I do not own 'Naruto'
The Rebellion
Menma was making his way towards sound village, it was a long journey. Mostly because they were called Hidden villages for a reason! For all he knew, he was halfway to Iwa.
If Menma had Shinobi directions, he would have found the place. Instead, he was in the same position as a civilian.
'Need help?' A familiar voice asked.
"Zero, where the hell have you been?" Menma asked.
'Not Reibi.' Zero retorted. 'I am Ichibi, the One Tails.'
Menma was more than a little skeptical. "Isn't the One Tails in Sand?"
Instead of answering, it pulled Menma into their mind-scape.
Looking around, Menma saw that he was in a barren area. There was amazingly beuatiful place like with the Four Tails. There wasn't even a large prison prison like with the Kyuubi.
There was just a mountain.
With a cave.
Menma decided to enter.
He followed the long tunnel until he came upon an opening. The opening was actually a giant sphere like room covered in the same seals that bound them together. Inside the opening was a large cocoon hanging from the ceiling.
Menma made his way towards the anomaly. He placed a hand on the web-like threads that held the thing. A lot of dark chakra came from it.
It was Reibi.
"Hello." The cocoon greeted.
"What's happening to you?" Menma asked, slightly worried.
"I am evolving." It answered.
"Into what?"
"The tail you gained from the Four tails is turning me from zero into one." It explained shocking the boy "What did you think would happen with all that power?" It asked with a bit of humor. "You don't just go from zero to ten without change."
Menma had actually never put any thought to it. "If that's the case, shouldn't you be turning into a Nibi from the Kyuubi's chakra?"
"...I never gained anything from the fox." It explained. "It seems that it's negative half was split away somewhere. Apparently when it was sealed away, a man that smelt of monkeys sealed it inside himself before the Shinigami ate him."
"Sarutobi Hiruzen." Menma whispered "The Third Hokage."
"Yes, it seems..."
"Wait a second." Menma cut in "We both felt that bastard fox's emotions, it was practically walking hate!"
"Yes?"
"How evil is that fox?" Menma asked. "How evil was it?'
"Pretty evil." It answered. "We'll have to find away to get the fox."
"Like what?"
"..."
"Can I still call you Zero?"
"Sure."
With that, Menma was knocked back into reality.
"So that's what Roshi felt like?" Menma asked no one. He looked around and saw that he had been moving on autopilot. "Where the hell are we now?"
'On an unused path to Mist.' Zero answered.
"How?"
'I searched for the largest source of negative emotions.' A familiar voice spoke. 'There's a lot of fear and hate in the air.'
Menma was shocked that he didn't notice it before, it was coming at him in waves.
He was also disappointed in himself for not thinking of that method himself. It was the exact same way that he found Sound in the first place.
He did notice one thing in the negative emotions, a spark of hope. There was a large group of people who carried a flicker of hope that pushed away their negative feelings.
He decided to head that way.
His traveling was cut short by an enemy.
"H-halt!" A shaky voice called.
Menma turned to see a blue haired boy with glasses. He had a large bandaged object strapped to his back, some kind of weapon. The funny part was the weapon was as big as it's wielder.
He can't be any older than fourteen. Menma guessed. No wonder he seemed to have confidence issues.
He didn't need his abilities to see that the boy was nervous. His shaky stance was enough of a tell.
"Who are you?" A second voice asked.
Menma turned to see a man, a seasoned warrior. He had his left eye covered with an eye patch.
He was skilled enough to hide his emotions as well as his chakra. That was something impressive.
A Jounin. Menma estimated What's with that weird chakra in his covered eye?
Menma decided to feel the area for anyone else. He found a third person who was still hidden.
The man saw how the black haired child was sizing them up. He was impressed, the boy seemed to know what he was doing. He noticed the child seemed to be focusing on the sword and his eye.
"We are Menma?" He answered. "Who are you?"
"W-we?" The blue haired boy questioned.
The adult decided to scan the area with his eye, a Byakugan. There was no one within two miles that he wasn't familiar with. However, when he focused chakra into his eye, the boy named Menma tensed.
"Who are you?" Menma asked again. That's a Byakugan!
"I'm Chojuro." The boy answered "This is Ao."
This earned Chojuro a slap to the back of his head from the newly named Ao.
"Back in my day." He began scolding "Ninja didn't just give out information!"
"I'm s-sorry!"
Menma watched the two, he found it funny. His laughter drew Ao's attention.
"What are you doing out here boy?" Ao asked.
"We're looking for someone in the Terumi clan." Menma answered.
"Why are you looking for a Terumi?" Ao asked coldly.
Menma saw both of the Mist Shinobi to tense up. He could feel a great wave of distrust coming from them.
"We think we should be going?" Menma spoke.
He turned to leave only for his path to be blocked by Ao. Chojuro grabbed the weapon from his back and prepared himself for anything.
That weapon's no joke. He could feel the raw chakra coming from it.
Menma was sure he could at least fight off and escape Chojuro. Ao on the under hand was a different story. He had more chakra than both of them combined, but not the experience. Without it, he knew he didn't stand much of a chance.
New plan! He thought.
"Are you two really going to team up to beat up a nine year old?" He asked.
"Yes." Ao answered.
Damn.
He wasn't ready for this kind of confrontation yet. He needed to end this as quickly as possible.
He charged Chojuro, he seemed to be the weaker one.
He used the one technique that Roshi taught him before they parted.
Lava Style: Scorching Rocks Jutsu
Menma's cheek began to expand as he launched his attack. A large amount of lava was expelled from his mouth that solidified into three boulders of molten rock.
This attack seemed to shock the two Mist ninja more than Menma expected. Thanks to his years of experience, Ao was the first to recover.
"Look out Chojuro!" He shouted, knocking the boy out of his stupor.
Chojuro stood his ground and swung his sword at the upcoming molten rocks. He was able the knock two of them away in a single swing, but the third grazed his side.
Ao was already making his way towards Menma's blind spot.
However the molten balls that Chojuro struck were heading straight towards him. He was able to dodge both but left himself open.
Menma took advantage of that.
In the split second it took Ao to dodge the attack, Menma stepped into his guard. He reached a darkness covered hand towards the man's face.
Before Menma could connect, he was struck in the side. The blow knocked the air out of him as he flew into a tree.
He looked to see that the one who struck him was Chojuro. Even with the burn on his side, he was continuing the fight.
He stood up to continue the fight.
Only to hear clapping.
All three men turned towards the one making the sound. It was a woman, a beautiful one at that.
She had long, sultry auburn hair. She wore a long sleeved, dark blue dress that came to her ankles. She was young, from the looks of it, she was only twenty years old.
The woman made her way towards Menma with a bit of swing to her hips. When she was a foot away, she stopped.
She stared at the boy with mixed looks. These looks carried to her emotions making it hard for Menma to understand them.
The woman then began to rub Menma's face, as if to prove he was there. When she did, she began rubbing with more affection.
"Can we help you?" Menma asked as he fought to keep his blush down.
He failed.
"No." She answered as she continued rubbing his face "But maybe I can help you."
What did grandma say to do when a pretty lady stranger is rubbing me? Oh yeah. He took a deep breath. "We need an adult!"
This didn't seem to deter the woman in the slightest, in fact she smiled. "I am an adult."
Before Menma could reply, she kneed him in the stomach.
All went black.
When Menma awoke, he found himself inside a tent.
His arms and legs were bound with ninja chakra wire. The more he struggled, the tighter they became. The wire was tied to the top of the tent, holding him in the air.
Great. He sighed.
Not one to sit around too long, Menma hoped to his feet. He crawled out of the tent and saw that he was still in the woods. The same one that he was knocked unconscious in.
Maybe we can make a break for it! He thought.
"So you're awake." A sweet voice spoke.
Menma turned to see the lady who knocked him out.
She was smiling at him very sweetly, but she had a watchful eye on him.
"Can you show it to me?" She asked sweetly "Please."
"Show you what?" Menma asked nervously.
"Come on, you know what."
Menma looked at the two men that he first encountered. They seemed to be just as uncomfortable as him.
"I'll show you mine if you show me yours." She offered.
