INTRODUCTION
Welcome back to the End of Innocence. As always I like to begin by saying I don't own Naruto.
THANK YOU
A special thank to everyone who reviewed my last chapter: SwitchMagic; GravenImage; Maxslayer10; iiDarkness; maliousdei; 101FallingRock; Kushina's Truth of Hell; Pinulu; Kyuubi; airnaruto45; FoxSage19; charles cdv; Bikiluf; theloverofanime; Sasuke K; Codegeasslulu and Diamond Man.
RESPONCES
SwitchMagic: Thanx
GravenImage: Naruto's core personality will never change IMO. Yes, this chapter is all about the Kumo Nin. Hope you enjoy it. No. In my story Naruot has already conquered the 9T. There's really no point to add the WoT. Kushina, may make an appearance, in some form, later on.
maxslayer10: Whew! For a second there i thought i accidentally copied this title from something.
iiDarkness: Glad you're willing to give me the benefit of the doubt when it comes to Sakura. You'll see, what happened to her will have a profound affect on Naruto moving forward. Yep, I get almost 3000 hits per release and close to 2000 readers. I'm not sure how good that is in comparison to others but I'm satisfied. But hey, you guys can always tell your friends about my story. :)
maliousdei: Well, i try. If i'm even close then I'm happy about it. thanks. Death Note rocks! i've been thinking of doind a Dn fanfic. But i can't do it until this one is done.
101FallingRock: Ha! Now how did Naruto remind you of Wolverine I wonder? Please let me know.
Kushina's: Awww! But i'm so good with kids. Yep, I'm like Obama mixed with the Rock. Obama + the Rock= Ramen. Glad you liked the Naruto and Shikamaru convo. With, jman and Kakashi gone, Shika has really stepped in to be Naruto's voice of reason. Sorry to say, I've had way too much trouble re-creating KB's rapping persona so you won't find too much of that here. He'll be more like he was back in Book II. Sakura is...Lol!
Pinulu: Thanx. Such praise is humbling.
Jyuubi6: I knew it! You are trying to take over! Great, so if this story takes a turn and starts to suck I can blame you. LMAO!
Interesting threory. However, in the canon (and my story) a biju when bonded with a host becomes that persons lifeline, regardless of whether the host tries to keep thier chakra seperated or not. No matter what, if you lose your Biju the host dies. Glad you liked Shikamaru BTW.
airnaruto45: Such violence! Love the Home Alone reference BTW! "Merry Christmas ya filthy animal...and a happy New Year. *Blam!*
Oh, and Sakura is...Mwhahahaha!
FoxSage19: Yep, you are right. This chapter and the next.
charles cdv: Thanx
Bikiluf: Maybe I'll right a fic Naruto: Chronicles of Sparta! I can make Naruto into the God of War!
theloverofanime: He's not captured yet. Just because Krolik said it doesn't mean it's true. Lol. Well, anyway I am trying to keep things interesting. Wait till you see what i have in store for a few of the other characters. Things will truely get dark before the light arrives. I will bathe the ground with the blood of Konoha! Naruto may become the Hokage, but the real question is, how many will survive to see it. Lol.
Sasuke K: Thanx
Codegeasslulu: Thanx. Hoe i can keep it up.
Diamond Man: Are you made of real diamonds? That must suck. Anyway, glad you like what I'm doing. What about her death didn't you like BTW? Please let me know.
MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR
Ok, so here is Chapter 3. And as i've said in the responces, this chapter is all about the Kumo nin, as will the chapter 4. After that we'll be heading elsewhere. Hope you enjoy. And please feel free to review this chapter and let me know what you think.
Naruto: The Chronicles of the Seventh
Book III: End of Innocence
Chapter III: Legacy of the Bee
******Sunagakure – Prisons******
Hachibi-sama, Naruto thought as he stood frozen in place. No way! They…..they could have gotten him. Krolik has to be lying! Naruto stood staring out into an empty void as Krolik's words echoed throughout his mind. His arms and legs felt like lead and his mouth stood slightly agape.
"Naruto," Shikamaru said, "Are you all right? Just because Krolik said that doesn't mean it's true. In fact I wouldn't take what he said seriously at all. We should ask Gaara or Temari when we see them to confirm what's going on before jumping to conclusions."
Naruto looked at his friend and smiled weakly. "Yeah," Naruto said, "Perhaps you're right. Killer Bee is strong. There's no way they could have got him."
******Kumogakure – Office of the Raikage – Two days ago******
The Raikage stood staring out his window with a stern look on his face. His hands were folded behind his back and his legs spread slightly as he looked out over his home and beyond. Bent on one knee in front of the Raikage's large desk was a shinobi.
