Chapter 2: First Circle – Limbo
Synopsis: The Naruto gang now makes their decent into hell. But entering hell may not be as easy as it seems for death will stand in their way. However odd enough, why would death be so compliant to allow them entrance?
Now as they enter the first circle they shall encounter purgatory where souls are judged to be sent to certain depths of hell. But the first challenge they must face to rescue Hinata is the entity that sends these soul to their place. For this entity and first powerful enemy is none other than the judge magistrate of hell . . . . Yama.
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Naruto franchise or characters associated with it. I also do not own any part of the 14th century Italian divine comedy Dante's Inferno.
"talking"
thoughts
Two hours passed quickly as the rookie nine and team Gai met up with Kakashi and Tsunade in the open courtyard outside the Hokage main office. The team came with every item imaginable from simple provisions to heavy artillery. As they were going through their resources, something peculiar caught the team's eyes.
"Kiba, what's with the holy crosses, stakes, and garlic?" asked Ino curiously
"We're going to hell right? So we have to be well prepared for things like vampires, werewolves, and stuff!" said Kiba
Everyone simultaneously sweat dropped at that statement. Heck, even Naruto thought that was kind of dumb of him.
"He really needs to lay off the horror films" was the groups unanimous thought. Kakashi then coughed to gain the groups attention. "If everyone has their things in order then let us be off" said Kakashi and at that statement everyone gave a simple nod to confirm that they will never be as ready as they are now. "Good, then let us begin" and at that Kakashi began his complicated hand seal configuration to open the way to hell.
"Listen up everyone, be safe down there and come back alive. That is the Hokages order to you all" said Tsunade with both a serious and concern tone.
"Don't worry obaasan, we'll all make it back alive with Hinata in tow" Naruto replied with his usual confidence
"We're about ready to leave" called Kakashi whose mangekyo sharingan started to form in preparation for the border jump. At that point a loud humming sound was heard along with a giant bubble of light being formed around them.
"Alright, let's do this!" said Naruto as he slammed his fist into his palm.
"Naruto-san!" a loud voice called
Naruto then turned around to see someone he didn't quite expect to see at all. For there stood Hiashi who seemed a bit winded as if he was running marathon and had just finished while doing it without rest. But soon enough he composed himself to speak.
"I am aware that I'm not the greatest father around, but know that I do care for my daughter as a father should. So Naruto-san, please bring my daughter back safely." Hiashi said in his usual stoic demeanor although it did give a hint of pleading behind it.
Naruto and co. looked to Hiashi in shock for they would never in a hundred years expect a Hyuga like him to be asking like that. But Naruto immediately shook it off and then gave Hiashi his trademark smile while extending his arm for a thumb up to which he gave his trademark quote.
"You better believe it" and soon after the rescue team disappeared to the other world without trace.
"Good luck" said Hiashi
"And may kami watch over you" said Tsunade
Within the dark void of the forest a sphere of light appeared to which Naruto and co. were now standing in the spot where Hinata soul was previously summoned to. However upon arrival Kakashi collapsed, but was caught by Sakura before completely going down.
"Are you okay Kakashi-sensei?" asked Sakura
Kakashi signed a bit before answering. "I'm okay, I just used half of my chakra in that instant. But give me a moment and I'll be fine." A moment later he recomposed himself followed by shutting down his sharingan. "It seems I won't be able to assist any further on this mission"
"What do you mean Kakashi-sensei?!" asked Naruto
But before Kakashi could answer, Shikamaru interjected. "He's right Naruto, it would be wise for us to leave Kakashi here"
"But why?" asked Naruto
"Yeah! Do you realize where we're going?! We need all the help we can get!" added in Kiba
Shikamaru being the one who easily gets annoyed then explained the reason why. "Aside the fact that Kakashi-sensei had depleted most of his chakra it is important that nothing happens to him on this mission for he is our only way back. Furthermore he needs to conserve his chakra in order for us to return home. Does everyone understand?" Although the question was more directed to the slower thinkers (yeah, they know who they are.)
