An: Would just like to thank everyone that takes the time out to leave a review. So here it is since I don't like to leave people hanging for too long having suffered the pain of cliffhangers myself. However it'll probably be at least to two weeks before I can update this story again so just a word of warning. Otherwise, enjoy and again thank you. Your Humble author S.o.t.A.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.
Chapter 18: Uzumaki, it's you
As the smoke billowed out of the Hokage's box Genma said, "Looks like your match has been canceled. Don't bother trying to hook up with your specific teams instead concentrate on trying to form functional combat units."
As soon as Genma finished his orders Neji took off towards a section of the bleachers. Hinata was tempted to follow, but decided against it seeing that the section Sakura was in was facing the largest number of enemy shinobi.
As soon as the Hokage's box had erupted in smoke the sand siblings attempted to attack Naruto and Haku. However, they found both boys were ready for them with Haku launching several Ice Lances and Naruto making enough clones that all three siblings had to retreat. Landing on the arena floor they were joined by Baki who said, "What are you doing? You are supposed to remain in the Participant's box while you call forth Shukaku."
His question was answered though when hundreds of Ronins began pouring out of the box in pursuit of the three. Stifling a curse Baki ordered, "Head to the secondary spot outside the village to give Gaara the necessary time to prepare the jutsu."
The sand siblings acknowledged the order and then despite Genma and the clones interferance escaped out of the arena as Baki remained behind. Sasuke had entered the center of the arena when he saw Gaara and his siblings jump into it and wanting a piece of the red head having felt cheated at not having had the chance to fight Gaara before, took off after them.
Naruto and Haku saw Gaara take off, but both boys decided it would be better to link up with Zabuza and Sai instead of going after them. However, the arena began filling with a mixture of Sand and Sound-nin making getting to the jounin easier said than done. Pulling his sword Naruto led the charge with Haku and his clones backing him up trying to reach the bleachers.
Kakashi cursed as he saw Sasuke leave the arena in pursuit of Gaara. He figured Sasuke wouldn't be able to handle the three by himself looking around for people he could send to assist he spotted Sakura and Shikamaru next to an unconscious Ino and Chouji. Making his way there he said, "Sakura, I want you and Shikamaru to grab several of your fellow genin to pursue Sasuke."
Turning to Gai he said, "Gai, I need an exit." But before he could summon Pakkun to help track Sasuke he was attacked by several enemy-nin.
"Got it Kakashi," his fellow jounin said before punching a Sound-nin through the arena wall.
Sakura was debating whether or not to wake Chouji and Ino when Sai, Hinata and Shino showed up in hopes of adding her to their group. Quickly explaining their new orders they took off through the hole Gai made. As they ran Sakura questioned how they could even track Sasuke, but Shino said he had planted bugs on his fellow finalists before the final round began so he could lead them to Gaara and Sasuke.
Zabuza cut another Sand-nin in half enjoying the thrill of the battle although it was dampened a little bit by having to protect the civilians around him. Suddenly sensing an attack behind him he blocked it with the flat of his sword but was surprised that it was a water jutsu. Looking at his attacker he saw there was more than one and that they were Hunter-nin from Kirigakure. Mumbling to himself he said, "Oh for the love of Kami." Then more loudly he asked, "What the hell are Hunter-nin doing in Konoha?"
The one that had attacked him answered, "We heard of your exploits in Wave. We had already infiltrated the village in hopes of learning some information on your whereabouts when rumors of your joining the Leaf began to circulate, traitor."
Looking around Zabuza said hoping to protect the civilians around him from the impending battle, "This business is between us. Let's go somewhere more private to settle it."
Not wanting to cause an incident with Konoha if the civilians around them were killed if they could help it the lead hunter-nin said, "As you wish traitor," Zabuza and the four hunter-nin then shunshined away from the arena.
Ao who was with Mei and Chojuro helping protect the civilians in their section of the arena said, "Mei…the hunter-nin have moved after Zabuza. He is leading them away from the arena."
Chojuro surprised at the revelation Zabuza was here said, "Did you just say Zabuza as in Zabuza Momochi?"
Ignoring the confused genin Mei said,"So they were here for Zabuza after all. I want you two to stay here and help protect the civilians I'll go after Zabuza." She then took off in the direction Ao directed her to head leaving behind a very confused Chojuro.
Naruto and Haku finally made it to the section of the arena where Zabuza had been sitting yet found no sign of the man. Instead they spotted Kakashi who was fighting back to back with a green clad copy of the boy Haku fought in the prelims. Heading toward them during a lull in the combat Naruto asked, "Where's Zabuza?"
Kakashi answered saying,"He was attacked by some hunter-nin and is leading them away from here." He saw Naruto was about to ask where but beating him to the punch said while summoning Pakkun, "I want you two to head after Gaara."
Naruto tried to refuse saying, "But Zabuza…"
"…can take care of himself," Kakashi interjected. "I already sent Hinata and Sakura after Gaara, but fear they won't be enough."
Naruto didn't like leaving Zabuza to face hunter-nin by himself, but he liked the idea of Hinata and Sakura fighting Gaara even less so said, "Come on puppy show us the way."
Pakkun ignored the comment began to lead them out the hole when they were cut off by the team of Sound-nin Kabuto had just ordered in pursuit of Sakura and the others. The leader said, "Sorry but we can't have you going off and helping your friends seeing as we are charged with killing them."
