THE BLOOD ANGEL
CHAPTER 23: PULLING THE STRINGS
NOTE: Okay well first off... I'm back. Been a while but any fans of this still reading and happy I updated should be thanking the FF user 'Craine' for more or less forcing me to do this lol. giving me a prototype to work with. and this is what you get. Enjoy.
The vile Demonic Menace, Daignmone, had finally finished his final shot of Sake at the, now conquered, Iwagakure's local pub.
Despite the traditional result of twenty seven shots, The Blood Angel felt absolutely no different from four hours earlier. Only emptiness accompanied him as he stared lifelessly unto the small glass.
"God... dammit. I'm actually bored now.", he sighed to himself, "Guess its to be expected, though. After all, I've been wasting away at this cesspool of igneous deformity for longer than I would have hoped."
Placing the shot-glass aside, Daignmone flipped a coin unto the counter-top.
"Thanks bar-keep...", he said as he left the bar, actually forgetting that he'd long-since killed everyone who worked there.
Now outside, the red haired half-breed stared into the darkened sky; noting the red bolts of lightening eating away at the atmosphere above. For the first time in quite some time, Daignmone's nostalgic nature turned sour as he envisioned the object of his campaign.
"Yes, I know Father It's not quite what you wanted but trust me. I'm close... So very close. Soon, your dreams and mine, will rise to the surface, and the new age, the age of new life, will come."
Daignmone closed his demonic eyes and listened to the roars of thunder echo across the land of Iwagakure no Sato. Unfortunately for him, it seemed that he'd not be able to enjoy himself any longer. At least not until he had obtained what he had stayed there for.
Pulling him from his trace-like state, were the voices of his Demon Generals.
"Hey, Boss-man. We combed the village for any stragglers like you said.", Neruneia said, "As we thought, there were no remaining survivors aside from the ones we spared."
The fiendish females beside the ex-merchant nodded in affirmation, but soon noticed their master's unusual demeanor.
"My Lord? What's wrong?", Sorayomi called out.
"I'm not even buzzed.", the Blood Angel replied.
"Not even-... What?", Kumoyomi asked.
Daignmone turned to them with a very scathing frown, causing all three of them to jump back a little.
"I've chugged an equivalent of three bottles of the best Sake this pathetic village had to offer, and I don't even FUCKING feel it!", he snapped with a menacing twitch from his eye.
"Whoa! Daignmone-sama, you alright? You're, uh... you're not yourself.", Neruneia said.
"It's been almost two days... Two days, and I've been unable to enjoy myself as I usually do, because I cannot advance. And I'm unable to advance until those miserable derelicts show up.", Daignmone explained.
Sorayomi and Kumoyomi marched to their dark master's side, latching unto his arms to sooth him.
"You're referring the Fox-brat and his little posse, yeah?", Sorayomi asked.
The black-clad warrior nodded.
"Hey, Boss. If I may. Why don't you just send a squad of some of the Iwa-lambs we've enslaved? Chances of them dying in battle are high, anyway.", Neruneia suggested coldly.
"Ah, Neruneia. You're so cute, when you can't think.", the Blood Angel said, "Not only will we need them in the great war that is to come, but if either of them survived long enough to discover what they'd be searching for, mutiny would become far to plausible. When we're talking about humans and demons, believe me, the concept is just-... Dammit. Well its fucked. Lets just say that."
Kumoyomi nuzzled against Daignmone's arm.
"You don't trust any of us... do you?", she questioned rather dejectedly.
"No... Not to that extent.", he answered blatantly.
"Ouch... That hurts, Boss."
In that very instant, Daignmone was struck by an enormous sensation. A jolt of excitement coursed through him as he sensed something truly incredible. With broadened eyes and a sudden renewal of energy, the ruthless half-breed turned toward the direction it came from.
"Well, WHAT do we HAVE HERE?!", he yelled, startling his underlings.
The Demon Generals warily stared at their lord as they noted the infectiously lustful look in his eyes. He had just detected something of great power.
"Hohohohooo.. There are two of them. No, there are three. And they're strong... so very strong, mehehehehehehe.", he chuckled as he absently stumbled forward due to the excitement.
