I rewrote a bit of this chapter because I forgot to add Shino into the fight. His role isn't that big since his powers are useless when it comes to Naruto but I still want him to have some kind of role in the fight!
Her Savior, chapter 5! I want to thank you all for reviewing and contributing to the success of this story… I hope you enjoy this next chapter…
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The wind ruffled those wild blonde locks that makes Naruto stand out among the rest of the population. Naruto was currently smiling at his long-time friends who were on the verge of tears. A memory of the last time he saw them, appeared in Naruto's mind.
FLASHBACK:
His friends were all gathered around a makeshift camp. The war was over and only one thing remained to be done, Sasuke. They were currently discussing about what to do with Sasuke. Kiba said that Naruto shouldn't shoulder the entire burden and that they need to finish off Sasuke instead of Naruto. Most of them agreed while Sakura remained silent, lost in her own doubts.
Naruto wasn't invited to this secret meeting because they knew he would object to their plan. Unfortunately for them, he already knew what they were planning. He watched them from afar and smiled at their determination but he knew this was one fight they could never win. Sasuke was his responsibilty and his alone.
He jumped down from the tree and made a clone, "Don't let them pass." Was the clone's only mission.
With one last look towards his friends, he took off into the forest and towards his Fate.
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"It's been a while, huh." Sadness present in his voice.
Sakura took a tentative step forwards, tears streaming down her face, "Naruto… Is that really you?" sobbed Sakura.
"Alive and kicking." Chuckled Naruto, but it was a blank laugh, without the happiness that is usually present in it.
Sakura wanted to rush towards him and hug him but Kakashi put a hand on her shoulder, stopping her for the moment. Sakura looked at him, wondering why he stopped her but Kakashi wasn't paying attention to her instead he was focused on Naruto and him alone.
"It's been a while, Kaka-sensei. It seems time was fair to you. You haven't aged at all." Smiled Naruto, genuinely happy to see his silver mentor.
"It truly has been a while, huh Naruto. You've grown." Eye-smiled Kakashi, happiness and pride in his voice.
Naruto chuckled and looked himself over, "I guess I did, huh. I'm no longer the shortest…"
Kiba decided to end this little charade, "Buddy, we finally found you. Come on, let's go home." The rest of the group nodded and smiled at their friend. Somethind told Shikamaru this won't be as easy as they all thought. The look in Naruto's eyes didn't alleviate Shiakamaru's doubts.
Naruto adopted a serious look on his face when he looked at Kiba and his friends were surprised to see that such a look was directed towards them, "I'm afraid that won't happen."
Shock was present among the Rookies and company. Kakashi, Neji, Shino, Shikamaru somehow expected such an answer. They had a feeling something changed with Naruto.
"What are you talking about man? We came here to bring you home. We've been searching for you for the past 3 years." Screamed Kiba.
Shikamaru walked past him, "Kiba, look him in the eyes…" Kiba was confused as to what Shikamaru was trying to tell him but when he actually focuse onto Naruto's eyes he didn't saw the Naruto from the past, the Naruto they all knew but someone else.
Shikamaru stopped beside Kakashi and eyed Naruto while Naruto did the same.
A small smile etched itself on Naruto's face, "Hello, Shika. Glad to see you off the couch."
Shikamaru grinned, "As troublesome as this is, I thought it would be wise to come along." He sent a discreet glance to Temari which Naruto picked up on.
He chuckled, "Like father like son, I guess." Shikamaru merely smiled at the remark. Most of the occupants were baffled as to what they were talking about but some knew exactly what was discussed.
Sakura meanhwile was still sobbing, "Naruto…"
Seeing Sakura cry, Naruto decided to get serious.
He sighed and started, "As much as I'm happy to see you again, I'm afraid you travelled a long way for nothing."
"What do you mean? We came for you Naruto! Let us return home." Yelled Ino, Naruto's behavior confusing her greatly and saddening her. Like Sakura, she too was crying freely.
Sadness flashed through Naruto's eyes but it disappeared as quickly as it appeared. He turned away from the crying Ino, not wanting to look her in the eyes. He didn't want to see her cry because of his mistakes…
He walked towards his 'home', turning his back to his friends. He turned to the right and saw a baffled Yugao and Kurenai who was looking towards her feet, her body shaking a bit.
Naruto sighed internally. He never meant to cause so much grief to them. He hated himself right now…
When he was close to his house of a few months he spoke, "I am home, Ino. This is my home now. I can't return to Konoha."
"WHY?" screamed Ino in protest, his words breaking her heart and the hearts of his friends.
Naruto shook his head, "You wouldn't understand. None of you here could undertand…"
"It's because of Sasuke, isn't it?" said Kakashi.
Naruto tensed for a moment but that's all Kakashi needed to know the truth, "It is about him. Naruto, you can't blame yourself for the mistakes he did. He chose the path of hatred and there was nothing you could have done about it."
Naruto raised his head to the sky and Kakashi could swore he saw him smiling, " There was a lot I could have done for him but I was too stupid to notice it. I could have stopped everything if I only noticed it sooner." Said Naruto.
"Noticed what, Naruto?" asked Kakashi.
Naruto shook his head and sighed, "It doesn't matter. We are getting off topic here. Talking won't make me come back to Konoha, nothing can now. I suggest you leave and forget about me, forget I ever existed. That will be for the best for everybody."