"….and that is the current situation Lord Raikage," the ninja said. "Karui and Omoi are already at the borders to the south fighting off invading Iwagakure forces. We have taken some heavy casualties but we are holding the borders. We have extra troops heading there now but with so many of our men away fighting Suna and Konoha we're a bit short handed."
"Hmmm," A said. "I see. And what of my brother?"
"With Killer Bee's assistance we were able to defeat the invading forces to the East," the shinobi said. "At this time he, along with Samui and two platoons of reinforcements are also making their way to our southern borders to assist us there."
"Excellent," A said. "I'm going to need you to make preparations for me to enter the battlefield."
The shinobi seemed shocked by this and said, "Lord Raikage I don't think….."
"It's not your job to think but to act," A said. "Despite my brothers assistance the fact is we are still short handed. That old ass Onoki may be half senile but he knows when to pick a fight. He's throwing the full might of his military at us and things are getting worse. I'll eventually have to get involved in this myself. Now go make the preparations."
"Yes my lord," the ninja said as he got up and left the room.
******Meanwhile - Land of Lightning – Southern borders******
The large turtle, about the size of a five story building, landed on its back with incredible force and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Nearby were several Kumo shinobi, tired and worn down from their battle with it. Among them were Kamui and Omoi.
Kamui was on one knee, gasping for breath. Like her comrades she was dirty, and tired. "Damn," she said. "That turtle summon was a real bitch!"
Omoi walked over to her and helped her to her feet. "Yep," he said. "But at least we got it done. But we can't relax. We were able to push the Iwa ninja back but they'll regroup soon."
"Oomi is right," Kamui yelled to the several dozen ninja in the area. "That summon was able to destroy our defenses! We need to get them back up now!" Kamui pointed to several ninja and said, "You four, get our fallen and injured comrades out of the way. The rest of you work on getting those walls back up!"
Just as everyone began to scatter a group of two dozen shinobi arrived. "Kumai, Omoi," one of the ninja said. "We just arrived from the East to assist you here."
"It's about time you guys got here," Kamui said "We're going to need the extra man power. Although we could have used your asses a few minutes earlier with that damned turtle."
"Wasn't Killer Bee able to handle him," the ninja asked.
"Killer Bee," Omoi asked. "Kirabi-sensei isn't here. I thought he'd be with you."
"No," the ninja responded. "He and Samui left before us so he could get here quicker. They should already be here."
Kamui and Omoi looked at each other. "Damn," Omoi said, "What if something happened to them? What if Samui tripped and hurt herself and Sensei had to carry her only to be attacked by the enemy and then…."
Angered, Kamui punched Omoi hard on the head, "Shut up," she yelled. "Don't start with your negative bullshit. We're talking about two of our strongest ninja here!"
Before Omoi could respond a ninja nearby screamed and pointed to the sky, "Look out!" Everyone looked up and saw a large boulder hurtling towards them. Instinctively everyone scattered in time to avoid the boulder that smashed into the ground.
As the dust settled Kamui said, "Damn, it looks like Iwa has restarted their attack." Looking to everyone gathered she yelled, "We need to get our damned defenses back up, now!" As everyone moved off she looked to Omoi and said, "Not you. I need you to take two shinobi and head back to find Kirabi-sensei."
"So you are concerned for his safety," Omoi asked.
"Hell no," Kamui responded. "But sensei is known for goofing off a bit and we need his ass here now! So you need to take these two and go find him."
"Right," Omoi said. "Ok you two," he said as he looked at two nearby shinobi, "You guys are with me. Let's go!"
******Meanwhile – In another part of the Land of Lightning******
Samui sprinted through the trees with Killer Bee just behind. "Are you sure this was the best way to get to the border Samui," Killer Bee said. "Seems to me going with the others would have gotten us there faster."
"Sorry sensei, but I'm under strict orders by the Raikage to minimize your movements as much as possible. Let's not forget, you are still a target of Akatsuki. So trying to keep you on as a low a profile as possible is wise."
The two ninja continued to move through the woods silently before coming to a large open area. As the neared the center Samui immediately stopped and merely stared off ahead of her. Killer Bee stopped immediately and looked around. "Why did we stop," he asked. "Is there something wrong Samui? I don't sense any danger."
"Kirabi-sensei," Samui asked, "What is it like having to have such an evil beast inside of you? I can only imagine how hard its been having to control it."