Sorayomi, Kumoyomi and Neruneia dared not speak a word to distract Daignmone from his little.. moment, in fear of incurring his wrath should they ruin it for him. The evil seed's chuckle morphed to a spine chilling cackle before he hunched over and sprouted his foreboding wings of blood.
"Oh, yeah! I'm BACK, baby!", he declared, hoisting himself from the ground and taking mach-3 flight toward the source of the power.
Now left with nothing to do... again... the three demons stared blankly after the soaring Daignmone, simultaneously letting it go.
"Soooo... who wants to put some of the Iwa-lambs through some drill exercises?", Neruneia suggested.
"We're in.", the devilish divas chimed.
--
Outskirts of Iwa...
The mysterious masked Akatsuki legionnaire, Tobi, sat idly upon a rock as he conversed with two of his colleagues.
"So, you've seen what this... 'Blood Angel' is capable of, huh?", an auburn haired man with multiple piercings and strange light purple eyes asked.
"Indeed. His senses are not to be trifled with. He was more than able to detect and out maneuver me. Plus, his regenerative capabilities are beyond anything I've ever seen.", Tobi answered.
"As far as I've been able to gather, he has conquered both Kumogakure and Iwagakure. But he seems to have slowed his advances for unknown reasons.", a woman with purple hair informed as the single lip-piercing danced with her sentence.
"It may have something to do with his erratic behavior when I first discovered his whereabouts. It seemed that he was at his wits end searching for something important to him.", Tobi said.
"Is this why you summoned us; to inform us of this?", the spiky haired auburn asked.
"That is correct. Considering what he has been able to do with little effort, I'd advise not testing him, as that could prove disastrous for Akatsuki. This is obviously a creature that has great power. Exercise extreme caution."
"Should we ever encounter this Blood Angel, might we throw in a proposal?", the purple haired woman suggested, "Perhaps indulge him in our plans for the sake of camaraderie?"
Tobi tapped upon the chin of his mask in thought.
"Do not jump into that idea too soon. If we are to remain neutral to him, or otherwise peaceful, simply imply that our goals are... similar, in a way; inform him of the Akatsuki Organization. Any direct threat, or attack upon him, is absolutely not an option."
At this point, the man of many piercings grew a bit skeptical.
"Surely you're not suggesting that this demon is so strong, he could wipe all of us out. He's only one being."
Tobi turned toward his fellow Akatsuki.
"Pein... don't underestimate him.", he sternly enforced, "I mean it."
It was at that very moment, that all of them were stricken by a phenomenal sensation. Jerking their sight to the south, the three Akatsuki quickly spotted a distant spec in the sky.
"God dammit. Faster than I expected.", Tobi cursed as he prepared for departure.
"Hold on. Where are you going?", Pein demanded.
"Believe me. If he sees me before any negotiations are met, who knows what he'd try. Good luck to you both... you'll need it."
With that, Tobi vanished from the area and left his colleagues to face the acrimony of Daignmone. Though, they had no time to deliberate on the subject, as the Blood Angel drew ever-closer to them.
"The air is growing dense."
"Yes... it is, Konan.", Pein concurred, faintly detecting the scent of blood.
Finally, the winged enigma made his appearance before Konan and Pein, coming to a complete stop in the air. Daignmone looked down at the two, concluding that they were definitely the one's he had sensed moments ago.
"Hmm... Where's the other one? I'm certain that I sensed three strong forces here.", the red haired half-breed thought aloud, "Oh, well. I suppose I can entertain myself with these two."
Daignmone descended to the ground, landing before Konan and Pein. He smiled eagerly as he stared unto their eyes, and his opposites stood ready.
"You must be... the Blood Angel. We've been expecting you.", Pein stated.
Daignmone flinched back with blatant surprise at this.
"Oh, is that right? Normally, I'm the one who displays my commonly misplaced interest in someone who hasn't the bloodiest clue why I would say something like that... But I digress; is there something that I should be made aware of?"
Pein hastily withdrew a hidden blade from his black cloak, stirring a bit of curiosity within Daignmone.
"You could say that...", Pein said as he jammed the blade into the ground and knelt before the red-winged protagonist, "We understand that you've orchestrated quite a strenuous campaign as of late. Therefore, perhaps you'd be interested in an offer."
With his interest slightly piqued, the Blood Angel summoned his signature Ketsukiri to his grasp, and mimicked Pein's gesture.