Naruto looked back to see if Kakashi or the guy he nicknamed Super Bushy Brows could help but they were tied up with troubles of their own. Haku reacting quickly summoned his Demon Ice Mirrors around the men before saying, "Naruto go. I'll deal with them."
"Haku those guys are jounin," Naruto said worriedly, "you won't be able to beat them by yourself. I'll help."
Haku having already entered the mirrors said in a voice that seemed to emanate from all the mirrors, "You may be the only one that can stop Gaara. You have to continue on ahead. I don't plan to die here after all and will catch up later. Besides you have received an order so get going."
"Don't you dear die Haku or I'll kick your ass," Naruto said running out the hole following Pakkun. Looking back he saw the hole get covered over in ice before focusing on the battle ahead.
On top of Kikyo castle Sarutobi watched as Orochimaru's followers put the final touches on the barrier they erected. He knew that by allowing himself to be trapped in here he had in effect probably signed his own death warrant; however that didn't matter the longer he could delay Orochimaru the better it would be for the rest of the village. Nevertheless that didn't mean he didn't plan to take his traitorous student with him to the other side.
"So is it the fact that I choose Minato as my successor over you the reason you've come to rain devastation upon the village, Orochimaru?" Sarutobi asked.
"What makes you think I care about that?" Orochimaru said with a sneer, "I've just grown bored with how stale everything has become and have decided start the ball of change rolling with the destruction of the Leaf. But you should be glad Sarutobi-sensei you witnessed the village during its beginning and will get to witness its ending as well."
Chuckling Sarutobi said, "I'm afraid you have once again underestimated the people of this village Orochimaru. For one such as you will never be able to bring this village down and Konoha will be here long after you and I are gone from this earth."
"Well then Sarutobi-sensei, I guess we'll just have to wait and see whose vision of Konoha's future is correct."
Haku wasn't surprised that the jounin managed to get out of his jutsu, however the cold hearted way in which they did it did. Several of the jounin had used their compatriots as human shields. Haku couldn't abide by such savagery, however without the jutsu he found he was in serious trouble. He had tried to lure them towards Kakashi and Gai, but the remaining six jounin were too smart for that and had managed to force Haku even further away from the duo.
Haku dodged a blast from a fire jutsu only for a section of the wall he was standing in front of to collapse on him. He managed to escape the worst of it, but his leg got pinned underneath a piece of rubble. Trying to free himself, he paused to look up when he heard the leader say, "Not bad kid. You were good; however this is as far as you go." Looking to one of his men the man said, "Do it."
However the leader's eyes open wide when he saw his men looked as if they had been bound in vines or something. He soon learned what when a tree appeared to sprout behind him. Branches sprouted from the tree grabbing hold of him pinning him to the trunk. Haku wondered what had happened to the sound-nin until he noticed Kurenai standing to the side. She then threw several kunai ending the threat the men posed.
Helping Haku free his leg she said, "I want you to go help evacuate civilians outside the arena."
Before Haku could say he was already supposed to be helping Naruto she had taken off to help in the defense of the arena. Sighing, he then decided to trust in Naruto and to follow this newest order. Making his way out of the arena he saw Kikyo castle was being evacuated. He could see the barrier on top so decided to investigate while moving through the castle looking for stragglers. As he made his way through the castle he didn't find anyone until he reached the top level where he encountered Neji who was scanning the ceiling with his Byakugan.
Without turning Neji said, "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for anyone who was left behind," Haku said, "What about you?"
"The same, however the Hokage is fighting someone inside that barrier," Neji said and then turning to Haku added, "However the barrier has chakra running through the roof hardening it. I doubt even an explosive tag will get through."
Curious Haku asked, "Is there a weak spot?"
"Not from what I can see," Neji answered.
Haku tuned to leave, coming up with a plan to try and get inside the barrier. Neji asked, "Where are you going?"
"To the basement," Haku answered.
Neji answered, "There isn't anyone down there."
"I know," Haku replied, "Please continue to observe the barrier. I'll be right back."
Haku quickly made his way down to the basement and found exactly what he was hoping for the main water pipe for the castle. Breaking it he sat back a moment to watch as the basement flooded. Then running back to the room Neji was in asked if he had noticed any weak spots appearing.
Neji shook his head no saying, "However it appears that the Hokage's opponent is trying to summon something into the barrier."
"Mark the spot with a kunai please," Haku said, watching as the Hyuuga did as instructed. He then had Neji step back as he began flashing through dozens of seals.
Inside the barrier and having discarded his Hokage robes in favor of his battle gear Sarutobi still couldn't believe just how far his former student had fallen as he watched him taunt him with an unfamiliar woman's face. Orochimaru then assumed his normal appearance saying, "This has been fun Sarutobi-sensei, however I don't think you should be the only one to witness the destruction of the Leaf."
Orochimaru then began summoning forth the casket's he had prepared in order to perform his forbidden jutsu. However just as the first coffin was beginning to appear a giant stalagmite of ice smashed its way through the hardened roof and disrupting his jutsu. Orochimaru didn't even have enough time to curse before an image of Haku appeared in the ice sending senbon towards the Snake Sannin. Orochimaru easily blocked them with his Grasscutter sword and while he was busy blocking; Haku emerged from the ice moving to support the Hokage.
