Hello. It's been a while. Anyway, this chapter didn't end up how I imagined it would. So tell me what you think. I'm just way to tired to even try and reread it or rewrite it right now. So the story is coming to a close. Next chapter will be the last. I will have a summary of the next 2nd part fo the trilogy at the end.
I don't own Naruto.
Chapter 14:
Finishing BlowHer world had stopped, reality leaving her in its tracks. Her skin no longer shivered from the cold permeating from the metal walls, and the scrapes and bruises covering her body no longer hurt. The hum of the machines had disappeared and was replaced with the frantic beating of her heart. Her body refused to move, frozen in it's spot in Minato's protective grasp. Her eyes seemed to only focus on the red liquid slowly dripping to the floor.
Clothed in dark robes, Jun seemed like an apparition coming out of the shadows. Beneath the robes, he wore a thick leather armor. Around his waist, one sword was strapped to his belt, the second held in his hand. Ryou crouched on the floor, hand covering a growing spot on his shirt. His light-colored chakra covered his fingers as he stopped the bleeding, all thoughts of secrecy gone. Amber eyes were hard and calculating as the medic glared at the crazed Stone-nin.
"Well, well. It seems I finally found the troublesome intruders. You're friends are almost as aggravating as you are Love. They have caused quite a bit of confusion in my house. And to top it off, I find out you have whisked away my little fortune teller while you were at it. I must congratulate you all on surviving for this long and causing this much trouble. I never would have believed such a small group of children were capable of it." Jun smiled at Kushina, but it had lost its charm. Instead of the soothing, debonair aura that had originally covered the smile, a dark, menacing air surrounded the man, promising pain and death. The smooth politician had ben taken over by the devil.
Snapping out of her trance, the redhead glared at the Stone leader and struggled against Minato's iron grip. "Stop it Kushina. Now's not the time." His breath was hot on her neck as he whispered in her ear.
Jun just smirked at her attempts. "I would listen to your friend's advice if I were you Love. We both know you have no hope of defeating me. Now be a good girl and surrender. If you cooperate, I'll make sure your friends' deaths are relatively painless."
"Like hell you will, you wacked-out bastard with a god-complex!" Jun chuckled, the sound sending shivers down the redhead's spine. Even Aiko backed away from her adoptive-father in fear.
"God-complex? You are mistaken Love. When my work is done, I will be greater than the gods! I will control the entire universe with you by my side. Together we will be unstoppable. Think about it. I'm offering you limitless power and fame. You will be the greatest kunoichi this world has ever seen. With my military genius, your power, and the brat's abilities, no one will be able to defeat us. You heard the prophecy! I'm giving you one last chance Love. Join me and be eternal, or stay with your pathetic friends and watch them die . The choice is yours."
"Not much of choice if you ask me." All eyes turned toward the brunette as he stood up. Jun scoffed and pointed his sword at the medic.
"I don't believe I asked for the opinion of a dead man. Stay down if you know what's good for you." Ryou chuckled and smirked.
"You know, I've never been considered the smart one of the group. Why start now?"
"Ryou! Don't'!"
The brunette pulled a pair of kunai from the pouch on his hip and charged at the tall swordsman. Metal chinked as Jun showed his expertise with a sword as he blocked the kunai thrown at him. Using the opening, Ryou's image flickered and reappeared within Jun's defense. With his remaining kunai, he struck out at the tall man's side.
Faster than his size inferred, Jun twisted out of range and brought his sword toward the medic in a blur of motion. Ryou flipped backward but still managed to get a line of red across his cheek. Holding the kunai horizontally in front of him, he reached into his pouch and brought out another kunai, this one with an explosive tag tied to it. The brunette tossed it at his opponent and the room shook with the force of the explosion. Aiko gasped in surprise and Minato tightened his grasp around her waist.
Cough as the smoke irritated her lungs, Kushina blinked to try and clear her vision. The dark cloud obscured the two opponents from view. The harsh clash of metal against metal and grunts were the only sign of a fight. Kushina wriggled in the blond's arms, yearning to help the brunette. "Let me go! Ryou needs help." Minato didn't answer but his arms turned to iron bands around her. He really was amazing. Even as injured as he was, he still had more strength than her. There was a cry of pain and her struggles became more frantic. "Minato!"
"Believe in him Kushina. Ryou's not an idiot." The sensible voice made her pause for a second. She felt the man turn to face the young girl behind them. "Aiko. Go hide in the passageway. We'll meet you when we can."
"But.... but... Miss Kushina."