"I'm listening..."
Konan, holding her calm and seemingly depressed exterior, stood ready for any hidden deception.
"You seek control, don't you? Control of all things in this world?", Pein asked.
"Hmhmhm. In a way, I suppose."
"What would you say if you and I were after the same thing?"
"Well, I'd probably say that you're full of shit, until you've given me a reason to believe you. So far, I'm not convinced of resisting the soul-devouring urge of tearing this blade from the ground and gutting you like the pathetic fish you are-continue..."
Pein's eyes narrowed upon the opposition, noting his strangely laid-back tone. Despite his free-spirited demeanor, however, he could sense Daignmone's inner-nature simply by staring into his fiendish eyes.
"We, too, desire control of this world and all of its people's. We have existed among the inner-workings of Society, building our forces and solidifying our foundation. We are the Akatsuki.", Pein said.
Daignmone perked an eyebrow at this.
"Akatsuki, eh? I'm intrigued. Explain what it is you 'Akatsuki' do.", he requested.
"I've explained all you need to know in the grand scheme of things, Blood Angel. I only wish for you to consider this proposal.", Pein said.
Daignmone smirked a little.
"Let me guess. You're growing nervous of my conquest and are trying to save your own asses by coaxing me into consulting with your little group... I'm flattered." He mocked
A slight twinge of annoyance tugged at Pein's conscience at that remark, but he wisely remained silent as he awaited the half-demon's elaboration.
"Or perhaps there's something more to this offer than you're telling me. Out with it, Strange One. What is it that you want from me?", the Blood Angel demanded.
The auburn Akatsuki Leader fought off his flustering headache at Daignmone's straight-forward attitude, and wanted to be done with it already.
"An alliance. You have resources. We have resources. And we're after the same thing, are we not? There is only one thing we would request of you, should you choose to accept."
Pein became silent as though awaiting Daignmone's answer. And for a time, the red haired fiend gave it some actual thought.
"Hahahahahaha! Strange One I sense dedication... , I'll give you that. But..." Daignmone leaned forward and whispered in to Pein's cautious ear "Is that dedication really to domination? Meheheheheh."
Pein's eyes widened for a short second before narrowing them and he looked at Daignmone wearily
Daignmone Leaned back "Very well, then. I accept your offer.", Daignmone said happily, "However, there is one thing I would like from the two of you, in exchange for my services."
Both Konan and Pein carefully studied the Blood Angel's person as they awaited his counter-offer.
"A Test of Valor. I see that you are very strong. You've, indeed, become very powerful in your years. I am uncertain of your intentions should you survive this, but rest assured that I will lift my sword for the sake of Akatsuki when you succeed... If you succeed, that is. Mehehehehe."
Pein and his female companion immediately went into yellow alert.
Daignmone dissipated his blade of blood and stood tall, as did his new acquaintance. The free-lancing hybrid's fingers glowed with a brilliant red light, before a peculiar red crystal materialized in his grip.
"What are your names?"
"... I am Pein."
"... My name is Konan."
The Blood Angel smiled.
"I am Daignmone. Konan, Pein... I'll remember to engrave that on your tombstones should you die here."
Daignmone abruptly tossed the crystal high into the air, before expanding his malevolent wings and launching himself away from that area as fast as he could. Though confused by this action, Konan and Pein stood their ground and braced themselves for anything that was to come.
The very instant the red crystal crashed to the ground, a radical display of light surfed through the ground. Alerted, the two Akatsuki Shinobi watched the sporadic rays of light expand across the entire area; farther than the eye could see.
It was only a matter of time when the two realized that they were standing on a gigantic sealing symbol.
They retreated far away from the center of it all, standing upon high hills to gauge the symbol.
"Strange... Its a containment seal.", Pein deduced.
"Yes, but... a containment for what?"
It was then that a cluster of light, forming a make-shift dial, began spinning and clicking in seemingly random directions. Four surrounding clusters of light methodically clicked back and the center of the symbol coiled open, expelling flames and dense, heavy, red chakra.
A massive, earth quaking roar thundered across the rocky lands of Tsuchi no Kuni.
"W-What the Hell?!", Pein exclaimed.
