Live Naruto!
Kabuto was breathing easier now. After traveling for over a day without rest, he was sure that they were two days ahead of any Konoha ninja who might be following them. That blaze used by Jiraiya to rescue the dying Iruka had worked in their favor. He must thank the Sannin one day. For now they were taking a break and more of his men were catching up to them. Only about half had survived that fire but still that was more than he'd expected. They would return with an acceptable loss instead of a total loss.
Walking over to the tree Naruto was tied to, Kabuto looked down at the sleeping teenager. The sedative had done its job keeping him out of it. It should keep him sedated until they reached the base but Naruto was squirming, mumbling and blinking his eyes. The Nine-Tailed Fox inside of him was fighting the sedative. Kabuto wondered if it knew that Naruto was going to die and was trying to save the teen's life.
"You needn't worry for a while yet. I plan to experiment on the two of you –human and fox spirit. I want to see how close to death I can take Naruto and watch to see if you can heal him. I'd like to perform an autopsy and see if you'll seal the Y-incision, put his stomach and guts back together after I've opened and dissected them. Yes, relax. With all the things I have planned and I'm sure Lord Orochimaru would like to try some things too – you'll live for a while yet." Kabuto spoke then kicked Naruto hard in the stomach. He laughed as the kid bent over, spat and gasped for breath.
"I thought the plan was to kill this one so the other kid, Uchiha would come running and become Lord Orochimaru's new favorite toy. Isn't too dangerous to keep him alive? I mean – look at what he did to us! There were over a hundred of us and that kid nearly wiped us out! And if Konoha finds out he's alive…they'll hunt us down!" One of the Sound ninja spoke up remembering the power of the Rasengan.
Kabuto stared at the man until he bowed his head in fear and respect. "It isn't your job to think but obey!" He reached into his medical bag for a syringe. Checking that it was ready, Kabuto jabbed it into Naruto's thigh. He smiled as the boy grunted in pain then went limp. No chance of him waking up now – at not for a while. "We will kill him but not until we have our fun and gain some knowledge on the fox inside him." Kabuto again stared at Naruto wondering if there was something special about him that allowed him to safely contain such extreme chakra.
"Kidnapped or dead, Naruto will still bring us Sasuke. We'll let him believe we have killed Naruto and that will change him." Change him into the perfect vessel for Lord Orochimaru. "As for Konoha – they'll give chase or look for him for a while but ultimately they'll give up because they've always feared him!" He lifted Naruto's head by his blond locks. "Besides, once we reach our own land, they'd be fools to continue trying to find us. There are several deadly traps, wild animals and jutsu prepared that it would make it impossible for all of them to survive. After the first few deaths, they'll turn tail and run and say they tried to save him and in that way they'll maintain their so called honor!"
Kabuto finally got tired of looking at the helpless Naruto, dropped his head then moved to another tree to sit down. "Enough talk, we rest for two more hours then head for home. See to those with injuries; we don't want our enemies tracking the scent of blood do we?" Kabuto talked casually but the underlining tone of his voice was pure command. If they fucked up – he'd kill them or worse.
Folding his hands behind his head, Kabuto closed his eyes and immediately fell into a light doze. His dreams were pleasant as he detailed all the many tests and horrible diseases he could inflict on Naruto before he died.
It was too soon for Kabuto to be relaxing. The Anbu Black Ops who'd been with Kakashi and the others were not far behind at all. They'd come across a few of the stragglers trying to catch up with Kabuto. Two had replaced two Sound ninja and the other five followed discreetly. As they followed, Black Ops left Leaf Sign – marks that only Leaf ninja could find and follow. Kabuto should have never stopped worrying – the Leaf were a force to be reckoned with.
Akamaru caught hold of a familiar scent. He was traveling at Kiba's side but veered off on his own. They'd just left camp and were veering around the still burning forest.
"What's up Akamaru?" Kiba called out causing everyone to focus on him. He went after his dog as everyone paused. The dog's nose could have picked up anything and they waited to be sure it wasn't another distraction or a false lead.
Kiba followed Akamaru to an area that hadn't been touched by the fire. Frowning he wondered what had drawn Akamaru's attention then he became alert himself. Eyes and nose scanned the surrounding trees hoping against hope that he'd found who they were looking for.
"Arf, arf!" Akamaru stopped on a tree limb, he'd found the source of the scent.
Kakashi and Ibiki followed after Kiba leaving an impatient Jiraiya behind. They watched the teen pick up a very familiar looking pack. It was green and it belonged to Naruto. "Hinata, come over here!"
Hinata exchanged a look with Sasuke then looked behind her for Neji and Sakura. None of them were close enough to see what had been found and all were fearful that Akamaru had found a body. She steeled herself and jumped several trees to reach Kakashi's side.
"Would you like to hold this for him?" Kakashi asked gently. Kiba had passed both packs to him and he held out Naruto's to her.
Hinata's eyes widened and she snatched the bag from Kakashi's hand and clutched it to her chest. Her cheeks reddened. "Sorry. Thanks Kakashi-sensei." It wasn't Naruto but it had been on his body not too long ago and it was something real she could touch and hold onto. To her, it was a treasure.
"I understand." He rested his hand on her head for a moment, stroked her dark hair then cupped her chin. "Now we just have to find him then scold him for leaving his things lying around, hmm?"
"Yes!" Hinata nodded then impulsively hugged Kakashi. The hug was more for him being someone who shared her feelings of missing Naruto than that he'd given her Naruto's backpack.
"Good job Akamaru, Kiba. Keep those noses working! We should get going Kakashi." Ibiki said. It was good they'd found their belongings but it would be much better to find the blond kid.
Hinata released Kakashi and looked over at Kiba. She nodded and gave him a small smile. "Thank you Akamaru, thank you." She even laughed when the dog bowed his head as if he were embarrassed. Hinata was dying to open the pack and touch his things but she just slipped her arms in it and allowed Kakashi to adjust it for her. A small part of Naruto was now snug on her back, she nodded. "Ready."
Kakashi put on Iruka's pack. They'd all left the village with the barest of essentials in order to travel lighter so the packs were nothing for them to carry. It was an honor to carry them. "Lead the way." He told Ibiki and the black clad man adjusted his headband and jumped forward.
Jiraiya looked at the packs wishing that their owners still had them. The guilt for leaving them rose inside him once more. Stone-faced he moved forward intent on making up for his mistake.
Naruto dreamed. He saw Iruka die. The cuts on his body wouldn't heal. His blood ran like a river and his brown eyes stared at him accusingly. Words slipped from his father's mouth asking Naruto why he hadn't saved him.
Mama T was old, all her youth had disappeared. She ruled the village with an iron fist and she never smiled anymore. The lovely woman who could brighten a room when she smiled was gone. He saw Tsunade stare at his picture and ask why he'd left her – why he hadn't kept his promise to become Hokage.
Sasuke was the similar to the old one only now he spoke of his hate and disdain for everyone and everything around him. He'd trained like a demon gaining the power he needed to face his brother but it wasn't enough and he still died by Itachi's sword. His severed head with hate filled eyes told Naruto that if he'd been around, he could have prevented this from happening.
Sakura became a conceited witch. She knew everything and would tell you in great detail everything she knew. Nothing and no one was good enough for her since Naruto wasn't around to keep her grounded.
And Hinata, dreams of her were the worse. In one she became a recluse, much worse than before since now she never left her home. Hinata gave up being a ninja and was more a servant in her own house than one of the family. Mostly, she would talk to herself asking where Naruto was. She would question why had he chosen to die instead of be with her. Or despair that she was so undesirable that he would die to get away from her.