"Listen to him Aiko. We'll catch up okay?" Despite the situation, the redhead shot a confidant smile back at the little medic. The child nodded and scurried to the crack in the wall, disappearing into the darkness. "Minato." The man shifted behind her and she knew she had his attention though he was still peering into the smoke. There was a loud thump as something hit the ground."I need to help Ryou" Maybe it was the calmness and authority in her voice or Minato had finally run out of energy, but the strong arms withdrew from around her.
Ignoring the old wounds that itched as she jumped to her feet, the kunoichi tightened her grip on her stolen sword and charged into the dissipating smoke. The hazy shadows of the two men were easily found. Ryou had acquired a few more scratches and bruises, but nothing that seemed life-threatening. Jun, on the other hand, seemed as calm and prim. Not a hair seemed out of place.
The medic had a shuriken in between his fingers and was crouched a few feet from his opponent. Swinging the sword horizontally across her chest, Kushina threw herself at the tall man. Hearing her coming, the Stone-nin ducked beneath the attack and punched out at her side. Using the distraction, Ryou threw the shuriken. The star-shaped weapon sliced through clothing, but missed its target.
Using her free hand, Kushina grabbed the incoming fist and used it as a springboard. Her foot skimmed across Jun's cheek as he quickly twisted out of the way. Ryou flashed up behind him and aimed a kick at the man's kneecap. Ripping the second sword from its sheath, the tall man plunged the blade into the brunette's calf. The medic yelped in pain and collapsed on the ground. "Ryou!" Glaring at Jun, the redhead built up her chakra.
"That's it! I'm done playing." her hands flew through signs memorized long ago. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Three clones popped into existence and quickly surrounded the Stone-nin. With a collective battle cry, the four Kushinas charged at the man, swords glinting in the green light. Pivoting on his heel, Jun cut through two of the clones and drew a ragged line along the original's arm. There were two pops as the destroyed clones vanished.
The remaining clone slashed at Jun as the real Kushina kicked out at his head. Blood flew through the air as the clone's blade sunk into its opponent's side. With a flick of his wrist, the tall man quick disposed of the clone and blocked the incoming kick with his forearm. A second later a kunai lodged itself in his calf. With a grunt, Jun punched Kushina in the chest and sent her flying into the wall with a crack.
Growling, he glared at the wounded medic. Ryou grinned and waved at the man. "Not feeling so high and mighty now are ya?"
"On the contrary, I'm sorely disappointed if this the best you can do. Even the girl got a better hit in than you did brat. I'm tired of this. Now just die like the dog you are." Tightening his grip on his swords, Jun swung at the brunette.
"Wind Blade Jutsu!" The air in the room suddenly picked up and directed toward the Stone-nin.
"What!" The dark-haired man turned at the voice and the wind hit him full force, a deep gouge forming in his chest. He cried out in pain and stumbled backward as the wind died down. Ryou grinned and looked over at Minato. The blond leaned precariously against the wall, hand extended toward Jun. His skin was pale and he was covered in sweat, but a small smile pulled at his lips.
"Took you long enough. I was wondering when you were going to finally join in." The blond frowned at the medic before returning his gaze to their opponent. Jun kneeled on the ground, weight supported by one of his swords. His grey eyes were glazed with pain and hatred.
"Don't get so cocky. There's no way I'll die from such an insignificant scratch. Pushing himself to his feet, Jun sneered at the two boys. "You won't be leaving here alive."
"Don't bet on that." Kushina jumped at the Stone-nin, sword flashing as it arched through the air. Blood stained her hair and flattened it to her head, but her green eyes were alight with fire. Jun caught the attack with his blade and twisted it around hers, yanking the weapon from her hands. In an instant he wrapped his arm around her neck and pulled her body to his, sword held at her neck.
"You should know by now Love. I don't bet. I only move when I know my victory is assured." Kushina tried not to gag as his warm breath rolled over her. Jun smirked at the two boys, pulling the redhead's body flush against his. "Give up, or I'll make sure she doesn't get out of this with all her limbs attached. My scientists can sew on a few limbs when I get my ultimate weapon. I just need her alive, nothing more."
"I'm not going to be used as bait you bastard!" Grabbing the arm at her neck, she kicked out at her captor's shin and elbowed his torso, blood squelching from his wound. With a grunt, the man released her. Taking the chance, Ryou flung a kunai at him, the weapon embedding itself in his chest. "You've lost bastard."
"I will not lose! I will have me ultimate weapon no matter how many people I have to kill to get it! I will not let three brats beat me!" The man let loose and enraged battle cry and charged at them. His eyes flashed in the dim light, all reason gone form the calculating eyes. His swings were erratic. A giggled bubbled up from Jun's throat as he attacked.