Disbelief spread through the ranks of Konoha ninjas. Not even the worst pessimist among them expected such words from Naruto .
Kakashi looked down and guilt was evident in his eyes. If he killed Sasuke when he had the chance none of this would be happening. It looks like he can't do a single thing right after all.
"How could we forget about you, you idiot? You are our friend, you are our hero. You are the glue that holds this group together, you baka. Can't you see that? Without you, we are empty. Konoha is nothing without you. Get a hold of yourself man!" shouted Kiba in anger.
"Listen to your friends, Naruto. Listen to their words, listen to what they are trying to say. You are running away but you can't keep on running. You have amazing friends who want to help you if you only let them." Interjected Yugao, walking slowly towards him.
She stopped right in front of him and gently put a hand on his shoulder and smiled, "You do not have to walk alone on your road. Reach out and grab their hands, Naruto."
Naruto was waging war against himself. Images of his smiling friends invaded his mind and happiness flooded his system but then Sasuke appeared and along with him came the feeling of betrayal and failure. The happiness disappeared and guilt reappeared.
He moved away from Yugao, "That is not an option, Yugao."
Yugao sighed in disappointment. It looks like talking to him is a lost cause right now.
"Why? WHY, NARUTO? Why go so far for someone like Sasuke? He is a traitor, he tried to kill us all. Don't you see? We no longer care about him, we care about you. Don't let him ruin what we have." Yelled once again Kiba, others agreeing with him.
'Traitor…' Naruto never thought of Sasuke as a traitor. Sasuke was lost, lost in his pain and hatred. What would you do if you lost everything and had absolutely nothing, no family, no love, no comfort, nothing! It was his job to bring him back and he failed…
"Even if he was a traitor he was still my friend, my brother and I…I…." he couldn't finish the sentence, the memory of that day clawing at his mind.
Kakashi continued, "You what, Naruto? Killed him? Is that what this is all about? Guilt?" He nailed it when he saw Naruto flinch at the word 'Kill'.
"Naruto, I saw what he became. You couldn't save him, no one could. You did what you had to Naruto. You shouldn't feel guilty for trying to save your friend." Said Kakashi, trying to get through to Naruto.
Naruto looked down, his eyes closed, his hands balled into a fist. His body suffered from the occasional spasm… The memory that was clawing itself into Naruto's mind now succeeded….
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"Goodbye, my brother." Smiled Sasuke, blood coming out of his mouth. He closed his eyes and let death take him.
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Naruto's eyes opened and his chakra spiked to unfathomable levels, shocking everyone around him.
"HE WAS MY BROTHER! I KILLED MY BROTHER! HOW CAN YOU SAY IT'S OKAY? I WATCHED HIM DIE IN MY HANDS. I PUT MY FIST THROUGH HIS HEART…." The anger subsiding and being replaced with light sobbing and tears, the chakra also returning back to normal… " I watched him smile at me while I shoved my hand through his heart…."
The rookies' heart broke seeing him in so much pain.
"I killed my brother, the one who acknowledged me as his equal and yet I couldn't even save him… I failed my brother…" cried Naruto.
Sakura took a step forwards and Naruto flinched and took a step backwards, "Get away!" in his anger and sorrow he unleashed a wave of chakra which pushed the Konoha ninjas back a bit.
"Naruto, calm down!" said Neji, speaking for the first time. To be frank there was a bit of fear in his eyes after he witnessed Naruto's chakra spike.
Naruto was breathing heavily and unshed tears were pooling in his eyes. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself down. Getting angry at them won't solve anything.
"It looks like you won't return to Konoha. Fine, then I will leave." Announced Naruto.
The Konoha Ninjas all tensed, all ready to move and intercept his escape.
"I'm sorry Naruto. Tsunade told me to bring you back, whatever means necessary." Said Kakashi, revealing his Sharingan eye.
"Then that will be one mission where you fail, Kaka-sensei." Said Naruto, pumping chakra to his feet to teleport out of there and escape. Kakashi, Neji saw this and did the same but they they won't make it in time.
Yugao also noticed Naruto tense, that's why she sprung her plan.
Holding up the Ram seal, she yelled, "BIND!"
Naruto tensed and his eyes widened. Strange marking appeared on his body, holding him in place and cutting him off from his chakra.
With a lot of effort he turned towards Yugao, "When did you…?" The memory of her touching his shoulder appeared in his mind and he couldn't help but smile at her ingenuity. No wonder she's an ANBU Captain, always thinking 10 steps ahead.
Yugao yelled, "Kakashi now!"
By the time Yugao barked out her order, Kakashi was already in motion, going through several handseals but he was interrupted by a loud roar that was coming from Naruto. Kakashi's Sharingan eye widened in shock and disbelief. What he saw through his eye made him sweat. An incredible amount of chakra was gathering inside of Naruto and it looked like….
'SHIT!' cursed Kakashi.
"EVERYONE, GET DOWN NOW!" yelled Kakashi. Without a single moment of hesitation, everyone dropped down to the ground. Yugao seeing that Kurenai was still out of it, sprung into action and forcefully tackled her to the ground, ignoring the pain that shook her body.