Another dream had her forgetting him. She excelled as a ninja and found love. There was a faceless man who loved her and cherished her and made her the happiest of women. Hinata had babies, babies that looked nothing like him. She removed all traces of him in her life. She got rid of anything that had been special to the two of them. The love they'd shared had been trivial and now she had the real thing. This Hinata, only looked forward, the past and Naruto was forgotten.
There were others about Hinata where she became a daredevil and constantly risked her life or she lived like she did before but with no happiness or she was too happy but all alone. The list went on and on Naruto couldn't stand it! He couldn't seem to make himself wake up so he retreated to another cold, dark place. The walls there were thick. Water pooled in several places and just out of sight there was the sound of heavy breathing.
Naruto took a seat just outside of that room with the huge metal doors and chains. Knees raised, he rested his forehead on them and tried to shake off the sickness his dreams had brought on. The lack of dreams was almost as bothersome as the dreams themselves. At least he'd been able to see those he cared about but those images were enough to drive him insane.
What are you doing Kabuto?! You said you'd kill me! So do it already! I don't – I don't want to live like this! Take it all away…so I can forget. So they can forget… The pain of that had him crying out.
SELFISH CHILD! YOU CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS! HA, HA! YES IN HERE – I KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS!! SUCH PITIFUL THOUGHTS TOO!
Naruto raised his head in shock. The fox was in his mind. "Leave me the hell alone! This has nothing to do with you!"
AS I SAID, SELFISH! OR DID YOU FORGET – MY LIFE IS CONNECTED TO YOURS!! IF YOU WANT TO DIE SO DAMN BADLY – DIE BUT RELEASE ME FIRST. Devilishly dark laughter came from behind Naruto. I'LL MAKE SURE NO ONE MISSES YOU! IF THEY'RE DEAD TOO – THEN YOU CAN ALL GO TO HELL TOGETHER! The Nine-Tailed Fox laughed with pleasure.
Naruto got to his feet and walked until he stood in the doorway to the room the fox was being held in. Behind the huge gates he saw red eyes the pupils just a black sliver in the middle of all that red. He had to look up for even standing out in the hall as he was, the fox was massive. All of Naruto's hate and frustration were personified in that fox.
"If it wasn't for you – I'd never be in this position! I could have lived a normal life like everybody else! If only the Fourth had just KILLED YOU! WHY ARE YOU INSIDE ME ANYWAY HUH? WHY ME?" Naruto stalked into the room asking the question that burned in the back of his mind but was always too scared to ask.
He'd had theories of course like maybe it had been a punishment for his folks. They'd done something so wrong that they'd been burdened with a child carrying a demon and possibly they'd fled not wanting to raise him. Or maybe it was just because he was an orphan and the only baby available when the Fourth had needed a body to seal the fox in. "TELL ME! WHY ME?!"
The Nine-Tailed's laughter shook the floor and walls. AS IF I KNEW WHY THAT HUMAN DID THIS TO ME! I'M A PRISONER. I'M THE ONE TRAPPED WITHIN THE BODY OF A PIPSQUEAK HUMAN!! I WANT TO BE FREE! FREE TO RUN AND DESTROY! THINK OF IT BOY – ALL THOSE PEOPLE WHO'VE TREATED YOU SO BADLY – I COULD KILL THEM ALL AND BELIEVE ME – I'D ENJOY IT!
DIE IF YOU WANT BUT LET ME GO FIRST! FREE ME! FREE ME! FREEMEFREEMEFREEMEFREEMEFREEMEFREEMEFREEMEFREEME!!
Naruto covered his ears and backed away from the fox's demands. There was so much power in those words that they picked him up off the floor and slammed him into the wall. The utter force of the Nine-Tailed's words - it was as if the breath were being crushed from his body. It was too much and Naruto soon passed out in agony.
When he next woke up, Naruto knew something was different. He could smell grass and trees. Beneath his face there was wetness – dew. It smelled fresh and wonderful and cooled his hot skin. He kept his eyes closed and just listened. Obviously he was still alive. Kabuto hadn't killed him nor had the fox broken free and stolen his life. He was still Uzumaki Naruto, alive but captive.
He didn't feel the heat of the sun so it must be night. Naruto wondered where they were. How much time has gone by? Did Pervy Sage reach Dad in time? Please be all right… It took strength not to cry and he really wanted to. He'd done the right thing, the only thing he could do. Had he fought, Iruka surely would have died. This way Iruka lived and everybody was safe. But it still hurt. His life had changed, it had gotten better. Naruto had begun to look forward to tomorrow with anticipation instead of dread. His future had been like all the trite sayings 'full of possibilities'. Hinata…we would have made beautiful babies… In his mind he allowed the smile he couldn't show but the tears escaped his eyes to mix with the dew on the grass.
"Do you think they gave up? Apparently there was a group of Leaf ninja behind us. You know when we took care of him and that other one; I just learned they were a lot closer than we thought. If it hadn't been for that fire, we might not have gotten away. I'm just wondering that if they were that close, would they give up as easily as Kabuto claims." One Sound ninja spoke as he sat down near to Naruto. It was their turn to watch the teenager.
The other man jerked on Naruto's bound arms making sure they were still tight. "So they were on our tail? Maybe they don't hate this kid as much as he says or maybe they just don't want us to have him. You know there are lots of things to be learned from the dead body of a ninja. And if that's the case – they won't stop, not with the power inside him!" Both men looked at the teenaged boy. He was crumpled on the ground half on his stomach, half on his side, they hadn't bothered to tie him to a tree this time. He looked so damned ordinary but each of them had felt his power and he hadn't even used the fox's chakra!
"Okay then, why is Kabuto so damned calm? He acts like we're home free."
"I don't get it either but he's the one in charge – Orochimaru's right hand. His plan has worked so far. We got this one so now we just gotta wait for the other one to show up. We get back to the compound with both of Lord Orochimaru's targets – he could give us new powers or make us Jonins of our own squads!"
Naruto began to tune them out as they talked about what that snake would do for them. His mind was preoccupied with two thoughts – there were Leaf ninja following them and they wanted someone other than him. Is it Sasuke? Or was he trying to kill somebody else? Pervy Sage or Mama T? But she wouldn't come after me, would she? She's the Hokage! And-and she's got to take care of Dad! Please don't come! Go home whoever you are! GO HOME!
Naruto's mind raced trying to think of ways to stop them from coming. Kakashi-sensei might be out there. He and Kabuto – there were bad feelings between them. If Kabuto was so damned confident that they would get away – there had to be something more out there that could hurt Kakashi and anyone with him.
His arms were bound and the muscles were strained and numb but he could get free if he had to by using the fox's chakra. Naruto was thinking of escaping and going to warn his friends to stay away. He didn't want anyone to get hurt or die trying to save him. Maybe…I can go home too. I could escape, warn everyone away and go home to Hinata, Dad and Mama T! Their faces smiled at him but then he remembered Kabuto's words. That bastard would try it again and Naruto knew he would. Next time he would go after Hinata or Sakura or anyone close to him. This is so unfair! Love and hope and dreams – why…why do I let myself feel these things? They're not…meant for me. Naruto forced himself to calm down. He'd accomplish nothing by panicking. …So I can't go home – ever. I need to escape and warn them away but I can't go with them. I need to stop Kabuto's plan then…run away.
He couldn't believe that his friends were so close to him and that he if he was able to warn them away from Kabuto that he'd have to leave them and never see them again. And that's what he'd have to do. Kabuto was right – he only brought trouble to the people he cared about. He'd known that but had chosen to ignore that fact and bask in the love he'd received. But to live a life away from them always wishing to be with them – Naruto couldn't face that. Death was his only answer.
