A love in time 27
"Hahahahah!" Naruto laughed hysterically, covering her devious smile behind her hand. "Of course, I shouldn't expect less." Her eyes scanned the horizon. Although it was morning, the horizon was dyed red. The red hair of the Uzumaki clan stood firm against the desolate grounds. The signs of the reanimation jutsu were clear. She felt bitterness and anger swell in her gut.
"Naruto," Kakashi was the first to speak.
"Don't worry." Naruto gathered her reasoning and looked at her team. "Gaara, Temari, and I will seal the reanimated shinobi. Everyone help assists or destroy the White Zetsu and don't approach any member of the Uzumaki clan unless you're with Gaara or me. These Uzumaki are offense specialists and you will not win against them unless you have an absolute defense. Don't get too excited and waste your energy." Her team nodded before spreading out on the battlefield. Kakashi remained by her side. "How'd you convince Ero-sennin, Sakura, and Shikamaru to let you stay?"
"I'm rather charming," Kakashi replied lightheartedly yet his body was ready for action. "That's a lot of White Zetsu." He glanced at the strong-willed woman. "I'll take care of your body,"
"I'll need at least 10 minutes to recover," Naruto advised Kakashi before quickly going through hand signs and slamming her hands on the earth. The earth rumbled and gave way as multiple clones of her appeared to crawl out of the ground. They were covered in curse markings and eyes dyed black but they were made with pure ninshu and would hold up much better than Kage Bunshins - only death blows would destroy them. Thousands of Naruto clones appeared with more climbing out of the earth.
"That's enough," Kakashi grabbed Naruto when she stumbled. Slowly lowering her to the ground as her face paled. "That's more than enough."
Naruto's breathing was heavy. "A f-few more,"
"No, as a leader you have to keep to your word. You can't tell your soldiers to conserve their energy when you're going to exhaust yourself." He advised and when she looked at him and nodded, Kakashi knew she would listen. "Get some rest. When you're back you'll have to put up a barrier,"
Naruto nodded. She understood the plan. "Kakashi-nii-chan,"
"Oh? It's been a while since you've called me that," Kakashi looked at their surroundings. Two clones were protecting the two of them as their team went wild. He could only sigh at the ferocity of their side - it was like they craved battle and were finally free to release all their pent-up desires. The deranged look in even Sakura's eyes concerned him.
"You can't save him," Naruto gripped Kakashi's vest. Her eyes watched Kakashi's reactions. "The one calling himself Madara - you can't save him. He's gone."
"Naruto," Kakashi frowned, "Who is he?" Her trembling hands worried him. She desperately looked at him as if he would leave her side the moment he knew the fake Madara's identity.
"Please, promise me you won't help him,"
Kakashi felt her grip tighten. "I promise. Now tell me who it is," He saw her look at his Sharingan and felt his spine shiver. "Naruto," He warned, "Who is it?" Her silence only made his conclusion stronger but he needed to hear her say it.
"I only found out this morning," Naruto licked her lips, feeling her body recover as Kurama helped draw in energy. "You can't save Obito, Nii-chan. He's gone," She noticed his quick thinking happen before her eyes and when he nodded, Naruto was sure he wouldn't attempt to talk Obito out of his ideals. Taking a deep breath, she said, "He's yours to take down,"
"Excuse me?"
"You're the only one who can fight him evenly. You have his other eye and know his fighting style," Naruto groaned, sitting upright as she felt a familiar chakra signature approach. She felt annoyance and glee. "Take Sakura with you or anyone. She will go in for the kill when you hesitate,"
"When? You expect me to fail,"
"Yes," Naruto pushed Kakashi away. Seeing his hurt expression she said, "Obito is part of your trauma, Kakashi-sensei. Out of everyone here, Sakura and I will see to it that our beloved sensei won't die here. Sakura will be your insurance policy." Struggling to her knees, Naruto muttered, "Ah this is embarrassing. I don't want him to see me like this,"
"They're here," Kakashi commented as the Akatsuki appeared with many Edo-Tensei soldiers. Even Kakashi found their prospects ridiculous. "Naruto?" Kakashi questioned when she used his shoulder to help her stand. There was an excited grin plastered on her pale face and Kakashi followed her line of sight. He wanted to groan seeing the same look in the Edo-Tensei Madara. "I will only warn you once. He's clearly not on our side," He glanced at the fake Madara next to the real Madara and frowned. The fake was staring intently at him despite his hidden face.
"Even if he was on our side that bastard would still attack me to see how much I've grown," Naruto felt her heart beating fast. She knew Madara could feel it too. They could feel each other's strength and wanted to test each other. "Consider it a light spar before I fix his seal. It'll be fun,"
Kakashi sighed, stepping back and allowing Naruto to stand on her own. "I will make sure no one interferes."