Just then, a huge... enormous... gargantuan hand reached out of the opening. The two Akatsuki had to jump even further out of harms way to avoid being crushed. And as they soared through the air, now sweating bullets of anxiety, Konan and Pein witnessed the gigantic, dark beast that was connected to that hand, emerge, pulling itself from the opening to what seemed like Hell itself.
"What in God's name IS that thing?!", Konan shrieked in terror.
"That... That must be our test of Valor."
--
Iwagakure no Sato...
All was dark and dead at the nearly decimated rock village.
The string of destruction, caused by the Blood Angel's onslaught, laid across all that constructed Iwa's once glorious architecture. Painted with blood and withered bodies, Iwa stood crumbled beneath the blackened sky, illuminated only by the flashes of red lightning that ravaged the skies above.
Naruto, his future wives, his Father, Minato, alongside his assistant, Nii Yugito, witnessed this first-hand.
Having finally arrived at their destination, in the hopes of tracking down the Blood Angel himself, the squad used the highest level of caution as they advanced toward the Gates of Iwa. Stepping over dead Shinobi corpses.
As Naruto, his father and Temari acted as the Vanguards of the advance, Sakura, Ino and Yugito remained hidden among the corresponding mountains, while Hinata and Tenten took the high-ground for scouting and sniping purposes.
Through communication mics, Hinata gave the 'all clear' before the Vanguards proceeded through the gates... which were predictably unlocked.... probably due to being blown to pieces
Once inside, Naruto, Minato and Temari relaxed somewhat as they detected no life-signs what-so-ever. The results stood clear. With a heavy heart, Minato lifted the mic connected to the collar of his jacket.
"Regroup, everyone... Regroup.", the blonde Drainage said.
In a matter of seconds, the other Shinobi appeared beside the rest, and took their eye-full of the destruction.
Knowing that time was of the essence, however, they swallowed their pity for the destroyed village, and moved forward with caution. As they continued onward, they glimpsed the true girth of the havoc.
"This wasn't a battle... it was genocide" Hinata said solemnly
The darkened skies and furious lightning told a rather hellish story behind the Rock Village's condition. Even Minato was slightly moved.
"Good God... Even Iwa didn't deserve such a horrible fate...", he thought.
Naruto's will was greatly tested as he resisted the urge to throw his arms skyward, and howl for retribution.
"How could anyone do this... to all of these innocent people?", he thought as his fists tightened.
Hinata muffled a gasp of terror when she saw many young children scattered among the body-count of the slaughtered villagers. They all did well to remain strong in the face of such blackened annihilation, no matter how disturbing it was.
After a few minutes of travel, the squad stopped, and Minato gave Naruto a rather assuring stare. Nodding in agreement, the Jinchuuriki lifted the Ram hand seal to focus, and activated his mysterious doujutsu, the Shintengan.
The others eagerly waited for Naruto to relay any information... but received only a curse of anger.
"Naruto-kun? What is it? What do you see?", Ino asked.
"They... They're still screaming... crying for mercy.", Naruto said.
Through the eyes of the Shintengan, the young Genin was able to see the residual energies of every spirit around them, and could hear the cries of those who were slaughtered during the Blood Angel's attack.
Even the children received no mercy by the hands of Daignmone's demonic forces.
More disturbing, still, was the sight of many Kumogakure Shinobi aiding this dreadful cause. This only fueled Naruto's righteous anger toward their enemy.
"Its... Its just as the message read back at the village.", Naruto said, deactivating his doujutsu, "He already has an army to lead. An army of Kumo Nin. They've helped cause all of this senseless destruction."
Minato grimaced at this fact.
"If that's true, than there's no doubt that he's enslaved a number of Iwa Nin as well, fortifying his army... That clever bastard.", he said.
A distorted shadow dashed across the squad's path.
Now on full alert, they readily divided into their previous groups and rushed to any vantage-points , Minato and Temari withdrew their weapons and steadily advanced toward the source of the disturbance.
All was, again, quiet, but a swift rush of murderous intent thickened the air, encouraging a sharper edge to their focus.
As such, two of the Vanguards divided from Minato to gain the element of surprise should he be attacked. The blue eyed Raikage advanced further, and stopped dead-center at an intersecting cross-walk.
He knew the dangers of this position, all too well. Entrusting his fate in the abilities of his team.
