'I've almost found you…' The rapid tapping echoed through the hallway as the young ninja rushed on, his red hair flowing loosely from the rushing wind against him. 'I hope I'm not too late. I've spent year's tracking them.' Turning the corner, green eyes locked with the door as Genpaku pulled his right fist back and a white skin enveloped the arm.
The door exploded in a burst of electricity and the young ninja stopped inside. His eyes trailed the room, "Damn it," Taking steps carefully, he studied the area. "It's been 10 year's… Ten year's since my family's life was in danger. Naruto and Sakura got lucky recently, but that doesn't mean the danger has passed. Jiraiya was a great help, but it seems I'm too late. Their on the move again and this time…" He looked at the town circled out. "They're heading for Tomoeda. Looks like that ninja let his friends know beforehand. I better hurry or..." He stopped, everywhere round him began to smoke. "Shi…"
Chapter 27
Fight for your life in the midday moon
'Does this rain ever stop?' Naruto mused to himself as he leaned by his window. 'Onii-chan…' It was these sort of days he could get his cards out and play a game or two to pass the time. He heard a shuffle and glanced back to see his pink haired older sister. "Sakura…" She smiled, but she looked tired.
"Hey Naruto-chan…" She spoke lightly as she walked over and looked out the window. "Heavy isn't it?" Naruto nods slowly. "You miss him right?" With a sigh, he young male leaned on the ledge with his head in his arms. Glancing to the desk, she could see his playing cards all over the top. She put a hand on his head. "He'll come back, because like you; he's got a stubborn streak. But he'll come back soon, I know he will." Her hand left his head and Naruto sighed.
"I hope so…" He raised his head as he heard something tapping and looked to see Sakura messing with his cards. "Onee-san?" She glanced back with a smile.
"Come on, I'll give you a game." He was about to say something but she cut him off. "You think I wasn't asked to play before? Come on Naruto, who do you think he practiced with? It's not that hard to play this game. So come on, I'll cream you." He looked stunned, before smirking.
"You're on!"
X X
With a wet Sunday passed, a new sunny week began for the group. It was like the rain had never been there the day before. It was late afternoon, and Sakura was sitting about before cheerleading with her friends. "Hey, did you hear?" Glancing from her conversation with Naoko, she turned her gaze to Chiharu who seemed really interested in letting them know. "There's going to be a quiz tournament soon!"
"You mean the one this Sunday?" Naoko asked curiously as Sakura listened and Chiharu nods in agreement. "If I remember correctly, you have to enter in pairs. Oh, you're going to enter with Yamazaki-kun, right, Chiharu?" Sakura glanced from Naoko to Chiharu while Sakura wondered if she should take part?
"Y-yeah…" Chiharu replied at the thought. "I'm sure he'll lie through the entire thing, but he seems to be good at answering trivia." Her gaze turned to Sakura. "If I remember correctly, Naruto's good also. If Yamazaki's not lying of course. Maybe you should enter with him Sakura?"
"Um…" Before she could reply, the whistle went and all the girls gathered for practice. While she went through her movements, she pondered the thought. 'A quiz tournament… Maybe, but I wonder if Tomoyo-chan would want to go? I'm sure Naruto-kun would be fine with that. We've done a lot of things together so a change is in order…' She flipped the baton into the air. 'I don't have any chores assigned on Sunday also.' She smiled, 'This could be fun.' But as the baton bounced off her head, she chuckled nervously at her lack of concentration.
But once classes were over, she headed out with her friends, Naruto of course not around and either home or training probably now… She really should join him later if he is. But for now, while nursing her bruised head, the group came upon the poster sign for the town quiz and quickly Sakura rushed ahead and got curious calls before they stopped alongside her at the sign. "Is this it?" She asked turning to Chiharu who nodded in agreement as Naoko read off the sign. Tomoeda town quiz rally, it was being sponsored by the town office with a plan to for everyone to learn more about Tomoeda Town, and more closely related to city events.
With a 'fabulous first prize' this really perked Sakura's interest, and with no restrictions to anything as long as it was in groups of two.
"So," Rika spoke up looking to Chiharu. "You're going to enter with Yamazaki-kun…"
"I'm a little worried, but…" Pondering on it, she really did hope he wasn't going to be his usual self, she knew him well enough and that's why she wondered if sometimes…
"Are you entering, Sakura-chan?" Naoko asked curiously as Chiharu and Rika looked to her also.
"I'll go cheer you on!" Sakura smiled at her friends before glancing to Tomoyo.
"Tomoyo-chan, want to team up?" While she was flattered, she was also surprised that Sakura was picking her.
"What about Naruto-kun?" Tomoyo spoke out as two alleys away; the young group were being watched by mysterious figures.
"So that's her?" One voice muttered as the figure nods slowly.
"Yeah, that's the one from the picture, Sakura Kinomoto…" The male muttered as they watched the girl's antics with her friends.
"We should kill her now!" A voice growled out from behind them. "We could strike now and…" The figure at front raised his hand.
"Easy Raiko… If we do that, we won't be able to complete out mission, the death of the youngest two from the two of three people who slayed our people. Minato Namikaze and Fujitaka Kinomoto… It is a shame that Ray Namimaki never had offspring. It would have made this all the sweeter. Isn't that right my boys?" Behind them several figures were littered about the alley. Each one grinned like they'd scored the winning prize.
"Nami-sama…" One figure spoke out from the very back. "The man we sent was very strong, probably our most skilled, in battle conditions. Surely if this girl and the boy survived, shouldn't we not prepare more?"
"Oh please… He failed two kill two brats, do not forget, there are strong ninja in this town. No doubt they dealt with him. That's why we'll take measures for this…"
"You know Sakura…" Sakura glanced from Tomoyo and looked behind her to see Shizune walk up. "Teaming up with Naruto was a given. You do everything together, why struggle to break the universal stasis of this world and just team up with him."
"But that's what I'm saying; we do too much as friends anyway. I was hoping to team up with someone else…" Shizune sighed as she shook her head before smirking.
"Too bad, I've already told Naruto, he's looking forward to this." Sakura looked on dumbfounded, why did she have to follow the universal stasis? "Now all I have to do is find myself a partner, and I'll enter too."