Sarutobi though wasn't happy to see the boy even if he had probably just prevented Orochimaru from gaining the upper hand saying, "Haku I thank you for your assistance but you need to escape from here."
Haku though wasn't about to abandon the Hokage replying determinedly, "I cannot do that Sir. So please make use of me as best you can."
Seeing the boy wasn't going to budge on the matter he said, "Stay back and harass him with your senbon or long range jutsu. I'll handle the up close fighting." Once Haku acknowledged his orders he summoned Enma. The monkey king transformed into the adamantine staff as Sarutobi fought Orochimaru with the intent of correcting the mistake he made by letting him live all those years ago.
Sasuke found the Sand trio standing in a clearing in the forest outside Konoha. Temari and Kankurou were standing in front of a sphere made of sand looking quite nervous. Seeing an opening he charged his Chidori and then dashed at the sphere before either of the two could react. The attack easily pierced the sand sphere, pulling his hand free he smiled at the dumfounded siblings as the sand began to fall away. However, instead of a mortally wounded Gaara emerging the sand revealed that not only was Gaara unharmed, but that his upper body was covered entirely in sand giving him the look of some sort of beast.
Gaara fixed him with a menacing stare from the half completed Shukaku forms yellow eyes while growling out, "Sasuke Uchiha, I'm going to enjoy crushing the life out of you."
"Gaara we'll deal with him," Temari said scared of her brother, "You need to finish changing."
"Shut up," Gaara snapped off moving towards Sasuke.
"Gaara please…," Temari tried to say but was silenced by a backhand that sent her flying. Luckily she was caught by Kankurou before she could smash into anything.
Kankurou said, "Temari you know better than to try and reason with him when he's like this."
"But…"
"Forget it Temari," Kankurou said cutting her off, "Besides he'll crush him quick and then we can get the mission back on track."
Sasuke couldn't believe what emerged from the sand. All's he could think was, "He's a monster."
Orochimaru was beginning to wonder whether or not his plan was going to succeed after all. Sarutobi was proving to be a difficult fight despite his advanced age, and while he knew he could win it was proving difficult due to the nuisance the boy helping the Hokage was proving to be. Every time he managed to gain the upper hand the boy would fire off an attack that would buy the Hokage the split second he needed to recover. Orochimaru considered for a moment to tell the Sound Four to drop the barrier so that he could escape. However, the idea that an old man well past his prime and a mere whelp of a boy were enough to force him retreat prevented him from doing so.
Sasuke stood petrified as he gazed upon Gaara's half completed form. He hadn't been this scared since the Forest of Death. He didn't know what the boy was, but he doubted it was human. Pushing past the fear he reasoned that Gaara was a long distance type fighter from all his previous battles, he didn't know what this new form meant but he had doubted that had changed. After all with all that sand covering his body he would probably be even slower. Gaara proved him partly wrong though when he used his massive arms to launch himself at Sasuke at an incredible speed.
Gaara's sudden charge almost caught Sasuke in one of the massive claws of his Shukaku form. Only the speed training Kakashi had put him through during the month leading up to the finals kept the fight from being a one hit K.O. Creating some distance he fired several fire balls at Gaara but they had practically no effect on the jinchuriki. Taking the fight up into the branches of the trees didn't provide any respite for Sasuke either as Gaara used his arms as slingshots rocketing from branch to branch.
Dodging a swipe from Gaara's claw that easily crashed through the tree trunk behind him Sasuke began to notice that Gaara seemed to be slowing down. Or perhaps more accurately he was beginning to see his movements more clearly. Smiling he realized he had finally done it, he had achieved Sharingan. Believing the Sharingan would give him the advantage he needed to defeat Gaara he decided to close with the boy. Dodging a swipe from Gaara by ducking under it he connected with a kick that had no noticeable effect. Dodging Gaara's counter strike he jumped over him slapping an exploding tag to the sand covered head of the jinchuriki. However Gaara moved quickly grabbing Sasuke by the leg and throwing him into a nearby tree. The tag exploded as Sasuke regained his footing, he was about to turn his attention to Gaara's two shocked siblings when everybody paused as they heard Gaara begin laughing.
"HAHAHAHA excellent Sasuke Uchiha," Gaara said revealing as the smoke cleared that although a little disfigured his form had easily absorbed all the damage. "You'll make a good test of my existence after all."
He knew he shouldn't but he decided to ignore the warning Kakashi gave him about only using the Chidori twice a day. Powering it up he noticed that his chakra almost instantly dropped to zero, which brought him to his knees. Looking at Gaara who had launched himself from the tree branch he was on intent of finishing him off. Sasuke was helpless to move as the boy pulled back a massive clawed hand. Sasuke was saved from death though when an orange blur dropped down from the canopy above catching Gaara in the back with a chakra powered hit similar to the one she had delivered to Amy, which sent Gaara crashing into the earth below.
Landing nimbly next to the downed Sand-nin she was caught by surprise when the tail he sported wrapped around her and attempted to throw her head first into a tree. Hinata was saved from possible death by Sakura whose jumping tackle grabbed the airborne girl thus changing her trajectory enough so that they both sailed past the tree.