Menma's blush just doubled.
The black haired boy began fighting against the binds with renewed vigor, ignoring the wire.
"It's easier if you just accept that you lost." Ao spoke "Back in my day, ones with innocence like yours were kept safe, not fighting to the death."
Accept...lost...innocence...death! The woman misheard WHAT DOES HE THINK I AM, A PERVERT?!
"Ao." She spoke too sweetly "Shut up, or I'll kill you."
The man took the hint and obeyed.
The woman gave Menma a reassuring smile before standing up.
"I know these are hard times for our kind." She spoke calmly "But you are among friends here."
"Our kind?" Menma asked. Are all they perverts!?
"You know, bloodline users." Chojuro pushed.
"Oh OH, we're not a bloodline user." Menma spoke in understanding "It's...something else."
Menma didn't know if he could tell these people, they were confusing, He had just met and been assaulted by each of them. He already felt that he's told them too much.
"Not...a bloodline user?" The woman asked sadly "But you used the Lava style, without hand signs!"
Menma could feel a sense of dread and loneliness coming off of the woman. It seemed that she place a lot of joy and hope into him being a bloodline user.
"If you aren't a bloodline user?" Ao asked "Then why are you searching for a Terumi."
"We'll only tell that to a Terumi." Menma answered "Unless we speak to one, we won't say anything."
"A tough guy huh?" The woman asked. "Well welcome to the revolution." She spoke as she cut him down. "I am Mei, last of the Terumi clan."
Inside of the Village hidden in the Mist was Yagura the Mizukage.
He was known as the youngest Kage ever. He was known for skill in Water jutsu and staff fighting. He was known for starting the bloodline purge.
What is this strange sensation? He asked himself. I haven't felt anything like this since...His eyes widened.
There was one thing he wasn't known for, that only the best Shinobi figure out.
He was the Jinchuriki of the Sanbi, the Three tailed turtle.
"Turtle." He called.
Inside his mind-scape was a lake of polluted water, the prison of the Sanbi.
Said beast began to rise from the water.
"What do you want human?" He asked.
The Sanbi didn't like this human, it was the worse host yet.
Yagura had taken control of the beast's chakra, that wasn't the worst part. It had expected that like the other, it was the wars that Sanbi detested.
"What was that feeling that came over me?" Yagura asked. "I know it was your doing."
The Sanbi was trying to determine whether or not it should tell. It decided to do so, it didn't want to deal with more chains.
"It is the Reibi." Sanbi spoke
"Zero tails?" Yagura asked unbelieving "Do you take me for a fool, I know there are only Nine Tailed beast."
"It is not a Tailed Beast."
"Then what is it?" Yagura asked annoyed "And why is it here?"
"It is a beast born of the darkness of mankind." Sanbi answered. "Why wouldn't it be here, especially with the fear and hate you've bred."
The Sanbi came to regret his statement as soon as he finished. Yagura forced the chains he wore to tighten and the pollution to increase.
"You will not mock my crusade against those abominations." Yagura hissed. "Now tell me, what does it want?"
"Me."
"Why?"
"Same reason as you." Sanbi answered. "Power."
"I see." Yagura spoke "Then it is a threat to me." He stated "...Or a possible ally?"
"What will you do?"
"That does not concern you."
With that, Yagura left his mind-scape.
When he Menma processed the words, he cheered.
"Did you say Mei Terumi?" Menma asked "As in the only natural duel wielding bloodline user?"
The newly named Mei nodded in answer, she was shocked when he gave a fan-boy squeal.
He had read about Mei Terumi since he was still in Konaha. A kunoichi who possessed to bloodlines without any artificial or inhumane assistance.
"We're a huge fan!" He exclaimed "We read about your exploits, you are one of the greatest Kunoichi in existence!"
"Oh Menma-Kun." She blushed "You're flattering me too much."
"Can we have an autograph?" He asked.
"Pleasantries later." Ao spoke "Why are you looking for a Terumi?"
Menma looked at the man in front of him, he was too uptight.
"May we speak to you alone?" Menma asked the kunoichi.
"Absolutely not!" Ao exclaimed.
"Ao, are you insinuating that I can't protect myself from a child?" She asked too sweetly.
The man was already making his way out of the tent, dragging Chojuro by the neck.
"You sure have them in line." Menma stated.
"Why are you looking for me?" Mei asked. "Better yet, why are you in Mist?" She tapped the head-band he wore "This says you're along way from home."
Even further than you think. He thought to himself "We were looking for someone of the Terumi clan to train us." Menma answered half honestly "We recently gained the Lava element and need proper training."
"How long are you going to play captive?" Mei asked.
"What do you mean?" He asked, trying to play dumb.
Menma saw the change in the pleasant woman, she was now a professional. "This can be easy or hard." She warned.
"What gave us away?" He asked.
"You're too calm." She answered "That means you're confident in your abilities."
The child gave a sigh of defeat before smiling. Using his darkness power, he corrupted the wire holding him until it snapped.
"Was that corrosion style?" She asked, hope returning.
"No." Menma answered.
"Then I really am alone." She mumbled.
"What happened here?" Menma asked "Why is this village in such a state of despair?"
"I'll try to be polite Menma-Kun." She spoke "But you are a prisoner here." She admitted "We are the ones asking questions, understood?"
Menma was contemplating on whether or not he should just leave. He could do so easily with his darkness abilities, but he needed her.
"We understand." He spoke.
"Good." She spoke sweetly, making his sweat-drop "How can you use the Lava style if you aren't a bloodline user?"
"It was given to us." Menma answered "By a friend."
"Who is this friend?" She asked.
Menma wasn't going to answer the question. He admired the woman, but she was still holding him captive. He wasn't going to turn on a fellow Jinchuuriki.
It seemed she could tell he wasn't going to talk.
"Fine." She spoke "Why come to Kiri, there are other people who can use it Iwa and Kumo."
"Our friend said to come here." He answered. "Plus, those aren't actual Lava styles." Menma stated in denial "One uses rubber and the other uses quicklime, how is that lava?!"
Mei couldn't help but laugh and agree with his statement. "So you need training in true lava."
"Yes, will you help us?"
"No." She answered losing all kindness "What you're asking for are clan secrets." She gained a sad look in her eyes "One I may very well take to the grave."
"I can take them from her." Reibi offered. "We can get the knowledge and leave."
Menma would have agreed, but stopped. He remembered that a clan's secret was a thing that was to be guarded until death. Even after his exile, he hadn't told any secrets.
Well, except Minato's kunai. He thought. Maybe we should tell more, just to screw him over.
"We understand." Menma spoke in defeat "We will be on our way."
Mei didn't try to stop him from leaving, she even held the flaps open for him.
Menma looked around, he didn't like what he saw.
Apparently Mei brought him to the slums of Kiri. There were buildings falling apart and people sleeping on the streets.
"What will you do now?" Mei asked.
"We need to find the host of the Sanbi." He answered without thinking.
"...What?" Mei asked harshly.
"Why would you be looking for me?" Another voice asked.
Menma looked on in curiosity, but Mei froze in place.
Yagura looked at the two before him.
The first one was someone he wasn't familiar with. It was a young child, a black haired boy.
The second person he was familiar with, a sworn enemy. Mei Terumi, a duel bloodline user, the leader of the abominations' rebellion.
"You are the host of the Zero Tails?" Yagura asked.
"Are you the host of the Three Tails?" Menma asked in reply.
They were at a stalemate at the moment, both wanting the other to answer. Neither wanting to be the first to answer.
"Menma-Kun." Mei spoke harshly "Get behind me!"
"Why?" Menma asked.
He felt the anger and fear coming from her and the two males. He turned to look at them and saw all three ready for battle.
"This man is the Mizukage!" She growled.
"The one who started the bloodline wars." Ao added.
"Bloodline wars?" Menma asked "We knew Kiri was in a civil war, but what's this about a bloodline war?"
The village had kept that a secret, didn't need the outside villages getting any funny ideas.
"That abomination beside you is corrupting my village." Yagura spoke "I've decided to take up a crusade against those filth." He stared directly at the boy "i will purge them from my lands before doing the same to the other villages."
