Ninja of the Void
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any characters associated with it.
"Talking"
Thoughts
War in Leaf
"That's strange" said a ninja on guard duty. "Where is everyone? Where are the current guards?"
"Probably slacking off" said another guard with much irritation. "Looks like we'll have to take their shift for now".
Both walking into the prison ward, bewilderment took hold before confusion settled in which then quickly followed to chill creeping terror. Looking around the prison, "where did all the prisoners go?" as each cell around them was empty and abandoned with each of their doors wide open.
"We have to report this immediately!"
Unknown to them lurking within the shadows, two of the sound inmates were quick to take down the guards before they even had the chance to scream for help.
"Ku ku ku" Orochimaru chuckled as he along with several of the other former inmates followed right behind him. ". . . . And here we go".
Quietly exiting the ward and filtering out to the village, the sound ninjas took down any active guards on duty for when the time came they could either make their escape or generate maximum damage to Konoha.
But after a certain passage of time and many downed guards, one leaf ninja steadily began to crawl away after a ruthless fight but not before getting noticed as the sound ninjas began approaching with a sadistic smile plastered across their face. Kicking the guard over, "is there something amusing about your death?" seeing as the leaf ninja had a small smile on his face.
". . . . Yeah. None of you are going to be leaving so easily".
Taking this threat in, the sound nins looked about seeing several explosive tags lit and prime to explode at any second.
" . . . . Heh" as the explosives then ignited as now all of Konoha had awakened and was ready to attack.
~ Nara residence ~
"What the hell was that noise?" yawned Shikamaru seeming somewhat annoyed before flopping back down on the bed. "Whatever, someone else can handle it".
"Get up!" as Yoshino barged into her son's room. "There's trouble!"
". . . . What?" as Shikamaru slowly started getting up again rubbing his eyes.
"It's means we've got a job to do" she barked. "Shikaku! We've got to go!" as she soon ran off fully geared.
"Yes dear" Shikaku yawned also fully geared walking by his son's room.
~ Akimichi residence ~
"Stay here" said Choza. "I'm going out to see what I can do".
"Be careful honey" said his wife with concern.
"Dad, what about me?" asked Chouji. "I can help too".
Chouza gave a hard look to this, "alright, just don't leave my side".
~ Yamanaka residence ~
"I'm going out, looks like trouble is a foot" said Inoichi. "Watch the flower shop while I'm gone".
"Understood" his wife replied.
"I'll go to see if everything is OK elsewhere" Ino responded as she and her father soon preceded out.
~ Aburame residence ~
Without so much as a word, the Aburame clan was all on the same page of what was going on and what they were going to do.
So setting out, the bug ninjas were now going to battle.
~ Inuzuka residence ~
The many dogs howled as they could sense what was going on as many unfriendly scents got them agitated and growling for blood as they were waiting for their owners signal to go.
"Such a foul smell that surrounds us" said Tsume. "You kids ready?" to which Hana and Kiba gave a nod too. "Good, let's go hunting".
~ Haruno residence ~
"I can go too!" Sakura argued. "I'm a chunin just like you! I can protect the village as well!"
Kizashi and Mebuki were uncertain of how to respond. It was true that their only daughter was a chunin meaning that she was more than qualified to fight with the other adults and experienced ninjas. However she was still a kid in their eyes still yet to understand what real combat really meant.
But looking at their daughter now, they couldn't help but feel in a way proud of how far she's come. Starting at the academy, Sakura lacked the attention to be a real ninja as most of the time all she could talk about was Sasuke. Now . . . . Their little girl was a chunin as they could see the fiery determination burning in her eyes wanting to be more then what she is now.
"I'm going whether you like it or not!" said Sakura adamantly.
Both parents sighed a bit to this. ". . . . Alright, just don't push too hard".
~ Hyuga residence ~
Almost instantly every Hyuga was fully geared and ready to go to war.
"All of you" Hiashi commanded, "stay in the residential area and protect the citizens. The rest of us will lead the attack against the enemy. Follow my lead and we will succeed!"
"Yes!" his clansmen cheered before moving out.
Hanabi went over her inventory double checking what she found necessary to take with her. Fully satisfied, she was then about to follow her kin out the door only to be stopped as her elder sister pulled her back. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Stay in the residential area" said Hinata with concern. "The front lines are too dangerous for you".
"Don't treat me like a child!" as the young Hyuga swatted her hand away. "I'm a fully fledged ninja like the rest of you! I'm more than capable of watching out for myself!"