As they recovered Sakura asked, "Are you okay Hinata?"
"Yes thanks to you," Hinata said smiling despite the situation which Sakura returned.
Kankurou and Temari decided that with it seeming to be raining Konoha-nin that in order to fulfill their mission they would have to risk Garaa's anger and help out. However, Shikamaru and Shino dropped down in front of them preventing them from aiding Gaara.
Shikamaru dropped into his stance to use his Shadow Possession jutsu but the siblings scattered. The Sand-nin then split up figuring a one on one battle would be to their advantage. Temari took the lazy shadow user leaving Kankurou with the Aburame.
As Shikamaru dodged a wind attack that stripped the tree it ended up hitting of bark he vowed the next time somebody tried to use a jutsu to put him to sleep he wouldn't fight it. Analyzing the situation he realized that despite Temari having a reach advantage the terrain gave him the edge. Hiding in the brush as he though over his plan of action he figured he could beat her in at most seven moves.
Temari was standing in a clearing cursing getting the shadow user. She hoped that by standing in the center of the clearing it would prevent him from ensnaring her with his jutsu. Taunting him in hopes that he would reveal his position she said, "Well I'll give you points for your ability to hide."
However all she received in reply was a barrage of kunai as she thought, "Too easy." Pulling her fan and blowing the kunais away from her she said, "I thought you would have learned that such attacks are worthless against me." About to fire an attack from where the kunai came from she was surprised when several more came from directly behind her. Unable to bring her fan around in time she had to dodge them. Landing towards the edge of the clearing she quickly scanned around and spotted the Nara's shadow quickly approaching. Hurriedly returning back to the middle of the clearing she sent another wind blast in the direction the shadow came from. After the attack died down an off target kunai appeared from the brush she had just attacked. Figuring her last attack must have rattled him she ignored it until she heard something hit the ground behind her. Turning she saw that the kunai had cut a string that had been holding up a light bomb which had just hit the ground. The bomb exploded blinding Temari and extending her shadow towards where the kunai had sailed from. Trying to turn she felt her body's refusal to move and she realized it was over.
Preparing herself for death she heard Shikamaru say, "Sorry I can't be gentler about this." He made her close her fan and then hit herself over the head with it knocking her out.
Shikamaru went to bind the kunoichi, as he was tying her up he felt a presence behind him. Spinning while reaching for a kunai he stopped when he saw Shino standing there with a bound Kankurou. Opening his mouth he was about to ask how he beat him so quickly when Shino said, "As I stated earlier I placed a female on all of the Finalist. As such it was only a matter of hiding until they could sneak up on him."
"We'll leave them here," Shikamaru said finishing his task, "I have the feeling that the others are going to need all the help they can get."
That feeling was proving to be correct as Hinata dodged another attack from Gaara that tore up a huge patch of earth. Sakura was currently attending to Sasuke as best she could. She had given him a food pill in hopes of helping him with the chakra exhaustion he was feeling due to trying to use chidori a third time. Even though he was recovering, Sakura felt so helpless and over matched right now as she watched Hinata taking on Gaara by herself. She wanted to help but knew she would only be a burden as she was now.
Sasuke began getting up so she said attempting to hold him down, "You shouldn't move your suffering from chakra depletion. I gave you a food pill, but give it a little more time to work."
Ignoring her warning, he tried to stand only to feel light headed and fall back to his knees. As he knelt there panting he thought as he watched Hinata fight, "Is this it. After all my effort, is this the limit of my ability?"
Hinata dodged another vicious claw swipe beginning to breathe hard from her own exertion. She had switched from her Jyuuken stance to the Hard Fist but wasn't having any better luck with it. She was at her wits end with how to defeat this opponent. The only advantage she had was how nimble she was so she tried to stay as close as possible to prevent him from using his arms as a means to gain speed. He was proving to be quite slow in this kind of fight although her strategy backfired as he connected with a vicious backhand after dodging one of his swipes. Skidding across the ground she finally came to a rest against at the base of the tree Sakura and Sasuke where in.
Gaara was about to finish the blue-haired girl that had proven to be more entertaining than Sasuke when hundreds of ink snakes came falling out of the tree. The snakes tried to wrap around Gaara but his Shukaku form was far too strong for them. Breaking free Gaara sent sand shrunken into the canopy of leaves. None of them connected, although it did force Sai to reveal himself. Knowing he couldn't draw quickly enough due to his not fully recovered hand, especially since it had taken so long to draw the snakes that Gaara had so easily crushed, he drew his tanto hoping to be of help. Attacking Gaara he swung his blade in an overhead strike, but instead of dodging the jinchuriki blocked it with his arm. Sai was surprised to find that his blade barely even sunk into the sand.
Moving his arm so that he knocked the blade from Sai's grasp he then grabbed him with his other hand and picked him up slamming him into the ground behind him. He was about to finish the boy off when several kunai impacted around his neck and shoulders. Looking at the tree they came from he saw the pink haired girl from the Chunin Exams looking at him defiantly. Not liking the look in her eye he jumped into a nearby tree.
Sakura was scared out of her mind she had jumped to a different tree before her attack in hopes that Gaara wouldn't attack Sasuke or Hinata. She knew she couldn't defeat him so she planned to lure him away giving the others time to recover. Gaara flew past her as she barely got out of the way in time but he came to a stop on the branch in front of her. Turning he outstretched his hand at her and it expanded towards her intent on crushing her closing her eyes she waited for the end, unaware of someone dropping in front of her.