"That's part of the reason you're here after all." Yagura stated "I know the darkness attracted you here." Yagura explained "For some reason the Sanbi reacted to you."
"What is the Sanbi's name?" Menma asked.
"What?"
"The Sanbi, what the name?"
"Who cares about the demon?" Yagura asked "It's just a weapon, all of them are, even the Zero tails is."
Menma looked at the Kage before him in disbelief.
"We see." Menma spoke.
"What is he talking about?" Ao asked.
"That is the..." He looked for the right words, he was only nine, so he stuck with the basics "The DUMBEST thing we have ever heard."
"I couldn't expect a kid to understand." Yagura sighed.
"Oh we understand." Menma countered "First you tell me you're purposelessly weakening your own village because of your hatred." Menma started "Then in your weakened state, you want to start a war with...everyone!"
"It's just asking for this village's destruction!" Ao exclaimed "Back in my day, Mizukage's were..."
"Not the time Ao!" Mei snapped.
"I must thank you." Yagura spoke with a smile.
"Why?" Mei asked "Did you see the error of your ways and decide to end the war?"
"You've given me two things I could only have hoped for." He answered to Menma, ignoring Mei. "You've given me the head of those filthy bloodline users' leader. You've given me another weapon." The Mizukage spoke "Join me, I can teach you to control your beast and we can purge these beings from the Earth."
"You're the opposite of him." Menma snarled "The opposite, but the exact same as that man."
The air around them changed as they prepared for battle.
"Mei-Sama." Ao spoke "We will hold him off while you return to base."
"Y-yeah."
"No." She stated "I will not abandon you to him."
"Mei-Sama, you have to understand your duty to the rebellion."
"What about my duty to you two?" She countered.
"Please Mei-Sama!" Chojuro cried "If you die, so will the will to fight." He explained "You are the one who will lead us out of the age of 'Bloody Mist."
"It would all be for nothing." Ao added.
"Then..." She struggled to find her words "I order you to return alive and well!"
With a heavy heart, she turned to leave.
The two waited a full minute before charging the Mizukage. Ao drew a kunai and Chojuro unstrapped his weapon. It appeared to be in the shape of a spade or fish's fin.
Yagura drew his staff.
Water Style: Water Mirror Jutsu
He created a large, flat, circular pool of water in front of his opponents. Its surface acts like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the attacking targets.
Chojuro and Ao clashed with their clones. The clones attacked with a perfected copy of the originals. It was the perfect counter.
The clones dispelled on impact.
The attacked worked as the perfect distraction. Yagura was able to make his way past Mei's guards.
On his way through, he delivered a non-fatal blow to Ao. He fell over in an unconscious heap.
Chojuro appeared behind the Mizukage in a blur. He had his weapon out and wielded it with both his hands.
Hiramekarei Unleashing: Long sword
The weapon he wielded flared with chakra and took the form of an overly large sword. The blow connected with the Mizukage's back.
We can't believe it! Menma thought. Why did he just take the attack?
The confusion was short lived as he focused onto the battle.
Even though the blade connected, Yagura barely moved. He only leaned forward in the manner of being patted on the back. He lazily turned his attention to Chojuro.
"You're a fool." He simply stated. "I am the host of the Three Tailed turtle. An attack on my back is pointless, one of my gifts as a host." He delivered a punch to the boy's stomach "If you had at least used the hammer model, you could have sent me flying."
"D-damn you..." Was all Chojuro gasped before collapsing.
"Be glad you two aren't bloodline user." He spoke "You have a chance at redemption."
He continued after the woman.
Menma followed after them. We can't believe they just ignored us!
Mei had already made a little distance, just enough to make it away from the civilians. The distance just wasn't far enough for a Kage level Shinobi. He caught up to her just as she made it to a lake.
"This is the worst place for a battle against the Three Tails host." Menma spoke when he arrived.
"Menma-Kun?" Mei was shocked "What are you doing here?"
"We're here to help." He answered.
"Just get out of here!" She screamed "This is no place for a child!"
"She's right." Yagura spoke "Besides, this war is none of your concern."
"It is our concern." Menma spoke with conviction "We will not abandon you to someone like him." Menma spat "To someone like that man!"
Mei was shocked at the venom in Menma's voice. Whoever he's referring to must be awful. She thought.
"We ask you again, what is the Sanbi's name." Menma spoke.
"My answer is the same."
"You aren't worthy of being a Jinchuriki." Menma whispered.
"Step aside boy." He ordered "I have business to attend to."
"No." Menma spoke.
"What?" Mei asked in shock.
He turned a gave the woman an ear to ear smile.
"We may be attracted to darkness, but we are not evil." He explained "You are the source of hope we have been feeling around here, we can't let you die." He turned attention back toward the enemy "Leave, head to the base, I'll hold him off.
"He'll kill you!" Mei exclaimed.
"I agree." Yagura spoke as he gave another sigh. "Well as a thank you for the gifts of her head and the Zero-Tails, I will show you my power and why they are inferior." The Mizukage spoke "When I am done, I hope you will have seen the error of your choice." He eyes turned cold "If not, you die."
"Leave!" Menma shouted as he began to concentrate. As he did, Yagura studied him for a hint of his capabilities.
So he can manipulate darkness, interesting. Yagura assessed. The ability of the Zero Tails.
Dark Style: Malleable Chakra
This technique is what allowed Menma to bend the darkness into an array of instruments. In this instance, he chose a sword.
He wasn't a master of the sword art, he was actually a novice. He only had a few weeks of training from Orochimaru.
Need to make it fast! He thought.
Using the darkness as a booster, he pushed himself off in a dash.
He delivered a slash towards Yagura's side. The Mizukage just blocked it with his staff.
No way! He thought in disbelief. This sword should have cut through his staff!
"That was a strong blow." Yagura spoke "Do you have a bloodline?"
Menma quickly backed away a distance from the Mizukage before answering.
"No." He answered "We weren't lucky enough to be born with one."
The Mizukage disappeared from Menma's view before reappearing a foot from him.
Water Style: Liquid Bullets
Just as the name suggested, Yagura fired a single ball of condensed water from his mouth.
Menma was barely able to dodge the attack. He did so by pushing himself away with the darkness.
Dark Style: Shadow cloak
A shroud of darkness surrounded Menma. It was similar to smoke screen around his body. It was capable of protecting the boy and attacking with him, as well as moving.
He pushed himself behind the Kage and swung his sword. Yagura simply ducked
The black haired boy sent a shrouded fist towards the Kage. Yagura simply leaned his head to the side to dodge. Though the limit to his fist was reached, the shadows continued.
It pulled Menma along until he was behind the Mizukage.
He delivered a blow to Yagura's face just as the Kage turned around.
Got him. He thought.
The blow was enough to draw blood from the stunned Kage.
"Things are moving nicely." Menma thought.
Menma watched as he stood, unfazed by the blow.
He should be feeling that! Menma thought.
Menma pushed himself forward with the shadow darkness. He punched the ground causing the dust to pick up and blind Yagura.
With an opening, Menma jabbed his sword forward. He missed by a hair fraction, it might as well have been a yard.
Yagura raised his staff and brought it down. Menma just barely dispersed himself into the darkness.
Damn it, we need more power! Menma raged. Maybe...
Menma began to call on the Yonbi's power. A small sheet of magma formed onto his left fist. It hardened into a sheet like fist that dripped lava.
He had little to know control over it, but it was all he could muster.
Menma pushed himself forward again, fist drawn and ready. They collided with Yagura's fist.
Menma didn't enter Yagura's mind scape.
All he saw was a spiral mask and a single Sharingan.
He remembered that man, it was the same man that helped Itachi massacre the Uchiha clan. The same one that caused Mikoto-Chan to be hurt.
"Begone."
"What?!" He exclaimed.
He looked down and saw that Yagura's fist was coated as well. While Menma had lava, the Mizukage had coral.
"You didn't use hand signs." Yagura stated with distaste "Are you a bloodline user?"
"We wish!" Menma answered as he added more pressure to his fist.
Yagura simply added more to his and forced the child back.
"Need space." He mumbled as he jumped back.