"Remember," Naruto called out as Madara landed nearby. He was perched on a tall boulder looking down at her. His hands were already occupied with his weapons. "Our end goal is to seal Black Zetsu." Once Naruto felt Kakashi leave her side with her clones, she unsealed a bo staff and readied her body.
"You're late, Naruto," Madara scolded, his grin widening when she looked annoyed. "Imagine my surprise when the first thing I see when I open my eyes is my stupid predecessor instead of my brother,"
"I miscalculated a few things. It happens," Naruto took in his appearance. "I expected to see you as a Grandpa,"
Madara scowled, "You would like to see that wouldn't you? Stop messing around and fix this damn seal. Having that snake in me is disgusting,"
"Oh? Aren't you strong enough to resist Kabuto's influence?" Naruto was quick to raise her bo staff and defend against a sneak attack. "How interesting," Naruto tilted her head when Madara was surrounded by Pein Rikudo. However, many of the Six Paths were the Jinchuriki that died. She could sense the residue of their Biju chakra fluctuating. "I see, so I'm that much of a threat to you," Naruto knew Madara's look and shook her head. "I'll deal with this and then you later,"
"Huuuh?!" Madara was offended. "Get back here!"
"Sit tight. I'll be back for you soon," Naruto gestured for her clones to surround Madara. Knowing his ego, Madara wouldn't be interested in fighting her clones but in the real deal. "Kakashi! Ero-sennin! Take the two odds! I'll deal with the reanimated jinchuriki until you're both free!" She didn't need to look to know her two trusted arms were on the move and quickly lead the Edo-Tensei Jinchuriki away from the main battle. "Kurama, are you ready for this?"
"This is annoying to deal with,"
"I agree but it needs to be done." Naruto frowned, leaping out of the way as a massive turtle creature tried to stomp on her. "Ah fuck, now this is really going to be annoying." Landing on her toes with her staff slammed into the dirt, Naruto stood across from the four transformed Edo-Tensei Jinchuriki.
Nibi - Matatabi
Sanbi - Isobu
Rokubi - Saiken
Nanabi - Chōmei
They were all in their tailed beast forms threatening Naruto with their presence.
Naruto felt her heart racing as she looked at the controlled beasts. Part of her heart ached but another part of her was cold. She didn't know these Tailed Beasts well enough to feel a connection to them but she felt enough empathy to know even in Kurama's dark heart that hurting his siblings would affect him. "This is going to keep us busy."
An unpleasant distraction from finding Black Zetsu. Watch your enemies. They might be under control but there is a reason why we Biju should be feared," Kurama could feel Naruto's raging emotions and sighed within her. "Don't worry about losing control. I will reign you in. To defeat them you will have to go wild,"
"Good, I'm sick of holding back my smile," Naruto didn't need to know her eyes were pitch black as a feral grin appeared on her face. No doubt it was the blood of the God of War flowing through her veins causing her adrenaline. Her adamantine chains sprouted from her back and attacked the earth greedily - eager to cause destruction with her. "I'll bring you out to party if I can't handle them,"
Kurama scoffed, "How arrogant." He didn't say more as his host launched herself toward the taunting Biju. Yet he didn't interfere with Naruto's battle and instead gathered Nature Chakra for her to use. He tried to hide his smirk when she was battered by one of Chōmei's tails and called upon his chakra. Soon, he could see the outside world through her eyes.
"Shut up," Naruto grumbled.
"I can't believe you really thought you could take on four Biju 100 times your size. You got too excited," Kurama scolded her as his chakra covered her in gold. He stretched his Biju form happily as he snarled at the approaching Biju. "They really want to kill us," Kurama said, watching as the four Biju gathered to create a bijudama. At his new height, Kurama looked around the battlefield and saw the Hachibi battling in its Biju form yet there were no heavy hitters near him. "Naruto,"
"I know. Something's not adding up," Naruto replied, holding her hands out as she gathered their chakra to counteract the bijudama with their own. She noticed Madara sitting on the ground, watching her battle intently, and said, "It's probably because of Madara. That idiot probably did something when he was resurrected."
"Get ready," Kurama warned as they launched their bijudama toward the others and kept their body close to the ground as the shockwaves devastated the area. "I'm going in!" Kurama yelled, launching his body into the sky and digging his fangs into Chōmei's wings. Tearing them from her body and ripping her body with his sharp claws. Her cries were deaf in his ears as Kurama snapped his jaw around her face.
