felt a burst of happiness within her at those words. Naruto wants to marry me! He'll be my husband! A tear left her eye and she gently bent over Iruka and hugged him. "Yes, it will happen! Naruto and I will wed! Dad…" Hinata wasn't sure he heard her but saying the words aloud strengthened her.
"Iruka-sensei – I'm sorry for what I did to Naruto. I've changed! I'm not that jealous fool I was before! I'll bring him home to you. I promise I will." Sasuke said as Hinata finally sat up again.
"Brothers…take care…of each…other…" Iruka took a deep breath and then another. He'd fallen asleep again.
Sakura lay a hand over his heart and patted it. "He's going to be fine so let's go get our favorite loud-mouthed, blond, blue-eyed ninja!"
The adults all walked by Iruka as well. What happened to him and Naruto was just plain cruel. Father and son had to watch the other being attacked and then they were separated in a way that was emotionally crippling.
The group of Leaf ninja set out after Kabuto and Naruto. Going in the opposite direction, were two Anbu carrying Iruka home.
Tsunade got word that someone was being brought back. She left her office at a run. Heading straight for the main gate, she paced. The lookouts had spotted two Anbu carrying a stretcher. Even though she knew it wasn't Naruto – they would have told her – she was anxious for any news. Waiting in ignorance was so damned hard.
"My Lady! They're here!" The guard announced.
She whirled around and made herself wait until they reached her. "Well?" She asked softly.
"Naruto has been captured but Ibiki-sensei and the original team are going after him. There is no danger to the village my lady." The masked man said but wasn't sure the Hokage had heard him. The Hokage had just seen who it was that they carried.
"Iruka? Iruka – what did they do to you?" She blinked rapidly and ran her hands over his body gently. "Get him to the hospital now! Move!"
It was morning before Iruka woke up again. His mind was clear and he remembered everything. A movement at the side of his bed caught his attention. Tsunade was sitting there watching him. Immediately the crushing pain of what happened had his eyes watering. It was so hard to look at Tsunade that he instead looked up at the ceiling. "I'm sorry. I couldn't protect him. It's all my fault that he's gone. Naruto…I failed him…"
Tsunade got up and moved to the bed. "Shut the hell up Iruka. I know you too well to believe that." Her voice was soft, not angry or hard. "Shit happened, some very bad shit but Kakashi, Jiraiya and Shizune will pay back Kabuto for everything he's done to us. They'll avenge us. And Hinata and Sasuke will bring our boy back." She sat down on the bed and took his hand.
Iruka felt as if she should be blaming him for letting Kabuto take their son but she wasn't. She was being brave and upbeat for him so he would do the same for her. "Do you want to know how our trip went? I've got some great stories to tell." He smiled through his pain.
"I would yes. Tell me about Naruto." Tsunade wouldn't allow him to dwell on what he considered his failure. She'd get the story from him soon enough but now she wanted something positive to focus on.
"Well first off, I think you should know that he plans to get married and make us grandparents." Iruka had to laugh at Tsunade's dumbfounded expression. He hadn't believed he could without Naruto around but his son was still able to liven up the most dire of situations even when he wasn't there.
"WHAT?!" Tsunade's voice echoed through the hospital.