It's good that they did listen to Kakashi because a moment later, all the chakra that was building up inside of Naruto exploded outwards, releasing Naruto from his binding.
A large shockwave shook the clearing and the Konoha Ninjas were barely holding on. The trees around them weren't so lucky. By the time the shockwave subsided, the clearing expanded by 50 meters.
The dust receded and there stood Naruto, unharmed and not even winded by that outburst of chakra.
"Nice trick, Yugao but I've seen it before. You'll have to do much better than that." Grinned Naruto.
Yugao scoffed and turned towards Kurenai, "Kurenai, get a hold of yourself. This is not the time for wallowing in your grief. I need you to fight."
Kurenai hearing her words, regained some fire into her eyes and nodded with a bit more determination.
They both stood up and turned towards Naruto, "I never expected that to hold you for long, Naruto. If it did I would be very disappointed." Said Yugao.
Naruto chuckled, "You'll see I'm full of surprises."
Shikamaru spoke, "Naruto, don't do this. Let us help you."
"I'm sorry Shikamaru. I need to go through this alone. I don't want to fight you guys. I don't want to hurt you so please leave." Said Naruto seriously.
"I failed once, Naruto. I won't fail again. I'll bring you back to Konoha!" said Kakashi seriously, his Sharingan eye narrowing.
"I would like to see you all try. Yugao and Kurenai are still injured so they are out of the fight. And only 3 maybe 4 of you can keep up with me with my initial speed. How do you expect to beat me?"
He was right and Kakashi knew it that's why he formed a plan in his head.
"Gai, Lee, I need you to cover our backs. You two are perhaps the only ones that can keep up with his speed so I need you two to cover our blind spots. We'll do the rest. Shikamaru, you know what to do!" ordered Kakashi. Shikamaru scoffed and sighed troublesome but did what he was asked to do. Plans were starting to form in his head and he was ready to relay them.
Both Gai and Lee readied themselves for the run of their lives. They couldn't help but grin with excitement. This is going to be awesome.
Ino went to stand beside Shikamaru in order to telepathically issue Shikamaru's plan. This way Naruto won't know what hit him. Yugao and Kurenai moved to the back of the group intent on staying out of the fight since their injuries didn't allow it.
Naruto seeing that they are getting serious dropped into the stance his late master taught him. Seeing that they will pursue him to the end of the Earth, he will knock them unconscious and then make his escape.
And then it stared. The battle to bring back their friend has begun.
A hail of different weapons rained down upon Naruto courtesy from the Weapon Mistress, Ten Ten. Naruto smirked. 'Easy.' Thought Naruto while drawing his Kunai to deflect them all. There were no explosive tags among them so he was safe.
His eyes widened a bit when he saw Temari jump into the air behind the projectiles and swing her fan, unleashing a wave of wind towards the weapons, increasing their speed and surprising Naruto.
Naruto cursed and jumped out of the way of the incoming projectiles but a string of Shadow was already making its way towards Naruto, waiting for him to land so that it could trap him.
Naruto formed a clone midair and used him as a jumping point. Naruto landed a few yards away from the shadow which was currently in hot pursuit after him. Naruto smirked and disappeared in a burst of speed, reappearing in front of the shocked Shikamaru and aiming a fist to his gut. He had to abort his plan when Lee came in with a roundhouse kick to his face.
Naruto raised his arm to block it but was surprised at the power behind it. It seems he wasn't the only one who continued to train hard.
Gai came from the opposite side aiming a low kick to his sternum. Seeing that he couldn't block it, he disappeared once again and appeared a little bit away from the group of ninjas.
"Impressive. Great teamwork. It looks like this is going to be harder than I thought." His speech was interrupted by the activation of a technique.
"Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!" Naruto turned towards Kakashi who just finished spewing out a large ball of fire. What he didn't expect is Temari once again unleashing her wind which made the already powerful technique even stronger.
The now enormous ball of fire traveled towards Naruto at amazing speed and Naruto scoffed. Did they think this was enough to bring him down? Think again.
He went through his own hand seals and yelled, "Suiton: Suijinheki" Pumping more chakra than needed into the technique, a large wall of water surrounded Naruto, shielding him from the fire.
But by doing this, it left him blinded to his surroundings and it cost him. When the wall receded his eyes widened because about 5 meters in front of him was a spinning mass of flesh in the form of Chouji and it was speeding towards him, aiming to flatten him.
He flexed his arm and poised to strike the chubby ninja but he had to abandon his plan when a wave of chakra grazed his arm courtesy of Neji.
He retracted his arm at the last second and evaded the giant ball. He had no time to rest as Sai attacked him from above while riding on his Ink Bird. He sent out a volley of Ink Birds at him.
Naruto evaded them all with ease but was then almost hit by a kick from Lee. He bent his body to its maximum level and avoided the bone crunching kick from Lee. He didn't have time to breathe when Gai came in with an axe kick from above.
Naruto's eyes widened. In a last ditch effort he put his hands above his head and braced himself for the impact that's about to come.
Gai's kick made contact with Naruto's arms. Combined with the free fall Naruto never stood a chance against Gai's kick.
Naruto hit the ground with such force that it left a human shaped dent in it. Naruto had the air knocked out of him and his arms felt like lead.