Naruto felt it but couldn't see it. It was an emotion she hadn't felt in years and it suffocated her. Her eyes glanced wildly around their surroundings but she found it difficult as they were falling from the skies yet she knew this ugly emotion. "Jealousy?" She whispered to herself. In her gut, Naruto knew this intense emotion projected towards her came from that hidden Black Zetsu. Its jealousy was so suffocating she could feel it through Kurama's chakra cloak. "Kurama! I leave Kakashi and Ero-Sennin to assist you!"
"Stay here!" Kurama barked, "Stay here, Naruto." He ignored when two shinobi landed within his chakra and wordlessly covered them protectively. "I feel it too. Our priority right now is to defeat and seal these Biju. Believe in your comrades,"
Naruto bit her cheek and stayed put. She knew Kurama wouldn't stop her without good reason and felt his chakra cling onto her just a bit more desperately. Whatever Black Zetsu was doing made them both uncomfortable but Naruto wanted to squash it now - not later. "Fine, let's do this," Naruto backed down. Moving her eyes away from Madara and focused on the Biju in front of her. Her fingers danced around her body as she manipulated her chains the way her mother showed her. No doubt she looked feral but Naruto was in control as she used her chains to restrain the Biju. "Sit," Naruto commanded, her voice small but powerful enough for the Biju to whine and struggle against her chains in rebellion. Clenching her fists, Naruto raised her voice slightly as Kurama strengthened her chakra with his own. "I said, sit," Using all the strength in her arms, Naruto pulled the chains towards her body and forced the four Biju's faces' into the earth. Gritting her teeth, holding four mindless Biju was a challenge.
"Don't hesitate!" Kurama called out. "Curse the bastards!"
"Damn it," Naruto muttered but she no longer hesitated and allowed her new-named death curse to travel along her chains and towards the Biju. Although their hosts were dead, the lifeforce of the Biju was strong. Strong enough for Naruto to drain and make her own. The transformed energy was different from when she took Madara's lifeforce. It was like a drug - making her excited. It was dangerous.
XXXXXXXX
Madara noticed the change from the distance. He felt a presence beside him but didn't give them his attention. There was something disgusting clinging to his shadow.
"Madara-sama," Itachi knelt behind Madara. He kept his eyes low and on the wiggling parasite attached to the dead Uchiha. He could feel the overwhelming presence of Naruto's power. She grew so much in the time he had been away from her side. It wouldn't be long before she sealed the four Biju.
"Don't get in my way. My fight is next," Madara warned.
"There will be no fight if Naruto dies absorbing the Biju's lifeforce," Itachi pushed forward, "Absorbing the Biju's essence is different from having them sealed within and slowly siphoning their chakra. No human will be able to withstand that force," Itachi froze hearing Madara's dark laughter and looked up at his ancestor.
"That brat is far from human, kid." Madara was confident, mimicking the insane grin on his face that Naruto shared. "The God of War's blood runs thick in her veins. Place your faith in that, Little Uchiha,"
Itachi felt slighted being called little and held his place. Standing up slowly, he watched as Naruto sucked in every drop of lifeforce from the Biju. But it was odd. Before, it seemed as if the Biju were resisting being devoured but now they welcomed the embrace of death.
However, both Uchiha noticed it and quickly shielded them both in their susanoo skeletons as the energy absorbed was suddenly blasted away from Naruto and scorched the earth.
Madara gritted his teeth, his feet slowly dragging from the blast as he covered his eyes with his arm. The blast was so bright he had no choice but to close his eyes. However, this didn't dull his senses as he lashed out and grabbed the oncoming arm and gripped it tight. "What are you doing, Little Uchiha?" Opening his eyes, Madara frowned seeing Itachi's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
"Placing my faith in Naruto," Itachi replied cheekily as he felt his jutsu activate. "Don't blink."
Madara didn't budge, not feeling an ounce of malice from the Little Uchiha, and allowed the jutsu to hit. He could feel it instantly as the shackles binding his mind crumbled and hummed lightly. "What a frightening dojutsu. Dare I say it rivals my own,"
"Your compliments aren't needed." Itachi closed his right eye. He had used Shisui's dojutsu and he felt it go dormant. However, he still had one more attempt and decided to keep it as a backup plan. "I understand your eagerness to test Naruto's limits but this isn't the time,"
"Time," Madara scoffed, stretching his dead body. "Time means nothing for Naruto and me."
Itachi could only sigh. Madara was as stubborn as Naruto.
"Argh!"