Hinata felt a bit irked at how head strong her little sister could be. Usually she would indulge her. However this was not the time for one's ego to be blinding anyone of the situation. The enemy they were facing will kill anything on sight. She did not want to put her little sister in front of that. But if anything, "stay behind in the residential area as you'll be of better help here" trying to compromise with her.
"But I . . . ."
"Just leave it be" then interjected Neji. "It is my duty to protect you and Hinata-sama. But I need to also focus on fighting the enemy. So please do as your sister has asked of you".
Hanabi then gave a deep pout stopping her foot as she settled down a moment later. "Fine" as she went with the other party.
"Thank you" Hinata mouthed to her cousin to which he gave a nod too as they too then went to meet the enemy head on.
~ Namikaze residence ~
"What the hell is going on?" exclaimed Naruto as he was still jumping in his pants trying to get them on. "Did another war just get started while I was asleep?" Finally getting his cloths on and retrieving his already prepared equipment for the next day, he spotted his watch on the table as he picked it up. "OK, let's take a look of what's going on". The blond jinchuriki then teleported to the very top of the hokages monument to get an eagle eye view of the situation going on in the village.
Upon re-materialization, Naruto couldn't even fathom what the hell just happened. Parts of the village were on fire as the blaze was so bright that it could have very well been day. Just from a simple look, it was apparent that the enemy attacking them at the moment was now the freed sound and sand ninjas. As far as the battle was concerned, it was a stalemate. But it was clear that the more time passed, Konoha would eventually overwhelm the opposition when their forces got completely mobilized. It was just a matter now that they hold the line and not allow them to get the push against them.
"But there is just so much going on" said Naruto. "Who can use the most help?" From his point of view everyone could have used a little help. Although he was trying to be pragmatic, he wanted to go to his friends to make sure that they were all OK, especially a certain Hyuga. Just deciding where to go, a giant snake summon caught his attention as it started wrecking havoc wherever it slithered. But what truly got his attention was who was commanding it. ". . . . It can't be".
"Get back!"
"We need more reinforcement here!"
"Focus your jutsu on that snake!"
But it was too much for the Konoha ninjas as a simple swing of its tail blew them all back. Punching a hole within their line, the sound ninjas found a good opportunity to push back. "Ku ku ku" Orochimaru chuckled. "Everything is going according to plan". Just blinking for a moment, the snake sannin saw as a certain blond haired brat had appeared in front of his snake. Just seeing him placing his hand on the snake's scaly hide he immediately jumped off as soon the entire snake disappeared to god knows where. Landing on the ground, he came face to face with Konoha's jinchuriki. "Ku ku ku, came to die with your village?"
"No, I came to stop you" as Naruto gave a menacing glare. Just looking at the man in front of him he couldn't believe how he was up and about as he was supposed to be beyond the point of healing with how badly he was beaten by the hokages. "But I can fix that".
"Then let's see what you can do" as the snake sannin soon began to . . . . Run away?
"Get back here!" as Naruto began the chase.
~ Konoha ~
"Stop standing around and fight!" screamed a sound ninja before running off to battle.
Amongst the former inmates, a good deal of sand ninjas was conflicted about what they should be doing. Honestly there was no need for them to fight. Although they were prisoners of Konoha, their original objective had already been achieved as Suna was willingly getting what it needed from Konoha through the negotiations.
Amongst this group was none other than the sand siblings.
"What should we do?" asked Kankuro.
"We should escape while we can!"
"Konoha wasn't ever going to release us anyways!"
"Let's just get out of here!"
"Temari . . . ." said Gaara as then everyone looked to her for guidance being that she was the eldest child of their recently deceased kazekage making her the temporary de-facto leader of their group.
Looking carefully out to the ruins Konoha was slowly becoming, she decided.
~ Konoha ~
With the giant snake's brief but brutal rampage in penetrating the defenses, the enemy ninjas took advantage with a full on attack.
Yet it was not the chunin or the jonin that were the biggest problem. It was the thing leading the charge.
"What the hell is that?" as some leaf ninjas couldn't even believe what they were seeing as some couldn't even stomach the sight of what this thing was. Leading the charge was a giant grotesque blob of flesh with its limbs positioned in random orientations as it held multiple faces. But contrary to its appearance, it was powerful beyond belief as it took down almost everyone that went against it as its abilities were phenomenal having incredible strength, speed, regeneration, and a bountiful number of diverse jutsu as its disposal. Analyzing this creature, they realized exactly what it was as looking at its many faces it was the culmination of the sound four fused into one monstrous form.