Like a sitting duck, Minato stood firm, awaiting any sort of assault.
As expected, he sensed a swift attack from the rear. And the moment he turned around, he was met with the sight of Neruneia's grueling, saber-tooth fangs and claws.
Minato could only smile as the saber-tooth were-hound was thwarted by an enormously powerful gust of wind, sending him on his way into a nearby building.
Looking skyward, Minato gazed upon two winged figures, circling him vicariously. By the illuminating whim of red lightning, Sorayomi and Kumoyomi dived in for the assault.
Yet again, Minato smiled as one of the female assailants were thrown wildly off course by an even sort of senbon and kunai (Tenten), whilst the second was simply thwarted with a chakra-enhanced knee to the face. Courtesy of Sakura.
Minato felt a great sense of pride in his son's future wives.
"Sure knows how to pick 'em. Just like his old man.", he thought.
Hasty to the task, Neruneia, Sorayomi and Kumoyomi regrouped before their opposition, as did the Konoha squad. With weapons, fangs and claws drawn to the ready, both sides faced off.
"So, you must be looking for Lord Daignmone.", Neruneia stated with his ferociously demonized tone.
"If you know where he is, then start talkin', Mutt-face!", Naruto shouted.
"Hmm. Loud-mouthed. Short-temper. Looks like an idiot... You must be the little brat that Daignmone-sama beat to near-death at the Nami no Kuni.", Sorayomi deduced.
"Ah! It would appear that his instincts of your inevitable arrival were dead accurate. Like a moth to a flame.", Kumoyomi concurred with an unnerving lick of her lips.
Naruto clinched his teeth in annoyance at the demons' non-caring attitude.
"Hey! Stop talking like you're in control! Tell us where your freak of a master is, or ELSE!", he threatened loudly.
Minato resisted face-palming himself at his son's hot-headed nature.
"Cool it Naruto. Don't let them get under your skin.", he silently warned.
"And exactly what do you hope to accomplish, boy? Do you actually believe you can do anything to stop him? You hopeless IDIOT!", Neruneia mocked heartily.
"You're just one kid and a bunch of worthless losers who actually think they can make a difference in all of this. Just look at what you're up against!", Sorayomi added.
"A mere squad of eight, and you've fooled yourselves into thinking you can actually walk away from this? Daignmone-sama will be pleased to listen to your squeals for mercy when he's finished with you.", Kumoyomi smirked confidently.
At this point, even the cool-headed members of the squad felt a little tested. Now put yourself in Naruto's shoes... and try to understand why he was now marching toward the demons; steaming pissed.
"I'm only gonna say it once more... Where--is--Daignmone?!?!", Naruto howled.
"Bitch-Bitch-Moan-Moan.", Sorayomi mocked with a careless twirl of her wrist.
The three Demon Generals shared a good laugh at the blonde Genin, seeming to actually want to get his goat. Unfortunately for Naruto, many of his opponents over his career, seemed to be very good that.
Eh! N-Naruto, wait!", Sakura shrieked when she saw her future husband dash at the demons like a mad-man.
"I've had about all I can STAND FROM YOU!!!", Naruto yelled. "What you've done is UNFORGIVABLE!"
The Demon Generals leaped out of harm's way, landing atop a nearby building, looking down on the opposition.
"Well, you'll never beat him like that, kid. But I'll tell you what. If you truly want another shot at our lord and master, then perhaps you'd be willing to make a wager.", Neruneia challenged.
Sorayomi and Kumoyomi chuckled before taking flight above their heads.
"Beyond Iwagakure, to the North, there is a mountain. Unlike all others, this one actually has vegetation and life growing upon it. Trust me, you can't miss it. Once there, you must locate an opening. There, you will find us. But only after enduring trials the likes of which you have never experienced before, will we... enlighten you on the information you desire!"
"STOP FUCKING AROUND! THIS ISN'T A GAME!!" Naruto shouted
"It's as much of a game as we make it you little whelp" Sorayomi said
"Enough!" Neruneia inhaled an obscene amount of air before roaring at the squad. Barely able to avoid it in time, the ground beneath them was obliterated and the winged divas flew off and The saber toothed demon vanished in a blur.