The Uchiha's whipped their heads toward Naruto's cries and saw that she was being attacked by a giant black mass with multiple shadow creatures. Their keens eyes picked up on the burn mark across her cheek as Jiraiya caught her flying body. She was already healing but the two Uchiha that were familiar with her healing abilities knew it was slower than usual. Their eyes swirled in determination as they wordlessly ran toward Naruto. However, reaching her through the mass of black shadows wouldn't be an easy feat.
"Shit." Madara cursed, seeing Black Zestu's plan clearly. "He plans to isolate Naruto," he forced Zetsu out of his shadow and moved.
Itachi's eyes followed the fake Madara luring away Kakashi from Naruto's side. Her allies were also too far away from her as they took on the waves of White Zestu with Naruto's clones. Their side was slowly being pushed back. Looking at Madara, Itachi decided to place all his faith in Naruto and turned on his heel to aid their companions. With their Leader busy, somebody needed to coordinate their attacks effectively against White Zetsu, Akatsuki, and reanimated Uzumaki. Itachi believed he would be the best commander alongside the Kagekage.
Madara felt Itachi leave his side and dodged the scathing hands of the shadow monsters.
"Madara-sama!"
Madara ignored the slithering voice chasing after him. Maneuvering around and defeating the shadow creatures. He did not account for these lowly creatures being a part of his battle but he fought viciously against them when they got in his way. It was like second nature - moving his body to the beat of the war drum. Being dead, he didn't have to worry about the scathing touches of the shadow creatures as his dead body mended on its own. The creatures covered his line of sight from Naruto. The last image he saw was of Jiraiya fiercely defending her as she seemed to clutch at her old wound struggling for breath. "Naruto!" Madara's voice bellowed above the war.
"Madara-sama!" Black Zestu hissed. Unable to keep up with Madara's pace. "Come back!" His hatred grew more towards the blonde woman who caught his Master's eyes. The brat who always seemed to foil his plans. "It was a mistake to tell Madara-sama when he was revived." Black Zestu felt bitter. It was the first thing he did when he saw his Master's body in the living. Complaining to hell's end of Naruto's interference and now she caught Madara's eyes. Zetsu grounded his sharp teeth, making his would-be gums bleed and tasted sourness. No matter how hard he tried, Black Zetsu could barely hold Madara's attention. Even with the introduction of his replacement, Madara lost interest quickly. Black Zetsu couldn't stand it. The pinnacle of ninjutsu ignored him. He was beside Madara's side for decades, advising and comforting the cruel man. It wasn't fair. The absolute perfection of Kaguya's descendant ignored him and his loyalties. Black Zetsu had never come across one of Kaguya's descendants that resembled her so much. There was nobody that could replace Madara Uchiha. Releasing the tension in his face, Black Zetsu changed his target and moved towards Obito Uchiha. He needed another vessel for his plans.
XXXXXXXX
Naruto gripped at her old wound as she struggled to breathe in the air. Her body was trembling from absorbing all that lifeforce that she had no choice but to expand what she couldn't hold into her surroundings. However, another problem propped up. Shadow creatures, similar to the ones that killed her family's patron God, appeared and a single touch sent her body into shock. The scar on her chest burned harshly as her fingers clawed at her chest. It was hard to breath. She couldn't breathe. Nothing was going it. Every time she sucked in the air wouldn't release. It kept coming in and in and in with each short burst she tried to breathe in but Naruto could release it. She couldn't breathe. She could hear Jiraiya and Kurama calling for her but she couldn't move. It burned. Her chest burned. Her face burned. It hurt. It hurt. It hurts so much.
"Naruto!"
Her ears twitched at the familiar voice. She forced her gaze towards the sound and saw him fighting in a crowd of black to reach her. Despite her lungs burning for air, Naruto's fingers trembled as she tried to reach out to him. She knew from his tightened face she didn't look good. Instinctively, Naruto knew she needed him. Her pale lips couldn't sound out his name as her gaze became hazy. It was hard. It was hard to keep conscious. She didn't know what caused her body to react this way but she knew. Naruto knew. She needed him. Naruto needed him more than ever.
"Naruto!"
Jiraiya saw the reanimated Madara fighting fluidly to get toward his Goddaughter. Glancing worriedly at her, Jiraiya saw that Naruto's eyes were only on him despite the nearing chakra signatures. Clenching his jaw, Jiraiya ran into the dark shadows and yelled towards the dead Uchiha. "Go! Go! Go! I'll hold them off!"