Zabuza was learning that being noble was a foolish idea when fighting four hunter-nin. Unlike most Hunter-nin, who are solitary by nature, these guys apparently had worked together for years judging by their teamwork. He figured they were a special group within the division to take down targets that single hunter's wouldn't be able to handle. He probably should have felt honored, but the fact he was probably going to die from this encounter tended to dampen his spirits.
Dodging a Water Shark he turned to cut a hunter who was trying to exploit the distraction in half, only for him to turn into water. Stifling a curse he turned and attacked the hunter approaching from behind except this time he connected with flesh and bone.
Yanking sword clear of the dead man he said, "That's one." His victory was short lived though as the Hunter's corpse started smoking signaling the paper tags he had strapped to him were about to explode. Zabuza escaped the worse of the blast, but it still blew him off his feet.
Zabuza rolled to his knees holding his sword in front of him as the lead hunter-nin said, "That will be the last life you take from the Mizukage's Hunter Division."
The two hunters' behind the leader began making hand signs and by the looks of it they were each about to call forth a water dragon. Just as the dragons began to form one of the hunters was hit in the head by a glob of Lava. As he died the water dragon he was forming collapsed and the other hunter abandoned his jutsu. The remaining two Hunter-nin as well as Zabuza turned to see Mei standing there dabbing at her mouth with a small napkin she had procured from somewhere.
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to kill him seeing as how he still has certain obligations to fulfill," Mei said.
The lead Hunter turned towards her saying, "Mei Terumii, so you never cut your ties with this traitor and you have a Kekkei Genkai. How you survived the purges is beyond me."
Smiling at the hunter-nin she said, "Ask Kami when you meet her," she then disappeared from sight before appearing in front of Zabuza.
"Darling," she said sweetly, "Might I borrow a kunai?" Reaching into his pack he flipped one to her which she snatched out of the air before charging the two remaining hunters. The leader jumped back readying a jutsu while his partner closed with Mei. Mei shot several globs of Lava at the leader ignoring the closing partner until he was right on top of her. Avoiding the lower ranking hunter's attack she took the kunai Zabuza gave her stabbing the man where his neck met his shoulder. With his dying breath he grabbed onto Mei's arm it was then that she noticed the Leader readying a jutsu of his own intent on using the opening his underling death gave him to finish Mei.
Before he could complete the jutsu he was smashed into the earth by a Water Dragon. Turning towards a smirking Zabuza, she was about ask him what he was so smug about but he charged at her pulling his blade from behind him and stabbed the recovered leader before he could harm her. With the last of the hunter's dead the two stared at each other before Mei delivered a right-cross to his chin.
Landing on his behind he growled, "What the hell, Mei?"
"That's what I would like to know," Mei shot back. "What the hell are you doing wearing a Leaf headband."
"It's a long story," Zabuza replied understanding why she was upset.
Crossing her arms and tapping her foot impatiently she said, "I've got time."
Off in the distance an explosion went off so Zabuza said, "Unfortunately, I don't. Look Mei, I have to go. I'll explain everything to you later."
Watching as Zabuza took off towards the explosion she yelled, "You bet you will and it's going to be over a romantic dinner."
She received a, "Whatever you say," in reply.
Sarutobi was sent flying back from his traitorous student as he connected with a kick to the sternum. Landing he felt one of his ribs give way from the attack. Being helped up by Haku he cursed his old body.
Orochimaru must have sensed his train of thought as he said, "Tell me Sarutobi-sensei are cursing that body of yours? Are you telling yourself if only you were a few years younger you may have been a match for me?"
Being helped to his feet by Haku he replied, "Better to age gracefully, then to sell off you humanity as you have done my foolish disciple."
Laughing scornfully Orochimaru said, "And what have your vaunted principles given you, hmm old man. You are going to die here today and your precious village trampled into the earth."
"You continuously doubt the resolve of this village the Hidden Leaf will be here long after you and I have been turned to dust," Sarutobi said his faith in the village unshakeable.
As if to prove him right and now that the task of securing the citizens was complete, the Leaf Village began to counter attack in earnest. The various clans began defending their districts. The enemy who were surprised at not encountering any or light resistance suddenly found themselves facing hordes of Anbu.
However, not all facets of Konoha was working towards the greater good as Danzou addressed his men one of them asked, "Should we help with the counter attack sir?"
"No we will let the rest of the village deal with this inconvenience," Danzou said, "However we will be using the distraction to our advantage. Torune and Fu step forward I have a special assignment for you.
Sakura opened her eyes surprised at not being dead or in pain. As she did so she noticed that the sand that Gaara sent at her was passing harmless on either side of her. Looking in front she saw Ronin standing there sword drawn having sent his Wind Cutter Jutsu into the sand claw. She watched as it worked its way through the sand towards Gaara who had to break off the attack or possible lose his arm as it reached him.
As Gaara saw who it was that had saved the pink-haired girl he smiled saying, "Ronin I've looked forward to destroying you most of all."
"It doesn't have to be like this Gaara," Naruto said trying to reason with the boy. "I know what you've gone through as a jinchuriki being alone surrounded by people who hate your existence."