"Not happening." Yagura spoke, behind him.
The Mizukage raised his staff and began beating against Menma's dark sword. Blow after blow he delivered to the child who could barely block. Each one was coming in stronger and faster.
We know he's a Kage, but we shouldn't be this far behind. Menma thought angrily.
Raising his left fist, he punched the Kage. Or at least he tried to.
The Mizukage simply moved past the child and hooked the curved end of his staff into his shirt. Without any sign of exertion, he yanked the weapon attached to the boy.
He landed in the lake.
Menma didn't know the water walking technique, so he needed his shadows to stay afloat.
"Do you see why that filthy blooded woman ran?" Yagura asked. "She knew she was inferior to me, nothing but trash." He seemed to be searching for another set of words "They aren't...special enough."
Special enough...
Special enough...
Special enough...
As soon as those words hit Menma's ears, something snapped.
"Those words...just like that man..." Menma snarled "Just! Like! Minato!"
The black haired boy began to scream into the sky. The scream soon became a roar, a roar of a beast.
The darkness around Menma began to shudder and swarm around him. His chakra began to flare to their maximum heights. It was enough to make his left fist of lava shatter. Together, the chakra and darkness consumed the child.
What was left was a black beast made of chakra. It had two serpentine like tails flowing behind it. On it's face wasn't the detail of some kind of animal. All that was seen was a Noh mask.
"So this is the Zero Tails." Yagura stated "Impressive, it looks like a stage two transformation."
The beast began pumping the darkness into the air. It came out similar to the cloak, in a smoke like state. It made a perfect smoke screen for the beast.
Lava Style: Scorching Rocks Jutsu
With the smoke screen, it was the perfect chance to fire.
The Mizukage simply waved through the attack before they connected.
"You have such little control that I don't need to be a sensor." He eyed the direction of the beast "This is my last offer, join me or die."
The beast ran forward and punched the Mizukage in the face. However, he didn't budge.
Instead, the Mizukage had a small but powerful chakra covering him. It looked like an aura of chakra flames were covering him.
"I give you gratitude for forcing me to use the initial state." Yagura spoke "But with the little control and skill you have, it'll be all I need to end this."
He raised his staff, coated with the Sanbi's chakra. In a swift move, he dug it deep into the beast.
They both returned to their regular forms as Menma hit the water.
"You sided with those filth's?" The Mizukage asked "Why?"
Menma took a moment before answering. He was in too exhausted and in too much pain to continue. "We-I envy them."
"What?" Yagura asked shocked.
"They are s-so...unique." He answered "They d-son't know how...special they are. People would kill, have killed for what they have!"
"Now you will die for what they have!" Yagura snarled.
Lava Style: Lava Globs
Menma closed his eyes as his consciousness began to fade. The last thing he saw was a ball of lava hit his attacker in the face. And a reign of kunai.
"Zero?" Menma called.
"You are a fool!" The cocoon snapped.
"What do you mean?" Menma asked, taken back.
"Do you know why you lost?" The cocoon asked. "Why did you try to fight him alone?! What made you think you could win?!"
"I had the darkness, lava and two tails of power." Menma answered "Why was I so overwhelmed?"
"Because he's stronger!" The cocoon snapped "Just because you have the power, doesn't mean you can control it! Have you forgotten why we came to Kiri, for training!"
"But...I..." Menma was at a loss for words.
"Yagura is a kage for a reason Menma." The cocoon began to calm itself before speaking again. "Even without the Sanbi's power, he has more experience then you do, you are only nine years old."
Menma was beginning to understand. "But why were we so overwhelmed?"
"As I and he said, you have no control." The cocoon explained "You kept pumping chakra everywhere but into a proper attack."
"I'm sorry." Menma spoke.
"Don't be." It spoke "You fought hard and never even thought of surrendering, be proud."
"I am!" Menma cheered.
"Good, now leave."
Menma opened his eyes, relieved to see he wasn't in a prison cell. He was in what looked to be an underground bunker.
He was a little upset about being kick out of his own mind. We need to have a talk about that.
"Finally awake?"
He turned to see Mei Terumi.
"Are Ao and Chojuro okay?" Menma asked.
This shocked the woman in front of him. He's more worried about other's before himself. She thought.
"Yes, they are alive and well." She answered with a smile.
As if they were waiting for an entrance, both entered the room. They took their position on either side of Mei.
"Yagura is s-sometimes merciful on non bloodline users." Chojuro spoke.
Ao gained a cold look in his single eye. "This was one of those...rare moments."
"We saw him get hit with lava and kunais!" Menma exclaimed "Is he dead, is the war over?!"
Mei could see the hope and glee in his eyes. It was wiped away when he saw the look on her face.
"He is still alive." She answered "We were only able to hold him off long enough for someone to save Ao, Chojuro and you."
"We see." Was his only response.
"How do you feel?" She asked, changing the subject.
Menma stood and stretched out his kinks, he was at full health. One of the things about being a Jinchuriki, a great healing factor.
"Great." Menma answered. "We'll be leaving now."
"What!" Mei more screamed then asked.
"What?" Menma yelled taking a defensive position.
This is not good! Mei thought with dread.
Mei had thought that the boy was going to fight in the wars with them, to help end it. She had seen what he could do, he was powerful. With a little grudge, she would admit he was more powerful then her. They needed him to fight for them, with them.
Menma looked at the lady who suddenly went deep into thought. He could feel a sudden wave of dread roll off her. Not just her, he could feel it from the two standing behind her.
"Mei-Chan, what's wrong?" He asked, adding the suffix without notice.
"I though...you were going to fight with us." She admitted.
Menma now understood her meaning, he felt like an ass.
"No, we must keep going." He answered "We need to... continue our own goals."
"But Menma, you would be a great asset for the rebellion!" She pleaded "We are one a losing side of a genocide!" She grabbed and pulled him close "With your help, we can save hundreds of thousands of lives! From now to generations to come!"
"We're sorry." Menma sighed "But the answer is no."
"Why w-won't you aid us?" Chojuro asked.
"Simple, and please forgive our answer." Menma spoke, hoping not to offend them. "There is little in it for us."
"You little shit!" Ao shouted in outrage. "Back in my day, Shinobi had a thing called loyalty and duty!" He grabbed Menma by the shoulders and slammed him into the walls. "Do you think you're to special to aid us?!"
Menma's snapped open into a fierce glare. He grabbed Ao by both of his wrists and squeezed.
Corruption: Body
The dark chakra began to slowly spread across Ao's arms. They were causing him an agony he had never felt in his life! He tried to pull back, but the child never let go.
"Listen here, you need us, we don't need you." Menma growled out "So tell us, why should we aid a village that couldn't protect itself? Especially with a man who can't accept that his day has passed! If it's so bad, why not leave, any village will take in a bloodline!" He tightened his grip on Ao. "Tell us!"
"IT'S OUR HOME!" Ao shouted over the pain.
"That's e-enough!" Chojuro spoke, weapon drawn.
Menma let him go, he didn't want to become enemies of the rebellion. He pulled the darkness back into himself.
"Please Menma-Kun." Mei spoke softly "Is there nothing we can offer to change your mind?"
The question caused Menma's mind to start racing a mile a minute. This was his chance to get something useful.
First thing's first. He needed to be sure.
"You still refuse to teach us the Lava style?" He asked.
He could see the strain on Mei's face as she had an inner struggle. It was a battle of her love for her family and her duty to her followers. Eventually she came to a decision, one side won.
"Yes, I refuse." She spoke, straightening up "I would rather see my clan fade away with silent dignity, then to be lost along with it's respect."
Menma looked at the lady with growing respect. He involuntarily grabbed his necklace as he had his own inner debate.
You'd hate me if I turn down their need for help, wouldn't you Mito. He though as he mentally kicked himself. After all, our brother is a bloodline user.
"Fine." He spoke "We will aid you."
"W-what's the c-catch?" Ao asked as the pain continued to flare up.
"Smart man." Menma spoke "We want compensation."
"Like what?" Mei asked with mixed feelings "We can't offer you much money, we'll be broke after the war."
"Not money." Menma spoke "We want three things."