At that Kakashi stood in place resting his hands in his pockets. "Do your best" was the thought that came to Kakashi mind as the rest of the rescue team began to depart. But after a small distance of walking, a shinigami and gate appeared in front of Naruto and co. which surprised them, but they more or less kept their cool. Naruto, who recognized the shinigami gave it an intense glare.
"Are you going to try and stop us?" asked Naruto in a low voice
The shinigami then looked to the group and answered. " . . . . no, you may pass if you wish"
Now the common thought amongst the group was "huh?" For according to Naruto earlier story the shinigami would not allow him to pass regardless of any reason. But the thought now was why was this death god allowing them passage so easily?
Ino then got a strange feeling and decided to investigate it. Meanwhile chatter occurred amongst the group.
"This seems too easy" Shino said
"I agree, do you feel this is a trap?" asked Sai
"I do not believe so for what tactical advantage could the enemy have on us at this point in time" said Neji
"But the shinigami is letting us in way too easily and that doesn't seem right" Sai retorted
Shikamaru thought for a moment before speaking up. "I also don't believe it to be a trap, but it does seem too easy that we are being allowed in especially with the fact we are still alive"
Now Chouji during this time just simply opened a bag of chips and ate while Ten-ten and Sakura waited silently for the boys to finish squabbling. Naruto then jumped into the conversation.
"Who the hell cares! We'll just beat the crap out of anything that comes our way!" said Naruto while pumping his fist
"I'm with Naruto, for with the fiery passions of youth we will overcome anything!" Lee said with flames appearing in his eyes
"Can we just decide whether or not this is a trap or not?" said Kiba
And at that the boys continued to argue amongst themselves until Ino finally finished her analysis
"It's genjutsu" she said
Everyone then turned to look at Ino with a "what" expression on their faces. At that reaction Ino then gave the team her analysis of what she learned.
"I'm not 100% on this, but it seems that shinigami-san is under some form of reverse reasoning genjutsu which makes it do the opposite action to what it would do normally." said Ino
"Wait a minute, who could possibly place a death god under a genjutsu like that?" asked Kiba
"I don't know, but whoever it was their genjutsu technique must be pretty incredible to do that" Ino answered
"Wow, that was a pretty awesome analysis Ino" said Chouji at the moment he finished his chips
Ino gave a half laugh while displaying a semi-sexy pose. "Just goes to show you I'm more useful then forehead girl" smiled Ino. Sakura immediately gave a scowl at that remark
Naruto then came to a realization. "Then does this mean someone came here before us?"
Everyone then looked to Naruto in unison thought of that statement.
"With things as they are it seems most likely the case" said Shikamaru. "But at this point it doesn't matter too much since whoever did it got rid of our first obstacle. But we should be wary since whoever did it must be pretty powerful. Plus we don't know their intentions; however it is most likely we'll be bumping into the one who did this sooner or later"
With that everyone nodded in unison with Shikamaru take on the situation. Afterwards they all proceeded to the gate to which it opened upon their presence. As they entered one by one Sai was the last to enter the gate.
"Be wary travelers for although I will open the gate upon your return there is a reason to why souls can't ascend the circles of hell. But you will discover this shortly on your journey" said shinigami before it faded away.
Sai didn't understand what that meant, but he didn't like the feel of it either. Though he knew they were going to find out soon enough. He then entered the gate to which it closed behind him and faded away until the time the group was ready to return.
Now as the team entered the gate they were met with a rather . . . . interesting sight. For in the new world, what they saw was an open field of grass and flowers to which there existed a village which was roughly 8th century Japanese architecture. Now as they looked around they saw there was no sun, but it definitely had a blue and bright sky. As for the inhabitants they seem to be rather . . . . at ease. Now at this point, Naruto and co. was really wondering if this was really hell. In response to this Sakura removed a book from the backpack she brought along. She opened it up to read and after a while turned to the group to explain what was going on.
"According to this, this is limbo" said Sakura
"Limbo?" asked Naruto
"Yes, this is like a top sub-level of hell. Basically this is where good souls go who've done evil acts but not necessarily evil enough to belong in hell" explained Sakura
"How many levels are there?" asked Shino
"If I understand it correctly there should be 9 circles in total including the one we're standing in. Hopefully Hinata soul will be somewhere on this circle" said Sakura
Chouji then looked to Sakura with awe on his face. "Amazing interpretation Sakura"
Sakura then gave a sly smile while holding up a V gesture. "See, I can be more useful then Ino-pig at times." Ino then gave a sour look for the comment.