"Seems to be holding together" as Kabuto watched his Frankenstein from afar with much interest. "By completely destabilizing Sakon and Ukon abilities, they've completely merged with the other three. Although I don't know how long this will last as their healing ability is the only thing keeping them alive. But no matter, this is the only use they have left. I better make my exit now" as Kabuto soon body flicked away.
~ Konoha (outskirts) ~
"What is going on?" thought Naruto as he continued to chase after Orochimaru. "Something . . . . Doesn't seem right, why is he running? What does he hope to achieve from this? I've seen how fast this geezer is so why hasn't he outrun me yet? Or is it . . . . He can't?" There was so much he was pondering about concerning the 'if's and buts' of the situation. However none of that mattered at the moment. "I'm a chunin now! It's my duty to bring this snake bastard back in!"
Finally reaching a large clearing, Orochimaru stopped as he stood on top of the large river before turning back with his arms crossed waiting for the young blond to emerge.
Jumping out from the clearing, Naruto landed on the river as he stood before the snake sannin. Studying his posture, "looks like he wants to fight now" as he then looked around the environment. "All types of terrain around could be either of our advantages. Got to fight this smart, I'm going against someone of obaasan's and ero-sannin's level".
"Ku ku ku, I don't know whether its stupidity or courage that you chose to face me alone boy. But either way, you'll soon realize the folly of your mistake".
"I'm not afraid of you" Naruto gritted. "So you can take that sannin status and shove it!" as instantly using hiraishin, he appeared point blank to his opponent creating three other bunshins as they started to attack the snake man from top to bottom not giving him a chance to counter.
Orochimaru body flickered out of the ambush only for the four Naruto's to follow him almost instantly with a hirashin. "Looks like you've gotten a lot better since I last saw you".
"You haven't seen anything yet!" as Naruto started trading shots with his opponent. But after a short exchange with a few punches, kicks, and blocks and landing a few clean hits on the snake traitor, "something doesn't seem right. This seems . . . . Too easy?" Continuing the fight as it was, Orochimaru's skills were rather apparent with how expertly he was handling himself. Though his father's training made him confident enough to hold his own against the sannin, he shouldn't have been getting so many clean hits in. Continuing it as it was, it became obvious to why this seemed easy. If Orochimaru was truly healed, he should have been much stronger and faster than him. But judging by his current levels, they were more or less physically even. "But why?"
Taking another gut wrenching shot causing Orochimaru to choke on his own spit, he body flickered out as Naruto then paused momentarily as his three bunshins dispersed. "Heh, I might have underestimated you a little. But now you'll come to regret in opposing me!" as his body then exploded into smoke.
Naruto's eyes widened slightly at this. "He was holding a henge? What is the meaning of this?" As the smoke began to clear, horror could not describe who stood in front of him now. ". . . . Sasuke? What's going on? Why are you impersonating that snake bastard?" he then exclaimed.
"Ku ku ku" Orochimaru smirked. "Sasuke is no longer here as only I remain".
"What the hell are you talking about?" yelled Naruto in confusion. "I don't understand!"
"What's not to understand? Overwhelmed with anger and grief he wanted to destroy Konoha for what it did to his clan and so he came to me knowing I could accomplish his wish. However my body was broken beyond repair, so in payment for destroying the village I asked for his body to which he wholeheartedly agreed" Orochimaru sneered
Not taking any more of this, Naruto flashed right in throwing a punch to his face only for the snake to catch it with a sickeningly satisfied smirk on his face. "That jerk would not be so weak to do such a thing like that! I don't care how you did this! Give him back his body right now!"
"Then let's see you make me".
Slightly wrestling with him, Naruto's narrowed into a glare as his anger began to rise. "You had just made a serious mistake" throwing another punch only for it to be caught as well.
"Not as serious as yours, I fear " smirked Orochimaru as he activated his sharingan eyes.
~ Konoha (military compound) ~
"Hell of a way to kick off my career as hokage" said Jiraiya as he fought alongside his comrades trying to subdue the enemy attackers.
"It could be worse" said Kakashi.
"Perhaps" as Asuma jumped back to back with him.
"Can't really see much optimism in any of this" as Jiraiya summoned some toads to help.
"I think we should count our situation fortunate" as Kurenai casted a genjutsu.
"Huh? And why is that?"
"It seems that the Suna ninjas are now fighting with us" then answered Anko.
~ Konoha (marketplace) ~
"Aren't you glad I came?" asked Temari confidently stabbing her fan on the ground apparently trying to show off to a certain Nara.