Mei took a deep breath as she prepared for the worst. "Begin."
"We want a headband." Menma spoke shocking them.
"You want to become a Kiri nin?!" Mei asked with growing happiness.
"Yes and no." Menma answered "We want a place here to return to if the need arises, for us and a few others. A precaution for the future if you will." He gave Mei a deadlock stare "I'm asking for asylum."
That was a vague statement, it couldn't help but raise a few eyebrows.
"What are you planning?" Ao asked "What are your goals?"
It was a question that all of them never knew they wanted the answer to. Menma only chuckled as he wagged his fingers at them. One of the universal signs for 'no', he wasn't going to tell.
"We want ten Kiri Jutsu, no matter the rank or clan." He cut Mei off before she could protest. "We won't take from clans with living members, understand?"
They did, he wanted Jutsu from dead clans. There could be no problems from the dead.
With a bit of reluctance, she nodded. "What's the final price?"
"A kage's favor." He answered "Whenever we call it in, we want it."
Mei was a little reluctant to agree to the last one, more so then the others. It was for a good reason as well. A Kage's favor was their word, to break it would put the entire village in a bad light.
"Agreed." She finally spoke. "I'll have a contract written up."
"Mei-Sama, I beg you to reconsider." Ao protested. "This favor could go as far as war." he stated "You must understand that."
"Of course I do!" She spoke too sweetly "Do you think I don't understand the situation we're in?"
"I...uh, back me up Chojuro." Ao pleaded.
All eyes turned to the nervous boy. He just shook his head, he wanted no part in this.
"I can't believe this!" He whined "I may be old, but I'm not so old that I'll will be muscled by a child."
This may be what he said, but not what Mei heard.
I...old...SO OLD...child. She heard Is he saying I'm too old to have children?!
She made her way behind the man.
"Ao." She growled "Shut up, or I'll kill you."
"I t-think I'll g-go write up the contract." He whimpered as he practically crawled away.
She turned her eyes towards Chojuro. "Leave us, I have things I need to discuss."
The young swordsman was happy to leave.
Mei turned her attention to Menma. From the look in her eyes, he knew it would be serious.
"Menma-Kun." She started in all seriousness "Am I pretty?"
The child did a face plant that would rival an adults.
"What kind of-"
"Answer me!" She snapped.
"Y-yes." He answered. Are all women this scary?
"Good." She cheered. "I...need you." She spoke seriously as she rubbed his face "You have something in you, something I want." She leaned in closer "I need it Menma-Kun, I crave it."
"WE NEED AN ADULT!"
"I am an adult." She replied "And a lonely one."
"...What now?"
"Menma-Kun." She began sadly "I am the last Terumi, the last of both my clans! I don't want my family to die out!"
Menma looked at the woman, she was near hysterics. It was partially his fault, he had brought up her decision.
From the way she was talking, she was asking for one thing.
"We're only nine." Menma stated.
"But you posses the Lava style." She stated happily "Our children could keep my clans alive."
"WE'RE ONLY NINE!"
"I can wait a while." She explained "I'm not ready just yet, I have a life to live as well." She smiled "I don't just want kids, I want a family."
This confused Menma. "What's the difference?"
It took Mei a moment to remember something important, he was only nine! He acted as if he were a young adult.
"Menma." She spoke slowly "I want to write up a marriage contract between us."
"We..." She cut him off.
"It wouldn't be in affect until you were sixteen." She reasoned.
"We..." She cut him off again.
"You may also take on any woman you want." She desperately added. "A harem as big as you want."
"We..."
"WE ACCEPT!" He shouted before she could cut him off again.
"Also-wait what?" She was shocked he agreed. "Why?"
"You are a strong will woman who cares for her people." Menma answered making her blush "That, along with the fact you're just plain beautiful." He gave her a kind smile. "How could we not fall for you, loving you shouldn't be too hard."
"All of the other offers will stay in affect." She added. "Plus!" She nearly shouted "If we are married, my clan style will be accessible to you!
"We thank you." He added "We'll want a big family." He looked her in the eyes "You know, you had us at contract."
Mei stared at the boy before her, he was a gift from the Heavens.
He was capable of using the Lava Style to it's truest name. He cared about other people, not just his own selfish goals. He was just plain adorable!
She grabbed the boy and raised him to eyes level. "Then let's seal it with a kiss."
When Ao and Chojuro returned, they saw a hilarious sight.
Mei was reapply her lipstick. Menma had a goofy smile and a far away look on his face. That and several kiss marks covering eighty percent of his face.
She finally noticed their return.
"Chojuro." She called "I want you to train Menma-Kun in the Seven swordsman style."
"Wait a second." Ao spoke only to be ignored.
"What's wrong with the style I have?" Menma asked.
"It was atrocious." Mei answered "No husband of mine will look that bad."
"...It wasn't that bad." He whined.
"It was."
"Wait a second." Ao tried again.
"Ao, I want you to right up a marriage contract." Mei ordered.
"WAIT A SECOND!"
"Yes Ao, is there something you want to say?" She asked to sweetly. The scary part is it was sweeter than any other time.
"...What do you want the contract to say?"
Yagura was sitting in his office, letting his wounds heal.
That filthy blooded bitch! He growled.
She had returned with reinforcements, he hadn't expected that. He thought she would have been smart and hid away behind her pathetic army.
She didn't.
Instead, she returned and attacked him when he wasn't looking. Then her people swarmed him and forced him to retreat. One man, even a Kage, couldn't fight a swarm of bloodline users.
Now he was licking here, licking his wounds.
It made him look bad as Mizukage.
Something like that wouldn't have been too difficult if the Sanbi had cooperated. Unfortunately, the beast wanted to be difficult. It had been acting like that ever since he started the rebellion.
"Work faster turtle!" He ordered.
This was an instance of the beast's defiance. There was a time that a wound like this would have been healed hours ago. Now the beast was taking it's sweet time.
They made one fatal mistake. He thought cruelly.
Now that he was familiar with the Zero Tail's chakra, he could use the Sanbi to find it. If he found the boy, he would find the rebellion's base of operation.
And finally end this war! He thought. Work faster!
"Okay Menma-Kun." Mei spoke "Let's begin your training."
"There is a faster way." Menma spoke "We could learn everything you could teach us in a manner of seconds, if you agree."
The thought of him learning it all appealed to her, save more time for business. But his wording at the end of the statement caught her attention.
"Why wouldn't I agree Menma-Kun?" She asked.
Menma looked at the woman before him, his wife to be. If I can't trust her, who can I trust? He thought. He wanted no secrets in a relationship.
"Tell us Mei-Chan." Menma began "What do you know of the Nine Tailed beasts and the Zero Tailed leech?"
Menma began telling her of his plan, his goals.
He didn't give her the names of his family, village, or even his real name. He just told her the basis of it all. He was doing it to protect his little sister and make his father pay. Menma didn't tell her everything. He didn't want secrets between them, but some would be needed.
To her, he would just be Menma.
"Wow." Was all she said.
"I agree." A voice spoke.
They both turned their heads to see both Ao and Chojuro.
Menma didn't know what to do. His biggest secrets were out to them. He should jus-
"It's okay Menma-Kun." Mei spoke "These two have been with me since the beginning, I trust them with my life."
"Well...okay."
"So you can just learn anything?" Chojuro asked in fascination.
"Yes and no." Menma answered "We can only learn the stuff we're taking. We can't take what's not there." He explained "Then we need to actually be able to preform the tasks."
"Then why didn't you take the Lava Style information when you had the chance?" Ao asked.
"We aren't going do things that way." Menma asked "When we look at our accomplishments, we don't want any regrets, we don't want our sister to be ashamed."
Mei looked at the boy in front of her. I chose right. She thought.
"Okay, I'll ask the question." Ao spoke "How do we know any of this is true?" He asked skeptically "He could just be a bloodline user, ashamed of what he is."
"...Want to meet Zero?" Menma asked.
"..."
"Y-you can do that?" Chojuro asked.
A purple slime substance began to coat Menma's arms. From the slime formed three tendrils. Each tendril made it's way into each of the adult's mind.