Madara obviously recognised Naruto's beloved mentor and used the mentor's outreached arm to propel himself out of the mob and flew towards Naruto. His hand reached out eagerly to her as her trembling fingers struggled to stay up. Madara hated her more than ever right now. Her desperate and trusting gaze as she only looked at him pissed him off. She was fucking dying yet she only looked at him to save her. "You stupid brat!" Madara yelled, his fingers sliding against hers as she suddenly gasped and grabbed her body before leaping some distance to avoid an attack on his body. Madara held Naruto's body close to his. Hearing her greedily take in air and land to safety. He hugged her tightly as her body trembled against him and allowed the excess lifeforce to enter his dead body. Although he was dead, his soul was able to act as a filter for Naruto to safely organise the lifeforce since their souls were already entwined with each other. Madara tucked her head into his chest and held her protectively against him and felt her arms return his hug. "I hope you're happy with this hug. I won't be this generous again," Madara grumbled, looking down to see her peeking up at him. The colour was slowly returning to her cheeks and the trust in her eyes blossomed further. Madara wasn't sure why Naruto wasn't able to absorb all that lifeforce but he could only guess it had something to do with her young age. She was still a child in his eyes. A baby at the age of eighteen.
Naruto could see it clearly. Madara wasn't under the influence of Kabuto. Though she knew he would've resisted his influence, Madara wasn't the type to break control unless it bothered him. Naruto decided to dwell on whoever broke Madara's command later. As soon as he touched her, Naruto felt air return to her body. Looking at the sea of shadow creatures, Naruto could see how they defeated the Old Gods. They also sucked the lifeforce out of living things.
Madara looked over Naruto's shoulder at the crater that no doubt would've been his body. He smirked when the dust settled and he was faced with the reanimated Hokages. Specifically, the Little Senju that came close to chopping his head off a second ago. "Hashirama," Madara knew he provoked Tobirama by ignoring his seething glare. "It's been a while,"
"It has, old friend," Hashirama replied, observing the protective hold Madara had on Naruto. Hashirama was curious to hear Naruto's voice. "It's been a while, Naruto Uzumaki." He noticed Naruto stiffen and the subtle way Madara's face changed when she looked at him. They were having a silent conversation between two and it seemed like Madara was protecting Naruto from them.
"Ah Minato!" Jiraiya landed next to the group. Appearing pale and sickly yet that didn't stop him from trapping Minato and Hiruzen in a bear hug. "Sarutobi-sensei! Ah I've missed you both!"
"Sensei!" Minato called out in surprise.
"Put me down," Hiruzen complained, "We have work to do."
"Naruto Uzumaki,"
The group went silent at the cold tone. It came from none other than Tobirama Senju. His expressionless face made it hard for even Hashirama to read.
Madara knew Naruto wasn't ready to face Tobirama but they had more pressing matters to attend it. Slowly releasing Naruto, he threw a smirk at Tobirama when Naruto quickly grabbed his arm. The glare only intensified but Madara spoke to Naruto while looking at Tobirama. "I'll hold them off for now. When you're done, let's do what we promised on my dying breath,"
"Okay," Naruto released Madara's arm and watched as Madara dragged Hashirama with him. Turning on her heel, Naruto felt like throwing up. She felt like dying for real this time. Bravely, she met Tobirama's intense gaze and replied, "Tobirama Senju,"
"Tch," Tobirama clicked his tongue.
Naruto felt her spine shiver and looked at her father for help. She found Minato pouting next to Jiraiya with Jiraiya misinterpreting her look to take Minato away to fight the shadow creatures.
"Madara Uchiha, huh?" Tobirama folded his arms.
Hiruzen knew that pose and looked at Naruto sadly. He was ecstatic to see her again and knew by her gaze she was pleased to see him. However, this conversation he had no interest in mediating.
Naruto felt her heart sink as Hiruzen joined the war. She was rooted to her spot but she stubbornly held Tobirama's gaze.
"You dare to call me by my full name in this situation," Tobirama was firm. Even when he finally felt the warmth of her chakra and the brightness that it brought after he was released from the Shinigami's stomache-he could only think of one thing. Madara Uchiha. It was always Madara Uchiha. It was Madara that she protected, Madara that she defended and when Madara seemed to be in reach of a defenseless Naruto, it was Madara that she reached out to and embraced. Tobirama knew from the last time they met during Hiruzen's death that she remembered his chakra yet she was only focused on Madara. "I would perhaps be a bit softer on you had you said the appropriate name,"
Naruto couldn't describe the feelings running through her body. "Please Tobirama-"
"Tch," Tobirama clicked his tongue again. His jaw clenching. "Is that all I am to you now that I am dead? You might as well call me Nidaime-sama at this rate,"
"No-wait, Tobi," Naruto pleaded, "I know you have a lot of questions and I swear if I had time I would explain it all to you but we're in the middle of a war right now-"
"Once upon a time all we had was time or should I say the lack of time,"
Naruto grew quiet.