"Do you now," Gaara said his voice getting more and more deranged, "Then how many assassination attempts have you survived?"
"What?"
Laughing at the confused Naruto he said, "Ever since I've been six years old my father has tried to have me killed more times than I can count. However it is in those attempts that I realized why I exist. I exist only for myself and every life I take only further sustains that existence."
Tired of talking Gaara attacked again sending Sand Shuriken at him and Sakura. Picking up Sakura and moving from tree to tree while avoiding the crazed boy he came across the other genin who had arrived to help. Setting Sakura down after dropping to the ground he said, "I want you guys to get out of here. I'll fight him"
Sasuke said, "Forget it, he's a monster you can't beat him by yourself."
Agreeing with Sasuke at least in the strength department Hinata said, "He's right Ronin only together can we beat him."
Addressing Sasuke he said, "He's not a monster. He's like me except he's never found anyone to accept him." Then looking at Hinata and Sakura said, "Please just stay back," turning his gaze to everyone else he added, "I don't want any of you to get hurt in the crossfire."
Before turning to face Gaara who had stopped to watch the little gathering he said, "Sai, please make sure nobody interferes."
Sai nodded his head but Sakura and Hinata both said, "Ronin…"
Stopping he gave them what they assumed to be a smile and said, "Trust me."
Jumping back into the trees he landed on a branch in front of Gaara saying, "I'll fight you one on one. Please let my friends go."
"Hahaha and you say you know of my struggles then you would understand that fighting for others only makes you weak.
"You're wrong Gaara," Naruto said sadly, "They are the source of my strength, because they saved me from becoming like you."
Gaara narrowed his eyes at the blonde saying, "Then prove it."
Naruto didn't want to use the Kyuubi but he wanted to show Gaara that there were others like him and that he too could find people to help him deal with the darkness within him. Also, a part of him admitted it was a test for those watching whether or not they would accept him. So concentrating he began forming the Kyuubi cloak around him. There was a moment in which Gaara understood just what it was he was facing in the blond boy, a reflection of what he could have been perhaps. Naruto watched as Gaara pushed that realization aside and prepared to leap at him. As Gaara launched himself Naruto did as well and both boys met in midair to determine whose way of thinking was the right one.
Sarutobi was feeling every bit of his advanced years now. He smiled though as he took in Orochimaru's haggard appearance. Charging his student once again, he struck at him with Enma and then blocked the sloppily returned counter that Orochimaru tried to catch him with. He smiled internally that his old disciple still hadn't learned to push his emotions away during battle. Just like when they were younger, whenever things didn't go his way, he would get angrier and angrier getting sloppy as a result. That and his penchant for taunting had kept him in this fight. Well Haku had been a godsend as well having distracted or hindered Orochimaru every time he gained an advantage. However, it was time to face the music and that was he couldn't win this fight.
Sarutobi managed to avoid a sword strike that would have taken his head off but was caught by a backhand that sent him spinning away. Orochimaru was forced to break-off though when Haku began attacking in earnest from a distance with senbon. Tired of the nuisance the Snake Sanin attempted to close with Haku but Sarutobi recovered and extended Enma attempting to connect with Orochimaru's spine. Orochimaru sensed the attack though and avoided it returning his attention to the greater threat.
Using Enma he pole-vaulted to Haku. Landing next to the masked boy he said, "Haku, I thank you for your assistance, however it is time for you to leave."
Haku shock his head in refusal saying, "I cannot allow you to face him alone sir. You'll be killed."
Chuckling Sarutobi replied, "I doubt your presence will prevent that for much longer and once I fall you'll be trapped in here with him. Please escape and live my boy."
"I'm afraid not sir," Haku said calmly at peace with dying for a good cause even if he didn't plan to die anytime soon. "You are precious to Naruto and as such precious to me as well sir. I will not abandon you to face this monster by yourself. All you need is an opening in order to defeat him. I'll give you one."
Running across the roof Haku tried to close with the smirking Sannin. As Haku ran towards him Orochimaru said, "What tired already you old fool so you send this whelp to die in your place." Raising his arm hundreds of snakes s appeared attempting to entrap Haku who dodged them by moving behind the stalagmite of ice he had made to gain access to the inside if the barrier.
As Haku passed behind the ice obstructing Orochimaru's view of the boy Sarutobi smiled as he saw what Haku meant by creating an opening. Reemerging from around the ice he found Orochimaru waiting for him. The snake Sannin grabbed him around the throat picking him off the ground and holding him in front of himself so Sarutobi didn't have a clear shot at him.
"A mere whelp like you, thought you could give that old fossil the opening he needed to defeat me," Orochimaru taunted while tightening his grip around Haku's throat. "Now die for your hubris."
"I'm afraid you've already lost."
Orochimaru was confused by the boy's confidence until he looked up and saw that Sarutobi had extended Enma intending to strike through the boy. As the staff hit Haku in the back it revealed he was in fact an Ice Clone. The end of the staff emerged from the clone's chest catching Orochimaru in his lifting him off his feet into his own barrier setting him aflame. The Sound four quickly dropped the barrier and while two of them stabilized the Sannin the one with six arms spit out a web that ensnared the Anbu who were moving to capture them.