When they regained consciousness inside of Menma's mind scape, they were shocked.
"What's going on!?" Chojuro asked, to scared to be nervous.
...wait a second...
"We are inside the lair of the Zero Tails." Menma answered.
"Then where is this Zero-Tails?" Ao asked.
"I am here." A voice answered. "And I prefer being called Ichibi."
They turned as one to the voice.
"...That's a giant cocoon."
"What did I just say?" The cocoon spoke again.
"Everyone, I'd like you all to meet the former Zero Tails." Menma spoke.
A tendril moved from the cocoon and made it's way towards the humans. It ignored Menma and Ao as they focused on the others. It began to hold their bodies and gently caress their faces.
"Mmmm, I think I like him Menma-Kun." Mei purred.
"Thank you." It spoke before focusing on Chojuro. "I can feel-I can taste your innocence."
"I need an adult!" Chojuro cried.
"Enough of the low grade hentai!" Ao spoke "Why are we here?"
"Menma doesn't want me to take the knowledge you have." It spoke "He wants you all to give it to him."
"Back in my day, Shinobi didn't ask for things." Ao chastised "We took it."
"Well you asked for it." Menma spoke as he gave a subtle nod to the tentacles.
A tentacle lodged itself deep into the base of his neck. The man felt as if a part of himself was being stolen. It wasn't over soon enough.
"What about you two?" Menma asked. "Can we have the knowledge?"
"Sure." Mei answered.
"Be gentle." Chojuro begged.
Unlike with Ao, the tentacles crawled into their necks instead of rushing. They felt a subtle pull on the back of their mind, like a buzzing in their ear. It wasn't what Ao presented.
"Why aren't they hurt?" Said man asked.
"The knowledge was gently pulled from them."
"What about me?"
"The info was tore the fuck out." Menma answered "Old school enough for you?"
"...That's not fair." Ao stated "What did you take from me anyway?"
"I took the basics from you, chakra control and standard Jutsu's." Reibi answered. "I felt it would be useful for Menma. You know, instead of flailing around and wasting all that power."
"Hey!"
"I think I like him." Ao spoke.
"So now Menma-Kun knows the Lava Style and Seven Swordsmen technique?" Mei asked.
"Yes." Reibi answered "I will just need time to augment his body to the adjustments." It turned it's attention to Menma "Remember my warning Menma, you have power and skill, but you lack their experience."
They looked at the boy beside them, only nine years old and he was stronger then them.
"How do I leave?" Chojuro asked.
A forced pushed all three of them out, leaving only Menma and the cocoon.
"I have something for you Menma." Zero spoke.
"A gift?" He asked excitedly "What is it?"
He repeated the question over and over again while jumping. This reminded the demon that he was still dealing with a child.
"A weapon, sword actually." Zero answered "It belonged to the Sage of the Six Path's himself."
Menma watched as the darkness began to mold itself just as the malleable chakra did.
The weapon was pure black, seeing as it was made of darkness. It was in the shape of a double helix. There was no handle or guard, just a smaller helix at the end. The funny part was the sword was the same size as Menma was.
"This Menma, is the Sword of Nunoboko." Reibi spoke.
"I've never seen anything like this." Menma spoke.
"And you never will." It stated. "This sword is capable of amazing feats."
"Like what?"
"It's capable of working as a sword, staff and whip, even a spear if you don't like it as those other choices." It continued "That way you won't have limited abilities to your situation, you can even change it's size."
"Amazing."
"That's not all." Zero bragged "I warn you now, this sword is reinforced by your very will. The stronger your will is, the harder or sharper the blade is."
"Cool."
"I know, now leave." Zero ordered.
Menma awoke with a start.
"That's starting to piss us off." Menma growled.
"What is?" Mei asked.
"Zero kicked us out of our own mind."
"Yeah that's bad, but I have worse news." Ao spoke.
"What?" Menma asked.
"YAGURA IS HEADING THIS WAY WITH AN ARMY!" Ao screamed.
The turtle had finally finished it's job of healing Yagura.
As soon as the Mizukage was at full health, he raised an army. He spoke to them with conviction, stirring up their hate and fear. He did so with one purpose.
Ending the war in a final battle.
Soon you filthy abominations will be purged from these lands. He thought.
It was time.
"How long until he arrives?" Mei asked.
"Not long enough." Ao answered "We aren't prepared!"
"We can do this." Mei spoke with confidence "We have help of our own."
They turned to look at Menma, only to see and empty spot.
"W-where is he?" Chojuro asked.
They frantically searched around and saw nothing. The only hint that he was ever there was a wisp of the dark smoke.
"He got what he wanted." Ao growled "Now he's abandoned us!"
The words allowed the dreaded despair to sink into their hearts. Their ace in the hole was gone.
"What w-will we d-do now?" Chojuro asked.
Everyone turned to Mei for an answer.
Whatever her next decision was would decide the fate of Kiri. She looked at the people that trusted her with their lives. Each day that trust is taken to it's limits through fear and anger. It was time to prove that their trust was placed in the right woman's hands.
"I'll fight." She answered.
"But w-we put our hopes in Menma."
"That's why I will fight." She clarified. "I put our hopes in him, in a child. I expected a nine year old boy to end a war." She sighed "If he's smart, he'll have taken the knowledge he wanted and left."
"Or join Yagura." Ao mumbled.
"Ao, just...shut up." She sighed.
There was no threats of death this time. She was too low for one.
If they looked closely enough, they would see how hurt she was. Mei had just betrayed her clan for a near impossible hope. Put her hopes into something she shouldn't have. Now my people will be wiped out. She thought. All because of me.
She'd never felt so low.
"Nothing we can do about it." Ao spoke "I'll prepare the troops."
"No." Mei spoke firmly. "I will fight Yagura alone."
"What, that's insane!" Ao spoke "You can't kill him alone, he had an army at his back!"
"I know." She agreed "But I can buy the rebellion enough time."
"Enough t-time for what?" Chojuro asked.
"To escape."
"But..."
"Ao, you're now in charge of the rebellion." She spoke "Someone like you should have no trouble being a leader."
Without anymore words to say, she left the bunker.
Menma hadn't abandoned them, the thought had never passed him mind. Well it did, he crushed it instantly.
He just went to get some needed help.
He had used the shadows as a form of transportation to get to where he needed.
Mei stood on top of a their base. It stood nearly fifty stories high at the edge of the village, right under Yagura's nose.
She could see them in the distance, or what they let her see. In the distance was an unnatural mist, the largest that she had ever seen. In front of the mist, and clear as day was the Mizukage.
Fitting. She thought.
They were the Village Hidden in the Mist. They were born in the Mist and they fought in the Mist. Today she intended to die in the mist.
I'll melt as many of those hateful bastards as I can. She thought.
She felt a second presence join her on top of the bunker.
"Chojuro, what are you doing here?" She asked.
"I'm here to fight with you." He answered firmly.
Mei was shocked at his manner of speech. This wasn't the shy boy that believed in her cause. This was the man she saw worthy of the Seven swordsman title.
Now I remember why I gave him that sword. She thought happily. He worthy of it.
"Rebellion!" Yagura called "Today we end this farce of a war!"
"I agree!" Mei called back.
"Then where is your army?" Yagura asked.
"We will be your opponents." Chojuro called "The rebellion thought it would be too unfair to fight against you normal people!" He taunted "The two of us should make it a fair match."
"Wow Chojuro." Mei was impressed.
"Then I will be your opponent." Yagura called, ordering his army to stop "I will end this."
Menma had what he needed. It would help in the final battle of the rebellion.
We just hope we make it back in time. He thought.
Yagura began walking towards the bunker, he moved into a jog and then a run.
A single tail manifested itself behind them. It wasn't a tail of chakra, but the physical tail of the Three tails. All of it's power, none of it's wasted power.
The distance began to close rapidly.
Now! Mei thought.
Lava Style: Scorching Rocks Jutsu
She fired the lava into the distance, it hardened into a ball of magma. It traveled towards the Mizukage with Mei's full speed and strength.
"Pathetic." Yagura mumbled.
The Mizukage raised his staff and knocked the flaming rock away.