In his momentary distraction he failed to notice the spinning ball of flesh coming down on him. Chouji hit him full force and Naruto was pushed deeper into the ground, a small crater forming because of it.
His job done, Chouji released his technique and jumped away. He took his position beside their friends and waited to see what will happen.
"Did we win?" asked Kiba, hoping they did.
"Not a chance. Shino!" Said Kakashi, his guard up and his Sharingan eye scanning his surroundings. Shino nodded and sent out his bugs to suck him dry of chakra or at least some of it. The bugs squeezed through the cracks of the rubble and stuck themselves on Naruto. Bad idea!
They got their answer when the rubble where Naruto was currently buried, exploded and sent the debris flying towards the Konoha Ninjas. Shino's bugs were obliterated by the force of the evaded the flying rocks with ease and retook their stance and waited for Naruto to show himself.
Naruto slowly pushed himself up from the crater. When he did, he didn't look any worse for wear. The only thing that indicated he received any damage was his shirt which was now completely torn in pieces.
He dusted himself off and spoke in amusement, "Not bad. That really hurt."
The Konoha Ninjas' eyes widened, definitely not expecting this kind of outcome of their combined attack.
"How come you can still stand? That should have knocked you unconscious." Said Kiba, not believing his eyes.
Naruto chuckled in a taunting manner, "It wasn't that difficult. I used a wall of chakra to reduce the damage."
Kiba growled in irritation. He was mocking them…
Kakashi intervened before Kiba did something rash and foolish, "Impressive Naruto. It seems your control has improved drastically. The old you could never pull that off."
"Nah, my control still sucks. The technique is designed specifically for my large reserves. It's more about power rather than control." Explained Naruto.
Kakashi eye-smiled despite the situation. He couldn't help but feel proud of his sensei's son.
"Shall we go another round?" said Kakashi already knowing the answer.
Naruto nodded and waited for their attack to come. It's best if he keeps reacting to their attacks rather than attack himself. Despite being stronger he was still outnumbered and severely at that. Sooner or later they will run out of juice.
He was cut off from his planning by the damnable shadow once again pursuing him. He knew it was just a feint for the real attack but nonetheless he had to evade it.
He started running to the left, keeping ahead of the shadow. He kept his eyes on his surroundings and waited for them to make their move.
But the attack never came. In fact his friends didn't even take a step forwards. Why?
His eyes widened, 'Genjutsu.'
He formed the seal for 'Kai' and released a burst of chakra from his system, ending the Genjutsu. But it was too late. Gai's fist already made contact with his face and send him flying. Mid-air he was assaulted by Kiba and his loyal partner.
Akamaru came from below and hit Naruto in the back, sending him flying into the air where Kiba was already spinning, "GATSUGA!" yelled Kiba hitting Naruto in the stomach and sending him flying to the ground.
But this time Naruto didn't hit the ground. Instead he recovered mid-air and landed gracefully. He looked up and his eyes widened once again.
What he saw scared the shit out of him. Ino and Sakura both looked pissed and both were channeling chakra into their hands.
A moment later they punched the ground with so much force it created a fissure that was now currently heading towards Naruto. Quickly forming the necessary handseals he yelled, "Doton: Doryuu Heki!"
He spat a large amount of mud in front of him which formed into a gigantic wall of rock, protecting him from the incoming attack.
He sensed an attack coming from his left and shifted his body a bit to the left. A gentle fist narrowly missed his chest. Naruto and Neji made eye contact and both smirked. This was a rematch between the two.
The two top-tier fighter exchanged some blows, testing each other in taijutsu. While Naruto focused on power, Neji focused on elegance. Their styles were completely opposite and that's what made it more fun.
Neji went for a low kick but Naruto jumped over it. His sense of danger tingling, he dropped his head and allowed the kick from Lee to miss him. He had to shift his body a moment later because Gai came in flying with a kick to his chest. Blocking the attack with his forearm, the four fighters were currently in a standoff.
A moment later, Naruto had to deal with three experts in taijutsu and he was looking forward to every single minute of it.
A punch to the head was blocked by Naruto's wrist, a kick to his sternum blocked with his knee and another kick to his head blocked by his other hand.
Naruto smirked and in a show of power pushed his assailants backwards. But when he did that, he had to dodge several Ink Birds and some Kunai, a gift from Sai and Ten Ten who was riding on top of one of Sai's ink birds.
Deciding that they were quickly becoming a nuisance he went through some handseals at an amazing speed, "Fuuton: Daitoppa!"
A gust of wind was unleashed towards the two Ink birds but the wind was suddenly intercepted by another wind, this one more powerful than the first. Naruto's wind never reached its designated target. He already knew who decided to intervene, Temari of the Sand. A formidable wind master to test himself against. But that will have to wait because right now he had to dodge a water bullet from Kakashi.
And then a Gatsuga from Kiba and Akamaru. Then a 'Hakke Kūhekishō' from Neji and Hinata. Kunais, shurikens, ink animals, a 'Gatsuga', Chouji's massive hand, some bugs and a large stream of fire from Kakashi.
Using Shunshin he created some distance between himself and his opponents.
Seeing that they took a moment of respite, he let out a deep breath and wiped the sweat that accumulated itself on Naruto's face.