Killer Bee stared at Samui for a short period and then said, "It was hard at first. But Haichibi-sama and I came to an understanding long ago. He and I are friends now."
Samui grumbled in disgust and said, "Friends? I never understood how you could ever want to be friends with such a disgusting thing. I guess, despite how good you seem to be, that's why I always hated you."
"Hated me," he asked. "Well that's a shame. Here I thought you brought me out this way so you could profess your love for me." Killer Bee sighed and said, "How disappointing."
Samui chuckled lightly. "Leave it to you sensei to all ways kid around at the wrong time," she said. Samui peered back at Killer Bee and then just as quickly looked away. "Did you ever stop to wonder why I fought so hard to become one of your disciples?"
Killer Bee smiled. "Well who wouldn't want to be a student of mine," he said.
"I did it so I could get to know you," Samui responded. "As you know it was the Eight Tails that killed both my parents during a rampage years ago. And I've always hated it for that. And you as a result."
Again Samui looked back at Killer Bee. "I hoped that by becoming your student I would learn how best to defeat you and destroy that beast. And you know what…I have."
Samui quickly turned to face Killer Bee and created several hand signs and said, "Sealing Technique: Illusionary Dragon One consuming Seal!"
Suddenly a large, glowing seal appeared under Killer Bee's feet and from it a glowing dragon rose from the seal and wrapped itself around him and squeezed him tight. Killer Bee tried to break free only to find the seal incredibly strong. Almost instantly he found himself growing weaker.
"Don't bother," Samui said, "this technique was taught to me by very powerful shinobi. Its purpose is to drain massive amounts of chakra and seal it away. It may not be strong enough to drain you completely but it will drain you to the point where you won't be able to fight back for a while. Long enough, at least, for me to deliver you to my contact."
Killer Bee gritted his teeth and he struggled to break free. But the more he fought the tighter his constraints became. And all the while he could feel his chakra being drained. "Let me guess," He said, "Your contact….it wouldn't happen to be…an Akatsuki would it?"
Samui smiled. "Well," she said, "I guess there's no point in lying now is it. Yes. For exchange of giving me the ability to finally take you down, I've promised you to the Akasuki. A member is waiting near the borders where I will hand your body over."
"I see," Killer Bee said, "Man baby have you made a big mistake. You've betrayed your village."
******Meanwhile******
The Ninja walked with slow determination through the woods. All the while he couldn't help but smile to himself. Judging by the level of chakra ahead he was in for a good fight. And just the thought of that pleased him immensely. Things had been far too boring the past few years. All this sneaking around really wasn't his style. He liked attacking his enemies directly. Leave being sneaky for those who are weak, he believes. Fighting face to face is what real men do.
It was then the man felt a deep shiver emanate from the weapon strapped to his back. "Settle down my friend," he said as he smiled, "I'll let you play soon enough."
******Meanwhile******
"Betrayed," Samui asked. "No, I've saved it. This war is all about retrieving you. Akatsuki already has seven of the Nine beasts and are on the verge of destroying Kumo to get you. But Lord Raikage is too stubborn and has too much loyalty to ever give up his brother, even if it means the destruction of Kumogakure."
"You're…..a fool…..Samui," Killer Bee said as he fell to his knees, "You really think Akatsuki will just stop this attack once they have me? These guys will destroy Kumogakure regardless. Let me go Samui, this is your last chance baby."
"Sorry Sensei," Samui said, "But I can't. I'm putting an end to this and finally helping Kumo get rid of the curse that is the Eight Tails."
It was then Samui heard someone behind her say, "Sorry to hear that." Samui then felt a sharp pain in her side and looked down to see a sword jutting out from her stomach. Looking behind her she saw Killer Bee standing with a cold look on his face.
Moving quickly Samui twisted her body forcing Killer Bee's blade out of her and she then drew her own sword and cut Killer Bee in the chest. Much to her surprise, that Killer Bee immediately turned into a blob of ink and splashed on the floor.
Samui grasped her stomach and fell to her knee. Through blurry vision she saw the seal under the real Killer Bee fade and disappear. Injured as she was, she could no longer focus enough to maintain the jutsu.
Breathing heavily, Killer Bee glared at Samui, who had now fallen to her back as blood poured from her wound. Inside Killer Bee's mind he could hear the Hachibi say, "That was a close one Bee. That seal was draining us both of chakra. As it was we were in real trouble."
"Yeah," Killer Bee responded as he got to his feet. He then walked over to Samui who was now laboring to breathe.
"When," she said. "I had my eyes on you the entire time. When did you create a clone?"