Sasuke raced the wind, they all did. Before they had stopped and rested occasionally but nobody even thought of that now. A feeling of urgency had infected the group of rescuers. It seemed as if time was running out and if they stopped for one second they would be too late.
The night was receding and the sun was just minutes away from making an appearance. All around him dark shapes leaped from tree to tree or ran on the ground with feet swifter that those of a rabbit's. He couldn't even see Ibiki as he led the group though he knew he was there. They had left the familiarity of their own land and were now traveling on somewhat unfamiliar ground. With missions away from home, all had come this way before but they did not know it. There could be anything waiting for them but nobody cared. They would face that danger – for Naruto.
Suddenly there was a slight pop and everyone froze. It was nothing more than the snapping of a twig but it was the signal they had been waiting for. They had caught up to the Anbu who'd been chasing Kabuto. One was standing a hair's breath away from Ibiki whispering in his ear. Sasuke couldn't see the others they were hidden so well. There was a puff of air then Hinata appeared at his side.
Their eyes met in the dim light. It was decided – they would leave with Naruto or not at all. They nodded and looked back to Ibiki who was now standing at ease, military fashion. He'd turned to look at the group, his eyes measuring them one by one. Ibiki was making a plan. Suddenly he pointed to Neji then pointed at the ground beside him.
Neji moved through his friends to Ibiki. Listening to words whispered in his ear, he nodded then slipped away into the trees. He was gone for almost an hour while they crouched in the encroaching light. It looked like it would be a daylight fight. Night would have given them a better advantage but now was the time.
When Neji returned he reported his findings to Ibiki in the same way he'd received his orders. Once done, his eyes found Hinata's and he nodded to her. Naruto was well.
She closed her eyes. Okay Baby, I'm here. You wait for me Naruto! I can't wait to see you smile at me and hold me in your arms again. I will never let you leave my side for so long ever again! We will be together!
Sasuke's nerves only grew more taunt. Naruto was close, very close. What will you do when you see me? Do you know that it is my fault that all this has happened? I'm the reason you were hunted and Iruka-sensei almost killed! I am to blame but Naruto – I'm here…I'll never turn my back on you again. You keep me sane Naruto and even if you hate me as long as you're a part of my life the world isn't such a bad place.
Sakura looked at everyone. Each of them had some special connection to Naruto, even some of the adults. That was why they were there. He was important to them. It still killed her spirit some to know she'd made him feel unwanted and unloved. She'd been so stupid! Never again Naruto. You're like my little brother who needs watching out for. Instead of doing that I was mean and harsh to you not appreciating you for you. You're kind and you can be so unselfish and loyal. You're the kind of person other people desire to be. It won't end here Naruto – here it begins!
Ibiki started breaking them into groups. He never said a word out loud but used his hands to tell them what he wanted them to do and where to go. This only took seconds. In the end he, Kakashi, Shibi, Inoichi and Jiraiya would lead the way with Sasuke, Hinata and Sakura on their heels to rescue Naruto. Sunbeams touched the tops of the trees and little rays of lights littered the forest floor when the operation started. It should have been an easy entry since the Sound weren't on guard, having relaxed since reaching his part of the forest.
It should have been. Instead they heard a familiar voice yelling at the top of his lungs. The hoarse voice yelled out, "GO BACK! GET AWAY FROM HERE! DON'T COME ANY CLOSER! THERE ARE TRAPS AND STUFF AROUND HERE! GET THE HELL AWAY! GO HOME!!"
Naruto turned over in his sleep grunting in pain at his bound arms. He tossed his head once or twice then settled back down to sleep or so he wanted them to believe. He needed a stick or rock to free his hands. Using the fox's chakra was a last resort since it would probably be sensed and he didn't want to draw attention to himself just yet. Plus by lying on his arms, he hoped to get some of the feeling back. They hurt like hell; he could barely wiggle his fingers. Luckily his guards were too interested in some kind of game and weren't paying much attention. As for Kabuto, he wished he knew where the man had disappeared to. Naruto guessed Kabuto was preparing for the Leaf shinobi to show up which meant that he didn't have a whole lot of time.
Just yelling out wouldn't keep them away because he didn't believe they would while he was still a prisoner. He had to get free and let them see him free. That was the hard part for he'd have to get close to them and Naruto wanted to avoid that. Hinata was sure to be there and to be close to her only to walk away from her later would just be too damned hard. He thought he'd come up with a way to warn them off and get away without having any real contact with them. His biggest obstacle now was getting free and getting Kabuto's medicine bag. Once he'd gotten away from Kabuto and his friends that would be his way out. He'd forever be out of danger and they would be forever safe from him and his enemies. Kabuto was a sick bastard so there should be something in his medicine bag that would end his life quickly.
His fingers had been searching the ground for something to use when a tickle traveled down his spine. Naruto had already been feigning sleep but now he was completely still – hardly even breathing. Somebody was there – somebody other than the Sound ninja. Carefully he raised his lids to mere slits. It hurt, the light that pierced his eyes and he couldn't see but Naruto kept them open and waited. Apparently his guards had noticed nothing but there was a new presence close to him and he searched the surrounding trees then his heart stopped. Lavender eyes.
Hinata! Oh God, not her! Naruto closed his eyes trying not to cry and feeling a fist around his heart. If she was here… Opening his eyes, he again focused on the spot where Hinata was. Dying to see her and dreading to see her, somehow he had to tell her to get out of there. But when he took a closer look, he got another shock – it wasn't Hinata but Neji.
Disappointment, relief and fear flowed through Naruto. The Leaf was there, not close, not coming but here now and Naruto had a slim chance of making his own plan happen before all hell broke loose. He watched as Neji motioned for Naruto to roll over. He didn't move at first but then carefully shifted so that his arms were exposed.
Naruto waited in anticipation. He had no idea how Neji was going to undo his arms with a distance of five feet between them but… There was a change in the air pressure around his back. A gasp involuntarily escaped him at the blood surging through his arms when somehow, Neji cut his ropes. He had to play it off like it was a bad dream and mumbled in his sleep. He called for Iruka a couple of times before growing quiet again. For interrupting the men's game, he got a kunai stabbed in his thigh. He jerked at the pain that caused but didn't cry out. Naruto with all might, kept his hands behind him. He sensed Neji's anger as the kunai was pulled out again. Blood spurted onto his clothes and on the ground.
"It's fascinating to hurt this guy! Look -." The man with the kunai widened the tear in Naruto's pants. As he watched the bleeding wound slowly closed, healing itself. Again he used the kunai but this time he carved his name into Naruto's thigh.
It was hard not to react to the pain. The jerk didn't just cut him but dug the kunai deeply into his flesh in order to spell out his name. Naruto knew he'd never forget it.
The other guard looked away. "You know if you wake him, Kabuto's going to be angry. Look at him – the kid's shaking and trembling. Maybe all that healing will wake him from the sedative too!"
The guard paused as he finally noticed the tremors in Naruto and the sweat on the teen's head. "It hurts him." He said quietly. "I just figured – it wouldn't hurt you know, since he can heal himself. Damn, Kabuto plans on doing nothing but this to him!" He was one character from finishing his name. Already the first characters were disappearing. Callous and curious he finished his name then backed away from Naruto. He looked around for Kabuto and hoped the kid wouldn't wake up for both their sakes.
Once the guards were again involved in their game, Naruto looked for Neji and he was still there. The look on his friend's face was one he hadn't seen since the fight between him and Hinata. Neji looked ready to kill. He held up a hand, palm out meaning for Naruto to wait. They held eye contact for a minute more before Neji again disappeared from sight.