He eyed his friends and stopped his gaze upon Kurenai who just a moment ago surprised him by using a Genjutsu despite being severely weakened from the fight a few days ago.
She was being held up by Yugao and was breathing heavily. A small drop of blood was trailing from her nose, indicating that the chakra exhaustion came back full force.
He spoke, "You caught me off guard with that Genjutsu. You are already injured Kurenai. Why push yourself further?"
Kurenai calmed her breath and looked up towards Naruto, her gaze cold and calculative. Naruto flinched but kept her gaze upon her, "To bring you back!" shouted in determination Kurenai. She went into a coughing fit a moment later and was quickly surrounded by both Ino and Sakura both applying medical chakra to her.
Naruto's eyes saddened but the sadness disappeared a moment later. He shook his head and got his head back into the fight.
Shikamaru spoke, "Kakashi-sensei…"
"I know. He's getting serious." Said Kakashi seriously.
Naruto took a few deep breaths and flooded his system with his chakra, revitalizing him for the upcoming round three.
Shikamaru blinked but by the time he reopened his eyes, Naruto was already gone from his position. A loud yell to the left caught his attention. He snapped his head to the left and saw Naruto's fist embedded in Kiba's gut.
Kiba was shocked, he couldn't breathe. Naruto retracted his hand from his stomach and let Kiba fall to the ground, holding his stomach in pain. Naruto jumped back and avoided Lee's kick. Lee took a defensive position in front of Kiba, allowing him to recover. It took him a while but Kiba eventually managed to stand back up, his eyes aflame with anger.
Hinata was immediately by his side, holding his arm in support and was actually glaring at Naruto. Naruto was surprised at her loyalty for Kiba. It seems some things have changed.
Naruto's gaze hardened, "Last chance, turn back or I won't hold back." Seeing that their determination to bring him back remained strong he sighed and closed his eyes, "So be it."
Kakashi panicked, "Lee, Gai, don't let him enter Sage Mode. Activate your gates!"
Quickly opening three of the eight forbidden gates, they rushed forward intent on stopping Naruto's ascension to Sage. Their speed increased twofold and they were by Naruto's side in the blink of an eye.
Naruto cursed internally. He had to dodge their strikes and somehow find a way to stall them. Easier said than done now that they've opened their damnable gates.
Quickly forming the handseal for his favorite technique, "KAGE BUNSHING NO JUTSU!" Twenty Clones popped into the existence, their objective stall for time.
Kakashi saw his plan and made his own plan to counteract his, "Everyone, don't let him enter Sage Mode. Sakura, Ino stay with Yugao and Kurenai. You are needed here. GO!" They jumped into action and helped Lee and Gai decimate Naruto's clones.
Naruto cursed, this wasn't good. He needed time to enter his Sage Mode. A voice in the back of his mind was telling him to use his power and end this in a flash but Naruto refused. If he was to do this he will do it with his own power.
His musing was cut short when he saw that his clones were all defeated and his friends were staring at him defiantly.
He couldn't help but smile; they really gave him a good fight, "As expected of you Kaka-sensei, you just won't give me time to enter my Sage Mode."
He didn't get a response so he sighed once more, "You defeated twenty of my clones, how about a hundred?" smirked Naruto.
Forming the Handseal, the clearing was flooded with a hundred clones, obscuring the real Naruto from their view. Kakashi cursed and rushed in to attack them.
"Temari!" he yelled while forming the hand seals for a Goukakyuu no Jutsu!
Temari responded immediately and swung her massive fan which unsleashed a massive wind which absorbed the fire and made it bigger. More than half the clones were instantly obliterated. Since their purpose was stalling and not fighting head on they weren't given much chakra, only enough to stall them for a few moments.
The rest of the clones were obliterated by the combined force of the Rookies and Gai.
When the smoke cleared, their eyes widened in fear and shock. There was the original Naruto standing there with a smirk while another clone of his was sitting cross-legged and meditating.
Kakashi's eyes widened and immediately focused lightning chakra into the palm of his hand and sent it towards Naruto in the form a lightning wolf. The technique was on the collision course with Naruto but Naruto's eyes remained closed and not moving an inch. When the Wolf was a few inches away from his face it was suddenly dispelled by a powerful wall of wind.
Kakashi cursed and prepared himself. This was going to get ugly.
Naruto's eyes opened and it revealed the orange pigmentation around his eyes and the toad like eyes, "That was too easy, Kaka-sensei. You didn't take into account that I only need a few seconds now to enter my Sage Mode.
"GATSUGA!" yelled Kiba coming from the left and Akamaru from the right. Kakashi panicked, "No, Kiba don't!"
But it was too late. Both attacks missed Naruto by a mile but Naruto's attack didn't. A punch to the face for Kiba sent him flying into the forest where he succumbed into the bliss known as unconsciousness. A kick that missed Akamaru on purpose but the natural chakra surrounding his leg sent him towards his master, also down for the count.
"Two down, who's next?" taunted Naruto with a smirk. He got his answer in the form of two taijutsu experts running side by side towards Naruto.
Gai, Lee and Naruto both exchanged some deadly blows but the power gap between them could be clearly seen. Naruto was holding back by a lot but was still holding his ground against the two.