"I'll be your partner." Sakura glanced up behind Shizune, oh how she disliked Shizune right now. Since Yukito was the one who had just kindly offered to be Shizune's partner!
'Damn it Shizune…' Sakura mentally growled to herself, she'd have loved to have Yukito as a partner!
"Cool," Shizune responded with a smile before looking back to Sakura. "Cheer up; you almost sound like it a bad thing. Naruto's reliable."
"Yeah…" Sakura muttered as she glanced about, for some reason, she felt like she was being watched?
The alley that had once held the figures vanished.
X X X
"So you're in the town quiz?" Sakura Haruno asked curiously as Naruto sat at the table playing with his cards.
"Yeah, Shizune said Sakura-chan wanted to enter with me… I wonder why she didn't ask sooner." Naruto pondered aloud.
"Maybe she was thinking of other people, you guys do do a lot of stuff together…" Sakura responded as she set the food down. "Looks like it's just us tonight, Ray and Shizune are out."
"Looks like it…" Both sat quietly before starting on their food. "And yeah, we do do a lot together… I wouldn't have minded if she went with someone else. I'd have gone with Yamazaki if Chiharu hadn't found out before me." Naruto stated grinning.
"Think you'd be able to complete the quiz with him?" Naruto nods.
"Of course, Yamazaki's really good. I might not be as good, but I've learn a lot since I've met him." There was a long silence after that as both went on with their meal. But once done, Naruto spoke up again. "Sakura… I've been wondering something for a while now."
"Hm?" As she sat back from eating her meal, she looked at the young lad curiously. "What is it?"
"You remember, what happened during the loop event that got me and Sakura stuck." The older female rested on the table at this.
"Yeah?" She looked at Naruto worried, he seemed a little worried.
"It's just that… Are there more out there like him? More that would come after me and Sakura-chan?"
"Didn't you speak about this with Jiraiya or Genpaku-kun?" Naruto shook his head.
"I didn't think to ask. Plus I didn't want to go into anything deep. It's just that, Tou-san, Ray and Fujitaka, they all killed people right?" Sakura nods.
"As is the life of a ninja…"
"So, would that mean, that Sakura and her onii-chan, myself, Shizune and you and onii-chan will always be a target."
"Yeah, me, you and Genpaku at most. No one knows about Shizune besides her being with Tsunade-sama but since she's staying with us now. No doubt they'll target her also." Naruto looked down.
"Because of tou-san?"
"Yeah, he was a powerful shinobi, the strongest in konoha and one who took down ninja after ninja with his fast paced jutsu. Ray and Fujitaka gained with own with their combination of fire and earth seal-less jutsu they had. For they were the biggest hitters in that war. And many in earth have wanted revenge on them for the lives they took for it. That's why some will seek you two, because you're the last of Minato's and Fujitaka's blood line. Sakura dies it effects Fujitaka and if you die, it's going to hit Genpaku hard, since your all he has left."
"Sometimes I wish I wasn't in this situation." Sakura nods in agreement.
"Same here, but we're born with a past that connects up to a dangerous future, and that day is no different, but just be careful Naruto. As like you said, he won't be the last and it's unsure when the next will strike." As she stood to wash the plates she gathered, Naruto spoke up as Sakura got to the counter.
"So any day from now on, could be my last day?" She looked down slightly before glancing to Naruto. "I, I can't let that happen, if I disappeared, everyone would be upset, Sakura-chan the most. And I can't think what would happen if something happen to her. She… She's…" Sakura smiled.
"You much like Genpaku. You really care for her you know that right. So attached that you don't want to upset the other and loose the other. Like all meaning would stop." Naruto looked back at Sakura as she turned to the table. "I feel much the same… And I bet, little Sakura does as well. But don't worry Naruto. The chances of this happening again are slim. It maybe many years or never again Naruto… It's a big world here, so relax your worries and go on as normal."
"Hai!" Naruto responded with a smile and headed off to his room. Sakura smiled at Naruto before turning round, she jumped as a smash echoed out and she looked down at the cup on the floor. It was unlike her to knock stuff over.
But as she picked up, she became worried, it was Genpaku's cup. Why did she have a bad feeling right now?
X X X
"Morning Sakura-chan!" Naruto greeted at the front gate.
"Morning Naruto-kun…" Sakura responded with a yawn as she walked up.
"Late night?" She gave a short nod as both began to walk to their location.
"Yeah… I've been feeling really uneasy for a while. You're okay right?" Naruto nods slowly.
"Yeah, but, if you feel uneasy, let's be on guard. Could be that you're sensing a clow card that I can't." That could very well be, but then, why did she feel so worried? Naruto looked forward and slightly fell back a few paces, his eyes closed as they walked. 'Let's see…' Sakura couldn't sense it, nor did she see it, but Naruto released a burst wave of his magic out that shock waved the city.
He couldn't sense anything; there was no presence of a clow card active within the city that he covered. Opening his eyes, he felt uneasy, and it felt like his talk with his sister, may become a horrible nightmare once more. 'I hope not, I can't go through it again with Sakura. It may not be the same outcome next time.'
"You okay Naruto-kun?" Drawing his attention to her, he saw the worried gaze. "You went suddenly quiet, something wrong?"
"No… Just wondering what sort of challenges we'll get to face in this quiz. It's exciting!" She smiled, least if she didn't look so worried. It made him feel better.
As they reached the town centre, there was quite the number of people there to enter the contest. Shizune was over by Chiharu as they walked up. "Ohayo!" Sakura called out as both she and Naruto stopped before them.
"Ohayo Sakura-chan." Chiharu and Shizune spoke up as they looked to her.
"Ohayo Naruto-san." Naruto gave a short nod and with the sudden chortle of laughter they all turned to see Meiling preparing herself as Li stood nearby, very uninterested.
"Li's going to be in for the long run…" Naruto muttered as they watched Li try to leave but be snatched back. Shizune sighed as she looked on.
"Meiling's going to make today interesting, it's going to be rather amusing." Naruto nods slowly with Shizune, Meiling was going to make this interesting, if she got passed at least one question.