Several times Mei repeated the process. Each time Yagura either destroyed them or jumped out of the way.
When the distance had finally been closed Yagura leaped onto the bunker. He stood on the opposite side of the roof.
"I don't sense the boy." He spoke "Or anyone else." Mei and Chojuro stayed silent. "I see, they've abandoned you."
Chojuro charged Yagura with his sword in it's base form. Yagura simply raised his staff to block.
This left the Mizukage open.
Before either of them could attack, a kunai with an explosive tag landed onto the roof.
It went off, separating the two without either.
They turned to see the attacker. It was Ao, behind him was the entire rebellion.
"Ao, I ordered you to leave!" Mei yelled.
"I know, but the soldiers didn't want to." Ao explained "Back in my day, a Shinobi followed their leader's order without question." He drew a kunai "Good thing we aren't in my day anymore."
Mei couldn't pretend to be angry with him, she let her smile show.
On one side of the base was the Bloodline rebellion. They consisted of the last of the Seven Swords, and an army of bloodline users. On the other side were the Mizukage and his soldiers. They consisted of the Three Tailed turtle and an army five times larger then the rebellion.
Neither side moved, they were waiting for a sign to attack. Be it direct orders, or a show of weakness from the enemy side.
"ATTACK!" Someone yelled.
And the final fight began.
Below the base was the battle.
But on top was the war.
The war is what will decide the fate of The Village Hidden in the Mist. It will decide if the bloodline users can live in their own homes, or die for it.
It could be done in either hours, or minutes, even seconds.
"Let's end this." Mei spoke.
"Gladly."
The Mizukage made the first move.
Water Style: Water Hydra Jutsu
By drawing water from the mist, Yagura was able to coat his entire body in water. From the coat of water rose a single dragon's head.
"You're move." He spoke.
Mei fired a glob of lava at the young man, just as a tester.
The water hydra moved itself directly in front of the upcoming attack. It destroyed the water creature's head, but the attack itself was rendered useless.
From the coat of water rose two more heads.
"I guess it's really keeps up to it's name." Ao spoke.
Yagura began his next attack.
Water Style: Blow fish poison
The Mizukage's cheeks began to expand as his attack prepared itself.
He spat out a wad of greenish liquid. It flew towards Mei with alarming accuracy.
Hiramekarei Unleashing: Long sword
Chojuro was able to place his sword in front of the attack before it connected to Mei.
They noticed that as it dripped to the ground, it began to steam. Poison. They all thought.
They made the mistake of taking their eyes off of the Mizukage.
The hydra heads charged forward, crashing into both Chojuro and Ao. They couldn't resist the force as it pushed them to the edge of the base.
Yagura took his eyes off of Mei.
Lava Style: Lava Monster Jutsu
Mei released a large amount of lava from her mouth, which spread into a broad, thin sheet as it travels through the air. Since it was shot upwards in an arc so as to descend onto the targets from above, it prevents the intended individuals from jumping up to avoid the attack.
That meant Yagura had to take the attack head on.
When the lava connected with the water, it hardened. This created a container like prison for the Mizukage.
Mei spat the leftover lava from her mouth to the ground.
"Is it over?" Chojuro asked.
"No." Ao answered.
With the Byakugan in his eye, he could see that Yagura was unharmed. Not only that, he was gathering a massive amount of chakra. The Sanbi's chakra.
With a flare of the chakra he was able to free himself from the magma prison. Said chakra was potent enough to not only free him, but pause the battle below. Everyone was able to feel the demonic chakra surging through the Mizukage.
He had released a second tail.
"This war is over." Yagura spoke "Surrender and I'll allow your people a quick death and you can live the rest of your life as a slave." He offered "You could be my personal pet, though you would have to be spayed. We can't have you breeding, might start a second war."
Mei turned her attention to the rebellion down below her, they watched her critically. They were judging her, to see if she was truly worthy of being their leader.
"Even if I stray from my path as a leader, even if I stray from my path as a woman." She spoke out "I could never stray from my basic humanity!" She yelled defiantly. "That is the difference between us. If my brethren and I are to fall, we will fall together! Clinging to our freedom, to our hope and watching it bloom!"
The soldier heard the words of their leader, she was worthy.
Yagura looked down in disgust at the bloodline user. They were continuing the battle with a new frenzy.
"I hope you enjoyed your speech." Yagura growled "Because you all will die together."
He raised his trusty staff and swung at her. The speed he reached and the power he was using was above her. Ao and Chojuro were too far away to aid her. There was no way she could dodge or block, so she closed her eyes.
Mei had two regrets. She couldn't free her people. And Menma.
"Keep your hands off of our fiance." Menma ordered.
Mei's eyes snapped open at the voice.
Menma stood between Mei and Yagura's weapon. He was blocking it with his foot which seemed to be made out of darkness.
"So you've returned." Yagura stated "Far too late."
"Menma." She whispered in awe "You came back."
Corruption
Yagura watched as his staff withered away in his very hands.
Before he could say or do anything, Menma's foot turned from darkness to lava.
Lava Style: Great Eruption
Menma's lava leg did just as the name suggested, it erupted. The magnitude of the attack pushed the Mizukage back and earned a scream of pain.
"We'er sorry Mei-Chan." Menma spoke "We weren't able to fully keep our end of the deal."
"You're here now." She spoke "You're keeping it just fine."
"Not that." He stated "We promised to only take ten Jutsu from dead clans." He gave a fake apologetic smile "We ended up stealing ten from the Mizukage's army."
"I'll forgive you if you can help me kill this man." She spoke.
"Shall we seal it with a kiss?" He asked cheekily.
They would have if Yagura hadn't interrupted with his chakra. He had shifted from manifest tails to the chakra cloak. His wounds were healing before their eyes.
"So you still side with those filth." He stated "Too bad."
"Get behind us Mei-Chan." Menma ordered.
"You can't beat him on your own." Mei protested.
Menma only smiled. "We aren't on our own, we have inside help."
Mei didn't understand what he meant, but she trusted him. He did come back to help fight in a war.
Menma began to focus as he prepared for his final battle with Yagura.
He reached for his necklace. On it was a miniature sword of Nunoboko, he was grateful for his size changing capabilities. He released it to it's full size.
"That's a strange weapon." Chojuro spoke.
"Have you seen the Seven swords?" Ao asked "Cause one is a hammer and the other is a sewing needle."
"Point taken."
Mei saw as Menma ran forward that he was different then before. He possessed skill and grace that easily matched with Chojuro's.
Menma brought the sword down on Yagura. The Mizukage was able to bring his cloaked arm up to defend. even so, the discomfort was obvious on his face.
He swung his defending claw out, knocking Menma back.
The Mizukage then began swing his clawed arms at Menma. He had no choice but to keep his distance.
Menma swung again, harder then before. Just like the last time, the blow connected. This difference was Yagura had a smirk on his face.
He side stepped and placed a hand Menma, pushing him off the edge.
As Menma fell off the roof, he turned himself around. He saw Yagura trailing behind him.
The Mizukage caught up to him and wrapped a hand around the child's neck.
"Kid, you're a fool." He growled "We've done this dance, I won."
Menma could do nothing more than gasp in pain. The pressure of the hand holding his neck and lack of oxygen was a lot to bare.
Yagura pulled his hand back, never letting go, and threw the falling boy.
Menma landed in the ground with a loud thud. He barely had time to stand up and back step from the falling Kage. He didn't have time to dodge the tail swipe.
The blow really showed how powerful a tailed beast was. With just a glancing swipe, it was able to send Menma into the heart of the army. Unfortunately for him, it was Yagura's half.
Mei watched in horror as they swarmed her fiance.
"Now do you see that it's all futile?" The Mizukage asked "Your only hope of defeating is now dead."
Not all of our hope. Mei thought defiantly.
Their attention was captured by a large and deep noise. They turned to see molten rocks erupt high into the sky, drawing everyone's attention. When it was over, there was a crater of magma in the center of the army.
The magma began to bubble over as it started rising.
In a terrifying instance, a dragon head made entirely of the substance rose. It was sloppy and only half formed, spilling onto the army. Whether it was intentional or not would never be known.