"You promised to give me 24 hours once I found you. Keep to your promise,"
"What? I never promised you that! Also, you're dead,"
Tobirama took a step forward and smirked when Naruto didn't back down as he towered over her. "Keep to your promise, Naruto Uzumaki. Once we win this war, the following 24 hours of your life belongs to me,"
"I never agreed to this!" Naruto glared up at Tobirama. She swore up and down she never promised Tobirama a day if he found her. Hell, she was sure she swore her eternal afterlife to be with him yet that wasn't enough for him!
Tobirama caressed her soft cheek, feeling the warmth beneath his fingers and her heated breath against his lips. He could feel the softness of her skin and saw her eyes tremble at his touch. She could feel him too. It was different from the last time. She could feel his calloused palm against her skin. "Believe me, Nami, you'll want to spend the next 24 hours with me because, unlike your father, I have the capabilities to kill you," He whispered against her lips before running off to join the fight.
Naruto stood there. Shellshocked. How did he know? How did Tobirama know she wanted to die after this? The only way Naruto could figure it out was if Arashi fucked up and ran his mouth to everyone instead of one person. Feeling someone shake her shoulder, Naruto looked up and saw Orochimaru's apologetic face. She felt the urge to cave his face in intensified.
XXXXXXXX
"Ah how refreshing to fight beside one another!" Madara called as he savagely destroyed the shadow creatures. "Don't you agree, Hasirama!"
"I believe you'd rather swing your blade at me than these monsters," Hashirama rebutted, joining Madara in battle.
"I know you're curious, Hashirama, but there a secrets I don't want to share. Even with you," Madara smirked at Hashirama's rotten face. He could see in the distance Naruto and Tobirama talking. The atmosphere was thick between them yet both looked ready to jump into each other's arms. It was sickening.
"Then," Hashirama offered, "Tell me a story." He noticed Madara stiffen. "For old times' sake, tell me a story about how Naruto became Izuna's replacement,"
Madara was quick to grab Hashirama's throat. "You watch your mouth. I don't do storytimes anymore. Especially not about my brothers." He pushed Hashirama back.
"I apologise for overstepping your boundaries," Hashirama offered, but it did explain how Madara overcame his Curse of Hatred after Izuna died. That child should've been Madara's last barrier of defense. Instead, Madara retained his sanity and despite his political influence, Madara never refuted the vile rumours surrounding him. Hashirama grinned widely, "I always knew you had a good heart,"
Madara shoved Hashirama, just as Tobirama arrived, and stormed off. He hated Hashirama as much as he hate Naruto. They were both annoying. However, despite fighting the shadow creatures, Madara made sure to keep a close eye on Naruto and waited until she was closer to yell, "You're late!"
"Shut up!" Naruto yelled back as she landed next to him. She noticed the giant tree in the background and frowned. It seemed familiar to the tree she saw in the past. "How annoying," She complained and swept through quick handsigns before slamming her hands onto the ground. This time, several thick adamantine chains sprouted out of the ground and covered the large area of the battlefield. It stretched as far as the ocean and reached the stars. Now that all essential players had arrived, Naruto didn't have to worry and trapped everyone within her barrier. Both friends and foe alike. She would ensure this battle would be as quiet as possible. "Secret Uzumaki Ninjutsu: Great Prison!" clenching her laced fingers tighter, she solidified her barrier and made sure the moon wasn't visible from the inside. Only the glow of her adamantine chains illuminated the battlefield.
Madara looked at the large-scale jutsu and glanced at Naruto. "You're a disgusting chakra monster, you know that," Her glare didn't frighten him. "The Jubi can't be revived as long as not even an inch of your group's biju chakra is absorbed. We still have to cut it down for safety measures. Also," Madara pointed at the shadow creatures. They had the ability to split into smaller creatures or created a larger mass on par with the biju. "Only Edo-tensei can fight against those things. You won't be of help here unless we share our lifeforce,"
Naruto quickly looked over the battlefield and sent a signal to regroup her allies. They were spread thin and Naruto wasn't comfortable with that and her clones picked up on her feelings and aided her allies. She felt dread in her stomach. That something terrible was going to happen. Naruto could only plan so much to prevent the Infinite Tsukuyomi from activating and delaying the revival of the Jubi. Looking at Madara, he didn't seem concerned and neither did her allies as they made their way to her. Naruto could feel Kurama reacting to her instincts and she looked at each of the Hokage and noticed only Hashirama seemed nervous.
Once all her allies were gathered, Naruto covered them in Kurama's cloak and changed an adamantine chain into a bracelet for Madara to wear.