"Morning!" Yukito called out as he ran up and they turned to his call. He stopped before the young group.
"Yukito-san…" Sakura, Naruto and Shizune all responded together as he looked at Shizune sheepish as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Sorry I'm late the shop near mine was closed, so it took me a while to get breakfast." Shizune waved it off. "Let's do our best together today." She nods in agreement.
"We all will," Naruto called out. "Right guys?" The group nod as Li eyed Shizune, annoyed.
"I'll go register right now." Yukito spoke as he walked off.
"Hey wait up!" Naruto called as he, Sakura, Chiharu and Yamazaki followed to sign up and Meiling quickly following behind.
"Hey," Shizune glanced to Li curiously as he looked on annoyed. "You're entering with him?" She turned to him with her hands at her waist.
"Yeah, so? He's being very nice as to be my teammate…" She matched his annoyed gaze. "What's wrong with him being my partner for this? You jealous he's my partner or something?"
"N-no…" Li retorted as he stepped back and glanced away. "Not really no…" She turned her gaze from him with a smirk.
"That's good, I don't think me and you as a team would make it very far," He looked at her surprised. "Since we both know nothing of Tomoeda." Li shook his head, he didn't mean…
"I meant no, too…" But he stopped as Yukito leaned over his way.
"You're entering?" Li nodded slowly, as Shizune looked at him like he was a deer in headlight state. "Let's do our best." Yukito commented, but Li turned away and made a hasty dash, only to be snatched back up by Meiling and dragged away.
'Li's rather amusing…' Shizune mused with a silent chuckle.
Once all the teams had been registered, they all stood about the small podium. "Do your best!" Rika yelled out as she stood with Naoko who was also wishing them luck. Tomoyo stood not too far off, her camcorder in hand to follow Sakura's journey through this.
"Man…" The quiz announcer muttered to a colleague. "There are quite a large number of people. More than we expected…" It was true, there were more people than expected, but this wasn't always good.
"Looks like this will be quiet easy…" One person muttered as they eyed Sakura and the other next to him nods nods.
"Yeah… They're not even aware we're here, when the time comes, we'll strike." The other nods as both kept a close eye on her.
But Sakura was aware, but not of what, but she felt really nervous for some reason. "You okay?" Sakura jumped as Naruto took her left hand with his. "You're shaking, see; you should have worn something better in the cold."
"Y-yeah…" Looking down, she wondered if she was just imagining things. 'Naruto seems fine, maybe I'm just feeling funny that's all.'
"There's a total of ten questions." Sakura looked up to the announcer, had she really just lost track of all that? Hopefully Naruto had paid attention for her. "For each question you solve you'll get a stamp on the registration pass that we gave you." She looked at the booklet in her hand, and shaking away any troubling thoughts, she set her sights on top prize, whatever it was… "When the registration pass is filled with stamps, you will receive a paper with the final destination." The announcer looked to his left as his colleague who held a small plaque into the air. "There you'll find a plaque with a Nadeshiko, Tomoeda Town's flower, on it, just like this one. Then come back to this plaza with the plaque. You are disqualified if you find the plaque by accident and bring it to us. A successful finish involves 10 stamps and the plaque. We've hidden the plaques in all sorts of places. There are some that are hidden in rather tricky places. I hope everyone will do their best to find them."
"It seems a little hard." Chiharu commented to Sakura, which seemed a little true really.
"It's all right." Yamazaki spoke up, "Since we can't go further without answering a quiz question, it doesn't matter if you're an adult or a child."
"You're right." Chiharu commented back at Yamazaki's conclusion.
"And speaking of quizzes…" Yamazaki started. "The first person to make such a question was a philosopher from Greece. The very first question was 'What walks with 4 legs in the morning, 2 legs in the afternoon, and three legs at night?' And the first person to get that question right was…" His voice died out as Sakura pondered on the answer.
"Hey, Yamazaki-kun, what was the answer to the question?" But upon finding him gone, she looked down, what was the answer then?
"Human." She turned to Naruto, human? He grinned at her. "Think about it, a baby you crawl on four, as an adult you walk on two, and when we're old and grey, it's a cane that counts as three."
"I see… How did you know that?" Naruto smiled as he scratched the back of his head.
"To be honest, Yamazaki mentioned something like it one time. But I only remembered when he was busy explaining." She looked saddened; she'd hoped that Naruto had gotten that through clever thinking.
"Here is your first question." Both looked to the podium as a picture of a star made of matches was displayed. "There is a star here using ten matchsticks. Using the same ten matches, please make a DIFFERENT star." There was uproar of confusion, how were they going to do that? "Now, if you figured out the answer, please tell the attendant inside the booths over there." The announcer said as he waved his hand in the direction of the booths. "If you are correct, you'll be given a piece of paper with the next destination."
They stood there for a while after that. "I don't know…" Sakura muttered as she couldn't figure out the answer. Looking to Naruto, he was busy looking about. "Any idea Naruto-kun?" He snapped his fingers and turned to her.
"I think I know, come on." Sakura smiled, and followed him to the booth. They stopped as they spotted Toya in one.
"I thought he was at work?"
"Could this be work?" Naruto asked as they headed to another booth, since Meiling had taken that one up before them. The next one free held another familiar face. "Onee-chan?" Naruto and Sakura spoke surprised as the older Sakura stood behind the table.
"Yo Naruto-chan, Sakura-chan." The younger pair looked to each other and then to her confused. "Toya asked me if I wanted to help. I thought why not, since I've got nothing else to do."
"I see… Anyway…" Naruto said walking and looking at the star. "Let's see…" With that he moved each stick into place as Sakura stood behind him and was looking over curiously. "Her eyes lit up with a smile as she realised what he was doing. "There…" Using the ten sticks, Naruto made the kanji for star with it.
"Correct." Sakura chirped as she held up a stamp, the younger Sakura ran up and took the stamp to her book and passed them their next location and at that before both turned to leave. "Take care you two." Sakura called out as they left.