Naruto lay still as his wounds healed and his fingers flexed normally. It wouldn't be long before Neji told the others where he was and the attack began. His friends were warriors and battles were nothing new to any of them but this was one he would like for them to avoid. Kabuto and his secrets would hurt them and Naruto wasn't going to let that happen.
"He still out of it?" Kabuto asked as he walked over. "What happened to his leg?" Cold fingers traced over unblemished skin but there was blood all over the thigh of his pants. "What did you do?"
One guard quietly put up the money he'd won and looked to his companion who reluctantly turned to face Kabuto. Since the sun was just rising, it looked as if Kabuto's eyes were burning hot from reflecting the sun. "He called out in his sleep – I just wanted to shut him up." The man shrugged.
"Stabbing him in the leg would shut him up?" Kabuto wondered why he'd brought the man along. He'd have to find him something suitably dangerous so he could get rid of the idiot. "Never mind, it's time to go. Fetch me my bag; I don't want him waking up completely ever again." He moved closer to Naruto's face and cupped his jaw. "You are waking up aren't you? It would be nice to see your reaction when your friends meet their end but then you might get riled up and let the fox out and I can't have that Naruto. Sorry but I'm not ever going to let you have another conscious thought. Be happy, the last thing you ever saw was Iruka. Wasn't it nice of me to let him live?" Kabuto asked with a huge smile knowing that Iruka was now just an empty shell.
"Here's your medicine bag. We're just about ready to go. You need anything else?"
"No, just be ready to carry him. You'll be traveling next to me. I have to be close in case he needs more sedative." Kabuto said as he looked for said drug.
"No need – I'm already awake! I'll take that!" Naruto snatched away the bag and kicked Kabuto in the face. While that felt extremely good, he was a little weak from not eating and being tied up. Naruto stumbled as he got to his feet. "Haruka Kouta – nice to meet you!" Naruto jumped and flattened the man into the ground. He took the Sound ninja's weapons pouch and pulled out a kunai. "I don't have time to write my name but it's Uzumaki Naruto with a great big fucking exclamation point!" He jammed the kunai in the man's back right between his shoulder blades.
Kouta's screaming alerted the rest of the Sound causing them to come running. Kabuto got his cracked glasses back on his face in time to see five Naruto's. "Catch him! Each one of him! Don't let him out of this camp!" It was Naruto's loud warning that told Kabuto the Leaf shinobi were upon them. Before he could do anything else, Kakashi was throwing a kunai at his chest.
All five Narutos went in five different directions, each carrying Kabuto's medicine bag. At the same time, Leaf ninja flowed into the camp attacking first and not bothering with questions. The two Leaf spies had already begun silently killing off their enemies as soon as they heard Naruto's warning.
Jiraiya became a fighting demon. His anger was white hot and his focus was on killing. He picked off the Sound ninja with balls of fire then switched to the Rasengan and their horror at seeing that ball of charka gave him a few moments of satisfaction. The sight of not one but two Narutos made him sigh in relief and he continued his assault hoping to give Naruto the chance to escape.
Kouta crawled along the ground unable to stand with the pain in his back. Neji sought him out specifically. "That looks painful." He swiveled to avoid an attack, brought up both hands then sent chakra through his palms to send the enemy flying. "I think Naruto missed your heart on purpose – to make you feel pain. He showed you mercy – most people can survive pain." Again Neji had to defend himself from two attacking men. They too ended up on the ground several feet away and he went back to the crawling, crying Kouta. "Naruto taught me mercy too but for you I can't seem to find any. Goodbye." Neji jerked out the kunai then stabbed it through Kouta's heart.
Tenten shivered at Neji's coldness. She would hate to be his enemy. Producing two scrolls, she let loose a shower of sharp projectiles into several men before joining Neji. The two of them moved about the camp fighting and searching for Naruto.
Shikamaru held several of the Sound in place while Choji used his Expansion Jutsu to knock them flat. He marveled at Ino's dad who was simply leaning up against a tree, hands on hips as the destroyed the minds of the enemy without ever lifting a finger. Grinning he captured two more men then scanned the area for Naruto.
Shino and Shibi released a huge cloud of bugs and except for the Aburame family, most people couldn't stand being around so many bugs and the Sound was no exception. They ran about screaming trying to swat them away. Instead their arms flailed helplessly and their steps got heavier and before too much time had gone by, they were crumpled on the ground to weak to move.
Kiba and Akamaru found themselves next to a Naruto. A look passed between them, one full of questions and doubts but when the enemy attacked, the two put aside their differences and fought together.
"Are you the real one?" Kiba asked as his claws ripped open somebody's arm.
"No. Why?" Naruto-clone asked suspiciously. "You going to kill me along with the Sound?" The clone inched away only to run into Akamaru in Kiba form. He smiled as the man/dog barked at him happily. Akamaru didn't care if it was a clone or not, he was still Naruto's friend.
"Of course not! Hold on – Akamaru!" A group of Sound were heading straight for them so man and dog went into Fang over Fang. Once done they found Naruto again who was battling a man with a sword. "Naruto!" He ran to help but was too late as he was cut in half. Growling in anger, frustration and fear, Kiba not only threw a kunai into the man's eye but ripped open his throat as well.
"Where the hell are you Naruto so I can apologize?!" Kiba felt Akamaru whine at his side in comfort. "Find him for me okay boy?" He asked of his pal and Akamaru said he would but first they had some more Sound to get rid of.
Lee had just completed a Leaf Hurricane when he heard a familiar phrase. "Hey Bushy-Brow, want some help?"
"Naruto! You are well?" He took the time to grab Naruto's shoulders then saw another Naruto run by them. Confused he looked back to the one in front of him. "Which are you?" Though it really did not matter for if there was a clone, then the real one was alive and well. "Whatever! We will fight together, shall we?" Lee slapped Naruto on the arm and grinned like a fool.
"You always were a nut Lee but a good friend." Naruto said quietly with a touch of seriousness then he grinned too. "Let's see who can take out the most of these guys!" Naruto challenged him knowing Lee couldn't resist for he was too much like his mentor Guy who was forever challenging Kakashi.
Lee tilted his head staring for a moment then, "You're on! Loser has to carry a five foot tree back to the village!" He easily dodged an attack while telling Naruto the rules.
"Hey, I never agreed to that!" Naruto said taking on another Sound ninja. The two of them fought with skill and enthusiasm. "That's five for me! How many Lee?" Naruto asked a few minutes later.
"Too slow Naruto! I have already taken down eight!" Lee laughed and turned to face his friend expecting a frustrated frown and he was not disappointed. Naruto glared at him with his hands on his hips.
"Just you wait I'll -." Naruto never got to finish. Even as his blue eyes gleamed and his smile appeared a windmill shuriken sliced him from head to toe. (Poof!)
"NARUTO!" Lee yelled. He didn't know why but seeing that felt like the real thing. More Sound ninja ran to attack him and he yelled at them. "This must end! You will not keep me from my friend any longer!" Lee moved so fast that the Sound never saw more than a flash of green before they saw nothing at all.
They were merciless. None of them gave any thought to the men they encountered. If they took a life – then it was the consequence of kidnapping someone they loved. Their only intent was to find and rescue Naruto – nothing else mattered.
Sakura utilized two clones. She and her clones worked as a team, setting up the Sound then surrounding them and slicing them to pieces with her kunai. When that didn't work she used the technique she learned from the Hokage. There were several large holes in the earth, convenient graves for the Sound that got in her way.
Sasuke expelled hot fire in what seemed a never ending stream to the Sound. Several wires flew from his hands binding and cutting into flesh and possibly cutting off extended hands and feet. He would follow the wire with shuriken while performing a jump and though he was turning in the air at the time – every target was hit.