Kushina met his blades with her own and grunted as she was pushed back. Jun had traded all his strategy and grace for strength. The blows pounded on her and gashes appeared in her arms and torso. A cry escaped her lips as the tip of his blade flitted across her face, leaving a large gash on her cheek. Jun took the opportunity to push her to the ground, sword descending on her. "Kushina!"
Another coat of blood landed on her as she closed her eyes. Minato yelled something and there was grunt. A second latter something heavy landed on her chest. "Red? Red are you alright?" It took a moment to realize that she wasn't dead and someone was talking to her. Opening her eyes, she was met with Ryou's face a few inches from her own. A sigh of relief hissed through the brunette's lips as her eyes flicker open.
"Ryou? What are you doing? Get up!" The medic chuckled and shook his head. The sounds of fighting could be heard but Ryou's body was blocking it from her sight. Ryou pushed himself into a kneeling position and Kushina felt her heart stop.
Minato was fighting with Jun, kunai and jutsus flying at the tall man with a speed that only the Yellow Flash could accomplish. The stain on the blond's side grew as he dodged attacks and counter-attacked. Jun was struggling with his own injuries and had trouble blocking with only one sword.
The second sword was embedded in Ryou's back. It was then that she noticed the warmness on her stomach. Blood covered her torso and the floor beneath, more blood than a person should have in their body. "Ryou! Oh gods! Ryou!" Her hands instantly went to his chest to try and stop the bleeding. His hand caught hers, slippery with the red liquid.
"Go help Minato. I'll be fine. Don't worry." His smile wavered as he rolled off her. "This is nothing. Minato needs help now." A grunt of pain accented his words.
"Are you insane? You're..."
"Kushina! Go! You're not trained in medicine. You can't help me, but you can help Minato. Now Go!" Biting her lip, the kunoichi nodded and picked up her fallen sword. With a cry, she charged at Jun. The man was about to gouge Minato when she collided with them. Jun parried her attack and screamed in pain as Minato thrust a kunai into his side. He swiped at the blond and Kushina cut a large gash on his wrist.
Animalistic eyes turned to her and a fist connected with her temple. The blade cut across her chest and she felt the warm liquid flood down her chest. "Kushina!" Minato caught her before she could fall and supported her in his arm as he jumped backward to avoid a swipe at his neck. Jun giggled again as blood rolled over his fingers as it dripped from the sword in his hand.
Groaning, the redhead wobbled on her feet and parried the next attack. Minato, still supporting her, pivoted on his heel and knocked Jun's legs out from beneath him. Rolling backward, the tall man escaped her downward thrust. Jumping to his feet he grinned and held the sword out in front of him with a feral snarl. Minato dug in his pouch and pulled out a three-pronged kunai. Tossing it at the man, the blond disappeared. Blood dripped from a wound in Jun's neck the next second.
Howling in pain and anger, the insane man swung back with his arm. The Yellow Flash was able to avoid the first few blows. Furious, the Stone-nin devoted his entire being to attacking the blond. He grinned as he smashed his elbow into Minato's nose. There was a crack and the boy fell back with a grunt. Jun turned his hungry eyes toward her and charged.
Their sword met with a clang and Kushina felt her arms threaten to give out under the pressure. Sliding out from under the blade, she aimed at kick at his wounded calf, but was forced to flip out of the arch of another swing. A large fist slammed into her stomach and the air rushed from her lungs. Blood collected around Jun's ankles from his wounds, but he didn't show any sign of feeling the lethal gashes in his torso and neck.
Rolling out of reach, she slammed her hands together around the sword's hilt. "Water Needle Jutsu!" The water in the humid air collected into deadly projectiles and flew at the man with a flick of the redhead's wrist. They pierced the tall man's skin with little spurts of blood. Charging at the injured Stone-nin, she swung her sword with as much power as her injuries allowed. The blade sunk deep into flesh and blood dribbled down her hands.
"Ah!" Jun giggled as his blade thrust into her injured shoulder.
"I won't lose. You'll die. You'll die. You'll all die. I will win and rule the world!" Jun let lose a peal of laughter. His laughter was cut short as blood trickled from his mouth and he collapsed. The sword was yanked from her hands as the man slunk to the ground, blood puddling around his corpse.
"That's what you get for messing with me you bastard." Her legs gave out on her and she fell against a broad chest.
"Kushina? You alright? Can you stand?" Minato's voice broke her out of her stupor and fear raced through her body. She yanked herself out of the blond's grip and stumbled over to where she had left Ryou.
"Ryou! Ryou! Ryou, answer me!" The redhead dropped to her knees beside the still body and gently shook her friend's shoulder. "Ryou?" The brunette groaned and his amber eyes flickered open.
"Give me a few minutes. I'm tired."