Their next location was the twin bells shop that sold the stuffed toys and once housed the jump card. "Sakura-chan, Naruto-kun that was fast of the pair of you." Both looked to the shop owner as they arrived.
"Oh, your shop is a part of this, too, Ms Maki?" Sakura asked curiously as she smiled at them.
"Here's the question." Maki started away for them. "To make ice, you need to wait a while after putting water into the freeze. But to make ice back into water, there is one way to do so in an instant." Both looked confused. "Now, what should you do to make it happen?" Both began to think on the subject.
'Ice to water… Hm…' Naruto mused to himself.
"You pour really, really hot water onto it!" Sakura answered quickly.
"But I think that still will take more than a second." Ms Maki responded. At that thought, Sakura quickly tried to come up with her next answer.
"Then, then," She began more haste fully. "Toss it into the fire!" The shop keeper mused a moment before saying it wasn't the right answer. "Hoe…" Sakura called out in defeat as she looked to Naruto, hoping he'd figured it out.
'Maybe…' Taking leave off his last answer, Naruto looked about the table. "I'll borrow these a moment." He said taking a pencil, rubber and piece of paper. From there he wrote out the kanji for ice. "Ice… Then…" Naruto said as he rubbed out one line of the kanji. "Water…" Sakura looked from Naruto curiously to Ms Maki as he held up his answer.
"Correct." Sakura cheered before taking the stamp and their next location.
"You're amazing Naruto-kun." Naruto chuckled as they jogged to their next one.
"I'm just having beginner's luck." But either way, Sakura smiled as she looked ahead, she was beginning to really enjoy this.
Their tests were tricky, but both pulled through together as they worked their way along. "One to go!" Naruto cheered as Sakura received their ninth stamp.
"Hm!" Sakura nods in agreement as they ran off. She quickly stopped and looked back down the path.
"Something wrong?" Looking back to Naruto, she shook her head as he looked past her and down the path. 'Sakura-chan's been acting funny… Something must be wrong.' "Okay, let's go, our last stop is the school." Sakura nods and followed.
"That was close, they're sure something's there, but as long as we stay in the shadows, they shouldn't be too worried." The second figure nods and both vanished.
As both reached their school grounds, they stopped, seeing Yukito and Shizune walking their way. "Hey Naruto, Sakura." Shizune called out as they got close. "Last one I see, you're way behind, Chiharu beat us here and we're just going."
"Looks like first place might be out of our grasp now." Naruto commented as Sakura nods. "But we'll finish and hopefully come third." Shizune nods before walking passed them.
"Good luck you two." Yukito called as he left with the young girl. Both Naruto and Sakura waved to them as they kept walking.
"Well hello you two." Both turned to see their maths teacher there.
"Mizuki-sensei…" Sakura spoke with a smile as Naruto looked on with a neutral gaze. "What you doing here?"
"Since many of the entries were from the elementary school, I've decided to help out. So now, time for the final question."
"Yosh, we're ready." Naruto responded as their teacher smiled at them before putting a small glass bottle used in the science glasses before them. Sakura looked at it confused as she noticed the small ball in it.
"Your hand can't fit into the bottle." Mizuki started. "Please take the ball out of the bottle without breaking the bottle of turning it over." Naruto looked on curious as Sakura looked stunned, how were they going to do that? "But first you two must play rock-paper-scissors." Since Naruto always used rock since it was a quick and easy no matter and win or loss. Sakura knew that so well that she beat him. "The winner," Mizuki spoke up after. "Of the game will be answering the question."
"Hoe…!" Sakura responded in surprise, she had to answer this one alone?
"Hey, don't worry Sakura-chan. We've made it this far, I have no doubt you can do it. Just take your time, it doesn't matter if we win or lose this." Naruto responded to her. Sakura nods slowly as she turned her gaze back to her task at hand. Naruto stepped aside as to not distract her. He didn't say anything as their maths teacher stood beside him.
"I hope you two have been well." She spoke quietly to Naruto.
"We're getting through the clow cards fine. We'll be ready for judgement day." Naruto muttered to her. "We're still recovering from create really still." Naruto held his left slightly at that thought. Mizuki looked at the boy sadly; both looked to Sakura as she gave a yell of success. "You figure it out Sakura-chan?" Sakura nods as she looked at the pair and then took the small bottle to the water dispenser that was on the table.
Letting the water flow, it filled the bottle and Sakura retrieved the ball at the top. "Look, I got the ball." Sakura spoke cheerfully.
"Well done." Mizuki answered. "That's correct." With a cheer both danced round with their arms hooked. Their teacher watched amused at the pair before having a worried look and quickly removing it as they turned to her. "Here…" She spoke taking a note from the desk, and handed it to them. "This is the location of your plaque." Naruto took it from her as Sakura held out her book.
"Stamp please." With their final stamp to make the ten, Naruto walked off as Sakura thanked their sensei. And as Sakura turned to leave…
"Kinomoto-san." Sakura stopped and looked back to her sensei. "Be careful," Sakura was confused a moment before turning to her worried. Was there something she knew that might have explained today's feelings? "It's a full moon today."
Sakura turned to Naruto's call and walked up. "Hey Sakura-chan… You okay?" Sakura looked at Naruto worried as he turned his gaze to their teacher. "Come on…" He muttered to her as he took her hand. She stood close to him with her gaze drifting downward. Both exited the gate as Tomoyo stood out there with a camera waiting.
"Sakura-chan, keep it up." She spoke with excitement. But as Sakura looked to Tomoyo, she could see there was something wrong with her cousin. "Is something wrong?"
Sakura stared for a moment before putting up a brave face. "Yeah, I'll do my best!" Tomoyo smiled as she recorded the pair.
"The final destination is in penguin park. The plaques got to be there." Naruto spoke up.
"We'll see you soon." Sakura stated as both turned to leave and Tomoyo watched on worried for them. Something seemed so wrong.
"Penguin park…" One figure muttered from the shadows. "Let's go, it's time to strike…"
X X
"We're almost there Sakura-chan…" Naruto stated as he looked to her, but she still had a worried face. "Don't worry," He spoke to her lightly. "Nothing bads going to happen, I won't let it." She looked to him worried.