Some didn't even bother to attack Sasuke. It was his red eyes that had them fleeing. Another set of red eyes had already fucked up their world so they weren't trying to take on somebody else with red eyes.
The Sharingan saw the fleeing ninjas but still he didn't want them to escape unharmed. Using all his skills, Sasuke found some way to hit, cut, burn and maim those that ran. At the same time he was frantically searching for blond hair.
Hinata fought using the Gentle Fist. Neji was the genius at hitting all those chakra points that she could not see but then she didn't need his accuracy for this. For this, her skill was more than adequate for no one could defend against her family's kekkei genkai.
If anyone had been able to watch, she was beauty in motion. Hinata's body would bend low then with a turn of her wrist, a fluid movement of her arm she would hit an opponent and render them helpless. A half circle to her right or left, ankle arched ever so slightly to move her body forward. It was as if she was dancing. Dark hair swung about her shoulders. The Byakugan found their weaknesses and her delicate hands stopped them cold but while she fought, her heart called out to Naruto.
"Going somewhere?" Kakashi asked as Kabuto managed to deflect the kunai. Generally he felt little when he was in a battle but not this time. Since Kabuto had grown up in the Hidden Leaf things were much different. He'd been one of then betrayed them all to be Orochimaru's spy plus he'd tried to kill Sasuke and Naruto. Cold hatred burned in him.
"Hello Kakashi." Kabuto smiled. "You guys showed up much sooner than I thought you would. Don't tell me you really want him back that badly?" He sounded disbelieving. "I'm trying to help you people – he's only going to kill you or lead you to your deaths one day."
"Save your lies! People like you never know when you're in over your head. You took someone who belongs to us and now we're taking him back!" Kakashi lifted his headband to reveal the Sharingan. "It's over Kabuto."
"Kakashi! Let me have the first shot!" Shizune dropped to the ground beside him. She was dressed as Kakashi was and this time she was prepared to fight Kabuto to the death. The first time they'd met had been awkward because it had been such a delicate situation for Lady Tsunade but now – now she could kill him for Tsunade. Kill him for the things he'd done then and for the horrible things he'd done now.
"What – two against one? That's not really fair is it?" Kabuto asked casually but he didn't like this one bit. One on one with either of them was dangerous but two on one was suicidal!
"You're asking about fairness? When you and this damn platoon attacked two people? Give it up Kabuto and prepare to die!" Kakashi said coldly and attacked followed by Shizune.
Their hands and arms moved fast! Kabuto manage to only block half of the blows. He soon had cuts on his face and knew that several hits were going to cause bruises if not broken bones. Neither was using jutsu at the moment, preferring to kick his ass with their bare hands. Kabuto needed only a moment to get away. If he could recapture Naruto, then he'd regain the upper hand.
Kabuto missed his medicine bag containing poisons that would allow him to kill from a distance but he carried on his body what he needed to escape. Allowing Shizune to hit his jaw, Kabuto fell backward and somersaulted several feet while Kakashi chased him. He wasn't proficient at the earth style jutsu but he could still disappear like a ninja. Pulling out the little pellets, he made a smoke screen and ran!
"Dammit!" Shizune cursed and started to follow Kakashi who could apparently see where Kabuto had gone but she was forestalled by attacking Sound ninjas. Pushing up her sleeve, Shizune released several deadly senbon. When she was able, she followed in Kakashi's footsteps.
Naruto fought with Naruto at his back. It was reminiscent of his fight when Iruka was with him. Thinking of their father made him sad and angry at the same time. It occurred to him that he'd die without knowing if Iruka was alive and well but that wasn't their decision. What they needed to do was be seen, take out as many of the bastards as they could and make sure none of the Leaf went any further than this point.
All around them were faces of people he'd longed to see again and fight beside as well as laugh with. They had come for him and…Hinata and Sasuke and Sakura were headed their way. Joy and anxiety bubbled up inside them making them fight even harder.
"Naruto!" Sasuke ran full tilt towards him.
"Naruto!" Sakura cheered taking long leap towards him.
"Naruto." Hinata walked hesitantly towards them. She saw no one but the two of him. Several Sound ninja tried to attack her but Sakura and Sasuke took care of them. As she watched she saw them try to smile at her. It would come and go as if he wasn't sure how to smile. "Naruto." Her relief at seeing him unharmed barely allowed her to speak let alone move quickly.
"Hinata." They said together. She was so beautiful – a flower in the middle of a raging storm standing tall and weathering whatever came her way.
Hinata smiled at him her tears making her eyes shine. She reached them and placed a hand on their cheeks. "You were supposed to come back to me, not make me chase after you!" She stepped forward and felt heat from both Narutos as their arms pulled her close. Her temples received warm kisses from them and she clutched those orange jackets so hard that her hands ached.
Saskue and Sakura stopped fighting. There were less and less Sound ninja to oppose them. A Naruto stood directly in front of them. Hinata was crushed between them. A minute was all they could stand before reaching out a hand to touch Naruto.
Just as Naruto was lifting his head, a curved kunai slashed through one head. (Poof!) Then the other head. (Poof!) "Just as I thought!" Kabuto muttered then turned and headed in the direction the where the last Naruto had gone. Back when Naruto had revealed he was awake, Kabuto had figured he'd use clones to escape and despite being attacked by Kakashi, he had tracked where each Naruto had headed. As he ran with Kakashi close behind, Kabuto smiled. Not only was Naruto going to kill himself but he'd headed right for the traps set up to kill the Leaf shinobi.
Hinata gasped as her hands suddenly clutched empty air. Neither of them was real! But it was his touch! They smelled like Naruto! It was his heartbeat! Oh God, they were both clones! She looked at Sasuke then Sakura and saw the shock on their faces, hands still raised to where Naruto had been.
"NARUTOOOO!" Sasuke was breathing hard. Of course he'd known one of them was a clone but not both! He hadn't used his Sharingan to see which one was a clone. In seconds he would have faced Naruto but the moment had been taken from him.
Sakura stumbled forward. She actually searched the air for him as if he were still there but invisible. "Hinata?" Had the other girl know they were clones? Sakura heard the thickness in her voice – tears of frustration trying to escape her body.
Hinata shook her head frantically. She was too shocked to cry. The three looked lost until Kakashi ran towards them.
"Don't just stand there dammit! Either Kabuto knows where Naruto went or the bastard's got him stashed somewhere! Come on!" All this was said on the run. Just as they pulled themselves together to follow, Kiba and Akamaru showed up.
"Akamaru's got his scent! All the clones are gone so this has to be the original!" Akamaru barked at them then ran off quickly passing Kakashi.
Seeing their friends leave the battle, Shikamaru, Neji, Choji, Tenten and Lee looked torn between staying and following.
Shibi also seeing his son looking after Sasuke took pity on them. "Go! Go all of you! We've got this! Hurry and save Naruto!"
It was true; Ibiki and the Anbu were taking out Sound ninja left and right. Inoichi was yawning as he made two Sound ninja attack each other. Jiraiya was a blur of red and white as he spun about spitting fire. Not to mention their squad leaders, Asuma, Kurenai and Guy who were handling the more advanced Sound ninja.
"Thanks Father!" Shino said and left. The others fell in line with him and the search began again.
Naruto didn't like the feel of the place. This little grove he'd found was different from the rest of the forest. It was cold and creepy but it was completely secluded. He couldn't even hear the sounds of battle anymore. His dash through the camp had allowed him to see all of them and for that he was glad. I got to see my…wife. Naruto tested the word and recognized it for a mistake because he wanted to turn back around and go to her. He wrapped and arm around the trunk of a tree to keep himself from moving.