"We don't have a few minutes. You have to get up now! You can't go to sleep. You'll...." Her voice cracked and Ryou's eyes blearily focused on her. He brought a hand up to cup her face and he chuckled.
"What did I tell you about not getting hurt Red? You really are a magnet for trouble you know. You're lucky Minato and I were here, or else it would have ben total mayhem right?" His hand traveled down to her wounded shoulder and his warm chakra flooded into her body. She pulled herself away from his touch.
"Idiot! What are you doing? Heal yourself! We need to get out of here. We need to go home!"
"You're right. You need to go home."
"Bastard! We're not leaving without you. So don't you dare think about...."
"It's too late Red. I've lost to much blood and don't have enough chakra to heal this wound." A weak smile crossed his features. "At least your alright. That would really suck if both of us were like this." The brunette chuckled and a trail of blood dribbled from his lips.
"Why did you do that? You said you'd be fine! You lied to me!" The smile disappeared and Ryou gently squeezed her hand. "Why?"
"I told you I didn't want to have to sew you back up again. I promised myself I wouldn't let you get hurt. Trying to heal me wouldn't have done anything to help you two. This is my fault. There's nothing you can do for me now Red except get out of here." His eyes moved to somewhere over her shoulder. "Make sure you guys get out of here okay?"
"I promise." Ryou seemed pleased with Minato's answer and turned back to the redhead.
"Now you. Promise me you'll find the rest of village. We're going to need as much strength as we can to get rid of these bastards." Kushina nodded. "Good. Take care of each other." A genuine smile pulled at his lips and he closed his eyes. A chuckle gurgled out of his throat and his chest stopped moving.
Tears streaked down her face as Kushina stared absently at the bloody corpse before her. "Kushina?" A warm hand was placed on her uninjured shoulder. "Come on. We've got to..."
"Freeze!" Both shinobi turned to face the speaker. Dressed in the traditional shinobi garb, three men stood before the entrance of the secret passageway with kunai ready. Aiko stood behind them, looking at the two corpses with fear.
"Miss Kushina!" The little girl ran over to the kunoichi and looked at her injuries with worry. "You're hurt! Let me help you." The soothing feeling of Aiko's chakra settled the redhead's nerves and she sighed.
"Namikaze? Uzumaki? What happened here?" The leader of the group stepped forward and the Konoha insignia seemed like a beacon.
"We don't have time to explain. We have to get out of here. Stone isn't safe for us anymore. We've been betrayed." When she was done healing Kushina's life-threatening wounds, Aiko moved on to Minato. "Why are you here?"
"We are the group sent with Konoha's diplomat. We hadn't heard anything from you so we suspected foul play. The Hokage ordered us to return to Konoha as soon as we found you. Is this it?" Minato nodded, his eyes glazed over. "We should hurry. We don't have much time until we're detected. There are a series of passageways that lead out of here. That's how we found you two."
One of the other shinobi quickly whispered into his headphone and motioned for the others to hurry. Before entering the passageway, Kushina turned to Aiko and held out her hand. "C'mon Aiko. Come with us. There's nothing left for you here. You can come live in our village. I promise no one will hurt you." The leader of the rescue group shot a questioning glance at Minaot who shrugged.
"She's with us. I'm sure the Hokage won't mind." The girl's face brightened up and she quickly trotted after Kushina into the passageway. Casting one more glance over her shoulder, Kushina sighed and walked into the darkness.
"When we crossed the border, we were attacked by Itsuki Jun and his men. Debiru was killed in the ambush and Kushina and Hideki were captured. Kushina managed to break out and discover Jun's plans. Hideki was killed in captivity. In our attempt to escape, we met Jun and he and Ryou were both killed in the ensuing fight. The girl, Aiko has helped Kushina and us several times."
Kushina tried not to hate Minato for the detached tone he was using as he quickly explained the last weeks events to the head of the rescue party. After escaping the capital, the Konoha group had met up with the rest of the rescue party in the forest. Their injuries had been treated and then the group had been traveling out of the forest. They hadn't run into any resistence yet.
The redhead jumped as something white flashed past the edge of her vision. Turning, she stared into the forest, trying to detect anything out of the ordinary. Nothing. She had been waiting to be attacked since they had left their prison. All the tension was finally getting to her.
"You alright?" Kushina turned to find Minato looking at her, concern evident in his clear blue eyes.
"Yeah. I guess I just can't accept that we're actually out. It doesn't feel right without Ry...." A comforting hand was placed on her arm and she was tugged into the blond's warm embrace.
"I know. I can't believe it either. There wasn't anything we could do though. We'll make sure to give him a proper funeral when we get back alright?" She nodded into his shoulder and returned the hug. "Don't worry. Everything's going to be okay. I promise."