"Anyways! Do you know any more information than that?" asked Shikamaru
Sakura then looked down in disappointment. "Unfortunately no, the book doesn't specify anything further"
Ino gave a rebuttal glee at Sakura expense while Shikamaru simply sighed at how complicated things were getting.
"Alright we'll split up temporarily to gather information around the village. We will all meet up in the center of the village in thirty minutes" said Shikamaru
With that the group dispersed throughout the village asking questions if they had seen Hinata anywhere at all. Unfortunately most of the souls they asked either didn't know much or refused to answer altogether. Then soon the half hour mark came as everyone reconvened at the heart of the village next to a giant fountain which was there.
"Did we learn anything new?" asked Naruto anxiously. But in response everyone shook their heads. These made Naruto feel a bit dishearten that rescuing Hinata was going to take longer then he wanted. But then Naruto felt something tug at his sleeve. He then looked to the source to see a strange black haired little boy still tugging at him. Naruto looked at him curiously.
"Hey kid, what are you doing?" asked Naruto
"Ahh, I thought it was you. But why are you here Naruto-kun? . . . .Wait! Don't tell me you died?!" the weird boy said
Naruto looked to the boy with some shock. "How do you know me?"At this point the entire group was curious to who this boy was and how he knew Naruto.
"Just look and you'll know who I am" said the weird boy
Naruto then gave the kid a hard look and then he saw something that he couldn't miss. For his eyes seemed to have multiple rings on them. Plus the fact the hair style he had as well as his voice seemed extremely familiar.
"Nagato?" asked Naruto cautiously
"Indeed" Nagato smiled. Naruto went back in shock at the appearance of one of the strongest ninjas he knew being a kid.
"Why are you a kid?" asked Naruto
"Who knows, but I do know I can make my wrongs right here. So whatever the reason is fine with me" said Nagato. At this statement the group was looking at Nagato in a joking manner that this once feared ninja who was known as the master of the six paths was nothing more than a child.
Nagato then looked to Naruto seriously. "So why are you here? You don't seem to be dead nor are your friends."
Naruto then returned the serious look. "Something bad happened to an important friend of mine and I've come here to take her back." Naruto paused for a moment. "Nagato, she should have come here recently. Have you seen anything new around here?"
Nagato looked to Naruto and the rest of the group before looking back to him. "The one you are looking for, did she have long black bluish hair and white eyes?"
Everyone in the group immediately lightened up to the prospect of gaining a clue to where Hinata was. But unfortunately the news to come will not be so pleasant.
"Yes! That's her! Do you know where Hinata is?" asked Naruto grabbing Nagato's shoulders
Nagato looked down unable to tell Naruto what he saw. Naruto then felt as if something extremely horrible must have happened to her.
"Naruto, I'm afraid that Hinata is now beyond your reach. For if I saw correctly she was taken by the master of hell thus meaning she must be at the very last circle now . . . . I'm sorry Naruto" said Nagato in a sad tone
At that news everyone now felt how really far Hinata was. Thus despair began to overtake them. But one person would not give in so easily.
"I don't care! If I have to beat the master, the guardian, or the old lady of hell! I will save Hinata and I will bring her home because she is my friend and that was my promise on my ninja way!" declared Naruto
With that speech everyone felt vigor to not give in so soon to the weight of the situation. Even Nagato was shocked at the speech. But he then settled down to speak again.
"You really are the child who will save the world" Nagato said while shutting his eyes. He then soon reopened them. "The place that'll lead to the next circle is down that way, but be careful because that is where Yama resides."
"Yama?" asked Naruto
"Yama is the judge magistrate of hell. He is the one who decides what circle evil souls go to" said Sakura
Nagato nodded, "Be careful he is no pushover from what I understand. Unfortunately I can't help you out much with my current state" Nagato said noting his current form.