"Tsk, troublesome woman" said Shikamaru with some endearment. "So what brings you here?"
"What does it look like? We're earning ourselves a pardon! So just set them up and I'll knock them down!" as she expanded her fan.
Elsewhere the sand ninjas began setting themselves up making the difference as the sound ninjas were forced back onto the defensive.
"Weren't we allies? Why are you fighting us?" asked a sound ninja angrily.
"Just how is happens" said Kankuro as Gaara began raising the sand to which Kiba, Lee, Shino, and several other leaf ninjas jumped onto as they surfed on the sand getting ready for their massive counter.
~ Konoha (residential area) ~
Tenten kneeled on the ground holding her head in agony as Neji tried to maintain his composure only for it to be obvious on his face of how much pain he was in before falling to his knees as well gripping the ground just trying not to fall.
"Neji-niisan!" yelled Hinata as she was about to run to him.
"Don't!" as Ino grabbed her wrist pulling her back. "That thing is using a sound genjutsu and the only thing that's keeping us from falling into it is Sakura's chakra tuner".
"I'm sorry" Sakura gritted. "My tuner is keeping us from being infected by that monsters genjutsu, but this is as large as I can extend the field. If we go, we have to go together".
Hinata nodded as she looked to her downed cousin, his teammate, and several others. Recalling things, that monster crushed its way here plowing through several areas by effectively using it's constantly shifting abilities to its advantage. Tried as they might, every leaf and sand ninja were instantly defeated upon facing it. But now on the borderline entering the residential district, this was where they needed to hold the line and not allow it any further entry. Just beyond them were normal people and other non-combatants, and more importantly to Hinata her little sister. If this abomination got past them, it was going to be a slaughter. That they could not allow. But fortunately its sound genjutsu also affected its allies. So this just left them against this monster.
"Can't you use your mind transfer on it?" asked Sakura.
Ino instantly shivered at the idea. "I can't even if I try. That things mind is chaotic. It immediately kicked me out the moment we connected. But more so" as hugged herself, "it's body was in so much pain. I . . . . Can't even comprehend how such a thing could still be alive".
"Then what are we supposed to do?" Sakura then asked in slight panic. "Everyone's been taken out. With just the three of us, what can we possibly do against that?"
"Please stay calm Sakura-san" said Hinata as she stood before both of the girls back faced to them. "We have to stop it from getting any further".
"I know, but we are nowhere near prepared to take on something like that".
The Hyuga heiress then shook her head to this. "That's not entirely correct Sakura-san because I believe . . . . We have everything we need right here between the three of us".
"You have a plan?"
Hinata nodded to this. However she couldn't help but be hesitant. Although no words were exchanged, it was there is a subtle way. They were all scared to death. This creature took down everyone that went against it. To those unfortunate, killed. This thing even took down a few jonin as they themselves at best were chunin which left the question what chance in hell did they have in winning let alone surviving this. But just thinking how bleak this looked, an image of Naruto crossed her mind as her face hardened in resolve. "Naruto-kun . . . . You taught me to be brave" as she stepped in a stance. "I will not allow this monster to pass".
"So what did you have in mind?" asked Ino.
"We know that this monster can only use its abilities one at time. I need you to tell me which ability it shifts too so we can adapt accordingly. Sakura-san will provide support and continue negating the sound genjutsu while I will deal with it directly".
"That's too reckless Hinata" then argued Sakura. "Even Neji's gentle fist couldn't hurt it as it would either create that web armor or heal almost immediately after taking damage!"
". . . . I'm not going to use my gentle fist" as chakra glowed on her fingertips. "I'm going to use this style instead".
Watching her stance, Ino and Sakura recognized it to be the style she used against Choji in the tournament. "The lock fist?" recalling her practicing it during the week, "but isn't that a defensive art? How is it going to help us now?"
"It'll be enough" as Hinata activated her Byakugan, "I know we can do this. We just have to try".
The two girls gave a nod as they felt confidence from her words. "Alright, we'll follow your lead. We're set to go".
On that mark, the three girls charged ahead against the abomination as the creature gave out a howling roar doing the same.
"I just need to get a feeling of which ability it's going to shift too" as Ino focused. Confronting it thus far, she knew that a certain presence was tagged to certain abilities. All she needed to do was know which presence showed up so that they could give the proper response. Instantly recognizing the feeling, "the spider!" as the monster shot out webs from its hands and mouths to which the girls jumped away from as they continued their dash forward.