"Don't run from us, you COWAAAARDS!!!", Naruto shouted again.
With an evil cackle from the lot of them, the demonic trio continued their retreat in the direction instructed.
Now, with a new obstacle in sight, Naruto and the others were faced with a difficult decision. With no knowledge of The Blood Angel's whereabouts, the choice they make could either lead them to there destination... or their gruesome fates.
--
... Twenty-four hours later...
Bloodied and exhausted of nearly all of their chakra and strength, Konan and Pein continued their increasingly fruitless fight for survival against the gargantuan monstrosity summoned after the Blood Angel's retreat.
Despite their superb skills and tactics against this monster, the duo realized the futility of their front. Understanding, soon into their struggle, that the only other option was to survive.
Fleeing from the area was not an option. For, the humongous containment seal, prevented any and all possible escape.
After hours, upon hours, upon hours of strategic combat against the impenetrable giant constructed of flesh, wing and claw, Konan and Pein had reached their limit.
But the gigantic demon's tireless assault, crushed any chance of rest for the two. No matter how many convenient and/or ingenious hiding places they discovered, they would always be flushed out, via the demon itself, or the endless legions of Hell Sprites it'd beckon to its aid.
Any Genjutsu was utterly useless.
The Akatsuki Nin were grateful that the towering beast could only stand in one place, as half of it's body was bound in the fiery depths from which it came.
You could imagine Pein's displeasure, realizing that he and his female companion were running from a creature that couldn't even travel.
On the verge of passing out, Konan and Pein stood weakened before this mighty demon, gauging it's oncoming fist as they prepped a (useless) counter-attack.
Jumping just in the nick of time, they escaped the earth-shattering impact, both dashing up along the massive arm.
After falling for this trick more times than it could tolerate, the gigantic demon hoisted his limb off the ground before it's miniature prey got too far, resulting in Pein expended hundreds of feet into the air, and Konan forced to disperse into several origami birds.
Lifting its enormous arms, the monstrous demon clapped its hands unto the airborne Pein, expelling a massive, thundering rumble across the land.
It was only a few seconds before the monster saw the very same Shinobi standing at the end of it's elongated snout.
Enraged, the brutish fiend blindly struck itself in the face, missing Pein by a mile. With a chance to strike, the auburn man sought to make it count, digging deep to gather a large some of chakra one last time.
"Got to time this just right!", he grunted.
With aim true and ready, Pein's hands glowed with a brilliant white energy.
"Now!!"
Unfortunately for Pein, the demon blew an obscenely powerful puff of air towards him, utterly destroying his balance.
The giant gave a crooked smile before reeling an arm back, and crunching together a mighty fist, creating a shockwave doing so. Roaring with the infallible dominance it was made of, the monstrosity launched it's fist toward the now TERRIFIED Pein.
His only instinct was throwing his arms before himself to cushion the oncoming blow... before he and the fist made a brutal connection. A connection that sent Pein flying straight into the barrier that bound them all.
Now broken and raddled by the force and power of the containment spell combined with the force of impact, Pein's motionless form free-fell to rocky grounds below.
It was at this time that Konan rematerialized in the air.
"NO!!!!", she shrieked.
Before Konan knew it, her body was instantly constricted from both sides; binding her arms together, as she felt the last remnants of her strength leave her.
She choked in pain before slowly peeling her eyes open. It was to her absolute horror, that she realized the monstrous demon held her between its thumb and index, as it glared unto her.
"BRRAAHAH-HAH-HAH-HAAAA! PUNY INSECT! I CRUSH YOU!"
True to it's word, Konan's body received one slight squeeze from the demon... slight for it... crushing for her.
The purple haired kunoichi yelled and howled in agony at the pressure of her arms driving into her ribs. Revealing a sadistic nature to it, the Herculean beast repeated his previous action.
Konan regurgitated blood in response.
Ready to end this long struggle, the demon dropped the crushed woman to the ground, watching make a near-fatal landing on her back. It cackled again, sending deep rumbles throughout the mountainous region.
From the outside of the containment seal, the evil Daignmone sat at the plateau of a rocky hill smiling.