Gai saw this and shouted to Lee, "LEE, LET OUR YOUTH SHINE!" "YOSH, GAI-SENSEI!" They both took their power up stances which they used whenever they opened more celestial gates.
Their chakra spiked but dropped the moment afterwards. The reason? They were both sent flying by two Naruto's. The original Naruto appeared above Gai while he was still flying from the previous punch and drop kicked him to the ground, a massive cloud of dust appearing because of the impact. The same thing happened with Lee.
But Naruto wasn't done. Naruto appeared above the still slumped Gai who was trying to recover from all that damage and put his hand on his torso, "BINDING SEAL: SUBJUGATE" The same thing happened to Lee by Naruto's Sage Clone. Sealing characters spread throughout their bodies and glowed bright blue. The powerup which Gai and Lee received from their opening of the gates disappeared as soon as the marking activated on their bodies. A moment after they joined Kiba and Akamaru in the land of dreams.
Naruto dispersed his clone and jumped out of the hole made by Gai's fall. He turned towards his friends and waited for their move. He got it.
Ten Ten unleashed a volley of her weapons at Naruto who evaded them using his enhanced perception of danger. His eyes widened though when he saw that one of the kunais which went flying right by his eyes had a flash bomb attached on its hilt. A moment later, the flash blinded him. Neji used this opportunity to get close and strike him in the chest using his Hyuuga taijutsu. If only it were that easy.
Naruto sidestepped the blow and Neji's eyes widened in disbelief but he recovered quickly. He hit the ground and rolled to the left, dodging Naruto's deadly punch which shook the earth and made small crack in it.
Neji regained his stance and attacked Naruto head on. They exchanged blow after blow and then Neji took the stance for his Hakke Hyaku Nijūhachi Shō and attacked Naruto faster, deadlier than before. Naruto smirked, it didn't matter if he was still momentarily blind, he can still sense them just fine and Neji's increased speed didn't do a thing. His sense of danger spiked though and he sensed another attack coming from behind. Feeling the chakra, he sensed it was Hinata and she was using a similar technique to Neji's but a weaker version. Frowning, he had now two Hyuuga's to deal with and their sneaky strikes to his chakra points. Using his nimble body he weaved around their strikes but soon their teamwork got the best of him and a gentle fist to the body from Neji and Hinata's punch that hit his shoulder sent him flying backwards but he managed to recover mid-air and landed gracefully.
He rubbed his stomach and he cracked his shoulder, "Nice. I actually felt that .If it weren't for my Chakra Defense that would have really hurt. You certainly have grown stronger." Complimented Naruto, his eyes now fully opened. "Let's go again." Said Naruto, this time he was on the offensive.
Using his speed he was onto Neji and Hinata in a flash,surprising the two Hyuuga's. Despite having their superior eyes, they were having a lot of difficulties following his movements. And they had a feeling he wasn't going full out.
The two Hyuuga's were forced on the defensive and content themselves by blocking his powerful strikes. Naruto sent a punch towards Hinata but she managed to incline her head to the left, allowing the punch to miss her. Her eyes widened though when her eyes picked up on chakra that surrounded Naruto's fist. In a reflex she too put up a wall of chakra that protected her head from Naruto's chakra. But Naruto's chakra was more powerful than hers and so she was sent flying. "HINATA!" yelled Neji, sprinting towards her. It's a good thing he did because Naruto was already in motion, appearing high in the air and dived towards her with a fist poised for strike. Neji took a defensive stance in front of Hinata who was still recovering from that punch. "KAITEN" yelled Neji, forming the biggest Kaiten ever, protecting both him and Hinata in his sphere of chakra. But that didn't deter Naruto one bit. Pumping more energy into his strike he collided with the sphere of chakra. A massive explosion rocketed the clearing. Nobody knew who won that little scuffle. When the dust settled, Naruto was seen standing over two prone bodies of Hinata and Neji. Kakashi saw that he said something to them but couldn't hear what.
Naruto sighed at his two friends. If only they listened to him, then this needn't have happened.
He turned back at his remaining opponents and started walking towards them. He heard Kakashi yell, "Diamond formation!" Ten Ten took her position in the back, Kakashi was upfront, Chouji to the left and Temari to the right. Sai was hovering above them on his Ink bird. Shikamaru was in the middle of the formation where he could easily transmit his orders. Shino meanwhile was in front Sakura and Ino as the last line of defense.
Seeing their formation and knowing that they've got their blind spots covered thoroughly he decided to disperse them and make them easy pickings. "Futon: Kami Oroshi!" A whirling vortex of wind was sent rocketing towards Kakashi and his group. Kakashi 'tched' and made some seals of his own, "Doton: Doryuu Heki!" He slammed his hands on the ground and pumped twice as much chakra as needed into the technique. A 40 feet tall and 35 feet wide wall of earth erupted in front of the group, shielding them from the destructive wind. Sai hovered above the wall and protected them from above. His eyes widened when he saw Naruto jump over the wall and spew a large ball of fire at him. Sai abandoned his bird and dived towards the ground, evading the fire. Mid-air he drew another ink bird and took up in the air once again.
Naruto landed on top of the wall and eyed his opponents. Pumping chakra into his arm, he striked the massive wall and destroyed it into tiny little pieces. He landed gracefully in front of his old sensei and his friends. They were all prepped and ready for another round with him.