"Flute!" as then Sakura responded holding up her chakra tuner making the sound genjutsu inert to herself and her friends as with her other hand threw three shurikens at their opponent.
As the metal stars flew, they collided with the monster's skin before bouncing off harmlessly.
"It's the giant!"
Hinata then ran in dodging an incoming punch as the pale girl allowed the attack to go right above her shoulder. Placing her fingers on both sides of its biceps, she gave a twisting motion as a spiral seal formed. Leaning forward, she rear kicked its arm up as the monster stammered back. Flinching, the abomination tried and failed to move its arm as it was stuck in place where Hinata kicked it. "It definitely doesn't have any defense against this" Hinata smiled confidently. Lock fist was a combination of her developing style and the Uzumaki fuinjutsu. Due to her natural chakra flexibility and heritage in manipulating tenketsu, this style did not only allow her to twist her opponents chakra channels out of place but also shut down the muscles electrical signal effectively killing motor function. Unlike the gentle fist which temporarily paralyzes and damages, her style passively locks down her opponent and would not ever release unless she allowed it.
"The twins!" Ino then shouted as the monsters body started to become slimier in appearance. Spotting this, the three girls knew if it touched them it was an immediate death sentence as their bodies would be absorbed and reduced to nothing. So distance was what they needed now as the trio threw explosive tags to which the monster immediately responded by shifting abilities creating a web like armor.
"Looks like we got a chance now!" said Ino.
"We can do it" said Sakura. "We will protect the people".
"Get ready" then said Hinata. "Here it comes again!"
~ Konoha (outskirts) ~
"Ahhh!" Naruto gaped flying back a few feet skipping along the river as he then landed on the ground along the shore. Just trying to stand, he fell back down holding his stomach shivering just trying to get back on his feet. "Damn . . . ." as his eyes wavered struggling to keep them open as bruises were apparent all over his face and parts of his body.
"Ku ku ku" Orochimaru chuckled crossing his arms smiling smugly while still standing on the river. "How nostalgic, fighting like a young man with nothing held back" as then Naruto squeezed his watch teleporting from behind only to get elbowed causing him to fall back while holding his face, "admirable but mistaken".
Naruto cringed at the painful shot he took, but getting back up he steadied himself gritting his teeth at how impossible this fight just became. "Those eyes really can see everything I'm doing. I've done everything I could and he's still kicking my ass around". But closing his eyes for a moment, he moved his hands creating a cross seal, ". . . . I didn't want it to come to this. But I guess . . . . I don't have a choice anymore. I'm going to have to do this . . . . The very hard way" as then an army of bunshins appeared as they all ran into flanking position.
"Ku ku ku, more practice I see" as Orochimaru stepped back into his fighting stance. "No matter, just more opportunities to get more accustomed to my new body" he chuckled as he summoned out his Kusanagi easily spotting and slaying every clone that jumped at him. After slaying thirteen of them, "he must be really panicked if he's now fighting no better than a beginner. But I do not feel him to be this careless. What is he up too?" Finishing off the last clone, he saw the original wearing a rather confident smile. "Has the thought of death amuse you brat?"
"No, it's me kicking your ass!" Naruto exclaimed now racing in.
"Fool" as Orochimaru followed his movements with ease watching the path of his intentions as he maneuvered himself to counter accordingly.
"Thought so" as Naruto predicted his opponent's overconfidence. "You're going to pay for that". The mass bunshins earlier were just a distraction while he sent three other bunshins out into the forest to hide while collecting senjutsu. This was where he planned to make his comeback. So releasing one of his clones, the coloration around his eyes changed as the pupils became toad like as now he was in sage mode. "Let's see you stop this one!"
Noticing his different facial features, the snake sannin instantly knew what it was. "Impossible! He can perform senjutsu!" Although he parried the punch away, he knew what was about to come next as an invisible force struck him in the face like a secondary punch causing him to fly back and crash into a rocky hillside. Reeling from the damage, Orochimaru swiped his cheek with his forearm as he was now growing irritated with the blond jinchuriki.
"I was hoping that I wouldn't have to explain to Sasuke later about why his pretty boy face was broken in" said Naruto as he cracked his knuckles. "But I'll be kicking your ass out of him soon enough as I'll then kick his ass for being an idiot!"
Holding his serious face for a moment, Orochimaru soon returned to his arrogant smile. "I'll admit that I might have underestimated you a bit. I definitely see your parents in you, especially your mother's rude mouth. But you are still far too early to be taking on someone like me".