Breathing heavily Sarutobi watched as his student escaped his well deserved fate once again. He was about to summon some support to pursue Orochimaru when something caught his eye in the forest outside of Konoha. Having once fought a previous host of the giant creature he saw he knew that Shukaku was once more on the loose.
Near Yamanaka Flowers the Anbu stationed in the safe house where getting worried. They had sent one of their fellow guards to find out if the area was in danger of falling thus making it necessary to move the woman they watched over. The barrier began flaring indicating that someone with permission to enter was on their way in. Both Anbu relaxed recognizing the man they had sent out. That proved to be a mistake as before they could even question what took him so long they were cut down by a pair of Kama that he had stashed on his person. The nurse hearing the ruckus appeared in the hall leading from the master bedroom asking what was going on. The answer she received was one of the Kama being thrown down the hall with its blade imbedding itself in her forehead.
Walking to the barrier he quickly dispelled it allowing Torune to enter carrying the body of Fu on his back. Setting Fu's body against a wall he walked up to the Anbu who had assumed a kneeling position, pulling the man's head back he waited until Fu's spirit exited the Anbu before plunging a kunai in his throat.
The pair quickly made their way to the master bedroom to secure the prize their master wanted, Kushina Uzumaki. Once Torune grabbed her body and had made his escape, Fu placed the body double they had procured in the bed. Before leaving he left a package in the master bedroom that was made up of exploding tags. If they did find the body among the wreckage any DNA test would show that the corpse was Kushina seeing as how another team was busy manipulating her medical records. After leaving the safe house he stayed just long enough to make sure it went up in flames as the tags exploded.
When Ronin broke out in that horrible chakra Hinata was aware that many of the genin around her were shivering in dread. But to her it was like basking in the sun after a long winter because she knew this chakra having felt it before. It was Naruto's other chakra she didn't realize it but she had moved several steps closer since the fight began. Watching as Naruto fought so hard against this Gaara she couldn't help but remember the day she first felt it. So lost in thought was she that she didn't notice as Gaara sent a volley of sand shuriken flying in all directions.
Luckily Sakura did tackling Hinata out of its path. Lying on top of her Sakura asked, "What is it Hinata pull yourself together?"
But Hinata didn't really respond to Sakura's question as she just whispered over and over again without taking her eyes off of the two battling boys, "It's him." Eventually focusing on Sakura she said, "It's him Sakura. It's Naruto."
Sakura looked up at the battling blonde realizing Hinata was right and that this chakra was the one she felt when the cloud-nin had attempted to kidnap Hinata. Smiling she said, "Well then we know we don't have to worry because Naruto would never let anything happen to us and he's way stronger than that lunatic." Hinata smiled back giving a nod of her own secure in the fact Naruto would triumph in order to protect his friends and village.
Jumping from the branch he was crouched on Naruto caught Gaara in the chest with a chakra claw he extended from his right hand. Pushing the boy through the trunk of a tree he followed trying to take the battle as far away as possible from his fellow Leaf Genin as possible. Landing in a tree he looked at the small crater that Gaara created in the ground during his landing.
He wasn't too surprised when one of Gaara massive claws appeared over the lip of the crater to pull himself out. When Gaara had fully extracted himself he said laughing, "Yes this is what I expected from a fellow monster."
"Great, I used the Kyuubi's chakra to show he wasn't alone," Naruto thought disappointedly, "Instead it's making him want to fight all the more. Fine, I'll just beat it into his head."
Leaping down towards Gaara he tackled him sending both boys tumbling across the ground. Naruto eventually pinned Gaara to the ground and then began pounding his sand encased head. From Naruto's continuous pounding the face of Gaara's Shukaku form was beginning to deform. Gaara for the first time feared that his existence would come to an end. Using his tail he wrapped it around Naruto and threw him away from him. He was vaguely aware that Naruto landed on his feet in a crouch ready to pounce.
Gaara showing a little of the fear he felt said, "I won't allow you to erase my existence."
"I don't want to kill you Gaara," Naruto said trying to reason with him, "I just want to protect those precious to me."
For a moment it looked like his words may have gotten through but then Gaara grabbed his head screaming in pain from the memories of his Uncle who had betrayed him. Screaming in rage and pain from those memories he screamed out, "No you're just like him, you'll betray me too. I won't allow it. I'll kill you and once done with you all those you claim to want to protect." Gaara's form then began growing as more and more sand accumulated over his body until he was several stories tall. Gaara then emerged from the center of the creature's forehead, extending his arm he sent sand to wrap around Naruto preparing for his Desert Funeral Jutsu.
Looking up at his now monstrous opponent Naruto simply said, "Shit!"
As the sounds of the battle between the two jinchuriki got further away Hinata and Sakura tried to follow only to find that their feet had been bound by Ink Snakes. Turning to Sai to demand that he release them the Root member beat them to the punch saying, "Ronin asked that I do not allow anyone to interfere. He is leading Gaara away from here because he is afraid that by us getting to close we will be swept up in the battle." Sai's words turned out to be true as the final form of Shukaku appeared above the canopy of trees.
Shikamaru upon witnessing Shukaku's appearance said, "We should head back to Konoha. We are not equipped to handle that."
Hinata and Sakura both vehemently refused to abandon Naruto. Turning towards Sai, Hinata pleaded "Please let us go help him Sai."