"I hope so…" With that both stepped into the park. They didn't really notice, as they passed an invisible barrier that domed over a vast amount of the park. Many others stepped up to the very same barrier, but felt compelled to turn away and walk round.
'Now… the fight begins…'
As both reached the slides, both looked about. "See anything Sakura-chan?" Sakura voiced back with no sign on of their plaque. "Geez…" He muttered standing, as he did, there was a shiver, it felt dark and… "Sakura!" Naruto called turning to her with haste, "Get, dow-" Naruto didn't get to finish as he was pierced through the chest.
She stared numbly, time seemed to slow down. "Naruto!" She leapt from the slide and ran to his side. "Naruto-kun!" Naruto lay there dead to the world. "Naruto!"
"He's not getting back up little girl, though I'm surprised he predicted such an attack." Sakura's gaze turned to a mass of ninja. Each crouched with grins, glares, serious and insane faces. One stood before them, the one being a woman who smirked at the sight. "Time for you to follow."
She was frozen in place, she was alone and no one could help her. She didn't know what to do, her mind was blank.
But sudden movement, so fast she couldn't follow surprised her. She found her form leaned back and the sky in her gaze instead. "Who the hell are you?" Naruto roared, his body shaking, but still standing.
"Impressive…" The lady spoke turning her eyes onto Naruto. "High speed movement, just like your father…" Naruto tensed. "But how did you survive a blow like that…" Naruto didn't say anything as the area coated in black blood healed over.
'I'm forever thankful that they struck a dead zone on my body.' Naruto slowly helped Sakura to her feet. She held him slightly, evident she was worried. 'Wait… I know a way to deal with this…' Naruto glanced to Sakura. "Step aside, I've got a plan to deal with them." She looked over slightly, she hoped he'd be okay. "You want to die? I don't want to lose you again." She nods and stepped aside, her gaze taking a serious tone.
"So the little girl is going to fight too now? So go on, I'll let you have the first strike." Sakura didn't think about why as she summoned her staff as Naruto summoned his sword. The men tensed behind the lady, but she held them back.
'Something's wrong here?' Sakura mused to herself as Naruto drew the little card.
"Little, reduce those before us who seek us harm to a state that can no longer harm us… Little!" Naruto called as he stabbed his sword tip at the card.
'Gotcha…' Instantly as the card glowed, Sakura and the card were encased in a two seals.
"Sealing art!" Someone called out from behind them. "Magic cancelation!" The card gained a red glow and Sakura yelled out as her body felt like it was on fire, red lightning was dancing along her form. And as quickly as it came, it was gone and she fell to her knees. Naruto quickly got to her side.
"Sakura?" Naruto muttered as the card landed before them. It was completely black. "What?"
"I'm surprised," Naruto glanced back to a figure in a white coat. "I guess the card and the girls magic were the link and both had the same fate. I was hoping to seal yours not hers." Naruto moved Sakura into a better position on his form. "Her magic is sealed, as long as this barrier you've walked into stays up, you can't use that magic again." The male stated. He smirked at he pushed up his glasses. "Time to die…"
'Naruto!' Naruto froze at kyuubi's voice. 'Get out of there, now!'
Before their eyes, Naruto, Sakura and the card all vanished. The lady looked up to the sky, seeing if they had hit the barrier. But with no pulse, it showed that they had gotten out of sight, but were close by. "Search them out! I want them here alive so see their deaths got that!"
"Hai!" With that loud response and they all took off.
In the forest behind the park, Naruto appeared with Sakura. She seemed almost unresponsive to him as he held her staff and sealed it away. "Come on…" Naruto spoke calmly as he put the key round her neck and handed her the little card. "Let's get out of here." Trying to stand, he found his body weighed down. "Sakura…"
"I…" She spoke so quietly that he didn't catch more. "I can… I'm too scared!" She responded louder and made Naruto mentally curse. But he didn't try to think of the danger.
"I am to Sakura-chan… But we need to get out of this barrier…" She looked down again. "Sakura?"
"Something's wrong… Something feels very wrong." She responded as Naruto look on at her. "It's there…"
"What?" Naruto muttered as she looked back up, he could see why now as her pupils had become more animal like.
'The magic cancellation, has suppressed her magic almost completely, you feel it right? Her body's not taking to the loss of her magic very well and has left her very much weakened.' Naruto looked on worried.
"Naruto?" Sakura responded at his worried gaze. He shook his head and crouched down.
"Stay calm, we'll get through this. I'm not about to let something go wrong." He pulled her up to her feet and took her body weight completely on his left side. "Let's keep going, stay quiet and we'll get out of this." She nods slowly as both walked, not wanting to draw attention.
"I'm sorry I'm in such a state Naruto…" She muttered as they walked. "I thought something seemed strange, I should have said something."
"Hey," Naruto responded as Sakura looked down. "You have nothing to be sorry about, I made the choice, I was careless, I was just trying what I thought was best."
"I would of, if they hadn't prepared for something like this." Sakura responded and Naruto nodded in agreement.
As they reached an open stop, Naruto looked about as Sakura looked to the sky. "The moon…" Sakura muttered and Naruto looked up.
"Oh yeah, guess it's that time of year we can see the moon during the day, too." Sakura nods, Naruto glanced to Sakura and noticed this funny look in her eyes. "Sakura…"
Sakura could see it again before her. Her dream playing out again, petals falling from the sky, someone waiting for her on the tower before her. Stepping up to the building ledge, the petals became card, fluttering through the air. She stepped forward…
"Sakura?" Naruto muttered as her form slumped. "Oi, Sakura-chan…" Naruto froze as the bush behind him ruffled and he turned round to see an attacker.
"Gotcha you, you brats!" Naruto glared at the foe as he held his sword up to block. The force was too much and Naruto jumped back to evade.
"Sakura, snap out of it!" Naruto called as the male attacked. "Damn it!" Naruto called jumping back and off the cliff edge. He crashed through the branches as the attacker followed. 'Stay here Sakura-chan.' Naruto mused to himself as he set her down.
"Take this!" Naruto gripped his katana tightly and looked up as his eyes gained a powerful glow.