"Sasuke, you and Sakura came too. I wonder if that means…but I can't think of that either. Even Kiba, of course they could have made him come." Naruto let go of the tree, turned around and slid down the trunk to the ground. Looking down he saw the medicine bag he'd stolen from Kabuto. "I guess – I guess it's time. They should be okay now. I warned them and my clones should make them all believe that I'm still there." He let out a shaky sigh then tentatively opened the tightly packed bag.
Inside were several syringes, little bottles of liquid, more bottles of pills, antiseptic, bandages and some other things like scissors, scalpels and other tools he knew nothing about. Naruto frowned. Nothing was labeled. He couldn't tell what was what! Which is poison and which is just medicine? "Grrrrrraaahhhh!" He growled lowly. "What idiot doesn't use labels? Now what?" Naruto looked up frantically to see if anyone had heard him. No one could find him before…he ended it all.
Precious minutes were ticking by as he wondered what to do. Without a doubt, Naruto knew he couldn't physically take his own life. The fox would know for one thing and would probably try to stop him but he just couldn't see doing anything destructive to his body. He thought about the bastard who'd carved his name in his thigh. No that was not the way. Drugs would knock him out and the fox wouldn't suspect a thing until it was too late. Even if he didn't die, it just might leave him in a coma and if no one found his body…
Naruto hid his face in his hands as he saw his dead body lying here being eaten by bugs and birds. He jerked his head up and quickly opened the bag. He pulled out every bottle, opened them and poured the contents down his throat. Naruto choked several times spitting up some of it but the majority of it went down into his belly.
Gasping as the drugs churned in his empty stomach, Naruto covered his mouth trying to stop himself from throwing up. Blinking rapidly he kicked away the now empty bag and scooted back until he rested against a dead tree trunk. He sat quietly and closed his eyes. It's so quiet. I'll just go to sleep…forever…
The beat of his heart was slowing and Naruto was yawing. Images of the faces he loved came to him. Emotions were almost non-existent now. The fear of never being with his family and friends no longer bothered him. Why didn't I…do this before? I'll finally be at peace…
Kabuto dropped down in front of Naruto. He only had a few minutes lead on Kakashi. The teen's eyes lids were flittering and his muscles were lax. Kabuto chuckled. "Good boy Naruto. You decided to take yourself out and save me the trouble but I can't let you have all the fun." Quickly he snatched up Naruto's limp body and crouched down behind him as Akamaru and Kakashi came to a sliding halt before them. In the ground beside them was his curved kunai - waiting.
"You made it!" Kabuto greet them with a large smile. He jerked off Naruto's head band and slapped his hand over the boy's forehead. "Time to see Naruto die!" He shook Naruto's head.
Kakashi's mouth dropped open and Akamaru growled. "No, no way! What did you to him? NARUTO!" He saw the empty bottles and knew they only had minutes if that to save him.
Out of the forest behind Kakashi came Kiba, Sasuke, Hinata, Sakura, Shino, Neji, Tenten, Lee, Shikamaru, Choji and Shizune. They fanned out on either side of Kakashi, each of them making some sound of distress.
Hinata dropped to the ground at seeing Naruto half dead before her. She crawled slightly forward mewing in her throat.
"Well damn, you must really love him. I wouldn't think anyone would fall this – this!" He lifted up Naruto's chin to look down into a completely out of it face. Kabuto frowned for under his fingertips he could still feel Naruto's steady heartbeat. That damned fox was still able to keep him alive despite all the drugs the boy had ingested.
"Let him go. Please – let him go." Hinata begged as she crawled to him. It was her worst fears come true.
Several hearts clenched in pain to see her on hands and knees begging for Naruto's life. Sasuke stepped forward.
"It's me you want isn't it? Leave him and take me. Let her have him and I'll go with you. He doesn't deserve what you've done to him!" Sasuke yelled and followed after Hinata.
"Hold it you two!" Kabuto demanded. It seemed they were all trying to move closer. He'd have to do something quickly. "And I did nothing! Naruto took all of this on his own." He nodded to the bottles. Kabuto grinned at the shock on their faces.
"You're lying! Naruto knew we were coming so why would he try to kill himself?" Neji demanded ready to take off Kabuto's head.
"To save us." Kakashi said quietly. "Just like he did for Iruka. This bastard must have threatened us, said something to Naruto to make him believe this was the only way to protect us."
"You got it in one Kakashi! It wasn't hard to make him want to do it. He has you to thank for that!" Kabuto pointed at the Chunin. "You who questioned him, wondered about him, feared him! Is it any wonder he'd rather die than be around you any longer? Look at it this way – he won't be alone on the other side, Iruka is there waiting on him!" Kabuto started to laugh but Sakura rushed him.
She'd never been so angry. It was partly because it was true what he'd said. She had done those things and now Naruto was dying because of it! "Ahhh!"
Kabuto snatched up the kunai and Naruto. Up on a tree limb, he had just enough time to slit Naruto's wrists. Deep long wounds from palm to forearm. Letting Naruto's body drop, he laughingly leapt away.
Hinata screamed his name and ran like she'd never run before. "Naruto!" She reached him and immediately tried to stop the bleeding. As Sakura dropped to her knees beside her she cried. "He's dying! Naruto's dying!"
"Not today he isn't!" Kakashi jerked Naruto up by the jacket and punched him several times in the stomach.
"Kakashi-sensei what the hell are you doing?" Sakura cried but even as she spoke, Naruto gasped in pain then started throwing up.
"That's it kid, here's a little more!" Kakashi used all his strength to send his fist almost through Naruto's stomach to his spine. As nasty as it was, Kakashi was glad to see the teen's vomit. "Shizune!" He called as Naruto fell onto his hands and knees, his bodily fluids exiting his body.
"I'm here!" She was sniffing the discarded bottles trying to figure out what Naruto had ingested. "Some of it's still in his system but I think you got the most of it out. I'll use some smelling salts to wake him up."
"Good. I'm going after Kabuto!" He looked down at the coughing Naruto and let his hand rest on the teen's head for a moment before dashing away.
"Naruto, Naruto?" Hinata was beside him stroking his back, feeling the heat of his body, the sweat that poured off of him. All of a sudden she wacked him as hard as she could on the back making him groan in pain. She laughed as she cried. "It's really him!" She told Sakura and Sasuke. "I'm sorry Naruto." Hinata felt like she was going mad. Depression, hopelessness, and now joy. What's going to happen next?
Naruto hurt. He'd been so sleepy and peaceful before. Now his stomach ached, his back and head throbbed with pain plus there was a burning pain in his arms. He could feel people watching him and he wondered why they were there. Somebody held some powerful smelling stuff beneath his nose and he jumped backwards from it tears streaming down his face.
"Thank God. Naruto." Sakura reached out to take his hand only to have him jerk it away.
"You…me die." He whispered his throat still raw from vomiting.
"What?" Hinata inched closer her hands reaching for his face.
Naruto looked up into her face. She was crying but she looked so happy to see him. He was breathing hard at seeing her. His Hinata. "You should have let me die."
Her hands tightened on his face. Hinata lost her smile. "No. Never." The words were spoken sharply.
"Yes." He wouldn't look at her or any of them. Naruto lay still as somebody held up his arms to stop the bleeding but now that some of the drugs had left his body, he could feel the wounds healing. "Kabuto almost killed Dad to get to me. He threatened you next and if not you then anyone else I call friend." Please leave!
"Naruto, Kabuto's not that powerful. You should not believe him." Shino spoke up.
"Naruto." Sasuke kneeled behind Hinata. "Look at me Naruto."
Naruto shuddered to hear that tone in Sasuke's voice again. It sounded like the friend he'd lost nearly a month ago now. "Why? Why are you here Sasuke?" Hinata's hands were stroking his face now. He wanted to pull away from her but there was nowhere to go. His back was again against the tree and he was surrounded by all his friends.