Shikamaru then walked up to Nagato wanting to ask a question "By any chance did you see another living person pass through here?"
Nagato looked up to Shikamaru "No, but I did sense something and whatever it was it was evil. So be careful to whoever it is"
"OK" Naruto said. He then looked back at all his friends. "Come on let's get going." The team then began their run towards the indicated destination given. But before they gotten far enough Nagato called out once more to them.
"Good luck Naruto, you'll definitely save her" he said as he waved to them
Naruto looked back to wave. "Thanks sempai" and soon the group disappeared into the distance.
Nagato then felt a bit awkward "sempai? That seemed kind of weird"
As the team wondered onwards the sky started to become darker until it seemed like nighttime to which it soon became complimented with the occasional lightning. The surrounding were also beginning to change for any structures that were around were more like debris and ruins that seemed to have been through war. The grass and the flowers which once looked lively were now dead and soon replaced with cold dark stone paths. After a short time of walking a loud thunderous voice could be heard.
"Guilty! To the third circle for you!" and at that a scream was heard and faded with association to how one would sound like during a free fall.
Soon the group was now standing in the hellish version of a court room which was composed of black stones, chains, blood, and many flames. There in the center of the court was Yama who sat at his desk with his gabble overlooking the chambers. But what really caught their eyes was how huge he was.
"Who dares enter my court unannounced!" roared Yama
Naruto stood forward to answer the question "Naruto Uzumaki! We have come here to take Hinata back!" he yelled
"Hinata Hyuga you say! HA HA HA HA HA! You must truly be fools to think you can rescue her!" laughed Yama
Naruto was then feeling pissed at this point. "You are going to allow us passage into the next circle!"
"You dare command the judge magistrate! You are not getting past me without my judgment of your souls!" said Yama
At this point Neji who was feeling impatient left the group proceeding to jump onto the huge desk to strike at Yama with all he had.
"Eight Trigrams Empty Palm!" called Neji as he shot his attack at the heart area of Yama. Now the judge did flinch at the attack. But apparently it pissed him off more. Yama then waved his arm whacking Neji off his desk like a bug. Soon the desk and chair disappeared to which now Yama stood before them.
"You dare strike at the judge magistrate! That in itself is a guilty act! I sentence you all to death!" called Yama
"I think you really pissed him off Neji-kun" said Tenten with a sweat drop
"We don't have time for this nonsense" said Neji . "We have more important matters to attend too"
At this the fighting began. The first to come up was Sakura. She raced at top speed jumping to equal height of Yama face ready to bash his face in. But she was then caught in mid air only to be thrown at Sai, Kiba, and Shino standing in that particular direction. Next came the Ino-Shika-Cho combo which started with Shikamaru shadow imitation technique.
"God this guy is freaking huge!" Shikamaru thought
Yama then found himself in a genjutsu technique courtesy of Ino. "Chouji! Now!"
At that command Shikamaru released his technique which was followed with Chouji human bullet tank technique aimed at the judges stomach. But this also failed to do much to the giant as he swept his arm blowing the three to nearby walls. Next came team Gai. For Neji and Lee ran up to Yama shoulders and aimed to disable both his arms. Meanwhile Tenten jumped high up pulling out a summoning scroll full of exploding kunai. Neji and Lee aimed for the main joints temporarily paralyzing Yama arms to which Ten-ten followed with her barrage attack. The three ninjas then jumped back from the smog believing the attack was successful. But the victory was short lived as Yama reappeared slamming his hand down on the Konoha ninjas knocking them half out. Soon Yama summoned his gabble ready to finish off the mortal pest.
"Hey ugly! Over here!" called Naruto with a prepared rasengan in his hand
Yama took notice of the comment and swung his hammer down hard at Naruto. In the instant Naruto was hit he puffed out of existence revealing two more standing on opposite sides of Yama wrist. In that moment both Naruto struck his wrist with rasengan forcing the judge to release his hammer. Yama then yelped in pain but then slammed his other hand down smacking both Naruto's. Upon clearing his hand there laid Naruto half out it from the impact. Yama then picked his gabble up.