"Get out of my sight." Naruto growled as he jumped forward. He clashed and forcing his body round, delivered three kicks to the face before flipping off. "Take this!" The blade glowed and Naruto swung in his flip and unleashed a white wave of energy. "Kattoha!" The blade struck the male and exploded.
With a crouch, Naruto stood slowly as the body landed at his side and he swung his blade to the floor before a sheath formed on his back and he sheathed it. "Okay, now the…" Naruto stopped as he found Sakura's spot vacant. "Sakura?" Naruto muttered worried as he looked about quickly, maybe he was looking in the wrong spot.
"Oi!" Naruto froze and looked back, a male stood on the tree, Sakura slung over his shoulder. "Want this?" Naruto didn't waste time and attacked. But the male jumped back with ease, "Come to the slide…" With that he vanished.
"Damn you… I'll make you all pay if you harm her…" Naruto growled before following.
X X
Sakura stood with Toya worried, Naruto and Sakura had yet to return, and both were seen at their last question by Yukito and Shizune some time ago. "I don't like this…" Sakura muttered.
"I know the feeling, but I'm putting my faith in them." Sakura's mobile rang at that moment and she flicked it open. She looked surprised. "Who is it?"
X X
Naruto appeared out of thin air, his gaze met Sakura's who was sat against the leg of the cloaked male. She was still out cold. "Let, Sakura go…"
"Why would we do that? You know we're not going to do such a thing, you foolish child." Naruto growled as he pointed his blade up.
"You so much as harm her, I'll kill you." Naruto stated loudly. His words held no lie and the male chuckled as shinobi came out of the shadows, their leader sat on the slide watching.
"Kill him…" She stated as she signalled to them. As they rushed forward, Naruto crouched.
'Ignore them…' Naruto's sword glowed and engulfed his hands and feet. 'I have one target.' Naruto vanished and appeared faster than before with his fist back. 'Getting him away from Sakura.' The cloaked male pushed up his glasses and Naruto was struck by a barrier. The force sent him flying and he flipped to his feet. 'What?'
"Barrier magic, you won't break it." The man stated as the shinobi were on Naruto. Naruto tucked his arms round his form and threw himself into a rotation.
"Argh!" The shinobi were blown back as Naruto came out of his spin. "You're not the only one with a barrier; my wind magic isn't just for speed."
"Very talented." The lady spoke up as she clapped her hands. "I'll leave Jin, to handle you." Naruto noticed a large shadow and looked back. His eyes widen and he flipped out the way as a large axe hit the floor and the ground exploded meters wide.
"What the…" Naruto muttered as the large bulking male pulled his axe out the ground and turned his gaze back to Naruto. The way it was swung, it showed to have little effect to him. "Earth…" Naruto muttered as his wind weapon vanished, it took on a brown glow as black material like his shield had been formed a grip, then a guard and went up the blade a quarter of the way, leaving the rest a glowing brown blade. The large male took slow paces before they picked up speed and he swung at Naruto as he took up a defensive pose. Naruto's left arm glowed and took on a shield, pitch black in colour as the axe hit.
The force sent the blade flying and Naruto's left arm away also as the owner landed on his back. Naruto looked up as the axe was brought up again and he rolling aside, Naruto dodged the strike, but the force sent him flying. The woman watched amused, as Naruto slowly got to his feet.
'I need to find away to get to Sakura…' Naruto muttered as he held his left shoulder and instantly his arm re-grew as dirt and earth were dragged from the floor and reformed.
'Interesting form of regeneration.' The male in the white coat mused curiously. 'I'd love to study that if I could have.' Naruto flexed his arm and held his hand out. The sword flicked from the ground back into his hand and Naruto twirled it in his grasp. 'Hmm…'
"Fire…" Naruto muttered and the sword glowed and became the trident. "Bring it on you fat bastard." Naruto called out as he whirled the staff round him. Taking on a steady stance, Naruto gulped, he was beginning to feel effects from having used, wind, earth and fire based and his original sword arts. Not only that, but he's used his instant movements too much, more so with Sakura to weigh him down.
The male swung the axe in his grasp slowly as he walked up, his form open to all attacks. Naruto tensed. 'Go for the kill, you've got to go for the kill… Wait for it, wait for it…' Naruto's grip increased on the pole. The male let out a low but slowly rising battle cry as he raised his axe. Naruto acted at that moment and unleashed a powerful wave of fire. The inferno engulfed the large figure and Naruto watched on. 'D-did that work?'
It showed no affect as the axe came flying through and Naruto put his staff up in defence. But when he heard of felt nothing, he wondered what was going on. "I've got some things to say." Naruto's eyes widen and he looked up.
'So he got out of there alive?' The lady mused with a smirk.
"You can try and kill me…" The male figure spoke who was dressed in a black battle suit. It fell short of the elbows and stopped at the ankles. "Mock my family's name and insult my father…" Red hair ruffled in the breeze as green eyes focused on the attacker. A jolt of lightning burst the axe into the air as he lowered his arms and pulled his fist back. White arms crossed and blocking the axe, blood dripping slightly from how he caught it. "But never… Ever…" A jolt of lightning burst the axe into the air as he lowered his arms and pulled his fist back, and Genpaku pushed forward and connected. The electrical discharge sent the over sized male flying backwards. "Harm the hair on Naruto Uzumaki or Sakura Kinomoto. Not while I still live and breathe!"
"So you lived." The woman spoke standing. "Seems like we'll have to finish you off this time…" She looked about to her shinobi. "Get him."
"Naruto…" Genpaku muttered. "Get back, I'll deal with them." Naruto nods slowly, the look his brother had, he didn't argue with. The men dashed forward and Naruto put some distance away. Genpaku crossed his arms and the white skin increased and covered his body. "Let's go…" In his hands two kunai appeared in his grasp.
One shinobi came from behind, his sword drawn back. Genpaku glanced back and turned and his right fist connected. A second came from underneath, but with a jolt of power under his feet. Genpaku hopped over the second attack that was made to take his lower body away from the top. With a kick to the back of the others head, Genpaku flipped over the one he punched and kicked him down also. He landed with his hands to the floor and rotated his hands round and kicked out at all that were on him next. Knocking all four back and getting himself to his feet.