"…Because I came to save my friend. I don't want to hurt you and I don't want your power. I want Naruto, the only person who ever treated me like family. I was an idiot for hurting you. Forgive me Naruto." Sasuke pleaded wanting forgiveness and hoping this would give Naruto a reason to live.
"And me. It hurt that you left without saying goodbye but I understood. You're like a brother to me Naruto. A stupid kid brother but mine and one I don't want to live without. I accept you for you. Please forgive me Naruto." Sakura asked.
His heart thumped sluggishly. Words he'd longed to hear but feared he never would tempted him still…if he was in their lives, there would always be trouble. "You need to know Kabuto's got some kind of traps or whatnot set up around here. If you leave now, you'll be okay."
It was plain as day that Naruto wanted them to go home and that he wasn't planning going with them. Nobody understood it.
"You guys should go help Kakashi-sensei." Hinata said pulling Naruto into her arms. "I'll stay here with him." She wasn't letting him out of her sight again.
Naruto shuddered as her body cushioned his. "Go with them Hinata. I'll be okay." He said wishing she'd listen. He needed them gone so he could disappear from their lives and try again.
"You're a stubborn ass Naruto! I guess you're also a gullible fool. You believed the lies Kabuto told you so completely that you tried to leave me for-forever." Her voice broke but she got control of herself. "We're ninja Naruto and it's pretty damned sad that you don't think we can take care of ourselves. Not everything bad that happens is about you!"
"You say that like it isn't true but what are you all here for?" Naruto countered. His wounds healed but he was still feeling sick to the stomach from lack of food, countless drugs and then violently emptying his stomach. "Others want me dead or want the chakra of the Nine-Tailed Fox. How many times are you guys going to get hurt trying to protect me? Or just happen to get caught in the crossfire? I'll only cause you trouble." Why can't they see the truth and just abandon me?
"It's too late for that Naruto. We know the danger and we don't care." Shikamaru answered. "See Naruto, you're our friend and we won't let anyone hurt you if we can stop it."
"That's right Naruto." Tenten spoke up surprising many. "I didn't want anything to do with you but spending time with everybody while you were gone – I learned to admire you. I still think you're crazy but I'd like to get to know the guy everyone likes so much. I don't want to miss out on a special friendship with a guy who inspires all these people." Tenten looked at them all shyly having gained their smiling faces.
"You're acting like a coward Naruto!" Kiba said with his hands in his pockets. "You've always fought for what you wanted but now you're trying to die! Are you that damned scared of living?" He stalked closer until he was standing at Naruto's feet. "All them – everybody here demanded to come on this mission! There was only one thought on their minds – Save Naruto! Stop sitting there like a lump and get up! Fight Naruto! Kabuto fucked with your mind and don't you want revenge for what he did to Iruka- sensei?!" He kicked Naruto's foot.
That brought up Naruto's gaze. "Dad's…Dad's fine right? Pervy Sage got to him in time, right? Right? DAD'S ALIVE RIGHT?!" He sat up and gripped Hinata's shoulders.
Shizune knew it was wrong but if it pulled Naruto out his depression and thoughts of suicide, then she'd risk it. "Master Jiraiya tried Naruto but Kabuto poisoned him. By the time he got Iruka to us…it was too late." She dropped her eyes but not before shaking her head slightly at all those watching her dumbfounded.
My Dad. My Dad is... He promised to leave him alone. He lied to me and killed him anyway. No! When he gasped, that's when… Naruto let go of Hinata. He saw Iruka on the ground, leg broken, deep slashes in his skin, tears in his eyes as he begged him not to go. He was helpless…he couldn't move…Kabuto killed my father!
Naruto stumbled to his feet. He didn't see Hinata's mouth open in amazement and worry. He didn't see the feral smiles on Kiba and Neji's faces. Naruto didn't see Shikamaru nod and rub his hands together. Sakura and Sasuke stood at his side waiting to follow his lead but Naruto was oblivious.
It bloomed in his belly, the red chakra. It wasn't a slow progression but instant combustion. In seconds, his body changed. Out came the fangs and claws. His whisker's seemed to stand up off his face and twitch in the air. Red encompassed him, covering him from head to toe and from behind Naruto appeared a tail. It lashed the air destroying the tree behind him. "KAAAABUUUUTOOO!"
Naruto's raised head sniffed the air. Suddenly a transformed Kiba and Akamaru were by his side. Large enough to take down a full grown man, they howled then jumped the damaged tree. They had Kabuto's scent and would lead Naruto to him.
Sasuke and Sakura were only inches away from all that power but neither showed any fear. Their teammate was going into battle and they were going to be at his side. The other's followed but Hinata held back to silently question Shizune.
"It's going to be okay. He needed a reason to live – to fight. You guys would have gotten through to him eventually but this was quicker and it'll help rid his system of some the drugs. Kabuto…there were some deadly poisons in those bottles." The woman shivered because had it been a normal person – death would have been instantaneous. She managed a smile for Hinata. "I've never seen this Naruto in action! I really want to see Kabuto get his ass kicked!"
Hinata blinked and looked after Naruto. They had told her about it but to see him so changed was…it was… thrilling and scary and amazing. Her boyfriend had the Nine-Tailed Fox in him and now it was released to avenge his father. "Yes, this is my first time seeing him this way too." Hinata's eyes were wide as she looked after him. It was Naruto and not Naruto. Suddenly she needed to see him again. "Come on!"
Kabuto was scared. He was on his own up against the Hidden Leaf's Copy Ninja. His special medical jutsu wasn't going to help him because Kakashi could copy everything he did! Right now they were trading kunai blows. The older ninja was wearing a mocking smile as he effortlessly blocked Kabuto's blows. It was if he wasn't even trying to hurt him. When he could he looked around but none of his people could be seen and his carefully laid traps were all being avoided because of that blasted Sharingan! He cried out as Kakashi slashed open his shoulder then his forearm.
"Careless of you. Shouldn't you be paying better attention to me instead of looking for help?" Kakashi grinned. "It's just you and me out here Kabuto. Can't you fight on your own anymore or have you grown weak after hooking up with Orochimaru?"
Kabuto's mouth opened to say something, he didn't know what when he heard his name echoing throughout the forest. It was if a hell demon was calling out for him. He faltered and got another cut across his thigh.
Kakashi laughed. "It seems Naruto's calling for you. What do you think he wants?" Forgoing the kunai, Kakashi kicked Kabuto in his wounded leg sending the bespectacled man tumbling. Come on Naruto. I've got him all ready for you! The sound of weapons flying through the air had Kakashi turning and looking over his shoulder. It seemed they'd come across one of those damned traps.
It was like sunshine on a rainy day to hear those arrows flying through the air. Lurching Kabuto tried to get away but Kakashi appeared before him and gleefully punched his jaw. He landed hard on his ass.
"You don't really think that stopped them do you?" Kakashi shook his head pitying the man before him. "He's not done with you – not after what you did to Iruka." Again Kakashi laughed at the fear on Kabuto's face.
"Naruto! Go left!" Neji directed the Fox. They had been surprised by the arrows one of them had tripped and before they could react, Naruto's tail had knocked them out of the sky. Now it was Neji to left of Sasuke who was spying out the other traps so there would be no more delays for Naruto. He was actually growing a little tired. This Naruto was fast – extremely fast.
Fox and dog raced towards Kabuto. Kiba/Akumaru was indeed fast but the sleek fox had the speed. Naruto jumped then used his tail to further his leap. A laugh of intent left Naruto as he spotted Kakashi standing over Kabuto. "Mine! Your ass is MINE!"