"Just before we headed out," Killer Bee said. "When you insisted that you and I move out on our own I decided to create a little insurance."
"So," she said, "You didn't trust me huh? When did you realize I would betray you?"
"The day I met ya Samui," Killer Bee said.
Samui coughed blood and then asked, "Then why? If you knew what I wanted to do why take me on as you're student?"
"I guess," Killer Bee responded, "I was hoping I could change your heart. I can't say that the reason for your hate was wrong. Hachibi-sama was responsible for their deaths. I guess, I just wanted to try and make things right, on his behalf."
Samui looked away as tears began to fall from her eyes. "Come," Killer Bee said, "If we hurry maybe we can still save you."
"Why," she asked, "I've betrayed you?'
"You are my pupil Samui," Killer Bee said. "To bring hope. To protect. That is my legacy. It's the only reason I need."
"Sensei," Samui said, "If you want to help me then kill me." Killer Bee was visibly startled by what she said. "You and I both know what your brother will do to me when he hears of this," she said. "And this is not something I can live with."
"Shut up Samui," Killer Bee said. "Like I could actually do something like that!" Killer Bee then took out some cloth and lifted Samui's shirt enough to see the wound. He then flooded the wound with some of his chakra until the bleeding slowed. He then lifted Samui up to a seated position and wrapped her stomach with the cloth tightly.
"There," he said. "That should hold till we find an outpost. We'll have to continue to the border as thats the closest place to find medical attention. I'm going to leave you here for a moment. I saw some herbs a few minutes ago that can prevent infection."
Killer Bee rose to his feet and began to walk away when Samui asked. "What about the Raikage? When he finds out what I've done…."
"What exactly did you do," Killer Bee asked without looking at her. Samui silently looked at her master as he walked off into the woods.
******Meanwhile******
The Ninja walked through the woods steadily. A few minutes ago he had saw a small blue glow coming from the distance. So, he thought, she was able to use the technique? Hmmm, maybe I won't get to play after all. But then again, once she hands him over I could play with her a bit. Yes, she could be tons of fun. The ninja couldn't help but smile widely at the thought of what was to come
The ninja then came to a large clearing in the woods and near the middle of the clearing he saw Samui laying down. The ninja shook his head in disgust as he walked closer. This is what I get for thinking a woman could get this done, he thought to himself.
As he got closer, he could see that she was still breathing, there was a great deal of blood nearby on the floor and her eyes were closed.
Samui slowly opened her eyes and gasped when she say the man standing over her. "So," she said, "you couldn't wait for me to bring him to you?"
The man smiled and said, "Well forgive me if I was skeptical in the idea that a woman could pull something like this off. And it seems I was right."
"So," Samui said with scorn, "Is this where you finally do what you've always wanted to do to me you ugly fuck?"
The ninja smiled wickedly. "Yep," he said, "better now than never." The Ninja then pulled his large weapon from his back and dangled it just above Samui's chest. "You know," he said, "It's too bad I have other things to do. Because I wouldn't mind impaling you with my other sword before this one."
"Trust me," Samui said, "This is far less painful." The ninja laughed as he gripped his weapon tightly and brought it down swiftly.
Looking off towards where Killer Bee had walked off a few minutes ago, Samui said, "Sensei, I'm so s…."
A minute later Killer Bee walked back out into the clearing, with several herbs in his hands. He said, "Ok kiddo, these should…." Killer Bee stood in shock as he saw the ninja dressed in a black cloak with red clouds standing over Samui.
The man's foot was pressed down on the side of her face and he held what looked to be a large sword, wrapped in cloth that was buried into Samui's chest. Killer Bee looked into his pupils wide, vacant eyes and knew she was gone.
Killer Bee dropped the herbs as the man looked up at him with a wide grin. The man then pulled his weapon from Samui's chest and blood gushed from the large wound.
"What a disappointment she was," the man said. "We give her one simple task and look what happens. Oh well, it's really not surprising. You see, this is what happens when you ask a woman to do a man's job. She always ends up on her back."
Killer Bee stared harshly at the man and then drew two swords. "It's bad taste to talk ill of the dead mothafucker," he said.
The man merely shrugged and stared at Killer Bee.
"I take it you were the person she was to deliver my body too," Killer Bee asked.
"Yep," the man responded. "My name is Hoshigaki Kisame and I was supposed to wait for her. But see, my Samehada started to become too impatient. It loves powerful chakra and was rather persistent in wanting to track you down. I'm afraid you must become food for my Samehada now. But don't worry. I won't kill you."
End of Chapter Three
Next time: Shark vs. Octopus