"We'll see about that!" as Naruto hiraishin in throwing a punch hitting and destroying the rocks as Orochimaru ducked out of the way before jumping back making a tactical retreat. "You're not getting away!" as he continued to teleport in throwing attacks only for the snake to then slip away just avoiding his senjutsu as well.
Countering, Orochimaru swung his blade as Naruto too dodged easily due to his improved senses from senjutsu. Continuing this exchange a good deal of time, the sannin had enough of this toying around as his eyes tomoe configuration shifted to its mangekyo state. Body flickering away, he appeared at the top of the cliff as Naruto continued to hold his guard while standing on the river.
"Are you running away!" but then stopped as Naruto went silent as alarms began ringing in his head like clanging bells. "What?" Looking to his opponent, his right eye closed as he stared down to him with his left eye as blood began to leak from it. "I don't get it, what's the danger?" Right on cue, black flames erupted onto his left arm which took him by surprise. "I'm on fire!" as then ran in a quick circle in panic. Doing the next best thing, he released his chakra repulsion dropping into river hoping to choke the fire out. However, "why won't it go out!" still waving his arm in futile effort. So having no choice, he ripped off his jacket trying to distance himself from it as soon his favorite attire sunk down towards the dark depths as the rest of it was caught ablaze. Looking up to the surface, his sage senses were still ringing in his head. "I never felt something so hot against me. What the hell was that? He just looked at me then suddenly I was on fire" as he held his left arm.
"You really are a stupid brat, but I guess I can't fault you on something you didn't know".
"Kyubi?" Naruto then thought.
"Listen up, that's the Sharingan's next evolution known as the mangekyo state. What you just experienced was the Uchiha technique Amaterasu as all they need to do is look at you and you'll catch on fire".
"Seriously! Then what am I supposed to do against that!"
"Don't expect me to figure out everything for you fool!" the Kyubi then said in a kind of apprehensive tone. "But be careful of the other technique Tsukiyomi. If he looks into your eyes, consider yourself a goner".
"Great . . . . " as Naruto then felt weaker as his sage mode came to an end with the last of his clones.
Although seconds passed, it felt like an eternity as the passage of time that took place in the soul was not relative to that of the physical world. For this, it gave Kurama time to think. It was more than clear to him that his jinchuriki was no match as Orochimaru was far too skilled. Coupled with that brat of an Uchiha, loss was almost a certainty. However he could not allow his host to die as he was still just getting to really know him. If he was truly the one gramps told them about, he nor would the other bijuus could ever forgive him for letting him die. So without a second thought, his choice was made. Of course he wasn't going to share his chakra with him as they were nowhere near that kind of friendly relationship. But there was something he could do. "Listen, I can help you deal with Tsukiyomi as any genjutsu used will not be an issue for you, but you'll have to figure out something against Amaterasu".
"Well thanks in all, but I'm too exhausted right now and my advantage is gone. Any clones I do create to gather more senjutsu will immediately be fried the moment I exit".
The demon fox had thought carefully about this as well. So taking a particular sitting stance in his cage, "leave the gathering to me" as the fox closed his eyes.
"Ehh! Can you really gather it for me?" as he worried that if the fox messed up he'd become a statue.
"I got the feeling for it and I generally know everything you do too idiot".
Naruto blinked at this for a moment as a smirk slowly started to form. ". . . . Thank you for your help".
"Just know" as the Kyubi growled, "you better not lose to that Uchiha as that is something I will not accept!" as then Naruto re-emerged from the river ready for another round.
~ Konoha ~
"Damn" said Ino. "I . . . . Can't go any longer".
"I'm sorry" Sakura apologized as she dropped her chakra tuner. "I . . . . Don't have anything left to spare" as she fell to her knees.
". . . ." Hinata cringed as she could feel the strain on her body as well. Fighting this long, this monster was just too strong. Although they did well in holding it off for as long as they did, ultimately it won by attrition as well as growing a few more limbs. Even if she had the energy left to deal with most of its abilities, without Sakura, genjutsu would be their downfall.
"My god . . . ." as Ino's eyes widened slightly. "I can sense it . . . . All four of their presence has appeared at once. We can't win this anymore . . . ."
". . . . . No" biting her lip bitterly, "we couldn't stop it . . . . Neji-niisan . . . . Hanabi-chan . . . . Father . . . . Naruto-kun . . . . I'm sorry" falling to her knees waiting for the inevitable to occur.
Being the current monster's target, the creature's arms began to stretch out as its slimy flesh surrounded the three girls as death was now knocking at their door.