"Hmhmhm. I'm amazed they lasted as long as they did... against the almighty Hiyami no Maki." He said before expanding his wings and looking to the east and seeing the sun peeking some of its dawn light through the foreboding clouds. the enormous monster did the same and looked to the sky before looking down at the beaten and bruised prey in between his fingers. He then flicked his wrist and finger sending Konan's body flying into the containment barrier
A shock wave of energy and red electricity rippled out upon her impact, before her lifeless body dropped to the ground with a painful thud
"BRAAHAA-HAA-HAA!!" The beast bellowed as he began to glow red and his body slowly turned into red energy which then began to collect into a glare in his forehead region. The enormous beast vanished into the glare which quickly floated down into the center of the enormous seal. Instantly the seal began lock and turning before it receded to the middle and returned back to a red crystal laying on the ground
Daignmone flapped his wings and rose to the air. He flew down and over to the two Akatsuki duo. Landing next to Konan's body. He then noticed his crystal, only in time to see its bright red color fade and its surface crack. It broke to pieces and released a slight ember of red chakra, which quickly faded
"K-Konan... you b-bastard... y-you Killed her... I'll make you suffer for t-this..." Pein growled as he dragged himself towards Daignmone
The Blood Angel tilted his "She's not dead you idiot..." He said
"She will be in a few minutes!" Pein barked angrily "And there's nothing I can do without chakra"
"Calm down lover boy.... sheesh..." Daignmone said before kneeling down over Konan and placing his hand on her back
"What are you doing to her?"
Daignmone moved his hand to her mouth and used his index and ring fingers to wipe some of her blood off. He looked at it and rubbed it between his fingers as red energy lit the blood up. The energy soon consumed his hand
The Blood angel closed his eyes "Two cracked vertebra, three cracked ribs, one broken rib, a partially collapsed left lung, internal bleeding and flooding of the lungs. Nothing I can't fix" He said before opening his eyes
"How can you tell that?" Pein demanded, feeling as though he were being taunted
"Fist... I want you to tell me why you hide behind the lie of world domination when your eyes, though stern and cold, tell a different story..." Daignmone said
"I-I don't know what your talking about..." Pain said through a strained breath
"you can't lie to me boy... I see right through you and your strange eyes. You want something bigger than anything for yourself... you want peace don't you?"
Pein narrowed his eyes
"I knew it... Every creature's blood tells a story... I can just read those stories" He explained as he raised his glowing red hand up and dropped his palm on Konan's back. Her body lit up with a red glow and chakra which consumed her. Red electricity crackled around all her open wounds and as if they were stitches pulled the wounds closed and they all healed almost instantly. A final wave of chakra pulse from her before the light faded
Konan immediately coughed and gagged as she pushed her upper body up with her arms, breathing heavily with sweat running down her face "I-I'm... Okay..?" She panted
Pein's eyes widened. He'd never seen any medical jutsu heal wounds like that so fast... "What IS this guy...?" He thought
Daignmone turned his head to Pein "Now it's your turn" He said as he reached his hand towards him
---
Naruto's group stood in front of a cave opening. The only cliff side with vines growing on it... what little there were of course
"Okay... This obviously a trap" Temari said
"That isn't going stop me" Naruto replied quickly before walking into the dark tunnel
"Naruto!" Minato called "Dimmit... do you WANT to die?" He said before running in after his son
"Dammit... guess we're going in anyways" Tenten said
"Naruto! You IDIOT!" Sakura yelled as the girls ran in
---
Deep within the rain country, atop a balcony stood the mysterious Tobi, who gazed into the partly cloudy sky. "It hasn't rained since I got back. I wonder if Pein and Konan are dead..." He thought to himself. Just then a drop of water smacked into the forehead of his mask. Then another and another.
Drip by drip the rain started up again, and the clouds darkened, covering the sky
"Mmhh... At Least I know Pein is alive now..."
"Madara!" Came a sudden voice behind Tobi
The orange masked man didn't turned his head to look at the person stepping from the shadows inside the room the balcony protruded from
"What is it Itachi?" He asked
"The statue... the king of hell statue in the lower levels..."
"What about it? You know that you should just wait for Pein. That is his 'pet' project after" Madara replied
"It cracked!" Itachi said firmly
Though it was unseen Madara's eyes widened under his mask "It WHAT!?"
TO BE CONTINUED.
Well folks I hope you enjoyed this. Thanks for readying
-Later