The magma beast began a direct course for Yagura. On it's head was Menma.
"Look out, we'er bringing the heat!" He shouted.
"Stop, you'll hit the rebellion!" Mei shouted in fear.
Her shout reached Menma and shocked him, he had't thought about that. He had gotten so into his fight that everything else was just background noise. This caused him to lose control of the beast, it continued on it's path of destruction.
Damn, need to stop it! Mei began sealing.
Water Style: Water Pillar Jutsu
A defensive technique where chakra kneaded inside her body is converted into water, and then expelled from the mouth in a dense, curved torrent, effectively creating a near-instantaneous circular barricade that can be used to intercept incoming attacks. This technique is strong enough to not only consume Menma's lava beast, but stop it as well.
The child collided with Mei once his beast was destroyed.
"That was completely reckless!" Mei chastised.
"What do you want from us?" Menma asked "We're only nine years old!"
"Yeah, nine and with the power of a Tailed beast."
"Enough of this!" Yagura roared as he appeared behind the two.
Menma was just barely able to push Mei out of the way as the mad Kage arrived. He side stepped the first attack, even the second.
The third time he attacked back, their fists connected.
"What's going on?" Yagura asked.
He looked around only to see that he was inside his seal.
Did the turtle bring me here? He guessed.
"What are you doing here Zero?" Said turtle asked.
"Hello Sanbi." Menma greeted, ignoring the question "What is your name?"
This question took the demon off guard. "What are you planning?"
Menma raised a fist to the beast. The beast knew the meaning of this gesture and complied.
"What's going on?" Yagura asked again, and again he was ignore "Sanbi destroy him!"
Instead of that, the Sanbi just retracted it's claw.
"I see, my name is Isobu." It answered. "Use it well."
"We will."
"Enough, I will not be ignored in my own mind!"
Yagura charged the two, already forming hand signs. Whatever he was planning stopped along with him.
I can't move! He thought in fear.
"We see you're feeling it." Menma spoke.
"Wh-at d-did y-you do?!" He forced out.
"Not us." Menma answered "You can thank both Mei and Orochimaru."
Menma jumped onto the Sanbi's prison.
Corruption
-Same time outside
Mei looked at the two demon hosts before her. They were locked in a trance like state with their fists connected.
Mei looked at the bottle in her hands. It contained large white pills.
Menma had given it to her when he pushed her out of the way of the demonic Yagura.
What am I supposed to do with these? She strained for an answer.
"What are those?" Chojuro asked.
"Don't know." She answered.
"What do you think they're for?" Ao asked.
"Don't know."
She opened the bottle and took a pill out.
Ao used the Byakugan to examine it. He couldn't figure out what was special about them, or what they did.
"Should we eat one?" Chojuro asked.
"I don't think so." Mei answered.
"Why?"
She held a piece of paper from the bottle. "This note says 'DO. NOT. EAT.' or else."
"What else does it say?"
"Do not feed it to 'us'?" She read "I think we feed them to Yagura."
They turned their attention to the man clad in a demonic cloak. Just touching it can cause a painful experience.
"Hmm, I think-NOT IT!" The woman shouted.
"Not it!" Chojuro exclaimed.
"Not i-damn."
"Ao, I thank you for the service you do for your people." Mei spoke sweetly.
Ao slowly made his way towards the not so vulnerable Kage.
"Look." Chojuro spoke.
They saw that Yagura's chakra cloak was beginning to fade. Soon there was nothing to protect him. He was completely vulnerable.
"This our chance!" Ao shouted "Chojuro, cut his head off!"
"No." Mei stopped "Menma is trusting us with these pills for a reason, he should trust his decision."
"Why should we!?" Ao asked in shock. "We can end this now!"
Mei simply walked towards him and took the pills from him. She then gave him a sweet smile. Not her too sweet and threatening smile, but an honest one. She looked him in the eyes as she answered.
"He came back." She whispered.
Ao stood aside as his leader placed a single pill inside Yagura's mouth.
"What-t did y-you do t-to me?" Yagura strained to ask.
"Mei has placed a pill inside of you." Menma answered.
"A d-drug?" Yagura figured
"These special pills were developed by Orochimaru." Menma began explaining. "Once ingested, these pills will cast a Genjutsu on the target that paralyses the body. The drugs also affect the target's mind to such degree that even their tenants will feel it. It forced even the Hachibi into a frenzy, ehat chance did the Sanbi have." Menma turned to the turtle. "No offence."
"None taken."
"Sanb-bi, you s-shou-ld have k-kept the c-cloak on, sto-opping it."
"I normally would have." Isobu stated. "But the child has given me an offer I couldn't refuse."
"Wha-at offer?"
"My freedom." He answered "As well as yours."
There was nothing more to say as the rug took affect.
Menma pulled his fist back as the Mizukage began to convulse. The Sanbi's chakra began to flare so wildly that his host's mind began to break a part. Menma just watched as the mind of the figure before him change.
"What's happening?" Ao asked.
"The war is ending." Menma answered.
The child placed a hand onto Yagura's chest and held a second one to Mei. She took it without hesitation. The three of them disappeared in a dark body flicker.
They arrived at a lake that led to an ocean. Yagura continued to convulse in pain. They watched as it all came to a sudden stop.
"I...remember." Yagura whispered.
He looked towards the two people who ended the war. A child with a demon and a woman with a goal.
The Sanbi's cloak like chakra began to form onto him, tearing his skin.
"Thank you." Yagura spoke, tears in his eyes.
"What's happening?" Mei asked.
"Yagura never started this bloodline war. He was being controlled by a powerful Genjutsu that made him think he honestly hated your kind." Menma explained "Now the Genjutsu is broken."
"Then you can fix everything!" Mei cheered "Everything can return to normal!"
"No." Yagura stated "He's still there, he's waiting to take control again." He sighed "I can't get rid of him." The Sanbi's chakra began increasing "He made me into a monster!"
"But you have control for now." Menma hinted.
"That's right." Yagura agreed "My flesh, my mind, my heart." He gave into the Sanbi "Time to die, like a man."
They watched as the man experience his last act of freedom, he had a smile.
The man was gone.
The Sanbi was free.
"We need to get back." Mei spoke.
She had just watched the Sanbi bump fist/claw with Menma. Apparently the two of then had an understanding. Now the turtle was leaving.
"Yes."
He pulled her into a hug and they disappeared in another body flicker.
They arrived back onto the base to see that nothing had changed. The armies were still fighting with everything they had.
"Why haven't they stopped?" Mei asked. "The war is over."
"They're consumed by their own blood lust." Ao answered "Their hate is blinding them."
"We can work with hate." Menma spoke.
He went still, literally pulling all of the hate and fear of both armies into him. Menma had to admit, it felt good. He pulled so much at once that the soldiers stopped in confusion. The power war gave him was like nothing he ever felt.
'Menma.' Zero called in warning. 'Power corrupts.'
"Don't worry." Menma returned "We're in control."
He began to change the hate he had taken. Not into power, but into another negative emotion. He changed it into overwhelming guilt and shame. He sent out every bit he had taken from the army.
The soldiers looked at themselves and those around them. They couldn't believe the carnage that lay around them. They couldn't believe that they helped create it.
Menma stepped forward.
"CITIZENS OF KIRI!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. "THE WAR IS OVER! THE REBELLION HAS WON!" He cheered, he sucked the fear and hate from the Mizukage's army before it started. "NOW IS THE TIME FOR CHANGE, THE TIME FOR PEACE." He pointed to Mei. "LONG LIVE YOUR NEW MIZUKAGE! LONG LIVE MEI TERUMI!"
The soldiers on both side did something neither expected. They hugged their enemy and cheered.
"Say something to your people." Menma pushed.
Mei stepped forward and looked at the people, her people.
When she spoke, it was in a low and easy tone. It carried to the ears and hearts of both sides.
"The age of 'The Village of the Bloody Mist'." She called "Is over!"
Review-Be honest.
Longest I ever typed.-Wanted to finish the Mist arc in one chapter.
"Those Genjutsu pills are real."
Next chapter will be shorter.-I HOPE YOU LIKE IT.