Not even having the ability to escape due to the sound genjutsu immobilizing them, all they could do was wait to die. That would have been the case if not for a certain medic ninja jumping from a high off building landing in between them scooping them all up and moving them out to safety. Placing the three girls aside, the old medic turned about as she wore somewhat of a proud smile looking out to the enemy.
Looking up from their sitting position, the three girls were not only thankful for the save but awed at who it was. "Tsunade-sama!"
"You girls did a good job in holding this monster off. Everyone else is about finished where they are as that just leaves this thing" cracking her knuckles.
"Tsunade-sama . . . ."
"Just sit there and relax" continued Tsunade. "Let the adults handle this now".
The monster gave a bone chilling roar as it activated several jutsu simultaneously. It created Kidomaru's webbing and Tayuya's flute genjutsu as it ran in using Sakon's incredible speed.
Curiously, the slug sannin didn't seem the least bit affected by the music as the webbing wrapped around one of her hands. "Interesting, actual organic webbing infused with chakra. Really sturdy indeed" to which with a yank the monster was launched from where it was standing flying in head first. Acting instantly on preservation, it created a web like armor to protect itself. Although as strong as steel and reinforced with chakra, it was no match for the legendary punch of the first hokages granddaughter shattering it to bits sending the creature flying only for Tsunade to pull it back whipping it up and slamming it to the ground.
Ino, Sakura, and Hinata were stunned at the incredible turn around at how sided this match seemed now. Although this abomination was the culmination of the sound four and their abilities, the slug sannin was just more monstrously stronger by comparison as even now she was effortlessly beating the creature into the ground and overwhelming whatever it threw at her. Although brutal, she carried a kind of grace in the way she fought. It was now they truly understood why Tenten idolized her. She was truly the strongest kunoichi in the world.
The monster now lying on the ground bleeding and trying to heal itself moaned as it attempted to crawl away.
"I don't generally make it a point to pick on things weaker than me" as Tsunade walked slowly to it. "However you've hurt and killed too many in this village and for that I will not forgive you". With a glow of her fist, an intense amount of chakra began to form and condense into it as she was ready to pulverize her target out of existence.
Seeing how close the sannin was, the monster in one last ditch effort used the twins abilities as it attempted to assimilate her.
"Tsunade-sama!" the girls called in concern in seeing her caught.
"You won't be able to absorb me like that" as a chakra like barrier coated her preventing physical contact. Feeling her chakra being drained from the contact, "you really need to know when to give up". Charging just the amount of power she wanted, she threw her punch. Making contact, the creature was instantly annihilated reducing it to mush as whatever was left of it was what was on the ground and splattered onto the walls. With that finish, her index finger lit up with green chakra as she placed it to her ears restoring her sense of hearing. "And that will be that".
~ Konoha (outskirts) ~
"Hold still you little brat!" as Orochimaru tried to focus Amaterasu only for Naruto to teleport away in the next instant.
"What wrong worm sage?" Naruto taunted as he continued to teleport randomly around the area. "Having trouble keeping an eye on the prize?" If there was anything Naruto was exceedingly good at, it was pissing people off. Although childish, it was effective in enraging his opponent making it difficult to focus his ocular attack. Noticing during the skirmish the physical strain just to use it, then he needed to do was wait him out as that was the path to victory.
"Annoying little pest!" Orochimaru shouted only to lose sight of him again. "What is going on? Where did all this power come from?" he was well aware of the flaws behind senjutsu as one needed to be perfectly still to gather energy. Yet there battle has lasted so long and he wasn't perceivably doing anything like his old teammate for someone to gather energy for him. Even more infuriating was that his Tsukiyomi didn't even work. Adding all these facts together, "That dam fox is the only way this can be happening, but it can't be! There is no conceivable way that brat could have tamed the Kyubi! That beast would never allow any human to control it!" Continuing the fight with the fourth's kid, his anger was becoming overwhelming as the pain in his eyes started to become intolerable as he had no choice now but to close his eyes while slapping his hands over them out of impulse to deal with the aching sensation.
"Now's my chance! Forgive me Sasuke". Picking his location, he hiraishin point blank as a rasengan had already formed in his hand. Thrusting his arm, he intended to end this. Just a foot away from connecting, "what the hell is that?" as a black chakra like skeleton arm materialized catching his attack. Wrapping its bony fingers around his arm, it slammed him painfully into the ground smashing him a few times before throwing him as he bounced a few times before coming to a grinding stop. Reeling from the damage, Naruto cringed gritting his teeth as his eyes wavered. "What the hell was that?" starting to slowly stand after the brutal assault which rattled his body badly.