Naruto created 5 clones without seals. The clones knew what needed to be done. Each clone disappeared in a burst of speed and appeared in front of his designated opponent and engaged them into a taijutsu fight. The clone that got Sai as his opponent was blasting the slippery Ink user with Jutsu after Jutsu, hoping to bring him to the ground where he can do his magic with Taijutsu.
The original Naruto remained behind and faced down Kakashi. Kakashi sneaked a glance towards his team and saw that they weren't faring well, especially Ten Ten. She wasn't made for a straight out Taijutsu match and with Naruto no less. Chouji was still holding his ground but he was beginning to tire out. Sai was still dodging kunais and wind techniques from his clone but sooner or later he will make a mistake. Temari was trying to keep her distance and attack her clone with her wind fan techniques and was holding her own for the moment but the question is for how long? Shikamaru actually caught his clone with his shadow but his breathing was beginning to get erratic and sweat was pouring down his face. It seems he won't hold on for long.
"It's just like the bell test, huh sensei." Smiled Naruto.
Kakashi eye-smiled, "Just like old times, huh. Let's see if the student surpassed his teacher." He took his stance and pumped chakra into his feet so that he will be able to keep up with Naruto's speed, at least he hoped so.
'I still have a minute left until my Sage Mode expires. Let's see if he can hold on until then.' Pondered Naruto in his mind.
Both fighters rushed each other, kunais drawn. Steel met steel several times, both fighters testing, feeling each other and both were grinning at each other. Naruto flung his kunai at his teacher and Kakashi did the same. The Kunais dispelled each other and fell harmlessly to the ground. The teacher and student collided with each other, a fist in Naruto's hand and a fist in Kakashi's hand. Kakashi winced at the power behind it and was grateful he pumped chakra into it otherwise this would have really hurt.
They disengaged from one another and jumped away but as soon as their feet touch the ground they were at it once again. A kick from Naruto was directed towards Kakashi's head but Kakashi's experience and his Sharingan eye allowed him to dodge the fast and powerful kick. Kakashi lashed out with a sweeping kick of his own and swept the ground from Naruto's feet, making him lose his balance. Naruto lost his momentum and tumbled forwards head first. Kakashi proceeded with a punch to Naruto's chin but Naruto would have none of grabbed Kakashi fist and used him to regain his balance. His feet firmly on the ground, he flung Kakashi over his shoulder with amazing strength.
Kakashi was flying towards the forest with amazing force but he wasn't known as a legendary ninja throughout the nations for nothing. He recovered and landed on the ground but still skidded backwards for a few meters. He righted himself and smiled towards his student, "You truly are something Naruto. Even though I pushed myself to the limits for the last 3 years you are still far and above me. I'm proud of you."
Naruto secretly beamed at the praise but he didn't show it outwards, "What use is all this power if I couldn't save my friend?" Kakashi sighed at his remark, "Naruto, I understand what you mean. I was once in the exact position as you are now. I wallowed in my grief and guilt and I pushed my friends away just like you. It wasn't until your father talked to me and beat some sense into me that I realized what I've been doing with my life."
Naruto's eyes widened and happiness reappeared in his eyes at the mention of his father. He still remembered his father's last words to him, "I believe in you, my son!" His mood always brightened when he remembered that moment.
Kakashi saw that he got his attention continued, "Since your father sadly isn't here it's up to me, as his student to show you what you've been missing." Naruto looked into his eyes and saw pride and joy. Kakashi's Sharingan spun wildly and Naruto suddenly felt a bit dizzy. He knew it was a Genjutsu the moment he looked into that cursed eye but he knew it wasn't mean to be an attack. He will wait and see what his sensei has to show him.
A moment later Kakashi was replaced by the image of his Godfather, Ero-sennin. He spoke in his cheery voice, "The way to happiness and peace isn't brute power but acceptance. If people accepted one another and acknowledge each other, there wouldn't be need for this Shinobi system. Remember Naruto, love is the key to everything." His image faded into the wind. The smiling image of his parents came next, "Naruto, you are our legacy, you are our son and we will always be proud of you, no matter what. We love you, son!" said the smiling image of his father. His mother was there crying tears of joy and smiling at him. He wanted to run and hold them tightly but he knew they were just an illusion. They disappeared a moment later and Naruto let a few tears escape his eyes.
Then came the images of all his friends he made throughout his life, even Zabuza and Haku were there. They were all waving at him and smiling at him. And then Sasuke appeared in front of his group. The image of Sasuke was the same as from that day. His mouth was bloody and he was smiling at him, "Goodbye, my brother!" he said and disappeared along with his friends. The Illusion broke and tears were now freely falling down Naruto's cheeks.
Kakashi spoke, "This Genjutsu brought forth memories and desires from your subconsciousness. I know you don't really want to do this Naruto. I can see you are struggling with yourself. Just reach out and grab our hands and we will help you."
Naruto pondered for a moment and then smiled. He wiped off the tears that now marred his cheeks and spoke, "I understand what you are trying to say sensei, I really do. But this is something I have to go through alone."
"No you don't. If you face this alone you will fail. You need to learn to rely on your friends just like they do with you. You can't do everything by yourself. You can't bring peace by yourself; you can't live by yourself and you can't go through this alone." Said Kakashi.