Kabuto skittered backwards on his hands trying to get away from the monster that was Naruto. He'd never imagined this. One part of his mind was analyzing this new breed of human and spirit while the other was wondering just how quickly Naruto would kill him.
Kakashi backed off as Naruto landed on all fours. He smiled at him and bowed telling Naruto that Kabuto was all his. He looked around at the Chunins suddenly appearing next to him. They were all flustered and excited and worried at the same time. Kakashi frowned wondering what they had to be worried about but the action grabbed his attention and he forgot any worries.
Kabuto turned over and tried to run. He was bent over at the waist, hands on the ground trying to find purchase but a tail made out of chakra knocked him sideways and Kabuto felt his ribs break as he smashed through two trees. He gurgled as blood bubbled up his throat. The pain was horrible and he just wanted to heal himself and run but he wasn't given the chance to move, not that he could.
Naruto walked over still on all fours. A hand/paw batted at Kabuto's legs relieving them of skin. "So how does it feel? You're at my mercy – no one to help you! I'm playing with you like you're nothing but a damned toy! My father, Umino Iruka – you did this to him!" Naruto scratched his claws down the length of Kabuto's back making the man scream. "He was no threat to you! Already broken but you KILLED HIM ANYWAY! BASTARD!" There were tears coming from his red eyes as his tail picked up Kabuto then pounded him into the ground several times.
There were grimaces at the pain Naruto was inflicting but no one looked away. It wasn't true, Iruka wasn't dead but he would have been if Jiraiya hadn't gotten there in time. Kabuto was an enemy and he wouldn't stop his evil ways if left alive. They were going to let Naruto kill him.
Kabuto wasn't moving anymore. Naruto dropped him then with one paw/hand on the man's chest leaned over him. He sniffed and gloried in the scent of blood. He wasn't dead but one bite of his fangs and Kabuto's life blood would spill down his throat. It would be a taste to savor as he tried to live without Iruka in his life and bear the burden that it was fault that he'd lost the only father he'd ever known.
Hinata stepped forward. She was hesitant about letting Naruto take that bite. He was out of his mind with anger and grief – someone else should finish Kabuto. Naruto's heart and mind were still affected by what Kabuto had done and she just wondered if this would be too much for him to handle. "N-Naruto?" She spoke very quietly.
Mouth open, Naruto heard and glanced her way. Love and concern glowed from her eyes and he paused. It saved him. Senses alert to his woman and everything about him Naruto felt the surge of chakra and jumped out of the way in time. Had he been gorging himself on Kabuto's blood, he would have probably taken a nasty blow.
From up out of the ground, Orochimaru appeared but it wasn't just the long- haired, snake looking man but also a snake so large – it was like the one that attacked the village! A tongue long and thick unfurled and scooped up the half-dead Kabuto.
"Well now, something interesting has been going on while I've been gone." Orochimaru looked at Kabuto within the snake's tongue and tsked. "You almost killed him and I've got plans for him yet. Shame on you boy." He turned his cold gaze on Naruto.
Naruto had protectively moved to stand in front of Hinata. He was no longer on all fours but his body was crouched ready to fly at Orochimaru if he needed to.
Out of the blue, Jiraiya on the back of a toad landed heavily next to Naruto. "Shame on him?! He got what he deserved for trying to interfere with the ninja's of Konoha!" The toad sage said angrily as Kabuto disappeared into the snake's mouth.
"Jiraiya, you again? Are you always going to be next to this boy? You can't protect him forever! Even if I don't kill him, that boy's life is doomed." Orochimaru sneered.
"Naruto's life is his own and I'll make sure of that! You caused all of this because for some damned reason you want me!" Sasuke stood before the giant snake defiantly. "I admit I wanted the power you offered me but no more! It's over! I want nothing more to do with you and your evil! Go and leave us in peace...for if you don't…"
"If you don't, you'll have all of us to deal with! Naruto and Sasuke belong to us – come after them again and your life is ours!" Neji yelled out as he moved to stand next to Sasuke.
"Snakes shouldn't go where there are normal people living. We tend to kill them and skin them. Maybe make shoes from their skin." Shikamaru said from where he stood near to Naruto.
"I like snake meat. It's good eating." Choji said rubbing his stomach as he joined Sasuke and Neji.
Jiraiya chuckled without any humor and crossed his arms. "Well now you know. You mess with just one of us then you'll have all of Konoha on your skinny ass! Take your four-eyed puppet and go!"
"No! Kabuto is mine! He owes me a life!" Naruto growled and lowered his body.
"No!" Hinata yelled.
"Enough Naruto!" Sasuke said standing before him. "Let's go home. You kicked his ass." A half smile lightened Sasuke's expression. "My ass is next isn't it? Hinata said I'd be in for it once you came home. Just leave me something to sit on, okay?" He gently reached down for Naruto's hand.
"Sasuke…" Naruto looked up at him. The urge to kill and the urge to take his friend's hand warred inside him.
"Oh please! This is why I hate Konohagakure. Such reckless emotion is useless in a ninja! Sasuke these people have blinded you and your attachment to them only makes you weak! You will come to me and give me what I want! And there's nothing the rest of you fools will be able to do to stop me!" Orochimaru laughed as the snake rose twenty feet high then dropped suddenly scattering the Leaf Ninja before slithering away.
"No dammit!" Naruto yelled and tried to follow. His rational sense suddenly disappearing. Kabuto had hurt and killed his father and now Orochimaru had threatened to take Sasuke away from him as well. He bounded after the giant snake intending on destroying the evil for once and for all.
"No Naruto!" Jiraiya and the toad blocked his path. Then Kakashi and Shizune formed a half circle to keep him from moving. "It's over son."
"Don't say that! Only my…DAD calls me that!" He attacked and the battle toad blocked Naruto's tail but it pushed the toad several feet backwards. Blinded with pain and loss Naruto rose up intent on going through Jiraiya if he had to.
It was painful to watch. Naruto was in a rage but the sadness in his soul could be felt pouring off of him. This time they watched as the toad's tongue shot out and knocked Naruto to the ground. Jiraiya jumped on top of Naruto and performed a few hand signs the slammed his hand into Naruto's stomach. He screamed and screamed as his body shuddered and jerked as if he were being electrocuted. Then one loud gasp and he was still.
"Naruto! What did you do? What did you do?!" Hinata was there scooping him up into her arms and pressing him against her breasts. "Naruto? Baby? Naruto?" She cried and rocked him but even as she ran her hand over his face and chest, air flowed in and out of his lungs and there was a heartbeat. Hinata buried her face next to his and cried.
"He'll be fine. I just forced the Nine-Tailed back into his body." Jiraiya said suddenly very tired. It had taken all his chakra to do it. The fox would only have gained more control and Naruto would have been lost to them.
Kakashi caught the old man as he stumbled. Shizune tried to check on Naruto but Hinata wouldn't let her get close enough.
The day had started off with a battle. Naruto had tried to take his own life and Kabuto had almost succeeded in helping him die. Naruto had released all his pain and the fox's chakra had helped him to beat Kabuto into the ground. Orochimaru had come and saved his servant while Sasuke had renounced the former Sannin. The forest here was full of Sound ninja traps and it was thick and creepy with little to no animal life. The sun barely pierced the trees to touch the ground. It was hard to tell what time of day it was. In truth it was still early afternoon, the time little kids went down for naps and adults ate lunch. It was time for playing games in the park or taking a quick break from work to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.
Konoha shinobi gathered around the limp body of Naruto and the crying Hinata. They were tired and the satisfaction that should have come from saving the one they cared so much about was muted for they'd saved Naruto's body but not his piece of mind.