A blade stabbed at his lower back, but the teen was gone and the shinobi looked stunned as she met her end as a kunai stuck in the back of the neck. Genpaku heard a roar and looked up as the large, beaten male brought down his axe on the flat side down to flatten the teen again.
The ground quaked and all stopped as smoke was thrown up. But as the smoke began to clear, it showed Genpaku, his body shaking under the force he stopped, as volts of electricity jolted along his body. Tensing his form, the jolts got more erratic. And with a might cry, a shockwave of energy flew out, blinding everyone in the area as he let out his battle cry.
As the dust cleared, Genpaku was the only one left standing, his foe blown to bits under the force and many others had followed. "Very interesting…" The cloaked male spoke as he walked onto the battle field. His feet seemed to feel no ill effect of the still jolting lightning that jolted the ground. "The name's Jase… But that won't really matter for long." With a flicker of light, a long black bladed scythe appeared in his grasp. "Make this interesting." Naruto's gaze turned from the two to Sakura. But Sakura was now under the watch of that woman. And she was the leader, he couldn't do anything. This woman seemed to not worry either, she just watched with an amused smirk.
'His stance… I can't take a chance here…' Tensing his form, the white liquid faded and Genpaku gave a light gasp. As he did, Jase attacked and Genpaku smirked and was gone the next.
'He's fast… Like the fourth.' With a turn, he caught the handle of the kunai, the blade inches from his nose. 'That's!' Jumping back and releasing the kunai, he dodges the stab that would have come as Genpaku was there a second later. With whirl of his staff Jase rushed forward. Genpaku deflected the attack and kicked Jase back. With a flick, Genpaku let the kunai's fly and Jase jumped away as Genpaku vanished and caught one and threw it after him again. The kunai passed Jase and the man smirked as he swung swung. Genpaku appeared and vanished just as quickly allowing Jase to stop. "You may have you're fathers skills." He stood as he lowered the weapon. "But not good enough." Genpaku crouched as he held the cut on his waist. "Any slower, and you would be dead boy."
"Damn…" Standing, he formed seals. "Kuchiyose no jutsu!" With a palm to the ground, smoke bellowed out and Jase turned.
"Futon!" With a swing, a gust of wind cut through the smoke and the male looked on confused. "What's that?" Genpaku stood straight and lowered his weapon. The teen smirked; the blade was as long as his body. The hilt seemed unnaturally long. 'Can one really fight with a blade like that?' Jase lowered his blade into stance. Genpaku gripped the hilt and brought the blade back.
In a second he was gone and Jase blocked the strike to his back. The blade was about to make him two pieces. Genapku pulled the blade back and brought the blade back with it pointed forward and he was gone in an instant. Jase stabbed the ground and Genpaku stabbed the spot he was just in. Genpaku glared and swung, hoping to cut the weapon in two at least. But the scythe was pulled up and Jase flipped round and hopped back.
"So I was right." Genpaku stood and glanced to him. "I'd heard rumours, but to see the blade itself in real life. It's interesting that you found 'the cursed blade of the sun goddess'." Genpaku narrowed his eyes.
'Cursed blade?' Naruto asked himself as he gripped his blade slightly.
"So you know?" Genpaku muttered as Jase pushed his glasses up.
"Of course… A blade that gives the wielder great power. But at a greater cost… Tell me, did you just make this deal… Or had you been holding back until now?" Genpaku brought the sword low and attacked. But Jase blocked every strike there was. All Genpaku's moves were clear, as Jase knew very well what the details of this blade were. "You can't strike me, I know the attack pattern." Genpaku flipped a ways back. "The strike patterns are simple, as long as I know how you attack. Since that very weapon enhances your speed to improve it to a point you can remove any means of defending yourself."
'So he does know everything…' Genpaku growled. 'What a mistake then… But I'm not giving up.' With a pullback he was gone again. Jase swung, no defending this time, it was kill time. But Genpaku appeared, but his stance changed and was gone and left a false image of his body there. 'Got you!' Genpaku thought as he prepared to stab him in the head from above.
The blade stabbed forward, but Jase leaned back, Genpaku's eyes widen slightly as the male leaned back and flipped round, the scythe rotated it's attack angle, and connected. The moment went by in an instant. Genpaku had vanished as Jase flipped to his feet, leaving Genpaku to crouch; his whole torso was coated in blood from that last strike, his body shaking slightly as he tried to keep a steady footing.
"You were at a loss to begin with. A mere chunin of you level, can't win." Jase stated as he looked at Genpaku. At that moment, Naruto appeared in strike range, and Jase turned to him surprise. Genpaku gripped his blade, now was his chance. Both were ready to take him out now. But this was all for nothing… "Such arrogance…" Jase lowered his scythe and a light glow rolled off its form. 'Scythe master art: Head cutter whirlwind!' The blade moved in a blur, and a black aura lashed out at both Naruto and Genpaku.
The two were knocked back, leaving Genpaku lying on the floor. His blade rippled and vanished in smoke. 'Damn it…' Naruto landed, his body shaken from the attack as he kept his footing.
"Nami-san… Leave me to this boy. I'll make it quick." The woman nods and Jase turned to Naruto and walked his way. Naruto tensed his blade as Jase stood up to him.
"Kattoha!" The strike from point blank had to do something. But from the smoke, the scythe came out. He wasn't sure how, but he was struck in two places. His right leg felt numb and he felt sick at the stomach.
He'd lost his lower right leg in a slash and the returning blade stabbed into his lower gut. Leaving him hanging, "Hm…" Jase lifted his blade and gave it a stake, causing Naruto immense pain which echoed out. "Very nice tone…" With that he pulled up and lifted Naruto into the air. And with a pulled back and a kick, sent the body flying to the floor meters away... Naruto landed on his back, his blade still grasped tight in his palm as blood spread from his spot, both wounds didn't seem to stop as he just lay there.