Naruto remembered back to the time when he spoke with Itachi during the war, "Do not forget your friends!" said the stoic Uchiha.
How could he forget? His friends are all he thinks about. They are what keep him going.
"Listen to him Naruto, we are all here for you. Let us help you." Said Ino now standing beside Kakashi while Sakura was healing the people that were just defeated by Naruto's clones and was being protected by Shino in case Naruto decides to attack their medic even though it was highly unlikely he will because of 'personal reasons'. Besides Shino's techniques are useless in this fight. His bugs are meant to suck the opponent's chakra but Naruto has chakra levels the size of a Bijuu so it's pointless to try.
Sakura joined them a moment later when she finished with taking care of others, "Naruto, please come back…"
Naruto was silent for a few moments but then raised his hand high into the sky. With a loud roar he concentrated his remaining Sage chakra and created a ball of chakra the size of a small mountain.
"I'm sorry." He whispered sadly. A moment later he unleashed the ball of chakra into the ground in front of him, creating a huge shockwave and an explosion. The Konoha Ninjas braced themselves and held their ground with chakra. Yugao helped Kurenai while the others were at a safe distance so they weren't in danger.
The cloud dust cleared after a few minutes but Naruto was no longer there. Kakashi sighed and dropped his headband over his eye. This fight was over.
"Tend to the wounded. We failed." Said Kakashi solemnly. Ino and Sakura complied, both on the verge of tears. They picked up the injured and huddled them together so that Sakura and Ino could tend to them easier. The mood was palpable, they were devastated that they failed but there was still fire behind those eyes. They will recover and try again and then again and again… They won't give up!
"Are you alright Kurenai?" said Yugao in concern for her friend. Kurenai shakily nodded. That stunt she pulled with the Genjutsu left her very weakened and her body was aching.
"I'll be fine. Go take care of the others and get yourself checked out. You are still injured." Yugao nodded and went to help Ino and Sakura but still kept an eye on her in case she collapsed…
Kakashi maneuvered through the injured and plopped himself down beside Kurenai and sighed, "How are you?" asked Kakashi.
"Been better. You?" replied Kurenai. "Same." Said Kakashi. Silence ensued afterwards while looking at Sakura and Ino plus Yugao while they tended to the wounded. Despite the situation they managed to keep their heads in the game and focus on healing the rest.
"You should get some rest. We leave in two days." Said Kakashi while standing up and leaving her company. Kurenai looked towards Kakashi who was just about to pick up Gai and carry him inside the house which remained intact despite the battle that raged a moment earlier. Sakura and Ino did the same with the others while Yugao walked towards her and offered Kurenai her hand, "Let's go Kure-chan."
Kurenai took hold of her hand and allowed herself to be pushed upwards. She leaned on Yugao's shoulder and they walked towards the house. Halfway there Kurenai spoke, "Would you mind taking me to the lake? I want to sleep there tonight. The house is too crowded already." Yugao eyed her, "Fine but I'm sleeping with you then." Kurenai nodded and smiled weakly.
Kurenai sat down near the water edge and looked onwards at the calm lake, now shallower than before because of all the water techniques used earlier. She waited for Yugao to bring some pillows and some sleeping bags. A moment later she was rejoined by Yugao and they laid out their sleeping arrangements.
"Goodnight." Said Kurenai and laid down. And so did Yugao, "Goodnight."
The night began and the horrible day ended.
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Yugao stirred in her sleep and stretched her body. She yawned and stood up. She cleared her eyes which widened a moment later. The bed next to her was empty. She panicked and rushed inside the house but Kakashi stopped her before she could barge in and disturb the people inside.
"She's gone. She went after him." Explained Kakashi. Yugao's eyes widened, "Why?"
"I don't know but if I had to guess is to confront him and help him. She knows how it is like to lose somebody close to you so she can relate to him. She left early this morning."
"Why didn't you stop her? She is still injured and was in no position to go after him. Naruto clearly doesn't want to return and what if he fights her? Then what?" yelled Yugao.
"That won't happen." Said the voice of Neji while coming out of the house.
Yugao turned her attention to him ,demanding an explanation.
"Naruto won't hurt her. He couldn't. He is still his old self. He held back against us. I saw it. Whenever he attacked us he would restrain himself at the last possible moment. If he wanted to he could have defeated us all in a matter of minutes. He will listen to Kurenai, I know he will."
Yugao balled her fists and her body shook in concern for her friend. She calmed down after a few moments, "I hope you are right."
Sakura and Ino came out looking disheveled and worn out. "Guys, what's with all the shouting? We are trying to sleep." Said Ino, yawning in the process.
"Just a disagreement, nothing to worry about." Eye-smiled Kakashi.
Sakura yawned, "Well since I'm up, I'm going to make a new batch of Soldier pills. It seems I misplaced my last batch."
Kakashi smiled again and looked towards the rising Sun, 'It's in your hands now, Kurenai.'
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Kurenai popped another Soldier pill and increased her tempo towards her location. She knew where Naruto is headed. It was obvious the moment he spoke about it. He will be there.
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The end! This way my first battle scene so please tell me what I did wrong and how I can improve them in the future. I hope you liked it and see you in a week or so!