"Unbelievable" as the Kyubi was watching through Naruto's eyes. "Amongst the Uchiha, achieving this technique is an extreme rarity as I've only known a handful to possess it".
"What are you talking about? Is this some sort of other secret technique I should know about?"
". . . . It is the third technique granted by those eyes known as Susanoo. It is truly a fearsome technique that generates a chakra avatar moved by the will power of its user capable of incredible destructive power. Even Hashirama had great trouble dealing with it during Madara's time".
"Nice history lesson, but how do I deal with it?"
The Kyubi could only narrow his eyes at this. ". . . . Survive" as that was the last thought he could say as Orochimaru was on the move again.
Although his body was tattered, "got to move! Need to get out of the way!" Luckily his sage mode took the edge off his pain. But it didn't stop his body from creaking just from slight movements. Pushing what will power he had, his concentrated his strength into his legs attempting to jump out of the way.
But just getting clear of Orochimaru, the skeleton arm was a different matter as he couldn't escape it in time as it grabbed his left leg pulling him back down bashing him into the ground sending shocks of pain through the young blond. Then in the next instant, Naruto was picked up as he was thrown into the rocky cliff. Not letting up, the snake sannin materialized more of Susanoo as the battle avatar readied its massive chakra fists as it began to pummel Naruto into the wall. The assault was beyond brutal as anyone watching would have to look away at how sided it became as even now Naruto eyes were glazed white as he was partly unconscious from the severe beating. Although it was overkill, Orochimaru didn't take any chances as senjutsu made him a tough little coach roach to squash. After an nth amount of hits, he backed off as his bloodied opponent still indented into the rocks slowly began to peel out falling to the ground as a small puddle of blood formed under him.
". . . . So painful" thought Naruto just hanging by a thread as he felt ever bone in his body was broken as worse off a few of his ribs were shattered and had stabbed into his lungs making it difficult to breath. Even if he somehow found the willpower to move, his muscles were torn to hell as were his ligaments and tendons as all he could do was lay there at Orochimaru's mercy. Although the fox's chakra could heal him, it was far too late to do anything now as his enemy with one hand dragged him up by his shirt just getting him on his knees. ". . . . Why don't you just kill me" Naruto breathed out in pain.
"Because I still have some use for you" Orochimaru sneered. "The Uchiha abilities take up a lot of chakra to use. So to compensate, my plan was to isolate you so that I can extract that little battery you have sealed up inside" eyeing the Uzumaki crest on Naruto's stomach. "With that watch of yours coupled with this body, ultimate power will no longer be just a dream for me. Once I've burned Konoha to ashes and taken everything from you it is then and only then that I will give you permission to die".
Naruto gritted his teeth as tears started to form. This was beyond being defeated as not only was his body broken but so was his spirit. In losing, he failed to protect the village, he failed to protect his friends, and more so he failed to save his Sasuke. " . . . . Damn it".
"Let's get this over with" as Susanoo's skeleton hand wrapped around Naruto planning to squeeze him into unconsciousness. As the blond jinchuriki screamed out in pain, his skin started to turn black and feathery as then he exploded into a murder of crows before the snake traitor. "What?" he shrieked looking to his now empty Susanoo's hand as he turned quickly about to see where the blond child went. However he recognized the taste of that genjutsu as there was only one man he knew who could do something like this and trick a Sharingan eye. Looking up to the cliff, he spotted him in a black cloak decorated with red clouds as the said child was now laying next to him. "What the hell is he doing here?"
Turning his head, Naruto looked up as he managed to choke out a slight scoff. "Heh heh . . . . Itachi . . . . What are you doing here?"
Looking to his face briefly before turning back to Orochimaru, ". . . . I came here to save my little brother".
Flinching a bit in pain, Naruto's face contorted a bit to show a confused expression. ". . . . How" giving a heavy breath. "Did you know . . . . To come here?"
Peering back to the blond once more, ". . . . Because you told me to be here seven years ago".
To be continued . . . .
Author's notes: I hope this chapter was good. Yes, I'm aware of where the references came from. But seriously that's how much I liked the movie.
Additionally although Naruto is of the Senju heritage, Orochimaru already has samples like Karin or even better Hashirama. So that's why he didn't make any references to acquiring his D.N.A.
Now next chapter will finish this part off before we go to a minor time skip which will set up the plot for the coming story which will then proceed to another time skip where everything will begin to change.
So I thank everyone for taking the time in reading this fic and further extend my gratitude if you can review it as well.