'Sakura…'
Her mind awoke at that, and her eyes opened slightly. 'Naruto…' They were blurry first, and the first thing she saw was Genpaku's form, 'Genpaku-san…'Her gaze moved left, there was a white cloaked male with a blood soaked weapon. Then her gaze moved along again. Her eyes widen slowly, Naruto's form lay there; she could see his state was really bad. How much had she missed when she passed out?
Jase slowly walked up to Naruto. "Still there?" He tapped the base of the staff into the stomach and Naruto gasped, blood following from his lips. "I see, still fighting."
Sakura's heart was pounding now, she couldn't believe what she was seeing! In moments of blacking out, Genpaku was out, and Naruto was… He was… She couldn't even find it in her body to say a word, even yell out. But she could feel something building up, something bad.
"Finish this off now Jase, I'll deal with the girl…" Nami called out and looked down, "What?" There was something different here; she couldn't put her fingers on it. Then a burning feel could be felt and with a kick she sent Sakura flying away. "What the hell is that?" Sakura landed by Naruto and Jase stepped back, an orange glow pulsed off the girls form. "A… Heh, what do you know, she's a jinchurriki. Who would have guessed they'd seal the power of a demon in such a weak girl."
"N-aruto…" Sakura muttered as she got onto her hands and knees. She looked at him worried, as he just stared at the sky. "Naruto…" He glanced to her, a smile appeared. Was he not worried? She grasped his hand; her mind didn't think on those around her, she could only think on the one before her. He'd tried his best to help her, and now he… His grasp loosened slightly as his eye closed. "No… Naruto, no…"
She just held him there, her mind went blank. But within a moment there was a dark feeling, and they, had to… die…
The two watched as her chakra became wild, it burst out and swirled round her form. Taking the form of a fox above her. Jase and Nami watched on as they didn't have any fear of what could happen. They had faced worse…
But in an instant, the aura was gone, Sakura's form collapsed also as a figure appeared. None that lay out cold would know, as the figure stood in a set of strange clothing, facing both Jase and Nami, with the figures face covered up. But by figure, it was a woman both could see. The figure glanced back to Sakura and Naruto and she held up her hand.
A white orb flickered out and floated over to Naruto. As it passed into his form, a seal appeared round him, it was pure white and above it a image of an angle appeared, it 's hand clutched together as feathers fell on him.
Both Jase and Nami heard a gasp and couldn't believe it. That woman had just brought the boy back from the dead. They couldn't let her go now, so Jase moved first, but as the woman turned back round, she was gone, Jase's body stopped and as she appeared passed him, Jase's head exploded while her hand was glowing brightly. Nami tensed and a seal appeared round her, but the woman was gone again and delivered a swift punch to the stomach, knocking all force out of Nami.
A scroll appeared in the new womans hand and she pushed it through Nami's body and a seal appeared out her back and a portal formed. Within an instant, the hero of this fight pushed themselves through, and were gone the next.
But only one person had seen them leave, Naruto himself as his gaze had moved to the faint noises. His body slowly recovering as he registered what he saw before passing out… It was her again…
X X
He never told anyone, because he wasn't sure if he had even believed what he saw, but that day… That day he and Sakura almost died against the ninja. He'd woken barely alive; too see that same back, crouched over Sakura. Her hand glowing, as white energy flowed into her.
"What… Are you…" He couldn't finish in his state, but she knew what he was asking. She glanced to him then, but all he saw was the sadness in her frown, nothing more than the lips.
"I'm bringing her back from the world of the dead…" He passed out again after that. He found himself next to Sakura when he was brought round by yelling.
X X
It was late, and many hours had passed since the figure had saved them. Sakura came too in Naruto's room. Naruto was sleeping away next to her, and with haste she was by his side, checking his form to se if it was it all there? She sighed with relief as she looked to see his leg there. But his body was bandaged over his lower form. How did they come out alive from that?
"So there's no telling what happened when Genpaku passed out?" Sakura heard a faint noise, sounded like Ray's. "Yes," That one was Sakura's. "According to Genpaku, he was sure they were as good as dead. So who or whatever got in the way was strong, very strong. Strong enough to kill that man, Jase I think Genpaku said. In one, his head exploded from inside out." The young girls face became grim. "I'm thankful for what saved them. And now I know a bit more of Naruto's regeneration ability." So they found out? Guess it was a matter of time. It was Sakura after all. "For now I'll just let them rest. But things are becoming worry some. If word gets out of how much these two are getting hurt. They could be taken into care, but hopefully, the shinobi council in this world can help us. Try settling things down on our families..."
"I hope so too. We can't have something slipping out. We're supposed to live normal lives. Ever since the clow cards, it hasn't." Ray stated.
"I wish the clow cards hadn't come into Sakura's hands." Sakura stated to Ray. Sakura sat there quietly listening.
"No, don't say that. If it wasn't for the clow cards, they'd be dead now. It was because they'd been facing these clow cards, that they've found out and lived. I'm glad they found that book. Because I don't think I could be able to think what would happen to them if they hadn't." Sakura sat there with a smile. Yeah, she was glad also.
"For now let them rest, Genpaku's been through a lot and I'm sure Naruto and Sakura don't want to start going through that again by telling us. They've got a lot on their plate." There was a slight agreement and Sakura lay down after that. She didn't want to be caught listening or found awake anyway. She looked out the window, at the moon. Her teachers words echoed in her mind… Did she know about the shinobi? Or did she know Sakura would pass out when she looked at it.
For a moment, she took the second thought. Having remembered what Naruto had said to her before.
About Yue.
X X X
Finally! And goddamn me for finishing this chapter way behind schedule! Damn I suck at time keeping. And happy new year everyone!
Anyway, one more to go, the fiery to end this series 1.
Who was that woman? Will she play a part? Yes, important to the story. Now, notice time.
With the ending of the next chapter, ending the first series of 35 episodes by ccs. This fic will be taking a step back, allowing me to figure out how the story will proceed over the next series up to judgement day.
So I will be having something take its place which will be possibly cardcaptor ninja Sakura.
But, that's only if I'm not ready after dealing with Naruto's digital adventure. I'm almost there my fans! Just you wait; I'll have something to knock your socks off when I get started on that story again. I know you've all been waiting for this!