He looked at it curiously and felt Naruto siphoning his aura. "Ahh," He clicked immediately. With the chakra cloaks acting as a conductor for his aura, the shinobi that were alive had a better chance of fighting against the shadow creatures without feeling the dread of death on their shoulders. "Ice Palace will be a last resort,"
"What?" Naruto looked confused.
"Last we practiced with it your recovery time was too long to be battle ready and you burn through too much energy even with my assistance. Last resort, got it?" Madara replied.
Naruto nodded, "Got it."
"Ew! What is that?" Sakura landed beside Naruto and pointed towards the shadows combining together into a towering mass of dangerous acid. She looked at Shikamaru suspiciously.
Shikamaru glared at Sakura. "Shut up,"
"I didn't say anything!" Sakura shrugged and placed her hands on Naruto's back. "What the-Naruto Uzumaki!" Sakura felt the internalised damage to her body.
Naruto felt her neck sweat as Sakura's warm healing chakra seeped into her body.
"Don't ignore me!" Sakura slammed her head into the back of Naruto's head.
"Ow! You bitch!"
"Shut you, you're both too loud!" Shikamaru yelled before the two could bicker and sighed. Kneeling beside Naruto, Shikamaru gathered his hands and went into deep thought. "Hold that thing back for a few minutes,"
"No way! Are you insane? That thing burns living flesh!" Sakura yelled, almost done healing Naruto as she stared at the massive glob of darkness.
"It would be better for the Edo-tensei to take it on," Naruto replied.
"No," Shikamaru kept his eyes closed. "The Hokage need to continue with the reanimated Uzumaki clan. They have the most experience fighting them and can seal them off. The Uchiha need to stop the one with the rinnegan and Kakashi-sensei will continue his fight with the fake-Madara. The others will chip at the White Zetsu army numbers while you two hold off that monster until I have a plan. I need time!"
"What the hell, Shikamaru?" Sakura grumbled, helping Naruto to her feet. They both stood protectively in front of Shikamaru. "Why the hell us?"
"Why?" Shikamaru smirked, "Because you two monsters can regenerate faster than any living being."
"Haa~!" Naruto sighed, flexing her fingers, and glanced at Sakura. "You know, I actually hate getting hurt,"
"I would call you a sex fiend if you did," Sakura teased, making Naruto crack a smile towards her. Sakura released the Strength of a Hundred seal with the seal marking her body.
"I'm sure you would call me that regardless," Naruto reciprocated Sakura's friendliness her eyes morphed into a toad appearance with orange dusting her eyelids. "Flatbread," Naruto had to hold her grin when Sakura's brow twitched.
"What'd you call me, udders?"
"Maah maah did you say something?" Naruto cleaned her ear before dashing off toward the shadow creature.
"Naruto Uzumaki!" Sakura screamed, chasing the heels of the blonde.
Shikamaru could finally breathe in peace and ignored the way the earth shook as Naruto and Sakura caused carnage on the battlefield. When it came to strength and regeneration there were no competitors. He could feel a protective presence surrounding him. No doubt Naruto's clones. Shikamaru could finally think.
XXXXXXXX
"It's funny seeing you act soft, Kakashi. You were always the merciless one,"
"Obito," Kakashi stared down at the broken body of Obito Uchiha. The sharp glare shook Kakashi's core. "Why?" He asked simply, "Why Minato-sensei and Kushina? They never did anything to you,"
"Hahah," Obito coughed after his laughter, biting the inside of his cheek. "Why a lot of things? There's always questions and no answers. You don't deserve answers. A soft coward like you,"
"I may not deserve answers but I'm not soft," Kakashi's face was cold, mercilessly stabbing Obito through his Sharingan eye. "I'm not soft on my enemies. On Naruto's enemies. My family's enemies are my own enemies." He pulled out the katana from Obito's eyes and ignored his cries of pain. "Your body might've changed you, but, that eye is 100% yours. When Naruto begged me not to save you...you know, I never had any intentions of saving you but I had to save face as the kind older brother."
"You bastard! Madara-sama will make you rot!" Obito screamed, clutching his bleeding eye.
Kakashi could see the delusion ran deep within Obito. Even with Madara actively fighting on their side, Obito still believed Madara would come back to him. Kakashi felt odd, not feeling an ounce of emotions while seeing Obito like this. He could only conclude it was because he grieved the Obito he knew for years. The one before him wasn't the kindhearted child he once knew. He doubted even Rin would recognise him. "It's pathetic, isn't it, Minato-sensei,"
"That's a rather kind way of saying it," Minato approached Kakashi's side, seeing Obito writhe on the floor with his eye filled with hatred. He could only feel anger fester. His once beloved student was the murderer of his wife and left his child orphaned. "I deserve answers, Obito."