But Sai shook his head no saying, "Ronin would never forgive me if anything happened to you or Sakura. In case it escaped your notice he asked the pair of you to stay back, in addition I'm sure he has a trick or two up his sleeve to deal with Shukaku." Sai was once again proven correct when the massive form of Gamabunta appeared to square off with Shukaku.
Sasuke just watched on in awe which eventually gave way to jealousy at the power the two boys where wielding. They were the same age as him yet they were fighting a battle that he was sure future generations of shinobi would be reading about. What had he done? Nothing, after all his training he wasn't even in the top three in strength among his age group anymore. Clenching his fist in anger at the thought, he vowed to find some way to close the growing gap in power he saw among himself and those he saw as rivals.
Standing atop the Boss Toads head Naruto wasn't sure what to make of the fact that it appeared Gaara had gone to sleep in the middle of the battle. However, he got his answer when Gamabunta said, "So this is the container of Shukaku." Avoiding an Air Bullet Gamabunta added, "To make matters worse by going to sleep he's allowed Shukaku free rein to use his full abilities. Kid making you a henchman was a mistake if you're going to summon me into more battles like this."
Smiling a little Naruto said, "Sorry Boss Toad." An idea hitting him he asked, "What would happen if we woke him up?"
"Shukaku would be contained once more," Gamabunta said avoiding an Air bullet then responding with a Water Bullet of his own.
"Fine," Naruto said while running down the Boss Toad's back, "Keep him busy for me will you."
"Keep him busy," Gamabunta roared, "Why you insufferable little snot you're the henchman how dare you order me around." Forced to put the rest of his rant on hold due to Shukaku charging him, Gamabunta responded by pulling his blade and meeting the charge head on.
While the two giants tussled Naruto ran across the forest floor on all fours doing his best not to be stepped on. Reaching Shukaku's foot he proceeded to run up the giant sand creature. As he ran he noticed that the sand seemed to be reacting to his presence trying to grab him, but by running on all fours with his Kyuubi cloak active seemed to make him too fast for the sand. Although the closer he got to Gaara the faster the sand seemed to react. Luckily it seemed that Shukaku was ignoring him in favor of fighting Gamabunta. Putting on a burst of speed Naruto avoided that last few tendrils of sand grasping at him and jumped from Shukaku's neck over his head. As he flew over the exposed Gaara he sent out a pair of chakra claws to wrap around the red head and then retracting them pulled Gaara free of the sand. As Gaara's unconscious form came into striking distance he hit him with a punch that not only woke him up but sent him flying into the forest below.
Separated from his container who was now conscious again Shukaku yelled, "Aw man, I just got to come out to play." Then as a last gasp before his form faded he struck at Naruto smashing him into the ground near where Gaara landed.
Naruto pulled himself out of the hole he created from his landing. Picking himself back up to his feet he could see Gaara doing the same. It was obvious they were both running on fumes. Naruto ran at Gaara stumbling at first but picking up speed. Just as his fellow jinchuriki was going to reach his feet Naruto hit him with a devastating punch that sent Gaara flying but caused him to fall back to the ground.
Glaring at Gaara who was laying on his back staring at him Naruto said, "I know what's it's like to be alone. It begins to hurt after awhile until you can't help but hate everyone else because they have people who care about them. But you can't let that stop you from trying, because otherwise you'll never find people to cherish."
"I don't want to fight you anymore Gaara," Naruto said while standing up, "but if you continue to threaten my friends, I'll kill you."
Just as he was reaching for his blade Temari and Kankurou, who had escaped from being tied up, landed in front of their brother. But before they could attack Gaara said,"Temari…Kankurou that's enough. Let's go." Both looked back at their brother in shock but nodded their heads in acceptance. Kankurou picked his brother up having Gaara lean against with an arm over his shoulder to support himself before the three took off into the woods.
Naruto watched the three leave hoping that Gaara could one day find himself free from his darkness. He was pulled from his thoughts as he sensed the presence of his fellow Leaf genin behind him. He knew it was stupid, but he didn't want to turn to see their faces for fear of how they would have reacted to the Kyuubi's chakra. He knew from Haku that it wasn't a pleasant feeling. He also didn't want to see the looks of fear or loathing he was afraid would be on Hinata or Sakura's faces.
That was why he was caught by surprise when a pair of orange arms wrapped themselves around him from behind. He could hear Hinata whispering into his back over and over again, "It's you." Turning around in her grasp he could see tears in her eyes as she slowly reached up with shaking hands to remove the wraps from around his face.
Hinata watched as the wraps slowly fell away from Naruto's face as the first whisker mark appeared the tears she had in her eyes began to fall due to her happiness. When the wraps finally all fell away to pile around his shoulders and she saw his face for the first time in six years she did something she hadn't done since the academy, which was faint dead away while blushing with a happy smile on her face.
Naruto was caught by surprise as Hinata passed out but luckily he was fast enough to catch her. Holding the unconscious Hinata, he began panicking while wondering what was wrong with her if she had somehow got hurt during the battle. While the hyper active blonde looked around for help and about ready to run to Konoha to fetch a doctor, Sakura watched the scene with tears of her own in her eyes as she whispered happily, "Welcome home… Naruto."