"You have caused me enough trouble! Now die mortals!" roared Yama as he swung his gabble down upon Naruto. But inches from crushing Naruto it stopped. "What?!"
Slowly the gabble was being lifted and under it Naruto's sage eyes peered right at Yama's. He then ripped it right out of the judges hand surprising the hell out of Yama at how unnaturally strong the boy was. But due to his carelessness the Konoha ninjas began their counter attack. Sakura using her legendary strength and Chouji with his multi-size technique attacked Yama calves weaking his balance. Next came Sai giant bull ink drawing ramming into Yama gut which was then followed by a triple assault from Lee dynamic entry, Kiba and Akamaru dual piercing fang, and Shino insect cyclone. As soon as Yama was on his back Neji unleashed his Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms in mid air sealing off whatever power Yama tried to conjure up. Next Ino using genjutsu, Shikamaru using shadow neck bind, and Ten-ten using giant metal rods then sealed Yama ability to use his body. Finally came Naruto to finish the job with a giant rasengan hitting the same place Sai, Kiba, Shino, and Lee had just hit earlier, and with that the battle was finished. From there Ino and Sakura began healing the injuries their friends.
"Phew, that battle was tougher then I thought" said Naruto turning back to normal while standing on Yama chest
"Yeah, I didn't think this battle would be that hard" said Ino healing the last injuries on Chouji
"Think we bit off more than we can chew?" asked Kiba
"We'll be fine" said Shino reassuringly
"Naruto, did you just use sage mode?" asked Sakura while still working on Lee's injuries
"Yeah" said Naruto
"How many do you have left?" then asked Sakura
"Two . . . . heh , I didn't expect to use sage mode this early in the mission. But I guess it couldn't be helped" said Naruto as he jumped off Yama. Now as Naruto landed on the ground a low rumble occurred revealing the gate to the next circle
"Alright there it is! Let's go to the next floor!" called Naruto to which soon everyone was ready to mobilize again, and one by one as they crossed the gate only Sai was the last one still in the chambers. But soon as his foot reached the entrance the gate began to close. The group then looked back to see the gate closing behind them while hearing the load laughter of Yama.
"Fools! Those who transcend the circles of hell will never be able to return!" Yama laughed out
"Just as I thought" said Sai as he formed a few hand seals using the remaining ink on Yama body to create an intricate tattoo pattern forcing him to act at his puppet. With that he had Yama grab the gates before it completely closed and slowly forcing it opened, and with that had the honored judge stand in the door way keeping it open.
"How dare you dishonor the judge magistrate of hell!" exclaimed Yama
"Awesome Sai" called Ino
Sai gave his usual smile. "Thank you, but unfortunately now I can't move from here"
"What do you mean?" asked Ino
"I finally understood what the shinigami said and along with what Yama said it filled in the blanks, but now I have to stay here to maintain the jutsu and keep Yama holding the gate open so you can all return later" said Sai
"How dare you!" yelled Yama, but then the ink tattoo went over his mouth
"Quiet now" smiled Sai
"Sai, what is going on?" said Naruto
"I learned that the gates were meant to close eternally on those who cross thus keeping the soul from ever ascending the circles and it will most likely be the same as you go further." Sai said
"Ah dam" said Shikamaru "So that means not only do we have to fight our way down but in each circle we have to leave a member behind to keep the gate open"
"That is correct Shikamaru-kun" smiled Sai
"But we can't just leave you here" said Lee
"Don't worry, my chakra will hold out. But you must all go now for time is of the essence" said the stoic ninja
"But Sai . . . ." said Naruto
"You all must go now! I can't hold him here forever!" said Sai
Naruto cringed but then turned around guiding everyone to the next circle. "Don't worry Sai, we'll be back soon" and with that the remaining group entered the next circle of hell.
"Hurry back Naruto-kun" said Sai as he waved his friends good-bye for possibly the last time.
Author's notes: I hope this chapter made some relative sense. But yeah I'm planning for the cast to meet old villains as they descend deeper into hell. Also as the mission goes a member must stay behind in order to maintain the way out of each circle. So things are definitely going to get difficult.
So I thank you for your time in reading this fic and further extend my gratitude if you can review it as well.