"You won't harm me,"
"Think again," Minato stomped on Obito's head. His body shivered in delight at the sharp scream. "You took me away from my family, Obito. A line you never should've crossed even in death." Minato knelt and wrapped his hand around Obito's neck. "Being alone in the dark without a trace of time almost drove me insane, Obito. My soul almost broke when I lost faith when I thought I would never see my wife and child ever again. Do you believe that when you die that Rin will be waiting for you?" Minato welcomed Obito's trembling glare. Dark markings appeared on Minato's hand and traveled across Obito's hybrid body. "Only a God can survive another God's ordeal. I wonder how you will fare in my own personal hell crafted for you,"
"Ahhh Ahh!" Obito screamed louder as the marks burned across his body. He wasn't supposed to feel pain but the marks seemed to burn directly into his soul.
"You will never see heaven. Not even a glimpse. Nothing. Only darkness will be your friend for eternity." Minato quickly retrieved his hand when a black mass quickly covered Obito's body and burnt his hand. Looking at his hand, Minato frowned when his hand struggled to fitx itself and looked back at Obito. "You finally showed yourself,"
Zetsu covered Obito's body and rolled away from the two dangerous shinobi. They were nothing like their supposed personalities. It was like staring at two demons. "What have you done to this body?" Zetsu hissed, rubbing his newly acquired host's chest. The lifeforce within Obito was dying and no doubt the Uchiha would breathe his last breath once Zetsu left his host. The uncomfortable essence within Obito made Zetsu furious. "It doesn't matter. I only need this body momentarily. Even with his eyes destroyed, the residual is enough for my plans."
"What?" Kakashi tried to capture Zetsu but missed him by a thread. He gasped when he recognised the light blue hue that disappeared with the parasite. "No!" Looking around the battlefield, Kakashi's eyes scanned for Zetsu's location furiously. His gaze naturally fell onto Naruto. She was on her knees, covered in healing burn wounds breathing heavily. Sakura was next to her in the same condition but Naruto was coming around and trying to stand. He could see the fatigue in Naruto's eyes. "No," Kakashi whispered. "Sensei! Naruto!" Kakashi shouted at Minato. "He's going for Naruto!"
Minato's eyes widened. Feeling Kakashi's trembling grip on his shoulder.
Naruto:
"Damn," Naruot huffed, "That thing really won't die, huh?" her chest was heaving as the intense pain from the burns sapped her endless stamina. She was smiling but her legs were listening to her. Naruto was exhausted but she had faith in Sakura.
"Think of this as anger management therapy," Sakura used a hand to place her weight on Naruto's shoulder. She was numb to the pain but that didn't mean she wasn't exhausted. "That idiot better hurry up. My hair's been burnt to a crisp,"
Naruto glanced up at Sakura. "You really suit long hair. I'll be sure to beat Shikamaru for ruining your hair."
"I'll be betting on it,"
Their conversation was lighthearted. It was all they could do to keep the claws of war dull on their hearts.
"It stopped growing," Sakura pointed out but she sooned frowned, "However the acid it produces has become more potent."
"Fuck, how annoying," Naruto grumbled, pushing herself to her feet and shrugging off Sakura's hand.
"Attack its base!"
The girls heard Shikamaru's voice.
"It regenerates faster at the base! Its core will be there! Since all its energy is being pushed to make itself more corrosive, it's taking more energy for it to heal. My shadows will assist-Sakura!" Shikamaru yelled.
"Sakura!" Naruto's eyes widened as a weak Susanoo appeared out of the shadow creature with a blade aimed at Sakura. She was caught off guard and couldn't move her body to dodge the oncoming blade. Naruto's body moved on it's own. Her eyes trembling with her fingers outstretched to reach Sakura. "Sakura!" Sakura's green eyes met hers. Her green pupils were trembling before they held firm as if prepared to die. "No!"
"Naruto don't!" Sakura cried out but it was too late. Naruto's body was moving as hers was falling backward.
Naruto's fingers reached Sakura's and were prepared to push her out of the way until she felt a firm hand on her back…
…pushing her and Sakura away from danger.
Naruto recognised the chakra behind her as she looked at Sakura. Sakura's face was pale as fresh blood smeared her face and no doubt there was blood on her back too.
"No," Sakura whispered.
"Sorry, I'm late,"
Naruto's body trembled. Turning her head in fear of what was behind her.
"I got lost on the path of life,"
A goofy masked smile met hers.
"K-Kakashi?"
A giant blue blade was skewered through Kakashi's body.